Illinois lawmakers voted to delay the state’s swipe fee law for another year, keeping the fight over card fees on sales taxes and tips in court and before federal regulators. The delay affects the Interchange Fee Prohibition Act, or IFPA, a first-of-its-kind Illinois law that would restrict banks, credit unions and card companies from collecting interchange fees on the tax and tip portions of debit and credit card transactions. Illinois Swipe Fee Law Delay Exten

NRI capital in GIFT City dollar funds rose 18.59% in Q4 FY26, according to the International Financial Services Centres Authority’s official Q4 FY26 bulletin. Diaspora-linked fund allocations from Non-Resident Indians and Overseas Citizens of India reached $747.27 million in the January-March quarter of FY26, up from $630.13 million in the previous quarter. The increase shows growing interest in GIFT City’s dollar-denominated investment structures among global Indian investors.

US President Donald Trump confirmed that Israel and Hezbollah have agreed to temporarily halt attacks, creating a window for possible peace talks in Lebanon. The president highlighted his direct involvement, including discussions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and indirect communication with Hezbollah through intermediaries. Trump emphasized the ceasefire on his social media, noting that both sides have agreed to suspend operations against each other, while urging ho

Iran has decided to pause indirect negotiations with the United States in response to ongoing hostilities in Lebanon. Tehran cited repeated breaches of the ceasefire by Israeli forces as a primary reason for halting diplomatic exchanges. Officials emphasized that the suspension is temporary but signals a serious shift in Iran’s diplomatic approach. Tehran Signals Defensive Measures Iran’s le

A significant step toward peace emerged as Israel and Hezbollah agreed to halt hostilities, following active diplomacy from the U.S. and Pakistan. President Trump confirmed discussions with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and Hezbollah representatives, resulting in mutual commitments to stop attacks. Iran Encourages Pakistan’s Mediation Role Iran requested Pakistan to continue its diplomatic i

Israeli defense forces successfully intercepted two rockets launched from Lebanon early Tuesday morning. Air raid sirens sounded across communities in northern Israel, prompting residents to seek immediate shelter. The Israeli Air Force quickly neutralized the threats, while officials reported a suspicious aerial object landing within Israeli territory. No injuries or property damage occurred, but the incident highlights the persistent security challenges along the northern border.

US President Donald Trump confirmed that discussions with Iran are making steady progress despite ongoing unrest in Lebanon. According to his statement, talks are active and focused on diplomatic solutions to ease regional tensions. Efforts to De-escalate in Lebanon The discussions include attempts to persuade both Israel and Hezbollah to limit their actions in Lebanon.

Denmark’s plan to restrict social media access for children has become a major talking point after Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen made a controversial comparison between children’s social media use and smoking. Her remark triggered strong reactions online, but it also pushed an important question into the spotlight: how far should governments go to protect children from harmful digital spaces? The debate is linked to Denmark’s proposal to stop children under 15 from using so

Israel ordered fresh military strikes on Beirut’s southern Dahiyeh suburb on Monday, June 1, after accusing Hezbollah of repeatedly violating the ceasefire in Lebanon. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz said the Israeli military had been instructed to target Hezbollah-linked sites in the area. The move has increased concern over the fragile situation between Israel and Hezbollah. Dahiyeh is widely known as a major Hezbollah stronghold, making any st

TMC meet cancelled as 60 MLAs skip Mamata Banerjee call Kolkata: The Trinamool Congress faced an uncomfortable moment on Monday after a scheduled meeting of its newly elected MLAs at Mamata Banerjee’s Kalighat residence had to be called off due to poor attendance. Only around 20 of the party’s 80 MLAs reportedly reached the venue, while nearly 60 legislators stayed away a day after TMC General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee was allegedly attacked. The abs

Jerome Powell Honored at JFK Profile in Courage Award Jerome Powell, former Chair of the Federal Reserve, was honored at the John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award ceremony on May 31 in Boston, Massachusetts. The event recognized his steadfast leadership in the financial sector and dedication to public service. The ceremony, organized by the JFK Library Foundation, highlighted Powell’s contributions to s

Cyprus and Bangladesh Compete for UNGA Leadership The United Nations is under intense pressure to demonstrate its relevance amid numerous global crises, and attention now turns to the election of the 81st President of the General Assembly. Cyprus and Bangladesh are in a tight contest, with the vote set for Tuesday, 2 June. The winner will assume office when the new session opens in September, overseeing the

