Afternoon edition
Daily current affairs for UPSC, BPSC, State PCS and PSC exams.
Why in news?
The CBI has filed a charge sheet against 13 accused in the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak case. This follows the cancellation of the examination and widespread protests by students.
Key points
- CBI filed charge sheet against 13 individuals.
- Case involves criminal conspiracy, cheating, and violation of the Public Examination Act.
- Investigation involved 92 locations across multiple states.
- The NEET-UG 2026 examination was held on May 3 and subsequently cancelled due to alleged irregularities.
- Union Education Minister resigned following the agitation.
Background & context
The NEET-UG exam is a national-level entrance examination for undergraduate medical courses in India. Paper leaks have been a recurring issue, leading to significant public outcry and demands for reform.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The CBI registered the case based on a complaint from the Department of Higher Education on May 12, 2026.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper II: Governance, Social Justice (issues related to education, examination reforms).
Why in news?
The Lok Sabha is debating amendments to the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Bill, 2026, following the NEET-UG paper leak and widespread student protests.
Key points
- The Bill aims to prevent unfair means in public examinations.
- Opposition criticizes it as a 'cosmetic exercise' and an 'admission of failure' by the government.
- Concerns raised about the effectiveness of the 2024 law and the need for structural reforms.
- Student protests highlighted deep pain and anxiety over future prospects.
- Questions raised about the fate of recommendations by the K. Radhakrishnan committee and NTA officials.
Background & context
The Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, was enacted to curb malpractices in competitive examinations. The ongoing debate highlights the challenges in ensuring the integrity of these exams.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The 2024 law was enacted after an earlier NEET-UG controversy.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper II: Governance, Social Justice (examination reforms, student welfare).
Why in news?
The Supreme Court is hearing petitions related to alleged police excesses during NEET-UG protests and has ordered the release of minors and restraint on coercive action against protesting students.
Key points
- Supreme Court to consider constituting a high-powered investigation team.
- Ordered immediate release of all minors arrested in connection with protests.
- Restrained police from taking coercive action against protesting students without criminal antecedents.
- Concerns raised by protesters about the order allowing state authorities to proceed with FIR investigations.
- Supreme Court to examine allegations of police violence through a scientific and evidence-based inquiry.
Background & context
Student protests erupted nationwide following the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak, with allegations of police brutality in several cities. The Supreme Court's intervention aims to ensure a fair inquiry and protect the rights of protesters.
★ Prelims fact capsule
One petition claimed police action against students was 'no less than the atrocities of the Jallianwala Bagh'.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper II: Polity (Rights of citizens, Law and order), Governance (Police reforms, Accountability).