The DBT mechanism in FY26 saw a 5% decrease in subsidies and welfare benefits, with a focus on housing and agriculture. Fertilizer subsidies increased, while LPG subsidies and social assistance programs decreased. DBT has saved Rs 4.31 lakh crore since FY15, allowing for better spending and more benefits for eligible beneficiaries.
The newly sworn-in Congress-led UDF government in Kerala has wasted no time in fulfilling its major poll promises, approving free bus travel for women in KSRTC services and increasing the honorarium of ASHA workers during its first Cabinet meeting. The free travel initiative will start on June 15, while ASHA workers will now receive Rs 12,000 per month.
When Hollywood stopped calling, Reese Witherspoon stopped waiting. She built a production company, launched a book club, secured the IP, and sold it all for nearly a billion dollars. This is the story of how an Oscar-winning actress became the most powerful woman in entertainment business.
PM Modi's visit to the Afsluitdijk in the Netherlands highlighted India's dedication to tackling global issues like climate change, sea level rise, and water scarcity. The structure serves as a blueprint for sustainable infrastructure and long-term water security. The visit is significant for India's Kalpasar Project in Gujarat, which aims to build the world's largest freshwater reservoir.
VD Satheesan, the new Chief Minister of Kerala, took oath in the presence of top political leaders from India. However, Shashi Tharoor and Tamil Nadu CM Vijay were notably absent. Tharoor had a prior commitment in the US, while Vijay was occupied with government formation and administrative responsibilities.
Kerala CM VD Satheesan has declared assets worth around Rs 5.6 crore in his election affidavit. This includes movable and immovable properties, cash, bank deposits, gold, shares, vehicles, and real estate assets. His wife and daughter also have significant assets, with no pending government dues or liabilities. The UDF has returned to power in Kerala after a decade of Left rule.
East Coast Railway has launched a special train service between Anand Vihar Terminal and Khurda Road, benefiting pilgrims, tourists, and regular travelers. The train will run on selected dates in May and June, stopping at important stations like Bhubaneswar and Gaya Junction. This will improve rail connectivity between Delhi and several important towns and cities.
A new weekly train service has been launched connecting Charlapalli and Tiruchanur railway stations, making travel between Telangana and the Tirupati region in Andhra Pradesh easier. The train is expected to benefit pilgrims and long-distance passengers, and was flagged off by Union Minister G Kishan Reddy. It will operate once a week, with key stops at important stations.
Indian students applying for US F-1 student visas are facing some of the highest rejection rates in years, even when countries across the world are stepping up efforts to attract international talent.
The White House has announced a set of major trade understandings after a recent meeting between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping.
The United Arab Emirates has said it will complete a second oil pipeline that avoids the Strait of Hormuz by 2027, as tensions in the region continue to shake global energy markets.
A strong earthquake shook southwest China’s Guangxi region early Monday morning, killing two people and forcing thousands to leave their homes as rescue teams rushed to the affected areas.
Vodafone Idea's share price has surged as the telecom operator recorded a net profit of Rs 51,970 crore in the March quarter, aided by a one-time gain of over Rs 55,000 crore from reassessed AGR dues. However, the company's high debt and deferred spectrum dues are still a worry for investors.
A Navy air show in Idaho came to a sudden stop on Sunday after two fighter jets crashed midair during a demonstration. All four crew members managed to eject safely before the aircraft went down, PBS confirmed.
The Lifelong Roar projector stands out in the budget market by offering a complete entertainment experience with its powerful 20W speakers, 720p resolution (with support for Full HD and 4K), and unique features like karaoke and live commentary mode. While it may not satisfy serious home theatre enthusiasts, it provides excellent value for casual users looking for a versatile and fun projector.
State governments are expected to see a 5% increase in capital expenditure in 2025-26, with 18 major states reporting a 4.7% increase in outlay. While states like Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat maintained their top positions, there was regional asymmetry in the pace of capex expansion.
KTM has made the 2026 390 Adventure more affordable by downsizing the engine and attracting lower GST. Despite the smaller displacement, it retains its performance and aura, making it a versatile machine for both daily commute and off-road adventures. The bigger 390 variant is also available in three different models, each with its own unique features and capabilities.
India's academic landscape is divided, with technical institutions like IITs and IIMs ranked highly in global rankings, while liberal arts and humanities centers like DU and JNU lag behind. This is due to structural constraints and a lack of global integration, leading to a deficit in brand recall.
AI is gaining momentum in the physical world, with companies and investors investing in autonomous machines for driving, warehousing, and factory inspections. This shift, known as physical AI, is gaining global attention as major players like Nvidia and Tesla are focusing on this technology.
