In a landmark judgment, the Gujarat High Court on Monday upheld the Ahmedabad City Sessions Court's 2022 verdict in the 2008 Ahmedabad serial blasts case, confirming the death sentence awarded to 38 convicts and life imprisonment till the end of natural life for 11 others. The division bench dismissed all appeals filed by the convicts while also affirming the trial court's findings.

The High Court further directed the Gujarat government to ensure compensation for victims by March 31, 2027. Families of those killed in the blasts will receive ₹10 lakh each, victims who sustained grievous injuries will be paid ₹5 lakh, while those with minor injuries will receive ₹1 lakh as compensation.

High Court Confirms Trial Court Verdict

The verdict marks the culmination of a long legal battle that began after the devastating serial blasts on July 26, 2008. The Ahmedabad City Sessions Court had, on February 18, 2022, sentenced 38 convicts to death and 11 others to life imprisonment until the end of their natural lives. The Gujarat government had sought confirmation of the death penalties, while the convicted individuals challenged the judgment before the High Court.

After hearing the appeals, the High Court upheld the trial court's order in its entirety.

2008 Blasts Claimed 56 Lives

The coordinated terror attack struck Ahmedabad on the evening of July 26, 2008, when 21 bomb blasts ripped through 20 locations across the city within a span of nearly 90 minutes, between 6:15 pm and 7:45 pm.

The explosions killed 56 people and injured more than 200 others. Investigators said improvised explosive devices were planted in bicycles, buses and cars, including vehicles parked near Civil Hospital and L.G. Hospital, where several casualties were reported.

Massive Trial Spanning More Than a Decade

The trial involved 78 accused, of whom 49 were convicted and 29 acquitted. According to the prosecution, the investigation included 35 FIRs, 548 charge sheets, examination of 1,163 witnesses, and nearly 6,000 documentary and material exhibits.

The court's judgment ran into approximately 7,000 pages, while the complete case record reportedly exceeded 7.8 lakh pages, making it one of India's most extensive criminal trials.

The accused faced charges under multiple provisions of the Indian Penal Code, the Explosive Substances Act, the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), the Information Technology Act, the Arms Act, and the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act.

Security Tightened Around High Court

Ahead of the verdict, authorities deployed extensive security arrangements at the Gujarat High Court. Entry to the court premises was allowed only after baggage screening, while personnel from the Crime Branch, local police, State Reserve Police (SRP), and the Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad were stationed throughout the complex.

More than two dozen lawyers attended the proceedings, and security remained in place inside and outside Court No. 39, where the judgment was pronounced.

Prosecution's Case

During the trial, the prosecution alleged that several accused had attended training camps in Halol, Gujarat, and Kerala in early 2008, where they were allegedly trained in bomb-making and radicalised through extremist speeches. Investigators claimed the conspirators later executed the coordinated bomb attacks targeting crowded public places across Ahmedabad.

The investigation led to the arrest of 82 accused after police registered 20 FIRs in Ahmedabad and 15 in Surat. Officials stated that the case was substantially cracked within 19 days of the blasts.

The High Court's decision is one of the most significant judicial developments in the nearly 18-year-old terror case, reaffirming the convictions and sentences awarded by the trial court while bringing the prolonged appellate proceedings to a close.

The matter has quickly moved beyond the legal arena and entered the political spotlight, creating a potentially uncomfortable situation for the Congress at a time when the party is trying to balance competing social, regional and ideological interests across different states.

According to reports, the petition challenges aspects of the law governing cattle slaughter and related restrictions. While the legal arguments are expected to be examined by the Supreme Court, political opponents have seized on the issue to question the Congress party's stance on cow protection, a subject that has long carried significant political and cultural sensitivity in India.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and other critics have frequently accused the Congress of maintaining an ambiguous position on issues linked to religion, tradition and cultural practices. The latest controversy has provided another opportunity for rivals to target the party, particularly in states where cow protection remains an emotionally charged political issue.

For the Congress, the challenge is not merely legal but also political. The party has often sought to project itself as respectful of religious sentiments while simultaneously advocating constitutional rights and individual freedoms. Any controversy involving cow slaughter laws risks placing the party in a difficult position between these competing narratives.

Political observers believe the issue could become particularly sensitive because it comes at a time when Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has been attempting to broaden the party's appeal among diverse voter groups. In recent years, the Congress has increasingly highlighted cultural and religious outreach efforts while also emphasizing constitutional values and social justice.

The controversy may therefore force party leaders to clarify their position more explicitly if the issue gains wider public attention.

