The Economic Times

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.

The CBI has taken over the investigation into the murder of Chandranath Rath, aide to West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari. The state police had previously arrested three individuals from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar in connection with the killing. Rath was shot dead in Madhyamgram on May 6. The CBI's involvement follows a request from the state government.

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.

Congress leader V Hanumantha Rao criticizes Prime Minister Narendra Modi's appeals for citizens to reduce fuel and gold consumption. Telangana BJP chief N Ramchander Rao supports the Prime Minister's calls, emphasizing the need to conserve foreign exchange reserves. He highlights global fuel price volatility and India's better management.

NEET exam cancelled: National Testing Agency (NTA), with approval from the Government of India, has cancelled the NEET UG 2026 examination held on May 3 following allegations of a paper leak. Fresh dates for the re-examination will be announced separately, leaving lakhs of students shocked and anxious about what comes next.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi slammed the recent appointments in West Bengal, likening the situation to a 'chor bazaar' orchestrated by the BJP alongside the Election Commission.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called for a return to work-from-home and virtual meetings. Businesses are reviewing remote work options. Citizens are urged to reduce fuel consumption, use public transport, and avoid unnecessary foreign travel. The appeal also includes reducing non-essential gold and edible oil purchases, and preferring Made-in-India products to bolster the economy.

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.

The Indian Army has launched Sangam 88.8, a community radio station in Rajouri's Doongi block. This initiative aims to promote local culture and provide opportunities for border area youth. The radio disseminates crucial information and government schemes. It also serves as a platform for children to showcase their talents, addressing limited opportunities in these regions. Sangam 88.

Rahul Dravid steps into a new role as owner of Dublin Guardians in the European T20 League. He intends to avoid interfering with the team's cricketing matters. Ravichandran Ashwin will lead the team with full autonomy. Dravid will focus on franchise operations off the field.

Yogi Adityanath Cabinet Expansion 2026: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's cabinet expansion is a clear political signal. The Bharatiya Janata Party is preparing for the 2027 Assembly elections. The reshuffle focuses on backward and Dalit communities. This move addresses the Samajwadi Party's 'PDA' challenge. The BJP aims to reinforce its social coalition ahead of the crucial polls.

The Supreme Court is deeply involved in a fierce Kapur family dispute. Rani Kapur has filed a new plea seeking urgent intervention. The court remarked the family feud is so intense that Mahabharat would seem small. Rani Kapur wants to stop interference in the RK Family Trust. She also seeks a stay on a board meeting of RIPL.

CII Annual Summit: Uday Kotak issued a rallying cry for India to gear up for looming global challenges. He stressed upon the importance of a proactive stance rather than a wait-and-see approach for India to successfully navigate the current global turmoil.

Speculation surrounds Mouni Roy and Suraj Nambiar's marriage. Reports suggest the actress unfollowed her husband on social media, fueling rumours of marital strain. Her friend Disha Patani has also reportedly unfollowed Suraj. Mouni has not posted recent pictures with her husband. Roy's upcoming films include 'Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai' and 'The Wives'.

Why are gold and silver prices down today, and will gold drop to $4,600 and silver slip to $80? Gold and silver moved lower as markets studied Middle East tensions, U.S. inflation data, and interest rate expectations. Analysts pointed to a stronger dollar, rising oil prices, and changes in rate cut expectations. Investors now track inflation data and central bank signals to understand the next direction for precious metals price movement and market outlook.

Delhi-NCR weather today: Delhi, Noida, Ghaziabad, and Gurugram are under a yellow alert for Tuesday due to dust storms and thunderstorms with light rain. Gusty winds up to 50 kmph are expected, with weather activity intensifying in the afternoon and evening. Thundery developments may persist on Wednesday, with temperatures dipping before rising from Thursday.

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.

Mouni Roy and Suraj Nambiar have sparked divorce rumors after reportedly unfollowing each other on social media. Fans noticed the change in their online activity, with reports also suggesting Suraj deleted wedding photos. The couple has not yet commented on the speculation surrounding their marriage.

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.

Pizza Hut Japan has launched a unique 'Nomeru Pizza Cheese Curry'. This limited-time offering features Japanese curry sauce blended with Gouda cheese on pizza dough. The pizza is designed for a creamy, molten texture. It is available at Pizza Hut Japan outlets until June 15. Prices start at 700 yen for a personal size.

iOS 26.5 new features: Apple has officially released iOS 26.5 for iPhone users, introducing end-to-end encrypted RCS messaging support in beta, a new dynamic Pride wallpaper, and smarter Apple Maps recommendations. The update also includes several behind-the-scenes improvements ahead of Apples expected iOS 27 reveal at WWDC 2026 next month.

