Bill seeks to double punishment for paper leak offences; minimum jail term may rise from 3 years to 5 years

The Delhi High Court declined a PIL seeking a probe into a recent protest march. Authorities already know about the incident and can act if needed. The Cockroach Janta Party continues talks with the government over NEET examination demands. Their key demand for the Union Education Minister's resignation remains non-negotiable. Further discussions are scheduled as the NEET paper leak fallout continues.

India's cybercrime center has asked GitHub to remove the Bitchat application. This app allows anonymous, offline messaging which raises security concerns for the government. Officials believe it could be misused by terrorists and criminal groups for coordination. The notice cites potential violations of the Information Technology Act. This action follows the use of similar apps during recent Delhi protests.

​​A bench of Justices PS Narasimha and Alok Aradhe said the affidavit must explain the steps taken to institutionalise the reforms instead of relying on ad hoc measures. Justice Narasimha noted that the deployment of the Indian Air Force (for safe transportation of questions) after the paper leak was only an ad hoc measure and could not be a permanent solution.

Chief Justice of India Surya Kant denied reports of refusing a petition. He clarified that no formal petition challenging police action was filed. A lawyer had mentioned a letter representation before the court. The clarification came two days after a lawyer mentioned the issue before a bench headed by the CJI and sought an urgent hearing over the alleged use of force against students during the July 20 protest.

In the expected amendment, the government is likely to increase the jail for the offenders from the current 10-year ceiling in the proposed Bill, which the Cabinet will take up this afternoon, sources told TOI. The Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024 was enacted to curb paper leaks, cheating, and organised malpractices in public examinations like UPSC, SSC, and NTA tests provides for penalties, including up to 10 years in prison and a Rs 1 crore fine.

«​​Advisory All stakeholders of JNU’s epistemic community are advised to act responsibly and prioritize their personal safety. In accordance with the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India’s directions on public demonstrations, you are requested to refrain from participating in or visiting gatherings at or around Jantar Mantar, New Delhi,» the University posted on X. ​Earlier, the University of Delhi (DU) has issued an official «safety advisory».

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi criticised Prime Minister Modi's video message regarding the NEET-UG paper leak. He demanded the education minister's resignation and punishment for those involved. Prime Minister Modi announced a new bill with stringent punishments for exam paper leaks. This proposed legislation will be discussed in the Union Cabinet soon.

Ongoing protests, P 22

13 new dept heads, P 13

Allows Sonam To File Fresh Bail Plea After 6 Months

In Midnight Video, Says Will Try To Get Bill Passed Soon

India's space sector has seen unprecedented momentum and growth. Private investment has now crossed six hundred million dollars. Over four hundred active space startups are contributing to national ambitions. Indian private companies have successfully demonstrated launch and orbital capabilities. Robust national security safeguards are being strengthened alongside commercial expansion.

Sonam Wangchuk ended his 26-day hunger strike after government assurances on student demands. Prime Minister Modi announced a new bill to combat examination paper leaks. This proposed legislation includes fast-track courts and tougher punishments for offenders. The Union Cabinet will discuss the bill on Friday before Parliament next week. The government aims to protect students' interests and make the examination system foolproof.

Sonam Wangchuk ended his 26-day hunger strike after prolonged negotiations and to prevent potential violence. Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced tougher measures against examination paper leaks. The Union Cabinet will consider stricter punishments and fast-track courts for offenders. The government aims to introduce legislation during the ongoing Monsoon Session of Parliament. Wangchuk urged everyone to remain vigilant against any form of violence.

Security forces demolished two Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorist homes overnight in Kashmir. Over two thousand five hundred people were detained for questioning following a police killing. The operation aimed to dismantle terrorist support networks across the region. Officials reviewed security arrangements for the ongoing Amarnath Yatra pilgrimage. Political leaders criticized the demolitions and mass detentions as counter-productive.