central intelligence agencies

NEET UG 2026: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan reviewed NEET-UG 2026 re-test preparations at NTA headquarters in Delhi ahead of June 21. As per ANI, he stressed strict confidentiality across all stages, from question paper setting to distribution. He highlighted coordination with departments, states and central agencies, including a Cabinet Secretary-led meeting and a planned review by the Union Home Secretary. He also noted new administrative appointments and cyber security measures involving IB and CBI support for examination integrity.

Forget Bollywood drama; India's intelligence recruitment is mostly through civil services, armed forces, and specialized exams. Agencies like RAW and IB focus on foreign and internal security respectively, with technical roles in cyber intelligence growing. Direct recruitment for positions like IB's ACIO exists, but many join via UPSC after gaining experience

As synthetic drug networks evolve, US agencies are focusing on precursor chemicals, logistics systems, and international coordination to disrupt fentanyl trafficking.

Bhattacharya Urges PM To Intervene

CBSE has alerted Delhi Police to coordinated cyber attacks targeting its Post-Result Services Portal, launched for Class 12 students. The board reported malicious traffic aimed at disrupting services and extracting information. Despite these attempts, CBSE assures that its systems and student data remain secure, with round-the-clock monitoring helping to contain the disruptions.

Facing a severe computer chip shortage, US intelligence agencies are increasing their reliance on AI firm Anthropic, despite its blacklisting as a national security threat. A $9 billion emergency fund aims to secure advanced semiconductors for AI models on classified networks, crucial for sifting through vast data and countering foreign adversaries like China.

Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi highlights lessons from Operation Sindoor, emphasizing integrated, technology-enabled warfare and the central role of drones. He stresses preparedness for multi-front conflicts and Pakistan's need to deter terror attacks, while also detailing the stable but sensitive situation along the LAC with China.

Iranian media said the drone was detected while attempting to carry out hostile operations and was subsequently shot down by the country's air defence systems. The claim comes days after the IRGC declared that it retained the "legitimate and definite" right to respond to any violation of the ceasefire by the United States. On Tuesday, the force also announced that its air defence units had downed a US MQ-9 drone.

The Bank of Italy is proactively engaging with global AI firms, including Anthropic, to address escalating cybersecurity risks before advanced AI models enter the financial sector. Governor Fabio Panetta stressed that banks, not just tech providers, bear full responsibility for data and money safety, urging executives to invest in robust digital defenses and comprehensive emergency plans.

The Delhi High Court has issued notices to the Centre and CBSE regarding discrepancies in the board's On-Screen Marking system. This follows student allegations of handwriting mismatches in scanned answer sheets, raising concerns about marking irregularities. The court will hear the case on June 12.

Iran launched missiles at Israel, triggering air raid sirens and forcing millions to shelters. Israel claims to have intercepted the projectiles, but explosions were heard. Tehran warned of broader retaliation after an earlier Israeli strike. Meanwhile, former US President Trump urged restraint, reportedly persuading Prime Minister Netanyahu to hold off on immediate response.

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has informed the Supreme Court about significant overhauls to its examination and security framework following the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak. New measures include mandatory CCTV checks, forensic analysis of footage, and contingency planning. The NTA is also considering a shift to Computer-Based Tests for future exams.

An IIT Kanpur and IIT Madras expert panel has reportedly found that AI tools, including Claude, were used to identify vulnerabilities in CBSE’s On-Screen Marking (OSM) system, exposing serious security gaps in its digital infrastructure, as per The Economic Times. The panel also flagged shortcomings in vendor Coempt Eduteck’s capabilities, prompting data migration to a government-controlled AWS India setup. MeitY and CERT-In have intensified oversight and audits amid wider concerns over examination cybersecurity and procurement practices.

A Greek national, Ioannis Aidinidis, has been charged in London under UK national security legislation for allegedly gathering information on an Iranian journalist. Prosecutors believe his activities between 2024 and 2025 were linked to assisting a foreign intelligence service, raising fresh concerns about foreign-linked surveillance in Britain.