The Economic Times

Japanese fruits have carved out a niche in the world market, fetching high prices due to their extraordinary taste, texture, and stunning presentation. Cultivators emphasize quality over quantity, showcasing their produce as if they were valuable artifacts. Offering these fruits as gifts conveys deep respect and affection.

IPL Final RCB vs GT: The IPL 2026 final is set for Sunday between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Gujarat Titans. Ahmedabad's weather forecast shows a low chance of rain. A reserve day is scheduled for Monday if Sunday's play is interrupted. If both days are washed out, RCB will be crowned champions due to their higher league stage finish. Cricket fans anticipate a thrilling contest.

President Trump indicated a peace deal with Iran is nearing completion, emphasizing that any agreement must guarantee no nuclear weapons. While military action remains an option, he expressed hope for a satisfactory deal that could immediately reopen strategic straits. Trump stated negotiations are progressing slowly but surely, with the US prepared to pursue other avenues if necessary.

Dalit and Bahujan artists are reshaping the landscape of digital expression, turning social media into dynamic exhibitions of resistance. Through evocative anti-caste art, they confront India's visual traditions head-on. Trailblazers such as Siddhesh Gautam and Priyanka Paul utilize these digital arenas to present their impactful creations.

Japan's Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi refuted accusations of ew militarism and criticized China's opaque military buildup. He emphasized Japan's commitment to international law and a free, open order, while expressing disappointment at not meeting his Chinese counterpart. Japan aims to strengthen regional deterrence through defense equipment cooperation.

Delhi-NCR Weather Yellow Alert: Delhi-NCR can expect partly cloudy skies today, May 31. Thunderstorms, dust storms, lightning, and strong winds are possible later in the day. Isolated light rain may occur. Widespread rain is not anticipated. Conditions will become drier from June 1, with temperatures rising. Cooler weather is expected to continue for a few more days.

British Foreign Minister Yvette Cooper embarks on a crucial trip to China and India this week. She will engage with leaders on pressing global matters including the Strait of Hormuz and the Russia-Ukraine war. Cooper's visit aims to foster cooperation on trade and technology. This engagement with two major powers underscores Britain's focus on tackling significant international challenges.

The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the crash, a monthslong task separate from the work of state police.

Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth, while attending a defense summit in Singapore, said on Saturday that Washington was more than capable of restarting the war if necessary.

President Donald Trump will headline the U.S. 250th anniversary celebration on the National Mall next month, organizers announced. This comes after several musical performers canceled, citing concerns about the event's association with Trump. Trump suggested a rally might be more fitting if performers continue to withdraw.

U.S. President Donald Trump fumed about the Friday decision from U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper who also ordered Trumps name removed from the center.

American Meteor Society program monitor Robert Lunsford said the group received dozens of reports from Delaware to Montreal with people either hearing the double boom.

Nvidia and Microsoft will unveil the new PCs at the Computex trade show in Taiwan and Microsoft's Build developer conference in San Francisco.

India faces economic challenges from the West Asia war. Rising energy prices and a weaker rupee are concerns. A poor monsoon could worsen food inflation, impacting rural demand and growth. The government emphasizes policy flexibility to manage these risks. Strong services exports and investment offer resilience. India's competitive pricing due to rupee depreciation could boost exports.

Ancient Chinese wisdom reveals fear is a self-inflicted suffering. This fear stifles true creativity and innovation. The proverb highlights how worrying about potential hardship causes immediate distress. It encourages embracing uncertainty and taking action. Courage allows individuals to overcome these mental barriers. This unlocks human potential and fosters personal growth.

A spectacular meteor explosion lit up the skies off the Massachusetts coast Saturday afternoon, unleashing a powerful sonic boom felt across the state and even into Rhode Island. Satellite data pinpointed the meteor's atmospheric entry near Boston, prompting widespread reports to authorities. Experts confirm such events can create loud booms due to their immense speed and atmospheric friction.

In a landmark Supreme Court ruling, businesses are cashing in on refunds for import tariffs. Yet, the Trump administration intends to challenge the ruling that mandates refunds for all firms, a move that may hinder the momentum. To date, billions have been returned to companies, and the total could rise.

