Following the announcement of a high-powered task force to reform India’s examination system, the Centre has brought together experts from technology, space research, intelligence, education, cybersecurity and logistics to recommend structural changes for the National Testing Agency (NTA).

The panel, led by Infosys co-founder and technology expert Nandan Nilekani, was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi a day after Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned amid nationwide protests over the alleged NEET paper leak.

In a video message shared on social media, the Prime Minister said the government aims to make examinations more reliable, transparent and technology-driven. He said the task force would submit recommendations to improve the credibility of upcoming examinations at the earliest.

Nandan Nilekani to lead the panel

Nandan Nilekani, co-founder and non-executive chairman of Infosys, will head the task force. Widely recognised for leading the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) and playing a key role in the development of Aadhaar, Nilekani is expected to contribute his expertise in technology, digital infrastructure and data security to the examination reform process.

Former ISRO chief S Somanath

Former Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) chairman S Somanath, an aerospace engineer, is also part of the panel. During his tenure, ISRO successfully carried out the Chandrayaan-3 mission. His experience in executing complex, high-precision missions is expected to help strengthen quality control and multi-layered verification processes in examinations.

Former IB director Tapan Deka

Former Intelligence Bureau Director Tapan Kumar Deka has been included for his experience in intelligence and security. A former IPS officer with a postgraduate degree in Physics, he is expected to provide inputs on strengthening intelligence gathering and cyber monitoring to curb organised examination fraud and paper leak networks.

IIT Madras Director V Kamakoti

V Kamakoti, Director of IIT Madras, is another member of the panel. A computer science academic, he has led initiatives related to microprocessor development and information security at the institute. His expertise is expected to support measures aimed at enhancing cybersecurity and protecting examination software and digital infrastructure.

Former Education Secretary Anita Karwal

Former Education Secretary Anita Karwal brings administrative and academic policy experience to the task force. A retired IAS officer from the Gujarat cadre, she is expected to contribute recommendations on examination policies, answer-key mechanisms, evaluation standards and improvements in the functioning of examination centres.

Logistics expert Amrit Lal Meena

Retired bureaucrat Amrit Lal Meena, who previously served as Bihar’s Chief Secretary and as Special Secretary (Logistics) in the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, completes the six-member panel. His expertise in supply chain management is expected to help strengthen the secure printing, storage and transportation of question papers through tamper-resistant logistics systems.

The multidisciplinary panel has been tasked with recommending structural reforms aimed at improving transparency, security and reliability in India’s examination system.

India enjoyed a successful Day 4 at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, led by star weightlifter Mirabai Chanu, who clinched a historic gold medal while setting a new Commonwealth Games record in the women’s 48kg event.

Mirabai registered a combined lift of 190kg to finish on top of the podium, securing her third consecutive Commonwealth Games gold medal. Her victory also helped India take its overall medal tally to four.

Two more weightlifting silvers boost India’s tally

India added two silver medals in weightlifting to strengthen its campaign.

Chanambam Rishikanta Singh finished second in the men’s 60kg category, while Raja Muthupandi claimed silver in the men’s 65kg event with a total lift of 286kg (126kg in snatch and 160kg in clean and jerk).

Malaysia’s Aznil Bidin won the men’s 65kg gold after producing Commonwealth Games record lifts in both the snatch and clean and jerk disciplines.

Indian boxers enjoy mixed day in the ring

India also impressed in boxing, with Jadumani Singh defeating Pakistan’s Sumama Rehman by unanimous decision in the men’s 55kg Round of 16 to advance to the quarter-finals. The win leaves him one victory away from guaranteeing a medal.

In the women’s 54kg Round of 16, Preeti Pawar overcame Malawi’s Deborah Mtenje to progress to the next stage.

However, Aditya Pratap Yadav suffered a defeat in the men’s 65kg Round of 16 after Uganda’s Nuhu Batte fought back to secure a 3-2 verdict.

Swimming team finishes sixth in relay final

India concluded its Day 4 campaign with the men’s 4x200m freestyle relay final. The quartet of Aryan Nehra, Srihari Nataraj, Aneesh Sunil Kumar Gowda and Dhakshan Shashikumar finished sixth in 7:29.84, improving significantly on their qualification timing.

Australia won the gold medal with a Commonwealth Games record time of 7:01.47, while England secured silver and Wales claimed bronze.

India’s medal tally after Day 4

India’s medals at the end of Day 4 are:

• Gold: Mirabai Chanu (Women’s 48kg Weightlifting)
• Silver: Chanambam Rishikanta Singh (Men’s 60kg Weightlifting)
• Silver: Raja Muthupandi (Men’s 65kg Weightlifting)
• Bronze: Jhandu Kumar (Men’s Heavyweight Para Powerlifting)

With another strong performance in weightlifting and encouraging results in boxing, India ended Day 4 with momentum heading into the next round of competition.

Senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Pralhad Joshi has been given additional charge of the Ministry of Education following the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan amid protests over alleged exam paper leaks.

A seasoned parliamentarian and organisation leader, Joshi is regarded as one of the BJP’s experienced faces, having played key roles in both the party’s organisational structure and the Union government over the years.

A political journey rooted in student leadership

Pralhad Joshi began his public life through student politics before becoming actively involved in the BJP’s organisational work in Karnataka.

Over the years, he emerged as a prominent leader in the state and was elected multiple times as the Member of Parliament from Karnataka’s Dharwad Lok Sabha constituency. He also served as the BJP’s Karnataka unit president, strengthening the party’s presence in the state.

His national political profile grew further after he was re-elected to the Lok Sabha in 2014, when the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, formed the government at the Centre.

Experience across key ministries

Joshi currently serves as the Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution and Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy. In previous terms, he has also handled important portfolios including Coal, Mines and Parliamentary Affairs.

His long-standing association with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and his experience in parliamentary affairs have made him one of the BJP’s trusted leaders.

Education Ministry responsibility

Joshi takes charge of the Education Ministry after Dharmendra Pradhan stepped down from the post amid protests over alleged examination paper leaks.

A day before receiving the additional responsibility, Joshi had defended the Centre’s approach to the ongoing student protests. Speaking to reporters in Delhi, he said the government remained committed to safeguarding students’ interests and alleged that “anti-social elements” were trying to take advantage of the CJP-led agitation.

He also said the Modi government was committed to taking strict action against any irregularities affecting students and reaffirmed its focus on strengthening the education system and protecting the future of young people.