A jhalmuri vendor in West Bengal’s Jhargram has alleged that he received death threats after Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited his stall during an election campaign. The vendor, Vikram Sau, said he started receiving threatening calls and messages after the election results were announced. Sau claimed the first call came on May 19. He said the threats left him scared and disturbed. Locals said he has stopped sitting regularly at his stall. West Bengal Police have started an investigation into the matter. Officials are checking the phone number and messages linked to the alleged threats.

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has faced criticism after announcing action against stray and “killer” dogs in the state. Mann said the move followed a recent Supreme Court order. However, opposition leaders and animal welfare groups said he “misinterpreted” the ruling. BJP leader Tejinder Pal Singh Bagga said the court only allows action against dangerous or seriously ill dogs after proper checks. Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria said “dogs are also living beings” and warned against indiscriminate killings. Former MLA Navjot Kaur Sidhu urged the government to focus on sterilisation and vaccination instead. (PC: X/@BhagwantMann)

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has announced a special plan to make FIFA World Cup matches more affordable for residents. The city will offer 1,000 tickets for $50 each along with free round-trip bus rides to MetLife Stadium. The tickets will be given through a lottery system for seven World Cup matches. Mamdani said the aim is to help working-class people enjoy the tournament. Ticket prices for the World Cup have become very expensive, with many costing hundreds of dollars. The programme is a joint effort between the city and the NY/NJ World Cup host committee. (PC: X)

India has successfully tested the Vayu Astra loitering munition developed by private company Nibe Limited. The system completed trials in mountain areas of Joshimath and desert regions of Pokhran. The drone can carry anti-tank and anti-personnel warheads up to 100 km. Unlike normal drones, it can stay in the air and wait for a target before attacking. It is controlled through a two-way communication link. The system can also be used for surveillance and later recovered with a parachute. Officials said the trials are still in the early stages. India also tested long-range rocket systems during the demonstration. 

A rare albino buffalo in Bangladesh has become famous on social media. The 700-kg buffalo is nicknamed “Donald Trump” because of its blond hair and pale face. The animal lives on a farm near Dhaka. Many people visit the farm to take photos and videos. Officials said albino buffaloes are very rare. The buffalo is also known for its calm and friendly nature. However, large crowds have caused stress to the animal, and it recently lost weight. The farm owner has now limited visitors. The buffalo became popular ahead of Eid al-Adha celebrations in Bangladesh.

India recorded all 50 of the world’s hottest cities on Friday morning as a severe heatwave continued to grip large parts of the country. Odisha’s Balangir topped the global temperature rankings at 45 degrees Celsius, while several cities across Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Chhattisgarh also crossed 44 degrees Celsius, according to AQI.in data and weather reports. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) maintained severe heatwave alerts in several states and warned that extreme temperatures could continue over the coming days. Authorities advised people to stay indoors during peak afternoon hours, remain hydrated and avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight. (PC: India Today)

Abhijeet Dipke, a 30-year-old journalism graduate from Pune, is the founder of the viral Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), a satirical digital movement that has taken social media by storm. Launched on May 16 after controversy around Chief Justice of India Surya Kant’s “cockroaches” remark, the outfit quickly gained massive popularity online. The CJP now has over 19 million Instagram followers and became known for meme-based political satire focused on unemployment, education and youth frustration. Dipke reportedly studied journalism in Pune, is pursuing public relations at Boston University, and earlier volunteered with the Aam Aadmi Party’s social media campaigns between 2020 and 2023. (PC: NDTV)

The United States has paused a proposed $14 billion weapons sale to Taiwan to ensure enough military supplies are available for operations linked to the Iran conflict. Acting US Navy Secretary Hung Cao confirmed the decision during a Senate hearing, saying the pause was needed to maintain munitions for the joint US-Israel operation known as “Epic Fury”. Taiwan’s presidential office said it had not received official notice of any change. The move comes as President Donald Trump weighs final approval of the arms package amid tensions with China over Taiwan. (PC: BBC)

The Delhi High Court has granted three-day interim bail to activist and former Jawaharlal Nehru University student leader Umar Khalid from June 1 to June 3 in the 2020 northeast Delhi riots larger conspiracy case. Khalid sought temporary release to assist his mother, Sabiha Khanam, who is scheduled to undergo surgery on June 2. He had earlier requested 15 days of interim bail after a trial court rejected his plea. Khalid argued that his elderly father could not manage alone. The prosecution opposed the request, calling the procedure minor. Khalid has remained in custody since September 2020. (PC: HT)

The NEET-UG 2026 controversy deepened after Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan admitted a “breach in the chain of command”, while National Testing Agency Director General Abhishek Singh said the exam paper was not leaked “through the system”. The conflicting statements have triggered confusion among students and parents over accountability in India’s largest medical entrance exam. The CBI is investigating the alleged leak and has arrested chemistry lecturer PV Kulkarni, identified as a key accused. The Centre is also considering shifting NEET to a computer-based format following the controversy. (PC: India Today)