News Highlights: NTA bars 63 NEET-UG entrance exam candidates across the country over malpractice

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Congress MP Shafi Parambil on the NEET-PG issue, says, "Even the LKG exams have more credibility than this. The government's involvement in this is not at all neat and clean... This is the most heinous crime a government can do against the future of a country... This is done on the basis of merit. You cannot leak these question papers because those people who come out of these exams are considered to be our future doctors and engineers... The minister is not taking responsibility. Nobody is stepping down. They are just watching the game from the gallery. Even the enquiry is declared now because of the pressure from the families and the political parties... The government wants nothing to come out of this... Who is responsible for this?... Why is the PM still silent on this?... Why is the PM not acting promptly..."

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"Ever since the NEET-UG difficulty broke up, and also the situation that has come due to the postponement of NEET-PG yesterday night, it is very true that the NEET-PG postponement has directly affected the aspiring PG students and all doctors who have been working in hospitals. The sudden cancelation has caused a lot of disruption," says Indian Medical Association's Dr RV Asokan.

Bihar Government to hand over the case related to the irregularities in the NEET UG examination held on May 5 to the CBI. The CBI team is expected soon in Patna to take over the investigation of the case. Economic Offences Unit shall hand over all the updated case records to CBI: EOU DIG Nayyar Hasnain Khan

JD(S) MLC and son of HD Revanna, Suraj Revanna sent to 14-day Judicial custody. CID is likely to approach the court for custody tomorrow. The next date of hearing is on July 6: Advocate Nikhil D Kamat.

FIR was filed against Suraj Revanna u/s 377, 342, 506 of IPC at Holenarasipura Rural PS yesterday. Complainant Chethan has alleged that Suraj Revanna sexually harassed him on June 16.

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Police in Bihar's Nawada arrest four persons in connection with alleged attack on CBI team probing UGC-NET leak case: Officials

"I am not a religious person, but in every religion, giving water to a thirsty person is considered a great virtue. It is very shameful that our country today is being ruled by those... They talk about religion, but they only want to retain the power and for this, they are ready to do everything," says former Lok Sabha MP Subhashini Ali as she joins Delhi Minister Atishi's Satyagraha over water crisis in national capital.

“Postponing NEET-PG entrance exam is a failure of the government. It was to be conducted online, but due to an irregularity they cancelled it. It means that they are not even capable of conducting an exam for which they had one whole year to make arrangements,” says Federation of All India Medical Association (FAIMA) founder Dr Manish Jangra.

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NTA debars 63 NEET candidates nationwide for malpractices

17 NEET-UG candidates who appeared in May 5 exam from centres in Bihar debarred following detection of malpractice: NTA

30 candidates from centres in Godhra have been debarred: NTA

813 of 1,563 candidates who were awarded grace marks in NEET-UG appeared for retest on Sunday: National Testing Agency

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Indian Medical Association (HQs) congratulate PM Narendra Modi, Union HM Amit Shah, Union Health Minister JP Nadda and Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, for their prompt response to our concerns regarding the NEET UG Examination controversies. We extend our gratitude: IMA

CBI has registered a criminal case and initiated an investigation. Special teams have been formed by the CBI to investigate the matter on top priority. Special CBI teams are being sent to Patna and Godhra where local police cases have been registered: CBI

BJP MP Sambit Patra says, "The pro-tem Speaker is appointed through a convention, not a law... It is a long convention going on in India since independence. Now, Congress is trying to disturb this process. Bhartruhari Mahtab is serving as an MP consecutively for the seventh time. The convention says that the MP having the longest period of unbroken service can be appointed as pro-tem Speaker. So, in this 18th Lok Sabha, Bhartruhari Mahtab qualifies to become the pro-tem Speaker. As far as (Congress MP) K Suresh is concerned, he has served as an MP 8 times non-consecutively. It is the 4th consecutive term of K Suresh. However, it is the 7th consecutive term of Bhartruhari Mahtab. So, there has been no breach of convention."

