The Economic Times

The Pentagon said Tuesday that the cost of the war with Iran had climbed to nearly $29 billion, as President Donald Trump faced mounting scrutiny over the conflict and its impact on military readiness. At the time of testimony... it was $25 billion dollars, Hurst told lawmakers, referring to Hegseth's April 29 estimate.

Delhi Police have arrested a 31-year-old Bengaluru-based software engineer, Ravi Rathore, for allegedly running a fake online trading racket that duped hundreds of investors of nearly Rs 100 crore through a fraudulent mobile app and website promising guaranteed returns. According to PTI, investigators said the accused used manipulated profit displays, fake investment claims and call centre operations to trap victims, while technical analysis revealed over 14,000 transactions and around 636 victi

Quote of the day: Widely regarded as the Father of Tragedy, Aeschylus transformed Greek drama into a powerful art form exploring justice, pride, conflict and reconciliation. His plays were populated with kings, warriors, gods and moral struggles, yet many of his reflections on human nature continue to feel remarkably relevant centuries later.

More than 62% of working professionals now live paycheck to paycheck despite rising salaries and better jobs. That growing financial pressure is driving millions toward Robert Kiyosaki wealth lessons and passive income strategies again. The viral Rich Dad Poor Dad message is reshaping modern financial literacy conversations across Google Search, YouTube, and business communities worldwide. Kiyosaki argues that traditional education still fails to teach real money management, asset building, taxe

Weight loss: A new study is challenging the popular 10,000 steps a day rule, suggesting you may not need that much to protect your progress after dieting. Researchers found that around 8,500 daily steps could be the key threshold for maintaining weight loss and preventing the kilos from creeping back. Based on data from thousands of adults, the findings show that walking isnt just about losing weight, its about keeping it off for the long run.

Veteran BJP leader Tapas Roy took oath as the pro-tem Speaker of the West Bengal Assembly. Governor R.N. Ravi administered the oath. Roy will oversee the oath ceremony for newly elected legislators. This marks a significant moment for the BJP in the state. The assembly proceedings will now follow constitutional rules and regulations.

Inflation in U.S.: U.S. consumer prices rose at a brisk clip for a second straight month in April, resulting in the largest annual increase in inflation in nearly three years

Iran's Revolutionary Guards conducted military drills in Tehran. This preparation comes as US President Donald Trump warned of a potential collapse of a Middle East ceasefire. The exercises aimed to enhance combat readiness against perceived threats. The conflict, ongoing for over two months, has impacted global trade.

The crypto market lost nearly $23 billion in value within hours as Bitcoin price slipped below $81,000 and investor fear returned across global markets. The total crypto market cap dropped to $2.67 trillion while Bitcoin failed to break above a major resistance zone near $83,600. That rejection changed market sentiment quickly. Investors expected another bullish breakout. Instead, they saw hesitation.

The Immortal Snail meme became viral because of its simple but psychologically disturbing premise, which sparked endless debates online about survival strategies and loopholes.

U.S. Stock Market index S&P 500 is predicted to extend its rally in 2026, even as Middle East tensions disrupt global energy flows and drive inflation higher.

Quote of the Day: William James, the father of American psychology, emphasized that a lack of faith in one's true self is the sole cause of human failure. He believed that lack of confidence, not a lack of talent or opportunity, prevents individuals from reaching their full potential. Real growth happens when you start trusting yourself.

An 800-year-old Chinese exercise once practiced quietly in parks and public squares is now drawing global attention after scientists discovered it may help lower high blood pressure naturally. A new study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that baduanjin, a gentle routine combining slow movements, breathing and meditation produced blood pressure improvements comparable to brisk walking and even some medications.

A 23-year-old software professional's question about backup plans after potential job loss sparked a candid online discussion among Indian IT workers. Professionals shared anxieties about layoffs and performance pressure, with responses ranging from immediate job hunting to humorous fallback options like family businesses, highlighting deep-seated job insecurity in the tech sector.

Consumer prices in the United States reached a three-year peak in April. This surge is linked to the economic impact of the Iran war. Energy prices saw a significant jump, contributing to the overall rise. Food prices also increased. Core inflation, excluding food and energy, also climbed. Policymakers are working to stabilize prices.

