The Economic Times

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Sweden for discussions on trade, technology, and defense, marking the third leg of his international tour. He will meet with Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to strengthen bilateral ties and explore new investment opportunities.

Quote of the Day: Leucippus' ancient wisdom suggests life's events, though seemingly random, are driven by underlying causes and necessity. This perspective encourages understanding that failures, delays, and hardships often hold deeper reasons, revealing their purpose and leading to growth and wisdom in hindsight. The quote teaches us to be patient and trust the process.

A drone strike near the UAE's Barakah nuclear plant has sparked grave concern from the IAEA, though radiation levels remain normal. The incident, targeting an electrical generator, marks a dangerous escalation in regional tensions. Emergency response contained the fire, with no injuries reported.

The portals of the Sri Rudranath temple will open for the summer season on Monday. The deity's festive procession departed from the Gopinath temple on Sunday. Hundreds of devotees gathered for the ceremony. The procession will reach the Rudranath temple on Monday. Devotees must undertake an 18 km trek to reach the shrine. Temple gates open at midday on Monday.

The proverb of the day offers a meaningful thought that true strength is not just about rising high, but also about staying grounded. Ambition may drive success, but emotional balance is what creates lasting influence.

Chinese proverb of the day explains how a simple structure becomes a true home through care, love, harmony, and emotional support. The proverb highlights human nature, family bonding, nurturing roles, and the balance between physical shelter and emotional well-being. It connects traditional Chinese values with modern life lessons, reminding readers that strong relationships, shared responsibility, and emotional connection create stability, unity, and long-term happiness within families and socie

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis confirmed a farm loan waiver will be implemented before June 30. Preparations are in the final stages. He also addressed the Maratha reservation issue, stating the government has consistently supported the community. Activist Manoj Jarange's planned agitation was noted. The Chief Minister clarified the process for issuing Kunbi caste certificates adheres to Supreme Court directives.

Composed in Old English by a Northumbrian agricultural worker in the 7th century, Caedmons Hymn appears within some copies of the Ecclesiastical History of the English People, written in Latin by a monk and saint known as the Venerable Bede.

Kerala Chief Minister-designate V D Satheesan has announced his ministerial team, including senior leaders Ramesh Chennithala, K Muraleedharan, and Sunny Joseph. Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan will be the Speaker and Shanimol Usman the Deputy Speaker. Satheesan emphasized that decisions considered social and regional balance within the coalition.

Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te highlighted the essential role of US arms sales and security partnerships in promoting peace across the region. He insisted that Taiwan's stability is not just a local concern, but fundamental to the broader global landscape.

Quote of the day: Like much of Roseanne Barrs public commentary, the quote has sparked both admiration and debate. Some view it as an empowering call for confidence and self-determination, while others interpret it as a criticism of systems that force people to struggle harder for recognition and influence.

The IUML, a crucial Congress ally, has revealed its five ministerial nominees for the new Kerala Cabinet led by V D Satheesan. Party supremo Panakkad Sadik Ali Shihab Thangal announced the names, including P K Kunhalikutty and N Shamsuddin, following internal deliberations and coalition power-sharing agreements.

Ukraine conducted a major drone attack on Russia, resulting in casualties and damage near Moscow. Russian air defenses intercepted many drones. This action is seen as retaliation for recent Russian strikes on Kyiv. The attacks highlight Ukraine's capability to strike deep into Russian territory, impacting ordinary citizens and potentially increasing anxiety within Russia.

Bengaluru has a new excise duty on alcohol-in-beverage. Prices are now set by producers. The government cut liquor price slabs to make drinks cheaper. This aims to match prices with nearby states. Local distillers worry about sales. They feel the new system favors big brands over local ones. The industry is seeking government review.

Prudential plc is set to acquire a 75% stake in Bharti Life Insurance Company Limited from Bharti Life Ventures Pvt Ltd. This strategic partnership aims to expand access to life and health protection solutions across India, leveraging the combined strengths of both organizations. The deal signifies a significant development in India's rapidly transforming life insurance sector.

An employee exposed a colleague who stole credit for her work. The colleague received a promotion based on projects the employee completed. At a celebration dinner, the colleague boasted about her hard work. The next day, the employee emailed management with proof of her contributions. Two weeks later, the colleague's promotion was reviewed. This incident highlights workplace credit theft.

The latest rumors involving Tom Cruise have once again drawn public attention to Pamela Andersons personal life. However, many observers believe the actress now appears far more in control of her public image than during earlier stages of her fame.

