Wangchuk ends fast, Pradhan's decision today, NTA reshuffle; Modi playing his cards right

NEW DELHI: The Union Cabinet approved an amendment to the law to provide for imprisonment of up to 10 years and a fine of up to Rs 10 crore for those found guilty of question paper leakage. It is likely to be introduced in Parliament on Monday. 47 officials were also dismissed from the NTA, which conducts the NEET exam.

The Delhi High Court constituted a special fast-track court in Delhi to hear the question paper leak cases. The Supreme Court yesterday directed the central government and the NTA to explain the plan to make NEET UG flawless.

Meanwhile, Union Ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh held a two-hour discussion with CJP spokespersons Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka. The CJP stood firm, stating that it will not back down unless Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigns. The Union ministers said they would speak with the Prime Minister and make a decision today. They also assured that they would consider the demands of Rs 1 crore compensation each to the families of the students who committed suicide, withdrawal of FIRs against the protesters, and not filing cases in future.

The Prime Minister, who quickly realised the need to seize the social media behemoth Instagram, insisted the ministers post reels and gain the support of the youth. It is indicated that some of the officials who were dismissed from the NTA will also be accused in the question paper leak case.

Parliament was adjourned for the fifth consecutive day. Minister Kiren Rijiju accused the Congress of not showing interest in the discussion. Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge demanded that the Prime Minister make a statement in Parliament.

Modi's moves

1 Thursday 9.07 am: Modi's first response after the cockroach strike. Announcement to set up fast-track courts

2 Thursday 10.30 pm: Higher Education Secretary Vineet Joshi removed and replaced by Naresh Kumar Gangwar. Kerala cadre TK Anilkumar also appointed as School Education Secretary.

3 Thursday night 11.52: Modi's unusual selfie video message. Tough decisions will be taken in the Union Cabinet meeting. The Union Cabinet meeting held at 1 pm yesterday approved the amendment to the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024

4. Nadda and Jitendra Singh were asked to visit Wangchuk at Medanta Hospital in Gurugram, Haryana. Nadda read out assurances, including a discussion in Parliament to make the examination system flawless. Wangchuk ended the 26-day fast after drinking the water provided by Nadda.

5. Friday 12.30 pm: Discussions with cockroaches and Union ministers were held in room number 504 of VP House as per Modi's instructions.