Evening edition
Daily current affairs for UPSC, BPSC, State PCS and PSC exams.
Why in news?
Widespread student protests erupted across India due to alleged paper leaks and irregularities in the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) exam. The Supreme Court has intervened, directing investigations and protection for genuine protesters.
Key points
- Allegations of NEET paper leak and irregularities have led to significant student protests.
- The Supreme Court has directed authorities not to take coercive action against genuine protesters and to preserve evidence.
- The BJP emphasized the distinction between genuine students and those involved in violence.
- Opposition parties have linked the issue to the government's alleged failure to protect students and education.
- The incident has been described as a potential 'inflection point' in Indian politics, highlighting youth frustration.
Background & context
NEET is the entrance examination for undergraduate medical and dental courses in India. Paper leaks and examination irregularities have been a recurring issue, leading to public outcry and demands for reforms.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The Supreme Court is hearing petitions related to the NEET paper leak and police action on protesters.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper I (Social Issues), GS Paper II (Governance, Polity, Judiciary)
Why in news?
Parliament is considering the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, aimed at tackling paper leaks and irregularities in competitive examinations.
Key points
- The Bill proposes strong penal provisions to prevent unfair means in public examinations.
- It seeks to deter individuals and organizations involved in exam-related malpractices.
- The Bill was introduced in the Lok Sabha amid ongoing protests over the NEET exam leak.
- The Opposition has sought extensive debate time for the Bill.
Background & context
The Central government has faced increasing pressure to address the issue of paper leaks in various recruitment and entrance examinations. This Bill is a legislative response to these concerns.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The Bill has been introduced in the Lok Sabha during the ongoing Monsoon Session.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper II (Governance, Legislation)
Why in news?
A Cabinet subcommittee in Kerala, tasked with studying the implementation of the PM SHRI (Prime Minister’s Schools for Rising India) scheme, is yet to finalize its report.
Key points
- A Cabinet subcommittee in Kerala is reviewing the PM SHRI scheme.
- The subcommittee's report is still under finalization, despite the initial deadline.
- The Kerala Cabinet is expected to discuss the scheme, but a final decision is unlikely soon.
- The scheme aims to upgrade selected schools across India.
Background & context
The PM SHRI scheme, launched by the Union Government, focuses on developing identified schools into exemplary schools, showcasing the implementation of NEP 2020.
★ Prelims fact capsule
PM SHRI stands for Prime Minister’s Schools for Rising India.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper II (Education, Government Policies)