Salman Khan recently opened up about the people he enjoys working with in the film industry and explained why personal comfort matters to him on movie sets. In a chat with Variety India, the actor said he had the most fun working with Sooraj Barjatya, brothers Sohail and Arbaaz Khan, and Sanjay Dutt. Sharing his thoughts on professional relationships, Salman said, Taj Mahal is never built on hate.

Iran states the United States has not offered any real concessions in its latest response to Iran's peace proposal. The US reportedly demanded Iran operate only one nuclear site and transfer its enriched uranium. Iran's proposal sought an end to hostilities on all fronts, including Israel's actions in Lebanon, and the lifting of US sanctions.

A Shenzhen Airlines flight was canceled after a passenger alerted cabin crew to a suspected irregularity on the aircraft's wing before boarding. The chief flight attendant escalated the concern to the cockpit, leading to the termination of all subsequent operations for the Boeing 737. The airline later contacted the passenger, indicating a serious approach to the safety report.

Global space intelligence leader ICEYE will open its first Indian production facility within a year. This hub will manufacture small satellites for defense and monitoring, serving the Asia-Pacific region. ICEYE aims to produce 10 satellites in the first year, scaling up significantly. The company sees strong alignment with India's growing defense spending and space capabilities.

A former IT professional resigned for mental peace but now faces financial hardship. Months after quitting, they remain unemployed despite interviews. Savings are depleted, forcing reliance on family. The individual now works as a construction supervisor for a lower salary.

Thunderstorms and rain are forecast for several south Bengal districts this Sunday evening. Kolkata will experience light rain and thunderstorms with gusty winds. Intense thunderstorm activity is expected in some northern districts. North Bengal anticipates heavy to very heavy rainfall over the coming days. These adverse weather conditions are expected to persist in North Bengal until Wednesday.

PGA tee times today: Alex Smalley has a pal in Sunday's final pairing of the PGA Championship, and that might just ease the nerves of fighting a host of major winners for a dream victory.

Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government welcomed five new ministers, four advisors, and eight special assistants on Sunday. Governor Faisal Karim Kundi administered the oath at the Governor's House. Shafi Jan, Shakeel Ahmad, Tariq Mahmood, Nazir Abbasi, and Arif Ahmadzai took their oaths. The provincial cabinet now has 30 members. Chief Minister Sohail Afridi and other officials attended the ceremony.

DC vs RR Pitch Weather Report: Delhi Capitals and Rajasthan Royals face off in a crucial IPL 2026 clash, with both teams needing a win to boost their playoff hopes. Delhi's inconsistent home form and batting struggles are a concern, while Rajasthan battles its own batting and bowling inconsistencies despite a slight edge on the table.

A viral X post details how a boss publicly humiliated an intern for a deleted client database, only for the CEO to discover the boss was at fault. The intern, who had proof, was vindicated, while the boss was fired. This incident highlights how quickly authority crumbles when accountability is enforced.

The Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party will hold statewide protests on May 18. This action is a response to the significant increase in petrol and diesel prices in Andhra Pradesh. Party leaders accuse the current government of increasing the burden on citizens. The protests aim to highlight the struggles faced by farmers, traders, and middle-class families due to rising costs.

Karnataka becomes India's first state to adopt an Alcohol-in-Beverage excise duty structure. This new policy, effective May 11, deregulates government-administered price fixation. Producers now set prices based on market factors and alcohol content within eight rationalized slabs. The aim is to offer consumers cheaper liquor and maintain competitive prices with neighboring states.

Quote of the day: Even after more than two thousand years, Aristophanes remains one of historys most influential comic writers. His plays continue to be translated, studied and performed worldwide because they capture timeless human experiences through humor, wit and imagination.

Zerodha co-founder Nithin Kamath shared a personal moment on Instagram where he sang and played guitar, performing the classic Saranga Teri Yaad Mein in memory of his father. Along with the video, he mentioned that it was his fathers favourite song and expressed that he was missing him, while also joking that he is not a trained singer.

Ladakh's Lieutenant Governor has approved a significant wage increase for daily, part-time, seasonal, and need-based workers. Skilled workers will now earn Rs 575 daily, while unskilled workers will receive Rs 450. This decision aims to benefit thousands of workers across various departments. Wages will be disbursed through Direct Benefit Transfer. The administration emphasizes this is wage rationalization, not regularization.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi concluded his visit to the Netherlands. He signed seventeen agreements to boost cooperation in defense and critical minerals. Modi then departed for Sweden for further talks. Discussions will focus on green transition, AI, and defense. Bilateral trade is set to increase. The Prime Minister also met with Dutch business leaders.

