Daily Current Affairs

Trump’s Tariff Mania, The Politics Behind the Economics

Why in News?

The Trump administration’s tariff policy has entered a new phase with the imposition of sweeping Section 301 tariffs on approximately 60 countries, replacing the expiring Section 122 tariffs . This “tariff relay” demonstrates the administration’s relentless commitment to using import duties as a core economic tool, regardless of legal setbacks or economic evidence to the contrary. The legal justification has changed—the Supreme Court struck down IEEPA-based tariffs in February 2026 —but the politics, sans any economic rationale, has not [citation:original]. As analysts note, every successful political narrative needs three ingredients: someone to blame, someone to protect, and a visible action that signals resolve. Tariffs provide all three [citation:original].

Introduction

Donald Trump’s tariff mania represents one of the most consequential and controversial economic policies of the 21st century. Since returning to office in January 2025, the Trump administration has pursued an aggressive tariff agenda, imposing duties on nearly all of America’s trading partners under various statutory authorities . The policy has evolved through three phases: “reciprocal tariffs” (struck down), Section 122 tariffs (expired), and now Section 301 tariffs . Each relay has been the continuation of unilateral tariff tools by other means .

Despite the legal gymnastics and political theatre, the economic evidence remains damning. As a Harvard economist noted, “A tariff war cannot reduce the trade deficit and save jobs for manufacturing” . Morgan Stanley’s analysis found that after more than a year of tariffs, the US economy’s import dependence has actually increased, and the manufacturing renaissance promised by the administration remains elusive . The fundamental question that the article by Deepanshu Mohan and Ankur Singh raises is this: If tariffs repeatedly disappoint as economic policy, why do they continue to dominate political debate?

Background

The Legal Evolution of Trump’s Tariffs

The Trump administration’s tariff policy has been shaped by legal constraints and judicial intervention. Initially, Trump invoked the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) of 1977, declaring the US trade deficit a “national emergency” to impose sweeping tariffs . On February 20, 2026, the Supreme Court struck down this approach in a 6-3 ruling, determining that the IEEPA did not authorize the president to impose tariffs, as this was a “taxing power” belonging to Congress .

Within hours, the administration pivoted to Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, imposing tariffs of 10-15% for up to 150 days . When this authority was set to expire, the administration launched Section 301 investigations into 60 countries, accusing them of failing to prohibit imports made with forced labour . The new tariffs, announced on July 24, 2026, impose 10-12.5% duties on these countries, with the lower rate applying to those that have adopted forced labour import prohibitions or have partial enforcement regimes .

The Global Response

Countries have responded with a mix of diplomacy and retaliation. Pakistan’s Finance Minister spent three days in Washington negotiating, but the tariffs could not be avoided because they apply to a broad group of countries rather than targeting Pakistan alone . The EU, Canada, Mexico, India, Turkey and others have launched counterattacks against US trade tariffs, and the world is forming an increasingly powerful force against US trade bullying .

Key Issues Raised

1. The Economic Fallacy of Tariffs

The biggest misconception surrounding tariffs is also the most persistent: they are often presented as a penalty imposed on foreign producers. In practice, they function largely as a domestic tax [citation:original]. Research shows that most tariff costs are ultimately borne by American businesses and consumers through higher prices [citation:original]. This is because more than half of global trade consists of intermediate goods used to produce other goods. Tariffs imposed on steel, electronics or machinery therefore raise costs for the manufacturers they are intended to protect, making domestic production less competitive [citation:original].

Data supports this conclusion. The Federal Reserve Bank of New York found that 94% of tariffs in the first eight months were initially paid for by the US, and only 6% by foreign exporters . Goldman Sachs reached a similar conclusion, stating that tariff costs will ultimately shift to American companies and families because Chinese exporters have not lowered their prices . The Congressional Budget Office estimated the IEEPA tariffs as a $3 trillion tax increase .

2. The Trade Deficit Myth

Despite successive rounds of tariffs, the US continues to run a record merchandise trade deficit. In May 2026, the US trade deficit rose again to $105.89 billion, annualised at $1.27 trillion—higher than in 2025 . Imports rose 21.5% year on year, much faster than export growth (16.3%) . Tariffs can redirect trade from one country to another, but they cannot change the deeper forces shaping trade balances—national savings, investment, and consumption [citation:original].

3. The Manufacturing Myth

The administration’s claim that tariffs would bring manufacturing back to America has also been disproven. Morgan Stanley’s analysis found that US manufacturing production increased only 1.4% over the past year and remains below 2017 levels . The aerospace sector, which accounts for much of the industrial growth, primarily reflects Boeing’s recovery from capacity constraints, not new investment . Foreign direct investment in US manufacturing remains far below 2015 peaks .

4. The Inflation Consequence

The tariffs have also reignited inflation. The Consumer Price Index rose 4.2% year on year in May, only retreating to 3.5% in June due to falling oil prices, not tariffs . The June CPI data remained well above the Fed’s rate-cut threshold of 2% . New tariffs averaging 20% could raise the CPI by nearly 2 percentage points, escalating inflation to above 4% .

Timeline of Events

Constitutional and Governance Dimensions

Separation of Powers

The Supreme Court’s ruling on IEEPA tariffs was a significant check on executive overreach. Chief Justice John Roberts wrote that based on “two words separated by 16 others in Section 1702(a)(1)(B) of IEEPA—’regulate’ and ‘importation’—the President asserts the independent power to impose tariffs on imports from any country, of any product, at any rate, for any amount of time. Those words cannot bear such weight” . The ruling reaffirmed Congress’s constitutional authority over taxation .

The Political Appeal of Tariffs

The article by Mohan and Singh argues that tariffs have evolved from an economic instrument into a political language. Every successful political narrative needs three ingredients: someone to blame, someone to protect, and a visible action that signals resolve. Tariffs provide all three. Foreign producers become the villain, domestic workers the beneficiaries, and governments appear decisive. Structural reforms demand patience, political consensus, and years before their benefits become visible. Tariffs create headlines overnight [citation:original].

Social and Political Significance

The 2026 Midterm Elections

The tariff policy has become a central issue in the 2026 midterm elections. A Washington Post-ABC News-Ipsos poll found Trump underwater with the public, with 39% approving and 60% disapproving of his job performance . On tariffs, 64% disapproved versus 34% who approved . The poll also found that 48% believed the economy has gotten worse since January 2025, while only 29% said it has improved .

Global Realignment

The US’s unilateralism and global tariffs are actually leading to the opposite of what Washington has anticipated. The global multilateral trading system is, by and large, still working. Canada aims to double its exports to non-US markets in 10 years and is in close talks with the EU for a free trade arrangement. The EU is intensifying its efforts for trade agreements with over 70 trading partners. China elevated its FTA with ASEAN to version 3.0, with bilateral trade increasing by 22.9% year on year during H1 2026 . The US is increasingly sidelined in the world trade landscape .

Challenges

1. Legal Uncertainty

The Supreme Court’s ruling created uncertainty over refunds for the $130-175 billion collected under IEEPA tariffs . More than 1,000 lawsuits have been filed by US importers seeking refunds. Trump acknowledged, “We’ll end up being in court for the next five years” .

2. Supply Chain Disruption

Businesses have adapted to tariffs by reorganising sourcing and rerouting shipments, but this creates costs and uncertainty [citation:original]. As Harvard economist Richard Cooper noted, the tariff war has created “an unpleasant uncertainty which made the businessmen more cautious about where they invest” .

3. International Retaliation

The EU, Canada, Mexico, India, Turkey and other countries have launched counterattacks against US trade tariffs, and the world is forming an increasingly powerful force against US trade bullying .

Way Forward

Economic Rationality

As Emily J. Blanchard of Dartmouth’s Tuck School of Business suggested, the US should shift “from distortionary tariffs to transparent, targeted industrial policies that better support domestic goals without imposing broad costs on consumers and global supply chains” .

International Cooperation

Rather than unilateral tariffs, the US could engage in WTO reform and multilateral negotiations. The global multilateral trading system is still functioning, with 73% of international trade flows still following WTO rules .

Domestic Investment

Instead of tariffs that raise costs for manufacturers, the US could invest in infrastructure, education, and research to enhance competitiveness.

Conclusion

Trump’s tariff mania demonstrates the enduring political appeal of simple narratives over complex economic realities. Tariffs provide a convenient villain (foreign producers), a clear beneficiary (domestic workers), and a visible action (imposing duties). But as the evidence shows, tariffs are largely a domestic tax that raises costs for American businesses and consumers, does not reduce the trade deficit, and does not bring manufacturing back home.

The article by Mohan and Singh concludes with a powerful observation: “If tariffs repeatedly disappoint as economic policy, why do they continue to dominate political debate? The answer lies beyond economics. Tariffs have evolved from an economic instrument into a political language” [citation:original]. The canary is singing, and it would be wise to listen.

5 UPSC-Style Questions & Answers

Q1: What are the three phases of the Trump administration’s tariff policy, and how have they evolved legally?

The tariff policy has evolved through three phases. Phase one: “reciprocal tariffs” imposed under IEEPA, which were struck down by the Supreme Court on February 20, 2026. Phase two: Section 122 tariffs of 10-15% for up to 150 days. Phase three: Section 301 tariffs of 10-12.5% on 60 countries, which took effect on July 24, 2026. Each relay is a continuation of unilateral tariff tools by other means .

Q2: Why are tariffs considered more of a “domestic tax” than a penalty on foreign producers?

Tariffs are paid by US importers at the border, and research shows that most tariff costs are ultimately borne by American businesses and consumers through higher prices. The Federal Reserve Bank of New York found that 94% of tariffs in the first eight months were paid for by the US, and only 6% by foreign exporters .

Q3: What did the US Supreme Court rule regarding IEEPA tariffs, and what was its rationale?

On February 20, 2026, the Supreme Court ruled 6-3 that the IEEPA does not authorize the president to impose sweeping tariffs. Chief Justice Roberts wrote that the power to impose tariffs is a “taxing power” that belongs to Congress, not the Executive Branch. The ruling reaffirmed constitutional separation of powers .

Q4: According to the article, why do tariffs continue to dominate political debate despite their economic failures?

The article argues that tariffs have evolved from an economic instrument into a political language. Every successful political narrative needs three ingredients: someone to blame, someone to protect, and a visible action that signals resolve. Tariffs provide all three. Foreign producers become the villain, domestic workers the beneficiaries, and governments appear decisive .

Q5: How has the global trading system responded to US tariffs?

The US is increasingly sidelined in the world trade landscape. Canada aims to double exports to non-US markets and is in talks with the EU. The EU is intensifying efforts for trade agreements with over 70 partners. China elevated its FTA with ASEAN to version 3.0, with trade up 22.9% year on year. The intra-RCEP trade exceeded $6 trillion in 2025, larger than intra-EU trade and nearly twice as large as US global imports .

The Amplification of Citizen Voice, When Opposition Strengthens Democracy

Why in News?

In July 2026, the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protests against the NEET paper leak and police brutality became a defining moment in India’s democratic journey. The movement, led by young students and aspirants, was amplified—not captured—by opposition parties. As Rajya Sabha MP Manoj Kumar Jha argues, “Opposition involvement need not be understood as the capture of a citizens’ movement but as a mechanism through which democratic institutions become responsive to popular demands.” The events of July 2026 tested the resilience of India’s democratic institutions, the limits of executive power, and the role of opposition in a functioning democracy.

Introduction

On July 20, 2026, tens of thousands of young people gathered at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, demanding accountability for the NEET-UG paper leak and the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The protests, led by the self-styled “Cockroach Janta Party” (CJP), marked a significant moment in India’s democratic journey. However, beyond the immediate political crisis, the episode raised fundamental questions about the nature of democratic representation, the role of opposition parties, and the relationship between citizens and the state.

The intervention of opposition parties—including Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Mallikarjun Kharge, and Akhilesh Yadav—was met with accusations of “exploiting” students. But as Manoj Kumar Jha argues, opposition parties are expected to politicise failures of government and demand accountability. By attacking the legitimacy of opposition involvement, the ruling party seeks to leave citizens facing the state as isolated individuals.

Background

The NEET Examination and Youth Aspirations

The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) is the sole gateway for admission to undergraduate medical courses in India. Every year, millions of students appear for this high-stakes examination, competing for fewer than 1.5 lakh seats. The exam’s extreme competitiveness means that any irregularity—such as a paper leak—can shatter the dreams of countless aspirants and their families, who often invest years of preparation and substantial financial resources in coaching.

