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From Toppers’ Factory to Controversy Zone, Latur Struggles to Protect Its Reputation Amid NEET UG Paper Leak Claims, NTA Asks CBI To Check THIS

NEET-UG-Paper-Leak-Claims

NEET UG Paper Leak Claims: Latur, which has become famous in producing top scorers in NEET and JEE, has come under the limelight again as new claims have surfaced amid the ongoing controversy around the NEET UG paper leak case. As per reports, the NTA has requested the CBI to also probe the Physics paper, putting the entire student and parent population on alert.

Latur Under National Spotlight

While Latur is well-known for being an important hub for providing coaching services to candidates preparing for NEET, the recent controversy surrounding the NEET paper leak has cast some negative light on the city’s educational scene.

NTA Widen Probe To Include Physics Paper As Well

According to news reports, the NTA has reportedly told the CBI to look into the physics paper as well for any irregularities or anything fishy about this section of the exam.

CBI Probes All Leads

Apart from probing paper leaks and their possible connections to coaching centers, the CBI is also probing the link between paper leaks and cheating syndicates, analyzing digital evidence and phone conversations.

Students Worried About Fairness

Many NEET aspirants fear that the controversy could affect genuine students who worked hard for the examination. Parents are demanding a fair and transparent investigation from authorities.

Coaching Institutes Defend Latur’s Image

Several teachers and coaching institutes in Latur say the city’s reputation should not be tarnished due to ongoing allegations. They believe most students achieve success through hard work and discipline.

Pressure Builds On Authorities

With the investigation expanding, pressure is growing on both the NTA and the CBI to provide clear answers quickly. Students across India are now closely following every update related to the NEET UG paper leak case.

Stomach Cancer: Doctor Warns THIS One Untested Infection Could Be The Biggest Health Threat You’re Missing

Stomach Cancer
Photo Credit: X

Stomach cancer often develops quietly. Many people do not notice symptoms until the disease reaches an advanced stage. Doctors say this is one of the biggest reasons why stomach cancer remains difficult to detect early in many parts of the world.

Harvard-trained gastroenterologist Dr Saurabh Sethi recently shared an important warning on Instagram about the hidden risks linked to stomach cancer. According to him, one major cause is an infection that millions of people may already have without knowing it — H. pylori.

The doctor explained that nearly 44% of the global population is infected with H. pylori, a bacteria strongly linked to this deadly disease. Despite being common, many people never get tested for it.

Stomach Cancer Risk Factors Most People Ignore

Dr Sethi highlighted that it is currently the fifth most common cancer worldwide. However, the disease often stays silent in its early stages, making timely diagnosis difficult.

He also pointed out several lifestyle habits that may increase the risk of stomach cancer.

One major factor is a high-salt diet. According to studies, consuming excess salt may increase stomach cancer risk by up to 41%. Processed and ultra-processed meats may also play a role. Dr Sethi noted that high intake of these foods could raise the risk by up to 57%.

Smoking is another major concern. Many people do not realise that smoking significantly raises the risk of stomach cancer along with several other digestive diseases.

The doctor also stressed the importance of family history. People with a first-degree relative diagnosed with stomach cancer may have a 1.5 to 3.5 times higher risk themselves.

Why Early Screening Matters

One of the most alarming points shared by Dr Sethi was the difference in early detection rates across countries.

In the United States, only around 30% of cases are detected early. In comparison, countries like Japan and Korea detect nearly 60–70% of cases in earlier stages because of regular screening programs.

Early detection can significantly improve treatment outcomes and survival rates. Doctors say people who experience long-term acidity, unexplained weight loss, stomach pain, bloating, nausea or difficulty eating should not ignore these symptoms.

Testing for H. pylori may also help in identifying hidden risks early, especially for people with a family history of stomach cancer or ongoing digestive issues.

Health experts advise focusing on healthier eating habits, reducing processed foods, quitting smoking and seeking medical advice if digestive symptoms continue for a long time. While it can be serious, doctors say awareness and early screening may help save lives.

