The Economic Times

The government is contemplating a substantial expansion of insurance benefits within its renowned Jan Suraksha initiatives. This strategy is designed to bolster social safety nets for low-income families and informal sector workers.

Tata Power and Bhutan's Druk Green Power Corporation (DGPC) have expanded their clean energy partnership with the addition of the 404 MW Nyera Amari I & II Integrated Hydropower Project, taking the total identified hydropower capacity under the collaboration to 5,033 MW from 4,500 MW earlier.

Adobe has secured a significant 158,000 sq. ft. office space at Max Square in Noida, a move reflecting the city's growing commercial appeal, boosted by the upcoming international airport. This follows AML RightSource's substantial lease earlier this year. Max Estates highlights a 'flight to quality' driving demand for well-equipped workspaces.

Loyola College in Chennai, a renowned institution, has a notable list of alumni who have achieved stardom in the South Indian film industry. From Mahesh Babu's commerce background to Suriya's academic journey, the college has nurtured talent that has significantly impacted cinema. These actors' educational foundations at Loyola have contributed to their successful careers. Read on!

A trade think tank, GTRI, advises India against rushing into a bilateral trade agreement with the US due to President Trump's unstable tariff policies. Recent court rulings have struck down key tariffs, pushing the US back towards traditional WTO structures. This legal uncertainty risks India securing a one-sided deal without reciprocal tariff benefits.

Indias retail inflation likely rose to 3.8% in April from 3.4% in March as higher fuel and LPG costs linked to the US-Iran conflict started feeding into prices, according to a Reuters poll. Economists said food prices remained soft, helping keep inflation near the RBIs 4% target, but persistently high crude oil prices and a possible weak monsoon could push inflation higher in coming months. Wholesale inflation is also expected to rise to 4.4% in April.

The National Company Law Tribunal has admitted an insolvency petition against Prime Focus Ltd. Reliance Alpha Services Pvt Ltd filed the petition. Prime Focus is disputing the claim. The company has approached the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal for relief. Prime Focus's business operations continue as usual. The company is involved in global VFX and post-production services.

Why are oil prices up today, and will Brent, US WTI crude futures continue to rise or fall in next few days? Oil prices climbed after new clashes between the United States and Iran threatened supply through the Strait of Hormuz. Brent moved above $100 and WTI also rose. Markets remain uncertain as ceasefire talks continue. Investors are watching jobs data, currencies, shipping risks, and global stock reactions to understand the short-term direction of crude markets.

A Mumbai family of four tragically died after consuming watermelon laced with rat poison, zinc phosphide. According to medical experts, zinc phosphide releases a lethal gas by reacting with the acid in the stomach, causing rapid cell death and organ failure. If medical action is not taken within an hour, the rat poison can turn out to be fatal.

Air India is considering major cost-cutting steps amid the Iran war, including furloughs for nontechnical staff, salary cuts for senior executives, lower bonuses and reducing flight capacity by over 20% for the next three months.

Amidst political maneuvering in Tamil Nadu, a top BJP leader stated that only time will reveal the government's formation, while the Congress faces potential embarrassment. The Governor has asked TVK chief Vijay to prove majority support for government formation, with discussions reportedly underway for potential AIADMK backing and power-sharing arrangements.

Most people reuse T-shirts and jeans without hesitation, but rewearing socks is a completely different story. Experts warn that socks quickly turn into breeding grounds for bacteria and fungi, making daily changes essential for hygiene and health. Heres why you should never wear the same pair twice.

The Middle East conflict is impacting Indian homes. Furniture makers face rising costs for materials like foam and lacquer due to global shipping disruptions. Companies are absorbing these increases for now. Consumers are becoming cautious with spending. Some businesses are adapting by focusing on value and optimizing sourcing. Premium furniture demand remains strong.

Emerging Indian filmmakers are showcasing innovative storytelling with the iPhone 17 Pro Max in MAMI's latest program. Four short films, shot across diverse Indian locales, highlight mobility, intimacy, and experimentation.

Unspoken fears and resentments silently fracture family businesses. Advisors must listen, probe and translate emotions. Open conversations prevent disputes from escalating into public confrontations. Enduring businesses foster habits of dialogue, ensuring continuity. Talking heals and preserves family legacies.

Taiwanese semiconductor giant MediaTek has established its second Indian R&D hub in Noida, leasing 1,04,000 sq ft at BPTP's Capital City. This move, valued at approximately Rs. 144 crore, underscores Noida's growing appeal for global tech firms seeking quality commercial spaces and access to talent.

Hero Realty secures Rs 1,200 crore debt from IndusInd Bank. A Rs 1,000 crore platform is established with HDFC Capital Advisors for housing projects in tier-1 and tier-2 cities. The company is expanding its footprint in the National Capital Region and other states. Hero Realty is developing over 6 million square feet across multiple locations.

