Geeta Pandey

India’s government schools, particularly in rural areas, face unsafe buildings, unusable toilets, flooding, inadequate facilities and severe teacher shortages. Government education spending is 4.1% of GDP, below the 6% target recommended by India’s education policy, while tens of thousands of schools have closed as families increasingly turn to private education. The Cockroach Janta Party, which gained prominence through protests over the NEET medical exam scandal, has launched the #FixTheSchool campaign, sharing videos of poor conditions and demanding accountability. Student-led social media complaints have already prompted local authorities to repair roads and address other problems, but educators and residents say persistent underinvestment and the diversion of teachers to election and administrative duties remain major obstacles.

Government schools across India, particularly in rural areas, are suffering from unsafe buildings, unusable toilets, flooding, inadequate classrooms, poor sanitation and shortages of teachers. India spends 4.1% of GDP on education, below the 6% recommended by its own National Education Policy, while 94,000 government schools reportedly closed between 2014-15 and 2024-25. The Cockroach Janta Party, whose earlier protests followed the cancelled NEET medical entrance exam and led to Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation, has launched the #FixTheSchool campaign to pressure authorities. Student videos documenting poor conditions have prompted repairs and local protests, but campaigners and educators say deeper problems—including teacher deployment for election duties and the growing shift toward private schools—require sustained government action.

Students at Hyderabad’s Nalsar University of Law opposed Chief Justice of India Surya Kant serving as their convocation guest after reports that he dismissed urgent pleas over police violence against protesters. The dispute intensified when Bar Council of India chairman Manan Kumar Mishra threatened to block the students’ professional enrolment, then withdrew the threat and apologized following widespread criticism. Students and alumni at Bengaluru’s National Law School of India University subsequently supported Nalsar and also opposed invitations to Kant and Mishra. The controversy stems from Kant’s reported comparison of unemployed young people to “cockroaches” and “parasites,” remarks that inspired the satirical Cockroach Janta Party and fueled broader protests over education policy, exam paper leaks and police conduct.

Students at Nalsar University of Law and Bengaluru’s National Law School of India University objected to Chief Justice of India Surya Kant serving as a convocation guest, citing his reported dismissal of allegations of police brutality and earlier remarks comparing some unemployed young people to “cockroaches” and “parasites.” The controversy intensified after Bar Council of India chairman Manan Kumar Mishra threatened to block Nalsar graduates’ enrolment, then withdrew the threat and apologised. Kant said students had a right to protest and denied refusing to hear the police-violence petition, while also saying he had never accepted Nalsar’s invitation. The dispute reflects continuing youth anger after the Delhi crackdown on Cockroach Janta Party protesters and has spread into India’s leading legal institutions.

Seven workers who leased a mine in Sarokha village, Panna, found a 17.96-carat natural diamond described by officials as gemstone quality. The stone is expected to be auctioned in October for at least five million rupees, with the government taking a 12% royalty and the remainder divided equally among the seven workers. The discovery is especially significant because Panna is economically underdeveloped, with widespread poverty, water shortages and unemployment, while miners often receive little benefit from diamonds found on claims owned by others.

Seven labourers who leased a mine in Sarokha village, Panna, Madhya Pradesh, discovered a 17.96-carat gem-quality diamond estimated to be worth at least 5 million rupees ($52,400). The stone will be auctioned in October, with the government taking a 12% royalty and the remaining proceeds divided among the seven finders. The discovery is especially significant in impoverished Panna, where many miners work for lease-holders and typically do not receive the proceeds from diamonds they find.

Independent ballistic experts told the BBC that injuries suffered by at least four supporters of the Cockroach Janta Party during a 20 July protest in New Delhi are strongly consistent with birdshot fired from pellet guns. Protesters described being struck during clashes involving police and Rapid Action Force personnel, while medical records and hospital evidence documented dozens of pellets embedded in several victims, including a student who may lose an eye. Delhi Police denied possessing or using pellet guns, and a government minister said only tear gas had been deployed; the Central Reserve Police Force has not responded to the BBC's questions. If confirmed, the use of pellet guns would represent the first known deployment of the weapons against civilians in India's capital, despite their longstanding use in Indian-administered Kashmir.

India's Cockroach Janta Party has ended a five-week protest after Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned, describing the development as a victory for democracy. The youth-led movement emerged in response to education-system problems, examination paper leaks, unemployment, and a controversial remark by India's chief justice, and gained momentum after police injured hundreds of demonstrators during a march toward parliament. Activist Sonam Wangchuk also ended a hunger strike after receiving government assurances. Although Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced fast-track courts and a proposed law on exam-paper leaks, the protests have damaged his government's image and prompted broader criticism of its handling of dissent. CJP leaders say they will continue seeking compensation for families of students who died by suicide and accountability for alleged police excesses.

India’s Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), a satirical youth movement focused on education reform and examination paper leaks, ended its five-week protest after Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned. The resignation followed a police crackdown that injured hundreds and intensified public anger, while activist Sonam Wangchuk separately ended a hunger strike after receiving government assurances. The protests have weakened Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s political image, prompted promises of fast-track courts and new legislation on paper leaks, and continued to demand compensation for students who died by suicide and accountability for alleged police abuses.

Protests led by the Cockroach Janta Party intensified in Delhi as thousands demanded education reforms and the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The movement gained momentum after a police crackdown injured dozens, prompting senior opposition figures, including Rahul Gandhi, to join demonstrations and march toward the prime minister’s residence. Government officials denied opposition allegations and accused Congress of politicising student grievances. The protests have expanded nationwide, strengthened by the hunger strike of activist Sonam Wangchuk, and have become a significant expression of dissent against Prime Minister Modi’s administration.

