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Investigation Into NEET Paper Leak Must Be Transparent, Culprits Should Be Punished: Sakina Itoo

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Investigation Into NEET Paper Leak Must Be Transparent, Culprits Should Be Punished: Sakina Itoo
Jammu and Kashmir Minister for Health and Medical Education, Sakina Itoo on Thursday said that the investigation into the alleged NEET paper leak case should be conducted in a transparent manner and those found involved must be dealt with strictly.
Speaking on the controversy surrounding the NEET examination paper leak, Sakina Itoo said the matter has caused serious concern among students and parents across the country and stressed the need for a fair and impartial probe.
She said that deserving students should not suffer due to the actions of a few individuals and emphasized that the agencies investigating the case must ensure accountability at every level.
Her remarks come amid an ongoing probe into the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak case, in which multiple arrests and detentions have been made by investigating agencies, including the CBI, across several states.
The minister further said that strict action should be taken against all those responsible for compromising the integrity of the examination system. (KNC)

Ex-Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee Appears Before Calcutta HC To Argue Post-Poll Violence Case

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Ex-Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee Appears Before Calcutta HC To Argue Post-Poll Violence Case
Former West Bengal chief minister and TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee on Thursday appeared before the Calcutta High Court to argue a case in connection with alleged post-poll violence and attacks on party offices.
Banerjee reached the high court in a lawyer’s gown, accompanied by senior Trinamool Congress leaders Chandrima Bhattacharya and Kalyan Banerjee.
The matter pertains to a public interest litigation filed by advocate Shirshanya Bandyopadhyay on behalf of the TMC, alleging attacks on party offices and violence against its workers, following the announcement of the 2026 assembly poll results.
According to the petitioner, several TMC leaders and workers were allegedly forced to flee their homes after the polls, while many of them were attacked “because of their association with the Trinamool Congress”.
The petition was filed in the Calcutta High Court on May 12. The matter came up for hearing before a division bench comprising Chief Justice Sujoy Paul and Justice Parthasarathi Sen.
In a post on X, the TMC said: “Our Hon’ble Chairperson Smt @MamataOfficial personally reached the Calcutta High Court today to argue in a matter concerning the widespread post-poll violence unleashed across Bengal by @BJP4Bengal.” The former ruling party in West Bengal asserted that once again, Banerjee has shown what “truly sets her apart”.
“She NEVER abandons the people of Bengal in their hour of need. She NEVER stops fighting for truth, justice, and constitutional values. And time and again, she rises above the politics of hatred with unmatched COMPASSION, COURAGE and CONVICTION.
“Whether confronting the injustice of SIR or standing firm against the unruly conduct of @BJP4India, she continues to prove that there is truly NO LEADER LIKE HER in the country today,” the TMC said. (Agencies)

J&K Congress Protests In Jammu Over NEET Cancellation; Demands SC-Monitored Probe

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J&K Congress Protests In Jammu Over NEET Cancellation; Demands SC-Monitored Probe

The Jammu and Kashmir Congress on Wednesday staged protests against the Centre over the cancellation of the NEET-UG exam, demanding strict action against those involved in the alleged paper leak and a Supreme Court-monitored probe into it.
Carrying party flags, scores of Congress workers and leaders led by working president of Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee Raman Bhalla held a demonstration outside the party headquarters in Jammu.
The protesters raised slogans against the BJP government and burnt an effigy of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, seeking a Supreme Court-monitored probe into the alleged irregularities linked to the NEET examination.
“We demand a Supreme Court-monitored investigation to expose the alleged high-level nexus and restore the trust of students in the examination system. We want a foolproof system in future to ensure transparency and fairness in competitive examinations,” Bhalla told reporters.
The protests were held after the National Testing Agency (NTA) announced the cancellation of NEET (UG) 2026 conducted on May 3, stating that the examination would be reconducted on dates to be notified separately.
The agency also said that the CBI would conduct a comprehensive inquiry into the allegations linked to the examination.
Lashing out at the BJP-led Centre over the alleged NEET paper leak controversy and a series of recruitment scams in Jammu and Kashmir, Bhalla accused the government of “playing with the future of the youth”.
He alleged that incidents of paper leaks had become widespread since the BJP came to power at the Centre and referred to alleged irregularities linked to NEET examinations in Bihar and Rajasthan.
Bhalla said repeated controversies surrounding the NEET examination pattern had brought embarrassment to the country’s education system and demanded accountability from those responsible.
“Strict action should be taken against all those involved in paper leak cases and those responsible must resign,” he said.
Questioning the postponement of examinations after months of preparation by students, the Congress leader said such decisions adversely affected the morale and focus of aspirants.
“Students prepare with dedication and hard work. Postponement of examinations after paper leaks badly affects their focus and mental preparedness. The future of the youth is being played with,” Bhalla said.
Targeting the BJP, he said the ruling party had promised transparency and development but failed to curb examination scams and paper leaks. He said the Congress stood firmly with students and youths facing uncertainty due to such incidents.
Bhalla also referred to recruitment scams reported in Jammu and Kashmir after 2014, including alleged irregularities in fire services, accounts assistant, junior engineer and sub-inspector recruitments.
He alleged that influential links had surfaced in several recruitment scam cases and urged the Centre to take strict action against corruption instead of “remaining silent”. (Agencies)

