Here, we bring you the news that is trending across WION's social media platforms- The Supreme Court pulls up the National Testing Agency over inconsistent marks calculation in the Neet row.

Neet row: SC pulls up National Testing Agency

A probe into the Neet-UG case gathers pace here in India in the first arrest the Central Bureau of Investigation has arrested two people from the Indian state of Bihar.

India: Neet-UG case probe gathers pace

<p>India's Supreme Court on Thursday (June 27) pulled up the apex entrance examination body National Testing Agency (NTA) over the alleged irregularities in the NEET-UG 2024, the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) whose results decide admission to undergraduate medicine courses. Supreme Court's observations came on a petition filed by an e-learning application that claimed "inconsistent" calculation of marks on the OMR sheets.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A vacation bench of Justices Manoj Misra and SVN Bhatti has sought a response from NTA by July 8. This is the day when the hearing of the matter, clubbed with other petitions in the controversy, will take place.</p>

<p>According to the petition, several students alleged that they did not receive OMR sheets in time. The bench has asked for the NTA's response on the time limit to raise the grievances related to the OMR sheets.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/neet-controversy-bihar-aspirant-admits-he-received-question-paper-a-day-before-exam-733444">NEET controversy: Bihar aspirant admits he received question paper a day before exam</a></strong></p>

<p>"Let us know if there is a timeline to provide the OMR sheets. As of now we will tag it. Let NTA seek instructions on this," the court noted and tagged the petition with others for July 8.</p>

<p>During the hearing, the bench also pulled up coaching centres, saying they have "no role to play".&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Neet-UG row: Maharashtra police uncover Neet-UG racket in Bihar</strong></p>

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<p>"This is one of the reasons where we see this role played by the coaching centres, bagpipers. They have hardly any role to play. Their obligation and duty...if they have discharged their service that is the end of the matter. They have not undertaken to see that everything that Centre is supposed to do will be taken care of by them," Justice Bhatti said.</p>

<p>Apart from the Supreme Court's consistent judicial oversight, the&nbsp;Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has been investigating several cases related to&nbsp;the alleged irregularities and malpractices in the NEET-UG exam held last month.</p>

<p>The cases are spread across several states, and a number of people have been arrested in recent days in connection with the controversy.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


India's Supreme Court on Thursday (June 27) pulled up the apex entrance examination body National Testing Agency (NTA) over the alleged irregularities in the NEET-UG 2024, the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) whose results decide admission to undergraduate medicine courses.

India's Supreme Court on Thursday (June 27) pulled up the apex entrance examination body National Testing Agency (NTA) over the alleged irregularities in the NEET-UG 2024, the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) whose results decide admission to undergraduate medicine courses. Supreme Court's observations came on a petition filed by an e-learning application that claimed "inconsistent" calculation of marks on the OMR sheets. A vacation bench of Justices Manoj Misra and SVN Bhatti has sought a response from NTA by July 8. This is the day when the hearing of the matter, clubbed with other petitions in the controversy, will take place. According to the petition, several students alleged that they did not receive OMR sheets in time. The bench has asked for the NTA's response on the time limit to raise the grievances related to the OMR sheets. Also read | NEET controversy: Bihar aspirant admits he received question paper a day before exam "Let us know if there is a timeline to provide the OMR sheets. As of now we will tag it. Let NTA seek instructions on this," the court noted and tagged the petition with others for July 8. During the hearing, the bench also pulled up coaching centres, saying they have "no role to play". Also watch | Neet-UG row: Maharashtra police uncover Neet-UG racket in Bihar × "This is one of the reasons where we see this role played by the coaching centres, bagpipers. They have hardly any role to play. Their obligation and duty...if they have discharged their service that is the end of the matter. They have not undertaken to see that everything that Centre is supposed to do will be taken care of by them," Justice Bhatti said. Apart from the Supreme Court's consistent judicial oversight, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has been investigating several cases related to the alleged irregularities and malpractices in the NEET-UG exam held last month. The cases are spread across several states, and a number of people have been arrested in recent days in connection with the controversy. (With inputs from agencies)

NEET row: Supreme Court pulls up National Testing Agency over 'inconsistent' marks calculation

<p>A warning about the state of the education system, purportedly from a South African university, is being widely shared in India in the wake of multiple scandals involving the National Testing Agency (NTA) and its exams like NEET, UGC, as well as paper leaks and the so-called “solving mafia”.</p>

<h2><strong>What is the message?</strong></h2>

<p>“At the entrance gate of a university in South Africa, the following message was posted for contemplation:</p>

<p>Destroying any nation does not require the use of atomic bombs or the use of long range missiles. It only requires lowering the quality of education and allowing cheating in the examinations by the students.</p>

<p>Patients die at the hands of such doctors.</p>

<p>Buildings collapse at the hands of such engineers.</p>

<p>Money is lost at the hands of such economists &amp; accountants.</p>

<p>Humanity dies at the hands of such religious scholars.</p>

<p>Justice is lost at the hands of such judges...</p>

<p>The collapse of education is the collapse of the nation,” the quote says.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/neet-ug-scam-2024-digital-lock-failure-at-hazaribagh-centre-increases-suspicion-amidst-investigation-734878">NEET UG Scam 2024: Digital lock failure at Hazaribagh centre increases suspicion amidst investigation</a></strong></p>

<p>The statement has been widely shared by social media users in the context of the allegations that the paper of the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) was leaked ahead of the exams held last month.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Why is it trending in India?</strong></h2>

<p>The quote, whose origins are unclear, has been shared several times on social media since the results of the NEET exam, which was held on May 5 at 4,750 centres across India, were released.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The results sparked outrage and nationwide protests amid alleged irregularities after as many as 67 students scored a perfect 720. Since then students across India are demanding a re-examination.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In connection with the ongoing case, the Economic Offences Unit (EOU) in the Indian state of Bihar, on Sunday (Jun 24) arrested a “solver gang” member who had received a PDF of the solved question paper of the NEET-UG exam on his phone on May 4, a day before the examination.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As per reports, the person arrested in Bihar was among five held by the EOU from Jharkhand’s Deogarh district on Sunday.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Is the message for real?</strong></h2>

<p>The quote, whose origins couldn’t be independently verified, has been making rounds on social media for years now. A simple Google search revealed that the statement dates back to a Facebook post in 2017, but it could be older.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/neet-ug-exam-row-bihar-arrests-solver-gang-member-who-got-solved-question-paper-a-day-before-exam-734576">NEET-UG exam row: 'Solver gang' member who got solved question paper a day before exam arrested</a></strong></p>

<p>Over the years, people on various platforms have claimed that the quote was written by South Africa’s first democratically elected president and civil rights leader Nelson Mandela or Mahatma Gandhi, who played a key role in India’s independence from the Britishers.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>


A warning about the state of the education system, purportedly from a South African university, is being widely shared in India in the wake of multiple scandals involving the National Testing Agency (NTA) and its exams like NEET, UGC, as well as paper leaks and the so-called “solving mafia”.

