An Iranian ballistic missile attack on a US military facility in Kuwait damaged two MQ-9 Reaper drones and caused minor injuries to several US personnel, Bloomberg reported, citing an unnamed person familiar with the incident.The report said that Fateh-110 missile targeted Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait within the last 24 hours. Although Kuwaiti air defense intercepted the missile, debris fell inside the base.According to reports, one MQ-9 Reaper drone was destroyed and another seriously damaged in the latest attack. Each drone costs about $30 million.At least five people, including US service members and contractors, suffered minor injuries in the incident. The attack came as the White House was considering a possible extension of the ceasefire between Washington and Tehran. A meeting in the White House Situation Room ended without any public announcement, despite US President Donald Trump earlier saying he was ready to make a “final determination” on a preliminary agreement.The development comes days after Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said it had targeted a US air base in the region following fresh US attacks on southern Iran. While Kuwait confirmed it had intercepted what it described as “hostile missile and drone threats”, it did not identify the intended target.The missile launch followed US military action against Iranian assets. US forces shot down an Iranian drone over the Strait of Hormuz and attacked a military site in Bandar Abbas, a strategic port city in southern Iran, according to US officials.The latest hostilities have raised new concerns over the stability of the fragile US-Iran ceasefire in place since April, as the conflict between Washington and Tehran enters its fourth month amid ongoing talks to extend the truce.The IRGC said its attack targeted “the source” of earlier US operations against Iran. US Central Command (CENTCOM) described the Iranian attack on Kuwait as a “serious ceasefire violation”.CENTCOM had said the incident occurred hours after Iranian forces launched five unilateral attack drones near the Strait of Hormuz. According to the US military, all five drones were intercepted, while a sixth drone launched from a ground-control site in Bandar Abbas was also intercepted.The US military said its actions were “measured, entirely defensive and intended to maintain the ceasefire”.Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Ismail Bakai condemned the US attacks and called them a violation of the ceasefire. According to state broadcaster IRIB, he said Iran would “take all necessary steps to defend its national sovereignty”.Kuwait’s Foreign Ministry also condemned the “criminal Iranian attacks” targeting its territory.

New Delhi: Trinamool Congress National General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee After being summoned by the West Bengal CID in connection with the cases registered against him, he on Saturday announced that he will not be intimidated by the investigating agencies.Responding to the summons and the FIR filed against her, Banerjee said in a challenging tone, “Even if you slit my throat, you will have to take seven births to scare me.”West Bengal CID issued a notice directing Banerjee to appear before investigators at 12 noon on June 1 at Bhabani Bhawan, the agency’s headquarters in Kolkata.Banerjee accused the authorities of deploying multiple agencies to target her and said no amount of pressure would force her to back down.“Let them do whatever they want. They can do whatever they want. Understand it this way, earlier it was just ED, CBI and now there is Bengal Police and Kolkata Police along with KMC (Kolkata Municipal Corporation),” Banerjee said.He said, “Earlier there were 2-3 investigating agencies and now there are 5. They think they will send 5-6 agencies after me and blackmail me to scare me. I am not such a person. Even if you slit my throat or do whatever you want, you will have to think 10 times and take 7 births to scare me. I am not a traitor.”The summons comes amid several legal challenges TMC Leader in recent weeks.Earlier on Monday, a team of Kolkata Police personnel visited Banerjee’s official residence ‘Santiniketan’ located on Harish Mukherjee Road in south Kolkata. Several officers in uniform and plain clothes were seen on the premises.Neither the Kolkata Police nor the Trinamool Congress officially disclosed the purpose of the visit. However, a senior police officer described it as “routine official practice”. “There is no law and order issue or any special operation. It was part of a routine official exercise,” the officer said.Also read: From Z-Plus security to snatched surveillance: Why did police reach Abhishek Banerjee’s residence?

