The Economic Times

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.

India and the Eurasian Economic Union are in talks for a trade deal. Discussions are ongoing for a free trade agreement. A limited and temporary trade arrangement for specific goods is currently being considered. Russian officials describe the negotiations as complex and ambitious. Trade liberalization talks between India and the EAEU have gained momentum.

Israel launched strikes across south Lebanon Saturday after ordering evacuations from more than a dozen locations a day after its premier said Israeli forces had pushed even deeper into Lebanese territory. Lebanon's army said a argeted Israeli strike wounded two soldiers in the south, just a day after military delegations from both countries held landmark security talks in Washington.

Caesarean sections are now the norm in Indian private hospitals, accounting for over half of all births. Eastern and southern states show particularly high rates. Nationally, C-section births have steadily risen over two decades. Government hospitals see a slower increase. Some states report very low C-section rates, potentially indicating access issues. Global rates vary widely.

New data reveals child marriage rates are falling in India. Women aged 20-24 married before 18 dropped to 20.1%. Spousal violence also decreased. However, rural areas show higher rates for both issues. Adolescent motherhood remains steady. Sexual violence before 18 also saw a reduction. These trends highlight ongoing progress and persistent challenges.

Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi highlighted that India's security is increasingly impacted by global events, with maritime security intrinsically linked to economic and energy security. He emphasized the need for jointness and integration among armed forces, while the Navy actively monitors strategic developments in the Indian Ocean Region and incorporates emerging technologies for future warfare.

Vinesh Phogat will return to wrestling after missing the Asian Games 2026. She lost a close semi-final bout in the selection trials. Phogat stated she fought against a system and was not given a fair chance. She was allowed to compete after court intervention. The wrestler plans to continue training for future events.

A woman says she spent years repairing her Rs 40,000 air conditioner after repeated cooling failures and gas leaks, believing the machine itself was to blame. But when a mechanic checked the outdoor unit, it led to a surprising discovery that changed how she viewed the problem altogether.

TMC leaders have detailed the Tata Group's extensive operations and growth in West Bengal over the past 15 years. Companies like Tata Consultancy Services and Tata Hitachi are expanding their presence. Several Tata hotel brands operate in the state. This information counters recent remarks by the state BJP president about attracting the Tata Group back to West Bengal.

Quote of the Day: Hollywood icon Elizabeth Taylor's words offer a timeless lesson. She believed true beauty, like radiance, cannot be owned but only admired. This perspective challenges modern obsessions with acquiring things. Taylor, known for her dazzling jewels, understood that the most precious aspects of life are intangible. Her legacy continues to shine through this profound message of appreciation and gratitude.

Delhi is set to unveil its first dedicated pet park in Jangpura later this year. The Municipal Corporation of Delhi is reviving a long-pending project, now aiming for operational status within months. Fresh tenders for the facility were issued earlier this month. This comprehensive facility will offer exercise zones, grooming, medical services, and a day-care centre. The project's success will determine future pet park developments across the city.

RCB vs GT IPL 2026 Final: The Indian Premier League 2026 final is set for May 31. Royal Challengers Bengaluru will compete against Gujarat Titans. The match takes place at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. The toss is at 7 PM, with play commencing at 7:30 PM. Tickets are available online. Live broadcast will be on Star Sports Network and JioHotstar.

PSG coach Luis Enrique said that there were o favourites going into the European showpiece against Mikel Arteta's Premier League champions, and insisted that the devil will be in the details.

Unexplained deaths of 50-70 bats daily in Dalli Rajhara, Chhattisgarh, have prompted a joint investigation by the Forest and veterinary departments. Samples have been sent for lab analysis to determine the cause, with extreme heat and infection being preliminary possibilities. Residents are advised to avoid contact with dead or sick bats.

The Punjab Cabinet has approved two bills to end contractual and outsourcing hiring in government departments. This historic decision will benefit over 65,000 outsourced employees. They will now receive facilities on par with other government employees. The bills will be presented in the state assembly for approval. An ordinance will also be sent to the Punjab Governor.

Cotton imports will be duty-free from June 1 to October 30, 2026. This move by the Centre aims to increase cotton availability for India's textile industry. The exemption covers all customs duties, including the Agriculture Infrastructure and Development Cess. This will help lower input costs for manufacturers.

California is home to several stunning snake species, ranging from the colourful San Francisco garter snake to the striking California kingsnake. These reptiles play a vital role in local ecosystems and can be found across forests, deserts, wetlands and grasslands, making them fascinating wildlife encounters for nature lovers.

A Delhi court has ordered charges to be framed against Sukesh Chandrasekhar, Leena Maria Paul, and others in a Rs 200 crore money laundering case. Bollywood actor Jacqueline Fernandez is also facing charges in this matter. The court found sufficient material to proceed against all accused. The case stems from an alleged extortion involving Aditi Singh.