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NEET Paper leak effect: Govt appoints Ruchita Vij and Anuja Bapat as Joint Secretaries in NTA

National Testing Agency
National Testing Agency

New Delhi, May 16: In a significant move, the government has made two crucial appointments at senior officer level in the National Testing Agency (NTA) against the backdrop of a major controversy over the NEET-Under Graduate paper leak and exam cancellation.

The government has appointed senior IRS officer Ruchita Vij as the Joint Secretary in the NTA, the nodal body responsible for conducting major national-level entrance examinations in the country.

Ruchita Vij, a 2004-batch officer, is currently with the Ministry of Finance.

The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has also approved the appointment of Anuja Bapat, an ISS officer, as the Joint Secretary in the NTA by temporarily upgrading the post of Deputy Secretary/Director in the body for an initial period of two years.

Anuja Bapat is an ISS officer of 1998 batch.

The appointment of these two senior officers as Joint Secretaries in the NTA, which comes under the Department of Higher Education in the Union Ministry of Education, will take effect from the date the officers assume charge and will be for a tenure of five years or until further orders, whichever is earlier.

These crucial changes in the NTA come at a time when the body is facing intense criticism over the NEET-UG Exam paper leak followed by cancellation of the examination held on May 3 regarding admission of students in Medical colleges.

The role of Ruchita Vij and Anuja Bapat will be very crucial as the NTA is preparing to conduct fresh NEET-UG exams on June 21, around three weeks from now.

These appointments are expected to strengthen leadership, governance, and operational efficiency at NTA as it continues to manage large-scale examinations and digital testing initiatives.

About NTA:

The NTA is an autonomous body under the Department of Higher Education in the Ministry of Education.

Established in November 2017, the agency is responsible for conducting numerous national-level exams for admission and fellowship in higher educational institutions related to engineering, medicine, management, research and pharmacy.

The agency has often been in controversy, with critics questioning how it is managed.

There are questions regarding transparency and public accountability.

After the recent paper leak, the government had promised to undertake major changes in the NTA. (BVI)

Sopore Police Attach Property of Hizbul-Linked Proclaimed Offender

Srinagar, May 16 (NVI) : Sopore Police on Saturday attached immovable property belonging to an alleged operative linked with banned outfit Hizbul Mujahideen in north Kashmir’s Sopore area, officials said.

The attached property belongs to Rasid-ud-Din Qureshi, a resident of Nadihal Rafiabad in Baramulla district, who was declared a proclaimed offender in connection with FIR No. 02/2008 registered at Police Station Panzalla under sections 2/3 of the E&IMCO Act, they said.

According to police, investigations revealed that Qureshi had allegedly crossed over to Pakistan-occupied Kashmir for arms and ammunition training and was operating in coordination with the Hizbul Mujahideen network from Pakistan.

Officials said land measuring two kanals at Lashdaej Nadihal, valued at several lakhs of rupees, was attached in coordination with the Revenue Department following orders of a competent court.

Police said the accused had been evading arrest for a prolonged period and was declared a proclaimed offender under Section 88 of the CrPC after sustained efforts to trace him failed.

The attachment proceedings were carried out after verification of revenue records and local enquiry in the presence of revenue officials and independent witnesses, officials added.

Police said it was the third such property attachment action carried out by Sopore Police in the last three days as part of an intensified crackdown on terror handlers, absconders and anti-national elements linked with terrioist organisations.

Officials said the drive was aimed at dismantling the terror ecosystem, disrupting support networks and taking legal action against individuals involved in militancy-related activities.(NVI)

PSI Shoots Wife Dead, Attempts Suicide in Kupwara

Srinagar, May 16 (NVI): A probationary sub-inspector (PSI) of Jammu and Kashmir Police allegedly shot his wife dead before attempting to end his own life in north Kashmir’s Kupwara district, officials said on Saturday.

Officials sources that the incident took place late Friday night at a Special Operations Group (SOG) camp in the Kandi area of Kupwara district.

The accused officer has been identified as Deep Singh, a probationary PSI posted at the SOG camp. He reportedly had a quarrel with his wife, Bhawana, following which he allegedly opened fire on her in a fit of rage, killing her on the spot.

After the incident, Singh allegedly shot himself and sustained critical injuries. He was immediately shifted to SKIMS Srinagar for treatment, officials said.

Police have taken cognisance of the incident and further investigation has been initiated.(NVI)

JEI-Linked UAPA Case: Sopore Police Conduct Raids at Multiple Locations

Sopore, May 16 (NVI): Sopore Police on Saturday conducted searches at multiple locations in north Kashmir’s Sopore area in connection with a case linked to Jamaat-e-Islami (JEI), officials said.

Officials said that the searches were carried out in connection with cases registered under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).

The raids were conducted in several areas, including Jamia Qadeem, Naseem Bagh, Krankshivan, Tarzoo and Amargarh Sopore.

Officials said the search operation was underway when the report was being filed, while further details are awaited.(NVI)

Man Shot Dead at Home in Kathua’s Basantpur; Probe Underway

Representational Image

Jammu, May 16 (NVI): A 40-year-old man was shot dead at his residence in the Dhana Basantpur area of Lakhanpur in Kathua district during the intervening night , officials said.

