Why PM Modi Called Student Protesters 'Friends': BJP Shares Explanation

Anand Mahindra Gets Emotional Over Smriti Irani’s Heartfelt Take On Motherhood: ‘You Made Many Men Teary-Eyed’

Arfa Javaid — Fri, 7 Aug 2026 18:53:48 +0530

Industrialist Anand Mahindra reacted to actor-politician Smriti Irani’s heartfelt take on the “tragic beauty of being a mother”, admitting that her words left “many men teary-eyed”, including him. However, he said he had one point of “dissonance” with her perspective.

Before getting to Mahindra’s response, here’s a look at Irani’s now-viral take on motherhood.

Smriti Irani On ‘Tragic Beauty Of Being A Mother’

In the viral video, Smriti Irani reflected on the emotional and often overlooked sacrifices that come with motherhood. She spoke about how mothers spend years caring for their children, only to eventually see them grow up, become independent and move on with their own lives.

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Irani also highlighted the resilience and emotional strength of women, arguing that a mother’s love and a woman’s tenacity cannot be measured or bought with money.

The tragic beauty of being a mother... 🩶 pic.twitter.com/felVgdGHhw
— Smriti Z Irani (@smritiirani) August 6, 2026

Anand Mahindra Reacts To Smriti Irani’s Motherhood Speech

Moved by Irani’s words, Anand Mahindra admitted that her take on motherhood made him emotional.

“It’s not just some women in that room, you made many men teary-eyed. Smriti Irani, including me. The pain & pleasure of being a mother. So powerfully & emotionally articulated,” he wrote in a post on X (formerly Twitter).

However, Mahindra said he had one point of “dissonance” with her remarks. He recalled his relationship with his own mother and said he had cared for and remained grateful to her until her final days.

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“I adored & cared for my mother till her last breath. Because I had immense gratitude for what you termed the ‘tenacity’ of her love. Even in my lowest periods she made me feel like I could move mountains. Not a day goes by when I don’t derive strength from her memory,” he wrote.

Towards the end, he added, “Your son will be no different, I’m sure.”

It’s not just some women in that room, you made many men teary-eyed. @smritiirani , including me.

The pain & pleasure of being a mother.
So powerfully & emotionally articulated.

I have only one point of dissonance:
I adored & cared for my mother till her last breath.… https://t.co/rbn1WZIFDl
— anand mahindra (@anandmahindra) August 7, 2026

Social Media Reacts

Mahindra’s post also drew emotional responses from social media users. One user wrote, “That’s the reason I adore this woman and thanks for sharing... reading and listening with tears.”

Another commented, “So crisp and clear. She’s certainly at her articulation best!! Yes… made me also teary eyed!!”

A third user praised both Irani and Mahindra, writing that such conversations were important for younger generations and calling the two “great role models.”

Thai Footballer Dies After Lightning Strikes Pitch During Match, 12 Others Injured: VIDEO

Ayesha Fatima — Thu, 6 Aug 2026 14:05:47 +0530

A 24-year-old Thai footballer was killed and 12 other players were injured after lightning struck a football pitch during a local tournament in southern Thailand. The incident took place on Tuesday and was captured on video, which has since circulated widely on social media.

The tragedy unfolded at Santiphap Stadium in Sungai Golok during a Golok FA Cup match between SAMCOLTS and Abu x Nong Sirin. The tournament features amateur football teams from Thailand and neighbouring Malaysia, according to The Independent.

Police identified the deceased as Sofwan Awae, a winger for SAMCOLTS who had recently signed for Thai third-tier club Yala FC. Authorities said he suffered critical injuries when lightning struck the field during the match.

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Lightning Strike Captured on Camera

According to police chief Thun Sirikhunt, emergency medical teams attempted to revive Awae after the strike, but he later succumbed to his injuries.

Video of the incident shows a lightning bolt hitting the pitch, followed by a loud explosion. Players wearing black-and-white striped jerseys immediately rushed to Awae, turned him onto his back and began administering first aid before medical personnel arrived.

The footage quickly spread online, prompting an outpouring of condolences and reactions from social media users.

