The Indian Air Force (IAF) will deploy Mi-17 helicopters and other air assets to transport NEET-UG 2026 re-test question papers ahead of the June 21 examination, according to sources. The confidential packets will be moved from 18 designated locations to distribution centres and exam hubs across the country under strict security arrangements.   The move is part of an extensive plan to prevent any paper leak and restore trust in the examination process after the earlier NEET-UG exam was cancelled over leak allegations. Authorities have also placed paper setters and moderators in a secure undisclosed facility, while security agencies and armed forces remain on standby to ensure the examination is conducted smoothly and securely. (PC: India Today)

US President Donald Trump called on Israel and Iran to stop “shooting” after the two countries exchanged direct attacks for the first time since their April ceasefire. The escalation began after Iran launched missiles toward northern Israel, prompting Israeli air strikes on defence-related targets in western and central Iran.   The Israeli military said dozens of fighter jets participated in the operation, while Iran warned that the attacks marked “the beginning of a full week of continuous strikes.” In a later statement, Trump said both sides were “looking to do an immediate ceasefire.” The latest confrontation has raised fresh concerns about stability across the Middle East. (PC: BBC)

The Trinamool Congress (TMC), the party led by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, is facing a fresh internal crisis after around 20 of its MPs reportedly gathered at an undisclosed location to discuss forming a separate parliamentary bloc or resigning, according to sources.   The reported rebellion comes weeks after TMC's defeat in the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections, which ended the party's long rule in the state. The party has since faced growing dissent, with several leaders and legislators questioning its leadership and future direction.   Sources told The Indian Express that the MPs are exploring their options as unrest deepens within the party. The TMC has not officially responded to the reports. The development could further complicate efforts by Mamata Banerjee to keep the party united after its electoral setback. (PC: X)

A powerful solar storm is expected to impact Earth on Monday night, raising the possibility of rare aurora sightings over parts of India. The US Space Weather Prediction Center has issued a G3 (strong) geomagnetic storm watch, with brief G4 (severe) conditions possible between 11:30 PM IST and 2:30 AM on June 9.   Experts say high-altitude regions of Ladakh, particularly Hanle, have the best chance of witnessing faint red auroras. Parts of Kashmir, Nubra Valley and the Uttarakhand Himalayas may also get a glimpse if conditions remain favourable. Most major Indian cities, including Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai and Bengaluru, are unlikely to see the phenomenon due to light pollution and cloud cover. (PC: India Today)

Leaders of 23 opposition parties met at Delhi’s Constitution Club on Monday for a key INDIA bloc meeting aimed at strengthening coordination and preparing a strategy against the BJP ahead of future elections.   Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge used the meeting to attack the Centre, saying, “India’s foreign policy has been compromised.” He also raised concerns over unemployment, examination irregularities and what opposition leaders described as threats to democratic institutions.   Senior leaders including Sonia Gandhi, Sharad Pawar, Mamata Banerjee and Akhilesh Yadav attended the meeting. However, the DMK and the Aam Aadmi Party skipped the gathering.   Opposition leaders stressed the need to “safeguard democratic values” and maintain unity, while BJP leaders dismissed the meeting, calling the alliance ineffective and lacking purpose. (PC: HT)

Indian-origin entrepreneurs have emerged as the leading immigrant founders of billion-dollar startups in the United States, according to a report by the National Foundation for American Policy (NFAP). The study found that Indian-born founders have started or co-founded 96 US unicorns, the highest number among all immigrant groups.   India ranked ahead of Israel (60), the United Kingdom (47), China (41) and Canada (30). The report said immigrants founded or co-founded 455 of the 775 US unicorns, accounting for 59% of the country's billion-dollar startups.   Among the notable companies is AI startup Perplexity, co-founded by Indian-origin entrepreneur Aravind Srinivas. The report highlights the growing role of the Indian diaspora in driving innovation, job creation and entrepreneurship across the US technology sector. (PC: The Indian Express)

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay on Monday played a game of chess with Indian Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa before honouring him with a ₹50 lakh cash reward for winning the Norway Chess 2026 title. The meeting took place at the state Secretariat in Chennai, where Vijay congratulated the chess star for his historic achievement. Praggnanandhaa recently became the first Indian player to win the prestigious Norway Chess tournament, defeating several top-ranked global players. The incentive was presented on behalf of the Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu in recognition of his outstanding contribution to Indian chess. (PC: X)

At least 15 people were killed and 129 injured after a powerful 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of General Santos City on the southern Philippine island of Mindanao on Monday. The quake occurred at a depth of 10 kilometres, triggering tsunami warnings across parts of the Philippines, Japan and Indonesia, most of which were later lifted. Buildings suffered damage in several affected areas as emergency teams launched rescue and relief operations. Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. directed government agencies to respond immediately and urged residents in vulnerable coastal areas to move to higher ground. (PC: BBC)

Tensions in the Middle East escalated on Monday after Iran launched missile attacks targeting Israel’s Nevatim and Tel Nof airbases, prompting Israeli retaliatory strikes on a petrochemical plant in Mahshahr and other locations in Iran. Explosions were reported in Tehran, Isfahan, Karaj and Tabriz, while Israel said its air defence systems intercepted several incoming missiles. Iran also closed the airspace around Tehran’s main international airport following the attacks. The latest exchange comes amid stalled diplomatic efforts and growing concerns that renewed hostilities between Iran and Israel could undermine negotiations aimed at preventing a wider regional conflict. (PC: NDTV)

Leaders of 23 opposition parties gathered in New Delhi on Monday for a key INDIA bloc meeting aimed at strengthening unity and formulating a strategy against the BJP ahead of future elections. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi and Mamata Banerjee attended the meeting at the Constitution Club. The discussions come amid internal challenges within the alliance following recent electoral setbacks for the Trinamool Congress and DMK. While TMC chief Mamata Banerjee is expected to push for a united front against the BJP for the 2029 Lok Sabha polls, the DMK and AAP stayed away from the meeting. (PC: HT)