Teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has generated immense excitement ahead of India’s T20I series against Ireland, but a place in the playing XI is far from certain as team management weighs the importance of maintaining a settled combination.

The 15-year-old left-handed batter, who enjoyed a remarkable rise through domestic and franchise cricket, has been included in India’s T20I squad for the Ireland and England tours. However, fitting him into the starting XI presents a significant selection challenge.

Crowded top order creates selection headache

India already have several established opening options in the squad, including Sanju Samson, Abhishek Sharma and Ishan Kishan. Bringing Sooryavanshi into the side would likely require dropping one of the current top-order batters, many of whom have already delivered strong performances for the national team.

Ahead of the Ireland series, India’s batting coach Sitanshu Kotak stressed that players who have been consistently performing should not be sidelined unfairly merely to accommodate new entrants. He added that competition for places is healthy and every player should wait for the appropriate opportunity.

The approach reflects head coach Gautam Gambhir’s emphasis on prioritising the team’s overall balance rather than making changes solely because of public demand or hype surrounding a player.

Sooryavanshi’s rapid rise continues

Despite uncertainty over his immediate debut, Sooryavanshi remains one of India’s brightest young prospects. The Bihar batter has impressed across age-group cricket, domestic competitions and the IPL, where his fearless strokeplay attracted widespread attention.

With India set to play a packed white-ball schedule, opportunities are expected to come for the youngster, even if he does not feature in the opening T20I against Ireland.

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has released the provisional answer key for the NEET UG 2026 re-examination on its official website, offering candidates an opportunity to review their responses and estimate their scores.

Students who appeared for the re-exam can access the provisional answer key, scanned OMR sheets and recorded responses by visiting the official portal, neet.nta.nic.in. Along with the release, the testing agency has also opened the objection window for candidates wishing to challenge any answer.

According to the NTA, candidates can submit objections online from June 25 to June 28, 2026. A processing fee of Rs 200 per question challenged must be paid while submitting objections. The fee will be refunded if the challenge is found to be valid by the expert panel reviewing the objections.

The agency said all challenges submitted by candidates will be examined by subject experts. Based on their recommendations, the final answer key will be prepared. The results of the re-examination will be declared after the final answer key is published.

How to check the Re-NEET UG 2026 answer key

• Visit the official website at neet.nta.nic.in.
• Click on the link for the Re-NEET UG 2026 provisional answer key.
• Log in using the application number, password and security code.
• View and download the answer key and response sheet for future reference.

Steps to challenge the provisional answer key

• Log in to the candidate portal on the official website.
• Select the option to challenge the answer key.
• Choose the question(s) to be challenged.
• Upload supporting documents, if required.
• Pay the prescribed fee and submit the objection.
• Download and keep a copy of the confirmation page for future reference.

The NEET UG 2026 re-examination was conducted on June 21 at examination centres across India and abroad. NTA has said it aims to release the final answer key and results at the earliest possible date.

Millions of Android users in Venezuela reportedly received earthquake alerts on their smartphones moments before powerful tremors shook the country, renewing global interest in how Google’s earthquake warning technology functions and whether smartphones can help save lives during natural disasters.

The alerts were triggered ahead of the strong shaking caused by the powerful earthquakes that struck Venezuela this week. However, experts have clarified that Google did not predict the earthquakes. Instead, the company’s system detected the initial seismic activity and rapidly issued warnings to people located in potentially affected areas.

How Google’s Android Earthquake Alerts System works

Google’s Android Earthquake Alerts System uses the accelerometers built into billions of Android smartphones. These sensors, typically used to detect device movement and screen orientation, can also identify ground vibrations associated with earthquakes.

When multiple Android devices in the same region detect similar vibrations simultaneously, anonymised data is sent to Google’s servers. Algorithms then analyse the information to estimate the earthquake’s location, magnitude and expected intensity. If the system determines that significant shaking is likely, alerts are automatically sent to users in affected areas.

The technology works by detecting primary seismic waves, or P-waves, which travel faster and are generally less destructive than secondary waves, known as S-waves. Since internet signals travel much faster than seismic waves, alerts can reach users seconds before the strongest shaking arrives.

Why a few seconds can make a difference

Although the warning window is often brief, experts say even a few seconds can be crucial during an earthquake. Such alerts can allow people to move away from hazardous areas, stop dangerous activities, seek cover or prepare for stronger shaking.

During the recent earthquakes in Venezuela, some residents reported receiving alerts on their phones shortly before the tremors intensified, giving them additional time to react.

How to enable earthquake alerts on Android

Google says Android earthquake alerts are available in many countries, including India. To receive these notifications, users need an Android device running Android 5 or later, active internet connectivity and location services enabled.

To check whether earthquake alerts are enabled:

1. Open Settings on your Android smartphone.
2. Search for “Earthquake alerts”.
3. Ensure the feature is turned on.
4. Keep both location services and mobile data or Wi-Fi enabled.

Google emphasises that the system is designed as a supplemental early warning service and may not detect or alert users about every earthquake. It does not predict earthquakes before they begin but aims to provide precious seconds of advance warning once seismic activity is detected.