HBSE toppers list: Haryana Board Class 12th Result 2026 recorded a strong overall pass percentage of 84.67 per cent, with girls once again outperforming boys in the HBSE Senior Secondary examinations. Deepika from Rewari emerged as the state topper by scoring 499 out of 500 marks, while Udita secured second position with 498 marks. Science stream students recorded the highest pass percentage among all streams.

India's National Statistics Office has revised the annual GDP data release schedule, moving it from the last working day of May to June 7 annually. This change, effective from FY26 data, aims to enhance the quality and robustness of national accounts. The first revised release will be on June 5, 2026, due to a weekend holiday.

Nancy Guthrie, 84, disappeared 100 days ago. Police efforts to find her have been scaled back. Experts believe the investigation has shifted from a rescue to a recovery operation. The family had expressed concerns about her health. Law enforcement continues to work with the FBI on the active and ongoing investigation.

Amazon is revealing a new service offering deliveries in 30 minutes or less for an additional charge. This ultrafast delivery, called Amazon Now, is expanding to urban areas across several countries. The company is opening small order-processing hubs to meet urgent customer needs.

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman is expected to take the witness stand today, Tuesday, May 12, in the high-profile legal battle between Elon Musk and OpenAI. The trial, now in its third week in California federal court, centers on Musks claim that OpenAI abandoned its original nonprofit mission after he helped fund the organization with roughly $38 million in its early years. Musk argues that Altman and OpenAI transformed the company into a profit-driven AI powerhouse tied closely to Microsoft, violating t

Actor Jacqueline Fernandez has withdrawn her plea to become an approver in the Sukesh Chandrashekar money laundering case. The Enforcement Directorate had opposed her plea, stating she maintained contact with the accused despite knowing his criminal background. The agency argued her claims of being an unwitting victim were contrary to evidence.

Sydney Sweeneys storyline in Euphoria Season 3 has sparked major controversy online after Cassie Howard launches an OnlyFans career and embraces increasingly provocative internet fame. The storyline includes fetish-inspired performances, explicit scenes, controversial podcast appearances, and offensive dialogue that quickly went viral across social media. While some viewers argue the series has abandoned emotional storytelling in favor of shock value, others believe the season is intentionally s

A viral video showing the current condition of Kempty Falls near Mussoorie has sparked widespread outrage online, with social media users criticising unchecked commercialisation, overcrowding and poor infrastructure around the popular Uttarakhand tourist spot. The footage, which shows the waterfall surrounded by dense construction, shops and dhabas, triggered fresh debate over overtourism and environmental degradation in Indian hill stations.

Russia's President Putin reiterated his belief that the Ukraine war is nearing its conclusion, despite Ukrainian President Zelenskiy's assertion that Moscow has no intention of ending the conflict. The Kremlin spokesman cited rilateral work with Ukraine and the US as groundwork for a peace deal, suggesting completion is approaching.

Say goodbye to stubborn rust and hard water stains on your sinks and faucets using simple Indian household items. From using a potato to common tomato ketchup, these six easy, non-toxic hacks ensure your kitchen and bathroom fittings stay shiny and rust-free without the need for expensive or harsh chemicals.

Delhi green nets: Delhi has introduced a new minimum quality standard for the green nets used at construction sites after pollution authorities found many existing nets were too thin to effectively block dust. The Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) has now made it mandatory for all construction and demolition sites to use green nets with a minimum thickness of 100 GSM to better control dust pollution across the city.

US Vice President JD Vance revealed his intense early infatuation with Usha, his now-wife, in an excerpt from his book. He described being 'obsessed' with her, even while dating someone else, and declared he would marry her or remain a lifelong bachelor. Vance highlighted Usha's intelligence and unique charm, detailing his swift declaration of love and marriage intentions.

A social media image claiming Indira Gandhi urged against gold purchases in 1967 is fake. The Hindu newspaper confirmed the image is digitally altered. However, Indira Gandhi's government did enforce strict gold control rules. These measures limited gold holdings and jewellery production. The Gold Control Act was enacted in 1968.

