The Economic Times
Elections 2026Economy / The Economic Times
India is planning new incentives to boost local production of battery components. This move aims to reduce import dependence for electric vehicle batteries. Discussions are ongoing for tax support and outcome-linked programs. The government is focused on developing domestic supply chains for crucial materials like cathode and anode.
India is planning a significant boost for energy storage. A new viability gap funding scheme is in the works for 112 gigawatt-hour projects. This initiative involves an outlay of around 15,000 crore. The plan includes battery storage, pumped storage, and new technology systems. This move aims to enhance energy security and grid stability across the nation.
African Proverb of the Day highlights the meaning of A woman's polite devotion is her greatest beauty. The saying reflects how inner qualities such as respect, kindness, humility, and emotional dedication are often valued more deeply than outward appearance. It suggests that true beauty is not only defined by physical traits, but also by the way a person behaves toward others in daily life.
Quote of the day: American writer and poet Charles Bukowski remains widely remembered for his raw and brutally honest observations about life, loneliness and human behaviour. One of his most discussed quote of the day resonates with readers for its harsh but emotional reflection on appearance, superficial admiration and genuine human connection. Originally published in his 1972 short story, the quote also reflects many of the themes that shaped Bukowskis work and life.
Spanish Proverb of the Day highlights the meaning of The man deliberates, the woman decides. The saying reflects how decision-making is often shaped by perception, personality, and social interpretation rather than fixed roles or literal gender differences. It suggests a contrast between careful consideration and decisive action, often used to describe different approaches people may take when faced with choices.
Chinese Proverb of the Day highlights the meaning of A woman gets thirty percent of her beauty from nature and seventy percent from makeup. The saying reflects the idea that beauty is not seen as purely natural but is often shaped and enhanced through personal effort, grooming, and self-presentation. It suggests that appearance is a combination of inherent features and the choices individuals make in caring for themselves, including makeup, styling, and confidence.
Desmond Tutu championed compassion and understanding, believing human differences are essential for connection, not division. His life's work, particularly his role in opposing apartheid and promoting forgiveness, demonstrated that embracing diversity strengthens humanity. Tutu's message continues to resonate, urging us to learn from our differences and recognize our interdependence.
Kennedy Center ruling explained: A federal judge has blocked President Donald Trump from renaming the Kennedy Center to the Trump Kennedy Center. The judge ruled that only Congress has the authority to change the cultural institution's name. Plans to close the Kennedy Center for renovations were also temporarily halted.
Emilia Clarke has addressed ongoing rumors about the salaries earned by the Game of Thrones cast, saying many reported figures were greatly exaggerated. In a recent interview, she dismissed claims suggesting actors made hundreds of thousands per episode, joking that such amounts would have made them extremely wealthy. While she did not reveal her exact pay, Clarke confirmed she was paid equally to her male co-stars.
Quote of the day by Gregory Peck: The legendary actor, inspires us to dream big and set ambitious goals. He reminds us that challenges and rejection are inevitable on the path to success. Developing resilience and persistence is key to overcoming setbacks. This mindset helps individuals grow and achieve their aspirations, proving that courage and self-belief are vital for a fulfilling journey.
Harvard-born idea doubles survival in trials, triggers pharma frenzy as cos race to target 'undruggable' proteins with next-gen glue therapies.
Although number of frauds for public and private sector banks reduced, the amount involved has increased over the years. Number of frauds was highest under card, internet, and digital payments category in the past two financial years.
Love Island returns in 2026 with both the UK and US versions launching within days of each other, creating a packed summer for reality TV fans. Love Island UK Season 13 premieres on June 1 on ITV2 and ITVX, with Maya Jama returns as host of the prolific reality series, welcoming a new group of singles in Majorca.
The rupee fell to a record low of 96.96 on May 20. The fall in reserves also comes amid revaluation in gold reserves. Gold reserves fell by $4.5 billion to $114.7 billion, while foreign currency assets decreased by $2.8 billion to $543 billion in the week.
A Russian drone, part of an overnight attack on Ukraine, crashed into an apartment building in Galati, Romania. The incident injured two people and led to evacuations. Romania's military responded with fighter jets. The nation has requested faster anti-drone capabilities from NATO. This event highlights the ongoing security concerns for countries bordering the conflict zone.
Offshore betting promotions are proliferating across India, despite the government's crackdown on online gambling and its related advertisements. According to the Advertising Standards Council of India, there's been a notable uptick in these ads.
India is set to introduce a new 'territorial security' concept. A quadrangular security grid will be established, involving the public, civil administration, local police, and military alongside the BSF. Advanced technology like drones and radars will fortify borders. This initiative aims to create a robust security system, deterring any attempts to breach India's frontiers.
The World Health Organization has announced a significant development in the Democratic Republic of Congo. A confirmed Ebola patient has recovered and been discharged from a care center. This marks the first such recovery among laboratory-confirmed cases. The outbreak has seen numerous deaths and suspected cases. Neighboring Uganda has also reported confirmed cases and one death.
A trade agreement between India and the US is expected soon. US Ambassador Sergio Gor described the India-US relationship as the defining partnership of the 21st century. Technology, strategic trust, and economic cooperation are driving this bond. A US team will visit next month to finalize details. The TRUST initiative strengthens collaboration in advanced technologies.
National Security Adviser Ajit Doval met Russia's first deputy prime minister Denis Manturov in Moscow. They reviewed defense, energy, and space cooperation. Doval also visited Russia's National Space Centre. He met Myanmar's national security adviser Tin Aung San. They discussed security, defense, and connectivity. Myanmar's President Min Aung Hlaing will visit India soon.
