US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick expressed optimism over a forthcoming trade deal with India, praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership and his strong rapport with President Donald Trump. Speaking at the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum, Lutnick said both nations are close to finalizing a mutually beneficial agreement. He highlighted Trump’s respect for India and the willingness to include allies like India in the AI revolution. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal confirmed ongoing talks, despite rising US tariffs on steel and aluminium. The two sides aim to double bilateral trade to $500 billion by 2030.

India’s active Covid-19 tally rose to 3,961 on Monday, with 203 new cases and four deaths reported. Delhi, Maharashtra, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu reported the fatalities, involving individuals with comorbidities. Delhi alone recorded 47 new cases. The Delhi High Court has asked the Centre to submit a detailed report on testing protocols, collection centres, and SOPs. Kerala tops the active case chart with 1,435 infections. Officials across states have urged calm while enhancing preparedness. Delhi's former CM Kejriwal and other leaders emphasized vigilance and hospital readiness amid rising numbers, though authorities confirm no new variant has been detected. (PC: Hindustan Times)

At least 34 people have died in northeast India after heavy rains over four days caused devastating floods and landslides, authorities confirmed Monday. The worst-hit states include Manipur, Meghalaya, and Sikkim, where rescue efforts are ongoing, with the army deployed to evacuate over 1,000 stranded tourists. In neighboring Bangladesh, four members of a family were killed in a landslide in Sylhet, while hundreds of shelters have opened in high-risk areas. The weather department has forecast more heavy rainfall, prompting warnings for potential flash floods and further landslides across the region. ( PC: Reuters)

Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Punjab Kings are set to clash in the IPL 2025 Final on June 3 at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium, marking a guaranteed new champion. It’s RCB’s 18th attempt and Kohli’s fourth final, chasing a fairytale finish to his legendary career. Meanwhile, PBKS captain Shreyas Iyer seeks his second title with a third team, having led an all-rounder-powered squad to the final. With cloudy skies and a tricky pitch expected, both teams—strong in chases—will battle nerves and conditions for IPL glory in what promises to be a historic night. (PC: India Today)

Mohamed Sabry Soliman, 45, was arrested for a suspected terror attack in Boulder, Colorado, where he allegedly shouted "Free Palestine" and set people on fire, injuring eight. The FBI revealed Soliman had plotted the act for a year and had overstayed his B2 visa after filing for asylum in 2022. Authorities confirmed he was undocumented, and video shows his own clothes caught fire during the incident. U.S. leaders condemned the attack—Senator Schumer labeled it "antisemitic terror," while Colorado Governor Jared Polis expressed shock. Soliman is expected to appear in court today as the investigation continues. (PC: BBC)

Megha Vemuri, MIT’s 2025 class president and an Indian-American student, was barred from attending her graduation after delivering an unsanctioned pro-Palestinian speech. Vemuri wore a keffiyeh and condemned the war in Gaza and MIT's ties to Israel during the OneMIT Commencement. The university stated she misled organizers and disrupted the ceremony, violating guidelines. Though she will receive her diploma by mail, Vemuri criticized MIT for punishing her without due process. Civil rights group CAIR condemned the action. The incident adds to rising tensions on U.S. campuses amid Gaza protests and ongoing debate over free speech and institutional accountability. (PC: The Hindu)

Mount Etna, Italy’s and Europe’s most active volcano, erupted on Monday, unleashing a dramatic pyroclastic flow and sending plumes of ash thousands of feet into the air. Italy’s national volcano monitoring agency confirmed the eruption from the central crater of the Sicilian giant. Despite its intensity, no damage or evacuations were reported, and Catania airport remained operational. Etna’s near-constant activity continues to fascinate scientists and attract tourists. Volcanologists are monitoring the event using seismic tools and drones, watching for potential air traffic disruption due to ash. The eruption highlights the raw power of Earth’s geology beneath one of Italy’s iconic landmarks. 

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, leading an all-party Indian delegation in Brazil, criticized China for shielding Pakistan-backed terrorist groups at the UN. In a discussion with Brazilian diplomat Celso Amorim, Tharoor took a veiled swipe, saying, “Your friend in China” helped remove references to the Resistance Front—a Lashkar-e-Taiba proxy—from a UNSC statement. He stressed the need for India and Brazil to secure permanent UNSC seats. Tharoor also addressed the Colorado terror attack, expressing concern and relief that no lives were lost. The delegation heads to the US next, advocating for global counterterrorism and Security Council reform. (PC: Hindustan Times)

Peace talks between Ukraine and Russia in Istanbul ended without a breakthrough, with both sides agreeing only to a prisoner exchange involving the sick, wounded, and those under 25. Ukraine demanded a 30-day unconditional ceasefire, which Russia rejected, offering instead a limited local truce. Ukrainian negotiators expect Russia’s full response by the end of June and pushed for direct presidential talks. Russia also pledged to return the bodies of 6,000 Ukrainian soldiers. With Moscow still occupying 20% of Ukrainian territory, hopes for a swift resolution remain slim as the war grinds on into its third year. (PC: BBC)

Indian chess star D Gukesh, 19, defeated World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen at the Norway Chess 2025 tournament. This was Gukesh’s first classical win against Carlsen. Carlsen played strong but made a late mistake under time pressure. Gukesh took the chance and won. Carlsen slammed the table in anger and left quickly. Gukesh stayed calm and celebrated quietly with his coach. He called it a lucky win and said time trouble helped him. The match was part of a top-level event in Stavanger, Norway. Gukesh’s victory is a big moment for Indian chess fans around the world.