Exam chief removed over CBSE marking fiasco
Education authorities have removed senior officials of the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) following widespread criticism over errors in the evaluation of Class 12 examinations.
CBSE chairman Rahul Singh and secretary Himanshu Gupta were transferred after students reported incorrect grades and result mismatches.
The controversy intensified after a cybersecurity researcher flagged vulnerabilities in the board’s new digital marking system, affecting nearly 1.8 million students.
Mamata faces revolt as rebel MLA claims support of 58 MLAs
West Bengal’s opposition Trinamool Congress (TMC) is facing a major internal crisis after expelled MLA Ritabrata Banerjee claimed the support of 58 party legislators.
The development has fuelled speculation of a possible split within the party.
The turmoil follows allegations of forged signatures and a police probe that has drawn in senior leaders, including Mr Abhishek Banerjee. The rebellion comes after the TMC’s poor electoral performance.
New Delhi hotel fire kills 21, dozens injured
At least 21 people were killed and more than 40 injured after a massive fire engulfed a hotel in south Delhi on June 3. The blaze broke out at Flourish Stay, a bed-and-breakfast located in a congested neighbourhood.
Rescue operations continued throughout the day, with several victims reported in critical condition. Authorities said 47 guests were staying at the property when the fire erupted. The cause is under investigation.
Three dead after fire breaks out in Bihar hospital ICU
A fire in the Intensive Care Unit of a private hospital in Bihar’s Muzaffarpur district claimed at least three lives on June 4. The blaze broke out on the fifth floor of Prasad Hospital, prompting an emergency evacuation of patients.
Around 20 people were rescued and shifted to nearby hospitals. Officials suspect a short circuit caused the fire.
Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.
Pune IT firm shutdown leaves 700 employees jobless, CEO arrested
More than 700 employees have been left without jobs after Pune-based Thynk Technology India allegedly shut down operations without notice, reported NDTV.
Staff members claim they were denied access to offices and have not received pending salaries. Following complaints from interns and employees, police arrested the company’s CEO on charges of cheating and criminal breach of trust.
Two other senior officials have also been booked in the case.
US$1.05 billion fund approved to ease airlines’ fuel burden
The Indian government has approved a Rs100 billion (US$1.05 billion) fuel stabilisation fund to help airlines cope with rising jet fuel prices linked to disruptions from the Iran conflict.
The assistance will be provided as interest-free advances to state-run oil companies supplying aviation fuel at moderated rates.
Officials said the measure aims to protect air connectivity and ensure uninterrupted domestic and international flight operations.
US proposes additional 12.5% tariff on Indian imports
The United States has proposed an additional 12.5% tariff on Indian imports, citing concerns over goods allegedly produced through forced labour.
The proposal was unveiled during trade talks in New Delhi and forms part of a wider review under Section 301 of the US Trade Act. India’s Commerce Ministry said the measure is not final and will undergo public consultation before any decision is taken.
Search intensifies for missing Uttarkashi trekker
A massive search operation is underway for 24-year-old trekker Babita Pandey, who disappeared during a trek in Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand, on May 29.
More than 150 personnel from the Army, Indo-Tibetan Border Police, State Disaster Response Force, police and forest department are involved in the rescue effort.
Investigators have detained her two trekking companions for questioning. Search teams are now focusing on a nearby lake after CCTV footage showed Ms Babita shortly before the trek began.
Cockroach Janata Party plans protest seeking education minister’s resignation
The Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), a viral social media-driven movement, has announced a protest at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar on June 6, demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
The group has criticised the handling of NEET-UG paper leaks and problems with CBSE’s digital evaluation system.
CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke is expected to arrive from the United States to seek permission for the demonstration.
Kerala ex-principal challenges dismissal over terror link allegations
A former school principal in Kerala has approached multiple authorities after alleging she was dismissed on the basis of false accusations.
Dr S. Shamna Begum, formerly of GR Public School in Thiruvananthapuram, said an anonymous complaint falsely claimed people with suspected terror links visited her husband at the school’s quarters.
She has sought intervention from commissions and courts, while the school says her removal followed complaints from staff and students about her behaviour.
Delhi startup offers shoppers personal bag-carrying assistants
A new Delhi startup is attracting attention with a service that allows shoppers to hire assistants to carry bags, push prams and help with purchases.
Launched in April, CarryMen operates in the busy Lajpat Nagar market and charges from Rs79 (S$1.06) for 30 minutes.
While many customers have welcomed the convenience, the service has also sparked debate over class privilege and whether such jobs resemble modern-day versions of traditional porter work.