Congress leaders have not uniformly commented on the matter, and there has been no indication that the legal petition reflects the official position of the party. Political analysts point out that individual legal actions by party members or their relatives do not automatically translate into official policy. However, in a highly polarized political environment, such distinctions often become blurred in public discourse.

The issue also highlights the continuing political relevance of cow protection laws across several states. Debates surrounding these laws frequently extend beyond legal interpretation and become intertwined with questions of identity, tradition and electoral strategy.

For the BJP, the controversy presents an opportunity to reinforce its messaging on cultural and religious issues. For the Congress, the task may be to prevent the debate from overshadowing its broader political agenda, particularly as it seeks to focus attention on governance, economic concerns and social welfare issues.

Much will depend on how the legal proceedings evolve and whether the matter continues to generate political momentum in the coming weeks. Opposition parties are likely to keep raising the issue, while Congress leaders may attempt to frame it as a legal matter rather than a reflection of party policy.

As the debate unfolds, the episode underscores how legal disputes involving sensitive social issues can quickly transform into major political challenges, especially when they intersect with questions of ideology and electoral positioning.

Addressing a press conference and later sharing his remarks on social media, Kejriwal claimed that Amit Shah had not visited the Ram Temple after the consecration ceremony at Ayodhya. He alleged that despite repeatedly referring to Lord Ram and the temple in public speeches, the senior BJP leader had not undertaken a visit to offer prayers at the shrine.

Kejriwal said the issue raised questions about the BJP’s commitment to the values and faith it frequently highlights during elections and political campaigns. According to the AAP chief, religious symbolism should not be used merely as a political tool.

The remarks have added another dimension to the ongoing political contest between the BJP and the AAP, which has intensified ahead of upcoming electoral battles in several states. Religion and faith-based political narratives continue to remain central themes in public discourse, particularly after the construction and inauguration of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya.

During the media interaction, Kejriwal also referred to reports regarding an alleged irregularity involving offerings at the Ram Temple. He said the reports had caused concern among devotees and demanded accountability if any wrongdoing had taken place.

The AAP leader argued that any allegations linked to a major religious institution should be investigated thoroughly and transparently. He maintained that devotees across the country expect complete integrity in the management of religious donations and temple affairs.

Kejriwal further accused the BJP of invoking Lord Ram and Sanatan values during political campaigns while failing to uphold those principles in governance. He alleged that the party’s public messaging and political actions were often disconnected.

In a significant political assertion, Kejriwal described AAP as a party committed to Sanatan values and claimed that his party had worked for religious and cultural causes during its tenure in government. He contrasted this with what he described as the BJP’s “selective use” of religious issues for electoral purposes.

The BJP had not immediately responded to the specific allegations at the time of reporting. The party has consistently maintained that the Ram Temple project reflects the fulfillment of a long-standing cultural and civilizational aspiration of millions of devotees across the country.

The Ram Temple has remained a major political and emotional issue in national politics. Since the consecration ceremony, leaders from different political parties have continued to make visits to Ayodhya, while debates over faith, governance and political messaging have frequently surfaced in public discussions.

Political observers believe that such exchanges are likely to intensify as parties seek to shape narratives around religion, governance and public trust. The latest remarks by Kejriwal indicate that the Ram Temple and related issues may continue to feature prominently in political debates in the months ahead.

With both the BJP and AAP attempting to connect with voters on issues of faith and governance, the controversy has once again brought Ayodhya and the politics surrounding the Ram Temple into the national spotlight.

The debate over India's long-running Maoist insurgency resurfaced on Monday after Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that Naxalism is "counting its last breaths" and credited the NDA government's development-driven approach for weakening the insurgency. Speaking at a media event in New Delhi, Modi sharply criticized the Congress, alleging that leaders who now frequently invoke the Constitution had remained silent when large parts of the country were grappling with Maoist violence. His remarks come amid continued political sparring over governance, internal security and development in tribal regions. The Prime Minister said the government's "Nation First" approach has combined security operations with welfare initiatives, infrastructure development and improved governance to reduce the influence of Left-Wing Extremism. The comments have once again brought national attention to a movement that was once considered India's biggest internal security challenge.

According to the Prime Minister, previous governments largely treated Naxal-affected regions as permanently backward areas, while the NDA focused on integrating them into the mainstream through roads, education, healthcare, digital connectivity and employment opportunities.

Modi did not directly name Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, but his remarks were widely seen as a reference to Gandhi's practice of carrying a copy of the Constitution during public events and political campaigns.

