Trinamool Congress leader Jahangir ‘Pushpa’ Khan was arrested by the West Bengal Special Task Force near the Nepal border while allegedly trying to flee India after weeks in hiding. Khan faces multiple FIRs, including allegations of EVM tampering and voter intimidation during the West Bengal Assembly elections in Falta. The Election Commission had cancelled polling in the constituency, citing severe electoral offences and ordered a repoll. Khan's arrest came after the Calcutta High Court withdrew his interim protection from arrest. BJP candidate Debangshu Panda later won the Falta seat by a margin exceeding one lakh votes. (PC: India Today)

A powerful 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck off the southern Philippines on June 8, killing at least eight people and injuring more than 200. The quake, centred near General Santos City, triggered tsunami warnings across the Philippines, Japan, Indonesia and several Pacific regions, prompting large-scale evacuations. Multiple aftershocks followed, including a magnitude 6.5 tremor. Buildings, including a shopping complex and a school, collapsed amid the shaking, while authorities reported structural damage across affected areas. Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr suspended classes in parts of Mindanao and urged immediate evacuation from coastal zones. Airports, emergency services and disaster response teams remain on high alert as assessments continue.

Ahead of the NEET-UG 2026 re-examination scheduled for June 21, authorities have implemented unprecedented security measures to safeguard the integrity of the test following the cancellation of the May exam amid controversy. According to reports, all experts involved in setting, moderating and translating the question papers have been relocated to a secure undisclosed facility and placed under strict lockdown until the examination concludes. The move is aimed at preventing any possibility of question paper leaks and restoring public confidence in the national medical entrance examination. The extraordinary security protocol underscores the government's determination to ensure a transparent, fair and credible re-test process for lakhs of aspiring medical students nationwide. (PC: India Today)

A powerful earthquake measuring between 7.0 and 7.8 magnitude struck off the southern Philippine island of Mindanao on June 8, triggering tsunami warnings across the Philippines, Indonesia and by the US Tsunami Warning System. Authorities urged coastal residents to move to higher ground as aftershocks continued. Initial reports indicated no deaths or major structural collapses, though minor damage, injuries, power outages and telecommunications disruptions were reported in parts of Sarangani province. Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr said the government was coordinating a rapid response. Indonesia detected small tsunami waves of 0.19 metres. Evacuations were underway in vulnerable coastal communities while officials continued damage assessments across affected regions.

US President Donald Trump said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu would have “no choice” but to accept any US-Iran agreement aimed at ending the Middle East conflict, asserting that Washington controls the direction of negotiations. Speaking after Iran launched missiles at Israel, Trump maintained that the attacks would not derail ongoing diplomatic efforts with Tehran. Reports indicated Trump urged Netanyahu to avoid retaliatory action, arguing that a potential deal with Iran remained within reach. While expressing hope for a negotiated settlement, Trump also warned that failure could result in tougher measures, including continued blockades or possible military action. The comments highlighted growing US-Israeli policy tensions. (PC: US News)

Indian equity markets opened sharply lower on June 8 as escalating Iran-Israel tensions, surging crude oil prices and weak global cues triggered broad-based selling. The Sensex fell over 800 points while the Nifty slipped more than 1% in early trade. Investor sentiment weakened after Iran launched missiles at Israel following Israeli strikes in Lebanon, pushing Brent crude above $96 per barrel and raising concerns over inflation, economic growth and India’s import bill. Additional pressure came from a sharp selloff in US technology stocks and expectations of prolonged higher US interest rates. Realty, IT, metal and auto stocks led losses, while Sun Pharma emerged as a rare gainer amid market volatility. (PC: India Today)

US President Donald Trump abruptly ended an interview with NBC’s Meet the Press after a heated exchange with journalist Kristen Welker over his claims that the 2020 presidential election and California’s gubernatorial race were “rigged.” Trump repeatedly alleged election fraud without presenting evidence and accused NBC and the media of being “crooked.” The confrontation intensified when Welker pressed him on election claims and questioned whether individuals convicted in connection with the January 6 Capitol attack could receive benefits from his proposed “anti-weaponization” fund. Trump defended some rioters, rejected the questioning, removed his microphone, and ended the interview before its scheduled conclusion.

A powerful solar eruption from the Sun’s Active Region 4461 is expected to strike Earth on June 8, prompting warnings of a strong G3-class geomagnetic storm. The event was triggered by an M1.8-class solar flare on June 6, which launched a fast-moving coronal mass ejection (CME) and magnetic filament travelling at nearly 1,400 km per second. Scientists say the storm could generate vivid auroras across northern India’s mountainous regions, Europe and Australia. The impact will depend on the CME’s magnetic orientation, which could temporarily weaken Earth’s magnetosphere. While no direct threat to people is expected, satellite operations, GPS navigation, radio communications and power infrastructure could experience disruptions.

Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has announced a proposed high-speed bullet train corridor linking New Delhi, Varanasi and Siliguri under the Union Budget 2026-27. The project aims to cut Delhi–Varanasi travel time on the 865-km route to about 3.5 hours from the current 8–11 hours, while Delhi–Siliguri journeys could be reduced to around six to seven hours. The proposed alignment will pass through Noida, Jewar Airport, Mathura, Agra, Etawah, Lucknow, Prayagraj, Varanasi and Patna before reaching Siliguri. Vaishnaw also highlighted increased railway investments in West Bengal, metro expansion plans and a proposed East-West Dedicated Freight Corridor.

Iran launched multiple missile barrages at Israel on June 7, marking the first major attack since last week's fragile ceasefire and raising fears of renewed regional escalation. Air raid sirens sounded across parts of Israel as defense systems intercepted incoming missiles, though authorities reported no immediate casualties or significant damage. Iranian Supreme Leader adviser Mohsen Rezaei appeared to claim responsibility, describing the strikes as retaliation and warning of harsher responses if Israel continued military operations. The attack followed Israeli strikes on Beirut's southern suburbs targeting Hezbollah. Iran's state media warned attacks would continue unless Israel halted operations in Lebanon. The developments threaten ongoing US-backed diplomatic efforts aimed at securing a broader ceasefire.