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Bengaluru has the biggest talent pool in Asia, says CM Shivakumar

This is the first event I have inaugurated as the chief minister, says D.K. Shivakumar

South Korea widens top-tier visa eligibility

South Korea has expanded eligibility for its Top-Tier Visa to include professors and researchers in science and technology, as the country seeks to attract world-class talent and strengthen its research capabilities. The Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Science and ICT announced on May 31 that the visa programme, previously limited to employees of companies in advanced industries, will now be open to academics and researchers from June. The announcement is part of South Korea's broader strategy to recruit highly skilled professionals from overseas and boost innovation in science and technology. Universities, research institutes to benefit Under the revised framework, universities, government-funded research institutes and corporate laboratories hiring outstanding foreign researchers will be able to sponsor candidates for the Top-Tier Visa. Applicants will undergo a recommendation process led by the Ministry of Science and ICT, followed by screening by the Ministry of Justice. To qualify, candidates must meet specific criteria related to professional achievements, including awards, research publications, technology commercialisation accomplishments and research experience. Authorities said individuals considered to have exceptional potential may also be included in the candidate pool through a separate review process.131152865 Goal to attract 2,000 experts by 2030 The South Korean government has set a target of attracting 2,000 high-calibre science and technology professionals from abroad by 2030. Visa holders will receive priority support services designed to help them settle in the country, from arrival through long-term integration. The government believes the expanded programme will help address growing competition for global talent and strengthen South Korea's position as a research and innovation hub. Boost for research sector Minister of Justice Jung Sung-ho said the policy changes are expected to help attract leading international talent and enhance the capabilities of research institutions."These policy improvements are expected to help attract top talent in science and technology from abroad and boost the research capabilities of think tanks," Jung said.

Why Mourinho may not become Real Madrid's next manager despite Perez's confirmation

Jose Mourinho could return to Real Madrid, but the move depends on Florentino Perez winning the club’s upcoming presidential election. Perez has named Mourinho and Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate as his priority signings if re-elected. He also dismissed speculation over Vinicius Junior’s future, insisting the Brazilian wants to stay and remains a key part of Madrid’s plans.

Farmers oppose acquisition of land for Amaravati capital project

The Andhra Pradesh government’s ambitious Amaravati capital city development plan is facing resistance from farmers in Undavalli and Penumaka villages, who are refusing to part with their lands for the capital city under both the land pooling and land acquisition schemes

After PM Modi’s nudge, mantris carpool to reach cabinet meet at Seva Teerth

Several Union ministers carpooled to a cabinet meeting at Seva Teerth. This follows Prime Minister Narendra Modi's call to reduce vehicle fleets. Ministers like Nitin Gadkari, J P Nadda, Ashwini Vaishnaw, and Mansukh Mandaviya shared rides. This initiative emphasizes sustainability and leads by example amid global energy concerns. Earlier, ministers and chief ministers had reduced their convoys.

Govt plans to standardise organ donation, plug procedural gaps in law

India is overhauling its organ donation framework to include Donation after Circulatory Death, allowing organs to be harvested after the heart stops—not just the brain. This could expand the donor pool for the 70,000-plus patients waiting for kidneys alone.

From Gadkari To Nadda & Rijiju, Ministers Carpool To Cabinet Meet After PM Modi's Push

The effort is aimed at reinforcing the principle of “practice what you preach”, with those holding public office setting an example for citizens

