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The Economic Times

Economy / The Economic Times

Cut taxes, ease policy uncertainty for 8% growth, stronger rupee: Economist Surjit Bhalla

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.

31 May 2026 1:48 pm
Small habits shape a country: 1 AM Singapore video shows a person waiting for green signal, goes viral

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.

31 May 2026 1:47 pm
Badrinath, Kedarnath, Hemkund Sahib yatra temporarily halted due to heavy rainfall

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.

31 May 2026 1:46 pm
'Insane bubble and bigger than 1999': Zoho founder Sridhar Vembu has a scary warning about the future of AI

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.

31 May 2026 1:44 pm
A ray of hope: PM Modi hails 'Namami Gange Abhiyan' initiative for saving trapped Gangetic dolphin in UP

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.

31 May 2026 1:40 pm
America's subpar diplomats aren't the world's only choice

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.

31 May 2026 1:32 pm
Mann Ki Baat May 31: From Aam Panna & Sol Kadhi to Neer Mor and Bela Panna; How to make the 9 healthy Indian drinks recommended by PM Modi for heatwave relief

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.

31 May 2026 1:27 pm
Europe's green jet fuels see upside in Iran war

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.

31 May 2026 1:25 pm
No proposal yet on Karnataka Cabinet under CM-designate Shivakumar: Mallikarjun Kharge

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.

31 May 2026 12:58 pm
Quote of the Day by Nobel Prize-winning German novelist Gnter Grass: No idea stays pure, even the flowering of art isn't pure and the sun has

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.

31 May 2026 12:56 pm
No AC needed! What is this 'smart paint' developed by scientists that reflects 97% of sunlight & even collects water from air?

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.

31 May 2026 12:49 pm
Nagaland Lottery Sambad result out today (31-05-2026); check Rs 1 crore prize winning number and full list here

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.

31 May 2026 12:23 pm
India and US push deeper AI and chip ties as firms eye access to next-generation technologies

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.

31 May 2026 12:17 pm
Quote of the day by Al Pacino: 'I like women who can cook. Thats first. Love is very important, but youve got to have a friend first, you want to finally come to a point where you say that the woman youre with is also your friend' - The Godfather, Heat, Scarface actor explains the secret to a strong relationship

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!

31 May 2026 12:14 pm
Bengali proverb of the day: Love is like the sticky sap of a jackfruit. Once it gets on you, it wont unstick - timeless lesson on deep emotional connections

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.

31 May 2026 11:58 am
PM Modi hails Gurindervir's historic 100m national record on Mann Ki Baat

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.

31 May 2026 11:52 am
Tamil proverb of the day: If you go looking for faults, you will have no friends or relatives left - Timeless wisdom on embracing human imperfections and accepting flaws

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.

31 May 2026 11:44 am
JoSAA Counselling 2026: Date, registration, step-by-step process, documents required & complete admission guide

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.

31 May 2026 11:38 am
After Zudio boom, Trent still has a long runway for growth: Noel Tata

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.

31 May 2026 11:29 am
National Medical Commission proposes restoring 10-year limit for completing MBBS course

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.

31 May 2026 11:26 am
Kushal Bhurtel: Who is this Nepal cricketer who created T20I history & matched a rare feat once achieved by Yuvraj Singh?

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.

31 May 2026 11:26 am
If you want success, discipline and peace of mind, actor Madhavan shares 5 military lessons that can change your life instantly

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!

31 May 2026 11:22 am
Bomb trial in Haryana today; residents near test range told to stay indoors

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.

31 May 2026 11:06 am
NLC India, Reliance Industries to jointly explore developing underground lignite gasification project in Gujarat

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.

31 May 2026 11:01 am
6 smart ways: How to dry clothes indoors during sudden rain without bad smell

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.

31 May 2026 11:01 am
Trump vents about judge who blocked Kennedy Centre renovation and fumes over his legal setbacks

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.

31 May 2026 11:01 am
European Central Bank must act on inflation sooner rather than later, policymaker Alvaro Santos Pereira says

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.

31 May 2026 10:57 am
Kuki Inpi Manipur suspends shutdown temporarily following talks with government

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.

31 May 2026 10:56 am
RCB vs GT IPL 2026 Final Ahmedabad Weather: Will rain spoil Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Gujarat Titans match today? Pitch report & forecast inside

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.

31 May 2026 10:51 am
Eleven confirmed dead in Washington state chemical accident, all bodies recovered

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.

31 May 2026 10:49 am
Citizens, experts oppose Thane Ring Metro project, cite planning flaws

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.

31 May 2026 10:48 am
UK's Burnham weighs snap election if he becomes PM: Report

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.

31 May 2026 10:47 am
Pakistan signs $1.2 million US lobbying deal months after Operation Sindoor

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.

31 May 2026 10:45 am
Indian proverb of the day: A wound from a sword heals, but a wound from words does not - How words can leave deeper scars than physical pain

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.

31 May 2026 10:44 am
Russia claims Ukrainian drone struck Zaporizhzhia nuclear facility, Kyiv denies

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.

31 May 2026 10:43 am
5 cleanest rivers in India with pristine water

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.

31 May 2026 10:41 am
RCB vs GT IPL 2026 Interesting Matchups: From Kohli vs Rabada to Buttler vs Hazlewood , top battles that could decide the final

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.

31 May 2026 10:29 am
CCPA imposes Rs 7 lakh penalty for misleading claims relating to UPSC civil services examination results

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.

31 May 2026 10:27 am
NIA conducts searches across three south Indian states in Kerala illegal explosives seizure case

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.

31 May 2026 10:20 am
US allies call for greater unity as Trump-era rifts cloud global security

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.

31 May 2026 10:20 am
Great Experiences: Why cheese tourism is becoming the latest luxury travel trend among Indians

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

31 May 2026 10:19 am
Quote of the day by Diogenes: We are more curious about the meaning of dreams than about things we see when awake - Ancient Greek philosopher on human curiosity and chasing real-life experiences

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.

31 May 2026 10:14 am
PM Modi pays tribute to Lokmata Ahilyabai Holkar on her birth anniversary, recalls her contribution to nation-building

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.

31 May 2026 10:02 am
India becomes BlaBlaCar's largest market as fuel price surge boosts carpooling

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.

31 May 2026 9:53 am
Sobhita Dhulipala shares biggest life lesson public scrutiny taught her amid husband Naga Chaitanya's legal action over claims he cheated on Samantha Ruth Prabhu

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.

31 May 2026 9:21 am
Mining turns India's heat-shield hills to dust

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.

31 May 2026 9:09 am
Sleeping 8 hours, still tired? Top nutritionist shares 4 surprising reasons behind it

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.

31 May 2026 9:01 am
No AC, still 5 degrees cooler: Kerala cafe uses pots, plants and water to beat scorching summer temperatures. This cooling method keeps the place comfortable naturally

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.

31 May 2026 9:00 am