The Economic Times

New student loan rules may help people who lose jobs. The plan could count no-payment months for loan forgiveness. This can help middle-class workers avoid delays in becoming debt-free. Many people on income-based plans may benefit. The bill also talks about faster relief. But it is not final yet and depends on government approval before becoming law.

IRS tax deadline extension 2026: Washington residents hit by severe weather now have until August 15, 2026, to file taxes, thanks to an IRS extension. This relief, triggered by a FEMA disaster declaration, automatically applies to eligible individuals and businesses. Meanwhile, nationwide, Americans anticipate an average $1,700 refund, primarily for essentials like rent and groceries.

The psychology of people who constantly try to impress others reveals a complex mix of emotional needs, learned behaviours, and social pressures. While the desire for approval is natural, losing oneself in the process comes at a cost.

US stock market crashes today. Investors are asking whats happening with the Dow Jones Industrial Average, S&P 500, and Nasdaq Composite. Nearly $200 billion vanished in minutes. The Dow fell 565 points. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq slipped as well. Every sector turned red. This was not random. Oil surged fast. WTI jumped 3.4%. Brent climbed 5%. Rising tension near the Strait of Hormuz changed sentiment instantly.

The Bharatiya Janata Party achieved a significant victory in the West Bengal Assembly elections. Their campaign focused on booth-level organization and local leadership. The party also utilized digital tools and revised electoral rolls. This strategy effectively countered the Trinamool Congress's long-standing dominance, leading to a decisive outcome.

Russia on Monday declared a unilateral ceasefire with Ukraine between May 8-9, when Moscow marks its annual World War II Victory Day commemorations, and threatened a massive missile strike on Kyiv if Ukraine violated it. In accordance with a decision of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Armed Forces, Vladimir Putin, a ceasefire has been declared from May 8-9, 2026 ...

Quote of the Day: Carl Rogers, a pioneering psychologist, believed true education is the ability to learn and change. His words remain relevant today, urging continuous adaptation. Rogers' life and work, from his early studies to developing client-centred therapy, highlight his focus on human growth.

The U.S. military destroyed six Iranian small boats and intercepted drones and cruise missiles as it launched an operation to secure shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Admiral Brad Cooper stated that ongoing IRGC efforts to interfere with the operation were defeated. He emphasized a multi-layered defensive arrangement, not traditional escorts, to protect commercial traffic.

India will challenge US accusations of excess manufacturing capacity on May 8. Indian trade officials and industry representatives will present their case. The US probe targets sectors like petrochemicals, steel, and solar modules. India denies these claims, stating trade surpluses are macroeconomic phenomena. This hearing is part of a broader US investigation into trade practices.

Quote of the day by Martin Luther King Jr inspires global readers searching for moral responsibility and life direction. Hidden truth by Martin Luther King Jr. reveals a sharp reality. Most people already know what is right. Yet action remains rare. In todays fast digital world, awareness grows faster than courage. Social media spreads truth instantly. Real change still moves slowly. This gap defines modern moral failure. It shapes society, workplaces, and personal life. Experts call it the awar

The United Arab Emirates reported Iranian attacks. This happened after US President Donald Trump's initiative to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Iran launched missiles and a drone. This caused fires and injuries. Two cargo vessels were also ablaze. US Navy ships are helping to restore traffic. Iran warns foreign forces will be targeted.

National Teacher Appreciation Week 2026 offers numerous deals and freebies for educators from May 4-8. Many businesses, including Chipotle, Whataburger, and various restaurants, are providing discounts, free meals, and special offers to acknowledge the hard work of teachers. These promotions aim to show gratitude during a time when many teachers face financial challenges.

Defence PSU BEL, Metamind Systems, and Kristellar Aerospace have signed an MoU to co-develop future-ready products and technologies for defence and non-defence sectors. This collaboration aims to leverage their combined strengths in manufacturing, AI-driven analytics, and aerospace R&D to boost competitiveness and deliver scalable solutions, supporting India's 'Make in India' and 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' initiatives.

Todays quote of the day by Jean Piaget shows that intelligence is not only about knowing answers. It is about thinking when you feel confused. His life work explains how children learn step by step. The message is simpleuse your mind, try new ideas, and solve problems when you dont know what to do in life.

