Activist Sonam Wangchuk ends 26-day hunger strike after PM Modi promises cabinet discussion on NEET paper leak bill

Source: The Hindu Bureau

PM Reaches Out to Students; Sonam Wangchuk Ends Fast

Activist Sonam Wangchuk, who had been on a hunger strike demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over NEET irregularities, ended his fast late on Thursday (July 23, 2026) night.

The development came after Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a late-night video message posted on his X and Instagram accounts, promised that the government would discuss NEET paper leaks in Friday's (July 24) Cabinet meeting and would introduce a Bill in Parliament next week. "More strict actions against paper leaks to come in tomorrow's Cabinet [meeting]," Mr. Modi said in his post.

U.S. Slaps 10% Tariffs on Goods Imported from India Over Forced Labour Issue

The United States has imposed 10% tariffs on goods purchased from India and 16 other countries over the alleged use of forced labour in production.

U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer announced the new tariffs on 60 countries under Section 301 of the Trade Act on Friday (July 24, 2026), a day before the expiration of 10% additional levies on all countries. According to the USTR statement, Mr. Greer took the final action at President Donald Trump's direction, imposing tariffs on 60 economies for their failure to impose and effectively enforce a prohibition on importing goods produced with forced labour.

Over 6.17 Lakh Waqf Properties Approved on UMEED Portal

The Ministry of Minority Affairs informed the Lok Sabha on Wednesday (July 22, 2026) that more than 6.17 lakh Waqf properties have been successfully validated and approved on the UMEED Central Portal-2025, as part of the government's ongoing initiative to digitise and streamline Waqf property records.

Responding to an unstarred question raised by All India Trinamool Congress MP Sajda Ahmed, Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju stated that 7,99,978 Waqf properties had been initiated for uploading to the UMEED portal as of July 17, 2026.

No Debate Without Pradhan's Resignation, Opposition Tells Government

Maintaining pressure on the government both inside and outside Parliament, the Opposition refused the government's offer of a debate on paper leaks, arguing that any discussion must be preceded by the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

Later in the evening, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi led INDIA bloc MPs in a symbolic march to Gandhi Smriti on Tees January Marg, where Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated, expressing solidarity with students protesting against paper leaks.

Bangladesh PM Tarique Rahman Invited to BRICS Summit in Delhi

Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has been invited to participate in the BRICS summit scheduled for September 12 and 13 in Delhi, according to Shama Obaid, Bangladeshi Minister of State for Foreign Affairs.

Mr. Rahman has received an invitation from the Indian government to be a guest at the BRICS summit, Ms. Obaid told journalists in Dhaka on Thursday (July 23, 2026).

Activist on Hunger Strike Over Ken-Betwa River Link Project Ends Fast After 18 Days

Activist Amit Bhatnagar, who had been on a hunger strike against the Ken-Betwa river linking project, ended his fast after 18 days.