The NEET-UG 2026 Paper Leak

In May 2026, the NEET-UG examination paper was leaked, forcing the cancellation of the test and a re-examination in June. The leak was linked to at least 22 student suicides, as distraught young people felt their future prospects had been compromised. This was not an isolated incident; examination paper leaks have been a recurring problem in India, affecting recruitment tests for police, teachers, and other government positions.

The Birth of the “Cockroach” Movement

The CJP movement emerged in mid-May 2026, shortly after the NEET leak was revealed. The name was inspired by a remark made by Supreme Court Chief Justice Surya Kant, who had compared unemployed young people to “cockroaches” during an unrelated hearing. Rather than being offended, the youth embraced the label, turning it into a symbol of defiance and resilience.

Key Issues Raised

1. The Role of Opposition in Democratic Representation

Jha argues that opposition parties are an integral part of the democratic process. When the state restricts protest or raises the costs of dissent, opposition parties can play an important role in expanding the space available to a movement. The physical presence of recognised political leaders makes violence more visible, gives detained participants access to institutional assistance, and ensures that demands enter legislative debate.

2. The Fear of Co-optation

The ruling party sought to portray the opposition’s involvement as “exploitation” of students. This reveals a deeper anxiety about the relationship between citizens’ movements and political parties. Jha argues that such attacks on opposition legitimacy seek to leave citizens facing the state as isolated individuals, undermining the collective power of democratic mobilisation.

3. The Problem of Police Brutality

The government’s use of force against peaceful protesters—including barricades, prohibitory orders, detention, tear gas, pellet guns, and baton charges—treated a crisis of public confidence as a problem of crowd control. The violence against protesters, which left 60 civilians and 118 police personnel injured, was widely condemned.

4. The Systemic Failure Behind the Protest

The protests were not just about a leaked examination paper. They expressed a sense of betrayal among students, aspirants, and parents about institutional decay, arbitrariness, unemployment, and the shrinking space for democratic dissent.

Timeline of Events

Role of Students’ Movements and Opposition Parties

The Students’ Movement

The CJP movement was unique in its digital-native character. Unlike traditional student movements, it was organised through social media, memes, and viral videos. The movement’s founder, Abhijeet Dipke, a Boston University graduate and former political strategist, returned to India to lead the protests.

The Opposition’s Amplification

Jha identifies several ways in which opposition parties amplified the movement:

1. Expanding Political Space: By pressing for parliamentary debate and ministerial accountability, opposition MPs carried the students’ demands from Jantar Mantar to the legislative arena.

2. Providing Practical Support: Opposition representatives provided food and other practical support, and offered legal assistance to protesters.

3. Condemning Police Action: Opposition MPs, CMs, and ex-CMs met with protesters and condemned the police action.

4. Visibility and Violence: The physical presence of recognised political leaders made violence more visible and gave detained participants access to institutional assistance.

5. Enlarging the Movement’s Meaning: The intervention of opposition CMs and regional leaders enlarged the meaning of the mobilisation.

The BJP’s Response

Against this, the BJP’s response combined coercion with politically hollow and morally reprehensible rhetoric. Dharmendra Pradhan accused Rahul Gandhi of “exploiting” students, evading the elementary democratic point that opposition parties are expected to politicise failures of government and demand accountability.

The NEET Examination Controversy

The NEET-UG 2026 paper leak was the immediate trigger for the protests. However, the issue was not just about one leak—it was about a pattern of systemic failure. Over 152 paper leaks had occurred across India in the past 12 years, with the National Testing Agency (NTA) responsible for nine since its formation in 2017.

The cancellation of the exam and its re-conduct in June caused immense stress to students. At least 22 students died by suicide, their dreams shattered by a system that had failed them. Families like that of Sheikh Sana, a 19-year-old who took her own life the day before the re-exam, attributed the deaths to the “fear of re-NEET.”

Government Response

Initial Denial and Suppression

The government’s initial response was characterised by denial and suppression. Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan accused the protesters of being “anti-national” and acting at the behest of foreign forces. The government blocked the CJP’s X (formerly Twitter) account, though the party successfully challenged this in court.

The Use of Force

The government’s decision to use force against peaceful protesters at Jantar Mantar was widely criticised. Videos of police personnel using batons, tear gas, and pellet guns against students—including teenage girls—went viral, leading to public outrage.

The Shift to Engagement

As the protests continued to grow, the government began to shift its stance. On July 20, Health Minister J.P. Nadda met CJP leaders for the first time. On July 23, Prime Minister Modi announced the establishment of fast-track courts to prosecute those behind paper leaks. On July 25, Pradhan resigned. The government also agreed to consider compensation for families of students who died by suicide and not to press charges against peaceful protesters.

Judicial Developments

The Supreme Court’s Initial Reluctance

The Supreme Court initially declined an urgent hearing on police brutality against protesters, with Chief Justice Surya Kant stating that the bench was not inclined to examine video footage. This was criticised by activists and lawyers who argued that the judiciary had a duty to protect citizens from state excesses.

The Delhi High Court’s Stand

The Delhi High Court also refused to entertain a PIL seeking action against CJP protesters for violence. However, the court expressed concern about the nature of the protests and suggested that the government hold talks with the protesters.

The Supreme Court’s Intervention

The Supreme Court later agreed to monitor the government’s anti-paper leak measures and hear petitions seeking reforms to the NTA. The court’s intervention, though belated, was a recognition of the importance of the issues raised by the protesters.

Constitutional and Governance Dimensions

The Right to Peaceful Protest

The Jantar Mantar protests raised important questions about the right to peaceful assembly under Article 19(1)(b) of the Constitution. The government’s use of force against peaceful protesters was criticised as a violation of this fundamental right.

The Principle of Democratic Representation

Jha argues that the physical presence of recognised political leaders makes violence more visible, gives detained participants access to institutional assistance, and ensures that demands enter legislative debate. By attacking the legitimacy of opposition involvement, the ruling party seeks to leave citizens facing the state as isolated individuals.

The Federal Dimension

The intervention of opposition CMs and regional leaders enlarged the meaning of the mobilisation, connecting the students’ demands to broader issues of governance and accountability across states.

Social and Political Significance

The Rise of Youth Political Consciousness

The CJP movement represents a new form of youth activism that is digital-native, decentralised, and non-ideological. It is driven by issues of governance, accountability, and opportunity rather than traditional caste or communal identities.

The BJP’s Core Support Base

Significantly, the protests emerged from the BJP’s own core support base—urban, aspirational, middle-class youth. The movement’s success in forcing a minister’s resignation suggests that the BJP’s traditional strategy of co-opting young voters through development promises may be losing its effectiveness.

The Opposition’s Opportunity

The protests gave opposition parties, particularly the Congress, a rare opportunity to challenge the Modi government on an issue that resonates with the youth. Rahul Gandhi’s participation in the protests, and his subsequent detention, helped the Congress regain some visibility.

Challenges

1. Distinguishing Amplification from Capture

The ruling party’s accusation of “exploitation” reflects a legitimate concern about the relationship between citizens’ movements and political parties. Jha argues that opposition involvement need not be understood as the capture of a citizens’ movement but as a mechanism through which democratic institutions become responsive to popular demands.

2. The Threat of Repression

The government’s use of force against peaceful protesters underscores the threat of repression in a democracy. When the state treats dissent as a law-and-order problem rather than a crisis of public confidence, it undermines democratic legitimacy.

3. The Erosion of Dialogue

The police violence at Jantar Mantar and the government’s initial refusal to engage with protesters reflect a deeper erosion of dialogue in Indian politics. As the writer of a related article observed, “The problem is the dwindling space for dialogue, where different perspectives can be heard and debated.”

Way Forward

Immediate Measures

• Implement the Nilekani task force’s recommendations for technology-driven examination reforms.

• Ensure accountability for police excesses during the Jantar Mantar protests.

• Provide compensation and support to families of students who died by suicide.

Long-term Reforms

• Restore spaces for dialogue between citizens and the state.

• Strengthen the role of opposition parties in holding the government accountable.

• Address youth unemployment through skill development and job creation.

• Reform the examination system to ensure transparency and fairness.

Strengthening Democratic Institutions

• Recognise that opposition involvement in citizens’ movements is a sign of democratic health, not a threat to it.

• Protect the right to peaceful protest and ensure proportionate police conduct.

• Encourage parliamentary debate and legislative scrutiny of government failures.

Conclusion

The Jantar Mantar protests and the NEET paper leak crisis have exposed the fault lines in India’s democratic institutions. The movement, led by young students and aspirants, was amplified—not captured—by opposition parties. As Manoj Kumar Jha argues, “Opposition involvement need not be understood as the capture of a citizens’ movement but as a mechanism through which democratic institutions become responsive to popular demands.”

The government’s response—combining coercion with hollow rhetoric—treated a crisis of public confidence as a problem of crowd control. But the students’ demands, and the opposition’s amplification of those demands, ensured that the issue entered legislative debate and forced a ministerial resignation.

A march towards the PM’s residence expresses the shared conviction that responsibility for institutional breakdown ultimately resides with the highest executive office. Whether the state chooses to hear these voices or merely police them will determine not only the future of this agitation but also the health of India’s democratic imagination itself.

5 UPSC-Style Questions & Answers

Q1: What role did opposition parties play in the CJP protests?

Opposition parties amplified the movement by pressing for parliamentary debate and ministerial accountability, carrying the students’ demands to the legislative arena. They provided practical support, condemned police action, and made violence more visible. By involving opposition CMs and regional leaders, they enlarged the meaning of the mobilisation. Their intervention ensured that demands entered legislative debate and forced a ministerial resignation.

Q2: Why does Manoj Kumar Jha argue that opposition involvement is not “capture” of a citizens’ movement?

Jha argues that opposition involvement is a mechanism through which democratic institutions become responsive to popular demands. When the state restricts protest or raises the costs of dissent, opposition parties can play an important role in expanding the space available to a movement. The physical presence of recognised political leaders makes violence more visible, gives detained participants access to institutional assistance, and ensures that demands enter legislative debate.

Q3: How did the government respond to the CJP protests, and what were the criticisms?

The government’s response combined coercion with hollow rhetoric. It used barricades, prohibitory orders, detention, tear gas, pellet guns, and baton charges, treating a crisis of public confidence as a problem of crowd control. Education Minister Pradhan accused Rahul Gandhi of “exploiting” students, evading the point that opposition parties are expected to politicise failures of government and demand accountability.

Q4: What broader grievances did the CJP protests connect to?

What began as a campaign around a specific policy failure underwent frame extension. The movement successfully connected examination irregularities with wider anxieties about unemployment, institutional decay, arbitrariness, and the shrinking space for democratic dissent. This capacity to broaden its moral appeal explains why students, parents, teachers, workers, and citizens with no direct stake in competitive examinations increasingly recognise themselves in the movement.

Q5: What does the writer identify as the key challenge facing India’s democracy?

The writer argues that by attacking the legitimacy of opposition involvement, the ruling party seeks to leave citizens facing the state as isolated individuals. The key challenge is whether the state chooses to hear these voices or merely police them. A march towards the PM’s residence expresses the shared conviction that responsibility for institutional breakdown ultimately resides with the highest executive office. How the state responds will determine not only the future of this agitation but also the health of India’s democratic imagination.

The Pellet Gun Controversy, When Crowd Control Crosses the Line

Why in News?

The July 20, 2026 ‘Sansad Chalo’ march by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) against the NEET paper leak took a violent turn when security forces, including the Rapid Action Force (RAF), used pellet guns against peaceful protesters. An internal CRPF review revealed that a RAF personnel fired seven rounds, with five striking protesters . The incident sparked nationwide outrage, with the Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi demanding accountability from the Home Minister . RAF Inspector General Seema Dhundhia admitted that the “force gradient” used was not in accordance with prescribed standards .

Introduction

On July 20, 2026, thousands of young protesters, primarily students and aspirants, gathered at Jantar Mantar for a ‘Sansad Chalo’ march. Their demand was clear: accountability for the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak and the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. However, what unfolded that day became a flashpoint in India’s democratic discourse.

Videos and reports emerged showing security personnel using pellet guns, batons, and tear gas against the crowd. The most shocking revelation came from an internal CRPF review: a Rapid Action Force (RAF) personnel had fired seven rounds from a pellet gun in Connaught Place, with five rounds hitting protesters . Three individuals—Irshad Sheikh, Sahil Lochab (a 19-year-old Delhi University student), and a journalist—sustained pellet injuries . The incident triggered a political storm, with Opposition leaders accusing the government of using “lethal force” against peaceful citizens .

