US-Iran ceasefire deal explained – Iran’s peace plan approved

The United States and Iran have agreed to an immediate two-week ceasefire, pausing all military action just hours before things were expected to get worse.

The Haryana Cabinet has approved a revised cost of Rs 10,266.54 crore for the Gurugram Metro corridor, which is almost double the original cost. The increase is due to various factors such as rising prices, GST rates, alignment changes, and infrastructure requirements. The line will cover 28.50 km with 27 stations and will be funded by the World Bank.

Indian tech billionaire and Zoho co-founder Sridhar Vembu has triggered a wide discussion online after sharing a blunt take on artificial intelligence, layoffs, and the weakening global economy. 

Delhi-NCR has been placed under anti-pollution restrictions as air quality in the national capital has deteriorated to "poor" levels. The Commission for Air Quality Management has activated Stage-I measures under the GRAP, citing unfavourable weather conditions. The CAQM has warned that air quality is likely to remain poor in the coming days.

The 2026 Director's Cut Awards, hosted by the Directors Guild of Korea, will take place today at 6 pm KST. This year's ceremony will feature 13 categories, including a new Series category. Directors Jang Hang Jun, Bong Man Dae, and Kim Cho Hee will be the MCs, and top nominees include Park Ji Hoon and Park Chan Wook.

TMC candidate Jahangir Khan withdraws from Falta Assembly constituency election, citing a promised development package for the constituency by West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari. His decision coincides with BJP's campaign in the area and comes after the Election Commission ordered a repoll due to alleged electoral offences and disturbances.

Western Railway has launched a special train between Udhna and Hasanpur Road Railway Station to improve connectivity and ease travel during the busy summer season. The train will run on selected dates and will halt at important stations, benefiting passengers by providing a convenient and direct travel option.

Indian authorities are closely watching Boeing's testing of a fuel-control switch panel that was removed from an Air India 787 after a possible malfunction. This comes at a critical time for India's aviation sector, with investigations ongoing into last year's fatal Dreamliner crash. The focus is on the fuel-control switches, which failed in February and are now being tested in Seattle.

Delhi CM Rekha Gupta announced a new metro expansion project worth ₹6,200 crore connecting Kirti Nagar and Palam, which will benefit commuters by reducing travel time and improving connectivity. The project will also pass through densely populated areas like Sagarpur, providing easier access to other parts of Delhi.

Bombay High Court has approved a major demolition drive in suburban Mumbai to remove unauthorised structures in Garib Nagar slum near Bandra Station. The drive, led by Western Railways, aims to clear land for the development of the station and improve operational efficiency. The demolition will continue for five days with heavy security, while also protecting the rights of eligible slum dwellers.

Delhi High Court has issued notices to AAP leaders, including Kejriwal and Sisodia, in a criminal contempt case for allegedly attacking the judiciary on social media. The leaders have been given four weeks to respond and all digital records must be preserved. The case is linked to the ongoing Delhi excise policy case. AAP leaders had raised concerns about the judge handling the case.

Indian PM Narendra Modi concludes his visit to Norway and heads to Italy as part of his official trip to Europe. India and Italy are set to expand cooperation across various sectors, including defence and maritime, to enhance bilateral ties. PM Modi will meet with Italian PM Giorgia Meloni and business leaders to strengthen the strategic partnership between the two countries.

The Indian government has strongly denied rumours claiming that it plans to monetise gold held by temples and religious institutions across the country.

East Coast Railway introduces special train service between Gomti Nagar and Khurda Road Railway Station from May 28 to June 18 and May 30 to June 20. This will enhance rail connectivity and cater to the increasing passenger demand from Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, and Odisha. The train will stop at important stations, reducing rush and providing a comfortable travel experience.

East Coast Railway has announced that the special train between Puri and Patna will now run as a regular weekly express service, making travel easier and more reliable for passengers. The train will operate every Saturday from Puri and every Sunday from Patna. It will pass through major stations and provide a fixed schedule for passengers to plan their journeys without any confusion.

Indian markets to open higher on positive global cues, GIFT Nifty trading 0.43% higher. Investors to monitor crude oil prices, rupee's movement, and foreign investor activity. Developments in West Asia and energy, commodities, and exports sectors in focus. US markets closed lower, attention on gold and silver rates. Foreign investors remain net buyers.

Children were being led out of classrooms by armed police officers. Families stood outside in panic, waiting for answers. Within minutes, one of San Diego’s best-known mosques had turned into the scene of a deadly shooting that authorities are now investigating as a possible hate crime. 

The US Treasury Department has announced a temporary 30-day license that will allow some of the world’s most energy-dependent countries to access Russian oil cargoes currently stuck at sea amid global supply disruptions.

A shooting at the Islamic Centre of San Diego on Monday left five people dead, including three staff members and two suspected teenage attackers, in what authorities are investigating as a possible hate crime. 

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.