The Economic Times

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Bratislava, Slovakia, for a three-day visit. He was welcomed with traditional bread and salt, and witnessed folk dance performances. Modi expressed gratitude to the Indian community for their warm reception. He is scheduled to hold talks with Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico and meet President Peter Pellegrini.

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said India faces risks from crude prices, Middle East tensions and Strait of Hormuz disruptions, but Prime Minister Modi's government is ensuring there is ot a supply disruption for households and the economy. She made the remarks at the Viksit Bharat event in Karnataka on Sunday while laying out India's economic growth story.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron met in Nice, France. They jointly launched 'Bharat Innovates 2026', a three-day event. This showcased India's deep-tech startups and innovators. The leaders discussed Indo-French cooperation on global challenges. They highlighted initiatives in AI and clean energy. The event aims to transform India into a global innovation hub.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with top investors and innovation leaders in Nice, France. This event precedes the Bharat Innovates 2026 conclave, highlighting India's growing tech and startup strengths. The Prime Minister will also hold bilateral talks with French President Emmanuel Macron. India's participation at the G7 Summit and VivaTech Summit will further showcase its global role.

The Union Cabinet on Wednesday passed a resolution applauding Prime Minister Narendra Modi for becoming the longest-serving elected PM for consecutive terms, as he completed 4,399 days in the office.

Five new judges have taken oath as Supreme Court judges. Chief Justice of India Surya Kant administered the oath. The Supreme Court now has 37 judges, the highest ever. This follows an increase in the sanctioned strength to 38.

A Parliamentary committee will meet to discuss examination methods, including pen-and-paper versus computer-based tests. They will also review the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test Undergraduate 2026 and the National Testing Agency. Discussions will cover Grade 12 CBSE exams and the three-language formula. These meetings follow recent controversies and ongoing probes into exam irregularities.

The Central Consumer Protection Authority has fined Vajiram and Ravi IAS Study Centre Rs 7 lakh. The coaching institute published misleading advertisements about candidate success in the UPSC Civil Services Examination. They failed to disclose that many top rankers only used their free Interview Guidance Programme. This practice misled students about the effectiveness of full coaching courses.

Quote of the day by Lee Hsien Loong: Singapore China shared interests not shared blood statement Lee Hsien Loong reflects a sharp global truth. Nations act on interest, not emotion. Singapore China shared interests not shared blood statement Lee Hsien Loong highlights how diplomacy today is driven by survival, trade, and balance in a tense world. It shows Singapores clear foreign policy logic. Countries cooperate when goals align, not when identity matches. This idea reshapes how people read mod

DHSE Plus 2 Result 2026 link: Kerala Plus Two results are scheduled for release today, May 26. Over 4.5 lakh students can check their Class 12 board examination results from 3 pm. Results will be available on official websites like keralaresults.nic.in and dhsekerala.gov.in. Students can also access their scores via DigiLocker and the Saphalam mobile app.

Israel intensified its air strikes on Hezbollah locations in Lebanon's Bekaa Valley. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed further attacks. Hezbollah has been launching fiber optic drones at Israeli forces. Daily exchanges continue despite a U.S.-brokered ceasefire. Lebanon and Israel are engaged in direct talks for disarmament.

US-Iran war: United States and Iran are negotiating to finalize a peace deal for West Asia. Discussions focus on Iran's nuclear program and lifting sanctions. Both sides are reportedly optimistic about bridging gaps. A delegation from Iran is in Qatar, a key mediator. Progress hinges on Iran disposing of enriched uranium before sanctions relief.

Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov informed US Secretary of State Marco Rubio about Moscow's decision. Russia will launch systematic strikes on sites in Kyiv. These sites are linked to the Ukrainian military. The move is a response to what Russia calls terrorist attacks by Kyiv on Russian territory.

Pune Police have clarified that no city-wide curfew is in effect, debunking social media rumors of a 14-day lockdown. Officials stated that regular prohibitory orders, aimed at preventing criminal gatherings, are being misinterpreted. Meanwhile, a crackdown on late-night vendors and eateries operating beyond permitted hours is underway to ensure public safety and pedestrian access.

India and Canada are working to finalize a trade agreement this year. Both nations aim to significantly boost economic cooperation. Bilateral trade is targeted to reach fifty billion dollars by twenty thirty. This renewed engagement follows recent high-level visits. Discussions also cover energy, agriculture, and technology partnerships. A large Indian business delegation is participating in the ongoing talks.

