New Zealand's parliament has suspended three Te Pati Maori MPs for performing a protest haka during a November 2024 debate. Co-leaders Rawiri Waititi and Debbie Ngarewa-Packer received 21-day bans, while 22-year-old Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke was suspended for 7 days after showing contrition. The protest interrupted a vote on a now-scrapped bill that aimed to redefine the Treaty of Waitangi, sparking widespread Maori backlash. Maipi-Clarke condemned the sanctions, asking, "Are our voices too loud for this house?" The suspensions are the longest in parliamentary history. Critics say the move silences Indigenous voices defending Maori rights and culture in the legislature.

Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu has confirmed the recovery of the bodies of Gad Haggai (72) and Judi Weinstein Haggai (70), a couple killed during the 7 October 2023 Hamas attack. Their remains were located in Gaza during a special joint operation by the IDF and Shin Bet. The couple had been taken into Gaza after being killed during the assault. Netanyahu expressed condolences, vowing continued efforts to return all hostages, living or deceased. The Hostages and Missing Persons Families Forum called the recovery both "heartbreaking and healing" and urged immediate action to retrieve the 56 remaining Israeli hostages. (PC: Sky News)

In a diplomatic blow to Pakistan, Malaysia declined Islamabad's request to cancel Operation Sindoor outreach programmes led by Indian MP Sanjay Jha. Despite invoking religious solidarity, Pakistan's plea was ignored as Malaysia approved all 10 scheduled events. The Indian delegation, on a multi-nation anti-terror campaign, met Malaysian leaders to highlight India’s precision strikes following the Pahalgam terror attack. Pakistan had cited Kashmir and urged cancellation, but Malaysia maintained neutrality. The all-party delegation underscored India’s zero tolerance towards terrorism and called for FATF action against Pakistan. Malaysia was the final stop after visits to Japan, South Korea, Singapore, and Indonesia. (PC: Business Today)

After RCB clinched their first IPL title, ex-owner Vijay Mallya’s congratulatory post triggered a meme storm. “RCB are IPL Champions finally after 18 years,” Mallya wrote on X. But netizens, amused and furious, trolled him over his ₹9,000 crore loan default case. One viral image, allegedly from SBI, read, “Sir, come to India. We will celebrate together.” While business tycoon Harsh Goenka shared it, fact-checks suggest the post may be fake. Social media exploded with jibes like “SBI’s dream will come true.” Mallya later reflected on RCB’s journey and Kohli’s loyalty, but the internet wasn’t ready to forgive. (PC: X)

Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg, 22, is sailing to Gaza aboard the Madleen, a Freedom Flotilla Coalition vessel carrying humanitarian aid. Supplies include baby formula, medical gear, and water filters—critical amid Gaza’s 90-day blockade. Israel has warned it is “prepared” to stop the flotilla, though it hasn't revealed specific actions. The voyage includes 12 international activists, including Game of Thrones actor Liam Cunningham. The group calls it a non-violent mission against Israel’s siege. Activists report being followed by drones and have urged global protection. Thunberg shared emotional footage, saying, “We must keep trying… or we lose our humanity.” (PC: India Today)

Former US President Donald Trump has issued a sweeping travel ban on nationals from 12 countries—including Iran, Somalia, Haiti, and Yemen—citing national security concerns. An additional 7 countries face partial restrictions. The ban, effective Monday, allows certain exemptions, including for lawful US residents, athletes, and special visa holders. Trump said the move responds to growing terror threats, referencing a recent attack in Colorado. The ban has sparked strong backlash from human rights groups, Democrats, and international bodies like the African Union, who call it discriminatory. Legal challenges are expected, echoing opposition to Trump’s similar 2017 travel ban. (PC: BCC)

On June 5, 2025, President Donald Trump signed a proclamation suspending the entry of international students and exchange visitors to Harvard University for six months. The move, justified by alleged ties between Harvard and foreign adversaries—particularly China—aims to protect national security. The order also directs the State Department to consider revoking existing student visas. Harvard condemned the action as politically motivated and a violation of constitutional rights. The decision escalates tensions between the administration and Harvard, following previous threats to revoke its tax-exempt status and international enrollment privileges. A federal judge may soon intervene. (PC: Reuters)  

The Karnataka government informed the High Court that just over 1,000 police personnel were deployed during RCB’s IPL victory event, contradicting Deputy CM DK Shivakumar’s earlier claim of 5,000. The court, which took suo motu cognisance of the stampede that killed 11, questioned crowd control measures for the 2.5 lakh-strong gathering at the 35,000-capacity Chinnaswamy Stadium. The state admitted SOPs for such events are still being developed. The court was told RCB and event managers handled ticketing and logistics. FIRs have been filed. The case will be heard again on Tuesday, with the court demanding a detailed report. (PC: India Today)

The Karnataka High Court will today hear the Bengaluru stampede case that left 11 dead and 47 injured during Royal Challengers Bangalore’s IPL victory celebrations at Chinnaswamy Stadium. The court took suo motu cognisance of the tragedy, which occurred a day after RCB's historic title win. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah called it an "unexpected tragedy" and announced ₹10 lakh compensation to families of the deceased, while ordering a magisterial inquiry. The stampede reportedly occurred due to overcrowding as thousands gathered to celebrate RCB's long-awaited win after 18 years. Authorities are facing criticism over lack of crowd control and safety measures. (PC: NDTV)

On June 4, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump signed a new proclamation reinstating strict travel restrictions, completely banning entry from 12 countries, many of which are Muslim-majority, including Iran, Libya, Somalia, and Afghanistan. Seven other countries, including Cuba and Venezuela, face targeted visa category restrictions. The move follows a violent antisemitic attack in Colorado and claims of security gaps in current immigration vetting systems. Critics warn the decision revives discriminatory policies and could impact diplomatic ties. The restrictions will be enforced starting June 9, 2025, at 12:01 a.m., pending legal and political challenges. (PC: India Today)