Sonam Wangchuk ends hunger strike; PM Modi announces anti-paper leak bill
UPSC / SSC current affairs note · Polity
Why in news
Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk ended his 26-day hunger strike after government assurances on student demands. Prime Minister Modi announced a new bill to combat examination paper leaks, including fast-track courts and tougher punishments. The Union Cabinet will discuss the bill on Friday before introduction in Parliament next week.
Background
Sonam Wangchuk, a climate activist from Ladakh, had been on an indefinite hunger strike since late June 2026 to press for demands related to student protests and other issues. The government's response included assurances and a new legislative measure against paper leaks.
Key facts
Sonam Wangchuk ended his 26-day hunger strike on July 24, 2026, at Medanta Hospital in Gurugram.
He broke his fast in the presence of Union Ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh.
Wangchuk cited prolonged negotiations and the need to avoid possible violence as reasons for ending the strike.
Prime Minister Modi announced a new Bill with stringent provisions against examination paper leaks.
The proposed Bill includes fast-track courts and harsher punishment for offenders.
The Union Cabinet will discuss the Bill on Friday (July 24, 2026) before it is introduced in Parliament next week.
PM Modi urged Wangchuk to follow doctors' advice and recover his health.
65 Members of Parliament from different parties had visited or signed letters urging Wangchuk to break his fast.
Prelims pointers
- Sonam Wangchuk: climate activist from Ladakh
- Medanta Hospital, Gurugram
- Union Ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh
- Fast-track courts
- Monsoon Session of Parliament
- Union Cabinet
Mains angles
- GS2: Role of civil society activism and government response to public protests
- GS2: Parliamentary procedures - introduction and passage of bills
- GS3: Issues of examination integrity and measures to prevent paper leaks
- GS2: Centre-state relations and handling of regional demands