The Economic Times

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.

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.

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.

US crypto regulation bill Clarity Act explained: The Clarity Act, a significant US crypto market structure bill, advanced out of the Senate Banking Committee with bipartisan support. This development aims to clarify digital asset regulation by assigning oversight to the CFTC and SEC, potentially boosting institutional participation. Bitcoin saw a brief price increase following the news.

Gautam Adani and his nephew Sagar will pay $18 million to settle US Securities and Exchange Commission charges. The Adani Group faces allegations of false statements regarding Adani Green Energy Ltd. This settlement could pave the way for the conglomerate's return to international markets. The Justice Department is also moving to drop fraud charges against Gautam Adani.

The U.S. House of Representatives narrowly rejected a resolution to halt the Iran war without congressional approval. The vote was tied, failing to pass. This marks the third such attempt this year, with votes becoming increasingly close. Democrats argue the Constitution requires Congress to declare war, while Republicans and the White House assert the President's commander-in-chief powers.

Cactus evolving faster than expected explained: New research reveals cacti are evolving and creating new species at a surprisingly fast rate, challenging long-held ideas about plant evolution. Scientists discovered that rapid changes in flower shape, rather than flower size, are the key driver behind this rapid diversification, making cacti one of Earth's fastest-evolving plant groups.

Spanish philosopher Baltasar Gracin's witty observation about synonyms reveals a timeless human fear of appearing ignorant. The quote highlights how people often use simpler words to avoid admitting uncertainty, a behavior that remains relevant despite technological advancements. Gracin's concise style and sharp wit continue to resonate centuries later.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced a significant government goal. India is actively working to eliminate deaths caused by heat waves. This initiative aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision for disaster risk reduction. The focus is on leveraging forecasting and meteorological data to protect lives and property. The aim is to achieve zero casualties from such events.

Chinese Proverb of the Day explores the meaning of The unfaithful woman has remorse, the faithful one has regret. The traditional saying reflects ideas about loyalty, emotional conflict, desire, responsibility, and the consequences of personal choices. It explains how both action and restraint can create different forms of emotional burden, showing the complexity of human relationships and emotional decision-making.

As China grapples with the impacts of rising oil prices due to the ongoing conflict in Iran, the country's gasoline demand is projected to decline sharply this year. This shift not only reflects an immediate response to economic pressures but also accelerates the transition to electric vehicles, indicating a progressive move away from traditional petrol-powered cars.

The National Investigation Agency's charge sheet details the 2025 Red Fort blast. Triacetone Triperoxide, or TATP, was used in the explosive device. Ten individuals, including the main perpetrator, were linked to Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind. This group, an offshoot of Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent, aimed to overthrow the Indian government and impose Sharia rule.

BRICS foreign ministers met in New Delhi to discuss the West Asia conflict. They emphasized dialogue and diplomacy to end the war. Ensuring safe passage through international waterways like the Strait of Hormuz and Red Sea was a key focus. The ministers also addressed the Gaza conflict and its humanitarian impact.

The CBI is investigating potential public servant involvement in the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak. The agency is seeking custodial interrogation of an accused and has arrested two more individuals, bringing the total to seven. Searches were conducted at multiple locations. The leaked papers were allegedly circulated via social media and sold for significant amounts.

Posting on social media in mid-April, Trump predicted Xi would give him a big, fat hug upon his arrival in Beijing. Come Thursday morning, Trump was offered a firm handshake instead of the warm embrace he had hoped for. The handshake lasted more than 10 seconds, with the American leader patting Xi on his arm a couple of times.

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi strongly criticized the United States at the BRICS Foreign Ministers' Meeting in New Delhi. He labeled US actions as ullying and cautioned against the conduct of empires in decline. Araghchi stated that countries worldwide recognize regional instability as a lose-lose situation for everyone, including aggressors.

The Election Commission is launching the third phase of its Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. This exercise will cover 16 states and three Union Territories. It aims to ensure only eligible voters are included in the electoral roll. The process begins in May-end and will conclude with final roll publications between September and December.

