Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged Union ministers to strengthen their Instagram presence and use reels and interactive content to engage more effectively with India's youth during a Cabinet meeting. According to CNN-News18 sources, the Prime Minister asked ministers how many actively used Instagram and emphasised that young citizens increasingly consume information on the platform. Hours earlier, Modi himself posted a short-form Instagram reel in a conversational style, signalling the government's focus on digital-first communication. The push comes as the Gen Z-led Jantar Mantar protests over the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak have gained massive traction through viral reels, videos and live updates, making social media a central space for public engagement. (PC: Reuters)  

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday announced that the government will set up fast-track courts to ensure swift trials and strict punishment for those involved in exam paper leak cases. Calling students' welfare a top priority, Modi said those responsible "will not be spared." Responding to the announcement, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said, "You are the one who has harmed the future of our youth the most," accusing the government of damaging the education system. He also reiterated his demand for Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation as protests over alleged NEET-UG paper leaks continue.

Delhi Police has removed Additional DCP Sandeep Lamba from duty at the Jantar Mantar protest site after a video showed him allegedly slapping a woman protester during the CJP's "Chalo Sansad" march on July 20. The incident was raised before the Delhi High Court during a hearing on alleged police excesses against protesters. Former Trinamool Congress MP Saket Gokhale said he filed a police complaint seeking an FIR against Lamba. The High Court has directed authorities to preserve CCTV footage and other evidence while hearing petitions over the police action. (PC: NDTV)

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi claimed police officers quietly told him to "remove this government" while they detained him during a protest outside Prime Minister Narendra Modi's residence. Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, Rahul said the officers were only following orders. He alleged they were unhappy with the government's handling of the NEET paper leak issue. Rahul said he was dragged away and suffered minor injuries but called it a small price to pay. He also claimed there were 152 paper leaks in the past decade with no convictions. Rahul again demanded Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation.

Congress leader and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday accused the Centre of failing students, claiming 152 examination paper leaks occurred over the past 10 years without a single conviction. Wearing a black armband, he called India's education system “rigged” and demanded Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation. Gandhi criticised police action against protesting students and said peaceful demonstrators were only seeking a fair examination system. Referring to the recent NEET controversy, he alleged repeated paper leaks had caused severe stress, ruined careers and even driven some students to suicide. The BJP rejected his allegations, calling the protest “childish” and politically motivated. (PC: India Today)

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Wednesday questioned whether the BJP-led government and the Congress had reached an “understanding” after he was initially not allowed to speak during a Lok Sabha discussion on the alleged NEET-UG paper leak. Raising concerns over students and the July 20 protest crackdown, Akhilesh said the issue went beyond political parties and demanded Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation. He also criticised the government over police action against protesters and urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to address the issue in Parliament. The government maintained it was ready to hold a discussion. (PC: India Today)

Aazad Samaj Party-Kanshi Ram chief and MP Chandra Shekhar Azad staged an overnight protest inside the Parliament complex, demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the alleged NEET paper leak and police action against student protesters. Azad said students deserved justice and urged the government to begin talks instead of suppressing protests. He also met Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla to raise the issue. Meanwhile, a delegation of protesters met Union Minister J.P. Nadda with similar demands. The agitation continues as students seek accountability over alleged examination irregularities and recent clashes with police.

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said the Centre is ready for a discussion on the NEET issue in Parliament, asserting that the government remains committed to addressing students' concerns through democratic debate. He accused Congress leader Rahul Gandhi of exploiting students for political gains and choosing protests over parliamentary engagement, despite the government's willingness to discuss the issue. Meanwhile, Rahul Gandhi demanded that Prime Minister Narendra Modi apologise to students over the handling of the NEET controversy and the police action against protesters. Gandhi also reiterated his demand for Pradhan's resignation, alleging the government had failed to adequately address concerns surrounding examination irregularities and student grievances. (PC: India TV)

Former Odisha Chief Minister and Biju Janata Dal (BJD) president Naveen Patnaik has demanded the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan amid the ongoing controversy over the NEET paper leak and examination reforms. Calling the situation "very serious" and "very grave", Patnaik said several students were violently attacked and injured during the protests. Speaking publicly on the issue for the first time since the controversy erupted, he said he agreed with Opposition parties demanding Pradhan's resignation. His remarks add to growing political pressure on the Narendra Modi government over the handling of the NEET crisis, as Opposition leaders continue to seek accountability and reforms in the examination system. (PC: The Telegraph)

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Tuesday accused the Congress of using students for political gain over the NEET issue. His remarks came after Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and other Opposition leaders protested outside Prime Minister Narendra Modi's residence against the police action on CJP protesters. Pradhan said the government was ready to discuss the NEET issue in Parliament but the Congress chose protests instead. He said students deserve answers, reforms and accountability, not political fights. Delhi Police detained several Opposition leaders during the protest before releasing them later. The government also raised security concerns over the demonstration.