The Economic Times

Several Arab nations join Pakistan in urging President Donald Trump to allow more time for negotiations to end the Iran war. Despite indications of progress, Trump is reportedly preparing for potential new strikes. Iran warns of wider conflict if attacked. Diplomatic efforts are underway with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi holding calls with counterparts and the UN Secretary General.

BRS leader Chinthalapadi Madhu, 42, was discovered dead inside a gunny bag near Yerkaram stage in Suryapet district, Telangana. Police suspect murder by unidentified individuals and are investigating a 2008 murder case involving the deceased. The body has been sent for post-mortem examination.

Satirical Cockroach parties have emerged on Pakistani social media, mirroring a trend that began in India. Inspired by the Cockroach Janta Party, Pakistani groups like the Cockroach Awami Party and Cockroach Awami League are positioning themselves as the voice of lazy and unemployed youth and Gen-Z, challenging established political narratives online.

The All India Institute of Medical Sciences is anticipated to release the INI CET 2026 July session results shortly. Candidates who took the entrance exam on May 16, 2026, can check their scores on the official AIIMS website. The result PDF will detail roll numbers, ranks, and percentile scores.

Prashant Kishor has strongly criticized the National Testing Agency's Director General Abhishek Singh. He stated that even a single leaked question is a serious offense. Kishor highlighted the system's failure to protect students' futures. The NEET-UG exam was cancelled due to integrity concerns. The re-examination is scheduled for June 21.

Manipur's Police Chief Rajiv Singh has been appointed Secretary (Security) in the Cabinet Secretariat. Ladakh's DGP Mukesh Singh is set to take over as the new DGP of Manipur. This move follows a proposal from the Ministry of Home Affairs. The decision was made as a special case in public interest.

Maharashtra is set to launch a single-window clearance system for live events. This initiative aims to simplify and speed up approvals for concerts and similar programs. The Directorate General of Information and Public Relations will be the nodal agency. A dedicated portal will also be developed.

Congress criticizes the Centre for recent petrol and diesel price hikes, accusing Prime Minister Modi of burdening citizens while favoring oil companies. Fuel prices have seen multiple increases in less than ten days, with global energy market volatility cited as a contributing factor.

Bengaluru Police have warned citizens against assembling near Town Hall on Sunday, May 24, for a human chain protest called by the Cockroach Janata Party Karnataka. The police stated that no permission was granted for the gathering, which violates a Karnataka High Court order restricting protests to Freedom Park. Legal action may be initiated against violators.

Rapid Metro services in Gurugram were fully restored late Friday night after a major power outage triggered by a fire at a 220 KV power station in Sector-72 disrupted electricity supply and temporarily halted metro operations across several parts of the city.

Raseshwari Devi Announces Meditation Hall in Odisha: Spiritual leader Raseshwari Devi announced a large Yoga and Meditation Hall near Tangi, Odisha, set to open on World Meditation Day 2026. The Braj Gopika Seva Mission, founded by Devi, is developing the facility, which will accommodate over 1,500 people and serve as a major spiritual hub in eastern India.

America's military actions against Iran three months ago are now questioned. President Trump faces doubts about achieving a clear geopolitical victory. Iran's continued influence in the Strait of Hormuz and its resistance to concessions raise concerns. The situation teeters between diplomacy and renewed threats. Experts suggest a grim outlook for Trump's foreign policy record.

PMK leader Anbumani Ramadoss has urged authorities to expedite the closure of 717 state-run liquor shops, as ordered by Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay. Ramadoss expressed disappointment that only 150 outlets have been shut, alleging the liquor lobby is obstructing the process.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced the state government is using MCOCA for the first time against cow smuggling and illegal slaughterhouses. The law is expected to withstand legal challenges. The government has also prepared a comprehensive plan to manage potential heavy rainfall due to El Nino.

A new Central Board of Secondary Education language policy will require students entering Class IX from the 202627 academic year to study three languages, including two Indian languages. The move has sparked concern among students who have spent years learning foreign languages such as German and French.

Devotees will observe the sacred Adhika Jyeshtha Padmini Ekadashi fast on May 27, 2026. This special Ekadashi falls during Adhik Maas, offering enhanced spiritual benefits. The fast involves prayer, devotion, and a restricted diet. Rituals include worship of Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi, reading the Vrat Katha, and charity. The Parana timing is May 28, 2026.

