FOLLOW US: @TheStatesmanLtd @thestatesmanltd thestatesman1875 www.thestatesman.com People’s Parliament, Always in Session India’s National Newspaper since 1818 | Pages 12 | ` 5.00 | KOLKATA | NEW DELHI | MUMBAI | BHUBANESWAR | LUCKNOW | SILIGURI Wednesday, 13 May 2026 SPORTS WORLD RCB seek batting revival against in-form Knight Riders Trump heads to Beijing to meet Xi Jinping EDITORIAL Endgame signals | PERSPECTIVE Page 9 Bengal craves for positivity Page 6 Page 12 Page 7 PM announces Ayushman NEET-UG 2026 cancelled; NTA to re-conduct exam, CBI probe ordered Bharat rollout in Bengal STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE New Delhi, 12 May PARWINDER SANDHU New Delhi, 12 May I n an unprecedented move affecting lakhs of medical aspirants across the country, the National Testing Agency on Tuesday cancelled the NEET-UG 2026 examination conducted on 3 May following allegations of a question paper leak, marking the first time the national medical entrance test has been scrapped in its current format. The agency announced that the examination would be held again on fresh dates to be notified later after reviewing the inputs received from central agencies and findings shared by law enforcement authorities. “On the basis of the inputs subsequently examined by NTA in coordination with the central agencies, and the investigative findings shared by the law enforcement agencies... the National Testing Agency, with the approval of the Government of India, has decided to cancel the NEET (UG) 2026 examination conducted on 3 May 2026, and to re-conduct the examination on dates that will be notified separately,” according to an agency statement. The decision came amid allegations of large-scale malpractice linked to a pre-circulated “guess paper” that reportedly matched nearly 120 Chemistry questions and allegedly overlapped significantly with sections of the Biology paper. Reports suggested that the material had reached coaching centres in Sikar, Rajasthan, nearly a month before the examination and was allegedly sold to candidates for as much as Rs 7.3 lakh, even hours before the test. The Rajasthan Special Operations Group is currently investigating the matter and has conducted raids while questioning multiple individuals in connection with the alleged leak. The Centre has also referred the matter to the Central Bureau of Investigation for a detailed probe, with the NTA stating that it would extend full cooperation to investigators. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said the people of West Bengal would now begin receiving the benefits of the Ayushman Bharat health insurance scheme following the formation of a Bharatiya Janata Party government in the state, asserting that the new “double-engine government” would ensure effective implementation of major Central welfare programmes. In a post on social media platform X, Modi said the welfare of the people of West Bengal remained a top priority for his government and expressed satisfaction that residents of the state would finally be brought under Ayushman Bharat, which he described as the world’s largest healthcare programme providing affordable and quality medical treatment. “The welfare of my sisters and brothers of West Bengal is supreme,” the Prime Minister said. “I’m very happy that the people of the state will have access to Ayushman Bharat, the world’s largest healthcare scheme that ensures top-quality and affordable healthcare. At the same time, the doubleengine Government will ensure seamless delivery of key Central schemes,” he added. The remarks came shortly after the BJP assumed power in West Bengal, ending the Himanta Biswa Sarma takes oath as Assam Chief Minister for the second time CBI takes over probe into Chandranath Rath’s murder STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE Guwahati, 12 May Himanta Biswa Sarma, who led the BJP-headed NDA to a massive win in the Assam Assembly polls, was on Tuesday sworn in as the state’s Chief Minister for the second successive term in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other political heavyweights here. The 57-year-old Mr Sarma, clad in traditional Assamese attire, was administered the oath of office and secrecy by state Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya in a brief but glittering ceremony at the Veterinary Ground. Four other ministers representing various constituents of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), which has formed the government in the state for the third consecutive time, were sworn in after the chief minister. Mr Sarma took the oath in Assamese in the name of God in an euphoric atmosphere marked by deafening applause and constant chants of “Jai Shri Ram” from a large gathering. Immediately after taking the oath, he went to where Mr Modi was sitting, and the two were seen warmly shaking hands. Mr Modi later called it a “great day for Assam” and profusely praised Sarma. “A great day for Assam! Congra- tulations to Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma Ji on taking oath. He has made a mark as a wonderful administrator and has done pioneering work for the state. My best wishes to him for the tenure ahead,” he said. This is the second consecutive stint as CM for Mr Sarma, who first ascended to the post in 2021. Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari, and Ports, Shipping and Waterways Minister Sarbananda Sonowal attended the ceremony alongside Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) National President Nitin Nabin and several chief ministers and deputy chief ministers of National Democratic Allianceruled states. US Ambassador Sergio Gor was also present at the ceremony. Among the four ministers who took the oath, Rameswar Teli and Ajanta Neog represented the BJP, while Atul Bora and Charan Boro were from the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) and the Bodoland People’s Front (BPF), respectively. While Teli is a former Union minister, the other three were ministers in the previous government headed by Mr Sarma. The Chief Minister said he felt honoured to reaffirm his oath to the people of Assam as their “Mukhya Sevak”. Kolkata, 12 May The Central Bureau of Investigation has taken over the probe into the murder of West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari’s close aide Chandranath Rath. The state police had recommended a CBI investigation into the case, and the central agency formally assumed charge of the investigation on Tuesday. In a statement, the CBI said that a Special Investigation Team (SIT) would be formed for the probe. The team will function under the supervision of the Joint Director, Head of the Kolkata Zone. Sources said officials from the Kolkata Zone would be appointed to the SIT according to the requirements of the investigation. Meanwhile, the Special Investigation Team of the West Bengal police investigating the murder has already identified three suspects and they have been arrested in connection with the murder from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. The accused have been identified as Mayankraj Mishra, Vicky Maurya and Raj Singh. Investigators believe that among those arrested are professional shooters. Police sources said Mayank and Vicky were arrested from Buxar in Bihar, while Raj was arrested from Ballia in Uttar Pradesh. The trio have been remanded to 12 days police custody by a city court. Earlier the state government formed the SIT including officers from the West Bengal Special Task Force (STF) and the CID. The same team carried out the arrests. Investigators suspect that the vehicle used in the crime had been brought from Jharkhand. Preliminary findings suggest online toll payments made from the vehicle at the Bali toll plaza helped investigators trace the accused. A member of the state police SIT said that digital tracking and technological surveillance were used to conduct raids in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. The CBI will now continue the investigation. Earlier, the Trinamul Congress had demanded a court-monitored CBI investigation. Chandranath Rath was shot dead on the night of 6 May in Madhyamgram. According to investigators, a four-wheeler blocked Rath’s vehicle on the road, forcing it to stop. Soon after, assailants pulled up on two motorcycles and opened fire on Rath and his driver from both sides. Rath died on the spot, while his badly injured driver remains hospitalised. A scientist’s tryst with spirituality DR J P GUPTA F rom the perspective of a devotee of SriSri Ravi Shankar, founder of the Art of Living Foundation, I have had the privilege of witnessing an extraordinary spiritual journey over the past 45 years. In my professional life, I have served as an engineer, scientist, corporate executive, environmentalist, professor, and writer. After completing my Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, I pursued my Ph.D. at the University of Toronto. Upon returning to India to serve my motherland, I held several leadership positions, including President of VAM Organics (now Jubilant Organosys), President of India Glycols Limited, and Managing Director of Insilco Limited, as well as several senior positions in the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India. Despite my scientific background, I always carried a deep curiosity to understand the deep meaning of life. Where do we come from? Where do we go after death? What is the true purpose of human life? These questions constantly occupied my mind. Although I never believed in mystical sciences, destiny led me to meet Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Ji, a transformative point in my life indeed. I started my spiritual journey by attending the basic course of the Art of Living and experienced the powerful Sudarshan Kriya ~ a unique breathing technique designed to calm emotions and prepare the mind for meditation. That experience opened my belief to the existence of an inner world and spirituality. During one of my meetings with former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, arranged by late Shri Balbir Punj, I said to him: “Hon’ble Prime Minister, although I never believed in mystical sciences, I have met a person in whom I see divinity in human form. You should meet him.” Atalji immediately expressed interest in meeting Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Ji and later had long and meaningful continuing interactions with him, accepting him as a Raj Guru. Similarly, I had the opportunity to facilitate his meetings with leaders such as Lal Krishna Advani, Sonia Gandhi, A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, and Nitin Gadkari, along with several politicians