Record fires are burning across Africa and Asia this year. Scientists warn conditions will worsen as summer arrives and El Nino develops. This combination of climate change and El Nino could lead to unprecedented weather extremes. Africa has seen 23% more land burn than its previous record.

Bengaluru couple Danish Abdi and Vrushali Prasade made history by completing a 32-kilometer open-water swim from Sri Lanka to India across the Palk Strait. They navigated rough seas for 10 hours and 45 minutes, reaching Dhanushkodi. Their remarkable feat, achieved with strict safety measures, has garnered widespread admiration for their endurance and determination.

An AIADMK faction has declared support for the TVK government led by Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay. Senior MLAs S P Velumani and C Ve Shanmugam will submit a letter to CM Vijay. They stated their opposition to party general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami's alleged desire to form a government with DMK support.

Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar shared a video of their handmade ride. The clip went viral, highlighting rural Indian talent and creativity. Many praised the children's ingenuity, calling it a prime example of 'jugaad'. The incident serves as a reminder of the abundant talent found in India's villages.

Ghaziabad Dowry video: A viral video from Ghaziabad shows a man publicly listing a lavish dowry, including over 1 crore in cash, diamond and gold jewelry, and a BMW car. The extravagant display at a wedding has sparked outrage and debate online, with many criticizing the practice and calling for stricter enforcement of anti-dowry laws.

Students awaiting their CBSE Class 12 Results 2026 can check scores via official websites like cbseresults.nic.in. Alternative access is available through DigiLocker, UMANG app, IVRS, and SMS services. The article outlines step-by-step instructions for each method, ensuring easy access to marksheets.

Britain has imposed new sanctions targeting groups and individuals accused of facilitating hostile Iranian actions. These measures aim to disrupt illicit finance flows supporting Iran's destabilizing activities. The sanctions include asset freezes and travel bans for those threatening security in the UK and the Middle East.

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has extended nationwide austerity measures until June 13 amid continuing uncertainty over the Iran conflict and fragile ceasefire in West Asia.

Delhi Capitals captain Axar Patel has been fined Rs 12 lakh. His team maintained a slow over rate during their Indian Premier League match against Punjab Kings. This was the team's first offence of the season. The Capitals won the match by three wickets. They are currently seventh on the points table.

Senior IAS officer Manoj Agarwal has been appointed as the new chief secretary of West Bengal. This appointment has sparked controversy, with opposition parties alleging political favouritism due to Agarwal's recent role as Chief Electoral Officer during the state's Assembly elections.

Hopes for an Iran peace deal have dimmed as President Trump stated a ceasefire is on life support following Tehran's rejection of a U.S. proposal. Iran presented a list of demands, including an end to the war on all fronts and compensation, which Trump dismissed. The Strait of Hormuz remains largely closed, impacting global oil shipments and driving up prices.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Norway next week, marking the first trip by an Indian PM to Oslo in 43 years. Talks are expected to focus on long-term energy partnerships, maritime cooperation, climate action, and sustainable development.

Himanta Biswa Sarma will be sworn in as Assam Chief Minister for a second consecutive term on Tuesday. Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya will administer the oath at 11:40 am. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other dignitaries are expected to attend. Sarma becomes the first non-Congress leader to achieve this feat.

Raising a child in an Indian metro city could cost Rs 6.75 crore over 21 years. Financial advisor Udayan Adhye highlights education inflation and lifestyle expenses as major factors. This estimate includes private schools, coaching, healthcare, and vacations. The figure varies based on lifestyle and city.

CBSE Class 12 Result Date: Over 18 lakh students are eagerly awaiting their CBSE Class 12 results, with banners on DigiLocker and UMANG app indicating an imminent release. While the official date remains unconfirmed, past trends suggest the third week of May, with results often declared around May 12th or 13th.

Congress leaders are in Delhi to discuss Kerala's next Chief Minister. The party high command is consulting former state presidents and working presidents. Key contenders include Ramesh Chennithala, V D Satheesan, and K C Venugopal. A decision is expected soon as the party seeks broader consensus.

Pakistan reportedly allowed Iranian military aircraft to park on its airfields to shield them from US airstrikes, a claim a senior Pakistani official denied. This alleged action has prompted calls for a re-evaluation of Pakistan's role as a mediator in the US-Iran conflict.

Petrol, Diesel prices today (May 12): Petrol and diesel prices remained steady on May 12, 2026, despite rising concerns over India's energy security and escalating crude oil prices. The government is absorbing daily losses to shield consumers, while urging citizens to curb fuel consumption amid Middle East tensions. India maintains substantial reserves and refining capacity, but high international crude prices necessitate conservation efforts.

Iltija Mufti's social media account was blocked in India. This action followed her sharing a video of the late Hurriyat leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani. The Jammu and Kashmir Police had registered a case regarding the video. The PDP stated that silencing voices will not resolve issues.