Ekadashi kab hai: Padmini Ekadashi, a significant Hindu festival, will be observed on May 27, 2026. Devotees will fast and worship Lord Vishnu seeking blessings. This year, the observance is particularly auspicious as it falls during Adhik Jyeshtha Maas. Rituals include early morning baths, offering prayers, and chanting mantras. Fasting on this day is believed to bring spiritual growth, peace, and prosperity.

Explosions rocked Iran's Bandar Abbas city and coastal regions near the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian media reported the sounds on Monday. The cause of the blasts remains unknown. Officials have not yet commented on the situation. The area east of Bandar Abbas is reportedly under control. Similar sounds were also heard near Sirik and Jask.

Foreign ministers from Australia, India, Japan, and the U.S. are meeting in New Delhi. They aim to revitalize the Quad group. Concerns about China's growing influence are a key driver. The ministers will discuss maritime security and critical minerals. A leaders' meeting is planned for later this year. The Quad seeks to promote a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

Global gas markets are on edge as the Strait of Hormuz remains largely closed. Traders are watching China and weather forecasts closely. Hotter summers in Asia, potentially fueled by El Nio, will increase air conditioning use. This could boost demand for liquefied natural gas, especially from China, leading to fiercer global competition and higher prices as Europe prepares for winter.

US-Iran war: Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has ordered the restoration of international internet access. This move follows a period of suspension due to attacks and protests. The decree aims to return internet access to its previous state. For months, Iranians have only had access to domestic platforms. This decision marks a significant shift in connectivity.

Quote of the Day by Juvenal: Juvenals quote, Many commit the same crime with a very different result. One bears a cross for his crime; another a crown explores the idea of unequal consequences in human society. The quote suggests that even when people commit the same wrongdoing, the outcomes are not always the same.

US forces launched strikes in southern Iran targeting missile sites and boats. This action was taken in self-defense to protect troops. Meanwhile, President Trump is pushing for more nations, including Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, to join the Abraham Accords. These agreements aim to normalize relations with Israel. The proposal adds a new layer to ongoing diplomatic efforts.

African Proverb of the Day highlights the meaning of To love someone who does not love you, is like shaking a tree to make the dew drops fall. The saying reflects the emotional pain of one-sided love and the futility of forcing affection where genuine feelings do not exist. It suggests that true love must grow naturally through mutual care, respect, and emotional connection rather than through constant pursuit or sacrifice.

Why are oil prices crashing down today, and will Brent and US WTI crude futures continue to decline or move upwards again? Oil prices dropped nearly 7% after reports suggested the United States and Iran were moving closer to a deal linked to the Strait of Hormuz. Brent crude and US WTI futures declined as traders reacted to hopes of improved oil supply. Analysts said uncertainty still remains because negotiations are not final and oil flows through the region continue to face restrictions.

Greek Proverb of the Day highlights the meaning of A woman has nine lives, a man only one. The saying reflects the resilience, emotional strength, and endurance often associated with women in facing lifes struggles and responsibilities. It suggests that women have a remarkable ability to recover from hardship, adapt to difficult situations, and continue moving forward despite repeated challenges.

Chinese proverb of the day highlights the importance of courage, success, achievement and calculated risks in life. The ancient Chinese saying teaches that people must step outside comfort zones to gain rewards. The proverb also explains how fear, opportunity, hard work and decision-making are linked in personal growth, leadership, business and education. Its meaning continues to remain relevant in modern life, careers and relationships.

African proverb of the day highlights the importance of communication, wisdom, and human connection. The proverb Having a good discussion is like having riches explains how meaningful conversations can help people gain knowledge, solve problems, and build trust. The saying also teaches that ideas and understanding can become a form of wealth. The proverb remains relevant in daily life, workplaces, friendships, families, and communities across the world.

Quote of the Day by Thucydides: Thucydides quote, It is frequently a misfortune to have very brilliant men in charge of affairs. They expect too much of ordinary men highlights the challenges of leadership when highly intelligent individuals set unrealistic expectations for others. The quote suggests that brilliance, while valuable, can sometimes lead to frustration in leadership if it is not balanced with understanding of human limitations and clear, practical communication.

New research from the University of Exeter reveals beetroot juice significantly lowers blood pressure in older adults. Drinking nitrate-rich beetroot juice twice daily for two weeks improved blood pressure. This effect is linked to changes in mouth bacteria that help produce nitric oxide, crucial for healthy blood vessels.

