At least 8 workers were killed and six others suffered serious burn injuries after a ladle carrying molten metal reportedly fell and spilled its contents at the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant in Andhra Pradesh on Monday. The accident occurred at the Steel Melting Shop-I unit, triggering a major emergency response. Rescue teams rushed to the site and the injured were shifted to hospitals for treatment. Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the mishap. The incident is one of the deadliest industrial accidents at the plant in recent years and has raised fresh concerns over workplace safety standards. (PC: HT)

Air Commodore Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair, one of the astronauts selected for India's first human spaceflight mission Gaganyaan, was awarded the Kirti Chakra by President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Monday. India's second-highest peacetime gallantry award recognises courage, devotion to duty and distinguished service. Nair received the honour for his contribution to India's human spaceflight programme and his role as a backup astronaut for the Axiom-4 mission to the International Space Station. A decorated Indian Air Force test pilot, Nair is among the four astronauts chosen for Gaganyaan, India's landmark mission aimed at sending astronauts into space aboard an indigenous spacecraft. (PC: India Today)

At least 32 people have died and more than 100 others have been injured after a powerful 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Mindanao in the southern Philippines. Authorities said landslides, building collapses and infrastructure damage were reported across several provinces, while nearly two dozen people remain missing.   The quake triggered tsunami alerts in the Philippines, Japan, Indonesia and Australia, though some warnings were later lifted. More than 10,000 residents were evacuated as a precaution. Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr said government agencies were coordinating rescue and relief operations, while over 130 aftershocks have been recorded since the main quake. (PC: BBC)

A major political development unfolded on Monday as rebel Trinamool Congress MPs claimed that around 20 party lawmakers are forming a separate bloc and intend to support the NDA. Trinamool MP Sharmila Sarkar told NDTV that the group has decided to align with the ruling alliance and will formally communicate its position.   Senior MP Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar said nearly 20 MPs have agreed to write to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla seeking recognition as part of the NDA. She said the decision followed extensive discussions among MPs and described her removal as the party's chief whip as "arbitrary" and "unilateral". The development could pose a fresh challenge for Trinamool chief Mamata Banerjee. (PC: NDTV)

India on Monday expressed deep concern over the renewed military escalation between Israel and Iran, calling for an immediate de-escalation of tensions in West Asia. In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs said the fresh attacks were a matter of serious concern and urged all sides to avoid actions that could worsen the conflict.   The government highlighted the heavy humanitarian and economic costs of the prolonged crisis, saying the conflict has caused significant suffering and affected global energy supplies. India also called for the protection of civilians and urged all parties to continue diplomatic negotiations to restore peace and stability in the region. (PC: HT)

The Indian Air Force (IAF) will deploy Mi-17 helicopters and other air assets to transport NEET-UG 2026 re-test question papers ahead of the June 21 examination, according to sources. The confidential packets will be moved from 18 designated locations to distribution centres and exam hubs across the country under strict security arrangements.   The move is part of an extensive plan to prevent any paper leak and restore trust in the examination process after the earlier NEET-UG exam was cancelled over leak allegations. Authorities have also placed paper setters and moderators in a secure undisclosed facility, while security agencies and armed forces remain on standby to ensure the examination is conducted smoothly and securely. (PC: India Today)

US President Donald Trump called on Israel and Iran to stop “shooting” after the two countries exchanged direct attacks for the first time since their April ceasefire. The escalation began after Iran launched missiles toward northern Israel, prompting Israeli air strikes on defence-related targets in western and central Iran.   The Israeli military said dozens of fighter jets participated in the operation, while Iran warned that the attacks marked “the beginning of a full week of continuous strikes.” In a later statement, Trump said both sides were “looking to do an immediate ceasefire.” The latest confrontation has raised fresh concerns about stability across the Middle East. (PC: BBC)

The Trinamool Congress (TMC), the party led by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, is facing a fresh internal crisis after around 20 of its MPs reportedly gathered at an undisclosed location to discuss forming a separate parliamentary bloc or resigning, according to sources.   The reported rebellion comes weeks after TMC's defeat in the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections, which ended the party's long rule in the state. The party has since faced growing dissent, with several leaders and legislators questioning its leadership and future direction.   Sources told The Indian Express that the MPs are exploring their options as unrest deepens within the party. The TMC has not officially responded to the reports. The development could further complicate efforts by Mamata Banerjee to keep the party united after its electoral setback. (PC: X)

A powerful solar storm is expected to impact Earth on Monday night, raising the possibility of rare aurora sightings over parts of India. The US Space Weather Prediction Center has issued a G3 (strong) geomagnetic storm watch, with brief G4 (severe) conditions possible between 11:30 PM IST and 2:30 AM on June 9.   Experts say high-altitude regions of Ladakh, particularly Hanle, have the best chance of witnessing faint red auroras. Parts of Kashmir, Nubra Valley and the Uttarakhand Himalayas may also get a glimpse if conditions remain favourable. Most major Indian cities, including Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai and Bengaluru, are unlikely to see the phenomenon due to light pollution and cloud cover. (PC: India Today)

Leaders of 23 opposition parties met at Delhi’s Constitution Club on Monday for a key INDIA bloc meeting aimed at strengthening coordination and preparing a strategy against the BJP ahead of future elections.   Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge used the meeting to attack the Centre, saying, “India’s foreign policy has been compromised.” He also raised concerns over unemployment, examination irregularities and what opposition leaders described as threats to democratic institutions.   Senior leaders including Sonia Gandhi, Sharad Pawar, Mamata Banerjee and Akhilesh Yadav attended the meeting. However, the DMK and the Aam Aadmi Party skipped the gathering.   Opposition leaders stressed the need to “safeguard democratic values” and maintain unity, while BJP leaders dismissed the meeting, calling the alliance ineffective and lacking purpose. (PC: HT)