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)

Anushka Sharma shared emotional glimpses from the RCB victory parade in Bengaluru after the team clinched their maiden IPL title. Riding with husband Virat Kohli on the team bus, she captured the euphoric crowd cheering along the route to M Chinnaswamy Stadium. In one video, Kohli is seen holding the trophy with pride. "These happy faces have waited lovingly and patiently," Anushka wrote. The team was welcomed by Deputy CM D K Shivakumar and later met CM Siddaramaiah. Kohli posted a heartfelt message, calling the 18-year wait “absolutely worth it,” dedicating the win to loyal fans and years of struggle.

Dr Swaiman Singh, known for his role in India’s farm law protests, was heckled by Pro-Khalistan elements at the New York Sikh Cultural Society Gurdwara for displaying the Indian Tricolor. Invited to speak at a major event alongside ex-Governor Andrew Cuomo, Dr Singh remained firm, defending his identity as a proud Indian. He invited open dialogue and challenged detractors to provide proof. Acknowledging Sikh grievances over the 1984 Golden Temple incident, he clarified it was an act of a government, not the nation. Singh emphasized unity and justice, calling for constructive conversation within the diaspora and respect for India. (PC: TOI)

A post-conflict assessment has revealed India destroyed nine Pakistani aircraft during Operation Sindoor, its retaliatory strikes after the Pahalgam terror attack. The targets included six fighter jets, two AEW&C surveillance planes, and a C-130 Hercules. Over 10 armed drones were also neutralized in coordinated drone and air strikes by Rafale and Su-30 jets. Indian airstrikes reached deep into Pakistan, hitting 18 strategic sites including airbases in Punjab, Sindh, and PoJK. Satellite imagery confirmed extensive damage. A ceasefire was initiated on May 10 after Pakistan's DGMO requested de-escalation following severe military and diplomatic setbacks. (PC: Reuters)

A mass shooting rocked Toronto’s Lawrence Heights neighbourhood on Tuesday night, leaving one person dead and six others injured. The incident occurred around 8:30 PM local time, prompting a swift police response. Five victims were hospitalized with gunshot wounds, while one succumbed to injuries at the scene. The Ranee Avenue–Flemington Road area was cordoned off as investigators began probing the scene. The identity of the shooter and the motive remain unknown. Authorities have appealed for witnesses and CCTV footage. The shooting follows recent gun violence incidents across North America, raising renewed concerns over public safety. (PC: AP)

On June 3, 2025, the U.S. Justice Department charged Chinese nationals Yunqing Jian and Zunyong Liu with smuggling Fusarium graminearum, a dangerous fungus that causes wheat and rice crop blight, into the country. Liu was caught at Detroit Airport in 2024 with the fungus. Jian, a University of Michigan researcher and alleged Chinese Communist Party member, received funding from China for related studies. Authorities say they planned unauthorized experiments with the pathogen. FBI official Kash Patel warned the case represents a direct national security threat and potential agroterrorism. (PC: News 18)  

On June 1, 2025, Bangladesh's interim government, led by Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, introduced redesigned currency notes that omit the portrait of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the nation's founding father. The new 20-taka note features the 18th-century Kantajew Temple in Dinajpur, a Hindu temple that survived a 2015 bomb attack and was the site of communal tensions in 2024. The reverse side showcases the Paharpur Buddhist Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This shift from political figures to cultural landmarks signifies a move to depoliticize national symbols and promote Bangladesh's diverse heritage. (PC: Getty Images)