Israel has pledged to intercept the Madleen, a humanitarian aid vessel headed for Gaza, which carries prominent figures including climate activist Greta Thunberg and actor Liam Cunningham of Game of Thrones fame. The ship is part of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition’s mission to deliver aid amidst the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant warned the vessel would not be allowed to breach the naval blockade, accusing the activists of aiding Hamas propaganda. Despite communication jamming and political pressure, the crew remains resolute as international attention intensifies around the mission. (PC: AP)

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, a 15-year IAF combat and test pilot, has been hailed by his Axiom‑4 crewmates as “wicked smart” and “operational savvy” in spacecraft technology, with Polish astronaut Sławosz Uznański‑Wiśniewski noting he’s “very focused… goes one, two, three, four in record time,” and Hungarian Tibor Kapu saying “his knowledge… shows he could be 130 years old” . Shukla, born in Lucknow and selected in 2020 for ISRO’s Gaganyaan, will pilot the Ax‑4 mission launching from NASA’s KSC on June 10, with docking at the ISS expected June 11 after a ~28-hour journey aboard SpaceX’s Crew Dragon . He’ll conduct seven ISRO-DBT experiments—like sprouting methi/moong—and five NASA studies during a 14-day stay, marking India’s first ISS mission and second-ever human spaceflight since Rakesh Sharma in 1984. (PC: NasaSpaceOps)  

Two Chinese researchers, Yunqing Jian (33) and Zunyong Liu (34), have been indicted in Michigan for allegedly smuggling Fusarium graminearum, a fungus causing “head blight” in wheat, barley, maize, and rice into the United States, prosecutors say. The US Justice Department flags it as a “potential agroterrorism weapon” linked to economic losses and health hazards like liver damage and reproductive defects. China expert Gordon G. Chang warned on Fox News this could be an act of war—“something worse than Covid”urging severance of US - China ties. Critics argue the fungus is already established and controllable with fungicides. The government now faces a stark choice on biosecurity and diplomacy. (PC: Wikipedia)

A groundbreaking study led by researchers from Queen’s University Belfast, the University of Washington, and others forecasts the discovery of millions of new solar system objects through the Vera C. Rubin Observatory’s Legacy Survey of Space and Time (LSST). Using the “Sorcha” simulation software, scientists predict the detection of 127,000 near-Earth objects, over 5 million main-belt asteroids, 109,000 Jupiter Trojans, and 37,000 trans-Neptunian objects. The LSST will provide six-color imaging, offering unprecedented insight into the composition and motion of these bodies. Full science operations are set to begin later this year. (PC: ANI)

British Foreign Minister David Lammy met Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on June 7, 2025, to enhance UK–India cooperation on counter‑terrorism, following a fragile ceasefire between India and Pakistan on May 10—their worst conflict in nearly 30 years, triggered by the April killing of 26 men in Indian Kashmir, blamed by New Delhi on Pakistan‑backed militants. Lammy praised the ceasefire and pledged continued work with India on anti-terror financing, law‑enforcement collaboration and judicial cooperation . They also discussed boosting economic ties, with Lammy affirming that UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer will soon visit India to sign a newly concluded free‑trade agreement. (PC: Reuters)

Zohran Mamdani, 33‑year‑old state assemblyman from Queens and son of Oscar‑nominated Indian‑American filmmaker Mira Nair and scholar Mahmood Mamdani, has emerged as a leading progressive contender in the June 24 New York City Democratic mayoral primary. A Democratic Socialist endorsed by Alexandria Ocasio‑Cortez and backed by student activists, Mamdani is campaigning on bold policies: rent freezes, free bus service, universal childcare and city‑owned grocery stores. If elected, he’d become NYC’s first Muslim and Indian‑American mayor. His support among young progressives is strong, but critics question the feasibility and cost of his proposals, and some worry his stance on Israel and political inexperience may alienate centrists. (PC: Variety & Hindustan Times)

Canadian journalist Mocha Bezirgan said, “I am still shaking” after being assaulted and threatened by pro-Khalistan activists in Vancouver while reporting an event. He shared video footage on X showing the confrontation. Bezirgan said the group surrounded him, grabbed his phone, and used threats and violence. He explained that his independent reporting on Khalistan protests in several countries angers them. Bezirgan also highlighted the tense India-Canada relations linked to Khalistani terrorism. He condemned the activists for celebrating the assassins of former Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and threatening violence against current leaders. (PC: X/ Mocha Bezirgan)

Fresh violence broke out in Manipur after the arrest of a leader from the Meitei group Arambai Tenggol. Angry protesters set fire to tyres, furniture, and a bus. Some even tried to set themselves on fire. Clashes with police were reported in many areas. A curfew was imposed in Bishnupur, and internet was cut off in five districts. Protesters blocked roads and the Imphal airport, fearing the leader would be taken out of the state. One person died during a police lathi charge. The group has called for a 10-day shutdown. Security has been tightened and peace talks are ongoing. (PC: India Today)

Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis criticised Rahul Gandhi for calling the 2024 Maharashtra polls a “blueprint for rigging.” He said Gandhi is insulting the people’s vote and making excuses ahead of the Bihar elections. Gandhi had raised doubts about a rise in voters, calling them “bogus.” Fadnavis replied, “Young voters are increasing every year — nothing unusual happened in 2024.” He added, “Rahul Gandhi must stop spreading doubt about democratic institutions.” Fadnavis shared data to counter voter fraud claims and said even opposition parties won in places with high turnout. “People will not forgive this insult,” he warned. (PC: Hindustan Times)

Zohran Mamdani, a 33-year-old Indian-origin politician, is now a top contender in the 2025 New York mayoral race. Representing Queens, he is polling second, just behind former Governor Andrew Cuomo. Mamdani is known for his progressive views, viral social media, and support for housing and transport reforms. Born in Uganda and raised in New York, he is the son of filmmaker Mira Nair. A member of the Democratic Socialists of America, Mamdani supports free buses, rent control, and higher wages. He became a U.S. citizen in 2018. In 2019, he also released a rap song under the name "Mr Cardamom." (PC: AFP)