5.5 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Afghanistan

PMO Drives Exam Reform Push to Ease NEET, JEE Single-Attempt Pressure

The Prime Minister's Office has stepped in to oversee major reforms to India's exam system following the NEET-UG controversy. The Education Ministry is expediting changes to both board exams and entrance tests such as NEET and JEE. Key proposals under consideration include giving weightage to board exam marks and aligning entrance test content with school curricula. Authorities are also exploring multiple attempt options and computer-based testing to strengthen exam integrity. The reforms aim to reduce the high-stakes pressure associated with single-attempt entrance examinations.

EPFO Makes PF Contributions Beyond Rs 15,000 Wage Limit Voluntary

The Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has set a mandatory 12% provident fund contribution on monthly wages up to Rs 15,000 for its eight crore members. Any contributions exceeding this statutory threshold will now be treated as voluntary. Employees who wish to save more for retirement retain the option to contribute beyond the limit, though employers are not obligated to match such additional amounts. These voluntary contributions offer flexibility, as members can modify or discontinue them at any time.

Fake drugs racket: IPS officer arrested for seeking Rs 3 crore to ‘fix’ CBI case

Government panel on demographic shifts prepares questionnaire, to visit states

A high-level committee formed a month ago has developed a comprehensive questionnaire to examine demographic changes across India, including those linked to illegal immigration. The panel is led by retired Justice Prakash Prabhakar Navlekar and has briefed Home Minister Amit Shah on its progress. The committee plans to visit states and union territories to gather ground-level information. It will also hold consultations with relevant central ministries as part of its investigation. The panel aims to submit its findings and recommendations at the earliest.