Oxford University’s Ashmolean Museum will return a 500-year-old bronze sculpture of the Hindu saint Tirumankai Alvar to India. The decision follows a claim by the Indian High Commission four years ago, asserting the artifact was looted from a Tamil Nadu temple. The repatriation, part of a broader movement to return cultural treasures acquired during colonial times, comes after the museum’s investigation confirmed the sculpture’s provenance. This aligns with Oxford’s previous commitment to return looted Benin bronzes to Nigeria.

Following the swearing-in of the NDA’s new Council of Ministers under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, tensions have arisen among BJP allies in Maharashtra. Leaders from the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena and Ajit Pawar-led NCP expressed dissatisfaction over not receiving Cabinet positions. Shrirang Barne of Shinde Sena, representing Maval in the Lok Sabha, criticized the BJP for perceived favoritism, noting his party's success in securing seven of 15 contested seats. With the Maharashtra Assembly elections imminent, these grievances could strain Mahayuti's alliance.

Scientists have identified water frost on three of Mars' tallest Tharsis volcanoes, Olympus Mons, Arsia Mons, and Ceraunius Tholus, as reported in Nature Geoscience. The frost, equating to 60 Olympic-size swimming pools, forms during sunrise and evaporates by day. Captured by the ESA’s ExoMars and Mars Express missions, this finding reveals a thin layer of frost only one-hundredth of a millimeter thick. The discovery challenges previous assumptions about frost formation at Mars’ equator and hints at remnants of ancient Martian climate cycles.

Harry Dent, a top US economist, warns that a huge stock market crash is coming, potentially worse than the 2008 financial crisis. He believes the "everything" bubble, fueled by artificial stimulus, is yet to burst. Dent notes that most bubbles last 5-6 years, but this one has gone on for 14, making a bigger crash likely. He predicts a significant market downturn when the bubble finally bursts. Dent's warning suggests that the prolonged bubble may lead to a devastating economic crash, surpassing the Great Financial Crisis.

Poland's Euro 2024 preparations have been hit by injuries to key players. Robert Lewandowski and Karol Swiderski were forced off during a 2-1 win over Turkey, while Arkadiusz Milik underwent knee surgery. The injuries have raised concerns about Poland's chances in the tournament, which starts on June 16. Poland face a tough group, with matches against the Netherlands, Austria, and France. The team will hope for a swift recovery for their injured stars to have a chance at success in the tournament.

French President Emmanuel Macron announced the dissolution of parliament and new legislative elections following a significant defeat in the European elections to Marine Le Pen’s National Rally (RN). Le Pen’s party secured 32% of the vote, while Macron’s alliance garnered 15%. Citing the need for a clear majority, Macron set the first round for June 30 and a second round for July 7. This election marks a critical juncture for Macron’s government, facing rising far-right sentiment across France.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to address a farmers' conference in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, on June 18, marking his first visit to the constituency since his recent re-election. The conference, likely to be held in either Rohania or Sevapuri assembly constituency, is part of his one-day itinerary. Additionally, PM Modi is expected to participate in the Ganga aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat. Preparation discussions have already commenced among local BJP leaders, with party workers being mobilized for a grand welcome. BJP Kashi region president Dilip Patel confirmed the preparations, emphasizing the allocation of responsibilities to party members for the upcoming event.

The India Meteorological Department has warned of heatwave to severe heatwave conditions in parts of northwest and east India till June 15. Several states, including Jammu and Kashmir, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, and Odisha, are expected to witness temperatures above 42°C. Meanwhile, heavy to very heavy rainfall is predicted in south Madhya Pradesh, Konkan, Goa, and parts of Maharashtra, Karnataka, and the Northeast. Strong surface winds are expected in Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Haryana till June 14. The Met Department has advised caution and urged people to take necessary precautions to stay safe during the heatwave and heavy rainfall.

Astronaut Sunita Williams and eight other crew members on the International Space Station (ISS) face a new threat - a multi-drug resistant bacteria dubbed 'Enterobacter bugandensis'. This superbug infects the respiratory system and has evolved in the closed environment of the ISS over 24 years. It's a new concern for NASA, in addition to space debris and micrometeorites. Williams and her colleagues are on a mission to test the new Boeing Starliner spacecraft, but now they must also contend with this potentially harmful bacteria. The ISS crew is working to contain the superbug and prevent its spread.

In a recent video, Anupam Kher showcased his admiration for Rajinikanth while attending Prime Minister Narendra Modi's swearing-in ceremony in Delhi. Walking beside Rajinikanth and surrounded by security, Kher turned his camera towards the superstar and praised him, calling him “God’s gift to mankind.” Rajinikanth, smiling, acknowledged the compliment. The video quickly garnered reactions from fans who echoed Kher's sentiment, lauding Rajinikanth’s simplicity and legendary status. Comments included praise such as “God's gift” and admiration for his humble nature. This meeting of two cinema legends delighted fans, who celebrated their interaction on social media.