The Economic Times

Bengaluru traffic police have announced extensive diversions and road closures across six zones on Thursday for Bakrid prayers. Commuters should plan ahead as key routes like Millers Road, Bannerghatta Main Road, and the BGS Flyover will be shut. Restrictions begin early, with KG Halli facing the longest closure. Alternate routes are provided for affected areas.

For India and other major energy importers, any agreement leading to normalisation in Hormuz traffic could ease concerns over supply disruptions and crude price volatility. The waterway remains one of the worlds most critical energy chokepoints, making developments in the negotiations closely watched by global markets.

China's cigarette consumption has surged by 39% between 2003 and 2023, contrasting with a global decline. Despite fewer young smokers, low prices and steady sales contribute to the nation consuming nearly half of the world's cigarettes annually. This escalating tobacco epidemic poses a significant public health threat.

India's wheat output is set for a significant increase. Production is projected to reach 120.65 million tonnes in the 2025-26 crop year. This rise is expected despite some localized damage from unseasonal weather. Overall foodgrain production is also forecast to grow. The agriculture ministry confirms stable and resilient wheat production.

South Korea's Foreign Ministry stated an Iranian anti-ship missile was likely involved in an attack on a HMM cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz. Debris analysis revealed components similar to Iranian-made turbojet engines and warheads resembling Iranian missiles. Iran's ambassador denied any involvement in the incident.

Quote of the day by Antonio Gramsci reveals a timeless truth about power, propaganda, political control, and social influence. Jailed by Italys fascist regime under Benito Mussolini, Gramsci warned that societies often lose freedom slowly, through silence, conformity, media narratives, and accepted inequality. His revolutionary ideas on cultural hegemony, consent, and public consciousness remain deeply relevant in todays digital age of algorithms, polarization, and mass persuasion.

Headaches caused by stress, screen time and long work hours are becoming increasingly common in India. These five simple yoga asanas can help relax the body, reduce tension and provide natural headache relief within minutes. From Childs Pose to Legs-Up-The-Wall, these beginner-friendly stretches are easy to practice at home.

ONGC anticipates natural gas will drive its future growth and profitability. New high-priced gas production is set to increase significantly, meeting rising domestic demand. Projects like Daman and KG-98/2 are expected to boost gas output. ONGC is also expanding its renewable energy portfolio and seeking cost savings. The company is strategically shifting towards gas.

Onions often become moist and spoil quickly during humid weather in India, especially when stored incorrectly. From avoiding plastic bags to separating onions from potatoes and using newspaper to absorb moisture, these five practical household tips can help keep onions fresh, dry, and usable for a much longer time.

A social media post highlights a troubling experience of a woman who married an NRI and moved abroad. She reportedly faced extreme isolation and was burdened with endless household chores. The user suggests this 'NRI dream life' can be a trap for many young Indian women. She returned to India after leaving her husband.

Hitachi Energy India is set to inject Rs 2,000 crore into expanding its manufacturing capabilities, driven by the surging demand for power from electric vehicles, renewable energy sources and data centers. This initiative positions the company at the forefront of Asia's second-largest economy, anticipating significant growth opportunities.

INS Kolkata, an Indian Navy destroyer, responded to suspicious activity near the merchant vessel MV Mashallah 1. The warship launched a helicopter for surveillance and conducted boarding operations. This swift action prevented a potential piracy attempt. The Indian Navy maintains continuous anti-piracy patrols in the Gulf of Aden to ensure safe shipping.

Odisha's Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi is optimistic that JSW's massive Rs 65,000 crore integrated steel plant near Paradip will be operational by 2029. This mega project marks a significant step in the state's industrialisation. The plant will have an initial capacity of 13.2 MTPA and is expected to create substantial employment and economic opportunities for the people of Odisha.

Private equity firm True North is investing approximately $50 million in Embio Ltd. Embio manufactures Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients for regulated markets. This investment will support Embio's research and development and capacity expansion. It will also help scale their contract development and manufacturing business. Embio specializes in complex APIs and synthetic biology.

