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)

Ukraine and Russia held a second round of peace talks in Istanbul on Monday, just a day after Kyiv launched one of its largest drone attacks on Russian airbases. The hour-long talks focused on a potential ceasefire and an all-for-all prisoner exchange. Ukraine’s 14-member delegation was led by Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, while Russia’s side was headed by top Putin advisor Vladimir Medinsky. The drone barrage reportedly destroyed 40 Russian warplanes across four distant bases, causing damages exceeding $2 billion. President Zelenskyy praised the operation as “brilliant,” suggesting it may pressure Russia into serious diplomacy after months of stalemate. (PC: News18)

In a groundbreaking special operation, Ukrainian forces launched over 100 drones from disguised shipping containers, striking multiple Russian airbases in a coordinated assault. This unprecedented drone raid destroyed 41 Russian aircraft, severely crippling Russia’s air capabilities in the region. The operation, hailed as one of the largest and most sophisticated drone attacks in modern warfare, showcased Ukraine’s growing technological and tactical edge. Experts compare the scale and surprise of the strike to Russia’s own “Pearl Harbor” moment. The attack underscores the evolving nature of warfare where drones redefine the battlefield’s dynamics. Russia’s military faces significant setbacks. (PC: India Today)

Weeks after India's Operation Sindoor strikes dismantled terror hubs in Pakistan, Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) has resurfaced at its Muridke headquarters. Fresh visuals accessed by intelligence sources show cadres holding Friday prayers in the damaged prayer hall once used by Hafiz Saeed and his son. “This is not the end of their operations,” warned a senior official, adding LeT is now using the destruction to raise funds abroad. Pakistan’s minister has pledged to rebuild the site. Meanwhile, top LeT commander Saifullah Khalid, accused of masterminding the April 22 Pahalgam attack, was seen at a Kasur rally vowing to “die as martyrs.” (PC:  News18)

Russian and Ukrainian delegations have arrived in Istanbul for a second round of peace talks, following a night of intense aerial assaults by both sides. Hours earlier, Kyiv launched 117 drones targeting military bases deep inside Russia, reportedly destroying at least 13 warplanes. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky praised the strike as “an absolutely brilliant result.” The Ukrainian attack came in retaliation to Russia’s largest aerial offensive on Ukraine the night before. Despite a previous round of talks in Istanbul last month yielding little progress beyond a prisoner exchange, hopes remain that diplomacy may ease tensions amid the ongoing war. (PC: BBC)

Six people were injured in Boulder, Colorado, after Mohamed Sabry Soliman allegedly used Molotov cocktails and a makeshift flamethrower in a targeted terror attack on a pro-Israel demonstration. The incendiary devices, made from bottles filled with flammable liquid and a lit wick, have roots in World War II. Named after Soviet minister Vyacheslav Molotov, the “cocktails” were coined sarcastically by Finns during the Winter War to fight Soviet tanks. The attack reignited concerns over terrorism and the use of improvised weapons in political violence. The FBI is investigating the assault, which Soliman reportedly carried out while shouting “Free Palestine.”

The 2025 Bihar Assembly elections are expected to be held in two to three phases before the current Assembly's term ends on November 22. The Election Commission is planning the schedule around major festivals like Diwali and Chhath. Polling reforms include reducing voters per booth from 1,500 to 1,200, more booths in dense areas, and door-to-door verification by BLOs. The EC will deploy the new ECINET dashboard, replacing 40 older tools. Voter rolls will link to death records to avoid fraud, and a special AI cell will monitor synthetic content. CEC Gyanesh Kumar will visit Bihar later this month. (PC: India Today)

Gnanasekaran, the accused in the December 2024 Anna University sexual assault case, has been sentenced to 30 years of life imprisonment by the Madras High Court. He was also fined ₹90,000 after being found guilty on all 11 charges by the Chennai Mahila Court. The case, which involved the assault of a 19-year-old student, sparked political protests and public outrage, with opposition parties accusing the DMK government of mishandling the case. Despite allegations of the accused’s links to senior DMK leaders, the court delivered a strong verdict. AIADMK welcomed the ruling, calling it a victory for justice and student voices. (PC: News18)

In a bizarre new conspiracy theory, U.S. President Donald Trump claimed on Truth Social that former President Joe Biden was "executed in 2020" and replaced with a robotic clone. The post, which Trump reshared from a fringe account, alleges Democrats are unaware of the supposed switch. The claim follows Biden’s recent disclosure of aggressive prostate cancer. The White House has not responded. Trump’s history of promoting baseless theories continues—ranging from genocide claims in South Africa to alleging the FBI tried to assassinate him. Analysts warn the repeated spread of misinformation may further polarize political discourse ahead of the 2026 midterms. (PC: NDTV)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed that Ukraine launched a “brilliant operation” deep inside Russian territory, using 117 drones in a strike that destroyed over 40 aircraft, including nuclear-capable bombers. The attack, planned over 18 months, targeted airbases across three time zones and came just a day before peace talks in Istanbul. Zelenskyy stressed the need for coordinated pressure—military, diplomatic, and economic—on Russia. The strike, reportedly coordinated near Russia’s FSB offices, has heightened tensions as the two nations prepare to discuss ending Europe’s largest war since WWII. Moscow has yet to provide its promised peace proposal for the talks. (PC: Reuters)