West Bengal government has ordered all departmental secretaries and heads of offices to strictly safeguard official files and documents. No important papers or files can be taken out of offices without authorization. Unauthorized copying or scanning of records is also prohibited. Departmental heads are personally responsible for ensuring compliance. Strict action will be taken for any deviation from these guidelines.

V S Babu, a former legislator, has caused a major upset by defeating DMK president M K Stalin in the Kolathur constituency. Babu, who joined the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam earlier this year, secured victory by a margin of 8,795 votes.

African proverb of the day: Trust is a delicate yet powerful element in relationships, built slowly through shared experiences and honesty. Placing trust in an unworthy person is like carrying grain in a leaky bag, leading to the inevitable loss of your secrets and potential lasting consequences. Discretion in choosing who to confide in is paramount for emotional safety and maintaining boundaries.

Chinese proverb of the day teaches that victory depends on strategy, planning, and surprise. The proverb links to ancient Chinese wisdom and modern life lessons. It shows how planning, deception, innovation, and flexibility help in career growth, business competition, conflict resolution, and personal development. The message connects daily Chinese proverb learning with success, Chinese philosophy quotes and Chinese motivational sayings in everyday decisions.

The Reserve Bank of India reports significant progress in processing applications. In April 2026, the central bank successfully handled 99.7 percent of applications within the set deadlines. This achievement reflects efficient operations across various functions. A large number of applications were processed, with most meeting the stipulated timelines. The RBI continues to focus on timely service delivery to its stakeholders.

In a dramatic turn in West Bengal's Bhabanipur by-election, BJP's Suvendu Adhikari has taken a slender lead over Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee after 16 rounds of counting. The race is incredibly tight, with Adhikari ahead by a mere 563 votes, showcasing a fierce contest in the Chief Minister's stronghold.

Pluto retrograde in Aquarius focuses on deep, internal transformation. Instead of visible, dramatic shifts, this phase invites introspection, encouraging a reexamination of old patterns, power dynamics and unresolved emotional baggage.

Iran's navy reportedly fired warning shots at US warships in the Strait of Hormuz after American destroyers entered the Gulf to assist commercial vessels. This escalation follows a US plan to guide neutral country ships out of the waterway, which Iran insists must be coordinated with its forces. Tensions remain high amid stalled negotiations and an ongoing US-led economic blockade.

Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal hailed the BJP-led NDA's decisive victory in Assam as a historic mandate for development-driven governance. He credited Prime Minister Modi's vision and Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma's leadership for reaching every corner of the state. Sonowal emphasized the renewed mandate will accelerate progress and strengthen the resolve for a developed, secure, and self-reliant Assam.

R Sabarinathan, son of actor Vijay's long-time driver, has secured victory in the Virugambakkam assembly constituency on a Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) ticket. He won by a significant margin of 27,086 votes. Sabarinathan gained attention after an emotional video of him went viral following his candidacy announcement.

A 52-year-old man shares his job struggle after one year without work. He says finding even a simple job is not easy today. Many people face rejection, low pay offers, and tough competition. Older workers feel this more. Online users also share similar problems, showing the job market is very hard and stressful for many job seekers now.

Humayun Kabir, chief of the Aam Janata Unnayan Party, secured victory in both the Nowda and Rejinagar constituencies in West Bengal's Murshidabad district. Kabir expressed gratitude to the people for their support. Having won two seats, he will now relinquish one, triggering a by-election. His party was formed just four months prior to the elections.

Latin Proverb of the day: The Latin proverb Fiat justitia ruat caelum powerfully advocates for unwavering integrity, demanding that justice be upheld regardless of the consequences. This ancient wisdom emphasizes that fairness and what is right must prevail, even if it leads to disruption or personal cost. Its enduring relevance lies in its call for moral courage and accountability in all aspects of life.

Quote of the day: Charles Bukowskis words dont offer easy comfort, but they offer something more valuable: truth. There are moments in life when you are forced to face yourself, without distraction or denial. Those moments may feel intense, but they are also where real change begins.