India will host major athletics events. Chandigarh will stage the 2027 Asian Relays. Bhubaneswar is set to host the 2028 Asian Indoor Championships. This marks a proud moment for the nation. India is also bidding for other global athletics championships. These events highlight India's growing role in international sports.

India and the United States are set to boost trade talks. A top US team will visit New Delhi from June 1 to 4. The goal is to finalize an interim trade agreement. Discussions will cover market access, customs, and investment. This follows a joint commitment to a broader trade deal.

Delhi residents may face ongoing water supply issues. The Wazirabad barrage water level remains low, affecting key treatment plants. Haryana has released additional water, but its impact on the main supply system is delayed. Production at major water treatment plants has dropped significantly. Several areas in North, West, and South Delhi are experiencing shortages.

Toll collection growth in India is expected to slow to 5-7 percent this fiscal year. The West Asia conflict is impacting freight movement and industrial activity. This slowdown is seen as temporary. Toll rates may increase more significantly next fiscal year. This will drive toll collection growth to 8-10 percent. Commercial traffic is the main driver of toll collections.

Late afternoon naps can lead to exhaustion due to sleep inertia, where waking from deep sleep causes disorientation. Naps exceeding 30-40 minutes can disrupt the circadian rhythm and worsen fatigue, especially if sleep-deprived. Experts recommend short power naps or 90-minute cycles to avoid grogginess and maintain nighttime sleep quality.

Bryan Johnson has claimed that frequent international travel may be harmful for the human body, calling it barbaric in a recent X post. Sharing data from his trip to Asia, Johnson said it took him 9 days to stabilise blood glucose, another 9 days to reset his circadian rhythm and 18 days to recover normal sleep patterns. He also referred to research linking constant travel and jet lag with anxiety, depression, weakened immunity and memory-related brain changes, while suggesting people should lim

India is very convenient: A Welsh travel creator has gone viral after documenting her experience using Blinkit during her India trip to order a last-minute Holi outfit. Shocked by how quickly the clothes arrived, she joked that the UK could never match the convenience.

India's Defence Ministry has issued a Request for Proposal for its indigenous fifth-generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft project. Three companies are shortlisted. This initiative aims to boost India's defence capabilities. A new flight testing centre is being established to accelerate development. The AMCA is designed for the Indian Air Force and will incorporate advanced AI features.

Students and parents are experiencing fresh anxiety after board exam results. The CBSE answer sheet access and re-evaluation process is marred by technical glitches. Students report payment failures, blurred answer sheets, and portal crashes. Fake notices also added to the confusion. CBSE acknowledges the issues and promises review and improvements.

Air India Express has launched its 'Xpress Sale', offering 5 million seats with up to 50% off Lite and Value fares on domestic and international routes. Bookings are open from May 27-31, 2026, for travel between June 15 and October 10, 2026. Tata NeuPass members can enjoy additional benefits, including discounts on Business Class fares and NeuCoins.

The Supreme Court has rejected a plea from a former NCLAT technical member. The plea challenged a rule preventing ex-tribunal members from practicing before the National Company Law Tribunal and NCLAT. The court cited concerns about judicial independence. It noted that allowing former members to appear could create a poor perception for ordinary litigants. The petitioner subsequently withdrew the petition.

JSW Steel has launched a massive Rs 65,000 crore steel project in Odisha. This 13.2 million tonne per annum integrated steel plant will be developed in phases at Paradeep. The project is strategically located on Odisha's coastline. It will offer strong port connectivity and efficient access to raw materials. This development aims to serve both domestic and international markets.

The Supreme Court has affirmed states' authority to control and prohibit online gaming involving betting. This decision overturns earlier High Court rulings that had struck down state laws restricting online rummy and poker with stakes. The Court stated that even games of skill can be regulated if they impact public well-being.

Sunkind India is venturing into solar module manufacturing. The company has established a 1 GW manufacturing line near Jaipur, Rajasthan. Commercial production is set to begin next month. To support this new vertical, Sunkind India has placed a significant order for domestic solar cells. This move aligns with government mandates supporting the local industry.

