Former West Bengal chief minister and TMC chief Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday led a protest in central Kolkata against alleged attacks on party leaders and workers after the Assembly elections. Addressing supporters at Esplanade, Banerjee accused the BJP government of using “bulldozer politics” and trying to break the TMC through intimidation.   Vowing to continue the fight, she declared, “Ladenge ya marenge (Will fight or die).” The protest was also held over the alleged attack on TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee and the eviction of hawkers. Banerjee said opposition parties would soon meet in Delhi to decide their future course of action. (PC: HT)

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has confirmed that the southwest monsoon is likely to reach Kerala on June 4, marking the beginning of the country's four-month rainy season. The weather agency has issued a warning for very heavy rainfall in parts of Kerala as monsoon conditions strengthen.   According to the IMD, widespread rain, thunderstorms and gusty winds are expected across southern India over the next week. Kerala is likely to receive the heaviest rainfall during the monsoon's onset phase. Authorities have advised residents to stay alert, especially in areas vulnerable to waterlogging and localized flooding, as intense rain activity is forecast in the coming days. (PC: India Today)

At least 18 people, including two children, were killed and more than 100 injured after Russia launched one of its largest missile and drone attacks on Ukraine in recent months. Ukrainian officials said the overnight assault involved 656 drones and 73 missiles targeting Kyiv, Dnipro, Kharkiv and other regions. Twelve people died in Dnipro after part of an apartment building collapsed, while six were killed in the capital Kyiv. President Volodymyr Zelensky said civilian infrastructure and energy facilities were hit nationwide and renewed calls for additional Patriot missile systems. Russia said the strikes were retaliation for earlier Ukrainian attacks. (PC: BBC)  

US President Donald Trump reportedly lashed out at Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a tense phone call over Israel's escalating military operations in Lebanon. According to reports, Trump warned Netanyahu, saying, "You'd be in prison if not for me," while accusing him of risking international isolation and undermining ongoing US diplomatic efforts with Iran.   The confrontation came after Israel launched strikes on Hezbollah targets in Beirut and expanded operations in southern Lebanon. US officials said Trump was concerned the escalation could derail sensitive negotiations with Iran and fuel wider regional instability. Following the call, Israel reportedly paused plans for additional strikes in Beirut, though Netanyahu maintained that operations against Hezbollah would continue. (PC: India Today)  

Former Tamil Nadu BJP chief Annamalai has reportedly informed the party leadership that he wants a "cordial separation" and plans to pursue an independent political path. According to sources, Annamalai conveyed his decision during a meeting with BJP president Nitin Nabin and organisation secretary BL Santhosh in New Delhi.   Despite efforts by the BJP to persuade him to stay, sources said the former IPS officer has made up his mind. Reports suggest he has also declined an offer of a Rajya Sabha seat. Annamalai is expected to launch a public movement before eventually forming a political party focused on grassroots participation and leadership development. (PC: NDTV)

A UK court has sentenced 23-year-old Vickrum Digwa to life imprisonment, with a minimum term of 21 years, for the murder of 18-year-old student Henry Nowak in Southampton. Prosecutors said Digwa fatally stabbed the teenager in December 2025 before falsely claiming he had been racially abused and acted in self-defence.   The case drew widespread attention after police initially handcuffed the injured victim at the scene based on Digwa's allegations. A judge ruled that no racist remarks were made and criticised Digwa for bringing "shame" on his family and religion. Police have apologised and an independent review of their response is underway. (PC: HT)

Myanmar President General Min Aung Hlaing has assured Prime Minister Narendra Modi that Myanmar's territory will not be allowed to be used against India's security interests. The assurance came during wide-ranging talks in New Delhi as the Myanmar leader concluded his four-day visit to India.   The two leaders discussed cooperation in security, trade, energy, technology and infrastructure. Prime Minister Modi reaffirmed India's support for Myanmar's sovereignty and territorial integrity, while highlighting the country's importance in India's Neighbourhood First and Act East policies.   Both sides also reviewed economic ties, with bilateral trade exceeding $2 billion, and explored opportunities to expand cooperation across key sectors. (PC: India Today)

The Union Home Ministry has revised registration rules for foreigners staying in India. Under the new rules, foreign nationals who wish to stay beyond 180 days must register before the 180-day limit expires. Earlier, they could register within 14 days after completing 180 days in the country. The government said permission for longer stays will be granted only in "emergent circumstances". The notification also eases birth reporting rules for children born to foreign nationals if one parent is an Indian citizen. In addition, hospitals and similar institutions must follow updated reporting and compliance requirements.

US President Donald Trump reportedly had a heated phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over Israel's attacks in Lebanon. According to reports, Trump told Netanyahu, "You're f**king crazy," while criticising Israel's military actions. Trump also warned that continued strikes could increase Israel's isolation around the world. The call came as Iran threatened to suspend talks with the United States if attacks on Lebanon continued. Following the conversation, Israel reportedly dropped plans for strikes in Beirut. Later, Lebanon announced a partial ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel in an effort to reduce tensions in the region. (PC: AP)

India enjoyed a remarkable Round 7 at Norway Chess 2026 as R Praggnanandhaa, D Gukesh and Divya Deshmukh delivered crucial victories to strengthen their title hopes. Praggnanandhaa produced the standout result, defeating Alireza Firouzja in a hard-fought classical game to earn three full points and climb to third place with nine points. World Champion Gukesh held tournament leader Wesley So to a draw before winning the Armageddon tie-break with a bold queenside pawn grab, securing valuable extra points. In the women’s event, Divya Deshmukh also showed resilience and composure to register a vital sudden-death victory. The results significantly impacted standings as the tournament enters its decisive phase. (PC: Times Now)