The Centre has renewed its offer to hold talks with the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) and student protesters, saying discussions can take place “at your convenience, any time.” Union Minister Jitendra Singh said the government had sent four formal proposals since Wednesday and that he and Union Minister JP Nadda were ready to discuss all demands. However, the CJP rejected the invitation to meet at Nadda’s office or residence, insisting talks be held at Jantar Mantar or a neutral venue. The group also sought assurances against fresh FIRs or action against peaceful protesters before any dialogue begins. (PC: NDTV)

Actor Alia Bhatt has voiced support for students participating in the CJP-led protest over alleged exam paper leaks and demands for education reforms. In a social media post, she said the students' courage had "humbled" her, adding that every protester represented a family's dreams and sacrifices. Alia wrote that the movement had left her "heartbroken" but also hopeful, urging people to listen to the voices of young people who will shape the country's future. She joins a growing list of film personalities, including Salman Khan and Imran Khan, who have publicly expressed solidarity with the student movement.

Mumbai Police has ordered an inquiry after a viral video allegedly showed a police driver threatening student protesters with false drug charges during their detention following demonstrations over the exam paper leak issue. In the video, the officer is heard warning students that he would "plant 50 grams of drugs" on them if they joined future protests, claiming they would not get bail. The clip sparked criticism from the Congress and the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), which accused the police of intimidation. Police said the driver has been removed from his current posting pending the outcome of the inquiry. 

Actor Salman Khan has expressed support for students protesting over the alleged NEET-UG paper leak, calling paper leaks "a very serious issue" and praising students for peacefully demanding reforms. In an Instagram post, Khan said the protest was the "right way" to seek change and described the students as courageous. He urged political parties not to politicise the movement, saying the issue was between students and the education system. Khan also expressed hope that the government would address the concerns and said he wanted India to become a global destination for quality education. (PC: X)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday announced that the government will set up fast-track courts to ensure speedy trials in paper leak cases, saying protecting students' future remains a top priority. In a post on X, Modi said those responsible for harming the future of young people would face strict punishment and directed authorities to take all necessary steps. His statement comes during nationwide protests over alleged irregularities in exams, including the NEET-UG paper leak. The Opposition has demanded Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation, while the government has said the matter is under investigation. (PC: HT)

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protest at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar has witnessed a sharp surge in participation, with many protesters saying the July 20 police lathi-charge and tear gas, rather than Sonam Wangchuk’s hunger strike, became the turning point. Several students who had previously supported the movement online travelled to Delhi after videos of the police action went viral. Protesters say the crackdown transformed frustration over the alleged NEET-UG paper leak into widespread anger, drawing thousands to the protest site. The growing mobilisation has intensified pressure on the Centre as demonstrations demanding accountability over examination irregularities continue alongside nationwide political support and public outrage. (PC: PTI)

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) rejected Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s announcement of fast-track courts for paper leak cases, insisting that Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan must resign. Responding to the Prime Minister’s assurance of a stronger crackdown on examination leaks, CJP maintained that accountability begins with the minister heading the education system. The party reiterated that its demand for Pradhan’s resignation remains non-negotiable despite the government's promise of swift investigations and stricter punishment for those responsible. The development comes amid nationwide protests over the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak, with the Opposition also pressing for Pradhan’s resignation while the Centre has agreed to a parliamentary debate but ruled out accepting the demand.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the establishment of fast-track courts to ensure swift trials and stringent punishment in paper leak cases, calling youth welfare the government’s top priority. Posting on X amid nationwide protests over the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak, Modi said authorities have been directed to take all necessary steps to bring those responsible to justice. He described the move as part of a broader effort to safeguard students’ interests and reiterated that those harming their future “will not be spared.” The announcement comes as the Opposition and CJP continue demanding Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation, while the government has agreed to an in-depth parliamentary debate but rejected the resignation demand.

The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has closed 16 metro stations from 7:30 am until further notice due to security concerns amid the Cockroach Janta Party-led student protest at Jantar Mantar. While interchange services remain available at Rajiv Chowk, Mandi House and Central Secretariat, trains are skipping several affected stations, disrupting travel for thousands of commuters. The protests, demanding Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation over the alleged NEET paper leak, intensified after the July 20 'Sansad Chalo' march, which saw clashes between protesters and police. Opposition leaders criticised the closures, while passengers reported confusion, delays and being forced to travel beyond destinations before returning by road. (PC: Times Now)

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.