India has urged Bangladesh’s interim government, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, to conduct inclusive, free, and fair elections promptly. The call comes amid escalating protests by government employees and demands from opposition parties, including the BNP, for elections by December 2025. Yunus, however, has proposed June 2026 after reforms. India’s foreign ministry emphasized the need to respect the people's mandate and warned against deflecting governance issues onto external factors. Relations between the two nations have strained since former PM Sheikh Hasina sought refuge in India, following accusations of minority repression under the interim administration. (PC: ANI)

Royal Challengers Bengaluru have entered the IPL final for the first time since 2016 after thrashing Punjab Kings in Qualifier 1 at Mullanpur. Under debut captain Rajat Patidar, RCB bowled PBKS out for just 101 runs in 14.1 overs on a fast bowler-friendly pitch. Josh Hazlewood and Suyash Sharma took three wickets each, while Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Yash Dayal dismantled Punjab's top order early. Despite losing Virat Kohli in the 4th over, RCB chased down the target in just 10 overs, winning by 8 wickets. The dominant performance showcased RCB’s fierce intent to finally clinch their maiden IPL title. (PC: X/RCB)

A 53-year-old man, Paul Doyle from West Derby, has been charged after a car ploughed into a crowd during Liverpool FC’s Premier League title parade. Merseyside Police confirmed Doyle faces multiple charges including causing grievous bodily harm with intent and dangerous driving. The incident occurred on Water Street in Liverpool city centre, where thousands had gathered to celebrate. Seventy-nine people were injured, with the youngest aged 9 and the oldest 78. Seven individuals remain in hospital in stable condition. Doyle is set to appear before Liverpool Magistrates’ Court on Friday. Footage of the incident continues to circulate online. (PC: Sky News)

Royal Challengers Bengaluru delivered a powerful bowling performance to bowl out Punjab Kings for a low total of 101 runs in IPL 2025 Qualifier 1 at Mullanpur. Opting to field first, RCB’s bowlers dominated the innings, with leg-spinner Suyash Sharma (3/17) and pacer Josh Hazlewood (3/21) taking crucial wickets. Marcus Stoinis was the top scorer for PBKS with 26 runs, but early breakthroughs from Yash Dayal and Bhuvneshwar Kumar left Punjab struggling at 50 for five. RCB now have a strong advantage going into their chase to secure a place in the IPL final. (PC: BCCI)

A catastrophic glacier collapse in the Swiss Alps has buried most of the village of Blatten under mud, rocks, and ice. The Birch Glacier's partial collapse triggered a landslide that devastated 90% of the evacuated village. One person is missing, and massive destruction to homes and infrastructure has been reported. Authorities had evacuated the area on May 19 due to earlier signs of instability. Swiss President Karin Keller-Sutter expressed her condolences, while emergency services continue to monitor the hazardous area. Mayor Matthias Bellwald declared, “We’ve lost our village,” vowing to rebuild despite the destruction. (PC: AP, EPA)

Israel has approved 22 new Jewish settlements in the occupied West Bank, marking the largest expansion in over 30 years. Defence Minister Israel Katz and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich confirmed the move, calling it a strategic step to prevent a Palestinian state. Critics, including the Palestinian Authority and watchdog Peace Now, condemned it as a dangerous escalation that undermines peace efforts and entrenches occupation. The move includes legalizing unauthorized outposts and creating new settlements. The international community, including Jordan and the UK, denounced the expansion as a violation of international law and a threat to the two-state solution. (PC: AFP)  

India head coach Gautam Gambhir declined to comment on Shreyas Iyer's exclusion from the 18-member Test squad for the England series starting June 20. "I am not a selector," Gambhir said when asked about Iyer, who has led Punjab Kings to the IPL play-offs. Instead, Gambhir lauded the BCCI for inviting chiefs of the Army, Navy, and Air Force to the IPL 2025 final on June 3 in Ahmedabad, calling it an "unbelievable step." The gesture honors Operation Sindoor, launched after the tragic Pahalgam terror attack in April that claimed 26 lives, mostly tourists. (PC: AFP)

The Trump administration has given Harvard University 30 days to contest a decision to revoke its certification under the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), which allows it to enroll international students. Homeland Security's notice follows accusations of bias, antisemitism, and alleged ties to the Chinese Communist Party—claims Harvard denies. The move could impact 27% of Harvard’s student body. Harvard argues the action is a retaliatory attack on academic freedom and is pursuing legal recourse. Trump has also called for a 15% cap on foreign student admissions. The Justice Department filed the notice ahead of a federal court hearing in Boston. (PC: India Today)

India has urged Canada to avoid giving political space to pro-Khalistan extremist elements promoting violence and separatism. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal reiterated India’s long-standing concerns and urged Canada to take concrete action against those advocating anti-India agendas. The call comes amid recent diplomatic exchanges, including a phone call between Indian EAM S. Jaishankar and Canadian FM Anita Anand, the first since she assumed office. Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney has expressed interest in improving ties with India, following strained relations due to allegations involving the killing of Khalistani extremist Hardeep Singh Nijjar under the previous Trudeau administration. (PC: PTI)

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh praised women in the armed forces for their key role in Operation Sindoor. “Women pilots and other female soldiers played a crucial role in the effective action taken by India,” he said. Singh confirmed that women helped strike nine terror targets in Pakistan and PoK on May 7-8. Speaking in Goa, he added, “Nari Shakti played a crucial role in every branch.” He also praised Navy officers Lt Cdr Dilna K and Lt Cdr Roopa A for sailing around the world. Singh said their courage is a true symbol of nari shakti and national pride. (PC: PTI)