The Economic Times

Qin, a 1995-born woman from Guilin, China, manages a snake farm with over 60,000 venomous reptiles. She took over her father's business after university. The farm supplies snake venom, meat, and oil for traditional medicine and research. Qin shares her life online as 'The Girl Who Collects Snake Venom', detailing the risks and rewards of her unusual profession.

TN ministers list 2026: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay has expanded his Cabinet by inducting 23 MLAs and assigning portfolios across key departments including Finance, Tourism, Higher Education and Artificial Intelligence. The expansion marks Congress return to the Tamil Nadu government after 59 years and also sees four women ministers being included in the Cabinet for the first time in the states political history.

American trade officials are expected in India next month for crucial trade discussions. This visit follows recent US investments exceeding sixty billion dollars. India and the US are strengthening their partnership in technology, defense, and energy. Both nations aim to build resilient supply chains. Indian businesses are encouraged to support MSMEs with faster payments, boosting economic growth.

IPL Biologicals Ltd has inaugurated its third biological manufacturing facility in Vadodara, Gujarat. This new plant represents a Rs 200 crore investment, boosting the company's annual production capacity to 7,000 kilolitres. The facility will produce biofertilisers, biopesticides, and crop health products. This expansion aligns with government goals to reduce chemical fertiliser use. The company plans further investment for future phases.

UPSC exam calendar 2027: The UPSC has released its 2027 Exam Calendar, outlining crucial dates for major recruitment examinations including Civil Services, NDA, and CDS. Aspirants can now plan their preparation with confirmed dates for the Civil Services Prelims on May 23, 2027, and Mains commencing August 20, 2027. The official notification for the Civil Services exam will be issued on January 13, 2027.

Ronda Rousey news: Ronda Rousey, a pioneering figure in combat sports, amassed an estimated $14 million net worth by 2026 through UFC, WWE, acting, endorsements, and book sales. Her influence extended beyond fighting, significantly boosting women's MMA visibility and opening doors in entertainment and business ventures, including property investments.

India's economy is under pressure from high crude oil prices due to global crises. Experts warn that government actions may not fully resolve the issue. The country imports most of its crude oil, impacting its import bill and current account deficit. Rising dollar payments are also weakening the Indian rupee.

Online satire groups, the Cockroach Janta Party and National Parasitic Front, have surged in popularity following controversial remarks about unemployed youth. These movements, born from social media outrage, use parody manifestos and meme-driven campaigns to voice frustrations. Their rapid, participatory rise signals a new era of digital political expression in India.

Kerala lottery results today: Kerala State Lottery Karunya Plus KN-624 results for Thursday, 21 May 2026, have been officially declared. Ticket holders can now check their numbers for the 1 crore first prize and other attractive cash rewards.

Delhi University South Campus hostel students protested after a cockroach was found in breakfast chutney. This comes as the newly launched Cockroach Janta Party created a buzz online. Students also reported illness from contaminated food and alleged poor kitchen hygiene, including rotten vegetables and wastewater use. The administration has promised increased monitoring and a review of the mess tender.

Indian cricketer Nitish Kumar Reddy has transformed his bowling. Inspired by Jofra Archer, his pace has increased significantly. This improvement has caught the eye of chief selector Ajit Agarkar. Reddy is now seen as a key player for India's future. Bowling coach Steffan Jones guided his development. This partnership aims for long-term success across all formats.

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has urged Indian companies to form joint ventures with US firms to access advanced technologies and boost innovation. He said the Road Transport Ministry is exploring US consultancy support for road project reports, while highlighting the sharp decline in Indias logistics costs. Emphasizing clean energy adoption and sustainable mobility, Gadkari expressed confidence that India can emerge as the worlds leading automobile industry within the next five years.

The Delhi High Court has reserved its decision on interim relief for Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha. He sought protection against AI-generated deepfakes and manipulated content. The court noted that political leaders often face satire and criticism. Chadha's plea argues that some online posts are defamatory attacks.