Hardik Pandya Pins Blame on IPL Pitch For Losses, Mumbai Lose to KKR as Manish Pandey Shinesx

Hardik-Pandya

Hardik Pandya: Mumbai Indians suffered another disappointing defeat as Kolkata Knight Riders outplayed them in a crucial IPL clash. 

KKR Outclass Mumbai Indians

Kolkata Knight Riders looked in complete control throughout the match as both their batting and bowling units performed brilliantly. Chasing pressure never really appeared on KKR as the team maintained momentum from the start. Mumbai Indians struggled to build partnerships and failed to post or chase a challenging total, leading to another setback in their IPL campaign.

Manish Pandey Turns Back The Clock

One of the biggest highlights of the match was Manish Pandey’s brilliant knock. The experienced batter played with confidence and composure, anchoring the innings at a crucial stage. Pandey mixed caution with aggressive strokeplay and punished loose deliveries, helping KKR stay ahead in the contest. 

Hardik Pandya Blames Pitch Conditions

After the defeat, Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya made headlines with his comments on the pitch. Hardik suggested that the surface made batting difficult and did not suit his team’s style of play. He reportedly stated that he does not mind playing on challenging wickets but hinted that consistency in pitch behaviour remains important for teams while planning their approach. 

Batting of the Mumbai Indians Disappoints Again

The Mumbai Indians failed yet again on the batting front. The top order could not capitalize on good starts as the middle order was found struggling against the pressure posed by disciplined bowling of KKR. It was evident from the performance of many batters who seemed to struggle against the slow deliveries and bounce, making it clear that there was some talk about the pitch even after the match.

KKR Bowling Team Performs Well Throughout the Match

KKR bowlers performed exceptionally well throughout the match. Good line and length, combined with variations, ensured that KKR bowlers kept up the pressure through every phase of batting.

Twisha Sharma Death: Mystery Deepens as Bhopal Police Raise Reward for Missing Husband Samarth Singh, BIG Reveal On Judge Saas

Twisha-Sharma

The mysterious death of former Miss Pune contestant Twisha Sharma has taken a dramatic turn after Bhopal Police increased the reward for information on her missing husband, Samarth Singh. 

Bhopal Police Increase Reward For Samarth Singh

Bhopal Police have reportedly raised the reward for information leading to the arrest of Samarth Singh from ₹10,000 to ₹30,000. Samarth, who has been missing since the case came to light, is one of the key accused in the investigation. Police teams are conducting raids in multiple cities, while officials are also tracking his phone records and digital activity. 

Twisha Sharma Found Dead Months After Marriage

Twisha Sharma was found dead at her matrimonial home in Bhopal’s Katara Hills area just a few months after her marriage. While the initial post-mortem report suggested death by hanging, reports of blunt-force injury marks on her body have raised several questions. Her family has alleged mental harassment and dowry-related pressure from the in-laws. 

BIG Reveal By Retired Judge Mother-In-Law

A major twist in the case came after Twisha’s mother-in-law, retired judge Giribala Singh, made several revelations while defending her family against the allegations. According to reports, the retired judge claimed that Twisha was regularly given financial support through online transfers ranging from ₹5,000 to ₹50,000. 

Claims About Phone Calls Surface

The retired judge further claimed that on the day of the incident, Twisha allegedly called Samarth Singh while he was attending court proceedings. During the call, she reportedly informed him that she had consumed MTP pills. These claims are now being examined by investigators as police continue to verify call records, chat history, and digital evidence linked to the couple.

Nationwide Attention On The Case

The case has now drawn national attention, with demands for a CBI probe growing louder. The National Commission for Women has also sought a detailed report from the Madhya Pradesh government regarding the investigation.

Karuppu Box Office Collection Day 6: Suriya-Trisha Krishnan Starrer Crosses Rs 100 Cr Mark Amid Continued Weekday Drop – Check Figures

Karuppu Box Office Collection Day 6
Photo Credit: X

Karuppu Box Office Collection Day 6: Suriya and Trisha Krishnan’s latest film Karuppu powers past a major milestone. The RJ Balaji directorial has officially crossed the Rs 100 crore mark in India within just six days of its release, proving its strong pull at the box office despite a noticeable drop during weekdays. The film has become one of the fastest earners in Suriya’s career, driven by strong fan support and viral theatre celebrations.

