Jharkhand student leader Devendranath Mahto, who has been on an indefinite hunger strike against alleged irregularities in state recruitment examinations, has agreed to drink water following an emotional appeal by activist Sonam Wangchuk.

Mahto, who had refused both food and water since July 3, said he would continue his hunger strike until the Jharkhand government accepts the students' demands. During a video call, Sonam Wangchuk expressed concern over Mahto's deteriorating health and urged him to at least stay hydrated while continuing the movement.

The protest, led by JPSC and JSSC aspirants, demands the cancellation of the 14th JPSC examination, sweeping reforms in recruitment exams, and a CBI or independent judicial probe into the alleged irregularities. Protesters are also planning a Tiranga March to gather public support.

Jharkhand Student Leader Ends Water Fast After Sonam Wangchuk's Emotional Appeal

The fallout from the NEET paper leak continues to reshape India's examination system. In a major move, Maharashtra has established 23 special fast-track courts to hear 203 pending examination malpractice cases, including paper leaks, recruitment exam fraud, HSC cheating, and other examination-related offenses.

The decision follows widespread public outrage over the NEET paper leak controversy, which triggered nationwide student protests and renewed calls for stronger action against exam fraud.

The Bombay High Court has directed the newly constituted courts to make every effort to complete trials within three months of the filing of charge sheets, aiming to ensure faster justice.

NEET Paper Leak Crackdown | Maharashtra Launches 23 Fast-Track Courts For Exam Fraud Cases

India's teacher shortage has come under sharp focus after fresh data presented in Parliament revealed that more than 1.08 lakh schools across the country are functioning with just one teacher. According to the Union Minister of State for Education, Andhra Pradesh has the highest number of single-teacher schools, followed by Jharkhand and Maharashtra. While the national pupil-teacher ratio appears favorable on paper, the latest figures expose significant regional disparities in teacher availability.

1 Lakh Schools, One Teacher Each? Parliament Data Exposes India's Teacher Crisis | GRAVITAS 

India's education system is under fresh scrutiny after the Central Government revealed that more than 1 lakh schools across the country are functioning with just one teacher. Responding to a question in Parliament, the Ministry of Education disclosed that 1,08,043 schools currently operate with only a single teacher, highlighting the scale of teacher shortages in several states.

According to the official data, Andhra Pradesh has the highest number of single-teacher schools, followed by Jharkhand, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Uttar Pradesh. At the other end of the spectrum, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Delhi, Ladakh, Sikkim, Nagaland, and Kerala reported the fewest such schools.

Teacher Shortage Exposed: Over 1 Lakh Schools Run by a Single Teacher

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) has threatened to resume nationwide protests after the Supreme Court allowed investigations into FIRs filed during the anti-exam paper leak agitation to continue. While the court directed authorities not to take coercive action against eligible student protesters and ordered the preservation of CCTV footage and electronic evidence, it did not order the withdrawal of existing cases.

CJP leaders allege that the interim order contradicts assurances given by the central government during negotiations that led to the suspension of protests. Founder Abhijeet Dipke accused authorities of targeting students, while party spokesperson Saurav Das warned of fresh nationwide demonstrations if the government's commitments are not honored. Meanwhile, several states have begun withdrawing cases against eligible student protesters.

CJP Threatens Fresh Nationwide Protest After Supreme Court Order on Student Protest Cases

Union Minister Pralhad Joshi has officially assumed charge of the Ministry of Education following the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan. The appointment comes after weeks of nationwide student protests over the alleged NEET paper leak and examination irregularities. Joshi will continue to hold his existing portfolios of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, and New and Renewable Energy, in addition to the Education Ministry. Speaking after taking charge, he thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for placing his trust in him and pledged to discharge his new responsibilities with dedication, humility and honesty.

Pralhad Joshi takes charge of Education Ministry after Dharmendra Pradhan resigns | NEET Protest 

In a major political development, Union Minister Pralhad Joshi has been given the additional charge of the Ministry of Education following the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan. President Droupadi Murmu, acting on the advice of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the appointment to ensure continuity in the Education Ministry.

