Education Ministry defends on-screen marking amid Class 12 result controversy
At a press conference, Sanjay Kumar, Secretary, Department of School Education and Literacy, said, “Some students feel that they should have got more marks than they were actually given. I would like to emphasize that on-screen marking is neither a new concept nor has it been implemented for the first time.”According to Kumar, CBSE first introduced the OSM system in 2014, but it could not continue then due to limitations in technical infrastructure.He said that this system was successfully brought back during the Class 12 board examinations this year. As part of the process, the answer sheets were scanned and converted into PDF copies before evaluation. Kumar said answer sheets of around 98 lakh students were scanned for the examinations.The official said that three levels of security were maintained during the scanning process. He also said that the biggest advantage of digital assessment is that errors in totaling of marks have been eliminated. He said, “One advantage of this is that the mistakes that sometimes occur in totaling have been completely eliminated.”Kumar further said that teachers were trained before the system was implemented. However, officials found around 13,000 answer sheets that could not be read properly after scanning because the students had used very light colored ink.“Eventually, it was also found that we had about 13,000 such answer sheets which no matter how many times we scanned them, they still had some ambiguity because the ink used was very light coloured,” he said. These answer sheets were later manually checked by teachers and the marks were added to the system. Kumar said that special attention has been paid to security and accuracy so that the on-screen marking process remains reliable.Along with defending the new marking process, Kumar also announced changes related to revaluation and verification. He said, “We will charge a fee of Rs 100 from any student who wants to see their answer sheets; a separate fee of Rs 100 will be applicable if they want to get their paper validated; and a fee of Rs 25 will be applicable for re-checking the answer to a specific question.” He said that if the marks of a student increase after scrutiny or revaluation, the entire amount paid by the student will be refunded.He said that both the Education Ministry and CBSE want to ensure that no student is unfairly marked. “Whether it is the Education Ministry or CBSE, the welfare and concerns of all our children are paramount for us,” Kumar said. He said the provision for revaluation was always present in the CBSE system and assured students that the board will ensure that the marks awarded and the totals are “absolutely accurate”.
2,000-year-old stone labyrinth discovered in India could change what we know about ancient Roman relationships
A mysterious circular stone structure discovered in the grasslands of Maharashtra is attracting the attention of archaeologists and historians around the world. Hidden in the Bormani grasslands of Solapur district, this structure is now considered to be India’s largest circular labyrinth, with experts estimating that it may be over 2,000 years old. The discovery is important not only because of its sheer size, but it may also reveal information about ancient trade routes connecting India with the Roman world.The Satavahana dynasty ruled large parts of the Deccan region between about 200 BC and 200 AD. During this time, India maintained extensive trade relations with Rome and other Mediterranean powers. Earlier excavations in Maharashtra have already revealed artefacts from the Roman world, including a bronze mirror and a figurine associated with the Graeco-Roman sea god Poseidon.Researchers say the labyrinth appears to share striking similarities with patterns seen in ancient Greek and Roman designs. That description has sparked renewed discussion about the deep commercial and cultural ties that existed between the civilizations of India and the Mediterranean during the Satavahana period.
India’s largest circular labyrinth has been hidden for centuries
The labyrinth is identified to be approximately 50 feet in diameter and consists of 15 circular circuits made of carefully arranged stone blocks. Archaeologists say this makes it the largest circular labyrinth ever discovered in India. While a large square labyrinth had previously been recorded in Tamil Nadu, no circular structure of this scale had been recorded before this discovery in Maharashtra.The site was identified in the Bormani grasslands of Solapur district, which is better known for wildlife conservation than archaeology. The labyrinth’s intricate design immediately stood out due to its unusual circular pattern and the precision of its stone layout. Researchers also found layers of soil between the stone rings, suggesting that the structure has remained largely untouched for hundreds, possibly thousands of years.