China's export prices surged 5% in April, the fastest in three years, driven by global energy costs and AI demand for commodities like oil, metals, and semiconductors. While these sectors saw price hikes, most Chinese goods remain subject to falling prices due to intense domestic competition and oversupply, limiting manufacturers' ability to pass on rising costs.
This fiscal year, Asian Paints is targeting an ambitious volume growth of 8-10%. To safeguard its profit margins at 18-20%, the company is adopting calculated price adjustments and embracing cost-efficient strategies. Moreover, theres a strong emphasis on expanding their premium product line.
Major Indian corporations are swiftly integrating artificial intelligence into their legal departments. This approach is enhancing the efficiency of contract assessments, monitoring compliance and automating routine legal tasks. Firms such as the Aditya Birla Group and Adani Group are harnessing AI technologies to reduce legal expenditures and optimise operations.
Mary Wollstonecraft, a pioneering philosopher and advocate for women's rights, believed sincerity stems from a love of truth. She argued that embracing truth simplifies life, eliminating the need for pretense. Her insights remain highly relevant in today's world of curated online identities, encouraging authenticity over external validation.
A significant investment of $3.3 billion is set to boost India's semiconductor ecosystem. Intel, Odisha government, and 3D Glass Solutions have signed a memorandum of understanding. This collaboration will establish a new facility in Bhubaneswar-Khurda, focusing on advanced packaging and glass core substrates.
The Supreme Court is examining an appeal by Lilavati Kirtilal Mehta Medical Trust, which had accused HDFC Bank MD Sashidhar Jagdishan of bribery. The Bombay High Court had previously quashed the case. The Supreme Court has asked for responses from the CBI and Mumbai Police. It noted that personal benefit allegations might still need scrutiny.
Greek proverb of the day: Ancient Greek saying emphasizes the profound and lasting impact of words, even though the tongue is physically soft. The proverb The tongue has no bones but it crushes bones highlights how careless or cruel language can inflict deep emotional wounds, damage trust, and permanently alter relationships.
Apple is increasingly treating India as a core part of its global developer ecosystem, not just a market or manufacturing hub, with strong growth in App Store earnings and rising contributions from Indian developers. The company highlighted expanding developer tools, monetisation opportunities on iOS, and a growing base of young talent building apps across education, accessibility, and productivity.
Quote of the Day by Coco Chanel: Coco Chanels quote, I don't know why women want any of the things men have when one of the things that women have is men, reflects her bold and witty perspective on gender, femininity, and relationships. The quote suggests that women already possess their own form of influence, value, and power without needing to imitate men or compete for the same roles and possessions.
Psychology says people who appear naturally successful often benefit from a combination of emotional regulation, self-confidence, supportive relationships, adaptability and resilience. Luck may open the door to opportunity, but emotional stability is often what allows someone to step through it with confidence and composure.
Public sector banks received guidance from the Centre to prepare for global uncertainties. The finance ministry reviewed bank performance and launched a portal for unclaimed financial assets. Banks were urged to adopt austerity measures and support borrowers under the ECLGS 5.0 scheme. Efforts to strengthen digital banking and credit access for MSMEs were also discussed.
India and Canada have launched a trade and investment forum to boost commercial engagement and enhance connectivity. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal's visit also saw discussions on an ambitious economic partnership agreement. Separately, Goyal met with US business leaders in New York to expand trade, investment, and innovation partnerships.
NATO faces choices after a drone incident in Romania. Beyond mutual defense, the alliance uses political messages and escalating actions. These steps project strength and deter aggression. Article Four consultations offer a platform for allies to discuss threats. Such talks can lead to reinforced defenses. These responses aim to safeguard member states and maintain stability.
Spanish proverb of the day explores the meaning of the Spanish saying Un clavo saca otro clavo, which translates to One nail drives out another. The proverb explains how new relationships, experiences and distractions can help people move on from heartbreak, grief and emotional pain. It also highlights lessons about human nature, family, relationships and emotional recovery. The saying remains relevant in modern life because many people still use new experiences to overcome emotional struggles a
The GST department has levied a significant tax demand of Rs 124.65 crore on SpiceJet. This action follows the airline's failure to file Goods and Services Tax returns for several months. The department has also issued a show-cause notice for cancellation of SpiceJet's GST registration. The airline has consistently submitted returns late.
PLTR Palantir stock price target: Palantir stock surged on Friday, driven by investor enthusiasm for AI-related equities and growing optimism around enterprise AI adoption. Strong quarterly results from partner Snowflake further bolstered confidence in Palantir's growth narrative, while potential US government defense initiatives added another layer of optimism for future contract opportunities.
Florence Nightingale, a pioneering nurse and statistician, transformed healthcare. She gained fame as the 'Lady with the Lamp' during the Crimean War. Nightingale established the first scientifically based nursing school in London. Her work led to significant social reforms in healthcare. Her legacy continues to inspire nurses worldwide.
The government has lifted SIFTI restrictions on India Infrastructure Finance Company Ltd. This change grants IIFCL more flexibility in financing infrastructure projects across various sectors. The company anticipates stronger growth and wider participation. This policy shift allows for faster credit expansion through new lending products.
The Delhi High Court has rejected Pernod Ricard's plea for an L1 wholesale liquor licence. The French spirits giant faced denial due to a pending money laundering case. Pernod Ricard argued that without a conviction, it should not be disqualified. The court's decision upholds the Delhi government's stance.
Companies can now invest up to ten percent of their Corporate Social Responsibility funds into special instruments. These instruments are called zero coupon zero principal instruments. They are issued by not-for-profit organizations. This investment will happen through a Social Stock Exchange. This move aims to simplify compliance for companies. It also helps not-for-profit organizations raise funds for public welfare projects.

25 C