vijayawada l tuesday l june 16, 2026 l `9.00 l PAGES 12 l late city EDITION Fake NEET re-test question paper Racket Busted by Gujarat police The Gujarat Police have busted a fraud syndicate that promised students and parents access to NEET retest question papers in return for money Two from Rajasthan in custody used gaming sites to launder money: cops The Ahmedabad Cyber Crime Police said the accused had created multiple Telegram channels and circulated ads and posts claiming they could provide the RE-NEET question paper. Sumer Singh Meena, a resident of Jaipur, and Akash Meena, resident of Kota, were arrested. However, no question papers or examination materials were recovered ■ ■ The suspects were also running parallel fake investment schemes. The police suspect that the proceeds of the crimes were routed through accounts linked to gaming websites to hide their origin Transactions of about `1.5 crore were found to have been carried out through their various bank accounts linked to the accused | P8 June 21 when the neet re-test would be held CHENNAI ■ MADURAI ■ VIJAYAWADA ■ BENGALURU ■ KOCHI ■ HYDERABAD ■ VISAKHAPATNAM ■ COIMBATORE ■ KOZHIKODE ■ THIRUVANANTHAPURAM ■ BELAGAVI ■ BHUBANESWAR ■ SHIVAMOgGA ■ MANGALURU ■ TIRUPATI ■ TIRUCHY ■ TIRUNELVELI ■ SAMBALPUR ■ HUBBALLI ■ DHARMAPURI ■ KOTTAYAM ■ KANNUR ■ VILLUPURAM ■ KOLLAM ■ TADEPALLIGUDEM ■ NAGAPATTINAM ■ THRISSUR ■ KALABURAGI B’desh sore as PM adviser stopped at New Delhi airport J aya nt h j a c o b @ New Delhi A diplomatic row erupted between India and Bangladesh on Monday after Dhaka summoned Indian Deputy High Commissioner Pawan Badhe and conveyed its “deep disappointment” over the stopping in Delhi of Zahed Ur Rahman, adviser on policy and strategy affairs to Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. It is learnt that Zahed was stopped by immigration authorities at the Indira Gandhi International Airport for ‘verification’ in the context of some of his previous anti-India statements. Though the authorities subsequently granted him a ‘one-time exemption’ to enter, he had by then decided to return to Dhaka on a night flight via Colombo. The incident triggered a strong reaction in Dhaka, with Bangladesh Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman describing it as “unexpected” and “unfortunate”. “It is an unexpected incident, unfortunate,” Khalilur Rahman said and added that the Bangladesh government was taking appropriate steps regarding the matter. The Bangladesh Foreign Ministry also summoned Indian Deputy High Commissioner Pawan Badhe and handed over a formal protest note. Foreign Ministry spokesman Shahidul Karim said that Badhe arrived at the ministry in the afternoon and was formally informed of Bangladesh’s concerns over the episode. Zahed had travelled to New Delhi to lead a Bangladeshi delegation to the 28th Meeting of the Committee of Senior Officials (CSO) of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), being hosted by India’s Ministry of External Affairs on June 15 and 16. According to diplomatic sources, Bangladesh had formally informed India in advance about Zahed’s participation. Diplomatic sources said that Zahed had to wait at the airport for nearly two hours while immigration authorities carried out verification procedures. He was eventually cleared for entry under a one-time exemption, but chose not to proceed with his visit. The adviser was travelling on a regular Bangladeshi passport and not on a diplomatic passport, it was learnt. The development comes at a sensitive time in India-Bangladesh relations, which have witnessed occasional strains but showed the intent to repair and strengthen the ties amid political changes in Dhaka and differences over a range of bilateral and regional issues. Zahed is known as a political commentator and critic of deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina and her government. Zahed Ur Rahman It is an unexpected incident, unfortunate, too Khalilur Rahman, Bangladesh Foreign Minister IORA meet Zahed was travelling to India to attend the 28th Meeting of the Committee of Senior Officials (CSO) of the Indian Ocean Rim Association on June 15–16 in New Delhi Name on watchlist Zahed Ur Rahman’s name appeared on a watchlist during a routine screening, state-run BSS news agency reported. His YouTube channel ‘Zahed’s Take’ is blocked in India It’s a deal Digitally signed by Trump, Vance, Ghalibaf; in-person inking on Friday Ex p r e s s N e w s S e r v i c e @ New Delhi New Disha for LNG flow In a major diplomatic breakthrough, US President Donald Trump and Iran announced an agreement intended to end more than three months of conflict in West Asia and reopen the strategic Strait of Hormuz. Digitally signed by Trump, US Vice President J D Vance and Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf electronically on Sunday, the framework is expected to be inked in person in Switzerland on Friday . Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed the development. “I welcome the understanding reached between the United States and Iran on ending the conflict in West Asia, which has caused serious economic disruption across the world and led to loss of life in many countries,” Modi said in a post on X. He added that India hopes the agreement’s implementation will help restore peace and stability in the region and safeguard “the freedom of navigation and commerce”. In Washington, Trump declared the breakthrough on social media, saying “Ships of the world, start your engines. Let the oil flow!” He A Liquefied Natural Gas carrier, chartered by Petronet LNG, safely transited the Hormuz — the first Indian LNG tanker to cross it since the West Asia war broke over three months ago. It is also one of the first commercial vessels to transit the strait since the announcement of a preliminary ceasefire deal between the US and Iran also said the blockade on Iranian ports would be lifted once the agreement is signed. Iranian state media said Tehran’s Supreme National Security Council confirmed the understanding. “The memorandum will be published after signing in Switzerland,” Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi said. However, the deal leaves several contentious issues unresolved. Iran’s nuclear programme remains the most sensitive point of contention. While both sides have agreed in principle that Tehran will not pursue nuclear weapons, details on enrichment limits, stockpile management, and inspection are yet to be finalised. Trump has indicated Iran may be allowed low-level enrichment, a departure from his earlier position demanding complete dismantlement of its nuclear infrastructure. Sanctions relief and frozen Iranian assets also remain under negotiation. Iranian officials have demanded access to billions of dollars in blocked funds and a phased lifting of US and UN sanctions. Washington, however, has only committed to discussing potential waivers and a possible reconstruction framework over the next 60 days. While Iran reportedly conditioned the agreement on a halt to Israel-Hezbollah fighting, Israel said its forces would continue operations in Lebanon. Trump criticised recent Israeli strikes in Beirut, saying they were “not appropriate” at a sensiP9 tive diplomatic moment.  Monsoon advances in AP, brings varied weather Ex p r e s s N e w s S e r v i c e @ Vijayawada The Southwest Monsoon has fully covered Andhra Pradesh, bringing thunderstorms, rain and isolated heat spells, according to the APSDMA. Managing Director Prakhar Jain said light to moderate rain, accompanied by thunder and lightning, is likely on Tuesday in several districts, including Vizianagaram, Manyam, Alluri, Kakinada, Konaseema, East and West Godavari, Eluru and Nellore. Scattered thunderstorms are also expected in Coastal Andhra, Chittoor and Tirupati. APSDMA warned that heat conditions may persist in some areas and advised vulnerable people to avoid outdoor activity during peak hours. Citizens were urged to follow lightning and wind safety guidelines and stay away from snapped power lines. Naidu meets Singapore PM, showcases AP opportunities S V i s w a n at h @ Vijayawada Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu met Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong during his two-day visit to Singapore on Monday and discussed bilateral cooperation in technology, urban development, semiconductors, quantum technologies, education, trade and sustainable development. During the 30-minute courtesy meeting at the Prime Minister’s official residence, Chand r a b a b u N a i d u i nv i t e d Singapore to explore the import of horticulture and aqua- culture products from Andhra Pradesh, particularly those cultivated through natural farming practices The Chief Minister highlighted Andhra Pradesh’s efforts to promote natural farming and informed the Singapore Prime Minister that the Sate is working towards establishing robust certification and traceability systems for agricultural products. He requested Singapore to consider importing certified horticulture and aquaculture produce from Andhra Pradesh. Naidu also sought Singa- pore’s cooperation in emerging sectors such as semiconductors, quantum technologies, artificial intelligence, and university-led research and innovation. He requested support in developing semiconductor manufacturing ecosystems and capacity-building initiatives in Andhra Pradesh. The Chief Minister emphasisd the importance of collaboration in urban governance and invited Singapore to part- AP Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu meets Prime Minister of Singapore Lawrence Wong on Monday | Express INSIDE ner with Andhra Pradesh in strengthening urban management systems in Amaravati and other cities across the state. He further proposed deeper cooperation in port-led development, airport infrastructure, logistics and emerging economic opportunities. During the discussions, Singapore PM Lawrence Wong expressed interest in the development of Amaravati and sought details regarding the capital P4 city’s progress.  