The Economic Times

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov for productive talks. They discussed bilateral cooperation in energy and trade. The meeting also covered the West Asia crisis and the Ukraine conflict. India and Russia share an interest in strengthening multipolarity. Other BRICS foreign ministers also arrived for a conclave.

Quote of the day by Ogden Nash focuses on marriage, memory, relationships, love, and life lessons. The famous line about birthdays explains how partners differ yet stay together. The article explains the meaning, relevance, and lessons while also sharing the life and work of the American writer known for humorous poetry and cultural impact.

Quote of the Day by George Orwell: George Orwells powerful quote highlights how power can transform human behavior and expose hidden flaws in character. He warns that when individuals are given authority over others, they may begin to act selfishly, unjustly, or without empathy. The quote reflects Orwells broader concerns about corruption, control, and moral decay in systems of power. It remains relevant in politics, workplaces, and society, where unchecked authority can lead to misuse and inequ

Bangladesh has approved a major project to construct a barrage on the Padma River. This initiative aims to mitigate the adverse effects of India's Farakka Barrage upstream. The project's first phase is estimated to cost over USD 280 million. Officials state the barrage is in Bangladesh's national interest. Discussions on Ganges water sharing with India are ongoing.

Georgia AI data center water crisis is now raising serious questions across the United States. Investigators found that a massive data center used nearly 30 million gallons of water without proper billing or reporting in drought-hit Georgia. The discovery shocked residents already facing water conservation warnings and falling water pressure. The AI infrastructure boom is rapidly increasing data center water usage and environmental pressure in fast-growing communities. Experts now warn that hype

Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi stated the UAE is hindering BRICS consensus on the West Asia conflict. He expressed Iran's openness to Indian peace initiatives in the region. Gharibabadi mentioned Iran and Oman are developing a new framework for merchant vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. He also noted Iran has allowed Indian vessels transit.

An Indian entrepreneur shared his struggle with late nights and burnout due to working with US clients, leading him to set firm boundaries. By communicating his non-negotiable 10 PM bedtime and 8 AM-9 PM IST working hours, he found clients were supportive. Improved communication systems replaced late-night calls, enhancing productivity and well-being.

Thought of the Day: More than two millennia after his death, Euripides remains one of literatures most influential voices. His works continue to be studied in schools, adapted for modern theater and praised for their emotional intelligence.

As Himanta Biswa Sarma embarks on his second term as Chief Minister of Assam, the FICCI Northeast Advisory Council extends its heartfelt congratulations. Under his leadership, the state has witnessed remarkable economic expansion and infrastructure advancements. With a surge in investments, Assam is rapidly emerging as a pivotal economic center for Northeast India.

India's logistics sector is transforming as brands shift to e-commerce and quick commerce, demanding faster, more responsive supply chains. Prozo, founded by Dr. Ashvini Jakhar, addresses this by offering shared, tech-enabled warehousing, enabling brands to scale without heavy infrastructure investment. This model bridges the gap for both new-age brands and enterprises navigating complex fulfillment needs.

Former US President Barack Obama has acknowledged that his public criticism of Donald Trump has created tension in his marriage with Michelle Obama. In a recent interview, he reflected on how political pressures after leaving office pulled him back into controversy, affecting family balance. Meanwhile, Michelle Obamas recent public appearance at a private dinner with daughters Sasha and Malia sparked online speculation.

Chinese proverb of the day explains the meaning of the idiom Hang a sheeps head to sell dog meat. The story explores deception, false advertising, hypocrisy, and the need to trust actions instead of promises. It explains the origin, modern relevance in business and politics, and related idioms that highlight awareness and integrity in daily life.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarks on a significant visit to the UAE and four European nations. Key agreements on energy security with the UAE are expected. The tour includes discussions on trade, investment, and strategic partnerships with the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, and Italy. This trip aims to deepen India's global engagement and economic ties.

Assam has struck gold with its groundbreaking legal export of agarwood chips to Saudi Arabia and the UAE, valued at a remarkable Rs 2.35 crore. This milestone is a game-changer for the states agro-forest economy, opening a treasure trove of opportunities for farmers and businesses, all thanks to the Assam Agarwood Promotion Policy, 2020.

