New Delhi, July 24: Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s personal intervention in the standoff involving the fasting activist Sonam Wangchuk, protesting students, and others involved in the ongoing stir against exam-paper leak has been both decisive and symbolic.

For weeks, the impasse had deepened, with Wangchuk’s fast entering a critical phase, student groups intensifying demonstrations, and the government facing acute pressures from civil society and the Opposition benches alike. By opening direct channels of dialogue with Wangchuk and student leaders simultaneously, PM Modi signalled that his government was willing to listen, negotiate, and act.

At the same time, he ensured concrete steps aimed at addressing the root causes of the protests, particularly greater transparency, fairness, and accountability in public examinations and recruitment processes. One of the notable outcomes of this intervention was the announcement of fast-track courts dedicated to cases of examination malpractice, and related offences.

When judicial process takes time, it often erodes public faith in the system. Here, the promise of swift adjudication was seen as a statement of intent. By ensuring that such cases are resolved fairly and promptly, the government thus hopes to restore credibility to institutions that have been tarnished by repeated scandals.

In a video message, the Prime Minister further pledged introducing a strict law to check exam-paper leaks.

And on Friday, according reports, the Union Cabinet approved a Bill and related provisions aimed at setting up fast-track courts and introducing harsher punishment in cases of paper leaks and exam malpractices.

The proposed legislation is expected to be introduced in Parliament next week to be passed as law, added reports. This also puts the ball in Opposition court who has been protesting in Parliament on the issue, leading to an impasse.

Earlier, the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024 was hailed as a landmark in India’s fight against organised exam malpractice, promising to safeguard meritocracy through stringent penalties and centralised enforcement. Yet, in some high-profile cases, the accused individuals managed to exploit ambiguities in the law, securing bail, and reportedly, even sometimes return to similar activities while cases were going on. There followed thoughts on closing the loopholes, introduce severe prosecution and penalties for those who abuse the system, further empower investigative agencies, and coordinate across state jurisdictions, among other possible amendments.

The Prime Minister’s approach reflected a blend of political pragmatism and governance dharma. On one hand, he has shown his government’s willingness to engage with dissenters rather than dismiss them outright. This move can now help defuse tensions and prevent any escalation.

On the other, he has leveraged the moment to push for systemic reforms that align with his broader narrative of efficiency, accountability, and zero tolerance for corruption.

Meanwhile, the government’s outreach at engaging with Sonam Wangchuk is not lost on observers. The 59-year-old engineer-activist, known for his work in sustainable education and environmental innovation, commands respect across ideological divides. His fast raised concerns among people and the government acknowledged the legitimacy of citizen-led activism in shaping policy.

Scepticism does remain, but the creation of fast-track courts and the drafting of a tougher law are concrete markers on which the government’s sincerity can be judged. But the success of these initiatives will depend on execution. If implemented effectively, these measures could set a precedent for responses in other sectors as well.

Mumbai: Actress and television personality Rakhi Sawant has sparked widespread discussion after sharing a social media post related to the ongoing student protests in the country.

The post featured a symbolic red sanitary pad, which many users interpreted as a gesture of support for the protesting students. The image quickly went viral, drawing mixed reactions across social media platforms.

While several users appreciated the symbolic message and described it as an expression of solidarity, others criticised the post, calling the imagery controversial and inappropriate. The incident has reignited debate over the role of celebrities in expressing views on social and political issues.

The controversy has generated significant public attention, with supporters defending freedom of expression and critics questioning the use of symbolic imagery in sensitive matters.

As of now, Rakhi Sawant has not issued an official statement responding to the controversy surrounding her post. There has also been no official confirmation of any legal action specifically related to her social media activity.

The issue continues to attract attention online, with discussions focusing on freedom of expression, public responsibility, and the influence of celebrities on national conversations.

Shimla, July 24: A massive landslide of rocks dislocated from a mountain hit a Tata Sumo with 15 people onboard in Himachal Pradesh’s remote, rugged Pangi Valley in Lahaul-Spiti district on Friday, killing 13 people, including a six-month-old infant.

The area has been witnessing heavy rainfall for the past many days. The vehicle caught fire after it came under debris of the mountain that collapsed near Karunallah on the Udaipur-Pangi road. Two passengers managed to survive as they jumped out of the vehicle moments before it was crushed. The vehicle was on its way from Kullu to Pangi.

Deputy Commissioner Kiran Badana told the media that 15 people, comprising the driver, were travelling in the vehicle that was heading towards Pangi Valley through the Udaipur-Killar road, which was closed for traffic for a day earlier owing to landslides. Border Roads Organisation (BRO) personnel launched the rescue operation immediately after the incident.

Bharmour legislator Janak Raj said the Deputy Commissioners of Chamba and Lahaul-Spiti had been asked to speed up rescue and relief operations.

According to the police, owing to the closure of the Udaipur-Killar road on the previous day, all the passengers were stuck in Tindi. After the road was reopened, the vehicle left for Pangi.

Pangi Resident Commissioner Amandeep Singh said rescue teams from the Lahaul and Spiti Police, along with local administration personnel, rushed to the spot. The Killar-Udaipur road, which passes through the remote Chamba region, is prone to landslides and rockfalls, especially during monsoon.

Rescue operations were challenging amid inclement weather and falling debris. The administration has appealed to the public not to believe in any kind of unverified information or rumours and to rely on information from the administration.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast heavy rain in several districts till July 26.

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Sukhu expressed grief over the death of 13 people. The Chief Minister directed the Deputy Commissioner of Lahaul-Spiti to proceed immediately to the incident site and supervise the rescue and relief operations.

He also asked the Deputy Commissioner to provide all possible assistance to the next of kin of the deceased and the best of treatment to the injured. He wished speedy recovery to the injured.