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SpaceX launched its Starship rocket on Tuesday from its Starbase facility in Texas, in the latest test of the world’s most powerful launch vehicle. Standing 403 feet tall, Starship is designed for future missions to the Moon and Mars and aims to be fully reusable.

This ninth test flight marked the first time a Super Heavy rocket was reused, as well as the third successful catch utilizing the launch tower's robotic arms—both of which are critical to quick reuse, Reuters reported.

The flight follows a mixed record of four previous failures and four successes. NASA plans to use a modified Starship as the crew lander for Artemis 3, its mission to return astronauts to the Moon.

The Venezuelan government issued a travel alert on Tuesday, advising its citizens to avoid traveling to the United States. The alert cited concerns over potential risks such as deportation, family separation, and detention.

The announcement followed shortly after the US State Department released its own advisory, warning Americans and legal residents against traveling to Venezuela due to safety and security concerns, according to Xinhua.

The Trump administration intends to revoke all remaining federal contracts with Harvard University, valued at $100m. A letter from the General Services Administration directs agencies to identify and terminate these contracts by June 6, claiming discriminatory admissions and hiring practices, as well as a failing to protect Jewish students, according to Reuters.

This decision follows previous efforts to reduce roughly $3bn in research funding and limit international student enrollment. Although a federal judge temporarily lifted the student visa prohibition, US embassies have halted new visa appointments.

Harvard is challenging the administration in court, arguing the actions violate constitutional rights. Student protests have erupted on campus, with many criticizing the government’s pressure on academic institutions, Reuters reported.

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday cautioned Russian President Vladimir Putin about the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, suggesting that Putin is “playing with fire.” Trump implied that his involvement has prevented severe consequences for Russia.

Earlier, Trump expressed dissatisfaction with Putin’s actions and criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for his comments about US responses to Russian attacks, New York Post reported.

In response, Dmitry Medvedev, Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council, cautioned that growing tensions might lead to a far more devastating battle, citing the prospect of World War III.

The Trump administration has directed US embassies and consulates to suspend new appointments for student and exchange visitor visas (F, M, and J categories) while the State Department reviews and plans to strengthen social media vetting for these applicants. An internal cable, authenticated by a top official, specifies that previously planned appointments would be maintained, but unclaimed appointment seats must be withdrawn, Reuters reported.

The heightened vetting aims to improve screening systems as part of the administration's larger immigration enforcement operations, which include more deportations and visa revocations. The State Department stated that it will continue to prioritize services for US citizens, immigrant visas, and fraud prevention.

The review is expected to require operational changes at consular posts to manage the additional workload and resource demands, according to Reuters.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Monday to discuss efforts to end the war in Ukraine and follow up on recent talks held in Istanbul, a Turkish Foreign Ministry source said.

Fidan also met with Russia's chief negotiator and will see Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Tuesday. While there is no definite date for further discussions, Turkey has offered to host and mediate, according to Reuters.

The Istanbul meeting earlier this month resulted in a prisoner exchange and formal cease-fire pledges, but no agreement was reached. Putin and Fidan also talked about bilateral economic and energy connections.

Fidan is expected to visit Ukraine later this week. Russia has identified Turkey and several Gulf States as possible venues for future negotiations, Reuters reported.

India reported a total of 1,010 COVID-19 cases as of May 27, marking a steady rise in infections. Kerala recorded the highest spike with 335 new cases, followed by Maharashtra with 153, Delhi with 99, and Gujarat with 76, raising its total to 83. Punjab reported its first case and has begun contact tracing efforts, according to Times of India.

The new variants NB.1.8.1 and LF.7 are being closely monitored by the World Health Organization, though no serious threat has been identified so far. Health experts advise the public to maintain hygiene and remain cautious but not alarmed, as symptoms remain mild.

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta assured that hospitals are fully equipped to manage any further rise in cases, Times of India reported.

The National Vigilance Centre (NVC) has submitted its annual report for fiscal year 2023/24 to Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli.

NVC Secretary Saraju Kumar Baidya presented the report to the Prime Minister at a program organised at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers in Singha Durbar today.

On the occasion, PM Oli directed the NVC to carry out its works in an effective manner as the present government has been formed with the mission of accomplishing good governance and development.

He emphasised that since the NVC is under the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers, it needs to be more active in terms of regular reporting and following directions, stating that corruption is an obstacle to development and good governance, and that all concerned parties must sincerely fulfill their assigned responsibilities to control it.

The report mentions that the NVC has been working on regulation and monitoring, including surprise inspections, to make the service delivery from public bodies effective in order to eradicate corruption and maintain good governance according to the objectives of the 16th plan.

If any irregularities are found during the monitoring process, the NVC writes to the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority for action.

High officials, including the Chief Secretary of the Government of Nepal, Eak Narayan Aryal, were present on the occasion.