A Spanish proverb warns that trying to embrace too much leads to losing everything. In a world encouraging constant busyness, this wisdom highlights the importance of focus, balance, and prioritizing what truly matters. Recognizing personal limits and concentrating energy wisely leads to better results and well-being.

Actress Monica Bellucci offers a candid view on marriage. She notes that relationships change and what was once loved can become a source of frustration. Bellucci suggests that enduring marriages are rare, demanding constant work, patience, and communication from both partners. Her words challenge idealized notions of romance, emphasizing the need to navigate difficulties together.

Over 120 Indian deeptech startups will showcase their innovations at the Bharat Innovates event in Nice, France, from June 14-16. This initiative, part of the India-France year of Innovation, aims to foster global partnerships and attract investment for India's emerging tech ecosystem. The event will highlight advancements across 13 frontier technology themes.

Stanford University researchers have identified a breakdown in the cell's protein production system as a key factor in brain aging and cognitive decline. Their study on killifish revealed that raffic jams in protein synthesis lead to the accumulation of damaged proteins, a hallmark of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's.

Security forces are in their eighth day of an operation in Rajouri, Jammu and Kashmir, to track down two to three foreign infiltrators. Helicopters, drones, and sniffer dogs are being used in the rugged terrain. The infiltrators were engaged immediately after crossing the border, and one hideout has been busted.

Manoj Jarange Patil has started an indefinite fast in Jalna district. He is demanding Kunbi caste certificates for Marathas. This would grant them reservation benefits under the OBC category. The Maharashtra government faces legal challenges in implementing this demand. The agitation centers on Marathas from Marathwada receiving these certificates. Kunbis are already part of the OBC category in Maharashtra.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has instructed border district administrations to create specific Standard Operating Procedures. These will help identify infiltrators and address threats from drones and narcotics. A strict zero-tolerance policy is mandated for any unauthorized encroachments within 15 kilometers of the international border. Close monitoring of radicalization centers in border areas is also a key directive.

President Donald Trump may cancel concerts planned for America's 250th anniversary. Several artists have withdrawn from the event. Trump is considering a speech and rally instead. He believes he is a bigger attraction than any musical act. Organizers are reviewing the feasibility of this change.

This Day in History 31st May highlights several major global events across centuries, ranging from the Johnstown flood disaster and Angola peace accords to Usain Bolts 100m world record and Concordes final flight. The date also marks the revelation of Watergate informant Deep Throat, showcasing key moments in politics, science, sport and aviation that shaped world history.

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth lauded Asian allies like South Korea and Japan for defence contributions. He also noted improved ties with China following President Trump's meeting with Xi Jinping. Hegseth criticised European nations for weakening their militaries.

The Election Commission has announced Rajya Sabha polls for two Jharkhand seats. The ruling alliance holds a clear majority, needing 28 votes per seat. The JMM will contest one seat, and Congress the other. Despite lacking numbers, the BJP will field a candidate. This has sparked fears of horse-trading, prompting the JMM to alert the Election Commission.

IPL 2026 Purple Cap Holder: Kagiso Rabada has surged to the top of the IPL 2026 Purple Cap standings with 28 wickets after a stellar performance. Bhuvneshwar Kumar remains a close contender in second place, with Jofra Archer holding third. The race for the highest wicket-taker is still open heading into the final match.

The government has announced a five-month customs duty exemption on cotton imports starting June 1. This move aims to increase raw material availability for India's textile industry. The waiver, effective until October 30, is expected to lower costs for manufacturers, especially small and medium enterprises.

National Security Advisor Ajit Doval met with Russia's Nikolai Patrushev in Moscow. They discussed boosting cooperation in maritime and defense sectors. Discussions covered shipbuilding, naval training, and defense collaboration. Both officials also reviewed regional and global developments. This follows earlier talks in November 2025 regarding joint exercises and military-technical cooperation.

DK Shivakumar will be Karnataka's next Chief Minister. He was elected leader of the Congress Legislature Party. The oath-taking ceremony is scheduled for June 3. Shivakumar will be sworn in with several deputy chief ministers and ministers. The final cabinet list will be decided soon. Shivakumar is expected to visit Delhi to meet party leaders.

