{"text":[[{"start":8,"text":"Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has promised to establish fast-track courts to ensure “swift and stringent punishment” for those responsible for leaking exam papers, his first public intervention on a scandal that has seen anger boil over into major youth-led protests. "}],[{"start":24.6,"text":"Modi on Thursday said he had instructed officials and authorities to take a “series of steps for safeguarding the interests of students”. He added: “Those who try to harm the future of our youth will not be spared.” "}],[{"start":37.400000000000006,"text":"The premier’s comments came after days of mounting demonstrations and pressure over the leak of papers for India’s national medical entrance examination, which forced the test to be cancelled and sparked wider Gen Z discontent over the dearth of opportunity in the world’s most populous nation. "}],[{"start":53.25000000000001,"text":"However, Modi did not dismiss education minister Dharmendra Pradhan, the main demand of the tens of thousands of protesters who descended on New Delhi’s streets this week."}],[{"start":63.60000000000001,"text":"The Cockroach Janata Party, a satirical online movement that has since morphed into a galvanising force behind demonstrations, responded to Modi’s comments by reiterating its demand that “Dharmendra Pradhan Must Resign”."}],[{"start":77.7,"text":"The CJP emerged after a Supreme Court judge dismissed India’s unemployed young people as “cockroaches” and has since expanded into a broader campaign decrying corruption and unfairness in the education system."}],[{"start":90.05,"text":"Public anger over exam paper leaks had been simmering for weeks. But the protests escalated sharply after Sonam Wangchuk, a prominent activist who had begun a hunger strike in support of students, was forcibly removed by police from the main protest site and taken to hospital. Opposition parties have since thrown their support behind the movement."}],[{"start":111.4,"text":"The unrest presents an unexpected challenge for Modi, whose Bharatiya Janata Party has traditionally drawn strong support from middle-class families that place a premium on educational opportunity."}],[{"start":124,"text":"Ugly images of police firing tear gas and beating protesters with sticks have spread widely on social media. On Tuesday, opposition leaders Rahul Gandhi and his sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra were also briefly detained after staging a demonstration outside Modi’s residence in New Delhi."}],[{"start":142.55,"text":"Until Thursday, Modi had largely avoided addressing the demonstrations directly, making only an oblique reference when he spoke in parliament earlier this week: “I believe that where there are facts, there is no need for chaos. If your logic and your facts are strong, there is no need to raise your voice.”"}],[{"start":159.95000000000002,"text":"Government officials claim that authorities have responded quickly after the exam leak, making 13 arrests, tightening anti-cheating laws and successfully conducting a fresh examination."}],[{"start":171.20000000000002,"text":"Following this week’s protests, the government agreed to allow two CJP representatives to meet a minister and present their demands, including Pradhan’s resignation and compensation for the families of students who took their own lives after examinations they had prepared for were cancelled because of the leaked papers."}],[{"start":195.3,"text":""}]],"url":"https://audio.ftcn.net.cn/album/a_1784793654_6882.mp3"}