Over two lakh applicants paid $100K H-1B fee

More than two lakh applicants opted to pay USD 100,000 for their H-1B visas to work in the US in the fiscal year 2026, Markwayne Mullin, Secretary, Department of Homeland Security (DHS), said here.Testifying before the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Tuesday, Mullin said the DHS had received about 2.86 lakh H-1B applications in the fiscal year 2026."We had 286,000 applicants a year to date for the H-1B visas, out of those, over 200,000 of them paid USD 100,000 to be able to come in because it allows us to process them in a little bit faster of a manner," Mullin said in response to a question by US Senator Susan Collins on the shortage of doctors in rural parts of the country.Mullin said applicants paying USD 100,000 get their papers processed in about 15 days and it takes about 7.5 months to process other applications.Collins told the subcommittee that a hospital in Presque Isle, a rural community in northern Maine, recently had to pay the fee to secure a much-needed surgeon from overseas.She said that medical service providers serving remote areas should be treated differently from employers recruiting highly skilled workers in sectors with larger domestic labour pools."Would you be willing to consider carving out an exemption for medical professionals from this fee when a community can demonstrate that there is not a medical professional available?" Collins asked.Mullin assured the Senator that he would look at possible solutions on whether such applications could be dealt with some flexibility on a case-by-case basis."I would suggest that there's a huge difference between bringing in a computer expert from another country to work in wealthy California and Silicon Valley versus a much-needed surgeon to work at a rural hospital in northern Maine," she said.Republican Senator from Alaska Lisa Murkowski flagged concerns about the shortage of teachers in school districts in rural areas of her state."I'll follow up with you about the issue that I raised previously with regards to H-1B visas for teachers," Murkowski told Mullin.

APCRDA holds public hearing on land acquisition for Amaravati projects

Farmers whose names have been included in the recent acquisition notification can opt for land pooling within the stipulated timeframe, says the APCRDA Commissioner

IPL 2026 Prize Money: How much did champions RCB and runners-up GT earn this season?

Royal Challengers Bengaluru secured the IPL 2026 title and a ₹20 crore prize. Gujarat Titans finished as runners-up, earning ₹13 crore. Rajasthan Royals received ₹7 crore for their third-place finish. Sunrisers Hyderabad took home ₹6.5 crore. The total prize pool for the four playoff teams was over ₹46.5 crore, concluding a successful season.

Midcaps in a sweet spot? Why Nippon India’s Rupesh Patel sees a valuation correction despite new index peaks

