Morning Digest: UGC-NET Re-test, Jharkhand Talks, Metro Suspension

Here is a round-up of the key developments from across the country on August 16 and 17.

NTA to re-conduct UGC-NET for English, Sociology, and Commerce
The National Testing Agency (NTA) has announced that the University Grants Commission-National Eligibility Test (UGC-NET) will be re-conducted for three subjects — English, Sociology, and Commerce — following multiple complaints from candidates about errors in the question papers. The re-examinations for English and Commerce are scheduled for September 9, while Sociology will be held on September 10. The UGC-NET is a qualifying exam for assistant professorships and junior research fellowships in Indian universities. Candidates who appeared for these subjects in the current cycle will need to appear again.

Jharkhand: Fourth round of talks between government and protesters today
Student protesters in Jharkhand have been invited for a fourth round of talks with the State Government on Monday, August 17, between 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. at the State guest house in Ranchi. Kumar Rajat, Sub-Divisional Officer of Ranchi Sadar, confirmed the invitation. The development comes on the 23rd day of the protest at Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium, where demonstrators burnt effigies of Chief Minister Hemant Soren and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. The students have been demanding a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into alleged irregularities in competitive examinations for government jobs, alleging that the State Government has not been serious about their concern.

Congress hits back at Shah over 'Vande Mataram' remark
The Congress has rejected Union Home Minister Amit Shah's charge that the party insulted the national song 'Vande Mataram', calling it a 'political diversion'. The dispute stems from an incident during Independence Day celebrations at the All India Congress Committee headquarters in New Delhi, where Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi was seen gesturing towards party president Mallikarjun Kharge while the song was being sung. The Congress asserted that it has always respected the national song and accused the BJP of manufacturing a controversy.

CISF official suspended after Delhi Metro confrontation
An Assistant Sub-Inspector-rank CISF official has been suspended after a woman accused him of photographing her inside a Delhi Metro coach. The incident took place around 1 p.m. on Sunday and led to a scuffle between the official and passengers. A video of the confrontation has surfaced online. A senior CISF officer confirmed the suspension, saying an inquiry has been ordered.

T.N. CM condemns killing of three Tamils in Karnataka
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Joseph Vijay has strongly condemned the killing of three Tamil men by Karnataka Forest Department personnel in the Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary in Chamarajanagar district. The victims, identified as Anthony Sami, John Rose Peter, and Kumar, were residents of Hanur taluk in Karnataka. In a post on X, Mr. Vijay said, "They were shot dead by Karnataka Forest Department personnel in the early hours of August 15. I strongly condemn this killing. The explanation given by the Karnataka Forest Department regarding the incident is unacceptable."

Three arrested after Bengal CJP volunteer's father dies in attack
Three persons have been arrested in connection with an attack that led to the death of Janab Mafik, father of a Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) volunteer, in West Bengal's Bankura district. Mr. Mafik died on Saturday from injuries sustained in an attack on Thursday. The CJP has claimed that local Bharatiya Janata Party workers were responsible for the attack.

Chidambaram says 'proud to be a dimagi naxal'; Rijiju says PM didn't target Opposition
Senior Congress leader P. Chidambaram has responded to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'dimagi naxal' remark, saying he is 'proud to be a dimagi naxal'. Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, however, clarified that the Prime Minister's comment was not aimed at Opposition leaders.