The Economic Times

India's infrastructure output growth saw a slowdown in April 2026. Provisional data shows a 1.7% expansion. Cement, steel, and electricity sectors performed strongly. However, coal, crude oil, natural gas, refinery products, and fertilisers experienced contractions. These eight core industries significantly influence industrial production.

A Reddit post by a Fortune 500 employee has gone viral after he claimed that doing only the bare minimum at work still led to a promotion, even without a college degree. The employee said he was still viewed positively by managers and clients, often appearing energetic and reliable despite minimal effort. He credited years of prior hands-on experience and a low-stress approach to work for his progress.

A Delhi-based entrepreneur has gone viral after sharing how getting fired from a 5 lakh-per-month corporate job in 2018 completely changed his life. In a deeply personal LinkedIn post, Gaurav Kawatra spoke about losing his high-paying role, struggling with panic attacks and rejection, and eventually rebuilding his career through entrepreneurship. His story has now sparked conversations online around layoffs, EMI pressure, corporate dependency and survival after job loss.

Villagers in Qazigund, Kashmir, are reviving the Panzath festival. This ancient tradition involves cleaning the Panzath Nag stream and ritual fishing. The event draws crowds and has gained national attention. It highlights community efforts in preserving water bodies. The festival is a blend of cultural celebration and environmental service. It supports local farming and traditions.

Bharat Tex 2026 is making news, with the Textile Ministry noting a surge in interest from international exhibitors and diplomatic representatives. Engagement remains robust despite ongoing global challenges and anticipation is on the rise, the ministry says.

India and Italy have established a Special Strategic Partnership. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni announced the elevation of ties. This marks a significant expansion in cooperation across defence, trade, technology, and manufacturing. Both nations are committed to deepening engagement and revitalizing relations. This historic visit bridges a long gap in high-level interactions.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Italian President Sergio Mattarella. They discussed expanding the India-Italy partnership. Key areas include trade, technology, clean energy, and culture. Both nations aim to boost bilateral trade significantly. Discussions also covered AI, critical minerals, space, and nuclear energy. The Indian diaspora in Italy is the largest in the EU.

India's manufacturing growth is hampered by low R&D spending, currently at 0.6% of GDP, a report highlights. To boost its manufacturing share, India aims to increase R&D expenditure to 2% by 2035, requiring greater private sector involvement and stronger innovation ecosystems. This transition to innovation-driven manufacturing is crucial for long-term global competitiveness.

The National Green Tribunal is investigating if pouring milk into rivers constitutes water pollution. A petition highlighted a religious event where thousands of litres of milk were poured into the Narmada River. The tribunal has asked pollution control boards to assess the ecological impact. Scientific data is needed to determine if this practice harms aquatic life and water quality.

Sigmund Freud famously declared America a giant mistake, reflecting his critique of modern civilization's materialism and rapid pace. His statement, not a political attack but a philosophical observation, continues to spark debate on consumerism and societal pressures. The quote's enduring relevance highlights ongoing discussions about work culture and mental well-being.

West Bengal's Annapurna Yojna will soon replace Lakshmir Bhandar Scheme. Eligible women will receive Rs 3,000 monthly. This financial aid aims to boost support for economically weaker households. Existing beneficiaries will be migrated automatically. Fresh applications will be accepted online and offline. The scheme is set to begin from June 1, 2026. Beneficiaries can update Aadhaar-linked bank accounts online.

Indias food and beverage exports to the UAE are poised for major growth, with current shipments valued at USD 3.6 billion compared to the UAEs total imports of USD 22 billion. Holding a 10 percent market share, India is emerging as a trusted supplier of quality food products to the Gulf nation. Industry experts believe the India-UAE free trade agreement and the upcoming Indo-Food Park in Mumbai will further strengthen trade ties, enhance export infrastructure, and unlock new opportunities for In

Long office hours and heavy meals can often lead to tiredness and low productivity. Choosing light, nutritious, and energy-boosting desk-friendly foods can help you stay active, focused, and refreshed throughout the workday.

A growing number of couples are choosing to delay parenthood in pursuit of career milestones, financial stability, and personal goals. But what happens when the biological clock and the bank account collide?

Indian engineering hubs for global firms are accelerating intellectual property generation and mitigating supply chain risks, according to a Daimler Truck executive. AI is further speeding up innovation and engineering work, as companies increasingly rely on local hubs for product development. This trend is also influencing hiring, with a growing demand for niche talents in AI and cybersecurity.

