A worsening air leak aboard the International Space Station briefly prompted NASA to place five astronauts on standby for a possible evacuation on June 5. The precautionary order followed a sudden increase in air loss within the Russian Zvezda service module, where two leaks were identified. Four Crew-12 members and another NASA astronaut were instructed to move into a docked SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft before the alert was lifted roughly two hours later after consultations with Roscosmos. One leak was sealed, while repairs continued on the second. Officials stressed there was no immediate threat to crew safety, and normal station operations subsequently resumed. (PC: News18)

Russian President Vladimir Putin praised India’s talent pool, educational standards and technological capabilities while addressing the plenary session of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) 2026. Speaking during a session moderated by Geeta Mohan, Putin described India-Russia relations as trust-based and brotherly. He highlighted India’s globally recognised workforce, particularly its software professionals and coders, saying Indian talent has earned worldwide renown. Putin also called India one of the leading players in the global IT industry and praised its independent foreign policy. Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he credited India’s economic growth to sustained government efforts and projected stronger bilateral cooperation across multiple sectors.

State-run Oil India Limited has discovered natural gas at the Sri Vijayapuram-3 exploratory well in the Andaman Sea, marking a significant development in India’s offshore energy exploration efforts. The well, located around 15 kilometres off the east coast of the Andaman Islands, was drilled in waters approximately 355 metres deep. Initial testing conducted at depths exceeding 1,900 metres confirmed the presence of natural gas, with continuous flaring observed during operations. Oil India has begun collecting samples to assess the gas’s quality, composition and commercial potential. The discovery could strengthen domestic energy resources and support India’s long-term energy security objectives if further evaluations prove successful.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was briefed on the capabilities of India’s indigenous Zorawar light tank, a high-altitude combat platform developed to strengthen military preparedness along the Himalayan frontier. Designed jointly by DRDO and L&T, the 25-tonne tank was developed in just 19 months and is tailored for operations in mountainous terrain, particularly along the Line of Actual Control. Zorawar combines mobility, firepower and advanced technology, including AI-enabled systems, modern surveillance capabilities and enhanced protection. It is intended to counter China’s Type-15 light tank and can be rapidly deployed by air, rail or road. The project marks a major milestone in India’s defence self-reliance efforts.

India on Friday strongly objected to Pakistan’s decision to hold “General Elections” for the so-called Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly on June 7 in territory that New Delhi considers illegally occupied. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) reiterated that the entire Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, including Gilgit-Baltistan, are integral and inalienable parts of India following the legal accession of Jammu & Kashmir in 1947. India said Pakistan’s actions cannot alter its sovereignty claims and accused Islamabad of masking grave human rights violations, political repression, economic exploitation and denial of freedoms in the region. New Delhi again demanded that Pakistan vacate territories under its illegal occupation and cease attempts to change their status.

Indian Grandmaster R. Praggnanandhaa secured a key win over reigning World Champion D. Gukesh at the Norway Chess 2026 tournament, keeping the open section title race alive until the final round. The victory strengthened Praggnanandhaa’s position among the leaders in a closely contested event held in Oslo, where multiple top players remain in contention. Meanwhile, Bibisara Assaubayeva claimed the women’s title with a round to spare after a dominant performance throughout the tournament. The final round in the open section will decide the champion, with the standings still extremely tight and top contenders separated by a narrow margin. (PC: DD)

US forces reportedly boarded an oil tanker carrying Iranian crude in the Indian Ocean as part of an ongoing maritime enforcement operation targeting sanctions violations. The vessel was intercepted after intelligence indicated it was involved in transporting restricted oil linked to Iran’s sanctioned energy exports. Video footage circulating online shows armed personnel securing the ship during the boarding action. The operation highlights continued US efforts to enforce sanctions on Iranian oil trade and disrupt illicit shipping networks. Authorities have not yet disclosed the tanker’s flag state or destination. The incident is likely to heighten geopolitical tensions in the region.

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), led by Abhijeet Dipke, has announced a large-scale protest at Jantar Mantar, Delhi, against alleged irregularities in national-level examinations and broader education governance issues. The group has also released detailed “dos and don’ts” for participants to ensure discipline, safety, and non-violence during the demonstration. Protesters are instructed to follow legal guidelines, maintain peaceful conduct, and avoid disruptive behavior. The movement is demanding accountability from the Union Education Ministry and has gained significant online traction among students. Authorities are monitoring the planned gathering closely as preparations continue for the scheduled protest event in the capital. (PC: X)

Former Tamil Nadu BJP president K. Annamalai has resigned from the Bharatiya Janata Party and announced a new political movement aimed at reshaping the state’s political landscape. In a social media address, he said the initiative is inspired by the ideals of former President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, focusing on youth empowerment, clean governance, and development-oriented politics. Annamalai stated that he wants to move beyond traditional party frameworks and build a people-centric platform. His exit marks a significant shift in Tamil Nadu politics, with several BJP leaders reportedly following him. The BJP, however, downplayed the impact, calling it politically insignificant. (PC: India Today)

Astronauts aboard the International Space Station were instructed by NASA to shelter in their spacecraft and prepare for a possible evacuation after a worsening air leak was detected in the Russian-built Zvezda service module. The leak, located in the module’s transfer tunnel, has been a long-standing concern, but recent signs of deterioration prompted Russian space agency Roscosmos to begin extensive repair operations. As a precaution, members of NASA’s SpaceX Crew-12 mission, along with other station residents, were placed on alert and told to be ready for an emergency departure if required. NASA emphasized that the move was made out of caution while engineers continue monitoring the situation. (PC: The Guardian)