LG Manoj Sinha Joins Nasha-Mukt Jammu Kashmir Campaign In Kupwara

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LG Manoj Sinha Joins Nasha-Mukt Jammu Kashmir Campaign In Kupwara
The Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha, today joined ‘Nasha-Mukt Jammu Kashmir Campaign’ Padyatra in Kupwara. The Lieutenant Governor also addressed a public gathering.
The Lieutenant Governor said that over the past 32 days, civil and police administration struck a devastating blow to the entire drug smuggling ecosystem and this people’s movement is transforming into a revolution against narcotics.
“Our consistent action is crippling narco-terrorist networks. Properties worth crores have been seized, assets confiscated, and passports of 15 smugglers recommended for cancellation. Over 730 smugglers and peddlers have been arrested,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
The Lieutenant Governor stated that at the start of this campaign in April, many doubted the possibility of a mass movement against drugs and underestimated the strength of an awakened public and the impact of determined governance with citizen support.
“With people’s participation and massive support across the Union Territory, a truly organic movement has emerged across villages, urban neighborhoods, schools, colleges, and the streets of Jammu Kashmir.
This fight against drugs is a long one. For decades, people in Jammu Kashmir saw drugs and terrorism as separate threats. But they are not two problems but they are the two heads of the same snake. One head makes money through drugs while the other uses that money to fuel terrorism. Our terrorist neighbor is involved in financing terror through drug smuggling, turning both drugs and money against innocent Kashmiris,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
The Lieutenant Governor further observed that the drug smuggling is destroying families and communities and it is providing terror groups their oxygen. He said by dismantling drug smuggling networks, the administration is cutting the lifeline that feeds the fire of terror.
“In Kupwara and Handwara areas combined, 28 drug smugglers are now behind bars. I want to urge our police officers, the soldiers guarding Kupwara’s borders, and the Anti-Narcotics Task Force warriors that not a single guilty should escape. As a border district, Kupwara must stay extra vigilant and take the harshest action against drug smugglers,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
It is pertinent to mention that every police station in Kupwara has been directed to gather full details on active drug smugglers and peddlers in their areas and launch decisive action within the next 68 days.
The Lieutenant Governor also urged citizens of Kupwara to participate in awareness drive. He also emphasized on rehabilitation and asked the officers and stakeholders to treat drug addicts as a victim trapped in the dark web of narcotics.
“The drug addicts need our compassion. They are our responsibility. We have to support every young man and woman seeking counseling or treatment. We must ensure they return to society’s mainstream. Senior officials must ensure swift action on every complaint and tip coming through the Manas portal and toll-free number. This has to be done with commitment. Every citizen of Kupwara must remember that we will reach every young person extending a hand for help. Together, we will dismantle the drug smuggling networks, free our youth from addiction’s clutches, and reconnect them to the path of progress,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
The Lieutenant Governor challenged those criticizing ‘Nasha-Mukt Jammu Kashmir Abhiyan’ and said that they should name just one innocent person who was unfairly targeted and effective action will be taken. He said if anyone is trying to protect drug smugglers, we must ask ourselves should they face consequences or not? The Lieutenant Governor said that people of Jammu Kashmir are very clear and firm and they want stringent action against drug smugglers and when the people unite, no force can stop us.
“In the days ahead, our crackdown against drug smuggling network will grow tougher and more powerful. The women of Dardpora village had met and they shared how drug smuggling funded weapons that slaughtered their families. That’s why I say it loud and clear that drug traffickers and terrorists are inseparable partners in crime,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
On the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor unveiled the trophies of Kupwara Forest League by Forest Department and Youth Service and Sports’s Volleyball Championship under Nasha Mukt J&K Abhiyan.
He also felicitated the winner of reel making competition on drug abuse.