While the midcap index flirts with new peaks, strong corporate earnings have helped cool down previously stretched valuations. Nippon India's Rupesh Patel analyses the resilient Q4 FY26 earnings season, breaking down how a bottom-up investing strategy can help investors uncover reasonable entry points despite building geopolitical and macroeconomic headwinds.Edited excerpts from a chat with Rupesh Patel, Senior Fund Manager - Equity Investments, Nippon India Mutual Fund:Your Nippon India Growth Mid Cap Fund delivered a strong 22% over the last 5 years, beating the benchmark. But given your Growth at Reasonable Price (GARP) philosophy, where are you actually finding "reasonable" valuations in a midcap market that many currently see as overheated?On an aggregate basis, the NSE Midcap 150 index has remained almost flat since September 2024. However, during this period, earnings have grown at a reasonable rate. In fact, midcap as a category has been the most resilient and delivered higher growth compared to other segments of the market. As a result, valuations today, though they appear higher compared to long-term averages, have corrected as compared to where we were in September 2024.Coming to Nippon India Growth Fund, we follow a bottom-up approach to construct the portfolio and buy stocks based on their relative attractiveness on risk-reward equation. Some of the businesses in the category may appear expensive in the near term; however, the size of the opportunity and their ability to maintain earnings growth at a reasonable rate over the long term make them attractive from a medium to longer-term perspective. You are overweight financials and underweight technology in the midcap fund. What's the rationale? How do you think midcap lenders and midcap IT companies are placed at this stage?Our OW stance on financials is on account of our exposure to lenders as well as other beneficiaries of financialization of savings like Life Insurance companies, asset management companies, Exchanges, etc. On the lending side, most of our exposure is to well-capitalised lenders where asset quality is largely expected to hold, Return on Assets/ Return on Equity remains healthy, and valuations are reasonable in the context of the overall market.In IT companies, we have been underweight since the last few quarters, largely owing to the risk of a slowdown in earnings growth on account of current geopolitical uncertainties and the impact of disruptions like AI. Valuations were also a concern till a few quarters back. Going ahead, as the dust settles and some of these companies evolve and adapt to new realities, growth will recover from current lows. Companies in this sector are generally capital efficient and generate free cash flow, making them attractive bets again as valuations turn favourable.Within the midcap space, how do you read the Q4 earnings season? What are your biggest takeaways for investors?Q4 earnings season for midcaps has turned out to be quite resilient, and most companies are delivering on expectations. However, going ahead, risks related to deterioration in the macro environment, cost inflation, and logistics remain relevant. If current geopolitical uncertainties continue, we must be cognizant of these risks and their impact on earnings and valuations. Given the growth trajectory, valuations and earnings, midcap companies are in a sweet spot. Would you agree?If we look at the last few quarters, midcap companies’ earnings have remained resilient. Most of them have delivered healthy earnings growth even in Q4, FY’26. However, aggregate returns of midcap companies as represented by the NSE Midcap 150 index have remained flat since September 2024, resulting in a valuation correction over this period. Further, midcap is a very diverse category with a universe representing multiple sectors and some unique and fast-growing profit pools that have the potential to grow meaningfully over the medium to long term; hence, on a bottom-up basis as well, opportunities exist in this segment of the market. How have you been reshuffling your portfolio to realign it with the realities of war?As mentioned earlier, we remain cognizant of risks arising on account of deteriorating macro conditions, inflation in costs and logistical challenges, if current geopolitical uncertainties persist. We also remain aware of the potential impact of these risks not only on earnings growth but also on market valuations. In some instances, current stock prices may already be reflecting risks of these uncertainties, making the risk-reward favourable. Hence, our approach is to remain aware of valuations and avoid vulnerable businesses.From a 3-5 year perspective, which sectors do you think are best placed at this stage - both from a growth as well as a valuation perspective?We remain positive on Financials, Consumer Discretionary, and select industrials.Within financials, we are positive on lenders as well as companies that benefit from a bigger trend on the financialization of savings. Accordingly, we have exposure to companies in the insurance space, Asset Management Companies, Exchanges and other financial services companies. On lenders, asset quality remains benign, they are well capitalised, generate decent Return on Assets (RoA) and Return on Equity (RoE) and valuations are reasonable.Consumer discretionary companies are likely to benefit from favourable demographics, growth in per capita incomes and trends on premiumization playing out in multiple categories over the medium to long term.On the industrial front, the reason to be positive is on account of various initiatives taken by the government to encourage manufacturing in India. Select companies in Auto ancillaries, Electronics manufacturing, precision engineering and defence-related segments can also do well. However, these are broad sectors, and winners will have to be picked on a bottom-up basis, considering factors like their manufacturing prowess, management strength and cost competitiveness.The midcap index has already hit a new peak this month, ahead of both small and largecaps. What's the reason behind this optimism, and do you see valuation risk building?Although the midcap index is close to an all-time high, its last 20 months' returns have been flat despite midcap companies as an aggregate delivering superior growth. In that sense, valuations today have turned favourable on account of this time correction. Even if we look at the last 3 years' earnings on a CAGR basis, midcap as a category has reported superior earnings growth as compared to broader markets. Going ahead as well, the outlook on midcap companies’ earnings growth continues to remain healthier. In that sense, the performance of the midcap index is largely a reflection of underlying earnings growth. (Disclaimer: Recommendations, suggestions, views, and opinions given by experts are their own. These do not represent the views of the Economic Times.)