BJP MP Sambit Patra says, "The pro-tem Speaker is appointed through a convention, not a law... It is a long convention going on in India since independence. Now, Congress is trying to disturb this process. Bhartruhari Mahtab is serving as an MP consecutively for the seventh time. The convention says that the MP having the longest period of unbroken service can be appointed as pro-tem Speaker. So, in this 18th Lok Sabha, Bhartruhari Mahtab qualifies to become the pro-tem Speaker. As far as (Congress MP) K Suresh is concerned, he has served as an MP 8 times non-consecutively. It is the 4th consecutive term of K Suresh. However, it is the 7th consecutive term of Bhartruhari Mahtab. So, there has been no breach of convention."

IIM Indore Director Himanshu Rai on postponing of NEET-PG exam, says, "Three things are important for the integrity of any exam. First are people, second is process and the third is infrastructure... The Education Ministry removed the NTA DG... A high-powered committee has been formed, and ISRO's former chairman and current IIT Kanpur Board of Directors chairman Radhakrishnan is its head... Another very important step taken is that the Public Examination Act has been notified, under which, there will be a fine of Rs. 1 crore on anyone who is found guilty... My suggestion is that the infrastructure-related issues must be solved..."

Karnataka Home Minister and Congress leader G Parameshwara on the arrest of JD(S) MLC and son of HD Revanna, Suraj Revanna, says, "There is no conspiracy involved. There was a complaint, given by an individual and on that basis they have summoned Suraj Revanna. They have inquired and found there may be some truth in it. When police have registered an FIR, they look into evidence and most probably they would have found some evidence and that is why they have taken him into custody...I dont see any conspiracy theory. I dont see any political angle to this..."

Karnataka Home Minister and Congress leader G Parameshwara on the postponement of the NEET-PG exam, says, "From the beginning, fraternity of educationists are against it. Karnataka is a role model, we started the CET first in the country and so effectively CET was conducted. There was no complaint and it was very smooth... Unfortunately, for so many years now NEET exam has been questioned. Papers are leaking, there are valuation problem, compilation of data problem, counseling problem. All this has put lakhs of students in jeopardy. I feel states should be given this opportunity to conduct the exams like before and anybody who wants to get an admission in a particular state, they will choose their options and then get into the institutions..."

Congress leader Prem Chandra Mishra on the collapse of bridges in Bihar, said, "This raises questions against the government. In a state where the Chief Minister himself is an engineer and double-engine government in place, three bridges collapse within seven days. What kind of development is this? Surely, quality has been compromised and corruption has taken place.”

“NEET-UG exam should be immediately cancelled. Investigation should be conducted into it and those responsible punished,” says RJD Spokesperson Rishi Mishra.

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“NEET UG paper leaks won’t be solved by a CBI inquiry. Till investigation is carried out against top leaders and the foundational causes are searched for, both education and entrance exam system will not improve,” says former Uttarakhand CM and Congress leader Harish Rawat.

“Injustice is being done against the people of Delhi. It is receiving about 113 MGD less than required water. I want to ask BJP to tell us if they have a plan or the technology to generate more water,” says AAP leader Sanjay Singh

"I want to tell this to L-G because he keeps on forgetting that he is not Haryana L-G, but Delhi L-G. Delhi L-G doesn't care about the plight of people here. It is shameful that Delhi L-G has now become BJP's spokesperson in Haryana," says AAP leader Gopal Rai.

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After meeting the Hooch tragedy victims, MNM party chief Kamal Haasan says, "...These victims will have to understand they have exceeded their limit and they have been careless. They have to be careful. They have to take care of their health. My request to government would be to create psychiatric centres which will counsel them... It has to be occasional drinking, social drinking if at all. But they must understand that exceeding limit in any form be it sugar or anything is bad..."

CBI has filed an FIR regarding suspected irregularities in NEET-UG, according to officials.

BSP chief Mayawati has announced her nephew, Akash Anand, as her successor. Akash Anand will assume the role of national coordinator, according to BSP leader Sarvar Malik.

MNM party chief Kamal Haasan met with the hooch tragedy victims at the Kallakurichi Medical College and Hospital.

Delhi Water Minister Atishi has been on an indefinite hunger strike since June 21, protesting the water crisis in the national capital. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) alleges that the Haryana government is not releasing Delhi's share of water.