A warning about the state of the education system, purportedly from a South African university, is being widely shared in India in the wake of multiple scandals involving the National Testing Agency (NTA) and its exams like NEET, UGC, as well as paper leaks and the so-called “solving mafia”. What is the message? “At the entrance gate of a university in South Africa, the following message was posted for contemplation: Destroying any nation does not require the use of atomic bombs or the use of long range missiles. It only requires lowering the quality of education and allowing cheating in the examinations by the students. Patients die at the hands of such doctors. Buildings collapse at the hands of such engineers. Money is lost at the hands of such economists & accountants. Humanity dies at the hands of such religious scholars. Justice is lost at the hands of such judges... The collapse of education is the collapse of the nation,” the quote says. Also Read | NEET UG Scam 2024: Digital lock failure at Hazaribagh centre increases suspicion amidst investigation The statement has been widely shared by social media users in the context of the allegations that the paper of the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) was leaked ahead of the exams held last month. Why is it trending in India? The quote, whose origins are unclear, has been shared several times on social media since the results of the NEET exam, which was held on May 5 at 4,750 centres across India, were released. The results sparked outrage and nationwide protests amid alleged irregularities after as many as 67 students scored a perfect 720. Since then students across India are demanding a re-examination. In connection with the ongoing case, the Economic Offences Unit (EOU) in the Indian state of Bihar, on Sunday (Jun 24) arrested a “solver gang” member who had received a PDF of the solved question paper of the NEET-UG exam on his phone on May 4, a day before the examination. As per reports, the person arrested in Bihar was among five held by the EOU from Jharkhand’s Deogarh district on Sunday. Is the message for real? The quote, whose origins couldn’t be independently verified, has been making rounds on social media for years now. A simple Google search revealed that the statement dates back to a Facebook post in 2017, but it could be older. Also Read | NEET-UG exam row: 'Solver gang' member who got solved question paper a day before exam arrested Over the years, people on various platforms have claimed that the quote was written by South Africa’s first democratically elected president and civil rights leader Nelson Mandela or Mahatma Gandhi, who played a key role in India’s independence from the Britishers. (With inputs from agencies)

‘Collapse of education is collapse of the nation’: Statement goes viral amid NEET-UG exam row in India

A case has been filed against two Maharashtra School teachers for their alleged involvement in the paper leak case. A First Information Report (FIR) has been registered against four people including two teachers. Watch in for more details!

NEET paper leak: Mastermind Sanjeev Mukhiya behind leak, who is he?

<p>The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) team probing the alleged irregularities during the UGC-NET examination was allegedly attacked by locals in Bihar’s Nawada.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Soon after, the central investigation agency lodged a police complaint and four people have been arrested since then.</p>

<p>The incident, according to the officials, occurred on Saturday evening (June 22) when a team of CBI visited Kasiadeeh village in the area.</p>

<p>They said that a mob encircled the CBI vehicles and heckled the officers, following which they called the local police station which sent their force.</p>

<p>The police arrested four individuals allegedly involved in the attack and they have been sent to judicial custody, the officials added.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">VIDEO | A CBI team, probing the UGC-NET paper leak case, was attacked in Bihar's Nawada earlier today. More details awaited.<br />
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(Full video available on PTI Videos - <a href="https://t.co/n147TvqRQz">https://t.co/n147TvqRQz</a>)<br />
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(Source: Third Party) <a href="https://t.co/DccOYgnVaD">pic.twitter.com/DccOYgnVaD</a></p>
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) <a href="https://twitter.com/PTI_News/status/1804885225580700133?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 23, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>The CBI on Thursday (June 20) lodged an FIR against unidentified individuals on a reference from the Union education ministry in relation to the&nbsp;irregularities reported during the UGC-NET examination</p>

<h2><strong>NTA cancels UGC-NET after 'exam integrity compromised'</strong></h2>

<p>India's National Testing Agency on Wednesday (June 19) announced the cancellation of the UGC-NET exam just a day after it was conducted.</p>

<p>The Education Ministry released a statement saying that the University Grants Commission (UGC) on Wednesday received certain inputs from the National Cyber Crime Threat Analytics Unit of the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) under the Ministry of Home Affairs on the Examination, and the inputs prima-facie indicated that the integrity of the examination may have been compromised.</p>

<p>The statement further said that the matter was handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for a thorough probe.</p>

<p>"To ensure the highest level of transparency and sanctity of the examination process, the Ministry of Education, Government of India has decided that the UGC-NET June 2024 Examination be cancelled," the statement said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It further said that the exam will be conducted afresh at a date that will be announced later.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/exam-body-nta-to-hold-retest-of-neet-ug-exam-for-1563-students-today-734287">NTA to hold retest of NEET-UG exam for 1,563 students today, two arrests made in Latur</a></p>

<h2><strong>'Website, all portals fully secure': NTA&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Meanwhile, the National Testing Agency (NTA) claimed its website and all other web portals were fully secure.</p>

<p>It also rejected the allegations of the portals being compromised, terming them as "wrong and misleading."</p>

<p>"NTA website and all its web portals are fully secure. Any information that has been compromised and hacked is wrong and misleading," the NTA said in a post on X.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">NTA website and all its web portals are fully secure. Any information that they have been compromised and hacked is wrong and misleading.</p>
— National Testing Agency (@NTA_Exams) <a href="https://twitter.com/NTA_Exams/status/1804847466296029550?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 23, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>NTA found itself in hot waters after students alleged irregularities in the medical entrance examination. This triggered several protests in the country where students demanded to disband the NTA.</p>

<p>The unexpected results of the exam showed 67 candidates achieving a perfect&nbsp;720 which raised concerns among students. &nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) team probing the alleged irregularities during the UGC-NET examination was allegedly attacked by locals in Bihar’s Nawada.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) team probing the alleged irregularities during the UGC-NET examination was allegedly attacked by locals in Bihar’s Nawada. Soon after, the central investigation agency lodged a police complaint and four people have been arrested since then. The incident, according to the officials, occurred on Saturday evening (June 22) when a team of CBI visited Kasiadeeh village in the area. They said that a mob encircled the CBI vehicles and heckled the officers, following which they called the local police station which sent their force. The police arrested four individuals allegedly involved in the attack and they have been sent to judicial custody, the officials added. VIDEO | A CBI team, probing the UGC-NET paper leak case, was attacked in Bihar's Nawada earlier today. More details awaited. (Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/n147TvqRQz) (Source: Third Party) pic.twitter.com/DccOYgnVaD — Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) June 23, 2024 × The CBI on Thursday (June 20) lodged an FIR against unidentified individuals on a reference from the Union education ministry in relation to the irregularities reported during the UGC-NET examination NTA cancels UGC-NET after 'exam integrity compromised' India's National Testing Agency on Wednesday (June 19) announced the cancellation of the UGC-NET exam just a day after it was conducted. The Education Ministry released a statement saying that the University Grants Commission (UGC) on Wednesday received certain inputs from the National Cyber Crime Threat Analytics Unit of the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) under the Ministry of Home Affairs on the Examination, and the inputs prima-facie indicated that the integrity of the examination may have been compromised. The statement further said that the matter was handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for a thorough probe. "To ensure the highest level of transparency and sanctity of the examination process, the Ministry of Education, Government of India has decided that the UGC-NET June 2024 Examination be cancelled," the statement said. It further said that the exam will be conducted afresh at a date that will be announced later. Also read: NTA to hold retest of NEET-UG exam for 1,563 students today, two arrests made in Latur 'Website, all portals fully secure': NTA Meanwhile, the National Testing Agency (NTA) claimed its website and all other web portals were fully secure. It also rejected the allegations of the portals being compromised, terming them as "wrong and misleading." "NTA website and all its web portals are fully secure. Any information that has been compromised and hacked is wrong and misleading," the NTA said in a post on X. NTA website and all its web portals are fully secure. Any information that they have been compromised and hacked is wrong and misleading. — National Testing Agency (@NTA_Exams) June 23, 2024 × NTA found itself in hot waters after students alleged irregularities in the medical entrance examination. This triggered several protests in the country where students demanded to disband the NTA. The unexpected results of the exam showed 67 candidates achieving a perfect 720 which raised concerns among students. (With inputs from agencies)

