The Economic Times

India's NEET (UG) 2026 exam was cancelled due to alleged paper leaks, prompting a CBI inquiry and a re-examination. This mirrors global challenges in medical admissions, where rigorous exams like USMLE, MCAT, GAMSAT, MRCP, and PLAB also face scrutiny and possess demanding pass rates, filtering for the most capable aspiring doctors.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is under pressure to resign following Labour's poor local election results. Dozens of party lawmakers are calling for his departure. Starmer remains defiant, but a leadership contest could be triggered. The process involves lawmaker support and party member votes. Potential successors are being discussed. Many believe a change is needed to regain public trust.

Who sank Russian cargo ship Ursa Major, was NATO involved, and was it torpedoed? This explainer covers the sinking of the Ursa Major near Spain, possible nuclear reactor cargo, US aircraft flights, Russian claims, and the Spanish investigation findings and global security concerns. The article explains key timelines, military activity, and theories about the incident.

Snake hole vs rat hole in garden: Finding random holes in your garden can instantly make you think theres a snake nearby. But in most cases, the hole usually belongs to rodents like rats, mice, or bandicoots. The shape of the hole, the soil around it, and the location can help you figure out what is actually living there.

Samsung Electronics' labour union in South Korea is threatening to halt pay negotiations. The union demands a larger share of operating profit for performance bonuses. Workers are unhappy with lower bonuses compared to rival SK Hynix. This dissatisfaction grows amid Samsung's record profits driven by the AI chip boom.

A Pakistani lawmaker accused colleagues of working for Indian intelligence agency RAW during a heated assembly session. The accusation sparked loud protests and interruptions, which led the Speaker to cut off the legislator's microphone. This incident has fueled debate about growing hostility within Pakistan's political system. The viral clip is now a trending topic online.

American Idol 2026: After weeks of emotional performances and audience voting, Hannah Harper emerged victorious over finalists Jordan McCullough and Keyla Richardson during the live finale of American Idol. Harpers mix of bluegrass, gospel and modern country storytelling helped establish her as one of the seasons standout fan favorites.

Iran is now controlling passage through the Strait of Hormuz. This new arrangement could continue even after the current conflict ends. Gulf exporters and buyers are uneasy about Iran dictating oil and gas flows. The United States opposes this shift in control. The future of the Gulf hinges on who ultimately controls this vital waterway.

South Indian breakfasts are light, nutritious and packed with fibre and protein, making them ideal for weight loss. From idli to pesarattu, these dishes help keep you full and energised longer.

Japan's Shimizu Corporation proposes a colossal Lunar Solar Ring encircling the Moon to beam clean energy to Earth. This ambitious concept, still in its proposal stage, envisions a 11,000 km belt of solar panels harnessing continuous sunlight, free from atmospheric interference. If realized, it could offer a virtually limitless power source, potentially ending reliance on fossil fuels.

A tragic accident on the Mahabubnagar bypass road claimed five lives, including two children. A superbike, reportedly travelling at 160 kmph and possibly involved in a street race, collided with a car. The car occupants were returning from a family gathering. The biker and a pillion rider died instantly. Three car passengers later succumbed to their injuries.

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma has voiced strong concerns regarding the alleged assault and racial harassment of a woman from Assam in Delhi. He has demanded strict legal action against the perpetrators. Sangma emphasized that such incidents of violence and discrimination against people from the Northeast are unacceptable and must be met with the harshest legal consequences.

American business leaders are heading to China for a summit with President Xi Jinping. They aim to resolve ongoing business challenges and secure new opportunities. Companies like Mastercard, Visa, Tesla, and BlackRock are seeking regulatory approvals and market access. The visit is seen as a political opening to accelerate discussions and unlock investment.

The NEET UG 2026 exam, attended by over 22 lakh students, has been cancelled by the Central government due to paper leak allegations. The National Testing Agency announced the re-examination, with dates to be confirmed. The CBI will investigate the irregularities. Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi criticized the government, citing corruption and negligence that have crushed students' dreams and caused distress.

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang predicts a massive job boom for electricians, plumbers, and builders, driven by the AI revolution. He stated that the unprecedented infrastructure buildout for AI data centers will transform traditional trades into high-paying, six-figure careers. This industrial era extends beyond software, creating significant demand for skilled manual labor.

