Russian President Vladimir Putin will visit India soon, marking his first trip since the Ukraine war began in 2022. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov confirmed that preparations are underway following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s invitation. The visit is expected to focus on the Ukraine conflict and global shifts after Donald Trump’s U.S. presidency. India, maintaining neutrality on Ukraine, continues strong defense and trade ties with Russia, especially in oil imports. Last year, Modi visited Moscow and Kyiv, strengthening diplomatic engagement. The two leaders aim to boost bilateral trade to $100 billion. (PC: India Today)

India's Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has blocked the release of Santosh, the UK’s official entry for the 2025 Oscars, citing concerns over its portrayal of misogyny, Islamophobia, and police brutality. Directed by British-Indian filmmaker Sandhya Suri, the film explores systemic discrimination, caste violence, and anti-Muslim sentiments. The CBFC demanded extensive cuts, which Suri called "impossible" to implement. Santosh premiered at Cannes, earned a BAFTA nomination, and won Best Actress at the Asian Film Awards. The ban has sparked controversy over artistic freedom in India’s film industry. (PC: Seen From Santosh)

A video of an elephant named "Play Daow Mongkol" showcasing its cooking skills in Thailand has gone viral, leaving the internet amazed. The clip, originally shared by Thenationthailand on X, shows the elephant using its trunk to stir ingredients in a pan and pound a mortar while its keeper cheers. Social media users praised the elephant’s intelligence, with some joking it could be the next "top chef." The video has garnered over 1 lakh likes and thousands of comments, with netizens expressing admiration and curiosity about its training methods. (PC: @thenationthailand/Instagram)

Ukraine has ruled out peace with Russia until thousands of abducted Ukrainian children are returned, presidential adviser Daria Zarivna told The Times. Following U.S.-brokered talks in Saudi Arabia, Zarivna stressed, “The return of all forcibly transferred Ukrainian children is non-negotiable.” Kyiv insists the issue is central to any peace deal, alongside the release of prisoners and deported civilians. Moscow claims to have relocated 700,000 Ukrainian children since 2022, a figure Ukraine disputes. A joint U.S.-Ukraine statement reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to securing the children’s return and prisoner exchanges as part of the diplomatic process. (PC: EPA)

Scientists warn that gonorrhoea cases resistant to antibiotics are rising in England, increasing fears of an “untreatable” STI. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) recorded 17 ceftriaxone-resistant cases between January 2024 and March 2025, up from 16 in 2022-2023. Consultant epidemiologist Dr Katy Sinka stressed that gonorrhoea’s growing resistance could lead to severe health risks, including infertility. The NHS urges regular testing, as many cases show no symptoms. UKHSA lists Neisseria gonorrhoeae among top public health threats. Experts emphasize condoms and early detection to curb spread. Free and confidential STI testing remains crucial. (PC: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

A naked woman, identified as Samantha Palma, caused chaos at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport on March 14, biting and stabbing people with a pencil in a “manic episode.” She reportedly stabbed a restaurant manager in the head and face before biting his forearm. The erratic incident, caught on video, showed Palma breaking a TV and shouting at passengers. Police later found her hiding behind an emergency door, covered in blood. Palma admitted missing her medication and claimed she was traveling with her 8-year-old daughter. Authorities have taken her into custody. (PC: news18)

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has confirmed that Rohit Sharma will continue as India's Test captain for the upcoming England tour. India, aiming for their first series victory in England since 2007, will play five Tests starting June 20 in Headingley. Despite poor form, Rohit retains his role, while selectors will monitor Jasprit Bumrah’s recovery. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar is set to reveal hints about the squad during IPL 2025's final week, with India A playing tour games to prepare key players. The official squad announcement is expected before IPL knockouts. (PC: BCCI)

South Korea is battling its worst wildfires, killing at least 26 people and displacing tens of thousands since March 21. Strong winds and dry conditions fueled the blazes, which started in the southeast. A 1,300-year-old temple in Uiseong was destroyed, and other cultural sites remain at risk. Most victims were elderly residents trapped by fast-moving flames. Authorities suspect human activity started multiple fires. Helicopters face difficulties due to strong winds, with one crashing during firefighting efforts. Officials warn this disaster highlights the increasing impact of climate change on extreme weather events. (Getty Images)

India and China have made progress in resuming the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra in 2025, following discussions between Indian and Chinese officials in Beijing. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said both sides reviewed strategic agreements and focused on stabilizing ties, including resuming direct flights and people-to-people exchanges. The 33rd Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on Border Affairs also addressed border stability and cross-border cooperation. India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and Chinese officials agreed to take further steps for diplomatic engagement. The next high-level meeting will be held in India later this year. (PC: x/Rahulgandhi)

Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced 'Sahkar Taxi,' a cooperative-based ride-hailing service aimed at benefiting drivers directly. The initiative aligns with PM Narendra Modi’s 'Sahkar Se Samriddhi' vision and ensures drivers retain full earnings without intermediaries. The announcement follows allegations of discriminatory pricing by Ola and Uber, prompting government scrutiny. The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) is investigating pricing disparities based on users’ phone models. Consumer Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi called such practices "unfair" and vowed to examine pricing strategies in other sectors, including food delivery and ticketing platforms. (PC: India Today)