Background

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) Movement

The CJP was launched in May 2026 as a satirical social media campaign in response to the NEET-UG paper leak. The name was a defiant reclamation of a remark by Chief Justice Surya Kant, who had compared unemployed youth to “cockroaches.” The movement, spearheaded by former AAP functionary Abhijeet Dipke, quickly evolved into a nationwide youth platform demanding a fair and accountable education system .

The NEET-UG 2026 Paper Leak

In May 2026, the NEET-UG examination paper was leaked, forcing the cancellation of the test and a re-examination in June. The leak was linked to multiple student suicides and widespread outrage, as millions of aspirants saw their futures compromised. Protests began at Jantar Mantar on June 20, gaining national momentum when activist Sonam Wangchuk joined an indefinite fast on June 28 .

The ‘Sansad Chalo’ March

On July 20, the first day of the Monsoon Session of Parliament, the CJP organized a march to Parliament to press its demands. This became the government’s first formal engagement with the movement—even as police cracked down, an action that turned the agitation into a nationwide cause .

The Pellet Gun Controversy

What are Pellet Guns?

Pellet guns are pump-action shotguns that fire cartridges containing hundreds of tiny metal or rubber pellets. Designed as a “non- or less-lethal” alternative, they were first used by the CRPF during stone-pelting incidents in Jammu and Kashmir in 2009-10. Their use expanded significantly after the 2016 unrest in the Valley, leading to widespread criticism from human rights groups over serious eye and facial injuries .

The July 20 Incident

During the CJP’s march, allegations emerged that security forces had used pellet guns against protesters. Delhi Police denied using them, stating they “neither possess pellet guns nor do they use them” . However, an internal CRPF review found that a RAF personnel had fired seven rounds in Connaught Place, five of which struck protesters .

The Victims

Three individuals were treated for pellet injuries:

• Irshad Sheikh, 25, a Gurgaon-based worker

• Sahil Lochab, 19, a Delhi University student, who is likely to lose an eye 

• A 28-year-old journalist with Outlook magazine, who sustained 30 pellet injuries 

Medicals reports confirmed the injuries . A victim told NDTV that he saw a policeman pointing a pellet gun at him; the pellets struck his elbow and back .

The Internal Review

RAF Inspector General Seema Dhundhia convened a virtual meeting on July 22 with company commanders and commandants. The review flagged “serious shortcomings” in the deployment, including:

• Improper Force Gradient: The level of force used did not align with prescribed standards or RAF training protocols .

• Briefing Lapses: Personnel were not properly briefed before deployment .

• Safety Gear Lapses: Some personnel were deployed without helmets and body protectors .

• Operational Communication Failure: Sector headquarters did not receive timely information on company deployments .

The Corrective Measures

Dhundhia directed the following:

• Force must be used only to the “extent necessary, in a judicious, fair, balanced and sensitive manner” .

• Personnel must issue warnings and use graded crowd-control measures (lathicharge, tear smoke) before escalating .

• Personnel recently transferred from conflict zones like J&K shall not be deployed in crowd control without adequate training .

• Until further orders, PAG (pellet guns), anti-riot guns, electric shock weapons, and electric shields will not be issued in Delhi .

• All personnel must be fully equipped with prescribed safety gear .

Dhundhia also expressed “serious dissatisfaction” and instructed officers to refrain from media statements .

Political and Judicial Developments

Rahul Gandhi’s Letter to Amit Shah

On July 25, Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi wrote to Home Minister Amit Shah, demanding accountability for what he termed a “barbaric assault” . He questioned:

1. Who authorized the use of pellet guns? “As Home Minister, did you approve the use of lethal force, including pellet guns against students? If not, who did?” 

2. Who were the plainclothes men? “Are the people in plain clothes seen beating students with lathis police personnel or volunteers? Who authorised their deployment?” 

Gandhi also highlighted that women students were assaulted, including by “deliberately targeting their private parts” . He noted that peaceful protest is a fundamental democratic right, and that the government’s responsibility is to protect and engage, not brutalize .

The Government’s Response

Delhi Police denied using pellet guns. CRPF DG Gyanendra Pratap Singh stated that a “professional post-event assessment” would be made after the agitation ended . Meanwhile, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned on July 25, and the government introduced the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, to strengthen the legal framework against paper leaks .

Constitutional and Governance Dimensions

Right to Peaceful Protest

The Jantar Mantar incident raised fundamental questions about the right to peaceful assembly under Article 19(1)(b). The use of lethal weapons against peaceful demonstrators—especially students, journalists, and bystanders—was widely condemned as disproportionate and unconstitutional.

Use of Force Protocols

The “force gradient” concept, central to policing, mandates that force be used in a graded, proportionate manner—from warnings to lathicharge to tear gas, with lethal force only as a last resort. The RAF’s internal review acknowledged that this protocol was violated .

Accountability and Transparency

The incident underscored the need for clear accountability mechanisms. The identification of the RAF personnel who fired pellet guns  was a positive step, but questions remain about who authorized the use of such weapons against a student protest.

Social and Political Significance

The Youth as Catalyst

The CJP protests represented a new wave of youth activism—digital-native, decentralized, and issue-driven. The movement’s ability to mobilize lakhs and force a minister’s resignation demonstrated the political power of India’s young population.

The Opposition’s Role

Rahul Gandhi’s intervention amplified the protest’s visibility and brought it into the parliamentary arena . However, it also invited criticism from the ruling party, which accused him of “exploiting” students for political gain.

The Trust Deficit

The incident deepened the trust deficit between citizens and the state. The use of pellet guns—originally developed for J&K’s violent conflict zones—against students in Delhi was seen as a troubling escalation .

Challenges

1. Accountability

Who authorized the use of pellet guns? Who is responsible for the “serious shortcomings” flagged in the internal review? These questions remain unanswered.

2. Police Reforms

The incident highlighted the urgent need for crowd-control training, especially for personnel transferred from conflict zones to metropolitan areas .

3. Transparency

Delhi Police’s denial of using pellet guns, contradicted by the CRPF review and medical evidence, eroded public trust .

4. Balancing Security and Rights

How can the state ensure law and order without violating fundamental rights? The answer lies in transparent protocols, independent oversight, and accountability.

Way Forward

Immediate Measures

• Complete Inquiry: Publish the full findings of the CRPF review and ensure accountability for those responsible.

• Compensation: Provide adequate compensation to the injured and their families.

• Police Training: Mandate rigorous crowd-control training for all personnel, especially those from conflict zones.

Long-term Reforms

• Revisit Use-of-Force Protocols: Standardize and strengthen the force gradient, ensuring lethal weapons are never used against peaceful protests.

• Independent Oversight: Establish a civilian oversight body for police conduct during protests.

• Legal Framework: Strengthen the right to peaceful protest and ensure police accountability through legislative reform.

Conclusion

The July 20 pellet gun incident was a stark reminder of the fragile line between maintaining order and suppressing dissent. The internal review’s admission of “serious shortcomings” and the identification of the RAF personnel who fired the shots are important, but they are not enough.

As Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi wrote, “Peaceful protest is the foundation of any democracy. It is the government’s responsibility to protect protesters and resolve their grievances through dialogue” . The question is whether the government will learn from this episode and ensure that such violence never recurs.

The canary is singing. It would be wise to listen.

5 UPSC-Style Questions & Answers

Q1: What were the findings of the internal CRPF review regarding the July 20 protests?

The review, chaired by RAF IG Seema Dhundhia, found that a RAF personnel fired seven rounds from a pellet gun in Connaught Place, five of which struck protesters. It also flagged “serious shortcomings,” including improper use of force gradient, briefing lapses, lack of safety gear, and communication failure. Dhundhia admitted that the level of force did not align with prescribed standards .

Q2: What is a “force gradient,” and how was it violated during the protests?

A “force gradient” refers to the different levels of force police may use depending on the threat or resistance faced—from warnings to lathicharge to tear gas, with lethal force only as a last resort. The RAF’s internal review found that the force used during the July 20 march was disproportionate and did not follow the graded approach .

Q3: What were Rahul Gandhi’s key questions to Home Minister Amit Shah?

In his July 25 letter, Gandhi asked: (1) “As Home Minister, did you approve the use of lethal force, including pellet guns against students? If not, who did?” (2) “Are the people in plain clothes seen beating students with lathis police personnel or volunteers? Who authorised their deployment?” He also demanded accountability for the “barbaric assault” and highlighted assaults on women students .

Q4: Why are pellet guns considered controversial, and where were they first used?

Pellet guns are pump-action shotguns that fire hundreds of small metal or rubber pellets. They were developed by the DRDO and first used by the CRPF during stone-pelting incidents in J&K in 2009-10. Their use expanded significantly after the 2016 unrest, causing serious eye and facial injuries, leading to widespread criticism from human rights groups .

Q5: What corrective measures did the RAF chief direct following the review?

RAF IG Seema Dhundhia directed that force must be used only to the “extent necessary, in a judicious, fair, balanced and sensitive manner.” Personnel must issue warnings and use graded measures before escalating. Until further orders, pellet guns, anti-riot guns, electric shock weapons, and electric shields will not be issued in Delhi. Personnel from conflict zones shall not be deployed without adequate training, and all personnel must be fully equipped with prescribed safety gear .

The Cockroach Janta Party Movement, A New Dawn for India’s Youth

Why in News?

The Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), which led a 37-day-long protest at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar over the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak, successfully secured the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Following this victory, the movement’s spokespersons, Ashutosh Ranka and Saurav Das, gave an exclusive interview to News Pinch, reflecting on their journey and outlining their future plans . They declared that the movement has empowered the nation’s youth and helped overcome a “culture of fear” that had persisted for 12 years .

Introduction

In a historic turn of events, a youth-led protest movement that began as a satirical social media campaign successfully forced a Union minister’s resignation—a rare feat in India’s political history. The Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), a name born out of defiance against a Supreme Court judge’s controversial remark, mobilized thousands of young Indians to demand accountability for the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak .

The movement’s success represents a watershed moment in India’s democratic journey. It demonstrated the power of collective action by young people and exposed the vulnerabilities of a system that had long ignored youth grievances. As CJP spokesperson Saurav Das declared, “This is just a trailer. The picture is still to come. The youth of the country have awakened” .

Background

The NEET-UG 2026 Paper Leak and Student Suicides

In May 2026, the NEET-UG examination paper was leaked, forcing the cancellation of the test and a re-examination in June. The leak was linked to multiple student suicides, as distraught young people felt their future prospects had been compromised . This was not an isolated incident; examination paper leaks have been a recurring problem in India, affecting recruitment tests for police, teachers, and other government positions.

The Birth of the “Cockroach” Movement

The CJP emerged in mid-May 2026 as a satirical online campaign. The name was inspired by a remark made by Supreme Court Chief Justice Surya Kant, who had compared unemployed young people to “cockroaches” during an unrelated hearing. Rather than being offended, the youth embraced the label, turning it into a symbol of defiance and resilience .

CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke, a Boston University graduate and former political strategist, returned to India in June to lead the protests. The movement quickly evolved from a social media phenomenon to a nationwide, youth-led platform demanding a fair and accountable education system .

The Movement’s Key Demands and Achievements

Core Demands

The CJP placed four key demands before the government :

1. Resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan: The movement considered this the “non-negotiable” demand .

2. Compensation: The CJP demanded ₹1 crore for each family whose child died by suicide due to the “broken and corrupt NEET education system” .

3. Withdrawal of FIRs: All FIRs against peaceful protesters were to be withdrawn, with a sovereign guarantee against future legal action .

4. Education Reforms: A five-point charter proposing broader reforms to India’s education and examination system .

The Victory

On July 25, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned, marking only the second time in Modi’s tenure that a Union minister resigned due to public pressure . The government also accepted the remaining demands in principle: compensation would be considered under applicable rules, FIRs against protesters would be withdrawn, and the five-point reform charter would be discussed in a future meeting .

The Interview: Key Takeaways

In their exclusive interview with News Pinch, CJP spokespersons Ashutosh Ranka and Saurav Das reflected on the movement’s success and outlined their future plans .

Movement Success and Impact on Youth

The spokespersons emphasized that the movement has empowered the nation’s youth, helping them overcome a pervasive “culture of fear” that had existed for 12 years . They believe the youth have learned the importance of questioning power and holding authorities accountable.