Jammu-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express Carries 45,000 Passengers In First 10 Days

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Jammu-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express Carries 45,000 Passengers In First 10 Days
The Jammu Tawi-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express has carried nearly 45,000 passengers within the first 10 days of its regular operations, underlining strong demand for the rail service that is rapidly emerging as a major connectivity lifeline for Jammu and Kashmir.
According to data released by the Press Information Bureau (PIB) on Tuesday, the four daily services on the route transported 44,727 passengers between May 2 and May 11, while 28,762 passengers travelled in the maiden week itself till May 8.
The surge in ridership comes less than a year after Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the historic 272-km Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Railway Link (USBRL) on June 6, 2025, a landmark infrastructure project that connected the Kashmir Valley with the national rail network.
The services received a further boost on April 30 this year when Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw flagged off the augmented 20-coach Jammu Tawi-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express, significantly increasing passenger capacity on the high-demand route.
Two pairs of Vande Bharat trains currently operate on the corridor. Train numbers 26401 and 26402 run six days a week except Tuesdays, while 26403 and 26404 operate every day except Wednesdays. This ensures at least two services daily on most days and one service each on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Passenger demand has remained consistently high, especially on days when both pairs of trains operated. Railways recorded 4,977 passengers on May 3, 4,955 on May 8, 5,284 on May 9, 5,657 on May 10, and 5,024 on May 11, indicating near-capacity occupancy levels.
Even on days when only one pair of trains operated, occupancy remained robust, touching 95.03 per cent on May 5 and 94.79 per cent on May 6. On May 10, occupancy touched an impressive 98.21 per cent, reflecting growing tourist interest in the route.
Officials said the train service has become a preferred mode of travel for pilgrims, tourists, students, traders, and government officials, offering seamless travel between Jammu and Srinagar without disruptions often caused by landslides or snowfall on national highways.
The train route also offers passengers panoramic views of major engineering landmarks, including the Chenab Rail Bridge and Anji Khad Bridge, along with tunnels cutting through the Himalayan terrain before entering the Kashmir Valley.
Railways highlighted that the service is also more economical than air travel and road transport, with chair car fares, including meals, significantly lower than flight tickets and private taxi fares.
With summer tourism picking up in destinations such as Dal Lake, Gulmarg, and Pahalgam, officials expect passenger numbers to rise further in the coming weeks.
Indian Railways said the service is not just transporting passengers but also strengthening economic activity and bringing Kashmir closer to the rest of the country through faster, affordable, and all-weather connectivity.

Seems Hosabale’s Recent US Trip Impacted Him As Well As RSS: Cong’s Dig Over Pak Remarks

