The Economic Times

Supreme Court of India has dismissed a Public Interest Litigation challenging the Centres decision to conduct caste enumeration during the upcoming Census, stating that the exercise falls within the domain of government policy-making. The apex court observed that collecting caste-related data can help authorities assess the population of backward classes and design targeted welfare schemes and social justice measures more effectively. The ruling is being seen as a significant development in the

Nepal is considering a Romeo-Juliet Clause to differentiate consensual teenage relationships from rape. The proposed amendment would exempt romantic or physical relationships between 16-18 year olds with a three-year age gap from statutory rape charges, provided there's no coercion or exploitation. This aims to address cases where families allegedly misused current laws against consensual adolescent unions.

The wait is over for The Boys fans. Season 5 episode 8, Blood and Bone, has arrived. It concludes seven years of storytelling. The finale features a showdown at the White House. Key characters like Homelander and Butcher face their fates. Frenchie's sacrifice in the penultimate episode set the stage. The episode brings significant consequences for all involved.

Kerala Chief Minister V D Satheesan clarified the full Vande Mataram rendition at the UDF swearing-in was a Lok Bhavan decision. He and his colleagues were unaware of the full song being sung. The CPI(M) criticized the move as inappropriate for a pluralistic society. The BJP countered, accusing the CPI(M) of insulting the national song to appease radical groups.

Assam government has announced austerity measures to boost fiscal prudence. Fuel expenditure will be cut by 20 per cent. Minister and official convoy sizes will be reduced. Foreign travel for ministers and officials is deferred for six months. Vehicle purchases are banned for six months. Government offices will conduct energy audits.

Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma visited Zubeen Garg's cremation site, asserting the Congress-led opposition paid for politicizing the musician's death during polls. He emphasized Garg as an emotion, not a political tool, and reviewed development work at 'Zubeen Khetra' as a tribute to the beloved artist. The opposition had criticized the government over alleged delays in justice for Garg.

Standard Chartered CEO Bill Winters reassured staff following news of job cuts, emphasizing that the bank is replacing lower-value human capital with technology and AI to boost profitability. He stated that while some roles will reduce or change, new opportunities will emerge, with a focus on reskilling and redeployment.

India's new labour codes permit a four-day workweek, allowing employees to complete 48 weekly hours over fewer days. This compressed schedule, requiring up to 12-hour workdays, is optional for both employers and employees. Overtime rules and state-specific daily hour caps remain in effect, influencing adoption across sectors like IT and essential services.

India faces significant external sector challenges due to rising oil prices, foreign investor exits, and a weakening rupee. Chief Economic Advisor V. Anantha Nageswaran describes this as a live balance of payments stress test, highlighting pressure on imports, currency stability, and foreign exchange flows. The situation is exacerbated by heavy oil import dependence and regional geopolitical tensions.

Mumbai University's undergraduate admissions for 2026-27 are closing soon. Candidates have until May 21, 2026, to register. The first merit list will be out on May 26, 2026. Subsequent lists will follow. Classes begin June 13, 2026. Students can apply for various courses online.

A six-year-old boy in Norway discovered a 1,300-year-old pre-Viking sword during a school trip. The rare single-edged weapon, found in a ploughed field, is now being studied at the Museum of Cultural History in Oslo. This significant find offers insights into life in Norway before the Viking Age.

Kerala lottery results today: Kerala State Lottery Dhanalekshmi DL-53 results for Wednesday, 20 May 2026, have been officially declared. Ticket holders can now check their numbers for the 1 crore first prize and other attractive cash rewards.

Israel's parliament is set to vote on dissolving itself. This move could lead to early national elections. Current polls suggest Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu might lose. An ultra-Orthodox faction's decision to seek early elections is a key factor. Opposition parties also aim to unseat Netanyahu's government. The process involves parliamentary votes and agreement on an election date.

A viral video captures the unspoken struggles of Indians navigating life after 40. It reveals the pressure of balancing family, career, and personal well-being. The monologue emphasizes the gap between social media smiles and real-life stress. It encourages viewers to use their experience to make conscious changes and avoid future regret.

The Competition Commission of India is aligning with evolving market dynamics, taking a bold approach against cartel activities. This vigilant anti-trust guardian promotes equitable competition across industries. The CCI has reshaped Indias economic environment. In parallel, the office of the Comptroller and Auditor General is innovating a sovereign LLM designed for enhancing public sector auditing efficiency.

A Texas man was arrested after driving his Tesla Cybertruck into Grapevine Lake to test its Wade Mode. The electric pickup became disabled shortly after entering the water. The driver and passenger exited the vehicle and waded to shore. Authorities later retrieved the submerged truck, and the driver faces multiple charges.

Bhopal Police stated they have no objection to a second post-mortem for Twisha Sharma. Her family sought this after she was found hanging at her marital home. A local court summoned the police diary. Twisha's family alleges lapses in the initial investigation and FIR registration. They fear influence on a local autopsy.

A doctor suggests a non-alcoholic, non-smoking vegetarian Sattvic lifestyle may contribute to youthful skin and slower aging, drawing parallels between Prime Minister Modi and Bollywood stars. This diet, rooted in purity and balance, emphasizes fresh, nourishing foods while avoiding processed items and stimulants. Supporters claim benefits like improved digestion, immunity, and mental well-being.

The Supreme Court has granted an extension for Bengaluru civic body elections. The polls are now scheduled to be held by August 31. This decision follows a request from the Karnataka government citing manpower shortages. The court emphasized that no further extensions will be provided. The elections were due earlier but have been delayed since 2020.