Criticism of Mainstream Media

A significant portion of the interview focused on the mainstream media’s role. The CJP leaders criticized media channels for allegedly “blacking out” the protest for 25 out of 37 days . They issued a warning to anchors and media owners, asserting that the youth have awakened and will hold them accountable in the future.

This criticism reflected a broader sentiment at the protest site, where protesters frequently raised slogans against “Godi Media” (lapdog media) . The distrust of mainstream media was a recurring theme among the youth, who accused journalists of ignoring their grievances and portraying them as “anti-national” .

Future Strategy

While the Jantar Mantar protest has been called off, the movement is far from over . The CJP plans to rest, regroup, and take their campaign to the grassroots level across the country. Their immediate focus is to support local issues like paper leaks and recruitment delays, rather than entering electoral politics .

Independent Media’s Role

The CJP leaders credited independent journalists and content creators (including News Pinch) for being the “backbone” of their movement . They suggested a fundamental shift in how people consume news, with traditional media losing trust and independent platforms gaining prominence.

Timeline of Events

Role of Students’ Movements

A Digital-Native Movement

The CJP movement was unique in its digital-native character. Unlike traditional student movements, it was organised through social media, memes, and viral videos . The movement’s ability to mobilise through Instagram, X, and YouTube—while mainstream media largely ignored it—demonstrated a fundamental shift in how youth organise and communicate .

The “Cockroach” Identity

The name “Cockroach Janta Party” was a defiant reclamation of a derogatory term. By embracing the label, the youth turned an insult into a symbol of resilience and resistance. This act of reclaiming marginalised identity reflects a broader trend where youth use humour and satire to challenge authority .

From Satire to Movement

What began as a satirical online campaign quickly evolved into one of the largest youth-led protests in recent years. The movement’s ability to sustain momentum for 37 days and force a minister’s resignation was unprecedented. As CJP spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka noted, “We are all educated people. We are not seasoned protesters. All of us have been working professionally. We had nothing to do with politics” .

Government Response

Initial Denial and Suppression

The government’s initial response was characterised by denial and suppression. Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan accused the protesters of being “anti-national” and acting at the behest of foreign forces. The government blocked the CJP’s X account, though the party successfully challenged this in court .

The Use of Force

The government’s decision to use force against peaceful protesters at Jantar Mantar on July 20 was widely criticised. Videos of police personnel using batons, tear gas, and pellet guns against students went viral, leading to public outrage. Over 118 police personnel and 60 protesters were injured during the clashes .

The Shift to Engagement

As the protests continued to grow, the government began to shift its stance. On July 20, Health Minister J.P. Nadda met CJP leaders for the first time. On July 23, Prime Minister Modi announced fast-track courts for paper leak cases. The government also agreed to the CJP’s demand that negotiations be shifted to the Constitution Club, a neutral venue .

On July 25, Pradhan submitted his resignation. The government also agreed to withdraw FIRs against protesters and provide compensation to affected families .

The Role of Independent Media

The CJP spokespersons explicitly credited independent journalists and content creators for being the “backbone” of their movement . This reflected a broader shift in how people consume news, with traditional media losing trust and independent platforms gaining prominence.

During the 37-day protest, while mainstream television channels largely ignored the agitation, independent media platforms provided extensive coverage. This contrast was not lost on the protesters, who frequently expressed their anger at the mainstream media’s coverage .

Constitutional and Governance Dimensions

Right to Peaceful Protest

The Jantar Mantar protests raised important questions about the right to peaceful assembly under Article 19(1)(b) of the Constitution. The government’s use of force against peaceful protesters was criticised as a violation of this fundamental right.

The Principle of Democratic Representation

The movement’s success demonstrated the power of collective action in a democracy. The CJP’s ability to force a minister’s resignation—a rare feat in Indian politics—reaffirmed the principle that governments are accountable to the people.

The State’s Response to Dissent

The government’s initial refusal to engage with protesters, its use of force, and its dismissal of protesters as “anti-national” raised troubling questions about the state’s commitment to democratic values. The eventual shift to dialogue, however, suggested that the government ultimately recognised the legitimacy of the protesters’ grievances .

Social and Political Significance

The Rise of Youth Political Consciousness

The CJP movement represents a new form of youth activism that is digital-native, decentralised, and non-ideological. It is driven by issues of governance, accountability, and opportunity rather than traditional caste or communal identities.

The BJP’s Core Support Base

Significantly, the protests emerged from the BJP’s own core support base—urban, aspirational, middle-class youth. The movement’s success in forcing a minister’s resignation suggests that the BJP’s traditional strategy of co-opting young voters through development promises may be losing its effectiveness.

The Opposition’s Opportunity

The protests gave opposition parties a rare opportunity to challenge the Modi government on an issue that resonates with the youth. Rahul Gandhi’s participation in the protests, and his subsequent detention, helped the Congress regain some visibility.

Challenges

1. Sustaining Momentum

The movement’s immediate challenge is to sustain momentum after the protest’s conclusion. As Anna Hazare noted, “Any issue gets resolved through dialogue. Dialogue leads to solutions. Creating tension and going down the wrong path will not solve anything” .

2. Avoiding Co-optation

The movement must guard against being co-opted by political parties. CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke has urged supporters not to turn the movement into a personality-driven campaign, warning against a culture centred on individual leaders .

3. Maintaining Independence

The CJP leaders have emphasised that the movement is not a political party and that their focus is on strengthening grassroots engagement. As spokesperson Saurav Das said, “There are 750-800 political parties already. None of them are able to fulfil the wishes of the youth” .

Way Forward

Immediate Measures

• The government must fulfill its commitments to withdraw FIRs, provide compensation, and engage in discussions on the five-point education reform charter .

• The CJP should ensure that the movement’s demands are implemented within the agreed timelines.

Long-term Reforms

• The Nilekani task force’s recommendations for technology-driven examination reforms must be implemented .

• India’s education system requires structural reforms to ensure transparency, fairness, and accountability .

• The government must address youth unemployment through skill development, manufacturing, and service sector growth.

Conclusion

The Cockroach Janta Party movement represents a watershed moment in India’s democratic journey. It demonstrated that a youth-led, digital-native movement could successfully challenge the state and force accountability. As CJP spokesperson Saurav Das declared, “This is just a trailer. The picture is still to come. The youth of the country have awakened” .

The movement’s success in securing the resignation of a Union minister, the withdrawal of FIRs, and the promise of compensation for affected families is a testament to the power of collective action. However, the deeper issues of unemployment, education system failures, and governance accountability remain unresolved.

As the CJP leaders have made clear, the movement is far from over. Their plans to take the campaign to the grassroots, to raise issues concerning the youth, and to work towards reforms in education and governance suggest a long and challenging journey ahead. The canary is singing, and it would be wise to listen .

5 UPSC-Style Questions & Answers

Q1: What were the main demands of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protests, and what were the outcomes?

The CJP had four main demands: the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan (which they considered “non-negotiable”), compensation of ₹1 crore for each family whose child died by suicide due to the NEET paper leak, withdrawal of all FIRs against peaceful protesters, and a five-point charter of education reforms. The government accepted all demands in principle: Pradhan resigned, compensation will be considered under applicable rules, FIRs will be withdrawn, and the reform charter will be discussed in future meetings .

Q2: Why is the CJP movement considered significant for India’s democracy?

The movement is significant because a youth-led, digital-native protest successfully forced a Union minister’s resignation for the first time in over a decade. It demonstrated the power of collective action by young people, challenged the “culture of fear” that had persisted for 12 years, and exposed the vulnerabilities of a system that had long ignored youth grievances. The movement also highlighted the growing distrust of mainstream media and the rise of independent journalism .

Q3: What role did mainstream media play during the CJP protests?

According to the CJP spokespersons, mainstream media “blacked out” the protest for 25 out of 37 days, ignoring the largest youth-led agitation in recent years. Protesters expressed anger at mainstream journalists, frequently raising slogans against “Godi Media” (lapdog media). This distrust reflected a broader debate about media freedom in India, as the country’s ranking in the World Press Freedom Index has declined sharply over the past decade. The CJP credited independent journalists and content creators for being the “backbone” of their movement .

Q4: What are the future plans of the Cockroach Janta Party?

The CJP plans to rest, regroup, and take their campaign to the grassroots level across the country. Their immediate focus is to support local issues like paper leaks and recruitment delays, rather than entering electoral politics. However, when asked about joining politics full-time, spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka replied, “Never say no to anything in India is what I feel.” Founder Abhijeet Dipke has urged supporters not to turn the movement into a personality-driven campaign .

Q5: What lessons can be drawn from the CJP movement for India’s governance?

The CJP movement highlights several governance lessons: the need for transparent and accountable examination systems, the importance of engaging with youth grievances rather than suppressing them, the role of digital media in democratic mobilisation, and the vulnerability of governments to organised public pressure. The movement’s success also suggests that India’s youth are increasingly unwilling to tolerate systemic failures and are demanding accountability from the state .

Renewed War Erases Russian Oil Discounts, India’s Energy Security Balancing Act

Why in News?

The resurgence of conflict in West Asia has wiped out discounts on Russian crude oil for Indian refiners. According to BPCL’s Director (Finance) Vetsa Ramakrishna Gupta, Indian refiners are no longer receiving any discount offer for Russian crude in the prevailing market conditions, with volumes available but prices fluctuating at near parity or even premiums to benchmark Brent crude [citation:original]. This development comes at a critical time when India—the world’s third-largest oil importer—relies on imports to meet over 88% of its crude oil needs, with more than 40% of that traditionally coming through the Strait of Hormuz [citation:original].

Introduction

India’s energy security landscape has undergone a dramatic transformation over the past five months. The Iran war, which effectively shut the Strait of Hormuz in early March 2026, triggered a frantic search for alternative barrels and turned Russian crude pricing for Indian refiners into a barometer of market anxiety . From discounts of about $2 a barrel before the conflict, Russian crude prices swung to premiums of as much as $20 over benchmark Brent at the height of the supply panic, before settling at discounts of about $10 during the brief truce and returning to near parity as hostilities resumed .

As of July 2026, the resumption of Iran-US hostilities has wiped out discounts once again, with traders unwilling to offer price concessions amid mounting supply risks . Yet, despite the vanishing discounts, Russian crude remains India’s strongest energy security hedge—a lesson that has fundamentally reshaped New Delhi’s strategic thinking about oil imports and supply diversification.

Background

India’s Energy Import Dependence

India depends on imports to meet over 88% of its crude oil needs [citation:original]. Before the West Asia war, over 40% of India’s crude oil came through the Strait of Hormuz—a vital shipping lane carrying approximately 20% of the world’s seaborne crude oil and LNG . This heavy dependence on a single chokepoint exposed a critical vulnerability: even when fully stocked, India’s strategic petroleum reserves can cover only around 9-10 days of normal domestic crude demand, far below the 90-day benchmark recommended by the International Energy Agency .

The Pre-War Russian Oil Landscape

Before the Russia-Ukraine war, Russia was a peripheral oil supplier to India, with less than a 2% share in India’s oil import basket [citation:original]. However, as Western nations shunned Moscow’s oil following the February 2022 invasion, Indian refiners stepped up purchases of discounted Russian barrels, catapulting Russia to the position of India’s top crude source within months.

In the months preceding the West Asia war, oil imports from Russia had reduced notably as the US imposed sanctions on Russian oil majors Rosneft and Lukoil, and amid trade pact negotiations between New Delhi and Washington [citation:original]. The US had made a “meaningful reduction” in Russian oil imports a prerequisite for scrapping its 25% additional penal tariff on India [citation:original].

The West Asia Crisis: A Game-Changer

The Strait of Hormuz Closure

When Iran effectively shut the Strait of Hormuz in early March 2026, crude tankers carrying Gulf supplies were stranded in the Persian Gulf, triggering a frantic search for alternative barrels . The closure sent shockwaves through global energy markets, with Brent crude prices soaring from around $71 per barrel to more than $120 in April .

Indian refiners were hit hard. Force majeure declarations by some Gulf suppliers forced BPCL to increase spot buying to keep refineries running at 115% capacity . The refiner, which had planned to source about 55% of its crude requirement through annual contracts mainly from Middle Eastern producers, had to recalibrate its import strategy almost daily .

Russia Becomes the “Saviour”

With Gulf supplies disrupted, Russia emerged as India’s energy lifeline. Ample Russian cargoes were already afloat, including in the Indian Ocean, allowing them to reach Indian refiners relatively quickly . “Russia became the saviour,” an industry executive told ET EnergyWorld .