The Aam Aadmi Party has secured a significant win in Punjab's local body elections. This victory sends a strong message to opposition parties. AAP claimed five out of eight municipal corporations. The results provide a major boost for Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. This outcome sets the stage for upcoming assembly elections.

US forces have intercepted another ship trying to bypass their blockade of Iranian ports. The Gambia-flagged vessel, Lian Star, ignored warnings and was disabled by US aircraft. This marks the sixth such interception, with one ship previously allowed to pass. The blockade, initiated in response to Iran closing the Strait of Hormuz, has disrupted global oil and gas shipments.

Hindi journalism marks its bicentennial with an exhibition and seminar in New Delhi, commemorating the first issue of 'Udanta Martand' published on May 30, 1826. The event, hosted by IGNCA and the Sapre memorial museum, features rare images of historic Hindi journals. A commemorative stamp and volume were released, highlighting the enduring legacy of Hindi journalism.

A five-storey building collapsed near Saket metro station in South Delhi on Saturday evening. Several people are feared trapped under the rubble. The building housed a coaching institute on the ground floor. Construction work was ongoing on upper floors. Rescue operations are underway. Fire tenders and police are at the scene. Locals are assisting in the search efforts.

A spurious liquor tragedy in Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad has claimed 17 to 18 lives. Most victims were daily wage labourers. The state government has suspended 22 police and excise personnel for inaction. Eight individuals, including methanol suppliers, have been arrested. Families of the deceased will receive financial aid and employment opportunities.

Gurugram Traffic Police seized a Toyota Fortuner. The vehicle had unpaid fines totaling Rs 83,500. This action followed a special enforcement drive. The car had multiple pending challans for over 90 days. Major violations included illegal black films and improper registration plates. Authorities urge compliance with traffic rules. Strict action will continue against offenders.

A traveler was shocked to receive a traffic violation fine of over Rs 1.5 lakh from Switzerland nearly a year after her vacation. Her experience on X revealed similar incidents from other European countries, with fines arriving months later. Many travelers shared stories of hefty penalties for minor violations, highlighting strict enforcement.

Delhi has recorded 45 fire deaths between January and May 27 this year. May alone saw 13 fatalities. March was the deadliest month with 15 deaths. Fire calls surged significantly in summer months, especially in May. Garbage fires are a major concern. Officials attribute the rise in cases to hot and dry weather conditions.

Delhi witnessed extreme weather this May, recording its hottest month in two years while simultaneously enjoying its cleanest air in five years. The city faced heatwaves and unusually warm nights. However, rainfall and strong winds helped disperse the pollutants and clear the air, leading to the best air quality for May in half a decade. No heatwaves are expected in early June.

A Commission of Inquiry is visiting Manipur to investigate the ethnic violence that erupted in May 2023. The commission met the Chief Minister and visited relief camps. The violence has claimed over 260 lives and displaced more than 60,000 people. It began after a protest march against the Meitei community's demand for Scheduled Tribe status.

Arne Slot era in Liverpool is over. Andoni Iraola guided Bournemouth to sixth in the league as they qualified for the Europa League for the first time. Iraola previously coached Rayo Vallecano who lost to Crystal Palace in the Conference League final.

A cargo ship is being held in Karachi, Pakistan after a collision at sea. The vessel, MV Nevi, collided with MV Papu on May 28. Karachi Port authorities are investigating the incident. Initial reports suggest crew negligence caused the accident. MV Nevi is undergoing repairs while MV Papu remains anchored offshore. The investigation aims to determine responsibility for the collision.

India's Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh revealed BrahMos missile deals with Vietnam and Indonesia are progressing. Vietnam's deal is reportedly signed, while Indonesia's is in final stages. India is committed to sharing advanced defence technology with trusted ASEAN partners. This move strengthens regional security and India's position as a defence manufacturing hub.

In 1869, a Swiss physician-cum-biochemist while checking pus-filled surgical bandages made this remarkable discovery accidently when Friedrich Miescher isolated a substance from white blood cells that later became known as DNA. His work began while studying pus from surgical bandages in Germany. Although scientists did not immediately understand its role, the discovery of nuclein laid the foundation for modern genetics, molecular biology, heredity research, and DNA science.