Focus on Development

During his address, Modi highlighted several flagship initiatives, including the Swachh Bharat Mission, Make in India and the promotion of local products. He said these programs were designed around the principle of putting national interests first.

The Prime Minister also pointed to the Aspirational Districts and Aspirational Blocks programmes, claiming that more than 100 districts and over 500 blocks previously categorized as backward regions have witnessed measurable improvements in governance and development indicators.

Officials have frequently argued that better infrastructure and public services in tribal and remote areas have reduced the appeal of extremist groups and strengthened state presence.

Security and Governance

The Prime Minister's comments echoed earlier statements made by Union Home Minister Amit Shah. During the Budget Session of Parliament in March, Shah stated that India had effectively become free from Naxal influence and reiterated the government's commitment to eliminating the remaining pockets of Left-Wing Extremism.

According to government data and security assessments, the geographical spread of Maoist activity has declined significantly over the past decade. Areas once considered strongholds of insurgent groups have seen increased security deployment alongside development projects.

However, security experts note that while violence has reduced substantially, isolated incidents and operational challenges remain in some forested regions of central India.

Background of the Naxalite Movement

The Naxalite movement began in 1967 in Naxalbari, a village in West Bengal's Darjeeling district. Over time, it expanded across several states, creating what became known as the "Red Corridor."

At its peak during the early 2000s, the insurgency affected large parts of central and eastern India and posed a significant challenge to internal security. Successive governments adopted a mix of security operations and welfare measures to address the issue.

Analysts say the current political debate reflects broader questions about how development, governance and security policies should be balanced in historically marginalized tribal regions.

As the government continues to emphasize both development and counter-insurgency measures, the future trajectory of Left-Wing Extremism remains an important issue in India's national security and governance agenda. The latest remarks by the Prime Minister are likely to keep the discussion at the center of political and policy debates in the coming months.

The recent visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu to Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district has drawn attention beyond the announcement of development projects and official engagements. Observers say the visit reflects a broader shift in how India views its tribal communities, placing greater emphasis on their cultural contributions and historical significance alongside development priorities.

The significance of the visit lies in its symbolism as much as its governance agenda. For decades, discussions around tribal regions in India have largely focused on issues such as poverty, displacement, limited access to healthcare and education, and security concerns. While these challenges remain important policy priorities, there is increasing recognition of the role tribal communities have played in preserving cultural traditions, ecological knowledge and indigenous systems that have endured for generations.

The presence of both the Prime Minister and the President, India’s first tribal head of state, in Mayurbhanj has been viewed by many as a significant moment of national acknowledgment for tribal heritage. Analysts note that the visit reinforced the message that tribal communities are not only beneficiaries of welfare programmes but also important contributors to India's civilisational and cultural identity.

Development and Inclusion

Government initiatives over the past decade have increasingly combined development objectives with efforts to preserve tribal identity and traditions. Programmes focused on education, healthcare, road connectivity, digital infrastructure and livelihood generation have been expanded across several tribal regions.

Officials say initiatives aimed at Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups, the expansion of residential schools for tribal students and support for forest-based livelihoods are part of a broader strategy to promote inclusive growth. The emphasis, according to policymakers, is on ensuring that economic development reaches tribal communities while respecting their social and cultural structures.

The same approach has also been visible in areas historically affected by Left Wing Extremism, where development and governance reforms have accompanied security measures. Policymakers argue that long-term stability depends on inclusion, opportunity and effective public services.

Recognition of Tribal Contributions

Beyond development, recent years have seen efforts to bring tribal leaders and freedom fighters into the national narrative. The observance of Bhagwan Birsa Munda’s birth anniversary as Janjatiya Gaurav Divas and the establishment of museums dedicated to tribal freedom fighters are among the initiatives aimed at highlighting tribal contributions to India’s history.

Similarly, national recognition of leaders associated with tribal rights and social movements has been viewed as part of a wider effort to acknowledge communities that have often remained underrepresented in mainstream historical discourse.

President Droupadi Murmu’s rise from Mayurbhanj to the country’s highest constitutional office is frequently cited as a powerful example of democratic inclusion. Political observers believe her journey has strengthened representation and reinforced the idea that national institutions are accessible to citizens from all sections of society.

The visit also drew attention to the Santhali Jaher and Ho Jahera sacred groves, where the Prime Minister and President offered prayers. These sites are regarded as important cultural and spiritual spaces that reflect long-standing traditions of environmental stewardship and community life.

According to experts, such recognition carries significance beyond symbolism. It reflects a growing effort to integrate tribal knowledge systems, cultural heritage and ecological traditions into the broader national conversation.

