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Student Focused Changes Planned for NEET UG 2026 Re Exam by National Testing Agency

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nta

The National Testing Agency (NTA) on Friday unveiled several changes for NEET-UG 2026 aimed at improving the examination experience for candidates. The revisions include extra writing time, additional rough-work pages and a redesigned question booklet format.

According to a notification issued on June 12, the duration of the examination has been increased from 180 minutes to 195 minutes. The pen-and-paper test will now be conducted from 2 pm to 5:15 pm.

NTA said the revised schedule takes into account mandatory procedures such as attendance verification and invigilation formalities, ensuring that candidates receive the complete allotted time for attempting the examination without losing minutes to administrative processes.

The move comes after Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan had announced on May 15 that candidates appearing for the NEET-UG re-examination on June 21 would be given an additional 15 minutes.

The agency has also expanded the space available for rough work. Candidates will now receive four rough-work pages in the question booklet instead of two, giving them more room for calculations, diagrams and other workings during the test.

As part of the redesign, two rough-work pages will now be placed immediately after the instruction section at the beginning of the booklet, while the remaining two pages will continue to appear at the end. Earlier, all rough-work pages were located only at the back of the booklet.

NTA noted that the change was introduced after feedback from candidates, particularly left-handed students, who found the earlier arrangement less convenient.

The updated booklet design has been implemented across both English and regional language versions of the examination.

Highlighting the rationale behind the changes, the agency said even minor improvements in exam design can significantly enhance the candidate experience during a high-stakes test. It added that the modifications are intended to improve comfort and convenience while maintaining fairness, security and transparency.

NTA said the revisions were introduced after reviewing suggestions and feedback received from students over the years.

NEET-UG serves as the single entrance examination for admission to MBBS and other undergraduate medical programmes across the country.

The agency had cancelled NEET-UG 2026 on May 12, nine days after nearly 2.27 million candidates appeared for the exam on May 3. Investigators later found that the question paper had allegedly reached the phones of some candidates as early as May 1. A fresh examination is scheduled to be conducted on June 21.

Diplomatic Tensions Rise as India Lodges Protest Over Strikes Affecting Indian Crews

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indian ship
indian ship

India on Friday lodged a fresh protest with the United States after summoning the senior-most American diplomat in New Delhi for the second time in a week over attacks on merchant vessels in West Asia that have resulted in the deaths of three Indian seafarers.

US Chargé d’Affaires Jason Meeks was called to the Ministry of External Affairs on Friday afternoon, where Additional Secretary (Americas) Nagaraj Naidu conveyed India’s strong objections to the continued strikes on commercial shipping despite an earlier protest earlier this week, people familiar with the developments said.

In an official statement, the ministry said India had expressed serious concern over the continuing attacks by US naval forces on commercial vessels carrying Indian crew members in the Gulf of Oman. It noted that the incidents had already led to the “tragic and avoidable” loss of three Indian lives.

New Delhi also reiterated its concern over the use of force against civilian shipping, describing such actions as unacceptable and harmful to the safety and stability of international maritime trade in a strategically important region.

According to the ministry, Meeks was asked to communicate India’s concerns to Washington and ensure that US forces operating in the area take all necessary precautions to prevent civilian casualties in future operations.

The latest diplomatic move came a day after US forces targeted MT Jalveer, a tanker carrying 20 Indian crew members, near Oman’s Shinas port. Sources said Meeks remained at the ministry for around 40 minutes during the meeting.

The US Central Command has stated that it acted against three vessels this week, MT Marivex on June 8, MT Settebello on June 9 and MT Jalveer on June 11, alleging that they were attempting to breach the American blockade of Iranian ports. In the case of Jalveer, a US military aircraft reportedly fired two Hellfire missiles into the vessel’s engine room to disable it.

Although none of the ships were Indian flagged, all carried Indian nationals as crew members. Marivex and Settebello were registered under the Palau flag, while Jalveer was flagged in Guinea-Bissau.

