Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Friday admitted a “breach in the chain of command” in the NEET paper leak controversy and said the government was taking responsibility for the lapse. Addressing a press conference at Teen Murti Marg, the minister announced that the cancelled NEET-UG exam will be conducted again on June 21, 2026.   Pradhan said complaints about “guess papers” matching actual exam questions surfaced soon after the May 3 exam. An investigation by the Higher Education Department and central agencies later confirmed the paper leak. He said the CBI would thoroughly probe the alleged involvement of insiders and organised “education mafia” networks.   The minister also announced that fresh admit cards will be issued by June 14, while students can choose exam cities and use existing application credentials for the re-exam. He further indicated that NEET may shift to a computer-based format from next year. (PC: India today)

Andy Burnham will seek a return to the UK Parliament after Wes Streeting resigned from the Cabinet, intensifying pressure on Keir Starmer following Labour’s heavy election setbacks. Burnham plans to contest the Makerfield seat after Labour MP Josh Simons offered to step aside. Under Labour rules, leadership contenders must be MPs, fuelling speculation about a future challenge to Starmer. Streeting, while not formally launching a bid, called for a broad debate on Labour’s direction and criticised the government’s lack of bold solutions. Meanwhile, former deputy prime minister Angela Rayner also declined to rule out leadership ambitions. (PC: PA Media)

Donald Trump suggested that efforts to locate and secure Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium may be driven “more for public relations than anything else,” even as the issue remains central to fragile ceasefire negotiations following the 10-week US-Israel conflict with Tehran. Speaking to Fox News from China, Trump said he would still prefer the uranium to be under American control but questioned its immediate strategic significance. The remarks came after Benjamin Netanyahu declared the conflict was “not over” and insisted Iran’s sensitive nuclear material “has to be taken out” of the country as part of any lasting settlement agreement.

Fresh tensions erupted near the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz after a vessel was reportedly seized near the UAE coast while an Indian-flagged cargo ship sank near Oman following a suspected attack. The incidents come amid stalled peace talks between the United States and Iran, raising fears of wider regional instability and disruption to global oil supplies. Iran has tightened control over shipping routes, while the US and allies continue military monitoring in the Gulf. Maritime security agencies warned of growing risks for commercial vessels as diplomatic efforts struggle to prevent further escalation in one of the world’s most critical energy corridors. (PC: Reuters)

Chinese President Xi Jinping urged US President Donald Trump to protect and strengthen US-China relations during a major summit in Beijing, warning against actions that could damage ties between the world’s two largest economies. Xi stressed cooperation over rivalry, while both leaders discussed sensitive issues including Taiwan, trade disputes, the Iran conflict, and global economic stability. Trump praised Xi as a “great leader” and expressed optimism about future relations. The summit featured grand diplomatic ceremonies, with both sides aiming to stabilise ties despite continuing geopolitical tensions and disagreements over technology, security, and regional influence. (PC: NDTV)

Donald Trump struck a notably conciliatory tone during a state banquet hosted by Xi Jinping in Beijing, declaring that “the world is a special world with the two of us united and together.” Trump described bilateral talks as “extremely positive and productive” and called US-China ties “one of the most consequential relationships in world history.” The US president highlighted centuries of cultural and economic links between both nations, referencing early American trade with China, Confucius, Theodore Roosevelt and modern cultural exchanges. Emphasising shared values like hard work and achievement, Trump argued cooperation between Washington and Beijing remains essential for global stability amid rising geopolitical tensions and strategic rivalry. (PC: News18)

Chinese President Xi Jinping said the United States and China should become “partners, not rivals,” stressing the need for cooperation between the world’s two largest economies despite rising geopolitical tensions. His remarks came shortly after Beijing reiterated strong warnings against any foreign interference in Taiwan, which China considers part of its territory. Xi emphasized stable diplomatic ties, economic collaboration, and mutual respect to avoid confrontation. However, ongoing disputes over Taiwan, trade, military activities in the Indo-Pacific, and technology restrictions continue to strain relations between China and United States, keeping global attention focused on the fragile balance between cooperation and rivalry.

Chinese President Xi Jinping struck a conciliatory tone during a state banquet for US President Donald Trump in Beijing, saying China’s national rejuvenation and Trump’s “Make America Great Again” vision could progress together. Xi stressed that the United States and China should be “partners rather than rivals” and warned both nations would lose from confrontation. Trump responded by praising the long history of US-China ties and invited Xi for a White House visit on September 24. The two leaders also agreed to build a “constructive China-US relationship of strategic stability” amid global economic and geopolitical tensions between the world’s two largest economies. (PC: India Today)

Chinese President Xi Jinping hosted US President Donald Trump at a state banquet in Beijing after nearly two hours of high-level talks on Iran, oil supplies, trade tensions and Taiwan. Trump described the discussions as “great”, while the White House called the meeting constructive. However, differences remain over tariffs, export controls and Taiwan, which Beijing warned could become a source of conflict with Washington. China rolled out a grand ceremonial welcome for Trump, including a gun salute, cultural events and a joint visit to Beijing’s historic Temple of Heaven. (PC: BBC)

Donald Trump called talks with Xi Jinping “great” after receiving a grand state welcome in Beijing during a high-stakes visit focused on trade, technology and security tensions. Xi urged China and the United States to be “partners, not rivals” as both leaders held nearly two hours of discussions. Chinese state media also highlighted Xi’s warning against possible conflict over Taiwan. Trump, joined by Tesla chief Elon Musk and Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, said he would push China to open its markets further to American businesses. The visit comes as Beijing projects itself as a stronger and more assertive global power. (PC: BBC)