Indian FMCG volume growth is expected to slow down this year. Geopolitical tensions and a potential below-normal monsoon are key concerns. Companies may implement pricing strategies, impacting consumption frequency. In a base scenario, growth could reach 5 percent. However, adverse conditions might push growth to 3-4 percent. Consumers are consolidating purchases, buying less often but more per trip.

Standard Chartered plans to cut over 7,000 jobs in four years, replacing human capital with technology, particularly impacting back-office roles in India. This move aligns with a broader trend of financial firms leveraging AI and tech hubs in India for both support and higher-value functions, though some, like Wells Fargo, are also consolidating operations.

Financial institutions are urged to guide Atal Pension Yojana subscribers towards higher pension slabs. Many subscribers remain in the minimum Rs 1,000 monthly pension category. This amount may not be sufficient in the future. Banks must counsel individuals to choose plans reflecting future needs and current affordability. Efforts are also underway to re-examine the scheme for potentially higher pension payouts.

A Bengaluru chaat vendor's clever questioning, offering only upgraded options like Cheese pav bhaji or masala pav bhaji?, subtly influences customer choices. This sales tactic, observed by a local founder, mirrors strategies used by global brands to increase bill sizes by framing choices between enhanced products rather than plain ones.

BLS International achieved its highest-ever performance in financial year 2026. Revenues surged to Rs 2998 crore, a 36.7% year-on-year increase. Net profit rose 34% to Rs 724 crore. The company's visa and consular services segment saw significant margin expansion. Several new contracts were secured during the year, contributing to this robust financial outcome.

BOC Aviation has signed a new deal to lease three Boeing 737-8200 aircraft to Akasa Air. These planes will be delivered by the end of 2026. This is the second such agreement between the two companies. Akasa Air is expanding its fleet with these fuel-efficient aircraft. Indian airlines are increasing capacity to meet growing passenger demand.

Central Bank of India is planning a major nationwide expansion with the opening of 150 new branches across India. To support its growth strategy, the public sector lender will recruit around 1,400 employees, including new officers, while also strengthening operations across its subsidiaries. The move is aimed at enhancing customer outreach, improving banking services, and accelerating business growth in key markets.

A 24-year-old woman, Deepika Nagar, died after a fall from her in-laws' third-floor terrace in Greater Noida, eighteen months after her marriage. Her family alleges she was murdered due to dowry harassment, citing extensive injuries found in the autopsy report. Her family alleged she was asked to bring gold or jewellery for her in laws every time she visited her home during festivals.

Dustin Hoffman's iconic movie dialogue of the day as Captain Hook in 'Hook,' 'Death is the only adventure you have left,' resonates deeply today. The dialogue critiques the loss of wonder and imagination in adulthood, reflecting modern anxieties about purpose and existential dread. The film itself explores growing up and rediscovering joy amidst life's responsibilities.

India needs substantial land for renewable energy expansion. By 2030, approximately 7 lakh acres will be required for solar and wind projects. This land acquisition is estimated to cost between USD 10 to 15 billion. The country is set to significantly increase its renewable energy capacity, driving investment and development across various sectors.

India and Italy are entering a significant new era in their relationship. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Their nations are now forging a special strategic partnership. This partnership is built on shared values of freedom and democracy. It reflects a common outlook for the future. Ties have grown with remarkable speed.

This week brings a fresh lineup of South Indian movies and web series on OTT platforms, offering something for every mood. Titles like Madhuvidhu, Satan: The Dark, Sathi Leelavathi, Bhishmar, Sesha 2016, and Warrant are all set to arrive on streaming platforms with different genres and stories to explore. Read on to know when and where to watch them online.

The Boys Season 5 Episode 8, titled Blood and Bone, has ended the Amazon Prime Video series with a finale that sparked strong and mixed reactions online. While some viewers praised the intense final clash between Butcher and Homelander and felt the ending stayed true to the shows dark tone, others criticized it as rushed and disappointing. Social media platform X saw divided opinions, with reactions ranging from calling it a peak finale to one of the worst endings.

A lone star tick bite can trigger alpha-gal syndrome, causing severe allergic reactions to red meat and dairy. This immune response develops after the tick transfers a sugar molecule into the bloodstream, leading to symptoms ranging from mild itching to life-threatening anaphylaxis. Experts urge precautions against these increasingly prevalent ticks.

Memory prices are set to rise for consumers. No major new production capacity is expected in the next 18 months. This will lead to higher costs for devices like smartphones. The ongoing West Asia crisis also impacts raw material availability for electronics. India Semiconductor Mission 2.0 aims to boost the local chip ecosystem and reduce import reliance.