Why more Indians are turning to carpooling

Vinesh loses the bout but wins the fight

New Delhi: Defeat on the mat did not make Vinesh Phogat feel like a loser.After her comeback bid ended in the Asian Games selection trials on Saturday, the former world championships medallist declared that she had already won by returning to competition after motherhood and by standing up to a system she claimed had done everything possible to keep her away from wrestling."I have not failed at all. I am fighting the whole system and I am still standing with pride on the mat again," Vinesh toldafter her 4-6 semifinal loss to Meenakshi Goyat, while reiterating her ambition of competing at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.Minutes after suffering defeat, Vinesh launched a scathing attack on the wrestling administration, alleging discrimination, mental harassment and attempts to block her return to competitive wrestling despite court orders in her favour.Also read | IPL 2026 Purple Cap winner list: Most wickets, updated standings and bowling rankings"They wanted to stop me from returning to the mat, but I am standing here again. I am proud of what I have achieved in these 10 months."I know the system will continue to create challenges for me, but I have hope that through hard work I can leave the system behind and move forward," she added, refusing to view the semifinal defeat as a setbackVinesh, who was competing for the first time since her heartbreaking disqualification from the Paris Olympics final in 2024, said her biggest achievement was returning to elite competition after childbirth. She said returning to competition after motherhood and after months of legal and administrative battles felt like a victory."It has been only 10 months since my son was born. I am standing on the mat again and competing against the younger generation. I am proud of myself. I hope I can inspire my son and many women wrestlers," she said.Vinesh described the Delhi High Court order that enabled her participation in the trials as a landmark moment for women wrestlers seeking to return after motherhood."A girl is coming back to the mat after becoming a mother. The path has opened. Sooner or later there has to be a policy. Women wrestlers who want to return after becoming mothers should get a fair opportunity and some relaxation," she said.The 31-year-old alleged that even after the court's intervention, officials continued to create obstacles for her.Also read | Liverpool sack Slot after title defence turns into European scrambleShe said that she spent nearly an hour arguing with officials on Saturday morning after being informed she would be allowed to compete only in the 50kg category despite wanting to participate in 53kg."When I should have been focusing on my recovery and preparation, I was arguing with officials. They gave me a letter saying I could compete only in 50kg. It was mental harassment," she said.Vinesh claimed that the entire process was designed to put her at a disadvantage, alleging that stronger wrestlers were deliberately placed in her draw and that scheduling decisions drained her energy before the semifinal."I was not given a fair deal. All the strong girls in my category were put in my path. The bouts were scheduled in a manner that affected my energy levels," she alleged.Despite the grievances, Vinesh accepted responsibility for her defeat and admitted that a lack of competitive exposure and endurance hurt her performance."I accept my defeat. I will work harder and return stronger. Fitness and endurance were issues, but more than that, I needed competitions. I had not competed for nearly two years. This was my first tournament after becoming a mother," she said.She insisted that Saturday's performance convinced her that she still has enough ability to compete with the country's best wrestlers."I was motivated today. I know I can beat the younger girls. I still have that courage and belief. If I work hard, I know I can come back stronger."Asked whether the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics remained a target, Vinesh replied in the affirmative."Definitely. I have come back to the mat for Los Angeles," she said.The wrestler reserved some of her strongest criticism for the sports administration, questioning why no institution had intervened despite repeated disputes surrounding her participation."The government, the Sports Ministry, the IOA -- nobody is taking a stand. This is very sad. If athletes have to survive despite the system, then something is seriously wrong," she said.She also alleged that many young wrestlers privately supported her but were afraid to speak openly against administrators."A lot of girls were happy to see me back on the mat. They come and talk to me but they are scared. They know what can happen if they speak against powerful people," she said.Vinesh, however, clarified that she has no complaints against fellow wrestlers and said athletes should not be blamed for the larger issues within the sport."The kids are not at fault. I don't have anger towards any athlete. The problem is with the people who manipulate and control the system," she said.

