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The trust deficit in India-Bangladesh ties

Bangladeshi diplomats have pointed out that Dhaka expected less rhetoric on illegal immigration, and more focus on issues such as the renewal of the 1996 Ganga Water Treaty

India's much N-eeded in energy mix

Over the past decade, GoI has expanded investments in solar power, wind energy, transmission infrastructure and pumped hydro storage. Electric mobility initiatives and domestic battery manufacturing programmes are also being promoted as part of a broader strategy to reduce oil dependence.Recent geopolitical developments in the Gulf, which largely supply India's crude and LPG needs, have brought renewed focus to nuclear energy as a stable domestic source for baseload electricity. A milestone in India's nuclear programme was achieved in April, when a prototype fast-breeder reactor (PFBR) at Kalpakkam in Tamil Nadu attained first criticality. Developed indigenously by Bharatiya Nabhikiya Vidyut Nigam Limited (BHAVINI), the 500 MWe reactor marks India's formal entry into the second stage of its 3-stage nuclear programme envisioned by Homi Bhabha.Also a welcome development is the latest news of GoI reportedly considering measures that include assured power purchase agreements (PPAs), to attract private sector investments in the nuclear energy sector. It is also reportedly preparing to notify rules under SHANTI (Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India) Act 2025.India's nuclear strategy has been designed around the country's resource profile. While it has limited uranium reserves, it possesses some of the world's largest thorium deposits. The 3-stage programme was conceived to enable large-scale utilisation of thorium for power generation.Thorium is not a fertile or fissile material, and has to be converted to fissile Uranium-233 in a FBR. The third stage aims to use U-233-based reactors for sustained energy generation. PFBR is important for the eventual thorium utilisation. India's thorium reserves, largely located in coastal monazite sands in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Odisha, are seen as a potential long-term strategic energy resource.Another significant development came with the passage of the aforementioned SHANTI Act last December. It modernises India's nuclear legal and regulatory framework, and allows limited private sector participation in nuclear projects.Traditionally, India's nuclear sector has been dominated by state-controlled entities. The Act is intended to streamline approvals, encourage investment, and support domestic manufacturing and technological partnerships. Reforms reflect recognition that achieving large-scale nuclear expansion will require both public and private participation.Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (Barc) is developing several advanced reactor designs, including 200 MWe Bharat Small Modular Reactor (BSMR-200), 55 MWe SMR-55, and a high-temperature gas-cooled reactor (HTGR) intended for hydrogen production. SMRs are expected to be modular, with modules produced under controlled conditions in a factory and assembled at the site in a short time. They are also expected to be safer, making them acceptable to the public.GoI has indicated that at least 5 indigenously designed SMRs will become operational by 2033. India has set a long-term target of achieving 100 GW of nuclear power capacity by 2047. At present, the country's installed nuclear capacity stands at about 8.7 GW, contributing around 3% of total electricity generation. Coal continues to account for nearly 70% of electricity production. Achieving the 100 GW target would require substantial expansion in infra, manufacturing, financing and human resources.The Strait of Hormuz disruption has reinforced the importance of diversifying India's energy mix and reducing exposure to external supply shocks. The current policy direction reflects a combination of RE expansion, electrification, domestic manufacturing and renewed emphasis on nuclear power.The broad objective of improving energy security through a diversified and domestically supported energy system must remain a central policy priority. RE, along with energy storage required to balance it, remains the major first step. Electricity can substitute fossil fuels in many sectors. Coal can be replaced by nuclear as a baseload supplier.Nuclear projects involve high upfront capital costs and long construction timelines. Land acquisition and public acceptance remain sensitive issues. Waste management, safety regulation and development of skilled technical manpower will require sustained institutional support.Thorium-based technologies, although strategically important for India, have not yet been deployed commercially at scale in the world. Policymakers will need to balance investments across nuclear, solar, wind, storage and grid modernisation to ensure affordability and energy security.SHANTI Act, PFBR, investment in SMRs and increased private participation suggest that nuclear energy may play a larger role in India's long-term energy strategy than anticipated. We need an integrated policy framework to achieve energy aatmanirbharta.Saini is senior research analyst, and Parikh is chairman, Integrated Research and Action for Development (IRADe), New Delhi

