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Revolutionary, I know’ Scientists uncover a 60-mile hidden network beneath Africa that is still growing Moody’s Analytics chief economist Mark Zandi warns of high risk of recession in America; unless the US government changes … – NEW DELHI: The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet on Saturday approved key appointments in the National Testing Agency (NTA) under the department of higher education amid the ongoing NEET-UG 2026 paper leak row and growing scrutiny of the examination body. Anuja Bapat, an Indian Statistical Service (ISS) officer of the 1998 batch, and Ruchita Vij, an Indian Revenue Service (Customs & Indirect Taxes) officer of the 2004 batch, have been appointed as joint secretaries in the NTA. Meanwhile, Akash Jain, an Indian Revenue Service (Income Tax) officer of the 2013 batch, and Aditya Rajendra Bhojadhiya, an Indian Audit and Accounts Service (IA&AS) officer of the 2013 batch, have been appointed as joint directors in the agency.The appointments come amid a widening investigation into the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak. On Saturday, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) arrested another alleged mastermind in the case. The agency identified Manisha Gurunath Mandhare, a senior Botany teacher from Pune, as the alleged source of leaked Biology questions in the examination. According to the CBI, Mandhare was associated with the NEET-UG 2026 process as an NTA expert and had access to Botany and Zoology question papers.Also read | NEET paper leak: CBI arrests Pune botany teacher who NTA appointed as expertInvestigators alleged that she conducted coaching sessions for NEET aspirants at her Pune residence and disclosed several questions that later matched the actual examination paper conducted on May 3.The arrest came a day after the CBI arrested retired chemistry professor PV Kulkarni in Latur in connection with the alleged leak. The agency said it had conducted searches at six locations across the country and seized documents, laptops, bank statements and mobile phones.The Delhi court sent two accused in the case to 10-day CBI custody for further interrogation.Also read | NEET paper leak row: Delhi court sends two accused to 10-day CBI custodyThe controversy has escalated into a major national issue following the cancellation of the medical exam. Student organisations and resident doctors’ bodies have staged protests demanding accountability, while some groups have moved the Supreme Court seeking the dissolution of the NTA in its present form. Opposition parties have stepped up their attacks on the Centre over the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak controversy. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi sharpened his criticism by demanding the removal of Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the leak, while AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal urged Gen Z to take to the streets seeking accountability from the government.So far, nine accused have been arrested in the case from Delhi, Jaipur, Gurugram, Nashik, Pune and Ahilyanagar.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’History Or Geography’: Indian Army Chief Upendra Dwivedi Issues Stern Warning To PakistanCBI Seeks 14-Day Custody Of Accused In NEET-UG 2026 Paper Leak Case; Pune Botany Teacher Arrested’Misquoted’: CJI Surya Kant Clarifies ‘Cockroach’ Remarks On Unemployed YouthNetherlands Returns 11th Century Chola-Era Copper Plates To India During PM Modi’s Visit’Jhalmuri Reached Here Too?’: PM Modi Invokes Bengal Polls In Netherlands, Lauds Indian DiasporaRampur Court Sentences Azam Khan To 2 Years In 2019 Speech Case, SP Veteran Faces Fresh Legal BlowRG Kar Case Back In Spotlight As BJP MLA Ratna Debnath Calls Mamata Banerjee ‘Head Of Criminals’RG Kar Case Back In Spotlight As BJP MLA Ratna Debnath Calls Mamata Banerjee ‘Head Of Criminals’Delhi Court Grants Robert Vadra Bail In Shikohpur Land Deal Money Laundering Case,ED Probe ContinuesMamata Banerjee Tells Leaders Free To Leave TMC, Vows To Rebuild Party After Bengal Poll Rout123Photostories9 junk food swaps that can make your diet healthierIt’s not just salt anymore: Why your stressful 10-hour workday could be pushing your blood pressure higherCannes 2026 Day 4: John Travolta’s surprise win, Léa Seydoux’s magic, and unmissable red carpet glam!Travellers beware: 5 dirtiest things in a hotel room you didn’t know aboutHow to grow jasmine that flowers year-round in Indian weather: 5 mindful tips for beginners5 pro tips to brighten dull skinRice flour vs wheat flour: Which one is actually easier on the stomach?5 adorable pet dog breeds that grow tall and large8 vegetarian foods Indians used before protein powder existed8 local Indian foods loved around the world123Hot PicksCBSE class 12 resultUS Iran warPrateek YadavHaryana election resultForeign outflowNEET exam cancelledTamil Nadu assemblyTop TrendingRishabh PantNEET PaperIPL Points TableNEET Aspirant DieKerala Board SSLC Result 2026IPL 2026IPL Orange Cap 2026Bengaluru RapeCBSE 