Centre blocks Telegram app till NEET (UG) re-examination, Pg1

Key Highlights:

• The Centre has temporarily blocked the messaging app Telegram in India until June 24, 2026, at the request of the National Testing Agency (NTA).
• This action was taken in response to the alleged use of Telegram by cheating rackets to defraud candidates for the NEET (UG) 2026 re-examination.
• The re-examination for NEET (UG) is scheduled for June 21, 2026.
• This marks the first instance of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) blocking a major messaging app in India, even for a limited duration.

Detailed Insights:

• The NTA stated that the blocking is a "calibrated and bounded in time" measure, intended to be lifted after the re-examination.
• Telegram founder Pavel Durov criticized the move, arguing it unfairly impacts over 15 crore ordinary users in India.
• Durov mentioned that Telegram had already removed hundreds of channels sharing leaked exam materials and scams in India.
• The NTA has been denying the legitimacy of various screenshots circulating online, purporting to be of the upcoming NEET question paper.
• The blocking order was issued by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), which has the authority to issue such directives.
• This incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by examination bodies in India in ensuring the integrity of competitive exams.

Key Concepts Involved:

• National Testing Agency (NTA): An Indian government agency responsible for conducting entrance examinations for admission to higher education institutions.
• NEET (UG): The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (Undergraduate), a qualifying entrance examination for admission to MBBS, BDS, AYUSH, and other undergraduate medical courses in India.
• Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY): A branch of the Government of India responsible for IT policy, strategy, and development in the country.
• Information Technology Act, 2000: The primary law in India dealing with cybercrime and electronic commerce, which includes provisions for blocking access to information.