The AX-4 mission to the International Space Station, featuring Indian astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, has been postponed to June 10, two days later than planned. Launched by Axiom Space via SpaceX’s Falcon-9, this marks India's entry into astronaut-led space biology experiments. Shukla, joined by crew from Poland and Hungary, will conduct over 60 scientific studies during the 14-day mission. He’ll also carry food developed by ISRO and DBT, showcasing Indian innovation in space nutrition. The mission’s findings are expected to aid India’s Gaganyaan project in 2027. Veteran US astronaut Peggy Whitson will command the crew. (PC: ANI)

In a dramatic IPL 2025 final, Punjab Kings restricted Royal Challengers Bengaluru to 190/9, thanks to a fiery final over from Arshdeep Singh, who claimed three crucial wickets and finished with figures of 3/40. After winning the toss and choosing to bowl, PBKS capitalized on RCB’s inconsistent batting. Virat Kohli top-scored with a cautious 43 off 35 balls, but RCB kept losing wickets at regular intervals. Kyle Jamieson picked three wickets for RCB but was expensive, conceding 48 runs. With tight bowling from Chahal, Omarzai, and Vyshak, PBKS will now chase 191 to clinch their first-ever IPL title. (PC: BCCI)

Singer Shankar Mahadevan gave a special performance to honour the Indian armed forces before the IPL 2025 final in Ahmedabad on June 3. The show was a tribute to the brave soldiers of Operation Sindhoor, held by the army after the Pahalgam terror attack. Mahadevan sang patriotic songs like Bharat, Ae Watan, Lakshya, and Vande Mataram, with his sons Siddharth and Shivam joining him on stage. The performance was full of emotion and made the crowd wave Indian flags. Mahadevan said he felt proud and lucky to sing at such a big event, especially with his sons. 

Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) has officially adopted the term “Kulguru” in place of “Kulpati” as the Hindi designation for Vice-Chancellor, in a move toward gender-neutral language. Proposed by current VC Shantishree Dhulipudi Pandit, the change was approved by the university’s working council. Pandit emphasized that institutional titles must reflect inclusivity and avoid gender bias. The term "Kulguru" aligns with India’s ancient guru-shishya tradition and mirrors similar reforms in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. JNU's decision marks a broader shift in academia towards inclusive representation and respectful terminology for leadership roles. (PC: News18)

In the IPL 2025 final at Ahmedabad, Punjab Kings captain Shreyas Iyer won the toss and opted to bowl against Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Both teams remain unchanged as they chase their first-ever IPL title. RCB, led by Rajat Patidar, are in their fourth final, having lost three previously, while PBKS return to the summit clash for the first time since 2014. Iyer candidly admitted to feeling “nerves” ahead of the big game. Virat Kohli was seen rallying RCB with a passionate pre-match huddle. Rain remains a concern. The closing ceremony featured Shankar Mahadevan's tribute to the Indian Armed Forces. (PC: X/IPL)

The UK will invest £2bn in drones to make its army “10 times more lethal,” Defence Secretary John Healey announced as part of a sweeping strategic defence review. Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the move will make Britain “battle-ready,” with a focus on integrating drones, AI, and conventional warfare. The plan includes a drone centre, increased munitions stockpiles, new nuclear investments, and a revived home guard. The British Army’s size will rise to 76,000. Despite criticism over vague timelines for hitting 3% GDP defence spending, Starmer pledged readiness amid global threats. The review signals a post-Ukraine shift in UK defence priorities. (PC: The Guardian )

Pakistan’s plan to bring India to its knees within 48 hours collapsed in just 8, revealed Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan. Speaking at Pune University, Chauhan said Pakistan launched multiple attacks on May 10, expecting rapid dominance. However, India’s precision response under Operation Sindoor, targeting terror camps post-Pahalgam attack, forced Pakistan to seek a ceasefire. “They picked up the phone within 8 hours,” Chauhan noted. India had warned of stronger retaliation if provoked. While a temporary truce holds, Chauhan emphasized: “Operation Sindoor is not over yet. There is a need to keep our guard up.” (PC: India Today)

Amid a controversy over his remarks that “Kannada is born out of Tamil,” actor Kamal Haasan told the Karnataka High Court he will not release Thug Life in the state “for now.” His counsel stated, “He has said that I can wait, and the release of the movie in Karnataka can also wait.” Haasan emphasized in a letter to the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce his “sincere respect for the Kannada language and Kannadigas,” but refused to apologise. The court remarked, “Apology is not compulsion; it’s grace.” The hearing was adjourned to June 10 as protests and the ban continue. (PC: PTI)

At least 27 Palestinians were killed and 90 injured after Israeli forces reportedly opened fire near an aid distribution site in Rafah, southern Gaza, according to the Hamas-run health ministry. A doctor at the scene described the aftermath as “total carnage,” with medical teams overwhelmed. The Israeli military said it targeted “several suspects” near the complex and is examining reports of civilian casualties. This marks the third consecutive day of deadly incidents during aid gatherings. Israel has denied involvement in similar shootings in recent days. Due to media restrictions, BBC and other international outlets cannot independently verify the situation on ground. (PC: BBC)

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has dismissed Pakistan’s claim that China could cut off Brahmaputra’s water to India. He said the river mostly depends on Indian monsoon rains, not China. Only 30–35% of the water comes from China, while the rest is from India. Mr Sarma added that during monsoon, the river’s flow rises sharply in Assam. He also said China has never threatened to block the river. Even if it did, it might help reduce floods in Assam. Mr Sarma called Pakistan’s fear “baseless” and said India is taking control of its water rights with facts and confidence. (PC: NDTV)