The start of commercial operations at Noida International Airport in Jewar is expected to accelerate real estate growth across the Yamuna Expressway corridor. Amid the rebellion within the Trinamool Congress, dissident MPs have announced a merger with the little-known Nationalist Citizens Party of India (NCPI), claiming support from 20 of TMC's 28 Lok Sabha MPs. A 19-year-old Bihar student has been arrested for allegedly attempting to divert NEET-UG 2026 fee refunds by gaining unauthorised access to candidates' accounts using weak passwords. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced plans to ban children under 16 from using major social media platforms as part of a sweeping online safety overhaul. The iconic 'Dancing Girl' of Mohenjo-daro has sparked controversy after appearing in an altered form in NCERT's new Class 9 arts textbook, with parts of its traditionally bare torso visually obscured.
Jewar Airport Operational: Property Prices Set to Rise
Real estate experts believe the commencement of flights at Noida International Airport will significantly strengthen property demand across Noida and the Yamuna Expressway region by attracting businesses, multinational companies and large-scale investments. According to industry estimates, residential property values could rise by 15-20% annually over the next four to five years, supported by improved connectivity and the entry of leading developers. The airport's operational status is expected to transform the area into a major commercial hub, driving both residential and commercial real estate growth.
Meet NCPI: The Little-Known Party at Centre of TMC Rebellion
The Nationalist Citizens Party of India (NCPI), a little-known outfit that failed to make a mark in the 2023 Tripura Assembly elections, has unexpectedly become central to the ongoing rebellion within the Trinamool Congress. Dissident MPs have merged with the party and approached Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla for separate seating arrangements, while TMC leadership has opposed recognition of the breakaway faction. The rebels claim backing from 20 of TMC's 28 Lok Sabha MPs, exceeding the two-thirds threshold required under the anti-defection law for a valid merger. This development could potentially make NCPI the second-largest ally of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA).
Gujarat Police, NTA Foil NEET UG 2026 Refund Scam
The Ahmedabad Cyber Crime Branch, in collaboration with the National Testing Agency (NTA), has foiled a cyber fraud targeting NEET-UG 2026 candidates and arrested a 19-year-old BSc student from Bihar's Gaya district. The accused allegedly accessed candidate accounts using weak passwords and attempted to change bank details to redirect fee refunds into accounts under his control. Investigators found that nearly 350 accounts were targeted, with around 150 found vulnerable due to poor password security. The NTA has urged candidates to use strong passwords and enable two-factor authentication to prevent such incidents.
UK PM Keir Starmer Proposes Social Media Ban for Under-16s
The UK government has unveiled a major child online safety initiative that would prohibit under-16s from accessing leading social media platforms, including TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, X, YouTube, Reddit and Threads. Announcing the plan, Prime Minister Keir Starmer said existing safeguards had failed to protect children from harmful content, cyberbullying and online predators. The proposed 'Australia-plus' model also includes tighter controls on gaming platforms, a ban on minors using romantic or sexual AI chatbots, and restrictions aimed at reducing excessive screen time and late-night social media use. The legislation is expected to be introduced in Parliament later this year.
NCERT Textbook Shows Indus Valley's 'Dancing Girl' with Covered Torso
A modified depiction of the 4,500-year-old 'Dancing Girl' bronze figurine from Mohenjo-daro in NCERT's new Class 9 arts textbook has triggered debate over the representation of historical artefacts. The statuette, a celebrated symbol of the Indus Valley Civilisation, appears with parts of its torso visually covered, unlike the original sculpture and its depiction in NCERT's Class 6 Social Science textbook. Historian and textbook committee chairman Michel Danino criticised the alteration, arguing that it misrepresents the artefact and reflects outdated attitudes towards nudity in art. The controversy has sparked discussions about age-appropriate content in educational materials.
