The Economic Times

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.

Assam's council of ministers has expanded to sixteen with twelve new ministers taking oath. The cabinet includes four new faces and representation from the Bodo community and Barak Valley. This expansion follows the BJP's return to power for a third term. The government aims for regional representation.

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.

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protested at Jantar Mantar demanding Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation over the NEET 2026 paper leak and CBSE's On-Screen Marking system irregularities. CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke led the demonstration, which received permission from Delhi Police. The protest highlights ongoing concerns about competitive examination integrity.

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.

Ahead of a planned protest at Jantar Mantar, Cockroach Janta Party founder Abhijeet Dipke urged supporters to ensure a peaceful demonstration, emphasizing love and gratitude towards police. Activist Sonam Wangchuk pledged a fast if Dipke is arrested. The CJP, demanding accountability for exam irregularities, is set for its first major on-ground mobilization, with heightened security in Delhi.

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.

R Praggnanandhaa became the first Indian to win the prestigious Norway Chess title after a dramatic final round. Despite a slow start, the young grandmaster launched a stunning comeback, securing four consecutive classical victories, including wins against Magnus Carlsen twice. His historic triumph, marked by visible nerves before victory, has resonated with fans worldwide.

A second case of the flesh-eating screwworm parasite has been confirmed in Texas. This new detection is just miles from the first U.S. case in decades. The parasite deposits eggs in animal wounds. Larvae feed on living tissue, potentially causing fatal damage. This resurgence poses a significant economic threat to Texas cattle ranchers.

Andaman oil discovery news: Oil India has confirmed the discovery of natural gas in an exploratory well in the Andaman Sea, marking a significant step in India's Samudra Manthan Mission. This find strengthens the belief in the Andaman Basin's hydrocarbon potential, though commercial production is estimated to be a decade away. The discovery could bolster India's energy security and reduce import dependence.

Delhi police have intensified security measures across the capital, including at the IGI Airport and border points, ahead of a proposed protest by the digital outfit Cockroach Janta Party (CJP). Authorities are making arrangements based on social media monitoring and other intelligence inputs, deploying over 1,000 personnel to maintain law and order.

Tensions between the US and Iran remain high as the conflict approaches 100 days. Both nations are engaged in military actions and diplomatic exchanges. Iran insists on a ceasefire in Lebanon before any deal with the US. The US has intercepted Iranian drones and seized an oil tanker. Oil prices have seen fluctuations.

FIFA has noted that misting stations, fans, hydration stations and cooling tents would be available in he stadium footprint.

California, New York, and other states are preparing to sue and block Paramount's $110 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. The lawsuit, expected in the coming weeks, marks a significant move in state-led antitrust enforcement. This action could delay the deal, which faces opposition from Hollywood creatives and theater owners concerned about job losses and reduced competition.

Flesh-eating screwworm parasite infection: The deadly flies were detected in Mexico late in 2024, after years of being contained at the southern end of Panama.

A Los Angeles jury ruled in favor of Johnson & Johnson, finding the company not negligent in a lawsuit alleging its talc products caused ovarian cancer. This verdict comes as J&J faces thousands of similar claims, having previously won some cases and lost others, and having discontinued talc-based baby powder sales in the U.S. in 2020.

India's economy surged by a better-than-expected 7.8% in the March quarter, exceeding forecasts and pushing FY26 growth to 7.7%. This robust performance was driven by strong private investment and consumption, defying concerns over the West Asia war. The government remains committed to its reform agenda to maintain economic momentum.

MLB American League MVP: The new favorite is Houston Astros slugger Yordan Alvarez.

Iran war: U.S. Central Command said it hit the radar sites, including an island in the Strait of Hormuz, to defend against further attacks.