Ancient stone structure that may link India to the Roman world
Archaeologist Sachin Patil of Deccan College, Pune, believes that the labyrinth may have played an important role in guiding ancient traders traveling through western India. According to researchers, Roman traders were highly active in the Deccan region during the early century AD, and exchanged gold, wine, glass vessels and decorative objects in exchange for Indian spices, silk, beads and indigo dye.The areas around Kolhapur, Karad, Ter, Sangli, Satara and Solapur were reportedly part of a thriving inland trade network connected to India’s western ports. Historians have often described this route as an important commercial corridor that connected the Indian subcontinent to the Roman Empire through maritime trade in the Indian Ocean.The labyrinth resembles the design seen on ancient Cretan coins from the Roman period. International labyrinth expert Jeff Saward has reportedly described the Borramani structure as one of the most important labyrinth discoveries in India. He explained that the design relates to the classical labyrinth tradition but also includes features that appear distinctly Indian.
How can the ancient labyrinth be related to the Chakravyuh of Mahabharata?
This structure is also being linked to the concept of “Chakravyuh” described in the ancient Indian epic Mahabharata. In the Mahabharata, Chakravyuha refers to a complex circular military structure built to trap enemies within revolving defensive layers.Researchers say that the Borramani labyrinth shares visual similarities with these circular structures. In many Indian traditions, maze-like designs are associated with spirituality, meditation, fertility, and cosmic symbolism. Local communities reportedly refer to such patterns by names such as “code”, “manchakra” and “yamadwar”.
Discovery that revealed 2,000-year-old labyrinth
Interestingly, the ancient structure was not initially discovered by archaeologists. Members of a local conservation group reportedly noticed the unusual stone patterns while conducting wildlife surveys in the Boramani grasslands. The region is known for species such as the Great Indian Bustard and the Indian wolf.Researchers later confirmed that the labyrinth was likely ancient and historically significant. Archaeologists say the careful arrangement of the stones and the weathered conditions of the site strongly indicate that it dates back to the Satavahana era, which was known for intense trade activity and cultural exchange.
‘Why didn’t you dismiss the Education Minister?’ Rahul Gandhi targets PM Modi over NEET-UG paper leak
New Delhi: Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Sunday attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak and questioned why Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan was not removed from the post.In a post on Twitter, Rahul compared the handling of the 2024 and 2026 NEET paper leak cases and asked PM Modi to answer the questions raised by the country.The Congress leader said, “NEET 2024: The paper was leaked. The exam was not cancelled. The minister did not resign. The CBI started the investigation. A committee was formed. NEET 2026: The paper was leaked. The exam was cancelled. The minister still did not resign. The CBI is investigating again. Another committee will be formed.”“Modi ji, the nation has some questions for you – answer them! Why are papers being leaked again and again? Why are you silent on the repeated ‘Pariksha Pe Charcha’? Why haven’t you sacked the education minister who has repeatedly failed?” He added.The National Testing Agency on Tuesday canceled NEET-UG 2026, held on May 3, after investigators found evidence that many of the same questions in the exam paper were circulated before the test.Later the government handed over the case Central Bureau of InvestigationThe examination will now be conducted again on June 21.The cancellation has affected around 23 lakh candidates and marks the first time that the entire NEET-UG exam has been canceled for the first time since NTA conducted the exam in 2019. In 2024, the exam was partially re-conducted for 1,563 students after discrepancies in marks.Meanwhile, the CBI on Saturday arrested another alleged mastermind in the case. The accused has been identified as Manisha Gurunath Mandhare, a senior Botany teacher from Pune, Maharashtra.According to the agency, Mandhare was arrested in Delhi after interrogation. Investigators alleged that she was the source of leaked biology questions in the medical entrance examination.The CBI said Mandhare was associated with the NEET-UG 2026 examination process and was appointed as an expert by the NTA, giving him access to the question papers of Botany and Zoology.Rahul Gandhi had also questioned the Center on Friday regarding the increasing number of suicides related to the NEET paper leak controversy. Referring to the death of a 21-year-old student who allegedly committed suicide after exams were canceled in Uttar Pradesh, he said, “These youth did not lose in exams; they were killed by a corrupt system. This is not suicide – this is murder by the system.”