Protests led by the Cockroach Janta Party intensified in Delhi as demonstrators demanded education reforms and the resignation of Minister Dharmendra Pradhan amid allegations of a police crackdown. Opposition leaders including Rahul Gandhi joined the protests after police used tear gas and batons to disperse crowds during a march to parliament. The government denied suppressing debate and accused the opposition of politicising the issue, while support for the movement spread to other major Indian cities. Activist Sonam Wangchuk’s hunger strike added momentum as the demonstrations evolved into a broader challenge to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership.

Large crowds returned to Jantar Mantar in Delhi a day after a violent police crackdown on the youth‑led Cockroach Janta Party movement demanding education reforms and the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Security forces used batons and tear gas as protesters attempted to march on parliament, injuring dozens amid claims of excessive force. Government engagement came only after major opposition backing and national attention, with a brief meeting between CJP leaders and Health Minister JP Nadda yielding no commitments. As videos of the violence spread once internet access was restored, protesters hardened their stance and reclaimed the site, accusing police of aggression and continuing to call for accountability over exam paper leaks and student suicides linked to the NEET scandal.

Thousands of protesters returned to Delhi’s Jantar Mantar following a violent police crackdown on the youth-led Cockroach Janta Party movement demanding education reforms and the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over a major exam leak scandal. Police used force to disperse crowds attempting to march on parliament, injuring protesters and officers, while detaining dozens. After a brief meeting with Health Minister JP Nadda offered no concrete assurances, the movement hardened its stance as videos of the violence spread online. Supported by activists, opposition leaders and public figures, the CJP continues its sit‑in, keeping pressure on the government amid growing national outrage over the NEET exam leak and student suicides.

Thousands of supporters of the Cockroach Janta Party attempted to march on India’s parliament despite a police ban, demanding the resignation of the education minister amid anger over alleged exam paper leaks and broader concerns about jobs and transparency. Police used tear gas and baton charges to block the march, leaving several protesters injured, while authorities suspended mobile internet in parts of Delhi. The movement surged after activist Sonam Wangchuk was moved to hospital during a hunger strike, and its founder Abhijeet Dipke continued to lead the demonstrations. Government minister JP Nadda met CJP representatives but failed to calm the crowds, and by evening police cleared the Jantar Mantar protest site as tensions persisted.

Skyroot Aerospace prepares for the first orbital launch of Vikram‑1, which would make it India's first private company to reach orbit and position the country alongside the US and China in private space launches. The mission aims to demonstrate rapid, dedicated launch services for small satellites, described as a “cab service to space.” The test flight will carry scientific instruments and symbolic payloads including a lab-grown diamond lotus. The launch follows India’s move to open its space sector to private firms, which has led to rapid industry growth. A successful mission would advance Skyroot’s plans for commercial launches and expand India’s role in the global space economy.

Skyroot Aerospace prepares for the first orbital launch of Vikram-1, aiming to become India’s first private firm to place a rocket into orbit and only the third globally after the US and China. The mission will deploy six payloads, including scientific instruments and symbolic tributes featuring lab-grown diamonds and micro-sculptures of key Indian scientists. The launch marks a major milestone for India’s expanding private space sector following regulatory changes in 2020 that opened the industry to private players. Skyroot plans additional test flights ahead of commercial operations, positioning itself to offer rapid, dedicated small-satellite launch services within the growing global market.

Indian activist Sonam Wangchuk has lost over 8kg during a 16‑day hunger strike supporting the Cockroach Janta Party’s demand for Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation after a major exam paper leak. His deteriorating health has sparked concern among supporters, doctors and public figures urging him to end his fast, though he insists he will continue until accountability is established. The protest has drawn large crowds and political attention, but India’s governing BJP has not engaged with the demonstrators. Protest leaders plan to march to parliament to press their demands for reforms in the education system.

Sonam Wangchuk’s health has deteriorated significantly after 16 days on hunger strike in support of the Cockroach Janta Party’s demand for accountability in India’s education system following an exam paper leak. Despite losing over 8kg and facing medical concerns, he remains committed to continuing his protest. Supporters and activists are urging him to stop due to the risks, while the government has not engaged with protesters. With no response from authorities, demonstrators plan to march to India’s parliament on 20 July to press their demands for the education minister’s resignation and systemic reform.

A young man’s fatal fall at Pune’s Lohagad Fort escalated into a high‑profile criminal investigation and intense media scrutiny after police accused his fiancée and her friend of murdering him. Authorities claimed inconsistencies in their accounts and cited CCTV clues, while both suspects’ lawyers dismissed the allegations as unsupported. Families on both sides voiced grief, with the victim’s parents demanding the death penalty and the state appointing a prominent prosecutor. As the case unfolded publicly, personal images circulated online and the fiancée faced widespread social media vilification, fueling concerns about media trials and premature judgments.

Students and activists continue mass protests at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar demanding Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation after the NEET-UG exam was cancelled due to a leak. The Cockroach Janta Party, founded by Abhijeet Dipke, has grown rapidly from a satirical online movement into a youth-led campaign focused on accountability in India’s exam system. Support surged after climate activist Sonam Wangchuk joined the protest on an indefinite hunger strike. Government officials have dismissed the movement, while protesters insist they will not leave until the minister steps down, framing their efforts as part of a long-term struggle for transparency and responsibility in education.