Vijay School marksheet viral: Actor-politician Vijay's Class 10 marksheet has surfaced online, revealing he was an average student with 65 percent overall. Despite scoring low in Mathematics, he passed his exams. Vijay later pursued acting, eventually launching his political party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, and promising free higher education for farming families.

During his Caribbean tour, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar highlighted India's role in de-risking the global economy. IMF data supports this, projecting India will contribute 17 per cent of global growth in 2026. India remains the world's fastest-growing major economy, driven by strong momentum and stabilising domestic inflation.

Sir David Attenborough celebrated his 100th birthday on May 8, 2026, after a remarkable career documenting nature and advocating for environmental awareness. His groundbreaking documentaries, from oo Quest to Planet Earth, have inspired millions globally. Even at a century old, Attenborough continues to champion conservation, urging humanity to cherish the natural world.

State Bank of Indias board will meet on May 12 to consider raising up to $2 billion through long-term foreign currency bonds in FY27 via public offers or private placements. Meanwhile, Axis Bank has secured a $500 million three-year loan from Japans MUFG at SOFR plus 85 basis points, with the funds aimed at lending and general business needs.

A Bengaluru tech professional, after six years in Germany, chose to return to India, finding that while Germany offered comfort and order, it lacked the emotional vibrancy of home. He highlights that beyond infrastructure and efficiency, India's unpredictable energy, close family ties, and shared experiences fostered a deeper sense of feeling alive, a connection that comfort alone couldn't replace.

India's labour market is undergoing a structural transformation driven by the country's broader economic transition, according to a report by SBI Research based on the latest Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) 2025 unit-level data.

Union Minister Kirti Vardhan Singh met UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres in New York. The meeting occurred during the International Migration Review Forum. Singh also delivered India's national statement and highlighted India's digital innovation in migration governance. He called for a more effective United Nations. The Indian Mission also commemorated Operation Sindoor.

Toyota anticipates a 22% drop in net profit for the upcoming fiscal year, citing the impact of US tariffs. Despite this forecast, the automaker reported a 19.2% net profit decrease for the 2025-26 fiscal year, attributing its resilience to increased sales volumes and price adjustments driven by strong product competitiveness.

The first Dhurandhar, which was released in December 2025, arrived on Netflix on January 30. Now, its sequel, Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge, has created massive buzz by breaking several box office records since its theatrical release and is finally gearing up for its digital premiere.

New OTT releases this weekend (May 810, 2026) highlight Dacoit and Lukkhe on Prime Video, Vaazha 2 on JioHotstar, and several Netflix arrivals. From Adivi Seshs revenge thriller to Kings musical debut and Malayalam comedy sequel, heres your complete mid-May weekend OTT binge guide.

Actor Dibyendu Bhattacharya recently revealed he was allegedly removed from an advertisement due to his skin colour, highlighting a deep-rooted issue in Bollywood and society. Maamla Legal Hai actor is known for his impactful roles, also questioned the industry's tendency to label actors as 'character actors'. Read on!

Canada's privacy watchdog has called for urgent cybersecurity upgrades at the Canada Revenue Agency. Over 42,000 tax accounts were breached since 2020. Cybercriminals used stolen credentials to access accounts. They also modified accounts to file false returns or claim benefits. The agency is implementing new security measures to protect taxpayer information.

ASEAN leaders convened in Cebu, Philippines, to tackle the Iran war's economic fallout. They are developing contingency plans for stable fuel and food supplies. The summit also addresses the safety of over a million ASEAN citizens working in the Middle East. Discussions include coordinated emergency fuel sharing and diversifying oil sources.

India's indigenous glide weapon system, TARA, successfully completed its first flight trial off the coast of Odisha. Developed by DRDO, TARA converts unguided warheads into precision-guided weapons. This advancement enhances the accuracy and lethality of low-cost weapons for ground target neutralization. The successful trial marks a significant step in bolstering India's self-reliance in defence technology.

Lal Bahadur Shastri Institute of Management (LBSIM), New Delhi, has achieved prestigious AACSB accreditation, a global benchmark for business education excellence. This rigorous, multi-year review process signifies LBSIM's commitment to academic quality, learner success, and societal impact, placing it among the top 6% of business schools worldwide.

The Centre is expected to issue a rectification order within 48-72 hours to restore the tax exemption for gold-importing banks after a notification accidentally withdrew the benefit, IBJA National Secretary Surendra Mehta said.