Riteish Deshmukh's historical epic Raja Shivaji is on its way to join the Rs 100 crore club, making it the second Marathi film to achieve this feat. The film has already collected Rs 96.4 crore worldwide in just 17 days, with over 39.3 lakh footfalls. It has been a consistent performer at the box office, surpassing Baipan Bhari Deva as the second-highest-grossing Marathi film.
Amitabh Bachchan's Instagram post about the Vishnu Temple in Bandar Abbas, Iran has sparked a conversation about the fusion of Islamic and Hindu architecture and the strong connection between India and Iran. Fans have praised the actor for bringing attention to the temple and emphasizing the need to preserve cultural heritage and religious diversity.
India's CBG programme is facing challenges due to low operational plants and production falling short of the 2024 target. Supply chain and financing issues hinder large-scale adoption despite abundant biomass potential. Policy mandates and initiatives have been introduced, but the sector is still overshadowed by other renewable energy sources.
The government has surpassed its wheat procurement target for the 2026-27 rabi season, with purchases in Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh on track to meet the revised target. The Food Corporation of India and state agencies have seen a 6% increase in purchases, and quality norms have been relaxed to boost MSP purchase. Record output projections of 120 MT have been made for the current crop year.
The 2025-26 ISL season's Boro-Match between Mohun Bagan and East Bengal is crucial due to the chaotic format and lack of playoffs. Both clubs have a chance to win the top-flight championship for the first time in six years. The winner will be decided on May 17, with East Bengal currently in the lead. This is the first direct title decider between the two since 2001.
India's heat crisis extends beyond outdoor heatwaves as low- and middle-income urban homes experience temperatures above 32°C for up to 5,800 hours. This poses a threat to public health, with rising nighttime temperatures hindering the body's recovery from daytime heat stress.
India's rice exports, the largest agri-product shipment, have decreased by 6% in value due to the West Asia war, which has disrupted Basmati rice exports to Gulf countries. However, non-Basmati rice exports remain unaffected. Despite this, India is expected to maintain its position as the top rice exporter, although global production may decline due to various factors.
India's export diversification has led to a significant increase of $202.2 million in exports by 2025-26. The advanced engineering and industrial sectors have contributed the most, showing a move away from traditional commodities. Agriculture and food products have also diversified, while labor-intensive sectors are expanding into new markets.
US university students are standing against artificial intelligence and top tech executives, citing concerns about job market consumption and negative societal impacts. Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt's speech at the University of Arizona was met with boos, and other recent AI speeches at US universities have sparked controversy.
The 2026 Asia Star Entertainer Awards Day 2 saw performances from K-pop acts like Wonho, i-dle's Yuqi, and Kwon Eunbi. TVXQ's Max Changmin and K-drama icon Lee Sung Kyung were the hosts, with MONSTA X's Hyungwon and IVE's Rei as the main MCs. The fan-voted awards included ENHYPEN for Album of the Year and Artist of the Year.
YSRCP president YS Jagan Mohan Reddy accused the TDP-led NDA government in Andhra Pradesh of causing economic distress despite claims of growth. He used CAG figures to show a decline in tax revenues and questioned the government's projection of GSDP growth. He also criticised the use of NCD funds for revenue expenditure and criticized the government's financial management.
Rajinikanth denies jealousy towards Vijay's political rise, clarifies personal meeting with Stalin. Praises Vijay's success and emphasizes comments were not political. Aims to preserve public image and position.
West Bengal government has given approval to hand over seven national-highway stretches to NHAI and NHIDCL, paving the way for infrastructure works in north Bengal. The stretches include NH-312, NH-31, and NH-33, and cover strategic routes to Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Sikkim.
The ongoing conflict between Iran, the US, and Israel has had a significant impact on the global economy, as the Strait of Hormuz is being used as leverage. Iran's plan to implement a toll system for ships passing through the strait has caused fears for the economy. India has expressed concern and the US has launched a military operation to reopen the strait.
CNG prices in Delhi and Noida-Ghaziabad have been increased by Re 1 and Rs 2 per kg respectively, marking the second hike in 48 hours. This is due to volatility in global energy markets, including the ongoing tensions in the Middle East.
CJI Surya Kant clarifies that his remarks comparing unemployed youth to "cockroaches" were directed at those with fake degrees, not Indian youth in general. The remarks were made during a hearing on the authenticity of professional qualifications and the clarification is crucial to maintain public trust in the judiciary and address concerns over the use of fake degrees.
Andhra Pradesh CM Nara Chandrababu Naidu has introduced measures to increase the state's low fertility rate, such as offering cash grants and benefits for families with a third or fourth child. The move aims to maintain a healthy total fertility rate for economic stability, but has faced scrutiny over its implementation and impact.
