NEET Paper Leak: Teachers Among Four Booked in Maharashtra
Pune: Four individuals, including teachers Jalil Umrakhan Pathan and Sanjay Tukaram Jadhav, are implicated in the NEET-UG paper leak. Pathan, arrested, and Jadhav, detained, allegedly shared hall ticket details with accused Iranna Kongalwar and Gangadhar. A Special Investigation Team is probing the case.
Kuki-Zo Hold Rallies in Manipur, Seek Union Territory
New Delhi: The Kuki-Zo community rallied across Manipur’s hill districts, demanding Union Territory status to end ethnic strife. Protesters called for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s intervention and submitted a memorandum to Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Counter-protests in Imphal opposed separate administration, escalating tensions since May 2023.
Tamil Nadu to Urge Centre for Caste Census: Stalin
Chennai: Tamil Nadu CM M.K. Stalin announced the government’s plan to push for a caste-based census, addressing PMK leader G.K. Mani’s demand for Vanniyar reservation. Stalin emphasized that a proper solution requires caste data, and a resolution would be moved in the Assembly urging the Centre. Law Minister S. Regupathy noted previous Vanniyar reservation attempts failed due to lack of data, underscoring the need for a comprehensive caste-based census.
SC Questions HC’s Delay in Bail Order for Kejriwal
New Delhi: The Supreme Court refrained from immediately lifting the Delhi High Court’s pause on Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s bail release. Kejriwal, granted bail by a trial court on June 20, questioned the delay affecting his personal liberty. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) urged the SC to wait for the HC’s June 25 verdict. The SC, acknowledging the unusual delay, posted the case for June 26 .
New Delhi: Philippines envoy Josel F. Ignacio highlighted the transformative impact of the $375-million BrahMos missile deal with India, marking a significant milestone in bilateral relations. Delivered in April, these supersonic cruise missiles enhance the Philippines’ defense capabilities and signify India’s growing defense export prowess. This cooperation is rooted in defense agreements from 2006 and 2017, fostering equipment transfers and military modernization in the Philippines, currently in its Horizon-3 phase.
India, Pakistan Delegations Inspect J&K Power Projects Under Indus Water Treaty
Jammu: Indian and Pakistani delegations, along with neutral experts, arrived in Kishtwar district, Jammu and Kashmir, to inspect hydroelectric power projects under the Indus Water Treaty (IWT). This marks the first Pakistani visit to the region in over five years. The teams are inspecting the 85-MW Ratle and 1,000-MW Pakal Dul projects among others, ensuring compliance with the treaty, which facilitates cooperation on cross-border river water usage.
18th Lok Sabha Opens with 262 MPs Taking Oath on First Day
New Delhi: The 18th Lok Sabha’s first session began with Prime Minister Narendra Modi taking the oath as the first member, joined by 261 other MPs. PM Modi, serving his third term, took the oath in Hindi amidst “Jai Shri Ram” chants. Opposition members, displaying copies of the Constitution, demonstrated inside and outside Parliament. Pro tem Speaker Bhartruhari Mahtab’s appointment, opposed by the INDIA bloc, chaired the proceedings. Notably, some opposition leaders did not attend the session, and three MPs missed the oath ceremony, including Engineer Rashid, who is in jail.
NTA Reform Committee Tackles Exam Integrity Issues
New Delhi: A seven-member committee, led by former ISRO Chairman K. Radhakrishnan, met to reform the NTA following recent exam controversies. Focus areas include enhancing data security, revising printing protocols, and staff training. Recommendations, expected in two months, aim to prevent leaks and improve exam integrity.
CBI Takes Over NEET Paper Leak Cases from Bihar EOU
New Delhi/Patna: The CBI has taken over five NEET-UG cases, including a paper leak in Patna, a cheating plot in Godhra, and impersonation in Rajasthan. Bihar’s EOU, having arrested 18 individuals, handed over its investigation, focusing on the chain of custody for leaked papers.
Maternity and Paternity Leave Amended for Surrogacy Cases
New Delhi: The Centre has amended rules allowing women government employees 180 days of maternity leave for children born through surrogacy. Commissioning mothers and fathers now also receive childcare and paternity leave, respectively, under the Central Civil Services (Leave) Rules, 1972. Surrogate mothers who are government employees are also eligible for 180 days of maternity leave.
Water Seepage Issue in Ayodhya Ram Temple Raises Concerns
Recent pre-monsoon showers in Ayodhya led to water seepage inside the Ram Temple, affecting rituals. Chief priest Mahant Satyendra Das highlighted the lack of a drainage system in the sanctum sanctorum, complicating deity bathing rituals. The temple committee assured swift resolution after priests’ complaints.
Law Firms Embrace GenAI to Enhance Efficiency
Tech-savvy legal professionals and experts foresee Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) revolutionizing the legal sector. Law firms and corporate legal departments are leveraging tools like ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot to streamline processes, reduce errors, and improve efficiency, particularly in contract management and compliance.
EU Charges Apple Under New Digital Competition Rules
European Union regulators have filed charges against Apple, marking the first enforcement action under the new Digital Markets Act (DMA). The EU accuses Apple of restricting app developers from directing users to cheaper alternatives outside its App Store, potentially leading to heavy fines up to 10% of global revenue if found guilty by March 2025.
Rohit Sharma’s Explosive Innings Propels India to T20 World Cup Semifinal
In a dazzling display of power hitting, Rohit Sharma’s blistering 92 off 41 balls led India to a crucial 24-run victory over Australia in the T20 World Cup Super 8 clash. Rohit’s fastest T20 fifty set the tone, supported by Bumrah’s crucial wicket of Travis Head. India faces England next in the semifinals.