Indian parents are embracing a new era of travel. After decades of prioritizing family, many are now choosing solo trips or journeys with friends. This shift focuses on personal comfort, safety, and stress-free planning. The travel industry is recognizing this growing market for older adults seeking independence and freedom. These travelers are redefining their post-family life with enriching experiences.

The Enforcement Directorate has arrested three founders of the online gaming platform Gameskraft. The arrests are linked to an alleged fraud and money laundering case. Officials took Deepak Singh, Prithvi Raj Singh, and Vikas Taneja into custody. This action follows raids and the filing of a money laundering case. The agency previously froze bank accounts in its probe.

TBSE Madhyamik and HS Result 2026: Tripura Class 10 and 12 students can check their Madhyamik and Higher Secondary results today at 12 noon on tbresults.tripura.gov.in. The examinations were conducted in February and March 2026, with nearly 38,000 students appearing for Class 10 and around 30,000 for Class 12. Students can download their scorecards from the official website.

In its pursuit of a more humane migration policy, India is developing a framework that embraces an inclusive ethos while confronting issues such as irregular migration and human trafficking. This forward-thinking initiative takes a holistic stance on migration, ensuring that the rights and safety of migrants are upheld at every point of their experience.

Supporters of V D Satheesan, K C Venugopal, and Ramesh Chennithala are actively campaigning for their leaders to become Kerala's next Chief Minister. As AICC observers meet with MLAs, the decision now rests with the Congress high command in New Delhi, with an announcement expected by Sunday.

In bustling Bengaluru, a teacher's ordinary auto ride was transformed by an unexpected act of kindness. Her auto driver, noticing her admiration for flowers in another vehicle, plucked a few blooms and gifted them to her. This simple gesture challenged stereotypes about auto drivers and highlighted how empathy can brighten everyday commutes.

WBBSE Madhyamik Results 2026 out: West Bengal Madhyamik results for Class 10 has been released today, May 8th, with lakhs of students rushing to check their WBSSE results. The official website experienced slowdowns due to high traffic. Students can access their marksheets and scorecards online from 10:15 am on wbresults.nic.in and wbbse.wb.gov.in, or via DigiLocker and SMS for quicker access.

Donald Trump's upcoming Beijing visit marks his return to a personal diplomacy with Xi Jinping, a relationship that has navigated trade wars and crises. Despite escalating tensions over Taiwan and technology, their rapport has endured, contrasting with Joe Biden's presidency. This enduring connection, characterized by lavish summits and strategic truces, continues to shape the complex US-China dynamic.

Saudi Arabia's ambitious historical action film, Desert Warrior, starring Hollywood actors like Anthony Mackie and Ben Kingsley, has become a colossal box office failure. Despite a reported $150 million budget, the movie earned a mere $665,000 globally, losing nearly 99.6% of its investment. Read on to know how it became the biggest box office bomb ever..

Cristiano Ronaldo, a global soccer icon from Portugal, has achieved unparalleled success through his goal-scoring prowess, athleticism, and unwavering dedication. His remarkable journey from Madeira to becoming a legend at Manchester United, Real Madrid, and beyond, is marked by numerous records and trophies, including a historic Euro 2016 win. Ronaldo's relentless pursuit of excellence continues to inspire millions worldwide.

Tata Trusts meeting: The key meetings, set for today but now postponed, hold immense significance for the trajectory of India's largest corporate powerhouse. Key topics under discussion were to include governance frameworks, board member representation and strategic oversight. The sharing of authority between Tata Trusts and Tata Sons was likely to be a key issue.

TN Board Results 2026 today: Tamil Nadu Plus Two results have been announced today at 9:30 am on tnresults.nic.in. Students facing website traffic can use alternative methods like other official websites dge1.tn.nic.in, DigiLocker, or a WhatsApp facility to check their HSE results by entering their registration number and date of birth.

US-Iran war news: UAE air defences are actively responding to a missile and drone assault. Earlier, US forces intercepted Iranian attacks targeting three Navy ships. The US military also struck Iranian facilities responsible for these assaults. No ships were hit. This incident challenges the fragile ceasefire between the US and Iran, which has been in place since April 8.

As the AI boom reshapes the tech industry, Cloudflare laid off over 1,100 employees, citing a strategic shift towards the agentic AI era. Despite strong financial results, the company is restructuring teams and workflows to integrate AI, leading to significant operational changes and employee uncertainty about future roles and routines.

Bangladesh vs Pakistan 1st Test predicted playing 11, live streaming details, pitch and weather updates, and full match preview: Bangladesh and Pakistan are set to begin their World Test Championship campaign with the first Test in Mirpur on Friday. Pakistan, higher ranked, face pressure as Babar Azam is ruled out due to injury. The Mirpur pitch is unusually grassy, potentially aiding fast bowlers early on before spinners take over.