A football player was killed and 12 others were injured after a lightning strike hit the field during a match in Thailand. pic.twitter.com/XLAMhPxqgV
— Daily Loud (@DailyLoud) August 6, 2026

Twelve Players Also Injured

Police said 12 other players were injured in the lightning strike, including one Malaysian national. All of the injured were taken to hospital for treatment.

Authorities have not released further details on the condition of those injured.

The incident has renewed attention on the dangers posed by severe weather during outdoor sporting events.

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Lightning Strikes Remain a Serious Risk in Thailand

According to Thailand's Department of Disease Control, at least 283 people were struck by lightning between 2020 and 2024, with many victims dying at the scene.

The Independent reported that in May, an engineering student and his aunt were killed after lightning struck a hut in Lampang province.

Earlier the same month, a 30-year-old pregnant woman also died after she and her husband sought shelter beneath a tree during a fishing trip in Uthai Thani province.

WATCH: Woman Clutches Chest At Maharashtra Bus Stand, Female Conductor's Split-Second Response Goes Viral

Sneha — Tue, 4 Aug 2026 16:37:23 +0530

What could have ended in tragedy turned into a story of remarkable courage after a bus conductor stepped in to help a woman who suffered a medical emergency at a bus station in Maharashtra. A CCTV clip of the incident has gone viral on social media, showing the passenger seated on a bench at the Sambhaji Nagar bus stand.

Moments later, the woman appears visibly distressed, shifting uneasily and clutching her chest. As bystanders realised she was allegedly suffering a heart attack, panic began to spread.

A bus conductor quickly rushed to her aid and attempted to assist by rubbing her chest before administering CPR. While the woman eventually appeared to recover, the conductor's technique sparked debate online, with several social media users claiming the CPR was not performed correctly.

Also Read: 'Youth Forced It': Dipke On Bhagwat's Planned Interaction With Gen Z And Gen Alpha

Despite the criticism, the woman regained consciousness and was later helped away by uniformed personnel. According to the viral post, she was subsequently taken to hospital for further treatment, reportedly in an autorickshaw after an ambulance failed to arrive in time. However, ABP News could not independently verify the claims or the authenticity of the viral post.

VIDEO:

The post, shared on X by user @KailashVashi, praised the conductor, identified as Sangeeta Palve, for acting swiftly during the emergency. "When a woman suffered a heart attack at the Sambhaji Nagar bus stand, bus conductor Sangeeta Palve didn't panic—she immediately performed CPR and helped save the woman's life. An ambulance was called, but it didn't arrive in time. In the end, the woman had to be rushed to the hospital in a rickshaw. One woman's quick thinking made the difference between life and death. True heroes don't always wear uniforms—they act when every second counts," the post read.

When a woman suffered a heart attack at the Sambhaji Nagar bus stand, bus conductor Sangeeta Palve didn't panic—she immediately performed CPR and helped save the woman's life.

An ambulance was called, but it didn't arrive in time. In the end, the woman had to be rushed to the… pic.twitter.com/g3dNHy2c7H
— Kailash Vashi (@KailashVashi) August 3, 2026

Internet Reacts

The video has drawn widespread attention online, with many praising the conductor's prompt response while others highlighted the importance of administering CPR correctly.

One of the users said: "In india Ambulance do not come on time - traffic n what not ! But people helping you is what Humanity is all about. Each one shud know how to give CPR in times like this."

Also Read: Madras HC Grants Relief To Udhayanidhi, Orders Release After Questioning In 'Trisha' Remark Case

Another user said, "She should be rewarded."

“With due respect, this is incorrect. CPR is never given to an awake person. In chest pain/heart attack, don’t waste time, call 108 and rush to hospital. Good intention, but wrong info can mislead people,” commented the next person.

Old Video Of Former Pakistan PM Imran Khan Praising Nitish Kumar Goes Viral

ABP Live News — Sun, 2 Aug 2026 18:14:36 +0530

An old video of former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan praising former Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has gone viral on social media. In the clip, recorded during an interview with a journalist, Khan says he had been reading about Bihar and credited Kumar with transforming the state from one of the country's poorest regions. He added that the reforms introduced by Kumar aligned with his own thinking on rewards. The video has resurfaced as Khan remains imprisoned in multiple corruption cases.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Prince Singh (@_prin_s)

Video Resurfaces Amid Jail Row

In the viral clip, Khan goes on to praise Nitish Kumar, saying the former Bihar chief minister transformed a state that had been at the bottom and brought it to the top. Khan adds that what he read about Kumar's governance matched his own views on incentives and rewards.

