The Economic Times

Rathindra Bose has been elected unopposed as the Speaker of the West Bengal assembly. He is the first legislator from North Bengal to hold this prestigious position. Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari proposed his name. The BJP holds a strong majority in the assembly. This election marks a significant moment for the region.

India's new envoy to China, Vikram Doraiswami, met with Chinese official Hou Yanqi. They discussed border issues and bilateral relations. Both sides aim for a stable and beneficial relationship. This meeting follows efforts to mend ties strained by a 2020 military standoff. Normalization includes resuming visas and flights.

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi accused the United Arab Emirates on Thursday of playing an active role in the US-Israeli war against his country.

A teenage girl in Panchkula has accused her father of sexually abusing her for over a decade, with assaults beginning at age seven. The 18-year-old reported the abuse, including a pregnancy and forced abortion, after a recent assault and death threat. Police have arrested the father under relevant sections of the law, including POCSO.

A hantavirus outbreak on a cruise ship has sparked public concern. Health officials are working to communicate clearly, drawing lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic. They aim to provide accurate information about the virus while reassuring the public about low risks. Efforts focus on transparency and combating misinformation to build trust and prevent unnecessary fear.

Petrol, diesel price hike impact: Centres Rs 3 per litre hike in petrol and diesel prices may not feel massive immediately, but its ripple effect could slowly hit everyday expenses from vegetables and milk to Blinkit deliveries, cab rides, and even flight tickets. Since fuel powers transport across India, higher diesel and petrol prices often trigger a chain reaction across household budgets.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu initiated a significant defence project in Andhra Pradesh. The Rs 15,803-crore Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft infrastructure project was launched. This initiative is set to create thousands of jobs and boost India's defence manufacturing capabilities. The leaders also inaugurated other defence and drone initiatives, positioning the state as a technology hub.

Delhi Police apprehended three individuals in connection with a mobile phone snatching and disposal racket. The gang specifically targeted iPhone users. Authorities recovered a total of 66 stolen mobile phones, including 50 iPhones. The accused sold stolen devices in grey markets. Investigations are ongoing to trace buyers and recover more devices. The accused have prior criminal records.

Three seeded Indian entries, including Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty (1), PV Sindhu (6), and Lakshya Sen (7), advanced to the quarterfinals of the Thailand Open on Thursday.

Amidst the NEET paper leak controversy, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan announced significant reforms, including a shift to a computer-based format for the NEET exam from next year. The NTA will refund fees for affected candidates and provide an additional 15 minutes for the re-exam, with admit cards for the re-test to be released on June 14.

US President Donald Trump met Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing. Taiwan remains the most crucial issue for China. The island's self-governance and its dominance in global chip manufacturing create significant geopolitical tension. Any conflict could disrupt world technology. The US maintains a policy of strategic ambiguity regarding Taiwan's security.

India is strongly advocating for major changes in global institutions. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar stated that the United Nations needs reforms, including an expanded Security Council, to remain effective. He emphasized that current global governance structures are outdated. India also seeks restructuring of international financial and trading systems. Reforms are presented as a necessity for multilateralism's relevance.

A young American teen, Jalue Dorje, embraces his destiny as a reincarnated lama. He navigates a dual life, blending his love for video games and sports with ancient Buddhist traditions. Recognized by the Dalai Lama, Dorje now trains at a monastery in India.

Married Hindu women will celebrate Vat Savitri Vrat on May 16, 2026. This significant festival involves fasting for husbands' long life and well-being. Devotees will pray to the banyan tree, offer satvik food, and seek blessings. The rituals include tying sacred threads and seeking blessings from elders and husbands before breaking the fast.

Fuel prices have surged in West Bengal, impacting transport costs. Operators anticipate a three percent rise in freight charges. They are urging the government to monitor product prices and prevent traders from increasing them unfairly. State governments are also being asked to consider reducing local taxes to ease the burden on truckers.

India and Iran held high-level talks in New Delhi. Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. Araghchi urged BRICS nations to unite against American coercion. He stated that such practices must be consigned to history. The meetings occurred during the BRICS Foreign Ministers' Meeting.

In a firm stand against potential factory closures in Germany, Volkswagen's labor representatives have voiced their commitment to preserving jobs. While they acknowledge the need for discussions about less active production sites, their position is grounded in a 2024 restructuring agreement.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi begins a six-day international tour. He will visit the UAE, Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, and Italy. The trip aims to strengthen India's global partnerships. Key focus areas include energy security, trade, and critical technologies. Modi will engage with leaders to advance cooperation and discuss regional and global issues.

