The Economic Times
Elections 2026Global Business / The Economic Times
The recent death of Punjabi singer Inder Kaur, found in a canal after a suspected abduction by a rejected suitor, echoes similar tragic cases. Former model Divya Pahuja and Haryana influencer Simmi Chaudhary were also found in canals after mysterious disappearances and murder allegations, highlighting a disturbing pattern.
Punjabi singer Inder Kaur was found dead in a Ludhiana canal. The 29-year-old artist had been missing since May 13. Police are investigating her disappearance and death. Reports suggest she met a Canada-based man online and refused marriage after learning he was married. Authorities are examining evidence and questioning suspects. The Punjabi music industry mourns her loss and seeks justice.
Sibi George: Senior Indian diplomat Sibi George has gone viral after a sharp exchange with a Norwegian journalist over Indias democracy, human rights and press freedom record during a media briefing linked to Prime Minister Narendra Modis Norway visit. But who exactly is the man behind the headline-making moment?
Pharmacies nationwide will stay open on May 20. This defies a strike called by the All India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists against e-pharmacies. Many state pharmacy associations have opted out of the protest. They prioritize public interest and uninterrupted medicine access. The national drug regulator is reviewing concerns about e-pharmacies. This ensures medicines remain available to all citizens.
Bharat Forge will establish India's first private sector Marine Gas Turbine repair and overhaul facility in Visakhapatnam. This significant project, a collaboration with the Andhra Pradesh government, will be located on 80 acres.
The unexpected development has quickly fueled discussion among fans eager to see HBOs ambitious reboot of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone and the rest of J. K. Rowlings beloved wizarding saga adapted for television.
Jharkhand has set a benchmark by maintaining its segment of the Ganga river pristine for seven straight years. This achievement stems from a forward-thinking strategy that emphasises pollution prevention over remedial efforts.
Punjabi singer Inder Kaur was found dead in a canal near Ludhiana, five days after she went missing. Police have launched a murder investigation, probing allegations of kidnapping and forced marriage pressure from a Canada-based man. Her car was found with blood stains, suggesting she was murdered before her body was dumped.
Inder Kaur death reason:: Punjabi singer Inder Kaur was found dead in the Neelo canal, six days after her alleged abduction in Ludhiana. Her family claims she was kidnapped at gunpoint by a man whose marriage proposal she had rejected, with the accused reportedly fleeing to Canada. Police are investigating the incident.
A PSU employee retiring with nearly Rs 1 crore faces family anxiety due to his history of financial mismanagement and falling victim to scams. Despite decades of hard work, the family is still repaying loans, prompting the son to seek advice on safeguarding the retirement corpus and ensuring stable income for his parents.
Pep Guardiola, who has won 17 major trophies at Manchester City since arriving in English soccer in 2016, has repeatedly been asked in recent weeks whether he would be staying at City beyond this season.
IAS officer Pari Bishnoi, who achieved AIR 30 in UPSC, shared her journey of overcoming stress eating and gaining 45 kilos after failing her first attempt. She adopted a disciplined, monk-like lifestyle, cutting off distractions, which led to her success. Bishnoi also detailed her inspiring postpartum fitness journey, emphasizing consistency and finding strength in motherhood.
A recent investigation conducted in Phoenix uncovers that data centers are contributing to increased local temperatures. The excess heat emitted from these facilities can elevate air temperatures by as much as 2.2 degrees Celsius. This phenomenon poses a significant challenge for communities in hotter regions. Utilizing vehicles equipped with sensors, researchers captured real-time temperature fluctuations surrounding these centers.
India's soymeal exports are projected to drop by half to a four-year low in the current year, driven by a 47% price surge over the past month. This makes Indian animal feed uncompetitive against South American supplies, prompting Asian buyers to switch. Tight domestic supplies and strong demand are keeping prices elevated.
StanChart or Standard Chartered's move to streamline operations and rein in costs comes as more global firms slash jobs by deploying AI to improve efficiency.
India can use global challenges to speed up reforms and build stronger supply chains. Union Minister Piyush Goyal stated that India aims to be a trusted partner for investment and exports. The country is working towards Viksit Bharat 2047. Businesses must capitalise on new free trade agreements to boost exports and attract investment.
A fire at St. Theresa's Catholic High School in Midland has led to the cancellation of classes for the entire week. The blaze, contained to one room, caused smoke and water damage throughout the north wing. Restoration work is underway, preventing students and staff from accessing the building. All school activities are suspended until further notice.