Released on May 15, 2026, Karuppu opened to a solid response and quickly turned into a crowd-puller. Social media has been flooded with videos of fans celebrating inside theatres, dancing, cheering, and reacting to Suriya’s powerful action avatar. While weekday numbers have started to slow down, the overall performance remains impressive, with the film already surpassing the lifetime earnings of several of Suriya’s recent releases.

Karuppu Box Office Collection Day 6

According to Sacnilk estimates, the Karuppu Box Office Collection Day 6 stands at Rs 10.30 crore. With this, the film officially crossed the Rs 100 crore mark in India.

Daily Box Office Collection (India Net)

DayCollection
Day 1 (Thursday)Rs 15.50 crore
Day 2 (Friday)Rs 24.15 crore
Day 3 (Saturday)Rs 28.35 crore
Day 4 (Sunday)Rs 14.30 crore
Day 5 (Monday)Rs 12.75 crore
Day 6 (Tuesday)Rs 10.30 crore

This takes the total India gross to Rs 119.64 crore, while the India net collection stands at Rs 105.35 crore.

Karuppu Box Office Collection has slowed down after a blockbuster weekend, but the film continues to maintain a stable run. The weekday dip was expected, especially after an explosive Sunday performance of Rs 28.35 crore.

Despite the decline, the film’s hold is stronger compared to many recent big releases. Trade reports suggest that Karuppu is still performing well in Tamil regions, while its dubbed Telugu version is comparatively weaker.

Even with the drop, the film has already crossed lifetime collections of several Suriya films:

Etharkkum Thunindhavan (2022): Rs 49.10 crore net
Kanguva (2024): Rs 70.37 crore net
Retro (2025): Rs 60.58 crore net

This makes Karuppu one of Suriya’s most successful recent theatrical releases.

The early success of the Karuppu Box Office Collection was powered by a massive weekend surge. The film saw excellent growth on Saturday and Sunday, driven by positive audience feedback and strong fan support.

The opening day itself was decent at Rs 15.50 crore, but the real jump came on Day 2 and Day 3, which pushed the film into blockbuster territory within just 72 hours.

Industry watchers note that such strong weekend momentum is crucial for big-budget films like Karuppu, especially with rising competition at the box office.

About The Film

Karuppu is a Tamil-language devotional fantasy action-drama directed by RJ Balaji. The film follows the story of a guardian deity who descends to Earth and disguises himself as a human lawyer. He takes on a corrupt legal system while fighting for justice for a helpless family.

Suriya plays a dual role as Saravanan and the divine entity Karuppuswamy. Trisha Krishnan stars opposite him as a lawyer who supports the fight for justice. RJ Balaji also plays the main antagonist, adding more intensity to the courtroom conflict.

Made on a reported budget of Rs 130–140 crore, the film runs for 152 minutes and has received a U/A certificate. With a mix of mythology, courtroom drama and emotional storytelling, Karuppu aims to blend commercial cinema with a strong social message.

With the Karuppu Box Office Collection crossing Rs 100 crore in just six days, the film is already a certified box office success. While weekday drops are visible, the strong opening weekend has ensured a comfortable lead.

‘Aandhi Aa Rahi Hai…’ Ranveer Singh Starrer Dhurandhar Gets Explosive New OTT Cut, Fans Confused After Netflix Announcement

Ranveer Singh Dhurandhar uncensored version
Photo Credit: X

Ranveer Singh’s blockbuster franchise Dhurandhar is making headlines once again. Just days after Dhurandhar: The Revenge created buzz with its overseas digital debut, Netflix surprised fans by announcing a brand-new “Raw & Undekha” cut of the first film. The streaming giant confirmed that the extended version will include never-seen-before footage that was not part of the theatrical release.

The announcement instantly grabbed attention online. While many fans expressed excitement over the unseen scenes and extended footage, others were left confused about the franchise’s OTT plans. Several social media users questioned whether the second instalment would also stream on Netflix or continue with its already announced JioHotstar release in India.

