India on Friday strongly objected to Pakistan’s decision to hold “General Elections” for the so-called Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly on June 7 in territory that New Delhi considers illegally occupied. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) reiterated that the entire Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, including Gilgit-Baltistan, are integral and inalienable parts of India following the legal accession of Jammu & Kashmir in 1947. India said Pakistan’s actions cannot alter its sovereignty claims and accused Islamabad of masking grave human rights violations, political repression, economic exploitation and denial of freedoms in the region. New Delhi again demanded that Pakistan vacate territories under its illegal occupation and cease attempts to change their status.

Indian Grandmaster R. Praggnanandhaa secured a key win over reigning World Champion D. Gukesh at the Norway Chess 2026 tournament, keeping the open section title race alive until the final round. The victory strengthened Praggnanandhaa’s position among the leaders in a closely contested event held in Oslo, where multiple top players remain in contention. Meanwhile, Bibisara Assaubayeva claimed the women’s title with a round to spare after a dominant performance throughout the tournament. The final round in the open section will decide the champion, with the standings still extremely tight and top contenders separated by a narrow margin. (PC: DD)

US forces reportedly boarded an oil tanker carrying Iranian crude in the Indian Ocean as part of an ongoing maritime enforcement operation targeting sanctions violations. The vessel was intercepted after intelligence indicated it was involved in transporting restricted oil linked to Iran’s sanctioned energy exports. Video footage circulating online shows armed personnel securing the ship during the boarding action. The operation highlights continued US efforts to enforce sanctions on Iranian oil trade and disrupt illicit shipping networks. Authorities have not yet disclosed the tanker’s flag state or destination. The incident is likely to heighten geopolitical tensions in the region.

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), led by Abhijeet Dipke, has announced a large-scale protest at Jantar Mantar, Delhi, against alleged irregularities in national-level examinations and broader education governance issues. The group has also released detailed “dos and don’ts” for participants to ensure discipline, safety, and non-violence during the demonstration. Protesters are instructed to follow legal guidelines, maintain peaceful conduct, and avoid disruptive behavior. The movement is demanding accountability from the Union Education Ministry and has gained significant online traction among students. Authorities are monitoring the planned gathering closely as preparations continue for the scheduled protest event in the capital. (PC: X)

Former Tamil Nadu BJP president K. Annamalai has resigned from the Bharatiya Janata Party and announced a new political movement aimed at reshaping the state’s political landscape. In a social media address, he said the initiative is inspired by the ideals of former President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, focusing on youth empowerment, clean governance, and development-oriented politics. Annamalai stated that he wants to move beyond traditional party frameworks and build a people-centric platform. His exit marks a significant shift in Tamil Nadu politics, with several BJP leaders reportedly following him. The BJP, however, downplayed the impact, calling it politically insignificant. (PC: India Today)

Astronauts aboard the International Space Station were instructed by NASA to shelter in their spacecraft and prepare for a possible evacuation after a worsening air leak was detected in the Russian-built Zvezda service module. The leak, located in the module’s transfer tunnel, has been a long-standing concern, but recent signs of deterioration prompted Russian space agency Roscosmos to begin extensive repair operations. As a precaution, members of NASA’s SpaceX Crew-12 mission, along with other station residents, were placed on alert and told to be ready for an emergency departure if required. NASA emphasized that the move was made out of caution while engineers continue monitoring the situation. (PC: The Guardian)

India head coach Gautam Gambhir has confirmed that young left-handed batter Sai Sudharsan will bat at No. 3 in the one-off Test against Afghanistan beginning in New Chandigarh. Gambhir said Sudharsan “hasn't got a fair chance” so far and deserves a sustained opportunity in the longest format. The decision reflects India's ongoing transition phase in Test cricket, with the management focusing on nurturing emerging talent. Sudharsan's promotion to the crucial top-order position highlights the team's faith in his technique and temperament as India looks to strengthen its future Test batting lineup. (PC: X)

A fresh political row has erupted in West Bengal after Abhishek Banerjee accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of orchestrating protests and an attack against him during a recent visit. The Trinamool Congress has claimed the incident was politically motivated and part of a broader campaign to intimidate opposition leaders. The controversy has intensified the already sharp rivalry between TMC and BJP following the state's turbulent political developments. TMC leaders have demanded action against those involved, while the BJP has rejected the allegations. The episode has further heightened tensions in West Bengal's increasingly polarized political landscape. (PC: The Indian EXPRESS)

The Central Board of Secondary Education has filed a police complaint following a series of cyber attacks targeting its post-result services portal. The attacks reportedly occurred after the declaration of board examination results, causing disruptions for students attempting to access marksheets, certificates, and related services. CBSE stated that technical teams worked to mitigate the impact and restore normal operations while ensuring data security. The board has sought a detailed investigation to identify those responsible for the attacks. The incident has raised concerns about cybersecurity preparedness and the protection of digital education infrastructure used by millions of students across India. (PC: The Hindu)

Investigators probing the deadly fire at Delhi’s Flourish Stay BnB have uncovered that hotel owner Lavkesh Bajaj had previously spent 15 days in Tihar Jail in 2025 in connection with a case involving fake passports and forged Aadhaar cards. The revelation has intensified scrutiny of the hotel's operations and regulatory compliance. Authorities are examining whether past legal issues and possible documentation irregularities had any link to the establishment's functioning. The fire, which claimed multiple lives, remains under investigation as officials continue to assess accountability, safety violations, and the circumstances surrounding the tragedy. (PC: NDTV)