Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said strict action would be taken against anyone involved in examination irregularities or paper leaks, calling the recent NEET controversy “unfortunate” and unacceptable. Speaking to India Today, Pradhan assured that the government was treating the issue with utmost seriousness and that no individual, whether inside or outside the system, would be spared if found guilty after investigation. His remarks come amid growing concerns over alleged lapses in the NEET examination process and criticism surrounding broader examination management, including CBSE-related issues. The minister stressed the importance of maintaining credibility and transparency in India’s examination system, signalling that authorities are prepared to act firmly to restore public confidence and accountability in competitive examinations nationwide.

An investigation has raised concerns over the functioning of VFS Global visa centres as record numbers of Indians apply for Schengen visas to Europe. More than a million Indians seek Schengen visas annually, with applications more than doubling since the pandemic due to rising incomes and increased international travel. At the centre of the process is VFS Global, the Zurich-and-Dubai-headquartered visa outsourcing giant handling applications for most European countries. The concerns emerged after 150 inspection reports by European authorities, covering VFS Global centres across 20 EU member states between 2020 and 2025, reportedly flagged operational lapses. The findings have triggered scrutiny over issues including handling of personal data, transparency in service charges, and broader operational standards at visa processing centres. (PC: X)

The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) has approached the Supreme Court challenging the Delhi High Court order allowing wrestler Vinesh Phogat to participate in the 2026 Asian Games selection trials scheduled for May 30-31. The Supreme Court bench of Justices P S Narasimha and Alok Aradhe is set to hear the matter on Friday. Earlier, the Delhi High Court criticised WFI’s selection policy as exclusionary and unfair towards athletes returning from maternity leave, directing the federation to permit Phogat’s participation and ensure transparency through video recording and independent observers from SAI and IOA. Phogat had challenged WFI’s decision declaring her ineligible for domestic competition till June 26, 2026, under anti-doping return regulations. (PC: Reuters)

A 22-year-old Indian-origin student from Gujarat’s Anand district was stabbed to death in Canada’s Niagara region on May 15, triggering concern among Indian families with children studying abroad. Vidhi Megha, originally from Borsad, had been living in Canada for three years to pursue higher education while working part-time to support herself. She was reportedly attacked in broad daylight by an unidentified assailant and later succumbed to fatal stab injuries at a nearby hospital. Canadian police have launched an investigation but have not disclosed details about the suspect or motive. Vidhi’s family has appealed to the Indian government to expedite the return of her body to India for final rites and funeral ceremonies.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Thursday arrested Giribala Singh, mother-in-law of 33-year-old Twisha Sharma, who was found dead at her marital home in Bhopal on May 12. The arrest followed the Madhya Pradesh High Court’s decision to cancel the anticipatory bail earlier granted to Singh, a retired district court judge, in connection with the case. A three-member CBI team reached her residence around 10:30 am and questioned her during the ongoing investigation before taking her into custody. Sources indicated that the agency also conducted searches linked to the probe. Singh is expected to be produced before a court on Friday as the investigation into Twisha Sharma’s death continues to intensify.

Russia and Kazakhstan signed a landmark agreement to build the Balkhash Nuclear Power Plant, marking Kazakhstan’s first nuclear energy project and a major expansion of Moscow’s regional influence. The deal was signed during Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to Astana for talks with Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. Russia will reportedly finance nearly 85% of the project’s estimated $15 billion cost through export credit support. The plant, featuring two reactors, will be constructed near Ulken on Lake Balkhash in southeastern Kazakhstan. Despite being the world’s largest uranium producer, Kazakhstan avoided nuclear energy for decades due to Soviet-era testing trauma. A 2024 referendum backed nuclear expansion as Kazakhstan targets 2.4 gigawatts of nuclear capacity by 2035. (PC: AP)

The United States and Iran have reportedly reached a preliminary agreement to extend their ongoing ceasefire through a proposed 60-day memorandum of understanding, though final approval from US President Donald Trump is still pending. According to Axios, the framework aims to preserve the fragile truce while opening negotiations over Iran’s nuclear programme. The development follows renewed military escalation after Iran targeted a US base in Kuwait and American forces responded by intercepting drones and striking a drone-control facility in Bandar Abbas. Kuwait condemned the missile attack and urged restraint. The conflict, ongoing since February, has disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and heightened regional instability, with Pakistan continuing mediation efforts between Washington and Tehran. (PC: X)

A 22-year-old Indian student from Gujarat, identified as Vidhi Megha from Anand district’s Borsad town, was stabbed to death in Canada’s Niagara region in a shocking daylight attack. Vidhi had been living in Canada for four years, pursuing law studies while working part-time and preparing to apply for permanent residency. The attack reportedly took place on May 15 after she left her residence. Locals rushed her to a hospital, where doctors declared her dead on arrival. Canadian authorities suspect a robbery attempt may have led to the murder, and one suspect has been arrested. The incident has reignited concerns over the safety of Indian students abroad. (PC: India Today)

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said the Congress high command had offered him a Rajya Sabha seat, but he declined, stating he has “no interest in national politics.” His remarks came amid a major leadership transition in Karnataka, with Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar expected to replace him as Chief Minister. Siddaramaiah confirmed he would remain active in state politics and continue as an MLA. The Congress leadership reportedly proposed the Rajya Sabha role as part of a compromise during the ongoing power-sharing arrangement within the party after weeks of internal discussions and speculation over Karnataka’s leadership change. (PC: NDTV)

Retired judge Giribala Singh was arrested by the CBI in connection with the death of her daughter-in-law, Twisha Sharma, in Bhopal after the Madhya Pradesh High Court quashed her anticipatory bail. Twisha, a 32-year-old actor-model, was found dead at her marital home on May 12, triggering allegations of dowry harassment and cruelty against her husband Samarth Singh and mother-in-law. The court cited serious allegations, non-cooperation with investigators, and evidence concerns while cancelling the bail. The CBI recently took over the investigation from Madhya Pradesh Police following Supreme Court scrutiny and growing public attention surrounding the high-profile case. (PC: PTI)