The Economic Times

Iran and the U.S. had indicated progress on a memorandum of understanding that could halt the war and restart shipping through the blockaded Strait of Hormuz.

A Maryland father who had played the same lottery numbers twice a week for years finally hit the jackpot after changing one small habit. Instead of scanning his ticket like usual, he manually checked the numbers and realised he had won $570,000 in the Multi-Match lottery. The shock reportedly left him anxious for weeks before he officially claimed the prize, which he now plans to use partly for his daughters college tuition.

Donald Trump, whose birthday is June 14, became the oldest person to assume the presidency when he began his second term in January 2025.

Air pollution across eastern India and the Indo-Gangetic Plain has worsened sharply over two decades. Bihar and West Bengal are now highly polluted regions. Pollution is spreading from the plains into the Himalayas. India's clean air efforts focus on cities but neglect rural biomass burning, a major pollution source. This is a growing regional crisis.

Iran did not immediately confirm the reported strikes, but state media reported blasts in the southern port city of Bandar Abbas, and the Revolutionary Guards Corps said its forces had downed a US drone entering its airspace and fired at an F-35 fighter jet.

Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel approved sugarcane prices paid by cooperative societies to farmers. This decision benefits over two lakh farmers and cooperative societies by an estimated Rs. 1,500 crore. The move addresses past Income Tax demands. A Union Ministry of Cooperation amendment in 2023 enabled this State Government approval strengthening the cooperative sector and farmer interests.

Cricket stars Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Dhruv Jurel took on a fun Red Bull challenge, aiming for 60 runs in 30 balls with a unique spinning wheel determining scores. Meanwhile, Rajasthan Royals are gearing up for a crucial IPL 2026 Eliminator against Sunrisers Hyderabad, fresh off a strong playoff qualification.

Donald Trump devotes near-daily attention to the issue, a Reuters review of his public events, interviews and online posts found, and his comments often come in waves.

Delhi's markets are seeing a rise in hourly personal helpers who assist shoppers with tasks like carrying bags and waiting in queues. This trend reflects a broader urban shift towards outsourcing everyday efforts, driven by convenience and the pressures of modern city life.

The DOJ had previously asked Leon to dissolve his injunction and throw out the lawsuit over the ballroom after a foiled attack at the White House Correspondents' Association dinner in April. Leon has not acted on that request.

Ranveer Singh visits Chamundeshwari Temple: Actor Ranveer Singh visited the Chamundeshwari Temple atop Chamundi Hills in Karnataka and offered prayers following the controversy linked to his alleged imitation of a revered daiva character during an event attended by actor Rishab Shetty. The visit comes after the Karnataka High Court reportedly directed him to seek forgiveness at the temple as part of the resolution in the case.

Word of the Day: Rare words endure because they capture experiences that ordinary language often struggles to express precisely. Calling someone ignorant can feel overly blunt or simplistic. Describing something as sciolism introduces greater nuance, the problem is not a complete absence of knowledge, but shallow understanding presented with the confidence of true expertise.

Global firms are bringing more work in-house at their India centres. Artificial intelligence is boosting productivity. This reduces reliance on outsourcing partners. Companies are moving beyond cost-focused roles. They are now owning core functions like engineering and product development. This shift reflects a structural change in how multinationals use their India operations. Investments in in-house talent are increasing.

A high-level committee has been formed to examine demographic changes in India, including those from infiltration and unnatural causes. Chaired by Justice Prakash Prabhakar Naolekar, the panel will assess abnormal population shifts and recommend solutions, citing implications for national security, sovereignty, and social stability.

Riyan Parag has led Rajasthan Royals to an IPL playoff berth. Despite past criticism and recent challenges, his batting and captaincy have been crucial. He overcame a slow start and injury to guide the team. Parag's journey highlights resilience and belief from the franchise management. He aims to take the Royals further in the tournament.