South Korea's prime minister stated the government will explore all options, including emergency arbitration, to prevent a strike at Samsung Electronics, the nation's largest employer. Pay talks are set to resume with a mediator, as a strike could cause significant economic damage, with one day of suspension potentially costing 1 trillion won.

Gujarat Police seized over Rs 2.56 crore in unaccounted cash during a routine vehicle check in Dahod district, allegedly being transported from an Angadia firm to Vadodara. In a separate operation, 93 child labourers were rescued from saree packing units in Surat, with investigations ongoing to reunite them with their families.

A drone strike ignited a fire outside the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant in Abu Dhabi, UAE, on Sunday. Authorities confirmed no injuries or impact on radiological safety, with all plant units operating normally. This incident marks the first targeting of the facility amid ongoing regional tensions and a fragile ceasefire.

India's food regulator, FSSAI, has summoned quick-commerce platform Blinkit to explain consumer complaints regarding the sale of poor-quality eggs. Reports indicate issues like foul smells and rubbery textures, prompting FSSAI to hold e-commerce platforms accountable for product quality. The regulator also outlined guidelines for proper egg storage to maintain freshness.

Survivors of the 2024 Mundakkai-Chooralmala landslide disaster have begun moving into new government-built homes in Kalpetta, Wayanad. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan spoke with some families, sensing their joy at a new beginning. The township, described as a 'city of love', offers 327 houses for those affected by the devastating landslides that claimed over 200 lives.

An engineer dramatically increased his salary from Rs 3.5 LPA to Rs 35 LPA in three years by strategically switching jobs. He focused on consistent daily coding practice, mastering algorithmic patterns, and participating in contests. His final role required advanced system design skills and leadership stories, achieved through mock interviews and solving hard coding problems.

India must reform its tax system and streamline clearances to attract global investments moving away from China. Economist Arvind Virmani emphasizes prioritizing Free Trade Agreements with developed nations. This strategy aims to integrate India into global value chains. The focus is on leveraging India's growing workforce and market potential alongside the technology and capital of multinational corporations.

Word of the day: Rare words endure because they express experiences that ordinary language often struggles to capture. While modern vocabulary includes countless ways to describe communication, very few words specifically capture the intense urge to write. That is what makes scripturient so memorable.

Aluminium foil, an ordinary kitchen item, is surprisingly useful in gardening for light reflection, pest deterrence, and moisture retention. When used carefully and in small amounts, it can boost plant growth by bouncing sunlight, confuse insects, and help soil retain water. However, it should not be used as permanent mulch or wrapped tightly around plants.

India's gems and jewellery exports saw a 9.07% decline in April, totaling USD 2,226.45 million. This downturn is attributed to the West Asia conflict and uncertainties regarding US tariffs. Key segments like cut and polished diamonds, lab-grown diamonds, and gold jewellery experienced significant drops, though silver jewellery exports surged.

India's ambitious 100 GW nuclear power plan requires careful supplier selection. NTPC Chairman Gurdeep Singh advises against over-reliance on any single country for nuclear technology. He stresses prioritizing domestic control, even if initial costs are higher. Clear rules and guidelines are essential for converting policy into investment.

Israeli strikes targeted eastern and southern Lebanon on Sunday, state media reported, despite a fragile ceasefire, as a Hezbollah lawmaker called Lebanon's negotiations with Israel a dead-end. The direct negotiations that the authorities in Lebanon have conducted with the Israeli enemy have... led them down a dead-end path that will result in nothing but one concession after another, Hezbollah lawmaker Hussein Hajj Hassan said on Sunday.

Esophageal cancer often begins subtly. Dr Saurabh Sethi, a Harvard-trained gastroenterologist, highlights early signs many miss. Slight swallowing trouble, chronic acid reflux, unexplained weight loss, and persistent voice changes can signal danger. Pain typically appears late. Lifestyle factors like smoking and alcohol increase risk. Early detection is key to better outcomes.

Global finance ministers convene in Paris to address lopsided world growth, focusing on structural misalignments after the US-China trade summit. France aims to tackle America's deficits, Europe's low investment, and China's trade surplus. Economists warn of systemic crisis without concerted re-balancing efforts.