At least 15 people, most of them students, were killed after a massive fire broke out in a commercial building housing a coaching centre in Lucknow's Aliganj area on Monday. Several students were trapped inside as thick smoke spread rapidly through the building, forcing some to jump from the first floor in a desperate attempt to escape. Rescue teams rushed to the spot and brought the blaze under control after an extensive operation. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath visited the site and ordered an investigation into the tragedy. The cause of the fire is being probed. (PC: NDTV)

The NEET 2026 re-test has triggered a nationwide debate after several students were denied entry for arriving minutes after the 1:30 pm gate-closing deadline. Videos from Madhya Pradesh, Telangana, Bengaluru and other cities showed students and parents pleading with officials after delays caused by rain, traffic, accidents and document issues. While the National Testing Agency enforced strict security measures following the paper leak controversy, many families questioned whether genuine late arrivals could have been accommodated. Supporters of the rules argued that uniform deadlines ensure fairness, while critics said students should lose time, not an entire year of preparation. (PC: India Today)

More than 20 lakh candidates appeared for the NEET UG 2026 re-examination, according to NTA Director General Abhishek Singh. He said the lower attendance compared to the original exam was expected. Many students had already explored other options, including engineering courses and different career paths. Singh said attendance patterns were largely similar across regions and centres. He also described the re-examination as smooth, secure and nearly error-free. The NTA worked with security and administrative agencies to prevent malpractice and ensure fairness. Final attendance figures will be released after all reports from examination centres are received.

The West Bengal government has announced a 20 percent increase in Dearness Allowance (DA) for state employees. The revised DA will come into effect from October 1, taking the total DA to 38 percent. Presenting the state budget, Finance Minister Swapan Dasgupta also announced recruitment for one lakh government jobs, with 33 percent reserved for women. The government will fill 20,000 vacancies in the state police force. Girl students in government and aided schools will receive a ₹50,000 scholarship. Other announcements include a new airport, a deep-sea port, women's welfare schemes and new educational institutions.

A tense standoff at a gurdwara in Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand, ended after seven Nihangs who had barricaded themselves on the rooftop agreed to come down following negotiations. The situation began after allegations that a gurdwara official had been held hostage, prompting police intervention. A delegation from Punjab held discussions with Uttarakhand Director General of Police Deepam Seth to defuse tensions. Authorities maintained heavy security around the shrine while talks continued. The crisis was resolved peacefully without injuries, with officials emphasizing dialogue and cooperation to maintain communal harmony and prevent further escalation. (PC: India Today)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi delayed his departure from Delhi airport by around 45 minutes on June 21 to avoid traffic disruptions for students appearing in the NEET-UG 2026 re-examination. Arriving at the airport around 1:15 pm, he chose to wait until the exam commenced at 2 pm so that candidates could reach their centres without inconvenience. More than 22 lakh students appeared for the nationwide re-test, which was ordered after the cancellation of the May 3 examination over an alleged paper leak. Extensive security arrangements and student welfare measures were put in place by the National Testing Agency. (PC: X)

Marking International Yoga Day, Indian Army personnel and their canine companions performed yoga exercises at the Siachen Glacier, the world's highest battlefield, situated at an altitude of over 18,000 feet. Despite sub-zero temperatures and extreme conditions, the soldiers and specially trained sniffer dogs showcased remarkable discipline and endurance. The event highlighted the importance of physical fitness and mental resilience among troops stationed in one of the harshest environments on Earth. Images of the dogs striking yoga poses alongside soldiers drew widespread attention, symbolising the strong bond between the Army and its four-legged comrades. (PC: X)

A suspected ammonia gas leak at the St Peter's Paul Seafoods Exports facility in Kannigaipair near Periyapalayam, Tiruvallur district of Tamil Nadu, claimed the lives of seven women and left dozens of workers hospitalised on Sunday. According to officials, 67 employees were affected, with several requiring urgent treatment and nine critically ill patients shifted to Chennai's Government Stanley Medical College Hospital. Following the incident, a 30-member team from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) was deployed with specialised rescue equipment. Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the leak and possible safety lapses. (PC: X)

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has assured NEET-UG candidates that they will get an opportunity to update their bank details for fee refunds. The clarification came after a student raised concerns on social media about refund information disappearing while downloading an admit card. Responding to the query, the NTA said candidates would be allowed to update their details and wished them success in the examination. The agency has not yet announced the process or timeline for the update. Candidates have been advised to follow official notifications for further information regarding refunds and related procedures.

Special arrangements were made across several states as more than 22 lakh students appeared for the NEET-UG 2026 re-examination on Sunday. In Delhi, the government set up cooling zones at all 97 exam centres for parents waiting outside in the heat. Drinking water, medical support and seating facilities were also provided. NEET candidates were allowed free travel on DTC buses by showing their admit cards. Andhra Pradesh also offered free bus travel for aspirants. The measures were introduced to make travel easier and ensure comfort for students and their families on exam day.