The Times of India

NTA chief Abhishek Singh told a parliamentary panel the NEET-UG 2026 paper didn't leak through their system, with the CBI now investigating. Officials presented reforms, noting 70% of Radhakrishnan Committee recommendations are implemented. Concerns over staff shortages and future computer-based testing were also raised during the meeting.

The Calcutta High Court has upheld the West Bengal government's restrictions on slaughtering certain animals ahead of Bakr Eid. The court found the notification aligned with previous directives, emphasizing that cow sacrifice isn't a mandatory Islamic practice. Authorities must now decide on exemptions within 24 hours, ensuring proper certification and infrastructure for any permitted slaughter.

Umar Khalid has approached the Delhi High Court seeking 15 days' interim bail to attend his uncle's Chehlum ceremony and care for his mother undergoing surgery. A trial court had previously denied his request, deeming the ceremony ot that necessary and suggesting other family members could assist.

India is pivoting towards Europe as traditional partnerships become unreliable. The burgeoning India-Italy relationship, spearheaded by Prime Ministers Modi and Meloni, is central to this strategy. This partnership is building crucial economic architecture, including the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor and a potential EU Free Trade Agreement, positioning Europe as India's primary strategic focus.

Rahul Gandhi has demanded Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation over the NEET paper leak, accusing the Centre of neglecting student concerns. He pledged the Congress's continued fight for affected students, advocating for a robust examination system.

India's beloved chai faces unprecedented challenges. Climate stress, rising costs, and global conflicts are impacting tea production and exports, making your daily cup more expensive. Despite these pressures, the nation's deep emotional connection to tea, a symbol of hospitality and connection, ensures its enduring cultural significance.

Union Minister Piyush Goyal strongly criticized Rahul Gandhi and the Congress party for using derogatory language against Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Goyal emphasized India's enhanced global reputation and robust strategic partnerships, citing strong ties with the US and significant investment deals secured during Prime Minister Modi's recent foreign visits. These engagements underscore India's growing influence and trusted partnership status worldwide.

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar stated that ime will decide his potential elevation to Chief Minister, amidst growing speculation of a leadership change in the state's Congress government. This comes as the Siddaramaiah-led government approaches a significant milestone, fueling discussions about a possible power-sharing arrangement.

Following the Madhya Pradesh High Court's verdict recognizing Dhar's Bhojshala complex as Goddess Vagdevi's temple, Hindu petitioners have filed new pleas. They are demanding free entry for devotees, further excavation, and the opening of a locked room, asserting the court's order necessitates unrestricted access and removal of 'unauthorised Islamic symbols'.

The notification, issued by the states Personnel and Administrative Reforms Department on Wednesday night and signed by chief secretary Manoj Kumar Agarwal, said the restrictions are in line with provisions under the All India Services (Conduct) Rules, 1968, the West Bengal Service (Duties, Rights and Obligations of Government Employees) Rules, 1980, and the West Bengal Government Servants Conduct Rules, 1959.

As part of the reshuffle, Vijay retained the Poverty Alleviation portfolio and reassigned the Women Welfare department, previously held by him, to newly inducted minister K Jegadeshwari. Congress leaders S Rajesh Kumar and P Viswanathan have been allotted the Tourism and Higher Education portfolios, respectively. Another TVK minister, Mohamed Farvas, has been allocated the Labour Welfare and Skill Development portfolio.

A controversy erupted in Tamil Nadu over the recitation order of national and state songs during a swearing-in ceremony. The DMK criticized the Vijay government for prioritizing 'Vande Mataram' over the Tamil invocation song, accusing them of disrespecting Tamil culture and adopting BJP's politics.

The NTA is set to roll out a refund portal this Thursday for students retaking NEET UG 2026, providing refunds that vary by category, though gateway fees are excluded. Re-examinations will occur on June 21 without any added costs.

Prime Minister Modi's recent five-nation tour saw him present world leaders with culturally rich Indian gifts. From Assam's golden Muga silk to Manipur's Shirui Lily stoles and Agra's marble inlay boxes, these presents showcased India's diverse traditional crafts, agricultural bounty, and musical heritage, fostering cultural exchange.

Rahul Gandhi's recent remarks in Rae Bareli, calling PM Modi and Amit Shah 'traitors' for allegedly selling India and attacking the Constitution, have sparked a police complaint by the BJP Yuva Morcha. Gandhi also criticized the government's economic policies and the Prime Minister's foreign visits amidst brewing economic challenges. BJP leaders condemned the statements, while the PDP questioned the outrage.

The cancellation of NEET-UG 2026 has thrown medical hopefuls into a state of uncertainty and anxiety. Responding to this crisis, the Faculty Association of AIIMS is advocating for urgent financial support for students and is demanding a rigorous investigation into the alleged paper leaks.

Rahul Gandhi paid tribute to his father, former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, on his 35th death anniversary, vowing to fulfill his vision for a strong and prosperous India. Senior Congress leaders also paid homage at Vir Bhumi, remembering Rajiv Gandhi's contributions to modernizing India through technological and educational reforms.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay is set to expand his cabinet, inducting 23 MLAs, including two from the Congress party, marking their return after 60 years. The Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) and IUML are also expected to join the council of ministers soon.

Amid rising concerns over misleading alcohol packaging, the Supreme Court is considering a petition aimed at uniform standards for liquor containers across India. Advocacy groups are raising alarms about the dangers of tetra packs that look like fruity drinks, citing potential increases in underage drinking and drunk driving fueled by their deceiving designs.

Prashant Kishor has relocated to a Patna ashram until the Bihar assembly polls, aiming for his Jan Suraaj Party to make an impact after a previous electoral setback. He criticized Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's son's cabinet induction and urged voters to prioritize their future over caste or monetary inducements, warning of potential economic challenges from West Asian conflicts.

Northwest India is battling severe heatwave conditions, with temperatures soaring across multiple states. Uttar Pradesh's Banda recorded a scorching 48C, while Delhi anticipates touching 46C. Punjab and Haryana are also reeling under intense heat. The IMD has issued alerts, advising extreme caution for vulnerable populations and recommending hydration and protective measures.

India has strongly criticized Pakistan at the UN Security Council, accusing it of a long record of violence against civilians and citing recent incidents in Afghanistan linked to Pakistani military action. India's envoy highlighted UNAMA findings of civilian casualties due to cross-border violence and airstrikes, including an attack on a hospital during Ramadan.

Falta, which falls within Abhishek Banerjees bastion of Diamond Harbour, reflected the intense on-ground political heat during the West Bengal Assembly polls. Apart from authorities finding attempts to tamper with footage captured by web cameras installed at several polling stations, allegations of EVM manipulation were reported at a Falta booth, eventually prompting the Election Commission to order repolling.

Authorities from the National Investigation Agency (NIA) have arrested a man in Kolkata, believed to be involved in a dangerous espionage ring targeting India. Reports suggest that he transmitted sensitive security information to Pakistani Intelligence operatives in return for monetary compensation and the allure of citizenship in Pakistan.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will chair a crucial meeting of the Union council of ministers on Thursday. Discussions will revolve around ministry functioning, policy outcomes, and future plans, with a focus on reforms benefiting common citizens. The meeting also addresses the West Asia crisis and its economic implications.