Morning digest: Centre sacks 47 NTA officials, tightens law to tackle paper leaks; ‘Bihar Bandh’ today against police lathi charge on protesting students, and more
The Indian government has initiated a crackdown on exam irregularities by terminating 47 NTA officials and strengthening anti-paper leak legislation following widespread student protests. Meanwhile, political tensions remain high as the opposition demands the resignation of the Education Minister, and international efforts are underway to combat severe wildfires in France and Spain.
Why it matters
These developments highlight a significant crisis in India's education administration and governance, while the concurrent environmental disaster in Europe underscores the escalating global impact of climate-related wildfires.
In a move to crack down on exam malpractices, the Centre has taken a slew of actions, including strengthening the anti-paper leak law and terminating services of up to 47 officials in the National Testing Agency (NTA). The Union Cabinet on Friday (July 24, 2026) cleared a proposal to introduce amendments to the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, endowing the anti-paper leak law with tougher penalties and time-bound trial mechanisms.
Protest marches and dharna were witnessed in several districts of Bihar on Friday (July 24, 2026) by the students and locals demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over NEET paper leak. Protesters holding banners, posters and placards carried out the protest marches in Vaishali, Muzaffarpur, Khagaria, Darbhanga, Bettiah (West Champaran), Supaul, Jamui, Samastipur, Madhubani and Buxar. In Vaishali, the protesters burnt the effigies of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Dharmendra Pradhan.
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