The Economic Times

Survivors of the 2024 Mundakkai-Chooralmala landslide disaster have begun moving into new government-built homes in Kalpetta, Wayanad. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan spoke with some families, sensing their joy at a new beginning. The township, described as a 'city of love', offers 327 houses for those affected by the devastating landslides that claimed over 200 lives.

India must reform its tax system and streamline clearances to attract global investments moving away from China. Economist Arvind Virmani emphasizes prioritizing Free Trade Agreements with developed nations. This strategy aims to integrate India into global value chains. The focus is on leveraging India's growing workforce and market potential alongside the technology and capital of multinational corporations.

Word of the day: Rare words endure because they express experiences that ordinary language often struggles to capture. While modern vocabulary includes countless ways to describe communication, very few words specifically capture the intense urge to write. That is what makes scripturient so memorable.

Israeli strikes targeted eastern and southern Lebanon on Sunday, state media reported, despite a fragile ceasefire, as a Hezbollah lawmaker called Lebanon's negotiations with Israel a dead-end. The direct negotiations that the authorities in Lebanon have conducted with the Israeli enemy have... led them down a dead-end path that will result in nothing but one concession after another, Hezbollah lawmaker Hussein Hajj Hassan said on Sunday.

Global finance ministers convene in Paris to address lopsided world growth, focusing on structural misalignments after the US-China trade summit. France aims to tackle America's deficits, Europe's low investment, and China's trade surplus. Economists warn of systemic crisis without concerted re-balancing efforts.

Iran's parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, who recently emerged as a chief negotiator in talks with the United States, has been appointed to oversee relations with China, Iranian media reported on Sunday. Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has recently been appointed as a special representative of the Islamic republic of Iran for China affairs, Tasnim news agency reported, citing informed sources, with other media carrying similar reports.

The Allahabad High Court has upheld the legality of pension and benefits for former MLAs and MLCs, deeming them within the legislature's purview. Dismissing a public interest litigation, the court stated that such provisions are a form of social security for public service rendered and do not violate constitutional principles.

Job-related migration is surging by 31.4 percent as more women and freshers seek better jobs and pay beyond their hometowns. This trend signifies a major shift in India's workforce mobility. Cross-city job applications are growing significantly faster than local ones. Workers now view migration as a strategic career move, not a last resort.

West Bengal's rice sector urges the new state government for better infrastructure and quicker approvals. Industry leaders highlight the need for improved rural roads, electricity, and a single-window clearance system. They also advocate for a dedicated Rice Industry Development Board. Enhanced rail and port connectivity is crucial for boosting exports of premium rice varieties like Gobindo Bhog and Tulai Panji.

Delhi government urges private firms to embrace two-day work-from-home. Companies should also adjust office timings and promote carpooling. These measures aim to conserve fuel amid global uncertainties. Essential services are exempt. This initiative supports Prime Minister Narendra Modi's call for wise resource expenditure. The goal is to reduce daily vehicular fuel consumption in the capital.

A fire broke out in a four-storey building in Delhi's Shahdara area on Sunday. Nine people, including a minor, suffered breathing difficulties. They were rescued by fire officials and taken to Guru Teg Bahadur Hospital. The blaze started in domestic items on the ground floor. Firefighters brought the situation under control. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

India and the Netherlands have elevated their ties to a Strategic Partnership. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met Dutch Foreign Minister Tom Berendsen. The leaders discussed trade, innovation, and people-to-people connections. They also addressed the Ukraine war and the situation in West Asia. The Netherlands will join the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative. Prime Minister Modi invited Prime Minister Jetten to India.

CBSE has reduced revaluation and answer sheet verification charges to Rs 100, addressing student anxiety over On-Screen Marking. The board emphasized OSM's benefits of uniform evaluation and adherence to marking schemes. Transparent avenues for result review, including script access and re-evaluation, are available to students.

Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te reiterated his stance on the island's sovereignty. He clarified that 'Taiwan independence' signifies the island's autonomy and the people's right to decide their future. These remarks follow a summit between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping. China views Taiwan as its territory.

A Canadian firearms company, Cadex Defence, confirmed its precision rifles were fraudulently diverted to Russia, bypassing sanctions. This revelation highlights vulnerabilities in global supply chains and sanctions enforcement, prompting investigations into the illicit flow of Western military hardware. The company is strengthening its due diligence to prevent future diversions.

