Prime Minister Narendra Modi, joined by over 30 foreign delegates, observed the tri-service exercise 'Bharat Shakti' at Pokhran in Rajasthan. Describing it as the call of a 'new India,' Modi highlighted the roar of aircraft mid-air and ground valor displayed during the exercise. Emphasizing Pokhran's significance in India's self-reliance, belief, and self-pride, Modi witnessed the calibrated tactical use of niche technology by the armed forces. The exercise showcased indigenous weapon systems and platforms, demonstrating India's Aatmanirbharata initiative's prowess in land, air, sea, cyber, and space domains, including T-90 tanks, helicopters, and unmanned aerial vehicles.

100-year-old Harold Terens, a WWII veteran, and his 96-year-old fiancée Jeanne Swerlin are set to marry in France near D-Day beaches. The couple's love story began in 2021, and they plan to tie the knot in Carentan-les-Marais on June 8, as part of France's 80th anniversary celebration of D-Day. Terens, honored by France for his service, met Swerlin after the death of his wife in 2018. Their wedding, a symbol of enduring love, will be attended by their families and surviving WWII veterans.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah criticized the Congress for opposing the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA), attributing it to "appeasement and vote-bank politics." Shah's remarks follow the implementation of the law by the Centre, over four years after its passage in Parliament. He lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi for granting citizenship to persecuted non-Muslim migrants from Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Afghanistan. The CAA aims to confer Indian nationality to such migrants who entered India before December 31, 2014, due to religious persecution. The Congress, however, questioned the timing of the law's notification ahead of the Lok Sabha elections.

An Indian Air Force Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) crashed during operational training near a hostel in Jaisalmer's Jawahar colony, Rajasthan. The pilot ejected safely, and no casualties were reported. Efforts to extinguish the fire are underway, with a court of enquiry initiated to investigate the incident. This comes just days after a trainee aircraft crash in Madhya Pradesh, where a female pilot sustained injuries. Union Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia expressed concern and assured investigations into both incidents, emphasizing safety measures in flight training.            

India achieves a breakthrough as the Agni-5 Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicle (MIRV) missile, developed by DRDO over a decade, successfully completes its inaugural flight. Dr. V K Saraswat, former DRDO Director General, hails it as a game-changer, enhancing India's second-strike capability. The MIRV technology allows a single missile to deploy multiple warheads, increasing its "radius of influence" and acting as a "force multiplier." PM Narendra Modi expresses pride in DRDO's achievement, emphasizing the strategic importance of the indigenously developed Agni-5. The success is lauded as a significant step in bolstering India's geopolitical standing and military capabilities.          

Panamanian archaeologists have uncovered a 1,200-year-old tomb containing gold treasures and sacrificial victims. The tomb, belonging to an elite chief, housed various artifacts including pectorals, belts, earrings, and bone flutes. Discovered alongside were the remains of sacrificial individuals who accompanied the chief in the afterlife. Linette Montenegro of the Ministry of Culture highlights the historical and cultural significance of the findings. Dr. Julia Mayo, supervising the project, notes the unique burial practices observed, with the chief laid atop a woman's body. Excavation continues to reveal more insights into this ancient civilization's burial customs.

India has signed a landmark free-trade agreement (FTA) with the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), comprising Norway, Switzerland, Iceland, and Liechtenstein. The deal promises $100bn in investments in India, spanning over 15 years. Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the pact as a boost to economic progress and youth opportunities. The agreement, following 16 years of negotiations, entails India lifting most import tariffs on industrial goods from the EFTA nations in exchange for investments across various sectors. Ratification by both parties is required before implementation, with Switzerland aiming for completion by next year.

Celebrated wrestler Vinesh Phogat secures her place in the Asian Olympic Qualifiers after a dramatic turn of events during the trials. Phogat, at the forefront of protests against former Wrestling Federation chief, accused of harassment, competes in two weight divisions, ultimately triumphing in the 50kg category. The unprecedented move, allowing her to participate in multiple categories, sparks controversy, with concerns raised about adherence to international wrestling regulations. Despite the tumult, Phogat remains focused on her Olympic aspirations, aiming for success after overcoming significant challenges and securing a "small victory" in her journey.        

A recent mental wellbeing study ranks the UK as the world's second least content nation, trailing behind Uzbekistan. Conducted by the US-based Sapien Labs think tank, the research surveyed over 500,000 individuals across 71 countries. The UK's low ranking is attributed to factors like the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, a persistent cost-of-living crisis, and high levels of loneliness, especially among young adults and economically challenged families. Factors contributing to the crisis include political instability and high consumption of ultra-processed foods. Scientists stress the need for deeper understanding and action to improve mental wellbeing globally.            

Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge is considering not contesting the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, raising concerns within the party. Sources suggest he may nominate his son-in-law instead for the Gulbarga constituency in Karnataka. Kharge, currently Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, emphasizes the need to focus on the bigger picture rather than his own campaign. This move, unprecedented for a Congress chief, contrasts with past practices of party leaders contesting elections. Kharge's potential decision comes amid discussions of his role in the opposition bloc's leadership after the polls.