Liverpool sack manager Arne Slot

18-Year-Old Student Dies In School Swimming Pool In Punjab: Cops

The student died under mysterious circumstances in the swimming pool, police said. (Representational)

Govt amends CSR norms; provides more leeway

New Delhi, In a significant move, the government has allowed companies to invest up to 10 per cent of their CSR funds in zero coupon zero principal instruments issued by not for profit organisations through a social stock exchange.Under the Companies Act, 2013, a certain class of profitable companies are required to shell out at least two per cent of their three-year average annual net profit towards CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) activities in a particular financial year.The corporate affairs ministry has introduced the item 'subscription to zero coupon zero principal instruments on Social Stock Exchange' in Schedule VII, which pertains to activities allowed for CSR activities under the Companies Act."This amendment is aimed at providing significant ease of compliance to the companies and will also help Not for Profit Organisations (NPOs), to raise funding for public welfare projects in a transparent and regulated manner."These NPOs will be able to issue zero-coupon, zero-principal instruments on the Social Stock Exchange (SSE) in accordance with the Securities and Exchange Board of India's Regulations," the ministry said in a release on Friday.Expenditure incurred by the CSR-mandated companies for such instruments shall not exceed ten per cent of the total CSR expenditure for the particular financial year.To facilitate the implementation of CSR through zero coupon zero principal instrument, amendments have been done in the CSR Policy Rules, 2014.Now, under the rules, the definition of NPO and zero coupon zero principal instrument' has been introduced.Anshul Jain, Partner Regulatory at consultancy PwC India, said companies can now invest their CSR funds into such instruments issued through an SSE.It helps in furtherance of a transparent and credible mode of funding CSR projects by the companies and enables social enterprises to access a wider pool of capital, Jain said.

India insurers seek doubling of tax-free limit

MUMBAI: Indian life insurers have asked the government to double the tax-free limit for insurance policies from 500,000 rupees ($5,232), hoping for a boost to inflows into these funds, three sources directly aware of the matter said. New tax limits were imposed in February 2023, applicable to all insurance schemes except unit-linked insurance plans (ULIPs). Since then, inflows into ‌non-ULIP schemes have ⁠risen ⁠a modest 2% and 5% for fiscal years 2024 and 2025, respectively. This is sharply lower than the 13% and 18% growth in the previous two years, data showed. The flows for fiscal 2026 grew 16%, largely due to a reduction in the goods and services tax. Stronger inflows into such funds will boost demand for ultra-long bonds - which these funds heavily invest in - at a time when the federal and state ⁠governments' supply ‌has risen, the sources said, declining to be identified as they are not authorised to speak to the media. Similar requests had been made after ⁠new tax limits were imposed. The Life Insurance Council and the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India did not reply to a Reuters email seeking comment. Slower inflows have curbed demand for longer-maturity debt, along with pushing up yields on 30-year and above maturity papers, faster than the 10-year note. The Indian government has reduced the share of ultra-long bonds in April-September borrowing to 25%, sharply lower than 30% for the second half of fiscal 2026 and ‌35% for the preceding six months. It would be difficult to maintain supply at this level, and the government will have to increase it to at least 30% in October-March, according ⁠to traders. "Increasing the tax exemption limit is a necessary first step to unlock the deep pool of long-term capital required to anchor India's fiscal expansion," said Arun Srinivasan, chief - fixed income, ICICI Prudential Life Insurance. "Implementing this measure will incentivise long-term retail and institutional savings, offering critical domestic support for the state's ultra-long-term borrowing needs," he said. The appeal was made via a letter from the Life Insurance Council, a forum which represents insurers, to the government earlier this month, the sources said.

Trump Claims Obama, Biden Spent Millions On Reflecting Pool. They Didn't

Workers continue to paint the bottom of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool on the National Mall

PM Modi Advises Ministers To Carpool, Stay Connected With Public, Promote Heatwave Awareness

PM Modi has advised ministers to carpool, avoid new vehicles, adopt electric vehicles, and stay connected with citizens, stressing sustainability and heatwave precautions.

Fruit vendor found dead in Tirupattur

On Wednesday, a few residents noticed Santhammal in a pool of blood inside a godown