VK News Today https://validator.w3.org/feed/docs/rss2.html . What does it mean to have free will in 2026?Why are young people across the world filming themselves eating lunch on ladders, rearranging their homes into fake hotel suites, or doing completely irrational everyday activities simply because they can?And how did a 19th-century philosopher who believed human beings were never truly free become strangely relevant to a generation raised by algorithms, lockdowns, surveillance and social media?Across social media, thousands of young users are posting videos under captions such as “POV: You suddenly realise you have free will”. The intent is to carry out the daily mundane activities in deliberately impractical but harmless waysVideos of people climbing the maintenance ladder while having lunch just to finish the meal in the air or other laying out buffets of the same meal just to recreate a wedding vibe have become a well-participated trend.What looks like unserious internet humour has almost become an emotional reaction to a world that feels increasingly controlled by economics, technology, politics and invisible systems.In a time when algorithms predict behaviour, governments shape consumption habits during crises and social media constantly influences thought patterns, free will is no longer viewed as a stable philosophical truth. For the new generation, it has become a feeling, a performance and, in many ways, a vibe.From philosophy to TikTok rebellionLong before social media transformed rebellion into short-form content, German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche had already questioned whether free will existed at all.In his 1886 work Beyond Good and Evil, Nietzsche argued that human beings do not make choices in the pure, independent way they imagine. Instead, he believed people are shaped by instincts, conditioning, emotions, physiology and social structures that operate beneath conscious awareness. According to Nietzsche, free will was less a spiritual truth and more a psychological sensation.“The will is not only a complex of feeling and thinking, but it is above all an emotion, and in fact the emotion of the command,” Nietzsche wrote.In simple terms, Nietzsche believed people experience freedom when one desire inside them defeats another. A person feels powerful not because they escaped cause and effect, but because they managed to overpower competing impulses within themselves.That framework unexpectedly mirrors the current internet trend.A person eating lunch on a ladder is not operating outside social conditioning. Rather, they are experiencing the thrill of temporarily defeating the instinct to behave normally. The action itself may be meaningless, but the feeling attached to it is emotionally real.A generation shaped by crises and controlThis modern obsession with “performative autonomy” is emerging at a time when many young people feel their actual control over life has sharply decreased.The Covid-19 pandemic left a lasting psychological mark on an entire generation. Lockdowns suddenly restricted movement, social gatherings and everyday behaviour. Basic actions such as travelling, meeting friends, or simply being outside became matters of public regulation. As trainee clinical psychologist Yukta Sharma puts it, “Free will feels less like “I can do anything I want” and more like: “With all the limitations that the world is placing on me, what are things that I can still choose to do happily and not feel guilty or ashamed or wrong about doing and find satisfaction and joy, without offending anybody in?”,” as she adds that these were the very things that shaped the generation’s response to the Covid-19 lockdown.And while many accepted these measures as necessary for public health, Suyog Shetti, 26, recalls resisting social pressure during the Covid pandemic.“I think people still have free will,” Shetti maintains. “People’s own fear and self-consciousness are what hold their free will back. Like during Covid, I didn’t take the vaccine. Although everyone was telling me to, I felt some scam was happening and thought the whole situation was a tool being used to push the vaccine on us.”Pop culture and collapse of certaintyPopular culture has started reflecting this anxiety in increasingly direct ways.Indian comedian Kenny Sebastian has repeatedly explored the absurdity of human behaviour through observational comedy. His routines often focus on how people unconsciously follow social scripts in relationships, public spaces and daily interactions.Fantasy-comedy series Good Omens also explores similar philosophical territory. Based on the novel by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett, the show questions whether human beings genuinely possess agency or merely act within systems controlled by larger cosmic structures. Throughout the story, characters constantly struggle between obedience, fear and moral independence.Meanwhile, neuroscientist and author Sam Harris has become one of the most influential contemporary voices arguing that free will does not exist at all.Harris believes human thoughts arise from prior neurological and environmental causes that individuals never consciously chose. According to his framework, understanding the illusion of free will can actually become liberating. Instead of obsessively blaming themselves for every impulse, mistake or emotional reaction, people can develop greater self-awareness and compassion.For many young adults overwhelmed by the constant self-improvement culture, this perspective feels strangely comforting.The modern economy constantly tells people they are fully responsible for their success, productivity and happiness. At the same time, those same individuals are navigating unstable job markets, impossible housing costs, digital addiction and algorithmic manipulation. The contradiction creates emotional exhaustion.As a result, the idea that “free will is limited” no longer sounds depressing to many young people. Instead, it feels realistic.What young people think free will means todayThat realism becomes clearer when listening to how young adults themselves describe freedom.The pragmatic viewFor 26-year-old Kamal Mishra, free will exists, but only within practical limitations.