Indian prime minister Narendra Modi has vowed to announce “strict action” in the paper leak case in a midnight video amid calls for a nationwide youth protest on Friday demanding the resignation of the federal education minister. India’s “cockroach” protests began more than a month ago over alleged leaks in some of the country’s most competitive entrance exams for medical colleges and government jobs. The movement has since expanded beyond exam grievances, drawing professionals and families to join the ranks of students while channelling broader frustration. Addressing the issue, Mr Modi announced fast-track courts to handle examination paper leak cases. “Nothing is more important than the welfare and future of our youth!” Modi wrote on X.The announcement did little to calm the protesters, as the leaders of the Cockroach Janta Party, which launched the movement, said they would not end their demonstrations until the education minister resigned. Authorities turned parts of the Indian capital into a fortress on Thursday, closing more than a dozen metro stations and cutting internet access as thousands joined the protest. However, the leaders of the cockroach movement and the government have scheduled a second round of talks at the Constitution Club in New Delhi on Friday.Indian government removes education secretaryThe Indian government yesterday removed higher education secretary Vineet Joshi amid the ongoing protest demanding the education minister's resignation.Joshi was replaced by Naresh Pal Gangwar as the education secretary. Joshi has been named the secretary in the department of Panchayati Raj. Alisha Rahaman Sarkar24 July 2026 04:45Don't insult students, responds India's opposition leader to Modi's videoNarendra Modi's political rival, Rahul Gandhi, has criticised the prime minister's video message from last night promising strict action over exam paper leaks."Mr Modi, our students are demanding Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation. Don't insult their intelligence with this pathetic midnight video." Alisha Rahaman Sarkar24 July 2026 04:20Activist Sonam Wangchuk ends 26-day hunger strikeIndian activist Sonam Wangchuk ended a 26-day hunger strike during the early hours of Friday that helped galvanize a youth movement that's become one of India’s largest protests in recent years.In a post on X, Wangchuk said he ended his fast in the presence of two federal ministers after appeals from dozens of members of parliament and following “a long negotiation on various conditions and in view of possible violence in the country.” He did not elaborate on the talks. (X/@Sonam Wangchuk)Alisha Rahaman Sarkar24 July 2026 04:13Modi issues midnight selfie video as youth movement grows in numbersPrime minister Narendra Modi in a midnight video vowed to announce more "strict actions" today in paper leak cases."Friends, I know that paper leak is not an ordinary issue. It is very painful for lakhs of students and their families. That is why many steps have been taken in the last two and a half months," Modi said."The culprits have been caught and are in jail. Our most important responsibility was to ensure that students do not waste a single year. It was very important to take the exams immediately," he said.He added: "I gave instructions to the departments for the fast-track court. Today, the departments worked hard and gave me the approval late at night. Tomorrow, there will be a discussion in the cabinet. After the suggestions of the cabinet members, it will be given its final form. And from Monday, when the second week of parliament starts, we will try to get that bill passed as soon as possible." Alisha Rahaman Sarkar24 July 2026 04:04Sonal Hayat24 July 2026 03:40Namita Singh24 July 2026 02:49From K-pop memes to Strava ‘runs’ away from police, how Gen Z is redefining protests in IndiaSocial media has becoming an extension of demonstrations taking place on the streets of Delhi and other cities.Protestors dressed as Batman, Spider-Man, Superman, and Iron Man all made appearances, joined by Mahatma Gandhi, the father of the independence movement, and BR Ambedkar, the architect of the Indian constitution, as if they had returned for the “latest season” of Indian politics.Namita Singh24 July 2026 01:48Namita Singh24 July 2026 00:45How 'cockroaches' protest became a problem for ModiIndia’s “cockroach” protest movement’s rapid spread beyond student groups points to growing frustration among young Indians and resembles a broader trend across South Asia, where young people have played a central role in anti-government movements in recent years.Though India's opposition parties remain divided and political space for criticism has shrunk under Modi, the ruling government must face the unusual challenge of a decentralized movement of young people rather than established political organisations.Opposition parties and rights activists have backed the campaign, framing it as a broader fight for democratic accountability and the right to peaceful protest. The movement also has given India's opposition a potent platforms to broaden its appeal among young voters while challenging Modi's government across ideological lines.With hundreds of millions of voters under 35, including millions of first-time voters, India's youth are a crucial voting bloc. Their growing frustration could have wider political implications ahead of future elections.Daniel Keane24 July 2026 00:14Namita Singh23 July 2026 23:44