Gold rater today: Oil prices fell more than 2 per cent, easing some inflation fears. Gold is considered a hedge against inflation, though higher interest rates tend to weigh on the non-yielding metal.
Ebola Vaccines are only available for the Zaire strain, which was identified in 1976 and has a higher fatality rate of 60-90 per cent.
A significant infrastructure project, the DND-Faridabad-Sohna Access Controlled Highway, is rapidly progressing to ease Delhi-NCR traffic and connect to Jewar Airport. This six-lane corridor will improve connectivity to major expressways and reduce travel times, forming a key part of the Centre's Rs 1.25 lakh crore decongestion plan for the region.
Kerala lottery result today: Kerala State Lottery Sthree-Sakthi SS-520 results for Tuesday, 19 May 2026, have been officially declared. Ticket holders can now check their numbers for the 1 crore first prize and other attractive cash rewards.
Sony is raising PlayStation Plus subscription costs. New prices begin May 20 for new users in some areas. Monthly and quarterly plans will see increases. Existing users in Turkey and India will also pay more upon renewal. This change primarily affects the Essential tier. Other gaming companies are also adjusting prices due to component shortages.
Global finance leaders met in Paris to address economic fallout from the Middle East conflict. France's finance minister called for increased aid for vulnerable nations. Discussions also covered diversifying critical mineral supplies and maintaining pressure on Russia. G7 nations aim to build new partnerships amid global tensions and trade system fragmentation.
As Kevin Warsh steps into the role of leading the U.S. Federal Reserve, turbulent waters marked by soaring inflation await him, says StanChart's Winters. While there's a palpable push for interest rate reductions from political circles, some members within the Fed are advocating for hikes instead.
Indian forces executed Operation Sindoor with military precision, dismantling terror infrastructure and demonstrating strategic resolve. Army Chief Gen Upendra Dwivedi described this as 'smart power' in its complete expression. He outlined a 'SMART' framework for India's future strategy, focusing on statecraft, manufacturing depth, innovation, resilience, and technology primacy to navigate a complex global landscape.
Zoho founder Sridhar Vembu warns of a grim economic future. He believes artificial intelligence alone cannot solve deep-rooted issues. Vembu urges everyone to prepare for challenging times ahead. He notes the global economic order is weakening. The world faces a difficult phase, and preparedness is key.
OECD Secretary General Mathias Cormann stated that the ongoing Middle East conflict is worsening global economic risks, exerting downward pressure on growth and upward pressure on inflation. The organization will revise its economic forecasts next month, acknowledging the immediate challenges posed by rising oil prices to finance officials at a G7 meeting.
The Supreme Court has asked the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology to examine a PIL seeking a robust mechanism to retrieve or erase stolen Indian personal data stored on foreign servers. Acknowledging the issues technical complexity, the court advised the petitioner to pursue administrative and technological remedies through the government.
Nagaland Dear Lottery Sambad Result Today 19 May 2026: The much-awaited Tuesday weekly draw of Dear Shine has been declared. Check the first prize winning number for 1 Crore, along with all other prize tiers including 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th prizes. Full results, winning numbers, and updates for Nagaland Sambad Tuesday Lottery are available here.
Sun Tzu's ancient wisdom on leadership remains relevant today. He stressed treating followers like beloved sons to earn deep loyalty. This approach builds trust and commitment, far beyond what fear can achieve. Modern leaders, whether in business or families, find that genuine care and respect are key to inspiring dedication.
Lionel Messi tour organiser Satadru Dutta has filed a police complaint. He alleges former West Bengal sports minister Aroop Biswas and others caused chaos at the Salt Lake stadium. Dutta claims he was made a scapegoat. The new sports minister has ordered a fresh probe into the incident. Dutta seeks justice for alleged mistreatment and sabotage.
NIT Kurukshetra engineer Sourabh Mittal has left his BPCL job despite a reported 19 lakh annual package, drawing attention online amid growing discussions on PSU work conditions and job satisfaction. He claimed difficult working conditions, poor facilities, and high workplace pressure influenced his decision to resign. His story highlights increasing concerns among young professionals about stress, growth opportunities, and long-term expectations in public sector jobs.
Chinese exercise: An ancient Chinese exercise, Baduanjin, practiced for centuries, shows promise in managing high blood pressure. New research indicates this gentle routine, combining movement and breathing, can significantly lower blood pressure. It offers a simple, affordable alternative for those finding intense workouts difficult.