Dhurandhar Raw & Undekha Version To Stream Soon

Netflix shared the update through its official social media handles along with a brand-new poster of the film. The streamer confirmed that the “Raw & Undekha” version of Dhurandhar will premiere on May 22 in Hindi, Tamil and Telugu.

They wrote, “Aandhi aa rahi hai. Aur iss baar, extra ghatak. Watch Dhurandhar Raw & Undekha, out 22 May in Hindi, Tamil and Telugu on Netflix.”

The phrase “extra ghatak” quickly became a talking point among fans, with many speculating that the extended cut may feature deleted action scenes, uncensored dialogues or additional story details that were removed from the theatrical version.

Fans Excited But Also Confused

The Netflix announcement sparked mixed reactions online. While several viewers were thrilled to revisit the film with fresh footage, many others admitted they were confused about the streaming plans of the franchise.

One social media user wrote, “Meanwhile Hotstar Crying in corner.”

Another commented, “uncut or uncensored/extended version: there will be few minutes more them the first version and maybe unmuted swear words, I think.”

A third user questioned, “Then what about JioStar coming on 4th June? I’m really confused. Is anyone else confused about this too?”

Some fans also wondered why the makers did not release the extended version in theatres itself. One user wrote, “Why didn’t they release this version at first ?” Another fan pleaded, “But we wanted Part 2 on Netflix.”

Where Will Dhurandhar: The Revenge Stream?

The confusion mainly comes from the different streaming plans for the two films. While the first film’s extended cut is arriving on Netflix, Dhurandhar: The Revenge has already premiered internationally on Netflix on May 14.

However, the sequel’s India release is scheduled for June 4 on JioHotstar. This split release strategy has left many viewers puzzled about the franchise’s OTT partnership.

Despite the confusion, the buzz around the films continues to grow rapidly online.

Massive Box Office Success For The Franchise

Directed by Aditya Dhar, the Dhurandhar franchise has turned into one of the biggest commercial successes in recent years.

The first film, released on December 5, 2025, earned around Rs 1307 crore worldwide. The sequel, released on March 19 this year, has already crossed Rs 1790 crore globally.

The films feature a star-studded cast including Ranveer Singh, Akshaye Khanna, Sanjay Dutt, Arjun Rampal, R Madhavan, Sara Arjun, Rakesh Bedi, Gaurav Gera and Danish Pandor.

The story follows Jaskirat Singh Rangi (also known as Hamza Ali Mazari) who is sent to Lyari in Pakistan to eliminate a terror unit. To complete the mission, he infiltrates a Baloch gang and becomes deeply involved in the local political network.

Dhurandhar 2 Makers Hinted At Another Big Surprise

Adding more excitement to the franchise, producer Jyoti Deshpande recently hinted that another surprise related to Dhurandhar could arrive later this year.

In an interview with Bollywood Hungama, she said, “We’re not done with Dhurandhar yet. We’ll hopefully have a surprise for the audience later this year. There’s something up our sleeves.”

Salman Khan Viral Video: ‘Zor Se Bolo, Awaz Nahi Aayi…’ Actor Tells Paps As They Say Sorry For ‘Insensitive’ Behaviour Outside Hospital

Salman Khan Viral Video paps apologising
Photo Credit: Instagram

Salman Khan appears to have moved on from his recent clash with paparazzi after a tense hospital incident sparked debate online. A day after the superstar lost his cool at photographers for invading his privacy outside a Mumbai hospital, the actor was seen interacting warmly with the media and even joking with them after they apologised for their behaviour.

The viral moment took place on Wednesday evening when Salman Khan attended the success bash of Raja Shivaji, where he made a special cameo appearance. Videos from the event quickly spread across social media, showing photographers apologising to the actor.

Salman Khan Accepts Paparazzi’s Apology

As Salman arrived at the event with actor-director Riteish Deshmukh, photographers gathered around him and began apologising together for the previous night’s incident. The superstar noticed the commotion and asked his security team not to stop one of the photographers from approaching him.

Once Salman realised the paparazzi were apologising, he acknowledged them. In one of the viral clips, photographers can be heard saying, “Aaj koi chillana mat re, Love u bhai.”

Replying with a smile, Salman said, “Ha yeh jagah sahi hai.”

