Month: February 2026

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has declared the results of JEE (Main) 2026 Session 1 Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech.), with 12 candidates securing a perfect 100 NTA score (percentile). The exam recorded an overall attendance of 96.26 per cent.

NTA conducted the Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech.) of Joint Entrance Examination (Main) 2026 Session 1 (January) in 658 Centres in 326 Cities (including 15 cities outside India).

The examination was conducted in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode across 658 centres in 326 cities, including 15 cities outside India. It was held in 13 languages — Assamese, Bengali, English, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Odia, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu and Urdu.

According to the release, 12 candidates achieved a 100 NTA Score (percentile) in the JEE (Main) 2026 Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech.).

The top scorers include Shreyas Mishra (Delhi-NCT), Narendrababu Gari Mahith and Pasala Mohith (Andhra Pradesh), and Shubham Kumar (Bihar), among others.

There were 11 candidates on the toppers list from the General Category and 1 from the OBC-NCL category.

The examination dates were January 21, 22, 23, 24, and 28.

A total of 13,55,293 candidates registered for the exam, a figure that includes those registering from cities outside of India. Of these, 13,04,653 candidates appeared for the test, including those at international centres. This resulted in a high overall attendance rate, with 96.26% of registered candidates participating in the examination.

The examination was also conducted in 15 international cities, including Manama, Doha, Dubai, Kathmandu, Muscat, Riyadh, Sharjah, Singapore, Kuwait City, Kuala Lumpur, Lagos, West Java, Washington, Munich and Abu Dhabi.

The NTA Scores/ Results of Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech.) are being declared today. The results of JEE (Main) 2026 Paper 2 (B. Arch/B. Planning) will be declared later.

For the General category, there were 1,65,622 female candidates and 3,08,011 male candidates, totalling 4,73,633. In the Gen-EWS category, 53,824 females and 1,10,436 males were registered, making a total of 1,64,260, the release noted.

The OBC-NCL (Central List) comprises 1,86,607 female and 3,47,364 male candidates, for a total of 5,33,971. For the SC category, there were 46,440 females and 90,767 males, totaling 1,37,207.

In the ST category, 15,324 females and 30,898 males were registered, with a total of 46,222. Overall, the total number of registered candidates is 13,55,293, consisting of 4,67,817 females and 8,87,476 males.

NTA Scores are normalised scores across multi-shift papers and are based on the relative performance of all those who appeared for the examination in one shift. The marks obtained are converted to a scale from 100 to 0 for each shift of examinees. NTA score is not the same as the percentage of marks obtained. The NTA Score of a Candidate has been calculated as follows:

The final rank of the candidates will be released, taking into consideration the best of the two NTA Scores, after both Sessions of the JEE (Main) – 2026 Examination for Paper 1, in accordance with the policy already made.

Various measures were adopted by NTA for the smooth conduct and monitoring of examinations, including the NTA making elaborate arrangements at various levels and taking help from State and District Authorities for the smooth conduct of the examination.

The OTP-based Aadhaar E-KYC was introduced for the first time as the key method for authenticating candidates during the registration process. The initiative aims to prevent impersonation and address potential criticism in the future, according to the release.

To make the candidates and their parents aware of the rules and regulations of the examination, the “Important Advisory and instructions to the candidates for JEE (Main) 2026” were included in the Admit Card.

Special emphasis was made on the random deployment of exam functionaries in all examination centres.

Various exam functionaries, i.e., 311 City Coordinators, 726 Observers, 311 flying squads, and 215 representatives of certain Central Government agencies, were deputed for examination duties across various cities and centres.

Orientation training programme was conducted for all the examination functionaries in online mode for three consecutive days before the start of the examination. A total of approximately 1400 exam functionaries attended the orientation training session.

A Central Control Room was opened at NTA to monitor and facilitate the smooth conduct of the Examination on the ground.

Live CCTV Surveillance with analytics was performed for all examination centres to curb malpractices in the examination.

The NTA also made arrangements for live viewing of remote locations of all examination centres from the Control Room located in the NTA premises of New Delhi. CCTV recordings were used for post-examination analysis to identify acts of malpractice.

The examination centres were also monitored using AI-based Video Analytics and Virtual Observers.

Jammers were installed in all the Centres to prevent unfair practices by the candidates during the examination through mobile or any other electronic device. The latest 5G jammers have been installed at all examination Centres.

The National Testing Agency (NTA) constituted a PwD/PwBD committee and implemented policies in accordance with the RPwD Act, 2016, and guidelines for writing examinations for Persons with Disabilities.

PwD/PwBD candidates were assigned to a PwD/PwBD-friendly test Centre, and organisational support was provided to them.