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Seems Hosabale’s Recent US Trip Impacted Him As Well As RSS: Cong’s Dig Over Pak Remarks
The Congress on Wednesday took a swipe at RSS functionary Dattatreya Hosabale over his remarks that there should always be a window for dialogue with Pakistan, saying his recent US trip has impacted him as well as the Sangh.
The opposition party also wondered how the “bhakt brigade, including the various TV channels”, would have frothed, fumed and fulminated if the remarks were made by someone else.
Congress general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh tagged a post on X carrying the video clip of Hosable’s remarks in an interview to PTI.
“It appears that the recent US trip of Shri Hosabale, during which one of his colleagues admitted to the PM doing what the US wanted him to do, has impacted him as well as the RSS,” Ramesh said on X.
“Just imagine how the bhakt brigade including the various TV channels would have frothed, fumed and fulminated if..,” Ramesh said.
In an interview with PTI Videos, Hosabale has said people-to-people contact is key to breaking the deadlock with Pakistan and there should always be a window for dialogue.
Hosabale said Pakistan’s military and political leadership have lost India’s confidence and it is time for civil society to lead the way.
“The security and self-respect of a country have to be protected and the government of the day should take care of it. But at the same time, we need not close the doors. We should always be ready to engage them in a dialogue,” he said.
The RSS general secretary termed people-to-people contact the key in breaking the deadlock between the two countries and said that it “should be tried more and more now”.
The RSS had been on a mission to remove the misconceptions about it in the western world with senior leader Hosabale reaching out to intellectuals and academics in the US and the UK last month to convey the aims and objectives of the organisation in its centenary year.
Hosabale, the RSS general secretary, toured different cities across the US, addressing conferences at the Stanford University in San Francisco and Hudson Institute here and meeting a cross-section of the Indian diaspora.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi had dubbed the RSS as “Rashtriya Surrender Sangh” and alleged that its leader Ram Madhav has revealed the outfit’s true nature of “farzi (fake) nationalism” here and “pure servility” in the US.
He was referring to a video of Madhav from an event in the US, where the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) leader said that India agreed to stop buying oil from Iran and Russia and also agreed to higher tariffs imposed by the US.
Madhav, however, later apologised, saying what he said was “factually incorrect” as India did not agree to stop importing oil from Russia and had “vigorously protested” the 50 per cent tariff imposition by the Trump administration. (Agencies)

Amit Shah Reduces Convoy Size To Less Than Half Following PM Modi’s Appeal For Fuel Conservation Amid West Asia Crisis

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Amit Shah Reduces Convoy Size To Less Than Half Following PM Modi’s Appeal For Fuel Conservation Amid West Asia Crisis
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has reduced the size of his convoy to less than half following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “seven appeals” for responsible fuel consumption amid the West Asia crisis.
The reduction in the number of vehicles in the Home Minister’s convoy has been implemented as part of a broader effort within the government to promote efficient use of resources while maintaining all mandatory security arrangements.
The development comes shortly after Prime Minister Modi significantly reduced the size of his own convoy during recent domestic visits to Gujarat and Assam while retaining all essential security components mandated under Special Protection Group (SPG) protocols.
Sources said the Prime Minister’s decision was implemented immediately after his speech in Hyderabad, where he urged citizens to contribute towards economic resilience by reducing dependence on imported fuel and adopting environmentally sustainable alternatives.
Following the Prime Minister’s appeal, Amit Shah also decided to reduce the number of vehicles accompanying his convoy without compromising security protocols.
In another step aimed at promoting sustainability, PM Modi has also directed officials to include Electric Vehicles (EVs) in his convoy wherever feasible, without making any fresh purchases.
“Patriotism is not only about the willingness to sacrifice one’s life on the border. In these times, it is about living responsibly and fulfilling our duties to the nation in our daily lives,” the Prime Minister had said.

“Patriotism is not only about the willingness to sacrifice one’s life on the border. In these times, it is about living responsibly and fulfilling our duties to the nation in our daily lives,” the Prime Minister had said.
Highlighting the impact of global disruptions and rising fuel costs, PM Modi appealed to people to reduce petrol and diesel consumption by increasingly using public transport, car-pooling and electric vehicles.

The Prime Minister also urged citizens to reduce edible oil consumption to lower import dependence and called upon farmers to cut the use of chemical fertilisers and move towards natural farming practices.
“The same is true for edible oil. We have to spend foreign currency on its import. If every household reduces the use of edible oil, it is a huge contribution to patriotism,” PM Modi had said. (AGENCIES)

Sonia Gandhi Visits Medanta Hospital For ‘Routine’ Check-Up

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Sonia Gandhi Visits Medanta Hospital For ‘Routine’ Check-Up

Congress leader Sonia Gandhi on Wednesday visited Medanta Hospital in Gurugram for a routine check-up, a police source said.
The former Congress president is at the hospital and will leave soon, the officer said.There was no comment from the hospital on the visit. (AGENCIES)

