The NEET-UG 2026 paper leak probe has widened after investigators alleged that Rajasthan brothers Mangilal and Dinesh Biwal bought the exam paper from a Gurugram doctor for Rs 30 lakh on April 26, days before the May 3 examination. The paper was allegedly circulated through Sikar-based coaching and hostel networks, eventually reaching students across several states via WhatsApp and Telegram groups. Investigators claim the leak route stretched from a Nashik printing press to Haryana and Rajasthan. Rakesh Kumar Mandawaria, arrested in Dehradun, allegedly distributed the paper to nearly 700 students. Following the controversy, the NTA cancelled NEET-UG 2026, while the CBI launched a nationwide probe into the alleged interstate examination leak network. (PC: X)

A viral Instagram video by Pakistani content creator and journalist Sana Qadir sparked controversy after she claimed to have easily stepped into India near the Ganda Singh Border Crossing in Kasur, Pakistan. In the clip, Qadir pointed to a nearby construction site and claimed it was on the Indian side before crossing a temporary boundary and asserting she had entered India. The video triggered online concern, with some questioning border security. However, many netizens quickly debunked her claims, pointing out that the actual border gate remained behind her throughout the recording, indicating she never left Pakistani territory. Critics accused her of spreading misinformation and misleading viewers for viral attention.

Researchers have reportedly used artificial intelligence to analyse the 2,000-year-old Indian performance text Natya Shastra, uncovering 108 mathematically precise movement patterns linked to Bharatanatyam. According to the viral findings, the AI study identified deep connections between geometry, symmetry, rhythm and movement logic embedded within the ancient dance system. The discovery is being celebrated online as a striking fusion of traditional Indian knowledge and modern technology, with many describing it as evidence of the scientific sophistication present in classical Indian art forms centuries ago. The findings have renewed public interest in the mathematical and structural foundations of Bharatanatyam and the enduring relevance of India’s ancient cultural and intellectual traditions.

A new survey has found that nearly one in four Americans believe the April 2026 shooting at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner involving US President Donald Trump was staged, despite officials saying there is no evidence supporting the claim. The poll showed 24% believed the incident was fake, while 45% considered it a genuine assassination attempt and 32% remained uncertain. The survey also revealed a sharp political divide, with around one-third of Democrats expressing suspicion compared to roughly one in eight Republicans. Investigators maintain that the attackers in all three assassination-related incidents involving Trump acted alone. The White House strongly dismissed the conspiracy theories, calling such claims baseless and irresponsible. (PC: X)

India has raised import tariffs on gold and silver to 15% from 6% in a major move aimed at curbing overseas purchases of precious metals and easing pressure on foreign exchange reserves. According to government orders issued on May 13, the decision is also expected to help narrow the country’s trade deficit and support the weakening rupee, currently among Asia’s worst-performing currencies. The higher duties could reduce demand in the world’s second-largest precious metals market, particularly as gold investment demand has surged amid rising prices and weak equity returns over the past year. The move comes amid broader government efforts to conserve foreign exchange during ongoing global economic uncertainty and rising energy pressures. (PC: ET Now)

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)

Donald Trump said the fragile US-Iran ceasefire is on “life support” after rejecting Tehran’s latest peace proposal as a “piece of garbage”, ahead of his upcoming visit to China. Rising tensions over the Strait of Hormuz and fears of renewed conflict continued to pressure global oil markets.   Iran warned it could respond strongly to any future attack, while Pakistan denied reports that Iranian military aircraft were stationed at its airbases. India said it has enough crude oil and LPG reserves despite disruptions caused by the West Asia crisis. (PC: HT)

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)

Lindsey Graham has raised doubts over Pakistan’s role as a mediator in the US-Iran tensions after reports claimed Iranian military aircraft were parked at a Pakistani airbase during the conflict. Reacting to the report, Graham said he did not trust Pakistan and questioned whether Washington should look for another mediator if the claims were true.   A report by CBS News alleged that Iranian aircraft, including an RC-130 reconnaissance plane, had landed at Nur Khan Airbase in Rawalpindi after the ceasefire announcement. Pakistan’s foreign ministry rejected the report as “misleading and sensationalised”, insisting the aircraft arrivals were linked only to diplomatic and logistical support during the ceasefire period. (PC: NDTV)