The Economic Times

India's foreign exchange reserves saw a significant drop of over eight billion dollars in the week ending May 15. Foreign currency assets and gold reserves contributed to this decline. Despite this weekly fall, the country's forex reserves remain higher compared to the previous year. The Reserve Bank of India actively monitors the market to manage currency fluctuations.

Demand for vitamin and nutritional supplements is surging in India. This trend follows the increased availability of semaglutide-based weight-loss and diabetes medicines. Doctors are advising patients on these drugs to take multivitamins and protein supplements. This is to prevent nutritional deficiencies and muscle loss due to reduced food intake. Sales of vitamin supplements saw a significant jump in April.

Word of the Day: Using overly complicated vocabulary simply to impress others can itself become a form of cacozelia. The real distinction comes down to intention and clarity. Rare words can enrich communication when used naturally and precisely, but they may feel artificial when added only for dramatic effect.

Defying age and skepticism, 73-year-old Vidya Kaur from Jammu and Kashmir achieved her lifelong dream of driving. Rejected by a driving school at 59, she bought her own car and learned with a neighbor's help. Now, she expertly navigates busy streets, even parallel parking and driving at speeds up to 120 km/h, proving age is no barrier to ambition.

The Central Board of Secondary Education has extended the deadline for Class 12 students to apply for scanned copies of their answer books until May 24 following unprecedented website traffic and instances of unauthorized interference. The board said the extension is intended to ensure that no student misses the opportunity to access their evaluated answer sheets. CBSE has also revised the fee structure for obtaining answer-book copies, verification of marks, and re-evaluation, providing student

The Allahabad High Court has ordered the Uttar Pradesh government to provide details of arms licenses for 19 individuals. This includes prominent politicians like Brij Bhushan Singh and Raja Bhaiya. The court expressed concern that public display of weapons can disrupt social harmony and create fear. It emphasized the need for fairness in administration.

The Competition Commission of India observed that patients in Delhi-NCR super-speciality hospitals often depend on in-house services, creating a locked-in effect. While diagnostic tests were found costlier than market averages, proceedings against Sir Ganga Ram Hospital were closed due to insufficient evidence of abusing a dominant position.

For millions of viewers, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert became far more than a nightly entertainment program. Whether audiences tuned in for celebrity interviews, sharp political satire or emotional monologues during difficult national moments, the show established itself as a significant voice in modern pop culture.

Samarth Singh, husband of Twisha Sharma, has withdrawn his anticipatory bail plea in the Madhya Pradesh High Court. This leaves him with no choice but to surrender to the authorities. Twisha Sharma died last week in Bhopal, with her family alleging dowry harassment. Police have announced a reward for Singh's arrest and are seeking to revoke his passport.

Manipur transforms into a summer wonderland as towering silk cotton trees release fluffy white fibres, creating a spectacle resembling snowfall. This natural phenomenon, driven by wind dispersal of seeds, paints the landscape in surreal white. The Bombax ceiba's ingenious seed-spreading mechanism ensures species survival, drawing visitors to witness this enchanting display.

The Reserve Bank of India announced a record surplus transfer to the government for FY27, though it falls short of budget estimates. This significant payout, driven by foreign exchange gains and investment income, provides a crucial fiscal buffer amidst rising energy prices and economic pressures.

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said tough decisions were required in the wake of the NEET-UG irregularities and assured that the government is committed to ensuring deserving students do not lose opportunities because of examination malpractice. Emphasising efforts to restore trust in the system, he said authorities are working to make the June 21 re-test completely error-free. Pradhan acknowledged the mental distress faced by nearly 22 lakh students and said corrective measures are

The Madhya Pradesh High Court has allowed a second postmortem for Twisha Sharma. Sharma, a model and actor, was found dead at her Bhopal home. Her family alleges dowry harassment. The court directed the state to arrange a medical team from AIIMS Delhi. This follows a lower court's rejection of the family's plea.

India's smartphone market faces a volume drop of 5-7 percent this financial year. However, value is expected to rise 8-10 percent due to increased product prices. Higher memory chip costs and the AI boom are key factors. Financing becomes crucial for new smartphone users. India is also a major smartphone manufacturer and exporter.

Planetary alignments continue to capture public fascination because they make astronomy feel approachable and easy to experience. Unlike distant deep-space events that require telescopes or specialized equipment, bright planets can often be spotted with the naked eye from suburban backyards, rooftops and public parks.