The video has gained traction online at a time when Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, remain behind bars in connection with multiple corruption cases.

Also Read: Fact Check: Viral Image Claims To Show Imran Khan During Court Appearance In Pakistan

PTI Raises Health Concerns

Meanwhile, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has accused the Pakistan government of denying legal and constitutional rights to Khan and Bushra Bibi.

The party also alleged that the couple had been prevented from meeting relatives and party members.

PTI claimed that Khan has been suffering from an eye-related condition for the past four months and that his vision has not fully recovered.

Also Read: Fact Check: Viral Images Claim To Show Imran Khan Imprisoned Under Harsh Conditions

'Vastaguna Huiya': Content Creator's Savage Reply To BJP's 'Babar Ki Virasat' Post Goes Viral | WATCH

Sneha — Sat, 1 Aug 2026 22:03:17 +0530

A BJP Chhattisgarh social media post intended to compare two "Gen Z mindsets" has ended up creating a very different kind of trend — one featuring a creator's sarcastic clapback that is now going viral.

Mumbai-based dancer and content creator Urwashi Palandurkar accused the BJP's state unit of using her protest dance video without permission, before roasting the post point-by-point in a reaction reel that has racked up thousands of views.

Also read: 'You Can't Silence Gen Z': Rahul Gandhi Meets Families Of NEET Victims, Targets PM Modi Over Apology Video

The BJP graphic asked users, "Which mindset of Gen Z will you choose?" One side featured Palandurkar's dance video from the NEET protests, captioned "Babar ki virasat par thumke lagane wali Gen Z." The other showcased 14-year-old national judoka Yogita Mandavi, who was recently honoured with the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar by President Droupadi Murmu.

कौन सी सोच वाले Gen Z चुनेंगे आप? pic.twitter.com/AXi8zHyrO8
— BJP Chhattisgarh (@BJP4CGState) July 29, 2026

Ironically, the very video used in the post had already become a social media hit, clocking over 24 million views on Instagram, where Palandurkar has more than 300,000 followers.

Content Creator Hits Back At BJP

Soon after the BJP post surfaced, the creator uploaded a tongue-in-cheek response titled: "I AM NOT OKAY!!!!"—clarifying that she wasn't upset about the attention itself, but about attracting what she called the "wrong audience."

The reel begins with a mock-serious expression before she bursts into laughter. "No, I'm not okay. I'm that Gen Z student who's facing all this."

She then proceeds to deliver what she calls her "reaction video"—equal parts comedy roast and fact-check. Her first target? The caption.

"Your caption game is very weak. Your ChatGPT is not giving you good responses. What is 'Babar ki virasat'? We can't relate. Make it more relatable."

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Urwashi Palandurkar | Dancer | Content creator | (@urwashi_18)

She also accused the BJP of trying to pit young people against one another.

"Divide and rule in 2026? You're trying to divide the same Gen Z whose unity taught Parliament the term 'Gen Z'. Logic is not logicing."

'Extra-Curriculars, Academics Can Coexist'

Responding to the suggestion that academics and dancing don't mix, Palandurkar pulled out receipts—literally.

Displaying medals, certificates and photographs from her school days, she said she scored 93 per cent in both Class 10 and Class 12 while actively participating in dance, yoga, karate and other extracurricular activities. "Extra-curriculars and academics can coexist, and I'm living proof."

She also defended dancing during protests, saying celebrations on the streets often involve dancing too. "I've always seen people dancing after victories. I don't know why it is not clocking."

Saving one of her sharpest lines for the end, she joked: "Being a brown girl, our parents have already taught us how to deal with trauma. You guys are not able to give trauma. Try harder."

She signed off with the now-viral quip, "Vastaguna huiya."

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Rahul Gandhi Reshares Post

The reel quickly snowballed online, with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi sharing it on his Instagram Story and Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav posting in support on X.

The BJP's Chhattisgarh unit has not publicly responded to Palandurkar's allegation that it used her video without her consent.