The live music industry in India is changing as Gen Z audiences are fueling demand for legacy bands and older global acts. Nostalgia is a key factor, with all age groups attending concerts and festivals. The past two years have seen a rise in international acts like Green Day and Guns N' Roses performing in India, aided by festivals and digital platforms for music discovery.
The government has imposed restrictions on silver imports for domestic use, along with raising customs duty and setting a limit on gold imports, to curb the strain on the current account and forex outflow. However, silver imports for processing and exports will not be affected. The recent increase in precious metal imports due to the West Asia crisis has raised concerns.
Riteish Deshmukh's Raja Shivaji, a historical action drama on the rise of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, has become a box office phenomenon. Released on May 1, 2026, the film has broken records for Marathi cinema, grossing over Rs 90 crore worldwide in just 16 days.
Antoine Fuqua's Michael, starring Jaafar Jackson as the King of Pop, has grossed approximately Rs 67.98 crore in India as of Day 23, with its full theatrical run expected to close around the Rs 75 crore gross mark, making it one of the top-performing Hollywood releases in the country this year.
PMOS, formerly known as PCOS, affects 170 million worldwide and 44 million in India. This hormonal condition causes irregular periods, acne, weight gain, facial hair, and fertility issues. The name change reflects its complex nature and emphasizes the importance of comprehensive evaluation. After 14 years of effort, the new name marks a milestone in improving diagnosis and care for PMOS.
In India, employers are shifting away from traditional resumes and prioritizing specific skills, practical experience, and cultural fit, as well as personality traits like adaptability and communication ability. This trend is evident in data, institutions, and lived experience, and is happening faster than formal systems can keep up with.
Startups in the fashion industry are promoting body positivity and comfort by offering extended sizing, supportive shapewear, and wellness solutions. Brands like BeyondBound, Underneat, Krvvy, and Invogue are challenging traditional beauty standards by featuring diverse models. Snitch, a menswear brand, is also shifting the narrative around men's body image.
Spotify has introduced a 'Verified by Spotify' badge to identify authentic human artists on its platform, as AI-generated music rises in popularity. The badge will display a green checkmark and verification label on artist profiles. Meanwhile, the 'Stacey Face' trend, fueled by AI beauty apps, is promoting unrealistic beauty standards.
Google and Samsung are incorporating AI into everyday functions, such as the upcoming Magic Pointer cursor that predicts users' actions and performs tasks without opening new windows. Samsung's Vision AI televisions and Google's Gemini Intelligence will improve sound and picture quality. HP is also launching devices with built-in AI, making it easier for professionals to use AI.
Legendary filmmaker Satyajit Ray believed that cinema is best at portraying the complexities of the human mind. DAG's exhibition, Faces and Facets: Satyajit Ray in Colour, showcases 126 color photographs by Nemai Ghosh, depicting Ray's artistic journey and creative process. The photographs offer a glimpse into Ray's multidimensional personality and humble beginnings.
Mirza Waheed's novel "Maryam & Son" tells the story of Maryam Ali, a strong British-Indian woman who has integrated into English society. Her son Dilawar goes missing, and the secret service suspects he may be linked to a swordsman in an ISIS video. Maryam's emotions unravel as she struggles with her family and herself, ultimately showing the strength and resilience of a mother's love.
PM Modi's push for conserving petroleum has made finding fuel-efficient cars a national focus. Our list of top cars, ranging from the Maruti Suzuki Alto K10 to the BMW iX1 LWB, includes the Maruti Suzuki Dzire CNG, Toyota Hyryder Hybrid, and Toyota Innova Hycross Hybrid. With increasing oil prices, choosing an economical car is crucial.
Electric cars have a high energy efficiency rate of nearly 90% due to their simpler design and the ability to recapture energy while driving. They also have a more sustainable supply chain through battery recycling. Physics proves that EVs are better at conserving resources, but the choice between an EV and traditional ICE car depends on individual factors.
The 2026 Asia Star Entertainer Awards kicked off with MONSTA X's Hyungwon and IVE's Rei as hosts. Top stars from South Korea and Japan walked the red carpet, with rookie music acts and iconic groups performing. Japanese boy band DXTeen set the stage on fire, while actors Lee Junho, Go Young Jung, and Akasaka Akira presented awards. The winners included VVUP, SWEET STEADY, IDID, CANDY.
The NCB seized a Rs 182 crore consignment of Captagon in "Operation RAGEPILL". A foreign national was arrested and the Home Minister emphasized the government's commitment to a "Drug-Free India". Captagon is linked to organized crime and extremist financing networks.