The Karnataka High Court will today hear the Bengaluru stampede case that left 11 dead and 47 injured during Royal Challengers Bangalore’s IPL victory celebrations at Chinnaswamy Stadium. The court took suo motu cognisance of the tragedy, which occurred a day after RCB's historic title win. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah called it an "unexpected tragedy" and announced ₹10 lakh compensation to families of the deceased, while ordering a magisterial inquiry. The stampede reportedly occurred due to overcrowding as thousands gathered to celebrate RCB's long-awaited win after 18 years. Authorities are facing criticism over lack of crowd control and safety measures. (PC: NDTV)

On June 4, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump signed a new proclamation reinstating strict travel restrictions, completely banning entry from 12 countries, many of which are Muslim-majority, including Iran, Libya, Somalia, and Afghanistan. Seven other countries, including Cuba and Venezuela, face targeted visa category restrictions. The move follows a violent antisemitic attack in Colorado and claims of security gaps in current immigration vetting systems. Critics warn the decision revives discriminatory policies and could impact diplomatic ties. The restrictions will be enforced starting June 9, 2025, at 12:01 a.m., pending legal and political challenges. (PC: India Today)  

Former US President Donald Trump warned that Russian President Vladimir Putin will retaliate following Ukraine's drone attack on Russian airbases. Trump shared details of their hour-long call, stating Putin was "very strong" about responding. The leaders also discussed Iran’s nuclear program, with Putin offering to assist in negotiations. The Kremlin accused Ukraine of acting like a "terrorist organisation" and disrupting talks. Trump, who recently criticized Putin's aggression, made no mention of his earlier deadline for Russian peace efforts. Meanwhile, Ukrainian officials met US senators in Washington to discuss defense aid, as peace talks with Russia continue to stall. (PC: Getty Images)

A deadly stampede unfolded outside Bengaluru’s M Chinnaswamy Stadium during Royal Challengers Bengaluru's IPL 2025 victory celebration, leaving 11 dead and several injured. Thousands gathered to see the team, overwhelming security arrangements. Eyewitness Mahesh told ANI, “I saw three girls fall, but no one rescued them. Police were helpless.” Another attendee said they were stuck between locked gates and swelling crowds. Visuals showed fans climbing vehicles, including a damaged car. The BJP blamed the Karnataka government for poor planning. State BJP chief BY Vijayendra demanded a judicial probe, alleging lack of police, ambulances, and crowd control measures led to the tragedy. (PC: AP)

At a UN press event, Pakistan's Bilawal Bhutto faced a sharp rebuttal after alleging that India used the Pahalgam terror attack to demonize Muslims. Veteran US journalist Ahmed Fathi countered by citing Muslim Indian officers, notably Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, who represented India during Operation Sindoor. Bhutto, left flustered, launched into a rant with unsubstantiated claims. He also admitted Pakistan faces hurdles in raising the Kashmir issue internationally. Bhutto, known for past provocative remarks, had earlier declared “The Indus is ours or their blood will flow,” drawing criticism from AIMIM’s Asaduddin Owaisi, who slammed Bhutto’s political immaturity and hypocrisy on terrorism.

Israel has issued a warning regarding the "Freedom Flotilla" led by climate activist Greta Thunberg, which is en route to Gaza carrying symbolic humanitarian aid. The vessel, named Madleen, departed from Catania, Italy, with 12 activists aboard, aiming to challenge the Israeli blockade imposed in March 2025. Israeli military spokesperson Brigadier General Effie Defrin stated, "We are prepared," referencing past actions against similar flotillas. The activists reported being followed by drones, later identified as belonging to the Greek Coast Guard. Thunberg emphasized the mission's non-violent nature, asserting the importance of continued humanitarian efforts despite potential interception. (PC: Daily Mail)

On June 1, 2025, Ukraine launched a long-range drone offensive, codenamed "Spider's Web," targeting four Russian air bases located deep within Russian territory. Satellite imagery from Capella Space confirmed significant damage at the Belaya air base in Irkutsk, including destroyed Tu-22M and Tu-95MS strategic bombers. Separate footage from the Olenya base in Murmansk revealed additional damage to three Tu-95s. Ukraine reportedly deployed 117 drones, with some reaching as far as 4,300 km from the front. The SBU claims the operation destroyed or damaged 41 aircraft and inflicted $7 billion in losses. Russia has acknowledged some damage and begun an investigation. (PC: Reuters)    

Bengaluru descended into stampede-like chaos as thousands of RCB fans mobbed Chinnaswamy Stadium to celebrate the team's maiden IPL title. The Karnataka State Cricket Association's felicitation event turned unruly after fans without entry passes tried scaling walls and fences. Overwhelmed police resorted to lathi-charge to manage the surging crowd. Metro stations were jam-packed, and traffic snarled across central Bengaluru. Minor injuries were reported, with some hospitalised. Authorities now face criticism for poor planning and cancellation of the open-top bus parade. Social media exploded with visuals, drawing comparisons to festival stampedes and political rallies. (PC: X)

India’s nationwide Census will begin on March 1, 2027, and will, for the first time in decades, include caste data, sources revealed. The population count will be conducted in two phases. In high-altitude and snowy regions like Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand, the Census will commence earlier in October 2026. Initially slated for 2020, the Census was delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The Centre’s decision to include caste data follows mounting pressure from opposition parties demanding a more inclusive demographic analysis. This will be India’s first comprehensive Census in over a decade and could reshape welfare policies. (PC: News18)

Canada has proposed the "Strong Borders Act," aiming to tighten immigration laws and bolster border security. Introduced by Immigration Minister Lena Diab, the bill seeks to curb organised crime and drug trafficking while restricting asylum claims. Individuals in Canada for over a year may be barred from seeking asylum, and mail inspection powers would be expanded. Prime Minister Mark Carney, who called current immigration levels "unsustainable," says the law strengthens system integrity. Critics, including the Migrant Rights Network and opposition MPs, warn the bill threatens civil liberties and refugee protections. The proposal also aligns with U.S. concerns on border security and fentanyl trafficking. (PC: Reuters)