To make the examination system transparent, the Question Paper, recorded responses, and the provisional Answer Key were posted on the website for examinees to verify. After verification by the Subject Experts, the Revised Answer Keys were published on the website.

NTA thanked all the Central Government Agencies, State and District authorities, various examination functionaries and all the candidates for the support extended during the successful conduct of the prestigious JEE (Main) 2026 Session 1. (ANI)

Actor Rajkummar Rao, known for his versatility, is once again ready to push his boundaries with a striking transformation for the upcoming biopic on public prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam.

Taking to his Instagram handle, Rajkummar Rao penned a long note and spoke about the physical preparation that went into bringing his role to life.

“My being is through my Art. Just finished shooting for my next Biopic #NIKAM and yes, it has demanded me to change physically which I love doing. I’m not a believer in prosthetic as long as I can achieve the look through my hardwork which I’ve achieved in Nikam be it gaining weight or looking old (to play a certain age) or to make my hair thin which my hair stylist was very much against,” the actor wrote.

The ‘Stree’ star opened up on how he was asked to not undergo certain physical changes for his films like ‘Bose’, ‘Trapped’, and ‘Srikanth’, adding how he ended up gaining 9-10 kg for ‘Nikam’.

“Everyone told me to not go half bald for BOSE also and to gain that much weight or to Not stop eating and lose so much weight for TRAPPED or to not behave like a visually impaired person even when cameras weren’t rolling during SRIKANTH. For Nikam I had to gain around 9-10 kgs and I was eating 2 pizzas and lot of sweets and my fav Aloo Parathas, Biryani and to not use anything glam to look like the part. Hopefully when you will see the film which will be releasing soon you will be able to see all that hardwork in the film,” he added.

Rao concluded by teasing fans about his next project where he is set to transform into the character of former India cricket team captain Sourav Ganguly.

“And now it’s the transition phase and time to lose these extra kgs and get ready to slip into Ganguly mode. Our very own Dada. Will always work the hardest to engage you, entertain you through my work. Much Love,” the post read.

This arrived on the heels of Rajkummar Rao’s latest outing which sparked a lot of buzz surrounding his changed appearance.

At the Bolti Khidkiyaan Short Film Festival 2026, Rajkummar Rao turned heads with his new look, featuring a patchy beard and moustache. His hair also appeared thinner, leaving fans wondering.

Multiple clips from the event went viral across social media platforms. (ANI)

The Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) team has reached a chemical factory in Bhiwadi, Khairthal-Tijara district, following a fire that claimed the lives of seven workers.

Rajasthan Minister Sanjay Sharma said seven workers died in the Bhiwadi factory fire, with only their bones recovered. He confirmed the factory, located in a garment zone, was illegally manufacturing fireworks.

The plot had been allotted by RIICO to a person named Rajendra, who subleased it, and that no other business is permitted in the area. The deceased will be identified through DNA testing.

Rajasthan Minister said, “Seven workers died in this incident, and only their bones have been recovered. They were completely burned. I received information from the District Collector that a person named Rajendra was given a plot by RIICO. He holds the electricity connection. He subleased the plot. This is a garment zone. No other business is permitted here. But the sad thing is that fireworks were being manufactured here illegally, inside a locked factory. The deceased will be identified through DNA testing.”

ADM Sumitra Mishra added, “Based on the elements found here, the factory and boiler inspector stated that children’s firecrackers were manufactured at this factory. An FIR has been registered against Abhinanda Tiwari, who was running the factory. RIICO has also initiated action to cancel the lease of this plot.”

At least 7 people were burned to death in a fire that broke out in a chemical factory in the Bhiwadi area of Rajasthan’s Khairthal-Tijara district on Monday, officials said.

Rajasthan Congress President Govind Singh Dotasra urged the government and the administration to take immediate action on the matter, where he also pointed to an earlier similar accident in Ajmer, where 16 people were killed after a chemical tanker overturned.

He stated that such incidents have become common under the present government.

“In the district of Khairthal-Tijara, in Bhiwadi, a chemical factory caught fire and killed 8-10 people. Many people have been injured. There has been heavy damage… The government and administration should take immediate action. After the formation of the government, as you have seen, on Ajmer Road, a chemical tanker was overturned. More than 16 people were killed. In Jaipur, in SMS, in ICU, people were burnt to death… This has become a common thing, but the government is not paying attention to this. This is a very serious matter,” Dotasara told ANI. (ANI)

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has imposed a penalty of Rs 184 crore on PPK Newsclick Studio Pvt Ltd and its director, Prabir Purkayastha, for alleged violations of the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), 1999.