'Your ChatGPT Is Not Giving You Good Responses': Creator's Reply To BJP Goes Viral

Vijaya Mishra — Sat, 1 Aug 2026 16:17:00 +0530

A social media post by the BJP's Chhattisgarh unit comparing two versions of "Gen Z" has sparked an online controversy after Mumbai-based content creator and dancer Urwashi Palandurkar alleged that her video was used without permission. The post contrasted Palandurkar's viral protest dance with the achievements of national-level judoka Yogita Mandavi. In response, the creator posted a sarcastic reaction reel questioning the party's messaging and defending her work. The video has since gained widespread attention on social media, drawing support from opposition leaders and reigniting debate around content ownership, political messaging and how young Indians are represented online.

BJP's Gen Z Post Sparks Controversy

The BJP's Chhattisgarh unit shared a post asking users to choose between two "Gen Z mindsets". One featured a clip of Urwashi Palandurkar labelled "Babar ki virasat par thumke lagane wali Gen Z." The second highlighted 14-year-old national judoka Yogita Mandavi, who recently received the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar from President Droupadi Murmu.

कौन सी सोच वाले Gen Z चुनेंगे आप? pic.twitter.com/AXi8zHyrO8
— BJP Chhattisgarh (@BJP4CGState) July 29, 2026

Palandurkar, who has more than 300,000 followers on Instagram, said the party had used footage from her viral NEET protest dance without seeking her consent. According to her, the post resulted in an influx of messages from people checking on her wellbeing.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Urwashi Palandurkar | Dancer | Content creator | (@urwashi_18)

'Your ChatGPT Is Not Giving You Good Responses'

Responding through a reel, Palandurkar began with a serious expression before laughing and saying, "No, I am not okay. I am that Gen Z student who is facing all this." She criticised the wording used in the BJP's post, saying, "Your caption game is very weak. Your ChatGPT is not giving you good responses. What is 'Babar ki virasat'? We can't relate to it. Make it more relatable."

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The creator also accused the party of attempting to divide young people. "Divide and rule in 2026? You're trying to divide the same Gen Z whose unity taught Parliament the term 'Gen Z'. Logic is not logicing," she said. Defending her own achievements, Palandurkar revealed she had scored 93 per cent in both Class 10 and Class 12 while actively pursuing dance and content creation. Displaying medals and certificates earned in academics, yoga and karate, she added, "Extra-curriculars and academics can coexist, and I am living proof of it."

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She also defended dancing during protests, arguing that public performances have traditionally been associated with celebrations and collective expression.

Opposition Leaders Share The Video

The reaction reel quickly gained traction online and entered the political conversation. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi shared it on his Instagram Story, while Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav posted on X: "Those who are companions on the new path, don't think that they are misguided."

At the time of writing, the BJP's Chhattisgarh unit had not publicly responded to Palandurkar's allegation that her video was used without permission. The episode has fuelled discussion around political use of social media content, copyright concerns and the growing influence of digital creators in shaping public conversations. It has also highlighted how online campaigns can quickly evolve into wider political debates.

No Samosas, Ice Cream Or Cold Drinks! Maharashtra Bans Junk Food Sales Within 50 Metres Of Schools

Animesh Bhardwaj — Thu, 30 Jul 2026 11:23:37 +0530

The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced a statewide ban on the sale, distribution and promotion of junk food in and around school campuses, aiming to encourage healthier eating habits among students. The new directive prohibits the sale of high-fat, high-sugar and deep-fried food items within school premises as well as within a 50-metre radius of schools.

The decision places responsibility on school administrations to ensure compliance and create awareness among students and parents about the importance of healthy food choices.

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Junk Food Sale Prohibited Inside and Around Schools

FDA Commissioner Tukaram Munde said the restrictions cover a wide range of commonly consumed snacks and beverages that are considered unhealthy.

"I want to make it clear that excess fat, excess trans fat and excess sugar products, including deeply fried foods, excessive sugar drinks, vada pav, samosa, cold drinks, chocolates and ice cream, such junk foods are strictly not allowed inside schools to be sold, not be distributed freely, advertise and also not in the surrounding (50 metres range). Principal and School Management should implement this strictly, and there should also be awareness about it among parents," he said.