India: CBI team probing UGC-NET case allegedly attacked in Bihar, 4 arrested

<p>Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor invited sharp criticism over his social media post where he took a jibe at the north-Indian state of Uttar Pradesh (UP) amid the NEET paper leak controversy.</p>

<p>Tharoor on Saturday night (June 22) shared a viral post depicting a Q&amp;A referring to UP.</p>

<p>The question read, "Uttar Pradesh kise kehte hain? (Define Uttar Pradesh)."</p>

<p>"A state where uttar (referring to answers) are known before the exam," read the answer.</p>

<p>The Congress leader captioned the post as, "shandaar" (Fabulous) and added the hashtag "Pariksha pe charcha" (Discussion on examination), taking a swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi's initiative to interact with students during exams.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">शानदार! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%80%E0%A4%95%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B7%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%87%E0%A4%9A%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%9A%E0%A4%BE?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#परीक्षापेचार्चा</a> <a href="https://t.co/xXK8q54FWl">pic.twitter.com/xXK8q54FWl</a></p>
— Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) <a href="https://twitter.com/ShashiTharoor/status/1804606384371310653?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 22, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cbi-files-fir-in-connection-with-alleged-irregularities-in-neet-ug-exam-734341">CBI files FIR in connection with alleged irregularities in NEET-UG exam</a></p>

<h2><strong>Tharoor's post draws flak from BJP</strong></h2>

<p>Soon after Tharoor made the comment, the BJP leaders slammed Tharoor for stereotyping the state and insulting the people of UP.</p>

<p>Union minister Jitin Prasada, responding to the post said, "I don't see the humour in running down my state and its people by stereotyping them with such condemnable remarks. Such an insult to UP is deplorable and must be condemned in strongest words."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I don’t see the humour in running down my state and its people by stereotyping them with such condemnable remarks. Such an insult to UP is deplorable and must be condemned in strongest words.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/uttarpradesh?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#uttarpradesh</a> <a href="https://t.co/68tYuLFUFQ">https://t.co/68tYuLFUFQ</a></p>
— Jitin Prasada जितिन प्रसाद (@JitinPrasada) <a href="https://twitter.com/JitinPrasada/status/1804796238510031242?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 23, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Former Union minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar, who lost the Thiruvananthapuram constituency to Tharoor in the recently concluded Lok Sabha polls 2024, said, "Shameless crass politics of shaming other fellow Indians - that's the Congress way, ably demonstrated by this self-titled Global citizen. It was just a few months ago, another of Cong 'global citizens' Pitroda described Indians as Africans, Chinese, Middle Eastern, etc., Runs deep in the Cong DNA, this type of superiority complex."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Shameless crass politics of shaming other fellow Indians - thats the Congress way, ably demonstrated by this self-titled Global citizen.🤬🤮<br />
<br />
It was just a few months ago, another of Cong "global citizens" Pitroda described Indians as Africans, Chinese, Middle eastern etc<br />
<br />
Runs… <a href="https://t.co/YLsZ5U1zb5">https://t.co/YLsZ5U1zb5</a></p>
— Rajeev Chandrasekhar 🇮🇳 (@RajeevRC_X) <a href="https://twitter.com/RajeevRC_X/status/1804815952456077315?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 23, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Calling Tharoor a "repeat offender", BJP's national spokesperson CR Kesavan said, "Earlier, Shashi Tharoor gravely insulted our North East brothers and sisters by ridiculing their traditional attire as outlandish. To belittle a serious issue, implying that the state of UP is a state of cheaters is indefensible and unpardonable. Splattering fancy English words does not necessarily make one civil and dignified."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Shashi Tharoor is a repeat offender who had earlier gravely insulted our North East brothers and sisters by ridiculing their traditional attire as outlandish. To belittle a serious issue, implying that the state of UP is a state of cheaters is indefensible and unpardonable.… <a href="https://t.co/4Odbeuml0P">https://t.co/4Odbeuml0P</a></p>
— C.R.Kesavan (@crkesavan) <a href="https://twitter.com/crkesavan/status/1804808960329060830?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 23, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Rajasthan Minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore said, "Shashi, you having to resort to frivolity!! And in doing so condemning people of an entire state? You don't see UP as yours, since you are deriding it. How I see Kerala is it's my state, it's my people. Bright, young, dynamic Keralites have served with me in the Army and rubbed shoulders with me in Team India."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Shashi, you having to resort to frivolity!! And in doing so condemning people of an entire state? You don’t see UP as yours, since you are deriding it.<br />
How I see Kerala is it’s my state, it’s my people. Bright, young, dynamic Keralites have served with me in the Army and rubbed… <a href="https://t.co/i7AxfPz7cb">https://t.co/i7AxfPz7cb</a></p>
— Col Rajyavardhan Rathore (@Ra_THORe) <a href="https://twitter.com/Ra_THORe/status/1804801158327972344?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 23, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma responded to his post by saying, "This gentleman frequently indulges in satirising various cultures (first Northeast and now UP) with remarkably caustic words. He has succumbed to the beguiling whispers of lunacy, his mind adrift in the ethereal mists of derangement."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">This gentleman frequently indulges in satirizing various cultures (first Northeast and now UP) with remarkably caustic words.<br />
<br />
He has succumbed to the beguiling whispers of lunacy, his mind adrift in the ethereal mists of derangement. <a href="https://t.co/aGuUU61bAy">https://t.co/aGuUU61bAy</a></p>
— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) <a href="https://twitter.com/himantabiswa/status/1804829676579299761?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 23, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;<br />
<em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor invited sharp criticism over his social media post where he took a jibe at the north-Indian state of Uttar Pradesh (UP) amid the NEET paper leak controversy.

Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor invited sharp criticism over his social media post where he took a jibe at the north-Indian state of Uttar Pradesh (UP) amid the NEET paper leak controversy. Tharoor on Saturday night (June 22) shared a viral post depicting a Q&A referring to UP. The question read, "Uttar Pradesh kise kehte hain? (Define Uttar Pradesh)." "A state where uttar (referring to answers) are known before the exam," read the answer. The Congress leader captioned the post as, "shandaar" (Fabulous) and added the hashtag "Pariksha pe charcha" (Discussion on examination), taking a swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi's initiative to interact with students during exams. शानदार! #परीक्षापेचार्चा pic.twitter.com/xXK8q54FWl — Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) June 22, 2024 × Also read: CBI files FIR in connection with alleged irregularities in NEET-UG exam Tharoor's post draws flak from BJP Soon after Tharoor made the comment, the BJP leaders slammed Tharoor for stereotyping the state and insulting the people of UP. Union minister Jitin Prasada, responding to the post said, "I don't see the humour in running down my state and its people by stereotyping them with such condemnable remarks. Such an insult to UP is deplorable and must be condemned in strongest words." I don’t see the humour in running down my state and its people by stereotyping them with such condemnable remarks. Such an insult to UP is deplorable and must be condemned in strongest words.#uttarpradesh https://t.co/68tYuLFUFQ — Jitin Prasada जितिन प्रसाद (@JitinPrasada) June 23, 2024 × Former Union minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar, who lost the Thiruvananthapuram constituency to Tharoor in the recently concluded Lok Sabha polls 2024, said, "Shameless crass politics of shaming other fellow Indians - that's the Congress way, ably demonstrated by this self-titled Global citizen. It was just a few months ago, another of Cong 'global citizens' Pitroda described Indians as Africans, Chinese, Middle Eastern, etc., Runs deep in the Cong DNA, this type of superiority complex." Shameless crass politics of shaming other fellow Indians - thats the Congress way, ably demonstrated by this self-titled Global citizen.🤬🤮 It was just a few months ago, another of Cong "global citizens" Pitroda described Indians as Africans, Chinese, Middle eastern etc Runs… https://t.co/YLsZ5U1zb5 — Rajeev Chandrasekhar 🇮🇳 (@RajeevRC_X) June 23, 2024 × Calling Tharoor a "repeat offender", BJP's national spokesperson CR Kesavan said, "Earlier, Shashi Tharoor gravely insulted our North East brothers and sisters by ridiculing their traditional attire as outlandish. To belittle a serious issue, implying that the state of UP is a state of cheaters is indefensible and unpardonable. Splattering fancy English words does not necessarily make one civil and dignified." Shashi Tharoor is a repeat offender who had earlier gravely insulted our North East brothers and sisters by ridiculing their traditional attire as outlandish. To belittle a serious issue, implying that the state of UP is a state of cheaters is indefensible and unpardonable.… https://t.co/4Odbeuml0P — C.R.Kesavan (@crkesavan) June 23, 2024 × Rajasthan Minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore said, "Shashi, you having to resort to frivolity!! And in doing so condemning people of an entire state? You don't see UP as yours, since you are deriding it. How I see Kerala is it's my state, it's my people. Bright, young, dynamic Keralites have served with me in the Army and rubbed shoulders with me in Team India." Shashi, you having to resort to frivolity!! And in doing so condemning people of an entire state? You don’t see UP as yours, since you are deriding it. How I see Kerala is it’s my state, it’s my people. Bright, young, dynamic Keralites have served with me in the Army and rubbed… https://t.co/i7AxfPz7cb — Col Rajyavardhan Rathore (@Ra_THORe) June 23, 2024 × Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma responded to his post by saying, "This gentleman frequently indulges in satirising various cultures (first Northeast and now UP) with remarkably caustic words. He has succumbed to the beguiling whispers of lunacy, his mind adrift in the ethereal mists of derangement." This gentleman frequently indulges in satirizing various cultures (first Northeast and now UP) with remarkably caustic words. He has succumbed to the beguiling whispers of lunacy, his mind adrift in the ethereal mists of derangement. https://t.co/aGuUU61bAy — Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) June 23, 2024 × (With inputs from agencies)

India: Shashi Tharoor's viral post on UP amid NEET controversy draws flak from BJP

India: Probe into NEET paper leak case expands, FIR filed against two teachers in Maharashtra

NEET-UG exam row: Case filed against 2 teachers in Maharashtra

The chief of the National Testing Agency (NTA) Subodh Kumar Singh chosen by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government, has been replaced by Union Secretary Kharola to take charge as new Chief of National Testing Agency amid massive row over alleged irregularities in the medical entrance exam NEET and university teaching entrance UGC-NET.

NEET-UG probe: Union Secretary Kharola to take charge as new Chief of National Testing Agency

Headlines of the hour: - Dalai Lama in US for knee surger - Iran motion to blacklist Canada Army - Dagestan: Gunmen target religious places - Four killed in Crimea city of Sevastopol - NEET-UG probe: CBI team attacked - Memorial service for Kanishka victims

Dagestan: Gunmen target religious places | Memorial service for Kanishka victims

Headlines of the hour: - Dalai Lama in US for knee surger - Iran motion to blacklist Canada Army - Four killed in Crimea city of Sevastopol - NEET-UG probe: CBI team attacked - Indian Army erects bridge in Sikkim - Shake up at Musk's X?

NEET-UG probe: CBI team attacked | Dalai Lama in US for knee surgery

The chief of the National Testing Agency (NTA) Subodh Kumar Singh has been replaced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government amid massive row over alleged irregularities in the medical entrance exam NEET and university teaching entrance UGC-NET. Meanwhile, the NEET-PG Entrance Examination scheduled to be held on June 23 has been postponed. "The fresh date of this examination will be notified at the earliest," Union ministry of health said in a statement.

India: Government postpones NEET medical entrance exam; fresh dates to be 'announced soon'

The chief of the National Testing Agency (NTA) Subodh Kumar Singh has been replaced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government amid massive row over alleged irregularities in the medical entrance exam NEET and university teaching entrance UGC-NET.

NEET case reveals new findings by officials, govt postpones medical entrance exam

<p>The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Sunday (June 23) registered an FIR in connection with alleged irregularities in the NEET-UG examination which was held on May 5, said&nbsp;officials.</p>

<p>The significant development comes a day after the federal probe agency took over the investigation into the matter.</p>

<p>The Centre released a statement saying,&nbsp;"National Testing Agency (NTA) conducted the NEET(UG) Examination on May 5, 2024, in OMR (Pen and paper) mode. Certain cases of alleged irregularities/cheating/impersonation/malpractices have been reported. For transparency on the conduct of the examination process, the Ministry of Education, Government of India, after a review has decided to entrust the matter to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for comprehensive investigation. Central Government has also enacted the Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, to prevent unfair means in public examinations and to provide for matter connected therewith or incidental thereto."</p>

<p>"The government is committed to ensuring the sanctity of examinations and protect the interest of students. It is reiterated that any individual/ organization found to be involved will face strictest action," it added.</p>

<p>According to the officials, the CBI filed a fresh case against unidentified persons on the&nbsp;reference from the Union education ministry.&nbsp;</p>

<p>They stated that the ministry had to acquiesce to the appeals made by the students who were staging demonstrations across the country demanding a probe into the alleged discrepancies in the medical entrance examination.</p>

<p>"Certain cases of alleged irregularities, cheating, impersonation and malpractice have been reported in NEET-UG which was conducted on May 5," a senior education ministry official said.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/exam-body-nta-to-hold-retest-of-neet-ug-exam-for-1563-students-today-734287">NTA to hold retest of NEET-UG exam for 1,563 students today, two arrests made in Latur</a></p>

<p>"For transparency in the conduct of the examination process, it was decided after a review that the matter be handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for a comprehensive investigation," the official added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The National Testing Agency (NTA) found itself in hot waters after students alleged irregularities in the medical entrance examination. This triggered several protests in the country where students demanded to disband the NTA.</p>

<p>The unexpected results of the exam showed 67 candidates achieving a score of 720 marks which raised concerns among students.</p>

<p>The Ministry of Education said that it formed a high-level committee comprising experts who will suggest recommendations in the examination process to ensure smooth functioning and data security protocols.</p>

<p>The 7-member committee, helmed by ISRO former chairman Dr K. Radhakrishnan, is slated to submit its report to the ministry in two months.</p>