“Free will is not absolute independence, but maximum ownership of one’s choices,” Mishra explains. “Free will is like having your own shop, where you are not bound by anyone else’s control, order, or dependency and you make your own decisions. But yes, you will have to open that shop to earn a living.”Mishra’s comparison reflects a broader generational compromise. Young adults may desire independence, but they also recognise that survival still depends on participating in economic systems they cannot fully escape.The sceptical viewOthers are far more sceptical.Aanshi Kanaujia, 25, believes modern information culture has deeply compromised individual thought.“I believe free will is a golden cage,” she says. “Most of our will is influenced by people, and rarely do individuals have their own mind. Yes, it is polarised to a great extent, especially in this era of unstoppable information consumption, where our will and thinking are systematically borrowed from someone else. Yes, there are some doing their own mind, but that’s not a big number. The question is: Is your thought of free will truly yours?”Her argument reflects growing concerns around algorithmic influence.Social media platforms increasingly curate what users watch, buy, believe and discuss. Recommendation systems shape political opinions, aesthetics, humour and even emotional reactions. As these systems become more sophisticated, distinguishing personal desire from manufactured preference becomes increasingly difficult.The fatalist viewFor some, this has produced outright fatalism.“Free will does not exist; it’s just an illusion,” says 26-year-old Sumant Singh. “Everything depends entirely on the situation, and that same situation decides our will. Overall, nothing is ‘free.’ My thoughts might sound a bit extreme, but I feel this is the ultimate reality.”Singh’s view reflects a generation raised amid repeated crises.Many people currently in their mid-to-late twenties entered adulthood during economic uncertainty, climate anxiety, political polarisation and a global pandemic. The belief that individuals fully control their destinies feels increasingly disconnected from lived reality.The restrained viewYet not everyone believes freedom has disappeared entirely.Some young adults argue that free will survives in smaller forms.Chirag Thakur, 27, describes free will as the pause between impulse and action.“I think free will is like any other power or impulse that you have, which is often restrained by your mind which is, of course, a necessity,” Thakur states. “Without the mind as the charioteer, it would be like an aimless chariot, which can be chaotic and quickly turn into a disaster. In any ‘free will’ decision, the pause that makes you think about whether to do it or not is the real free will. And of course, this can change with changes in region, society, and circumstances.”His interpretation aligns closely with modern mindfulness practices, where awareness itself becomes a form of agency.Rather than viewing freedom as unlimited action, many younger people now define it as conscious interruption. In a world designed to trigger instant reactions, the ability to stop, reflect and resist impulse feels increasingly valuable.The structuralist viewAt the same time, conversations around free will are also becoming deeply political.Srabastee Biswas, 25, argues that freedom is unevenly distributed and shaped heavily by class, gender and social privilege.“Free will is not absolute, total independence,” Biswas argues. “It is more like what one creates out of the given resources and only where access is allowed to choose for themselves. If we take a feminist point of view, that space has never been equal. Gender roles, safety concerns, and economic gaps, especially for women and marginalized people, have always created a narrower lane of acceptable choices.”Biswas believes recent years have exposed just how fragile autonomy can be.“When we look at our generation, we’ve witnessed massive backtracks of individual rights, from the stripping away of bodily autonomy and reproductive freedom to economic crises and a massive surge in digital surveillance. This reveals how incredibly fragile it truly is. When the state deprives people of basic rights and autonomy, so-called free will becomes a luxury accessible only to the privileged class. For many of us, practicing free will isn’t just picking what we want, it’s questioning the central belief of what we were told to want.”Her comments reflect a broader shift in how younger generations discuss freedom.For previous generations, free will was often framed as personal ambition or individual achievement. For many Gen Z adults, however, freedom is increasingly understood through systems of power. Access to safety, money, healthcare, privacy and rights now determines how much autonomy someone can realistically exercise.The commercial viewThe role of technology in shaping behaviour remains one of the strongest recurring concerns.Riddhi Jain, 25, believes modern consumer culture actively narrows independent thought.