UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's decision to stake the Conservative Party's future on a rare summer election was so secret that even his chancellor of the exchequer, Jeremy Hunt, appeared surprised by the plan. Hunt's allies were unaware enough of the snap election called by Sunak on Wednesday that some feared a rumored big announcement meant that the chancellor was about to be replaced in a reshuffle, according to people familiar with thinking in the Treasury. As the prime minister prepared to reveal his decision in a news conference outside 10 Downing St., Hunt was busy canceling media appearances to speak about the morning's inflation data and shortening a trip to a meeting of Group of Seven finance ministers on Thursday in Italy.

As a scorching heatwave envelops Northern India, with temperatures soaring above 48 degrees Celsius in Rajasthan, heavy rains lash Kerala, claiming four lives and disrupting flight operations. At least 24 locations across Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh witness extreme heat, prompting concerns of worsening conditions. In Kerala, red alerts are issued for multiple districts, while flight schedules at Calicut International Airport are impacted. Additionally, Odisha braces for heavy rainfall as a low-pressure area forms in the Bay of Bengal, urging caution for fishermen and residents alike.

The UK grapples with a 76% decline in healthcare worker visa applications amid tightened immigration rules, leaving Indian care workers vulnerable to deportation. Many, promised jobs that don't exist or below minimum wages, are stranded, unable to find new employment that adheres to visa regulations. The National Council of Gujarati Organisations advocates for these workers, urging government intervention. An online petition garners traction, demanding action as affected families face imminent upheaval. The Home Office acknowledges the issue, signaling a wider concern over UK immigration policy and its impact on international workers and students.

The UK's general election campaign launches into full swing today as political leaders crisscross the nation, outlining their visions and strategies. Prime Minister's tour of broadcast studios precedes a two-day journey across all four UK nations. Labour leader Starmer heads to south-east England, targeting Conservative strongholds, while Reform UK's Tice unveils party plans in London. Nigel Farage contemplates a return to frontline politics. Liberal Democrat leader Davey gears up to challenge Conservative seats after recent by-election victories. With the July 4 election looming, parties waste no time in making their mark in this high-stakes political battle.

A Jalandhar man, Mandeep Kumar, who went to Russia for a job, has been allegedly tricked into joining the Russian Army by travel agents and handlers. His family claims he was stranded, beaten, and threatened for money. Mandeep, who has a physical disability, was last heard from on March 3, saying he feared for his life and was forced to wear a uniform and carry a gun. His family has appealed to the authorities to bring him back safely and retrieve the money paid to the agents. The family alleges that at least 40 other Punjabi youths are also trapped in similar circumstances.

Gopi Thotakura, co-founder of Preserve Life Corp, made history as the first Indian tourist in space on Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin NS-25 mission. Thotakura proudly showcased the Indian flag in space, capturing the adventure on video. The crew experienced weightlessness, with Thotakura labeled an "Eco hero" for sustainable planet efforts. Blue Origin highlighted Thotakura's lifelong passion for aviation and his role in holistic wellness. The viral video depicts the awe-inspiring journey of the crew defying gravity.

An IndiGo flight to Calicut from Delhi was halted for safety reasons after an Air Traffic Controller instructed it to abort takeoff due to another aircraft's go-around on a parallel runway. Flight 6E5913, scheduled for 7:10 pm, departed at 11:03 pm following the incident. Passengers were transferred to another plane to reduce delays. The involved aircraft was reportedly from Air India, awaiting confirmation. This incident compounds recent troubles for IndiGo, including a passenger-staff clash at Rajkot International Airport over a delayed Rajkot-Mumbai flight earlier this month. The airline faces increasing challenges amid operational disruptions and passenger dissatisfaction.

The US will send an Indian astronaut to the International Space Station (ISS) by the end of 2024, announced US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti. This mission follows a promise made during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's US visit in 2023. Additionally, the NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) project, an Earth-observing mission, is set to launch this year. Garcetti highlighted the collaboration's benefits, emphasizing India's cost-effective lunar mission, Chandrayaan-3. He also mentioned the potential for advancing civilian nuclear energy cooperation, pending resolution of liability issues post-Indian elections.

Over the last few months, India has rescued at least 360 citizens who were tricked into working as "cyber slaves" in Cambodia. These individuals were lured with fake job offers, had their passports taken, and were forced to scam people in India using platforms like Telegram, WhatsApp, and Facebook. Another 60 victims are expected to return soon, according to Rajesh Kumar, CEO of the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre. In response to the rising cybercrime from Southeast Asia, the Indian government formed a high-level inter-ministerial committee on May 16. This committee, involving officials from multiple ministries and agencies, aims to combat cybercrime originating from Cambodia, Myanmar, and Laos.

Amid pro-Palestinian protests on US campuses, Indian students face tough choices. While some actively participate, many avoid direct involvement due to fears of arrest and deportation. "I support the cause but stay away from legal trouble," said an Ohio State student. Families in India express concerns for their children’s safety, urging caution. Despite solidarity, the legal and academic risks deter widespread participation among Indian students. With universities on summer break, the future of these protests and Indian students' roles remains uncertain.