<p>"In order to ensure transparent, smooth and fair conduct of examinations through the National Testing Agency (NTA), the Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education constituted a High-Level Committee of Experts to make recommendations on reform in the mechanism of examination process improvement in data security protocols and the structure and functioning of National Testing Agency," the ministry said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Sunday (June 23) registered an FIR in connection with alleged irregularities in the NEET-UG examination which was held on May 5, said officials.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Sunday (June 23) registered an FIR in connection with alleged irregularities in the NEET-UG examination which was held on May 5, said officials. The significant development comes a day after the federal probe agency took over the investigation into the matter. The Centre released a statement saying, "National Testing Agency (NTA) conducted the NEET(UG) Examination on May 5, 2024, in OMR (Pen and paper) mode. Certain cases of alleged irregularities/cheating/impersonation/malpractices have been reported. For transparency on the conduct of the examination process, the Ministry of Education, Government of India, after a review has decided to entrust the matter to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for comprehensive investigation. Central Government has also enacted the Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, to prevent unfair means in public examinations and to provide for matter connected therewith or incidental thereto." "The government is committed to ensuring the sanctity of examinations and protect the interest of students. It is reiterated that any individual/ organization found to be involved will face strictest action," it added. According to the officials, the CBI filed a fresh case against unidentified persons on the reference from the Union education ministry. They stated that the ministry had to acquiesce to the appeals made by the students who were staging demonstrations across the country demanding a probe into the alleged discrepancies in the medical entrance examination. "Certain cases of alleged irregularities, cheating, impersonation and malpractice have been reported in NEET-UG which was conducted on May 5," a senior education ministry official said. Also read: NTA to hold retest of NEET-UG exam for 1,563 students today, two arrests made in Latur "For transparency in the conduct of the examination process, it was decided after a review that the matter be handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for a comprehensive investigation," the official added. The National Testing Agency (NTA) found itself in hot waters after students alleged irregularities in the medical entrance examination. This triggered several protests in the country where students demanded to disband the NTA. The unexpected results of the exam showed 67 candidates achieving a score of 720 marks which raised concerns among students. The Ministry of Education said that it formed a high-level committee comprising experts who will suggest recommendations in the examination process to ensure smooth functioning and data security protocols. The 7-member committee, helmed by ISRO former chairman Dr K. Radhakrishnan, is slated to submit its report to the ministry in two months. "In order to ensure transparent, smooth and fair conduct of examinations through the National Testing Agency (NTA), the Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education constituted a High-Level Committee of Experts to make recommendations on reform in the mechanism of examination process improvement in data security protocols and the structure and functioning of National Testing Agency," the ministry said. (With inputs from agencies)

CBI files FIR in connection with alleged irregularities in NEET-UG exam

<p>India's National Testing Agency (NTA), embroiled in an exam controversy, will conduct a retest of NEET-UG examination for 1,563 aspirants across four states and a Union Territory on Sunday (Jun 23).</p>

<p>NEET-UG, or National Eligibility cum Entrance Test- Undergraduate, which is for admission to medical colleges, is scheduled to take place from 2 pm to 5:20 pm local time. As per media reports, officials from the NTA and the Education Ministry will be present at the examination centres.&nbsp; The NTA had earlier withdrawn grace marks to more these aspirants, that were given due to loss of time at six centres in Meghalaya, Haryana, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat and Chandigarh.</p>

<h2><strong>NTA chief sacked</strong></h2>

<p>The NEET-UG exam held earlier this summer was marred by allegations of massive cheating, rigging and question paper leaks. The controversy led to the sacking of NTA chief&nbsp;Subodh Kumar Singh on Saturday (Jun 22).&nbsp;Singh has been put on "compulsory wait" in the Department of Personnel and Training, while retired Indian Administration Service (IAS) officer Pradeep Singh Kharola has been appointed as the new director general of the exam body.</p>

<p>"While all other examination centres have changed, the one in Chandigarh, where only two candidates will appear, will remain the same," a senior NTA official said.</p>

<p>"Besides, officials from the agency and the Union education ministry will also be present at these centres. The step has been taken to ensure smooth conduct of the re-exam," the official added.</p>

<p>Earlier on Thursday (Jun 20), Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan ruled out cancellation of NEET exams, saying the government can't jeopardise the careers of millions of students who cleared the exams.</p>

<h2><strong>More arrests made</strong></h2>

<p>Meanwhile, Indian agencies have arrested more individuals in connection with the allegations of the NEET exam paper leak.&nbsp;Maharashtra’s Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) detained two teachers from Latur district on Saturday. As per media reports, the two teachers run a coaching centre in Latur.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Earlier,&nbsp;Bihar Police’s Economic Offences Unit (EOU) arrested six people including the prime suspect Chintu from Jharkhand’s Deoghar.</p>

<h2><strong>NEET-PG exam postponed</strong></h2>

<p>Earlier, the government had postponed the NEET-PG Entrance Examination, originally scheduled to take place on Sunday (June 23).</p>

<p>In a statement issued at 10 pm on June 22, the government said, "Taking into consideration, the recent incidents of allegations regarding the integrity of certain competitive examinations, Ministry of Health has decided to undertake a thorough assessment of the robustness of processes of NEET-PG Entrance Examination, conducted by National Board of Examination for medical students. It has accordingly been decided, as a precautionary measure to postpone the NEET-PG Entrance Examination, scheduled to be held tomorrow i.e. 23rd June, 2024. Fresh date of this examination will be notified at the earliest."</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwiXi4yZgfGGAxXUT2wGHc9oCsQQxfQBKAB6BAgOEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/nta-chief-subodh-kumar-singh-sacked-amid-neet-ug-row-734210" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/nta-chief-subodh-kumar-singh-sacked-amid-neet-ug-row-734210&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiXi4yZgfGGAxXUT2wGHc9oCsQQxfQBKAB6BAgOEAE">NTA chief Subodh Kumar Singh sacked amid NEET-UG row; NEET-PG postponed</a></strong></p>

<p>This was the third big examination postponed last week. Earlier, the government also postponed the UGC-NET and CSIR-UGC NET exams, citing inputs that the integrity of the exam may have been compromised.</p>

<h2><strong>Opposition takes government to cleaners</strong></h2>

<p>Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge said that the "buck stops at the doorstep of the top echelons of the Modi Govt".</p>

<p>"Shuffling the bureaucrats is no solution to the endemic problem in the Education system rotted by the BJP. NTA was projected to be an autonomous body, but in reality was made to serve the devious interests of the BJP/RSS. For students to get Justice, Modi Govt must be held accountable," he added.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


India's National Testing Agency (NTA), embroiled in an exam controversy, will conduct a retest of NEET-UG examination for 1,563 aspirants across four states and a Union Territory on Sunday (Jun 23).