Macron Condemns Violence in Lebanon French President Emmanuel Macron on Sunday, May 31, denounced the ongoing escalation in southern Lebanon, stating that the intensifying conflict cannot be justified. Macron called for an urgent end to the violence and emphasized the importance of diplomacy, urging the United States and Iran to quickly reach an agreement to prevent further regional escalation. In a message

Sonarpur Attack Triggers Political Tension TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee was allegedly attacked during his visit to Sonarpur in South 24 Parganas on Saturday, May 30, 2026. He had gone to meet the family of a TMC worker reportedly killed in post-poll violence when the situation turned tense. Reports said stones, eggs and slippers were allegedly hurled, and Abhishek later complained of pain in his neck, back and c

TMC Assam Chief Resigns Amid Accusations Abhijit Majumdar, the Assam chief of the Trinamool Congress (TMC), resigned on May 29, 2026, claiming that the party primarily works for the Muslim community in both Assam and West Bengal. His exit comes after the TMC’s crushing defeat in the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections and follows a series of high-profile resignations within the party. Majumdar cited the party’s political direction and

The Delhi High Court has rejected Pernod Ricard’s appeal to resume sales of its popular brands, Absolut Vodka and Chivas Regal, keeping the ban in place for the third consecutive year. The ruling comes amid ongoing corporate investigations and a $314 million tax dispute, intensifying pressure on the French liquor giant. Delhi is a critical market for Pernod Ricard, representing nearly 5% of its nationwide sales. B

Russia and Taliban Formalize Military Pact Russia and the Taliban have officially signed a military cooperation agreement, aiming to enhance defense collaboration and regional stability in Afghanistan. The deal was finalized during the International Security Forum in Moscow, held from May 26 to May 29. Taliban Defence Minister Mullah Yaqoob emphasized that this pact strengthens Afghanistan’s military capabilities while recognizing Russia

Early Life and Education John Fitzgerald Kennedy, widely known as JFK, was born on May 29, 1917, in Brookline, Massachusetts. Coming from a wealthy and politically ambitious Irish-American family, he was exposed to public service from an early age. Kennedy pursued higher education at Harvard University, where he cultivated an interest in politics, leadership, and international affairs, laying the groundwork for his future political career. Military Service and War Heroism During World War II, Kennedy served in the U.S. Navy and commanded a patrol boat, PT-109. When the vessel was struck by a Japanese destroyer, Kennedy’s leadership and courage helped save surviving crew members. This act of heroism earned him national recognition and significantly boosted his political profile, showcasing his bravery and commitment to service. Political Career and Presidency Following the war, Kennedy entered politics, serving first as a congressman and then as a senator from Massachusetts. In 1961, at the age of 43, he became the youngest person ever elected president of the United States. Kennedy’s presidency was marked by key challenges including civil rights initiatives, economic growth, and Cold War tensions, which tested his leadership on both domestic and international fronts. Cuban Missile Crisis One of the defining moments of JFK’s presidency occurred in 1962 during the Cuban Missile Crisis. The discovery of Soviet nuclear missiles in Cuba brought the world to the brink of nuclear conflict. Kennedy’s measured approach and negotiations with the Soviet Union are credited with averting a global disaster, cementing his reputation as a decisive yet thoughtful leader during crises. Assassination and Legacy Kennedy was assassinated on November 22, 1963, in Dallas, Texas, an event that shocked the world and left a lasting imprint on American history. Despite his short tenure, JFK’s leadership, vision for space exploration, and commitment to public service continue to inspire generations. Memorials, libraries, and institutions bearing his name preserve his enduring legacy and influence on both the United States and global politics.

Strikes Hit Near Beirut Israel launched a wave of strikes across southern Lebanon on Thursday, May 28, and carried out a rare raid near Beirut, placing further pressure on an already fragile ceasefire with Hezbollah. Lebanese authorities said the strike in Choueifat, south of the capital, hit an apartment and killed three people, including a woman, her baby daughter and a child of Syrian nationality. Fiftee

The Trump board of peace, set up to coordinate reconstruction in Gaza after recent conflicts, is facing an unprecedented funding shortfall. Despite multibillion-dollar pledges from the United States and several Gulf nations, no significant donor funds have been delivered, leaving the reconstruction plan at a standstill. The initiative, envisioned as a multilateral effort to rebuild Gaza’s damaged infrastructure, has yet to move beyond the planning stage.