Shubman Gill, aged 24, has been appointed India's Test captain following the retirements of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Despite recent inconsistencies, including being dropped during the Australia tour, Gill's resurgence and leadership qualities have earned him the role. Selectors overlooked other candidates like Jasprit Bumrah, KL Rahul, and Rishabh Pant due to various concerns. Gill's IPL performances showcased his competitiveness and composure, attributes praised by cricket legends. His appointment marks a significant shift in Indian cricket, emphasizing youth and potential. As India embarks on a new Test era, Gill's leadership will be pivotal in shaping the team's future. (PC: BCCI)

Nine children of Palestinian paediatrician Dr. Alaa Al Najjar were killed in an Israeli airstrike on their home in Khan Younis, Gaza, while she was at work. Her husband, also a doctor, is critically injured and their surviving son remains hospitalised. The strike left graphic devastation, with rescuers pulling children’s bodies from the rubble. British doctors at Nasser Hospital described the attack as “unimaginable,” highlighting that the family had no military links. Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry condemned the targeting of medical workers. The Israeli military has yet to comment. Over 53,000 Palestinians have been killed since the war began in 2023. (PC: Sky News)

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi visited Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch district on Saturday to meet families affected by recent cross-border shelling by Pakistan. Conducting door-to-door visits, Gandhi assessed damage, consoled grieving families, and interacted with injured victims and students. Calling the shelling a “big tragedy,” he pledged to raise their concerns on a national platform. Notably, he visited the home of twin siblings killed in the shelling. His visit follows heightened tensions after India’s Operation Sindoor and Pakistan’s retaliatory attacks, which killed 28 across J&K. Gandhi praised the courage of affected families, saying they carry the heaviest burden in times of conflict. 

The European Union urged "mutual respect" in trade talks after US President Donald Trump threatened to impose 50% tariffs on EU imports starting June 1. EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič affirmed Europe's commitment to a fair deal but said the bloc would defend its interests if provoked. Trump expressed frustration over stalled negotiations and said only U.S.-made products would avoid the tariffs. European leaders warned of economic harm and called for de-escalation. Stock markets in both regions dropped in response, while the EU considers retaliatory measures worth €95bn if the US proceeds with its protectionist stance. (PC: EPA)

At the 10th NITI Aayog Governing Council meeting in Delhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for enhanced Centre-State cooperation to achieve the vision of a ‘Viksit Bharat’ by 2047. Emphasizing cooperative federalism, PM Modi urged states to develop globally competitive tourist hubs and future-ready, sustainable cities. The theme of the meeting was "Viksit Rajya for Viksit Bharat." He stressed that development in every state is essential for national progress. CMs from Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh attended, while some others skipped the meeting. Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin demanded a larger share of central taxes and an urban transformation mission. (PC: News18)

Gujarat ATS has arrested 28-year-old Sahdevsinh Gohil, a contractual health worker, for allegedly leaking classified Border Security Force (BSF) and Indian Navy information to a Pakistani woman agent via WhatsApp. Gohil, based in Kutch district, reportedly shared sensitive images and videos of military installations and activities along the India-Pakistan coastal border since July 2023. He also provided WhatsApp access using a SIM card registered under a false identity. Forensic analysis confirmed the espionage. The accused admitted receiving payments up to ₹40,000 per leak. A case has been registered under national security laws against Gohil and the Pakistani agent, identified as “Aditi Bharadwaj.” (PC: ANI)

India pacer Jasprit Bumrah will not feature in all five Tests during the upcoming England tour starting June 20, confirmed chief selector Ajit Agarkar. Citing inputs from team doctors and physios, Agarkar said Bumrah may play three or four matches, depending on his fitness and workload. Bumrah, who recently returned from injury in the IPL 2025, has been in excellent form with 16 wickets in nine games. Meanwhile, Mohammed Shami has been ruled out due to ongoing fitness issues. The 18-man squad, led by new Test captain Shubman Gill, also includes Rishabh Pant as vice-captain and several fresh faces. (PC: PTI)

Russia launched a massive overnight assault on Ukraine, firing 250 long-range drones and 14 ballistic missiles, injuring at least 15 civilians in Kyiv. Debris from intercepted projectiles sparked fires in the Solomianskyi district and damaged a shopping mall and residential building in Obolon. Residents sought shelter in subway stations. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the attack, asserting it underscores Moscow’s role in prolonging the war. He urged the global community to impose harsher sanctions and ramp up diplomatic pressure. Regions including Odesa, Dnipro, and Kharkiv were also hit, marking one of the most intense strikes in recent weeks. (PC: Reuters)

Nearly 1,000 film industry figures, including Ralph Fiennes, Juliette Binoche, Susan Sarandon, and Mark Ruffalo, have signed an open letter condemning Israel’s actions in Gaza, calling it “genocide.” The petition, titled “Artists for Fatem,” was launched in response to the killing of 25-year-old Palestinian photojournalist Fatima Hassouna in an Israeli airstrike, just days after her documentary was announced at Cannes. The signatories criticized the global film industry’s silence and demanded accountability. “As artists and cultural players, we cannot remain silent,” the letter declared. The movement has gained momentum during the Cannes Film Festival, drawing global media attention. 

Shubman Gill has been appointed as India's 37th Test captain ahead of the five-match Test series against England beginning June 20 at Headingley. The announcement came as the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee revealed an 18-man squad. Wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant was named vice-captain, while youngsters Sai Sudharsan and Karun Nair received a call-up. Mohammed Shami missed selection due to fitness concerns. Jasprit Bumrah will lead the pace attack but may not play all matches. Kuldeep Yadav, Jadeja, and Sundar form the spin unit. The tour marks the start of India’s next ICC World Test Championship cycle. (PC: BCCI)