The Economic Times

A devastating blast at a firecracker factory in Dewas has claimed five lives. Authorities have invoked the stringent National Security Act against the factory manager and owner. Culpable homicide charges have been filed against four individuals. The explosion also injured 23 workers, with three in critical condition. Investigations are underway by multiple agencies to determine the cause of the tragedy.

Militants attacked a security outpost in Pakistan's northwest. A vehicle bomb and gun battle resulted in eight soldiers killed and 35 injured. This attack follows recent violence that has strained relations with neighboring Afghanistan. Pakistan blames Afghanistan for harboring militants, a claim Kabul denies. The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan claimed responsibility for the incident.

Private equity firms Blackstone and CD&R are exploring bids for Magnum Ice Cream Company. Magnum was recently spun out of Unilever. The firms are monitoring Magnum's share price before making a decision. Magnum could offer a turnaround opportunity for buyout firms. Magnum holds a significant share of the global ice cream market.

US trade officials are anticipated to visit India next month for crucial trade talks, following India's delegation visit to Washington in April. Both nations are actively engaged in finalising details for an interim trade pact and advancing broader bilateral trade agreement negotiations.

Rare earth exports from China to the United States are showing improvement. However, some shipments still face delays in approval from Beijing. US officials are actively engaging with their Chinese counterparts to resolve these issues. This comes after China introduced export controls in April 2025. Despite a deal last October, restrictions persist on certain rare earths.

The Central Bureau of Investigation is actively probing the NEET (UG) paper leak. Officials questioned Shivraj Motegaonkar, director of Renukai Chemistry Classes in Latur. A 28-member CBI team is camping in the city. The agency previously detained a retired faculty member involved in NEET paper setting. The NEET (UG) 2026 exam was cancelled due to leak allegations.

A Delhi court has remanded NEET paper leak accused Dhananjay Lokhande to six days' CBI custody. Lokhande allegedly received the leaked paper from another accused and passed it to Shubham. The CBI is investigating a larger conspiracy, with five other accused already in custody.

Forecasters warn a powerful Super El Nio, similar to the one causing the 1876-1878 famine, could develop in 2026. This event is linked to higher global temperatures and severe weather disruptions, potentially weakening India's monsoon and stressing agriculture worldwide.

The Delhi High Court is reviewing a bail application from Al Falah University chairman Jawad Ahmed Siddiqui. He faces money laundering charges linked to student fees. The Enforcement Directorate alleges the university generated over Rs 415 crore and diverted funds. Siddiqui was arrested in November 2025. The court will hear his interim bail plea soon.

The Supreme Court has ordered a Bengaluru court to speed up the Renukaswamy murder case. Actor Darshan and others are involved. The court noted the trial progress is very slow. It also directed the Karnataka government to ensure Darshan receives all undertrial prisoner amenities. The case involves allegations of abduction and torture.

Consumer protection regulator CCPA has fined Motion Education and Career Line Coaching for misleading ads. These institutes published ads about JEE and NEET results without disclosing crucial course details. Successful students featured in ads were often enrolled in free online courses or joined after exams concluded. The CCPA found this to be an unfair trade practice.

India's seafood sector has demonstrated remarkable resilience, transforming a 50% US tariff into a catalyst for growth. Through strategic market diversification, regulatory diplomacy, and domestic innovation, the industry achieved record exports in FY26. The government is now considering a production-linked incentive scheme to further boost value-added exports and expand the exporter base, solidifying India's position as a global powerhouse.

Ancient Greek historian Thucydides' words on self-control and courage offer timeless wisdom. He believed self-control builds self-respect, which in turn fuels true courage. This ancient insight remains vital today, guiding individuals to find inner strength amidst modern pressures. Mastering oneself is the first step to earning respect and demonstrating genuine bravery.

PGA Championship leaderboard: Former champion Xander Schauffele, Sahith Theegala, Max Greyserman and PGA Championship rookie Daniel Brown were all in the clubhouse one shot off the pace.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi. India pledged full support to foster peace in West Asia. The leaders discussed strengthening ties in energy, investment, and supply chains. They also focused on the evolving West Asian situation and energy security. Modi's visit aims to boost cooperation across key sectors.

