Mock examination drills held at NEET-UG centres
Mock drills were conducted at NEET-UG exam centres on May 3 to ensure smooth operations for the medical entrance exam set for May 4. Over 22.7 lakh candidates will appear across 5,453 centres. The Ministry of Education (MoE) outlined a three-layer monitoring system at district, state, and national levels. Mock drills tested mobile signal jammers, frisking manpower, and biometric procedures. The National Testing Agency (NTA) is tackling fake NEET claims, identifying fraudulent social media channels. Strict penalties, including debarment and legal action, will be imposed on those indulging in unfair practices. Enhanced security measures aim to prevent last year’s irregularities.
CRPF dismisses soldier for concealing Pakistani wife
The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) dismissed jawan Munir Ahmed for concealing his marriage to a Pakistani woman, Menal Khan, citing national security concerns. Ahmed, last posted with the CRPF’s 41st battalion, was found to have violated service conduct by failing to inform authorities of his marriage and his wife’s overstayed visa. His actions were deemed detrimental to national security. The marriage, which occurred via video call on May 24 last year, came to light after India expelled Pakistani nationals following the Pahalgam terrorist attack, in which 26 people were killed. A CRPF investigation revealed that Ahmed had not disclosed his wedding or his wife’s overstaying in India. He was dismissed under service rules that allow immediate action without an inquiry. CRPF officials emphasised the severity of his actions, which were found to compromise security protocols.
President urges dispute resolution via panchayats
President Droupadi Murmu urged extending dispute resolution mechanisms to rural areas, empowering Panchayats to mediate and resolve conflicts locally. Addressing the first conference on mediation, she emphasised that while village mediators are socially influential, they lack legal power, which hinders effective dispute resolution. Murmu advocated for a legal framework to settle disputes at the grassroots level, fostering social harmony and ensuring quicker resolutions. She highlighted the Mediation Act, 2023, as a crucial step toward strengthening India’s judicial system and improving justice delivery. Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal and CJI Sanjiv Khanna also attended, with Khanna launching the Mediation Association of India to support the Act’s implementation.