Day 18 of Israel-Hamas war: Ground reports from the warzone

Did you know South Korea pauses flights during national-level entrance exams?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi began his five-nation tour with a brief four-hour stop in Abu Dhabi on Friday, where he received a grand ceremonial welcome from the top UAE leadership. Upon entering Emirati airspace, his aircraft was escorted by the UAE F-16 fighter jets, a gesture Modi described as an honour for the people of India.

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Friday announced that the re-examination for NEET-UG 2026 will be held on June 21 after the original May 3 test was cancelled over the paper leak controversy. Addressing a press conference on Friday, Pradhan acknowledged a "breach in the chain of command" and said the government was taking responsibility for the failure.

The Bengal police have launched targeted search operations across the state, cracking down on illegal slaughterhouses, unauthorised toll plazas, and parking lots. During these raids, authorities discovered a hidden subterranean chamber inside the residence of a TMC leader who is currently evading arrest following post-poll violence.