The National Testing Agency cancelled NEET UG 2026 after investigators found that a widely circulated “guess paper” allegedly matched a large number of questions in the medical entrance examination. More than 22 lakh students who appeared for the May 3 test now face uncertainty and a fresh examination cycle.   Authorities said at least 90 biology and 45 chemistry questions showed strong similarity with the leaked material, with some questions reportedly identical. The Union government has handed the case to the Central Bureau of Investigation for a detailed probe. Investigators are tracing a suspected network stretching across Rajasthan, Kerala and other states. (PC: India Today)

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

The National Testing Agency cancelled NEET UG 2026 after investigators probing a suspected paper leak traced a widely circulated WhatsApp “guess paper” carrying the label “forwarded many times”. Officials in Jaipur said the message indicated the leak may have spread extensively before the May 3 examination.   Around 22 lakh students appeared for the medical entrance test. Police said the exact source of the “guess paper” and the full trail of its circulation are still being investigated. The NTA announced that the examination will be conducted again on fresh dates, which will be notified later. (PC: The Indian Express)

US inflation climbed to 3.8% in April, marking its highest level since May 2023, as rising energy and food prices intensified pressure on American households amid the ongoing Iran conflict. Data released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics showed surging gasoline prices accounted for nearly half of the increase after disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz drove global oil prices sharply higher.   Airfares and grocery costs also increased, while wage growth slipped below inflation for the first time in three years. The figures have weakened expectations of interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve and created fresh political pressure for Donald Trump ahead of the midterm elections. (PC: BBC)

Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday said he had formally recorded his dissent over the selection process for the next CBI Director, alleging that the exercise was “biased”. Gandhi said he wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi after attending the high-level selection committee meeting at 7 Lok Kalyan Marg.   “The Leader of Opposition is not a rubber stamp,” Gandhi said in a post on X, adding that he could not “abdicate” his constitutional responsibility by participating in what he described as an unfair process. The panel included Prime Minister Modi, Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Gandhi. Several senior IPS officers are reportedly under consideration for the post. (PC: HT)

Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi will visit India on May 14-15 to participate in the BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting hosted under India’s chairmanship amid the ongoing West Asia conflict. The Iranian Embassy confirmed that Araghchi will hold discussions with S. Jaishankar and other participating ministers on regional stability, multilateral cooperation and economic resilience. The meeting is being viewed as a significant step in strengthening India-Iran ties and serves as a precursor to the 18th BRICS Summit scheduled in New Delhi in September. Meanwhile, Wang Yi will skip the meeting due to Donald Trump’s state visit to Beijing, with China represented by Ambassador Xi Feihong instead.

India and Russia are in advanced talks to sign a preliminary agreement on critical minerals focused on exploration, processing and technological collaboration. According to sources familiar with the discussions, the proposed deal will primarily cover lithium and rare earths while also facilitating corporate investments between the two countries. The agreement could reportedly be signed within two months. India is seeking to reduce dependence on China, which dominates global critical mineral supplies and processing technology, while securing overseas resources for its energy transition and infrastructure growth. New Delhi has already signed similar agreements with Argentina, Australia and Japan, and is also negotiating with Peru and Chile. India may also revisit Rosatom’s lithium project in Mali if conditions stabilise. (PC: Shutterstock)

The Central Bureau of Investigation arrested 30-year-old BAMS student Shubham Khairnar from Nashik in connection with the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak. Police sources claimed Khairnar bought the controversial “guess paper” for Rs 10 lakh from a Pune-based suspect and later sold it for Rs 15 lakh to a Haryana buyer. Four CBI teams reportedly reached Nashik to take custody of him after initial detention by the Nashik Crime Branch. The National Testing Agency cancelled NEET-UG 2026 after Rajasthan SOG investigators found all 90 Biology and 45 Chemistry questions allegedly matched a handwritten “guess paper”. Around 22 lakh students appeared for the May 3 examination nationwide. (PC: India Today)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi joined Sri Ravi Shankar at the The Art of Living International Centre in Bengaluru for the organisation’s 45th anniversary celebrations and Gurudev’s 70th birthday. The month-long event has brought together participants from 182 countries, including diplomats, policymakers, educators, entrepreneurs, civil society leaders, farmers and prison inmates rehabilitated through Art of Living programs. PM Modi inaugurated the Dhyan Mandir, a new international meditation and healing centre envisioned as a permanent space for collective well-being. Referring to the newly launched facility, Modi said, “Dhyan Mandir will become a centre of peace and solace for thousands of people in the coming generations.” Addressing the gathering, Modi linked mental well-being with national progress, stating, “The realisation of a developed future will be possible through youth who are mentally calm, socially responsible and sensitive toward society.” He further emphasised the role of collective participation, saying, “Society is more powerful than politics and governments.” Welcoming the Prime Minister, Gurudev Ravi Shankar praised India’s transformation and growing global influence. “Today, Mother India and the people of India walk with pride because you have taken India to a new level,” he said. The celebrations will culminate on May 13 with a Global Meditation for World Peace led by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, reinforcing the organisation’s broader message of mental wellness, social harmony and community-driven transformation. (PC: X/Narendramodi)

Dutch travel creator Meike Hijman went viral after sharing how three strangers helped her during a solo motorcycle journey across India when her bike suffered a flat tyre on a highway. In an Instagram video, Hijman said she panicked after being stranded alone without knowing how to repair the puncture or find assistance. The clip shows local men stopping to inspect the tyre, attempting a temporary repair and guiding her to a nearby mechanic. The video drew widespread praise online, with many users calling it a reminder of everyday kindness in India and highlighting how travellers often remember such unexpected acts of generosity.