As India continues to pursue economic growth and social development, policymakers and scholars suggest that preserving indigenous traditions while expanding opportunities will remain an important challenge. The developments in Mayurbhanj indicate that tribal heritage is increasingly being viewed as an integral part of India’s national story rather than a subject confined to the margins of public discourse.

Student-led outfit threatens indefinite Delhi sit-in from June 20 if Dharmendra Pradhan is not removed over exam irregularities.

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) on Thursday initiated a fresh phase of its student-led nationwide stir from Pune, demanding the immediate resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The agitation, which follows a sizeable rally at New Delhi’s Jantar Mantar on June 6, marks a major escalation in public dissatisfaction surrounding alleged irregularities, paper leaks, and technical glitches in national entrance and recruitment exams.

Organisers stated that the agitation will quickly expand from Pune to other major urban hubs, including Lucknow, Amritsar, Bengaluru, Jaipur, and Hyderabad. The youth outfit has issued an ultimatum to the Centre, warning of an indefinite, peaceful sit-in at Jantar Mantar from June 20 if their demand to sack the education minister is not met.

Pune becomes the new flashpoint

The choice of Pune for kicking off the state-level rallies drew considerable student traction on Thursday morning. The city’s prominent coaching and educational hubs saw scattered student groups assembling under the CJP banner. Local authorities deployed additional police personnel around key university premises to maintain law and order, though the demonstrations remained peaceful through the afternoon.

Sonam Wangchuk lends high-profile support

In a significant boost to the movement’s visibility, prominent environmental activist Sonam Wangchuk is expected to join the Pune leg of the agitation. Organisers believe Wangchuk’s participation will broaden the appeal of the CJP Pune protest, transforming it from a youth-centric grievance cell into a larger civic movement for institutional accountability. The party has actively appealed to parents, teachers, and civil society members to join the demonstrations.

Deadlines set for Delhi escalation

Should the Union government choose to ignore the current wave of city-level agitations, the CJP plans to move its base back to the national capital. A major pan-India student convergence is being planned for June 20. "The proposed gathering at Jantar Mantar will not be a one-day affair. It will be an indefinite, peaceful sit-in until the minister steps down voluntarily or is removed," a senior volunteer associated with the campaign stated.

Deep-seated anger over exam leaks

The current friction stems from the June 6 Jantar Mantar mobilisation, which saw thousands of students from various states hitting the streets. The core grievances focus on systemic failures within national-level testing bodies. Repeated disruptions, sudden cancellations, and leaks have derailed academic calendars and left millions of aspirants stranded, severely denting public faith in the country's central educational apparatus.

Digital momentum vs ground reality

Despite garnering massive traction online—including an online petition on the party's website that secured over 800,000 signatures in days—the CJP faces distinct organizational challenges on the ground. Observers note that while the party possesses over 22 million Instagram followers, translating digital outrage into physical booth-level political capital remains a hurdle.

Unlike the structured 2011 India Against Corruption movement, the CJP currently lacks an established pan-India cadre network. Furthermore, the party's platform has expanded rapidly to include disparate issues like infrastructure, taxation, and regional crises, which critics argue might dilute its core focus on educational reform.

Genesis of the unique nomenclature

The unusual name of the party traces back to May 15, following controversial remarks attributed to a judicial bench. During a legal hearing, observations comparing certain vocal, unemployed youth to "cockroaches" and "parasites" attacking the system sparked widespread online outrage.

Responding to the remarks, digital activist Abhijeet Dipke launched the 'Cockroach Janta Party' from the US on May 16 via social media platforms. What began as a symbolic, satirical protest has rapidly morphed into a coordinated pressure group capable of organizing coordinated on-ground rallies across multiple Indian states.

Severe heatwave continues across Rajasthan and Central India, but a fresh Western Disturbance is set to trigger widespread pre-monsoon showers and sharp drop in mercury

Relentless heatwave conditions that have pushed northern and central India into a virtual furnace are expected to break by Friday. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast widespread pre-monsoon rainfall activity across 15 states between May 29 and June 5, bringing a much-needed respite from the prolonged, grueling summer.

The change in weather comes on the heels of record-shattering temperatures. On Wednesday, Sri Ganganagar in Rajasthan emerged as the hottest location nationwide, registering a blistering maximum temperature of 48.2°C. Local authorities across northern states have been struggling to manage the public health fallout, with massive water shortages reported in parts of Delhi and municipalities using smog guns to spray water onto roads in Jaipur to lower ground radiation.

