In a significant success for security forces, top Maoist leader Gautam alias Sudhakar, a central committee member of CPI (Maoist), was killed during an encounter in Chhattisgarh's Bijapur district on Wednesday. The joint operation, led by the DRG, STF, and elite CoBRA units, took place in the Indravati National Park—a known Maoist stronghold—based on specific intelligence inputs. Sudhakar, a key ideologue with a high bounty, was reportedly accompanied by other senior Maoist leaders. Security forces recovered weapons, explosives, and Maoist literature. The combing operation is still underway, with unconfirmed reports of further casualties among Maoist cadres. (PC: HT)

After RCB clinched their first IPL title, ex-owner Vijay Mallya’s congratulatory post triggered a meme storm. “RCB are IPL Champions finally after 18 years,” Mallya wrote on X. But netizens, amused and furious, trolled him over his ₹9,000 crore loan default case. One viral image, allegedly from SBI, read, “Sir, come to India. We will celebrate together.” While business tycoon Harsh Goenka shared it, fact-checks suggest the post may be fake. Social media exploded with jibes like “SBI’s dream will come true.” Mallya later reflected on RCB’s journey and Kohli’s loyalty, but the internet wasn’t ready to forgive. (PC: X)

Former Sri Lankan off-spinner Sachithra Senanayake has been formally charged under Sri Lanka's newly enacted anti-sports corruption law for his alleged involvement in match-fixing activities during a domestic cricket tournament in 2020. This legal action marks the first indictment under the new law, signaling the country's intensified efforts to combat corruption in sports. Senanayake, once a prominent figure in Sri Lankan cricket, will now face trial, as authorities aim to set a precedent to deter future malpractice in cricket and other sports. (PC: AP)  

Indian astronaut-designate Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is set to embark on a historic mission to the International Space Station (ISS) aboard Axiom Mission-4 (Ax-4). Originally scheduled for June 8, 2025, the launch has been postponed to June 10, 2025, at 5:52 PM IST. The mission, a collaboration between Axiom Space, NASA, and ISRO, will see Shukla piloting the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft from Kennedy Space Center. He will join Commander Peggy Whitson and mission specialists from Poland and Hungary. During their 14-day stay, the crew will conduct 60 experiments, including seven led by Shukla, supporting India’s Gaganyaan mission. This marks a major milestone for India’s space program. (PC: Axiom Space)    

Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg, 22, is sailing to Gaza aboard the Madleen, a Freedom Flotilla Coalition vessel carrying humanitarian aid. Supplies include baby formula, medical gear, and water filters—critical amid Gaza’s 90-day blockade. Israel has warned it is “prepared” to stop the flotilla, though it hasn't revealed specific actions. The voyage includes 12 international activists, including Game of Thrones actor Liam Cunningham. The group calls it a non-violent mission against Israel’s siege. Activists report being followed by drones and have urged global protection. Thunberg shared emotional footage, saying, “We must keep trying… or we lose our humanity.” (PC: India Today)

On June 5, 2025, during a suo motu hearing, the Karnataka government informed the High Court that approximately 2.5 lakh people unexpectedly gathered outside Bengaluru's M. Chinnaswamy Stadium for Royal Challengers Bengaluru's IPL victory celebration, leading to a stampede that resulted in 11 deaths and over 33 injuries. The Advocate General said over 1,400 personnel were deployed for crowd control, and a magisterial probe is underway, with a report due in 15 days. The government stated: “We are not going to spare anyone. Accountability will be fixed, and action will be taken.” A new SOP for large public events is also in development. (PC: PTI)    

On June 4, 2025, a stampede outside Bengaluru’s M. Chinnaswamy Stadium during Royal Challengers Bengaluru's (RCB) IPL victory celebration led to 11 deaths and over 47 injuries. The tragedy occurred as an overwhelming crowd of over two lakh fans gathered, far exceeding the stadium's 35,000 capacity. In response, RCB announced ₹10 lakh compensation for each victim's family and launched the 'RCB Cares' fund to support the injured. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah also declared ₹10 lakh aid per family and ordered a magisterial inquiry. The event raised serious concerns about crowd control and planning. (PC: AP)    

Former US President Donald Trump has issued a sweeping travel ban on nationals from 12 countries—including Iran, Somalia, Haiti, and Yemen—citing national security concerns. An additional 7 countries face partial restrictions. The ban, effective Monday, allows certain exemptions, including for lawful US residents, athletes, and special visa holders. Trump said the move responds to growing terror threats, referencing a recent attack in Colorado. The ban has sparked strong backlash from human rights groups, Democrats, and international bodies like the African Union, who call it discriminatory. Legal challenges are expected, echoing opposition to Trump’s similar 2017 travel ban. (PC: BCC)

On June 5, 2025, President Donald Trump signed a proclamation suspending the entry of international students and exchange visitors to Harvard University for six months. The move, justified by alleged ties between Harvard and foreign adversaries—particularly China—aims to protect national security. The order also directs the State Department to consider revoking existing student visas. Harvard condemned the action as politically motivated and a violation of constitutional rights. The decision escalates tensions between the administration and Harvard, following previous threats to revoke its tax-exempt status and international enrollment privileges. A federal judge may soon intervene. (PC: Reuters)  

The Karnataka government informed the High Court that just over 1,000 police personnel were deployed during RCB’s IPL victory event, contradicting Deputy CM DK Shivakumar’s earlier claim of 5,000. The court, which took suo motu cognisance of the stampede that killed 11, questioned crowd control measures for the 2.5 lakh-strong gathering at the 35,000-capacity Chinnaswamy Stadium. The state admitted SOPs for such events are still being developed. The court was told RCB and event managers handled ticketing and logistics. FIRs have been filed. The case will be heard again on Tuesday, with the court demanding a detailed report. (PC: India Today)