NIA chargesheet reveals Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind's shift from forest insurgency to a digital terror network, orchestrated by Pakistan-based handlers. This new model connects Kashmir militancy with global jihadist aims, moving beyond Zakir Musa's forest-based approach to urban radicalization, exemplified by the Delhi bomber. The group functions as an al-Qaida extension, with ISI involvement in leadership restructuring.

White House called the leaders' shared desire to reopen the Strait of Hormuz off Iran, through which a fifth of global oil and gas once flowed.

Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov pointed to US and Israeli actions as the cause of the Gulf crisis. He stated Iran did not block the Strait of Hormuz. Lavrov proposed regional security talks involving Iran and Arab nations. He suggested India could mediate between Iran and the US for long-term stability in the region.

Gold price prediction: Gold rate is undergoing volatile phase as Strait of Hormuz is closed due to US-Iran conflict.

Kerala lottery results today: Kerala State Lottery Suvarna Keralam SK-52 results for Saturday, 15 May 2026, have been officially declared. Ticket holders can now check their numbers for the 1 crore first prize and other attractive cash rewards.

A video of President Trump and President Xi's meeting in Beijing has sparked online debate, with users speculating if Trump was intentionally made to appear shorter due to seating arrangements. Another clip shows Xi pausing on stairs, with one explanation suggesting he allowed Trump to catch his breath. Trump's visit highlighted business deals and diplomatic discussions.

Kerala SSLC 2026 Toppers list: The Kerala SSLC Result 2026 will be released today at 3 pm. Students can check their results and download marksheets from official websites. The board will share the overall pass percentage and other important statistics. The Kerala Board of Public Examinations will not publish a topper list. Students can download their scorecards from results.kite.kerala.gov.in and keralaresults.nic.in.

India's trade deficit grew to $28.38 billion in April. This increase exceeded market expectations. The Middle East conflict disrupted shipments and raised energy costs. This impacted India's import bill significantly. Exports rose to $43.56 billion. Imports climbed to $71.94 billion. Services trade offered some relief. The rupee faced pressure. Government urges conservation measures.

Chinese proverb of the day explains the meaning of the idiom The fox exploits the tigers ferocity. The proverb teaches lessons about borrowed authority, deception, leverage, and power. The story comes from the Warring States period and shows how a fox tricks a tiger. Today it is used in workplaces, politics, and social life. It reminds people that real respect comes from merit and not from connections or fear.

US Stock Market today: Nasdaq, S&P 500, and Dow Jones investors will hope that Wall Street indexes will end the week in a strong note.

Tata Sons is under pressure to list on the stock market. This comes from its shareholders and potential Reserve Bank of India rules. A board meeting of key trusts will discuss the implications. The company's future listing status remains a significant point of interest for investors and the public.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi begins a significant five-nation tour. His journey starts in the UAE, followed by visits to the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, and Italy. These engagements will focus on strengthening bilateral ties and exploring cooperation in key sectors like energy, technology, and defense.

Entrepreneur and digital creator Mehul Agrawal has gone viral after candidly sharing the harsh reality of quitting his job to start a company. In an Instagram video, he revealed how the excitement of freedom lasted only 11 minutes before anxiety, self-doubt and overwhelming responsibilities of entrepreneurship kicked in.

The Supreme Court has ordered the premature release of Rohit Chaturvedi, a convict in the 2003 Madhumita Shukla murder case. Chaturvedi has spent 22 years in jail. The court stressed that the state should focus on reformation rather than retribution.

Nagaland lottery results today: Nagaland State Lottery Sambad Dear Victory Friday Weekly draw results for 15 May 2026 have been officially declared. Ticket holders can now check their numbers for the 1 Crore first prize and other attractive cash rewards.

The NEET-UG 2026 exam will be re-conducted on June 21 due to a paper leak. Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan assured students that malpractice will not recur. Reforms are planned, including shifting to Computer-Based Test mode next year. Fees for the upcoming exam will be waived. Students can choose their exam city again.

