Actor Salman Khan has spoken about the CJP-led student protests, calling them "such a peaceful movement." In an Instagram post, he said he felt sad that the protest turned violent and expressed support for students seeking a better education system. He described the alleged paper leak issue as serious and praised students for coming together peacefully. Salman also said the movement "should not be hijacked politically" and that the credit should go to the students. He expressed hope that the government would support their demands and strengthen the education system for future generations.

Delhi Police has directed all personnel deployed at Jantar Mantar to wear uniforms while on duty. The move came after viral videos showed some officers in civilian clothes carrying fibre canes during the CJP protest. The videos sparked criticism and raised questions about the use of plainclothes personnel during the police action. Officials said senior officers issued verbal instructions on Wednesday, asking all deployed personnel to report in uniform. The controversy also drew political reactions, with opposition leaders demanding answers about the identity of officers seen in civilian clothes. Police have not issued a detailed public statement on the matter.

IPL founder and former chairman Lalit Modi has said he plans to return to India after 16 years. He said he may return by the end of this year or early next year after getting relief in the 2009 IPL South Africa FEMA case. Reacting to the tribunal's decision, Modi said, "Truth has finally emerged." He added that he had always worked for the "well-being of the IPL." The Appellate Tribunal set aside most of the Enforcement Directorate's findings and penalties against him in the case. Modi has been living abroad since leaving India in 2010. (PC: AFP)

The Delhi High Court issued notices to the Centre and Delhi Police over petitions alleging police brutality during the CJP-led protest near Parliament. The court directed authorities to preserve CCTV footage and other records related to the incident. During the hearing, the Centre called the petitions "publicity seeking petitions" aimed at "hogging the limelight." The bench questioned the claim, asking, "How can you say this is a publicity petition?" Petitioners alleged excessive force, injuries to protesters and misuse of tear gas. The Centre said the crowd turned violent and police personnel were also injured.

Singer Arijit Singh defended his remarks on the police action during the student protest at Delhi's Jantar Mantar. Reacting to videos online, he called some uniformed personnel "goons" and questioned the use of force against students. After a social media user said they had lost respect for him, Arijit replied that he was "not worried" about losing fans. He added, "You can delete all my playlist and forget my existence," but said his opinion would not change. The singer apologised if his words hurt anyone's feelings but said he spoke out because he was angry.

Activist Sonam Wangchuk shared a video from a Gurugram hospital on the 25th day of his hunger strike. Beginning with the words, "I am still alive," he said he was ready to end his fast if the government assured that student protesters would face no police action, arrests, FIRs or harassment. Wangchuk praised students for remaining peaceful despite the police action during the 'Chalo Sansad' march. He said he had lost 11 kg but was recovering under medical observation. Wangchuk has been on an indefinite hunger strike since June 28 over exam reforms and accountability.

Union Minister JP Nadda responded to Rahul Gandhi's claim that India saw over 150 exam paper leaks in the last 10 years. He said, "The government, being a responsible government, will undoubtedly investigate and present the truth to the public." Nadda also accused Gandhi of showing "selective outrage" and listed paper leak cases in Opposition-ruled states, including Kerala, Karnataka, West Bengal and Tamil Nadu. He said the government was ready to discuss the NEET paper leak issue. Nadda also confirmed that the Centre would respond to activist Sonam Wangchuk's letter regarding student protesters and his hunger strike.

The Delhi High Court has directed Delhi Police to respond to allegations of brutality during the Cockroach Janta Party's July 20 'Chalo Sansad' protest and ordered preservation of all relevant footage and records for a thorough investigation. Hearing two PILs, a Division Bench led by Chief Justice DK Upadhyaya rejected the police's argument that injured protesters should individually pursue legal remedies. The court observed the allegations were not isolated incidents and questioned whether police action complied with Supreme Court guidelines governing force against unlawful assemblies. During the hearing, petitioners also alleged excessive force, with senior advocate Sankaranarayanan naming Additional DCP Sandeep Lamba and seeking accountability over alleged misconduct during the protest. (PC: Rediff)

The Centre is prepared for an in-depth discussion in Parliament on examination paper leaks and the ongoing NEET controversy, Leader of the House in Rajya Sabha JP Nadda said on Wednesday. Addressing the media, Nadda urged Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and other political parties not to politicise the issue and instead work with the government to resolve the deadlock. His remarks came hours after Rahul Gandhi alleged that 152 examination paper leaks had occurred over the past decade without a single conviction. Nadda reiterated the government's willingness to debate the matter in Parliament, signalling openness to a detailed discussion as protests over examination irregularities continue across the country. (PC: News 18)

Climate activist and education reformer Sonam Wangchuk said he will end his 25-day indefinite hunger strike only if the Centre gives an unequivocal assurance that no punitive or retaliatory legal action will be taken against students and protesters involved in the nationwide NEET-UG 2026 paper leak movement. In a letter to Union ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh, who met him at Medanta Hospital, Wangchuk thanked them for discussions on compensation for families of students who died by suicide and a parliamentary debate on accountability, including consideration of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation. He said he wants to return to education but cannot do so unless protesting students are protected from legal consequences.