The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested Pune-based senior Botany teacher Manisha Gurunath Mandhare in connection with the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak case. Mandhare, who was appointed by the National Testing Agency (NTA) as a subject expert, allegedly had direct access to Botany and Zoology question papers. Investigators claim she conducted secret coaching sessions at her Pune residence and leaked important Biology questions to selected students before the May 3 examination. Several questions reportedly matched the actual paper. The arrest is part of a widening nationwide probe, with nine accused arrested so far, exposing a larger exam leak network. (PC: The Times of India)

Sergey Lavrov, Russia’s foreign minister, briefly stopped a press conference in New Delhi after a journalist continued talking on the phone during the event. Lavrov first asked the journalist to leave the room. When the disruption continued, he said, “If you don’t surrender your phone, they will take out the gun.” A video of the incident has gone viral on social media. Lavrov was in India to attend the BRICS foreign ministers’ meeting. During the briefing, he also said Russian crude oil exports to India have continued to rise despite Western sanctions.

State-run oil companies on Friday increased petrol and diesel prices by ₹3 per litre across India. This is the first retail fuel price hike since 2022. In Delhi, petrol now costs ₹97.77 per litre and diesel ₹90.67. Compressed natural gas prices were also raised by ₹2 per kg in and around Delhi. The increase comes as the US-Iran conflict has pushed global crude oil prices above $108 per barrel. Oil companies are still facing heavy losses despite the hike. Opposition parties criticised the move, saying it will increase the burden on common people. (PC: ANI)

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested a Pune-based chemistry professor, identified as PV Kulkarni, in connection with the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak scandal. Investigators allege that Kulkarni, who was associated with the examination process through the National Testing Agency (NTA), used insider access to leak question papers before the exam. The controversy has impacted nearly 23 lakh students across India and triggered nationwide outrage over exam security failures. The probe has expanded across Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and other states, with multiple arrests already made. Following the scandal, the government cancelled the exam and announced a re-test on June 21, along with stricter security reforms. (PC: NDTV)

The Central government revised export duties on petroleum products effective May 16, increasing the levy on petrol exports to ₹3 per litre while reducing duties on diesel and aviation turbine fuel (ATF). Diesel export duty was cut to ₹16.5 per litre and ATF levy to ₹16 per litre. The move aims to balance government revenue with domestic fuel availability amid volatile global crude oil prices and ongoing West Asia tensions. Officials clarified that excise duties on petrol and diesel sold within India remain unchanged, ensuring no immediate rise in retail fuel prices for consumers across the country. (PC: PTI)

The Madhya Pradesh High Court ruled that the disputed Bhojshala-Kamal Maula Mosque complex in Dhar is a Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Vagdevi (Saraswati). In its 242-page judgment, the court relied on principles from the Supreme Court’s 2019 Ayodhya verdict, including evaluation of historical records, ASI surveys, and evidence of continuous worship. The bench quashed a 2003 ASI order allowing shared religious use and directed the state to consider separate land for a mosque for Muslims. The court also dismissed a Jain claim over the site, calling available archaeological evidence insufficient to prove it was originally a Jain temple. (PC: ANI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi strongly denied reports claiming the Central government was considering a new tax, cess, or surcharge on foreign travel. Responding to media speculation linked to rising crude oil prices and the ongoing West Asia crisis, Modi called the claims “totally false” and said there was “not an iota of truth” in them. He clarified that the government has no plans to restrict overseas travel and reaffirmed its commitment to improving “Ease of Doing Business” and “Ease of Living.” The reports had suggested a temporary levy was being discussed to manage fiscal pressure caused by global geopolitical tensions and higher import costs. (PC: ANI)

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested chemistry professor P.V. Kulkarni from Maharashtra’s Latur in connection with the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak case. Investigators allege Kulkarni, who reportedly worked with the National Testing Agency (NTA), played a key role in leaking the medical entrance exam paper before the test. The probe has uncovered a wider interstate network involving coaching institutes, middlemen, and candidates. Multiple arrests and raids have been conducted across Maharashtra and Rajasthan as the investigation expands. The Centre has already cancelled the NEET-UG 2026 exam, while the CBI continues to investigate possible insider involvement and larger examination fraud. (PC: ANI)

A shocking family tragedy unfolded in Maharashtra’s Dhule district, where a man allegedly murdered his parents with a pestle after they reportedly insulted him in front of his wife. The incident took place in Shirpur’s Mahavir Society after the elderly couple returned from their daughter’s wedding and scolded their son over family matters. In a fit of rage, the accused allegedly attacked both parents on the head, killing them on the spot. Neighbours caught the accused while he was trying to flee and informed police. Authorities have arrested him and launched an investigation into the brutal double murder. (PC: NDTV)

The West Bengal government suspended three senior IPS officers, including former Kolkata Police Commissioner Vineet Goyal, over alleged lapses in handling the 2024 RG Kar Medical College rape-murder case. Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari said the officers were accused of mishandling the investigation, delaying FIR procedures and allegedly offering money to the victim’s family. Departmental inquiries have also been initiated against the officers. The RG Kar case had sparked nationwide outrage and massive protests demanding justice for the victim. The Central Bureau of Investigation continues to probe the case while political scrutiny over police conduct remains intense. (PC: PTI)