Health Update: High BP is becoming the biggest enemy of kidneys of youth, 80% kidney patients suffer from high blood pressure.
health update: From stagnant to stagnant, stress, poor quality and pricing are now taking a toll on the health of the youth. While earlier obesity was more common among people due to high blood pressure and kidney disease, now this risk is increasing rapidly even among young people. A very valuable picture has come to light during the investigation of the hostel of the Guda Disease Department located in the capital Nashik.
Investigation revealed that about 80 percent of the patients suffering from kidney disease are suffering from high blood pressure. Out of approximately six thousand people on the beach during this month, 4800 people were found to have high blood pressure. Experts say the container is not just a hospital, but a sign of a growing child health crisis.
Lent cycle killer has paid off with high blood pressure
The philosopher described high blood pressure as a “silent killer”. Its most dangerous thing is that its symptoms are not visible in the beginning. Most people understood for years that their blood pressure was constantly increasing. By the time the disease is detected, many serious organs of the body get affected.
According to experts, high BP gradually damages the arteries of the body. It has a profound effect on the nerves that carry blood to the heart, brain and kidneys. Continuously increased blood pressure causes blood deficiency in the kidneys, which reduces the blood pressure.
And the hectic youth keeps the youth sick and stressed.
Health expert says that modern chemistry has affected the mental and physical education of the youth. Constant work pressure, stress anxiety, excessive use of mobile and screens, lack of sleep and rapid stomach growth are gradually creating serious anxiety inside the body.
According to experts, today high BP and kidney related issues are increasingly appearing among the youth aged between 25 to 40 years. There are variations in the body, which increases stress. If stress continues for a long time, it has a direct impact on the kidneys and heart.
How bad are the kidneys? understand the whole relationship
Kidney is a very important organ of the body, which purifies the blood, removes excess water and toxins. When the blood pressure remains high, the pressure on the blood vessels of the kidneys increases.
Slowly-slowly-slowly-slowly-slowly-slowly-slowly-slowly-slowly-slowly-slowly-slowly-slowly-slowly. If the condition becomes serious, the patient may need diarrhea or even kidney transplant.
According to experts, high BP and kidney disease are deeply related to each other. Prevents hypertension and worsens hypertension and increases blood pressure. This is why it is considered an extremely dangerous cycle.
Danger of bad habits increasing among youth
Religious leaders say that today’s youth are adopting many such attitudes which are gradually harming the body. These include:
- Heavy salt and junk food intake
- staying up late at night
- lack of physical disease
- being under constant stress
- smoking and alcohol habits
- self-sufficient water structure
- Consumption of chocolate without doctor’s advice
These uses directly affect blood vessels and kidney disease.
Do not finalize these models
Although the symptoms of high BP are not obvious in the early stages, there are some signs that should not be missed:
- constant
- Dizziness
- fatigue and weakness
- Satvik blossom
- bust swelling
- changes in urination
- chest heaviness
- finally appear
The expert says that if any of these symptoms are felt continuously then a blood test should be done immediately.
Expert advice: Regular checkups are extremely important
The community expert has appealed to the people to buy their blood stock regularly. Especially people who have a family history of high blood pressure or kidney disease need to be extra careful.
Philosophers say that if high BP is not controlled at the initial level, it can cause serious damage to the kidneys. For this, timely medicine, diet and stress control are very important.
How to keep kidney and heart healthy?
The expert advised healthy ethics. Some important things have been mentioned for this:
- Exercise at least 30 minutes every day
- Reduce the intake of salt and fried foods
- drink enough water
- abstinence from smoking and alcohol
- Do yoga and therapy to reduce stress
- get enough sleep
- regular health checkup
Believers believe that small precautions can avoid big challenges in the future.
Style ideology continues to grow rapidly in India
Health experts say that lifestyle diseases are increasing rapidly in India. Cold, high BP, obesity and kidney disease are no longer limited to the elderly only. Due to urbanization and archaeologists, the youth are also falling prey to these challenges.
