The Economic Times

With exports soaring, India is charting a promising course for the 2026-27 fiscal year, recording a remarkable double-digit increase in trade for April and May. This upward trajectory showcases the vitality of India's international trade efforts and its implications for economic health.

Armenia's Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has rejected Russia's demand for a referendum on joining the European Union. Pashinyan stated that Armenia's relationship with Russia is undergoing a transformation. Moscow has increased pressure on Yerevan, banning fish imports and recalling its ambassador. Armenia is seeking new alliances after feeling unprotected by Russia in past conflicts.

Taking a firm stance, Karnataka's Chief Minister designate DK Shivakumar vows to protect the state's cricketing interests. The recent decision to shift the IPL 2026 finals from Bengaluru to Ahmedabad has ignited a commitment to action.

Otto Hahn, a key figure in nuclear fission discovery, expressed deep shame and sorrow after the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. His work, driven by scientific curiosity, inadvertently led to the creation of atomic weapons. Hahn's reaction underscores the critical difference between scientific discovery and its application.

Starting your day with the right meal can make weight loss easier and more sustainable. From protein-packed moong dal chilla to fibre-rich overnight oats and healthy curd bowls, these five easy breakfast recipes are nutritious, filling and perfect for Indian readers looking to manage their weight without sacrificing taste.

The government can reclaim leased land for development and other purposes, said Union Minister Manohar Lal. He also stated that similar actions will be taken where required. The Delhi Gymkhana Club was recently asked to vacate its premises. The land taken back will be used as per government requirements. The government order stated that the premises are critically required for the strengthening and securing of defence infrastructure and other vital public security purposes.

India and Myanmar are embarking on a new chapter of friendship. In a recent summit, the leaders agreed to deepen ties focusing on economic growth, transport connectivity, and mutual security. Several key infrastructure initiatives are being fast-tracked, and trade is anticipated to increase, particularly with the innovative rupee-kyat trade mechanism.

Robert Frost's enduring quote highlights the timeless truth of human behavior: some are willing to work, while others are content to let them. This observation remains relevant today, emphasizing the importance of initiative, accountability, and shared responsibility for progress in both professional and personal spheres. It serves as a reminder to be among those who actively contribute to collective goals.

A study of people living on the Tibetan Plateau suggests that human evolution is still occurring today. Researchers examined women who had spent their lives at high altitudes and found that certain physiological traits were linked to greater reproductive success. These adaptations help the body transport oxygen more efficiently in an environment where oxygen levels are low. The findings indicate that natural selection continues to influence human populations facing environmental pressures.

Late Sunday night, US military forces thwarted an attack by intercepting two Iranian ballistic missiles aimed directly at American troops located in Kuwait. The military confirmed that there were no injuries among US personnel.

Tiffany Trump and Michael Boulos have left Jaisalmer for Jamnagar in Gujarat. The couple explored the Jaisalmer Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site. They experienced traditional Rajasthani hospitality at Suryagarh hotel. Folk artists performed Ghoomar and other cultural programs. They also attended a cultural evening with folk and Sufi music and traditional dances.

June brings a compact but star-studded lineup of Korean dramas featuring romance, action, medical stories and psychological thrillers led by actors like Lee Jae Wook, Seo In Guk, So Ji Sub and Choi Min Sik.

After a four-year break and years of speculation surrounding its future, Euphoria has officially reached the end of its run. Following the broadcast of its landmark Season 3 finale on May 31, 2026, the show's creators confirmed that the shocking episode served not only as a season finale but as the definitive conclusion to the series itself.

Britain has secured new contracts worth 36 million with Thales for hundreds of Lightweight Multirole missiles. These missiles, already utilized by UK forces to intercept drones in the Middle East, will bolster security for the UK and its partners. Deliveries are expected to commence in the upcoming months.

An ancient Italian proverb, Chi va piano va sano e va lontano, meaning He who goes slowly goes safely and goes far, offers a vital counterpoint to today's obsession with speed. It champions steady, consistent progress over rushed efforts, highlighting that patience and deliberate action are key to achieving lasting success in career, education, health, and personal growth.

