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Vienna gears up for the Eurovision 2026 grand final as all 25 finalists are confirmed after a thrilling second semi-final. Finland leads the betting odds, with Greece and Australia close behind. The UK's official entry faces stiff competition, but a London-born Cypriot act offers a potential second chance for British viewers. Expect a fiercely contested Saturday night.

India's state-run oil companies are absorbing nearly Rs 30,000 crore in monthly losses to maintain stable petrol, diesel, and LPG prices amidst soaring global energy costs. This financial burden arises from crude oil price surges and supply disruptions in West Asia, with the government prioritizing consumer protection.

As the excitement builds for Eurovision 2026 in stunning Vienna, 35 nations are set to battle for the ultimate musical glory. Hosting the event, Austria welcomes a thrilling blend of veterans and fresh talent showcasing their unique sounds. This year, however, the stage feels slightly different, as five countries have pulled out in response to discussions regarding Israel's participation.

India has successfully navigated the Middle East crisis, ensuring stable fuel supplies and uninterrupted maritime operations. Despite global price surges, consumers are shielded through excise duty cuts and increased domestic production. State-run oil companies are absorbing significant daily losses to maintain current prices, while Indian seafarers in the Gulf remain safe and maritime operations at Indian ports are normal.

And that’s the trap that ‘Philosopher King’ Xi Jinping wants to avoid when coming up against Don Tzu, but who is Thucydides anyway? What trap did he lay? And will the US and China go to war?

Europe's iconic festivals offer unforgettable experiences beyond typical vacations. From electronic music at Tomorrowland in Belgium to sailing and partying at The Yacht Week in Croatia, these events promise adventure. Edinburgh Festival Fringe in the UK showcases diverse performances. Germany's Munich Shepherd's Beer Festival celebrates culture and tradition. Romania's UNTOLD Festival combines music and technology. These festivals enhance European travel.

Two brothers unearthed a vast Viking treasure in North Yorkshire. This discovery, the Vale of York Hoard, contains over 600 coins and silver items from across the globe. It shows Vikings were skilled traders, not just raiders. The find offers a glimpse into a turbulent past and highlights the rich history beneath our feet.

Swami Jnanananda’s life traces a rare journey from years of meditation in the Himalayas to advanced research in nuclear physics across Europe, the UK, and the US. Returning to India, he established a key physics department at Andhra University, blending scientific rigour with a philosophical outlook shaped by spirituality.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup faces an unexpected financial divide as US tax laws and uneven international treaties mean teams will be taxed differently on tournament earnings. While FIFA holds tax-exempt status, many federations do not, leaving non-European nations particularly exposed. With varying state taxes and limited exemptions, the expanded 48-team format risks creating major economic disparities between participants.

Fresh reports reveal internal Pentagon discussions exploring punitive measures against Nato allies, including Spain, for perceived lack of support during the Iran conflict. These discussions, alongside President Trump's continued questioning of US commitment, expose deep divisions within the alliance, raising questions about its future and European security.

A massive international crackdown, Operation PowerOFF, has targeted over 75,000 users of illegal DDoS-for-hire services. Europol and 21 nations disrupted criminal infrastructure, leading to arrests, domain takedowns, and warning campaigns. This operation aims to dismantle easy-to-access cybercrime tools and prevent future attacks on businesses and individuals globally.

In fact, IMF’s latest World Economic Outlook (April 2026) sees India sitting at the sixth spot this financial year too. What has led to the sudden fall? Why has India dropped to the sixth position, falling behind the UK, instead of overtaking Japan to become the fourth largest economy?

The world's most powerful economies, led by the US and including China, Germany, Japan, the UK, and India, significantly shape travel experiences. Their GDPs influence infrastructure, transport, and cultural offerings, creating distinct journeys from advanced convenience to vibrant contrasts.

Australia is rapidly advancing its autonomous warfare capabilities with the Ghost Shark underwater drone and Ghost Bat aerial drone. These homegrown programs, moving from prototype to production, aim to bolster regional strategic balance and reduce risks to human personnel in high-threat environments.

Nepal's Prime Minister Balendra Shah met with 17 envoys, emphasizing deepening ties with neighbors and partners based on trust and shared prosperity. This joint meeting, a departure from tradition, signals a strategic diplomatic reset. The government also briefed ministers on foreign policy and diplomatic conduct, underscoring neutrality amidst regional power competition.

The UK government on Tuesday barred Kanye West from entering the country, citing public interest concerns over his past antisemitic remarks, forcing organisers to cancel London’s Wireless Festival. According to the Home Office, West—now known as Ye—applied to travel to Britain on Monday, but his request was denied as his presence was deemed “not conducive to the public good,” as reported by the BBC.

For India, this development merits careful consideration within the country's broader public health context.

The US has imposed up to 100% tariffs on patented drugs and certain metals, aiming to boost domestic manufacturing. While India's generic drug exports are largely exempt, firms producing branded medicines or inputs for patented drugs may face pressure. Developed nations are expected to bear the brunt of these new measures.

European allies secretly prepared to defend Greenland from a potential US military action. Denmark, with support from France, Germany, Norway, and Sweden, planned to disable airport runways. This move signaled deep concerns over President Trump's intentions. The preparations aimed to deter any US intervention. The episode highlighted a growing trust deficit between the US and its allies.