The Economic Times

Economist Surjit Bhalla believes India's economy is poised for a stronger rupee. He emphasizes that policy reforms are crucial to attract investment and accelerate growth. Bhalla calls for an end to retrospective taxation and reduced taxes for foreign investors. He also advocates for agricultural trade openness and farm sector reforms.

An old video from Singapore, reshared by an Indian woman, highlights civic discipline. The clip shows an individual patiently waiting for a pedestrian signal at 1 am on a quiet street, sparking online conversations about how small habits contribute to a country's organization and order.

Pilgrims heading to Badrinath, Kedarnath, and Hemkund Sahib are temporarily halted in Srinagar Garhwal as heavy rainfall in upper Himalayan regions prompted the administration to suspend travel. Authorities are assessing weather and route conditions. Vehicles are stopped until routes are declared safe. Pilgrims are advised to wait patiently and follow official updates. Arrangements for pilgrims are in place.

Zoho founder Sridhar Vembu warns of a potential market bubble driven by AI enthusiasm, citing high price-to-sales ratios for tech giants like Nvidia, Apple, and Microsoft. He argues these valuations are disconnected from fundamentals, drawing parallels to the dot-com era and suggesting the current bubble could be even larger.

India's first Ganga dolphin rescue ambulance played a huge role in this. Built under the 'Namami Gange Abhiyan', it reached there as a ray of hope. The dolphin was carefully pulled out, examined, treated, and then safely released into the Rapti River. In a way, a life returned home, Prime Minister Modi said.

The United Nations, once a global peace beacon, now struggles for relevance. Superpower politics and a decline in multilateralism have diminished its influence. The article suggests focusing on reviving traditional diplomacy and humanitarian aid. It highlights the need for professional diplomats over amateurs. A reformed UN can still achieve limited good for many people.

Mann Ki Baat May 31: During the latest episode of Mann Ki Baat, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted India's diverse traditional summer beverages, from North India's Aam Panna to the Konkan region's Kokum Sharbat. Describing them as symbols of the country's rich cultural heritage and the spirit of 'Ek Bharat Shreshth Bharat', he encouraged people to enjoy these refreshing drinks as a way to stay cool during the scorching summer months.

Europe is looking at synthetic jet fuel to reduce reliance on foreign oil. The Iran war has made this cleaner fuel more attractive. While production is currently limited, new factories are needed to meet future targets. Defence forces are showing interest, potentially providing a much-needed boost for investment in this sector.

In a recent update, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge revealed that the new Karnataka ministry proposals have yet to arrive. Final decisions on the ministerial roles and deputy chief ministers are set to take place following the swearing-in on June 3. Meanwhile, there are ongoing discussions about a phased cabinet expansion.

Nobel laureate Gnter Grass, a pivotal post-war German writer, explored historical truths and human flaws in works like The Tin Drum. His quote But the circle, the circle is pure symbolizes an elusive ideal of perfection amidst life's inherent contradictions and imperfections. Grass's legacy lies in confronting uncomfortable realities and embracing the human condition.

Scientists have developed an experimental smart paint that reflects up to 97% of sunlight, significantly cooling surfaces and reducing the need for air conditioning. This innovative coating also harvests water from the air, offering a dual solution for rising global temperatures and water scarcity.

Nagaland State Lottery Sambad results for Sunday, 31 May 2026, have been officially declared. Ticket holders can now check their numbers for the 1 crore first prize and other attractive cash rewards.

A new chapter in Indo-American relations is unfolding as India and the US deepen their partnership in artificial intelligence and semiconductor industries. This initiative encourages cross-border business collaboration, designed to bolster technological integration and attract crucial investments. Conversations have highlighted the importance of funding strategies, establishing robust AI infrastructure, and improving access to computing capabilities.

Al Pacino, known for his iconic roles, shared a timeless perspective on love in a 1979 interview. He emphasised that while love is crucial, a strong foundation of friendship is paramount for lasting relationships. The actor believed genuine companionship and trust are essential, suggesting a romantic partner should ultimately become a best friend. Read on to know more about it!

A colorful Bengali proverb compares love to the sticky sap of a jackfruit, emphasizing its lasting grip. This timeless wisdom highlights how deep affection, once experienced, rarely disappears completely, leaving an enduring mark on the heart and mind. The proverb's relevance extends to modern dating, where emotional bonds prove difficult to erase.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised Indian athletes on Mann Ki Baat. Sprinter Gurindervir Singh achieved a historic 10.09 seconds in the men's 100m race. He broke the national record three times within two days. This performance secured his qualification for the Commonwealth and Asian Games. His achievement highlights the growing standards in Indian athletics.

