The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has announced plans to adopt advanced digital biometric technologies to prevent impersonation and fraud in its exams, prompted by recent incidents like trainee IAS officer Puja Khedkar allegedly using false identity to sit for exams. UPSC aims to enhance exam integrity through measures such as Aadhaar-based fingerprint authentication, facial recognition, QR code scanning for e-Admit Cards, and AI-based CCTV surveillance, though specific rollout dates are pending.
In another story, former Maharashtra home minister Anil Deshmukh accused a BJP intermediary, allegedly linked to Devendra Fadnavis, of pressuring him to file false affidavits against Maha Vikas Aghadi leaders, including Uddhav Thackeray and Aaditya Thackeray. Deshmukh claimed this was in exchange for protection from investigations by ED and CBI, which he declined, resulting in actions against him. Shiv Sena’s Sanjay Raut supported Deshmukh’s allegations, calling it a conspiracy. Fadnavis dismissed the claims as baseless, vowing to present evidence if accusations persist. BJP’s Ram Kadam questioned the timing, suggesting political motives ahead of elections.
