The Economic Times

Ukrainian drones struck St. Petersburg, Russia's second-largest city, prompting residents to stay indoors. This attack underscores Ukraine's expanding capability to strike deep within Russian territory. Russia's air defenses reportedly intercepted hundreds of drones. The strikes follow a recent drone attack on an oil terminal and naval base in the same city.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath stressed the importance of electing capable leaders for effective governance. He highlighted that before 2017, development in the state was restricted. Adityanath pointed out that his government has established medical colleges across various districts.

India posted 209 for 2 at tea on day one of the Test against Afghanistan. Sai Sudharsan scored 81 and KL Rahul remained unbeaten on 81. Shubman Gill was batting on 20. The Rahul-Sudharsan partnership added 139 runs. Yashasvi Jaiswal was dismissed for a start. The Indian batsmen showed confidence on a flat track.

MHT CET 2026 Result Date Session 1 PCB, PCB: MHT CET 2026 results for engineering and pharmacy admissions are anticipated shortly. Candidates can download their scorecards from official websites after the announcement. Over 16 lakh students appeared for the examination this year. The results will pave the way for the Centralised Admission Process for seats in top Maharashtra institutions.

Mark Twain, a celebrated American author, emphasized that true fulfillment requires more than just material comfort. His famous quote, A full belly is little worth where the mind is starved, underscores the vital role of knowledge and curiosity. Twain's life, from his early days to his literary achievements and social commentary, illustrates this profound message.

Frozen Iranian funds are a central point in talks between Tehran and Washington to end their conflict. Iran demands the release of its assets, estimated between 100 to 123 billion dollars. The war began on February 28, with a ceasefire taking effect on April 8. Diplomatic efforts continue, but tensions persist. Iran further warns of escalating the conflict if hostilities resume.

Bengaluru fresher Diksha, 22, has quit her 60,000-a-month marketing job she loves, worrying she will be stuck in one place. She said the role came through campus placements and helped her move to the city, but she no longer wanted a routine centred around long workdays and waiting for weekends.

India's seafood exports are soaring, reaching record highs and aiming for $30 billion within five years. Despite overcoming US tariffs and diversifying markets, a new threat looms: banned antibiotic residues in shrimp are causing high rejection rates. This quality issue risks undermining the hard-won international trust crucial for sustained growth and premium market access.

Scientists have updated global rules for announcing possible alien signals. New guidelines emphasize independent verification before any public announcement. This aims to prevent misinformation spread through social media and AI. Researchers will also receive support to manage intense public interest. The message is clear: verified facts will guide any future discovery of extraterrestrial intelligence.

Quote of the day by Michael J Fox: Actor Michael J Fox shared a powerful quote about family. He highlights that loved ones are paramount in life. Fox, known for his acting and advocacy, faced Parkinson's disease. He established the Michael J Fox Foundation for research. His resilience inspires many worldwide. His message underscores the importance of family support.

The BCCI has revealed the India T20 squad for the 2026 England and Ireland tour. Shreyas Iyer will lead the team as captain, with Tilak Varma as his deputy. Young talent Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has earned a place in the squad. The team features a mix of experienced and new players for the upcoming series.

Shreyas Iyer will captain India's 15-member squad for the 2026 Asian Games in Japan, with Jasprit Bumrah and 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi also included. Sooryavanshi, the youngest ever Indian player, earned his spot after a stellar domestic season. The T20 squad blends experienced players with emerging talent.

Kazakhstan's President Tokayev has enacted constitutional reforms, introducing a Vice President and establishing the Kurultai as the supreme legislative body with 145 elected deputies. A new People's Council will serve as a supreme consultative body, promoting national dialogue and civil society involvement in policymaking.

HMD has launched the Vibe 2 5G in India, targeting budget-conscious buyers and first-time 5G users. This new smartphone boasts a large 6,000mAh battery, a 120Hz display, and Android 16 with AI features, starting at 10,999. It aims to compete with established players in the entry-level 5G market.

Hundreds gathered at Jantar Mantar demanding accountability for examination irregularities. The Cockroach Janta Party led the protest seeking the Education Minister's resignation. CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke accused the government of targeting their social media instead of addressing concerns. Participants wore cockroach masks and carried national flags. Activist Sonam Wangchuk expressed solidarity. Security was heightened across Delhi for the peaceful demonstration.

