The National Testing Agency (NTA) declared the NEET UG 2026 results after releasing the final answer key for the June 21 re-examination, held following the cancellation of the May 3 exam over an alleged paper leak. A total of 11.25 lakh candidates qualified, with women accounting for over 58% of successful candidates. Aryan Gupta of Punjab and Panshul Bansal of Haryana jointly secured the highest score of 715 out of 720. Candidates can check their results on the official NEET website using their login credentials. The NTA said timely declaration will help keep the medical admissions and counselling schedule on track across the country. (PC: HT Print)

India’s space programme is grappling with a growing talent exodus as more than 100 scientists have resigned or opted for voluntary retirement from the Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) in recent months. The Department of Space has responded by tightening rules governing resignations and voluntary retirement for personnel involved in flagship missions, including Gaganyaan. The departures come amid rising opportunities in India’s expanding private space sector, where scientists are reportedly attracted by higher salaries, stronger career growth and greater professional recognition. The trend has raised concerns about retaining experienced talent within the national space agency as India pursues ambitious space exploration and commercial space objectives in the coming years. (PC: Generative AI by India Today)

US President Donald Trump accused China of orchestrating what he called the "largest compromise of election data in history" during the 2020 election, alleging that 220 million US voter files were bought, stolen or hacked. Trump claimed voter data across 18 states was compromised and announced the immediate declassification of intelligence that he said would expose vulnerabilities in America's election infrastructure. He further alleged China began efforts to influence US elections and business leaders from 2018 onward. However, a 2021 US intelligence assessment by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence found no evidence that foreign actors compromised the technical aspects of the 2020 election infrastructure or vote counting.  

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) may have originated as an online movement, but its identity is now centred around Sonam Wangchuk's indefinite hunger strike at New Delhi's Jantar Mantar. Nineteen days into his fast, the Ladakh-based activist and educationist has evolved beyond being a protester, becoming the movement's most recognisable face and moral centre. While political leaders, celebrities and supporters continue to visit the protest site, Wangchuk remains its constant presence, symbolising the campaign's demands and resilience. His deteriorating health has further amplified public attention, shifting the narrative from the organisation itself to the man leading the protest and embodying its message for many across the country. (PC: PTI)

Lionel Messi will face the nation that shaped his footballing journey when Argentina meet Spain in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final. The Argentine captain spent nearly 15 years as Barcelona’s defining figure, becoming one of Spain’s greatest football icons despite always remaining committed to representing Argentina. Spain’s football federation had once explored convincing a teenage Messi to switch allegiance, but he stayed loyal to his homeland. Ahead of the final, Messi acknowledged his familiarity with the Spanish squad, noting that several players represent Barcelona, a club he still loves and follows. Sunday’s title clash now pits Argentina’s legendary captain against the country that helped transform him into a global football icon. (PC: AS)

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has declared the NEET UG 2026 results, bringing relief to lakhs of medical aspirants across India. Candidates can now download their scorecards from the official NEET website using their application credentials. This year, over 11.21 lakh candidates qualified for undergraduate medical and dental admissions, with Aryan Gupta and Panshul Bansal emerging as the joint national toppers, scoring 715 marks each. Following the announcement, qualified candidates will proceed to the All India and State counselling process for admissions to MBBS, BDS, AYUSH, and other undergraduate medical courses. (PC: X)

U.S. President Donald Trump has confirmed that he will attend the FIFA World Cup 2026 final between Argentina and Spain on July 19. The highly anticipated clash will take place at MetLife Stadium, marking the culmination of the first 48-team World Cup jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico. Trump's presence is expected to add political and global attention to football's biggest event. The final pits defending champions Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, against an impressive Spain side, setting the stage for a blockbuster showdown to crown the 2026 FIFA World Cup champions. (PC: Reuters)

Iran has reportedly instructed Yemen's Houthi movement to prepare to close the Bab al-Mandab Strait, a key Red Sea shipping route, if the United States launches attacks on Iran's power infrastructure, according to sources cited by Reuters. The move could significantly disrupt global trade and energy shipments passing through one of the world's busiest maritime chokepoints. The report comes amid escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran following recent cyber and military threats. Neither Iran nor the Houthis have officially confirmed the directive, while U.S. officials have not publicly responded to the reported contingency plan. (PC: Reuters)

Lionel Messi produced another unforgettable moment by dribbling past five England players during Argentina's 2-1 FIFA World Cup 2026 semifinal victory. The dazzling solo run left defenders scrambling and sparked chaos inside the stadium, with videos of the move quickly going viral across social media. Messi's brilliance played a key role in Argentina securing a place in the World Cup final, where they will face Spain. The performance further strengthened his reputation as one of football's greatest dribblers, with fans and former players praising the magical display as another iconic chapter in his legendary international career.

Union Minister Jitendra Singh has downplayed concerns over the reported data breach linked to the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant, stating that no sensitive nuclear safety or security-related information was compromised. He clarified that the leaked files were associated only with conventional support facilities and not the plant's critical reactor systems. The government assured that India's nuclear infrastructure remains secure, while the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) and CERT-In continue investigating the cyber incident. Officials urged the public not to panic, stressing that the breach poses no threat to nuclear operations or national security. (PC: Reuters)