WWDC 2026: Apple's new Siri AI is here

Apple has officially unveiled Siri AI, its biggest overhaul of Siri since the voice assistant first launched in 2011.Announced at WWDC 2026, Siri AI is powered by Apple Intelligence and brings a more conversational interface, personal context awareness, visual intelligence and the ability to take actions across apps. Apple says the new assistant can answer questions from the web, understand what's on your screen, surface information from messages, emails and photos, and help users write, edit and complete tasks.Also Read: Apple WWDC 2026: Siri gets an AI makeover, its biggest upgrade since 2011 debutHere's everything you need to know about Siri AI, including supported devices, how to access it and when it will be available.What is Siri AI?Siri AI is a completely rebuilt version of Siri powered by the next generation of Apple Intelligence.Unlike the old Siri, which primarily handled voice commands and basic queries, Siri AI can understand personal context, maintain conversations, answer follow-up questions and take actions across apps.For example, users can ask Siri to:Find a restaurant recommendation sent by a friend in MessagesPull up a hotel booking confirmation from an old emailFind photos from a recent tripDraft emails and messagesEdit and share photosAnswer questions about content currently displayed on screenSearch the web for up-to-date information on virtually any topicApple says Siri AI combines personal information, onscreen awareness and web knowledge to provide more useful and contextual responses.How to access Siri AIApple has introduced several new ways to access Siri AI across devices.On iPhoneUsers can access Siri AI by:Saying "Hey Siri"Pressing the side buttonSwiping down from the Dynamic Island to start a conversationUsing the new dedicated Siri appThe dedicated Siri app allows users to revisit previous conversations and continue chats across devices.On MacSiri AI is integrated directly into Spotlight.Users can search for answers, ask questions and access Siri AI from anywhere in macOS. Siri is also integrated into system context menus, allowing users to control-click files, images or text and ask questions about them.On iPadSiri AI is integrated into Spotlight and Visual Intelligence features, including screenshot-based interactions.On Apple WatchUsers can start conversations directly from their wrist, while Smart Stack can suggest continuing previous Siri conversations.What is the new Siri app?One of the biggest additions is a dedicated Siri app.The app stores conversation history using iCloud syncing, allowing users to start a conversation on one device and continue it on another.For example, users can begin chatting with Siri on a Mac and pick up the same conversation later on an iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch or Apple Vision Pro.Siri AI gets Visual IntelligenceApple has significantly expanded Visual Intelligence.On iPhone, Siri AI is integrated directly into the Camera app through a new Siri mode. Users can point the camera at objects and ask questions about what they see.The feature can:Identify objects and placesProvide information about foodOffer nutritional insightsHelp split restaurant bills using Apple CashAnswer questions about visual contentVisual Intelligence is also coming to iPad, Mac and Apple Vision Pro for the first time.Which devices support Siri AI?Apple Intelligence and Siri AI will only be available on supported hardware.Supported iPhonesiPhone 16 series and neweriPhone 15 ProiPhone 15 Pro MaxSupported iPadsiPad mini with A17 ProiPads powered by M1 chips or newerSupported MacsMac models with M1 chips or newerSupported Apple Watch modelsApple Watch Series 10 and newerApple Watch Ultra 2 and newerApple Watch SE 3 (when paired with a compatible iPhone)Notably, while iOS 27 supports iPhone 11 and newer devices, Siri AI itself requires Apple Intelligence-compatible hardware.Also Read: As Apple's WWDC conference kicks off, investors want to know if AI will save SiriWhen will Siri AI be available?Apple says Siri AI is available for developer testing starting now through the Apple Developer Program.A public beta will launch later this year as part of iOS 27, iPadOS 27, macOS 27, watchOS 27 and visionOS 27.Initially, Siri AI will be available in English, with support for additional languages rolling out later.

