President Highlights NEET, References Emergency in Parliamentary Address

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President Droupadi Murmu urged MPs to transcend “partisan politics” concerning the controversy over “paper leaks” in medical college admissions and government recruitment exams.

INDIA plans adjournment motion on NEET issue

Opposition parties from the Indian National Developmental, Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) bloc plan to move adjournment motions in both Houses of Parliament over alleged irregularities in the National Entrance-cum-Eligibility Test (NEET) and paper leaks in other public exams.

An adjournment motion aims to halt all other business in the House to focus on the issue it raises. Both Houses of Parliament are set to debate the Motion of Thanks to the President’s address. While the government is unlikely to accept the adjournment motion, Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan is prepared to respond to questions about NEET and other public exams and discuss measures to strengthen the National Testing Agency (NTA).

President Droupadi Murmu affirmed the government’s commitment to investigating recent paper leaks and ensuring that those responsible are punished.

Sudan's population is facing severe levels of food insecurity

Sudan's population is facing severe levels of acute food insecurity, significantly worsened by the ongoing conflict. According to a United Nations report, approximately 25.6 million people are affected by this crisis

Here are the key points highlighting the severity of the situation:

1. Widespread Food Insecurity: Over 50% of Sudan's population, around 25.6 million people, are experiencing high levels of acute food insecurity. This is the worst level recorded by the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC)​
2. Conflict and Displacement: Sudan has been embroiled in conflict since April 2023, involving forces loyal to army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) led by Mohamed Hamdan Daglo. This conflict has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and has displaced millions of people​.
3. Humanitarian Crisis: The ongoing war has triggered one of the world's most severe humanitarian crises. The conflict has led to the collapse of health services, water contamination, and poor sanitation and hygiene conditions, further exacerbating the food insecurity situation​ 
4. Economic Instability: The conflict has pushed Sudan's economy into a severe crisis, causing widespread cash shortages and inflation. The prices of staple grains are expected to rise by up to 200% compared to last year, making it increasingly difficult for the population to afford necessities.
5. Agricultural Disruption: Hostilities have significantly disrupted agricultural activities, particularly the production of key crops such as millet, sorghum, and wheat. This disruption, coupled with high production costs, has led to exceptionally high market prices and a bleak outlook for future food production​ .

 Reasi and the long-standing issue of cross-border terrorism:.

1. Strategic Location and Vulnerability: Reasi, a district in Jammu and Kashmir, is strategically significant due to its proximity to the Line of Control (LoC) with Pakistan. This makes it a vulnerable target for cross-border infiltration by terrorists. The rugged terrain and dense forests provide cover for militants attempting to cross the border and infiltrate into Indian territory, exacerbating security challenges​ 
2. Historical Context of Terrorism: The issue of cross-border terrorism in Reasi and other parts of Jammu and Kashmir has been a persistent problem for decades. Since the late 1980s, there have been numerous instances of terrorist activities, including attacks on security forces, civilians, and infrastructure. This long-standing conflict has resulted in significant loss of life and disruption of daily life in the region​ 
3. Security Measures and Counterterrorism Efforts: To combat the threat of cross-border terrorism, Indian security forces have implemented various measures, including increased surveillance, intelligence operations, and military presence along the LoC. Efforts such as the construction of border fences, deployment of advanced monitoring technologies, and coordination between local and national security agencies have been crucial in addressing the infiltration attempts and ensuring the safety of the residents in Reasi​