Of the total, a penalty of Rs 120 crore has been imposed on the company and Rs 64 crore levied on Purkayastha under Section 42 of FEMA, holding him responsible for the conduct of the company’s business during the relevant period.

ED said the adjudicating authority under FEMA passed an order dated February 16 under the provisions of the Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999, in an adjudication proceeding in the case of PPK Newsclick Studio Pvt Ltd relating to violations of foreign exchange law involving foreign direct investment and foreign inward remittances.

In a statement, ED said the adjudication proceedings arose from a complaint under Section 16 of FEMA, filed by the Directorate of Enforcement, alleging contraventions of FEMA and the rules and regulations made thereunder in connection with the receipt and utilisation of foreign funds.

The adjudicating authority, after detailed examination of records, evidence, and submissions of the noticees, held that Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) amounting to approximately Rs 9.59 crore was received during the financial year 2018-19 by misrepresenting the nature of business activity in statutory filings, thereby bypassing prescribed sectoral conditions and entry route requirements under FEMA.

The authority also held that foreign inward remittances aggregating to Rs 82.63 crore, purportedly received between the financial year 2018-19 to 2023-24 towards export of services, were found to be in contravention of FEMA provisions due to misclassification of exports and failure to comply with mandatory reporting requirements, including submission of SOFTEX forms.

“The transactions were deliberately structured in a manner that defeated the objectives of the foreign exchange regulatory framework,” said the ED

ED said Purkayashta was found to be in charge of and responsible for the conduct of business at the relevant time and was therefore held liable under Section 42 of FEMA.

“The adjudicating authority observed that the contraventions were substantial, deliberate, and systemic in nature, involving large-scale foreign exchange transactions and breach of statutory declarations furnished to regulatory authorities. Therefore, in exercise of powers under Section 13(1) of FEMA, the following penalties have been imposed by the adjudicating authority,” it added. (ANI)

Pune Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar on Monday said cross-offences have been registered against both parties following a stone-pelting incident between Congress and BJP workers during a political agitation in the city, terming the incident “very unfortunate.”

A stone-throwing incident was reported near Congress Bhavan, the Pune headquarters of the Congress party, on Sunday afternoon after workers of the BJP and Congress came face to face during a protest over a remark made by Maharashtra Congress chief Harshwardhan Sapkal about Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Tipu Sultan.

Addressing reporters here, the Police Commissioner said the situation briefly escalated into a law-and-order issue but was promptly brought under control by the police.

“Yesterday’s incident was very unfortunate. A law-and-order situation was created during a political demonstration. The police handled it immediately. Cross-offences have been registered against both parties,” Kumar said, referring to the stone-pelting incident involving workers of the Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party.

Pune City Police registered a case against nearly 50 Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers, including city president Dhiraj Ghate and BJYM Pune chief Dushyant Mohol, for alleged stone-pelting and vandalism at Congress Bhavan in the city.

According to police on Saturday, an FIR was registered at Shivajinagar Police Station based on a complaint filed by Prachi Nitin Dudhane, a 42-year-old homemaker and resident of Karve Nagar.

The complainant alleged, “On February 15, between 12.30 pm and 2 pm, a group led by Pune city office-bearers of the Bharatiya Janata Party gathered at Congress Bhavan, raised slogans, pelted stones, injured three workers of the Congress party and damaged vehicles.”

Police added that the accused named in the complaint include Pune city BJP president Dhiraj Ghate, youth president Dushyant Mohol, and 50-60 other workers. No arrests have been made so far.

The case has been registered under BNS Section 118(1), 189(2), 189(3), 324(4), 191(2), and relevant sections of the Maharashtra Police Act. Senior police officers visited the spot, and electronic evidence has been collected.

Further investigation is still underway. (ANI)

Senior Congress MP Shashi Tharoor and actress Priyanka Chopra recently aattended ndia Conference 2026 at Harvard University in the United States as speakers.

At the sidelines of the event, the two met and had a conversation. On Monday, Shashi shared pictures from their meeting with Priyanka, praising her highly.

“Caught up with @priyankachopra (after more than a decade) in the wings at @Harvard backstage, just before her appearance as the closing keynote of the @HarvardIndConf. Remarkable to see (and hear) how well she is doing! She has made India proud by conquering a stage on which Indians rarely get to appear. And of course she looks stunning, appears perfectly poised and sounds thoughtful and wise — what’s not to be proud of?! (That’s my aide Narayan in the second pic, looking pleased as Punch!),” he wrote on X.

Priyanka responded to Shashi Tharoor with words of praise.

