Evening news wrap: CBI alleges NTA’s subject experts involved in leak, India dismissed a US lawmaker’s criticism of the FCRA Bill as an internal matter, and more
- CBI chargesheet alleges NTA experts leaked NEET-UG 2026 papers for cash in a multi-state conspiracy.
- MEA rejected US criticism of FCRA Bill as an internal matter for Parliament to decide.
- Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkey signed a mutual defence pact; India says it is ‘closely following’ it.
- PM Modi advised 45 NDA MPs to avoid the ‘Lutyens web’ and not carry House anxiety outside.
- Sukhbir Badal’s meeting with PM Modi sparked buzz over a possible BJP-SAD reunion ahead of Punjab polls.
Here are the top 5 stories of the day
CBI chargesheet exposes NTA experts’ role in NEET-UG paper leak for money
The CBI has chargesheeted 13 accused, including three NTA subject experts, for allegedly leaking NEET-UG 2026 question papers in a well-coordinated multi-state conspiracy in exchange for large sums of money. The agency said its investigation uncovered a supply chain linking the experts to middlemen and coaching operators who distributed the leaked papers through messaging apps days before the exam. Read full story.
India rejects US lawmaker’s FCRA criticism, says Parliament will decide
India rejected criticism by a US lawmaker over the proposed FCRA amendments, saying the issue is an internal matter on which Parliament will take a decision. The remarks came after US Congressman Riley Moore called the bill “a clear attack against Christians” and warned it could affect bilateral ties. Read full story.
Saudi Arabia, Pakistan & Turkey sign ‘Mecca’ pact for mutual defence; India reacts
Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkey signed a trilateral defence agreement on Friday, stating that an armed attack against any of the three would be regarded as an attack on all. India’s MEA said it is “closely following” the development. Read full story.
PM Modi tells NDA MPs: Avoid ‘Lutyens web’, stay calm in Parliament
PM Modi met 45 newly elected and first-time NDA MPs at a breakfast meeting on Friday, advising them to “not carry the anxiety from inside the House to outside” and avoid the “web of Lutyens’ Delhi.”
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He also told them to maintain dignity, avoid shouting in anger, and engage actively on social media. Read full story.
Badal-Modi meeting reignites talk of BJP-SAD reunion in Punjab
SAD chief Sukhbir Singh Badal met PM Modi in Parliament on Friday, sparking fresh buzz over a possible BJP-SAD reunion ahead of the Punjab assembly elections due early next year. The two parties, allies for over two decades, parted ways in 2020 over the Centre’s three farm laws. Read full story. Go to Source