BHIM Payments App saw a significant 301% surge in transaction volumes during FY26. More users embraced the platform for daily purchases like groceries and dining. West Bengal showed strong growth, with peer-to-merchant payments dominating. The app's accessibility and new features are driving this increased adoption across India.

Smartphone prices are no longer dropping predictably. The demand for AI chips is causing component costs to surge. This means phones are launching at higher prices and staying that way. Budget phones are seeing downgrades to control costs. Consumers may need to buy when they need a phone, as big discounts are fading.

Supreme Court of India has dismissed a Public Interest Litigation challenging the Centres decision to conduct caste enumeration during the upcoming Census, stating that the exercise falls within the domain of government policy-making. The apex court observed that collecting caste-related data can help authorities assess the population of backward classes and design targeted welfare schemes and social justice measures more effectively. The ruling is being seen as a significant development in the

Nepal is considering a Romeo-Juliet Clause to differentiate consensual teenage relationships from rape. The proposed amendment would exempt romantic or physical relationships between 16-18 year olds with a three-year age gap from statutory rape charges, provided there's no coercion or exploitation. This aims to address cases where families allegedly misused current laws against consensual adolescent unions.

The wait is over for The Boys fans. Season 5 episode 8, Blood and Bone, has arrived. It concludes seven years of storytelling. The finale features a showdown at the White House. Key characters like Homelander and Butcher face their fates. Frenchie's sacrifice in the penultimate episode set the stage. The episode brings significant consequences for all involved.

Kerala Chief Minister V D Satheesan clarified the full Vande Mataram rendition at the UDF swearing-in was a Lok Bhavan decision. He and his colleagues were unaware of the full song being sung. The CPI(M) criticized the move as inappropriate for a pluralistic society. The BJP countered, accusing the CPI(M) of insulting the national song to appease radical groups.

Assam government has announced austerity measures to boost fiscal prudence. Fuel expenditure will be cut by 20 per cent. Minister and official convoy sizes will be reduced. Foreign travel for ministers and officials is deferred for six months. Vehicle purchases are banned for six months. Government offices will conduct energy audits.

Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma visited Zubeen Garg's cremation site, asserting the Congress-led opposition paid for politicizing the musician's death during polls. He emphasized Garg as an emotion, not a political tool, and reviewed development work at 'Zubeen Khetra' as a tribute to the beloved artist. The opposition had criticized the government over alleged delays in justice for Garg.

Standard Chartered CEO Bill Winters reassured staff following news of job cuts, emphasizing that the bank is replacing lower-value human capital with technology and AI to boost profitability. He stated that while some roles will reduce or change, new opportunities will emerge, with a focus on reskilling and redeployment.

India's new labour codes permit a four-day workweek, allowing employees to complete 48 weekly hours over fewer days. This compressed schedule, requiring up to 12-hour workdays, is optional for both employers and employees. Overtime rules and state-specific daily hour caps remain in effect, influencing adoption across sectors like IT and essential services.

India faces significant external sector challenges due to rising oil prices, foreign investor exits, and a weakening rupee. Chief Economic Advisor V. Anantha Nageswaran describes this as a live balance of payments stress test, highlighting pressure on imports, currency stability, and foreign exchange flows. The situation is exacerbated by heavy oil import dependence and regional geopolitical tensions.

India's automotive industry is facing the dual challenge of escalating costs and uncertainties in global trade. Yet, the future looks good with robust long-term demand and a significant pivot towards electric vehicles, says Assocham president Nirmal Minda.

Mumbai University's undergraduate admissions for 2026-27 are closing soon. Candidates have until May 21, 2026, to register. The first merit list will be out on May 26, 2026. Subsequent lists will follow. Classes begin June 13, 2026. Students can apply for various courses online.

A six-year-old boy in Norway discovered a 1,300-year-old pre-Viking sword during a school trip. The rare single-edged weapon, found in a ploughed field, is now being studied at the Museum of Cultural History in Oslo. This significant find offers insights into life in Norway before the Viking Age.

Kerala lottery results today: Kerala State Lottery Dhanalekshmi DL-53 results for Wednesday, 20 May 2026, have been officially declared. Ticket holders can now check their numbers for the 1 crore first prize and other attractive cash rewards.

Israel's parliament is set to vote on dissolving itself. This move could lead to early national elections. Current polls suggest Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu might lose. An ultra-Orthodox faction's decision to seek early elections is a key factor. Opposition parties also aim to unseat Netanyahu's government. The process involves parliamentary votes and agreement on an election date.