The Economic Times

Despite India's technology ministry warning that prediction markets like Polymarket and Kalshi are illegal, customers in India continue to trade. A new law banning online money games went into effect May 1, yet these platforms are still accessible, with some users circumventing blocks.

NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar led a protest demanding the government buy onions at Rs 25 per kg. Farmers are selling produce at distress prices due to falling rates. Pawar stated farmers are not recovering production costs. He also called for compensation for those who sold onions at low rates. The agitation will intensify if demands are not met.

A Gen Z employee was fired for 'attitude' and 'culture fit' despite meeting project deadlines. Weeks later, the company's systems failed due to undocumented backend infrastructure he managed. He was rehired as a consultant, demanding double his previous salary, highlighting the value of skilled, albeit undocumented, contributors.

Word of the Day: Language is more than a tool for communication; it also serves as a form of cultural memory. Words like acersecomic preserve ideas, traditions and identities that modern vocabulary can sometimes overlook. The English language contains thousands of highly specialized terms capable of describing surprisingly precise aspects of human experience.

Kevin Warsh assumes leadership of the U.S. Federal Reserve. This marks a new chapter for the central bank and President Trump. Warsh faces challenges including inflation and interest rate decisions. The Fed's balance sheet and future rate movements are key focus areas.

India's monsoon season is set to begin soon. The India Meteorological Department predicts the southwest monsoon will reach Kerala around May 26. Heavy rainfall with lightning and strong winds are forecast for Kerala and Mahe. This arrival offers much-needed relief from intense summer heat across the country. Farmers eagerly await the rains for crucial crop sowing.

Indian businesses are encouraged to monitor imports and identify opportunities for local manufacturing. This push for self-reliance aims to strengthen domestic industries. India's exports are growing, with ambitious targets set for the coming years. Free trade agreements are being expanded to enhance market access. A Swadeshi trade fair will showcase Indian products and services, promoting 'Made in India' goods.

Torrential rain inundated parts of New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Maryland on Monday night. New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy declared a state of emergency, urging people to stay indoors.

A Mumbai flat owner's social media post questions if rental income is truly passive. He shared his struggles with tenant issues and property management, highlighting the stress involved. This has ignited a debate among property owners. Many agree that managing tenants can be a demanding job. The owner suggests financial investments might offer better returns without the hassle.

Two farmers from Doddaballapur Rural were arrested for allegedly attacking an architect and her husband in a road rage incident near Hesaraghatta Main Road. The confrontation began when the architect honked at an MUV blocking her path. The situation escalated when the men allegedly beat her husband and attempted to harm him.

India's cooking gas shortage, driven by the Strait of Hormuz closure, forces refiners to cut alkylate production. This directly impacts California's gasoline supply, as alkylates are crucial for its unique blend, leading to higher prices for motorists already facing a global fuel crisis.

Anitha Radhakrishnan on Vijay government and family: Senior DMK leader Anita Radhakrishnan launched a blistering attack on the new TVK-led government, days after Joseph Vijay officially took charge as Tamil Nadu Chief Minister following prolonged alliance talks, Predicting that the administration would collapse within four to six months, the Tiruchendur MLA also questioned the absence of Vijays wife and children at the swearing-in ceremony, triggering fresh political controversy.

As temperatures rise, the FSSAI warns of common fridge storage mistakes increasing food poisoning risks. Proper separation of raw and cooked foods, maintaining a fridge temperature below 5C, and careful egg storage are crucial. These simple habits prevent bacterial contamination and protect families from illness during summer.

The newly released Episode 7 trailer for Euphoria hints that Rue Bennett may finally stop running from herself. The previews biggest surprise is the return of Ali Muhammed, played by Colman Domingo. Across previous seasons, Ali has remained one of the few people willing to confront Rue honestly while still offering genuine compassion and support.

Table Space has significantly expanded its Hyderabad presence by adding nearly 500,000 square feet of workspace. This growth is fueled by increasing demand from global capability centers and various enterprises. The company's largest deal is at Grava Business Park in Kokapet. This expansion strengthens Hyderabad's position as a key office and GCC hub in India.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Monday arrested Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Deepak Singla in connection with an alleged bank fraud case, officials said.

