Nite leaks; stock market crash and more
- NTA canceled NEET-UG 2026 after a ‘guess paper’ closely matched the original question paper. The government has ordered a CBI probe and the new exam dates and admit card schedule will be announced later.
- The Sensex and Nifty plunged over 1.5% as rising crude oil prices (rupee hit a record low), continued selling by foreign investors and escalating US-Iran tensions triggered panic in Indian stocks.
- Pakistan confirmed that Iranian planes landed at its air base but denied reports linking it to military action, saying the claims were misleading and instead related to diplomacy and ceasefire-related arrangements.
- Ahead of Vijay’s Lok Sabha Test, a rebel faction of the AIADMK backed the TVK government, deepening internal divisions within the party and intensifying Vijay’s efforts to prove a majority in parliament.
- Olympian Sakshi Malik has backed Vinesh Phogat in her dispute with WFI, urging authorities to allow the wrestler to make a comeback after becoming a mother and give her a fair chance of trial.
Here are the day’s top stories:
NEET exam canceled due to question paper leak
The national examination body has canceled NEET-UG 2026 after a leak of a ‘guessing’ question paper that closely matched the actual questions circulated before the exam. More than 2.2 million students are affected. The Center has ordered a CBI probe into leaks and malpractice, and the NTA said the rescheduled date for the exams will be announced within 7 to 10 days without the need for re-registration or additional fees. Read the full story
Major reasons why investors lost Rs 1,016 crore in stock market crash
Indian stock markets fell sharply, losing over Rs 1,000 crore of investor wealth. Rising crude oil prices, a record low rupee, continued selling by foreign investors and uncertainty over the fragility of the US-Iran ceasefire hurt market sentiment and were the main reasons for the dramatic crash. Analysts said rising geopolitical risks, rising bond yields and global macroeconomic concerns continued to weigh on stocks. Read the full story
Pakistan admits Iranian military aircraft are stationed at its air base
Pakistan has admitted that Iranian aircraft landed at its air base during the ceasefire between the United States and Iran. However, it rejected U.S. media reports suggesting any military links, calling them speculative and misleading. Islamabad said the aircraft were related to diplomatic negotiations and logistical arrangements related to peace efforts. The clarification comes after CBS reported that an Iranian military aircraft landed at Nur Khan Air Base in Rawalpindi. Read the full story
AIADMK’s big twist looms ahead of TVK’s Vijay floor test
The post-poll political drama intensifies in Tamil Nadu with the AIADMK faction led by SP Velumani and CV Shanmugam extending support to Vijay’s TVK government ahead of the crucial ground floor test. The move exposed deep divisions within the AIADMK over possible support for the DMK. Vijay also has the support of Congress, Left parties, VCK and IUML. Read the full story
Olympic medalist Sakshi Malik backs Vinesh Phogat; seeks PM’s help
Sakshi Malik has extended his support to Vinesh Phogat as he reaches an impasse with the Wrestling Federation of India over his return to competition after retirement. Criticizing the rules that allegedly hindered his mother from resuming her sporting career, Sakshi urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya and world FI officials to give Vinesh a fair chance to represent India again. Read the full story

