The Economic Times

Pakistan has deployed 8,000 troops, a squadron of fighter jets and an air defence system to Saudi Arabia under a mutual defence pact, deepening military ties with Riyadh even as Islamabad positions itself as the key mediator in the Iran conflict.

A Sikar-based teacher's vigilance led to the discovery of a leaked NEET-UG 2026 exam paper. After meticulously verifying a circulating PDF against the actual exam, he alerted authorities. This crucial tip-off ultimately prompted the NTA to cancel the examination due to widespread malpractice allegations.

Mumbai police apprehended two individuals at Borivali railway station. They were wanted in connection with a bomb hurling incident in Murshidabad, West Bengal. The accused, Rocky Khan and Shahadat Sarkar, were on a train from Kolkata. They allegedly hurled crude bombs near an ashram. No casualties were reported. The duo admitted to their involvement.

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has announced two new commissions. One will focus on institutional corruption and the other on protecting SC, ST, and minority women and girl children. Adhikari also addressed the Park Circus violence, stating there will be zero tolerance for stone pelting on police.

Chief Justice of India Surya Kant has asked high court chief justices to hold online hearings on Mondays and Fridays. This move aims to cut down unnecessary expenses amid the West Asia crisis. The Supreme Court itself has adopted similar video conference proceedings.

A Parliamentary panel is set to review the National Testing Agencys (NTA) reforms alongside the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak issue, with top education officials, including the NTA Chairperson, summoned for discussion. The committee will also examine the K Radhakrishnan Committee report, assess updates on the ongoing NEET-UG investigation, and deliberate on broader concerns such as the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on education and student employability.

Despite India's technology ministry warning that prediction markets like Polymarket and Kalshi are illegal, customers in India continue to trade. A new law banning online money games went into effect May 1, yet these platforms are still accessible, with some users circumventing blocks.

NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar led a protest demanding the government buy onions at Rs 25 per kg. Farmers are selling produce at distress prices due to falling rates. Pawar stated farmers are not recovering production costs. He also called for compensation for those who sold onions at low rates. The agitation will intensify if demands are not met.

A Gen Z employee was fired for 'attitude' and 'culture fit' despite meeting project deadlines. Weeks later, the company's systems failed due to undocumented backend infrastructure he managed. He was rehired as a consultant, demanding double his previous salary, highlighting the value of skilled, albeit undocumented, contributors.

Word of the Day: Language is more than a tool for communication; it also serves as a form of cultural memory. Words like acersecomic preserve ideas, traditions and identities that modern vocabulary can sometimes overlook. The English language contains thousands of highly specialized terms capable of describing surprisingly precise aspects of human experience.

Kevin Warsh assumes leadership of the U.S. Federal Reserve. This marks a new chapter for the central bank and President Trump. Warsh faces challenges including inflation and interest rate decisions. The Fed's balance sheet and future rate movements are key focus areas.

India's monsoon season is set to begin soon. The India Meteorological Department predicts the southwest monsoon will reach Kerala around May 26. Heavy rainfall with lightning and strong winds are forecast for Kerala and Mahe. This arrival offers much-needed relief from intense summer heat across the country. Farmers eagerly await the rains for crucial crop sowing.

Aam Aadmi Party leader Deepak Singla has been arrested by the Enforcement Directorate in a money laundering case. AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal alleged that the arrest is linked to Singlas refusal to join the Bharatiya Janata Party. He also praised Punjab minister Sanjeev Arora, who has been arrested in a GST fraud case, describing both leaders as brave and patriotic amid escalating political tensions.

Indian businesses are encouraged to monitor imports and identify opportunities for local manufacturing. This push for self-reliance aims to strengthen domestic industries. India's exports are growing, with ambitious targets set for the coming years. Free trade agreements are being expanded to enhance market access. A Swadeshi trade fair will showcase Indian products and services, promoting 'Made in India' goods.

Torrential rain inundated parts of New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Maryland on Monday night. New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy declared a state of emergency, urging people to stay indoors.