Actor Siddharth Gupta's portrayal of Krishna in 'Krishnavataram Part 1: The Heart' has earned widespread acclaim. His sister Komal's tearful reaction, witnessing his breakthrough after a 12-year struggle filled with rejections and dashed hopes, has deeply resonated with audiences online, highlighting the power of family support and perseverance.

Quote of the day by Napoleon Bonaparte: Napoleon Bonaparte, a Corsican military genius, rose from humble beginnings to become Emperor of the French. His daring campaigns reshaped Europe. He introduced the Napoleonic Code, promoting equality and property rights. Despite his ambition, his invasion of Russia led to his downfall. He was defeated and exiled, dying in 1821. His life continues to inspire discussions on power and ambition.

A new satirical political movement, Cockroach Janta Party or CJP, has taken social media by storm. CJP has surpassed the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party in Instagram followers. However, its X account has been withheld in India. The movement was founded by Abhijeet Dipke, a political communication strategist. CJP's manifesto includes significant reform proposals.

The Delhi government has cancelled over seven lakh ration cards. A significant audit removed invalid cards due to income, non-receipt of rations, deaths, and duplicates. The government is now inviting fresh online applications for ration cards. The income eligibility limit for new cards will be raised to Rs 2.5 lakh per annum.

India CAD: India is watching the fluctuations in the global economy as policymakers deliberate on strategies to address the growing current account deficit, Piyush Goyal said. With the rupee under pressure amid uncertain global trade dynamics, the latest figures show a worrying trend for the December quarter; Nonetheless, the fiscal year's total deficit remains manageable, the minister added.

Nagaland Lottery Sambad Result today (21-05-2026): Nagaland State Lottery Sambad Dear Star Thursday Weekly draw results for 21 May 2026 have been officially declared. Ticket holders can now check their numbers for the 1 Crore first prize and other attractive cash rewards.

On September 1, 2026, Cyprus will establish a trade office in Mumbai, aiming to open new pathways for Indian entrepreneurs into European markets. This strategic move positions Cyprus as a robust launchpad for enterprises eyeing the EU, Eastern Mediterranean, Gulf, and North Africa. The focus lies in vibrant sectors such as digital innovation, finance, and sustainable energy.

Vanessa Trump, former daughter-in-law of Donald Trump, has revealed her breast cancer diagnosis in an emotional Instagram post. She is working closely with her medical team on a treatment plan and recovery, surrounded by the love and support of her family and loved ones. The announcement comes during a challenging personal time for Trump.

Kazakhstan recently held an influential international conference dedicated to the Golden Horde, where President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev called for a thorough and impartial examination of this expansive empire. He celebrated its importance as a conduit for trade, governance, and cultural interactions between East and West.

The Supreme Court has refused to alter its previous order. This order had put a halt to the counting of votes for the Bar Council of Delhi elections. Allegations of tampering prompted this decision. The apex court has now asked the Delhi High Court to hear the related pleas. This hearing is scheduled for May 25.

Indian exporters can learn to sell products in the US through a webinar by the Indian Consulate in New York and Walmart. This event will detail supply chain and compliance needs for the American market. It follows a similar successful webinar with Costco. A new trade portal also aims to boost India-US business and unlock opportunities for Indian businesses.

Ludwig Kaiser update: WWE star Ludwig Kaiser was arrested in Orange County, Florida, on Wednesday. He faces a battery charge. Records show his bail was set at one thousand dollars. Reports indicate the incident involved an altercation with another male. Kaiser has since been released after posting bail. He is scheduled for a match in Mexico.

Manish Pandey's crucial 45 runs guided Kolkata Knight Riders to a four-wicket victory over Mumbai Indians. The win keeps Kolkata's playoff aspirations alive in the Indian Premier League. Assistant coach Shane Watson praised Pandey's significant value and experience. Pandey, a veteran of every IPL season, showcased remarkable fitness and form.

A Meta employee in Singapore, Gary Tay, shared his emotional experience of being laid off after nearly a decade, having trained his replacement the day before. His viral post highlighted the shift towards AI, stating, AI is here to stay, apparently the human isn't. Meta is restructuring, integrating AI and cutting managerial roles, impacting thousands globally.

