NEET paper leak; stock market crash and more
- The NTA cancelled NEET-UG 2026 after a “guess paper” very closely matched with the original question paper. The government ordered a CBI probe, while fresh exam dates and admit card schedules will be announced later.
- Sensex and Nifty plunged over 1.5% as rising crude oil prices, a record-low rupee, continued foreign investor selling and escalating US-Iran tensions triggered panic across Indian equity markets.
- Pakistan confirmed Iranian aircraft landed at its airbase but denied reports linking them to military operations, calling claims misleading and tied instead to diplomatic and ceasefire-related arrangements.
- Ahead of Vijay’s floor test, an AIADMK rebel faction backed the TVK government, deepening internal divisions within the party and strengthening Vijay’s bid to prove majority in the Assembly.
- Olympian Sakshi Malik supported Vinesh Phogat in her dispute with the WFI, urging authorities to allow the wrestler’s comeback after motherhood and give her a fair trial opportunity.
Here are the top stories from the day:
NEET exams cancelled over paper leak
The National Testing Agency cancelled NEET-UG 2026 following the question paper leak through a “guess paper” circulating before the exam that closely matched actual questions. Over 22 lakh students were affected. The Centre ordered a CBI inquiry into the leak and malpractice, while NTA said the rescheduled dates for the exam would be announced within 7-10 days without fresh registration or additional fees. Read the full story
Top reasons for stock market’s crash that wiped out Rs 10.16 lakh crore investors wealth
Indian stock markets tumbled sharply, wiping out over Rs 10 lakh crore in investor wealth. Rising crude oil prices, a record-low rupee, persistent foreign investor selling and uncertainty over the fragile US-Iran ceasefire hurt sentiment were the major players behind this dramatic crash. Analysts said elevated geopolitical risks, higher bond yields and global macroeconomic concerns continue to pressure equities. Read the full story
Pakistan admits Iranian military aircraft at its airbase
Pakistan admitted that Iranian aircraft landed at its airbase during the US-Iran ceasefire period. However, it rejected US media reports suggesting any military link, and called them speculative and misleading. Islamabad said the planes were connected to diplomatic talks and logistical arrangements linked to peace efforts. The clarification followed a CBS report alleging Iranian military aircraft had landed at Rawalpindi’s Nur Khan Airbase. Read the full story
Big AIADMK twist looms ahead of TVK’s Vijay’s floor test
Tamil Nadu’s post-poll political drama intensified as an AIADMK faction led by SP Velumani and CV Shanmugam extended support to Vijay’s TVK government ahead of the crucial floor test. The move exposed sharp divisions within AIADMK over possible DMK backing. Vijay has also secured support from Congress, Left parties, VCK and IUML. Read the full story
Olympic medallist Sakshi Malik backs Vinesh Phogat; seeks PM’s help
Sakshi Malik backed Vinesh Phogat amid her standoff with the Wrestling Federation of India over returning to competition after retirement. Criticising rules that allegedly block mothers from resuming sports careers, Sakshi urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya and WFI officials to allow Vinesh a fair chance to compete and represent India again. Read the full story