Pinarayi Vijayan has resigned as Kerala Chief Minister. This follows the LDF's significant defeat in the recent Assembly elections. The Congress-led UDF secured a decisive victory. Vijayan's decade-long tenure has now concluded. The Governor has accepted the resignation. Vijayan will continue as caretaker chief minister until new arrangements are made.

US stock market today shows a sharp split. The Dow Jones Industrial Average falls over 160 points. Oil prices surge above $100. Iran tensions shake global confidence. Meanwhile, the S&P 500 Index and Nasdaq Composite stay positive. Tech stocks hold strength. Investors rotate, not retreat. Rising Treasury yields add pressure on blue chips. Energy risk drives caution. Yet AI optimism supports growth stocks.

Employee rights after layoff: Laid-off workers, especially those over 40, have more time and leverage than they realize when reviewing severance agreements. Federal law mandates specific review and revocation periods, and initial offers are often negotiable, with significant financial gains possible through negotiation.

Todays quote of the day by Abraham Maslow about choosing growth over safety. It explains the meaning in very simple words and gives a quick look at his life and ideas. The piece highlights how small choices shape our future and why taking risks helps people learn, improve, and become better in life.

The Indian government has declared its stance not to offer financial assistance to its state-run fuel companies, which are currently in the red due to selling fuels like petrol and diesel at a discount. Despite the pressure of escalating crude oil prices, retail costs for these fuels have stayed steady.

More than 70 million Americans depend on monthly benefits from the Social Security Administration. In May 2026, many retirees will wait longer than usual for their checks. This delay is not a policy issue. It is a calendar effect. The month starts late in the week. That shifts the first Wednesday deeper into May. As a result, first payment arrives on May 13. This creates a gap of over 30 days for some seniors.

Trinamool Congress offices and party materials faced alleged vandalism across West Bengal after the BJP's Assembly poll win. Incidents were reported in South 24 Parganas, Cooch Behar, and North 24 Parganas. A TMC office was reportedly set on fire in Paschim Bardhaman. A TMC candidate was allegedly assaulted. The BJP denied any role in these events.

Surveys conducted in Europe and the UK indicate that most couples argue in the car at least once a month, with a notable share reporting conflicts on a weekly basis.

Chennai witnessed a stunning electoral upset as M K Stalin's DMK party lost the 2026 polls to the younger TVK. The incumbent Chief Minister, M K Stalin, also faced a personal defeat, his first in a long political career. This outcome dashed hopes for a second term of the Dravidian model government.

After a decade of positive performance and no warnings, an employee was unexpectedly fired. The company initially cited organizational changes and automation, but later shifted the explanation to performance-related issues. This inconsistency leaves the employee and observers questioning the true reason behind the termination.

Actor Vijay's new party TVK is poised to lead in Tamil Nadu elections. His manifesto includes significant promises like gold for marriages and monthly aid for women. TVK also pledges support for farmers, youth employment, and improved healthcare. The party aims for corruption-free governance and educational reforms. These proposals are central to Vijay's electoral debut.

Astrologer Radhan Pandit accurately predicted actor Vijay's TVK party's dominant performance in the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. His numerological and astrological insights, describing Vijay's chart as a sunami, gained significant traction after the results. Pandit, a known spiritual mentor, visited Vijay to congratulate him, further highlighting his role in the political narrative.

The political landscape in Baharampur shifted dramatically as BJP's Subrata Maitra emerged victorious over Senior Congress stalwart Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, winning by 17,548 votes. With a robust tally of 91,088 votes, Maitra not only retained his seat but also demonstrated an impressive improvement from his last performance.

A viral TEDx talk challenges the notion that studying abroad is only for the wealthy. Study advisor Asslam Shaikh argues that lack of awareness and planning, not money, is the biggest hurdle for middle-class students. He highlights scholarships, low-cost destinations like Germany, Hungary, and Malaysia, and work-study options.

Quote of the day by Ernest Hemingway talks aQuote of the day by Ernest Hemingway: The best way to find out if you can trust somebody is to trust them simple lessons on why trust reveals true character and how taking risks helps you understand people betterbout trust and real life lessons. It explains why trusting people helps you understand them better. The story also shares his life journey, struggles, and success as a famous writer. This simple quote teaches that taking small risks in trust c