from different political parties, academicians, and bureaucrats, all of whom developed instant respect for him leading to a bondage of love and reverence. I have witnessed how Sri-Sri Ravi Shankar Ji, blessed with divine grace, played a significant and unique role in facilitating dialogue and reconciliation among rival factions for over a decade, contributing to an atmosphere of understanding that ultimately led to the construction of the Ram Mandir under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. His tremendous contributions in India and across the world ~ including efforts in war-torn countries, support for refugees, work in prisons, and assistance to people suffering from anxiety and depression - truly establish him as a prophet of modern times, respected and admired by leaders of all religious faiths across the globe. Over the years, Art of Living has spread its message of peace and human values across more than 180 countries. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Ji has consistently emphasized that no problem can ever be solved through violence, killing, or the use of force. Wars destroy not only human lives and property, but also the environment and the moral conscience of humanity. On the one hand, the world invests enormous resources in healthcare and scientific advancement; on the other, innocent men, women, and children are mercilessly killed in wars without discrimination. This is a tragic reflection on humanity. History has repeatedly shown that wars do not create lasting peace. Ultimately, peace is achieved only through dialogue, understanding, and collective wisdom. Differences of opinion should be resolved through discussion and diplomacy, however long the process may take. Today, the ongoing conflicts between nations, including the devastating Russo-Ukrainian War, which has resulted in thousands of lost lives, the growing crisis of refugees and immense human suffering, as well as the violence in Gaza and tensions involving Israel, the United States, and Iran, remind us of the urgent need for a new global direction. On the occasion of the 45th anniversary of the Art of Living, it is time for the United Nations to collectively declare an International Peace Day dedicated to the cause of harmony and non-violence. Ministries of Defence across nations should gradually evolve into Ministries of Peace. The world must now seek alternative pathways to achieve peace through peace ~ not through war. That is the timeless message of Sri-Sri Ravi Shankar Ji and of the Art of Living movement. On this very auspicious day, i.e., 13 May, the birthday of Sri-Sri, we extend our heartfelt wishes for a “Happy Birthday,” along with a prayer for world peace and the blessings of Guru Dev. (The writer is a devotee of Art of Living.) 15-year rule of the Trinamul Congress and unseating the government led by former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. During the Assembly election campaign, the BJP had strongly pushed for the implementation of Ayushman Bharat and accused the previous TMC administration of preventing the rollout of several centrally sponsored schemes due to political considerations. Ayushman Bharat, formally known as the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, offers annual health insurance coverage of up to Rs 5 lakh per family for economically weaker sections requiring secondary and tertiary hospitalisation. Under the previous TMC government, West Bengal had opted out of the scheme and instead continued with its own health insurance initiative, Swasthya Sathi, which the Banerjee administration had promoted as a more comprehensive model. India advises China to ‘reflect’ on support for Pakistan during Op Sindoor NIKHIL VYAS New Delhi, 12 May In a stern message to China for helping Pakistan during Operation Sindoor in May last year, the government on Tuesday said it is for nations who consider themselves responsible to reflect whether supporting attempts to protect terrorist infrastructure affects their “reputation and standing”. India’s sharp response came in response to reports regarding China’s support to Pakistan during Operation Sindoor last year. Addressing his weekly media briefing in New Delhi, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, responding to a media query on reports of China admitting on-ground support to Pakistan during India's Operation Sindoor in May last year, said: “We have seen reports that corroborate what was known earlier.” He stated that Operation Sindoor was a “precise, targeted and calibrated” response to the terrorist attacks in Pahalgam, aimed at destroying state-sponsored terrorist infrastructure operating out of Pakistan and at its behest. “It is for nations who consider themselves responsible to reflect whether supporting attempts to protect terrorist infrastructure affects their reputation and standing,” Mr Jaiswal added. In response to another query about Nepal’s request for fertiliser support from India, the MEA spokesperson said: “We have received a request from Nepal for the supply of fertilisers. This is being processed within the existing framework of cooperation.” He also informed that India has received an invitation for Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri to visit Nepal, the dates of which will be decided as per mutual convenience of both nations.