Indian refiners, which had been steadily reducing purchases from Russia over the previous three months due to US sanctions, doubled imports in March . The surge continued through June, when India imported a record 4.93 million barrels per day of crude, with Russian supplies reaching an unprecedented 2.6 million barrels per day—accounting for over 54% of India’s total crude imports .

The Vanishing Discounts: A Volatile Pricing Landscape

From Discounts to Premiums

The Iran war turned Russian crude pricing into a rollercoaster :

• Pre-conflict: Discounts of about $2 per barrel to Brent.

• Height of supply panic: Premiums of $12-20 per barrel to Brent.

• April-May easing: Premiums fell to about $10 per barrel as supplies from Brazil, Venezuela, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE improved .

• June truce: Discounts restored to about $10 per barrel as benchmark Brent tumbled to about $71 .

• Resumption of hostilities: Discounts wiped out, with prices at near parity or premiums to Brent [citation:original].

The BPCL Perspective

BPCL’s Director (Finance) Vetsa Ramakrishna Gupta told The Indian Express that Indian refiners are not receiving any discount offer for Russian crude in the prevailing market conditions [citation:original]. “Volumes are available, only the price fluctuates. At times it (Russian oil) even commands a premium, instead of (the usual) discount, but enough volumes are available,” Gupta said [citation:original].

He added that the non-sanctioned sources of Russian oil supplies were more than adequate to meet India’s demand, with supplies till August-end already tied up [citation:original]. The company is buying completely from non-sanctioned entities, as Russian oil itself was never sanctioned—only some vessels, service providers, and certain other entities were [citation:original].

The US Sanctions Waiver: A Temporary Relief

The Waiver’s Evolution

The US had initially granted a sanctions waiver on Russian oil purchases on March 5, 2026, amid the unprecedented disruption to global energy flows precipitated by Iran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz . The waiver was extended twice, despite claims to the contrary, before finally lapsing on June 17—the same day the US-Iran memorandum of understanding was signed .

Impact on Indian Imports

The waiver’s expiry has had no notable impact on buying behaviour, according to Gupta [citation:original]. Since Russian oil itself is not sanctioned—only specific vessels, service providers, and entities—Indian refiners can continue purchasing from non-sanctioned entities without violating US regulations [citation:original].

However, the waiver’s lapse created uncertainty over future trade terms. As one analyst noted, India is now “the buyer,” and that concentration carries extra weight, now that the US licence used to protect buyers from sanctions when completing purchases is gone .

Key Issues Raised

1. Energy Security vs. Price Considerations

Given the tightness in global energy supplies, Indian refiners are prioritising oil supply security over price considerations [citation:original]. Russia’s reliability as a supplier during the Hormuz closure has cemented its status as a strategic insurance policy for India .

2. The Limits of Strategic Petroleum Reserves

The crisis exposed the inadequacy of India’s SPR system, which can cover only around 9-10 days of normal domestic crude demand versus the 90-day benchmark . This vulnerability makes India acutely dependent on uninterrupted supply flows.

3. The Geopolitical Trade-Off

India’s growing reliance on Russian oil comes with geopolitical costs. The US had made a “meaningful reduction” in Russian oil imports a prerequisite for scrapping its 25% additional penal tariff on India [citation:original]. The US tariff war has deepened India’s reliance on Russian oil [citation:original].

4. Supply Chain Resilience

The crisis has demonstrated India’s remarkable ability to diversify supply sources. Indian refiners successfully secured cargoes from Angola, Gabon, Congo, Brazil, Venezuela, and the UAE to offset disruptions in Gulf supplies .

Timeline of Events

Russia’s Role: India’s Strategic Insurance Policy

Russia’s Growing Share

India’s Russian oil imports rose from around 1.1 million bpd in February to 2.6 million bpd in June—a historic record for bilateral oil trade . Russia now accounts for over half of India’s total crude imports, up from less than 2% before the Ukraine war [citation:original].

Supply Availability

Ukrainian strikes on Russian refining infrastructure have inadvertently boosted exports to India. According to Energy Intelligence data, drone attacks on Russian refineries reduced throughput by 3.5 million barrels per day, leaving room for higher exports .

The Iraqi Factor

Iraq, which supplied roughly one-fifth of India’s crude in February, virtually disappeared from the import mix for three months due to the Hormuz closure . Only in late June did the first cargo from Iraq’s Basrah terminal reach India’s west coast .

The Saudi Factor

Saudi Arabia fell from India’s second-largest supplier at around 1 million bpd in February to just 330,000 bpd in June . The decline was primarily due to pricing: under the current formula, Saudi term barrels became some of the most expensive crude available .

The Wider Context: Pipelines and Alternative Routes

The Search for Bypass Options

The Hormuz crisis has accelerated efforts to decouple global crude markets from the strategic chokepoint . According to Goldman Sachs analysts, seven new pipelines are currently under discussion in the Middle East that could carry roughly 14 million bpd—about 60% of the oil that was being shipped through the Strait .

Key Developments

• Saudi Arabia is reportedly expanding its East-West pipeline capacity to 9 million bpd .

• The UAE has fast-tracked a second West-East pipeline, set for completion in 2027 .

• Iraq is working on two pipeline projects: one through Turkey to Ceyhan and another to Syria’s Mediterranean coast .

• Qatar is evaluating alternative LNG export routes via Saudi Arabia .

Constitutional and Governance Dimensions

Strategic Autonomy

India’s pursuit of Russian oil despite US sanctions reflects a commitment to strategic autonomy in foreign policy. As one source noted, the fact that India’s energy security depends on permissions from a foreign country had led to impassioned outrage by opposition leaders .

Executive Decision-Making

The crisis has required rapid, high-stakes decisions by government-owned refiners. BPCL’s chairman noted that the company was “recalibrating its crude import strategy almost daily” to keep refineries running .

Challenges

1. Price Volatility

The whipsawing of Russian crude prices creates uncertainty for refiners. The fluctuation from discounts to premiums and back again makes long-term planning difficult.

2. US Tariff Threat

The US had made a “meaningful reduction” in Russian oil imports a prerequisite for scrapping its 25% additional penal tariff on India [citation:original]. If tensions with Washington escalate, India could face renewed tariff threats.

3. Supply Chain Disruption

The effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz has demonstrated the fragility of global energy supply chains and India’s vulnerability to geopolitical shocks.

Way Forward

1. Diversification Strategy

India must continue diversifying its supply sources. Successful procurement from Angola, Gabon, Congo, Brazil, and Venezuela during the crisis has demonstrated the viability of this approach.

2. Strategic Reserves

The crisis has exposed the inadequacy of India’s SPR system. Expanding storage capacity to meet the 90-day benchmark could enhance energy security.

3. Infrastructure Investment

India should explore pipeline infrastructure to reduce dependence on sea routes. Investment in domestic refining capacity and supply chain resilience will be critical.

Conclusion

The West Asia crisis has fundamentally reshaped India’s energy security calculus. Russia, once a peripheral supplier, has become India’s strategic insurance policy against future supply disruptions. The vanishing of Russian oil discounts amid renewed conflict underscores the volatility of energy markets and the importance of supply security over price considerations.

As BPCL’s Gupta noted, “Volumes are available, only the price fluctuates” [citation:original]. The lesson for India is clear: energy security is not about securing the cheapest barrels but about ensuring reliable supply—whatever the price.

5 UPSC-Style Questions & Answers

Q1: Why have discounts on Russian crude oil vanished for Indian refiners?

Discounts have vanished due to the resumption of Iran-US hostilities in West Asia, which has tightened global energy supplies. Traders are unwilling to offer price concessions amid mounting supply risks. As BPCL’s Director (Finance) noted, Indian refiners are prioritising oil supply security over price considerations [citation:original].

Q2: How has India’s reliance on Russian oil changed since the West Asia war began?

India’s Russian oil imports rose from around 1.1 million bpd in February to 2.6 million bpd in June—accounting for over 54% of India’s total crude imports. Before the Russia-Ukraine war, Russia was a peripheral supplier with less than a 2% share in India’s oil import basket [citation:original].

Q3: What was the US sanctions waiver on Russian oil, and why did it expire?

The US granted the waiver on March 5, 2026, amid disruption to global energy flows caused by Iran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. It was extended twice before expiring on June 17, the same day the US-Iran MoU was signed. The waiver’s expiry has had no notable impact on buying behavior, as Indian refiners continue purchasing from non-sanctioned entities [citation:original].

Q4: Why is Russia considered India’s “strategic insurance policy” against supply disruptions?

Russia became India’s “saviour” when the Strait of Hormuz was effectively shut, providing reliable crude supplies during a supply panic. Even if discounted Gulf barrels return aggressively, Russian oil is unlikely to disappear from India’s supply mix because the Hormuz crisis exposed the limits of India’s strategic petroleum reserves and the vulnerability of its import system .

Q5: How have global energy prices been affected by the West Asia crisis?

Brent crude prices soared from about $71 per barrel before the conflict to more than $120 in April. After falling to around $71 during the June truce, prices have rebounded to nearly $100 per barrel following renewed hostilities. The volatility reflects the impact of the Hormuz closure on global supply chains .

India’s Big Week, Healthcare IPO, CKYC 2.0, and AI Revolution

Why in News?

The last week of July 2026 has seen three major developments shaping India’s economic landscape. Manipal Health Enterprises is set to launch one of the largest healthcare IPOs in India, raising up to ₹9,275 crore . India is rolling out a common customer identification system across banks and insurers starting August, simplifying financial access for millions . And Odisha has signed ₹15,000 crore MoUs with HCL Technologies and Sarvam AI to establish an AI data centre and global delivery hub, marking a significant leap in India’s sovereign AI capabilities . These developments collectively signal India’s accelerating transformation across healthcare financing, financial inclusion, and digital infrastructure.

Introduction

The Indian economy is witnessing a confluence of developments that reflect its growing ambition and institutional maturity. In the healthcare sector, Manipal Health Enterprises is going public with one of the largest healthcare IPOs in the country’s history . In financial services, regulators are rolling out CKYC 2.0—a unified customer identification system that promises to revolutionise how Indians access banking, insurance, and investment products . And in technology, Odisha is positioning itself as a hub for India’s sovereign AI ecosystem with a massive investment from HCL Technologies and Sarvam AI .

These developments are interconnected by a common thread: the deepening of India’s institutional capacity, the expansion of financial and digital inclusion, and the strategic push towards self-reliance (Atmanirbhar Bharat) in critical technologies.

Background

India’s Healthcare Sector and Public Markets

India’s healthcare sector has witnessed significant growth, driven by rising income levels, increasing disease burden, and government initiatives like Ayushman Bharat. The hospital industry, valued at over ₹5 lakh crore, has attracted significant private equity investment. However, large-scale public listings in the sector have been relatively rare, making the Manipal IPO a significant milestone .

The KYC Challenge in Financial Inclusion

India has made remarkable progress in financial inclusion, with about 89% of adults owning bank accounts as of 2024 . However, participation in mutual funds, insurance, and pensions remains comparatively low. One key barrier has been the repetitive KYC process—customers had to submit identification documents separately for each financial product, creating friction and discouraging participation .

India’s AI Ambitions

Under the ‘Digital India’ and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ vision, India has been pushing to build domestic capabilities in emerging technologies. The government has emphasised the need for “sovereign AI”—AI infrastructure and models developed and controlled within India, ensuring data sovereignty and alignment with national interests . Odisha’s proactive industrial policy has positioned the state as a destination for technology investments.

Key Developments

1. Manipal Health Enterprises IPO

IPO Details: Manipal Health Enterprises will open its initial public offering on July 29, 2026, with a price band of ₹560–590 per share . The ₹9,275 crore IPO comprises a fresh issue of ₹8,000 crore and an offer for sale (OFS) of 2.16 crore equity shares worth ₹1,275.2 crore .

Use of Proceeds: The company plans to utilise ₹5,378 crore from the fresh issue towards repayment or prepayment of borrowings, and ₹574 crore for acquiring a minority stake in its step-down subsidiary, Sahyadri Hospitals . The remaining funds will be used for general corporate purposes .

Company Profile: Manipal Hospitals claims to be India’s largest pan-India multispecialty hospital network by bed capacity and the second-largest hospital chain by number of hospitals. It operates 49 hospitals with more than 12,600 beds across 24+ cities .

Financial Performance: The company reported a 26% year-on-year increase in total income to ₹10,520.52 crore for FY26, with EBITDA rising to ₹2,795.94 crore. However, profit after tax declined to ₹916.52 crore from ₹1,081.67 crore in the previous year, due to higher expenses .