Concerns intensified after three Indian crew members aboard MT Settebello, who had initially been reported missing, were confirmed dead on Thursday. Among them was 23-year-old deck cadet Aditya Sharma from Himachal Pradesh, who was undergoing training to become a licensed ship officer.

Oman’s armed forces later carried out rescue operations involving more than 60 Indian crew members from the three vessels. The rescued personnel included 24 from Marivex, 21 from Settebello and 20 from Jalveer.

India had earlier condemned the strike on MT Settebello through a statement issued on Wednesday, though it did not directly identify the party responsible for the attack.

The incidents have triggered growing criticism within India, particularly because the United States is viewed as a key strategic partner. Several voices have questioned the attacks and called for stronger action from New Delhi. Former foreign secretary Kanwal Sibal said pressure should be applied on Washington rather than defending actions that have cost Indian lives. He also argued that the US blockade itself was illegal and noted that the US Central Command had not expressed regret over the deaths of Indian seafarers.

CJP Pushes Five Reforms to Overhaul Examination System

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cjp

The Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) expanded its campaign against the education ministry on Thursday with a protest in Pune, where it renewed its demand for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and unveiled a fresh set of reforms aimed at addressing examination-related issues.

The Pune gathering, attended by around 1,000 people, marked the beginning of a wider nationwide campaign. The group announced that similar demonstrations will be organised in Lucknow, Amritsar, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Jaipur and Delhi between June 12 and June 20.

During the event, CJP outlined five key demands, arguing that repeated exam cancellations, paper leaks, evaluation controversies and administrative delays have placed an unfair burden on students across the country.

The first demand focuses on financial compensation for students affected by disrupted examinations. According to CJP, candidates often spend significant amounts on travel, accommodation, coaching and study materials, only to see exams cancelled or postponed. The organisation proposed a compensation of ₹10,000 for every student impacted by an exam cancellation, leak or disruption. It also suggested an additional ₹10,000 per month if results are delayed beyond one month.

Another proposal calls for authorities to keep backup examination dates ready before conducting major tests. Under this system, any examination affected by a leak, technical failure or other disruption would be reconducted within 72 hours.

CJP also raised concerns about the growing use of digital evaluation systems. The organisation argued that answer sheets written on paper should continue to be checked manually until educational institutions and examination centres across the country have access to reliable technological infrastructure. It said a fully digital evaluation process should only be adopted after such facilities are uniformly available.

The fourth demand seeks automatic age relaxation for candidates affected by exam delays. CJP said students should not lose eligibility for jobs or recruitment opportunities because of administrative lapses. It proposed that any delay in examinations or results should be added to the upper age limit for affected candidates.

The final demand relates to computer-based examinations. The organisation called for mandatory independent audits of examination centres at least seven days before every test. These audits would assess hardware, software, internet connectivity and overall infrastructure. Centres failing the audit, CJP said, should be replaced immediately to avoid disruptions on exam day.

The party maintained that these measures are necessary to improve accountability in the examination system and protect students from the consequences of administrative failures.

Bengal Becomes Key Focus for Rahul Gandhi as TMC Faces Setbacks

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Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has begun internal consultations aimed at rebuilding the party in West Bengal, just days before his meeting with Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee on Wednesday. The discussions come at a time when the TMC is grappling with a wave of defections following its loss of power in the state after 15 years in office.

According to people familiar with the developments, Gandhi met former West Bengal Congress president Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury on Saturday to discuss the party’s revival strategy in a state where it has been out of power since 1977. Chowdhury, a long time critic of the TMC, reportedly told Gandhi that the Congress now has a significant opportunity to regain political ground in West Bengal.

The two leaders are understood to have discussed the possibility of sections of the electorate, particularly Muslims who make up around 27 per cent of the state’s population according to the 2011 Census, shifting their support towards the Congress.

A Congress leader said Chowdhury also pointed out that several grassroots leaders and workers within the TMC are interested in joining the Congress following the party’s electoral setback. He continued to advocate for an alliance with Left parties to consolidate anti TMC votes, although some leaders within the state Congress unit remain opposed to the idea.