A Mumbai flat owner's social media post questions if rental income is truly passive. He shared his struggles with tenant issues and property management, highlighting the stress involved. This has ignited a debate among property owners. Many agree that managing tenants can be a demanding job. The owner suggests financial investments might offer better returns without the hassle.

Two farmers from Doddaballapur Rural were arrested for allegedly attacking an architect and her husband in a road rage incident near Hesaraghatta Main Road. The confrontation began when the architect honked at an MUV blocking her path. The situation escalated when the men allegedly beat her husband and attempted to harm him.

India's cooking gas shortage, driven by the Strait of Hormuz closure, forces refiners to cut alkylate production. This directly impacts California's gasoline supply, as alkylates are crucial for its unique blend, leading to higher prices for motorists already facing a global fuel crisis.

Anitha Radhakrishnan on Vijay government and family: Senior DMK leader Anita Radhakrishnan launched a blistering attack on the new TVK-led government, days after Joseph Vijay officially took charge as Tamil Nadu Chief Minister following prolonged alliance talks, Predicting that the administration would collapse within four to six months, the Tiruchendur MLA also questioned the absence of Vijays wife and children at the swearing-in ceremony, triggering fresh political controversy.

As temperatures rise, the FSSAI warns of common fridge storage mistakes increasing food poisoning risks. Proper separation of raw and cooked foods, maintaining a fridge temperature below 5C, and careful egg storage are crucial. These simple habits prevent bacterial contamination and protect families from illness during summer.

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has announced a strict zero-tolerance policy against vandalism, stating that the government will take firm legal action against those involved in attacking police personnel or damaging public property. The warning comes in the aftermath of violent protests reported in Kolkatas Park Circus area.

The newly released Episode 7 trailer for Euphoria hints that Rue Bennett may finally stop running from herself. The previews biggest surprise is the return of Ali Muhammed, played by Colman Domingo. Across previous seasons, Ali has remained one of the few people willing to confront Rue honestly while still offering genuine compassion and support.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Monday arrested Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Deepak Singla in connection with an alleged bank fraud case, officials said.

Excitement is building as pre-orders for Grand Theft Auto VI, or GTA 6, are rumored to start today. This follows a leaked email suggesting early access to pre-orders before the November 19 release. Fans also anticipate a new trailer. Rockstar Games has not confirmed these reports. The game is set in Vice City and features dual protagonists.

Wired earphones are making a surprising return in 2026. Celebrities and everyday users are embracing them for better sound and fewer charging hassles. This trend also taps into Y2K nostalgia. In India, affordability and reliability have always kept wired options popular. USB-C earphones are bridging the gap for newer phones. This simple technology is finding a new audience.

Following the UDF's victory in Kerala, Congress leaders Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi expressed optimism for the state's rue progress and future-led development. Gandhi emphasized that the people's voice will guide the new government, led by V D Satheesan, and that work begins now. Kharge highlighted the commitment to dignity, justice, freedom, inclusion, and amity.

A viral Reddit post claiming that most Indian freshers lose money by accepting the first salary offer without negotiating has triggered a massive online debate. While many agreed that candidates should ask for better pay professionally, others including people involved in hiring argued that negotiation can backfire badly in Indias highly competitive fresher job market.

Anand Mahindra shared a heartwarming video of a grandfather teaching his grandson Maniyaro Raas, a vibrant Gujarati folk dance. The clip, believed to be from the Saurashtra region of Gujarat, resonated deeply online for symbolising the passing down of tradition, rhythm and cultural memory from one generation to the next, offering many viewers a comforting sense of continuity.

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang calls a total ban on AI chip exports to China 'ridiculous'. He believes such restrictions would push China to build its own technology, ultimately harming US leadership. Huang argues American companies should compete globally. He suggests China can still advance AI using existing resources and older chips, not just the most advanced ones.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is on a four-day visit to Vietnam and South Korea to bolster strategic defence cooperation, including joint production of military hardware. The trip aims to strengthen defence industrial partnerships, enhance maritime collaboration, and promote peace in the Indo-Pacific region. Discussions will also cover the South China Sea situation and explore new initiatives for bilateral engagements.