Future Plans: The firm plans to add an additional 2,426 beds to its existing tally of 13,037 beds by FY30, including a 603-bed greenfield hospital in Juhu, Mumbai, and a 360-bed facility in Raipur .

Grey Market Premium: As of July 27, the grey market premium stood at ₹25 per share, indicating an expected listing gain of about 4.24% .

2. CKYC 2.0: Common Customer ID System

Launch Timeline: Indian banks and insurers will launch the common customer identification system in August 2026, with asset managers expected to join later this year . The framework could be rolled out for the mutual fund industry within four months .

How It Works: Under the Central Know-Your-Customer 2.0 (CKYC) system, customers will only need to provide consent for financial institutions to fetch their verified data from a central registry when opening an account or updating details . The system uses a one-time password for consent verification .

Quality Assurance: Records in the new system will carry a confidence score on the accuracy of data, indicating whether a firm has verified the information . This addresses concerns about duplicate and incomplete records that plagued the earlier system.

Regulatory Framework: The Reserve Bank of India, Securities and Exchange Board of India, and the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India are jointly executing the project .

Benefits: The system will simplify the onboarding process, reduce paperwork, help combat fraud through easier monitoring, and potentially expand participation in mutual funds, insurance, and pension products . SBI Funds Management’s Joint Chief Executive noted that “even if a fraction of eligible customers begin investing after universal customer identification, the upside will be significant” .

3. HCL-Sarvam AI Data Centre in Odisha

Investment Scale: Odisha signed two MoUs with HCL Technologies and Sarvam AI for an AI data centre and global delivery centre in Khurda district, with a proposed investment of more than ₹15,000 crore over five years . The AI data centre alone entails a planned capital outlay of ₹14,257 crore, including financial assistance from the state government .

Project Components: HCL Technologies, with support from Sarvam AI, will establish its first AI data centre in Odisha. Additionally, HCL will independently set up a global delivery centre with an investment of ₹730 crore .

Employment Generation: The projects are expected to provide direct employment opportunities to more than 6,000 highly-educated and skilled youth of Odisha .

Sovereign AI Park: The facility will be located in the proposed Odisha Sovereign AI Park, which will combine high-performance computing infrastructure with Indian AI models and real-world applications .

Strategic Significance: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi noted that “earlier, we were completely dependent on foreign AI. Now, indigenous AI developed in India is at par with any global technology” . The park will enable AI services in Odia and various other Indian languages to be delivered from Odisha itself .

Timeline of Events

Constitutional and Governance Dimensions

Financial Inclusion and Regulatory Reform

CKYC 2.0 represents an important step in deepening financial inclusion. While India has achieved near-universal bank account ownership, participation in mutual funds, insurance, and pensions remains low . The CKYC 2.0 system reduces onboarding friction, potentially encouraging more Indians to invest in financial products. It reflects the government’s commitment to leveraging technology for inclusive growth.

Sovereign AI and Strategic Autonomy

The Odisha AI Data Centre project aligns with India’s strategic ambition to develop indigenous AI capabilities. As Chief Minister Majhi noted, the project reduces dependence on foreign AI . This fits within the broader “Atmanirbhar Bharat” framework, which seeks to build domestic capabilities in critical technologies . The establishment of a sovereign AI ecosystem ensures data sovereignty and alignment with national interests.

Healthcare Infrastructure and Private Investment

The Manipal IPO demonstrates the deepening of India’s capital markets and the role of public markets in financing healthcare infrastructure. The IPO proceeds will enable debt reduction and expansion of hospital capacity, contributing to India’s healthcare infrastructure .

Social and Political Significance

Democratising Healthcare Access

The expansion of hospital networks, supported by capital market financing, can improve healthcare access for millions of Indians. Manipal’s planned addition of 2,426 beds, including facilities in tier-2 cities like Raipur and Nashik, could bridge regional disparities in healthcare infrastructure .

Deepening Financial Participation

CKYC 2.0 has the potential to significantly expand the investor base in India. With SBI alone having 500 million bank accounts, even a fraction of eligible customers beginning to invest after universal customer identification could lead to substantial growth in mutual funds and insurance .

AI for Public Good

The Odisha Sovereign AI Park aims to deliver AI services in Odia and various other Indian languages, potentially reaching the last mile . Applications in agriculture, health, education, and defence sectors are being planned .

Challenges

1. Data Quality and Trust

CKYC 2.0’s success depends on the quality of records in the central registry. The confidence scoring system is designed to address this, but building trust among financial institutions will take time .

2. Implementation Coordination

The joint execution of CKYC 2.0 by RBI, SEBI, and IRDAI requires seamless coordination. The staggered rollout—banks and insurers first, asset managers later—must be carefully managed .

3. Talent and Skill Development

The AI Data Centre projects will require highly skilled talent. Ensuring that Odisha’s youth are prepared for these roles through appropriate education and training will be essential .

4. Healthcare Regulatory Environment

The expansion of hospital networks requires navigating a complex regulatory environment, including land acquisition, environmental clearances, and medical regulations .

Way Forward

1. Strengthening Financial Infrastructure

The successful rollout of CKYC 2.0 could serve as a model for other sectors. Expanding the framework to cover more financial products and ensuring interoperability with other digital identity systems could further deepen financial inclusion .

2. Scaling Sovereign AI

The Odisha model could be replicated by other states. Building a network of AI parks across India could create a distributed AI infrastructure, reducing dependence on a few hubs and fostering innovation across the country .

3. Encouraging Healthcare Investment

The Manipal IPO’s success could encourage other healthcare chains to list, unlocking capital for sector expansion. This could accelerate the growth of India’s healthcare infrastructure .

4. Human Capital Development

Investing in education and skill development—particularly in AI, data science, and healthcare—will be critical to sustaining these developments and ensuring that India’s demographic dividend translates into economic growth.

Conclusion

The developments of July 2026 reflect India’s accelerating transformation across multiple sectors. Manipal Health Enterprises’ IPO represents the deepening of India’s capital markets and the growing role of public financing in healthcare . The CKYC 2.0 rollout marks a significant step in financial inclusion, potentially bringing millions of Indians into the formal financial system . And Odisha’s AI Data Centre partnership with HCL and Sarvam positions India as a player in the global AI ecosystem .

These developments are not isolated. They are interconnected threads in a larger narrative of India’s ambition to become a developed nation. As Chief Minister Majhi noted, India is “tech-ready” and states like Odisha are “leading this wave of innovation” . The success of these initiatives will depend on effective implementation, regulatory coordination, and continued investment in human capital.

5 UPSC-Style Questions & Answers

Q1: What is the size and structure of the Manipal Health Enterprises IPO?

The Manipal Health Enterprises IPO is valued at ₹9,275 crore. It comprises a fresh issue of ₹8,000 crore and an offer for sale (OFS) of 2.16 crore equity shares worth ₹1,275.2 crore . The price band is ₹560–590 per share, and the issue opens on July 29, 2026, closing on July 31 .

Q2: How will Manipal Health Enterprises use the proceeds from its IPO?

The company plans to utilise ₹5,378 crore from the fresh issue towards repayment or prepayment of borrowings, and ₹574 crore for acquiring a minority stake in its step-down subsidiary, Sahyadri Hospitals . The remaining funds will be used for general corporate purposes .

Q3: What is CKYC 2.0, and how will it benefit financial inclusion?

CKYC 2.0 is a central Know-Your-Customer system that will allow banks, insurers, and later asset managers to fetch customers’ verified identity data from a central registry with the customer’s consent . It will reduce paperwork, simplify onboarding, combat fraud, and potentially expand participation in mutual funds, insurance, and pensions by removing KYC friction .

Q4: What is the proposed investment for the HCL-Sarvam AI Data Centre in Odisha?

The combined investment in the two projects—the AI data centre and the global delivery centre—will exceed ₹15,000 crore over five years . The AI data centre alone entails a planned capital outlay of ₹14,257 crore, including financial assistance from the state government .

Q5: What is the significance of the Odisha Sovereign AI Park?

The Odisha Sovereign AI Park will combine high-performance computing infrastructure with Indian AI models and real-world applications . It aims to deliver AI services in Odia and various other Indian languages . Chief Minister Majhi noted that it reduces dependence on foreign AI and positions India as a leader in sovereign AI .

The Young, Angry, and Awakened Generation, India’s Unprecedented Youth-Led Uprising

Why in News?

In July 2026, India witnessed one of the most significant youth-led protests in its recent history. The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) spearheaded a 37-day-long agitation at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar, demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak . The movement, which began as a satirical social media campaign, evolved into a nationwide youth uprising that forced a ministerial resignation—only the second such instance during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s decade-long tenure . The protests, which drew tens of thousands of young people from across the country, exposed deep-seated anxieties about unemployment, institutional decay, and the shrinking space for democratic dissent .

Introduction

“I’m very scared. Many of my seniors have not been able to find jobs. Some of them work as Blinkit delivery partners or drive for Rapido,” said Shivani, a 21-year-old engineering student from Noida, his arm wrapped tightly around his mother at the Jantar Mantar protest site. “My parents keep hoping I’ll get a good job. But if I end up as a Rapido driver, it will break their hearts.”

These words, captured by The Indian Express, reflect the anxiety and desperation of millions of young Indians who have grown up in an era of aspirational promises but diminishing opportunities. The CJP protests, which began in response to the NEET paper leak, quickly became a powerful expression of accumulated grievances—from shrinking employment opportunities to stagnant real incomes, from a broken education system to a state that seemed unwilling to listen.

The movement gained national and international attention after activist and educationist Sonam Wangchuk joined the protests on June 28 with an indefinite hunger strike . When Wangchuk was forcibly removed from Jantar Mantar on July 18 and taken to hospital , the protests exploded. What began as a student agitation against exam irregularities transformed into one of the most visible expressions of public dissent against the Modi government in recent years .

Background

The NEET-UG 2026 Paper Leak and Its Aftermath

On May 3, 2026, nearly 2.28 million students sat for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET), India’s sole gateway for undergraduate medical admissions . Days later, reports emerged that the question paper had been leaked, forcing the government to cancel the exam and conduct a re-test weeks later . At least 22 students died by suicide, with their families saying they were devastated by the scandal .

This was not an isolated incident. Over 152 paper leaks had occurred across India in the previous 12 years, with the National Testing Agency responsible for nine since its formation in 2017. The repeated leaks undermined the meritocratic principle that is central to India’s higher education system, disproportionately affecting students from disadvantaged backgrounds who could not afford expensive coaching.

The Birth of the “Cockroach” Movement

The CJP emerged in mid-May 2026 as a satirical social media campaign. The name was inspired by remarks made earlier that year by Chief Justice Surya Kant, who used the word “cockroach” to describe unemployed young people turning to journalism and activism . After the comments sparked outrage, he clarified he was referring only to those with “fake and bogus degrees,” but by then, the term had taken on a life of its own .

CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke, a 30-year-old political communications strategist and Boston University graduate, urged unemployed youth to embrace the insult, turning “cockroach” into a symbol of defiance and resilience . The movement’s growth was astonishingly rapid: within days of its launch, it reportedly grew from zero to over ten million followers on Instagram, eventually reaching 23 million followers and surpassing the social media following of established political parties .

Key Issues Raised

The Crisis of Youth Unemployment

Behind the immediate demand for fair examinations lay a deeper anxiety about employment. According to data from the Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy (CMIE), the share of working-age Indians with a job fell from 42.7% in 2016-17 to 38.7% by March 2026 . While the number of employed people increased from 406 million to 438 million over the period, additional employment failed to keep pace with a much faster growth in the country’s working-age population.

Youth unemployment stood at 15.2% as of March 2026, up from 13.8% a year earlier, with young women faring worse at nearly 18% . The Azim Premji University’s State of Working India 2026 report found that 67% of unemployed youth today are graduates, compared to just 32% in 2004 . This represents a widening gap between educational attainment and job creation.

As Ayush, a 20-year-old engineering graduate from Kanpur, told The Indian Express: “About 30 seniors from my college were let go within a year of being hired. The average salary has stayed around Rs 30,000 for years, with more roles turning out to be internships. All our dreams of getting a well-paying job are fading… It feels like all doors are closed to us.”

The Broken Education System

Anil Raj, a 30-year-old graduate from Manipuri, Uttar Pradesh, who has been without a job, told The Indian Express: “I wanted to be in the police. I worked hard for the UP Police recruitment exam in 2024, but the paper was leaked. Then, I appeared for the Home Guard exam in 2025, but there, too, allegations emerged that the paper was sold for about Rs 48 lakh before it reached the exam hall.”