West Bengal Minister Dilip Ghosh has warned of firm action against those creating tension. This follows alleged threats to a jhalmuri vendor who served Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Ghosh stated such attempts to disturb peace will be met with a strong response.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrives in Kolkata for a significant visit. This marks the first visit by a US Secretary of State in over a decade. The tour includes discussions on energy security and defense ties. A key event is the Quad Foreign Ministers' Meeting in New Delhi. The visit also features humanitarian engagements and cultural outreach.

Garena Free Fire MAX offers players daily rewards through redeem codes, which are 12-character alphanumeric combinations released regularly. These codes are time-limited and can only be used once. Players can claim their free items by visiting the official redemption site and logging in with their game account.

An Iraqi national is arrested in Turkey for allegedly plotting to assassinate Ivanka Trump. The suspect, linked to Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps, is accused of multiple attacks. US President Donald Trump's administration is reportedly preparing for potential military strikes against Iran. These developments have led to changes in the President's schedule.

Charles Darwin, renowned for his theories on evolution, also privately contemplated marriage. Before proposing to Emma Wedgwood, he meticulously listed the pros and cons of wedded life. His reflections reveal a desire for companionship, comfort, and intellectual connection, alongside practical concerns about freedom and work.

Gurgaon Power Outage: Gurgaon faced a major power outage Friday evening. A fault at a Sector 72 substation plunged many areas into darkness. This happened during a severe heatwave, with temperatures soaring. The blackout also halted Rapid Metro services, stranding commuters. Residents endured sweltering conditions with no electricity. This incident follows other recent power infrastructure failures in the city.

Delhi-NCR is expected to experience a severe heatwave from 23 to 28 May 2026. Rain chances remain minimal, with only isolated thunderstorms possible on 23 May, offering brief and patchy relief at best. Beyond that short window, hot and dry conditions are likely to dominate the entire period, with only minor day-to-day temperature fluctuations and no meaningful respite from the heat.

A 31-year-old Barrie man, Anthony Fasullo, has been granted bail after being charged with manslaughter in the November 2024 death of a four-month-old baby. He faces strict conditions, including a child care prohibition. A 26-year-old Barrie woman is also charged with failing to provide necessities of life in connection with the same incident.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited Kolkata on Saturday as part of his first four-day trip to India, beginning with a visit to Mother House, the headquarters of Mother Teresas Missionaries of Charity. Rubio met officials of the organisation, which serves the poor and sick worldwide.

A devastating gas explosion at the Liushengyu coal mine in Shanxi province has claimed eight lives. Thirty-eight workers remain trapped underground following the incident late Friday. President Xi Jinping has ordered comprehensive rescue efforts and a thorough investigation. Premier Li Qiang has also called for accountability and timely information release.

Donald Trump has repeatedly said he plans to speak with Lai Ching-te, but U.S. and Taiwanese officials have yet to make concrete arrangements for a call, according to sources familiar with the matter. A direct conversation between sitting U.S. and Taiwanese presidents would be unprecedented since Washington switched diplomatic recognition from Taipei to Beijing in 1979.

Fuel prices in India have seen another hike, with petrol and diesel rates increasing by Rs 0.87 and Rs 0.91 per litre respectively. This marks the third fuel price increase in May, adding to consumer costs. State-run oil companies are facing losses due to selling fuel below market rates, while global crude oil prices surge amid Middle East tensions.

Pakistan's army chief arrived in Tehran for mediation efforts to end the Middle East war, as Iran considers a peace proposal amid reports of potential new US strikes. Diplomacy continues to secure the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial oil transit route, while fighting persists on the Lebanon front.

A US jury found Friday that aerospace giant Boeing was not liable for lost revenue in a lawsuit involving its 737 MAX jets, which were grounded for 20 months following two deadly crashes in 2018 and 2019. Polish airline LOT had accused Boeing of fraud and sued for $250 million in lost income after the aircraft maker's alleged purposeful and negligent false representations and omissions concerning the 737 MAX aircraft, the initial complaint said. elm-jgc/mjw

Andhra Pradesh Heatwave: Andhra Pradesh is grappling with a severe heatwave, with temperatures soaring to dangerous levels across multiple districts. Coastal Andhra Pradesh faces a four to five-day severe heatwave alert, with several areas recording temperatures above 45C. Daily life is significantly disrupted as residents avoid outdoor activities during peak heat hours.

