The Economic Times

The elevator button is just one example of a broader psychological pattern. The key insight is that people are often not trying to make the elevator arrive faster, they are trying to ease their own sense of discomfort and impatience. That may be exactly why these small behaviors are so widespread.

India and Sri Lanka are exploring ways to settle trade using their own currencies. This move aims to cut transaction costs and shield businesses from fluctuating US dollar values. The initiative will help Sri Lanka conserve its dollar reserves. Indian banks can now offer loans in rupees to Sri Lankan importers.

States' spending surged 131 percent from 2015-16 to 2024-25. Welfare and development drove this growth. Revenue expenditure remained the largest budget component. Committed expenses and subsidies consumed over half of revenue spending. Total state expenditure reached Rs 51.20 lakh crore in 2024-25. Budgetary spending averaged between 15.78 and 17.49 percent of GSDP.

Federal Reserve Chairman Kevin Warsh leads his first policy session, sending ripples through the investment community eager for clues on monetary policy shifts. With a preference for brevity in his public declarations, Warsh encounters the challenge of aligning expectations for rate cuts with the latest inflation figures.

India's government warehouses hold record rice stocks, up 15% from last year. Wheat inventories are at a five-year peak. These abundant reserves will support increased rice exports. Higher wheat stocks will help manage prices by allowing open market sales. Record production in the last crop year fueled these impressive inventories. India is well-positioned for both exports and domestic price stability.

G7 leaders are urging President Trump to refocus on the Ukraine war. Discussions at the summit included increasing pressure on Russia through sanctions. Leaders also agreed to provide Ukraine with more air defense. The UK announced new sanctions targeting Russia's oil and gas shipping. Trump expressed frustration over the ongoing conflict and stated his commitment to finding a resolution.

Most households throw away empty toilet paper rolls without a second thought. But these cardboard tubes can be surprisingly useful for organizing everyday items around the house. Instead of spending money on storage boxes and organizers, try these simple DIY ideas that can help reduce clutter and make better use of small spaces.

A young Indian professional, after a year-long job hunt in the US, faces a dilemma: a 28 LPA offer in Bengaluru or continuing his career in America with a recently selected H1-B visa. Torn between family responsibilities and career prospects, he weighs the financial and lifestyle implications of returning home to care for his aging parents.

Life Lesson of the Day by Nassim Nicholas Taleb: What if the biggest source of stress is not failure but chasing someone elses definition of success? This powerful life lesson on success, freedom, and self-worth comes from the bestselling author of The Black Swan and Antifragile. It reveals why independent thinking, resilience, and personal freedom matter more than status, approval, or conventional achievement.

In 1899, scholar Wang Yirong noticed ancient markings on so-called dragon bones being sold in a traditional Chinese medicine market. His observation led to the identification of these artefacts as oracle bones, which later provided direct evidence of the Shang dynasty. The inscriptions on the bones represent the earliest known form of Chinese writing and offer valuable insights into royal life, religious practices and state affairs more than 3,000 years ago, significantly transforming historians

Looking for a simple diet plan to support healthy blood pressure levels? This 7-day no-sugar, high-protein Indian meal plan includes protein-rich foods like paneer, dal, sprouts and tofu while avoiding added sugar. The easy-to-follow menu focuses on balanced meals that may help support overall heart health.

A young software engineer from Delhi was discovered deceased at a Mussoorie homestay. Police are investigating the mysterious circumstances surrounding her death. The couple had arrived for a trip and reportedly consumed alcohol. Investigators found the woman on the floor with blood on the bedsheet. The post-mortem report is awaited to determine the cause of death.

A man was arrested in Lucknow for pretending to be an IPS officer. He allegedly intimidated police personnel at a tea stall. The accused, Mithilesh Shukla, was booked for impersonating a public servant. He admitted to working as an account executive and not being an IPS officer. A case was registered and he was arrested.

Inspirational Italian Proverb of the Day: An Italian proverb, The house hides but doesnt steal, offers a timeless lesson on patience and perspective. It suggests that what appears lost is often merely misplaced, encouraging a thoughtful approach to life's challenges. This wisdom reminds us to avoid jumping to conclusions and to remain optimistic, as opportunities and solutions may be closer than they seem.

US President Donald Trump called for Russia to strike a peace deal with Ukraine. He met with G7 leaders and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. European diplomats aim to convince Trump that Ukraine's position has strengthened. They also want to discuss Iran's nuclear program and maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz.