“It was so good to see you again @ShashiTharoor Sir. Have always had such admiration for the orator that you are but as well for your clap backs,. thank you so much for staying for my panel and your wisdom. Hope you feel better soon and our paths cross again,” she posted on X.

Meanwhile, on the acting front, Priyanka will be seen as one of the leads in SS Rajamouli’s ‘Varanasi’, co-starring Mahesh Babu and Prithviraj Sukumaran.

The film’s title was officially announced at the grand GlobeTrotter event, held at Ramoji Film City in Hyderabad, last year in November. The teaser was also shown on a huge screen, which gave a sneak peek into the film, which will be released in 2027.

She will also be seen in ‘The Bluff’, where she plays a 19th-century Caribbean pirate. The movie is set to release on February 25. The film is directed by Frank E Flowers with a script he co-wrote with Joe Ballarini. It brings an epic period thriller to life, set in the uniquely historical and culturally rich Cayman Islands, featuring stunning real-world locations, including the Skull Cave and the iconic bluff. (ANI)

Six more individuals have been arrested in connection with the shooting incident outside filmmaker Rohit Shetty’s Juhu’s residence.

As per Mumbai Police Crime Branch, the accused were caught in Rajasthan and are being brought to Mumbai.

A total of 11 people have been arrested so far.

Recently, in the wake of the incident, the Indian Motion Picture Producers’ Association (IMPPA) wrote a letter to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, urging the state government’s intervention to ensure a swift investigation and appropriate security measures.

In its letter, IMPPA described the incident as “deeply concerning”, stating that it has caused “anxiety and apprehension” in the film fraternity.The association also noted that such events can create an atmosphere of “fear and insecurity” among the artists, producers, and technicians, among others.

“Rohit Shetty has not only made immense contributions to Indian cinema but has also consistently stood by the nation whenever called upon, extending his support to social causes and national initiatives in times of need in the larger interest of society. It is therefore deeply concerning that such an incident should occur at his residence,” IMPPA said, as per the letter.

Voicing its concern over the matter, the association added, “This alarming incident has understandably caused anxiety and apprehension within our film fraternity, and we are concerned that events of this nature may create an atmosphere of fear and insecurity among artists, producers, technicians and the many individuals who dedicate themselves to contributing to the cultural and economic strength of our state.”

Seeking the state government’s support in preventing such incidents in the future, it said, “We respectfully request your immediate intervention to ensure a swift, thorough, and transparent investigation into the matter. We also urge that appropriate security measures be reinforced to reassure Rohit Shetty, his family, and the entire entertainment fraternity. We are confident that under your leadership, firm steps will be taken to uphold law and order and to prevent any recurrence of such disturbing incidents.”

At least five rounds were fired by a group of assailants outside Rohit Shetty’s Juhu residence on February 1. (ANI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday expressed grief over the loss of lives in the Bhiwadi fire incident and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured.

“The fire mishap in Bhiwadi, Rajasthan, is tragic and deeply saddening. My condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. I pray for the speedy recovery of those injured,” PM Modi said as per an ‘X’ post from Prime Minister’s office.

Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma termed the incident “heartbreaking” and said the district administration has been directed to conduct relief and rescue operations.

“The news of the loss of lives due to a fire in a factory in the Khushkheda Industrial Area of Bhiwadi is extremely heartbreaking. The district administration has been directed to carry out relief and rescue operations. I pray to God for the peace of the departed souls and wish for the swift recovery of the injured,” he wrote on ‘X’.

Rajasthan LoP Tika Ram Jully also prayed for the swift recovery of the injured, while expressing sadness over the deceased in the incident.

“The news of seven people being burnt alive in a chemical factory in Bhiwadi is extremely heart-wrenching. I pray to God that He grant peace to the departed souls at His divine feet, provide strength to the bereaved families to bear this unbearable grief, and I wish for the swift recovery of the injured,” Jully wrote in an ‘X’ post.

At least 7 people were burned to death in a fire that broke out in a chemical factory in the Bhiwadi area of Rajasthan’s Khairthal-Tijara district on Monday, officials said.

Rajasthan Congress President Govind Singh Dotasra urged the government and the administration to take immediate action on the matter, where he also pointed to an earlier similar accident in Ajmer, where 16 people were killed after a chemical tanker overturned.

He stated that such incidents have become common under the present government.

“In the district of Khairthal-Tijara, in Bhiwadi, a chemical factory caught fire and killed 8-10 people. Many people have been injured. There has been heavy damage… The government and administration should take immediate action. After the formation of the government, as you have seen, on Ajmer Road, a chemical tanker was overturned. More than 16 people were killed. In Jaipur, in SMS, in ICU, people were burnt to death… This has become a common thing, but the government is not paying attention to this. This is a very serious matter,” Dotasara told ANI. (ANI)

A fire broke out at two factories in the Sahibabad Industrial Area, Site 4, on Monday. Upon receiving the information, fire tenders were deployed and are currently on site.

