The Economic Times

US President Donald Trump has sent a stark message to the Sultanate of Oman, warning of potential military repercussions should it move forward with its financial alliance with Iran aimed at taxing ships in the crucial Strait of Hormuz. This development raises serious questions about Oman's historical position as a neutral facilitator in Middle Eastern conflicts.

The Reserve Bank of India's (RBI) record dividend payout of Rs 2.87 lakh crore is expected to directly repair the government's balance sheet at a time when rising global energy prices and prolonged geopolitical tensions are putting pressure on India's fiscal position, according to Anindya Banerjee, Head of Commodities and Currency Research at Kotak Securities.

A Chinese shopping mall hosted a unique competition where over 2,000 participants raced to eat a bowl of rice soup in a mock classroom setting, avoiding 'teachers'. The event, inspired by nostalgic school memories, saw participants of all ages vying for a golden rice prize. Social media buzzed with amusement at the creative challenge.

Anand Mahindra shared a viral post about a Rs 500 hotel room offering a stunning mountain view. The image highlights India's hidden travel gems and affordable stays. Netizens praised the country's underrated destinations. The post also inspired suggestions for 'work from mountain' stays, aligning with the rise of remote work and slow travel trends.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called for cooperative solutions to inter-state water disputes. He emphasized technology-based monitoring and timely clearances, citing the Ken-Betwa project as a prime example. Modi also reviewed critical infrastructure projects, stressing timely implementation to avoid cost escalation and ensure public access to facilities. Rooftop solar adoption and port-led development were also key discussion points.

Monetary institutions worldwide need to maintain their independence, European Central Bank president Christine Lagarde said Thursday. Increasingly frequent economic shocks as well as declining trust in public institutions such as central banks threatened to weigh on their authority, Lagarde said.

A video has surfaced showing alleged cheating during a government online computer-based examination. Candidates were reportedly seen using mobile phones and receiving help inside an exam centre. The footage suggests widespread unfair practices and a chaotic situation. This incident has sparked concerns about the integrity of the examination process and its impact on genuine candidates and national growth.

The government is ready for El Nino's impact on the upcoming kharif crop. Contingency plans are being made for affected areas.

Quote of the day by Aristotle highlights the importance of goals, hard work, learning, and purpose in life. The quote explains how people find meaning through effort and direction. Aristotles ideas on philosophy, science, ethics, and logic continue to influence education and modern thought. His message about striving for a goal remains relevant for students, workers, leaders, and people seeking success and personal growth in daily life.

Pankaj Bhadouria cancer news: MasterChef India winner Pankaj Bhadouria has revealed her breast cancer diagnosis, sharing her hospital journey on social media. The former teacher, who rose to fame in 2010, is undergoing treatment and has requested prayers and support from her followers. Her honest updates have resonated with many.

Israel is eliminating Hamas leaders, including those behind the October 7 attacks. This strategy aims to weaken enemies but experts say it does not solve core issues. Past killings of leaders in groups like Hezbollah and Hamas show these organisations can endure. Such actions can also lead to more extreme successors. Effective change requires political strategy alongside military action.

A Reddit post about a stalled workplace succession plan is drawing attention after an employee claimed they spent 22 years waiting for a leadership role, only to learn their 65-year-old boss no longer plans to retire anytime soon. The worker said the manager admitted he does not want to stay home all day with his wife because of his wife's employment status.

Anand Mahindra is impressed by young shooter Esha Singhs gold medal win at the ISSF World Cup in Munich, praising her laser-like focus and calm demeanour. Singh not only clinched gold in the womens 25m pistol event but also shattered world records, marking a major breakthrough in her career. Her journey from Hyderabad to global acclaim is now inspiring aspiring athletes across India.

Kerala Lottery Results Today: The Karunya Plus KN-625 lottery results are announced today at 3 PM. Ticket holders can check their numbers for a chance to win prizes. The top prize is 1 crore. Smaller prizes are also available. Winners can claim their rewards from retailers or lottery offices. The Kerala State Lotteries Department ensures transparency in the process.

Music offers a unique connection, making listeners feel understood when words fail. Keith Urban, a celebrated country artist, shares this sentiment. His career highlights his ability to blend genres and achieve widespread success. This emotional resonance is a powerful aspect of music, providing comfort and validation.