Donald Trump's tax probes have ended. The Internal Revenue Service agreed to drop all pending investigations into the former president's tax payments. This decision came as part of a settlement for a lawsuit Trump filed over a leak of his tax returns. The agreement grants Trump and his organisation immunity from future examinations of current tax filings.

Kevin Warsh takes charge as the new Fed leader. He faces a critical juncture for the economy and monetary policy. Inflation is high and could rise further. Artificial intelligence is reshaping industries. Warsh must decide whether to raise interest rates to combat inflation. His actions will be closely watched by markets and President Trump.

India's informal sector employment has surged past 15 crore for the first time during January-March. This marks a significant 15% increase year-on-year. The number of businesses in this sector also grew by nearly 17%. Services led this expansion, showing strong entrepreneurial activity and demand.

The Indian government will bring back individuals previously deported to Bangladesh. These people will then have their claims of Indian citizenship verified. The Supreme Court was informed of this decision. The process is expected to take about ten days. The court will hear the matter again in July. This move follows a High Court order that termed the deportations illegal.

From Donald Trump's fans in Bangladesh to a scandal over hot priests in Rome. - Fallen angels - In a shock akin to the pope embracing Buddhism, a sexy priest who adorns thousands of calendars sold to tourists in Rome has revealed that he was never a man of the cloth.

Maharashtra's economy is set to outpace Singapore and the UAE within two to three years. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis highlighted rapid growth in innovation, artificial intelligence, and infrastructure as key drivers. The state is already the world's 30th largest economy and aims for a USD 1 trillion economy by 2030. Technology and AI are central to this ambitious development plan.

When temperatures start soaring, nothing feels better than a chilled drink that actually helps cool the body down. Interestingly, many naturally pink drinks are made using ingredients like rose, watermelon, berries and beetroot, foods known for their high water content and refreshing properties.

Honda is set to introduce more than ten new models in India. These will include petrol, hybrid, and electric sports utility vehicles. The company aims for accelerated growth in India, a key global market. Honda will also leverage its two-wheeler business to transition customers to passenger vehicles. New models will focus on sub-4 metre and midsize segments.

Christopher Nolan's The Dark Knight features a memorable line from Harvey Dent. The quote You either die a hero, or you live long enough to see yourself become a villain highlights the film's themes. Dent's own tragic fall into villainy ironically proves the line's prophetic nature. The movie explores how public perception and personal choices can redefine identity.

A mother and her adopted teenage son were brutally stabbed to death in Southeast Delhi. The 40-year-old woman, Sharda, and her son, Kushal, were found with multiple stab wounds. Family members expressed deep grief, remembering Kushal as a bright, artistic child with a promising future, and Sharda as a loving homemaker. Relatives are seeking justice for the heinous crime.

A satirical online group, the Cockroach Janta Party, is outperforming major Indian parties on Instagram, sparking debate on viral popularity versus electoral power. Political commentator Shekhar Dutt cautions against mistaking online engagement for on-ground support, emphasizing that Indian elections still hinge on trust, local leadership, and years of groundwork, not just digital trends.

GreenLine Mobility Solutions plans a Rs 1,500 crore investment to expand its LNG truck fleet to 10,000 and establish 50 refuelling stations within three years. This initiative aims to reduce India's diesel dependence and freight emissions, potentially saving USD 5-6 billion annually by cutting fuel imports and offering operators up to 20% lower fuel costs.

Walmart's CEO John Furner has expressed enthusiasm over Flipkart's groundbreaking 13-minute delivery service, marking it as a transformative element of their operations in India. This rapid-response system not only exemplifies Flipkart's innovative spirit but also aligns with Walmart's broader strategy of strengthening its international investments.

Standard Chartered CEO Bill Winters has apologized for comments about artificial intelligence replacing workers. He stated that the bank is investing in AI technology. This move is expected to lead to job cuts. Winters clarified his remarks, emphasizing the bank's commitment to its employees. Regulators in Hong Kong and Singapore are seeking more information.

SBI Mutual Fund has increased its holding in Bandhan Bank. The fund now owns over 5 percent of the bank's paid-up share capital. This stake was finalized on May 20, 2026. SBI Mutual Fund acquired additional shares from the open market on that day. Bandhan Bank's shares saw a slight increase in trading on Friday.

A record 274 climbers reached the summit of Mount Everest from the Nepali side on Wednesday, marking the highest number of single-day ascents ever recorded from Nepal. The surge came as Chinese authorities reportedly did not issue climbing permits for the Tibetan side this season. Despite ongoing concerns about overcrowding and safety risks on the mountain, some expedition operators say large numbers of climbers can still be managed safely with proper planning, oxygen supplies and experienced su

Malayalam spy thriller 'Patriot', starring Mammootty and Mohanlal, is set for its digital premiere on Zee5 on June 5, following a successful theatrical run. The film, directed by Mahesh Narayanan, blends politics, power, and secrecy with an expansive ensemble cast. It garnered significant attention for its scale and casting, despite mixed critical reviews.