The directive applies not only to school canteens but also to vendors and businesses operating near educational institutions. School authorities have been instructed to ensure that the new rules are followed without exception.

Schools Face Action for Non-Compliance

The FDA has warned that schools failing to implement the guidelines could face action. According to the department, principals and school management committees will be held accountable if the rules are ignored.

"We will start inspections across the State soon. FDA along with School Management will be happy to take a workshop at District level and Taluka level to implement it smoothly," Munde added.

The department plans to conduct inspections across Maharashtra in the coming weeks while also organising awareness workshops at district and taluka levels to help schools understand and implement the new regulations effectively.

FDA Also Shares Update on MPSC Examination Complaint

During the announcement, the FDA Commissioner also responded to questions regarding an alleged MPSC examination paper leak. He clarified that the department had already forwarded the available information to the concerned authorities.

"We received an email from an individual on the 21st. We recorded the person's statement on the 24th. MPSC is an independent body, and it conducts the Food and Drug Inspector examination. We have forwarded the statement and all the documents we received to the MPSC," Tukaram Munde said.

Recent Food Safety Drive Targets Hygiene Violations

The latest order follows the FDA's recent enforcement drive against food safety violations in Mumbai. Earlier this month, the department suspended the food licences of three eateries in Bhendi Bazaar and Umarkhadi after inspections revealed serious lapses in hygiene and food safety standards.

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Officials carried out six inspections and found multiple deficiencies, including slippery kitchen floors, missing records related to raw material procurement and drinking water testing, lack of documentation for cooking oil quality, poor segregation of vegetarian and non-vegetarian food, and inadequate pest-control measures.

The Maharashtra government's latest initiative reflects a stronger focus on promoting healthier food environments for schoolchildren while tightening enforcement of food safety regulations across the state.

Viral Video Shows Father Slapping Son For Using Abusive Language Against PM Modi And Yogi

ABP Live News — Wed, 29 Jul 2026 19:08:19 +0530

A video showing a father slapping his son after the latter allegedly used abusive language against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has gone viral on social media.

The videos, widely shared on July 28 and 29, show the father demanding an apology from his son over the remarks.

A cockroach got thrashed by his own father for abusing Yogi Adityanath pic.twitter.com/fPaPzqKIvx
— Hindutva Knight (@HPhobiaWatch) July 29, 2026

Separate clips circulating online are labelled as "Part 1", showing the son allegedly making the abusive comments, and "Part 2", showing the confrontation between the father and son.

Also Read: Kanwar Yatra Viral Video: Muslim Youth Carries 251-Litre Kanwar With Hindu Friend: WATCH

The videos have sparked mixed reactions on social media. While some users supported the father's actions, others criticised him, calling the slap an act of child abuse.

Also Read: 'I'll Put 50 Grams Of Powder In Your Pockets': Mumbai Cop's Viral Warning Sparks Reactions

Kanwar Yatra Viral Video: Muslim Youth Carries 251-Litre Kanwar With Hindu Friend: WATCH

Sagarika Chakraborty — Tue, 28 Jul 2026 23:01:11 +0530

A video from Uttar Pradesh's Meerut has gone viral during this year's Kanwar Yatra, drawing attention for its message of friendship and communal harmony.

The video features Shakir, a Muslim youth, and his Hindu friend Mintu carrying a 251-litre Kanwar together after collecting Ganga water from Haridwar. The two say their journey is not only an act of faith but also an effort to promote brotherhood in society.

Friends Carry 251-Litre Kanwar Together

Twenty-one-year-old Shakir, a resident of Holi Chowk in Falavada town of Meerut district, is undertaking the Kanwar Yatra with his friend Mintu this year.

नफरत हार जाती है और मोहब्बत जीत जाती है. pic.twitter.com/tjccSKz5pY
— आजाद भारत का आजाद नागरिक (@AnathNagrik) July 28, 2026

After collecting Ganga water from Haridwar, the duo began their journey together towards their destination.

Shakir said the purpose of the yatra is to encourage social harmony. According to him, humanity is the greatest religion and friendship is not defined by religion or caste.

Second Consecutive Year Of Kanwar Yatra

This is not the first time Shakir has participated in the Kanwar Yatra.