Massive dust storms and orange alerts

A fresh Western Disturbance moving across the western Himalayan region is expected to alter the atmospheric dynamics significantly. The IMD has already placed 32 districts of Bihar under an orange alert, predicting severe thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds reaching speeds up to 60 kmph.

In Rajasthan, where cities like Bikaner and Jaisalmer crossed the 46°C mark on Wednesday, the regional meteorological center has issued rain and thunderstorm warnings for 11 districts, including the capital city of Jaipur. Ground-level cues indicate a rapid shifting of wind patterns from hot, desert-fueled northwesterlies to moisture-laden easterlies, which will likely trigger heavy dust storms across Punjab, Haryana, and western Uttar Pradesh by Thursday evening.

Suspected heatwave deaths trigger alarm

The sheer intensity of this late-May heatwave has turned fatal in parts of Central India. In Maharashtra’s Nagpur, where the mercury touched 46°C earlier this week, hospital mortuaries have seen a sudden influx of bodies. Over the last three days, at least 16 bodies—mostly unidentified or homeless individuals—were recovered from railway station platforms, open roadsides, and beneath flyovers.

Civic officials and railway police suspect severe heatstroke and dehydration as the primary causes, though formal medical audits are ongoing. “Special cooling wards have been activated at government hospitals for hyperpyrexia treatment, and we are working to move vulnerable populations to shelter homes,” a senior civic official from the Nagpur Municipal Corporation said.

Monsoon delay intensifies pre-monsoon systems

The current escalation of the pre-monsoon weather systems is partly linked to the delayed arrival of the southwest monsoon over the mainland. While the IMD had initially expected the monsoon to hit the Kerala coast by May 26, weak moisture currents and an unstable cyclonic circulation over the south-central Arabian Sea slowed its progress.

According to data from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF), atmospheric indicators now point to an abrupt surge in moisture over South India, East India, and the Bay of Bengal. This atmospheric build-up is acting as fuel for the severe convective storms expected to sweep through central and northern plains over the coming weekend.

Significant drop in mercury by weekend

The weather timeline for May 29 indicates that while western pockets of Rajasthan will continue to face isolated heatwave pockets, vast swathes of Punjab, Delhi, and Uttar Pradesh will see temperatures plunge by 3°C to 6°C.

By May 30, the cooling effect will extend to the hill states. Both Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh are slated to receive intense hailstorms and squalls, causing a sharp dip in down-valley temperatures. Local administrations in the high-altitude tourist hubs have already issued advisories warning travelers of localized disruptions due to sudden lightning strikes and strong winds.

Following massive nationwide controversy, Union Education Minister clarifies that the NEET UG 2026 re-examination is set for June 21, with a shift to online testing next year

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has formally scheduled the fresh NEET UG 2026 re-examination for June 21, 2026, following the cancellation of the controversial May 3 test over widespread systemic irregularities.  Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan also revealed a major policy shift, stating that the medical entrance test will permanently transition to a Computer-Based Test (CBT) format starting next year to check future security breaches.

New guidelines for June 21

To handle student anxiety and logistical constraints, the NTA has extended the exam duration by 15 minutes, giving candidates a total of 3 hours and 15 minutes. The exam will run from 2:00 PM to 5:15 PM on Sunday, June 21. Officials close to the matter stated that the registration fee has been completely waived for affected candidates. Fresh admit cards for all eligible medical aspirants are slated to go live for download on the official NTA portal on June 14.

Shifting to an online format

The decision to abandon the traditional pen-and-paper OMR system comes after widespread complaints that physical sheets were the root vulnerability allowing the leaks to happen. Over 22 lakh candidates were affected when the original May 3 test across 5,432 centers was nullified. "NEET will transition to computer-based test mode from next year. OMR sheets are the root cause of the paper leak," the Education Minister stated during a press update.

Immediate impact on medical aspirants

Local coaching centers and student bodies have reacted with mixed emotions to the development. While the absolute clarity on the June 21 date brings relief, preparing for the exact same competitive syllabus under short notice is causing high stress levels across student communities. To aid displaced candidates, the NTA had opened a brief address and city preference correction window. The final results and subsequent medical counseling rounds are tentatively expected to go live in July 2026.

NEET paper leaked to Telegram group ‘Private Mafia’ ahead of exam; NTA officials under CBI scanner

Seven individuals arrested across multiple states as forensic analysis confirms matching physics and chemistry questions in Set 12.

 In a major development that compromises the sanctity of the medical entrance examination, details have emerged showing that the NEET 2026 paper was leaked on May 1 via a encrypted Telegram group named ‘Private Mafia’.