Renowned anonymous street artist Banksy, known for provocative and politically charged works, challenges societal norms and authority. His art, often appearing overnight, blends dark humor with sharp social critique, sparking global conversations. A quote from Banksy suggests early risers are linked to destructive forces, prompting a re-evaluation of conventional wisdom and the value of dissent.

Self-proclaimed spiritual leader Ashok Kharat has been remanded to Enforcement Directorate custody until May 26 in connection with an alleged Rs 70 crore money laundering case. The arrest has intensified scrutiny around the controversial figure, who is also facing serious allegations of rape, fraud, and financial misconduct. Investigators are probing suspected illegal financial transactions and the possible misuse of funds as part of a wider crackdown on economic offences and criminal activities

Estonia desires stronger ties with India. Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna invites Prime Minister Narendra Modi for a visit. He also seeks India's participation in rebuilding Ukraine. Estonia sees India as a key partner for business and investment. The country is preparing to host the Ukraine Recovery Conference in 2027.

Competition Commission of India has said it will not allow dominant technology firms to create a winner-takes-all ecosystem in Indias fast-growing digital economy. Highlighting the challenges posed by emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, the antitrust watchdog stressed the need to balance innovation with fair competition. The regulator reaffirmed its commitment to curbing unfair business practices, ensuring a level playing field, and preventing Big Tech companies from abusing m

Andrej Karpathy joins Anthropic: Andrej Karpathy one of the most recognised names in artificial intelligence and a founding member of OpenAI has joined Anthropic. The AI researcher, known for his work at OpenAI and Tesla, announced that he is returning to hands-on research and development as competition between major AI companies intensifies.

A seven-year-old boy tragically died after becoming trapped between a lift's collapsible grille and wooden door in Pune. The child reportedly entered the lift alone and was caught as it began moving. Rescuers found him on the second floor, but he was declared dead at the hospital. An accidental death case has been registered.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is striking fear into the hearts of bowlers with his power hitting. This IPL season, he has already smashed 53 sixes, closing in on Chris Gayle's iconic record of 59 from 2012.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's thoughtful gift of Parle Melody toffees to Italian PM Giorgia Meloni has captivated the internet. As soon as the video went viral online, people started tagging Parle on X saying the brand must be so happy seeing this clip, adding that Parle got brand ambassadors for free.

The Supreme Court has asked the Centre and all states for their views on a Public Interest Litigation that demands a 30 per cent quota for women lawyers. The reservation is sought for government panels and law officer roles.

Rajya Sabha Chairman C P Radhakrishnan has appointed Medha Vishram Kulkarni to lead the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Science and Technology, Environment, Forests and Climate Change. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla has also named Sudheer Gupta as Chairperson of the Joint Committee on Corporate Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026. Several members from both houses have been nominated to these important committees.

Nepal's Embassy in New Delhi is seeking Indian social media influencers for a special trip. Five content creators will be chosen to explore Nepal's beauty and culture. They will showcase mountains, temples, and local life through engaging digital content. This initiative aims to encourage more Indians to visit Nepal for holidays and adventure.

With heatwaves becoming harsher across India, many households are searching for affordable ways to stay cool without running the AC all day. From wet cotton curtains to simple fan tricks and smarter sunlight control, these six easy cooling methods can help keep rooms more comfortable during extreme summer temperatures.

A New Jersey man nearly lost a $5.9 million lottery jackpot after forgetting the winning ticket in an old pair of pants for almost a year. He discovered the ticket just eight days before it was set to expire, prompting a frantic search through his belongings.

Indian rupee vs Pakistan rupee: The Indian rupee has experienced a significant decline, not only against the US dollar but also against the Pakistani rupee and Bangladeshi taka. This weakening is attributed to rising oil prices and global market uncertainty, impacting overseas expenses for Indians and potentially widening the balance of payments deficit.

Silverline high-speed rail project: The scrapping of SilverLine marks the end of a project that had dominated Keralas political discourse for years and sharply divided public opinion across the state.

An IIM Bodh Gaya MBA graduate has gone viral after claiming she moved to Delhi for a confirmed job offer, spent 75,000 relocating, and then discovered there was allegedly no office at the address she had been given. Her LinkedIn post has triggered outrage online, with many calling it one of the harshest realities young job seekers face today.

Nibe Limited has successfully demonstrated its Suryastra rockets. The rockets achieved ranges of 150 km and 300 km. These firings took place at the Integrated Test Range in Chandipur, Odisha. The Indian Army had placed a procurement order for these rockets. This success significantly boosts India's indigenous defence manufacturing capabilities.

Reliance Industries Limited and two foreign partners told the Supreme Court they will ask the Indian government to resolve the Krishna-Godavari (KG) Basin gas migration dispute through mediation.

Samajwadi Party MP Iqra Hasan was briefly detained and filmed repeatedly saying don't touch me while being escorted by police in Saharanpur. The incident occurred after she accompanied the mother of a deceased youth to the DIG office, demanding a wider probe into his death.

Seventy-two government school teachers from Punjab are in Finland for advanced training. This initiative seeks to bring international best practices to the state's classrooms. The state government is committed to teacher development, CM Bhagwant Mann said at the flag-off event.

Brazil sits atop a potential bonanza of rare earths that has sparked global interest, led by Washington, as demand surges for the increasingly vital minerals. - In a bid to challenge China's dominance over the rare earth market, Washington is actively encouraging exploration in Brazil.

Under a plan to rid villages of electricity poles, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann launched an underground wiring project in his native village Satoj. This pilot project aims to remove overhead lines and install underground cables. The move will enhance safety, improve aesthetics and ensure uninterrupted power supply, the CM said.