Indian Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa achieved his career's biggest win at Norway Chess. He defeated world number one Magnus Carlsen twice. The tournament featured an exceptionally strong field. Praggnanandhaa's victory is a landmark for Indian chess. He adjusted his strategy to play faster chess. He plans fewer tournaments but will play next in the World Rapid Team Championship.

In an era of growing diplomatic relations, South American countries are increasingly turning to India, with Argentina leading the charge by acknowledging the strategic and economic partnerships at play. As India's sixth largest trading ally, Argentina plays a vital role by providing edible oils that enhance India's food security posture.

The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) has announced the KCET 2026 results, with Tanisha Karthik topping the Engineering stream and Ninaad Vasisht leading in Farm Sciences. Navana Gopi emerged as a multi-stream topper, securing first rank in Veterinary Sciences, BSc Nursing, and Yoga & Naturopathy. Candidates can now access their scorecards online.

Taiwan has reported a new escalation in the South China Sea on Saturday. A Chinese coast guard ship and a survey vessel conducted a coordinated operation near Taiwan-controlled Pratas Islands. Taiwan's coast guard stated this was the first instance of such coordinated provocation. China claims sovereignty over the islands. Taiwan asserts its maritime sovereignty and calls for peace.

President Donald Trump revealed a military plan to seize Iran's enriched uranium was considered but dismissed as too risky. Diplomatic negotiations between Washington and Tehran are ongoing. Senior US envoys met with technical specialists for nuclear talks. Both sides remain divided on key issues, including uranium down-blending deadlines and frozen assets. The situation remains volatile.

A Delhi court has extended the judicial custody of Shubham Khairnar, an accused in the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak case, until June 15. The court also reserved its decision on the bail plea of Manisha Waghmare for June 9. The CBI opposes Waghmare's bail, calling her a conspirator. The NEET-UG 2026 exam was cancelled due to alleged paper leaks.

The Supreme Court has ruled that accused individuals must have access to chargesheet documents. Withholding these materials can severely impact a fair trial. The court directed that typed copies of confidential documents be provided to retired Major General V K Singh. This decision aims to balance national security with the accused's fundamental right to a fair trial.

India is preparing new measures to protect its economy from the West Asia conflict. The government will introduce these steps gradually as needed. The focus is on ensuring supply of goods and raw materials. Stability in the rupee and foreign exchange is also a priority. This calibrated approach aims to manage emerging risks effectively.

Former Trinamool Congress MLA Saokat Molla has been arrested by the National Investigation Agency (NIA). Officials identified him as the key conspirator in the Bhangar bomb blast case in West Bengal. The blast occurred on March 19, resulting in one death and several injuries. Molla allegedly directed the bomb's manufacturing and tampering with the scene. The NIA took over the case from state police.

A police official faces a show cause notice in Nagpur. This action follows the alleged failure to attach a suicide note to case papers. The note was purportedly written by a female NEET aspirant. The aspirant died by suicide days after the NEET-UG exam. Her family discovered the note later. The incident has drawn national attention.

Russia said Saturday it intercepted hundreds of Ukrainian drones including near Saint Petersburg, where Moscow is hosting a major economic forum, as Ukraine reported at least three people killed by Russian strikes. The Saint Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) -- once dubbed Russia's Davos -- ends on Saturday, a day after the event featured a speech by Russian President Vladimir Putin.

CBSE has extended the deadline for Class 12 answer sheet verification and re-evaluation to June 7 midnight due to technical issues and a surge in applications. This extension aims to ensure transparency and accuracy in the digital evaluation process, with revised marks being final. Results are expected by July.

A senior Iranian adviser said Tehran views the recent conflict with the US as its first military victory and stated that talks remain stalled. Iran wants USD 24 billion in frozen funds released and warned of wider conflict if negotiations fail.

Barbers in Maharashtra have increased service charges by 20%, with a standard haircut now costing Rs 180. This mid-term revision, unusual for the community, is attributed to rising costs of consumables and salon materials. The price hike is expected to affect over one lakh barber shops across the state.

A fire incident at a private hospital in Muzaffarpur, Bihar, has claimed five lives. The Civil Surgeon has revoked the hospital's license. Authorities are conducting a thorough investigation into the incident. Compensation has been provided to affected families. This tragedy follows a similar fire incident in South Delhi's Malviya Nagar area.