Last year, he carried a 101-litre Kanwar from Haridwar and offered Ganga water at local Shiva temples on Shivratri.

This year, he decided to undertake the pilgrimage with Mintu while carrying a 251-litre Kanwar.

Helping Fellow Kanwariyas

Apart from travelling with his friend, Shakir is also seen assisting other Kanwariyas during the journey.

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According to the report, he helps carry the Kanwar and extends assistance to devotees in need along the route.

This is the second consecutive year that the two friends have undertaken the Kanwar Yatra from Haridwar together.

Locals Praise Their Initiative

Residents have praised the duo's effort, saying their friendship reflects trust, cooperation and humanity.

They said that while people may follow different religions, mutual respect and brotherhood help bring society together.

Social Media Reacts

The video of Shakir and Mintu has been widely shared on social media, with many users appreciating their friendship.

One user wrote, "This is true friendship."

Another commented, "This is the picture of the real India."

A third user wrote, "Wow! What a wonderful example of friendship."

Another said, "This friendship is true love."

ALSO READ: Why PM Modi Called Student Protesters 'Friends': BJP Shares Explanation

Why PM Modi Called Student Protesters 'Friends': BJP Shares Explanation

Sagarika Chakraborty — Tue, 28 Jul 2026 17:52:55 +0530

Days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed protesters at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi as "friends" in two videos, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Monday explained why he chose the term for the largely Gen Z crowd and highlighted the steps taken by the Modi-led government to restore confidence in the country's education system.

In an Instagram post, the BJP said, "Friends... wasn't just a message. It was a COMMITMENT. From listening to students' concerns to introducing stronger laws against paper leaks, PM Modi's government is working to safeguard merit and restore confidence in the examination system."

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by BJP - Bharatiya Janata Party (@bjp4india)

BJP Lists Key Features Of Proposed Anti-Paper Leak Bill

The party's social media post also shared a series of images stating that, after PM Modi vowed strict action against those involved in paper leaks, the Centre proposed The Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026.

According to the BJP, the proposed amendment includes:

Completion of investigations within two months
Special fast-track courts
Completion of trials within three months of the filing of a chargesheet
Appeals to be ideally decided within three months
Dedicated Special Task Forces
Increase in the debarment period to eight years

BJP Highlights Proposed Punishments

The post reiterated PM Modi's use of the word "friends" while addressing those supporting the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), which has been protesting since June 20, demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged irregularities in the education system, particularly following the NEET-UG paper leak earlier this year.

The BJP said PM Modi, whom it described as Gen Z's "friend", had pledged tougher punishments for those involved in paper leaks. According to the post, the proposed penalties include:

Individuals using unfair means could face five to 10 years of imprisonment and a fine of up to Rs 50 lakh.
Those involved in organised paper-leak syndicates could face a minimum of seven years' imprisonment, extendable to 10 years, along with a fine of not less than Rs 10 crore.
Service providers or examination agencies found involved in paper leaks could face a fine of up to Rs 5 crore and be debarred for eight years.
Directors or members of senior management found involved could face a minimum imprisonment of five years, extendable to 10 years, along with a fine of Rs 5 crore.

Concluding the post, the BJP shared PM Modi's message to those involved in exam malpractice and students appearing for examinations.

To those accused of cheating, the Prime Minister said, "Cheating has a higher cost than ever before."

Addressing students, he added, "Your hard work deserves protection."

CJP Protest And Aftermath

PM Modi's message, along with the formation of a Special Task Force and the introduction of the proposed legislation, came after the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) launched a protest on June 20 following reports of a NEET-UG paper leak in May, after which several students died by suicide.

On June 28, activist Sonam Wangchuk joined the protest and began a hunger strike that lasted 26 days before ending in the presence of Union Ministers Jitendra Singh and JP Nadda.

The protest later spread to several states, including Bihar and Maharashtra. On July 20, students participating in the Delhi protest organised a "Chalo Sansad" march on the opening day of the Monsoon Session of Parliament, after which Delhi Police used lathi charge and tear gas to disperse the crowd.

On July 25, the Centre accepted one of the protesters' key demands after Dharmendra Pradhan resigned as Education Minister.

The BJP has projected the proposed reforms as evidence of the Modi government's commitment to protecting merit and ensuring fair examinations.