The Economic Times

Former Trinamool Congress MLA Saokat Molla has been arrested by the National Investigation Agency (NIA). Officials identified him as the key conspirator in the Bhangar bomb blast case in West Bengal. The blast occurred on March 19, resulting in one death and several injuries. Molla allegedly directed the bomb's manufacturing and tampering with the scene. The NIA took over the case from state police.

A police official faces a show cause notice in Nagpur. This action follows the alleged failure to attach a suicide note to case papers. The note was purportedly written by a female NEET aspirant. The aspirant died by suicide days after the NEET-UG exam. Her family discovered the note later. The incident has drawn national attention.

Russia said Saturday it intercepted hundreds of Ukrainian drones including near Saint Petersburg, where Moscow is hosting a major economic forum, as Ukraine reported at least three people killed by Russian strikes. The Saint Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) -- once dubbed Russia's Davos -- ends on Saturday, a day after the event featured a speech by Russian President Vladimir Putin.

CBSE has extended the deadline for Class 12 answer sheet verification and re-evaluation to June 7 midnight due to technical issues and a surge in applications. This extension aims to ensure transparency and accuracy in the digital evaluation process, with revised marks being final. Results are expected by July.

A senior Iranian adviser said Tehran views the recent conflict with the US as its first military victory and stated that talks remain stalled. Iran wants USD 24 billion in frozen funds released and warned of wider conflict if negotiations fail.

Barbers in Maharashtra have increased service charges by 20%, with a standard haircut now costing Rs 180. This mid-term revision, unusual for the community, is attributed to rising costs of consumables and salon materials. The price hike is expected to affect over one lakh barber shops across the state.

A fire incident at a private hospital in Muzaffarpur, Bihar, has claimed five lives. The Civil Surgeon has revoked the hospital's license. Authorities are conducting a thorough investigation into the incident. Compensation has been provided to affected families. This tragedy follows a similar fire incident in South Delhi's Malviya Nagar area.

Australian authorities have seized over 100,000 exotic cockroaches, including Madagascar hissing cockroaches, from a property in Bathurst, marking the country's largest-ever confiscation of illegal invertebrates. The collection, valued at AUD 200,000, highlights concerns about the environmental risks posed by the illegal trade of non-native species.

US forces struck Iranian radar sites in Goruk and Qeshm Island. This followed Iranian drone and missile attacks targeting maritime shipping. Six Iranian ballistic missiles were shot down. The US dismissed Iranian claims of hitting American naval infrastructure. The exchange highlights ongoing tensions in the Strait of Hormuz.

India's economy achieved a strong 7.7 percent growth in financial year 2025-26. This performance accelerated to 7.8 percent in the fourth quarter. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh highlighted this resilience, attributing it to the 'Reform, Perform, Transform' mantra. India continues to lead as the world's fastest-growing major economy amidst global uncertainty. This growth strengthens aspirations for Viksit Bharat.

Kerala is experiencing heavy overnight rains. This has led to flooded roads, uprooted trees, and damaged homes. Normal life is disrupted in several areas. A man died in Thrissur after a tree fell on his shed. Authorities have issued red and orange alerts for multiple districts.

Workers at SoFi Stadium near Los Angeles have voted to authorize a strike. This action could impact the U.S. men's soccer team's opening World Cup match on June 12. Contract talks with the food service provider have stalled. Workers seek better pay and job security. They also want protection from immigration enforcement.

Delhi experienced a minimum temperature of 26.4 degrees Celsius on Saturday. The India Meteorological Department forecasts thunderstorms with rain for the weekend. Maximum temperatures are expected to be around 36 degrees Celsius. The city's air quality remains in the moderate category. Looking ahead, temperatures are set to rise with partly cloudy skies and strong surface winds anticipated.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi has dismissed claims by Lebanese President Joseph Aoun. Aoun stated Iran uses Lebanon as a bargaining chip in talks with the United States. Araqchi countered that if Lebanon were a bargaining chip, a deal would have been reached already. He urged the Lebanese President to protect Lebanon from its true adversary.