Confirming the meeting, Chowdhury said he sought an appointment with Rahul Gandhi while in Delhi. “Obviously, when we meet, we do not discuss Bengal’s weather,” he remarked. The interaction has gained added significance amid speculation that the Congress may soon consider changes in its leadership structure in West Bengal.

The TMC has been battling internal turmoil since its defeat. The party expelled two of its 78 MLAs before 57 legislators reportedly backed Ritabrata Banerjee as the Leader of the Opposition in the state assembly. In Parliament, at least 16 of the party’s 28 Lok Sabha MPs are said to have rebelled and met West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari.

The crisis has also affected the party’s strength in the Rajya Sabha. Sukhendu Sekhar Ray resigned from the Upper House on Monday, followed by Prakash Chik Baraik on Thursday and Sushmita Dev a day earlier, reducing the TMC’s tally in the House to 10 members.

Against this backdrop, Abhishek Banerjee met Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday to discuss ways to strengthen cooperation between the two parties. However, the TMC dismissed speculation that the discussions involved any merger proposal. Earlier this week, TMC chief Mamata Banerjee also met Congress leader Sonia Gandhi, while a meeting with Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge is expected soon.

The TMC has not ruled out the possibility of an alliance with the Congress in West Bengal, a move it has largely avoided since 2012. The two parties had contested together in 2011 when the TMC ended the Left Front’s 34 year rule and came to power in the state.

Gulf Lebanon Relations Improve as Saudi Arabia Lifts Import Restrictions

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Dhruv
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Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia on Wednesday announced the lifting of a five-year ban on Lebanese imports, marking a significant step towards restoring ties between Lebanon and the Gulf region.

The kingdom first imposed restrictions on Lebanese fruit and vegetable imports in 2021 after alleging that drug shipments were being smuggled into the country through agricultural exports. In one of the most high-profile cases, Saudi authorities said they had intercepted more than five million Captagon pills concealed inside a shipment of pomegranates from Lebanon.

The restrictions were later expanded to cover all Lebanese imports after the Lebanese Information Minister George Kordahi publicly criticized Saudi Arabia’s military campaign against Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen.

The diplomatic rift was also fuelled by Saudi Arabia’s broader rivalry with Iran and concerns over the growing influence of the Iran-backed group Hezbollah in Lebanon. The move dealt another blow to Lebanon’s struggling economy, which was already facing a severe financial crisis and currency collapse.

In a statement, Saudi Arabia’s foreign ministry said the decision to lift the ban was made on the directive of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and was based on the “positive steps” taken by the Lebanese government.

While the statement did not elaborate on those measures, Lebanon has in recent months announced plans to bring all weapons under state control, including efforts aimed at disarming non-state groups such as Hezbollah. Prior to the outbreak of the latest conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, the Lebanese army had begun implementing parts of that plan in southern Lebanon.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun welcomed the decision and thanked Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, saying the move would help boost the country’s economy and support Lebanese producers and exporters.

The Lebanese government, which took office last year on a reform agenda, has been working to improve relations with Gulf nations. Before the recent conflict involving Hezbollah and Israel, Lebanese officials had also been encouraging Gulf tourists to return to the country as part of efforts to revive the economy. Several Gulf states had already eased travel restrictions on their citizens visiting Lebanon.

Maa Behen Starring Madhuri Dixit and Triptii Dimri Becomes Netflix Global Hit

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Dhruv
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Maa Behen
Maa Behen

Netflix’s latest film Maa Behen, directed by Suresh Triveni and starring Madhuri Dixit, Triptii Dimri and Dharna Durga, has been receiving widespread appreciation since its release. The film, which explores themes of patriarchy through humour and family drama, has now climbed to the second spot on Netflix’s global non English films chart.

Maa Behen currently ranks behind only the Spanish film The Marked Woman on the streaming platform’s top 10 non English releases list and is trending across 15 countries.

