The Times of India

Amid the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak controversy, the NTA has announced significant institutional and technological reforms, including hiring a CTO and strengthening oversight. Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan chaired a review meeting, emphasizing secure and foolproof conduct for the upcoming re-examination, with enhanced coordination with state authorities.

Following a water tank collapse in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh authorities have blacklisted construction firm NCC and inspection agency BLG Construction Services. An FIR has been lodged, and several officials, including an executive engineer and junior engineers, have been suspended or terminated. The firms face fines and are ordered to reconstruct the tank, with a statewide safety audit now mandated.

Kerala's new UDF government, led by CM VD Satheesan, has formed a special committee to prepare a White Paper on the state's financial condition, headed by ex-cabinet secretary KM Chandrasekhar. This move follows allegations of financial mismanagement by the previous government. The cabinet also established an SIT to probe attacks during the Nava Kerala Yatra.

Trinamool Congress candidate Jahangir Khan withdrew from Falta's re-poll, citing a special package for the area's development. The TMC, however, stated his decision was personal, alleging pressure and intimidation against their workers by the BJP. The Election Commission ordered re-polling due to severe electoral offences and subversion of the democratic process.

Russian President Vladimir Putin will attend the BRICS summit in New Delhi on September 12-13. Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov confirmed his participation in the national capital. This visit marks a significant diplomatic event for India amidst global geopolitical shifts and growing BRICS collaboration. Details on his schedule are anticipated.

In a significant move, the National Commission for Scheduled Castes has responded to the Punjab authorities regarding serious allegations of caste-based discrimination being recorded in an official Census document. The Commission plans to delve into this issue under Article 338 of the Constitution and has requested a detailed action report within a strict 15-day timeline.

Trinamool Congress candidate Jahangir Khan has withdrawn his nomination for the Falta re-poll, days before voting. The Election Commission had previously scrapped the original polls due to severe electoral offenses and subversion of the democratic process. Observer reports highlighted significant irregularities, including EVM tampering and voter intimidation. This development follows criticism from West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari.

The Supreme Court dismissed pleas to recall its stray dog relocation and sterilization order, issuing directions to states to augment infrastructure. The court allowed euthanasia for rabid or dangerous stray dogs, emphasizing the need for expert assessment and adherence to animal welfare laws.

Ministry of external affairs pushed back against press freedom queries during PM Modi's Norway visit, citing a lack of understanding of India's scale and reliance on ignorant NGOs. This followed a Norwegian journalist's claim that PM Modi avoided her question. The MEA defended India's democratic framework and rights, highlighting its vast population and media landscape.

A new book explores Indian archaeology's post-independence journey, highlighting the decolonization challenges faced by the ASI. It emphasizes Amalananda Ghosh's impactful leadership and discusses the ongoing issues of training and employment for archaeologists. The article also touches upon the potential of AI in aiding archaeological research and data management.

Commercial vehicle drivers in Delhi-NCR are striking May 21-23, demanding an immediate taxi and auto fare hike. Unions cite 15 years of stagnant fares despite soaring fuel and operational costs, and allege exploitation by app-based aggregators. A protest is planned for May 23, with threats of further escalation if demands aren't met.

Fuel prices have seen their second hike in less than a week, with petrol and diesel increasing by approximately 90 paise per litre. This follows a nearly four-year freeze by state-run oil companies, with prices now reaching their highest levels since May 2022. Opposition parties allege the freeze was timed to end after state elections.

Indian mountaineer Shradha Gupta is currently on her Mount Everest expedition, marking another major milestone in her rapidly rising climbing journey after successfully summiting Mount Manaslu (8,163 metres) -- the world's eighth-highest mountain.

In a notable escalation, Congress leader Randeep Singh Surjewala has received a summons to report to Guwahati on May 23 as part of the Assam crime branch's investigation into a controversial passport matter involving Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarmas wife. This comes after Pawan Khera faced scrutiny related to her passport and citizenship claims.

West Bengal authorities have approved the prosecution of former R G Kar Medical College principal Sandip Ghosh over alleged financial irregularities. This development follows a high-profile case involving a trainee doctor's rape and murder at the institution.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay expressed solidarity with the global Tamil diaspora on Mullivaikkal Remembrance Day, pledging continued support for their rights. Observed annually on May 18, the day marks the bloody conclusion of the Sri Lankan Civil War in 2009, a period that saw immense civilian suffering and wartime atrocities.