Meru, a 9-year-old army tracker dog from the 22 Army Dog Unit, bid farewell to his years of dedicated service in style. With recent Ministry of Defence policy changes, Meru embarked on his retirement journey to the Dogs Retirement Home at the Remount and Veterinary Corps (RVC) Center in Meerut. Accompanied by his handler, Meru enjoyed the comforts of a first-class AC coach, reflecting the nation's newfound appreciation for retired service animals. His story has resonated widely, with countless well-wishers acknowledging his unwavering commitment and wishing him a happy and relaxing retirement.

Following the tragic helicopter crash that claimed the lives of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, Iran prepares for Raisi's funeral in his hometown. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei declared five days of public mourning, as condolences pour in from around the world. Meanwhile, Iranian military chief Mohammad Bagheri ordered an investigation into the crash's cause. Global leaders, including Putin and Qatar's emir, express sympathy, while India observes one-day state mourning. Israel denies involvement in the incident, citing bad weather. The loss of Raisi, a key figure in Iranian politics, is mourned nationwide.

In Phase 5 of the Lok Sabha elections, 57.5% provisional voter turnout was recorded across 49 constituencies spanning six states and two Union Territories. Notable candidates include Smriti Irani, Rahul Gandhi, Chirag Paswan, and Omar Abdullah. This phase witnessed significant contests in Maharashtra's 13 seats, with tension in Bengal's seven seats due to Congress and CPM's involvement. BJP secured 32 seats out of 49 in 2019, with key contests featuring Union Ministers like Piyush Goyal, Bharati Pawar, and Rajnath Singh. The next phase, covering 58 seats, is scheduled for May 25, with results announced on June 4.                

Hundreds of Indian students in Canada's Prince Edward Island protest potential deportation following a sudden immigration policy change. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs claims no knowledge of the issue. Students demand fair treatment and extension of work permits. The protest, in its second week, highlights grievances against new immigration rules impacting graduates. Canadian officials cite strain on healthcare and housing infrastructure as reasons for the policy shift. Indian students seek inclusion in previous immigration systems and fair selection criteria, alleging discrimination in recent changes. The standoff continues as students call for attention to their plight.

Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) officers apprehended four suspected ISIS terrorists, believed to be Sri Lankan nationals, at Ahmedabad's Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. The individuals, linked to the Islamic State (IS), were intercepted ahead of the arrival of three IPL teams. Gujarat ATS conducted strategic surveillance, leading to their arrest. The suspects, identified as Mohammad Nusrat, Mohammad Nufran, Mohammad Faris, and Mohammad Razdin, reportedly arrived from Chennai and had connections with Pakistani handlers. Gujarat DGP Vikash Sahay confirmed their ISIS affiliation and radicalization, stating they intended to carry out a terror attack in India.

International Criminal Court Prosecutor Karim AA Khan has applied for arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, and Hamas leaders Yahya Sinwar, Mohammed Deif, and Ismail Haniyeh. The charges include war crimes and crimes against humanity amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. Khan cited alleged crimes by Hamas, such as murder and taking hostages, and by Israeli officials, including starvation of civilians and attacks on civilian populations. The warrants underscore the ICC's commitment to upholding international humanitarian law and demonstrating the equal value of all human lives during conflicts.

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian died when their helicopter crashed in the Jofa mountains of East Azerbaijan. The helicopter went down shortly after taking off in dense fog and bad weather. A large search operation began, with Turkey's Bayraktar Akinci drone finding the wreckage near Iran's border with Azerbaijan. The drone spotted heat signatures at the crash site and drew a crescent shape on its flight path, which was seen on tracking websites. This tragedy has led to many international condolences and offers of help for Iran.

The Delhi government has ordered all schools, both private and government, to close immediately and commence summer vacation until June 30 due to severe heatwave conditions. With temperatures expected to reach 45 degrees Celsius, the decision aims to protect students' health. Neighboring states, including Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan, have also declared early summer breaks. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicts a hotter summer than usual for Delhi and surrounding regions. Schools in Haryana and Punjab are set to reopen on July 1, while Rajasthan has banned additional classes during the heatwave. The precautionary measure ensures student safety amid extreme temperatures.

The International Criminal Court (ICC) has requested arrest warrants for top officials from Hamas and Israel, including Yahya Sinwar and Benjamin Netanyahu. The charges include war crimes and crimes against humanity related to the October 7 attack and subsequent conflict in Gaza. The ICC prosecutor accuses them of committing atrocities. If issued, the warrants would prevent travel to 124 ICC member countries, where they could face arrest. This move may complicate ceasefire efforts between Israel and Hamas. The US and Israel are not ICC members and do not recognize its jurisdiction.

Iran's government has appointed Ali Bagheri as acting foreign minister following the tragic death of Hossein Amir-Abdollahian in a helicopter crash. Bagheri, previously the deputy foreign minister under Amir-Abdollahian, now steps into the role. The announcement came via government spokesman Ali Bahadori Jahromi on state television. Bagheri's appointment underscores the continuity in Iran's diplomatic efforts, particularly regarding its nuclear negotiations. This development marks a significant transition in Iran's foreign affairs leadership, with Bagheri poised to navigate the country's relationships and negotiations on the global stage.