The Economic Times

Todays quote of the day by Abraham Maslow about choosing growth over safety. It explains the meaning in very simple words and gives a quick look at his life and ideas. The piece highlights how small choices shape our future and why taking risks helps people learn, improve, and become better in life.

The Indian government has declared its stance not to offer financial assistance to its state-run fuel companies, which are currently in the red due to selling fuels like petrol and diesel at a discount. Despite the pressure of escalating crude oil prices, retail costs for these fuels have stayed steady.

More than 70 million Americans depend on monthly benefits from the Social Security Administration. In May 2026, many retirees will wait longer than usual for their checks. This delay is not a policy issue. It is a calendar effect. The month starts late in the week. That shifts the first Wednesday deeper into May. As a result, first payment arrives on May 13. This creates a gap of over 30 days for some seniors.

Trinamool Congress offices and party materials faced alleged vandalism across West Bengal after the BJP's Assembly poll win. Incidents were reported in South 24 Parganas, Cooch Behar, and North 24 Parganas. A TMC office was reportedly set on fire in Paschim Bardhaman. A TMC candidate was allegedly assaulted. The BJP denied any role in these events.

Surveys conducted in Europe and the UK indicate that most couples argue in the car at least once a month, with a notable share reporting conflicts on a weekly basis.

Chennai witnessed a stunning electoral upset as M K Stalin's DMK party lost the 2026 polls to the younger TVK. The incumbent Chief Minister, M K Stalin, also faced a personal defeat, his first in a long political career. This outcome dashed hopes for a second term of the Dravidian model government.

After a decade of positive performance and no warnings, an employee was unexpectedly fired. The company initially cited organizational changes and automation, but later shifted the explanation to performance-related issues. This inconsistency leaves the employee and observers questioning the true reason behind the termination.

Actor Vijay's new party TVK is poised to lead in Tamil Nadu elections. His manifesto includes significant promises like gold for marriages and monthly aid for women. TVK also pledges support for farmers, youth employment, and improved healthcare. The party aims for corruption-free governance and educational reforms. These proposals are central to Vijay's electoral debut.

Astrologer Radhan Pandit accurately predicted actor Vijay's TVK party's dominant performance in the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. His numerological and astrological insights, describing Vijay's chart as a sunami, gained significant traction after the results. Pandit, a known spiritual mentor, visited Vijay to congratulate him, further highlighting his role in the political narrative.

The political landscape in Baharampur shifted dramatically as BJP's Subrata Maitra emerged victorious over Senior Congress stalwart Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, winning by 17,548 votes. With a robust tally of 91,088 votes, Maitra not only retained his seat but also demonstrated an impressive improvement from his last performance.

A nine-year-old girl accidentally called her father's boss, making a heartfelt plea for a salary increase so her father could buy her a promised gift. The unexpected request left the manager speechless, but deeply moved her father, who realized his daughter's innocent faith and belief in him.

A viral TEDx talk challenges the notion that studying abroad is only for the wealthy. Study advisor Asslam Shaikh argues that lack of awareness and planning, not money, is the biggest hurdle for middle-class students. He highlights scholarships, low-cost destinations like Germany, Hungary, and Malaysia, and work-study options.

Quote of the day by Ernest Hemingway talks aQuote of the day by Ernest Hemingway: The best way to find out if you can trust somebody is to trust them simple lessons on why trust reveals true character and how taking risks helps you understand people betterbout trust and real life lessons. It explains why trusting people helps you understand them better. The story also shares his life journey, struggles, and success as a famous writer. This simple quote teaches that taking small risks in trust c

Solex Energy will invest Rs 4,000 crore in Gujarat. The company will establish a solar cell manufacturing facility and a battery energy storage system project. This initiative aims to boost Gujarat's clean-tech manufacturing. It will also create jobs and support India's renewable energy goals. The project includes a 5-GW solar cell plant and a 10-GW BESS project.

Amid growing global concerns over a widening employment gap, a new economic framework has been proposed to address what experts warn could become one of the most pressing challenges of the coming decades.

In his address at the ADB Annual Meetings, Pankaj Chaudhary also said that the multilateral funding institution should adopt a more transformational approach to support sustainable and resilient regional development amid the current geopolitical challenges.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma attributed the NDA's significant assembly poll victory to the government's good work and Prime Minister Modi's development focus. He highlighted the BJP's unprecedented majority and criticized the Congress for allegedly politicizing a singer's death. Sarma also asserted India's Hindu identity and urged Hindu Congress leaders to join the BJP.

