The Economic Times

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.

Shreyas Iyer has been named captain of India's T20I team for upcoming tours of Ireland and England. This appointment marks a significant leadership transition. Iyer's consistent performance and proven leadership in franchise cricket have earned him this opportunity. He is expected to guide a young team and build on his legacy.

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.

The RBI's recent announcements are expected to attract substantial foreign capital, potentially strengthening the rupee. Analysts anticipate the monetary policy committee will hold interest rates steady in August. Measures include expanding access to government securities and offering incentives for foreign investments. These steps aim to boost the economy and manage currency fluctuations.

Fifteen-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has etched his name in cricket history by becoming the youngest player to represent India, surpassing the long-held record of Sachin Tendulkar. This remarkable achievement at such a tender age has thrust the young prodigy into the national spotlight as he prepares for his debut.

A viral video highlights how kindness is often perceived as weakness in India, forcing many to adopt assertive tactics for fair treatment. The influencer argues that societal interactions prioritize authority over goodwill, a mindset rooted in historical structures. This reality fuels the pursuit of power and sparks debate on compromising values for fairness.

AIADMK faces another blow as four former ministers and ex-MLAs defect to Vijay's TVK party. This follows a series of setbacks for AIADMK after the April 23 poll results. Several party functionaries have already switched allegiance to TVK. The latest defections include prominent figures who lost in recent elections. This trend highlights the ongoing internal crisis within AIADMK.

Police seized a large cache of illegal firearms and ammunition in South 24 Parganas and North 24 Parganas districts. Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari stated these weapons were used to terrorize people under the previous government. He vowed to eliminate criminal activities and political terrorism, restoring peace and safety across West Bengal.

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.

CJP protest news: The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protested at Jantar Mantar, demanding Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation over alleged NEET 2026 paper leaks and CBSE's On-Screen Marking irregularities. Protesters chanted slogans criticizing the government's handling of the situation. Dharmendra Pradhan, a senior BJP leader, currently holds portfolios for Education and Skill Development and Entrepreneurship.

India opted to bat first in the one-off Test against Afghanistan, played at Mullanpur stadium, Punjab. KL Rahul and Sai Sudharsan are at the crease. They have built a solid partnership. India reached 96 for one at lunch. Yashasvi Jaiswal was the only batsman dismissed. Manav Suthar made his debut for India.

Security has been heightened at the residence of Abhijeet Dipke, founder of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar ahead of his arrival in India. Dipke, who returned from the US, is set to lead a peaceful protest at Jantar Mantar demanding accountability for examination irregularities and the resignation of the Union Education Minister.

A viral video from Pune International Airport showcases local Maharashtrian brands like Chitale Bandhu and Ganesh Bhel standing alongside global giants. This scene reflects a growing pride in Indian entrepreneurship and a shift in traveler preference towards authentic, culturally resonant flavors and trusted homegrown businesses.

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.

Quote of the day by Liam Neeson: Liam Neeson, a respected Hollywood actor, transitioned from a variety of jobs to a successful acting career, gaining international acclaim for his role in 'Schindler's List'. Known for his versatility, he became an action star with the 'Taken' franchise. Neeson's quote reflects a belief in life's purpose, encouraging faith and patience through unexpected events.

Suraj Biswas transitioned from a food delivery rider in Bengaluru to founding AI startup Assessli, recognized on global platform F6S. His journey, fueled by self-taught coding and flexible gig work, highlights how determination and accessible learning can transform a side hustle into a significant technology venture.

Hundreds gathered at Jantar Mantar for a protest organized by the Cockroach Janta Party. Abhijeet Dipke, the movement's founder, led the demonstration. Participants demanded the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The protest focused on alleged irregularities in examinations. Security was heightened across the national capital for the event. Activist Sonam Wangchuk expressed support for the cause.

Quote of the Day: Heraclitus reminds us that change is the only constant in life. Instead of fearing change, we should embrace it. New opportunities, fresh perspectives, and personal growth all come from accepting life's continuous flow. Holding on to the past can limit progress, while adapting to change helps us evolve into stronger and wiser versions of ourselves.

Chhattisgarh is fully prepared for potential virus infections. Health Minister Shyam Bihari Jaiswal assured that hospitals and quarantine facilities are ready. A new public grievance helpline has been launched. Three returnees from African countries are quarantined as a precaution. Tests have not confirmed the virus. The Central Government advises avoiding travel to certain African nations.

Russia has offered India unrestricted technology transfer and joint production rights for its Su-57 stealth fighter jet, including domestic manufacturing of critical components. President Putin stated Russia views India as a trusted partner and that US pressure on New Delhi's ties with Moscow would be detrimental and ineffective.

CRPF Director General G. P. Singh is in Manipur to address the ongoing ethnic violence. He met with the Chief Minister and DGP to discuss operational strategies. Two CoBRA battalions are being deployed. Singh visited troops in various locations, reviewed security, and paid tribute to fallen soldiers. The focus remains on maintaining normalcy and troop welfare.

A hotel cook has been arrested in connection with the Malviya Nagar fire that killed 21 people. The investigation revealed the cook's negligence caused the blaze. Several other individuals were detained. The fire at Flourish Stays Hotel resulted in multiple fatalities and injuries. Authorities found significant safety violations, including sealed windows and a locked basement entrance.

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.

Security forces continue a major anti-terror operation in Rajouri's dense forests. The operation, now in its fourteenth day, involves the Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police, and CRPF. Intensive search and combing operations are underway to track suspected terrorists. Security forces are maintaining a strong cordon and monitoring the area closely.

North Korea announced plans to build a 10,000-ton destroyer and develop secret underwater weapons, with leader Kim Jong Un ordering the deployment of the Kang Gon and another warship. This comes ahead of Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit, as Kim seeks to bolster naval capabilities and deter nuclear war.

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.

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.

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.