The head of the International Energy Agency stressed that fully reopening the Strait of Hormuz is crucial for global economic stability. Record-high oil and gas prices are really hitting countries hard. There's talk of a potential deal between the U.S. and Iran, which could ease these tensions and bring prices down.

Hyderabad will soon see a new road named Donald Trump Avenue. The inauguration is scheduled for June 23. This initiative is part of the state government's plan to honor global figures and companies. Other roads will be named after Ratan Tata and Google. This aims to promote Telangana as a center for innovation and development.

Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge criticizes the Modi government for exam irregularities. He demands Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation, citing widespread paper leaks affecting millions of youth. Kharge highlights the government's failure to ensure accountability, with multiple exams like NEET, SSC, UGC-NET, and CUET facing leaks. Rahul Gandhi will address student conventions against paper leaks.

A Bengaluru resident approached the Karnataka High Court after his bank froze his entire account despite police communications seeking a freeze of only Rs 25,000. The court ruled that banks cannot expand the scope of freezing directions on their own and must restrict action to the amount specified by investigating agencies unless a complete freeze is explicitly ordered.

Serena Williams is set to make her Wimbledon return after a four-year hiatus, having been granted a wildcard for the women's doubles. The 23-time Grand Slam singles champion recently played doubles at the Queen's Club Championships and will now partner with her sister Venus at the prestigious tournament.

The Enforcement Directorate has launched a money laundering probe, conducting searches across 17 locations in Maharashtra and Delhi. The investigation targets alleged irregularities in a corporate insolvency resolution process, focusing on a fraudulent loan grant by YES Bank and potential collusion among asset reconstruction companies. Evidence of circular transactions and under-valuation of assets is being sought.

A freelance translator uses 21 credit cards as a financial tool, saving Rs 50,000-55,000 annually by optimizing spending. Through meticulous planning, strategic card selection, and disciplined management, he avoids fees and interest, transforming credit cards from a borrowing facility into a cost-saving instrument.

Fifteen Indian states faced revenue deficits in the fiscal year 2024-25. Thirteen states, however, reported revenue surpluses. The Comptroller and Auditor General's report highlights these financial outcomes. States' own tax revenues are growing, forming a significant part of total receipts. Committed expenditures like salaries and pensions remain a major cost for states.

An AI startup CEO is prioritizing employee well-being over traditional perks, gifting each worker a $3,000 sleep-enhancing mattress cover. He believes superior rest sharpens minds, comparing engineers to athletes needing optimal recovery. This innovative approach aims to boost productivity by ensuring employees are well-rested and mentally sharp, fostering a healthier, more effective work environment.

CBSE Class 10 Second Board: Students awaiting their CBSE Class 10 Second Board Examination 2026 results may see the outcome announced this week, with reports suggesting a likely release by 21 June 2026. The exams were conducted from 15 May to 21 May 2026, providing students with an opportunity to improve their scores. Once declared, candidates will be able to check and download their scorecards through the official CBSE websites, as well as digital platforms such as DigiLocker and the UMANG app.

US President Donald Trump declared Iran will not acquire nuclear weapons under the new agreement. He described the deal as fair and entering a second stage. Trump emphasized no US funding would go to Tehran. He also issued a strong warning of severe repercussions should Iran pursue nuclear arms.

Nepal's Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal had a meeting with China's Wang Yi in Beijing. They talked about how the two countries get along, improving connections, and boosting trade. Nepal reaffirmed its support for the one-China policy, while China showed interest in furthering Belt and Road Initiative projects.

China's rare-earth exports saw a modest 2.2% volume increase in early 2026, but export value surged by 44.9% to $243.63 million. This significant value jump reflects higher prices and robust global demand for these critical minerals, essential for high-tech and clean-energy industries.

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India will release CA Intermediate May 2026 results on June 24, 2026. Students can check their scores online at caresults.icai.org using their registration and roll numbers. The merit list and pass percentages will also be published. Meanwhile, CA Final May 2026 results are expected on June 18, 2026.