naidu seeks Google cloud’s support for AI-led governance P4 Inflation up, new PPI series to capture it kicks in Pawan reiterates nation-first doctrine, says India’s unity at core of Jana Sena E X PRESS N EWS SER V ICE @ New Delhi IN a major recast of the wholesale and factory gate inflation framework, the government on Monday unveiled a revised series of the Wholesale Price Index (WPI) with 2022-23 as the base year and simultaneously introduced new Producer Price Indices (PPIs). The new WPI series, released by the Office of the Economic Adviser under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, replaces the 2011-12 base year series. The government has also launched the Output PPI, a trial Input PPI for manufacturing, PRODUCER PRICE INDEX Govt introduces PPI data for both goods and services for the first time to better reflect price movement Govt’s move in line with practices adopted by advanced economies and IMF recommendations Base year for both WPI and PPI to be 2022-23, replacing 2011-12 series and Service PPIs covering seven sectors including banking, insurance, railways, telecom and air passenger services. The commerce ministry said WPI and PPI will be published in parallel for five years to allow users, particularly those PPI to phase out WPI in five years PPI comprises Output, Input, and Service indices comprising 7 sectors Service PPI to cover banking, securities transaction, insurance, management of pension funds, railways, air (passenger) & telecom; remaining sectors in next phase relying on WPI-linked contracts and escalation clauses, to transition to the producer price framework. After this, WPI will be discontinued. As per the new data, WPI inflation surged to 9.7% year-onyear in May 2026 against 8.3% in April, led by a jump in energy prices. Combining the new base and old base WPI, the May print is the highest in 44 months. Fuel inflation rose to 30.3% in May from 24.9% in April, driven by crude oil, natural gas, and mineral fuels (ATF, naphtha, petrol, diesel, etc). The Output PPI (goods) saw a rise similar to that of WPI, at 9.4% in May against 8.1% in April, led by fuel inflation. Under the revised WPI basket, the number of tracked items has increased from 697 to 957. Renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power, along with nuclear electricity, have been included in the basket for the first time. Y B r a h m a j i @ Vijayawada Declaring that the Jana Sena Party (JSP) would remain at the forefront of defending India’s unity and integrity party , president and AP Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan on Monday asserted that any force attempting to divide the country or undermine its national interests would be met with strong resistance. Reiterating the party’s ‘Country First, Everything Else Next’ doctrine, he said JSP had come to the national capital not in pursuit of power or positions, but with a patriotic vision. Addressing a meeting titled ‘Jana Sena’s Journey for National Integration’ in New Delhi, Pawan Kalyan said the part y a n d i t s c a d r e wo u l d relentlessly fight against forces global game Migratory patterns and colonial history — Story of 2026 World Cup S w a r o o p s w a m i n at h a n THE story of the 2026 World Cup is also a story of migration, the history of colonialism and how some of the countries used their network of scouts to tap into their diaspora across the world. On Tuesday night, France will play Senegal. Out of the 26 members in the African team, 10 of them were born in France with some of them making their competitive club debuts for sides across France before declaring for Senegal, the country of their parents or grandparents. Algeria, who will face holders Argentina a few hours later, have as many as 13 who were born in France. That party includes one of the most famous surnames in world football, Spain frustrated ATLANTA: Debutants Cape Verde produced one of the biggest shocks in World Cup history by holding European champions and 2010 edition winners Spain to a goalless draw on Monday. Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha, front, makes a save against Spain | AP Luca Zidane, Zinedine’s son. The migratory patterns are also visible in other ways; out of the 1248 players, 289 will not play for the country of their birth. It’s here that first-timers like Curacao and Cabo Verde have improvised. Considering the links between Curacao and The Netherlands, they have tapped into that system. Out of the 26 members, only Tahith Chong was born there (other 25 were all born in Netherlands). Cape Verde also tapped into their vast scouting networks in Portugal (three), Netherlands (six) and France (three). One of the funkier stories also comes thanks to their federation. One of their players, Roberto Lopes, was approached by the Cape Verdean federation on LinkedIn. Lopes, born in Ireland, didn’t speak enough Portuguese so he had ignored the original message. Full story: newindianexpress.com Today’s matches (Wednesday IST): Group I: France vs Senegal (12.30 am); Iraq vs Norway (3.30 am); Group J: Argentina vs Algeria (6.30 am); Austria vs Jordan (9.30 am). Live on Unite8 Sports and Zee5 promoting separatist ideologies, regional hatred and social divisions. He said preserving national unity and safeguarding the country’s interests are the guiding principles of JSP . The meeting witnessed extensive deliberations on five key themes - India’s march towards Viksit Bharat the protection of nation-first principles and ideology, AP’s reconstruction under the coalition government over the past two years, Jana Sena’s 12-year political journey and the respon, sibility of Gen Z in shaping the P4 country’s future.  Navy to commission three new ships The Navy is set to commission 3 new warships — stealth frigate INS Dunagiri, antisub warfare shallow water craft INS Agray and survey vessel INS Sanshodhak built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) — at an event in Kolkata | P7