Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal to reduce non-essential overseas travel has received support from the tourism industry body Federation of Associations in Indian Tourism and Hospitality (FAITH), which said attracting more foreign tourists to India is equally important for the economy.

FAITH Secretary General Rajiv Mehra endorsed the Prime Minister’s suggestion that Indians should reconsider leisure trips abroad and destination weddings overseas for the time being. He said inbound tourism can play a major role in helping India earn foreign exchange.

The remarks came a day after Narendra Modi urged citizens to prioritise domestic tourism amid concerns over foreign exchange outflow and rising global economic uncertainty.

According to government tourism data cited in recent reports, more than 3.27 crore Indians travelled abroad in 2025, with leisure travel accounting for a significant share of these trips. At the same time, growth in tourism-related foreign exchange earnings reportedly slowed during the year.

FAITH said India should focus not only on reducing unnecessary overseas expenditure but also on improving infrastructure, connectivity and tourist experiences to attract more international visitors.

The Prime Minister’s remarks came against the backdrop of global tensions and pressure on India’s foreign exchange reserves due to higher crude oil prices and economic uncertainties.

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has cancelled the NEET UG 2026 examination after allegations of a paper leak, delivering a major setback to over 22 lakh medical aspirants across the country.

The exam, conducted on May 3, 2026, has now been scrapped following concerns over its integrity. The agency has also announced that a re-examination will be conducted, but the fresh dates will be notified separately.

According to official updates, the decision was taken after inputs from central agencies and findings shared by law enforcement authorities raised serious concerns about the examination process. The matter has also been referred for a detailed probe.

Reports indicate that irregularities, including suspected circulation of leaked question material, triggered the review of the examination’s conduct. Authorities have stated that the move was necessary to ensure transparency and maintain the credibility of the national-level entrance test.

The government has supported the decision, and further details regarding the re-exam schedule are expected to be released through official channels.

Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday took oath as Assam chief minister for a second consecutive term as the Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) returned to power in the state for a third straight term.

The swearing-in ceremony was held at the Khanapara Veterinary College Field in Guwahati in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Union minister Sarbananda Sonowal and BJP national president Nitin Nabin. More than 40 NDA chief ministers and deputy chief ministers also attended the event.

Along with Himanta Biswa Sarma, four ministers from NDA alliance partners took oath as cabinet ministers in the new Assam government.

The NDA secured 102 seats in the 126-member Assam Legislative Assembly in the 2026 elections. The BJP won 82 seats, while allies Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) and Bodoland People’s Front (BPF) secured 10 seats each.

Ministers sworn in with Himanta Biswa Sarma

Atul Bora

AGP president Atul Bora took oath as a cabinet minister in the new Assam government. Bora was elected from the Bokakhat constituency in the 2026 Assembly elections.

A senior AGP leader, Bora has represented Bokakhat since 2016 and earlier served as MLA from Golaghat between 1996 and 2001. He has handled several important portfolios in previous Assam governments, including agriculture, horticulture and food processing, animal husbandry and veterinary, urban development, and town and country planning.

Ajanta Neog

Senior BJP leader Ajanta Neog was sworn in as a cabinet minister and is expected to remain a key face in the Himanta Biswa Sarma-led government.

Neog, who won from the Golaghat constituency in the 2026 Assembly elections, served as Assam’s finance minister in the previous government. She became the first woman finance minister of the state and has represented the Golaghat Assembly constituency continuously since 2001.

Rameswar Teli

Senior BJP leader Rameswar Teli also took oath as a cabinet minister. He was elected from the Duliajan constituency in the 2026 Assembly elections.

Teli previously served as Union minister of state for petroleum and natural gas, labour and employment, and food processing industries. He had represented Dibrugarh as a Member of Parliament from 2014 to 2024 and earlier served as MLA from Duliajan between 2001 and 2011.

Charan Boro

BPF leader Charan Boro was sworn in as a cabinet minister in the new Assam government. He was elected from the Majbat constituency in the 2026 Assembly elections.

Boro served as transport minister in the previous government and has represented Majbat in the Assam Legislative Assembly since 2016. He has also handled departments related to transport and Bodoland welfare.

Ranjeet Kumar Dass likely to become Speaker

Senior BJP leader Ranjeet Kumar Dass is set to become the new Speaker of the Assam Legislative Assembly.

Dass won from the Bhawanipur-Sorbhog constituency in the 2026 Assembly elections. A former journalist, he previously served as Assam’s minister for panchayat and rural development, food and civil supplies, and consumer affairs. He had also served as Speaker of the Assam Assembly between 2016 and 2017.