Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan criticised sections of the media for giving excessive attention to short-lived trends, warning that young people could end up “following the cockroach” if positive achievements and constructive activities are not highlighted adequately. Speaking at the 140th anniversary celebrations of Malayalam daily Deepika in Kottayam, he stressed the importance of responsible and constructive journalism in shaping society and promoting nation-building. His remarks appeared to reference the satirical Cockroach Janta Party, which emerged after controversy surrounding comments attributed to Chief Justice Surya Kant. Radhakrishnan said freedom of expression is important but questioned disproportionate coverage of fleeting issues. (PC: X)

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi intensified criticism of the CBSE’s digital evaluation system, alleging that Class 12 answer sheets were scanned using mobile phones after key tender requirements were diluted. Citing findings by student researcher Sarthak Sidhant and ethical hacker Nisarga Adhikary, Gandhi claimed technical standards for scanning quality and equipment were relaxed, benefiting the vendor COEMPT Edu Teck. The controversy has grown amid reports of blurred scans, missing pages, answer-sheet mix-ups, portal crashes and unexpectedly low marks. CBSE has acknowledged vulnerabilities in an associated portal and said cybersecurity experts, government agencies and IIT specialists are working to strengthen the system. (PC: India Today)

A 22-year-old man from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) was apprehended by the Indian Army after crossing the Line of Control (LoC) in the Uri sector of north Kashmir. According to sources, the man, identified as Zeeshan Ahmad from Haveli Kahuta, allegedly crossed into Jammu and Kashmir to meet a woman from Uri with whom he had developed a relationship through social media. Preliminary questioning reportedly revealed that the woman advised him to cross the border and surrender to Indian authorities to escape personal and family problems. While the woman has corroborated parts of his account, security agencies are investigating whether the claimed romance masks any other motive. (PC: The Indian Express)

The United States carried out strikes on Iranian radar installations and drone command-and-control facilities over the weekend, marking a significant escalation in tensions between Washington and Tehran. According to the US Central Command (CENTCOM), the operation targeted military sites in Goruk and on Qeshm Island in Iran. The US military described the action as a self-defence measure following the reported downing of an American MQ-1 drone. In a statement posted on X, CENTCOM said the strikes were aimed at radar systems and drone-related command infrastructure linked to Iranian military operations. The development adds to growing regional tensions and raises concerns about further escalation between the two countries. (PC: Daily Mail)

The number of American students choosing India for higher education has fallen sharply over the past decade, dropping 65.6% from 4,583 in 2013-14 to 1,578 in 2023-24, according to data from the Institute of International Education. India now attracts just 0.52% of US students studying abroad. Education experts attribute the decline to low global rankings of Indian universities, rigid academic structures, limited campus housing, infrastructure concerns, and difficulties in transferring academic credits. The Covid-19 pandemic further disrupted enrolment trends, from which India has yet to recover. Meanwhile, Indian student migration to the US continues to rise, reaching more than 3.63 lakh students in 2024-25. (PC: HT)

A day after an attack on Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee, a key meeting of the party’s newly elected legislators at Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s Kalighat residence failed to proceed as expected. Only 20 of the 80 newly elected MLAs attended the gathering, prompting the party to cancel the meeting. The absence of nearly three-fourths of the legislators triggered political speculation and raised questions about party coordination following the recent incident involving Abhishek Banerjee. However, the Trinamool Congress dismissed concerns, stating that many MLAs were occupied with organising and participating in protests against alleged political violence, which prevented them from attending the scheduled meeting. (PC: India Today)

Commercial LPG prices have been increased from June 1, with the cost of a 19-kg cylinder rising by Rs 42 in Delhi to Rs 3,113.50 and by Rs 53.50 in Kolkata to Rs 3,255.50. Prices of 5-kg Free Trade LPG cylinders have also been raised by Rs 11, taking the Delhi rate to Rs 821.50. Domestic LPG cylinder prices remain unchanged. The revision comes as the government works to strengthen fuel security through larger strategic reserves and tighter enforcement against hoarding and diversion. Officials said fuel stocks remain adequate, refineries are operating optimally, LPG production is at record levels, and no supply shortages have been reported nationwide. (PC: PTI)

Gujarat Titans endured a major scare after the IPL 2026 final when their team bus caught fire while returning from Ahmedabad's Narendra Modi Stadium to the team hotel on Sunday night. Reports indicate a short circuit triggered the blaze, causing smoke to spread inside the vehicle. All players and staff were evacuated safely, with no injuries reported. The squad reportedly waited on the roadside for nearly an hour before a replacement bus arrived. The incident capped a disappointing evening for Gujarat Titans, who lost the IPL 2026 final to Royal Challengers Bengaluru by five wickets. The scare followed a demanding travel schedule and weather-related disruptions in recent days. (PC: X)

Nepal Prime Minister Balendra “Balen” Shah triggered controversy after telling Parliament that Nepal, like India, has also occupied land across the bilateral border. Shah said he learned after taking office that cross-border occupation exists on both sides and stressed that disputes should be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy. He also suggested involving the United Kingdom, citing its historical role in shaping regional boundaries. The remarks sparked criticism from opposition leaders, border experts and sections of Nepal’s political establishment, who argued the statement undermined national interests. Nepal’s Foreign Ministry later clarified that Shah was referring to occupation and land use issues in border areas, not territorial claims or formal boundary revisions whatsoever.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru cemented their place among the IPL's elite teams by winning a second consecutive title with a five-wicket victory over Gujarat Titans in the 2026 final in Ahmedabad. After ending an 18-year wait for their maiden trophy in 2025, RCB needed just 12 months to add another championship to their cabinet. Gujarat were restricted to 155/8 by a disciplined bowling attack led by Rasikh Salam Dar, Josh Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar Kumar. In reply, Virat Kohli anchored the chase with an unbeaten 75 off 42 balls as RCB reached 161/5. The triumph makes Bengaluru only the third franchise to win back-to-back IPL titles. (PC: X/RCB)