Kerala lottery result today: Kerala Lottery Bhagyathara BT-54 results for Monday, 18 May 2026, have been officially declared. Ticket holders can now check their numbers for the 1 crore first prize and other attractive cash rewards.

Ten people died in a tragic road accident in Lakhimpur Kheri. A truck and van collided head-on on the Lakhimpur-Bahraich Highway. Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced ex-gratia payments for the deceased and injured. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also condoled the loss and ordered prompt assistance for victims.

A new employee feels scapegoated at work due to a manager providing incomplete instructions and blaming newer hires for problems. The situation is worsened by perceived favoritism towards a senior employee and communication issues with older freelancers. Reddit users advise documenting everything and actively seeking new employment.

A resurfaced video shows Andrew Tate controversially praising Indian men for resilience and family structures while criticizing Western masculinity. He contrasted this with perceived failures of young white men, sparking debate over his remarks, which critics deem filled with stereotypes and vulgarity, despite his framing as a defense against online mockery.

Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and other footballers and sports celebrities have also been in trouble with Spanish tax authorities.

Maharashtra saw over 11.14 lakh households complete their Census 2027 self-enumeration online. The government provided a web portal for this convenience. Pune district led with the highest participation. Households that completed online enumeration must share their SE ID with enumerators. Field enumeration will continue for all households from May 16 to June 14.

China will purchase over $17 billion in US farm goods yearly for three years. This deal boosts agricultural trade significantly. Purchases will include wheat, corn, meat, cotton, and timber. Rival suppliers like Brazil and Australia may see reduced exports. This agreement aims to expand trade between the two nations.

A study by scientists at an ICAR institute has found that El Nio events have consistently reduced yields of major kharif crops in India, with significant impacts across multiple states. Research led by Subash N Pillai at the ICAR-Indian Institute of Farming Systems Research shows that paddy output fell by over 10% in 77 districts, while maize production declined similarly in 65 districts during El Nio years.

West Bengal's new BJP government, under Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, has approved the 7th Pay Commission for state employees to bridge the pay gap with central staff. The cabinet also decided to halt religion-based incentive schemes and introduce free bus travel for women from June 1, alongside the Annapurna Bhandar scheme providing monthly cash to eligible women.

Salesforce is halting software engineer hiring in 2025, anticipating a significant productivity boost from AI tools like Agentforce. CEO Marc Benioff projects hundreds of millions in spending on AI tokens, particularly for coding tasks, indicating a strategic shift towards AI investment over team expansion. Engineers will work alongside AI, not be replaced.

Global security faces growing challenges. DRDO scientist Upendra Kumar Singh stresses the need for stronger preparedness against chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear threats. He notes a turbulent geopolitical shift and interconnected global powers. Singh also points to weakening global institutions and rising conflict zones. Emerging health threats and the accessibility of advanced technologies demand attention.

Police have arrested Arghya Mondal, son of TMC MLA Dilip Mondal, and five others. They were apprehended in Bakkhali-Fraserganj with firearms. Two pistols and six mobile phones were seized. Arghya Mondal also faces allegations of threatening BJP workers. The MLA himself is currently absconding.

Nagpur is seeing a surge in sustainable innovation. Young minds are turning discarded orange peels into useful eco-friendly products. This includes sustainable fashion, natural cleaning solutions, and scientific research. These initiatives are reducing waste, creating jobs, and promoting a greener future for the city.

The Indian National Congress is pursuing legal action to secure ownership of its former headquarters at 7, Jantar Mantar Road. The party has petitioned the Delhi High Court, seeking the execution of a sale deed for the historic British-era bungalow. The court has requested responses from the central and Delhi governments regarding the Congress's claim.

Export-Import Bank of India expects its loan book to grow 10% in FY27 despite geopolitical tensions in West Asia, according to Managing Director and CEO Harsha Bangari. The projected growth is lower than FY26s 12% rise, which was partly boosted by favourable currency movements as a large share of the banks loans are denominated in foreign currencies.

Kerala's new government has been sworn in. Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar administered the oath to Chief Minister V D Satheesan and 20 ministers. Two ministers chose to affirm their commitment instead of swearing in God's name. The United Democratic Front secured a significant victory in the recent assembly elections.