Kara, starring Dhanush and directed by Vignesh Raja, follows Maa Behen on the list, while Mexico 86 and Risa and the Wind Phone occupy the fourth and fifth positions respectively.

Reacting to the film’s success, Madhuri Dixit said the audience response had been overwhelming. She shared that the film attracted her because of the way it combined humour, honesty and emotional depth.

“What drew me to the film was its ability to tell a deeply relatable story with humour, heart, and honesty. Seeing viewers connect with these characters, their relationships, and all the kaand and kalesh that unfold along the way has been incredibly rewarding,” she said.

Triptii Dimri also expressed happiness over the reception the film has received, especially for a key emotional scene involving her character Jaya.

“What has touched me the most is the appreciation for Jaya’s monologue when she finally lets go of her husband. That scene was particularly important to me, and I spent a lot of time preparing for it, trying to understand Jaya’s emotional journey and everything she had been carrying. I’m so happy that the moment resonated with viewers the way it did,” she said.

Dharna Durga described working on the film as an unforgettable experience and said the project was particularly special because it marked her Netflix debut.

“It’s especially meaningful because Maa Behen marks my Netflix debut, and I couldn’t have asked for a more incredible start,” she said.

Actor Ravi also said he was grateful for the love coming his way, comparing the response to the appreciation he previously received for Maamla Legal Hai.

Director Suresh Triveni said the intention behind Maa Behen was to present complex family relationships and socially conditioned behaviour through humour and chaos.

“From the very beginning, Maa Behen was about exploring unusual family dynamics, flawed yet deeply relatable characters, and the societal judgments that shape their lives, all through humour and chaos. We wanted to tell a story that is entertaining and can reach a wide audience,” he said.

“The love, appreciation, and conversations that Maa Behen has sparked is truly rewarding,” he added.

The film also features Geetanjali Kulkarni, Arunoday Singh and Shardul Bhardwaj in important roles. Maa Behen began streaming on Netflix on June 4.

Trump’s ‘Hit Them Hard’ Remark Signals Potential Escalation in Iran Conflict

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Dhruv
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Trump
Trump

Donald Trump on Wednesday warned of more military strikes against Iran, hours after Tehran and Washington exchanged fresh attacks amid rising tensions around the Strait of Hormuz.

Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump said the United States was prepared to launch additional attacks on Iranian targets if a peace agreement was not reached soon.

“We’re going to hit them again hard today,” Trump said, according to the Associated Press. He added that American forces would strike Iranian positions “very hard” if negotiations continued to stall. “We were really close to a deal, but they keep tapping us along,” he said.

Trump declined to specify whether the US planned to target critical infrastructure such as bridges or power plants.

The warning followed US military strikes on Iranian sites near the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday after an American Apache helicopter was reportedly brought down. In response, Iran launched attacks targeting Kuwait, Jordan and Bahrain, all of which host US military personnel.

The latest exchange marked the second major flare up this week despite the ceasefire that had earlier raised hopes of de escalation.

Trump also accused Iran of delaying negotiations and said Tehran would now have to “pay the price” for taking too long to finalise what he described as a favourable agreement.

The US President further claimed that Iran’s military had become “a complete and total mess” and said it had effectively been “defeated.”

According to the US military’s Central Command, the latest American strikes targeted Iranian “air defense, ground control stations, and surveillance radar sites.”

Iran later acknowledged attacks near Bandar Abbas and Qeshm Island but did not provide details regarding casualties or damage.

Trump once again insisted that Iran had agreed in principle not to develop nuclear weapons, but stressed that Tehran still needed to formally sign an agreement.

“All they have to do is sign the paper,” Trump said, according to Reuters.

While discussing the possibility of a deal, Trump said the United States was looking for an agreement “that is meaningful” and added, “We want a deal that works.”

The US President also made a fresh claim regarding Iranian oil exports, alleging that the United States had been secretly removing oil from Iran.

“I’m just announcing today for the first time, but we’ve been taking out millions of barrels of oil, millions of barrels every night,” Trump told reporters at the White House. He claimed Iran had “just figured it out” and argued that the operation had helped keep global oil prices lower.