Initial reports indicate that several questions found in the Set Number-12 question paper shared within the clandestine group were completely identical to the official papers distributed during the national exam conducted on May 3.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which took over the pan-India probe, has placed senior officials of the National Testing Agency (NTA) on its radar to check for internal complicity. Investigators are currently verifying a viral video that surfaced online mapping out the leak timeline.

402-member group, password locked

The specialized Telegram channel used to orchestrate the leak had a highly guarded subscriber base of 402 members. According to sources familiar with the matter, the digital community was created back in 2024 specifically to facilitate competitive exam paper leaks.

Leak Channel Registry Log:

Group Alias: Private Mafia

Member Count: 402

Payload: NEET_UG_SET12.pdf

Timestamp: May 1, 11:38 PM

Decryption Key: LeakMafia@9466

Minutes before uploading the highly sensitive PDF file late on the evening of May 1, the channel administrator posted a broadcast message stating, "we are uploading the full paper soon."

The document was subsequently uploaded at approximately 11:38 PM, locked behind the password LeakMafia@9466. A follow-up directive from the admin urged members to "Solve the paper we have sent. There is a 99.99% chance that this will come in the exam."

Questions in allegedly leaked paper match

A granular comparison of the leaked digital document with the original Set Number-12 paper retrieved from exam centres shows an absolute match in technical questions. Local authorities confirmed that a specific physics question involving a velocity-time graph for a ball thrown vertically upwards matched 100 percent in both data points and visual layout.

Furthermore, questions 23 and 24 on the subsequent pages showed no variations. Question 23, which detailed a monochromatic light ray passing through a triangular prism ABC, retained the exact structural diagram and numerical options—ranging from 35 degrees to 55 degrees—in both copies. The complex circuit diagram printed for question 24 similarly mirrored the leaked Telegram PDF layout.

5 accused sent to 7-day custody

Taking swift action, the federal agency produced five key operators before Delhi’s Rouse Avenue Court on Thursday. The accused, identified as Mangi Lal Binwal, his brother Dinesh Binwal, his son Vikas Binwal (all hailing from Rajasthan), Yash Yadav from Gurugram, and Shubham Khairnar from Nashik, were remanded to seven days of CBI custody.

Two other associates, including a beautician from Pune identified as Manisha Waghmare and Dhananjay Lokhande from Nashik, have also been detained in connection with the widening network.

Arguments of CBI's lawyer outline racket

Special Public Prosecutor Neetu Singh argued before Special CBI Judge Ajay Gupta that extended police custody was imperative to unearth a massive, cross-border institutional conspiracy. The prosecution noted that the leaked modules had been disseminated across multiple states under tight financial transactions.

The investigation revealed that Khairnar was the initial source who transmitted the files to Yadav on Telegram, who then established contact with Mangi Lal to secure a leaked copy for his younger son. The illicit transaction was reportedly locked in for a staggering sum of ₹10 lakh to ₹12 lakh per candidate, with candidates required to submit their Class 10 and 12 certificates alongside post-dated checks as security deposits.

Racket mixed hundreds of questions

To minimize suspicion from central invigilators, the masterminds did not rely on a singular leaked sheet format. Instead, tech-savvy handlers prepared comprehensive revision sets combining 500 to 600 questions across Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.

"They did not provide the exact same questions linearly, but rather prepared a comprehensive set by combining hundreds of high-probability questions from all subjects so that no single center would raise an alarm," an investigative official stated on condition of anonymity.

Printed copies of these solved question banks were ultimately distributed to select candidates at safe-houses in Sikar and Jaipur just 24 hours before the examination commenced.

Tech evidence deleted from iPhone

The probe has run into digital roadblocks as primary accused Yash Yadav reportedly deleted crucial WhatsApp and Instagram chat histories right before his arrest, specifically targeting conversations with the Binwal family.

CBI forensic experts are currently deploying advanced data retrieval tools to recover the deleted logs from his iPhone. Moving forward, the agency is expected to summon printing press executives and regional NTA coordinators to determine the exact point of origin of the physical leak.

Loud sirens on mobiles as Government tests Emergency Alert System

Millions across India received a trial emergency alert message on Saturday as the NDMA conducted a pan-India test of its cell broadcast system.

 Mobile users across India were jolted by a loud, siren-like notification on Saturday morning as the central government conducted a massive trial of its integrated emergency alert system. At approximately 11:45 AM, smartphones across various circles began buzzing simultaneously, displaying a flash message in both English and Hindi, followed by an automated voice readout of the text.

