How has the Indian government responded to ‘Cockroach’ protests?

Core Impact Points

• The Indian government has arrested hundreds of young men and women, some under 18, during the 'Cockroach' protests over examination paper leaks and education reforms.
• The Supreme Court has ordered the release of all under-18s arrested during the protests, and many have been released after protest leaders and opposition politicians slammed the government's crackdown.
• The government has launched a campaign to win back Gen Z, posting social media videos with pop culture references and casual conversations.
• The protests have led to accusations of government surveillance and control over online platforms, with police filing FIRs against allegedly abusive social media posts.
• The government has rejected accusations of expanding surveillance powers and tightly controlling online platforms, saying it only acts in the public interest.
• The Supreme Court has directed the preservation of all footage, including from drones, body cameras, and CCTV footage, and ensured protesters' data is not made public.