“That’s why oil is $85-90 a barrel instead of $250,” Trump said.

CJP Mobilizes Nationwide Protest Over Education Ministry Controversy

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Dhruv
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CJP
CJP

New Delhi: The Cockroach Janta Party on Wednesday warned that it would begin an indefinite sit in protest at Jantar Mantar from June 20 if Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan does not resign over the ongoing controversies surrounding examination irregularities.

The group, which began as a satirical social media page before evolving into a youth led movement after its recent protest in Delhi, said India’s young people are not afraid to question the government and would continue demonstrations until accountability is fixed.

In a statement, the organisation announced a nationwide protest campaign that will begin in Pune on June 11 before moving to Lucknow, Amritsar, Bengaluru, Jaipur and Hyderabad.

According to the CJP, the issue goes beyond politics and affects millions of students and families whose future has been put at risk because of alleged failures in the education system and the conduct of major examinations.

“The Education Minister, Dharmendra Pradhan, has failed to take responsibility for these repeated failures. Accountability must begin at the top. That is why we reiterate our demand that Dharmendra Pradhan should resign,” the statement said.

The organisation further declared that if the government does not act or if the minister refuses to step down, students and youth from across the country will gather at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on June 20 for a peaceful indefinite protest.

“We will not leave until accountability is delivered,” the statement added.

Describing itself as a movement aimed at protecting the credibility of India’s education system, the CJP called on students, teachers, parents and citizens to join what it described as a fight for justice and accountability.

CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke also announced on X that climate activist Sonam Wangchuk would participate in the upcoming Pune protest.

Over the past few weeks, the Cockroach Janta Party has gained national attention as a student and youth driven movement protesting against alleged irregularities in competitive examinations and broader concerns within the education sector.

The group has amplified its campaign through social media activity and public demonstrations, including its recent protest at Jantar Mantar, which witnessed large participation from students and young protesters.

Heat and Agriculture Concerns Grow as El Niño Strengthens in Pacific Waters

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El Niño has officially emerged across the equatorial Pacific, raising concerns over a fresh cycle of droughts, floods and extreme temperature swings that could disrupt agriculture, energy supplies and livelihoods across the world.

The climate pattern was formally confirmed by the Japan Meteorological Agency, marking the first El Niño event since 2023. Meteorologists expect the phenomenon to strengthen over the coming months and potentially develop into one of the most intense events on record before lasting at least until December.

El Niño occurs when sea surface temperatures across parts of the Pacific Ocean become unusually warm, triggering shifts in global weather systems. These changes often affect rainfall, crop production and power demand across several continents.

Its effects are already beginning to emerge in different parts of the world. India has witnessed a delayed monsoon onset, while Peru temporarily suspended parts of its fishing season because of warming ocean conditions.

Historically, strong El Niño episodes have caused widespread damage. The 1997 event killed more than 30,000 people globally and caused an estimated $100 billion in economic losses. A 2023 study by Dartmouth College estimated that the long term economic fallout from El Niño events can run into trillions of dollars worldwide.

The intensity of El Niño is measured by how much warmer the equatorial Pacific becomes compared to average temperatures. When the anomaly crosses 2 degrees Celsius, the event is generally classified as a very strong or “Super El Niño.”

According to commodity intelligence firm Marex, major El Niño events have historically reduced production of commodities such as palm oil, coffee, cocoa, cotton and grains including wheat and rice.

Weather disruptions are expected to become more severe as the event peaks around December or January. Forecasters warn that southern parts of the United States could experience a wetter and cooler winter, while regions in Australia may face drought conditions and an increased wildfire risk.

El Niño can also influence the Atlantic hurricane season. The atmospheric changes associated with the phenomenon usually increase wind shear over the Atlantic Ocean, making it harder for hurricanes and tropical storms to form and intensify.