Deutsche Bank investors are calling for strict cost discipline at the bank's annual meeting. Some shareholders plan to vote against a proposal to increase the chairman's pay. This comes after the bank reported strong profits. Investors emphasize efficiency and profitability over growth.

Canadian billionaire Kevin O'Leary suggests salaries can be a 'drug' that makes people forget their dreams. He explains that stable jobs remove uncertainty, making it easy to stay comfortable. While acknowledging the value of employees, O'Leary highlights that entrepreneurship forces individuals to face fear and uncertainty, fostering growth and confidence through challenging experiences.

The BJP has announced significant organisational changes, appointing new state presidents for Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, and Tripura. Harsh Malhotra takes charge of the Delhi unit, while Archana Gupta is the new Haryana BJP president. These appointments signal a reshuffle in key leadership positions across these states.

The Supreme Court has asked all states and Union Territories to launch a unified helpline, 112, for emergency responses. A functional system for addressing good samaritan grievances will also be established. These crucial measures for trauma care, deemed a fundamental right, must be operational within three months. States will provide regular compliance reports.

The Sports Ministry will deploy IT Consultants to National Sports Federations. This initiative aims to enhance digital systems for better coordination. The plan supports India's preparation for the 2030 Commonwealth Games in Ahmedabad. It also aligns with long-term Olympic ambitions. The consultants will assist federations with digital operations and data management.

Bharat Taxi is revolutionizing mobility in Gujarat. Drivers now own the platform, receiving 100% of ride earnings. This driver-owned model boosts incomes by 25-30%. Passengers benefit from stable, lower fares, paying up to 15% less. The initiative is expanding nationwide, offering a win-win for drivers and commuters.

Global wealthy families are cutting back on US dollar investments. Geopolitical tensions and increasing national debt are driving this shift. Many expect the dollar's strength as a reserve currency to decline. Families are looking to invest more in Asia Pacific and Western Europe. This move towards de-dollarisation is also seen among some US families.

Police have arrested eight individuals following a violent attack on Enforcement Directorate vehicles. The incident occurred after ED officials raided the rented house of former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. More arrests are expected as the investigation progresses. The attack involved damage to official vehicles and injuries to officers.

A 24-year-old Meta engineer, Raymond Zeng, earns a staggering $306,500 annually but lives a minimalist life, forgoing a car, couch, and TV. He prioritizes early financial independence, aiming to retire by 30. Zeng saves aggressively, investing heavily in stocks and utilizing the FIRE strategy to build a substantial portfolio, funding his passion for travel and hobbies.

A 20-year-old founder from Bharatpur, Rajasthan, is challenging India's traditional startup narrative. Gaurav Singh shared his journey of building a startup without a CS degree, internships, or mentors, relying solely on self-learning. His honest LinkedIn post resonated with many, highlighting an alternative path for aspiring entrepreneurs from smaller cities.

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has taken responsibility for issues with the CBSE's On-Screen Marking system. He assured strict action against anyone found deliberately causing irregularities that affected students. The minister chaired a meeting to address technical and payment concerns. Experts from IIT Kanpur and IIT Madras are assisting the CBSE team.

Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange announced an indefinite hunger strike starting May 30, vowing to protest directly under the summer sun without shelter. He warned the Maharashtra government would be responsible for any health complications, demanding the distribution of Kunbi caste certificates for Marathas.

JAC delhi counselling 2026: The Joint Admission Committee has commenced registration for JAC Delhi Counselling 2026 on May 28, 2026, with the process concluding on June 9, 2026. Interested candidates can apply online via the official website, jac.delhi.admissions.nic.in, and are required to pay a registration-cum-counselling fee of 1500/- plus applicable transaction charges.

Pratyush Singh, a Delhi corporate employee, received an MG Hector as an appraisal gift. This unusual reward replaced standard salary increments and bonuses. Singh expressed gratitude for the recognition, calling it an unreal moment. The gesture highlights evolving workplace culture and collective growth. This event could influence how future startups recognize employee contributions.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese looks forward to hosting Prime Minister Narendra Modi again soon. He described India's growing economic importance as an extraordinary opportunity for the Indo-Pacific region. The Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement has strengthened the relationship between the two nations. The Indian-Australian community is a significant contributor to Australia's economy and society.