The US military is planning a permanent war-ready stockpile of weapons for its Marine Corps on Australia's southeast coast, tender documents show and officials confirmed to AFP. Documents published by the US Navy this month show plans for $30 million allocated to build warehouses and offices in southeastern Victoria state for critical forward provisioning, including crew served weapons. The development of the stockpile, a first for the Marine Corps in Australia, comes as the United States is kee

Global commodity prices will stay high in coming months. Geopolitical tensions in West Asia and bad weather affecting crops are the main reasons. Supply chains will take time to recover even after conflicts end. This will impact energy, metals, fertilizers, and food prices. India's inflation is expected to average 7-8 percent in FY27.

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has unveiled a comprehensive development plan for North Bengal. He assured residents of the Darjeeling hills that all central government welfare and development schemes will be delivered effectively. Adhikari stated his government's commitment to transparency in recruitment and inclusive growth across the region. Infrastructure, jobs, and public services will be strengthened.

India's wholesale inflation is high, driven by fuel and manufacturing costs. However, falling global crude oil prices and a stable rupee offer potential relief. This could allow the Reserve Bank of India to postpone interest rate increases. The central bank is monitoring weather-related food inflation risks. A new Producer Price Index framework is also being introduced.

Industrialist Harsh Goenka shared a motivational message on managing anger, emphasizing that holding onto it punishes oneself. The American Psychological Association explains anger as a normal emotion that can become destructive if excessive, offering strategies like relaxation and cognitive reframing for constructive management.

Indian Househelp's first day alone in Thailand: A day that began with nervousness turned into an experience of self-discovery for Reshma, a domestic worker who travelled to Thailand with creator Anish Bhagat. Asked to spend a day exploring on her own, she stepped out carrying homemade puran poli, made new friends, visited a temple, shared lunch with a local influencer and ended the day by riding in a car with her hair flying out.

Indian farmers are planting more soybeans this year. Higher prices for soybeans are making them more profitable than corn. Forecasts of less rain also favor soybeans, which need less water than sugarcane and corn. This shift could boost India's soybean production and reduce the need for imported edible oils. Farmers are anticipating a good season for the oilseed crop.

An Assam family's act of kindness in rescuing and raising an orphaned civet cub, Bhakat, in 2009 has unexpectedly found its way into an NCERT Class X English textbook. The cub was breastfed by Anjali Saikia alongside her infant son, becoming a beloved family member.

Kerala Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau launched 'Operation Bhakshya Suraksha'. Surprise inspections targeted NFSA godowns and ration shops statewide. The drive aimed to uncover corruption and irregularities in the Public Distribution System. Allegations included food grain diversion, stock manipulation, and illegal sales. The inspections sought to verify these serious claims and ensure fair distribution.

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Tuesday that ending the war on all fronts, including Lebanon, was he most important issue in the peace deal with the United States announced the day before. This is perhaps the most important issue in the memorandum -- the declaration of an immediate and permanent end to the war on all fronts, including in Lebanon, he said, adding that ending the war in Lebanon is an inseparable part of the complete end of the war.

Karnataka's economy is booming. Exports grew by 9.5 percent in the financial year 2025-26, reaching almost 19.7 lakh crore. The state leads in software and services exports. Chief Minister DK Shivakumar also assured that welfare schemes will continue with enhanced verification to prevent misuse. These benefits are exclusively for Karnataka residents.

Stoic Quote of the Day: Ancient philosopher Epicurus reminds us that true wealth comes not from having more, but from needing less. According to him, our natural needs are limited and relatively easy to satisfy, while desires driven by vanity, status and material excess have no end. This timeless wisdom remains highly relevant today, encouraging us to appreciate what we already have rather than constantly chasing more.

Iran and the United States are set to begin crucial negotiations in Switzerland this Friday. The talks aim to finalise a comprehensive agreement following the commencement of an interim deal. Iran's Foreign Minister also issued a stern warning regarding any Israeli actions against Lebanon. He emphasised that such moves would breach the interim accord.

Australia's weather bureau has warned of an El Nino forming in the tropical Pacific. This weather pattern could become one of the strongest in seventy years by the second half of 2026. It is expected to bring excessive rains to the Americas and hot, dry conditions to Asia. This raises concerns about food supplies in the populous region.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay has announced a significant crop loan waiver. Farmers can receive a full waiver for loans up to Rs 75,000 availed from cooperative banks between May 1, 2025, and February 28, 2026. This move will benefit over 14 lakh farmers. Those with loans exceeding Rs 75,000 will get a waiver of Rs 35,000.