The change comes after weeks of unprecedented student protests over alleged examination irregularities and the NEET paper leak controversy. The month-long agitation, led by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), concluded after the third round of talks with the Centre, where the government accepted key demands, including the withdrawal of FIRs against protesters and consideration of a five-point education reform charter.

Pralhad Joshi takes charge of Education Ministry after Dharmendra Pradhan resigns | CJP protest ends

Student protesters at Delhi's Jantar Mantar celebrated after Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation but said their movement is not over. Protesters called for deeper education reforms, accountability, and systemic changes, while political leaders, including AAP's Manish Sisodia, reacted to the development. The demonstrations ended after the government accepted key demands following weeks of protests.

Jantar Mantar protest ends in victory as students demand sweeping education system reforms

Following weeks of nationwide student protests, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned, leading to the end of the CJP-led agitation at Delhi's Jantar Mantar. After the third round of talks, the government accepted CJP's key demands, including withdrawing cases against protesters and considering a five-point education reform charter. Opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, Arvind Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia, Supriya Sule, and activist Sonam Wangchuk, welcomed the development while urging comprehensive reforms, greater transparency, and accountability in India's education system.

Dharmendra Pradhan Resigns as CJP Calls Off Protest | Opposition Demands Education Reforms

Following the end of the Jantar Mantar protest, Sonam Wangchuk congratulated India's youth and CJP volunteers for maintaining peace throughout the movement. Calling it a victory for democracy, he urged protesters to remain humble in victory and emphasized that one minister's resignation alone cannot transform the nation. Wangchuk appealed for comprehensive education reforms, better governance, accountability, anti-corruption measures, and democratic reforms, while also raising concerns about Ladakh, Jammu & Kashmir, and environmental protection.

Sonam Wangchuk's powerful message after protest victory | Democracy, peace & education reforms

The 37-day protest at Delhi's Jantar Mantar has officially ended after the government accepted all key demands raised by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP). Following Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation and government assurances, CJP leaders urged protesters to return home peacefully while promising to continue pushing for long-term education reforms.

Jantar Mantar protest ends after Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation | CJP declares victory

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has resigned after weeks of nationwide student protests over the alleged NEET paper leak controversy. His resignation comes ahead of the third round of talks between the Centre and the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP). Celebrations erupted at Jantar Mantar as political leaders across parties reacted, while attention now shifts to education reforms and greater transparency in India's examination system.

Dharmendra Pradhan Quits as education minister | Celebrations erupt at Jantar Mantar

The Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), leading the nationwide protests over the NEET paper leak controversy, has reaffirmed its demand for Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation despite Prime Minister Narendra Modi announcing stricter measures against examination paper leaks. Activist Sonam Wangchuk has ended his 26-day hunger strike after receiving government assurances that no legal action would be taken against peaceful protesters. However, CJP leaders insist the protests will continue until the Education Minister steps down.

NEET Protest: CJP refuses to back down, demands Dharmendra Pradhan's Resignation |Wangchuk ends fast

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced the formation of fast-track courts to ensure swift justice in NEET paper leak cases, saying that the future of India's youth cannot be compromised. His remarks come as the CJP-led protest in New Delhi intensifies, with fresh clashes reported between protesters and police near Jantar Mantar. Heavy security has been deployed, multiple Delhi Metro stations remain closed, and protesters continue demanding the resignation of the Education Minister.

PM Modi announces fast-track courts over NEET Paper Leak | CJP protest intensifies in Delhi

The NEET paper leak protests intensified in New Delhi after fresh clashes erupted between protesters and police near Jantar Mantar. The CJP-led agitation has vowed to continue until the Education Minister resigns. Several police personnel were reportedly injured as protesters clashed with security forces. Activist Sonam Wangchuk has also outlined key demands, including justice for students, compensation for affected families, and accountability over the exam paper leak issue. Parliament remains deadlocked over the timing and format of the debate on the NEET controversy.

CJP escalates agitation after fresh Delhi clashes | students demand education minister's resignation

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has been directed by the Supreme Court to publish the NEET-UG 24 test results on its website city-wise and centre-wise by 12 pm on Saturday without&nbsp;disclosing the candidates' names.&nbsp;On Thursday (July 18), the Supreme Court of India began hearing several petitions concerning the NEET-UG 2024 exam row. The petitions were considered on Thursday by a three-judge bench comprising CJI D Y Chandrachud, Justices J B Pardiwala, and Manoj Misra. 
 