Congressman Randy Fine ignited a new controversy by posting a video of Muslims praying, labeling them Mainstream Muslims and Jihadi Mamdani. This sparked online outrage and comparisons to India's deportation policies. The remarks echo past controversial statements by Fine. Meanwhile, Zohran Mamdani faces protests regarding antisemitism and hate incidents in New York City.

Excitement builds for the Nagaland State Lottery Sambad Dear Thursday Weekly draw on 28 May 2026. The results will be announced at 1 PM. A grand first prize of 1 Crore awaits a lucky winner. Participants can check their tickets for winning numbers across various prize tiers. Winners must secure their tickets and claim prizes promptly.

Harsh Malhotra is the new Delhi BJP president. Nitin Nabin, the party's national president, made the appointment. Virendra Sachdeva previously held the position. Appointments were also announced for Haryana, Punjab, and Tripura units. Archana Gupta will lead Haryana. Sardar Kewal Singh Dhillon takes charge of Punjab. Abhishek Debroy is the new Tripura chief.

Chinese tech giant Tencent is enabling PayPal users to pay with QR codes across China through its WeChat Pay network. This move aims to attract more foreign tourists by simplifying cashless transactions. Initially available to US PayPal users, the feature will expand to other markets.

A devastating fire has struck Utumishi Girls Academy in Nakuru County, Kenya. The blaze broke out early Thursday morning. Local media reports suggest multiple girls may have perished. Authorities are on the scene, and frantic parents are being kept away from the school. This incident follows a history of similar tragedies in Kenyan boarding schools.

The CBI has arrested two more individuals in the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak case. A Latur-based paediatrician and a Pune-based physics teacher are now in custody. This brings the total number of arrests to thirteen. Investigators are examining digital evidence and financial transactions. The probe continues to uncover the extent of the leak.

R. Praggnanandhaa achieved a significant victory against Magnus Carlsen in the Norway Chess tournament. The classical game was dramatic, with momentum shifting before Carlsen's decisive blunder. Praggnanandhaa expressed happiness over the fighting game. Other matches saw draws decided by Armageddon tie-breaks. Alireza Firouzja leads the men's standings. In the women's section, Bibisara Assaubayeva maintains her lead despite close contests.

India's ancient summer drinks are making a comeback as heatwaves intensify. These traditional beverages like Bael Sharbat, Padhaneer, Tanka Torani, and Apong provide natural cooling and hydration. They are rooted in local ingredients and practical wisdom, offering a healthier alternative to modern wellness drinks. Rediscovering these forgotten recipes highlights India's original wellness culture.

An Austrian court will deliver a verdict today in the trial of Beran A. He is accused of plotting a terror attack targeting a Taylor Swift concert in Vienna. The concert was cancelled due to the threat. Beran A. has pleaded guilty to most charges. He faces a lengthy prison sentence if convicted.

Vaibhav Sooryanshi, the 15-year-old, has stunned the IPL with his fearless batting. He has taken on champion bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah and Pat Cummins. His teammate Dhruv Jurel praises his self-belief and focus on the ball. Sooryanshi's aggressive style led to a match-winning 97 off 29 balls. He also set a new record for most sixes in a season.

Dozen'Katal at Mankhurd, Deonar, Govandi.... in Housing Societies/Complexes. Bakri Eid Kurbani inspite of Markets/Shops Kurbani Places (designated places) available nearby areas. BMC Police must act, Somaiya posted on X.

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar sought blessings from Chief Minister Siddaramaiah amid renewed speculation of a leadership change. This meeting follows the distribution of sweets outside Shivakumar's residence, fueling rumors of a potential power transition after the Congress government completed three years in office.

BYD is set to enter the Canadian electric vehicle market following a new trade deal that reduced tariffs on Chinese-made EVs. The automaker plans to establish 20 dealerships nationwide within its first year, starting in the Greater Toronto Area. However, federal EV rebates will not be available for BYD vehicles, potentially impacting buyer affordability.

The National Testing Agency has extended the deadline for NEET-UG 2026 candidates to update their bank account details for fee refunds. Applicants now have until June 22, 2026, to submit their information on the official website. This extension comes as many students are yet to complete the process. The re-exam for NEET UG 2026 is scheduled for June 21, 2026.