Nvidia stock, Microsoft shares have jumped big in the pre-market trading as U.S Stock Market investors eyes strong start to June in Dow Jones, Nasdaq, S&P 500.

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari stated the Crime Investigation Department (CID) notice to MP Abhishek Banerjee stemmed from a complaint by two Trinamool Congress MLAs. They alleged their signatures were forged on a party resolution. TMC expelled the two legislators for anti-party activities. Adhikari asserted the BJP government is not seeking revenge. The CID is investigating the alleged forgery of signatures.

Anand Mahindra's Monday motivation: After Royal Challengers Bengaluru clinched their second consecutive IPL title, Anand Mahindra shared a heartfelt tribute to Virat Kohli, calling his journey a lesson in loyalty, commitment and belief. The industrialist's post struck a chord online as fans celebrated not just RCB's triumph, but the perseverance of a player who waited nearly two decades to lift the trophy and then helped his team defend it the very next year.

India's fiscal deficit reached the budgeted 4.4% of GDP for fiscal 2026. This eases immediate government finance worries. However, the focus shifts to next year's ambitious consolidation target. The country might face challenges meeting the current year's deficit goal due to rising subsidy costs. Revenue receipts showed mixed performance compared to the previous year.

Liam Neeson's assertion that marriage isn't paramount challenges societal norms, highlighting that personal purpose and individual priorities shape a fulfilling life. This perspective underscores that happiness and success are deeply personal, with diverse paths to fulfillment beyond traditional milestones. The quote of the day encourages embracing one's own definition of a meaningful existence.

Quote of the Day: Nelson Mandela believed life's true worth comes from impacting others positively. His words highlight that our contributions and kindness matter more than just living. Mandela, a leader in human rights, served as South Africa's first black president. He received the Nobel Peace Prize for his role in ending apartheid.

OTT releases this week offer a mix of comedy, thrillers, family dramas, documentaries and spy adventures across platforms like Netflix, JioHotstar, SonyLIV, ZEE5 and Prime Video. From Maa Behen and Brown to Gullak 5 and Cape Fear, viewers can look forward to an exciting lineup of movies, web series and documentaries arriving between June 1 and June 5, 2026.

The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) has fixed retail prices for 30 essential drug formulations, including those for diabetes, heart disease, and infections. This move aims to reduce treatment costs for millions of patients managing chronic illnesses, with benefits expected to reach consumers within two to three months as new stock replaces older inventory.

With production now underway, a beloved fan-favorite storyline on the horizon and Netflix continuing to expand its investment in the franchise, One Piece Season 3 is shaping up to be the most ambitious and expansive chapter of the series yet.

Delhi is breathing a little easier as air quality shows marked enhancement. The Commission for Air Quality Management has said that the average Air Quality Index from January to May this year has reached its lowest level in eight years, aside from the exceptional circumstances of 2020. Notably, May recorded the cleanest air during this timeframe, highlighting the effectiveness of recent pollution control initiatives.

June 2026 is set to have a quiet month for alcohol sales in India, with Muharram on June 16 marking the primary dry day. This religious observance is expected to lead to temporary closures of liquor shops, bars, and restaurants across various regions. Residents and event planners are advised to monitor local announcements for specific regulations.

Nvidia is launching powerful new chips for laptops and desktops. These will bring advanced AI functions to personal computers. Microsoft and Dell will release new models later this year. This move aims to create 'AI personal computers' that can run AI agents locally. Experts believe this will revolutionize PCs over the next decade.

Ratnagiri's Alphonso mango growers are facing a challenging season due to weather disruptions that significantly reduced production. This has led to higher prices and increased sales of lookalike mangoes, raising concerns about the authenticity and future identity of the GI-certified fruit.

Two days after a fatal building collapse in Saket, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) is initiating a crackdown on illegal constructions in South Delhi. Officials will identify and issue notices to unauthorized buildings exceeding ground plus three floors. A seal-and-vacate drive will commence in areas like Mehrauli and Saket.

