In a significant success for security forces, top Maoist leader Gautam alias Sudhakar, a central committee member of CPI (Maoist), was killed during an encounter in Chhattisgarh's Bijapur district on Wednesday. The joint operation, led by the DRG, STF, and elite CoBRA units, took place in the Indravati National Park—a known Maoist stronghold—based on specific intelligence inputs. Sudhakar, a key ideologue with a high bounty, was reportedly accompanied by other senior Maoist leaders. Security forces recovered weapons, explosives, and Maoist literature. The combing operation is still underway, with unconfirmed reports of further casualties among Maoist cadres. (PC: HT)

Karnataka Deputy CM DK Shivakumar broke down in tears on Thursday while addressing the media about the Bengaluru stampede that killed 11 people and injured dozens during RCB’s IPL victory event. Visibly emotional, Shivakumar called it a heartbreaking moment, especially after seeing children among the victims. He acknowledged administrative lapses and offered an apology, admitting authorities underestimated the crowd, which swelled to over 3 lakh at a stadium meant for 35,000. He criticized the BJP for politicizing the tragedy. The government announced ₹10 lakh compensation for the deceased's families and free treatment for the injured. (PC: ANI)

On June 5, 2025, during a diplomatic visit to the United States, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor addressed Pakistan's assertions of being a terrorism victim. Responding to these claims, Tharoor questioned, "Whose fault is that?" He referenced former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's 2011 remark: "You can't breed vipers in your backyard and expect them to bite only your neighbours." Tharoor highlighted that Pakistan now faces threats from groups like the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which evolved from entities initially supported by Islamabad. He urged Pakistan to introspect on its role in fostering terrorism before seeking global sympathy. Tharoor emphasized that India's focus remains on combating terrorism and promoting economic development, distancing from any India-Pakistan rivalry narrative. (PC: ANI)

On April 30, 2025, the Indian government announced that the upcoming national census will include caste-based enumeration, a move not undertaken since 1931. The decision was revealed by Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, aiming to enable better-targeted welfare policies and ensure social justice. Union Home Minister Amit Shah called it a historic step. Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi welcomed the move but stressed the importance of a concrete timeline. The 16th Census, delayed due to COVID-19, will begin on October 1, 2026, in selected areas, with full-scale operations from March 1, 2027. (PC: AP)    

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President Droupadi Murmu, and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi expressed deep grief over the tragic stampede at Bengaluru’s M Chinnaswamy Stadium during RCB’s IPL 2025 victory event, which claimed 11 lives and injured 47. Modi called the mishap “heart-rending” and prayed for the injured. Rahul Gandhi stressed that “no celebration is worth a human life” and demanded strict safety protocols. President Murmu termed the incident “shocking and heartbreaking.” Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot urged an investigation into security lapses. KSCA announced ₹5 lakh compensation per deceased family as a gesture of solidarity, not as replacement for lives lost. (PC: India Today)

India has experienced several tragic stampedes since 2024, resulting in significant loss of life and injuries across various states. In July 2024, a religious gathering in Hathras, Uttar Pradesh, claimed 121 lives, mostly women and children, due to overcrowding. Later that year, a stampede at a cinema hall in Hyderabad resulted in the deaths of a woman and her child. Early 2025 saw multiple incidents, including a stampede in Tirupati during temple token distribution, and a deadly crowd crush at the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj with over 30 fatalities. February witnessed a tragic stampede at New Delhi Railway Station, killing 18. In May, Goa’s Shirgao festival experienced a stampede causing six deaths. Most recently, in June 2025, Bengaluru’s Chinnaswamy Stadium saw a stampede during the RCB IPL victory celebrations, resulting in 11 deaths and many injuries. These events underscore the urgent need for enhanced crowd control and safety measures at mass gatherings. (PC: Free Press Journal)

A post-conflict assessment has revealed India destroyed nine Pakistani aircraft during Operation Sindoor, its retaliatory strikes after the Pahalgam terror attack. The targets included six fighter jets, two AEW&C surveillance planes, and a C-130 Hercules. Over 10 armed drones were also neutralized in coordinated drone and air strikes by Rafale and Su-30 jets. Indian airstrikes reached deep into Pakistan, hitting 18 strategic sites including airbases in Punjab, Sindh, and PoJK. Satellite imagery confirmed extensive damage. A ceasefire was initiated on May 10 after Pakistan's DGMO requested de-escalation following severe military and diplomatic setbacks. (PC: NDTV)    

Punjab Police have arrested YouTuber Jasbir Singh from Rupnagar over alleged espionage activities linked to Pakistani handlers. Singh, who runs the "Jaan Mahal" channel, reportedly met Pakistani army officials and vloggers during multiple visits to Pakistan. His connections with Jyoti Malhotra, another YouTuber arrested recently in a related case, raised further suspicions. Police said Singh attempted to erase all communication records after Malhotra's arrest. Devices seized from him contain Pakistan-based contacts under forensic review. Authorities suspect a larger spy-terror network operating across North India. The Punjab DGP affirmed continued efforts to dismantle this serious threat to national security. (PC: HT)

Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) has officially adopted the term “Kulguru” in place of “Kulpati” as the Hindi designation for Vice-Chancellor, in a move toward gender-neutral language. Proposed by current VC Shantishree Dhulipudi Pandit, the change was approved by the university’s working council. Pandit emphasized that institutional titles must reflect inclusivity and avoid gender bias. The term "Kulguru" aligns with India’s ancient guru-shishya tradition and mirrors similar reforms in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. JNU's decision marks a broader shift in academia towards inclusive representation and respectful terminology for leadership roles. (PC: News18)

Amid a controversy over his remarks that “Kannada is born out of Tamil,” actor Kamal Haasan told the Karnataka High Court he will not release Thug Life in the state “for now.” His counsel stated, “He has said that I can wait, and the release of the movie in Karnataka can also wait.” Haasan emphasized in a letter to the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce his “sincere respect for the Kannada language and Kannadigas,” but refused to apologise. The court remarked, “Apology is not compulsion; it’s grace.” The hearing was adjourned to June 10 as protests and the ban continue. (PC: PTI)