Soon after, the photographers once again apologised for their behaviour outside the hospital. Salman then joked, “Zor se bolo, awaz nahi aa rahi tum sabki.”

Another video from the event showed Salman asking photographers why they did not upload clips showing them running around in slippers during the hospital chaos. The photographers admitted their mistake and apologised again.

Explaining the emotional situation behind his reaction, Salman said, “Inki wife bahut beemar thi…” The actor revealed that someone close to him was dealing with a serious family health issue during the hospital visit.

What Happened Outside The Hospital?

The controversy began on Tuesday night when photographers followed Salman Khan to a Mumbai hospital and repeatedly shouted the name of his upcoming film Maatrubhumi. The actor became visibly upset and scolded the paparazzi for their behaviour.

In viral clips from the incident, Salman was seen asking photographers, “Pagal ho gaye ho?” while gesturing angrily. He also questioned how they would feel if one of their own family members was admitted to a hospital and surrounded by cameras.

Hours after the incident, Salman reacted strongly on Instagram and shared a series of late-night posts criticising invasive media behaviour. The actor warned against exploiting personal pain and family matters for content.

In one of the posts, Salman wrote, “…Try kar lena mere sath. Buss try kar lena…”

He also added, “Saath saal ka ho gaya hoon lekin ladna nahiin bhoola…”

The posts quickly went viral and added more attention to the controversy surrounding the hospital incident.

Meanwhile, Salman Khan is gearing up for the release of his upcoming film Maatrubhumi. The actor is also set to share screen space with Nayanthara in Vamshi Paidipally’s next project.

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann announces free travel in Punjab Roadways buses for NEET aspirants, following Arvind Kejriwal’s appeal

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Wednesday announced free travel in Punjab Roadways buses for students appearing in the NEET examination from June 20 to 22, following an appeal by AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal. The decision was taken after several aspirants informed Arvind Kejriwal that poor families were struggling to arrange travel expenses to examination centres, prompting the Punjab Government to step in and provide relief to students across the state.

Announcing the aid to students, the AAP Chief urged students to stay strong, work hard and continue preparing with determination, saying every child’s dream of becoming a doctor would come true.

AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal shared a video message with NEET aspirants and stated, “Many of you had written to me saying that some students do not even have enough money to travel from their homes to the examination centre on the day of the exam and pay the fare. You had asked whether some help could be provided regarding this. I had raised this with Punjab CM Bhagwant Singh Mann. Following this, the Punjab government has made bus travel free for candidates appearing for the NEET examination from June 20 to June 22 on Punjab Roadways buses.”

Arvind Kejriwal further said, “Children, prepare well, study with full dedication and keep your spirits high. Some children had written saying they were feeling depressed and losing motivation. Now do not think like that. Be courageous and work hard with full determination. All of you will be successful, all of you will become doctors, and everyone’s dreams will come true. Best of luck and God bless you.”

Sharing the news with students, Punjab CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Greetings and best wishes to all the children appearing for the NEET examination. I have come to know that all of you are dreaming big, and you absolutely should. To aid in realising dreams is the government’s duty. Dreams are not those that come during sleep, but the ones who don’t let us sleep. Becoming a doctor is a wonderful dream. I have also learned that many children do not even have enough money to afford travel to the examination centre. Therefore, on June 20, 21, 22 you only need to show your admit card and travel for free in Punjab Roadways buses.”

He emphasised, “Focus completely on your exam preparation with full energy and enthusiasm. I pray to God that you succeed in reaching your goals in life and bring pride to your parents, your state and your country.”

Sharing the information on social media platform ‘X’, Punjab CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Many poor children appear for the NEET examination. Some of them do not even have enough money to pay for travel to the examination centre. Recently, when Arvind Kejriwal Ji spoke to NEET students, many children asked for help. The NEET examination is scheduled for June 21. Therefore, the Punjab government has decided that on June 20, 21, and 22, travel will be free for all students appearing for the NEET examination in all Punjab Roadways buses. Just show your admit card, and no ticket will be required. May God grant you success.”

