After a tragic trekking incident in Uttarakhand, the bodies of nine trekkers from Karnataka are set to be airlifted to Bengaluru on Thursday. The trekkers lost their lives due to extreme weather conditions while on a trek organized by the Himalayan View Trekking Agency. Karnataka Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda, coordinating with Uttarakhand authorities, ensured swift arrangements for transporting the bodies. Post-mortem is underway, and after embalming in Dehradun, the bodies will be flown to Bengaluru. Eight trekkers have been rescued, while five more are to be airlifted today, as efforts continue to ensure their safe return.

Nine members of a 22-member trekking group died during a trek in Uttarakhand's Uttarkashi district due to adverse weather conditions. The group, comprising 18 trekkers from Karnataka, one from Maharashtra, and three local guides, lost their way on the Sahastra Tal trek. A joint rescue operation involving the Indian Air Force and disaster response teams saved 13 trekkers, with eight airlifted to Dehradun. The deceased trekkers have been identified, all from Bengaluru. Rescue operations continue to retrieve the remaining bodies. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami is closely monitoring the situation.

World leaders, including US President Joe Biden, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, and French President Emmanuel Macron, congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the BJP-led NDA coalition's historic third-term victory. Biden praised the election's vast turnout and emphasized the growing friendship between the US and India. Sunak highlighted the strong UK-India ties, while Macron expressed a commitment to strengthening the strategic partnership with India. Leaders from Israel, Ukraine, Taiwan, China, and other nations also extended their congratulations, signaling robust global support for Modi's continued leadership.

Following the BJP-led NDA's historic third-term victory, over 50 world leaders, including Israel's Netanyahu and Ukraine's Zelenskyy, extended their congratulations to PM Narendra Modi. Leaders from neighboring countries like Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Maldives, as well as global figures from Italy, Japan, and the US, praised Modi's leadership and India's democratic process. The BJP secured 240 seats, emerging as the largest party in the 543-member Lok Sabha. With allies, the NDA reached the 272-majority mark. Modi's re-election signifies continued global recognition of India's growing influence and stable governance.

China congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his election victory, expressing readiness to work with India. Foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning highlighted the importance of a "healthy and stable" China-India relationship for regional and global peace. This comes despite strained ties since the 2020 Ladakh border standoff. Modi's BJP-led NDA secured 272 seats with allies, ensuring a majority. Leaders from Israel, Ukraine, and several South Asian countries also extended congratulations. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni pledged to strengthen Italy-India cooperation. The BJP won 240 of the 543 Lok Sabha seats, emerging as the largest party.

Rashtrapati Bhavan (Circuit -1) will be closed to the public from June 5 to 9, 2024, for preparations for the swearing-in ceremony of the new council of ministers, as per an official statement. The closure comes as the BJP is set to become the single-largest party in the Lok Sabha but falls short of the 272 seats needed for a majority. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to take oath for his third term on June 8. Visitors usually tour the main building, including notable halls and rooms, during their visit.

In a significant verdict, the Nagpur district court has handed life imprisonment to Nishant Agarwal, a former engineer at BrahMos Aerospace Pvt Ltd, for espionage on behalf of Pakistan's ISI. Agarwal, employed in the technical research section, was arrested in a 2018 joint operation by military intelligence and Anti-terrorism squads. Convicted under the Official Secrets Act, he faces rigorous imprisonment for 14 years and a fine of Rs 3,000. The court's decision underscores the gravity of national security breaches and the stern measures taken to combat them. Special Public Prosecutor Jyoti Vajani confirmed the sentencing.

A gunfight erupted in Pulwama, Jammu and Kashmir, on Monday as security forces engaged with terrorists. Two top commanders of The Resistance Front, linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba, Rayees Ahmad and Reyaz Ahmad Dar, were trapped in a house used as a hideout. The confrontation began following intelligence on the hideout in the Nehama area. As forces launched a search operation, the terrorists opened fire, igniting the battle. Visuals showed the house on fire with smoke billowing. The exchange of gunfire continues, with no casualties reported so far. Further updates are awaited from the authorities.              

A 17-year-old in Pune, accused of causing a fatal crash while driving a Porsche, claims he was too drunk to remember the incident. The crash killed two engineers and led to multiple FIRs against the teen and his family. The boy's parents and grandfather are accused of attempting a cover-up, including switching blood samples and intimidating witnesses. Two doctors from Sassoon Hospital were also arrested for allegedly tampering with evidence. The teen, initially granted bail, is now in an observation home as the Juvenile Justice Board considers trying him as an adult.

A Delhi-Mumbai Akasa Air flight carrying over 180 passengers, including an infant, was diverted to Ahmedabad on Monday due to a security alert. The plane landed safely at Ahmedabad airport, and all passengers were evacuated. The swift action ensured the safety of everyone on board. Details of the security alert are yet to be disclosed. The incident highlights the airlines' and airport authorities' preparedness in handling such situations. An investigation into the matter is likely to follow.