Sai Sudarshan and Shubman Gill (Photo Courtesy: IPL)

Everything about Gujarat Titans’ season has revolved around the opening pair Shubman Gill And Sai Sudarshan, and now former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan have also joined the growing list of fans of the pair.This pair once again showed their magic in Qualifier 2. Rajasthan RoyalsWhile chasing the difficult target of 215 runs, made a match-winning opening partnership of 167 runs. Gill played a brilliant inning of 104 runs in 53 balls, while Sudarshan provided explosive support by scoring 58 runs in just 32 balls. Their partnership completely absorbed the pressure of the knockout contest and effectively decided the result long before the final overs.Both batsmen have crossed the 700-run mark this season, with Gill currently placed second in the Orange Cap standings with 722 runs, while Sudarshan is right behind him with 710 runs.Speaking on JioStar, Irfan Pathan described Gill and Sudarshan as the greatest opening pair in IPL history.“Shubman Gill and Sai Sudarshan Tata are the best batting pair in IPL history. They hold the record for the highest 100-run partnership and most 50-plus partnerships in the tournament. In T20 cricket, if you want a good start, you want both of them at the top. They complement each other. One rotates the strike, the other finds the boundary. Their understanding is remarkable,” Irfan Pathan said on Geostar.Pathan also highlighted how the pair thwarted Rajasthan Royals’ bowling plans in Qualifier 2.“If bowlers try short-pitched balls, they really enjoy it. They are ready to play cut shots and punish any short ones. Nandre Berger and Jofra Archer did just that. He bowled short and Gill and Sudarshan were waiting. Even when Yashraj Punja came into the attack he bowled slightly shorter lengths. Shubman Gill is not afraid to use his legs against both fast bowlers and spinners. “He comes out, creates space and hits it over the top,” he said. According to Pathan, the 167-run partnership proved to be the defining moment of the match – “Rajasthan Royals lost the match because of the opening partnership of 167 runs in just 77 balls. That stand took the chase away from him completely.”His consistency is nothing new. Last season, despite Gujarat Titans’ eliminator loss to Mumbai Indians, Gill and Sudarshan scored 912 runs in 15 innings, which was the highest partnership of IPL 2025. Sudarshan also ended that campaign as the Orange Cap winner. This season, the pair have already scored 886 runs in 15 innings and need just 27 runs to surpass their own record in the final.

AAfter a wait of three years, DK Shivakumar is finally set to become the Chief Minister of Karnataka, the pinnacle of his political career which, unsurprisingly, started with defeat. In 1985, at the age of only 23, DKS lost his first assembly election in Sathanur to former Prime Minister, Janata Dal strongman HD Deve Gowda. Since then he has not lost any assembly election. After four decades and eight consecutive MLA terms, the long climb to the top post ended.

