Indian Air Force Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is set for a historic journey to the International Space Station as part of the Axiom-4 mission. Alongside him will be an unexpected companion — Joy, a white plush swan chosen as the mission’s Zero-G indicator. “Joy represents unity, tradition, and hope,” said Shukla, adding it connects him to Indian values even in space. The swan, symbolic of Goddess Saraswati’s vehicle, was unanimously picked by the international crew. As per tradition, Joy will float once the spacecraft enters zero gravity. The SpaceX Dragon launch was rescheduled for June 11 due to bad weather. (PC: Instagram)

Following outrage over the deportation of an Indian student from Newark Airport, the US Embassy in India stated, “There is no right to visit the United States.” The student, reportedly handcuffed and crying, was deported shortly after arrival. A social media user who witnessed the scene called it a “human tragedy,” adding that “3–4 such cases happen daily.” The US Embassy said it “welcomes legitimate travelers” but won’t “tolerate illegal entry, abuse of visas, or violation of US law.” The Indian Consulate in New York confirmed it is “in touch with local authorities” and remains committed to assisting Indian nationals. (PC: India Today)

A major fire broke out on the Singapore-flagged cargo vessel MV Wan Hai 503 off the coast of Kerala after a container explosion. Of the 22 crew members aboard, 18 have been rescued while four remain missing. The Indian Navy and Coast Guard continue firefighting and search operations. The ship, en route from Colombo to Mumbai, was carrying 100 tonnes of bunker oil. Authorities have warned of a potential oil spill and drifting debris. Singapore has sent a team to aid rescue efforts. This is the second maritime incident near Kerala in three weeks, raising concerns over coastal safety and marine ecology. (PC: Indian cost gurad)

Indian Air Force Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is set to travel to the International Space Station (ISS) aboard the Axiom-4 mission, becoming the first Indian to do so. The mission, led by veteran astronaut Peggy Whitson, includes astronauts from Poland, Hungary, and the US. Shukla will conduct seven out of sixty planned experiments. This marks a significant milestone in India’s space journey since Rakesh Sharma’s mission in 1984. The launch, initially set for June 10, was rescheduled to June 11 due to weather. Axiom-4 is a collaboration between NASA, ISRO, and Axiom Space. (PC: X)

A new COVID-19 variant, NB.1.8.1, has emerged, accounting for over 10% of global infections. Confirmed cases have been reported in Northern Ireland and Wales. While there is no evidence that NB.1.8.1 causes more severe illness, experts suggest it infects cells more efficiently and may trigger gastrointestinal symptoms like diarrhoea, constipation, and nausea. The World Health Organization has designated it a “variant under monitoring”. First detected in January 2025, NB.1.8.1 has spread to the US, Australia, Thailand, China, and Hong Kong. Due to reduced testing, tracking infections has become increasingly difficult. (PC: Yale Medicine)

The UK government has reversed its decision to cut winter fuel payments, restoring them for 9 million pensioners earning £35,000 or less. The move, announced on June 9, follows intense political pressure and will cost £1.25 billion, while means-testing will save £450 million. Chancellor Rachel Reeves defended last year’s cuts but stated that improved public finances now allow expanded eligibility. The payments, ranging from £200 to £300, will be automatically distributed this winter. Critics argue the reversal complicates tax policies and raises concerns about future funding. The government insists the change will not lead to permanent additional borrowing, with funding details to be outlined in the upcoming budget. (PC: ELLE)

At least eight people were killed in a shooting at a school in Graz, Austria, on Tuesday. Local media reported that the suspected gunman, believed to be a student, may have taken his own life; his body was found in the school’s washroom. The shooting began around 10 am, prompting a major police operation. Several students and teachers were seriously injured. Emergency responders rushed to the scene, while families gathered outside for updates. Authorities searched the building and sealed the area. The attack occurred just days before the 10th anniversary of a previous Graz shooting in 2015. (PC: AFP)

India's population has reached 1.46 billion, making it the world's most populous nation. The UNFPA's 2025 State of World Population Report highlights a significant demographic shift, revealing that India's total fertility rate has dropped to 1.9 births per woman, below the replacement level of 2.1. Despite the decline, India's youth population remains strong, with 68% in the working-age group (15-64 years). The report emphasizes that the real crisis lies in unmet reproductive goals, not overpopulation or underpopulation. Life expectancy is projected at 71 years for men and 74 years for women. Experts stress the need for policy support and employment opportunities to harness India's demographic dividend. (PC: Shutterstock)

Sonam Raghuvanshi, accused of murdering her husband Raja Raghuvanshi during their honeymoon in Meghalaya, was arrested in Ghazipur, Uttar Pradesh. Meghalaya Police secured her transit remand and brought her to Patna before flying her to Shillong for further investigation. Authorities allege Sonam conspired with her boyfriend, Raj Kushwaha, and hired three men to execute the crime. Raja’s decomposed body was found in a gorge a week after the couple went missing. Sonam was traced over 1,200 km away at a roadside restaurant. A viral image showed her hiding her face at a police station. The case continues to unfold as police probe deeper into the alleged conspiracy. (PC: PTI)

India A’s two-match unofficial Test series against England Lions ended in draws, but individual performances stood out. Karun Nair was the star with a double century, scoring 259 runs. KL Rahul and Sarfaraz Khan also impressed with solid knocks. Anshul Kamboj was a surprise package, taking 5 wickets and scoring a fifty. Dhruv Jurel’s consistency with the bat strengthened his backup wicketkeeper claim. However, Shardul Thakur failed to impress with just 2 wickets, while Yashasvi Jaiswal underperformed. Nitish Reddy and captain Abhimanyu Easwaran had a quiet series. The mixed report card leaves selectors with both answers and more questions. (PC: NDTV)