“We don’t move by free will,” Jain reflects. “In my opinion, it’s like the more choices we are presented with, the more our actual free will is limited. We are not just influenced; we are rather controlled by brands and conditioned to think about things in a very specific, curated way.”Her observation reflects what psychologists often call the paradox of choice.While digital platforms offer endless options, many users ultimately end up following highly predictable patterns shaped by advertising, trends and algorithmic recommendations.Ironically, this has also made small acts of irrationality feel emotionally significant.Choosing to behave inefficiently, absurdly or unpredictably becomes a way of resisting optimisation culture. In a world obsessed with productivity, branding and measurable outcomes, doing something pointless simply because it feels amusing can feel deeply personal.The subversive viewAt the opposite end of the spectrum, some young adults believe the greatest act of autonomy today may simply be disengagement.“Our generation grew up with algorithms, lockdowns, trends, and constant chaos deciding things for us,” says 25-year-old Anurag Krishna. “So honestly, maybe real free will today is me choosing not to answer this question at all… which I almost did out of pure freedom.”That quiet refusal captures the exhaustion sitting beneath many contemporary conversations about agency.Young adults today are constantly asked to perform opinions, maintain online identities, produce content, optimise careers and remain permanently visible. In such an environment, withdrawal itself can feel rebellious.The rise of micro-rebellionsThis is precisely why the internet’s strange “free will” trend resonates so strongly.The videos are not revolutionary in any traditional political sense. Nobody is overthrowing governments by eating noodles on ladders or pretending their bedroom is a five-star resort.Yet these acts matter symbolically because they interrupt predictability.Algorithms thrive on patterns. Modern institutions thrive on compliance. Consumer economies thrive on habit. Absurd behaviour momentarily breaks those systems, even if only emotionally.In that sense, Nietzsche’s philosophy has accidentally found new life online.He believed free will was never pure freedom. It was merely the sensation of command, the emotional experience of asserting one desire over another.Today’s generation appears to have transformed that insight into cultural practice.They may fully understand that algorithms influence them, capitalism constrains them and crises shape their futures. They may even agree that absolute autonomy is impossible.But instead of responding with complete despair, many are choosing irony, absurdity and micro-rebellion.The result is a generation that no longer treats free will as a grand philosophical certainty.Instead, free will has become something smaller, stranger and more emotional.It is the pause before reacting.It is the decision to log off.It is refusing to optimise every second of existence.It is questioning inherited desires.And sometimes, it is climbing halfway up a maintenance ladder with a plate of lunch in hand simply to remind yourself that, despite everything, you can still choose to do something completely pointless.For Nietzsche, free will may have been an illusion.For Gen Z, the illusion itself has become the experience.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosTamil Nadu Cabinet: CM Vijay Takes Home, Sengottaiyan Gets Finance; Check Full List’Modi Ji…’: Rahul Gandhi Demands Sacking Of Dharmendra Pradhan Over NEET Paper Leak’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’123Photostories10 birds with hilariously perverted names and where travellers can find themWhat sparked rumours of Shehnaaz Gill dating cricketer Devdutt Padikkal?9 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 large123Hot 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 ‘Very loud person’: PBKS respond after Arshdeep Singh faces criticism over viral Tilak Varma video Mouni Roy and Suraj Nambiar follow each other again after announcing separation; Disha Patani still hasn’t refollowed him 6 fruits that are high in magnesium and why your body depends on them every day Bandi Bhageerath Sai with Father Bandi Sanjay Kumar NEW DELHI: Union minister Bandi Sanjay Kumar on Saturday said he has “handed over” his son, Bandi Bhageerath, to the police in connection with a POCSO case.Bandi Sanjay, former chief of the BJP’s Telangana unit, asserted that “all are equal before the law.”“Today, I handed over my son Bandi Bhageerath to the police through an advocate for investigation. I have previously said that all are equal before the law. My son has consistently maintained that he has committed no wrongdoing, and I had already decided to hand him over to the police when the complaint was filed against him,” ANI quoted him as saying.“We handed over all the evidence to the legal teams, and after examining it, they said bail would be granted in the case. That is why there was a delay in the surrender. I have full respect for the judiciary,” the Karimnagar MP added.The development came a day after the Telangana high court declined to grant Bhageerath interim protection from arrest.