Olympic medallist wrestler Bajrang Punia has been suspended by the National Anti-Doping Agency for violating anti-doping rules.

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An individual has called for an investigation into a concerning incident, expressing that "all the arrested people are from Bihar's Nalanda." Highlighting the gravity of the situation, they pointed out that "the paper leak happened in Hazaribagh, which raises significant questions."

Criticizing the Jharkhand government's involvement, they stated, "The Jharkhand government is indulged in all types of misdeeds." However, they clarified their intention, saying, "I don't want to raise any allegations against anyone. There should be a probe."

An anti-infiltration operation was launched along the Line of Control (LoC) in the Uri Sector, Baramulla, Jammu and Kashmir, on Saturday (June 22). The Indian Army and joint security forces foiled an infiltration bid in the Gohallan area of Uri, resulting in the death of two terrorists and injuries to two security personnel.

Based on specific intelligence inputs, the forces initiated a cordon-and-search operation in the area. During the operation, the terrorists opened fire, leading to an encounter. The body of one terrorist was found at the encounter site. This follows a previous encounter on June 19 in the Watergam area of Baramulla, where two terrorists were killed and two security personnel were injured.

In an effort to edge out China in its strategic backyard, India announced on Saturday that it will send a technical team to neighboring Bangladesh for the conservation and management of the Teesta river. This initiative was part of approximately ten agreements and Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) signed during talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Bangladesh counterpart, Sheikh Hasina, who is currently on a visit to New Delhi. Dig deeper.

The series of bridge collapses in Bihar continues unabated. Following incidents in Araria and Siwan, an under-construction bridge in Motihari has also collapsed. This latest incident occurred on Sunday in the Ghorasahan block of the district.

The case against JD(S) MLC and son of HD Revanna, Suraj Revanna, registered at Holenarasipura Rural Police Station in Hassan District under sections 377, 342, 506, 34 IPC, has been transferred to CID for thorough investigation.

TTV Dhinakaran, AMMK General Secretary, leaves Kallakurichi Medical College and Hospital after meeting Hooch tragedy victims, asserting, "Do you think that the CM will resign? He won't resign till his tenure is over. He has allowed his party people to the extent that people are dying here...CM should take responsibility. He should assure the public that such incidents won't happen again."

Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Amit Shah, convened a high-level meeting in Delhi to assess the nation's readiness for flood management.

The Gujarat government has initiated a comprehensive campaign across the state aimed at eradicating Sickle cell disease. Starting in Mandvi Tehsil and targeting rural areas, the campaign commenced on World Sickle Cell Day (June 19) and will continue until July 3rd.

56 people have died as a result of the Tamil Nadu Hooch catastrophe, according to a report provided on Sunday by the district administration.
According to data released by the District Collectorate, Kallakurichi, 216 patients in total were admitted to four hospitals in Tamil Nadu as a result of drinking alcohol that was not legal.

Delhi Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj reported an escalation in the water shortage crisis, revealing that since Atishi began her hunger strike, the deficit has increased from 100 MGD to an additional 17 MGD as of June 21. Haryana, which previously withheld 100 MGD, is now withholding 117 MGD, exacerbating Delhi's water woes.

Delhi minister Atishi, on her third day of indefinite hunger strike, highlighted the severe water crisis in Delhi, emphasizing that the city relies entirely on neighboring states for its water supply. Atishi pointed out that despite available water at the Hathni Kund Barrage, Haryana has restricted water supply to Delhi over the past three weeks.

The leakage of NEET-UG exam papers, last-minute postponement of NEET-PG, and uncertain NEET-SSC dates reflect the government's negligence towards the health sector. The Union Health and Education Ministers owe an apology to students and doctors who incurred substantial expenses, demanded a concerned NEET-PG candidate.

"NDA is continuously taking important actions which show its intentions to punish those who are trying to play with the future of the youths," stated RLD leader Malook Nagar regarding the ongoing controversy surrounding NEET and UGC-NET exams.

Ukraine's capital faced an air attack from Russia, compelling the activation of air defence systems to counter the strikes. Witnesses reported blasts indicative of air defence systems engaging incoming threats around Kyiv.