The Supreme Court has granted bail to Suhail Ahmad Thokar. He was arrested in a UAPA case related to alleged conspiracy with terrorist groups. Thokar was accused of recruiting terrorists and radicalizing youth. The court considered his period of custody. The trial is expected to take time. He will be released on bail after furnishing a bond.

Indian non-life insurance saw robust growth in April 2026. Retail health premiums surged 31 percent year-on-year. Motor insurance also performed well. Private players and standalone health insurers are gaining market share from public sector companies. Commercial lines faced challenges, though marine and engineering segments showed resilience. This indicates a dynamic shift in the insurance landscape.

S&P Global Ratings warns Indian Oil Corporation faces mounting pressure to balance affordable fuel with profitability. Prolonged Middle East tensions are escalating crude oil prices, squeezing margins and potentially impacting IOC's earnings and liquidity over the next year. The agency highlights the challenge of absorbing losses from high crude costs while meeting India's energy needs.

Raj Babbar's son, Aarya Babbar, candidly discussed his father's past relationships, including the affair with Smita Patil and alleged rumours with Rekha. He expressed that the family has moved on from the complexities of Raj's personal life, emphasising acceptance and understanding over resentment. Read on!

Royal Enfield compensation ruling: A Coimbatore consumer court has ordered Royal Enfield and its dealer Bharat Automotives to pay Rs 5.1 lakh. The compensation is for a buyer whose Continental GT 650 motorcycle repeatedly broke down. The bike suffered recurring defects for nearly three years. It spent 294 days at service centres. The court found deficiency in service by both the manufacturer and dealer.

The Supreme Court is likely to grant interim bail to two individuals accused in the 2020 Delhi riots. The court will also consider a Delhi Police request to refer a legal question on bail under the UAPA to a larger bench. This question concerns whether prolonged incarceration and trial delays can override UAPA's bail restrictions.

Citigroup is focusing its global wealth management hiring on Asia. The region's private bank is growing faster and is more productive than other areas. Citigroup plans to hire about 100 private bankers worldwide. Asia is a key part of this strategy. The bank aims for significant growth in its wealth unit.

The Delhi government has approved a new policy for Delhi Jal Board properties. This aims to simplify water charges and reduce costs for the public. Infrastructure charges will now be based on water demand and apply only to new construction. Residential colonies in E and F categories will receive a 50 percent rebate.

As temperatures continue to rise across many parts of India, surviving the heat without an air conditioner can feel nearly impossible. But long before ACs became common, Indian households relied on simple desi cooling tricks to keep rooms more comfortable during brutal summers.

Rajasthan experienced dry weather with isolated heatwave conditions over the past 24 hours, with Sri Ganganagar recording the highest temperature at 45.1C. While most of the state anticipates dry conditions, northwestern and northern regions may see thunderstorms and gusty winds on May 22-23. Temperatures are expected to rise again from May 24, with heatwave conditions likely.

R.E.M.'s iconic song Everybody Hurts offers solace to those struggling with depression and feelings of inadequacy. Released decades ago, the track's powerful lyrics remind listeners that experiencing sadness is human and encourage seeking comfort in friends and loved ones, emphasizing that no one is truly alone in their struggles.

Bon Jovi's iconic hit It's My Life continues to inspire generations with its powerful message of living life on one's own terms. Released in 2000, the song's energetic sound and empowering lyrics urged listeners to embrace the present and act on their dreams. It remains relevant today, encouraging authenticity and courage in the face of fear and societal pressures.

Story TV has launched Story TV Dailies, a groundbreaking serialised microdrama format. This new offering brings daily episodic drops in a vertical format, mirroring traditional TV serials. Story TV Dailies aims to capture a large audience, particularly those familiar with television soaps.

Honda is set to introduce more than ten new models in India by 2030. This includes electric vehicles and compact SUVs. The company sees India as a key growth market. Honda will launch its first full electric vehicle in the second half of this fiscal. The company aims for double-digit growth in India this year.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the United States is ready to sell India as much energy as it is willing to buy, ahead of his first official visit to New Delhi. He described India as a great partner and said energy cooperation would be a key focus of his discussions during the trip, which will also include meetings with Quad foreign ministers.