Actress Sara Ali Khan shares her practical views on marriage. She believes in marrying the right person patiently, not due to pressure. Sara feels emotionally complete on her own and prioritises self-growth and career. The actress was recently seen in Pati Patni Aur Woh Do. Read on to know what kind of partner Sara wants in her life.

Excitement is building as pre-orders for Grand Theft Auto VI, or GTA 6, are rumored to start today. This follows a leaked email suggesting early access to pre-orders before the November 19 release. Fans also anticipate a new trailer. Rockstar Games has not confirmed these reports. The game is set in Vice City and features dual protagonists.

Wired earphones are making a surprising return in 2026. Celebrities and everyday users are embracing them for better sound and fewer charging hassles. This trend also taps into Y2K nostalgia. In India, affordability and reliability have always kept wired options popular. USB-C earphones are bridging the gap for newer phones. This simple technology is finding a new audience.

Following the UDF's victory in Kerala, Congress leaders Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi expressed optimism for the state's rue progress and future-led development. Gandhi emphasized that the people's voice will guide the new government, led by V D Satheesan, and that work begins now. Kharge highlighted the commitment to dignity, justice, freedom, inclusion, and amity.

A viral Reddit post claiming that most Indian freshers lose money by accepting the first salary offer without negotiating has triggered a massive online debate. While many agreed that candidates should ask for better pay professionally, others including people involved in hiring argued that negotiation can backfire badly in Indias highly competitive fresher job market.

Anand Mahindra shared a heartwarming video of a grandfather teaching his grandson Maniyaro Raas, a vibrant Gujarati folk dance. The clip, believed to be from the Saurashtra region of Gujarat, resonated deeply online for symbolising the passing down of tradition, rhythm and cultural memory from one generation to the next, offering many viewers a comforting sense of continuity.

Viktor Frankl, a Holocaust survivor, believed suffering finds meaning through purpose. His philosophy, logotherapy, emphasizes the human search for meaning. Frankl's personal experiences, including his decision to stay with his parents during World War II, shaped his influential work. His ideas suggest that while pain may not disappear, attaching meaning to hardship transforms its experience and aids survival.

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang calls a total ban on AI chip exports to China 'ridiculous'. He believes such restrictions would push China to build its own technology, ultimately harming US leadership. Huang argues American companies should compete globally. He suggests China can still advance AI using existing resources and older chips, not just the most advanced ones.

Investments in India's hotel sector saw a significant jump. In the first quarter of 2026, investments rose 58 percent to USD 185 million. This reflects strong investor confidence in the hotel business's growth potential. Last year, investments had already surged 67 percent. This upward trend continues, driven by ample liquidity and new opportunities.

JSW Energy on Monday said it sold 2.5 crore equity shares in JSW Steel through a bulk deal on the NSE, raising Rs 3,150 crore. Following the transaction, JSW Energys remaining holding in JSW Steel stands at 4.5 crore equity shares, according to a regulatory filing.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is on a four-day visit to Vietnam and South Korea to bolster strategic defence cooperation, including joint production of military hardware. The trip aims to strengthen defence industrial partnerships, enhance maritime collaboration, and promote peace in the Indo-Pacific region. Discussions will also cover the South China Sea situation and explore new initiatives for bilateral engagements.

Kerala lottery result today: Kerala Lottery Bhagyathara BT-54 results for Monday, 18 May 2026, have been officially declared. Ticket holders can now check their numbers for the 1 crore first prize and other attractive cash rewards.

Gen Z is rapidly reshaping Indias online retail market, forcing brands and platforms to rethink traditional marketing strategies. Nearly half of Indias online fashion and beauty shoppers now belong to Gen Z, with companies like Amazon, Nykaa, Myntra and Shein tailoring their offerings to meet the cohorts fast-changing preferences and high engagement levels.

Ten people died in a tragic road accident in Lakhimpur Kheri. A truck and van collided head-on on the Lakhimpur-Bahraich Highway. Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced ex-gratia payments for the deceased and injured. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also condoled the loss and ordered prompt assistance for victims.

A new employee feels scapegoated at work due to a manager providing incomplete instructions and blaming newer hires for problems. The situation is worsened by perceived favoritism towards a senior employee and communication issues with older freelancers. Reddit users advise documenting everything and actively seeking new employment.

