The Economic Times
Elections 2026Economy / The Economic Times
TV broadcasters plan to challenge a Delhi High Court ruling in the Supreme Court. The court upheld Trai's power to limit TV ads to 12 minutes per hour. Broadcasters fear this will hurt their revenue. The Indian TV industry relies heavily on advertising income. This decision could impact their business significantly.
India's electric two-wheeler market saw a strong rebound in May. Registrations rose significantly, recovering from a dip in April. Major players like TVS Motor and Bajaj Auto reported higher sales. Ather Energy and Hero MotoCorp also saw an increase. Ola Electric is working to regain market share and plans to enter the commercial segment.
Indian banks anticipate asset quality stress from the second quarter due to the West Asia conflict. Rising fuel prices will reduce consumer spending. Higher input costs will impact corporate profits. Small and medium enterprises face significant pressure. Lenders are becoming cautious about lending to this segment. This situation will be visible in upcoming financial results.
Despite rising costs, restaurants and bars saw a surge in business during the IPL final. Bengaluru outlets reported full bookings, with some charging cover fees. Delhi-NCR eateries offered discounts up to 50% on food and drinks. Online platforms also saw increased sales of snacks and beverages as people opted to watch the match at home.
Yatra Online's founders are reportedly in talks to sell a controlling stake. Feelers have been sent to rivals like MakeMyTrip, Paytm Travel, Rapido, and Ixigo, along with a private equity fund. Advisors are assisting with the sale process. Suitors may submit initial offers next week. Yatra's CEO stated the company achieved its most profitable year despite challenges.
IIFCL aims for a record 75,000 crore in loan sanctions this financial year. The government has removed SIFTI restrictions, giving the lender more flexibility. This allows IIFCL to finance larger projects and participate more broadly in infrastructure development. The company expects stronger growth and faster credit expansion through new lending products.
SAIL anticipates a minor effect on its steel prices due to the West Asia crisis. The company is arranging new shipping paths to ensure a steady flow of essential raw materials like limestone from Dubai. SAIL chairman Ashok Panda highlighted that securing raw material availability is paramount for continuous operations.
The Assam council of ministers will see an expansion on June 5. This comes nearly a month after the election results were declared. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and four other ministers took their oath on May 12. The expansion was delayed due to numerous claimants for ministerial berths.
India's commercial vehicle makers are diversifying beyond truck sales to stabilize revenue. Companies like Tata Motors, Ashok Leyland, and VECV are seeing significant growth in spare parts, financing, and fleet services. This strategic shift aims to create recurring income streams, mitigating the impact of the market's cyclical nature and economic fluctuations.
Chile is offering India significant opportunities in critical mineral mining, including copper, lithium, and cobalt. These minerals will power India's growth and green transition. Chile also seeks Indian talent for its burgeoning semiconductor sector. Both nations are working towards a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement. This partnership aims to secure India's supply chains and foster economic growth.
Indian banks and financial firms are increasingly using AI for critical tasks like fraud prevention and decision-making. While early adopters are seeing success, many companies still face hurdles in infrastructure and governance. AI is now integral to core operations, not just customer service. Future plans focus on boosting productivity and customer growth through AI.
Adani Group chairman Gautam Adani announced the company's focus has shifted from funding to project execution. Significant investments are planned across airports, energy, data centres, and logistics. The group anticipates strong demand driven by infrastructure needs and artificial intelligence. Legal matters are now behind them, allowing for a concentrated push on growth and asset building.
An intruder from Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir was apprehended by the Army along the Line of Control in Uri sector. The 22-year-old, identified as Zeeshan Mir, was attempting to cross into India to meet his girlfriend. In a separate incident, two individuals from Sopore and their guide were apprehended while trying to exfiltrate.
Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing's visit to India presents a significant opportunity for New Delhi. India aims to secure rare earth minerals from Myanmar, a resource currently dominated by China. Discussions will focus on harnessing these valuable elements. Bilateral trade is also expanding, with potential for increased Indian exports to Myanmar.
General Raja Subramani assumed charge as the new Chief of Defence Staff, vowing to expedite the integration of indigenous weapon systems. He emphasized increased collaboration with industry, startups, and research bodies as crucial for modernizing the armed forces and fostering innovation.
Nepal PM Balen Shah stated that the Nepal-India border dispute, including the Lipulekh, Limpiyadhura, and Kalapani areas, will be resolved through diplomatic discussions. He acknowledged that Nepal has also encroached on Indian land, emphasizing the need for both sides to address the legacy issue. Meanwhile, Nepal's Rastriya Swantantra Party chair is visiting New Delhi to meet with Indian leaders.
