The Central Bureau of Investigation has launched an inquiry after the Ministry of Education raised concerns about the integrity of the University Grants Commission-National Eligibility Test (UGC-NET) 2024. This comes in the wake of the National Cyber Crime Coordination Centre's report that suggests possible compromises in the exam's conduct. Late on Wednesday, the Education Ministry announced the cancellation of the exam, which happens twice a year to determine eligibility for academic positions and admissions. This incident adds to the recent controversy surrounding irregularities in the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) and raises questions about the ethical conduct of higher education entrance exams.
CBI Investigation Ordered into UGC-NET Exam Irregularities
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has initiated a probe into alleged irregularities in the University Grants Commission-National Eligibility Test (UGC-NET) 2024, raising concerns about the integrity of the exam.
Background:
The UGC-NET is a prestigious exam conducted twice a year to determine eligibility for academic positions and admissions to postgraduate and PhD programs in universities. However, the recent cancellation of the exam due to irregularities has sparked outrage and raised questions about the ethical conduct of higher education entrance exams.
Allegations of Compromise:
The National Cyber Crime Coordination Centre's report, which prompted the Education Ministry's decision to cancel the exam, suggests possible compromises in the exam's conduct. This includes allegations of:
CBI Investigation:
The CBI has been tasked with investigating the allegations and identifying the individuals or groups responsible for the irregularities. The agency will conduct a thorough investigation to gather evidence, identify the perpetrators, and bring them to justice.
Top 5 FAQs:
1. What is the UGC-NET exam? It is an exam conducted by the University Grants Commission to determine eligibility for academic positions and admissions to postgraduate and PhD programs.
2. Why was the UGC-NET 2024 exam canceled? It was canceled due to concerns raised by the Education Ministry and the National Cyber Crime Coordination Centre's report, which suggested possible compromises in the exam's conduct.
3. What are the allegations of irregularities? These include leaked question papers, impersonation during the exam, and malpractices by examination centers.
4. Who ordered the CBI investigation? The Education Ministry initiated the CBI probe after raising concerns about the integrity of the exam.
5. What is the significance of the CBI investigation? The investigation will aim to identify the perpetrators of the irregularities, bring them to justice, and restore confidence in the integrity of higher education entrance exams.
BJP MP Tejasvi Surya and editors of Kannada news portals have been booked for spreading false information about a farmer's suicide in Haveri district, Karnataka. Surya had shared an article on 'X' alleging the farmer's death was due to his land being taken over by the Waqf Board. The post was later deleted by the MP after the news was deemed fake by the district police. This incident has sparked a political controversy and raises questions about the responsibility of spreading news.
Over the years, the Indian Supreme Court has faced criticism for its increasing compliance with the government's actions, leading to perceptions of it as an illiberal institution. As the Chief Justice, Chandrachud, who was once praised for his progressive and liberal values, has not lived up to the expectations of being assertive and independent. The court's handling of politically sensitive cases, such as Article 370, the Babri Masjid dispute, and bail, has tarnished Chandrachud's previous reputation and overshadowed his earlier standing as a liberal judge. Additionally, a shocking revelation from Justice Chandrachud himself has raised concerns about the court's impartiality in the controversial Ayodhya dispute.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi warned against Congress' tactic of pitting one caste against another for political gains and urged the people to stay united. Launching a scathing attack on the Maha Vikas Aghadi, PM Modi also made a veiled reference to Shiv Sena's leader's recent "imported maal" remarks, saying that the Opposition has resorted to "insulting women". He cautioned the nation against falling prey to Congress' agenda of dividing the SC, ST, and OBC communities, stating that unity among communities is crucial for the progress of the nation.
Stay updated with the latest developments on the highly anticipated UP Police Constable Result 2024, as the Uttar Pradesh Police Recruitment and Promotion Board (UPPRPB) is expected to release the results soon. With over 48 lakh applicants and around 30 lakh taking the written exam, only around 60,000 posts will be filled, making it a tough competition for candidates. Keep an eye on the official website for more updates and the release of the scorecards by the third week of November.
Shankaracharya Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati has demanded that the cow be declared the "National Mother," and cow slaughter be made a punishable crime. He also called for the reservation of the Kumbh Mela exclusively for Hindus, and announced plans for a grand yagna during the event. The Hindu saint also appointed representatives to oversee cow protection in each state and called on Hindus to uphold their faith and the significance of cow protection.
False narratives, conspiracy theories, and baseless claims of election fraud took over Elon Musk's social media platform, X, after Republican Donald Trump was declared the winner of the 2024 US presidential election. The platform was flooded with hashtags and phrases like 'Trump cheated' and 'missing votes', leading to millions of views and a surge in posts. However, analysts warn that regardless of which side is propagating such disinformation, it ultimately leads to a reduced trust in the democratic process.
At a BJP rally in Jharkhand's Palamu, Union Home Minister Amit Shah accused Congress leader Rahul Gandhi of showing a "fake" copy of the Constitution, void of any content and with "Constitution of India" written on the cover, in order to mock the sacred document and its makers. Shah also accused Congress of trying to take away reservations from OBCs, tribals, and Dalits and give it to minorities, while Prime Minister Narendra Modi has declared 26 November as Constitution Day.
In a rare move, President-elect Joe Biden has agreed to meet with outgoing President Donald Trump at the White House on Wednesday, according to a statement released by the Biden administration. This meeting comes amidst tension and division among the American public over Trump's re-election, with some celebrating and others protesting. The two leaders are expected to discuss the smooth transition of power and other important issues facing the nation.
In a move that has incited criticism from the ruling Mahayuti coalition, Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray has pledged to cancel the controversial Dharavi redevelopment project if his Maha Vikas Aghadi coalition is re-elected in the upcoming Maharashtra Assembly election. Thackeray also promised to reclaim land given to Adani Group and issue new tenders for more inclusive and suitable housing for the residents of Dharavi, a densely populated urban slum in Mumbai. The plan, which has been in the works for over two decades, has faced numerous delays and changes, with a recent bid by Adani Realty created uproar due to its higher initial investment. Uddhav's anti-development stance has sparked criticism from his opponents.
Retired Bombay High Court judge Justice RC Chavan has criticised outgoing Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud for prioritising public perception in his judgments. Speaking at a panel discussion to assess the CJI's tenure and judicial legacy, Justice Chavan stated that judges should not be swayed by extrajudicial concerns and voiced his disappointment in CJI Chandrachud for being preoccupied with how history will judge him. While Senior Advocate Raju Ramachandran commended the CJI for his high standards in judgment writing, he also expressed disappointment in the Ayodhya Ram Temple case decision.