World Pride has begun in Washington, D.C., with rainbow flags and parades celebrating LGBTQ identity. But many international visitors are skipping the event. Some fear U.S. border issues, while others are protesting President Trump’s policies, including bans on transgender rights. Trans travellers like Alice Siregar say it’s too risky to enter the U.S. now. LGBTQ groups from Canada and Europe have pulled out over safety concerns. Organisers say fewer tourists are attending, and hotel bookings are down. Security has been increased. Still, many say Pride must go on, and showing joy during tough times is a powerful act of protest. (PC: Getty Images)

A senior aide to President Trump—Stephen Miller—has branded the Los Angeles protests against recent ICE raids a “violent insurrection.” These demonstrations erupted in Paramount and other areas after Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested dozens of individuals, including those with legal status . In response, Trump signed a memo deploying 2,000 National Guard troops, while local officials warned active-duty forces could follow . California Governor Gavin Newsom and LA Mayor Karen Bass condemned the move as inflammatory and unnecessary . The standoff has sparked concerns over civil liberties, federalism, and the militarization of immigration enforcement. (PC: Reuters)    

US President Donald Trump has sent 2,000 National Guardsmen to Los Angeles after violent protests over immigration raids. Clashes broke out between ICE agents and residents in the mostly Latino Paramount area. Tear gas, flash bangs, and arrests followed, with 118 people detained this week. California Governor Gavin Newsom called the raids “cruel” and said Trump’s move would increase tensions. Trump accused state leaders of failing to keep order. Federal officials warned protesters to stop disrupting operations. Some migrants are reportedly hiding in local businesses. The protests began after mass ICE arrests aimed at undocumented migrants sparked public anger and fear. (PC: BBC)

Water flow in Pakistan's Indus Basin has dropped by 15% compared to last year, official data shows. On June 5, only 1.24 lakh cusecs of water flowed in Punjab, down from 1.44 lakh cusecs. Key dams like Tarbela, Chasma, and Mangla are close to dead levels, which means they may not be able to release water soon. This could badly affect crops in the coming months. Pakistan says India is holding back water after stopping the Indus Waters Treaty. It has sent four protest letters. India says the treaty is on hold and "water and blood cannot flow together." (PC: PTI)

Former President Donald Trump has formally ended his alliance with Elon Musk, warning on June 7 that Musk would face "very serious consequences" if he financially supports Democratic candidates opposing Trump-backed legislation . The rift ignited after Musk branded the $2.4 trillion “One Big Beautiful Bill” as an “abomination” and deleted contentious posts linking Trump to Jeffrey Epstein . Trump affirmed he has “no intention” of reconciling with Musk and hasn’t discussed revoking contracts with SpaceX or Starlink . The feud underscores escalating tensions between political power and tech influence as the midterms loom. (PC: AFP)    

Colombian presidential candidate Miguel Uribe Turbay was shot during a rally in Bogotá on June 7. He was hit three times—twice in the head and once in the back. The 39-year-old is currently in hospital, receiving emergency neurosurgical care. A 14-year-old suspect was caught at the scene. President Petro cancelled his France visit and called the attack a threat to democracy. Turbay’s wife said he is fighting for his life. The election is set for May 2026. Turbay, a right-wing senator, had announced his candidacy in March. Global leaders have condemned the attack and called for peace. (PC: X/@Rincon001A)

Violent protests broke out in Los Angeles after federal immigration raids led to 44 arrests. People clashed with police, set fires, and damaged property. Tear gas and stun grenades were used. In response, President Trump is sending 2,000 National Guard soldiers to control the situation. California Governor Gavin Newsom called the move “inflammatory” and warned it could make things worse. Protests began outside the LA Federal Building and spread to Paramount, a mostly Latino area. Trump blamed state leaders for the violence. Protesters say the raids are unfair and cruel. The situation remains tense with more protests expected. (PC: Reuters)

Climate activist Greta Thunberg has hit back at US Senator Lindsey Graham’s mocking remark about her Gaza aid mission, saying, “We can swim very well.” Graham, a key Trump ally and staunch supporter of Israel, earlier posted, “Hope Greta and her friends can swim!” Thunberg, along with 11 others including actor Liam Cunningham and MEP Rima Hassan, is aboard a humanitarian flotilla carrying aid to Gaza. The group aims to challenge Israel’s siege with non-violent action. As tensions mount, Israel has signaled readiness to intercept the vessel, which is currently off Crete’s coast, equipped with an advanced tracking system. (PC: Instagram)

Following the June 4 stampede that killed 11 and injured 56 during RCB’s IPL victory celebration at Bengaluru’s Chinnaswamy Stadium, the Karnataka High Court has posed nine critical questions to the state government. The court, acting on a suo motu writ, demanded clarity on authorisation, crowd estimates, permissions, medical response, and SOPs for large gatherings. It asked the government to respond by June 10. The incident led to the suspension of five senior police officers, including Bengaluru’s Police Commissioner. The tragedy, linked to poor crowd control, has intensified public and judicial scrutiny of the event’s organisation and emergency preparedness. (PC: ANI)

Elon Musk has deleted a controversial post from X claiming US President Donald Trump was named in sealed Jeffrey Epstein files, a move seen as a potential olive branch following their recent public spat. Musk had accused Trump of suppressing the files for self-protection, calling it the “real reason” they remained sealed. The claim reignited conspiracy theories surrounding the Epstein case. Trump responded by saying he had no interest in speaking to Musk, who he claimed had “lost his mind.” Their fallout follows disagreements over Trump’s spending bill and tax reforms, with Musk recently exiting the Department of Government Efficiency. (PC: Reuters)