As proceedings began, CJI asked the attorney for the cancellation of the exam to prove if the leak was systemic. He said, "You have to show us that the leak was so systemic and affected the entire examination to warrant the cancellation of the entire exam."

The judges heard over 40 petitions, including pleas filed by the National Testing Agency (NTA) and several students who appeared for the examination. The NTA seeks a transfer of all the cases against it pending in many High Courts regarding the NEET-UG controversy, PTI reported. 
 
During the hearing, senior advocate Narendra Hooda, representing the petitioner, called for the results of all students to be declared to bring in some transparency. 
 
The NEET-UG exam was held on May 5 and nearly 24 lakh aspiring medical professionals had appeared in it.

The results were published last month but students could only access their individual scores.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ias-trainee-puja-khedkars-mother-arrested-for-allegedly-threatening-farmers-with-gun-742075">IAS trainee Puja Khedkar’s mother arrested for allegedly threatening farmers with gun</a>

A reevaluation and reversal of the decision are also sought, considering the alleged paper leak and other irregularities.

The court hearing also addressed the issue of 61 students scoring a perfect 720 out of 720 marks in the examination, even after the scores were adjusted.

The discussion centred on the physics question, alleging that it had two correct answers. The NTA counsel explained that 44 out of these 61 students received marks based on an additional answer found in an older NCERT booklet.

The CJI D Y Chandrachud said, "As the matter stands now, 61 students get 720/720, out of whom 44 are students who got extra marks for the two correct options for a question. So the number really is 17."&nbsp; 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has been directed by the Supreme Court to publish the NEET-UG 24 test results on its website city-wise and centre-wise by 12 pm on Saturday without disclosing the candidates' names.

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has been directed by the Supreme Court to publish the NEET-UG 24 test results on its website city-wise and centre-wise by 12 pm on Saturday without disclosing the candidates' names. On Thursday (July 18), the Supreme Court of India began hearing several petitions concerning the NEET-UG 2024 exam row. The petitions were considered on Thursday by a three-judge bench comprising CJI D Y Chandrachud, Justices J B Pardiwala, and Manoj Misra. As proceedings began, CJI asked the attorney for the cancellation of the exam to prove if the leak was systemic. He said, "You have to show us that the leak was so systemic and affected the entire examination to warrant the cancellation of the entire exam." The judges heard over 40 petitions, including pleas filed by the National Testing Agency (NTA) and several students who appeared for the examination. The NTA seeks a transfer of all the cases against it pending in many High Courts regarding the NEET-UG controversy, PTI reported. During the hearing, senior advocate Narendra Hooda, representing the petitioner, called for the results of all students to be declared to bring in some transparency. The NEET-UG exam was held on May 5 and nearly 24 lakh aspiring medical professionals had appeared in it. The results were published last month but students could only access their individual scores. Also read: IAS trainee Puja Khedkar’s mother arrested for allegedly threatening farmers with gun A reevaluation and reversal of the decision are also sought, considering the alleged paper leak and other irregularities. The court hearing also addressed the issue of 61 students scoring a perfect 720 out of 720 marks in the examination, even after the scores were adjusted. The discussion centred on the physics question, alleging that it had two correct answers. The NTA counsel explained that 44 out of these 61 students received marks based on an additional answer found in an older NCERT booklet. The CJI D Y Chandrachud said, "As the matter stands now, 61 students get 720/720, out of whom 44 are students who got extra marks for the two correct options for a question. So the number really is 17." (With inputs from agencies)

NEET-UG 2024: SC says exam not cancelled, yet; asks NTA to publish results city-wise and centre-wise

According to a UNICEF report, at least a third of the world’s schoolchildren were unable to access remote learning when COVID-19 shuttered their schools and nearly 1.5 billion schoolchildren were affected by school closures during the lockdown period.

UNICEF: Globally, 463 million schoolchildren unable to access online learning during school closures

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