A Tamil proverb warns that constant fault-finding destroys relationships, emphasizing acceptance and understanding. This timeless wisdom, relevant in today's critical society, encourages focusing on positive qualities and overlooking minor flaws to build stronger, more compassionate connections. It highlights that true bonds are forged through patience and mutual respect, not perfection.

JoSAA counselling for IITs, NITs, and IIITs admissions will begin soon. Registration opens on June 2, 2026. The JEE Advanced Result 2026 is expected on June 1. This process will allocate seats based on candidate ranks. The counselling involves registration, choice filling, and seat allotment. Candidates must then pay fees and verify documents before reporting to their assigned institute.

Trent Chairman Noel Tata sees the retail firm in its early growth phase. He is confident of achieving ambitious revenue targets. The company plans to build distinct brands and take them to international markets. Trent's strategy focuses on a portfolio of brands catering to diverse customer needs. This approach will guide future expansion.

The National Medical Commission (NMC) is considering extending the MBBS course completion time to 10 years. This move aims to help students facing academic or personal challenges. The commission has invited public feedback on the proposed changes. This relaxation would provide more flexibility for medical students to finish their studies. The final decision will be made after reviewing suggestions.

Kushal Bhurtel Record: Kushal Bhurtel achieved a remarkable feat in the 2026 Asian Games Mens T20I Qualifier. He scored 129 runs off 43 balls against China. Bhurtel also joined an elite group by hitting six consecutive sixes in one over. This performance helped Nepal post a massive total of 313/2. Bhurtel is a key player for Nepal's cricket team.

Actor R. Madhavan recently shared five military-inspired lessons on social media, emphasising punctuality, preparation, and principle for efficiency. He also talked about the importance of improvise, adapt, overcome for resilience and leaving situations better than found. Read on!

A high-calibre bomb trial is scheduled for Sunday at the Ramgarh test range in Panchkula. The Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory will conduct the exercise between 10:30 am and 12:30 pm. Residents of Bhanu and Billa villages are advised to stay indoors. Bomb fragments may spread up to 2 km horizontally. A 2 km safety zone is required for the trial.

NLC India Ltd and Reliance Industries Ltd are partnering to explore underground lignite gasification in Gujarat. This collaboration aims to boost domestic gas supplies amid global fuel shortages. The project will assess converting lignite reserves into synthesis gas. This initiative could enhance energy security and reduce reliance on imported fuels. Preliminary studies are underway for this significant energy venture.

Sudden rain and humid weather are very common in India, especially during monsoon season. Clothes dont just take longer to dry indoors they also start smelling damp if not handled properly. The trick is not just drying, but drying smartly so your clothes stay fresh even without sunlight.Here are 6 simple, practical ways Indian households can dry clothes indoors without that wet smell problem.

Former President Donald Trump expressed anger after a judge blocked his plans to renovate the Kennedy Centre and remove his name. Trump called the judge an 'anti Trump Hater' and suggested the centre might never reopen. He also questioned the judge's impartiality, citing his wife's legal work.

Alvaro Santos Pereira, a member of the (ECB) European Central Bank's Governing Council, has called for swift action on inflation. He believes acting sooner rather than later is crucial to avoid a larger second-round impact. Pereira stated that the ECB needs to examine new estimates and data from various countries. Decisions will be made after reviewing price developments.

Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM) has announced the temporary suspension of the total shutdown imposed across Kuki-Zo-inhabited districts following discussions and consultations with the government held on May 29 and 30.

Narendra Modi Stadium Weather: Royal Challengers Bengaluru will face Gujarat Titans in the IPL 2026 Final in Ahmedabad. Both teams enter the summit clash after strong playoff performances. The pitch is expected to favour fast bowlers early on, while the hot weather could bring dew into play later, potentially giving an advantage to the chasing side.

A chemical tank rupture in Washington state has claimed 11 lives. Crews recovered the bodies of nine missing people on Saturday. The tank contained a chemical used in paper pulp production. The incident occurred at a Nippon Dynawave Packaging facility. Contamination entered the Columbia River. No negative health impacts have been detected on air quality or drinking water.

Thane residents and transport experts are opposing the new Rs 12,200 crore Integrated Ring Metro project. They call it a waste of public money, citing route overlaps and bypassing key areas. Activists demand a halt to work and tree felling. They also highlight environmental threats and potential traffic issues. The project's viability is questioned due to low projected ridership.

Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham is reportedly considering a snap general election if he becomes British Prime Minister. He is also lining up Shabana Mahmood as his chancellor. Angela Rayner is expected to return to the Cabinet. Burnham needs to win a seat before challenging the current leadership. Labour's recent local election performance has fueled calls for change.