The exercise, spearheaded by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), was part of a routine but critical test of the Cell Broadcast Alert System. While the sudden blaring of sirens caused brief moments of confusion in public spaces and markets, officials were quick to clarify that the buzz was merely a "sample testing message" and required no action from the public.

Nationwide reach of the trial

The testing was not limited to the national capital. Reports confirmed that residents in state capitals and major hubs like Delhi-NCR, Mumbai, and Bengaluru received the notification at the same time. To ensure inclusivity, the NDMA configured the system to push alerts in regional languages alongside Hindi and English, ensuring that the trial covered a diverse demographic.

Government sources indicated that the primary objective was to check the efficiency and reach of the network. "The idea is to ensure that in the event of an actual disaster, we can reach every single handset within a specific geographic area without delay," an official familiar with the development stated.

Indigenous tech powering alerts

The backbone of this initiative is the ‘SACHET’ system, an integrated alert portal developed by the Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT). Built on the Common Alerting Protocol (CAP), SACHET is a home-grown solution designed to disseminate real-time information during emergencies like earthquakes, floods, or cyclones.

The system has already been deployed across all 36 States and Union Territories. Unlike traditional SMS, which can get delayed due to network congestion, the cell broadcast technology used here allows messages to be broadcast to all devices connected to a specific mobile tower simultaneously.

No internet required for alerts

One of the most significant features of this system is its ability to function without an active data connection. Since it operates on a broadcast frequency rather than a person-to-person messaging protocol, it bypasses the typical bottlenecks of mobile networks.

Local authorities confirmed that as long as a phone is within a network coverage area and the cell broadcast feature is enabled in the device settings, the alert will go through. This makes it an invaluable tool for disaster-prone regions where internet services are often the first to be disrupted during a crisis.

Massive scale of public safety

According to data shared by the government, the infrastructure for these alerts is already quite robust. Reports suggest that over 134 billion alerts have been sent in the past across 19 Indian languages, covering various weather-related warnings.

The Saturday test was aimed at fine-tuning the "audio-visual" impact—ensuring that the siren is loud enough to grab attention even if the phone is on silent or tucked away in a pocket.

Public reaction and future steps

While the government had issued a preliminary notice two days prior, many citizens were caught off guard by the intensity of the alarm. In local metro trains and offices, the sudden chorus of sirens led to several minutes of animated discussion.

The NDMA plans to continue these periodic tests to iron out technical glitches, such as certain handset models not triggering the audio component. Following the feedback from this nationwide trial, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) is expected to work with smartphone manufacturers to ensure seamless integration across all operating systems.

For now, the government has urged the public not to panic when such messages appear, reiterating that these "planned disruptions" are essential for building a disaster-resilient India.

A woman died in an elephant attack in Madhya Pradesh’s Anuppur district after a wild elephant attacked her family on a forest route. Her husband and six-year-old son were also injured as the animal chased and tried to crush them.

Family Ambushed In Forest

A 28-year-old woman was killed in an elephant attack in Madhya Pradesh’s Anuppur district on Sunday afternoon after a wild elephant attacked a family returning from their field through a forest path in Bholgarh village.

The deceased was identified as Premvati Paw. Her husband Ramanuj Paw and their six-year-old son Deepak sustained injuries in the attack and are undergoing treatment, according to local officials.

Attack Near Bholgarh

The incident took place around 3 pm in Bholgarh village of Anuppur district when the family was walking back home from agricultural land through a forest stretch.

According to Ramanuj Paw, the elephant suddenly emerged on the route and charged at them before the family could move to safety. The attack unfolded within minutes and left little room for escape.

Wife Crushed To Death

Ramanuj said he tried to save his son by lifting him in his arms and running. During the attempt, the elephant allegedly pushed Premvati to the ground with its trunk.

The impact threw the child away from his mother’s arms. Ramanuj then picked up his son again and tried to flee, but the elephant knocked him down as well and attempted to trample him, leaving him injured.

The animal then turned back toward Premvati, who had fallen on the ground, and crushed her. She died on the spot, as per reports from the area.

Villagers Raised Alarm

Residents rushed to the spot after hearing screams and raised an alarm to drive the elephant away. Villagers said the elephant remained in the area for some time after the attack and moved back into the forest only after people gathered and shouted.

Local residents later shifted the injured father and son to hospital with assistance from nearby villagers. Hospital sources indicated both are out of immediate danger.