Former Uttarakhand Chief Minister Bhuvan Chandra Khanduri has passed away. He was undergoing treatment in Dehradun. Khanduri served as Chief Minister twice and was a senior Bharatiya Janata Party leader. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed his condolences. He described Khanduri's passing as an irreparable loss for Uttarakhand and national politics.
Indias oil trade deficit is expected to widen significantly in FY27 due to rising crude oil prices and weakening petroleum exports, according to a report by Crisil. The report warned that Indias heavy dependence on imported crude could put added pressure on the countrys external finances, with the current account deficit also projected to rise as oil-related trade pressures intensify.
India should be seen not merely as a market for selling products but as a long-term investment partner, with foreign companies encouraged to work alongside Indian businesses in the country's growth story, says Union Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Jitin Prasada on Tuesday.
Geopolitical tensions in the Middle East are significantly impacting India's economy. Rising crude oil prices have led to a Rs 3 per litre fuel hike, eroded investor wealth by over Rs 5.85 lakh crore, and pushed the rupee to an all-time low. Foreign investors are also withdrawing funds, while the import bill has surged.
Bollywood and television production circles are feeling financial pressure. Workers behind the scenes are seeing pay cuts and limited work. Budgets are tighter, and projects are delayed. This impacts many professionals in Mumbai. Some workers are depleting savings or returning to hometowns. Freelancers face delayed payments. The industry hopes for recovery amid calls for structural changes.
Microsoft's AI chief, Mustafa Suleyman has sounded an alarm that many white-collar jobs, including accounting, legal, marketing, and project management, could be automated within 12-18 months. He predicts AI will achieve human-level performance on most professional tasks, impacting computer-based roles significantly. This rapid advancement signals a major shift in the workforce.
India's edible oil imports increased by 3 per cent in the last fiscal year owing significant to a boost from duty-free shipments from Nepal. Nepal's edible oil exports to India more than doubled. India relies heavily on foreign supplies for edible oils.
Australia is grappling with a significant diphtheria outbreak, with cases spreading across multiple states and a suspected first death under investigation. Health authorities are urging vigilance for symptoms and emphasizing the importance of vaccination. This rare resurgence marks a serious public health concern for the nation. If investigators confirm the death was caused by diphtheria, it would mark Australias first fatality from the infectious disease since 2018.
Cockroach Janata Party Website: A new online political group, the Cockroach Janta Party, is rapidly gaining followers on Indian social media. Founded by Abhijeet Dipke, the party uses satire and memes to express youth frustration. It addresses issues like unemployment and exam controversies. Prominent figures have engaged with the party online.
A heartwarming video of a Blinkit delivery executive has gone viral. The man was seen practicing cricket shots with a bat during his delivery routine. He then lovingly kissed the bat before continuing his work. The clip has touched thousands online, sparking conversations about dreams and passions.
An inquiry committee has submitted its report to the Lok Sabha Speaker regarding allegations against Justice Yashwant Varma. The report concerns the alleged discovery of unaccounted cash at his official residence. This report will be presented to Parliament soon. Justice Varma recently resigned as a judge, making removal proceedings infructuous. The committee's work proceeded despite his resignation.
From courtroom thrillers and reality drama to animated adventures and sci-fi mysteries, this weeks OTT lineup has something for every binge-watcher. Platforms like Netflix, Prime Video, JioHotstar, Apple TV+ and ZEE5 are bringing fresh movies and series packed with action, suspense, comedy and drama this week.
Sunrisers Hyderabad and Gujarat Titans have sealed their spots in the IPL 2026 playoffs, joining Royal Challengers Bengaluru, who were the first team to qualify. Meanwhile, Chennai Super Kings are staring at elimination after suffering their seventh defeat of the season. Punjab Kings remain in contention but now depend on other match results to keep their playoff hopes alive, while Rajasthan Royals still have two games left to revive their campaign.
New CCTV footage reveals Twisha Sharma walking alone towards her home's terrace before being found unconscious. Her husband, Samarth Singh, is absconding. His family denies dowry harassment claims, stating Twisha had psychiatric issues and substance abuse. Police are investigating dowry harassment and abetment to suicide charges.
A tourist died after two captive elephants clashed at Karnataka's Dubare Elephant Camp. Following the fatal incident, authorities have imposed strict new rules, including a 100-foot distance for tourists and a ban on close-range interactions like bathing and feeding.

44 C