A recent cricket Test match between Bangladesh and Pakistan saw heated exchanges on the field. Pakistan batter Mohammad Rizwan's repeated stoppages during play frustrated Bangladesh players. The incident gained further attention when Australian cricketer Marcus Stoinis humorously recreated Rizwan's actions in a casual game. This online banter has become a talking point among cricket fans.

Students eagerly await the Kerala Plus Two Result 2026. The Directorate of Higher Secondary Education will release the results on May 26 at 3 PM. Access will be available on official websites like keralaresults.nic.in and dhsekerala.gov.in. Candidates need their application number and date of birth. Results can also be accessed via DigiLocker, SAPHALAM app, and SMS.

India abstained from a UN General Assembly resolution on climate change obligations, citing concerns it undermined the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) architecture. New Delhi argued the resolution elevated an ICJ advisory opinion to a binding status, potentially imposing unagreed obligations on developing nations and limiting policy space.

A school bus driver is in critical condition after a crash in Sydney's western suburbs, involving approximately 40 teenage students. The bus veered off the road, striking a pole and a tree, trapping the driver. Eight students were hospitalized with minor injuries, while others and a teacher were shaken but unharmed. Investigations into the cause are underway.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has returned to New Delhi. His five-nation tour included the UAE, Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, and Italy. During the tour, India signed significant pacts on energy, defence, and critical minerals. Several countries elevated ties with India to strategic partnerships. Prime Minister Modi also received high honours from Sweden and Norway.

Director General SK Chaudhari emphasized that intelligent technology use in agriculture and the fertilizer sector is a national imperative. He highlighted blockchain and AI as key tools for transforming the sector.

The Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) has released admit cards for the CSEET June 2026 session, accessible on the official website. The offline examination is scheduled for June 1-4. Candidates can download their hall tickets by entering their registration details. Exemptions are available for certain graduates and those who have cleared professional exams.

Repolling is underway in Falta Assembly constituency. BJP candidate Debangshu Panda stated voting is peaceful and voters are participating. He expressed confidence in a significant BJP victory. The Election Commission ordered fresh polling due to alleged irregularities. Trinamool Congress leader Jahangir Khan had previously withdrawn from the contest. Counting of votes is scheduled for May 24.

Karnatakas Tree Goddess: Saalumarada Thimmakka, Karnataka's 'Tree Goddess', transformed a barren roadside into a 4.5km green corridor by planting 385 banyan trees. Driven by a deep connection with nature and a desire to nurture life, her selfless dedication, starting in the 1950s, inspired millions and earned her national honours, leaving a lasting legacy of grassroots conservation.

Quote of the Day by Ren Descartes highlights that actions reveal more than words, urging us to judge reality through evidence rather than appearances. This principle remains vital today, cutting through curated images and performance to focus on consistent behavior as the true indicator of intentions and priorities in all aspects of life.

Rang Ghar: Built in 1746 in the heart of Sivasagar, Rang Ghar is widely recognised as Asias oldest amphitheatre and one of the most fascinating reminders of the Ahom dynastys grandeur. Once used by kings and nobles to watch wrestling matches, bullfights, cultural performances, and traditional games, the 277-year-old structure still stands tall with its distinctive Ahom-style architecture and unusual construction techniques using rice paste, eggs, and Borali fish instead of cement.

A political party chief in West Bengal challenged a government notice on animal slaughter, vowing to continue ritual sacrifices. Meanwhile, a religious leader questioned beef export policies, advocating for uniform national laws. Conversely, a former Babri Masjid case plaintiff urged Muslims to respect cows, calling for a ban on slaughter and national animal status for bovines.

A Bengaluru vegetable seller is making waves online after a video showed him wearing an iPhone on his head. He is reportedly collecting real-world data for artificial intelligence training. The unusual sight has sparked debate about AI's impact on jobs. Some see it as a new opportunity, while others worry about automation. The future of work is clearly changing rapidly.

United States and Israel initiated Operation Epic Fury against Iran on February 28, 2026. The conflict involved extensive air, missile, and maritime combat. Aircraft losses mounted, with the Department of Defense estimating costs at $29 billion. The situation remains unstable despite a ceasefire. Congressional concerns are rising over readiness and spending.