World-Renowned Kabaddi Player Sandeep Luddhar Joins AAP

Punjab news

Influenced by the pro-people policies of the Aam Aadmi Party and the development works of the Punjab Government, world-renowned Punjab-style Kabaddi player Sandeep Luddhar joined AAP on Wednesday.

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann warmly welcomed Sandeep Ludhar and his associates and supporters into the party. Chief Minister Mann honoured Sandeep Luddhar with a siropa and formally inducted him into the party.

On this occasion, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said that today the Aam Aadmi Party family has witnessed another remarkable addition. Eminent and talented player of Punjab’s own sport Kabaddi, Sandeep Luddhar, has joined the party today. “On behalf of the party, I warmly welcome him”, Mann added.

He said that the support of such youth, who have brought glory to Punjab in sports arenas, will further strengthen our mission to build a ‘Rangla Punjab’. Their experience will greatly help in inspiring the youth towards sports. Let us all together take Punjab’s youth and sports to even greater heights.

After joining the Aam Aadmi Party, Sandeep Luddhar said that he is deeply impressed by the policies of the Punjab Government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and the development works being carried out for the progress of the state. He assured that he would work with complete honesty for strengthening the party and for the welfare of Punjab.

There is tremendous pro-incumbency in Punjab in favour of AAP Govt, AAP will break its previous record in 2027: Arvind Kejriwal

Punjab news

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday asserted that Punjab is witnessing an unprecedented wave of pro-incumbency in favour of the Bhagwant Singh Mann Government, declaring that in every nook and corner of the state, people are discussing the work done by the AAP Government over the last four years. Citing major welfare and development initiatives such as free electricity, canal water reaching farms, ₹10 lakh health insurance, better roads and development works in villages, Arvind Kejriwal said the people of Punjab believe that the Bhagwant Singh Mann Government has delivered more work in four years than previous governments did in decades.

Expressing confidence over AAP’s prospects in the 2027 Assembly elections, Arvind Kejriwal said there is no anti-incumbency against the Punjab Government despite completing four years in office, but rather a strong pro-incumbency sentiment among the people. He affirmed that while the Government continues to focus on public welfare and development, the opposition has been left with no issue concerning the people except targeting CM Bhagwant Singh Mann with abuses and personal attacks.

Interacting with media persons alongside CM Bhagwant Singh Mann, AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal said, “The Bhagwant Mann Government has taken several historic decisions for the welfare of the people. Due to these unprecedented initiatives, people’s trust in the AAP has grown stronger and the party is fully prepared to return to power with an even bigger majority. There is tremendous pro-incumbency in Punjab in favour of the Government and in 2027, AAP will break its previous record.”

Highlighting the achievements of the AAP Government, Arvind Kejriwal stated, “The brave and wise people of Punjab are praising the works being done by the Government. From free electricity to irrigation facilities through canal water, from healthcare cover of ₹10 lakh to better roads, every section of society is benefiting.”

The AAP Chief further said, “Development work is underway in every pind (village) and playgrounds are being built in villages to encourage sports and channel the energy of youth in a positive direction. Women will also soon start receiving ₹1,000-₹1500 under the Mawan Dheeyan Satkar Yojna.”

The AAP National Convenor said that the Bhagwant Mann Government has also emerged as a frontrunner in the fields of education and healthcare, bringing major relief to common people. “It is on record that the Bhagwant Singh Mann Government has delivered more work in four years than what previous governments could do in the last 75 years.”

Arvind Kejriwal said, “The opposition has been left with no issue related to public welfare. The opposition parties have nothing left except hurling abuses at CM Bhagwant Singh Mann. The people of Punjab will give a befitting reply to these parties by completely rejecting them.”

Taking to X, Arvind Kejriwal stated: “In every nook and corner of Punjab, there is talk of the work done by our government.. Even after 4 years, there is no anti-incumbency towards the government, but rather pro-incumbency. I am confident that the Aam Aadmi Party will perform very well in the upcoming assembly elections.”