A new book claims Brigitte Macron's viral 'slap' of her husband, President Emmanuel Macron, occurred after she saw a message from an Iranian actress on his phone. Journalist Florian Tardif alleges the messages were flirtatious, causing a significant argument aboard their plane in Vietnam. Brigitte Macron's representatives have denied this account.

The launch of a modern semi-fast rail link between Ahmedabad and Dholera is set to transform travel in Gujarat. With an investment of Rs 20,667 crore, this line will shrink travel duration to just 48 minutes, making daily work commutes and same-day excursions a breeze.

Zaggle, the innovative spend management platform, is earmarking between $20-25 million for strategic acquisitions. With ambitions set on the US market, the company plans to acquire one firm in America and potentially one or two in India. This initiative not only signifies Zaggle's robust expansion strategy but also follows their impressive FY26 performance, marked by notable revenue and profit growth.

A Bench of Justices JB Pardiwala and KV Viswanathan observed that it was alarming that less than one per cent of transport vehicles were equipped with vehicle location tracking systems.

TheBurntPeanut has quickly emerged as one of the internets most recognizable anonymous gaming personalities. Unlike traditional streamers who appear on camera, TheBurntPeanut uses a peanut-themed animated avatar while streaming games on Twitch and YouTube.

Four states and Union Territories are top performers in logistics for 2025. Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Mizoram, and Delhi are named 'exemplars'. Eleven others are 'high performers'. Eighteen are 'accelerators' showing improvement. Four are 'growth seekers' developing their systems. This ranking aids logistics reforms.

Canon India has launched the EOS R6V full-frame camera and RF 20-50mm F4L IS USM lens, marking a stronger push toward video-first content creation and creator-focused workflows. Designed for filmmakers, YouTubers, wedding videographers, livestreamers, and digital creators, the EOS R6V features a 32.5MP full-frame sensor, 7K Open Gate recording, built-in cooling fan, vertical shooting support, Canon Log profiles, and advanced audio-video tools aimed at cinematic production. Canon also introduced

The Reserve Bank of India has eased rules for non-bank entities facilitating outward remittances. Prior approval from the RBI is no longer required for these tie-ups. Authorised Dealer banks will now be solely responsible for compliance and customer verification. Customers will receive clear information on forex rates, costs, and credit times for their transactions.

US stock market today: Dow Jones, S&P 500, and Nasdaq moving in opposite directions. Dow falls 260 points today as inflation heats up and President Donald Trump arrived in China for a major summit with Xi Jinping. S&P 500 and Nasdaq pushed higher, led by another powerful rally in chip stocks. A hotter-than-expected wholesale inflation print, and a Federal Reserve boxed into a corner have created one of the most unusual trading sessions of 2026.

A tech professional on X argued that living expensively in Bengaluru is a mindset issue, not solely salary-dependent. He highlighted how splurging on luxuries like expensive gadgets and international trips leads to financial struggles, even for high earners. Conversely, others with modest incomes live comfortably by prioritizing needs over wants.

Scientists are developing algae to tackle microplastic pollution in drinking water. This orange-scented algae repels water, causing microplastics to stick to it. The algae then form clumps that can be easily removed. This innovation aims to clean waterways and wastewater. Researchers also plan to recycle collected plastics into new materials.

Aiming high, India is embarking on a mission to achieve USD 1 trillion in exports this fiscal year, following a stellar achievement of USD 863.11 billion in the previous year. To catalyze this growth, the government is proactively engaging in negotiations for Free Trade Agreements, and while several have been established, anticipation builds for additional alliances.

A Nashik court has reserved its decision on bail pleas for six individuals accused in a local TCS unit case. Allegations include sexual harassment and forced conversion. A Special Investigation Team is investigating multiple FIRs concerning sexual exploitation and religious sentiment offenses. The court will announce its orders on Friday.

Delhi-NCR weather: Delhi and the NCR region saw cloudy skies, light rain, and strong winds on Wednesday. The India Meteorological Department issued an orange alert for thunderstorms, lightning, and hailstorms. This weather brought some relief from the summer heat. Thunderstorm activity is expected to continue. Temperatures dropped slightly across the city. Air quality remained in the moderate category.