TCS extends 1.5 mn sq ft Chennai office lease

MUMBAI: Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has renewed its lease for nearly 15 lakh sq ft of office space in Chennai in a transaction with rental outgo of around Rs 1,420 crore over its total tenure of 10 years, underscoring the country’s largest IT services company’s long-term commitment to one of its key delivery hubs.This ranks among the largest office lease renewals and occupier commitments reported anywhere in India. The transaction assumes significance against the backdrop of growing concerns over the impact of artificial intelligence on employment in the technology sector.Several global and Indian IT companies have highlighted productivity gains from AI-led automation in recent quarters, fuelling debates around potential workforce rationalisation and slower hiring.The lease has been signed for space at Chennai One IT SEZ in Thoraipakkam. The agreement commenced on November 1, and covers a chargeable area of 14.66 lakh sq ft, showed documents accessed through Propstack, a realty data analytics platform.TCS will occupy the first to eighth floors across four towers in Block A (Alpha), along with the first, sixth, seventh, eighth and eleventh floors in Block B (Magnum). The leased premises have a carpet area of 11.29 lakh sq ft.The lease has been signed at a starting rental of Rs 70 per sq ft a month, translating into a monthly rental payment of about Rs 10.26 crore. The agreement carries a tenure of 10 years and is backed by a security deposit of Rs 94.64 crore.The lease agreement provides for a 12% escalation in rentals every three years. Based on the contracted rentals and the escalation structure, the total rental commitment over the 10-year tenure is estimated at approximately Rs 1,420 crore.ET’s email query to TCS remained unanswered until the time of going to press.TCS’ decision to retain and renew this nearly 1.5 million sq ft of office space for a decade signals continued confidence in its long-term operational footprint and workforce presence.Chennai continues to remain one of India’s most important technology markets, housing large campuses of domestic and multinational IT companies. The city’s established talent pool, relatively lower operating costs and robust office infrastructure have helped it maintain its position as a preferred destination for technology occupiers. The renewal comes at a time when India's office market continues to witness strong demand from technology firms, global capability centres (GCCs), financial services companies and engineering firms, driving sustained leasing activity across key markets.While artificial intelligence is reshaping workforce strategies and operational models, large occupiers continue to retain and expand their real estate footprints in major business hubs. Long-term lease renewals and large-format transactions have remained a key feature of the market, reflecting occupiers' preference for securing high-quality office assets in established micro-markets with access to talent, infrastructure and business ecosystems.

Solar firms move Karnataka HC over “unreasonable” domestic-cell mandate

The writ petition challenges Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) orders that enforce ALMM List-II — the approved list of domestic solar-cell manufacturers — for projects commissioned on or after June 1, 2026

'Renewed Mandate Reflects Enduring Trust': Modi Lauds Armenian PM On Election Win

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s ruling party, Civil Contract, secured 49.81% of the vote, giving it a clear lead over the opposition.