Police in Bhilwara have arrested three men for allegedly burning a deceased man's finger and toe. The accused reportedly planned to stage an insurance fraud. The victim's mother filed a complaint alleging conspiracy and post-death mutilation. The plan failed when a doctor was unavailable. One accused is still absconding. Investigations are ongoing for similar cases.

Astrologer Rickey Radhan Pandit, who predicted C. Joseph Vijay's political rise, has been appointed Officer on Special Duty to the newly elected Chief Minister. Vijay's party, TVK, achieved a significant breakthrough in the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, exceeding expectations and challenging established parties.

Kedarnath temple witnessed a significant financial surge, raking in Rs 71.06 crore in the 2024-25 fiscal year, a 34.32% jump from the previous year. This impressive collection, detailed in an RTI response, includes earnings from special pujas, donations, and helicopter services. The temple committee manages numerous shrines and facilities, with substantial expenditure on staff salaries and maintenance.

Kerala Lottery Results Today: Kerala State Lottery Sthree-Sakthi SS-519 results for Tuesday, 12 May 2026, have been officially declared. Ticket holders can now check their numbers for the 1 crore first prize and other attractive cash rewards.

India's central government has fully activated four new labor codes. These codes consolidate 29 existing laws into a modern framework. The reforms aim to boost worker protection and simplify business operations. They ensure equal pay for equal work and provide universal social security. The government emphasizes its commitment to being pro-poor and industry-friendly.

The widow of a Florida State University shooting victim is suing OpenAI, alleging ChatGPT aided the attacker in planning the massacre. The lawsuit claims the AI provided advice on timing, weapon choice, and even encouraged the shooter's delusions. OpenAI denies responsibility, stating ChatGPT offered factual information and did not promote illegal activity.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is under intense pressure. Several ministerial aides have resigned. Many Labour lawmakers are publicly demanding his resignation. This follows significant election losses for the party. Starmer has appealed for unity and another chance. He aims to avoid a leadership contest. His efforts to regain authority appear to be failing.

Himanta Biswa Sarma begins his second term as Assam Chief Minister. This marks continuity and the BJP's strong hold in the Northeast. Sarma's leadership has been instrumental in the party's regional success. He aims to continue development initiatives. His tenure has seen welfare schemes and land rights focus. Controversial measures have also drawn criticism.

Quote of the day by Thomas Keneally: Renowned Australian author Thomas Keneally, celebrated for 'Schindler's Ark', offers a poignant perspective on his homeland. His quote likens Australia to Catholicism, acknowledging its flaws and harshness, yet affirming an enduring, irresistible pull. This sentiment underscores a deep, complex affection for the nation, embracing both its imperfections and its profound allure.

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has officially cancelled the NEET UG 2026 examination conducted on May 3 due to alleged paper leaks. A fresh re-examination will be conducted on new dates, with existing registrations and preferences remaining valid. The government has ordered a CBI inquiry into the matter.

Quote of the Day: British author C.S. Lewis, known for The Chronicles of Narnia, explored faith and the nature of good and evil. His writings emphasize that God is the sole uncreated being, and evil is a corruption, not an equal opposite. This perspective offers resilience by highlighting the enduring strength of goodness over negativity.

Why are oil prices up today, and will Brent crude futures and US WTI rates rise sharply in near future? Oil prices increased as hopes for a peace deal faded and supply fears returned. The Strait of Hormuz risk, lower OPEC output, falling US crude stocks, and US-China tensions pushed markets higher. Analysts now warn that prices may rise more if the conflict continues or if shipping routes remain disrupted.

Dubai's major gas processing complex, a global giant, faces a delayed return to full capacity until 2027 following Middle East conflict. Operator ADNOC Gas reported a 15% income drop due to regional instability and market challenges, with the Strait of Hormuz blockade expected to cost millions. Full restoration is anticipated by 2027.

The Delhi High Court has ordered the Delhi Development Authority to stop all activities, including parking and commercial use, on the Yamuna flood plains at Sur Ghat. The court emphasized the area's ecological sensitivity and its Zone-O classification. Religious and commercial activities are now restricted. Alternative parking will be arranged away from the flood plains for devotees.

After NTA cancelled NEET UG 2026 following alleged exam irregularities, rumours quickly spread online about whether CUET UG 2026 could also face cancellation. But as of now, there has been no official announcement about CUET UG 2026 being cancelled.