According to the expert, if awareness is not created among the people in time, then kidney disease and high BP among the youth can become a big health crisis for the country.
High blood pressure is not just a common health problem but becomes a serious condition affecting many vital organs of the body. Chronic stress, privation and scholarship are increasingly increasing the risk of kidney disease, especially among youth. Experts believe that it is possible to prevent this “silent killer” by timely awareness, regular checkups and adopting healthy suggestions. Body accessories may be listed at a higher price in the future.
India condemns attack on ships in Strait of Hormuz at UN
New Delhi: India has raised concerns at the UN over attacks on commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz, with its Permanent Representative to the UN Parvataneni Harish terming the targeting of civilian ships and crew members as “unacceptable” amid rising tensions in West Asia.Speaking at a special meeting of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (UNESCO) on Friday, Harish warned that attacks on commercial shipping threaten global energy and supply chains, days after an attack on an India-flagged ship off the coast of Oman. The meeting focused on “Security of energy and supply flows: Supporting global development through international cooperation”.In a post on X on Sunday, Harish said he had shared India’s perspective on the recent energy and fertilizer crisis arising out of conflict in West Asia.“A combination of short-term and structural measures, along with international cooperation, is necessary to tackle the crisis,” he said.“Reiterating that targeting commercial shipping, endangering civilian crews and hindering freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz is unacceptable. International law must be fully respected in this regard,” he said.The comments come after an India-flagged commercial ship coming from Somalia was attacked near Oman on May 13, amid growing instability in the strategically important Strait of Hormuz, through which about a fifth of the world’s energy supply passes.Omani authorities rescued all 14 crew members on board. It was not immediately known who carried out the attack.The Foreign Ministry condemned the attack on Thursday, calling it “unacceptable” and expressed concern over repeated attacks on commercial shipping in the region.“The attack on an Indian-flagged ship off the coast of Oman yesterday is unacceptable and we condemn the fact that commercial shipping and civilian seafarers are being targeted,” an External Affairs Ministry spokesperson said in a statement.“All Indian crew on board the ship are safe and we thank the Omani authorities for their rescue,” the statement said.At least two other Indian-flagged ships have come under attack since the conflict erupted in West Asia following the joint US-Israeli attacks on Iran on February 28 and subsequent retaliatory strikes, according to officials.The latest developments have raised concerns over maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz, a key global trade and energy corridor that has seen severe disruptions since the conflict escalated.
Is Afghanistan’s star cricketer Rahmat Shah no more? Viral post created panic among fans
Rahmat Shah (Image Credit: Zimbabwe Cricket)
New Delhi: A social media post that included Rehmat Shah There was mass confusion and panic among cricket fans when many mistakenly believed that the Afghanistan batsman had passed away. Confusion started when Afghanistan all-rounder Kareem Janat Rehmat Shah shared a condolence message on Instagram along with a photo and a note written in Pashto.Soon after the post surfaced online, the automated translation on Instagram incorrectly suggested that Rehmat Shah had died. Fans were left shocked and many social media users started posting condolence messages for the cricketer.However, these reports were completely false. Rehmat Shah is alive. Actually, the condolence message was not for the demise of the cricketer but for Rehmat Shah’s mother.The confusion arose from Instagram’s automatic translation feature, which mistranslated Janat’s Pashto message. The automatic translation reads:“With great sadness, I heard the news of the demise of the great player Rahmat Shah Afghanistan national cricket team. This great tragedy has deeply saddened me and all cricket fans. As a cricket player, I express my deepest sympathies and condolences to Rahmat Shah and his family. May Allah grant the deceased heaven, illuminate his grave and give his family the fortitude to bear this immense grief. Verily, we belong to Allah, and verily, to Him we will return,” the automated Instagram translation of Karim’s post read.However, the translation was wrong and changed the entire context of the original Pashto message.The correct translation of Janat’s post is as follows:“I heard the news of the death of the respected mother of Rahmat Shah, a talented player of the national cricket team. This great tragedy deeply saddens me and all cricket fans. On my own behalf and as a cricketer, I express my deepest sympathies and condolences to Rahmat Shah and his respected family. May Allah grant heaven to the deceased, fill his grave with light, and give his family the fortitude to bear this great grief. Indeed, we belong to Allah and to Him we will return.” Rahmat Shah last played an ODI for the Afghanistan national cricket team in October last year against the Bangladesh national cricket team, where he retired hurt during the match.The veteran batsman has represented Afghanistan in 11 Tests, 125 ODIs and one T20I, and has scored over 5,000 international runs during his career.