Government to sell 3% stake in NLC India through OFS, sets floor price at Rs 303

The government on Monday announced an offer for sale (OFS) in state-run NLC India, seeking to divest up to 3% of its stake through a two-day share sale process. The OFS comprises a base offer of 2% equity, equivalent to 2.78 crore shares, along with a greenshoe option of another 1% stake, or 1.39 crore shares, in case of strong investor demand.The government has fixed the floor price at Rs 303 per share, a discount to the stock's previous closing price. Based on the floor price, the government stands to raise about Rs 842 crore through the base offer. If the greenshoe option is fully exercised, the total issue size could increase to around Rs 1,263 crore.The OFS will open for non-retail investors on June 9, while retail investors and eligible employees can bid on June 10. The share sale will be conducted through a separate window mechanism on the BSE and NSE in line with Sebi's OFS framework.The transaction forms part of the government's broader disinvestment programme and comes amid a strong run in PSU stocks over the past few years.NLC India, formerly known as Neyveli Lignite Corporation, is one of India's leading mining and power generation companies. The company operates lignite mines and thermal power stations while also expanding its renewable energy portfolio.The PSU has emerged as a beneficiary of India's rising power demand and the government's focus on energy security. In recent years, the company has diversified beyond lignite mining into solar and other renewable energy projects as part of its long-term growth strategy.The government highlighted NLC India's strong operational and financial performance while announcing the OFS, describing the company as a long-term investment opportunity supported by consistent profitability and dividend payouts.NLC India has maintained a track record of returning cash to shareholders through regular dividends and has benefited from improving plant performance, higher power generation and growth in mining operations.The OFS comes at a time when institutional and retail participation in government stake sales has remained healthy, particularly in profitable PSUs with stable cash flows and attractive dividend yields.Investors will now watch subscription levels closely to gauge demand for the issue, especially given the government's decision to keep a greenshoe option that allows it to sell an additional 1% stake if the offer is oversubscribed.

4-Year-Old Succumbs To Shigella Infection In Kerala, Two Other Children Affected

Kerala reports one Shigella death and two child cases in Kozhikode, authorities intensify food safety checks, surveillance and public awareness to curb further spread.

India urges citizens in Israel to stay alert

India has advised its citizens in Israel to exercise caution, remain close to designated shelters and avoid all non-essential travel within the country as tensions between Israel and Iran continue to escalate.In an advisory issued on Monday, the Indian Embassy in Tel Aviv urged Indian nationals to stay vigilant and strictly follow safety instructions issued by Israeli authorities.The advisory comes after renewed exchanges of missile attacks between Israel and Iran. Iran launched dozens of missiles towards Israel on Sunday evening, prompting retaliatory action from Israel and raising concerns about a wider regional conflict."In view of the prevailing security situation in the region, all Indian nationals in Israel are advised to exercise utmost caution and remain vigilant at all times," the embassy said.— indemtel (@indemtel) The mission asked Indian citizens to closely follow guidance issued by Israeli authorities and the Home Front Command, which is responsible for civil defence and emergency preparedness.Indian nationals have also been advised to remain close to designated shelters and identify the nearest protected spaces near their homes or workplaces.Avoid unnecessary travelThe embassy further advised Indian citizens to avoid all non-essential and unnecessary travel within Israel until further notice."Citizens are encouraged to monitor local news, official announcements, and emergency alerts regularly," the advisory said.The Indian mission said it remains in close contact with relevant authorities and will continue to issue updates as the situation develops.To assist citizens during the ongoing security situation, the embassy has activated 24x7 emergency helplines and urged Indians to contact the mission in case of any emergency.

India voices concern over renewed West Asia attacks

'Immediately de-escalate': India condemns fresh attacks in West Asia as Iran, Israel trade strikes

India expresses deep concern regarding the recent military escalation in West Asia amid renewed hostilities between Israel and Iran.

