The Economic Times

Charles Babbage, widely known as the father of the computer, once highlighted how deep mental engagement can influence human experience with discomfort. His quote of the day explains that when the mind is fully occupied in thoughtful or meaningful work, it can divert attention away from physical pain such as a headache, offering a form of natural relief through focus.

Quote of the day by Groucho Marx shows how humor explains work culture, office politics, and career success. The quote highlights timing, leadership, and workplace behavior. It also connects to the life and career of Groucho Marx, an American comedian and actor. His journey from vaudeville to television shows how wit and observation shaped success. The message remains relevant for modern workplaces and professional growth.

Indian Bank's chief Binod Kumar expects interest rates to rise and net interest margins to fall as India develops. He plans to raise capital for Expected Credit Loss norms and launch a wealth management business. The bank aims for strong growth in retail and MSME loans. Consolidation could help Indian banks achieve global scale.

Indian banks are pausing new business in Gulf countries amid the Iran crisis. Lenders are closely watching existing ties to avoid financial trouble. State Bank of India and Punjab National Bank are among those taking a cautious approach. This move aims to manage risks and ensure stability in international operations.

Small Finance Banks are shifting focus to secured loans like gold loans. This move aims to stabilize their financial health and earnings. The unsecured microfinance sector continues to face high bad loan ratios. This strategic pivot is happening as regulators encourage diversification. Some larger banks are also growing their microfinance business. This change is crucial for long-term stability and growth.

Indian law firms are busier than ever, advising on thousands of deals worth billions. This activity spans mergers, private equity, and venture capital. Lawyers anticipate continued momentum this fiscal year and the next. Companies are using M&A for business rearchitecting and capability acquisition. Overseas acquisitions are also increasing, requiring strategic legal counsel.

India and Trinidad and Tobago have strengthened ties with eight new agreements. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar's visit saw pacts signed in tourism, healthcare, infrastructure, and Ayurveda. India also provided 2,000 laptops to schoolchildren and inaugurated an agro-processing facility. These developments mark significant progress in bilateral cooperation.

A new frozen dessert recipe is trending online. Nutrition expert Vanshika Khurana shared a simple way to make strawberry ice cream with only 90 calories. This healthy treat uses frozen strawberries, Greek yogurt, and soaked cashews. It offers a creamy, fruity taste without the high calories. The recipe is easy to make at home. Khurana, with over 1.

The High Court of Bangladesh has denied bail for Brahmachari Chinmoy Krishna Das, a Hindu monk facing serious charges in the murder trial of a lawyer from 2024. Accused of sedition, Das's arrest has provoked fervent protests from his followers, culminating in clashes in Chattogram linked to the lawyer's violent demise.

Nexus Select Trust is set to acquire a large mixed-use property in Guwahati for 1,300 crore. Inorbit Malls is also expanding its mall portfolio in Tier-2 cities. Developers are increasingly targeting these markets due to strong consumption growth and lower acquisition costs.

CMS Info Systems has won a significant Rs 400 crore contract with HDFC Bank. The deal spans five years and involves managing 6,000 ATMs. CMS will offer complete ATM services, including cash management and AI-driven optimization. This partnership follows CMS's previous work with ICICI Bank and State Bank of India.

Bangladesh and Pakistan are boosting security ties. A new agreement will strengthen efforts against drug trafficking and money laundering. Both nations will share intelligence and conduct joint operations. This collaboration includes training officials and sharing research. It marks a significant step in their security partnership. The pact aims to disrupt drug networks and improve border control.

India's online gaming sector is approaching the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology for guidance on new gaming rules. Companies need operational clarity on classification, compliance and approval processes. The absence of phased implementation creates uncertainty for user safety and compliance measures, they say.

India and Iran will discuss safe passage for Indian ships carrying energy through the Strait of Hormuz. Talks will occur during the BRICS Sherpa and foreign ministers' meetings in New Delhi. India faces challenges navigating the strait, impacting energy security. Diplomatic engagement has already facilitated the exit of eleven Indian ships. Thirteen ships remain in the Persian Gulf.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the UAE will focus on strengthening the Strategic Defence Partnership. This collaboration includes defense industry, innovation, and cybersecurity. The visit also aims to show solidarity with UAE leadership amidst ongoing regional conflicts. Discussions will cover the current war situation and recent attacks on the UAE.

Wingreens World has acquired Safe Harvest in a share swap deal, marking Wingreens' fifth acquisition. The company also secured over 120 crore in Series D funding. Wingreens is working towards a public listing in two years. Recent months have seen significant consolidation in the consumer health and wellness sector.