External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar will embark on an official visit to the UAE today, June 23. During the visit, he is scheduled to meet with his UAE counterpart to discuss various aspects of the bilateral partnership. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) highlighted that this visit will offer a chance to assess the comprehensive strategic partnership between India and the UAE, alongside reviewing regional and global developments.

Thousands gathered in Israel on Saturday, protesting against the government and calling for fresh elections and the return of hostages from Gaza. David Grossman, a prominent Israeli author, passionately called on citizens to unite in demonstrations across Tel Aviv, urging them to fight for their country's future.

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) announced on Sunday that it has received a report of an incident occurring 65 nautical miles west of Yemen's Hodeidah.

The Karnataka Police have arrested Janata Dal (Secular) MLC Suraj Revanna, brother of former MP Prajwal Revanna, on charges of sexual assault. The arrest followed a complaint filed by a party worker at the Holenarasipura police station in Hassan district, alleging that Revanna assaulted him at his farmhouse on June 16. Revanna faces charges under sections 377, 342, and 506 of the Indian Penal Code. The complainant also reported being threatened and offered money to keep silent.

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Union Home Minister Amit Shah will assess the nation's readiness to handle floods that occur throughout the monsoon season on Sunday. Large portions of Bihar, Assam, and other eastern states are submerged annually as a result of many rivers' rising water levels brought on by the monsoon rains.

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- Amid the ongoing controversy over alleged irregularities in NEET-UG and UGC-NET examinations, the central government on Friday operationalised the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024.

- The Act aims to curb leaks, malpractices as well as organised malpractices in recruitment examinations like UPSC, SSC, among others, and entrance tests such as NEET, JEE, and CUET. It entails provisions for a maximum jail term of 10 years and a fine of up to Rs 1 crore for those involved in organised crimes. More here.

-- The Centre on Saturday night announced that the probe into alleged irregularities in the medical entrance exam NEET will be handed over to the CBI for a comprehensive investigation.

-- The development came amid a flurry of decisions over alleged irregularities in competitive exams, including the removal of National Testing Agency (NTA) Director General Subodh Singh and setting up of a seven-member panel headed by former ISRO chief K Radhakrishnan for exam reforms.

-- "Certain cases of alleged irregularities, cheating, impersonation and malpractices have been reported in NEET-UG which was conducted on May 5.

On the postponement of the NEET-PG exam, Dr Rohan Krishnan (Chairman, FAIMA Doctors Association) says, "The last-minute cancellation of the NEET-PG examination is very sad for all of us... All the candidates had reached their examination centres in various cities... I hope that the National Board of Examinations had concrete reasons to postpone this examination and they should come up with immediate answers. I request the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to come forward and tell me what was the reason for postponing the exam?... I want to assure the students that we stand with them and we will make sure that the next date is given with ample time..."

On the postponement of the NEET-PG examination, FORDA India General Secretary Dr Sarvesh Pandey says, "... NEET-PG is a mental trauma for all aspirants. FORDA will take this issue forward. We demand that the exam be rescheduled at the earliest..."

Subodh Kumar Singh, the head of the National Testing Agency (NTA), was sacked on Saturday due to claims that there were anomalies in the way the NEET-UG and UGC-NET examinations were administered. Officials at the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) have placed Subodh Kumar Singh on "compulsory wait" till further orders.

- The Union Health Ministry on Saturday said it has decided to postpone the NEET-PG entrance examination, scheduled to be held on June 23, as a "precautionary measure" in the wake of recent allegations on the integrity of certain competitive exams.

- "It has accordingly been decided, as a precautionary measure to postpone the NEET-PG entrance examination, scheduled to be held tomorrow -- 23rd June, 2024," the ministry said. The fresh date of this examination will be notified at the earliest, it said.

- On June 23, 2024, the National Testing Agency, or NTA, will administer the NEET UG 2024 retest. There will be 1563 individuals who will take the National Eligibility/Entrance Test for undergraduate programmes. The exam will be conducted in six cities in one shift - 2 pm to 5:20 pm.

- Exam sites hosting the re-examination are anticipated to have National Testing Agency (NTA) and Union education ministry staff present.