Japan’s central bank has raised its benchmark interest rate to 1%, marking the highest level since 1995 as policymakers respond to rising inflationary pressures and higher global energy costs. The Bank of Japan (BOJ) announced the increase on Tuesday, lifting its policy rate from 0.75% to 1%. The move extends the bank’s gradual shift away from the ultra-loose monetary policy that defined Japan’s economy for more than two decades. The latest rate hike comes amid a rise in global energy prices triggered by the ongoing Iran conflict, which has increased living costs worldwide. Japan, heavily dependent on imported oil and…
Author: Aditi
India’s wholesale price inflation (WPI) rose sharply to 9.68% in May 2026 from 8.26% in April, driven by soaring fuel, food, and manufacturing costs amid continued disruptions in global energy markets. The latest figure marks the highest WPI inflation recorded under the revised 2022-23 base year series. According to data released by the Commerce and Industry Ministry, the increase was primarily fueled by rising prices of crude petroleum, natural gas, mineral oils, chemicals, and basic metals. The fuel and power category, which now carries a weight of 14.1% in the index, registered inflation of 30.33% in May compared to 24.89%…
India captain Shubman Gill lauded debutants Gurnoor Brar and Harsh Dubey after their impressive performances helped India secure a convincing victory over Afghanistan in the opening ODI of the three-match series in Dharamsala. The rain-affected match was reduced to 25 overs per side, but the young bowlers made an immediate impact on their international debuts. Fast bowler Gurnoor Brar impressed with his pace and movement, consistently clocking speeds close to 150 kmph while troubling Afghanistan’s batters with disciplined line and length. Left-arm spinner Harsh Dubey also played a crucial role by applying pressure during the middle overs and slowing Afghanistan’s…
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Bratislava on Monday for a landmark visit to Slovakia, becoming the first Indian prime minister to travel to the Central European nation since its independence in 1993. The visit marks an important milestone in bilateral relations and is expected to strengthen cooperation across trade, technology, investment, and innovation. During his two-day stay, Prime Minister Modi will hold high-level discussions with Slovak President Peter Pellegrini and Prime Minister Robert Fico. The talks are expected to focus on expanding economic engagement, boosting industrial partnerships, and exploring collaboration in emerging technologies. Modi will also interact with leading…
The United States military has revealed details surrounding its strike on the commercial vessel MT Settebello in the Gulf of Oman, an incident that resulted in the deaths of three Indian sailors and triggered diplomatic concerns between New Delhi and Washington. According to the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), the Palau-flagged vessel ignored nearly 60 verbal warnings and at least eight separate “shows of force” before American forces took action. U.S. officials stated that the ship was suspected of being part of a sanctions-evasion network allegedly involved in transporting Iranian oil in violation of ongoing restrictions. The military said it had…
The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) has expanded its nationwide agitation over the NEET paper leak and alleged irregularities in India’s education system, holding protests in Hyderabad and Bengaluru while announcing a major demonstration in Jaipur. The movement continues to demand the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and calls for greater accountability in the education sector. Hundreds of protesters gathered at Hyderabad’s Dharna Chowk, raising concerns over the NEET paper leak, alleged issues with the CBSE’s on-screen marking system, unemployment, and broader challenges facing students and young job seekers. Demonstrators carried placards demanding justice for students and stronger measures…
The Indian Army has introduced significant changes to its dress regulations under the newly released Army Uniforms-2026 Pamphlet, marking a major step toward aligning military traditions with India’s national identity. The reforms aim to remove several colonial-era practices, symbols, and terminologies while preserving the dignity and heritage of the armed forces. One of the most notable changes is the introduction of the indigenous Bandi jacket as part of formal civil attire for officers. The closed-neck jacket, worn with formal trousers and a full-sleeved shirt, reflects the Army’s effort to incorporate Indian cultural elements into official dress. The updated regulations also…
The United States and Iran have announced a breakthrough peace agreement aimed at ending months of conflict across the Middle East, with an official signing ceremony scheduled for June 19 in Geneva, Switzerland. The deal, confirmed by both Washington and Tehran, is expected to halt military operations on all fronts, including in Lebanon, while opening the door to further negotiations on long-standing disputes. According to Iranian officials, the agreement establishes an immediate and permanent cessation of hostilities and initiates a 60-day negotiation period to address unresolved issues, particularly Iran’s nuclear programme and international sanctions. Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi…
Iran has cast fresh doubt on ongoing peace negotiations with the United States after Israeli airstrikes targeted Hezbollah-linked locations in Beirut’s southern suburbs, arguing that recent developments undermine confidence in the proposed agreement. Iranian officials accused Washington of failing to ensure that commitments made during negotiations are upheld. Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, a senior Iranian official involved in the talks, said the latest Israeli strikes raised questions about the United States’ ability or willingness to enforce any future agreement. He argued that continued military actions by Israel weaken the credibility of the diplomatic process. The comments came shortly after Israel announced…
U.S. President Donald Trump has called for restraint in the Middle East after Israel carried out an airstrike in Beirut’s southern suburbs, warning that further escalation could undermine ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at securing a broader regional peace agreement. In a statement posted on his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump said the Israeli strike “should not have happened,” particularly at a time when negotiations involving Iran were reportedly making significant progress. While reaffirming Israel’s right to defend itself, he argued that the incident which prompted the military response was minor and did not justify a major escalation. Trump urged…