That does not mean storms will be absent altogether. Current forecasts from government agencies, universities and private weather firms suggest the Atlantic could still witness around 14 named storms this year, which is close to the long term seasonal average.

Many climate experts are closely watching whether this El Niño evolves into a “super” event later this year. In the United States, forecasters primarily track ocean temperatures in the Niño 3.4 region of the Pacific to determine the strength of El Niño conditions.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration defines El Niño as conditions where sea surface temperatures remain at least 0.5 degrees Celsius above average for five overlapping three month periods.

United Nations Report Raises Concerns Over Israeli Response to Settler Violence

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Israel

A United Nations inquiry on Tuesday accused Israeli authorities of being directly involved in settler attacks against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank, alleging that Israeli security forces have protected settlers during incidents that resulted in deaths, injuries and displacement.

The report by the Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory stated that Israeli authorities enabled settler violence through financial and military backing while a climate of impunity was maintained by judicial and law enforcement institutions.

According to the findings, attacks targeting Palestinian villages and farmland have increased sharply since 2023, rising by 130 percent, including assaults carried out by masked groups. The report alleged that Israeli security personnel frequently accompanied settlers and acted as protection during these attacks.

The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the Israeli military did not immediately issue a response to the allegations.

Israel has consistently rejected accusations that its forces shield settlers during attacks on Palestinians in the West Bank. Israeli authorities have described such incidents as isolated violations of military rules that are investigated. However, both Israeli and Palestinian rights groups have argued that these investigations rarely result in punishment.

Hundreds of thousands of Israeli settlers currently live among millions of Palestinians in territories captured by Israel during the 1967 war. Palestinians seek to establish a future state in these areas. Most countries and the UN’s top court consider the settlements illegal under international law, a position disputed by Israel, which cites historical and biblical connections to the land.

The United Nations said at least seven Palestinians were killed and 832 injured last year, while violence has continued through 2026 with near daily attacks.

“The increasing participation of Israeli security forces in settler attacks amounts to a de facto collapse of the distinction between settlers and soldiers,” the report stated.

The inquiry further said that such violence had become part of broader state policy linked to occupation, displacement of Palestinians and annexation of Palestinian territory.

Investigators documented several incidents involving assaults, abductions and abuse of Palestinian children by settlers. In one case cited in the report, a 12 year old girl and her 3 year old brother were allegedly abducted at knifepoint on April 19, 2025, dragged to an olive grove and tied to a tree with plastic restraints before family members intervened.

In July 2024, the International Court of Justice issued a non binding advisory opinion declaring Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories and its settlements illegal and calling for their withdrawal as soon as possible.

The Commission also accused settlers of using or threatening sexual violence to intimidate Palestinians and harassing Palestinian women.

“The relentless, daily assaults by Israeli settlers against Palestinians are intolerable and must end,” said commission chair S. Muralidhar, who urged the international community to pressure Israel to dismantle settlements and stop the violence.

The report added that despite occasional condemnations and the removal of some unauthorised outposts, Israeli authorities had failed to take sustained action to halt the attacks.

The inquiry also expressed concern over serious abuses committed in Gaza by the militant group Hamas.

Hamas did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

According to the Commission, Hamas affiliated forces were linked to at least 60 out of 249 documented cases involving executions and severe violence between 2024 and 2025. The report described incidents involving beatings with metal pipes and bone breaking as punishment for alleged collaboration with Israel or looting aid supplies.

In two cases, the report said, 11 men were publicly executed. The Commission concluded that such acts amount to war crimes and violations of international law.

The inquiry further stated that the October 7, 2023 attacks carried out by Hamas and other armed groups against Israel, which killed around 1,200 people and included hostage taking and property destruction, also amounted to war crimes.

Those attacks triggered Israel’s military offensive in Gaza, which has killed tens of thousands of Palestinians and devastated large parts of the territory.

A previous report by the Commission accused Israel of committing genocide during its operations in Gaza and alleged that senior Israeli officials, including Netanyahu, had incited such acts. Israel dismissed those allegations as “scandalous”.

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