At least 27 Palestinians were killed and dozens injured near an aid distribution site in Rafah, Gaza, after Israeli forces opened fire, according to local officials. Eyewitnesses described "gunfire from all directions" as civilians approached the site, with tanks, helicopters, and drones reportedly involved. The IDF claimed it fired at suspects who deviated from designated routes and posed a threat. The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, overseeing aid distribution, denied involvement and blamed movements beyond its zone. The UN called for an independent investigation, saying people were being forced to choose between "starvation or being shot" while seeking aid. (PC: Getty Images)

The UK will invest £2bn in drones to make its army “10 times more lethal,” Defence Secretary John Healey announced as part of a sweeping strategic defence review. Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the move will make Britain “battle-ready,” with a focus on integrating drones, AI, and conventional warfare. The plan includes a drone centre, increased munitions stockpiles, new nuclear investments, and a revived home guard. The British Army’s size will rise to 76,000. Despite criticism over vague timelines for hitting 3% GDP defence spending, Starmer pledged readiness amid global threats. The review signals a post-Ukraine shift in UK defence priorities. (PC: The Guardian )

At least 27 Palestinians were killed and 90 injured after Israeli forces reportedly opened fire near an aid distribution site in Rafah, southern Gaza, according to the Hamas-run health ministry. A doctor at the scene described the aftermath as “total carnage,” with medical teams overwhelmed. The Israeli military said it targeted “several suspects” near the complex and is examining reports of civilian casualties. This marks the third consecutive day of deadly incidents during aid gatherings. Israel has denied involvement in similar shootings in recent days. Due to media restrictions, BBC and other international outlets cannot independently verify the situation on ground. (PC: BBC)

UN Secretary-General António Guterres demanded an independent probe after Palestinians were killed while queuing for food near the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation centre in Rafah on Sunday. Witnesses alleged Israeli troops opened fire; the Red Cross hospital logged 179 casualties, including 21 deaths, while Hamas-run Civil Defence put fatalities at 31. Israel’s army denied shooting civilians, claiming only warning shots 1 km away and accusing Hamas of spreading “false allegations”. GHF also dismissed the reports as “outright fabrications”, saying no incident occurred at its site. UN rights chief Volker Türk called the scramble for aid “unacceptable” and “dehumanising”, urging accountability for civilian victims there. (PC: AFP)

Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Punjab Kings are set to clash in the IPL 2025 Final on June 3 at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium, marking a guaranteed new champion. It’s RCB’s 18th attempt and Kohli’s fourth final, chasing a fairytale finish to his legendary career. Meanwhile, PBKS captain Shreyas Iyer seeks his second title with a third team, having led an all-rounder-powered squad to the final. With cloudy skies and a tricky pitch expected, both teams—strong in chases—will battle nerves and conditions for IPL glory in what promises to be a historic night. (PC: India Today)

Mohamed Sabry Soliman, 45, was arrested for a suspected terror attack in Boulder, Colorado, where he allegedly shouted "Free Palestine" and set people on fire, injuring eight. The FBI revealed Soliman had plotted the act for a year and had overstayed his B2 visa after filing for asylum in 2022. Authorities confirmed he was undocumented, and video shows his own clothes caught fire during the incident. U.S. leaders condemned the attack—Senator Schumer labeled it "antisemitic terror," while Colorado Governor Jared Polis expressed shock. Soliman is expected to appear in court today as the investigation continues. (PC: BBC)

Megha Vemuri, MIT’s 2025 class president and an Indian-American student, was barred from attending her graduation after delivering an unsanctioned pro-Palestinian speech. Vemuri wore a keffiyeh and condemned the war in Gaza and MIT's ties to Israel during the OneMIT Commencement. The university stated she misled organizers and disrupted the ceremony, violating guidelines. Though she will receive her diploma by mail, Vemuri criticized MIT for punishing her without due process. Civil rights group CAIR condemned the action. The incident adds to rising tensions on U.S. campuses amid Gaza protests and ongoing debate over free speech and institutional accountability. (PC: The Hindu)

Mount Etna, Italy’s and Europe’s most active volcano, erupted on Monday, unleashing a dramatic pyroclastic flow and sending plumes of ash thousands of feet into the air. Italy’s national volcano monitoring agency confirmed the eruption from the central crater of the Sicilian giant. Despite its intensity, no damage or evacuations were reported, and Catania airport remained operational. Etna’s near-constant activity continues to fascinate scientists and attract tourists. Volcanologists are monitoring the event using seismic tools and drones, watching for potential air traffic disruption due to ash. The eruption highlights the raw power of Earth’s geology beneath one of Italy’s iconic landmarks. 

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, leading an all-party Indian delegation in Brazil, criticized China for shielding Pakistan-backed terrorist groups at the UN. In a discussion with Brazilian diplomat Celso Amorim, Tharoor took a veiled swipe, saying, “Your friend in China” helped remove references to the Resistance Front—a Lashkar-e-Taiba proxy—from a UNSC statement. He stressed the need for India and Brazil to secure permanent UNSC seats. Tharoor also addressed the Colorado terror attack, expressing concern and relief that no lives were lost. The delegation heads to the US next, advocating for global counterterrorism and Security Council reform. (PC: Hindustan Times)

Peace talks between Ukraine and Russia in Istanbul ended without a breakthrough, with both sides agreeing only to a prisoner exchange involving the sick, wounded, and those under 25. Ukraine demanded a 30-day unconditional ceasefire, which Russia rejected, offering instead a limited local truce. Ukrainian negotiators expect Russia’s full response by the end of June and pushed for direct presidential talks. Russia also pledged to return the bodies of 6,000 Ukrainian soldiers. With Moscow still occupying 20% of Ukrainian territory, hopes for a swift resolution remain slim as the war grinds on into its third year. (PC: BBC)