India's National Testing Agency (NTA), embroiled in an exam controversy, will conduct a retest of NEET-UG examination for 1,563 aspirants across four states and a Union Territory on Sunday (Jun 23). NEET-UG, or National Eligibility cum Entrance Test- Undergraduate, which is for admission to medical colleges, is scheduled to take place from 2 pm to 5:20 pm local time. As per media reports, officials from the NTA and the Education Ministry will be present at the examination centres. The NTA had earlier withdrawn grace marks to more these aspirants, that were given due to loss of time at six centres in Meghalaya, Haryana, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat and Chandigarh. NTA chief sacked The NEET-UG exam held earlier this summer was marred by allegations of massive cheating, rigging and question paper leaks. The controversy led to the sacking of NTA chief Subodh Kumar Singh on Saturday (Jun 22). Singh has been put on "compulsory wait" in the Department of Personnel and Training, while retired Indian Administration Service (IAS) officer Pradeep Singh Kharola has been appointed as the new director general of the exam body. "While all other examination centres have changed, the one in Chandigarh, where only two candidates will appear, will remain the same," a senior NTA official said. "Besides, officials from the agency and the Union education ministry will also be present at these centres. The step has been taken to ensure smooth conduct of the re-exam," the official added. Earlier on Thursday (Jun 20), Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan ruled out cancellation of NEET exams, saying the government can't jeopardise the careers of millions of students who cleared the exams. More arrests made Meanwhile, Indian agencies have arrested more individuals in connection with the allegations of the NEET exam paper leak. Maharashtra’s Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) detained two teachers from Latur district on Saturday. As per media reports, the two teachers run a coaching centre in Latur. Earlier, Bihar Police’s Economic Offences Unit (EOU) arrested six people including the prime suspect Chintu from Jharkhand’s Deoghar. NEET-PG exam postponed Earlier, the government had postponed the NEET-PG Entrance Examination, originally scheduled to take place on Sunday (June 23). In a statement issued at 10 pm on June 22, the government said, "Taking into consideration, the recent incidents of allegations regarding the integrity of certain competitive examinations, Ministry of Health has decided to undertake a thorough assessment of the robustness of processes of NEET-PG Entrance Examination, conducted by National Board of Examination for medical students. It has accordingly been decided, as a precautionary measure to postpone the NEET-PG Entrance Examination, scheduled to be held tomorrow i.e. 23rd June, 2024. Fresh date of this examination will be notified at the earliest." Also read: NTA chief Subodh Kumar Singh sacked amid NEET-UG row; NEET-PG postponed This was the third big examination postponed last week. Earlier, the government also postponed the UGC-NET and CSIR-UGC NET exams, citing inputs that the integrity of the exam may have been compromised. Opposition takes government to cleaners Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge said that the "buck stops at the doorstep of the top echelons of the Modi Govt". "Shuffling the bureaucrats is no solution to the endemic problem in the Education system rotted by the BJP. NTA was projected to be an autonomous body, but in reality was made to serve the devious interests of the BJP/RSS. For students to get Justice, Modi Govt must be held accountable," he added. (With inputs from agencies)

NTA to hold retest of NEET-UG exam for 1,563 students today, two arrests made in Latur

<p>The chief of the National Testing Agency (NTA) Subodh Kumar Singh has been replaced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government amid massive row over alleged irregularities in the medical entrance exam NEET and university teaching entrance UGC-NET.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, the NEET-PG Entrance Examination scheduled to be held on June 23 has been postponed. "The fresh date of this examination will be notified at the earliest," Union ministry of health said in a statement.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;NEET-UG 2024: Nearly 13 people arrested in paper leak case probe, students call for re-exam in case</strong></p>

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<p>"Taking into consideration, the recent incidents of allegations regarding the integrity of certain competitive examinations, the Ministry of Health has decided to undertake a thorough assessment of the robustness of processes of the NEET-PG Entrance Examination, conducted by the National Board of Examination for medical students," an official readout was quoted by news agency ANI.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/neet-controversy-7-member-reform-panel-formed-mastermind-arrested-734159">NEET controversy: 7-member reform panel formed; 'mastermind' arrested</a></strong></p>

<h2><b>Pradeep Singh Kharola new NTA chief</b></h2>

<p>Kharola is the Chairman and Managing Editor of the India Trade Promotion Organisation and has been given additional charge as the Director General of the NTA "till the appointment of a regular incumbent or until further orders".</p>

<p>The latest move came hours after the government constituted a 7-member reform panel who will give recommendations within a period of two months on the functioning of the NTA. This is just a day before around 1,500 students who had been given grace marks for NEET-UG were ready to take a re-examination according to the directions of India's Supreme Court.</p>

<p>The controversy over undergraduate medical entrance exam&nbsp;erupted after 67 students achieved a perfect score of 720 in the NEET-UG conducted on May 5. The National Testing Agency (NTA) attributed this to the awarding of grace marks due to a faulty question and logistical delays in paper distribution at some centres.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/neet-controversy-bihar-aspirant-admits-he-received-question-paper-a-day-before-exam-733444">NEET controversy: Bihar aspirant admits he received question paper a day before exam</a></strong></p>

<p>But Bihar police later said that the exam paper had been leaked to a select few candidates and consequently accusations related to paper leak began making rounds.&nbsp;</p>


The chief of the National Testing Agency (NTA) Subodh Kumar Singh has been replaced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government amid massive row over alleged irregularities in the medical entrance exam NEET and university teaching entrance UGC-NET. Meanwhile, the NEET-PG Entrance Examination scheduled to be held on June 23 has been postponed. "The fresh date of this examination will be notified at the earliest," Union ministry of health said in a statement. Also watch | NEET-UG 2024: Nearly 13 people arrested in paper leak case probe, students call for re-exam in case × "Taking into consideration, the recent incidents of allegations regarding the integrity of certain competitive examinations, the Ministry of Health has decided to undertake a thorough assessment of the robustness of processes of the NEET-PG Entrance Examination, conducted by the National Board of Examination for medical students," an official readout was quoted by news agency ANI. Also read | NEET controversy: 7-member reform panel formed; 'mastermind' arrested Pradeep Singh Kharola new NTA chief Kharola is the Chairman and Managing Editor of the India Trade Promotion Organisation and has been given additional charge as the Director General of the NTA "till the appointment of a regular incumbent or until further orders". The latest move came hours after the government constituted a 7-member reform panel who will give recommendations within a period of two months on the functioning of the NTA. This is just a day before around 1,500 students who had been given grace marks for NEET-UG were ready to take a re-examination according to the directions of India's Supreme Court. The controversy over undergraduate medical entrance exam erupted after 67 students achieved a perfect score of 720 in the NEET-UG conducted on May 5. The National Testing Agency (NTA) attributed this to the awarding of grace marks due to a faulty question and logistical delays in paper distribution at some centres. Also read | NEET controversy: Bihar aspirant admits he received question paper a day before exam But Bihar police later said that the exam paper had been leaked to a select few candidates and consequently accusations related to paper leak began making rounds.

