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Elections 2026Top News / The Economic Times
West Bengal Assembly Speaker recognised Ritabrata Banerjee as Leader of the Opposition. This move was backed by 58 Trinamool MLAs. The new bloc also nominated Deputy Leaders and a Chief Whip. They have appealed to former CM Mamata Banerjee to serve as their chief adviser. The group stated they have no connection with Abhishek Banerjee.
Congress has strongly criticized Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu. They state his refusal to step down despite corruption allegations is an insult. This action disrespects the Supreme Court, the people of Arunachal Pradesh, and India's Constitution. The BJP leadership, however, defends Khandu and rules out any leadership change.
Mizoram's ZPM government will now issue permits for liquor consumption on medical grounds. Residents can apply for a 'Red Card' with a prescription from a registered doctor. This move eases the state's long-standing prohibition regime. The government aims to support local agriculture and address drug abuse concerns. Permits will cost 50 with an annual renewal fee of 5,000.
Home-cooked vegetarian and non-vegetarian thalis saw a 5% and 7% price increase in May, respectively, due to rising costs of tomatoes, vegetable oils, and LPG. Tomato prices surged 57% year-on-year, with further increases expected due to production declines and heat-related concerns. Potato and onion prices are also anticipated to rise, while pulses are expected to remain stable.
India strongly objects to a Pakistan-European Union joint statement mentioning Jammu and Kashmir. The Indian government is considering raising this matter at a senior level with the EU. India reiterates that Jammu and Kashmir are integral parts of the nation. No external entity has the right to comment on India's internal affairs. India is also strengthening ties with Russia.
The Trinamool Congress has dissolved all its committees and frontal organisations. This move follows dissidence from 60 party MLAs. All party posts, including those of Mamata Banerjee and Abhishek Banerjee, have ceased to exist. The party will now conduct a comprehensive review before rebuilding its structure.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah's party MLAs met to demand statehood restoration. They will protest in New Delhi on the first day of Parliament's monsoon session. MLAs expressed concerns about their ministers not addressing constituency issues. The meeting took place at Dachigam National Park. The government will complete 20 months in office soon.
Polish Proverb of the Day highlights the meaning of Love enters a man through his eyes, woman through her ears. The saying reflects the idea that attraction and affection can be influenced by different factors, including appearance, communication, and emotional connection. It suggests that visual appeal may often create initial interest, while kind words, meaningful conversations, and emotional understanding can help deepen feelings and strengthen relationships.
SpaceX stands out for the unprecedented size of its planned IPO, and for its close ties to government and members of the administration. The IPO, expected to happen as soon as next week, is set to make Musk the world's first trillionaire if it achieves its targeted valuation of at least $1.8 trillion. It's also expected to make billionaires of several company insiders and investors, while minting millions in wealth for employees.
Mongolian wisdom of the day: This Mongolian proverb teaches that every great achievement, no matter how challenging or distant it may seem, begins with a single step. It highlights the importance of taking action, embracing persistence and making steady progress. Rather than waiting for perfect conditions, the saying encourages people to start where they are, trusting that consistent effort over time is the key to overcoming obstacles and achieving long-term goals.
Chinese Proverb of the Day: Know yourself and know your enemy, and you will never be defeated remains one of the most influential lessons from Sun Tzus The Art of War. This Chinese proverb teaches that success begins with self-awareness and understanding others. Echoing Lao Tzus Knowing yourself is true wisdom and Socrates Know thyself, it reveals a timeless truth: clarity defeats confusion long before any battle begins.
Venezuela's acting President Delcy Eloina Rodriguez Gomez is in India for a five-day visit. She will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The visit aims to increase oil imports from Venezuela. India is already a major buyer of Venezuelan oil. The delegation will explore cooperation in energy, trade, and other sectors. This visit highlights growing ties between the two nations.
An Enforcement Directorate team visited Abhishek Banerjee's Kolkata home to deliver a summons. He is required to appear at the ED office on June 15 regarding the primary school recruitment scam. This occurs as the Trinamool Congress faces internal challenges. Banerjee also faces a CID summons on June 8 for signature mismatches.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Rabi Lamichhane, chairman of Nepal's Rastriya Swatantra Party. Modi highlighted Nepal as a priority partner. He expressed a strong desire to work closely for a shared and prosperous future. India looks forward to collaborating with Nepal's new government. This aims to elevate the special relationship between the two countries.