A simple fruit cup sold for Rs 40 at a Trichy railway station revealed a powerful business lesson. A Bengaluru founder noticed how a tall glass made the serving appear more generous. This trick, using height to influence perception, is an age-old marketing strategy. Businesses often sell the feeling of value, not just the product itself.

India faces a looming price hike on everyday goods as global commodity costs surge due to the West Asia conflict. Manufacturers are absorbing rising input expenses, from metals to chemicals, with little price increase so far. This pressure is expected to soon translate into higher consumer prices, impacting household budgets.

Global power is shifting towards energy security and resource control. Geopolitical tensions are reshaping industrial supply chains. Critical minerals are becoming as vital as oil was. Countries controlling these resources will gain leverage. India must accelerate domestic exploration and build processing ecosystems. Future economic strength depends on securing energy and critical minerals.

Akshay Kumar and Priyadarshan's latest film, Bhooth Bangla, is heading for a digital debut. The horror-comedy, released in theatres on April 17, 2026, garnered a loyal audience. Fans can soon watch the spooky entertainer from home. The film marks the duo's seventh collaboration and blends comedy with supernatural folklore. Read on!

Quote of the day by Henry Ford highlights the importance of learning from mistakes, accepting shortcomings and making course correction in life. The quote from the American industrialist explains how failures can become lessons for growth. Henry Fords life, work in factory production, Model T success and business struggles also connect deeply with the meaning of this quote and its relevance in modern life.

India's rice exports saw a slight dip in the first four months of 2026. Shipments of premium basmati rice to Gulf markets faced disruptions. This decline impacts Indian prices, which have already fallen. Non-basmati rice exports showed a small increase. Delays in transit due to the ongoing conflict are affecting new deals.

India's Home Ministry has formed a High-Level Committee on Demographic Changes. This committee will study the effects of illegal immigration across the nation. It will look into how these changes impact urban areas, industrial zones, and tribal regions. The panel will also suggest ways to manage border security and deport illegal immigrants.

A Meta software engineer earning over Rs 2.5 crore annually lives a minimalist life in the San Francisco Bay Area, foregoing a car, couch, and television. He prioritizes investing, hobbies, and travel over possessions, viewing his lifestyle as a deliberate choice for freedom and focus on what truly adds value.

SBI is set to play a key role in India's growth. The bank is focusing on a 'Digital First, Customer First' strategy. Investments in technology, data, and AI will create a responsive banking ecosystem. SBI aims to deliver personalized experiences across all channels. Physical branches will integrate with digital platforms for an omni-channel approach.

A shocking case of human trafficking and sexual assault has emerged in Palanpur, Gujarat. A 26-year-old woman was allegedly sold by her husband for 50,000. She was then subjected to repeated sexual assaults over several days. Police have rescued the woman and arrested six individuals, including her husband. The investigation is ongoing.

Word of the Day: Alogotrophy may be one of the rarest words in the English language, yet its meaning feels strikingly relevant to modern life. In a world overflowing with endless stimulation and distractions, the real challenge is no longer simply finding things to consume, but learning to choose what truly nourishes the mind and soul.

The UPSC has released the provisional answer key for the Civil Services Prelims 2026 before the final result, a significant procedural reform. Candidates can now access the key on the official website and raise objections through a dedicated portal. This allows for more accurate performance assessment and preparation for the Mains examination.

The Supreme Court has backed the government's retrospective 28% GST on online gaming. The court ruled that online gaming platforms are not intermediaries and their activities are taxable. This decision impacts past transactions and tax demands. Online gaming companies had challenged the retrospective tax, arguing skill-based games are not gambling. The government's interpretation now applies to these past events.

The Supreme Court is pushing for faster trials in the Manipur ethnic violence cases. Authorities have been asked to submit a status report. Chargesheets have been filed in many cases. The court is also focusing on providing legal aid to victims' families. This follows a period of significant violence and displacement in the state.