The Economic Times

IPL 2026 final: Virat Kohli heads into the IPL final against Gujarat Titans as one of the tournament's top performers this season, but an unusual statistic continues to follow him. Despite his remarkable consistency, the RCB star has not scored a fifty in an IPL playoff match since the 2016 final.

Iran's chief negotiator says Tehran will not agree to any deal with the United States unless Iranian rights are fully secured. Reports suggest Washington has sent a tougher peace proposal. This could delay an agreement to end the Middle East war and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Both sides remain far apart on key issues.

Nepal's Prime Minister Balendra Shah has stated that border disputes with India will be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy. This comes after India reiterated its openness to constructive interaction on all bilateral issues. India previously rejected Nepal's 2020 map revision, asserting claims are not based on facts. Both nations emphasize diplomatic efforts to settle outstanding boundary matters.

A drone struck the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in Russian-occupied Ukraine. The UN nuclear agency confirmed the incident. Russian officials blamed Ukraine for a deliberate attack. Ukraine denied the accusations, calling them baseless. The strike reportedly damaged the turbine building's wall but not core equipment. This incident raises concerns about nuclear safety near the front lines.

Pakistan is actively violating international rules. It is sending extra mobile signals into Jammu and Kashmir. These signals help terrorist groups communicate secretly. The focus is on the Jammu region. New technology is needed to stop these rogue signals. Security agencies are working to counter these threats.

The US Supreme Court is set to decide two crucial election law cases. One case challenges rules on counting mail-in ballots received after Election Day. The other case questions limits on money spent by political parties in coordination with candidates. These rulings could significantly shape upcoming elections and the balance of power in Congress.

The fiirst phase of Gujarat's Population Census-2027 begins Monday with a month-long digital houselisting. Over one lakh enumerators will map living conditions and amenities. This phase collects data on housing, family, water, and assets. The second phase for population and caste enumeration is scheduled for February 2027. Citizens are urged to cooperate and provide accurate information.

A Bengaluru woman who left her corporate career behind to start a new chapter in the mountains has gone viral after sharing a glimpse of her life beyond office deadlines and deliverables. Her story has resonated with people dreaming of a similar escape, while also sparking a conversation about whether running a mountain business is truly easier than life in the corporate world.

India is experiencing widespread rainfall and thunderstorms as the monsoon advances across the country. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts continued rain and gusty winds across many states. Some areas may see heavy showers and heatwave conditions. Residents are advised to take precautions against severe weather. Farmers should protect crops and livestock.

An MBA graduate turned down a lucrative corporate job offer worth Rs 25 lakh per annum and chose to become an Ola cab driver instead. The decision surprised many and drew criticism from those around him. However, over the next three years, he reportedly expanded his venture from operating a single cab to owning five cars. According to a viral social media post, he now earns around Rs 1.5 lakh per month, challenging conventional ideas of career success and highlighting the potential of entreprene

India and the US are holding crucial trade talks in New Delhi. Chief negotiators will finalize details of an interim trade agreement. This pact aims to boost market access and facilitate trade. Both nations are committed to strengthening economic ties. The discussions will cover various sectors, including agriculture and energy. This meeting is vital for recalibrating the trade framework.

Two Municipal Corporation of Delhi engineers have been suspended. This action follows the collapse of a three-storey commercial building near Saket Metro station. The incident tragically claimed four lives. Rescue operations were extensive. An inquiry has been initiated to determine the exact cause of the collapse. The building housed various establishments.

Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University, Kakinada, will release AP EAMCET 2026 results on June 1, 2026. Candidates can check their scorecards on cets.apsche.ap.gov.in. The examination for engineering was held from May 12 to May 18, 2026. Agriculture and pharmacy exams took place on May 19, 2026. Successful candidates will be eligible for counselling.

A major tragedy was averted at Sri Reetha Sahib Gurdwara in Champawat district. Over 50 pilgrims were trapped in a swollen river during the annual Jod Mela. A State Disaster Response Force team deployed in advance launched a swift rescue operation. All pilgrims were safely escorted across the river. No casualties were reported.

Canada and India are making progress on a free trade deal. Officials are optimistic about reaching an agreement this year. This renewed engagement follows a pause in talks last year. Both nations aim to significantly boost bilateral trade. Discussions also covered agricultural exports. The focus is on expanding economic ties between the two countries.

Pakistan faces a growing inflation crisis. Tensions between the United States and Iran are driving up fuel prices. This is making daily life difficult for ordinary citizens. Salaried workers and low-income families struggle to afford basic necessities. Petrol prices have surged significantly. Diesel prices have also increased. This impacts transportation and food costs.

The Centre has ordered the deployment of two elite CRPF CoBRA battalions to Manipur. These specialized jungle warfare units will undertake operations against armed groups fueling violence. This move aims to restore lasting peace in the state. The commandos are known for their successful anti-insurgency tactics. The deployment is expected in the coming weeks.

IPL 2026 Final Winner AI Prediction: Defending champions RCB will take on GT in the IPL 2026 final on Sunday. AI chatbots ChatGPT, Gemini and Grok have all predicted a closely fought contest, with RCB holding a slight edge thanks to their recent form and convincing playoff win over GT. However, Gujarat Titans' home advantage in Ahmedabad and the presence of match-winners such as Shubman Gill and Rashid Khan mean an upset cannot be ruled out.

The Central Industrial Security Force will now secure the NATGRID campus in Bengaluru. The Ministry of Home Affairs has sanctioned 76 posts for this critical national security infrastructure. NATGRID aggregates data for counter-terrorism operations. This deployment follows the CISF's recent takeover of security at Sushma Swaraj Bhawan in Delhi. The force provides security to sensitive installations across India.

Batting legend Sachin Tendulkar has called for the removal of the IPL's Impact Player rule, arguing it unfairly favors batters and disrupts strategic balance. He also proposed splitting the powerplay to give bowlers more control and allowing a bowler to deliver five overs to enhance the contest between bat and ball.

Kerala lottery results today: Kerala Lottery Samrudhi SM-57 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.