The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested Pune-based senior Botany teacher Manisha Gurunath Mandhare in connection with the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak case. Mandhare, who was appointed by the National Testing Agency (NTA) as a subject expert, allegedly had direct access to Botany and Zoology question papers. Investigators claim she conducted secret coaching sessions at her Pune residence and leaked important Biology questions to selected students before the May 3 examination. Several questions reportedly matched the actual paper. The arrest is part of a widening nationwide probe, with nine accused arrested so far, exposing a larger exam leak network. (PC: The Times of India)

The Netherlands has returned the 11th-century Anaimangalam Copper Plates, also known as the Leiden Plates, to India during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit. The copper plates date to the reign of Emperor Rajaraja Chola I and record land grants to a Buddhist monastery in Nagapattinam. The artefacts had been kept at Leiden University for more than a century. Their return follows years of diplomatic efforts and marks an important step in restoring India’s cultural heritage. (PC: Wikimedia Commons, Prof Benoy K Behl)

Foreign ministers of BRICS on Friday reaffirmed support for an independent State of Palestine within the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital. The decision was announced after a meeting in New Delhi. Members agreed on backing Palestine’s full membership in the United Nations. However, differences between Iran and the United Arab Emirates over Gaza and the Strait of Hormuz prevented the release of a joint statement. Instead, BRICS issued a Chair’s Statement and Outcome Document. (PC: ANI)

Sergey Lavrov, Russia’s foreign minister, briefly stopped a press conference in New Delhi after a journalist continued talking on the phone during the event. Lavrov first asked the journalist to leave the room. When the disruption continued, he said, “If you don’t surrender your phone, they will take out the gun.” A video of the incident has gone viral on social media. Lavrov was in India to attend the BRICS foreign ministers’ meeting. During the briefing, he also said Russian crude oil exports to India have continued to rise despite Western sanctions.

US Senator Eric Schmitt criticised the H-1B visa programme and referred to Chilkur Balaji Temple in Hyderabad, popularly known as the “Visa Temple.” In posts on X, Schmitt said the system hurts American workers and called it a “Visa Cartel.” He claimed many Indians visit the temple to pray for US work visas. The temple is well known among students and professionals seeking visa approvals. India receives the largest share of H-1B visas issued by the United States each year.

US President Donald Trump said Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, the second-in-command of Islamic State, “will no longer terrorise the people of Africa” after American and Nigerian forces killed him in Nigeria. Trump said the operation was carried out under his direction and thanked the Nigerian government for its support. US officials identified al-Minuki as a senior ISIS leader active in the Sahel region who helped direct attacks and funding. The United States Department of State designated him a global terrorist in 2023.

US President Donald Trump said Taiwan should not formally declare independence from China. He made the remarks after a two-day summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing. Trump said the United States wants to maintain peace and avoid conflict in the region. He added that US policy on Taiwan has not changed. China considers Taiwan part of its territory and has warned that mishandling the issue could lead to serious tensions between the two countries. (PC: Reuters)

Abbas Araghchi has urged India to continue investing in Chabahar Port despite US sanctions on Iran. Speaking in New Delhi, Araghchi called the port a “golden gate” for India to access Central Asia, the Caucasus and Europe. He said progress had slowed because of American sanctions but expressed hope that India would complete the project. Chabahar gives India direct access to Afghanistan and Central Asia without passing through Pakistan. Iran also asked India to play a bigger role in promoting peace in West Asia.

An Indian imam in the United Kingdom has been sentenced to life in prison for raping seven women and girls over nine years. Abdul Halim Khan used his position as a religious leader in London to gain the trust of victims from the Bangladeshi Muslim community. He falsely claimed he was possessed by a djinn and could remove evil spirits. Some victims were as young as 12. A court found him guilty of 21 offences, including rape and child sexual abuse. He must serve at least 20 years before being considered for release. (PC: London Metropolitan Police)

The India Meteorological Department has forecast that the southwest monsoon will reach Kerala on May 26, six days earlier than the usual June 1 onset. The weather office said conditions are favourable for the monsoon to advance over the Andaman Sea and nearby regions. Heavy rain is expected along the southern west coast in the coming days. However, experts warned that an emerging El Niño could weaken rainfall later in the season. The IMD has predicted below-normal rainfall for India during the June to September monsoon period this year. (PC: PTI)