India's Cockroach Protests Pressure Modi: Court Orders Under-18s Release as Gen Z Outreach Begins

Protests against education policy and exam leaks, led by the so‑called 'Cockroach' movement (CJP), triggered a heavy crackdown with hundreds arrested across BJP‑ruled states, including many under 18; the Supreme Court ordered the release of all under‑18 detainees and urged preservation of video footage, while protest leaders say there are no written assurances of FIR withdrawals. Delhi police have filed FIRs over abusive social‑media posts about Modi and sought account data from X, fueling accusations of mass online surveillance. The government has simultaneously rolled out Gen Z outreach campaigns and, notably, Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned, signaling a blend of punitive action and political recalibration.