Spanish Proverb of the Day highlights the meaning of To tell a woman what she cannot do is to tell her what she can. The saying reflects the idea that attempts to limit someones abilities can often have the opposite effect, strengthening their determination and inner resolve. It suggests that external restrictions or doubts can become a source of motivation, encouraging individuals to challenge expectations and prove their potential.

Taylor Swift reportedly admires Travis Kelce's 'real' personality, finding his open and confident nature refreshing compared to past relationships. Their courtside appearance at the Eastern Conference finals, including Kelce's viral beer-chugging moment, highlighted their chemistry and public support for each other, fueling ongoing romance buzz.

Greek proverb of the day: Old age arrives with many changes. Physical, emotional, and social shifts occur together. This ancient Greek proverb highlights that aging is a complex experience. It encourages awareness and preparation for life's transitions. Understanding these combined effects helps in valuing health and relationships earlier.

African proverbs offer timeless wisdom. Ignoring facts leads to painful lessons. Denial does not make problems disappear. Reality eventually demands attention. Facing truth early prevents future crises. This proverb encourages awareness and responsibility. Wisdom comes from confronting reality. Ignoring truth results in unavoidable hardship.

Quote of the day by Robert De Niro highlights the role of emotions, silence, and human connection in daily life. The quote explains that feelings are not always expressed through speech. Actions, expressions, and behaviour also communicate emotions. Robert De Niros career, films, and public image reflect this idea. The quote also teaches lessons about relationships, communication, love, and understanding human nature in personal and professional life.

Bitcoin (BTC USD) crash and recovery analysis: Bitcoin's rally to $126,000 in October 2025 faltered due to tariff shocks, liquidations, and ETF outflows, pushing prices down to $77,000. Recovery hinges on holding the $79,000-$80,000 zone, institutional demand, and a shift in monetary policy. Forecasts for a return to previous highs vary, with some expecting it by late 2026 or early 2027.

Quote of the Day by Horace: Horaces quote, Time will bring to light whatever is hidden; it will cover up and conceal what is now shining in splendor, highlights the powerful role of time in revealing truth and reshaping perception. The quote suggests that nothing remains hidden forever, as time eventually exposes reality, while also reminding us that present fame, success, and glory are temporary and can fade with changing circumstances.

Quote of the day by Thales: Greek philosopher Thales believed hope is a universal human possession. Hope helps people endure hardship and loss. It fuels resilience, enabling individuals to imagine better futures and take action. Thales, one of the Seven Wise Men, is credited with early philosophical and scientific ideas.

Quote of the day by Bruce Willis highlights a simple message about human life, aging, fame, genetics, spirituality, and self-acceptance. Bruce Willis used humor to explain how physical changes connect people to reality. The quote remains relevant because it discusses confidence, identity, and acceptance. His journey from television to Hollywood films, along with his personal health struggles, gives deeper meaning to the statement and its life lessons.

NARCL has already filed applications linked to both the corporate guarantee of Jaiprakash Power Ventures and personal guarantees of chairman Manoj Gaur and vice-chairman Sunil Kumar Sharma, and is exploring legal remedies to maximise recoveries from residual assets and obligations tied to Jaypee Group entities, they said.

Indias fertiliser subsidy bill could surge past a record 3 lakh crore this fiscal if the West Asia crisis continues, sharply exceeding the budget estimate of 1.71 lakh crore, a government official said.

Quote of the Day by Niccol Machiavelli: Machiavellis quote, Men are driven by two principal impulses, either by love or by fear explores the fundamental forces that influence human behavior and decision-making in everyday life. The quote suggests that most actions are shaped either by emotional connection, trust, and affection, or by caution, pressure, and the instinct to avoid negative consequences.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) carried out searches at three locations in Jammu and Kashmir in a terror funding case linked to the banned Jamaat-e-Islami.

Top lawyers are leaving big law firms to start their own chambers. They offer specialized advocacy and flexibility to clients. This trend is accelerating with several senior lawyers recently launching independent practices. The move allows for conflict-free work and a sharper focus on expertise. Market conditions, with millions of pending cases, favor these independent chambers.

India's research landscape faces significant hurdles, a NITI Aayog survey reveals. Researchers grapple with lengthy proposal approvals, scarce post-doctoral fellowships, and a stark lack of private and industry funding. Women researchers disproportionately experience career breaks, impacting their contributions to STEM fields. These findings highlight critical areas needing urgent attention.