Delhi woke up to pleasant weather on Saturday. The minimum temperature was 26.4 degrees Celsius. Thunderstorms are forecast for the weekend, offering relief from the heat. The maximum temperature will be around 36 degrees Celsius. Delhi's air quality is in the moderate category. The AQI was recorded at 162.

Former Bihar Chief Ministers Lalu Prasad Yadav and Rabri Devi have sent away all security personnel stationed outside their residence at 10 Circular Road in Patna following the withdrawal of their Z-plus security cover by the state government.

Cockroach Janta Party Protest News: Central Delhi commuters face significant traffic disruptions Friday as Cockroach Janata Party supporters protest at Jantar Mantar. Police have implemented diversions and tightened security, advising travel plan adjustments. The online movement's street presence has led to slow traffic across key routes, with the Delhi Metro emerging as the most convenient travel option.

Pro-Khalistan slogans and posters of Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale were displayed at Sri Akal Takht Sahib during the 42nd anniversary of Operation Blue Star. Security forces deployed approximately 4,000 personnel and five companies of CAPF in Amritsar to manage the sensitive occasion.

India strongly rebuked Pakistan at the UN General Assembly for misusing international forums to discuss Jammu and Kashmir, asserting it is an integral part of India. India's envoy criticized Pakistan's conduct as a Security Council member, calling its claims baseless and inconsistent with historical facts.

India begins its Test series against Afghanistan in New Chandigarh, aiming to fine-tune its playing combination and address selection queries after a previous home defeat. Afghanistan, though underdogs, seeks to showcase its progress since their last Test encounter in 2018, where they were comprehensively defeated.

Hooghly police have apprehended TMC leader Ramesh Patra following a complaint of fraud and intimidation. Patra allegedly promised government benefits to a local businessman, collecting approximately Rs 29 lakh in cash and online transfers. When the promised benefits failed to materialize, the accused reportedly issued death threats. An investigation is ongoing to determine potential involvement of other influential figures.

Delhi authorities have heightened security ahead of a planned protest by the Cockroach Janta Party. The government stated it has no information from the US about the return of CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke. Security measures are in place across the city, including at the airport and border points.

R Praggnanandhaa became the first Indian to win the prestigious Norway Chess title after a dramatic final round. Despite a slow start, the young grandmaster launched a stunning comeback, securing four consecutive classical victories, including wins against Magnus Carlsen twice. His historic triumph, marked by visible nerves before victory, has resonated with fans worldwide.

A second case of the flesh-eating screwworm parasite has been confirmed in Texas. This new detection is just miles from the first U.S. case in decades. The parasite deposits eggs in animal wounds. Larvae feed on living tissue, potentially causing fatal damage. This resurgence poses a significant economic threat to Texas cattle ranchers.

Andaman oil discovery news: Oil India has confirmed the discovery of natural gas in an exploratory well in the Andaman Sea, marking a significant step in India's Samudra Manthan Mission. This find strengthens the belief in the Andaman Basin's hydrocarbon potential, though commercial production is estimated to be a decade away. The discovery could bolster India's energy security and reduce import dependence.

Tensions between the US and Iran remain high as the conflict approaches 100 days. Both nations are engaged in military actions and diplomatic exchanges. Iran insists on a ceasefire in Lebanon before any deal with the US. The US has intercepted Iranian drones and seized an oil tanker. Oil prices have seen fluctuations.

FIFA has noted that misting stations, fans, hydration stations and cooling tents would be available in he stadium footprint.

California, New York, and other states are preparing to sue and block Paramount's $110 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. The lawsuit, expected in the coming weeks, marks a significant move in state-led antitrust enforcement. This action could delay the deal, which faces opposition from Hollywood creatives and theater owners concerned about job losses and reduced competition.

Flesh-eating screwworm parasite infection: The deadly flies were detected in Mexico late in 2024, after years of being contained at the southern end of Panama.