Major production houses are exploring micro-drama format as a test bed for IP and branded content opportunities.

West Bengal's new government, led by Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, aims to reverse the state's decline and position it among the top states in five years. Key priorities include job creation through education reform and attracting private investment, alongside retaining talent and addressing the debt burden.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi labelled the Congress a parasitic party. He stated the Congress betrayed its ally, the DMK, after benefiting from its support for decades. Modi highlighted the Congress's reliance on the DMK for political survival, especially during the UPA government. Recent election results in Puducherry, Assam, and West Bengal were also mentioned as significant developments.

Gulzar's 1975 film Aandhi, starring Sanjeev Kumar and Suchitra Sen, is celebrated for its emotional depth and timeless music. The film explored themes of sacrifice, ambition, and love, with the lead actors' chemistry leaving a lasting impact. Interestingly, Gulzar and Sen addressed each other as 'Sir' throughout the shoot, conversing in Bengali, a testament to their unique professional bond.

Quote of the day by Clint Eastwood shares a line about marriage, thunder, and lightning. The quote explores relationships, love, and human nature. It also connects with the life journey of Clint Eastwood, an American film actor and director. His career, films, awards, and personal history show how life experience shapes views on relationships and marriage. The quote remains relevant today.

A Chartered Accountant has highlighted how rising EMIs, rent, SIPs, and other automated deductions are leaving many salaried individuals with little control over their monthly income. In a post on X, CA Nitin Kaushik explained that most people end up with near-zero savings because they try to save only what remains at the end of the month, while spending naturally takes priority.

Experts have warned that some routine in-flight hygiene habits may increase exposure to bacteria during air travel. According to flight attendants and health researchers, passengers often rely on airplane bathroom sinks without realizing that key surfaces like door handles and latches are not consistently sanitized, leading to possible re-contamination after washing hands. Another concern is the use of onboard water for drinking or even cleaning, with studies showing that aircraft water systems

The selection of Kerala's next chief minister remains uncertain. The AICC leadership is taking time to consult various factions. Party workers' campaigns suggest a hasty decision could cause protests. KC Venugopal and VD Satheesan are the main contenders. Venugopal has MLA backing, while Satheesan has cadre and ally support. The Congress-led UDF secured a majority in the assembly.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah reviewed the nation's readiness for floods and heat waves. He emphasized developing early warning systems for 30 high-risk lakes in northern and northeastern states. Flood crisis management teams will be activated across all states. The National Disaster Management Authority will assess adherence to directives on forest fires, heat waves, and floods.

Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya has invited Himanta Biswa Sarma to form the new government. Sarma will take oath as Chief Minister for a second term on May 12. The NDA has staked its claim with the support of 102 MLAs. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to attend the swearing-in ceremony in Guwahati.

Jammu and Kashmir is grappling with a severe water shortage. A rainfall deficit of 26% has been recorded since March 1. Many districts are experiencing significantly less rainfall than usual. Only a few areas have received normal precipitation. This situation poses a serious challenge for the region's water resources.

C Joseph Vijay took oath as Tamil Nadu Chief Minister. His government is the first non-DMK and non-AIADMK administration in six decades. Vijay promised a regime of real secularism and social justice. He highlighted the state's debt and pledged transparency. Key initiatives include free power and enhanced women's safety.

India's commercial office market is increasingly dominated by large occupiers seeking consolidated, campus-style workplaces. Large office transactions surged 3% year-on-year, comprising 65% of total leasing, while smaller office demand grew at a slower pace. Bengaluru leads in large deals, with Hyderabad and Mumbai showing accelerated growth.

Power giant NTPC is set to submit its first nuclear project feasibility study to the Department of Atomic Energy. This move aims to secure approval for standalone nuclear projects. NTPC plans to achieve 2 GW of nuclear capacity by 2032. The company is also exploring sites in Bihar and other states for its ambitious nuclear expansion plans.

India's private investment has seen a significant jump. This signals a strong revival in the country's investment cycle. Industry leaders are proposing measures to navigate global challenges. These include fuel excise duty adjustments and faster payments for small businesses. The focus is on converting this momentum into jobs and growth.

Waaree Energies is planning significant expansion in the US. The company may build a solar cell manufacturing facility there. This follows an increase in module manufacturing capacity. Waaree aims to boost its market share in the growing US solar market. The company is also focusing on an energy transition ecosystem in India.

India secured new opportunities for seafood exports by negotiating with the European Union. This move helped Indian exporters overcome significant challenges posed by steep US tariffs. The government's proactive approach ensured access to a large and stable market. This strategic action has led to export growth despite global uncertainties.

