The Times of India
Elections 2026Top News / The Times of India
Bill seeks to double punishment for paper leak offences; minimum jail term may rise from 3 years to 5 years
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.
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.
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.
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.
Advisory All stakeholders of JNUs epistemic community are advised to act responsibly and prioritize their personal safety. In accordance with the Honble Supreme Court of Indias 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.
Sonia Gandhi criticised the police action during the recent protests over the alleged NEET paper leak and the state of the education system. Their demands have been straightforward and to the point: accountability from the Government of India and education reform. The Narendra Modi government has responded to their courage with cowardice and wanton cruelty, treating them not as inheritors of the future but as enemies of the nation, she said.
Allows Sonam To File Fresh Bail Plea After 6 Months
13 new dept heads, P 13
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.
The National Investigation Agency arrested a key absconder in the Sreenivasan murder case. Muhammadali K.P, a PFI Palakkad district president, was apprehended upon arriving from Saudi Arabia. He was a prominent perpetrator and harbored assailants involved in the brutal killing of Sreenivasan. The PFI conspiracy aimed to establish Islamic Rule in India by 2047. Investigations revealed PFI imparted arms training and collected target information through its various wings.
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.
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.
Delhi Police identified and blocked over 400 Pakistani social media handles. These accounts are spreading misinformation and rumors amid ongoing protests. The same handles were active during Operation Sindoor and aim to provoke people. Police urged citizens, especially students, not to fall for fake content. Delhi Police respects citizens' right to peaceful protest and fact-checking.
Opposition MPs marched in solidarity with students protesting the NEET-UG paper leak. Authorities reportedly stopped the leaders from reaching India Gate and Gandhi Smriti. Rahul Gandhi assured students that the INDIA bloc stands firmly with them. Many opposition leaders met at Gandhi's residence before the planned visit. Heavy police presence was noted outside Gandhi's residence during the events.
External affairs minister S Jaishankar stressed maritime law adherence and regional cooperation at the East Asia Summit. He called for diplomatic engagement to resolve West Asia crises and ensure safe sea lane navigation. Global conflicts impact the world economy, especially affecting the Global South. India supports a substantive Code of Conduct for the South China Sea. Jaishankar also met with leaders from Oman, the UK, and the Netherlands.
Parliament remained deadlocked for a fourth straight day over the NEET paper leak controversy. Opposition MPs demanded the education minister's resignation, while the government offered immediate debate. Both Houses witnessed repeated disruptions and counter-protests outside Parliament. Meetings with the Speaker failed to break the ongoing impasse between the parties. Substantive legislative business could not be conducted as the deadlock persisted.
Protesters are sharing survival tips online for demonstrations. Social media offers advice on internet shutdowns and police encounters. Demonstrators download offline maps and use Bluetooth messaging apps. They also carry remedies for tear gas exposure and makeshift protective gear. This trend shows protesters relying on crowdsourced information for practical guidance.

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