The Congress-led UDF has secured a decisive victory in Kerala, ending a decade of LDF rule. Party leader Rahul Gandhi congratulated UDF leaders and workers for their campaign, stating the state now has a government with a vision to harness its potential and talent. The UDF is set to form the government with a comfortable majority in the 140-member assembly.

Quote of the Day: George Saunders believes humor is a direct and quick delivery of truth, cutting through politeness and softening. His quote highlights how laughter often arises from recognizing a reality presented with unexpected clarity. This insight shapes his acclaimed writing, which blends satire with empathy to explore societal truths.

Actor Vijay has made a remarkable leap from cinema to politics. He launched his party, TVK, and has now become Chief Minister in his debut election. Vijay's unique campaign strategies, including social media engagement and direct communication, resonated with voters. His journey from 'Thalapathy' to 'Thalaivan' marks a significant political transformation in Tamil Nadu.

BJP's Pradyut Bordoloi secured a significant victory in the Dispur constituency, defeating Congress's Mira Barthakur Goswami by a margin of 49,667 votes. Bordoloi, a former three-time minister and Lok Sabha MP, recently switched from the Congress to the BJP before the Assam assembly polls.

AI chatbots have quickly become part of everyday life, helping people with tasks, advice and even emotional support. However, new research and expert warnings suggest that this growing reliance may be turning into a behavioural concern. Studies highlight how features like instant responses and personalised interactions are making it harder for some users to step away, with cases showing impact on sleep, relationships and daily routines.

Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) led by actor Vijay is set to win its first Assembly elections in Tamil Nadu. This mirrors the Aam Aadmi Party's (AAP) debut victory in Delhi. Both parties emerged from public discontent with established political forces. Vijay's TVK and Kejriwal's AAP utilized similar strategies, including freebies and grassroots mobilization.

Quote of the day by Clint Eastwood: He believes consistent effort, not just intention, builds success. His early struggles and breakthrough in television and film paved the way for international fame. Eastwood's directorial career earned him Academy Awards. He is known for his calm, quiet filmmaking approach, a style developed from his early experiences on set.

Many people think Social Security Administration income is always tax-free, but that is not true. Taxes depend on your total income and rules set by the IRS. There are simple and legal ways to reduce tax, like using tax-free savings, planning withdrawals, and managing income smartly. Knowing these tips can help retirees save money and avoid paying extra taxes.

Reassuring news from the high seas: the five Indian crew members of the MV Barakah are safe following a confrontation with the Iranian Navy in the busy Strait of Hormuz.

Why are US stock market futures down today, and will Dow Jones, S&P 500 and Nasdaq stay in red or turn green again? Futures slipped after reports linked to US-Iran tensions, rising oil prices, earnings updates, and corporate deals. Investors track geopolitical risk, logistics competition, and analyst outlook while deciding what to do next.

RBI Deputy Governor Swaminathan J. warns that weak oversight in banking can lead to hidden risks. He stresses that supervision must go beyond reported numbers to understand actual business operations. This approach is crucial for protecting depositors and the wider economy. Digital banking brings new challenges requiring judgment and a sense of public purpose.

India's fertiliser subsidy bill for fiscal 2026-27 is set to surpass its budget. Rising costs of imported urea and other fertilisers are driving this increase. Despite global supply chain issues, fertiliser availability for the kharif 2026 season remains strong. Domestic production and imports are being managed to meet demand. States are actively stocking fertilisers in advance.

Assam Election Results: The BJP is poised to win the Assam Assembly elections, bucking anti-incumbency trends seen elsewhere. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma's campaign, focused on infrastructure, welfare, and protecting indigenous identity, appears to have resonated strongly with voters. Strategic delimitation and a focus on the infiltrator narrative also played key roles in the anticipated victory.

Bollywood star Salman Khan mourns the loss of his close friend Sushil Kumar. He shared heartfelt memories of their four-decade-long brotherhood. Khan highlighted Kumar's unwavering strength and cheerful spirit through life's challenges. He chose to celebrate his friend's life with joy. Khan is also busy with upcoming film projects.

