Times of India

An Air India flight experienced a tailstrike upon landing at Bengaluru airport today. While the aircraft touched down safely with all passengers and crew unharmed, such incidents necessitate thorough inspections for structural integrity. The airline confirmed the safe arrival of the plane, with further details pending.

The Indian rupee has fallen nearly 6% against the US dollar due to Middle East tensions, prompting the Reserve Bank of India to consider measures like interest rate hikes and attracting dollar inflows. Officials are exploring a foreign currency deposit scheme for NRIs and a potential sovereign dollar bond to stabilize the currency.

The Calcutta High Court has ordered the CBI to form a Special Investigation Team to probe allegations of suppression in the R G Kar Medical College rape and murder case. The SIT, led by the CBI's joint director (East), will investigate claims that aspects of the case were "hushed up." A detailed status report is due by June 25.

Tribal organizations are taking a stand by petitioning the Orissa High Court, claiming the state's chronic delays in enforcing the PESA Act, 1996. Despite being enacted almost three decades ago, Odisha has not put into place the necessary legislation, resulting in tribal Gram Sabhas lacking the constitutional authority needed for self-rule and the safeguarding of their resources.

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar stated that "time will decide" his potential elevation to Chief Minister, amidst growing speculation of a leadership change in the state's Congress government. This comes as the Siddaramaiah-led government approaches a significant milestone, fueling discussions about a possible power-sharing arrangement.

Global conflicts highlight the need for affordable, long-range weapons. The US is procuring thousands of new, mass-producible cruise missiles, the Barracuda-500M, for over $2.6 million each. India, too, is seeking similar low-cost, high-volume strike capabilities, including drones and missiles, under its upcoming Defence Acquisition Procedure 2026.

Following the Madhya Pradesh High Court's verdict recognizing Dhar's Bhojshala complex as Goddess Vagdevi's temple, Hindu petitioners have filed new pleas. They are demanding free entry for devotees, further excavation, and the opening of a locked room, asserting the court's order necessitates unrestricted access and removal of 'unauthorised Islamic symbols'.

Speculation about Virat Kohli's potential return to Test cricket has resurfaced following comments from his childhood coach, Rajkumar Sharma. Sharma hinted that discussions regarding a comeback are underway, igniting excitement among fans who believe the former captain still has unfinished business in the longest format. Kohli retired from Test cricket in May 2025 after a distinguished 14-year career.

Google co-founder Sergey Brin is injecting significant funds into San Francisco's local politics, backing a business-friendly tax proposal while opposing a controversial "Overpaid CEO Tax." This move, following his relocation from Silicon Valley, reflects Brin's broader campaign against wealth redistribution measures, which he links to his personal experience fleeing socialism.

Donald Trump lauded AI's economic benefits, citing record job numbers and stock market gains. However, a New York Post report revealed over 52,000 tech layoffs in early 2026, with AI increasingly cited as the cause.

Meta has initiated significant layoffs, sending emails to thousands of employees whose positions are being eliminated. Company leadership confirmed the decision to reduce headcount for increased efficiency. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg also sent a company-wide memo expressing gratitude to departing employees and outlining future company direction. He assured remaining staff that no further company-wide layoffs are expected this year.

During a Tamil Nadu Cabinet expansion, Governor Arlekar cautioned Congress MLA S. Rajesh Kumar to adhere strictly to the written oath after he deviated to praise party leaders. Kumar, along with other new ministers, took their oaths at Lok Bhavan. Subsequently, other TVK legislators also added party-specific slogans to their affirmations.

IIT Roorkee will release the JEE Advanced 2026 response sheets today, May 21, at 5 pm on jeeadv.ac.in. Candidates can check their marked answers and compare them with the provisional answer key, which will be released on May 25. The final answer key and results are scheduled for June 1.

Aston Villa clinched their first trophy in 30 years with a commanding 3-0 Europa League final victory over SC Freiburg in Istanbul. Youri Tielemans, Emiliano Buendía, and Morgan Rogers were on target, capping a remarkable turnaround for Unai Emery's side. This triumph solidifies Emery's legendary status in the competition and brings European glory back to Villa Park after decades.

With playoffs in sight, RR, PBKS, KKR, DC, and CSK are locked in a fierce battle for the remaining spot. RR need a win, while PBKS, KKR, DC, and CSK rely on a complex web of results and their own performances. Only mathematically alive, these teams are fighting for every advantage.