Iran's paramilitary Revolutionary Guard said it had targeted the headquarters of the US Navy's 5th Fleet in Bahrain and another country in its attack, without naming Kuwait. It said it launched its attack in response to the US firing a missile into the engine room of another oil tanker trying to reach Iran despite the US blockade.
As the TMC faces internal rifts and a potential split post-defeat, West Bengal's Left and Congress parties eye an opportunity to reclaim opposition space. The BJP's strategy in the state differs from Maharashtra, aiming to weaken Mamata Banerjee by stoking rebellion within her party. Political observers are closely watching the Muslim vote's response to these shifting dynamics.
Several Union ministers carpooled to a recent Cabinet meeting. This move follows Prime Minister Narendra Modi's suggestion to reduce vehicle use. Ministers shared rides to promote fuel conservation and energy security. The initiative aligns with global calls for responsible fuel consumption. Many ministers opted for shared transport from their nearby official residences.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to achieve a significant record. On June 10, 2026, he will become India's longest-serving Prime Minister since the first Lok Sabha in 1952. This milestone surpasses Jawaharlal Nehru's tenure. Modi's leadership comes as India's population and voter participation have grown substantially. Political competition has also seen a sharp increase over the years.
Bitcoin crash reason explained: Bitcoin experienced a significant price drop, with Citigroup attributing the downturn primarily to substantial outflows from spot Bitcoin ETFs. Despite a notable sale by Strategy, analysts emphasize that ETF flows are the stronger indicator of market demand and price movement.
Ancient African wisdom reveals that appearing foolish for peace is a sign of intelligence. This proverb highlights that silence is not weakness but a deliberate choice. True strength lies in restraint and emotional maturity. It teaches valuing harmony over winning arguments. This ancient lesson remains relevant today for navigating relationships and social interactions.
The SpaceX IPO is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated financial events in modern market history. Reports suggest that Elon Musks aerospace giant could price its shares on June 11, with trading potentially beginning on June 12. If the proposed valuation holds, the SpaceX IPO could become the largest public offering ever seen, placing the company among the most valuable businesses on Earth.
P G Wodehouse quotes on love: Humour writer P.G. Wodehouse's famous quote on marriage continues to spark discussion decades after it was written. The line, Marriage is not a process of prolonging the life of love, but of mummifying the corpse, is a witty and exaggerated observation on how romance can evolve in long-term relationships. While humorous in tone, the quote resonates with many readers because it playfully captures a common concern about love, routine and married life.
Quote of the Day by Idris Elba: Idris Elbas quote, I have one of these bodies. When I was younger, I could never put weight on, and now that I'm a little older, there's a natural sort of chubbiness coming. But honestly, if I work out for a week, it drops off in no time explores the natural changes the human body goes through over time and the importance of accepting aging with confidence.
An Indian graduate from Harvard Business School, Abhijay Vuyyuru, shares his difficult job search. He graduated without an offer and faced visa pressures. Vuyyuru utilized networking extensively to secure a product manager position at Google. His journey highlights the importance of connections in the competitive US job market. He now works on products used by millions.
India's textile and apparel sector is poised for significant growth in Oman following the India-Oman Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). The pact grants immediate duty-free access on 945 textile and apparel lines, eliminating a 5% MFN duty. This move is expected to boost India's exports, valued at $95.
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari met with Adani Ports MD Karan Adani. Discussions focused on power, logistics, and infrastructure investments. The Chief Minister assured full support for Adani Group's projects in Bengal. The Adani Group had previously pledged Rs 10,000 crore in investments. This meeting follows earlier discussions about the Tajpur port project.
An IIT graduate's claim that medicine is India's safest career is sparking debate. He argues AI and tech layoffs make doctor jobs more secure. While some agree healthcare is insulated, others highlight the demanding medical education and early career struggles. This reflects growing anxiety among tech professionals as AI reshapes industries.
June 4 marks a day of global historical significance. Major events include the Tiananmen Square crackdown, the liberation of Rome in World War II, and the first successful test drive of Henry Ford's automobile. The date also saw the release of Metallica's 'Load' and the granting of the ATM patent.