Kerala SSLC 10th Result 2026 date and time: The Kerala SSLC Result 2026 is set to be released today, May 15, at 3 pm. Students can check their marksheets on results.kite.kerala.gov.in and keralaresults.nic.in, as well as via DigiLocker and SMS. The examinations were held from March 5 to March 30.

Goa Congress leader Ketan Bhatikar tragically died from a snake bite on Thursday night. The incident occurred at Karmal Ghat while he was travelling towards Dandeli village in Karnataka. Bhatikar was a prominent figure for the Congress during the Ponda assembly bypoll. His sudden demise has sent shockwaves through the party.

Agniveer Admit Cards for the Indian Army Common Entrance Exam 2026 will be available from May 15. The online exam is scheduled between June 1 and June 15. Candidates can download their hall tickets from joinindianarmy.nic.in. This is a crucial step for Agnipath scheme recruitment. Applicants must carry their admit card and valid photo ID to the exam centre.

Dhurandhar: The Revenge, a box office hit, has landed on Netflix internationally with a Raw & Undekha cut, promising unseen footage. This spy thriller, a sequel to the 2025 film, follows an operative's revenge mission in Karachi. Fans are eagerly anticipating its release in India, hoping for the extended version.

Former Indian badminton player Jwala Gutta donated approximately 60 litres of breast milk to government hospitals in Hyderabad and Chennai. She highlighted the critical role of donor milk in supporting premature infants in NICUs, providing essential immunity and nutrition. Gutta encouraged others to participate in breast milk donation programs.

Dr Anand Nadkarni: Renowned psychiatrist, author and social activist Dr Anand Nadkarni died at 67 after a prolonged illness on Friday. Best known for founding the Institute for Psychological Health (IPH) in Thane and co-founding Muktangan de-addiction centre, Nadkarni spent decades making mental health conversations accessible beyond hospitals and clinics.

Bollywood star Alia Bhatt revealed her beauty secret to Marie Claire France, attributing her glowing skin to a simple kitchen staple: ghee. She shared a skin snack recipe featuring ghee, jaggery, peanuts, and coconut, emphasizing its benefits for gut and skin health. Bhatt also showcased Indian elegance at Cannes 2026 in a Tamara Ralph gown with a dupatta-inspired scarf.

Flying Wedge Defence & Aerospace will manufacture its autonomous combat aircraft, Kaal Bhairava, in Portugal. This marks the first overseas production for an Indian-designed autonomous combat aircraft. The partnership with SKETCHPIXEL LDA will integrate advanced simulation and AI technologies. This initiative is part of Operation 777, aiming for global partnerships in autonomous warfare systems.

An American woman living in India highlighted contrasting air conditioning habits. Indian homes typically use single-room ACs, switched on only when needed. American homes often employ central cooling, maintaining a constant temperature via thermostats. This difference, despite higher electricity bills in India, has sparked online debate about comfort and consumption.

Saif Ali Khan is in the spotlight for his upcoming film Kartavya. He recently shared his thoughts on life's purpose in an interview. The actor admitted he has not figured out a grand purpose and is content enjoying life as an entertainer. His honest and carefree approach has resonated with fans.

Indian IT distributor Redington is using more air freight to deliver products to the Middle East. Conflict has disrupted sea routes, forcing this shift. Air freight rates have risen due to higher fuel costs and reduced shipping capacity. Redington is also rerouting supplies and arranging new insurance. Despite some demand dips, the company anticipates revenue growth.

President Donald Trump met with President Xi Jinping in Beijing. They discussed significant trade agreements beneficial to both nations. China offered assistance regarding the Strait of Hormuz. Discussions also touched upon artificial intelligence and oil purchases. The leaders addressed geopolitical flashpoints like Taiwan, aiming to manage differences.

NEET UG 2026 re exam date: The National Testing Agency has announced that the NEET UG 2026 re-examination, necessitated by a paper leak, will be held on Sunday, June 21, 2026. Candidates are advised to rely solely on official NTA channels for updates and to disregard social media rumors. Further details on admit cards and exam centers will be released shortly.

A US nuclear industry delegation is set to visit India next week. They will explore cooperation in India's civil nuclear sector. This follows New Delhi opening the sector to private players. New legislation has eased previous liability concerns for global companies. The delegation will meet with Indian officials and private sector leaders.

Severe storms struck Uttar Pradesh this week, claiming over 111 lives. Gales, lightning, and heavy rain caused widespread damage. Buildings were damaged and trees uprooted, blocking roads. This region often experiences such storms before the monsoon. Officials are distributing financial aid to affected families. The extreme weather is linked to climate change.