Nova Scotia News: Halifax police are investigating two serious incidents. A woman faces attempted murder charges following a weekend stabbing. In a separate case, the remains of a missing newborn were discovered. Two individuals, Sukhpreet Singh and Ramandeep Kaur, have been charged in connection with the infant's death. The investigations are ongoing.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah lauded the Border Security Force's performance during Operation Sindoor. He paid tribute to fallen personnel and inaugurated women's barracks. Shah emphasized the need for improved border infrastructure, including roads and fencing. He also stressed vigilance against infiltration and the importance of coordination with state police. Facilities at border posts will be enhanced by 2030.

President Droupadi Murmu has arrived in Sikkim for a three-day visit. She will visit the India-China border at Nathu La. The President will also flag off vehicles for women and attend the Sikkim University convocation. She will present the President of India's Police Colour to the Sikkim Police on her final day.

British doctors warn social media poses dangers to children, comparing it to smoking. The government is now considering measures like bans and time limits for those under sixteen. This move follows a consultation on protecting young people online. Experts are split on the effectiveness of outright bans. Some young people also oppose these potential restrictions.

dhsekerala.gov.in DHSE Kerala Plus 2 Result 2026: The Directorate of Higher Secondary Education, Kerala, announced the Kerala Plus Two Result 2026 today. Over 4.5 lakh students appeared for the Class 12 examinations. Results are available on official websites, DigiLocker, and the SAPHALAM app. Students can also check their scores via SMS. The scorecard will contain essential details like name, roll number, and subject-wise marks.

Radhika Sapra endured years of dismissed menstrual pain, only to be diagnosed with stage 4 ovarian cancer at 22. Now 27, she battles the disease and financial hardship, a journey marked by childhood abuse and abandonment. She lost her father in 2022 and has no siblings. Despite immense challenges, she finds strength in a small support system and chooses to document her fight for survival.

A New York City software engineer has built a lucrative side business, Goodhart Dog Co., earning over $6,000 monthly by offering premium pet-care services. Coby Goodhart meticulously schedules dog walks, training sessions, and client meetings around his full-time tech job, leveraging word-of-mouth and strategic networking to grow his luxury venture.

Industrialist Anand Mahindra reminisced about his first meeting with Uday Kotak, a young MBA graduate who pitched a bill discounting idea that evolved into a leading banking institution. Mahindra lauded Kotak's magnificent and inspiring journey from financial intermediation to becoming a respected global banker, acknowledging his recent Padma Bhushan honor.

RCB vs GT Dharamshala Weather Forecast: RCB and GT are set for a high-stakes IPL 2026 Qualifier 1 clash in Dharamsala, but weather and pitch conditions could play a major role in deciding the outcome. While there is a slight chance of rain before the toss, conditions are expected to improve later in the evening.

Ancient Greek thinker Pythagoras championed inner fortitude, urging us to cultivate a strong soul over a powerful physique. His philosophy, rooted in wisdom, self-control, and virtue, emphasizes enduring resilience. This timeless message reminds us that true strength lies within, guiding us through life's challenges and defining our character beyond fleeting physical might.

The Union Home Ministry has informed Karnataka that its proposed bill to curb hate speech might be unnecessary. Existing laws are deemed sufficient to address such issues. The Ministry conveyed this stance to the Karnataka government. The state had sent the bill for Presidential assent after the Governor refused to clear it.

Kerala lottery results today: Kerala Lottery Sthree-Sakthi SS-521 results for Tuesday, 26 May 2026, have been officially declared. Ticket holders can now check their numbers for the 1 crore first prize and other attractive cash rewards.

China is proposing new safety rules for electric vehicles. The industry ministry highlighted risks associated with zero-gravity seats. These seats recline steeply, potentially compromising occupant safety in collisions. The ministry is seeking public feedback on these and other safety measures. This move follows recent fatal accidents involving electric cars. Stricter regulations are coming for the rapidly growing EV sector.

DHSE Kerala topper list 2026 class 12th: Students in Kerala are eagerly awaiting their Plus Two results today, May 26. Over 4.5 lakh students took the Class 12 board exams. The Directorate of Higher Secondary Education will release the results at 3 PM. Students can check their marksheets online. The topper list will also be available. Last year, girls achieved a higher pass percentage than boys.

