The Economic Times

New Delhi hosted the BRICS Foreign Ministers' meeting. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar welcomed delegates from member and observer nations. The meeting is part of India's 2026 BRICS chairship. Discussions covered global and regional issues. India assumed the BRICS Chairmanship on January 1.

Lee Iacocca, a renowned auto industry leader, believed the family unit offers unparalleled stability. He witnessed major institutions falter, yet found consistent support in familial bonds. This wisdom remains relevant today, reminding us that relationships, not achievements, build life's strongest safety nets. Family provides comfort when other structures fail.

Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit emphasized that India's future military strength hinges on AI, cyber warfare, and drones, not just traditional platforms. He urged MSMEs to become long-term national security partners, highlighting a significant 10 lakh crore opportunity in the expanding defence ecosystem.

China has reinstated export licenses for over 400 U.S. beef processing plants, including those of major players like Tyson Foods and Cargill. This move comes as leaders from both nations convened in Beijing. The renewal follows a significant drop in U.S. beef exports to China last year after numerous plant registrations expired, impacting billions in trade.

IPL 2026: Virat Kohli achieved this milestone against the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), scoring 105* in 60 balls, with 11 fours and three sixes at a strike rate of 175.00.

The West Bengal government has reinforced a ban on cattle and buffalo slaughter. Animals must have a fitness certificate confirming they are over 14 years old or permanently incapacitated. Slaughter is restricted to designated municipal facilities. Violators face jail time or fines.

A violent storm, accompanied by rain and hail, has claimed the lives of nearly 90 people in India's Uttar Pradesh. The severe weather uprooted trees and billboards, causing significant damage and fatalities from falling structures. This event highlights the destructive potential of storms common during the region's hot season.

The West Bengal Council of Higher Secondary Education (WBCHSE) will announce Class 12 results today at 10:30 am, with scorecards accessible online from 11 am. Students can check results on official websites or DigiLocker. A minimum of 30% in each subject is required to pass.

An Alberta judge has stopped a citizen-led petition for a provincial independence referendum. The court ruled the process violated legal duties to consult Indigenous peoples. Their treaty rights would be impacted by secession. The provincial government plans to appeal the decision. This ruling casts doubt on future independence efforts in Alberta.

The West Bengal Council of Higher Secondary Education will soon announce Class 12 results. Students can check their scores and the toppers list online. The merit list will feature top performers from Science, Commerce, and Arts streams. Details like pass percentage and district-wise statistics will also be revealed. This information will be available on official websites and DigiLocker.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has issued a stern warning to US President Donald Trump. He stated that the Taiwan issue is the most critical in China-US relations. Mishandling this matter could lead to a clash between the two powerful nations. President Xi emphasized this during President Trump's visit to Beijing. Both leaders are set for important discussions.

Hollywood star Demi Moore's words are resonating today. She states wanting nice things is fine, but valuing oneself based on possessions is wrong. In a world focused on luxury and social media, her message reminds people that true worth lies in character, not material wealth. This perspective combats insecurity and promotes inner peace and self-respect.

Quote of the Day by Laurel Thatcher Ulrich suggests that relationships are often built more on acceptance, patience, and emotional connection than on endlessly trying to analyze each other. Her humorous yet thought-provoking words continue to resonate with modern couples navigating love, communication, and emotional expectations.

Israeli airstrikes hit Lebanon hard, killing 22 people including children. These deadly raids occurred just before crucial talks between Lebanon and Israel in Washington. The violence has escalated significantly since a ceasefire was announced. Homes have been damaged and destroyed.

Nuclear weapons may not dominate discussions between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping this week, but analysts argue the issue is becoming increasingly urgent as China rapidly expands and modernises its atomic arsenal.

West Bengal HS Class 12 Result 2026: West Bengal Higher Secondary results for over 7 lakh Class 12 students are out today, with the announcement made at 10:30 AM and online access beginning at 11 AM. Students can check their scores on official websites like wbchse.wb.gov.in and result.wb.gov.in, or via DigiLocker. A minimum of 30% in each subject is required to pass.

Veteran banker Uday Kotak urged India to embrace innovation and disruptive thinking to become a powerful economy, warning that excessive focus on preservation could hinder its rise. He emphasized the need for more creation and destruction, akin to Brahma and Mahesh, to drive economic change in a world increasingly defined by raw power and strategic control.

Petrol, Diesel Price (May 14): Petrol and diesel prices remain stable in India despite rising global crude oil costs and West Asian conflict. Oil marketing companies are absorbing significant daily losses, while the government has banned sugar exports to control domestic prices. Milk has also become costlier, and gold import duty has been doubled. Experts warn of potential fuel price hikes if the Middle East crisis persists.

A Chicago jury began deliberations Wednesday afternoon in a suit brought against Boeing by family members of a 24-year-old American who perished in a 2019 Boeing 737 MAX crash. The suit was brought by relatives of Samya Stumo, who died in the March 2019 Ethiopian Airlines crash, the second of two MAX calamities that together claimed 346 lives.