June 2026 asks you to hold two truths together, leo. On the one hand, your outer life gathers strength. Your situation improves, people notice your efforts and practical benefits gradually become visible. On the other hand, your inner peace is tested by domestic matters that refuse to be resolved quickly. Family life receives support, especially through your spouse, who steps in with maturity, planning, and a genuine desire to keep the home peaceful. There is also a softening between your mother and your spouse and this has reduced an old source of tension. Yet your mind may still wander around pending household concerns, repairs, paperwork, property considerations or unresolved domestic decisions. This is one of those months when life looks better on the inside than it does on the outside.As the month progresses, your confidence increases as results begin to match your effort. Recognition at the workplace, strong financial flows and increasing respect in the society give you the much-needed boost. You will also find that people come to you for guidance, support or practical help. This month your words are warm and your presence makes an impact. Still, June keeps reminding you not to force yourself with time. Some periods are not suitable for starting major plans, especially when health, mood or travel stress interferes. If you accept this rhythm, looking forward to the good days and pausing on the hard days, the month may end much safer than it began.Love and Relationships:This month your married and committed life is full of real hopes and in many ways your spouse becomes your strongest pillar. There’s softness here, but also utility, and that’s what matters. Your spouse is not only affectionate but also practical, caring towards children and emotionally present in domestic matters. At many points in June, you may feel like your partner acts like a best friend, advisor, and steady hand all at the same time. This creates a comfortable environment, especially when external pressure builds. Compatibility improves through clear, everyday ways that reduce friction at home, through shared decisions, better conversations, and small acts of caring. If there has been distance before, June offers a real chance to reconnect.Still this area is not free from tension. Your spouse’s health or emotional state may worry you, especially in the middle of the month. This may make you defensive, anxious, or a little angry. Don’t let anxiety turn into unnecessary aggression. A softer tone will do much more than a dramatic response. If possible, take out time together, even a short trip to a cool, beautiful place, a hill station, a quiet resort, or just take a break from the routine. A trip for emotional refreshment can provide more relief than long discussions at home. Be more careful about business partnerships. Personal relationships are improved by closeness and patience, but formal partnerships require additional scrutiny, especially where money, legal pressure, or shared responsibility are involved.Education and Career:Professionally, June gives you visibility. Your work is noticed, your dedication is recognized, and your public performance remains strong, even when your personal mind is busy. This paradox really defines the month. You may be handling family concerns in the background while still performing efficiently in meetings, presentations, classroom settings, administrative roles or business responsibilities. People in power are now more likely to appreciate your credibility. If you are a student, this month supports sustained effort rather than cosmetic successes. You will do best by sticking to repetition, improving weak topics and keeping confidence steady, especially during periods when your mood changes or travel disrupts your schedule.There are also timing issues to be respected. Some of the middle parts of the month are not suitable for starting brand new projects, signing off on major launches, or making impulsive career decisions. Delay if you can. Working conditions improve, but this does not mean that every day has the same strength. Debt, disputes, legal worries or fatigue from overwork can reduce your sharpness. If you run a business, your partners may show ability and support, yet this is not the best month to enter into risky joint ventures without thinking. By late June, the energy turns toward income generation, stronger networks, and more steady progress. Your social standing also increases as you generously help others, and that goodwill can quietly open future professional doors.Money and Finance:Money is one of June’s strong themes, and this will be a relief. The month begins with indications that profits are possible through smart decisions, and some of you may benefit from speculative activity, provided you act with restraint and do not indulge in greed. The middle of the month may seem troublesome as expenses will suddenly increase. Travel, health issues, domestic concerns and mental unrest can all lead to unplanned expenses. This is not the time to become rich just because the income looks good. There is a pattern this month that money comes in well, then goes out due to ill-timed purchases, rash activity or emotional choices. Look closely at that pattern and you’ll keep more than you expected.The strongest improvement comes in the second half of June. You start to think seriously about strengthening sources of income, and not just about enjoying a nice inflow. It is excellent for generating additional earnings, strengthening systems, recovering dues, improving business turnover or creating better savings plans. The last part of the month is especially good for family prosperity. Your ability to meet household needs improves and this brings emotional comfort to everyone in the house. You may feel tempted to spend on property matters, home improvements, your native place or a vehicle. Some of this may be profitable, but don’t start a new venture just because the cash flow looks encouraging. Growing income is a boon, yet maintaining it wisely will matter more than cosmetic expansion.health and wellbeing:June asks you to take care of your nerves, sleep, and emotional stability. The body may not always fail dramatically, but exhaustion can build up in layers. At the beginning of the month, preoccupation with debts, disputes, illness-related concerns or legal matters may weaken your vitality. That kind of pressure shows up as irritability, heaviness in the head, poor sleep, acidity, stiffness in the body or a simple lack of happiness. You may also be concerned about your spouse’s health, and this emotional burden may affect your own energy. Don’t ignore it. Much of your imbalance this month begins in the mind and then spreads to the body through stress and overreaction.Your stamina needs protection during mid-month and tiring journeys. Unplanned travel can disrupt meal times, rest cycles and mood. If possible, avoid pushing your body through non-stop motion to maintain each commitment. Build intermittently. A short getaway with your spouse, especially somewhere cooler and more peaceful, can really refresh you. Even at home, simple habits will help, such as lighter meals, regular hydration, slow breathing in the morning and less anger during stressful exchanges. This is also a month to consider how low self-esteem can become emotional isolation. You may refuse help even when siblings or close people are ready to help. Be a little careful. You don’t lose your dignity by accepting comfort, solace or help when life is difficult.Astrological Remedies and Guidance:A helpful spiritual remedy this month is to worship the dark form of the God or Goddess, especially with sincerity and quiet meditation. It can help reduce the pressure of difficult planetary influences and stabilize your mind during times of anxiety, mood swings and delays. Keep the practice simple and heartfelt. Light a lamp, sit peacefully and worship with discipline rather than show off. Also, avoid scheduling any new work during the more difficult middle phases of the month. Waiting a few days can avoid confusion later.On the practical side, work with patience and confidence, not anger. If tensions rise in marriage or home, choose comfort and togetherness rather than argument. A short trip to a peaceful hill station or scenic spot with your spouse can beautifully reset the emotional atmosphere. Speak softly, help others wherever possible and don’t let ego become a barrier to receiving support from family members.Important days in June 2026:June 1-7: Patience is needed in domestic matters, but your spouse’s support, workplace recognition and the possibility of profit will help you move forward despite stress and fatigue.June 8-14: Love and partnerships improve, still need to take care of health and mood, and delaying new beginnings will work better than forcing them.June 15-21: Spiritual healing helps, expenses and tiring travel can throw off balance, but the week ends with a strong push toward income growth.June 22-30: Financial gains, family happiness, social respect and increasing prosperity will clearly come, although new ventures will still have to wait.key takeaways:Leo, June 2026 is a month of clear progress with no personal tension. Your spouse plays a therapeutic and stabilizing role, respect increases in career, and wealth improves strongly by the second half. Still, peace of mind needs work, especially when it comes to domestic issues, health concerns, travel fatigue, and timing mistakes. Do not rush into new ventures. Don’t let stress make your voice harsh. Trust the month where it is strong, in love, recognition, income and family support, and be cautious where it is sensitive, in health, legal pressure and impulsive spending. If you move forward with patience, grace, and better timing, June may leave you more secure, more respectful, and more emotionally settled than you expected.