2 Language RuleRussia Lavrow Delhi government reduces VAT on aviation turbine fuel from 25% to 7% Pooja Bedi recalls telling Protima Bedi she was a ‘bad mother’: ‘You never gave me a curfew’ Leo, Weekly Horoscope, May 17 to May 23, 2026: Relationships and careers find renewed stability Bermuda triangle mystery may ‘finally’ be over: Scientists reveal hidden ocean forces and deep earth structures behind the disappearances NEET paper leak row: Delhi court sends two accused to 10-day CBI custody LoP Rahul Gandhi made a public call to sack education minister Dharmendra Pradhan amid the NEET paper leak row.The Tamil Nadu Lok Bhavan announced the portfolio allocation for the newly formed Tamil Nadu Cabinet led by CM Vijay.CBSE to implement 3-language rule for Class 9 from July 2026, third language will not be part of board exams.Amid NEET paper leak row, CBI arrested Pune botany teacher who NTA appointed as expert.CJI Surya Kant clarified that his “cockroaches” remark was misquoted and referred only to individuals using fake and bogus degrees, not unemployed youth.Here are the top 5 news of the day’Sack Dharmendra Pradhan now’: Rahul Gandhi says NEET paper leak ‘betrayed’ 22 lakh aspirantsCongress leader Rahul Gandhi intensified his attack on the Centre over the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak row, demanding the removal of Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan.Taking to X, Rahul Gandhi said, “Twenty-two lakh NEET kids have been cheated. Yet Modi ji isn’t uttering a single word. Remove Dharmendra Pradhan ji right now, or take responsibility yourself.” Read full storyTamil Nadu cabinet: 10 ministers allotted portfolios, CM Vijay keeps home, police & public administrationThe Tamil Nadu Lok Bhavan announced the allocation of portfolios for the newly formed 10-member Cabinet led by Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay. While ministries were distributed among his Cabinet colleagues, Vijay himself retained key departments including public administration, general administration, police, women welfare, and youth development, and also carved out sports development as a separate portfolio. Read full storyCBSE 3-language rule for Class 9 from July 2026: No board exam for third languageCBSE is set to implement a three-language rule for Class 9 from July 2026, under which students will study a third language but it will not be included in board examinations. The move aims to promote multilingual learning while reducing exam pressure, as the third language will be assessed at the school level and kept outside the formal board exam structure. Read full storyNEET paper leak: CBI arrests Pune botany teacher who NTA appointed as expertThe Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) arrested another alleged mastermind in the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak case, identifying her as the source of leaked Biology questions. The accused, Manisha Gurunath Mandhare, a senior Botany teacher from Pune, was arrested in Delhi after questioning. The agency said she was associated with the examination process and had been appointed by the National Testing Agency (NTA) as an expert with access to Botany and Zoology question papers. Read full story’Misquoted my oral observations’: CJI Surya Kant clarifies ‘cockroach’ remarks on unemployed youthChief Justice of India Surya Kant clarified his recent remarks comparing some unemployed youth to ‘cockroaches’, asserting that his observations had been ‘misquoted’ and were specifically aimed at people entering professions using ‘fake and bogus degrees.’ In a statement issued a day after the remarks triggered controversy, CJI Kant said, “I am pained to read how a section of the media has misquoted my oral observations made during the hearing of a frivolous case yesterday.” Read full storyAbout the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’History Or Geography’: Indian Army Chief Upendra Dwivedi Issues Stern Warning To PakistanCBI Seeks 14-Day Custody Of Accused In NEET-UG 2026 Paper Leak Case; Pune Botany Teacher Arrested’Misquoted’: CJI Surya Kant Clarifies ‘Cockroach’ Remarks On Unemployed YouthNetherlands Returns 11th Century Chola-Era Copper Plates To India During PM Modi’s Visit’Jhalmuri Reached Here Too?’: PM Modi Invokes Bengal Polls In Netherlands, Lauds Indian DiasporaRampur Court Sentences Azam Khan To 2 Years In 2019 Speech Case, SP Veteran Faces Fresh Legal BlowRG Kar Case Back In Spotlight As BJP MLA Ratna Debnath Calls Mamata Banerjee ‘Head Of Criminals’RG Kar Case Back In Spotlight As BJP MLA Ratna Debnath Calls Mamata Banerjee ‘Head Of Criminals’Delhi Court Grants Robert Vadra Bail In Shikohpur Land Deal Money Laundering Case,ED Probe ContinuesMamata Banerjee Tells Leaders Free To Leave TMC, Vows To Rebuild Party After Bengal Poll Rout123PhotostoriesTravellers beware: 5 dirtiest things in a hotel room you didn’t know aboutHow to grow jasmine that flowers year-round in Indian weather: 5 mindful tips for beginners5 pro tips to brighten dull skinRice flour vs wheat flour: Which one is actually easier on the