The Economic Times

The Election Commission of India on Monday announced elections to 16 seats in the Maharashtra Legislative Council, with voting scheduled for June 18. The nomination process will close on June 1, while candidates may withdraw their nominations until June 4, according to the notification.

Protect your mental well-being with six practical, psychology-based tips tailored for the Indian audience. From the Grey Rock technique to managing your internal energy budget, this guide offers simple, non-scientific strategies to handle critical relatives and pessimistic colleagues without losing your peace of mind.

Kash Patels girlfriend: FBI Director Kash Patel faces scrutiny for allegedly using a government jet for a personal trip to a concert with his girlfriend, Alexis Wilkins. Wilkins, a country singer and political commentator, met Patel at a conservative event. The two met in 2022 and started dating a year later. Their 19-year age gap has also drawn public attention, though Wilkins dismisses the criticism.

The Supreme Court has declined to review the wages and benefits of priests and temple staff in state-controlled temples. The court stated that such matters should be approached directly by aggrieved parties. Petitioner advocate Ashwini Upadhyay sought a judicial commission to address the issue, citing low earnings and potential violations of livelihood rights.

Bhopal police are investigating the death of Twisha Sharma, a former Miss Pune contestant. She was found hanging at her marital home. Her family alleges dowry harassment and domestic abuse by her husband, Samarth Singh, and mother-in-law, Giribala Singh. Twisha's final message to a friend expressed feeling trapped. A Special Investigation Team has been formed.

CBSE Re-Evaluation 2026 Fees and Dates announced: After concerns from students over CBSEs new on-screen evaluation system for Class 12 board exams, the board has sharply reduced fees for answer sheet copies, verification, and re-evaluation. While officials denied any link between digital marking and this years dip in pass percentage, the move is likely to bring relief to lakhs of students planning to challenge their scores.

Railways have introduced a second direct train service between Bengaluru and Mumbai, a much-needed connectivity boost after nearly 30 years. This bi-weekly express train aims to ease travel for thousands commuting between Karnataka and Maharashtra. A Vande Bharat Sleeper service is also anticipated soon.

The European Union is preparing new rules. Companies will need to source critical components from multiple suppliers. This aims to lessen dependence on China. The measures will impact key sectors like chemicals and machinery. The EU seeks to counter China's trade leverage. Plans are set for presentation and potential endorsement by EU leaders.

The Supreme Court has granted bail to Syed Iftikhar Andrabi, who was embroiled in a narco-terrorism case. The court underscored the fundamental principle that bail should be the standard, even in cases involving the UAPA. Andrabi has been accused of participating in an international drug trafficking and terror finance syndicate in Jammu and Kashmir, with ongoing investigations by the NIA.

WHO 79th World Health Assembly: World Health Organization member states meet in Geneva. Deadly hantavirus and Ebola outbreaks are major concerns. Uncertainty surrounds US and Argentinian withdrawals from the WHO. The organization faces budget cuts and staff reductions. Discussions will focus on global health architecture reform and coordination among health actors.

Margaret Atwood, a celebrated author, explores the profound connection between language and conflict. Her quote, 'War is what happens when language fails,' highlights communication's crucial role in preventing violence. Atwood emphasizes that when dialogue breaks down, destruction often follows, underscoring the power of empathy and understanding.

IAS officer Divya Mittal highlights critical gaps in India's education system, noting it excels at teaching academic achievement but fails to equip students with emotional regulation, deep communication, and critical thinking skills. The system prioritizes 'right answers' over questioning, neglecting vital life lessons like financial literacy and self-awareness, leaving adults unprepared for emotional challenges and solitude.

HSBC has unveiled a groundbreaking $4 billion credit facility aimed at propelling Chinese enterprises forward in sustainable and transitional tech. Key sectors under this initiative include renewable energy, data management hubs, and electric transportation. With China at the forefront of green technology innovation, this strategic funding is set to bolster their global expansion and enhance market presence.

Morgan Stanley sees India's economy entering a new growth phase. Strong domestic demand and policy support are expected to boost corporate earnings. Indian equities are set for a strong year. Investments in key sectors will strengthen growth momentum. India's role in global GDP growth is increasing.

Tarun Mishra, originally from Bihar and now in Gujarat, leads the Help Drive Foundation. He manages 22 shelter homes, offering support to abandoned children, the elderly, and the homeless. His journey began with personal struggles, leading him to dedicate his life to humanitarian work.

Nayana Vaidya built Om Sai Surgicals from a modest beginning. Her company achieved a turnover of nearly 48 crore. Vaidya finds satisfaction in the work itself, not just the financial success. Her journey highlights patience and steady growth in the healthcare distribution sector. She earned her first crore around 2010.

While the Madhya Pradesh government projects it as a major reform to streamline fertiliser distribution, industry stakeholders say its still too early to assess.

A cloudy day led to a scientific accident. Henri Becquerel discovered radioactivity when uranium salts exposed photographic plates in a drawer. This finding shattered the idea of stable atoms. Marie Curie later coined the term and discovered new elements. This discovery transformed our understanding of matter and led to nuclear physics and new technologies.

Kerala CM V D Satheesan took oath as Chief Minister of Keralam on Monday. His United Democratic Front (UDF) returns to power after ten years. The UDF secured a decisive victory in the 2026 Assembly elections. Satheesan leads a 20-member Cabinet. This marks a significant political shift in the state. The government formation was completed in record time.

The United Democratic Front is set to take power in Keralam. VD Satheesan will be sworn in as Chief Minister today. Senior Congress leaders and Chief Ministers from other states are attending the ceremony. The new government promises to fulfill election guarantees.