Forest Teams On Watch

Forest department personnel reached the area soon after the incident and began tracking the elephant’s movement. Officials said teams have been deployed to monitor the animal and alert nearby villages.

According to officials, surveillance has been intensified in the affected forest belt to prevent further encounters. The department has also advised residents not to use isolated forest routes without prior information.

Repeated Human Conflict

Human-elephant conflict has remained a serious concern in Anuppur for more than a decade. Forest department records show that 16 people have died in elephant attacks in the district between 2011 and 2026.

The situation has worsened in recent months. In the last 120 days alone, four people have died in elephant-related incidents in Anuppur and Jaithari forest ranges, with two deaths reported in each range.

Officials have repeatedly flagged the growing movement of elephants near habitation zones, especially in villages located close to forest corridors. The recurring attacks have raised fresh concerns over forest monitoring and village safety, making this a significant Public Interest Story in the latest India News Update cycle.

Safety Measures Under Review

The latest Anuppur elephant attack has triggered fear in the region and renewed concern over wildlife movement near settlements. Villagers have demanded stronger monitoring, faster warning systems and safer movement routes in elephant-prone pockets. Officials are expected to review ground surveillance and response measures in the coming days.

A Swiss plane heading to Zurich was forced to abort take-off at Delhi Airport after one of its engines failed and caught fire late on Saturday night, triggering an emergency evacuation and leaving six passengers injured. The incident involved Swiss International Air Lines flight LX147, which was scheduled to depart from Indira Gandhi International Airport for Zurich with 232 people on board, including four newborns.

According to officials, the aircraft was preparing for departure at around 1.08 am when the crew detected a technical malfunction during take-off. The pilot immediately halted the aircraft on the runway after an engine failure led to signs of fire and smoke, prompting emergency response teams to rush to the spot.

Emergency evacuation launched

Airport authorities said all passengers and crew were evacuated using emergency slides after the aircraft came to a stop on the runway. Six passengers sustained minor injuries during the evacuation process and were provided immediate medical attention.

Officials confirmed that the aircraft was carrying 232 people, including passengers, crew members and four infants. No fatalities were reported. Emergency services responded within minutes and secured the aircraft before the situation escalated further.

The swift evacuation prevented a more serious outcome, according to airport officials familiar with the response. Operations at the affected section of the runway were temporarily disrupted as emergency checks were carried out.

Smoke seen from gear

Swiss International Air Lines said in an official statement that the aircraft involved was an Airbus A330. The airline said smoke was first noticed coming from the left-side landing gear as the aircraft moved into position for take-off.

“As soon as the aircraft entered the runway for departure, smoke was observed from the left landing gear area. The take-off was immediately aborted in line with standard safety protocol,” the airline said.

The carrier added that its local teams in Delhi were assisting affected passengers and coordinating with airport authorities. It said a technical team would examine the aircraft and determine the exact cause of the malfunction.

Airline begins probe

Swiss Air said it was working closely with Indian aviation authorities to assess the incident and support passengers affected by the disruption. The airline also said its technical experts would travel to Delhi to inspect the aircraft and assist in the investigation.

Sources indicated that the aircraft has been grounded pending inspection. Passengers were moved to the terminal and alternate arrangements were being explored for onward travel to Zurich.

As per reports, airline staff remained on site through the night to coordinate accommodation, meals and rebooking support for stranded passengers.

Second incident in 10 days

The latest Delhi Airport incident marks the second major aircraft safety scare at the airport in less than two weeks. On April 16, two aircraft one operated by SpiceJet and the other by Akasa Air  were involved in a ground collision at the same airport.

In that incident, a SpiceJet aircraft arriving from Leh reportedly struck an Akasa Air aircraft that was parked and preparing for departure to Hyderabad. The collision damaged both aircraft, though all passengers were safely deboarded and no injuries were reported.

The back-to-back incidents have renewed focus on operational safety and ground handling standards at one of India’s busiest airports.

Safety under scrutiny

The latest incident is likely to draw closer regulatory attention to aircraft maintenance, runway safety and emergency response systems at Delhi Airport. While aviation officials have not indicated any systemic lapse so far, two major incidents in quick succession may prompt a broader review.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation is expected to seek a detailed report on the Swiss plane incident as part of routine safety oversight. Aviation experts say such incidents, while rare, underline the importance of rapid crew response and emergency preparedness.

What happens next

A full technical inspection of the Swiss plane is now underway, and authorities are expected to review cockpit data, maintenance logs and runway response records. Swiss Air is likely to submit its preliminary findings after the aircraft is examined in coordination with Indian authorities.