Apeksha Jain traded a Rs 2.5 lakh monthly salary for a life of travel and simple work. After years in corporate roles, she found fulfillment serving chai and managing hostels. Her journey, marked by her mother's death, highlights a shift in defining success. Jain emphasizes careful financial planning before making such a leap.

Petrol Diesel Price Increase: Fuel prices across India have risen by up to Rs 3 per litre. This hike is driven by surging global crude oil prices and tightened energy supplies. State-run fuel retailers had absorbed costs but are now passing them on. The increase reflects higher international crude costs and domestic pressure.

Tamil superstar Thalapathy Vijay, now Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, was lauded for his humility by Bengali actor Tota Roy Chowdhury. Recalling their 2014 film 'Kaththi' shoot, Chowdhury shared Vijay's warm gesture of inviting him for coffee and praising his performance. Film assistants had then predicted Vijay's political future, a prophecy now fulfilled.

WBJEE 2026 admit cards are available today, May 15, on wbjeeb.nic.in for candidates registered for the May 24 exam. Applicants must download their hall tickets and bring a valid photo ID to the examination hall. It is crucial to verify all details on the admit card promptly.

In disagreement with his own voter base, Trump backed the presence of Chinese students in American educational institutions. He recognised that this view could clash with certain conservative beliefs. Trump pointed out that a decline in Chinese enrollment could significantly affect the landscape of U.S. universities and acknowledged the advancing quality of education in China.

Quote of the day by Noam Chomsky: The quote challenges the common belief that poverty is unavoidable. It argues that broken economic systems, unequal wealth distribution, corruption, and policy failures often create suffering even in resource-rich nations. As global inequality widens and living costs rise, Chomskys words continue to spark debate about whether poverty is truly naturalor largely man-made through failed governance and concentrated wealth.

CNG price today: CNG prices have risen by 2 per kg in several regions, including Mumbai, following a recent 3 per litre increase in petrol and diesel. This surge is attributed to global crude oil price hikes and disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, impacting commuters and transport operators. India is enhancing naval surveillance to secure energy supplies amidst ongoing shipping route concerns.

CNG Price Increase News: Price of CNG has been increased by Rs 2 per kilogram in Mumbai, now costing Rs 84/kg. This follows a Rs 3/litre hike in petrol and diesel prices by Oil Marketing Companies to offset losses from rising global oil rates, which have surged over $120 per barrel.

Odisha Class 12 results for 2026 are anticipated soon. Students can check their Science, Commerce, and Arts scores online. The Council of Higher Secondary Education, Odisha, will release the results on orissaresults.nic.in and chseodisha.nic.in. Students will need their roll and registration numbers to access their marksheets. DigiLocker will also provide digital marksheets.

Entrepreneur Ankur Warikoo shared a touching story about his parents. His father lost his job unexpectedly, leading his mother to become the family's financial and emotional anchor. She worked tirelessly as a teacher and tutor. This stability allowed his father to continue taking risks. Warikoo highlighted how his mother's quiet consistency held their family together through difficult times.

India and Southeast Asian nations are boosting biofuel use amid global fuel disruptions. This move aims to reduce reliance on imported oil and manage rising costs. However, challenges remain in developing supply chains and ensuring vehicle compatibility. Experts also highlight environmental concerns related to crop-based biofuel production. The shift towards biofuels is a significant development for energy security.

Diesel Price Today (May 15): Fuel prices have seen an immediate Rs 3 per litre hike for petrol and diesel nationwide. Diesel rates in major cities like Delhi, Kolkata, and Mumbai have risen significantly. This comes as oil companies absorb substantial daily losses due to soaring global crude oil prices, exacerbated by Middle East conflicts. Citizens are urged to reduce consumption.

The U.S. SEC settled a civil case against Indian billionaire Gautam Adani, while the Justice Department is reportedly nearing a decision to drop related criminal fraud charges.

Perol price today: Fuel prices surged nationwide on Friday, with petrol and diesel rates increasing by up to Rs 3 per litre. This hike, driven by global crude oil price fluctuations and supply disruptions in West Asia, pushes petrol prices over Rs 100 in several cities. State-run oil companies face financial strain due to high crude costs and increased operational expenses.

Quote of the day by Alexander Pope: Alexander Pope's quote highlights how unmet expectations lead to disappointment. The article explores how lowering rigid expectations can foster emotional resilience and inner peace by promoting acceptance of life's unfolding events rather than measuring them against imagined outcomes.