India ₹ defense lifts forex tool past $110B

The Reserve Bank of India’s use of a key tool for defending the rupee has passed the $110 billion mark in recent weeks to a new record, according to people familiar with the developments.The RBI’s net-short dollar book, a measure of the degree it has sold forward its stockpile of the US currency, has risen to about $110 billion-$115 billion across onshore and offshore markets, said the people who asked not to be identified as the information is private. The book was at $95.3 billion in April, down from a record high of $103.1 billion the previous month.The central bank ramped up its interventions after the rupee weakened to a record low on May 20, almost hitting the 97 per dollar mark, the people said, adding that a large part of the central bank’s activity was in the offshore non-deliverable forwards market.Also Read: RBI's reform package could pull $40-75b inflows, push rupee to 92-93 and keep August rate on hold The RBI’s use of NDFs, which have grown over the past couple of years, allows the central bank to influence the exchange rate without immediately depleting foreign-exchange reserves. Such interventions can signal policy intent and help steady the currency during periods of volatility.A spokesperson for the RBI didn’t respond to an email seeking comment.131583707The rupee has borne the brunt of the oil-price shock caused by the Iran war, as India depends heavily on imports to meet its energy needs. The currency has repeatedly fallen to record lows this year as refiners sold rupees for dollars to pay for costlier crude. Still, the currency may now find support from coordinated measures rolled out by the government and the RBI on Friday to attract capital flows.Also Read: Reeling rupee drags students abroad deeper into debt at homeIn recent weeks, the central bank has sold offshore dollars largely via short-dated contracts, typically maturing in one-to-three months, the people said. At the same time, it has conducted onshore swaps of maturities of more than a year, they said. These swaps replenish some of the liquidity drain caused by the RBI’s onshore dollar sales aimed at stabilizing the rupee.RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra said on Friday that while the authority does not resist market-driven adjustments in the rupee, it curbs excessive volatility in the exchange rate. The currency is often influenced by speculative pressures that are not in sync with fundamentals, he added.The growing derivatives book may still pose challenges. As contracts mature, they generate recurring demand for dollars, capping any sustained recovery in the rupee. The central bank is likely to use any renewed capital flows to unwind its short forward book and rebuild foreign-exchange reserves, according to Goldman Sachs Group Inc. analysts led by Kamakshya Trivedi.India’s foreign-exchange reserves were at $682.3 billion in the week of May 29, having dropped more than $40 billion since the Iran war began in late February.

'Leave Iran Immediately': India Issues Advisory After Renewed Hostilities In West Asia

India issued an urgent advisory for all Indian nationals after Iran and Israel traded missile strikes in a dramatic escalation of tensions in West Asia.

Driving licence may remain valid till holder turns 50

The government is considering extending driving license validity until holders turn 50, aiming to reduce public inconvenience. Additionally, vehicle ownership transfers and permit renewals are slated to become fully online. These measures, along with a negative points system for traffic violations, are expected to streamline processes and improve road safety.

5 heartfelt things Virat Kohli said about Anushka Sharma

Virat Kohli's heartfelt proclamations of affection for Anushka Sharma paint a beautiful picture of their bond. From attributing his renewed vigor during a long batting slump to her unwavering support, to revealing his feelings during moments of captaincy pressure, Kohli consistently acknowledges her impact on his life.

FIFA World Cup: Mass shooting near England's base camp leaves 9 injured

A mass shooting in Kansas City left nine people injured just days before England's arrival for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, drawing renewed attention to tournament security preparations. Police stressed the incident was unrelated to the World Cup and occurred away from official venues. All victims are expected to survive as authorities continue investigating while teams prepare to arrive.

Jennifer Winget set to marry Singapore-based businessman William Ishmael?

In an exciting turn of events, beloved television actress Jennifer Winget is reportedly gearing up for her wedding to entrepreneur William Ishmael, who resides in Singapore. Sources close to the couple say their relationship is thriving, especially after a romantic proposal during a recent getaway.

Yogandhra-2026 launches in Andhra Pradesh with 25,000 registrations

The initiative, aims at involving one crore people in yoga activities ahead of International Yoga Day on June 21, will continue until June 20 with awareness and promotional programmes across all 28 districts

CID cautions against ponzi schemes as investors continue to transact with Shivam Associates

Awareness about the illegality of such schemes and the dangers posed by them is necessary to protect people’s interests: Bheemashankar Guled

Delhi Gets Brief Relief From Heat As Rain Lashes Parts Of National Capital | Watch

IMD warns of renewed heatwave in north and central India, with temperatures of 42 to 46 degrees Celsius expected until June 11, some relief likely from June 13.