Several significant developments took place overnight amid the ongoing protests over the alleged NEET paper leak.Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that the Union Cabinet would discuss a proposed law providing stringent punishment for those involved in examination paper leaks, with the Bill expected to be introduced in Parliament during the Monsoon Session.According to the Prime Minister, the proposed legislation will include stricter penalties and fast-track courts to deal with such offences.

Meanwhile, the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet named IAS officer Naresh Pal Gangwar as the new Secretary of the Department of Higher Education, replacing Vineet Joshi, who has been transferred to the Department of Panchayati Raj.Activist Sonam Wangchuk ended his 26-day hunger strike after receiving written assurances from the Centre.

The government agreed to hold detailed discussions in Parliament on examination reforms and the paper leak issue, positively consider compensation for families of students who died by suicide in connection with the controversy, and refrain from taking action against peaceful protesters.

However, Opposition leaders continued to demand the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, with Rahul Gandhi criticising the Prime Minister's video message as insufficient.

In Delhi, heightened security arrangements continued around protest sites, leading to the closure of 17 Metro stations and early closure of shops in Connaught Place.

Delhi Police also carried out preventive detentions of students attempting to join demonstrations, while a social media exchange took place between Delhi Police and AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal regarding rumours of a police crackdown.

Overall, the developments reflected both administrative action by the government and continuing political disagreement over the handling of the NEET controversy.