stomach?5 adorable pet dog breeds that grow tall and large8 vegetarian foods Indians used before protein powder existed8 local Indian foods loved around the worldHow to grow Mint endlessly in your balcony garden using kitchen scraps: Simple step-by-step guide for beginnersHuma Qureshi brings Banaras to Cannes in royal purple saree with Riviera-inspired palm motifs5 signs a mother is mentally exhausted123Hot PicksCBSE class 12 resultUS Iran warPrateek YadavHaryana election resultForeign outflowNEET exam cancelledTamil Nadu assemblyTop TrendingRishabh PantNEET PaperIPL Points TableNEET Aspirant DieKerala Board SSLC Result 2026IPL 2026IPL Orange Cap 2026Bengaluru RapeCBSE 2 Language RuleRussia Lavrow ‘Put the papers away’: Dale Steyn not impressed by Akash Singh’s note celebration vs CSK Priyanka Chopra shares adorable PICTURES of daughter Malti Marie Chopra Jonas’ says, ‘Soft launch of my current era’ The gross slime hiding in your water bottle cap and why you need to wash it daily Japan beach mystery sparks fear until experts identify strange object Pune hospital bomb scare: Shoe seller arrested from train; planted IED to extort money for STD treatment IPL 2026: ‘Have successful teams ever done this?’- Ashwin’s explosive take on Punjab Kings management CCPA issues notices to Amazon, Flipkart, Meesho and JioMart over ‘cyclosinone herbicide’ sale Shekhar Kapur backs John Abraham as next James Bond; Fan says, ‘No bro if you’re going Indian then it would be Arjun Rampal’ Top divorce lawyer says he hopes every marriage ‘ends in death’ and the internet is stunned by the reason Cancer, Weekly Horoscope, May 17 to May 23, 2026: Respect and recognition return Archaeologists digging in a garden discover a hidden 2,200 year old Roman military camp Anti-aging influencer Bryan Johnson shares 41 things he learned after spending millions on chasing longevity Govt bars Central employees from changing CGHS parent/in-law option later Nirmal Narvekar, Harvard’s $57 billion Indian-American money manager, bows out Check eligibility, last date, fees, link and steps to apply Eurovision 2026 Grand Final: Australia broadcast time, streaming details and complete viewing guide Why some front garden borders look expensive even with fewer plants? The helmet on your head should save your life, not risk it In 1938, Otto Hahn and Fritz Strassmann found one strange element in uranium residue and accidentally opened the atomic age Almost 5 months after Microsoft gave engineers access to Anthropic’s Claude Code, company is canceling licenses; says: This is shared accountability to make … Maldives scuba tragedy: Diver dies in search of five Italian tourists who drowned in underwater cave VD Satheesan with KC Venugopal (Image/PTI) NEW DELHI: Kerala chief minister-designate VD Satheesan on Saturday rejected reports of any feud with senior Congress leader KC Venugopal after meeting him at his residence. He asserted that the organisational and cabinet-related decisions were being taken jointly through consultations.The oath-taking ceremony of the new Congress-led UDF government will take place on May 18, while discussions over cabinet formation and portfolio allocation are currently underway among alliance partners.Satheesan’s remarks came amid intense speculation over internal differences within the Congress following the prolonged 10-day suspense over the chief ministerial post after the UDF’s sweeping victory in the Kerala assembly elections. Venugopal, who was also considered a strong contender for the top post, had reportedly enjoyed the backing of several MLAs. Senior leader Ramesh Chennithala too was in the race before the Congress high command finally picked Satheesan as chief minister on May 14.Satheesan arrived at Venugopal’s residence around 1.30 pm, where the two leaders held discussions for over 45 minutes. Several Congress leaders and newly elected MLAs were also present during the meeting.Addressing reporters jointly after the meeting, both leaders strongly denied reports of any internal rift and stressed that the party leadership was functioning collectively.”We do everything after consulting each other. Organisational matters in Kerala and cabinet-related issues are discussed and decided jointly,” Satheesan said.”There is no issue that cannot be resolved if we sit together for 10 or 15 minutes. Sometimes he may be right, and sometimes I may be right. We correct each other mutually,” he added.Satheesan also dismissed media reports suggesting divisions within the Congress leadership.”Nothing happened in Congress the way some journalists intended. Some people saw us as enemies,” he said.Highlighting Venugopal’s organisational role, Satheesan observed that the AICC general secretary was responsible for forwarding all ministerial approvals to the Congress high command.”he person responsible for obtaining the approval of the Congress president and Rahul Gandhi for the decisions taken here is AICC general secretary KC Venugopal. All the papers for approval go through him,” he said.Satheesan further underlined his long personal and political relationship