National Testing Agency (NTA) Director General Pradeep Singh Kharola informed a Parliamentary Standing Committee that NEET-UG 2026 did not witness a full-scale paper leak, though certain questions reportedly surfaced online before the examination. He said investigations found no evidence suggesting the entire question paper was compromised. The clarification came amid nationwide concerns over exam integrity and repeated allegations of irregularities in competitive tests. The NTA also highlighted strengthened security measures, including enhanced digital monitoring and stricter logistics protocols, to prevent future breaches. Opposition members and students’ groups, however, continued demanding greater transparency and accountability in the conduct of national-level entrance examinations across India. (PC: India Today)

Arjamand Gulzar alias Burhan Hamza, a top operational commander of the banned terror outfit Al-Badr, was shot dead by unidentified gunmen in Muzaffarabad, Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Gulzar, originally from Pulwama in Jammu and Kashmir, was wanted in India for allegedly running terror recruitment, funding, and arms networks in South Kashmir. Indian authorities had declared him a terrorist in 2022 and linked him to multiple anti-India operations. Security officials said he played a major role in radicalising youth through digital propaganda. His killing is part of a continuing trend since 2023, where several wanted terror operatives have been targeted in Pakistan and PoK. (PC: NDTV)

The father of late influencer Twisha Sharma has approached the Madhya Pradesh High Court seeking cancellation of bail granted to Twisha’s mother-in-law in the ongoing dowry death case. The plea argues that the accused may influence witnesses and hamper the investigation if allowed to remain free. Twisha Sharma died under suspicious circumstances earlier this year, sparking public outrage and allegations of harassment by her husband’s family. Her family has consistently demanded stricter action and a deeper probe into the case. The High Court is expected to hear the matter soon as investigations into the alleged dowry-related death continue. (PC: Bar and Bench)

The Calcutta High Court has upheld the West Bengal government’s restrictions on cattle slaughter ahead of Eid-ul-Zoha, stating that cow sacrifice is not an essential religious requirement under Islam. The court reaffirmed that slaughter of cows and buffaloes in public places remains strictly prohibited under existing law. The ruling came while hearing petitions challenging the state’s recent notification enforcing stricter slaughter regulations, including mandatory fitness certificates from authorities. The government said the move aims to prevent illegal slaughter and cattle smuggling. The decision has triggered political debate and discussions around religious practices, legal compliance, and public order in West Bengal. (PC: HT)

The X account of the viral satirical group “Cockroach Janata Party” (CJP) has been withheld in India, triggering widespread discussion on social media. Founder Abhijeet Dipke confirmed the restriction and quickly launched a new account titled “Cockroach is Back.” The group had gained massive popularity within days, especially among Gen Z users, through humorous political commentary and memes addressing unemployment, inflation, and governance issues. Reports say CJP amassed millions of Instagram followers, even surpassing the BJP’s Instagram presence briefly. The incident has intensified debates around online satire, censorship, and digital political expression in India. 

An opinion piece in Republic World described US Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s upcoming India visit as a crucial moment for reviving India-US ties under President Donald Trump’s second administration. The article argued that despite strong personal chemistry between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Donald Trump, both nations missed several diplomatic and trade opportunities due to slow bureaucratic engagement. The commentary stressed the need for stronger public diplomacy, faster decision-making, and deeper cooperation in trade, defence, energy, and Quad initiatives. Rubio’s May 23-26 India visit is expected to focus on strategic partnerships and economic collaboration. (PC: X)

The Calcutta High Court on Thursday restrained police from taking coercive action against Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee till July 31 in connection with an FIR over alleged inflammatory remarks made during the West Bengal Assembly election campaign. However, the court directed Banerjee to cooperate fully with the investigation and prohibited him from leaving India without prior court permission. The bench also ordered police to provide 48-hour notice before summoning him for questioning. The FIR relates to comments allegedly targeting Union Home Minister Amit Shah during a poll rally.

A Kolkata-born Indian living in Germany sparked online discussion after comparing India’s passport renewal efficiency with Berlin’s slow residence permit process. The man said it took nearly six weeks to renew his Indian passport through the Indian Embassy in Berlin, despite coordination between Kolkata’s passport office, local police verification, and international document transport. In contrast, he claimed getting an appointment at Berlin’s Foreigners’ Office alone took six weeks, while the new residence card would take another eight weeks. Investor Deepak Shenoy also shared that he renewed his passport in India within four days without Tatkal service. 

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested Kolkata resident Zafar Riaz alias Rizvi for allegedly spying for Pakistan Intelligence Officers. Officials said the case is linked to a larger espionage network connected to an anti-India terror conspiracy. According to the NIA, Rizvi was allegedly in contact with Pakistan-based intelligence operatives and shared sensitive information. The agency said investigators are examining his links and digital records. Officials also confirmed that Rizvi is married to a Pakistani woman. The NIA carried out searches before making the arrest. The agency said the investigation is continuing and more details about the suspected network are being examined. (PC: NDTV)

Hamza Burhan, one of the alleged masterminds of the 2019 Pulwama terror attack, was reportedly shot dead by unidentified gunmen in Muzaffarabad in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir on Thursday. According to sources, Burhan was attacked by unknown assailants and died from multiple gunshot wounds. The Indian government had designated him a terrorist in 2022 under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. Official records identified him as Arjumand Gulzar Dar alias Hamza Burhan, an associate of terror outfit Al Badr and a resident of Pulwama district in Jammu and Kashmir. The 2019 Pulwama bombing killed 40 CRPF personnel after a suicide attack by Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorist Adeel Ahmed Dar. (PC: X)