The deceased has been identified as Roop Singh, a resident of Dhana Basantpur.

Officials said the incident took place around 12:45 am when Singh sustained a gunshot injury at his home. He was shifted to a hospital where doctors declared him brought dead.

The body has been kept in the mortuary for medico-legal formalities.

A police team from Police Station Lakhanpur and Civil Police Post Basantpur reached the spot soon after the incident and started investigation into the matter.

Further details regarding the firing incident are awaited, officials added.(NVI)

Terror Hideout Busted in J&K’s Bandipora; Warlike Stores Recovered

Terror Hideout Busted in J&K’s Bandipora; Warlike Stores Recovered

Srinagar, May 15 (NVI): Security forces have busted a terrorist hideout and recovered a cache of warlike stores during a joint search operation in Jammu and Kashmir’s Bandipora district, officials said on Friday.

The hideout was unearthed in the Khanjpathri area of Aragam in north Kashmir during a Search and Destroy Operation carried out jointly by the Indian Army, Bandipora Police and CRPF from May 14 to 15, they said.

During the operation, security forces searched natural caves in the area and recovered clothing items, electronic gadgets, utensils, ration and other materials from the hideout, officials said.

Warlike stores were also seized during the operation, they added.

The operation in the area was continuing when last reports came in, officials said.(NVI)

Army Commander Reviews Security Preparedness Along LoC in Akhnoor Sector

Jammu, May 15 (NVI): General Officer Commanding (GOC) of White Knight Corps, accompanied by the GOC of Crossed Swords Division, visited forward areas of Akhnoor sector to review the prevailing security situation and operational preparedness along the Line of Control (LoC).

During the visit, the Corps Commander assessed the overall security environment and lauded troops for maintaining high levels of vigilance and operational dominance in the region.

He commended the strong synergy between the Army and the Border Security Force in safeguarding the LoC and appreciated all ranks for their professionalism and steadfast commitment under challenging conditions.

The Army Commander also emphasised the need for continuous innovation in capability development, greater infusion of technology and adaptive preparedness to effectively counter emerging security challenges, officials said.(NVI)

NCC Cadets from Across India Arrive in Srinagar for National Integration Camp

Srinagar, May 15 (NVI): A total of 342 National Cadet Corps (NCC) cadets and Associate NCC Officers (ANOs) from all States and Union Territories have arrived in Srinagar to participate in the 12-day Special National Integration Camp (SNIC), officials said on Friday.

The camp is being organised by NCC Group Srinagar under the aegis of the Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh Directorate.

The event began with a lamp-lighting ceremony and multi-faith prayers at the Sarv Dharm Sthal in Badami Bagh Cantonment, reflecting the spirit of communal harmony and national unity.

Cadets dressed in traditional attire from their respective regions showcased the country’s cultural diversity during the opening ceremony.

Addressing the participants, Brigadier Gurbir Singh, VSM, Group Commander NCC Srinagar, said such camps play an important role in promoting unity, leadership, cultural pride and patriotism among the youth.

As part of the inaugural activities, cadets also participated in a quiz competition based on Jammu and Kashmir and the NCC, displaying enthusiasm and teamwork.

The camp will feature military training sessions, cultural programmes and interactive activities aimed at strengthening camaraderie and national integration among the participants.

Officials said the Special National Integration Camp symbolises “Unity and Discipline” and reflects NCC’s commitment towards fostering harmony and leadership among the youth.(NVI)

Lt Gen Pratik Sharma Reviews Operational Preparedness in Forward Areas of Ladakh

Leh, May 15 (NVI): Lt Gen Pratik Sharma on Friday visited troops deployed in the forward areas of Western Ladakh to review the prevailing security situation and assess operational preparedness along the frontier.

During the visit, the Northern Command chief interacted with soldiers deployed along the Line of Control and commended them for their professionalism, dedication and steadfast commitment while operating under challenging conditions.

Highlighting the changing nature of modern warfare, Lt Gen Sharma stressed the need for adopting emerging technologies and innovation to further enhance operational capability and maintain a high level of combat readiness, officials said.(NVI)

Wine shop Row: NLP Criticises BJP for Selective Politics in Kashmir

Srinagar, May 15 (NVI): National Loktantrik Party (NLP) spokesperson Mohammad Yaqoob Dunoo on Friday criticised the BJP over its protests against wine shops in Jammu and Kashmir, accusing the party of adopting a selective and politically motivated approach on the issue.

In a statement issued here, Dunoo questioned the BJP’s stand, saying that if the slogan of “Nasha Mukt Bharat” is truly a nationwide mission, similar protests should also be held in BJP-ruled states where liquor shops continue to function openly.

He alleged that objecting to alcohol sales only in Jammu and Kashmir reflects “double standards” and selective politics. According to Dunoo, if BJP leaders are serious about tackling alcoholism and substance abuse, they should launch awareness campaigns and protests uniformly across all states governed by the party.

The NLP spokesperson said drug addiction and alcohol abuse are serious social concerns that require equal attention across the country and should not be used as political tools to target a particular government or region.

Dunoo further said that the people of Jammu and Kashmir deserve transparent governance and consistent policies instead of what he termed publicity-driven protests aimed at creating unnecessary controversy.(NVI)

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