A UK wildlife success story, the Dartford Warbler’s numbers are recovering from near collapse / Image: File

Six decades ago, the future of one of Britain’s most iconic birds looked bleak. A series of harsh winters have pushed the Dartford warbler to the brink of extinction, leading conservationists to fear the species could disappear from Britain altogether.However, today the story could hardly be more different.New surveys show that the Dartford warbler, a small long-tailed bird known for its reddish-brown feathers and scratchy song, has made a remarkable recovery across Britain. Once restricted to only a handful of breeding pairs, the species now thrives in many heathland habitats, making it one of the UK’s most remarkable wildlife conservation success stories.Experts say this recovery reflects decades of habitat restoration, targeted conservation work and climate change that have helped the bird expand beyond some of its traditional strongholds.This comeback offers rare good news for British wildlife at a time when many other bird species are facing significant pressure from habitat loss, development and environmental change.

How a rare British bird escaped extinction

Following the brutal winter of 1962–63, which was one of the coldest recorded in modern British history, the decline of the Dartford warbler became particularly severe.This species relies heavily on lowland heathland habitats dominated by gorse and heather. Unlike many birds, Dartford warblers rarely migrate far from their breeding sites, making them particularly vulnerable to prolonged periods of snow and cold temperatures.After a severe winter, the UK population declined dramatically, leaving only a few surviving pairs, mainly concentrated in southern England.Conservation organisations, land managers and environmental agencies subsequently launched extensive efforts to protect and restore heathland landscapes. Areas that were once threatened by agricultural, forestry expansion and development were gradually brought under better management.Over the next decades, the population gradually recovered. Recent surveys have shown that the bird is spreading into new areas, including areas where it had previously disappeared.Researchers say warmer winters may also have played a role in reducing the mass mortality events that have historically devastated populations.

Remarkable comeback of UK bird

Experts attribute much of this recovery to the restoration of Britain’s heathlands, one of the country’s rarest and most threatened habitats.Organizations including the RSPB, Natural England and many local conservation groups have spent decades improving heathland management through controlled grazing, vegetation management and habitat conservation.These efforts have not only benefited Dartford warblers, but also many other species including nightjars, woodlarks, reptiles and rare insects.Conservationists say the bird has become a powerful symbol of what long-term environmental investments can achieve.Researchers involved in monitoring programs say improvements did not happen overnight. Instead, it reflects years of coordinated conservation planning, scientific monitoring, and public support.Many heathland sites in southern England now support healthy breeding populations, something that would have seemed impossible during the species’ darkest period in the 1960s.

New threats to Britain’s birds

While warmer winters have generally helped Dartford warbler numbers increase, scientists warn that climate change presents both opportunities and challenges.The mild climate may allow this species to survive in areas that were previously very cold. At the same time, increasingly frequent droughts, wildfires and extreme weather events could create fresh pressures on fragile heathland ecosystems.Environmental experts have warned that conservation success should not lead to complacency. Britain’s wildlife faces significant threats from habitat fragmentation, urban expansion and changing land use patterns.The recovery of the Dartford warbler nevertheless provides a rare example of a species that is moving in the right direction at a time when many conservation reports focus on decline.For conservationists, the bird’s comeback shows that continued habitat conservation, scientific management and long-term commitment can reverse even the most dramatic wildlife losses.More than 60 years after disappearing dangerously from Britain, the Dartford Warbler is once again becoming a familiar sight in the heathlands it has called home for centuries.