Punjab Tops India in Performance Grading Index 2.0, Secures Prachesta-1 Grade

Harjot Singh Bains

In a landmark feat for school education, Punjab has emerged as the top-performing State across the country under the Performance Grading Index (PGI) 2.0 for Stated/UTs 2024-25, released by the Department of School Education & Literacy, Ministry of Education (GoI). Notably, the PGI top rank comes just two weeks after another national endorsement. NITI Aayog Education Quality Report 2026 rated Punjab among India’s best-performing states.

Sharing the remarkable achievement here on Wednesday, Punjab Education Minister S. Harjot Singh Bains said that Punjab has attained the Prachesta‑1 Grade (scoring between 51% and 60%)- the distinction shared only with UT Chandigarh. The State has surpassed Kerala, Delhi, Maharashtra and Himachal Pradesh, all of which were placed in the Prachesta‑2 category.

The Education Minister further shared that the PGI 2.0 ranks States/UTs on their combined performance across six domains: Learning Outcomes & Quality, Access, Infrastructure & Facilities, Equity, Governance Process, and Teacher Education & Training.

Punjab has clinched the top position nationwide in the most critical domain-Learning Outcomes & Quality- with an impressive score of 150.4. This domain assessed student proficiency in Language, Mathematics, Science and Social Science for Classes 3rd, 6th and 9th, making it the ultimate measure of educational quality, he added.

In the Performance Grading Index for Districts (PGI‑D) 2024‑25, Barnala topped the State with a score of 461, earning the prestigious Uttam‑2 Grade. Close behind are Sri Muktsar Sahib, SBS Nagar (Nawanshahar), Hoshiarpur, Sangrur, Tarn Taran and Malerkotla. It has proved that excellence in classrooms runs deep across districts. The PGI‑D ranks districts on six key pillars including Outcomes, Effective Classroom Interactions, Infrastructure Facilities & Student’s Entitlements, School Safety & Child Protection, Digital Learning and Governance Process.

Congratulating the hardworking and dedicated teachers for the achievement, S. Harjot Singh Bains stated, “This victory belongs to you. Your concerted efforts turned Sikhya Kranti from a vision into reality. Topping the Learning Outcomes domain nationwide shows that our focus on conceptual understanding over rote learning is delivering real results. Under the leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, we have broken away from the status quo. Surpassing Kerala, Delhi and Maharashtra is a proud moment for every Punjabi. Punjab’s government schools are becoming India’s new benchmark. We are not merely building schools. We are building a future‑ready Punjab.”

Indian Railways Expands Jodhpur-Delhi Vande Bharat Express to 20 Coaches

Vande Bharat
Image Credit: Google

Indian Railways has increased the capacity of the Jodhpur-Delhi Vande Bharat Express by upgrading the train from its earlier configuration to a 20-coach rake in response to rising passenger demand on the route.

Railway officials stated that the move is aimed at accommodating a larger number of travelers and improving seat availability for passengers regularly using the high-speed service between Rajasthan and the national capital.

Vande Bharat Express: Demand for Premium Rail Travel Continues to Rise

The Jodhpur-Delhi Vande Bharat Express has witnessed growing passenger traffic since its introduction, particularly among business travelers, tourists, and daily commuters seeking faster and more comfortable rail connectivity.

Authorities believe the expansion to 20 coaches will help reduce waiting lists and enhance travel convenience on one of the region’s important rail corridors.

Focus on Modern Rail Infrastructure

Indian Railways has been steadily expanding and modernizing the Vande Bharat network across the country as part of broader efforts to improve rail infrastructure, passenger comfort, and travel efficiency.

The semi-high-speed trains are equipped with modern amenities, upgraded seating, onboard facilities, and improved safety features designed to enhance the passenger experience.

Capacity Enhancement Across Key Routes

Railway officials have indicated that coach augmentation on popular routes is being considered based on passenger demand and operational feasibility. The latest upgrade reflects the increasing popularity of Vande Bharat services and the growing preference for faster intercity rail travel in India.

Mohan Yadav Discusses AI and Smart Governance Partnership With Google Cloud

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav held a meeting with senior officials of Google Cloud India to discuss long-term technological collaboration, smart governance initiatives, and the use of advanced cloud and artificial intelligence (AI)-based solutions in the state.