with Venugopal.”The two of us have travelled all over the world together. We share such a great emotional bond,” he said.Venugopal too sought to end speculation around factionalism within the Kerala Congress and asserted that the party would stand united behind the new government.”If anyone even touches this body, it has Congress blood. Congress means everything to us. Once the party takes a decision, our aim is to stand firmly by it and fight for it,” Venugopal said.”The party is the thread that binds everything together. Whatever differences of opinion may exist, the one force that unites all of us is the Indian National Congress,” he added.He also said people in Kerala had high expectations from the new UDF government and stressed that the focus should now shift to governance and addressing issues faced by ordinary people.”As a Congressman, it is my responsibility to extend full support to him while he carries out that mission,” Venugopal said.The latest show of unity came a day after Venugopal had publicly downplayed reports of friction within the party and said all issues involving senior leaders, including Chennithala, would be resolved smoothly.”Everything will be resolved smoothly. Congress leaders in Kerala are disciplined and abide by the party’s decisions,” Venugopal had said on Friday after arriving in Kerala.”I accept the party’s decision. There is no need to discuss it further,” he had added while responding to questions about missing out on the chief minister’s post.Venugopal had also dismissed reports of a separate ‘KC faction’ emerging within the Congress.”Do not get into other controversies. I have been seeing talk of a ‘KC faction’ for the past two days. There is no need for such factions. There will be good ministers, and capable Congress MLAs have been elected, he had said.Meanwhile, Satheesan on Saturday confirmed that discussions on cabinet formation and portfolio allocation among UDF allies were in the final stages. He said the list of ministers would be submitted to Kerala governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar by Sunday afternoon.”By tomorrow afternoon, the list of the Chief Minister and 20 ministers will be submitted to the Governor,” Satheesan said.Earlier, Satheesan also met Chennithala for the second time in two days amid continuing efforts by the Congress leadership to persuade the senior leader to join the Cabinet after his disappointment over missing out on the chief minister’s post.The Congress-led UDF secured a decisive mandate in the 140-member Kerala assembly by winning 102 seats, ending the CPM-led Left Democratic Front’s decade-long rule in the state.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosCBI Seeks 14-Day Custody Of Accused In NEET-UG 2026 Paper Leak Case; Pune Botany Teacher Arrested’Misquoted’: CJI Surya Kant Clarifies ‘Cockroach’ Remarks On Unemployed YouthNetherlands Returns 11th Century Chola-Era Copper Plates To India During PM Modi’s Visit’Jhalmuri Reached Here Too?’: PM Modi Invokes Bengal Polls In Netherlands, Lauds Indian DiasporaRampur Court Sentences Azam Khan To 2 Years In 2019 Speech Case, SP Veteran Faces Fresh Legal BlowRG Kar Case Back In Spotlight As BJP MLA Ratna Debnath Calls Mamata Banerjee ‘Head Of Criminals’RG Kar Case Back In Spotlight As BJP MLA Ratna Debnath Calls Mamata Banerjee ‘Head Of Criminals’Delhi Court Grants Robert Vadra Bail In Shikohpur Land Deal Money Laundering Case,ED Probe ContinuesMamata Banerjee Tells Leaders Free To Leave TMC, Vows To Rebuild Party After Bengal Poll RoutJamiat Attacks Bhojshala Verdict, Says Ayodhya Judgment Opened Door To New Religious Site Disputes123PhotostoriesHow to grow jasmine that flowers year-round in Indian weather: 5 mindful tips for beginners5 pro tips to brighten dull skinRice flour vs wheat flour: Which one is actually easier on the stomach?5 adorable pet dog breeds that grow tall and large8 vegetarian foods Indians used before protein powder existed8 local Indian foods loved around the worldHow to grow Mint endlessly in your balcony garden using kitchen scraps: Simple step-by-step guide for beginnersHuma Qureshi brings Banaras to Cannes in royal purple saree with Riviera-inspired palm motifs5 signs a mother is mentally exhaustedNational Dengue Day 2026: Doctors warn Dengue is now a year-round threat, and families are still missing early signs123Hot PicksCBSE class 12 resultUS Iran warPrateek YadavHaryana election resultForeign outflowNEET exam cancelledTamil Nadu assemblyTop TrendingRishabh PantNEET PaperIPL Points TableNEET Aspirant DieKerala Board SSLC Result 2026IPL 2026IPL Orange Cap 2026Bengaluru RapeCBSE 2 Language RuleRussia Lavrow Pooja Bedi admits she ‘wasn’t good actress’; REVEALS she distracted people by being SENSUAL 5 mindful tips for beginners In 1896, Henri Becquerel left uranium salts in a drawer wrapped with photographic plates, which opened the door to nuclear science ‘She cheated on me, gave our son to someone else’: Hyderabad man dies by suicide, uploads video The surprising reason Joan Kroc’s record-breaking Salvation Army gift still changes lives today