The Economic Times

Sony is raising PlayStation Plus subscription costs. New prices begin May 20 for new users in some areas. Monthly and quarterly plans will see increases. Existing users in Turkey and India will also pay more upon renewal. This change primarily affects the Essential tier. Other gaming companies are also adjusting prices due to component shortages.

Global finance leaders met in Paris to address economic fallout from the Middle East conflict. France's finance minister called for increased aid for vulnerable nations. Discussions also covered diversifying critical mineral supplies and maintaining pressure on Russia. G7 nations aim to build new partnerships amid global tensions and trade system fragmentation.

As Kevin Warsh steps into the role of leading the U.S. Federal Reserve, turbulent waters marked by soaring inflation await him, says StanChart's Winters. While there's a palpable push for interest rate reductions from political circles, some members within the Fed are advocating for hikes instead.

Indian forces executed Operation Sindoor with military precision, dismantling terror infrastructure and demonstrating strategic resolve. Army Chief Gen Upendra Dwivedi described this as 'smart power' in its complete expression. He outlined a 'SMART' framework for India's future strategy, focusing on statecraft, manufacturing depth, innovation, resilience, and technology primacy to navigate a complex global landscape.

Zoho founder Sridhar Vembu warns of a grim economic future. He believes artificial intelligence alone cannot solve deep-rooted issues. Vembu urges everyone to prepare for challenging times ahead. He notes the global economic order is weakening. The world faces a difficult phase, and preparedness is key.

OECD Secretary General Mathias Cormann stated that the ongoing Middle East conflict is worsening global economic risks, exerting downward pressure on growth and upward pressure on inflation. The organization will revise its economic forecasts next month, acknowledging the immediate challenges posed by rising oil prices to finance officials at a G7 meeting.

The Supreme Court has asked the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology to examine a PIL seeking a robust mechanism to retrieve or erase stolen Indian personal data stored on foreign servers. Acknowledging the issues technical complexity, the court advised the petitioner to pursue administrative and technological remedies through the government.

A grandfather's unconventional retirement choice has captured global attention. He opted for a beachfront hotel over a retirement home, citing cost savings and a happier environment. His witty remarks about family visits and the stark contrast between hotel and institutional living have ignited discussions on aging, loneliness, and the true desires of seniors.

On Monday, India's power demand hit an extraordinary 257.37 GW, a historic high that came after relentless heat waves swept across the landscape. As citizens crank up their air conditioning units and fans to combat the sweltering temperatures, the power ministry is bracing for even higher demands this summer.

Nagaland Dear Lottery Sambad Result Today 19 May 2026: The much-awaited Tuesday weekly draw of Dear Shine has been declared. Check the first prize winning number for 1 Crore, along with all other prize tiers including 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th prizes. Full results, winning numbers, and updates for Nagaland Sambad Tuesday Lottery are available here.

Sun Tzu's ancient wisdom on leadership remains relevant today. He stressed treating followers like beloved sons to earn deep loyalty. This approach builds trust and commitment, far beyond what fear can achieve. Modern leaders, whether in business or families, find that genuine care and respect are key to inspiring dedication.

Lionel Messi tour organiser Satadru Dutta has filed a police complaint. He alleges former West Bengal sports minister Aroop Biswas and others caused chaos at the Salt Lake stadium. Dutta claims he was made a scapegoat. The new sports minister has ordered a fresh probe into the incident. Dutta seeks justice for alleged mistreatment and sabotage.

NIT Kurukshetra engineer Sourabh Mittal has left his BPCL job despite a reported 19 lakh annual package, drawing attention online amid growing discussions on PSU work conditions and job satisfaction. He claimed difficult working conditions, poor facilities, and high workplace pressure influenced his decision to resign. His story highlights increasing concerns among young professionals about stress, growth opportunities, and long-term expectations in public sector jobs.

Chinese exercise: An ancient Chinese exercise, Baduanjin, practiced for centuries, shows promise in managing high blood pressure. New research indicates this gentle routine, combining movement and breathing, can significantly lower blood pressure. It offers a simple, affordable alternative for those finding intense workouts difficult.

Former Uttarakhand Chief Minister Bhuvan Chandra Khanduri has passed away. He was undergoing treatment in Dehradun. Khanduri served as Chief Minister twice and was a senior Bharatiya Janata Party leader. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed his condolences. He described Khanduri's passing as an irreparable loss for Uttarakhand and national politics.

Indian Railways has approved the Arakkonam-Chengalpattu Doubling Project. This Rs 993 crore initiative will boost the Chennai suburban rail network. The project aims to reduce congestion and improve train punctuality. It will facilitate both passenger and freight movement. This development supports regional industries and modernizes rail infrastructure.