Karnataka has implemented a new Alcohol-in-Beverage (AIB)-based excise duty system, resulting in updated liquor prices statewide. The excise department has revised the MRP for numerous popular whisky, rum, vodka, gin, and brandy brands across various pack sizes and price slabs, affecting both budget and premium spirits.

PBKS vs RCB Playing 11: Royal Challengers Bengaluru aim to secure a playoff spot as they face Punjab Kings in Dharamshala. For Punjab Kings, this is a crucial must-win match, as another loss would significantly jeopardize their playoff aspirations. The head-to-head record shows a close contest between the two sides.

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced collateral-free loans up to Rs 10 crore for women's self-help groups and startups. The government will act as guarantor. This initiative aims to boost local products and promote 'Vocal for Local'. Platforms will be provided in malls for indigenous goods. The move supports women entrepreneurs and strengthens the national economy.

PBKS vs RCB Pitch Weather Report: Punjab Kings need a win against Royal Challengers Bengaluru. They have lost five matches in a row. Their IPL 2026 playoff chances are at risk. RCB has shown resilience after early defeats. Virat Kohli has contributed consistently for RCB. The match is in Dharamshala. The pitch is good for batting. The weather will be clear.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has urged the Union Agriculture Minister to address rising shrimp feed prices. The state government is seeking measures to support aquaculture farmers facing increased costs for essential feed ingredients. Discussions included raw material price hikes and proposed feed price increases. Farmer representatives voiced concerns and requested price stability and subsidized electricity.

Indias trade deficit faces pressure in coming months. Elevated crude prices and supply disruptions impact exports. A potential global demand slowdown adds to concerns. Rupee depreciation may offer some support. A recent hike in bullion import duty could provide near-term relief to the deficit. Electronics deficit reached an all-time high.

A woman delivered her baby in a government hospital park in Faridabad after the main gate was found locked and no staff responded to pleas for help. The dramatic childbirth occurred under a mobile phone torch, with a relative assisting.

Foreign investment in India needs a boost. ADB Chief Economist Albert Park suggests free trade agreements and lower import tariffs. Strengthening manufacturing infrastructure and urban planning will attract more capital. Higher oil prices are expected to persist, impacting India's GDP growth and inflation. Reforms are ongoing, and continued momentum is advised.

The CBI has arrested Manisha Gurunath Mandhare, an NTA panel member, in the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak case. She is accused of leaking Biology questions and conducting special coaching classes. The agency is seeking her custody for further investigation. The CBI has already arrested nine accused and seized incriminating documents. The investigation into the paper leak continues.

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh has alerted Defence Minister Rajnath Singh about the Great Nicobar Island Project. He states the project in its current form is a recipe for ecological disaster. Ramesh suggests alternative measures proposed by naval officers to strengthen India's defence. These alternatives would cause less damage to the region's ecology.

Kami Rita Sherpa has set a new world record, achieving his 32nd ascent of Mount Everest on Sunday. The veteran climber reached the summit at 10:12 am, further solidifying his legendary status in mountaineering. Meanwhile, Lhakpa Sherpa, the Mountain Queen, also broke her own record with her 11th successful Everest summit.

India's defense manufacturing takes a leap forward. The first domestically assembled Airbus C-295 aircraft is now ready for its flight test. This milestone was achieved at the Tata-Airbus facility in Vadodara. The project is a significant part of the Make in India initiative. India has become the largest customer for the C-295 platform.

The TS EAMCET 2026 results were released today, May 17, by the Telangana State Council of Higher Education. Candidates can now access their scores and rank cards on the official website by entering their registration number, hall ticket number, and date of birth. The downloaded rank card is essential for upcoming counselling and admission processes.

Delhi commuters face higher fuel costs as Indraprastha Gas Limited (IGL) increased CNG prices by Re 1 per kg, pushing the rate to Rs 80.09. This follows a Rs 2 hike just 48 hours prior. The consecutive increases, alongside recent petrol and diesel price hikes, are attributed to global energy market pressures and supply concerns.

India's exports reached USD 441.78 billion in 2025-26. North America, North-East Asia, and Latin America together accounted for over 35 percent. Exports grew significantly in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. North-East Asia saw a surge of 21.6 percent. Indian exporters penetrated 1,821 new principal commodity products. Advanced engineering and industrial sectors contributed the most value.

Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt declared the era of traditional coding is over, stating AI has dramatically accelerated software development. He warned developers and company leaders to adapt to AI-powered tools or risk falling behind. This shift promises exponential productivity gains, potentially making existing software obsolete and reshaping the tech industry.

Conor McGregor is set to return to the octagon on July 11 in Las Vegas, facing Max Holloway in a lightweight/welterweight bout. This marks his first fight since a broken leg injury in July 2021. McGregor, a former two-weight champion, has had a notable career, including a historic title unification and a high-profile boxing match.

The highly anticipated Audemars Piguet x Swatch Royal Pop watch launch descended into chaos across multiple cities, including Bengaluru, Mumbai, Delhi, and Dubai. Massive crowds, long queues, and safety concerns led to cancelled store openings and frustrated buyers, with some calling it one of the wildest retail scenes in years.

The United States has rolled out a nearly USD 1 billion upgrade programme for its fifth-generation stealth fighter F-35 Lightning 2 fleet, primarily centred on electronic warfare modernisation and advanced combat capability enhancements across hundreds of aircraft operated by both the US military and other foreign operators of the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF).

China is extending industrial policy across its entire economy. This move strengthens its global manufacturing dominance. It also increases the world's reliance on Chinese supply chains. Beijing is doubling down on state intervention. This strategy is accelerating trade dominance and foreign dependencies. Advanced economies face potential erosion in manufacturing competitiveness.

India is set to boost its manufacturing sector by identifying around 100 products for domestic production. This initiative aims to reduce reliance on imports and enhance global competitiveness. The government is also streamlining foreign investment approvals and expanding trade agreements.

Eleanor Roosevelt's enduring quote, 'A woman is like a tea bagyou never know how strong she is until she gets in hot water,' highlights the profound resilience and inner strength women possess.

Karnataka-based Davangere Sugar is an integrated sugar and ethanol company engaged in sugar manufacturing, ethanol production and power co-generation. It operates with an ethanol production capacity of 150 KLPD.

Garena Free Fire MAX offers players daily rewards through redeem codes, which are 12-character alphanumeric combinations released regularly. These codes are time-sensitive and can only be used once. Players can claim their free items by visiting the official redemption site and logging in with their game-linked accounts.

Kolkata Knight Riders boosted their IPL playoff aspirations with a 29-run win over Gujarat Titans, thanks to stellar batting from Finn Allen and Angkrish Raghuvanshi. This victory, however, puts pressure on teams like Chennai Super Kings, whose playoff fate now hinges on other crucial match outcomes, including the PBKS vs RCB encounter.

Ladakh's Census 2027 has begun with the launch of a self-enumeration portal. Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena initiated the process, urging citizens to participate. This exercise is crucial for policy making and resource allocation. The census will help reflect Ladakh's unique identity and needs in national planning. Digital integration and data security are key features of this census.

Karnataka and Tamil Nadu experienced heavy rainfall on Sunday as a low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal intensified. Bengaluru and several districts in both states are under a yellow alert, with forecasts of continued rain and thunderstorms.

Voting is happening today for 51 local bodies in Himachal Pradesh. This includes four Municipal Corporations in Dharamshala, Palampur, Mandi, and Solan. Over 3.6 lakh voters are eligible to cast their ballots. Separate Panchayati Raj elections will also take place later this month. Counting for Municipal Corporations is scheduled for May 31.

Australian Consul General Paul Murphy lauded Nagpur Metro as a world-class public transport system during his visit. He highlighted the convenience of UPI payments and the metro's role in urban development, aligning with Prime Minister Modi's call to reduce fuel consumption. Murphy's experience showcased the city's modern infrastructure and digital integration.

Police have registered a case in Wayanad after posters targeting prominent Congress leaders appeared. The posters, which also threatened Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's electoral prospects, were removed by party workers. Authorities have retrieved CCTV footage and are working to identify the individual responsible for pasting the controversial messages.

A viral social media video falsely claims petrol is cheaper in Bhutan than in India. The Press Information Bureau (PIB) has debunked this, stating the video is old and shared out of context to spread misinformation. Recent fuel price hikes in India and comparisons with neighboring countries highlight the misleading nature of the claim.

Quote of the day: Oprah Winfrey's wisdom highlights the crucial life skill of discerning which relationships and opportunities to nurture and which to let go of. This involves recognizing when to cross bridges worth investing in and when to urn bridges that hinder personal peace and growth. Selective attachment is essential for moving forward and living a fulfilling life.