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NEET retest today, US-Iran talks, Strait of Hormuz closure: Key developments

Published on: 21 Jun 2026, 01:17 AM

The National Testing Agency (NTA) is conducting the NEET-UG 2026 re-examination on Sunday, June 21, across 5,440 centres in 551 cities in India and 14 abroad. Over 22 lakh aspirants are appearing amid unprecedented security measures, as the NTA aims to ensure a fair and candidate-friendly examination.

In a significant diplomatic development, U.S. and Iranian negotiators are meeting in Switzerland on Saturday to discuss details of an interim agreement to halt the war. The talks come hours after Tehran announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, citing Israeli attacks on Lebanon. U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance is leading the American delegation, while Iran's team is headed by Parliamentary Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf.

Iran's military said the closure of the Strait of Hormuz is a response to what it calls violations of a memorandum of understanding with the U.S. It warned of further measures if Israeli strikes on Lebanon continue. The strait is a critical chokepoint for global oil shipments.

In domestic politics, the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) has renewed its demand for the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Founder Abhijeet Dipke held a second protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, continuing a movement that has gained over two crore social media followers.

The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has banned 16 fixed dose combination drugs, including certain antibiotics, painkillers, and skin medications, citing lack of therapeutic justification and potential risks to patients.

In Ladakh, civil society groups LAB and KDA have called for a complete shutdown on June 23, accusing the Centre of backtracking on agreements made on May 22. They also cite delays in releasing official minutes of that meeting.

Trinamool Congress general secretary Abhishek Banerjee has alleged a security threat at Kolkata airport on Friday night. Party leaders have condemned the incident, with some describing it as an attempted murder. The new BJP government has been asked to investigate.

Source: The Hindu

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