CBI Investigates NEET Irregularities
Patna/New Delhi: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has initiated a comprehensive probe into alleged irregularities during the NEET exam on May 5. Special teams are investigating cases in Patna and Godhra. The Education Ministry seeks to uncover possible public servant involvement.
Police Fear Manipur Militants Acquiring Drones
Guwahati: Following recent seizures of drone parts and intelligent flight batteries in Assam, officials suspect that militant groups in Manipur may be planning to use drones for attacks. Seized items were linked to both Kuki-Zo and Meitei extremist groups, highlighting the potential threat of aerial assaults in the conflict-ridden state.
BSP Chief Reinstates Akash Anand as Successor
Lucknow: Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) president Mayawati reaffirmed her nephew, Akash Anand, as her successor and reinstated him as the party’s national coordinator. During a review meeting following the BSP’s poor Lok Sabha election performance, Mayawati urged party workers to strengthen their base, citing potential instability in the BJP-led NDA government.
Kejriwal Moves SC Over Bail Suspension
New Delhi: Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal urgently approached the Supreme Court against the Delhi High Court’s suspension of his bail in the excise policy case. Kejriwal’s lawyers argue the order violates his right to personal liberty, following the ED’s appeal challenging the trial court’s bail decision.
Status Report on NEET Paper Leak Sent to Centre
Patna: A status report on the NEET paper leak investigation has been sent to the Union Education Ministry. The Bihar Economic Offences Unit confirmed 18 arrests, with evidence sent to the Central Forensic Laboratory. The investigation, involving multiple suspects, remains sensitive, with further searches ongoing.
750 of 1,563 Candidates Skip NEET Re-Test
New Delhi: Of the 1,563 eligible candidates, only 813 (52%) appeared for the NEET re-test across seven centres in Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Haryana, Meghalaya, and Chandigarh, following a Supreme Court directive. The remaining 750 candidates (48%) were absent. The re-test was ordered after non-transparent grace marks were scrapped by the court.
Education Minister to Address NTA Irregularities in Parliament
New Delhi: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan is set to address Parliament on recent National Testing Agency (NTA) irregularities during a special session starting Monday. The government has formed a seven-member expert committee to recommend reforms for NTA’s examination processes and data security. The Education Ministry has taken corrective actions, including removing the NTA Director-General and issuing show-cause notices. A CBI inquiry into the NEET paper leak has also been recommended.
Petitioners Urge Supreme Court for ED Probe in NEET Paper Leak Case
New Delhi: Students petitioning the Supreme Court over NEET-UG irregularities have requested the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to investigate under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act and the Information Technology Act. Represented by advocates Mathews Nedumpara and Usha Nandini, the petitioners seek the involvement of both the ED and CBI, arguing that the ED is duty-bound to secure punishment for those behind the leaks. The petitioners also call for the exam’s cancellation and a re-test. The Supreme Court will hear the case on July 8.
ISRO’s Pushpak Achieves Milestone with Reusable Launch Vehicle Test
Bengaluru: ISRO completed its third and final Reusable Launch Vehicle Landing Experiment (RLV LEX) successfully at Chitradurga’s Aeronautical Test Range. Pushpak, released from an Indian Air Force Chinook helicopter at 4.5 km altitude, autonomously landed with precision on the runway centerline despite severe wind conditions. The mission validated critical technologies for future orbital re-entry missions, showcasing ISRO’s capability in autonomous guidance and landing systems.
Breakthrough in Breast Cancer Diagnosis: Blood-Based Test
Hyderabad, India – Scientists at CCMB and RCC Thiruvananthapuram unveil a breakthrough method using microRNA signatures from blood drops to detect various types of breast cancer early. Identified biomarkers promise affordability and non-invasiveness, crucial for developing countries. Research published in Cell Communication and Signalling underscores its potential impact.
India Delays “Monkey Man” Release Despite Global Edits
NEW DELHI – The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has yet to screen Dev Patel’s “Monkey Man,” effectively stalling its release in India, despite global edits by Universal Studios. The film, altered to reduce controversial content linking religion and politics, faces regulatory uncertainty amid opaque CBFC procedures. Warner Bros Pictures India declined to comment.
New Insights into Plutonium Isotope Fission
U.S. Department of Energy – Researchers at LANSCE have conducted groundbreaking experiments on Pu-240, measuring its prompt fission neutron spectrum (PFNS) with neutrons exceeding 0.85 MeV. Findings diverge significantly from theoretical predictions, impacting reactor design, radiation shielding, and nuclear medicine. Published in Physical Review C, the study underscores the complexities of nuclear reactions and updates essential data libraries.
EU’s ‘Chat Control’ Law Sparks Privacy Debate
Getty Images EU faces backlash over ‘chat control’ law targeting online child sexual abuse, criticized for potentially compromising privacy by allowing mass message scanning. Despite amendments focusing on media content, tech firms and advocates fear it sets a precedent for state surveillance, impacting encryption integrity globally.
Slow Progress of Kavach Deployment
The rollout of Kavach, India’s anti-collision train protection system, lags despite four years of efforts, covering only 2% of the railway network. Vendor capacity issues and onboarding delays hamper installation, with key routes like Delhi-Howrah targeted for completion by year-end.
Kenya’s President Ruto Open to Dialogue Amid Anti-Tax Protests
AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE, NAIROBI – President William Ruto of Kenya expressed readiness for dialogue with “peaceful” anti-tax protesters, acknowledging their impact and urging engagement. The protests, primarily led by Gen-Z Kenyans via social media, highlight economic discontent. Despite reports of police brutality and arrests, Ruto’s call for conversation follows escalating tensions.
BNP Alleges Bangladesh PM’s Vendetta as Khaleda Zia Falls Critically Ill
PRESSÂ DHAKA – Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) leader Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir accused Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of pursuing a personal vendetta against former PM Khaleda Zia, now critically ill. Zia, 78, was rushed to Evercare Hospital from her residence, triggering allegations of inadequate medical care under government custody.
Far-Right National Rally Leads in French Election Polls
 PARIS – France’s National Rally (RN) and allies top polling for the first round of parliamentary elections with 35.5%, per Ipsos survey for Le Parisien and Radio France. The left-wing New Popular Front follows with 29.5%, while President Macron’s centrist alliance trails at 19.5%. RN’s economic trust also leads in Ipsos’ separate survey for the Financial Times.
Belgium Revives Euro 2024 Campaign with Win Over Romania
AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE, COLOGNE – Youri Tielemans’ early goal and Kevin De Bruyne’s late strike secured Belgium a crucial 2-0 victory against Romania in Euro 2024. The win came after Belgium’s surprising loss to Slovakia, revitalizing their hopes in Group E and setting up a tense final round of fixtures.