Russia and Ukraine have started a prisoner swap. Both sides say the exchange will happen in stages. Ukraine is getting back wounded soldiers and those under 25. Russia says young soldiers are also returning. The deal was made last week during talks in Turkey. Families in Ukraine gathered to meet the freed prisoners. The war goes on. Russia launched a record 479 drones overnight. Ukraine says it hit a Russian airbase and a factory that makes drone parts. Both sides claim damage but no deaths were reported. This is the biggest exchange since the war began in 2022. (PC: Telegram/Volodymyr Zelensky)

Over 10,000 global leaders, scientists, and activists have gathered in Nice, France, for the 3rd UN Ocean Conference (UNOC3) to address the ocean crisis. India, with its 7,500 km coastline, is playing a key role, led by Earth Sciences Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh. Focus areas include the Blue Economy, plastic pollution, marine biodiversity, and coastal resilience. India will advocate stronger ocean governance and push for ratifying the High Seas Treaty. With rising sea levels, plastic-choked beaches, and damaged reefs, India sees UNOC3 as a chance to drive global change and safeguard marine resources for future generations. (PC: NDTV)

Former President Donald Trump defended deploying 2,000 National Guard troops to Los Angeles amid protests over ICE raids, claiming the move prevented the city from being “completely obliterated.” Writing on Truth Social, Trump criticized California Governor Gavin Newsom and LA Mayor Karen Bass for opposing the deployment, calling them "ungrateful." Newsom has announced plans to sue the Trump administration, calling the act unconstitutional and escalatory. Protests erupted in downtown LA following reports of aggressive ICE detentions. While state officials insisted local law enforcement could manage, Trump insisted federal intervention was vital to restoring order and protecting American citizens. (PC: BBC)

A honeymoon trip turned into a chilling crime as 26-year-old Raja Raghuvanshi was found murdered in Meghalaya, allegedly by his wife Sonam and her lover Raj Kushwaha. Married on May 11, Raja and Sonam had travelled from Indore to Shillong when he went missing on May 23. His body, found near Weisawdong waterfall, bore multiple sharp wounds. Investigations revealed Sonam had conspired with Raj and three contract killers—Akash, Vishal, and Anand—to carry out the murder. All five suspects are in custody. Sonam’s father claims she was kidnapped, demanding a CBI probe as Meghalaya Police press charges. (PC: India Today)

On June 9, 2025, the International Cricket Council inducted seven legends—including five male and two female players—into its prestigious Hall of Fame. The ceremony, part of the “A Day with the Legends” event and broadcast live, celebrated extraordinary contributions to the sport . Among those honored is former India captain MS Dhoni, the only leader to have guided his team to ICC victories across all three white-ball formats (2007 T20 World Cup, 2011 World Cup, 2013 Champions Trophy), marking his induction as a capstone to a stellar career . The recognition underscores India’s enduring impact on international cricket. (PC: Britannica)  

Bengaluru’s High Court, on June 9, addressed the petition by Nikhil Sosale, Marketing & Revenue Head of RCB, who challenged his arrest over the June 4 stampede near M. Chinnaswamy Stadium that killed 11 people. His lawyer alleged the Central Crime Branch (CCB) arrested him at 4:30 am at Kempegowda Airport on oral orders from Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, without jurisdiction or due process—claiming Cubbon Park Police and CCB lacked authority post-transfer to CID . The court questioned if the CM directed arrests, noting infringement of personal liberty and procedural lapses. Interim relief was denied, but the matter was adjourned for full hearing by Justice SR Krishna Kumar. (PC: ANI)

India’s Defence Ministry is poised to approve a ₹10,000 crore project this month to procure three cutting-edge ISTAR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition & Reconnaissance) aircraft for the Indian Air Force . These planes, sourced from global airframers like Boeing/Bombardier, will be fitted with fully indigenous DRDO-developed sensor and electronic suites already tested by its Centre for Airborne Systems . Capable of multi-spectral, round-the-clock surveillance from high altitudes, they will enable precision targeting of enemy radars, air defence units, and command hubs, enhancing strategic deterrence and battlefield awareness . Once commissioned, I‑STAR will place India alongside elite nations like the US, UK, and Israel in aerial reconnaissance prowess. (PC: Anandabazar)

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has postponed the launch of the Axiom‑4 mission carrying Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla—India’s next astronaut to the ISS—by one day. Previously scheduled for June 10, unfavorable weather at the Kennedy Space Center and along the ascent corridor has pushed liftoff to June 11 at approximately 5:30 PM IST . The crew, including specialists from the US, Poland, and Hungary, will travel aboard SpaceX’s Falcon 9 and Crew Dragon to conduct up to 14 days of scientific experiments on microgravity, life sciences, and material science . ISRO emphasizes safety and weather considerations as launch priorities. (PC: India Today)  

Elon Musk’s Starlink has secured a license from India’s Department of Telecommunications and is poised to begin operations within the next two months . The satellite-based internet kit will cost around ₹33,000, with unlimited data plans at ₹3,000 per month . Customers will benefit from a complimentary one-month trial with each device purchase . Initial bandwidth capacity is projected at 600–700 Gbps, targeting 30,000–50,000 users, with potential to scale up to 3 Tbps by 2027 . Positioned as a premium connectivity option aimed at remote and underserved regions of India, this satellite service complements existing telecom offerings from Airtel and Jio. (PC: Reuters)

TikTok star Khaby Lame was detained by US immigration officers in Las Vegas on June 6 for overstaying his visa. Lame, an Italian citizen born in Senegal, entered the US on April 30. He was later released and left the country the same day. The news came out after political activist Bo Loudon claimed he reported Lame. Khaby is known for his silent, funny videos mocking silly life hacks. He has over 160 million TikTok followers. Despite the detention, he stayed active on social media. Lame became famous during the pandemic and now attends top events like the Met Gala. (PC: Getty Images)