5 min readUpdated: Jul 24, 2026 06:51 PM IST
Dear Reader,
Welcome to The Daily Catch-Up, your three-minute evening briefing from The Indian Express. After nearly a month of confrontation, the biggest protest story of the week entered a new phase today. Elsewhere, the courts, public health officials and policymakers grappled with issues that are likely to remain in focus well beyond today’s headlines.
Today’s news in 30 seconds
- Protests: Sonam Wangchuk ends his 26-day hunger strike after government assurances, but negotiations with student groups continue.
- Education: The Supreme Court weighs reforms to curb future examination paper leaks as NEET investigations continue.
- Politics: The BJP’s electoral strategy in Bihar comes under scrutiny ahead of a key contest.
- Health: Rajasthan investigates deaths linked to Chandipura virus, prompting fresh public health questions.
- Explained: A look at why the government’s engagement with protesters does not necessarily signal the end of the movement.
The Daily Catch-Up: Your evening briefing
The activist called off his fast after government assurances and the presence of Union ministers, marking a significant turning point in the protest movement.
With Wangchuk’s fast over, organisers are shifting focus to nationwide mobilisation, signalling that negotiations and demonstrations are set to continue.
Representatives meeting the Centre said their principal demand remains unchanged, underscoring that dialogue has begun but differences persist.
Our Political Pulse analysis examines the negotiations that led to the end of the fast and the political calculations now confronting both the government and the protest leadership.
Following a Cabinet meeting, the Prime Minister outlined further measures aimed at strengthening the integrity of competitive examinations.
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The CBI’s latest findings mark another milestone in the continuing investigation into the examination paper leak case.
This Political Pulse report explores why one constituency has become an important test of Bihar’s changing electoral landscape.
Following deaths under investigation in Rajasthan, this explainer answers key questions about the virus, how it spreads and what health authorities know so far.
During proceedings linked to the NEET controversy, the court discussed proposals including digital examinations and structural changes aimed at reducing paper leak risks.
Several higher education institutions have advised students about participating in demonstrations as campuses respond to recent developments.
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Authorities have initiated an inquiry into allegations surrounding the use of pellet guns during the Delhi protests.
Reporters covering the demonstrations recounted being caught in the clashes, adding another perspective to the debate over crowd-control measures.
A Mumbai student’s confrontation with a police vehicle has become one of the most striking moments from the nationwide demonstrations.
This reported guide explains the legal process facing people booked for participating in the demonstrations.
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CJP protesters at Parliament Street. (Express Photo by Gajendra Yadav)
This report examines allegations made by women in Chhattisgarh and the legal action that has followed.
An ambulance worker carrying a baby to safety during a Himachal Pradesh landslide has emerged as one of the day’s most widely shared stories.
The appointment of AI minister Kanishka Narayan has drawn attention to his roots in Bihar and his journey into British politics.
The Zimbabwe captain reflected on the pitch after the opening T20 against India, adding another talking point to the start of the series.
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Vijay’s farewell film has begun its theatrical run with a robust opening, underlining the actor’s enduring draw at the box office.
The actor and MP argues that cinema has a social influence, adding his voice to the continuing debate over creative freedom and regulation.
The Daily Catch-Up is published Monday to Friday by The Indian Express.