He is now studying for a B.Pharm “as a backup.” On July 19, he took a train to Delhi to join the protests at Jantar Mantar. “I have rented a room for Rs 7,000 a month in Gurgaon and have been staying here for the past five days. I will stay here until Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigns. My parents gave up their dreams to give me an education. I can’t let that go to waste by not speaking up.”

The Shrinking Space for Dissent

Nandini Shukla, a 34-year-old documentary filmmaker who visited the protest site regularly, said: “This is not just about exams anymore. It’s about not being heard for so many years. Young people are beginning to vote, beginning to ask questions. If this generation feels unheard, what have we really got?”

She noted the slow building of anxieties: “Education is the first place where narratives are shaped. When you change education, when truth itself begins to feel negotiable, these protests become about much more than one incident. I don’t think most people at the protest site have anything to do with the NEET exam. People have been coming to stand with the students because they recognised something of themselves in what was happening.”

Timeline of Events

The January 25 Police Crackdown and Its Aftermath

The government’s initial response to the protests was characterised by denial and suppression. For nearly five weeks, the government did not engage with the protesters . Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan called the CJP and its supporters “the B-team of disruptive elements” .

On July 20, the first day of the Monsoon Session of Parliament, the CJP organized a ‘Sansad Chalo’ (March to Parliament) march. Tens of thousands of young people gathered at Jantar Mantar, defying prohibitory orders. The police response was swift and brutal .

Police used batons, wooden sticks, and tear gas to disperse the crowd. At least 60 protesters were injured, some with broken bones and head wounds. Police reported that 118 of their personnel were injured and 70 protesters were detained . Videos of police beating protesters, including women and teenage girls, went viral, sparking public outrage and strengthening the movement .

The police later claimed that protesters had displayed “unruly, aggressive and violent behaviour,” attacked police personnel with stones, vandalised vehicles, and refused to disperse despite warnings . The CJP rejected this account, accusing police officers of being the aggressors .

The Role of Sonam Wangchuk and Student Movements

Sonam Wangchuk, a renowned education activist and Ramon Magsaysay Award recipient, joined the CJP protests on June 28 with an indefinite hunger strike . His presence gave the movement a major boost, drawing global attention and support from opposition leaders.

Wangchuk’s health deteriorated significantly during the fast. By Day 16, his blood glucose had dropped to 67 mg/dL and he had lost 8.2 kilograms . Doctors warned that he might soon enter a potentially “alarming” phase involving organ damage . Despite his condition, Wangchuk continued to appeal for public participation in the July 20 march .

On July 18, police forcibly removed Wangchuk from Jantar Mantar, allegedly using plainclothes officers posing as medical staff, and took him to Safdarjung Hospital . The action was taken in compliance with a Delhi High Court order directing authorities to monitor his health daily . Wangchuk’s wife questioned the decision, stating that no treatment should be administered without her explicit consent .

The hospitalisation sparked widespread criticism. Opposition parties accused the government of suppressing dissent by force. Protesters formed human chains to prevent the removal of fasting activists but were overpowered by police .

Wangchuk finally ended his 26-day hunger strike on July 26 after receiving written assurances from the government . He later described the outcome as “a victory of democracy, direct democracy, peace, patience and perseverance” .

The Government’s Shift and Pradhan’s Resignation

The turning point came on July 25, when Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan announced his resignation on X. In his resignation letter, he said he was stepping down to “prevent anti-national forces from exploiting the situation, safeguard national unity and allow students to focus on their education” .

Pradhan’s resignation was the CJP’s principal demand—one its leaders repeatedly called “non-negotiable” . It marked only the second time in Modi’s tenure that a Union minister had resigned following public pressure. M.J. Akbar had resigned as junior foreign minister in October 2018 when faced with allegations of sexual harassment .

Hours after Pradhan’s resignation, the government held a third round of talks with the CJP. The government agreed to withdraw FIRs against peaceful protesters, assure no retaliatory action, and provide compensation to families of students who died by suicide . The CJP announced the immediate withdrawal of its 37-day agitation, saying it was ending in “good faith” after the government accepted its key demands .

The Celebration: A Victory for Democracy

The scenes at Jantar Mantar on July 25 were jubilant. As news of Pradhan’s resignation broke, “We have done it,” a visibly emotional Abhijeet Dipke screamed from the makeshift stage . The crowds erupted in deafening cheers. Thousands sang, danced, and distributed sweets late into the night .

Arjun Kumar, a 22-year-old Delhi resident, told The Straits Times: “It is a win for democracy, for the Gen Z, for the youth. It’s the first time that this government has been held accountable in 12 years” .

Alok Kumar Gautam, a 19-year-old from Mirzapur who had been camping at the site since July 20, said: “Any corrupt leader will now fear before doing anything illegal. This has been a lesson for everybody today” .

Dilpreet Kaur, a 26-year-old air hostess, came with 20 boxes of muffins to share with everybody: “It has been amazing,” she said, hoping for more such victories on youth-related issues .

Anonymous graffiti at the venue captured the emotional high: “For the first time in years, it felt wonderful to be Indian” .

Constitutional and Governance Dimensions

Right to Peaceful Protest

The Jantar Mantar protests raised important questions about the right to peaceful assembly under Article 19(1)(b) of the Constitution. The government’s use of force against peaceful protesters—including tear gas, batons, and pellet guns—was widely condemned as disproportionate and unconstitutional. As Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi said in a letter to Home Minister Amit Shah, “Peaceful protest is the foundation of any democracy. It is the government’s responsibility to protect protesters and resolve their grievances through dialogue.”

Democratic Representation and Opposition’s Role

The protests demonstrated the vital role of opposition parties in amplifying citizens’ concerns. Rahul Gandhi and other opposition leaders visited the protest site, met with supporters, and were detained while protesting outside the Prime Minister’s residence . Their physical presence made police violence more visible and ensured the students’ demands entered parliamentary debate. As Manoj Kumar Jha, a Rajya Sabha MP, argued in a separate article, “Opposition involvement need not be understood as the capture of a citizens’ movement but as a mechanism through which democratic institutions become responsive to popular demands.”

Trust Deficit

The recurring paper leaks and the government’s initial denial and suppression of protests have eroded public trust in institutions. The CJP’s success in forcing a ministerial resignation represents a rare moment of accountability, but the deeper issues of unemployment and education system failures remain unresolved.

Social and Political Significance

The Rise of Youth Political Consciousness

The CJP movement represents a new form of youth activism that is digital-native, decentralized, and non-ideological. It is driven by issues of governance, accountability, and opportunity rather than traditional caste or communal identities. The movement’s ability to mobilise tens of thousands through social media and sustain momentum for 37 days reflects a fundamental shift in how youth organise and communicate.

The BJP’s Core Support Base

Significantly, the protests emerged from the BJP’s own core support base—urban, aspirational, middle-class youth. As Yogendra Yadav, member of Swaraj India, noted, “The problem is not that the younger generation does not have their own understanding of politics… It is that we have not made an effort to tune into their grammar of politics.” The movement’s success in forcing a minister’s resignation suggests that the BJP’s traditional strategy of co-opting young voters through development promises may be losing its effectiveness.

The Role of Independent Media

The CJP leaders explicitly credited independent journalists and content creators for being the “backbone” of their movement. During the 37-day protest, while mainstream television channels largely ignored the agitation, independent media platforms provided extensive coverage. The distrust of mainstream media was a recurring theme among protesters, who frequently expressed anger at “Godi Media” (lapdog media).

Challenges

1. Sustaining Momentum

The CJP’s immediate challenge is to sustain momentum. Founder Abhijeet Dipke, recovering from typhoid at home, has emphasised that the movement is “just the beginning” and that “we have a long way to go.” The fight for compensation for families of students who died by suicide and action against police personnel accused of excessive force remains unfinished.

2. Avoiding Co-optation

Dipke has urged supporters not to treat Pradhan’s resignation as a personal victory for him, saying the movement was driven by thousands of young people and should remain focused on institutional reforms rather than individuals. The movement must guard against being co-opted by political parties.

3. Addressing Structural Issues

The deeper crisis of youth unemployment, education system failures, and governance accountability remains unresolved. As CJP spokesperson Saurav Das said, “This is just a trailer. The picture is still to come. The youth of the country have awakened.” The government’s acceptance of the five-point education reform charter is a positive step, but implementation remains uncertain.

Way Forward

Immediate Measures

• The government must fulfill its commitments to withdraw FIRs, provide compensation, and implement the five-point education reform charter.

• Accountability must be ensured for police excesses during the July 20 crackdown.

• Implementation of the Nilekani task force’s recommendations for examination reforms must be expedited.

Long-term Reforms

• Address youth unemployment through skill development, manufacturing, and service sector growth.

• Strengthen institutional capacity of the NTA and other examination bodies.

• Invest in public education to reduce dependence on private coaching.

• Restore spaces for dialogue between citizens and the state.

Conclusion

The Cockroach Janta Party movement represents a watershed moment in India’s democratic journey. It demonstrated that a youth-led, digital-native movement could successfully challenge the state and force accountability. The movement’s success in securing a ministerial resignation, the withdrawal of FIRs, and the promise of compensation for affected families is a testament to the power of collective action.

However, the deeper issues of unemployment, education system failures, and governance accountability remain unresolved. As Swarna Bhatnagar, a 29-year-old writer who visited the protest site daily, told The Straits Times: “I feel that this victory is the tip of the iceberg. We have a really long fight ahead… but for now, we are triumphant.”

The canary is singing. It would be wise to listen.

5 UPSC-Style Questions & Answers

Q1: What were the main demands of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protests, and what were the outcomes?

The CJP had four key demands: the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, compensation of ₹1 crore for families of students who died by suicide due to the NEET paper leak, withdrawal of all FIRs against peaceful protesters, and a five-point charter of education reforms . The government accepted all demands: Pradhan resigned on July 25 , compensation was promised under applicable rules , FIRs were to be withdrawn , and the reform charter would be discussed in future meetings .

Q2: Why is the CJP movement significant for India’s democracy?

The movement is significant because a youth-led, digital-native protest successfully forced a Union minister’s resignation for the first time in over a decade . It demonstrated the power of collective action by young people, challenged the “culture of fear” that had persisted, and exposed the vulnerabilities of a system that had long ignored youth grievances . The movement highlighted the growing distrust of mainstream media and the rise of independent journalism .

Q3: What role did Sonam Wangchuk play in the protests?

Sonam Wangchuk, an education activist and Ramon Magsaysay Award recipient, joined the CJP protest on June 28 with an indefinite hunger strike, giving the movement a major boost and drawing global attention . He continued his fast for 26 days, despite his health deteriorating significantly, losing 8.2 kg and experiencing low blood sugar . He was forcibly removed from Jantar Mantar on July 18 and taken to hospital . He ended his fast on July 25 after the government agreed to the CJP’s demands .

Q4: What was the government’s response to the CJP protests?

The government’s response evolved over time. Initially, it ignored the protesters for nearly five weeks and dismissed the movement as “anti-national” . On July 20, police used batons, tear gas, and pellet guns against peaceful protesters, leaving dozens injured . As the protests continued to grow, the government shifted to engagement: Health Minister JP Nadda met CJP leaders on July 20 , PM Modi announced fast-track courts and anti-cheating legislation on July 23 , and Education Minister Pradhan resigned on July 25 . The government also agreed to withdraw FIRs and consider compensation .

Q5: What is the relationship between youth unemployment and the CJP protests?

Youth unemployment was a central driver of the protests. According to CMIE data, the share of working-age Indians with a job fell from 42.7% in 2016-17 to 38.7% by March 2026 . Youth unemployment stood at 15.2% as of March 2026, up from 13.8% a year earlier . The Azim Premji University report found that 67% of unemployed youth today are graduates, compared to just 32% in 2004 . As one protester told The Indian Express: “It feels like all doors are closed to us.” The NEET paper leak was the immediate trigger, but the protests reflected a deeper anxiety about employment and institutional failure .

Stories Without Borders, The Magical Realism of Geetanjali Shree

Why in News?

Geetanjali Shree’s newly translated short story collection Once Elephants Lived Here, translated into English by Daisy Rockwell, has been released to critical acclaim. The collection, originally published in Hindi as Yahaan Haathi Rehte Thay in 2012, showcases Shree at her “inventive, exhilarating best” . This marks Rockwell’s third published translation of Shree’s work, following the International Booker Prize-winning Tomb of Sand (Ret-Samadhi) and Our City That Year (Hamaara Sheher Us Baras) . The book’s release has sparked renewed interest in Shree’s unique literary voice and her exploration of themes such as memory, trauma, communal violence, and the relationship between humans and the natural world.

