Times of India

A parliamentary standing committee has highlighted repeated disruptions in major NTA exams, including UGC-NET, CSIR-NET, NEET-PG, NEET-UG, CUET and JEE Main. The panel recommended a shift towards pen-and-paper testing, citing successful CBSE and UPSC models, and urged that CBTs be held only in government-controlled centres. It also called for a nationwide blacklist of tainted vendors and advised using NTA’s Rs 448-crore surplus to strengthen internal exam capabilities and regulatory systems.

IndiGo faces a 5% cut in its winter flight schedule from the DGCA. The airline failed to operate its approved flights efficiently. This reduction impacts high-demand routes. IndiGo must submit a revised schedule soon. Other airlines like Air India and Akasa also saw schedule reductions. SpiceJet, however, increased its operations.

Ravichandran Ashwin's cryptic social media post, a visual pun combining Sunny Leone and Sadhu Street, baffled fans until they realised it was a tribute to young cricketer Sunny Sandhu. Sandhu's match-winning cameo in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy earned him this unique endorsement, potentially boosting his profile ahead of the IPL 2026 auction.

Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu stated in Lok Sabha that IndiGo is being held accountable for its operational crisis, with services rapidly stabilizing. He assured that passenger convenience and dignity are being protected, and long-term measures are in place to enhance India's aviation sector, emphasizing no airline will be permitted to inconvenience passengers.

Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh has a clear message for Indian cricket selectors. He believes Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli should be central to planning for the 2027 ODI World Cup. Harbhajan insists the team should be built around these proven match-winners. He argues that sidelining them for youth could be detrimental in crucial matches.

India’s Right to Disconnect Bill 2025 empowers employees to ignore work communications outside official hours without facing penalties. Introduced by NCP MP Supriya Sule, the bill proposes an Employees’ Welfare Authority to monitor compliance, investigate complaints, and impose fines on non-compliant firms. Similar laws exist in France, Italy, Portugal, and Australia, ensuring work-life balance, while the U.S. lacks comprehensive protections. The legislation addresses burnout, digital overload, and the need for clear boundaries between professional and personal life.

Far-right commentator Nick Fuentes faced scrutiny from Piers Morgan for racist remarks targeting Second Lady Usha Vance's Indian heritage. Fuentes defended his comments by claiming supporters of JD Vance are racist and that he was highlighting hypocrisy. He previously mocked a Thanksgiving photo of Vance's family, making disparaging remarks about their Indian heritage.

US President Trump has threatened further tariffs on Indian rice, accusing India of 'dumping' products. Despite existing high tariffs, Indian rice exports to the US remain strong, particularly premium basmati. Experts suggest this is election-season messaging, as increased duties would primarily impact American consumers and not significantly harm Indian exporters.

A 25-year-old Bengaluru man, Mohammed Ishaq, tragically died in a Goa nightclub fire early Sunday morning. He was on a bachelor party trip with friends and reportedly went back inside the club to retrieve his phone. His body showed minor burns, and police stated he died in a stampede while exiting.

The FBI has issued a warning about a surge in virtual kidnapping scams, where criminals use altered proof-of-life media to extort victims. Scammers falsely claim to have kidnapped a loved one, demanding immediate ransom reinforced by threats. Travelers are advised to establish a code word and contact loved ones directly before paying.

India's T20 World Cup title defence receives a major boost with Hardik Pandya's return. Former coach Sanjay Bangar believes Pandya's unique all-round abilities are crucial for the team's balanced XI. Shubman Gill also returns after recovering from a neck spasm. Jitesh Sharma is tipped for the number seven spot. Pandya's availability allows for preferred spin options without compromising batting depth.

Former Pakistan cricketer Wasim Akram sparked debate by suggesting the IPL's extended duration becomes monotonous, contrasting it with the Pakistan Super League's shorter, more appealing format for international players. He cited the Big Bash League's shift to a shorter window as evidence, emphasizing the PSL's bowling depth and competitive edge.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi stressed that rules must aid, not harass the public, amidst IndiGo's ongoing flight crisis. The airline's operational issues stem from new pilot rest rules, impacting thousands of passengers. Union minister Kiren Rijiju conveyed the PM's concern, emphasising passenger convenience and urging MPs to focus on public-centric reforms.

Goa police have issued a blue corner notice for nightclub owners Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra, who fled to Thailand shortly after a fire incident. The brothers reportedly left Delhi for Phuket just hours after the blaze, indicating an attempt to evade authorities. Authorities are coordinating with Interpol for their swift apprehension.

The BJP has sharply criticised Telangana CM Revanth Reddy, accusing the Congress government of failing to fulfill poll promises and resorting to authoritarianism. The party alleged arrests followed a social media poster criticising the CM's "two-year failure," highlighting corruption and misgovernance. Congress defended its record, citing financial challenges and commitment to guarantees.

The aviation regulator DGCA has reduced IndiGo's flights by five percent. This decision follows a period of significant flight cancellations. IndiGo's operations were impacted by new pilot duty rules and an increase in flights. Other airlines saw minor adjustments to their schedules. Aviation authorities are reviewing the situation.

A shocking incident unfolded in Vijayapura where a husband, desperate for a male heir, allegedly followed a sorceress's bizarre advice. He reportedly cut his wife's hair, causing a scalp injury, and then burnt it in a graveyard.

Aam Aadmi Party leader Arvind Kejriwal has questioned Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta's scientific basis for claims on air pollution, particularly her assertion that AQI is a type of temperature. Gupta defended water spraying at pollution hotspots as a solution, a practice she stated was also employed by previous governments.

Veteran actor Prem Chopra, known for his villainous roles, has successfully recovered after undergoing a TAVI procedure for severe Aortic Stenosis. His son-in-law, Sharman Joshi, shared the encouraging update, thanking the doctors for their expertise. Prem Chopra is now back home and feeling much better, much to the relief of his fans.