BJP State President BY Vijayendra has condemned the discovery of gelatin sticks along Prime Minister Modi's travel route in Bengaluru as a grave failure of the Congress government's law and order. He demanded a thorough investigation and strict action against negligent officials, emphasizing the need for maximum security for the Prime Minister.

Iran strongly opposes the deployment of a French aircraft carrier in the Strait of Hormuz. Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi issued a stern warning against naval cooperation with the US strategy. This comes as Iran submits its reply to an American proposal for regional de-escalation. The region faces heightened friction between peace efforts and the threat of expanded naval warfare.

Proverb of the Day: What makes this Chinese proverb especially powerful is that it removes the pressure to achieve everything all at once. Rather than focusing only on massive outcomes, it encourages people to value the process itself. That shift matters because many people feel overwhelmed by how distant their goals appear. The mountain seems impossible to climb, until they concentrate on moving one small stone at a time.

Oscar-winning actress Jennifer Lawrence offers a powerful perspective on navigating modern life's pressures. Her advice to let things roll off your back encourages emotional resilience against the hurry up and wait cycle, promoting mental peace amidst constant striving and uncertainty. This resonates deeply in today's stressful environment.

India has released 2,996 climate-resilient crop varieties from 2014 to 2025. The Indian Council of Agricultural Research led this effort. Complementary farming practices were also developed. The National Innovations on Climate Resilient Agriculture program supports farmers. Vulnerability assessments identified 310 highly vulnerable districts. Climate Resilient Villages are being established for wider technology replication.

India's digital advertising is transforming as artificial intelligence, programmatic buying, connected TV, and retail media are merging. Marketers are moving budgets from traditional TV to digital. This shift has created a major opportunity for automated and AI-driven advertising.

Industrialist Anand Mahindra shared an emotional Mothers Day video showing a CRPF recruit surprising his mother at her roadside vegetable stall in Maharashtra. The young man, Gopal Sawant, informed his mother about his CRPF selection and touched her feet as both broke down in tears. Mahindra praised the sacrifices made by mothers who work hard to build a better future for their children.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru faced a setback as Virat Kohli was dismissed for a duck against Mumbai Indians. Chasing 167, RCB's chase began under pressure. Earlier, Bhuvneshwar Kumar's bowling restricted Mumbai Indians to 166/7. Tilak Varma scored 57 for Mumbai. RCB captain won the toss and chose to field first.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for a return to work-from-home and urged citizens to delay foreign travel for a year. This is to address global energy supply concerns and potential economic fallout. The Prime Minister emphasized public participation in reducing fuel consumption and conserving foreign exchange. He highlighted the need for collective action to navigate the evolving global situation.

In a tragic escalation of violence, a suicide bombing at a police station in Bannu, Pakistan, has resulted in the deaths of 14 officers. The attack, claimed by a rogue faction of the Pakistan Taliban, was followed by a fierce gun battle. This shocking incident marks a troubling rise in militant activity in the area.

Iran's stockpile of enriched uranium must be aken out before the US-Israeli war against Iran can be considered over, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in an interview Sunday. In addition to the unresolved uranium stockpile issue, Netanyahu said there were several other war aims that had yet to be accomplished.

A US-brokered ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine faces serious strain. Both nations blame each other for weekend attacks. Ukrainian officials report drone strikes and battlefield clashes. Russia's Defence Ministry claims to have downed numerous Ukrainian drones. Diplomatic efforts for peace remain stalled over key issues. US envoys are expected to visit Moscow soon for further talks.

Measuring blood pressure in both arms during initial evaluations can reveal hidden vascular disorders, according to Dr. Nikhil Agrawal. A significant difference, especially over 10 mmHg, signals potential issues like Peripheral Arterial Disease or Aortic Dissection. This simple practice aids early diagnosis, preventing severe cardiovascular complications.

The decision was taken at the DMK Legislature Party meeting, which was held at Kalaignar Arangam in Anna Arivalayam, Chennai, under the leadership of party president MK Stalin on Thursday.

Quote of the day by Julia Roberts shares a message about courage, happiness, success and human nature. The statement explains that life is not about pleasing everyone but about being yourself. The story looks at the actors career, achievements, films, awards and charity work. It also explains the quote meaning and relevance and gives life lessons from the quote that readers can apply in daily life.

President Donald Trump stated in an interview that Iran is militarily defeated and that the US could strike every single target within two weeks. He also criticized NATO as a paper tiger for not assisting in the campaign against Tehran, which began with US and Israeli strikes on February 28.