Producer Antony Perumbavoor has been working with the original director for a month to shoot Mohanlal’s ‘Athimanoharam’.
After the huge success of Mohanlal’s ‘Thudaram’, excitement is increasing about his next film ‘Athimanoharam’. Tharun Murthy Directing. manufacturer Antony Perumbavoor Now a dramatic twist has been revealed behind the film’s journey to the screen.
Original director backed out of ‘Athimanoharam’
‘Athimanohram’ was initially planned under the leadership of newcomer Austin Dan Thomas. The film was in pre-production and shooting was scheduled to begin in a few weeks. However, the project hit an unexpected halt when the young filmmaker withdrew his name at the last moment. Speaking to fans on X (formerly Twitter), Antony Perumbavoor explained what happened: “The film we are currently making was initially planned with a new director. A month before shooting began, he disappeared.”Antony said the sudden disappearance created uncertainty in the team. With the production schedule approaching, the producers were left with no option but to reconsider the project.He said, “At that time, we were afraid to carry forward such an experiment. He got scared and stopped responding to calls. He disappeared.”The producer said that although he understands the pressure that newcomers face, such incidents make producers cautious.Antony said, “They panicked. You can’t really blame them, but it makes us hesitant to move forward with people in such situations.”
Tharun Murthy took charge
After the failure, director Tharun Murthy stepped in to lead the project. Her reunion with Mohanlal after ‘Thudaram’ has raised expectations among fans.The first-look poster unveiled recently shows Mohanlal in police uniform amidst a sea of Ayyappa devotees.
‘Athimanoharam’s strong technical team is on board
Shaji Kumar handles the cinematography, while Jake Bejoy composes the soundtrack. Vivek Harshan is editing with production design by Gokul Das. Dilesh Pothan project also confirmed
Dilesh Pothan project also confirmed
According to reports, Shibu Baby John will produce this film.Asif Ali is reportedly set to play an important role. If finalized, the combination of Mohanlal, Dileesh Pothan and Asif Ali will begin a new and exciting chapter for Malayalam cinema. Meanwhile, Mohanlal was recently seen in ‘Patriot’.Meanwhile, Mohanlal was recently seen in ‘Patriot’.
8 killed, more than 20 injured when goods train collides with bus in Bangkok
According to Thai media reports, the accident occurred in the afternoon near an airport rail link station in the central part of the city. Bangkok’s emergency services agency, Erawan Medical Centre, confirmed the death toll and said several injured people had been taken for treatment.Thailand’s Deputy Transport Minister Siripong Angkasakulakiat told reporters at the scene that all the recovered bodies were found inside the bus. He said officials were still trying to find out how many passengers were in the vehicle at the time of the accident.When Siripong was asked about reports that the bus may have stalled on the railway tracks and whether the crossing barriers were not properly lowered, Siripong said the circumstances surrounding the incident were still being investigated.Videos circulated on social media showed several vehicles stopped at the railway crossing moments before the collision. The goods train was then seen colliding with an orange public bus, dragging nearby vehicles onto the tracks. The bus caught fire after the collision.Some footage also showed motorcycles and riders thrown on the road after the collision. Video from the scene showed rescue workers entering the charred remains of the bus after firefighters brought the blaze under control.
Do you believe that the railway crossing barriers failed to function properly in this incident?
