The National Testing Agency cancelled NEET UG 2026 after investigators found that a widely circulated “guess paper” allegedly matched a large number of questions in the medical entrance examination. More than 22 lakh students who appeared for the May 3 test now face uncertainty and a fresh examination cycle.   Authorities said at least 90 biology and 45 chemistry questions showed strong similarity with the leaked material, with some questions reportedly identical. The Union government has handed the case to the Central Bureau of Investigation for a detailed probe. Investigators are tracing a suspected network stretching across Rajasthan, Kerala and other states. (PC: India Today)

The National Testing Agency cancelled NEET UG 2026 after investigators probing a suspected paper leak traced a widely circulated WhatsApp “guess paper” carrying the label “forwarded many times”. Officials in Jaipur said the message indicated the leak may have spread extensively before the May 3 examination.   Around 22 lakh students appeared for the medical entrance test. Police said the exact source of the “guess paper” and the full trail of its circulation are still being investigated. The NTA announced that the examination will be conducted again on fresh dates, which will be notified later. (PC: The Indian Express)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi joined Sri Ravi Shankar at the The Art of Living International Centre in Bengaluru for the organisation’s 45th anniversary celebrations and Gurudev’s 70th birthday. The month-long event has brought together participants from 182 countries, including diplomats, policymakers, educators, entrepreneurs, civil society leaders, farmers and prison inmates rehabilitated through Art of Living programs. PM Modi inaugurated the Dhyan Mandir, a new international meditation and healing centre envisioned as a permanent space for collective well-being. Referring to the newly launched facility, Modi said, “Dhyan Mandir will become a centre of peace and solace for thousands of people in the coming generations.” Addressing the gathering, Modi linked mental well-being with national progress, stating, “The realisation of a developed future will be possible through youth who are mentally calm, socially responsible and sensitive toward society.” He further emphasised the role of collective participation, saying, “Society is more powerful than politics and governments.” Welcoming the Prime Minister, Gurudev Ravi Shankar praised India’s transformation and growing global influence. “Today, Mother India and the people of India walk with pride because you have taken India to a new level,” he said. The celebrations will culminate on May 13 with a Global Meditation for World Peace led by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, reinforcing the organisation’s broader message of mental wellness, social harmony and community-driven transformation. (PC: X/Narendramodi)

The Central Bureau of Investigation has registered a case in the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak matter after the Centre cancelled the medical entrance exam over irregularities. National Testing Agency Director General Abhishek Singh said the schedule for the re-examination will be announced within seven to 10 days. He added that candidates will not have to pay fresh fees or register again for the re-test. The exam, conducted on May 3 for nearly 22.79 lakh students across India and abroad, was scrapped after leaked PDFs of question papers surfaced online, triggering protests and political attacks over exam integrity. (PC: X)

Anand Kumar has called for strict action against coaching centres after the cancellation of NEET-UG 2026 over alleged irregularities. He said repeated exam controversies lower students’ morale and damage trust in the system. Kumar urged the government to adopt tougher rules similar to China, where authorities closely regulate coaching institutes and use strong anti-cheating measures. The National Testing Agency cancelled the exam held on May 3 and ordered a re-test. The Central Bureau of Investigation is now investigating the alleged paper leak. (PC: ITG)

A man was taken into custody after live bullets were found during security checks at the venue of Himanta Biswa Sarma’s swearing-in ceremony in Guwahati on Tuesday. The incident happened at the Veterinary College Field in Khanapara. Police said no weapon was recovered from the man. He was taken to Basistha police station for questioning. An investigation is underway to find out why he was carrying the bullets. The ceremony was attended by Narendra Modi and several senior NDA leaders. Himanta Biswa Sarma took oath as Assam Chief Minister for a second consecutive term. (PC: PTI)

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has cancelled NEET-UG 2026 after allegations of a paper leak. More than 23 lakh students will now have to appear for the exam again. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has taken over the case to investigate the leak and identify those responsible. NTA said no fresh registration or fees will be required for the re-exam. Students and parents expressed anger on social media, calling the cancellation unfair to honest candidates. Many said they are facing mental stress after years of preparation. The new exam date will be announced soon. The decision has sparked nationwide debate over exam security. (PC: PTI)

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Joseph Vijay has ordered the closure of 717 state-run Tasmac liquor shops located near schools, colleges, places of worship and bus stands. The shops are within 500 metres of these sensitive areas and must be shut within two weeks. The decision is Vijay’s first major policy move after taking oath as Chief Minister. The state has 4,765 Tasmac outlets in total. The government said the step aims to improve public safety and reduce easy access to alcohol. Political leaders, including Kamal Haasan, welcomed the decision and called it an important social reform measure. (PC: PTI)

2 suspected Bangladeshi smugglers were killed in firing by the Border Security Force (BSF) near the India-Bangladesh border in Tripura’s Sepahijala district. The incident took place during a routine night patrol. BSF said a group of suspected smugglers was trying to take goods into Bangladesh. The jawans warned them to stop, but the group allegedly threw stones and bricks. The BSF then fired a few rounds in self-defence. Two men were injured and later died in hospital. They were identified as Nabir Hussain, 40, and Md Mursalin, 22. Their bodies were handed over to Bangladesh authorities after post-mortem examination. (PC: ANI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday renewed his appeal for austerity measures amid rising economic uncertainty linked to the ongoing West Asia crisis. Addressing an event in Vadodara, Gujarat, Modi urged citizens to reduce petrol and diesel consumption, use public transport, adopt work-from-home practices and prioritise virtual meetings. He also asked people to postpone gold purchases and avoid unnecessary foreign travel and overseas weddings to reduce foreign exchange outflows. Highlighting disruptions in global supply chains and rising import costs, Modi called for stronger support to the “Vocal for Local” campaign and encouraged citizens to choose Indian-made products. (PC: India Today)