Veteran actor Aanjjan Srivastav's daughter Ranjana reveals the family's financial hardship after his 2002 stage accident. His injury impacted work opportunities, leading to difficult times. Srivastav advised Ranjana to pursue a parallel career, a lesson she learned from their middle-class upbringing. She is now set for her debut in Chand Tara. Read on!

Dish TV India Ltd. is enhancing its South India strategy. New regional language packs offer more channels at lower prices. A 'Sports Always-On' feature ensures uninterrupted live sports viewing during recharge gaps. This move targets Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Malayalam speaking households, focusing on affordability and relevant content for everyday entertainment.

Indias oil trade deficit is expected to widen significantly in FY27 due to rising crude oil prices and weakening petroleum exports, according to a report by Crisil. The report warned that Indias heavy dependence on imported crude could put added pressure on the countrys external finances, with the current account deficit also projected to rise as oil-related trade pressures intensify.

India should be seen not merely as a market for selling products but as a long-term investment partner, with foreign companies encouraged to work alongside Indian businesses in the country's growth story, says Union Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Jitin Prasada on Tuesday.

Geopolitical tensions in the Middle East are significantly impacting India's economy. Rising crude oil prices have led to a Rs 3 per litre fuel hike, eroded investor wealth by over Rs 5.85 lakh crore, and pushed the rupee to an all-time low. Foreign investors are also withdrawing funds, while the import bill has surged.

Global private equity firm Advent International is injecting $150 million into Iscon Balaji Foods, a prominent Indian frozen potato product maker. This investment, part of a larger $215 million funding round, will fuel IBF's expansion into new global markets and bolster its manufacturing capabilities. Advent aims to accelerate the company's growth alongside its founder and management team.

Indian airlines are urging state-run oil refiners to postpone jet fuel price increases for domestic flights. This move aims to ease financial pressures and mounting losses for carriers like Air India, IndiGo, and SpiceJet. Discussions are ongoing, with the oil ministry involved. A decision is expected soon. Refiners are currently selling jet fuel at a loss.

The IRDAI is developing a more detailed framework for performance-linked key performance indicators (KPIs) for insurance company executives. This initiative aims to enhance oversight on claims settlement, customer complaints, and expense management, pushing for sharper accountability standards and measurable parameters in senior management evaluations.

Keanu Reeves' powerful portrayal in To the Bone delivers a stark message: personal accountability is key to overcoming life's challenges. His character urges viewers to stop waiting for external saviours and embrace resilience by facing difficult truths. Read on to know more about it.

Bollywood and television production circles are feeling financial pressure. Workers behind the scenes are seeing pay cuts and limited work. Budgets are tighter, and projects are delayed. This impacts many professionals in Mumbai. Some workers are depleting savings or returning to hometowns. Freelancers face delayed payments. The industry hopes for recovery amid calls for structural changes.

Bengaluru's MetaShot partnered with Yudiz Solutions to launch the world's first smart pickleball game on MetaShot's motion gaming console. This collaboration marks MetaShot opening its platform to external developers, aiming to expand its ecosystem with third-party sports titles and developer programs. The game will launch in the US in Q3 FY26.

Microsoft's AI chief, Mustafa Suleyman has sounded an alarm that many white-collar jobs, including accounting, legal, marketing, and project management, could be automated within 12-18 months. He predicts AI will achieve human-level performance on most professional tasks, impacting computer-based roles significantly. This rapid advancement signals a major shift in the workforce.

In the realm of luxury retail, India encounters a considerable void in super luxury mall infrastructure, stifling opportunities for esteemed international brands to establish a foothold. Despite the influx of wealth, with the luxury sector projected to blossom into a $12 billion market by 2028, suitable retail spaces remain elusive.

India's edible oil imports increased by 3 per cent in the last fiscal year owing significant to a boost from duty-free shipments from Nepal. Nepal's edible oil exports to India more than doubled. India relies heavily on foreign supplies for edible oils.

A remarkable video shows an aged tigress hunting a crocodile. Despite her condition, she used a precise technique to disable the reptile. This rare encounter highlights the power of instinct and experience in wild animals. The footage has captivated online viewers, sparking discussions about survival and adaptation. The tigress reportedly suffered from physical ailments before this final hunt.

Australia is grappling with a significant diphtheria outbreak, with cases spreading across multiple states and a suspected first death under investigation. Health authorities are urging vigilance for symptoms and emphasizing the importance of vaccination. This rare resurgence marks a serious public health concern for the nation. If investigators confirm the death was caused by diphtheria, it would mark Australias first fatality from the infectious disease since 2018.