The Supreme Court has overturned a Delhi High Court decision that suspended the life sentence of former BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar. The court has directed the High Court to re-examine Sengar's appeal against his conviction in the Unnao rape case. The High Court is asked to decide on the main appeal against the conviction within two months.

Wes Streeting has resigned as health minister. He is calling for a leadership contest to replace Keir Starmer. This follows disastrous local election results for the Labour Party. Streeting stated Starmer will not lead the party into the next general election. Other senior ministers remain in their positions for now.

Nobel laureate Richard Feynman, a brilliant theoretical physicist, revolutionized quantum mechanics with his groundbreaking work. Despite his immense intellect, Feynman cautioned against intellectual arrogance, emphasizing that expertise in science does not equate to universal wisdom. His quote highlights the importance of humility and critical thinking, reminding us that limitations exist beyond one's specialized field.

Rathindra Bose has been elected unopposed as the Speaker of the West Bengal assembly. He is the first legislator from North Bengal to hold this prestigious position. Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari proposed his name. The BJP holds a strong majority in the assembly. This election marks a significant moment for the region.

India's new envoy to China, Vikram Doraiswami, met with Chinese official Hou Yanqi. They discussed border issues and bilateral relations. Both sides aim for a stable and beneficial relationship. This meeting follows efforts to mend ties strained by a 2020 military standoff. Normalization includes resuming visas and flights.

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi accused the United Arab Emirates on Thursday of playing an active role in the US-Israeli war against his country.

A teenage girl in Panchkula has accused her father of sexually abusing her for over a decade, with assaults beginning at age seven. The 18-year-old reported the abuse, including a pregnancy and forced abortion, after a recent assault and death threat. Police have arrested the father under relevant sections of the law, including POCSO.

A hantavirus outbreak on a cruise ship has sparked public concern. Health officials are working to communicate clearly, drawing lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic. They aim to provide accurate information about the virus while reassuring the public about low risks. Efforts focus on transparency and combating misinformation to build trust and prevent unnecessary fear.

Petrol, diesel price hike impact: Centres Rs 3 per litre hike in petrol and diesel prices may not feel massive immediately, but its ripple effect could slowly hit everyday expenses from vegetables and milk to Blinkit deliveries, cab rides, and even flight tickets. Since fuel powers transport across India, higher diesel and petrol prices often trigger a chain reaction across household budgets.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu initiated a significant defence project in Andhra Pradesh. The Rs 15,803-crore Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft infrastructure project was launched. This initiative is set to create thousands of jobs and boost India's defence manufacturing capabilities. The leaders also inaugurated other defence and drone initiatives, positioning the state as a technology hub.

Delhi Police apprehended three individuals in connection with a mobile phone snatching and disposal racket. The gang specifically targeted iPhone users. Authorities recovered a total of 66 stolen mobile phones, including 50 iPhones. The accused sold stolen devices in grey markets. Investigations are ongoing to trace buyers and recover more devices. The accused have prior criminal records.

Three seeded Indian entries, including Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty (1), PV Sindhu (6), and Lakshya Sen (7), advanced to the quarterfinals of the Thailand Open on Thursday.

Amidst the NEET paper leak controversy, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan announced significant reforms, including a shift to a computer-based format for the NEET exam from next year. The NTA will refund fees for affected candidates and provide an additional 15 minutes for the re-exam, with admit cards for the re-test to be released on June 14.

US President Donald Trump met Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing. Taiwan remains the most crucial issue for China. The island's self-governance and its dominance in global chip manufacturing create significant geopolitical tension. Any conflict could disrupt world technology. The US maintains a policy of strategic ambiguity regarding Taiwan's security.

India is strongly advocating for major changes in global institutions. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar stated that the United Nations needs reforms, including an expanded Security Council, to remain effective. He emphasized that current global governance structures are outdated. India also seeks restructuring of international financial and trading systems. Reforms are presented as a necessity for multilateralism's relevance.