NTA chief Subodh Kumar Singh sacked amid NEET-UG row; NEET-PG postponed

Watch top headlines of the hour: - India: NTA DG removed amid paper leaks - China's Russia aid hurting EU ties: Germany - 3 dead in Russian strikes on Kharkiv - 24 dead in Israeli strikes in Gaza - Two more parties join South Africa coalition - Biden approves New Mexico disaster aid

India: NTA DG removed amid paper leaks | 2 more parties join South Africa coalition

<p>In a significant development amid the NEET fiasco, the Indian government notified the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, which seeks to strictly punish those who leak question papers.</p>

<p>The stringent law, which aims to prevent unfair means during examinations, was passed by the Parliament in the month of February.</p>

<p>Under this act, if a person is found guilty of leaking a question paper or tampering with the answer sheet, he/she would face a prison term of a minimum of three years. The imprisonment can go up to five with a fine of Rs 1 million (11,967.05 USD).</p>

<p>In case the examination providers are aware of the possible offence but choose not to report it, they will risk a fine of up to Rs 1 crore (1,19,670.50 USD).</p>

<p>If during the probe it is established that a senior official of the service provider participated in or allowed the offence, he/she would be sentenced to a minimum of three years in prison which can go up to a maximum of 10 years and a fine of Rs 1 crore (1,19,670.50 USD).</p>

<h2><strong>'Strict action to be taken against any NTA official if found guilty,' says education minister</strong></h2>

<p>The move comes a day after Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said that the Centre will form a high-level committee to review the functioning of the National Testing Agency (NTA).</p>

<p>“We are committed to holding zero-error exams, and a high-level committee is being formed to improve NTA functioning,” Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said at a press briefing.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Recommendations will be expected from that high-level committee to further improve NTA, its structure, functioning, examination process, transparency and data security protocol. Strict action will be taken against any official of NTA if found guilty,” he said.</p>

<p>He then ensured that the government would not compromise with transparency and would safeguard the students’ rights.</p>

<p>“We have received inputs from the Bihar government about the NEET examination. Patna Police is investigating the matter and they will soon send a detailed report to the Government of India. Preliminary information indicates that errors were limited to a specific region,” Pradhan added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


In a significant development amid the NEET fiasco, the Indian government notified the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, which seeks to strictly punish those who leak question papers.

In a significant development amid the NEET fiasco, the Indian government notified the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, which seeks to strictly punish those who leak question papers. The stringent law, which aims to prevent unfair means during examinations, was passed by the Parliament in the month of February. Under this act, if a person is found guilty of leaking a question paper or tampering with the answer sheet, he/she would face a prison term of a minimum of three years. The imprisonment can go up to five with a fine of Rs 1 million (11,967.05 USD). In case the examination providers are aware of the possible offence but choose not to report it, they will risk a fine of up to Rs 1 crore (1,19,670.50 USD). If during the probe it is established that a senior official of the service provider participated in or allowed the offence, he/she would be sentenced to a minimum of three years in prison which can go up to a maximum of 10 years and a fine of Rs 1 crore (1,19,670.50 USD). 'Strict action to be taken against any NTA official if found guilty,' says education minister The move comes a day after Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said that the Centre will form a high-level committee to review the functioning of the National Testing Agency (NTA). “We are committed to holding zero-error exams, and a high-level committee is being formed to improve NTA functioning,” Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said at a press briefing. "Recommendations will be expected from that high-level committee to further improve NTA, its structure, functioning, examination process, transparency and data security protocol. Strict action will be taken against any official of NTA if found guilty,” he said. He then ensured that the government would not compromise with transparency and would safeguard the students’ rights. “We have received inputs from the Bihar government about the NEET examination. Patna Police is investigating the matter and they will soon send a detailed report to the Government of India. Preliminary information indicates that errors were limited to a specific region,” Pradhan added. (With inputs from agencies)

Amid NEET fiasco, Indian government notifies anti-paper leak law

The Supreme Court on Friday again declined to stay the process of counselling in the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (Undergraduate) 2024 and has issued a notice to the National Testing Agency (NTA), which conducts the examination. Watch in for more details!

NEET-UG 2024: Nearly 13 people arrested in paper leak case probe, students call for re-exam in case

<p>India's education ministry on Saturday (June 22) constituted a high-level committee of experts to ensure fair and transparent conduct of national examinations amid the NEET and UGC-NET row. The development coincides with the arrest of Ravi Atri, the alleged mastermind behind the purported paper leak, by the Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (STF).</p>

<p>"In order to ensure transparent, smooth and fair conduct of examinations through National Testing Agency (NTA), department of higher education, ministry of education constituted a high-level committee of experts to make recommendations on Reform in mechanism of examination process improvement in data security protocols and structure and functioning of National Testing Agency," the ministry said.</p>

<p>The committee, formed in the wake of growing controversy over the integrity of medical entrance exam NEET, will make recommendations for reforms in the mechanism of the examination process as well as the improvement in the data security protocols within the National Testing Agency (NTA).&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;NEET-UG 2024: India Supreme Court declines to stay process of counselling again</strong></p>

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<p>The committee is scheduled to submit its report to the ministry of Human Resource Development (HRD) within next two months.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The 7-member committee will be headed by former chief of Indian Space Research Organisation, Dr K Radhakrishnan. The committee also includes Dr Randeep Guleria, Prof B J Rao, Prof. Ramamurthy K, Pankaj Bansal, Aditya Mittal, Govind Jaiswal.</p>

<p>Earlier, Union Human Resource Development minister Dharmendra Pradhan promised tough action against National Testing Agency (NTA) officials for any irregularity and added that government was committed to zero-error testing. Pradhan, however, stopped short of giving in to the demand to scrap the medical entrance test and conduct fresh test devoid of any irregularities.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, the Supreme Court has directed the National Testing Agency to conduct re-exam for the NEET aspirants, who had been awarded grace marks, on June 23.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But the ongoing developments do not stall the ongoing counselling process.</p>

<p>"Counselling will proceed, and we will not stop it. If the exam is affected, everything is affected, so there is nothing to fear," the Supreme Court declared.</p>

<h2><strong>NEET controversy: What is it about?</strong></h2>

<p>The controversy erupted after 67 students achieved a perfect score of 720 in the NEET-UG exam conducted on May 5. The National Testing Agency (NTA) attributed this to the awarding of grace marks due to a faulty question and logistical delays in paper distribution at some centres.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/neet-controversy-bihar-aspirant-admits-he-received-question-paper-a-day-before-exam-733444">NEET controversy: Bihar aspirant admits he received question paper a day before exam</a></strong></p>

<p>But Bihar police later said that the exam paper had been leaked to a select few candidates.<br />
<br />
<em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


India's education ministry on Saturday (June 22) constituted a high-level committee of experts to ensure fair and transparent conduct of national examinations amid the NEET and UGC-NET row.

India's education ministry on Saturday (June 22) constituted a high-level committee of experts to ensure fair and transparent conduct of national examinations amid the NEET and UGC-NET row. The development coincides with the arrest of Ravi Atri, the alleged mastermind behind the purported paper leak, by the Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (STF). "In order to ensure transparent, smooth and fair conduct of examinations through National Testing Agency (NTA), department of higher education, ministry of education constituted a high-level committee of experts to make recommendations on Reform in mechanism of examination process improvement in data security protocols and structure and functioning of National Testing Agency," the ministry said. The committee, formed in the wake of growing controversy over the integrity of medical entrance exam NEET, will make recommendations for reforms in the mechanism of the examination process as well as the improvement in the data security protocols within the National Testing Agency (NTA). Also watch | NEET-UG 2024: India Supreme Court declines to stay process of counselling again × The committee is scheduled to submit its report to the ministry of Human Resource Development (HRD) within next two months. The 7-member committee will be headed by former chief of Indian Space Research Organisation, Dr K Radhakrishnan. The committee also includes Dr Randeep Guleria, Prof B J Rao, Prof. Ramamurthy K, Pankaj Bansal, Aditya Mittal, Govind Jaiswal. Earlier, Union Human Resource Development minister Dharmendra Pradhan promised tough action against National Testing Agency (NTA) officials for any irregularity and added that government was committed to zero-error testing. Pradhan, however, stopped short of giving in to the demand to scrap the medical entrance test and conduct fresh test devoid of any irregularities. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court has directed the National Testing Agency to conduct re-exam for the NEET aspirants, who had been awarded grace marks, on June 23. But the ongoing developments do not stall the ongoing counselling process. "Counselling will proceed, and we will not stop it. If the exam is affected, everything is affected, so there is nothing to fear," the Supreme Court declared. NEET controversy: What is it about? The controversy erupted after 67 students achieved a perfect score of 720 in the NEET-UG exam conducted on May 5. The National Testing Agency (NTA) attributed this to the awarding of grace marks due to a faulty question and logistical delays in paper distribution at some centres. Also read | NEET controversy: Bihar aspirant admits he received question paper a day before exam But Bihar police later said that the exam paper had been leaked to a select few candidates. (With inputs from agencies)

NEET controversy: 7-member reform panel formed; 'mastermind' arrested

In India it is the NEET-UG 2024 controversy in India has raised significant concerns among students, parents, and educational stakeholders. What has transpired so far? Watch this to know more.