A Los Angeles jury ruled in favor of Johnson & Johnson, finding the company not negligent in a lawsuit alleging its talc products caused ovarian cancer. This verdict comes as J&J faces thousands of similar claims, having previously won some cases and lost others, and having discontinued talc-based baby powder sales in the U.S. in 2020.

India's economy surged by a better-than-expected 7.8% in the March quarter, exceeding forecasts and pushing FY26 growth to 7.7%. This robust performance was driven by strong private investment and consumption, defying concerns over the West Asia war. The government remains committed to its reform agenda to maintain economic momentum.

MLB American League MVP: The new favorite is Houston Astros slugger Yordan Alvarez.

Iran war: U.S. Central Command said it hit the radar sites, including an island in the Strait of Hormuz, to defend against further attacks.

The Reserve Bank of India has introduced measures to boost foreign currency inflows, including incentives for external commercial borrowings and bearing hedging costs on FCNR(B) deposits. These steps aim to strengthen external buffers and support the rupee amidst market outflows. The central bank also maintained its policy rate at 5.25% and a neutral stance, while revising inflation and growth forecasts.

Quote of the Day by George Bernard Shaw highlights a powerful truth about success, personal growth, leadership, innovation, and progress. In todays fast-changing world, people often adapt to existing rules. Shaws wisdom challenges that mindset. Great inventions, social change, and human advancement began when someone refused to accept limits. This inspirational quote reminds readers that real progress comes from bold thinking, independent ideas, and the courage to reshape the future instead of s

Quote of the Day by Samuel Beckett highlights a timeless truth about human life, happiness, and suffering. This powerful Samuel Beckett quote reminds us that while one person faces sadness, another discovers joy. The quote of the day explores emotional balance, human nature, wisdom, resilience, and personal growth. In a world filled with constant change, Becketts words encourage empathy, gratitude, and deeper understanding.

Todays Deep Thought: Xenophanes timeless philosophy still challenges modern thinking. We see the world through personal experience, culture, and belief. That insight shapes todays debates on truth, bias, religion, and perception. Real wisdom begins with self-questioning. The deeper lesson is simple: objective truth grows when we recognize the limits of our own perspective.

For years, vitamin B12 has remained one of the biggest challenges in vegan nutrition. Now, a breakthrough in active B12 spirulina could change that. Scientists produced bioavailable vitamin B12 levels comparable to beef while maintaining spirulinas high-protein profile. If scaled successfully, this sustainable superfood may reshape plant-based diets, food security, and future protein production worldwide.

Jonathan Swift's timeless quote, 'As love without esteem is capricious and volatile; esteem without love is languid and cold,' highlights the essential balance between affection and respect in relationships. Swift's observations, shaped by his life and keen understanding of human nature, reveal that lasting connections require both emotional warmth and genuine admiration to thrive.

For millions of retirees, Social Security is more than a government benefit. It is a lifeline. New projections warn monthly checks could fall by about $500 in 2032 if the trust fund runs short. The risk is not immediate. But the numbers reveal why many Americans are growing increasingly concerned.

Quote of the day by Seamus Heaney: Poet Seamus Heaney's words reveal a profound truth. Heaney states temperament is the tool for writing and for navigating the world. This inner disposition influences how individuals create and how they face life's ups and downs. Understanding one's temperament fosters self-awareness and personal growth.

With India's exports hitting record highs, the Payoneer India Cross-Border Excellence Awards give the businesses driving that rise a stage worthy of their effort and ambition.

African proverb of the day: An African saying highlights the essential link between consistent effort and tangible rewards. This ancient wisdom emphasizes personal responsibility, diligence, and the understanding that success is earned through proactive work, not mere luck or opportunity alone.

A significant rebellion is brewing within the Trinamool Congress after a recent election defeat. Few legislators and parliament members attended a meeting called by former chief minister Mamata Banerjee. Many MLAs are reportedly backing expelled leaders. A split in the party's parliamentary wing is also a possibility.