(Developing story, check again for details)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 MediaVideosTamil Nadu Cabinet: CM Vijay Takes Home, Sengottaiyan Gets Finance; Check Full List’Modi Ji…’: Rahul Gandhi Demands Sacking Of Dharmendra Pradhan Over NEET Paper Leak’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’123Photostories10 birds with hilariously perverted names and where travellers can find themWhat sparked rumours of Shehnaaz Gill dating cricketer Devdutt Padikkal?9 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 large123Hot 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 Updated: May 16, 2026, 20:57 IST Scorpio, Weekly Horoscope, May 17 to May 23, 2026: Week begins with positive personal and business developments King Charles ‘shocked and saddened’ as soldier dies after falling from horse at Royal Windsor Horse Show Vodafone India posts Rs 51,970 crore profit in Q4; promoter group to infuse Rs 4,730 crore ‘Misleading NEET, UPSC claims’: CCPA cracks down on coaching institutes, fines Motion Education and CLC With Katrina Kaif, Sunny Kaushal and family, inside the actor’s most heartwarming moments Ex-merchant navy captain ‘sold’ youths from UP to cyber slavery hubs in Cambodia, Laos; held Kash Patel unfazed by new controversies IWT NEW DELHI: India on Saturday once again rejected the constitution of the Court of Arbitration under the Indus Waters Treaty, declaring the decision as ‘null and void.’External affairs ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that India had never recognised the establishment of the court and would not accept any proceedings, awards or decisions issued by it.”The illegally constituted so-called Court of Arbitration (CoA) has, on 15 May 2026, issued what it termed an award concerning maximum pondage supplemental to the award on issues of general interpretation of the Indus Waters Treaty,” Jaiswal said in response to media queries.”India categorically rejects the present so-called award, just as it has firmly rejected all prior pronouncements of the illegally constituted CoA,” he added.Jaiswal further asserted that any proceedings conducted by the tribunal held no legal validity from India’s perspective.”India has never recognised the establishment of this so-called CoA. Any proceeding, award, or decision issued by it is null and void,” he said.He also reiterated that India’s decision to keep the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance remained unchanged.”India’s decision to hold the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance remains in force,” the MEA spokesperson said.This comes after the Court of Arbitration on May 15 issued an award linked to the ‘maximum pondage’ issue under the Indus Waters Treaty. India has consistently maintained that the court was constituted in violation of the treaty and has repeatedly rejected its jurisdiction over disputes related to the Kishenganga and Ratle hydropower projects in Jammu and Kashmir.Last year too, India had dismissed a supplemental award issued by the court, describing the arbitration mechanism as a ‘charade at Pakistan’s behest’ and accusing Islamabad of misusing international forums while continuing support for cross-border terrorism.The Indus Waters Treaty, signed between India and Pakistan in 1960 with the World Bank as facilitator, governs the sharing of waters of the Indus river system between the two countries.Under the treaty, the total waters of the eastern rivers, Sutlej, Beas and Ravi was allocated to India for unrestricted use while the waters of western rivers, Indus, Jhelum and Chenab was allocated largely to Pakistan.India is, however, permitted to use the water of western rivers for domestic use, irrigation and generation of hydro-electric power. But India has not been fully utilising its legal share due to lack of storage capacity.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’Modi Ji…’: Rahul Gandhi Demands Sacking Of Dharmendra Pradhan Over NEET Paper Leak’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 Continues123Photostories10 birds with hilariously perverted names and where travellers can find themWhat sparked rumours of Shehnaaz Gill dating cricketer Devdutt Padikkal?9 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 large123Hot 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 Kareena Kapoor once predicted Abhishek would be better than Amitabh Bachchan; ‘He is going to be better than the best’ Libra, Weekly Horoscope, May 17 to May 23, 2026: Week brings challenges with work and relationships feeling strained ‘Darling, leaked papers for you’: What Lucknow teacher told female student; viral audio sparks row US passenger hiding 115 smuggled gold bars in belt nabbed at Delhi airport Malavika Mohanan reacts after being asked uncomfortable question about Vijay and Trisha Krishnan: ‘What all questions are you asking me?’ What sparked rumours of Shehnaaz Gill dating cricketer Devdutt Padikkal? Warren Buffet’s one-line reply to Amazon founder Jeff Bezos’ question on why people don’t like copy his investment strategy Israel says Hamas military chief, involved in planning October 7 attacks, killed in Gaza Govt imposes curbs on silver imports as Centre tightens grip on bullion inflows Work from home over higher salary: Nearly 8 in 10 women willing to take pay cut for work-life balance: Report Belmont Cameli once gave up a kidney through a swap programme to help his childhood friend Virgo, Weekly Horoscope, May 17 to May 23, 2026: Week brings a sense of calm and joy New USCIS signature rule for H-1B, Green Card: Dos and don’ts for your next immigration application May 16, 2026, 19:23 IST Sunil Narine scripts history, becomes first overseas player to… EV maker raises US prices of Model Y variants by up to $1,000 Aditi Rao Hydari wins hearts with elegant saree photos; says, ‘Wearing a saree… the traditional way. 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