NASA's Maven spacecraft orbiting Mars has been declared lost. The mission ended after more than ten years of studying the red planet's atmosphere. The spacecraft went silent in December after entering a fast spin. This disrupted its orbit and depleted its batteries. A NASA review board found the spacecraft unrecoverable. Maven made significant discoveries about Mars' atmosphere and evolution.
Proverb of the day explores the meaning of the saying, The spirit of women is made of quicksilver; their heart of wax. The proverb discusses mental agility, emotional openness, compassion, adaptability, relationships, and human nature. It uses the symbols of quicksilver and wax to explain how intellect and emotions can work together. The teaching remains relevant because it highlights empathy, resilience, understanding, and personal growth in daily life.
Hero MotoCorp introduces India's first mass-market flex-fuel motorcycles. The Splendor+ Flex Fuel and HF Deluxe Flex Fuel can run on petrol blended with up to 85% ethanol. This launch supports India's clean mobility goals and reduces dependence on imported crude oil. These bikes will be available from July 2026, marking a significant step towards greener transportation for all.
US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor stated that Iran will never possess a nuclear weapon, calling it a ed line for the United States. He criticized Iran for blocking the Strait of Hormuz and holding the world hostage, warning that President Trump will not allow this irresponsibility to continue.
West Bengal Cabinet approved 32 acres for BSF fencing along the Indo-Bangladesh border in nine districts. Additionally, the state's subsidized food program, 'Maa Canteen,' will be rebranded as 'Ma Ahar' and expanded to 500 centers. The Cabinet also formalized June 20 as 'West Bengal Day' and announced a groundbreaking ceremony on July 6 for a Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee statue.
For many women, saying Im fine is not necessarily a sign of weakness or avoidance. More often, it reflects empathy, resilience, a strong sense of responsibility and a desire to shield loved ones from additional worry. At the same time, lasting emotional well-being depends on finding a healthy balance between supporting others and expressing ones own needs.
The search for 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie, mother of Savannah Guthrie, continues months after her February 2026 disappearance. Experts suggest a local suspect may be involved, while investigators emphasize the crucial role of ongoing DNA and advanced technology analysis in uncovering what happened. Authorities urge public assistance as the case remains unsolved.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu downplayed on Wednesday a row with US President Donald Trump, saying they both were aligned on the goal of disarming Hezbollah in order to achieve peace between Israel and Lebanon. And so if we want to save Lebanon, if we want to get a Lebanese-Israeli peace, as I do, we have to disarm Hezbollah and we have to demilitarise Lebanon.
Karnataka's Chief Minister DK Shivakumar announced free bus rides for all students. The government will also create its own employment exchange to connect youth with private sector jobs. Relief will be provided for certain building deviations. B khata property regularization will be extended statewide. Funds are allocated for road development. Youth clubs will be supported to foster development.
Union MSME Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi held a high-level meeting to assess the impact of the West Asia geopolitical situation on India's small businesses. The review focused on potential disruptions to supply chains, raw material availability, and logistics. Officials were directed to monitor developments and formulate measures to protect the sector.
Young people in China are transforming shopping malls into augmented reality battle royale gaming zones, inspired by popular titles like PUBG. Participants use dedicated technology to recreate video game mechanics in real-world mall spaces, engaging in physically demanding, team-based combat. This trend offers a new avenue for social interaction and is embraced by mall owners seeking to attract younger audiences.
Quote of the Day: What makes todays quote so enduringly powerful is that it encourages people to choose compassion over retaliation, personal growth over resentment, and integrity over pettiness. In the end, those decisions often deliver rewards that are far more meaningful and lasting than any short-lived sense of triumph.
Quote of the day by Paul Krugman: Nobel laureate Paul Krugman sheds light on debt, emphasizing it's a two-sided coin. While a borrower's liability, it's a lender's asset, forming a crucial link in the financial system. This perspective reveals debt's productive role in economic growth, enabling investments and future returns, urging a balanced view of finance.
President Trump announced he achieved a perfect score on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment, a test he described as high difficulty and indicative of extreme intelligence. Medical experts, however, clarified that the MoCA is a dementia screening tool, not an IQ test, and a perfect score is not uncommon.

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