Bain Capital has raised $10.5 billion for its sixth Asia-focused private equity fund, including $9.1 billion from external investors, exceeding its original $7 billion target. Bain Capital partners, employees and related entities contributed the remaining capital and became the funds largest investor group.

Chinas industrial output growth slowed to 4.1% in April from 5.7% in March, missing market expectations of a 5.9% rise, official data showed on Monday.

Petrol, Diesel prices today: Petrol and diesel prices remained steady on Monday after a recent Rs 3 per litre hike, with further increases anticipated due to rising global oil prices. This surge, driven by Middle East conflict and US-Iran tensions, is pressuring India's foreign exchange reserves as the nation imports most of its crude oil.

Ebola in India: The WHO has declared the Ebola outbreak in Congo and Uganda a public health emergency with over 300 cases and 88 deaths. Indian health experts assure no need for panic, emphasizing Ebola's direct contact spread, unlike COVID-19, while stressing vigilance and early detection. There are two vaccines for Ebola.

China has agreed to address U.S. concerns over shortages of specialty rare earth minerals and critical materials caused by Beijings export controls, according to a White House factsheet released after last weeks U.S.-China summit.

Ladakh's daily wage earners will see a substantial pay increase. Skilled workers will now earn Rs 575 daily, and unskilled workers Rs 450 daily. This decision comes ahead of crucial meetings with the Ministry of Home Affairs. The administration aims to provide dignified wages, aligning with the Minimum Wages Act.

Four crew members safely ejected after two U.S. Navy E/A-18G Growler jets collided mid-air during an aerial demonstration at the Gunfighter Skies Air Show near Idahos Mountain Home Air Force Base on Sunday.

A 5.2-magnitude earthquake struck Chinas Guangxi region early Monday, killing two people and forcing more than 7,000 residents in Liuzhou city to evacuate.

Karnataka, Bengaluru weather today: Bengaluru is set to experience thunderstorms and rainfall on Monday, May 18, with temperatures ranging from 23C to 33C. The India Meteorological Department has issued a yellow alert for Bengaluru and most of interior Karnataka for the next three days, with an orange alert for parts of south interior Karnataka for the next 24 hours.

The West Bengal government has raised the upper age limit for recruitment to state government jobs across categories through amendments to the West Bengal Services (Raising of Age-limit) Rules, 1981.

US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said President Donald Trump secured a commitment from China not to provide material support to Iran during talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Indias Ministry of External Affairs condemned the drone attack on the Barakah nuclear power plant in the UAE, calling it a dangerous escalation and urging restraint and diplomacy amid rising Gulf tensions.

Federal officials urged unions representing workers at the Long Island Rail Road to resume negotiations after a strike entered its second day, disrupting travel for hundreds of thousands of commuters in New York.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged top European companies to increase investments in India during a high-level meeting with the European Round Table for Industry in Gothenburg, Sweden. The event was co-hosted by Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

Samsung Electronics and its South Korean labour union will resume government-mediated pay talks on Monday in an effort to avoid a strike planned for Thursday. The talks come after an earlier round of negotiations over wages and bonuses collapsed at the worlds largest memory chipmaker.

India's external accounts are under strain. The current account deficit is widening, and capital may flow out. The rupee has weakened significantly. Policymakers are considering various measures beyond interest rate hikes to stabilize the currency. These include incentives for foreign deposits and liberalizing capital inflows. State-owned banks may also issue foreign currency bonds.

IPL 2026: Royal Challengers Bengaluru secured a playoff berth by defeating Punjab Kings by 23 runs. Virat Kohli and Venkatesh Iyer scored half-centuries, setting a target of 222. Bhuvneshwar Kumar's early bowling spell crippled Punjab Kings. The team's batting faltered, leading to their sixth consecutive loss and near elimination from the tournament.

Abhishek Porel and KL Rahul's fluent half-centuries powered Delhi Capitals to a five-wicket victory over Rajasthan Royals. The opening pair's 105-run stand set the stage for the chase, with Axar Patel's unbeaten 34 sealing the win in 19.2 overs. Delhi successfully overhauled RR's competitive total of 193.

Four of the newly empanelled executive directors - Gunveer Singh, Monisha Chakraborty, Suman Ray and Sudhakar Malli - belong to the common seniority group (CSG) cadre, while Ravi Shankar is from the department of statistics and information management (DSIM) cadre.

Jannik Sinner made history by becoming the first Italian man to win the Italian Open in 50 years, also achieving the rare feat of winning all nine Masters 1000 events. His dominant 6-4, 6-4 victory over Casper Ruud extended his winning streak to 29 matches, positioning him as a strong favorite for the upcoming French Open.

Regulators are examining overseas investments by Indian companies. The Reserve Bank of India is seeking details on the purpose and structure of these foreign ventures. This scrutiny follows a significant increase in overseas direct investment outflows. Companies must demonstrate genuine business intent for these investments. The RBI aims to ensure funds are used appropriately and profits are repatriated.

UDF finalized its Cabinet list after two days of discussions, with CM-designate VD Satheesan submitting it to the Kerala governor. The full Cabinet, including the CM, is scheduled for swearing-in on Monday. Satheesan was announced as the Congress Legislature Party leader and next chief minister on May 14.

A Pakistani terrorist, Mohammed Usman Jatt, infiltrated Jammu and Kashmir for Lashkar-e-Taiba. He paused his terror mission to get a hair transplant in Srinagar. Jatt told interrogators that life in Kashmir differed from his training. He crossed the border with instructions for attacks but witnessed a different reality. The NIA is investigating the case.

CBI has arrested nine individuals, including alleged kingpins, in connection with the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak. The agency is actively seeking the source of the leak and is investigating the larger conspiracy involving an organized paper leak gang. Several co-accused are yet to be identified and apprehended.