The Supreme Court has declined to hear a case challenging the Karnataka government's move to give cabinet rank to 42 legislators. The court directed the petitioner to approach the High Court with a review petition. The plea argued that these appointments violate constitutional provisions and lead to financial benefits for legislators.

The Delhi High Court has granted interim bail to Baramulla MP Sheikh Abdul Rashid. He will be released from June 25 to June 30. This allows him to attend post-death rituals for his father. Rashid faces terror-funding charges. He is currently lodged in Tihar Jail. The court has imposed strict conditions on his release.

Bill Gates revealed that financial security, not extreme wealth, significantly boosts happiness by eliminating worries about healthcare and education. This resonated globally, highlighting how escaping financial insecurity offers peace of mind, a sentiment supported by research indicating emotional wellbeing improves with income until basic stability is achieved. The focus shifts to stability over luxury.

Polling is underway for 103 municipal bodies in Punjab. A Congress candidate in Raikot sustained injuries in an alleged attack. Polling recorded 31.6 percent turnout by noon. Over 7,500 candidates are contesting across corporations, councils, and Nagar Panchayats. Counting of votes is scheduled for May 29. The elections are seen as a key indicator ahead of the 2027 assembly polls.

A Delhi student's claim of receiving the wrong Physics answer sheet after CBSE's Class XII results proved true, with the board acknowledging a technical glitch and sending the correct script. This incident highlights concerns surrounding CBSE's new On-Screen Marking system, which has faced other complaints this year.

The Reserve Bank of India is proactively assessing potential borrower stress due to the US-Iran conflict, engaging with local credit rating agencies. Discussions focused on evaluating ground conditions and the need for temporary regulatory relief to safeguard creditworthiness. Authorities aim to prevent economic growth from being hampered by any emerging financial strain.

The Supreme Court has asked the Centre to explain the definition of wetlands. Petitioners argue the current definition is vague and excludes many important sites. This could remove protection from ecologically sensitive areas. The court is reviewing the constitutional validity of the definition. A response is expected by August 10. This case could impact wetland conservation efforts across India.

RCB vs GT Qualifier 1 Playing 11: Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Gujarat Titans clash in IPL 2026 Qualifier 1 at Dharamsala. Both teams finished level on points, highlighting their consistent playoff runs. This marks their maiden playoff encounter, with the winner advancing directly to the final.

The Delhi High Court granted the Centre's appeal. An order staying a show-cause notice for the Delhi Race Club's eviction has been set aside. The club faces eviction from its 84-acre Lutyens' Delhi premises. The Centre claims the club is in unauthorised occupation. The lease deed expired in 1994. Proceedings were initiated under the Public Premises Act.

A CBSE student's physics answer sheet mix-up gained traction online. The board has now contacted the family and provided the correct answer sheet. The student's marks have increased, but a re-evaluation is planned due to perceived irregularities. This incident highlights the need for a formal system to address student grievances without relying on public campaigns.

The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) has issued a non-cooperation notice against Ranveer Singh, impacting over four lakh members. This follows his last-minute exit from Farhan Akhtar's Don 3, with producers claiming over Rs 45 crore spent in pre-production. The directive, while not a legal ban, could disrupt future projects until the dispute is resolved.

Sam Kerr, a football icon, reveals her driving force is winning. This ambition shapes her daily life, pushing her through challenges. Her philosophy emphasizes consistency during setbacks. This mindset is crucial for success in any field, not just sports. It highlights the power of purpose in overcoming hardship and achieving personal growth.

The Social Security Administration will send out the last batch of May 2026 benefits on Wednesday, May 27. Recipients born between the 21st and 31st of the month will receive their payments then. This includes retired workers, SSDI recipients, and survivor benefit recipients. Other beneficiaries received their payments earlier this month. The SSA follows a strict schedule for benefit distribution.

Madhya Pradesh DGP Kailash Makwana stated police followed procedures in the Twisha Sharma case. He confirmed the state recommended a CBI probe at the family's request. The CBI has re-registered an FIR against Twisha's husband and mother-in-law. Makwana further discussed efforts to make Madhya Pradesh Naxal-free and plans to fill police vacancies for the 2028 Simhastha fair.