Chinese Ph.D. student Chengxuan Han, of Huazhong University, was arrested at Detroit Airport on June 8 after allegedly smuggling biological materials tied to roundworms to a University of Michigan lab. Prosecutors say Han sent four undeclared packages one concealed inside a book and lied to federal agents, only confessing after investigators discovered she wiped her electronic device before entry. The FBI cites this as part of a broader crackdown on illicit transfers of biological materials by China-affiliated researchers following a recent case involving two scientists smuggling a potentially agroterrorism fungus. Han is charged with smuggling goods and making false statements and is in federal custody awaiting a bond hearing. (PC: News 18 & India Today)

The launch of the Axiom-4 (Ax-4) mission, featuring Indian astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, has been further delayed, with SpaceX now targeting June 11 at 8:00 a.m. ET (5:30 p.m. IST) from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center. A backup window has been set for June 12 at 7:37 a.m. ET (5:07 p.m. IST), due to persistent bad weather. The crew—comprising astronauts from India, the US, Poland, and Hungary—will travel aboard SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft to the International Space Station for a 14-day research mission. The launch marks India’s first human spaceflight mission in over 40 years since Rakesh Sharma's historic journey in 1984. (PC: X)

California Governor Gavin Newsom and Attorney General Rob Bonta have filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration for deploying 2,000 National Guard troops to Los Angeles without state consent. The move followed protests triggered by ICE raids across the city. Bonta labeled the deployment an "inflammatory escalation" and a violation of the 10th Amendment, which limits federal power over state governance. Newsom and LA Mayor Karen Bass argue local law enforcement was capable of managing the situation. Former President Trump defended the deployment, citing the need for order amid civil unrest. The legal battle highlights renewed federal-state tensions. (PC: BBC)

Fresh details in the Meghalaya honeymoon murder case reveal that victim Raja Raghuvanshi’s gold chain, engagement ring, wedding ring, bracelet, and wallet were missing, according to an FIR filed by his brother. Raja and his wife Sonam, married on May 10, went missing on May 22 in Sohra. His body was found on June 2 in a gorge near Cherrapunji. Sonam surrendered in Ghazipur and was remanded to police custody. Investigators suspect a premeditated murder involving her alleged lover, Raj Kushwaha. Sonam’s father denies the allegations and has called for a CBI probe, alleging Meghalaya Police is framing her. (PC: India Today)

New World Bank data highlights a sharp contrast between India and Pakistan in tackling poverty. Between 2012 and 2022, India reduced extreme poverty from 27.1% to 5.3%, lifting 269 million people out of hardship—more than Pakistan’s entire population. In contrast, Pakistan’s extreme poverty rose from 4.9% to 16.5% between 2017 and 2021. Experts blame Pakistan’s military-dominated governance and misallocation of global aid toward defense and terror infrastructure. Meanwhile, India’s rise as the world’s fourth-largest economy showcases a focus on growth and welfare. Diplomats warn that without structural reform, Pakistan’s economic crisis will worsen despite repeated international bailouts. (PC: NDTV)

The Gaza-bound yacht carrying activist Greta Thunberg and 11 others has docked at Israel’s Ashdod Port after being intercepted by Israeli forces. The vessel, Madleen, left Italy on 1 June with a symbolic amount of aid for Gaza. Israel dismissed the mission as a "selfie yacht" and confirmed the activists are undergoing health checks before deportation. Thunberg, in a pre-recorded message, said they had been "kidnapped." The Palestinian foreign ministry condemned the interception, and a UN official has urged more aid missions. Images of Thunberg were released by Israel’s foreign ministry following the boat’s arrival. (PC: BBC)

India’s trade pact with EFTA may begin in September, Union Minister Piyush Goyal said. EFTA includes Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland. The deal, signed in March 2024, will cut or remove import duties on items like Swiss watches and chocolates. India will also get $100 billion in investment over 15 years. All four countries have approved the deal. In Switzerland, the public can raise objections until July 10. Once active, India will get duty-free access for 99% of its goods, including rice. The aim is to boost trade and investment between India and the four European countries. (PC: PTI)

SpaceX is set to launch Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) to the International Space Station on June 11 at 8:00 a.m. ET from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. A backup date is available on June 12 at 7:37 a.m. ET in case of delay. The live webcast will begin two hours before liftoff on X and the X TV app. This is the first flight for the Dragon capsule and the second for the booster, which previously launched a Starlink mission. The crew will carry out over 60 science experiments, including human research, Earth observation, and biological studies. (PC: SpaceX)

California Governor Gavin Newsom said he will sue Donald Trump for sending the National Guard to Los Angeles. Trump deployed 2,000 troops to stop protests against immigration raids. Newsom said the move was illegal and could let Trump do the same in other states. He accused Trump of creating the crisis and making things worse. Protests began after ICE arrested 44 people in LA. Roads were blocked and police used tear gas and rubber bullets. Trump said local leaders failed to control the unrest. Other Democrats, including Kamala Harris, also criticised the National Guard deployment in California. (PC: Reuters)

Sonam Raghuvanshi has been arrested for her husband Raja’s murder during their honeymoon in Meghalaya. Police say she planned the killing with her lover, Raj Kushwaha. Three hired killers helped them. Raja's body was found in a gorge near Cherrapunji. Police found he was hit on the head. After the murder, the group fled to Guwahati and later separated. Sonam was caught in Uttar Pradesh. She claims she was kidnapped and left there. Police have arrested five people. Sonam’s family says she is innocent and wants a CBI probe. The case has shocked people across the country. (PC: X)