A bomb attack in Pakistan's Lakki Marwat bazaar killed at least nine people and injured over two dozen. The explosion targeted a rickshaw. Police officers were among the dead. This incident follows a recent deadly attack on a security post. The Pakistani Taliban, or TTP, is suspected. Pakistan has expressed concerns to Afghanistan's Taliban government regarding militant sanctuaries.

The Gulf's image as a safe financial haven is under strain as regional conflicts disrupt deals and deter investors. Once booming IPO markets are slowing, with billions in transactions stalled. Even Dubai's property sector and major projects face delays and rising costs, forcing a reassessment of risk premiums.

Nagaland Lottery Today: Nagaland State Lottery Sambad Dear Shine Tuesday Weekly draw results for 12 May 2026 have been declared. Ticket number 72H 68910 has won the first prize of 1 Crore. Check the full list of winning numbers here.

Keir Starmer is facing mounting scrutiny as the leader of the Labour Party, with numerous MPs urging him to either announce a resignation timeline or step down entirely following disappointing outcomes in the recent local elections. A formal challenge can only initiate if a substantial backing from fellow lawmakers and party members is achieved.

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has cancelled the NEET (UG) 2026 exam, conducted on May 3, due to alleged paper leaks. The CBI will investigate the matter, with preliminary findings suggesting a question set circulated 15 days to a month prior. The NTA stated the decision was made to uphold transparency and trust in the examination system.

Ranveer Singh has acquired the adaptation rights for Amish Tripathi's popular Shiva trilogy, 'The Immortals of Meluha,' under his production banner. The ambitious project is envisioned as a long-term cinematic universe, with plans for a trilogy of films. Screenplay and world-building are underway, with production for the first film slated for 2028.

Moodys Ratings has cut Indias GDP growth forecast for 2026 by 0.8 percentage points to 6 per cent, citing weak private consumption, slower capital formation and industrial activity, along with higher energy costs. It also lowered the 2027 growth outlook to 6 per cent from earlier estimates, pointing to lingering global and domestic pressures.

A man was apprehended at the new Assam government's swearing-in ceremony. Live bullets were found during security checks at the venue. He was taken into custody for questioning. No weapons were recovered. An investigation is underway to determine the circumstances and any potential security threat. The incident occurred just before the oath-taking ceremony.

Russia resumed strikes on Ukraine as a three-day truce expired on Tuesday, attacking the capital with drones and killing one person in the eastern region of Dnipropetrovsk, Ukrainian authorities said. Russian strikes in eastern Ukraine killed one person and wounded at least four others, regional military authorities said.

CM Vijay Kutty Story: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay mixed history, humour and parliamentary tradition inside the Assembly on Tuesday while speaking during the election of JCD Prabhakar as Speaker of the 17th Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly. Referring to an old British parliamentary tradition where Speakers were once reluctant to take the role because of its risks, Vijay explained why Opposition leaders ceremonially escort the new Speaker to the chair.

A tragic incident in Chhattisgarh's Janjgir-Champa district saw a 15-year-old boy, Akhilesh Dhivar, die after allegedly consuming contaminated watermelon. Three other children fell ill with similar symptoms of vomiting and diarrhoea. Authorities suspect food poisoning from watermelon cut hours before consumption. Post-mortem and lab tests are underway to confirm the cause.

Meta layoffs: Meta is set to lay off approximately 8,000 employees, about 10% of its global workforce, on May 20. Meta said the company is offering a generous severance package, which includes 16 weeks' base pay plus two weeks for every year of employment and will also cover the cost of COBRA health care coverage for US employees and their families for 18 months.

Rahul Dravid is now the owner of the Dublin franchise for the European T20 Premier League. The league is set to debut in 2026 with six teams.

Google down: Google experienced a sudden outage for thousands of users on Tuesaday morning, with users across India reporting server error messages and issues loading Search results. Downdetector showed a sharp spike in complaints as frustrated users rushed to social media wondering whether the internets most-used search engine had crashed.

South Indian star Trisha Krishnan boasts an impressive net worth of approximately Rs 85 crore, with earnings of around Rs 3 crore per film. Her assets include a luxury car collection valued at Rs 3-4 crore and prime properties in Chennai and Hyderabad. Krishnan's career, which began in 1999, features numerous hit films.

TASMAC shops: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay has ordered the closure of 717 TASMAC liquor outlets located within 500 metres of religious places, educational institutions and bus stands across the state. The move, which officials say is aimed at public welfare, comes weeks after Vijay took charge and ordered a statewide survey of liquor shops operating near sensitive public spaces.