SpaceX's Starship spacecraft splashed down into the Indian Ocean Friday after the company performed a mostly successful test flight of the latest version of its enormous rocket. There's a lot riding on SpaceX' the company is under contract with NASA to produce a modified version of Starship to serve as a lunar landing system.

Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard will resign on June 30 due to her husband's rare bone cancer diagnosis. President Trump announced the departure, praising Gabbard's service and naming Aaron Lukas as acting intelligence chief. Gabbard expressed her need to be with her husband during his treatment.

An explosion at a Staten Island dry dock killed one civilian and injured 36 people on Friday. The blast occurred while firefighters were already on scene battling a fire and attempting to rescue two trapped workers. Two firefighters were hospitalized, one with serious injuries.

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres that Washington's excessive demands are hindering peace talks. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump's administration is reportedly preparing for potential military strikes against Iran. Trump has cancelled plans to attend his son's wedding, citing government circumstances. The UN Secretary-General urged diplomacy for regional stability.

African proverb of the day highlights the message behind the Nigerian saying, No man can outwit their ancestors. The proverb explains human nature, tradition, humility, and the value of elders guidance. It teaches that people often repeat old mistakes and experiences. The proverb also connects with African philosophy, community values, and respect for cultural heritage. Its lessons remain relevant in family life, leadership, education, and personal growth today.

Chinese proverb of the day highlights the danger of chasing success without values. The proverb explains how ambition without morals can destroy integrity, peace, and relationships. It uses the image of burning a picture to collect ashes to show that some achievements are meaningless when gained through compromise. The saying also connects with modern life, careers, leadership, and personal growth while teaching lessons about ethics, conscience, and responsible success.

Quote of the day by Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings explores how life experiences shape relationships and affection. The saying explains how difficult relationships help people value stable bonds later. This explainer shares the quote meaning, the relevance today, life lessons, and the life story of the American writer and novelist who created regional literature about Florida and human nature.

Quote of the day by Demi Lovato: Demi Lovato's life motto encourages embracing all emotions, emphasizing that feelings are valid and one has the right to experience them. This acceptance fosters emotional freedom, leading to personal happiness and authentic self-expression. Lovato's journey highlights the importance of self-acceptance and openness in achieving a fulfilling life.

Quote of the day by Bernard Meltzer reminds people to think before speaking. The quote talks about truth, kindness, necessity and helpful communication. It explains how words can affect relationships, emotions and human behavior. Bernard Meltzer used simple advice during his radio career and became known for guiding people through personal and family problems. The quote continues to remain relevant in daily life, workplaces, friendships and social communication today.

Quote of the day by William Shakespeare: William Shakespeare's words reveal love's true nature. It is not about looks but the mind and heart. Real love grows through trust and understanding, not instant attraction. Shakespeare, a celebrated English playwright, explored these deep human emotions centuries ago.

National Intelligence acting director Aaron Lukas wife, children and career has become a major topic after Tulsi Gabbard announced her resignation as Director of National Intelligence. Aaron Lukas will now serve as Acting Director of National Intelligence under President Donald Trumps administration. Lukas brings more than 20 years of CIA and national security experience. His family life, education, government service, and leadership background are now drawing attention as Washington prepares fo

Adani Group has made a significant payment of 6,000 crore to lenders of Jaiprakash Associates. This marks the first installment of a 14,535 crore resolution plan. The payment follows judicial clearance and the dismissal of a rival bid. Lenders will receive a substantial amount after a long wait. This development is a key milestone in a lengthy insolvency case.

Quote of the Day by Al Pacino: Al Pacinos quote, Money makes your life easier. If you're lucky to have it, you're lucky, explores the role of money in providing comfort, stability, and access to opportunities in life. The quote suggests that financial resources can make daily living easier and help reduce struggles related to basic needs and responsibilities.

The Reserve Bank of India's central board approved a record Rs 2.86 lakh crore surplus transfer to the government for FY26. This significant boost to non-tax revenues aligns with expectations. The RBI's balance sheet expanded, and net income rose, supported by increased gross income.