Rai Neo Pharma launches Lucknow operations, expanding access to healthcare in Uttar Pradesh
Rai Neo Pharma on Saturday announced the launch of its operations in Lucknow as part of its expansion strategy focused on Uttar Pradesh and other fast-growing healthcare markets in North and Central India.The pharmaceutical company said it plans to strengthen access to affordable medicines and healthcare delivery in Tier II and Tier III cities, thereby establishing Lucknow as a key hub for its North India operations.The announcement was made during a press conference in Lucknow, where the company outlined its regional growth plans and healthcare strategy.Rai Neo Pharma said it will offer a portfolio of more than 90 formulations, covering both acute and long-term treatments. The portfolio includes medicines for antibiotics, diabetes care, gastro-intestinal disorders, pain and orthopedic treatments, respiratory and allergy care, cardiovascular care and dermatology.The company said it is also developing additional advanced formulations as part of its future pipeline.Founder Amit Patni said Lucknow serves as a major health care and referral center for Uttar Pradesh and neighboring states, with patients from smaller cities and towns relying on the city for specialized treatment.Patni said, “Lucknow is an important healthcare hub not only for Uttar Pradesh, but for a large patient ecosystem across the entire geography. The region is witnessing growing healthcare needs, especially around chronic disease management, affordability and continuity of treatment.”The company said it is expanding its presence in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh and Delhi-NCR along with other high-growth healthcare markets.Re Neo Pharma said it will work through a mix of in-house capabilities and strategic manufacturing partnerships to scale up operations while maintaining quality and compliance standards.
Taliban formally recognizes child marriage in Afghanistan with news rules, guidelines
31-Article regulation, title “Principles of separation between husband and wife,” According to Afghan outlet Amu TV, the resolution was approved by Taliban supreme leader Hibatullah Akhundzada and published in the regime’s official gazette in mid-May.The document outlines rules covering child marriage, missing husbands, forced separation, apostasy, accusations of adultery and other religious and legal matters.One of the most controversial provisions states that the silence of a “virgin girl” after reaching puberty can be interpreted as consent to marriage. The regulation states that the silence of a boy or an already married woman will not automatically count as consent.The decree also addresses “Khiyar al-Bulugh” or “option at puberty”, a concept in Islamic jurisprudence whereby a child married at an early age can seek an annulment after reaching puberty.According to Article 5 of the Regulation, if a relative other than a child’s father or grandfather arranges the marriage of a minor, the marriage may still be considered legally valid if the spouse is considered socially favorable and the dowry is reasonable. The child may later seek annulment, but only through a Taliban court order.Another provision states that marriages involving “non-compatible” spouses or unreasonable dowry will not be considered valid.This regulation gives fathers and grandfathers broad authority over child marriages, although it states that such marriages may be void if the guardians are found to be abusive, mentally unfit, or morally corrupt.The document authorizes Taliban judges to intervene in disputes involving allegations of adultery, religious conversion, prolonged absence of husbands and “zihar”, a classical Islamic concept in which a husband compares his wife to a female relative from whom marriage would be prohibited. Under those provisions, judges can order isolation, imprisonment or punishment in some cases.The latest decree comes amid growing international criticism of the Taliban’s restrictions on women and girls since returning to power in August 2021.Girls in Afghanistan are barred from education beyond the sixth grade, women are banned from universities, and there are severe restrictions on employment, travel, and public participation.Several international organizations have described the Taliban’s policies as a system of “gender discrimination”. According to Girls Not Brides, about a third of Afghan girls are married before the age of 18.Political commentator Fahima Mahomed criticized the Taliban’s new rules, telling the New York Post, “Child marriage is not marriage in any meaningful sense. A child cannot appropriately consent, and treating silence as consent is dangerous because it completely eliminates a girl’s voice.”She added, “As a Muslim, I would also strongly reject the idea that this reflects Islam as a whole. The Quran itself speaks against the coercion and abuse of women, so the Taliban’s position should not be presented as ‘Islamic law’ in the broadest sense.”