Pakistan has hired a Washington-based firm for a multi-million dollar contract. The agreement aims to boost Pakistan's engagement with US lawmakers and policymakers. This move follows Operation Sindoor and comes amid ongoing scrutiny of Pakistan's counterterrorism record. The firm will work to advance Pakistan's diplomatic, economic, and strategic interests in Washington.

Indian proverb of the day offers timeless wisdom. One such proverb states that sword wounds heal, but word wounds do not. Physical injuries mend over time. Emotional scars from cruel words can persist for years. This ancient lesson remains relevant today. Mindful communication prevents lasting harm. Kindness costs little but prevents deep pain.

Russia's Rosatom reports a Ukrainian drone hit the Europe's largest Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant. They state no critical equipment was damaged, though a hole appeared in a turbine hall wall. Ukraine's military denies the claim, calling it propaganda. They assert Ukrainian forces adhere to international law and were not involved in fighting near the plant at the time.

India still has several rivers where water remains remarkably clean and visually pristine despite growing pollution concerns. From the crystal-clear Umngot River in Meghalaya to the glacier-fed Alaknanda in Uttarakhand, these rivers showcase the countrys natural beauty and ecological richness, especially in Himalayan and forested regions that remain less disturbed.

RCB vs GT IPL 2026 Interesting Matchups: Royal Challengers Bengaluru will compete against Gujarat Titans in the IPL 2026 final. The match is scheduled for Sunday at the Narendra Modi Stadium. Key player matchups will shape the contest. Virat Kohli faces Rabada and Holder. Gill and Sudharsan will challenge Bhuvneshwar Kumar. Rashid Khan will duel with Tim David and Devdutt Padikkal.

The Central Consumer Protection Authority has fined Vajiram and Ravi IAS Study Centre Rs 7 lakh. The coaching institute published misleading advertisements about candidate success in the UPSC Civil Services Examination. They failed to disclose that many top rankers only used their free Interview Guidance Programme. This practice misled students about the effectiveness of full coaching courses.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) conducted searches across Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka. These searches are part of an ongoing investigation into a large seizure of explosives in Malappuram, Kerala. Several accused persons have been arrested. The agency is working to uncover the full supply chain of these illegally procured explosives.

Allies at a defense conference stressed unity as threats become global. Japan's Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi highlighted that division weakens deterrence, while unity strengthens it. He criticized China's military expansion and its accusations of Japanese militarism. U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth urged European allies to increase defense spending. Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles agreed that rules-based order needs power.

Luxury travellers yearning for authentic yet offbeat experiences are opting for cheese tourism, finds Glynda Alves

Ancient Greek philosopher Diogenes' quote highlights our tendency to seek meaning in dreams over observable reality. This ancient wisdom remains relevant today, urging us to value everyday experiences and direct observation for genuine understanding. Diogenes' life and teachings advocate for simplicity, self-reliance, and authentic living, reminding us that true happiness lies within.

In a post on X, the Prime Minister offered his salutations to Ahilyabai Holkar and remembered her for her intelligence, compassion, and unwavering commitment to the welfare of the people.

Rising fuel prices triggered by the Middle East war are driving a sharp increase in carpooling, with a ride-sharing platform reporting a surge in new users seeking cheaper ways to travel. This trend has been more pronounced in countries where fuel price increases driven by the war have been sudden and significant, combined with limited government support, such as in France.

Naga Chaitanya has filed a plea in the Delhi High Court against defamatory content concerning his past relationship with Samantha Ruth Prabhu. Amidst this, Sobhita Dhulipala recently shared her perspective on handling public scrutiny, emphasising living her life and not letting external opinions define her reality. Read on to know more about it.

Dizzyingly deep pits from large-scale mining scar India's ancient Aravalli mountains, threatening the future of a forested buffer that New Delhi relies on for protection from furnace-hot desert winds. If we don't protect the Aravalli, the northern Gangetic plains -- which is a food basket for the rest of the country -- would become a desert, he said.

Even after a full night's sleep, feeling tired can stem from more than just insufficient rest. Delhi-based nutritionist Lovneet Batra reveals four key factors: poor sleep quality, blood sugar fluctuations and caffeine intake, lack of pre-sleep unwinding, and stress or nutrient deficiencies. Addressing these can significantly boost your energy levels.

A unique cafe in Kochi, Fress Trees Garden & Caf, offers a refreshing escape from summer heat without air conditioning. The establishment utilizes a natural cooling system involving terracotta pots, plants, and recycled water, creating an environment 5 degrees cooler than outside. This eco-friendly design welcomes nature, with architecture built around existing trees.