The Supreme Court has asked the Centre for its response on a plea seeking guidelines for timely compliance with recommendations from disability commissions. The petition highlights implementation gaps in grievance redressal for persons with disabilities. It points out that authorities often fail to comply or provide reasons. It has also sought directions to conduct an independent audit of the offices of the chief commissioner as well as the state commissioners for persons with disabilities.

A Delhi court has sent three individuals to judicial custody in the NEET paper leak case. The accused include a physics translator, a paediatrician, and a physics tutor. The CBI alleges their involvement in distributing the leaked examination paper for financial gain. This development follows the cancellation of the NEET exam due to paper leak allegations.

A former Amazon employee's struggle to find a new job nearly eight months after being laid off in 2025 has highlighted the challenges facing the technology job market. The professional, who shared his experience on Reddit, said he initially received interview calls from major companies such as Google and Uber. However, those opportunities have since dried up, reflecting a broader slowdown in hiring and growing competition for tech roles across the industry.

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) workers protested in New Delhi. They demanded the resignation of senior officers. This action followed a building collapse in Saket. The incident claimed six lives. Party workers gathered outside the Deputy Commissioner's office. They raised slogans and carried placards. They alleged inaction on illegal construction. The collapse occurred near Saket Metro Station.

The central government is considering reducing toll exemptions for vehicles of senior government officials on national highways. A high-level committee recommended amending rules to limit fee-free crossings, with discussions underway to phase out these exemptions. The FASTag Annual Pass is being promoted as an alternative for government employees.

The Supreme Court questioned the legal foundation for Waqf institutions to be exempt from paying court fees. This came up during a hearing concerning a Gujarat High Court decision. The High Court had previously ruled that Waqf institutions must pay court fees for cases before the State Waqf Tribunal. Petitioners sought more time to present their arguments challenging this ruling.

An IPS officer has voiced concerns that viral videos of Indians exhibiting inappropriate public behavior abroad could negatively impact the country's image and lead to stricter visa policies for all citizens. He emphasized that holding an Indian passport entails a responsibility to respect local laws and conduct oneself appropriately overseas.

A community-driven clothing-sharing initiative in Andhra Pradesh's Guntur district has captured attention online. According to the post, residents are leaving old clothes that are still in good condition in public places, allowing anyone who needs them to take them freely.

Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei predicts AI's profound impact on jobs will force political unity on worker support measures. He believes ideology will yield to reality as AI transforms industries, necessitating bipartisan solutions for retraining and economic aid. While some research shows nuanced effects, Amodei foresees a future where governments must address AI-driven disruption.

Word of the Day: Modern life often encourages people to value efficiency and productivity above all else. Nefelibata serves as a reminder that imagination remains one of humanitys greatest strengths. Many of historys breakthroughs began with individuals who dared to envision possibilities that did not yet exist and realities others could not yet see.

The Supreme Court has rejected a request to conduct the NEET-UG 2026 re-test in computer-based format. Justices stated the National Testing Agency (NTA) faces too many issues. The re-examination is scheduled for June 21. The court emphasized the NTA's current pressures. Future NEET exams may shift to computer-based testing after consultations.

The commerce ministry will hold nationwide workshops to inform businesses about the advantages of India's Free Trade Agreements. These pacts offer significant benefits for industry growth. India has already finalized five such agreements in recent years. A trade deal with Oman will become effective on June 1. Businesses are encouraged to utilize these agreements to their full potential.

Uttarakhand is witnessing a large-scale search for two missing trekkers, Babita Pandey and Vishesh Chauhan, on separate Himalayan routes. Challenging terrain and adverse weather are hampering rescue efforts by multiple agencies. While one trekker's camera was recovered near Pindari Glacier, both remain untraced, with operations continuing despite difficult conditions.

India is emerging as a significant defence supplier in Southeast Asia, with Vietnam becoming the second buyer of the BrahMos missile after the Philippines. Indonesia is reportedly close to a deal, while Malaysia and Thailand have shown interest, potentially expanding India's defence footprint across the South China Sea region.