Introduction

“Don’t think of this story as magic, but please believe that it is magical all the same.” This simple piece of advice, offered by Geetanjali Shree to her readers, captures the essence of her literary universe. In Once Elephants Lived Here, a collection of 11 short stories, Shree weaves narratives that blur the boundaries between the real and the fantastical, the human and the natural, the personal and the political. Her stories are not bound by “clear divisions” or “sequential steps” —they unfold like dreams, where memory, trauma, and imagination intertwine .

Published in Hindi in 2012 as Yahaan Haathi Rehte Thay, this collection has now been translated into English by Daisy Rockwell, Shree’s longtime collaborator and “partner in crime” . The book arrives at a time when Indian literature in translation is gaining unprecedented global recognition, and Shree’s work—with its distinctive blend of allegory, metafiction, and magical realism—offers a powerful counterpoint to more conventional narrative forms.

Background

Geetanjali Shree: A Literary Voice of Our Times

Geetanjali Shree is one of India’s most celebrated contemporary writers. Her novels, including Tirohit (Disappeared), Ret-Samadhi (Tomb of Sand), and Hamaara Sheher Us Baras (Our City That Year), have garnered critical acclaim both in India and internationally. Tomb of Sand won the International Booker Prize in 2022, bringing Shree’s work to a global audience . Her stories are known for their innovative narrative structures, their deep engagement with history and memory, and their refusal to be confined by conventional literary boundaries.

Daisy Rockwell: The Translator’s Art

Daisy Rockwell is an American translator and scholar who has translated several of Shree’s works into English. Their collaboration has been described as a “literary equilibrium, a palpable sense of comfort with each other’s choices” . Rockwell’s translations have been praised for their sensitivity and their ability to capture the nuances of Shree’s Hindi prose. In Once Elephants Lived Here, Rockwell has made the deliberate choice to omit the framing story from “So Much Sky”—about a page and a half in the original Hindi version—to streamline the narrative and distance it from an unintended sci-fi interpretation .

The Indian Narrative Tradition

Shree’s work is deeply rooted in Indian narrative traditions, including the oral storytelling form of qissebaazi. These traditions often use an oral framework as “artistic licence for embellishment and overstatement” . As Rockwell notes in the translator’s note, several stories are “overwhelmingly concerned with the relationship between parents and children” . This focus on intergenerational dynamics reflects a broader preoccupation with memory and inheritance that runs through Shree’s work.

Key Issues Raised

1. The Aftermath of Communal Violence

The collection begins with the titular story and “These Days,” both described as “devastatingly sad portrayals of the aftermath of communal violence” . In these stories, Shree explores how violence fractures communities and individuals. Details about characters’ jobs and ages are “sparingly divulged”; what matters more is “the mood built up expertly by Shree’s razor-sharp sentences.”

In the titular story, the male protagonist is puzzled by an elderly, seemingly traumatised woman living in a city divided along communal lines, “where basic resources, economic development and the rule of law are all conditional on which side of the river you live.” The narrator wears Fabindia shorts to underline his status as a “desi foreigner”; he works for an Israeli insurance firm, highlighting the complex intersections of class, nationality, and belonging.

2. Belonging and Foreignness

Both “Once Elephants Lived Here” and “These Days” depict “notions of belonging and foreignness in artful ways.” In “These Days,” the male Hindu protagonist occupies his Muslim friend’s house during communal violence “so that the house isn’t burnt down by a mob.” In a breathtaking passage, the house’s inanimate objects “seemingly respond to being touched by their true master (the Muslim friend), who sneaks in at night to stuff a duffel bag with his personal belongings.” As the critic notes, “They sprang to life, like in fairytales.” The difference between merely inhabiting a space and truly living in it becomes a powerful metaphor for the relationship between communities and their homes.

3. The Natural World and Memory

Shree is “not bound by anthropocentric narrative frameworks.” In several of her stories, the “microphone” is passed from humans to the natural world, to plants and trees, birds and animals . The titular story uses elephants as a “stand-in for memory.” Similarly, in “March, Ma and Salaura” (set in contemporary Japan), the male narrator sees his elderly mother’s spirits “blooming in time with the first spring blush of salaura (cherry blossoms).” This device conveys that “longtime possessions eventually become extensions of one’s personality.”

4. The Inevitability of Inheritance

“And I Saw Myself Running,” based on a young man’s memories of his domineering, recently departed grandfather, offers the “most dramatic example” of this phenomenon. The grandfather, a lifelong Shiva devotee, would not allow his employees or family members to kill snakes in the family garden. In a memorable scene, the snakes of the neighbourhood assemble in the middle of the night around the dead man’s cot. The snakes remind the narrator of something he’s trying his best to ignore: “despite his carefully observed ideological distance, he is the second coming of his grandfather.” It is the “appointment in Samarra” that none of us can avoid—”we inevitably turn into a shinier facsimile of our parents.”

5. Humans, Animals, and the Environment

This theme of non-human agency is evident in Shree’s SahaSaa (2025), in which retired judge Bhoolearn Misir always frees rats stuck in traps. Following Misir’s death, the narration is “handed over for 50-odd pages to ‘Badkoo’ (elder in colloquial Hindi), the leader of the grateful clan of rats whose actions mirror the dead man’s personality.” Tomb of Sand also had “a murder of crows chattering away about humans, forming a Greek chorus of sorts.”

6. The Modernist Trick

“So Much Sky” (Imaa Aasmaan), described as “undoubtedly the most compelling in this collection,” sees the female narrator go to a writer’s retreat, only to “fall passionately in love with the sky, even as the other participants appear to be quite robotic, going through the motions.” When read alongside all the scenes involving inanimate objects and animals “speaking” to us, this story reveals a modernist trick: “making actual humans more and more robotic and paint-by-numbers, while houses and streets and skies and winds gain sudden, thrilling sentience.” This technique is reminiscent of James Joyce’s “Araby” and Virginia Woolf’s Mrs Dalloway.

Timeline of Events

Narrative Innovations

Breaking the Fourth Wall

In the beginning of the titular story, the narrator breaks the fourth wall to describe their storytelling method: “I know this is no way to tell a story, to tell the endings soon, but for one thing, I haven’t come around to this business of clear divisions. I find it more attractive when there’s no clear shape; no sequential steps, like first this, next this, and next that, then the end.” This metafictional device is reminiscent of Vladimir Nabokov beginning his masterpiece Pale Fire with a fictional foreword.

The Oral Framework

“So Much Sky” originally had a framing story that unfurled as “a dialogue between unspecified people talking about the story that the reader is going to discover soon.” Rockwell chose to omit this framing story, which was “about a page and a half in the original Hindi version,” to “streamline the narrative and distance it from her sci-fi interpretation.” The omitted framing story offers a simple piece of advice: “Don’t think of this story as magic, but please believe that it is magical all the same.”

Flamboyant, Devastating One-Liners

Even in these sparse stories, Shree unleashes “flamboyant, quietly devastating one-liners.” For instance, a husband says, “A carefree moment becomes a bubble between us and bursts,” talking about his seriously ill wife. This ability to compress profound emotion into a single sentence is one of Shree’s signature strengths.

Social and Political Significance

Memory, Trauma, and Communal Violence

Shree’s stories offer a powerful meditation on the long shadow of communal violence. By focusing on the aftermath—on the lives of survivors, on the spaces left behind, on the memories that haunt—she refuses to let the reader look away. The use of allegory and magical realism allows her to explore these themes without being constrained by the demands of realistic representation.

The Relationship Between Humans and the Environment

Shree’s work challenges the anthropocentrism of much contemporary literature. By giving voice to animals, plants, and even inanimate objects, she invites readers to consider the non-human world as a subject in its own right, not merely a backdrop for human drama.

Intergenerational Dynamics

Rockwell notes that several stories are “overwhelmingly concerned with the relationship between parents and children.” This theme recurs throughout Shree’s work, exploring how children learn to see their parents as “full, flawed individuals and vice-versa.”

Challenges and Critiques

The Translator’s Dilemma

Rockwell’s decision to omit the framing story from “So Much Sky” raises questions about the translator’s role. As the critic notes, “As anybody familiar with Indian narrative traditions like qissebaazi will tell you, the oral framework is often used as artistic licence for embellishment and overstatement.” However, “it is definitely tricky to render that oblique metafictional point into English.” The decision highlights the challenges of translation: how to preserve the spirit of the original while making it accessible to a new audience.

The Risk of Allegory

Shree’s use of allegory and magical realism, while powerful, carries the risk of abstraction. In stories about communal violence, the sparing use of concrete details may distance readers from the human cost of such violence. However, Shree’s razor-sharp sentences and her ability to build mood ensure that the emotional impact remains profound.

Way Forward

Expanding the Audience

The publication of Once Elephants Lived Here in English offers Indian literature in translation a new opportunity to reach a global audience. Shree’s work, with its distinctive blend of allegory, metafiction, and magical realism, offers a powerful counterpoint to more conventional narrative forms.

Continuing the Collaboration

The Shree-Rockwell partnership is a model of literary translation. As Shree calls Rockwell her “partner in crime,” their work suggests that the best translations are those that emerge from a deep, sustained collaboration.

Celebrating Indian Narrative Traditions

Shree’s work draws on Indian narrative traditions, including qissebaazi. As Indian literature gains global recognition, there is an opportunity to celebrate these traditions and their continued relevance.

Conclusion

Geetanjali Shree’s Once Elephants Lived Here is a collection of stories that defy easy categorization. They are allegorical, magical, and deeply human. They explore themes of memory, trauma, communal violence, and the relationship between humans and the natural world, all while challenging conventional narrative forms.

As the critic notes, “It’s tough to imagine a more apt description of this book, and of Shree’s body of work as a whole” than the advice offered in the omitted framing story: “Don’t think of this story as magic, but please believe that it is magical all the same.”

In an age of increasingly polarised and rigid discourse, Shree’s work offers a reminder of the power of storytelling—to unsettle, to illuminate, and to connect us to what we have forgotten. As the translator Daisy Rockwell writes, the book is “a celebration of the magical and the mundane, of memory and forgetting, of love and loss.”

5 UPSC-Style Questions & Answers

Q1: What is the significance of the title “Once Elephants Lived Here”?

The title alludes to the titular story of the collection. The elephants serve as a “stand-in for memory.” The title suggests that the past is always present, that what has been lost or forgotten continues to haunt the present. It also evokes the broader theme of memory and loss that runs through the collection.

Q2: How does Shree challenge anthropocentric narrative frameworks in her stories?

Shree is “not bound by anthropocentric narrative frameworks.” In several stories, the “microphone” is passed from humans to the natural world—to plants and trees, birds and animals. For example, in “And I Saw Myself Running,” snakes assemble around a dead man’s cot, acting as a chorus and reminding the narrator of his inheritance. In Tomb of Sand, a murder of crows chatters away about humans. This device challenges readers to consider non-human perspectives.

Q3: What role does the translator play in the reception of Shree’s work in English?

Daisy Rockwell’s translations have been instrumental in bringing Shree’s work to a global audience. Her translation of Tomb of Sand won the International Booker Prize in 2022. In Once Elephants Lived Here, Rockwell has made the deliberate choice to omit the framing story from “So Much Sky” to streamline the narrative. This decision highlights the challenges of translation: how to preserve the spirit of the original while making it accessible to a new audience.

Q4: How does Shree depict the aftermath of communal violence in her stories?

Shree’s stories are “devastatingly sad portrayals of the aftermath of communal violence.” Rather than focusing on the violence itself, she focuses on its aftermath—on the lives of survivors, on the spaces left behind, on the memories that haunt. In the titular story, a city is divided along communal lines, “where basic resources, economic development and the rule of law are all conditional on which side of the river you live.” The use of allegory allows Shree to explore these themes without being constrained by the demands of realistic representation.

Q5: What is the significance of the omitted framing story in “So Much Sky”?

“So Much Sky” originally had a framing story that unfurled as “a dialogue between unspecified people talking about the story that the reader is going to discover soon.” Rockwell chose to omit this framing story to “streamline the narrative and distance it from her sci-fi interpretation.” The omitted framing story offers a simple piece of advice: “Don’t think of this story as magic, but please believe that it is magical all the same.” This advice captures the essence of Shree’s literary universe.