A resurfaced video shows Andrew Tate controversially praising Indian men for resilience and family structures while criticizing Western masculinity. He contrasted this with perceived failures of young white men, sparking debate over his remarks, which critics deem filled with stereotypes and vulgarity, despite his framing as a defense against online mockery.

Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and other footballers and sports celebrities have also been in trouble with Spanish tax authorities.

Amazon India is introducing 1,000 electric trucks for its Amazon Now service by 2028. Fifty trucks are already on the road. These vehicles will transport goods between fulfillment centers and micro-fulfillment centers. The initiative aims to support quick commerce operations across India, starting with key cities.

A determined job seeker, despite lacking experience, applied for her dream role and was rejected. Instead of giving up, she emailed the recruiter asking for guidance on skill development. This strategic follow-up led to an unexpected job offer for a different, suitable position within the company.

India's oil refiners are prepared for changes in Russian crude supply. Weaker domestic demand and available oil from the US and Middle East offer alternatives. China's reduced market presence also helps maintain supply. Maintenance at major refiners has increased Russian crude in storage. This provides Indian refiners with more options in the short term.

Maharashtra saw over 11.14 lakh households complete their Census 2027 self-enumeration online. The government provided a web portal for this convenience. Pune district led with the highest participation. Households that completed online enumeration must share their SE ID with enumerators. Field enumeration will continue for all households from May 16 to June 14.

China will purchase over $17 billion in US farm goods yearly for three years. This deal boosts agricultural trade significantly. Purchases will include wheat, corn, meat, cotton, and timber. Rival suppliers like Brazil and Australia may see reduced exports. This agreement aims to expand trade between the two nations.

A study by scientists at an ICAR institute has found that El Nio events have consistently reduced yields of major kharif crops in India, with significant impacts across multiple states. Research led by Subash N Pillai at the ICAR-Indian Institute of Farming Systems Research shows that paddy output fell by over 10% in 77 districts, while maize production declined similarly in 65 districts during El Nio years.

Anand Mahindra shared a heartwarming video of a grandfather teaching his grandson a traditional dance. The clip resonated online, symbolizing the transfer of culture and memory across generations. Viewers connected with the emotional bond and the enduring nature of traditions. The video offered a sense of continuity amidst a changing world.

Salesforce is halting software engineer hiring in 2025, anticipating a significant productivity boost from AI tools like Agentforce. CEO Marc Benioff projects hundreds of millions in spending on AI tokens, particularly for coding tasks, indicating a strategic shift towards AI investment over team expansion. Engineers will work alongside AI, not be replaced.

Global security faces growing challenges. DRDO scientist Upendra Kumar Singh stresses the need for stronger preparedness against chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear threats. He notes a turbulent geopolitical shift and interconnected global powers. Singh also points to weakening global institutions and rising conflict zones. Emerging health threats and the accessibility of advanced technologies demand attention.

Tata Power has signed an initial agreement with Druk Green Power Corporation to create a training framework for developing 5,000 MW of clean energy capacity in Bhutan.

Nagpur is seeing a surge in sustainable innovation. Young minds are turning discarded orange peels into useful eco-friendly products. This includes sustainable fashion, natural cleaning solutions, and scientific research. These initiatives are reducing waste, creating jobs, and promoting a greener future for the city.

The Indian National Congress is pursuing legal action to secure ownership of its former headquarters at 7, Jantar Mantar Road. The party has petitioned the Delhi High Court, seeking the execution of a sale deed for the historic British-era bungalow. The court has requested responses from the central and Delhi governments regarding the Congress's claim.

In a bid to bolster reserves, central banks are poised to increase their gold purchases, potentially reviving gold prices as we approach the year's conclusion. Goldman Sachs forecasts a marked rise in these acquisitions, driven by geopolitical uncertainties that are pushing central banks to rethink their asset portfolios.

Export-Import Bank of India expects its loan book to grow 10% in FY27 despite geopolitical tensions in West Asia, according to Managing Director and CEO Harsha Bangari. The projected growth is lower than FY26s 12% rise, which was partly boosted by favourable currency movements as a large share of the banks loans are denominated in foreign currencies.

Jana Small Finance Bank is raising Rs 728 crore by selling equity shares, with Shruti Lohia's firm set to acquire around 4% and TVS Venu Group taking a 9.9% stake on a fully diluted basis. The bank is planning to upgrade to a universal bank, having reapplied for a license after an initial rejection.