Firefighters responded promptly, dispatching four trucks initially and calling in reinforcements from Noida and Hapur. CFO Rahul Pal reported the fire was brought under control within half an hour, with no casualties.

“Today at 12 noon, we received information at the Fire Station Sahibabad that a fire had broken out in a factory manufacturing bike parts and in some parts of the adjacent factory. We immediately dispatched four fire trucks to the scene. Given the fire’s intensity, additional fire trucks were called in from Noida and Hapur. We brought the fire under control within half an hour. There has been no loss of life of any kind,” said Rahul Pal.

Steadfast efforts are underway to douse the fire and assess the damage. Further details are awaited.

Earlier today, at least 7 people were burned to death in a fire that broke out in a chemical factory in the Bhiwadi area of Rajasthan’s Khairthal-Tijara district, officials said.

Seven bodies chared bodies were retrieved from the site.

Rajasthan Congress President Govind Singh Dotasra urged the government and the administration to take immediate action on the matter, where he also pointed to an earlier similar accident in Ajmer, where 16 people were killed after a chemical tanker overturned.

He stated that such incidents have become common under the present government.”In the district of Khairthal-Tijara, in Bhiwadi, a chemical factory caught fire and killed 8-10 people. Many people have been injured. There has been heavy damage… The government and administration should take immediate action. As you have seen, after the government was formed, a chemical tanker overturned on Ajmer Road. More than 16 people were killed. In Jaipur, in SMS, in ICU, people were burnt to death… This has become common, but the government is not addressing it. This is a very serious matter,” Dotasara told ANI.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the loss of lives in the Bhiwadi fire incident and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured.”The fire mishap in Bhiwadi, Rajasthan, is tragic and deeply saddening. My condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. I pray for the speedy recovery of those injured,” PM Modi said as per an ‘X’ post from the Prime Minister’s office. (ANI)

Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party (YSRCP) on Monday questioned the purpose and relevance of Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates’ visit to Andhra Pradesh, alleging that the state government was focusing on publicity while neglecting pressing issues in welfare hostels.

YSRCP spokesperson and former MLA TJR Sudhakar Babu questioned the visit, asking what tangible benefits it would bring to the state’s people. “What benefits will Bill Gates’ visit bring to the people of Andhra Pradesh? In what position and capacity did he visit the capital city, and where exactly is the capital?” he questioned.

The party alleged that Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has repeatedly shown television visuals and graphic presentations of the proposed capital city, including designs for iconic towers, the Secretariat, and the Assembly building, without visible progress on the ground.

According to the YSRCP, numerous promotional visuals and graphical presentations have been displayed to the public, but the promised infrastructure has yet to materialise.

The party demanded that the government construct the proposed buildings within the timeframe previously assured. It further questioned why extensive publicity was being generated around Bill Gates’ visit to the Rajdhani area without corresponding development activity.

Citing a recent report by a leading national daily, the YSRCP claimed that nearly 900 students in Andhra Pradesh were injured or hospitalised over a 14-month period due to illness and alleged food poisoning. Students in welfare hostels and Gurukulas have reportedly faced serious health concerns, including incidents of rat bites. The party asked why these issues were not being addressed with urgency.

While acknowledging that hosting Bill Gates may generate publicity for the state, Sudhakar Babu alleged that it appeared to be an attempt to divert public attention from governance failures. He demanded that Chandrababu Naidu take Bill Gates to a social welfare hostel and have him eat the same midday meal served to students.

“Such a visit should be unannounced, not a pre-planned event, similar to the Chief Minister’s sudden inspection visits to government offices,” he said.

The YSRCP also called upon Education Minister Nara Lokesh to take his son to a welfare hostel to eat the same food served there. Similarly, the party urged Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan to have his son do the same.

Since the hostels are run by the government and funded by public money, the party argued that there should be no hesitation in demonstrating accountability. In conclusion, the YSRCP demanded that Chandrababu Naidu, Pawan Kalyan, Lokesh, their sons, and Bill Gates visit a welfare hostel and eat the same food provided to students, asserting that transparency must be shown through action rather than publicity.

Meanwhile, Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates visited Andhra Pradesh’s Amravati earlier today before attending the AI-India Impact summit in Delhi. Gates is among the top global leaders attending the AI Impact Summit, being held in India from February 16 to 20. (ANI)