Cockroach Janata Party Website: A new online political group, the Cockroach Janta Party, is rapidly gaining followers on Indian social media. Founded by Abhijeet Dipke, the party uses satire and memes to express youth frustration. It addresses issues like unemployment and exam controversies. Prominent figures have engaged with the party online.

A heartwarming video of a Blinkit delivery executive has gone viral. The man was seen practicing cricket shots with a bat during his delivery routine. He then lovingly kissed the bat before continuing his work. The clip has touched thousands online, sparking conversations about dreams and passions.

An inquiry committee has submitted its report to the Lok Sabha Speaker regarding allegations against Justice Yashwant Varma. The report concerns the alleged discovery of unaccounted cash at his official residence. This report will be presented to Parliament soon. Justice Varma recently resigned as a judge, making removal proceedings infructuous. The committee's work proceeded despite his resignation.

From courtroom thrillers and reality drama to animated adventures and sci-fi mysteries, this weeks OTT lineup has something for every binge-watcher. Platforms like Netflix, Prime Video, JioHotstar, Apple TV+ and ZEE5 are bringing fresh movies and series packed with action, suspense, comedy and drama this week.

Hearzap is acquiring Amplifon India in a deal that will significantly expand the company's presence across the country. The combined entity will operate approximately 420 hearing care centers. With this move, Hearzap is seeking to strengthen position in the organised hearing care market.

Sunrisers Hyderabad and Gujarat Titans have sealed their spots in the IPL 2026 playoffs, joining Royal Challengers Bengaluru, who were the first team to qualify. Meanwhile, Chennai Super Kings are staring at elimination after suffering their seventh defeat of the season. Punjab Kings remain in contention but now depend on other match results to keep their playoff hopes alive, while Rajasthan Royals still have two games left to revive their campaign.

Indian campuses are witnessing a surge in student entrepreneurship, with Gen-Z founders prototyping and building ventures before graduation. Universities like Chitkara are transforming into venture studios, providing incubation, mentorship, and industry connections. This shift cultivates a new generation of graduates equipped with problem-solving and innovation skills, crucial for India's future economy.

New CCTV footage reveals Twisha Sharma walking alone towards her home's terrace before being found unconscious. Her husband, Samarth Singh, is absconding. His family denies dowry harassment claims, stating Twisha had psychiatric issues and substance abuse. Police are investigating dowry harassment and abetment to suicide charges.

A tourist died after two captive elephants clashed at Karnataka's Dubare Elephant Camp. Following the fatal incident, authorities have imposed strict new rules, including a 100-foot distance for tourists and a ban on close-range interactions like bathing and feeding.

The Supreme Court on Tuesday refused to modify its November 2025 order to remove stray dogs from public institutions like hospitals, schools, colleges, bus stations and railway stations.

Small monthly subscriptions for entertainment can quietly drain your finances. CA Nitin Kaushik highlights how Rs 8,400 spent annually on OTT platforms could grow to over Rs 6 lakh in 20 years if invested. This highlights the importance of mindful spending. Focusing on cutting these unnoticed 'micro leaks' is key to building wealth over time.

India Tourism Sector and Iran War: Prime Minister Modi's call to curb foreign travel for a year aims to boost domestic tourism, conserve foreign exchange, and reduce the import bill amid the West Asia crisis. Industry experts anticipate a surge in local travel, benefiting airlines, hotels, and tour operators. This initiative could also foster infrastructure development and job creation within India.

Actress Twisha Sharma was found dead at her Bhopal home. Police are investigating the incident as a suspected suicide. Her family has reportedly accused her husband and in-laws of harassment and dowry abuse. A Special Investigation Team is examining the allegations. Her former co-stars remember her as passionate and full of life. Read on!

Big changes take time. Success, failure, and habits are built gradually. Just as a river needs many cold days to freeze deep, significant achievements require sustained hard work and discipline. Instant results are often an illusion. This ancient Chinese wisdom emphasizes patience and the power of consistent daily actions for lasting outcomes.

The Pentagon has put the brakes on America's involvement in a historic defense panel with Canada that traces back to World War II. Officials indicate that Canadas slow advancement on defense commitments prompted this change. This decision is occurring amid swirling trade disagreements and President Trumps persistent requests for allied countries to bolster their defense budgets.

The Ministry of Finance has strongly refuted social media rumors about plans to issue gold bonds against temple gold reserves. The government states there is no proposal to monetise gold held by religious institutions. It also dismissed claims about temple structure gold being treated as strategic reserves.