Australian authorities have seized over 100,000 exotic cockroaches, including Madagascar hissing cockroaches, from a property in Bathurst, marking the country's largest-ever confiscation of illegal invertebrates. The collection, valued at AUD 200,000, highlights concerns about the environmental risks posed by the illegal trade of non-native species.

US forces struck Iranian radar sites in Goruk and Qeshm Island. This followed Iranian drone and missile attacks targeting maritime shipping. Six Iranian ballistic missiles were shot down. The US dismissed Iranian claims of hitting American naval infrastructure. The exchange highlights ongoing tensions in the Strait of Hormuz.

India's economy achieved a strong 7.7 percent growth in financial year 2025-26. This performance accelerated to 7.8 percent in the fourth quarter. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh highlighted this resilience, attributing it to the 'Reform, Perform, Transform' mantra. India continues to lead as the world's fastest-growing major economy amidst global uncertainty. This growth strengthens aspirations for Viksit Bharat.

Kerala is experiencing heavy overnight rains. This has led to flooded roads, uprooted trees, and damaged homes. Normal life is disrupted in several areas. A man died in Thrissur after a tree fell on his shed. Authorities have issued red and orange alerts for multiple districts.

Workers at SoFi Stadium near Los Angeles have voted to authorize a strike. This action could impact the U.S. men's soccer team's opening World Cup match on June 12. Contract talks with the food service provider have stalled. Workers seek better pay and job security. They also want protection from immigration enforcement.

Delhi experienced a minimum temperature of 26.4 degrees Celsius on Saturday. The India Meteorological Department forecasts thunderstorms with rain for the weekend. Maximum temperatures are expected to be around 36 degrees Celsius. The city's air quality remains in the moderate category. Looking ahead, temperatures are set to rise with partly cloudy skies and strong surface winds anticipated.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi has dismissed claims by Lebanese President Joseph Aoun. Aoun stated Iran uses Lebanon as a bargaining chip in talks with the United States. Araqchi countered that if Lebanon were a bargaining chip, a deal would have been reached already. He urged the Lebanese President to protect Lebanon from its true adversary.

Delhi woke up to pleasant weather on Saturday. The minimum temperature was 26.4 degrees Celsius. Thunderstorms are forecast for the weekend, offering relief from the heat. The maximum temperature will be around 36 degrees Celsius. Delhi's air quality is in the moderate category. The AQI was recorded at 162.

Former Bihar Chief Ministers Lalu Prasad Yadav and Rabri Devi have sent away all security personnel stationed outside their residence at 10 Circular Road in Patna following the withdrawal of their Z-plus security cover by the state government.

Cockroach Janta Party Protest News: Central Delhi commuters face significant traffic disruptions Friday as Cockroach Janata Party supporters protest at Jantar Mantar. Police have implemented diversions and tightened security, advising travel plan adjustments. The online movement's street presence has led to slow traffic across key routes, with the Delhi Metro emerging as the most convenient travel option.

Pro-Khalistan slogans and posters of Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale were displayed at Sri Akal Takht Sahib during the 42nd anniversary of Operation Blue Star. Security forces deployed approximately 4,000 personnel and five companies of CAPF in Amritsar to manage the sensitive occasion.

India strongly rebuked Pakistan at the UN General Assembly for misusing international forums to discuss Jammu and Kashmir, asserting it is an integral part of India. India's envoy criticized Pakistan's conduct as a Security Council member, calling its claims baseless and inconsistent with historical facts.

India begins its Test series against Afghanistan in New Chandigarh, aiming to fine-tune its playing combination and address selection queries after a previous home defeat. Afghanistan, though underdogs, seeks to showcase its progress since their last Test encounter in 2018, where they were comprehensively defeated.

Hooghly police have apprehended TMC leader Ramesh Patra following a complaint of fraud and intimidation. Patra allegedly promised government benefits to a local businessman, collecting approximately Rs 29 lakh in cash and online transfers. When the promised benefits failed to materialize, the accused reportedly issued death threats. An investigation is ongoing to determine potential involvement of other influential figures.

Delhi authorities have heightened security ahead of a planned protest by the Cockroach Janta Party. The government stated it has no information from the US about the return of CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke. Security measures are in place across the city, including at the airport and border points.