Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s much-anticipated IPL 2025 victory parade has been cancelled due to traffic and logistical concerns, Bengaluru Police announced on Wednesday. The team, which lifted its maiden IPL trophy this year, was scheduled for an open-top bus parade through the city. However, with heavy traffic in the Central Business District (CBD) area, officials advised against it. Instead, a felicitation event will take place at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium from 5 PM to 6 PM. Only those with valid tickets or passes will be allowed entry. The public has been advised to avoid the CBD area during that time. (PC: X/RCB)

Two Chinese nationals have been charged in the US for smuggling Fusarium graminearum, a toxic fungus classified as a potential agro-terrorism weapon. This alarming case spotlights the rising global threat of agro-terrorism — the deliberate use of biological agents to harm agriculture. India, with over 55% of its population reliant on farming, has faced similar threats. In 2016, a wheat-blast fungus believed to be introduced from Bangladesh forced a wheat ban in parts of West Bengal. Bordering hostile nations like Pakistan and China, India’s farmland remains vulnerable to such covert biological attacks aimed at crippling its agri-economy. (PC: India Today)

After finally lifting the IPL trophy with Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Virat Kohli hinted at the limited years left in his cricket career, saying, "There is an end date." The emotional moment saw Kohli celebrate with Anushka Sharma, AB de Villiers, and Chris Gayle. Though retired from Tests and T20Is, Kohli confirmed he’s not stepping away from IPL yet. With 600+ runs in five seasons and now an IPL title, Kohli has little left to prove, except perhaps a World Test Championship. As RCB’s heart and soul, Kohli remains IPL’s most enduring icon—and the hunger still burns. (PC: X/RCB )

A post-conflict assessment has revealed India destroyed nine Pakistani aircraft during Operation Sindoor, its retaliatory strikes after the Pahalgam terror attack. The targets included six fighter jets, two AEW&C surveillance planes, and a C-130 Hercules. Over 10 armed drones were also neutralized in coordinated drone and air strikes by Rafale and Su-30 jets. Indian airstrikes reached deep into Pakistan, hitting 18 strategic sites including airbases in Punjab, Sindh, and PoJK. Satellite imagery confirmed extensive damage. A ceasefire was initiated on May 10 after Pakistan's DGMO requested de-escalation following severe military and diplomatic setbacks. (PC: Reuters)

A post-conflict assessment has revealed India destroyed nine Pakistani aircraft during Operation Sindoor, its retaliatory strikes after the Pahalgam terror attack. The targets included six fighter jets, two AEW&C surveillance planes, and a C-130 Hercules. Over 10 armed drones were also neutralized in coordinated drone and air strikes by Rafale and Su-30 jets. Indian airstrikes reached deep into Pakistan, hitting 18 strategic sites including airbases in Punjab, Sindh, and PoJK. Satellite imagery confirmed extensive damage. A ceasefire was initiated on May 10 after Pakistan's DGMO requested de-escalation following severe military and diplomatic setbacks. (PC: NDTV)    

Punjab Police have arrested YouTuber Jasbir Singh from Rupnagar over alleged espionage activities linked to Pakistani handlers. Singh, who runs the "Jaan Mahal" channel, reportedly met Pakistani army officials and vloggers during multiple visits to Pakistan. His connections with Jyoti Malhotra, another YouTuber arrested recently in a related case, raised further suspicions. Police said Singh attempted to erase all communication records after Malhotra's arrest. Devices seized from him contain Pakistan-based contacts under forensic review. Authorities suspect a larger spy-terror network operating across North India. The Punjab DGP affirmed continued efforts to dismantle this serious threat to national security. (PC: HT)

Virat Kohli was overwhelmed with emotion as Royal Challengers Bengaluru lifted their maiden IPL trophy after 18 years. Speaking after RCB’s thrilling 6-run win over Punjab Kings, Kohli said, “I’ve given this team my youth, my prime, and now my experience.” Tears flowed before the final ball as years of passion culminated in victory. Kohli added, “This is far more special than winning with any other team… My soul is with Bengaluru.” The legendary batter reaffirmed his loyalty, stating he’ll play for RCB until his last IPL game. For Kohli and the fans, this was the moment of a lifetime. (PC: X/RCB)

A mass shooting rocked Toronto’s Lawrence Heights neighbourhood on Tuesday night, leaving one person dead and six others injured. The incident occurred around 8:30 PM local time, prompting a swift police response. Five victims were hospitalized with gunshot wounds, while one succumbed to injuries at the scene. The Ranee Avenue–Flemington Road area was cordoned off as investigators began probing the scene. The identity of the shooter and the motive remain unknown. Authorities have appealed for witnesses and CCTV footage. The shooting follows recent gun violence incidents across North America, raising renewed concerns over public safety. (PC: AP)

On June 3, 2025, the U.S. Justice Department charged Chinese nationals Yunqing Jian and Zunyong Liu with smuggling Fusarium graminearum, a dangerous fungus that causes wheat and rice crop blight, into the country. Liu was caught at Detroit Airport in 2024 with the fungus. Jian, a University of Michigan researcher and alleged Chinese Communist Party member, received funding from China for related studies. Authorities say they planned unauthorized experiments with the pathogen. FBI official Kash Patel warned the case represents a direct national security threat and potential agroterrorism. (PC: News 18)  

On June 1, 2025, Bangladesh's interim government, led by Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, introduced redesigned currency notes that omit the portrait of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the nation's founding father. The new 20-taka note features the 18th-century Kantajew Temple in Dinajpur, a Hindu temple that survived a 2015 bomb attack and was the site of communal tensions in 2024. The reverse side showcases the Paharpur Buddhist Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This shift from political figures to cultural landmarks signifies a move to depoliticize national symbols and promote Bangladesh's diverse heritage. (PC: Getty Images)