A farmer from Malkangiri has successfully cultivated the rare Miyazaki Mango, a premium Japanese fruit known for fetching exceptionally high prices in international markets. According to reports, farmer Deba Padhiami received the sapling four years ago and nurtured it until it began bearing fruit. Originating from Japan’s Miyazaki Prefecture, the mango is renowned for its reddish-purple colour, sweetness and smooth texture. However, despite growing one of the world’s most expensive mango varieties, Padhiami lacks access to buyers, marketing channels and export networks. He has also begun guarding the tree at night, fearing theft as curiosity around the rare fruit grows.

A Class 12 CBSE student, Vedant Shrivastava, who went viral after claiming the Physics answer sheet uploaded under his roll number was not his, has been vindicated after CBSE provided his actual answer sheet. Vedant had highlighted major handwriting differences between the uploaded Physics paper and his other answer sheets, raising concerns about a possible answer-sheet mix-up in the board’s On-Screen Marking system. The issue sparked widespread debate, though the student also faced online abuse and accusations for questioning the process. CBSE later acknowledged the mismatch, sent the correct answer sheet, and said his marks would be revised while investigating how the error occurred. (PC: News18)

The U.S. military has launched fresh strikes in southern Iran, targeting missile sites and boats allegedly attempting to deploy mines near Bandar Abbas on the Strait of Hormuz. U.S. Central Command described the operation as a self-defence measure aimed at protecting American forces while maintaining restraint during the ongoing ceasefire. Despite the strikes, diplomatic efforts continue, with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressing optimism about ongoing talks involving Iran and Qatar. Iranian officials acknowledged progress in negotiations but said an agreement remains distant. Key issues include extending the ceasefire, reopening the Strait of Hormuz and addressing Iran’s nuclear programme and sanctions relief.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said negotiations for a free trade agreement between Canada and India are progressing rapidly and described the proposed pact as a “game changer” for businesses and workers. During discussions with Indian Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal, both sides reviewed opportunities in energy, agri-food, technology and education. The two countries are pushing to conclude the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) by the end of 2026 while targeting bilateral trade growth to USD 50 billion by 2030. The renewed momentum follows efforts to reset relations after diplomatic tensions in 2023, with energy, nuclear cooperation, innovation and investment emerging as key areas of collaboration.

CNG prices in Delhi were increased by Rs 2 per kg on May 26, taking the retail rate to Rs 83.09 per kg and marking the fourth hike in 11 days. The cumulative increase since May 15 now stands at Rs 7 per kg. Earlier revisions included a Rs 2 hike on May 15 and Re 1 increases on Friday and Sunday. While prices of piped natural gas and domestic LPG remain unchanged, rising global crude oil prices continue to pressure fuel retailers. Industry sources attribute the surge to supply concerns linked to tensions around the Strait of Hormuz amid the US-Iran conflict. Higher fuel costs are expected to impact transportation and inflation. (PC: India Today)

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the Strait of Hormuz “has to be open, one way or the other” after fresh U.S. strikes on Iranian boats near Bandar Abbas. Speaking aboard his plane in Jaipur, Rubio maintained that diplomacy with Iran remains possible despite the latest military action. He said discussions were underway in Qatar and that negotiators were working through specific language for a potential agreement, a process that could take several days. The U.S. strikes targeted boats allegedly laying mines and missile-related threats, while Washington continues efforts to secure maritime access through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. (PC: AP)

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s recent visit to India has helped pave the way for a complete reset of India-Canada relations. Speaking in Ottawa, Goyal indicated that the engagement marked a positive step toward rebuilding bilateral ties after a period of diplomatic strain. Relations between the two countries had deteriorated following the 2023 killing of Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada, an issue that caused tensions during the tenure of Carney’s predecessor. The latest diplomatic outreach is being viewed as an effort to restore cooperation and improve relations between New Delhi and Ottawa.

The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has amended the Liquefied Petroleum Gas (Regulation of Supply and Distribution) Order, 2000, requiring households that obtain a Piped Natural Gas (PNG) connection to surrender their domestic LPG connection or secure a transfer voucher within 30 days. The notification took effect immediately after publication in the Official Gazette. Households acquiring PNG can no longer receive LPG cylinder refills from the date of PNG activation. The transfer voucher allows restoration of an LPG connection in a non-PNG area, benefiting transferable employees, migrants, tenants and students. The legally binding amendment aims to end simultaneous LPG and PNG usage amid concerns over natural gas shortages linked to the West Asia conflict. (PC: The Tribune)

Iran could reopen the Strait of Hormuz to unrestricted global shipping under a proposed agreement being discussed with the United States to end hostilities in West Asia, according to a Nikkei report citing regional diplomatic sources. The proposal reportedly includes Iran clearing mines from the strategic waterway within 30 days of a deal and suspending transit charges for vessels. The plan also suggests extending the current ceasefire by 60 days and temporarily pausing Iran’s nuclear programme for two months. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington would continue pursuing diplomacy with Tehran before considering other options. (PC: HT)

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has ordered the restoration of international internet access after nearly 87 days of severe restrictions across the country, according to Iranian state media. Officials from Iran’s Communications Ministry confirmed the decision after a high-level cybersecurity meeting. Internet access had been heavily restricted since January following anti-government protests and was tightened further after US-Israel strikes on Iran in February. Monitoring group NetBlocks said connectivity had dropped to as low as 1-2 per cent of normal levels. The blackout disrupted businesses, freelancers and communication services, while many users relied on VPNs and illegal Starlink connections. (PC: India Today)