The PM-SVANidhi scheme has significantly boosted street vendor incomes by 20%. Digital transactions by vendors have nearly doubled, reaching over 83%. The scheme provides collateral-free loans, with 1.05 crore loans disbursed. Defaults are low, and many vendors are now accessing loans from other banks, building a permanent credit history. The scheme aims to disburse 1.5 crore loans.
The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) will now secure the NATGRID campus in Bengaluru, with the Ministry of Home Affairs sanctioning 76 posts for the critical national security infrastructure. This move follows the CISF's existing security provision for NATGRID's Delhi headquarters, reinforcing protection against potential threats.
Heatwaves, school holidays and reduced summer travel are driving more consumers to air-conditioned malls, boosting sales for restaurants, fashion and beauty retailers across India. Mall operators and restaurant chains report stronger footfalls, longer dwell times and higher spending, with some restaurants seeing sales growth of 10-20% compared with last year.
Ethical hackers and students have raised concerns about the CBSE's On Screen Marking system, alleging unauthenticated public access to scanned answer sheets due to improper AWS bucket configuration. The Board claims identified vulnerabilities have been contained, while the Congress party criticizes the system as a 'massive data leak' risking student privacy.
India's Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement with Oman comes into effect on June 1, granting New Delhi 100% duty-free access for 98.08% of tariff lines, covering 99.38% of export value. This pact significantly boosts Indian exports across various sectors and enhances mobility for professionals, while also making certain Omani products cheaper for Indian consumers.
Power Minister Manohar Lal announced that approximately 800 crore in subsidy-related support and outstanding dues in West Bengal will be recovered. Plans are also underway to address accumulated losses of 15,000 crore. The next phase of the Smart Meter Programme, covering 20 million consumers, will commence in July.
Beloved singer Suman Kalyanpur, whose enchanting voice echoed through the 1960s and 1970s, has passed away at the age of 89. She slipped away quietly in her home on Sunday evening, succumbing to age-related ailments. A true legend, she captivated audiences with her multilingual songs and shared the stage with icons like Lata Mangeshkar.
China's manufacturing activity slowed in May, with the official factory PMI slipping to 50 from 50.3 in April, as a five-day holiday disruption and pressures from weaker global demand and rising input costs weighed on production. The reading matched the threshold between expansion and contraction and came in line with economists' expectations.
The Indian government is scrutinizing over 500 imported products, including machinery, fertilizers, and electronics, to identify opportunities for domestic manufacturing and reduce reliance on foreign supply chains. This initiative aims to curb the country's import bill and bolster supply resilience, with a focus on sectors like electronics and chemicals where import dependence is high but export potential is also significant.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru secured the IPL 2026 title. A crucial moment involved Virat Kohli surviving a diving catch by Shubman Gill. The third umpire ruled the catch not out. Kohli went on to score an unbeaten 75. This innings powered RCB to a five-wicket victory. Gujarat Titans were left stunned by the decision. RCB claimed their second consecutive IPL crown.
The rift stems from the Income-tax department's demand that deeds of these religious and charitable trusts must categorically state that the trusts are 'irrevocable'.
This Spanish proverb is ultimately optimistic. It does not discourage ambition; instead, it encourages thoughtful and informed ambition. Its message is that success is not reserved for a fortunate few. Rather, it belongs to those who are willing to embrace the responsibilities, challenges and personal growth that come with achievement.
Five patients have recovered from the rare Bundibugyo strain of Ebola in eastern Congo, offering hope amid an outbreak that has infected 134 people and caused 18 confirmed deaths in Congo and neighbouring Uganda, according to the World Health Organization. WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus announced the recoveries during the opening of a new treatment centre in Bunia.
Phil Salt and Venkatesh Iyer have achieved an unprecedented feat in the IPL. They have won three consecutive titles. Their journey began with Kolkata Knight Riders in 2024. They then moved to Royal Challengers Bengaluru. They secured titles in 2025 and 2026. This remarkable streak highlights their impact on championship-winning teams. They are now considered IPL's lucky charms.
June 1 marks significant historical moments. From Genghis Khan's capture of Peking in 1215 to the birth of Marilyn Monroe and the launch of CNN, this date holds global importance. Major political shifts, scientific breakthroughs, and cultural milestones occurred. Notable events include the coronation of Anne Boleyn and the release of The Beatles' Sgt. Pepper's album.