Escape the scorching summer heat by heading to Indias beautiful hill stations offering cool weather, breathtaking mountain views, lush greenery and peaceful surroundings perfect for a refreshing and relaxing vacation getaway.

India's NEET (UG) 2026 exam was cancelled due to alleged paper leaks, prompting a CBI inquiry and a re-examination. This mirrors global challenges in medical admissions, where rigorous exams like USMLE, MCAT, GAMSAT, MRCP, and PLAB also face scrutiny and possess demanding pass rates, filtering for the most capable aspiring doctors.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is under pressure to resign following Labour's poor local election results. Dozens of party lawmakers are calling for his departure. Starmer remains defiant, but a leadership contest could be triggered. The process involves lawmaker support and party member votes. Potential successors are being discussed. Many believe a change is needed to regain public trust.

Who sank Russian cargo ship Ursa Major, was NATO involved, and was it torpedoed? This explainer covers the sinking of the Ursa Major near Spain, possible nuclear reactor cargo, US aircraft flights, Russian claims, and the Spanish investigation findings and global security concerns. The article explains key timelines, military activity, and theories about the incident.

Snake hole vs rat hole in garden: Finding random holes in your garden can instantly make you think theres a snake nearby. But in most cases, the hole usually belongs to rodents like rats, mice, or bandicoots. The shape of the hole, the soil around it, and the location can help you figure out what is actually living there.

Samsung Electronics' labour union in South Korea is threatening to halt pay negotiations. The union demands a larger share of operating profit for performance bonuses. Workers are unhappy with lower bonuses compared to rival SK Hynix. This dissatisfaction grows amid Samsung's record profits driven by the AI chip boom.

A Pakistani lawmaker accused colleagues of working for Indian intelligence agency RAW during a heated assembly session. The accusation sparked loud protests and interruptions, which led the Speaker to cut off the legislator's microphone. This incident has fueled debate about growing hostility within Pakistan's political system. The viral clip is now a trending topic online.

American Idol 2026: After weeks of emotional performances and audience voting, Hannah Harper emerged victorious over finalists Jordan McCullough and Keyla Richardson during the live finale of American Idol. Harpers mix of bluegrass, gospel and modern country storytelling helped establish her as one of the seasons standout fan favorites.

Iran is now controlling passage through the Strait of Hormuz. This new arrangement could continue even after the current conflict ends. Gulf exporters and buyers are uneasy about Iran dictating oil and gas flows. The United States opposes this shift in control. The future of the Gulf hinges on who ultimately controls this vital waterway.

South Indian breakfasts are light, nutritious and packed with fibre and protein, making them ideal for weight loss. From idli to pesarattu, these dishes help keep you full and energised longer.

Japan's Shimizu Corporation proposes a colossal Lunar Solar Ring encircling the Moon to beam clean energy to Earth. This ambitious concept, still in its proposal stage, envisions a 11,000 km belt of solar panels harnessing continuous sunlight, free from atmospheric interference. If realized, it could offer a virtually limitless power source, potentially ending reliance on fossil fuels.

A tragic accident on the Mahabubnagar bypass road claimed five lives, including two children. A superbike, reportedly travelling at 160 kmph and possibly involved in a street race, collided with a car. The car occupants were returning from a family gathering. The biker and a pillion rider died instantly. Three car passengers later succumbed to their injuries.

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma has voiced strong concerns regarding the alleged assault and racial harassment of a woman from Assam in Delhi. He has demanded strict legal action against the perpetrators. Sangma emphasized that such incidents of violence and discrimination against people from the Northeast are unacceptable and must be met with the harshest legal consequences.

American business leaders are heading to China for a summit with President Xi Jinping. They aim to resolve ongoing business challenges and secure new opportunities. Companies like Mastercard, Visa, Tesla, and BlackRock are seeking regulatory approvals and market access. The visit is seen as a political opening to accelerate discussions and unlock investment.

The NEET UG 2026 exam, attended by over 22 lakh students, has been cancelled by the Central government due to paper leak allegations. The National Testing Agency announced the re-examination, with dates to be confirmed. The CBI will investigate the irregularities. Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi criticized the government, citing corruption and negligence that have crushed students' dreams and caused distress.