New performance rules for central public sector enterprises are now in effect. Strict penalties will be applied for not meeting corporate social responsibility goals. Delays in paying small businesses will also incur penalties. Failure to prepare succession plans will result in mark deductions. These changes aim to boost accountability and support small businesses. The new parameters are set for FY27.

VD Satheesan has been appointed the new Chief Minister of Kerala. The Congress high command made this decision after days of deliberation. Satheesan, a six-term legislator, secured the position with support from allies and public sentiment. He takes charge after the United Democratic Front's victory. Satheesan expressed gratitude to the party and workers.

Roche Pharma India introduces a new injectable immunotherapy for lung cancer. This treatment takes only seven minutes, a significant reduction from hours-long infusions. It offers a less burdensome option for thousands of patients. The medicine, subcutaneous Tecentriq, is now approved for non-small cell lung cancer. This innovation aims to ease the strain on overcrowded cancer centers across India.

More than 38 people from Kuki and Naga communities are held captive in Manipur. The United Naga Council alleged 20 civilians were abducted. Efforts are underway for their safe release. The government is discussing with civil society and political leaders. The Union Home Ministry has been informed. Three Kuki individuals were killed in an ambush.

The Supreme Court has raised concerns about the independence of the Election Commission of India. Judges questioned the current selection process for election commissioners. They emphasized the need for the ECI to appear independent. The court is hearing petitions challenging the new law governing these appointments. The focus is on ensuring a truly neutral selection mechanism.

For decades, China has used the powerful symbolism of food during landmark official events and when receiving distinguished foreign visitors. In China's modern history, famines and political turmoil that caused decades of widespread rationing turned food into a potent status symbol in Chinese culture.

Thought of the Day: Whether through Olivia Benson or her real-life activism, Mariska Hargitay consistently highlights compassion, healing and resilience. Her quote suggests that lifes interruptions, losses and challenges do not always arrive without purpose. Sometimes, they uncover priorities that had been buried beneath routine, ambition or distraction.

The Power Ministry has suggested that its public sector undertakings explore allowing employees to work from home. This move could permit up to 20 percent of staff to work remotely on any given day. PSUs like NTPC and Power Grid are evaluating the operational feasibility of this new policy. This initiative aims to bring flexibility to the power sector workforce.

India has banned sugar exports until September 30. This move aims to increase domestic availability by 4-5 lakh tonnes. The decision is a response to El Nino concerns and potential impacts on future production. While boosting buffer stocks, the ban may affect sugar mill owners' short-term finances. Overseas demand had recently surged, but this ban redirects those supplies inward.

Sugar company shares dropped Thursday after India banned sweetener exports. This move follows rising domestic sugar prices and concerns over crop yields. Despite short-term challenges, analysts see positive medium to long-term prospects for the sector. Capacity expansion for ethanol blending is expected to support future production and sales, mitigating the impact of export restrictions.

Halleys Comet naming controversy is reshaping astronomy history after new medieval research revealed a forgotten discovery from nearly 1,000 years ago. Researchers from Leiden University say English monk Eilmer of Malmesbury may have recognized Halleys Comet as a repeating object centuries before Edmond Halley made his famous calculations. Historical records linked the comets terrifying 1066 appearance with war, royal deaths, and the Norman conquest of England. Scientists now believe this discov

India has banned sugar exports until September 30. This move aims to stabilize domestic prices as supply tightens. The ban applies to raw, white, and refined sugar. Exceptions exist for specific quotas and ongoing shipments. This decision reflects efforts to build buffer stocks. Domestic prices have seen an increase. Production forecasts are also impacted by weather patterns.

April marked a significant slowdown in China's credit growth, tumbling below projections. Banks curtailed the issuance of new loans, while households took decisive steps, repaying outstanding debts at unprecedented levels. This decline in borrowing signals a growing unease about future investments in the Chinese economy.

Bridgerton season 5 is all set to be streamed on Netflix.

Chief Minister-designate V D Satheesan on Thursday announced that the new Congress-led government in Kerala will be sworn in on May 18. The announcement comes days after the alliance registered a decisive victory in the Assembly elections, paving the way for a change in leadership and formation of a new cabinet in the state.