According to the Chief Minister’s Office, the discussions focused on strengthening technology-driven governance systems and expanding the use of AI tools across various government departments in Madhya Pradesh.

Mohan Yadav: AI-Based Solutions for Key Government Departments

Officials stated that support received from the Madhya Pradesh government during the AI Summit has helped Google Cloud initiate AI-based empowerment projects in departments including agriculture, education, forest, and women and child development.

The state administration said the use of artificial intelligence is expected to improve administrative efficiency, service delivery, data management, and citizen-focused governance initiatives.

AI Support Planned for Simhastha 2028

Senior officials also informed the meeting that AI technologies are being incorporated into preparations for Simhastha 2028, one of the major religious gatherings organized in the state.

Authorities stated that technology-based systems are being planned for crowd management, traffic regulation, citizen safety, and emergency response services during the event. The government aims to use advanced digital tools to improve coordination and management during the large-scale gathering.

Focus on Digital Transformation and Innovation

The Madhya Pradesh government has been increasingly promoting digital governance, technology investments, and innovation-driven development initiatives. Officials believe partnerships with global technology companies can help modernize governance systems and create opportunities in emerging sectors such as AI, cloud computing, and digital infrastructure.

The discussions with Google Cloud are being viewed as part of broader efforts by the state administration to position Madhya Pradesh as a growing hub for technology and innovation-led growth.

Bhagwant Mann Visits Halwara International Airport Project in Ludhiana

Bhagwant- Mann
Google

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann visited the Halwara International Airport project in Ludhiana and reviewed the ongoing development work related to the aviation infrastructure initiative.

During the visit, the Chief Minister interacted with officials and assessed the progress of the airport project, which is considered an important infrastructure development for Punjab’s connectivity and economic growth.

Bhagwant Mann: Focus on Air Connectivity and Development

The Punjab government has been highlighting the Halwara International Airport project as a major step toward improving regional and international air connectivity for Ludhiana and surrounding areas.

Officials believe the airport will help strengthen trade, tourism, business activity, and passenger transport while providing better travel facilities for residents and industrial sectors in the region.

Infrastructure Project Seen as Economic Boost

Authorities stated that improved aviation infrastructure can contribute to investment opportunities, industrial growth, and employment generation in Punjab. Ludhiana, being one of the state’s major industrial hubs, is expected to benefit from enhanced connectivity once the airport becomes operational.

The state government has been focusing on infrastructure modernization projects in sectors including transportation, roads, electricity, and public services as part of its broader development agenda.

Government Continues Monitoring Key Projects

Officials said the Chief Minister’s visit reflects the administration’s focus on monitoring major public infrastructure projects and ensuring timely progress. The Halwara International Airport project has remained an important development initiative for Punjab, with expectations that it will strengthen the state’s connectivity network and support long-term economic activity.

Anurag Dhanda Discuss Possible Support Measures for NEET Aspirants in Punjab

Aam Aadmi Party leader Anurag Dhanda has said that party national convener Arvind Kejriwal may discuss possible travel-related support for NEET aspirants with Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann ahead of the medical entrance examination.

According to Dhanda, Kejriwal had mentioned in a recent video message that he would speak with the Punjab Chief Minister regarding the possibility of providing free travel facilities to NEET students on the day of the examination after receiving suggestions from aspirants.

Anurag Dhanda: Kejriwal Sends Message to Students

In a message addressed to NEET aspirants, Kejriwal expressed appreciation for the trust shown by students and encouraged them to remain determined in pursuing their goal of becoming doctors.

The statement came amid growing discussions on student welfare, examination logistics, and support measures for candidates appearing in competitive examinations.

Focus on Education and Student Welfare

Education and youth welfare continue to remain important political issues, with parties often announcing initiatives aimed at assisting students preparing for national-level entrance examinations.

Supporters of such proposals argue that transportation assistance and other facilitation measures can help reduce stress and financial burden on students traveling to examination centres.

Political Attention on Competitive Examinations

Competitive examinations such as NEET attract lakhs of students every year across the country, making exam-related arrangements a matter of significant public interest. Political leaders and governments frequently respond to student concerns regarding travel, examination centres, and administrative support during major exams.