Nursing Personnel Exemplify Highest Standards Of Service: President Murmu

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Nursing Personnel Exemplify Highest Standards Of Service: President Murmu
President Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday conferred the National Florence Nightingale Awards for 2026 on 15 nursing professionals in recognition of their exemplary service and contribution to strengthening public healthcare delivery.
“Nursing personnel exemplify the highest standards of service and play a crucial role in delivering quality healthcare, often in the most challenging circumstances. I commend all the awardees for their inspiring devotion to duty and their tireless efforts in upholding the highest standards of patient care,” the president said on the occasion.
A total of 15 nurses from diverse regions and healthcare settings were honoured for their unwavering dedication to strengthening public health delivery and outstanding commitment to the welfare of the community.
The awards were presented at a ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan in the presence of Union Health Minister J P Nadda.
In her message, the President said that the occasion is a fitting tribute to the invaluable contribution of nursing personnel and healthcare professionals who serve the nation with compassion and unwavering dedication.
Instituted by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the National Florence Nightingale Award honours the dedication, compassion and resilience of nursing professionals, including registered nurses, midwives, auxiliary nurse midwives (ANMs) and lady health visitors serving in central and state governments, Union Territories and voluntary organisations.
The award carries a Certificate of Merit, a cash prize of Rs 1 lakh and a medal. Among the awardees were six ANMs and nine nurses from different parts of the country, including Ladakh, Maharashtra, Mizoram, Sikkim, Uttarakhand, West Bengal, Delhi, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Lakshadweep.
The health ministry statement said nurses play a pivotal role in addressing multiple health challenges and are central to evidence-based and accessible healthcare delivery.
It also highlighted initiatives undertaken to strengthen the nursing workforce, including the National Nursing and Midwifery Commission Act and the establishment of 157 nursing colleges co-located with medical colleges in the country. (Agencies)

Union Mines Ministry Launches 2nd Tranche Of E-Auction For 12 Limestone Blocks In J&K

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Union Mines Ministry Launches 2nd Tranche Of E-Auction For 12 Limestone Blocks In J&K
The Union Ministry of Mines on Tuesday launched the second tranche of e-auction for 12 limestone blocks in Jammu and Kashmir, marking another major milestone towards transparent, sustainable and investor-friendly mineral development in the Union Territory.
Ministry of Mines Secretary Piyush Goyal officially launched the tranche at a function here. Addressing the gathering, he highlighted the transformative reforms and amendments undertaken by the ministry to simplify processes, strengthen transparency and improve ease of doing business in the mining sector.
He emphasised that J-K possesses immense mineral potential and the auction and operationalisation of these blocks will significantly contribute towards the vision of Viksit Bharat, Viksit Jammu and Kashmir, and Aatmanirbhar Bharat through economic growth, employment generation and industrial development.
“A total of 12 limestone blocks, spread across the districts of Anantnag, Rajouri and Poonch have been put up for auction under Tranche II. These include both newly identified blocks and blocks being re-auctioned under a second attempt, in accordance with the provisions of the Mineral (Auction) Rules, 2015 (as amended),” the PIB said in a handout.
It said the blocks are categorised under G3 and G4 stages of the United Nations Framework Classification (UNFC) and are expected to attract strong industry interest, particularly from the cement and infrastructure sectors. During the event, Joint Secretary and Designated Officer, Farida M Naik, urged the bidders to explore the region’s mining potential, highlighting its role in boosting economic growth, employment and socio-economic development. The sale of tender documents will commence on May 18 and the pre-bid conference is scheduled for June 5 this year.
The auction is conducted under the provisions of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 and the Mineral (Auction) Rules, 2015. Building upon the momentum of the first tranche, this initiative reflects a calibrated approach to ensure optimal utilisation of mineral resources, while enhancing investor participation and confidence.
The technical session featured detailed presentations by MECL, SBICAPs, and MSTC.
Srikant Sharma, MECL, presented the geological and mineral potential of the 12 limestone blocks. Pratin Sharma, Assistant Vice President, SBICAPs, explained the mineral auction process and tender framework while Keshav Arora, Manager, MSTC, demonstrated the e-auction portal and online bidding process, according to the PIB handout. (Agencies)
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