Quote of the Day by Jean-Paul Sartre: Jean-Paul Sartres powerful quote presents a powerful existential idea about human freedom and responsibility. It suggests that people do not choose to be free, but once they exist, they must make choices and accept full responsibility for their actions. Sartre emphasizes that life has no predefined purpose or destiny. Instead, meaning must be created individually through decisions, behavior, and values.

Uber is setting the stage for its first-ever data center in India through a strategic alliance with the Adani Group. This development not only accentuates India's pivotal role in the global tech arena but also highlights the significance of local data processing and artificial intelligence. For Uber, this venture paves the way for advanced scalability and improved product evolution.

Indian car buyers now prioritize infotainment, with over 60% seeking advanced connectivity. The Kia Sonet X Line excels with sharp dual screens, impressive Bose audio, and a robust Kia Connect suite offering remote features and OTA updates. While wired Android Auto/CarPlay and a dedicated voice button are minor drawbacks, upcoming Google updates promise a future-proof experience.

Bharti Airtel's board has approved Sunil Bharti Mittal's return as Chairman for five more years starting October 2026. Nisaba Godrej will also continue as an Independent Director for another five-year term from August 2026. Both appointments await shareholder approval. These decisions were made during a board meeting on May 13, 2026.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami chaired the cabinet meeting, where officials decided to reduce the vehicle fleets of the chief minister and all ministers by half. The state will also implement a new electric vehicle (EV) policy to promote sustainable transport.

The Congress party will reveal its choice for Kerala's next chief minister on Thursday. This decision follows days of intense discussions and lobbying. The announcement comes after a meeting between Rahul Gandhi and Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge. The suspense ends ten days after the UDF secured a significant victory in the assembly elections.

A central government employees' association has urged the Centre to issue guidelines for work from home and virtual meetings. This follows Prime Minister Narendra Modi's call to cut avoidable expenditure amid the West Asia crisis. The association believes a structured framework will boost productivity and support a green secretariat.

Walmart layoffs: Walmart is cutting around 1,000 corporate jobs as part of a major restructuring tied to AI and technology operations. The layoffs are affecting teams in technology, e-commerce, and advertising divisions. Some employees are also being asked to relocate to company hubs in Arkansas and California.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has significantly downsized his convoy. This move follows his appeal for wise spending and fuel conservation. Several BJP chief ministers and leaders are now adopting similar measures. The focus is on reducing fuel consumption and dependence on imports. This initiative aims for efficient resource utilization without cutting essential spending.

Tata Motors is proceeding with caution on its spending plans. The West Asia crisis has created several challenges for the company. Despite these headwinds, Tata Motors plans to maintain its capital expenditure of around Rs 3,000 crore for FY27. The domestic commercial vehicle industry is still expected to see single-digit growth in FY27.

MakeMyTrip has unveiled Myra 2.0, a significant upgrade to its AI-powered travel assistant, enabling complete conversational booking journeys with integrated payments, multilingual voice support, and document uploads. Designed to simplify personalised travel planning, the platform enhances user convenience while expanding accessibility across metro, Tier-2, and smaller markets.

TVS Motor Company is closely watching the West Asia conflict's impact. The company faces rising commodity prices and supply chain issues. Initiatives are underway to cut costs and improve product mix. May is expected to be better, with strong Q1 growth anticipated, surpassing the industry.

Three church leaders were killed and four injured in an attack in Manipur's Kangpokpi district. Suspected militants ambushed vehicles carrying members of the Thadou Baptist Association. Chief Minister Y Khemchand Singh condemned the violence, stating it threatens peace. A shutdown was imposed in Kangpokpi district. Various groups deplored the killings, while one group denied involvement.

In a welcoming announcement, Karnataka has reinstated the right to wear hijabs in schools and pre-university colleges, amidst a backdrop of public demonstrations and earlier restrictions enforced by the BJP government. The states latest directive permits students to wear religious symbols, including turbans and hijabs, in conjunction with their uniforms.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's upcoming visit to the United Arab Emirates will highlight energy security. Two significant agreements on Liquefied Petroleum Gas and Strategic Petroleum Reserves are anticipated. This cooperation is vital as the UAE exits OPEC+. The visit aims to strengthen bilateral ties and promote trade and investment. The welfare of the Indian diaspora will also be discussed.