At the Paryavaran Niti Manthan organised by the Material Recycling Association of India (MRAI) in association with the Niti Aayog on Monday, MRAI has called for called for a central nodal ministry to ensure continuity in leadership, faster decision-making, better inter-ministerial coordination and streamlined compliance processes.

Why are oil and gas prices up today, and will Brent, US WTI crude futures and Dutch natural gas rates continue to rise or fall again? Oil and gas markets moved higher after reports about a US warship incident near the Strait of Hormuz. Brent and WTI crude futures rose about 5%. Dutch gas prices also moved up as LNG supply remained trapped. Analysts say the market now watches supply disruption risks, OPEC+ output plans, storage levels, and geopolitical developments.

India on Sunday firmly rejected Nepal's objection to the upcoming Kailash Mansarovar Yatra via the long-established Lipulekh Pass in Uttarakhand, dismissing Kathmandu's territorial claims over the region as an unilateral artificial enlargement that New Delhi finds untenable.

Embassy Developments has won a significant legal battle. The National Company Law Appellate Tribunal has cancelled an earlier order that placed the company into insolvency proceedings. This ruling brings an end to the corporate insolvency resolution process. The developer's operations and projects remain unaffected. This positive development follows strong financial performance, with substantial pre-sales reported for the fiscal year.

BJP workers celebrated across West Bengal as early election trends indicated a significant shift. Celebrations erupted in Kolkata and across the state, with supporters raising slogans. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee released a video message urging party workers not to leave counting centers. Early leads showed the BJP ahead in many constituencies, prompting celebrations and some confrontations.

The Congress-led UDF secured a sweeping victory in Kerala, which AICC General Secretary K C Venugopal described as a verdict against the CPI(M)-led LDF's arrogance, corruption, and nepotism. He attributed the win to public anger over 10 years of misrule and claimed the LDF engaged in communal and opportunistic politics with a secret understanding with the BJP.

As the glow of Mays full moon fades, darker skies take over, creating ideal conditions to watch one of the seasons most anticipated celestial events: the Eta Aquariid meteor shower.

Security has been significantly increased around West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjees Kalighat residence and the state secretariat Nabanna following a directive from the Election Commission. The move comes after a group raised Jai Sree Ram slogans near her home amid early trends showing BJP leading in a majority of seats.

Voters again showed little interest in the 'None of the Above' or NOTA option during recent assembly elections. Data reveals NOTA usage remained below one percent in most states. This trend continues a decline seen in Lok Sabha polls since 2014. The Election Commission introduced NOTA following a Supreme Court order in 2013 to protect voter secrecy.

The Asian Development Bank urges greater regional cooperation and faster reforms in Asia Pacific. The bank warns of overlapping crises including conflict, trade fragmentation, and climate risks. ADB is increasing financing and launching initiatives like a Pan-Asia Power Grid and a Digital Highway. Uzbekistan's president proposed a Digital Customs Alliance and AI scaling in developing nations.

India will not compensate state-run fuel retailers for losses incurred by selling transport fuels below market prices. While companies have increased prices for industrial customers and jet fuel for foreign carriers, retail prices for gasoline, gasoil, LPG, and jet fuel for Indian carriers remain unchanged. The government prioritizes protecting retail consumers.

Divya Dutta, who worked with Shah Rukh Khan in Veer-Zaara, recently spoke about the superstars personality and the simple life approach that, according to her, sets him apart. In a conversation with Humans of Bombay, she said Shah Rukh has gone through many ups and downs but has learned from them and made it a life mantra to spread joy to people around him. She also recalled a flight incident after the IIFA Awards where Shah Rukh interacted warmly with her mother and later ensured that all co-st

Union Minister George Kurian secured third place in the Kanjirappally constituency during the recent Kerala Assembly elections. He received 26,984 votes. The Congress candidate Rony K Baby led the count. Despite Kurian's defeat, the BJP celebrated victories in Nemom and Chathannoor constituencies. The results were announced after 15 counting rounds.

Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) has followed in the footsteps of parties such as the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) and the Telegu Desum Party (TDP) in moving to form the government after its very first electoral outing.

POCO X8 Pro Max targets performance enthusiasts with its potent chipset and substantial battery, offering flagship-like speed at a mid-range price. While excelling in gaming and heavy tasks with effective cooling, its camera and software experience present trade-offs.