The conflict has disrupted crude supplies from some of India's biggest suppliers, compelling refiners to process unfamiliar crude grades, said Ujjal K Mukherjee, chief technology officer at Lummus Technology, one of the world's largest refining and petrochemical technology licensors.
At the Shangri-La defence conference in Singapore, allies of the United States urged greater unity in the face of growing global security threats, warning that divisions among partners could weaken deterrence. Shinjiro Koizumi said cooperation between the US, Europe and like-minded nations must be strengthened as regional and global challenges become increasingly interconnected.
India has appointed General NS Raja Subramani as the new Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) amid a wider leadership reshuffle in the armed forces. The move has been welcomed by Anand Mahindra, who said the CDS role is crucial in todays world where integration matters more than just military strength, and praised the Generals vision of linking the armed forces with industry, academia, startups, and research.
Iran's IRGC reports 28 ships transited the Strait of Hormuz under its security. The IRGC states the Persian Gulf's insecurity stems from US actions. Iran recently launched a new body to manage maritime traffic in the strait. The US has imposed sanctions on this body, accusing Iran of extortion.
Dua Lipa walked hand in hand with Callum Turner, who wore a navy suit and tie.singer walked hand in hand with Turner, who wore a navy suit and tie.
Muhammad Ali Quote of the Day: Boxing legend Muhammad Ali's famous quote, To be a great champion you must believe you are the best. If you're not, pretend you are, highlights the importance of self-belief, confidence and mental strength in achieving success. The quote continues to inspire athletes, students, entrepreneurs and leaders to trust their abilities and pursue their goals with determination.
Pop star Dua Lipa and actor Callum Turner are reportedly married. Unconfirmed images of a private ceremony in London are circulating online. The couple publicly announced their engagement in June 2025. At the time, they stated no immediate wedding plans were in place due to professional commitments. Lipa last performed in India in November 2024.
Myanmar President U Min Aung Hlaing met with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval in New Delhi. Earlier, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also met the President. Hlaing's visit to India, which included a stop in Bodh Gaya, aims to strengthen bilateral ties. The meetings underscore India's commitment to advancing cooperation with Myanmar.
Inspirational Quote of the day: Chuck Norris, the martial arts champion and actor, shares a powerful message about not giving up. His words highlight that success often comes from continuous effort, not just talent. Challenges are normal parts of any journey. Persistence builds skills and resilience.
Psychology suggests that people who struggle to make decisions are not necessarily confused or incapable. More often, they find themselves caught between perfectionism, fear of making the wrong choice, analysis paralysis and the sheer volume of options available in modern life.
A former national-level athlete, Bulti Roy, who once represented India globally and won numerous medals, is now living in poverty in West Bengal. Despite her past achievements, she struggles to afford basic necessities like quality running shoes and a balanced diet, subsisting on muri and soaked rice.
A senior Home Department official stated that 965 Bangladeshi nationals were arrested in 2022, followed by 1,014 in 2023; 947 in 2024; and 537 in 2025.
India is boosting its power generation capacity, focusing on nuclear energy. The nation aims to reach nearly 300 GW next year. Nuclear power is key for long-term energy security, targeting 100 GW by 2047. Tripura is set to receive urban infrastructure projects worth Rs 1,200 crore. Reforms are crucial for growth.
Traders' body CAIT seeks simpler GST rules. Tax collections have surged since 2017, but ground-level compliance remains difficult. More simplification will bring more businesses into the formal economy. This boosts government revenue and improves the economy. Reducing paperwork benefits trade and consumers. CAIT advocates for trader-friendly administrative practices.
The day after the tragic incident, many aspirants described scenes of panic, dust, and devastation that disrupted months of intense preparation.
A video from Zerodha showing CEO Nithin Kamath being quizzed by a younger employee on popular Gen Z slang has gone viral on social media. Shared by Gowri Bhat Gandotra from Rainmatter, the light-hearted interaction features Kamath trying to decode terms like rizz, simp, clock it, and slay. While he struggles with most of the expressions, he correctly answers one, leading to a humorous score of 1 out of 4.
London law firm Child & Child has launched a dedicated India Desk and partnered with Mumbai-based Solicis Lex to cater to the growing demand from Indian clients. This strategic move aims to provide comprehensive legal support for personal, commercial, and investment matters in the UK, fostering cross-border collaboration and expanding services into new markets.

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