The NEET UG 2026 paper leak probe has reached Maharashtra’s Nashik, where the CBI detained a 30-year-old BAMS student accused of buying and selling the leaked question paper for profit. Investigators alleged that Shubham Khairnar purchased the paper from a Pune-based suspect for Rs 10 lakh and later sold it in Haryana for Rs 15 lakh through encrypted messaging platforms.   Officials said he changed his appearance by cutting his hair to avoid arrest, but was tracked using surveillance inputs and old photographs. The leak allegedly spread across multiple states through Telegram groups, scanners and shadow servers, forcing the cancellation of the NEET UG exam for over 22 lakh students. (PC: X)

National Testing Agency Director General Abhishek Singh defended the cancellation of NEET-UG 2026, calling it a “short-term pain for long-term reform” after evidence suggested the exam’s integrity had been compromised. Singh said questions from a circulated “guess paper” matched the May 3 exam paper, prompting the NTA to cancel the test under its “zero-error, zero-tolerance” policy. He confirmed that the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) will probe the alleged leak and warned strict action against anyone found guilty. Singh also said the NTA plans to replace contractual staff with permanent personnel within six to nine months. (PC: HT)

Aam Aadmi Party convenor Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday attacked the BJP-led Centre over the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak controversy, alleging that most exam paper leaks since 2014 occurred under BJP governments. Referring to the cancellation of NEET-UG 2026 after an alleged leak, Kejriwal claimed around six crore youths had been affected by such incidents nationwide. He also questioned the credibility of the CBI probe and urged India’s Gen-Z to protest against those responsible for exam scams. Over 22 lakh aspirants are awaiting fresh exam dates as the investigation into the leak continues.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has directed the Special Protection Group (SPG) to reduce the size of his convoy by at least 50% as part of austerity measures aimed at cutting fuel consumption amid the ongoing West Asia conflict. Officials said the reduction was implemented without compromising security protocols, while the PMO is also exploring the use of electric vehicles in the Prime Minister’s fleet. Union Home Minister Amit Shah has also reportedly reduced his convoy size. The move follows PM Modi’s recent appeal urging citizens to save fuel, avoid unnecessary foreign travel, and limit gold purchases. (PC: India Today)

India’s economic concerns deepened after the rupee weakened to a record low of 95.6 against the US dollar, making it Asia’s worst-performing currency. The decline followed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent austerity appeal and rising tensions in West Asia. The rupee had already closed at a fresh low of 95.31, while the Sensex dropped more than 2,000 points in two trading sessions after the government’s announcements. Analysts warned that the currency may weaken further, with fears of the rupee eventually touching the 100-per-dollar mark. Rising crude oil prices are adding pressure on India’s import bill, inflation, and current account deficit. Experts also noted that increased gold imports indirectly contribute to rupee depreciation. (PC: Times Now)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reduced the size of his official convoy as part of a national fuel conservation push amid the ongoing West Asia crisis. The move was implemented during his recent visits to Gujarat and Assam after he urged citizens to reduce petrol and diesel consumption, work from home when possible, and avoid unnecessary foreign travel. Sources said all SPG security protocols remain unchanged, with only accompanying vehicles being rationalised. During the swearing-in ceremony of Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, the PMO circulated an action plan encouraging states to adopt EVs, virtual meetings and energy-saving measures. Several chief ministers have reportedly begun implementing similar austerity steps in their states. (PC: X)

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)