NEET-UG 2024: India Supreme Court declines to stay process of counselling again

Gravitas: SC issues notice in NEET-UG 2024 case

<p>In a major development in the NEET paper leak case, the Indian government on Thursday (June 20) said that it will form a high-level committee to review the functioning of the National Testing Agency (NTA).</p>

<p>“We are committed to holding zero-error exams, and a high-level committee is being formed to improve NTA functioning,” Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said at a press briefing.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Recommendations will be expected from that high-level committee to further improve NTA, its structure, functioning, examination process, transparency and data security protocol. Strict action will be taken against any official of NTA if found guilty,” he said.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">VIDEO | Here’s what Union Minister of Education Dharmendra Pradhan (<a href="https://twitter.com/dpradhanbjp?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@dpradhanbjp</a>) said while addressing a press conference in New Delhi.<br />
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“I want to assure everyone that the government is committed to protecting students’ rights. We will not compromise with transparency. We have… <a href="https://t.co/XSt4vINA64">pic.twitter.com/XSt4vINA64</a></p>
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) <a href="https://twitter.com/PTI_News/status/1803795498806944229?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 20, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>He then ensured that the government would not compromise with transparency and would safeguard the students’ rights.</p>

<p>“We have received inputs from the Bihar government about the NEET examination. Patna Police is investigating the matter and they will soon send a detailed report to the Government of India. Preliminary information indicates that errors were limited to a specific region,” Pradhan added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/neet-paper-leak-case-bihar-deputy-cm-claims-prime-suspect-had-links-with-tejashwi-yadavs-aide-733569">NEET paper leak case: Bihar Deputy CM claims prime suspect had links with RJD</a></p>

<h2><strong>'UGC-NET exam paper leaked on Darknet'</strong></h2>

<p>The Union Minister of Education further said that the UGC-NET exam was cancelled because it got leaked on the Darknet.</p>

<p>"Specific question paper is there on the Darknet. This input has been given by the Home Ministry's prestigious organisation I4C. When we compared the document with our original question paper, we came to the conclusion that this was a case of paper leak. When you are organising such a huge prestigious examination for the future Assistant Professors and PhD students, you have to maintain the quality," Pradhan said.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">VIDEO | "Specific question paper is there on the Darknet. This input has been given by Home Ministry's prestigious organisation I4C. When we compared the document with our original question paper, we came to the conclusion that this is a case of paper leak. When you are… <a href="https://t.co/7I7cK6fmyZ">pic.twitter.com/7I7cK6fmyZ</a></p>
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) <a href="https://twitter.com/PTI_News/status/1803799923604775266?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 20, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>He then said that the new dates of when the exam will be conducted will be out soon.</p>

<p>"Very soon we will have to come out with dates. We will see how the students are less burdened, but quality and transparency will be there," he added.</p>

<p>Earlier today, reports emerged that an aspirant from the eastern Indian state of Bihar had admitted to having received NEET question papers a day before the examination was conducted.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Pradhan's remarks come a day after UGC-NET NTA announced the cancellation of the UGC-NET exam.</p>

<p>The Education Ministry released a statement saying that the University Grants Commission (UGC) on Wednesday (June 19) received certain inputs from the National Cyber Crime Threat Analytics Unit of the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) under the Ministry of Home Affairs on the Examination, and the inputs prima-facie indicated that the integrity of the examination may have been compromised.</p>

<p>It said that the exam will be conducted afresh at a date that will be announced later.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


In a major development in the NEET paper leak case, the Indian government on Thursday (June 20) said that it will form a high-level committee to review the functioning of the National Testing Agency (NTA).

In a major development in the NEET paper leak case, the Indian government on Thursday (June 20) said that it will form a high-level committee to review the functioning of the National Testing Agency (NTA). “We are committed to holding zero-error exams, and a high-level committee is being formed to improve NTA functioning,” Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said at a press briefing. "Recommendations will be expected from that high-level committee to further improve NTA, its structure, functioning, examination process, transparency and data security protocol. Strict action will be taken against any official of NTA if found guilty,” he said. VIDEO | Here’s what Union Minister of Education Dharmendra Pradhan (@dpradhanbjp) said while addressing a press conference in New Delhi. “I want to assure everyone that the government is committed to protecting students’ rights. We will not compromise with transparency. We have… pic.twitter.com/XSt4vINA64 — Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) June 20, 2024 × He then ensured that the government would not compromise with transparency and would safeguard the students’ rights. “We have received inputs from the Bihar government about the NEET examination. Patna Police is investigating the matter and they will soon send a detailed report to the Government of India. Preliminary information indicates that errors were limited to a specific region,” Pradhan added. Also read: NEET paper leak case: Bihar Deputy CM claims prime suspect had links with RJD 'UGC-NET exam paper leaked on Darknet' The Union Minister of Education further said that the UGC-NET exam was cancelled because it got leaked on the Darknet. "Specific question paper is there on the Darknet. This input has been given by the Home Ministry's prestigious organisation I4C. When we compared the document with our original question paper, we came to the conclusion that this was a case of paper leak. When you are organising such a huge prestigious examination for the future Assistant Professors and PhD students, you have to maintain the quality," Pradhan said. VIDEO | "Specific question paper is there on the Darknet. This input has been given by Home Ministry's prestigious organisation I4C. When we compared the document with our original question paper, we came to the conclusion that this is a case of paper leak. When you are… pic.twitter.com/7I7cK6fmyZ — Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) June 20, 2024 × He then said that the new dates of when the exam will be conducted will be out soon. "Very soon we will have to come out with dates. We will see how the students are less burdened, but quality and transparency will be there," he added. Earlier today, reports emerged that an aspirant from the eastern Indian state of Bihar had admitted to having received NEET question papers a day before the examination was conducted. Pradhan's remarks come a day after UGC-NET NTA announced the cancellation of the UGC-NET exam. The Education Ministry released a statement saying that the University Grants Commission (UGC) on Wednesday (June 19) received certain inputs from the National Cyber Crime Threat Analytics Unit of the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) under the Ministry of Home Affairs on the Examination, and the inputs prima-facie indicated that the integrity of the examination may have been compromised. It said that the exam will be conducted afresh at a date that will be announced later. (With inputs from agencies)

NEET paper leak case: 'Strict action to be taken against any NTA official if found guilty,' says Education Min

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