Erik Fleming, a drug counselor, received a two-year prison sentence. He supplied Matthew Perry with ketamine that led to the actor's death. Fleming later became a key informant for investigators. He connected Perry to a drug supplier known as 'The Ketamine Queen'. Fleming's cooperation helped speed up the investigation.

A hantavirus outbreak aboard the MV Hondius cruise ship has infected eight people with the Andes virus. Three individuals have died. The World Health Organization confirms laboratory results for the infections. The virus typically spreads from rodents. The origin of this outbreak remains unknown. Public health risk is assessed as moderate for ship passengers and low globally.

Israel's ruling coalition on Wednesday submitted a proposal to dissolve parliament to pave the way for early elections as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu came under mounting attack from ultra-Orthodox parties. Netanyahu has governed Israel longer than any other prime minister -- more than 18 years in total since 1996.

Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President Donald Trump met in Beijing. The leaders engaged in high-level discussions. Topics included trade, Taiwan, and Iran. The meeting featured ceremonial pageantry. Both sides are expected to discuss economic cooperation and potential trade agreements. The visit aims to advance economic outcomes for the US.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi begins a five-nation tour tomorrow. The visit aims to strengthen India's ties with the UAE and four European nations. Discussions will focus on energy, defense, and technology. The tour includes the UAE, Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, and Italy.

IPL Match yesterday: Virat Kohli's vintage 105* powered Royal Challengers Bengaluru to a six-wicket victory over Kolkata Knight Riders in Raipur. The win propelled RCB back to the top of the IPL 2026 points table, while KKR's playoff hopes took a hit. Kohli also became the first Indian to reach 14,000 T20 runs.

The BRICS Foreign Ministers' Meeting commences Thursday. Tensions in West Asia are impacting discussions. Iran and UAE have not reached a consensus on the crisis. India is chairing the meeting. Ministers will also meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The gathering prepares for the September summit. Partner countries will also attend.

Britain will spend one billion pounds on seventy-two remote-controlled howitzers. This purchase modernizes the army and fills a war-fighting capability gap. Deliveries of the RCH 155 vehicles are expected from 2028. The contract supports over 500 jobs in the United Kingdom. The new artillery systems can fire at long distances and move at high speeds.

Scientists in Chile developed antibodies that successfully neutralised the deadly Andes hantavirus in lab and animal studies, raising hopes for a treatment against the rare virus that can spread between people. But the project stalled before human trials due to lack of funding and the Covid-19 pandemic.

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick faced questioning from House lawmakers regarding his past interactions with Jeffrey Epstein. Lutnick revised earlier statements about Epstein engaging in blackmail, calling it mere speculation. He downplayed several meetings with Epstein, including a 2005 visit that initially disturbed him and his wife. Democrats criticized Lutnick's testimony as evasive, with some calling for his resignation.

African proverb of the day: An African saying highlights life's constant cycles of change and uncertainty, using the sun and moon's predictable rhythm as a metaphor for underlying stability. This natural order teaches patience during difficulties and emphasizes the importance of balance, reminding us that even challenging times are temporary phases within a continuous flow.

Quote of the day by Oscar Wilde: Oscar Wilde's quote highlights that while formal education is valuable, life's most profound lessons in love, failure, and self-awareness are often learned through personal experience. True wisdom, he suggests, transcends textbooks and exams, emerging from lived realities and challenges.

Chinese proverb of the day: Starting anything new is often the most challenging phase, marked by fear, uncertainty, and slow progress. This Chinese proverb, 'All things are difficult at the start,' emphasizes that initial struggles are natural and a common part of eventual success. Embracing persistence and patience through these difficulties leads to growth and mastery over time.

Cisco stock price today after CSCO earnings: Cisco shares soared following a robust earnings report. The networking giant exceeded expectations for revenue, profits, and future guidance. Demand for its artificial intelligence infrastructure business is growing significantly. Cisco also announced workforce reductions to focus on long-term growth areas.

Kevin Warsh is set to become the new Federal Reserve chair. However, his influence on interest rates might be limited. The Federal Open Market Committee, a 12-member panel, ultimately decides on rate targets. Warsh will hold only one vote. Consensus building and persuasion are key to the chair's role. Financial markets closely monitor every Fed statement for policy clues.

Quote of the Day: Franz Kafka, a renowned writer, explored themes of isolation and anxiety. His quote suggests that avoiding the world's suffering can paradoxically lead to deeper personal pain. Kafka's life and works, marked by personal struggles and a unique literary style, continue to resonate today. His writings offer profound insights into the human condition, urging reflection on self-preservation versus connection.

Swiggy is set to revamp its board structure, aiming to establish itself as a wholly Indian concern. This evolution, motivated by inquiries from stakeholders, comes as the company navigates the complexities of foreign investments, which represent around 60% of its shares. This change marks a crucial chapter in Swiggy's bid for greater autonomy within Indias competitive food delivery landscape.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay has reversed his decision to appoint his astrologer, Rickey Radhan Pandit Vettrivel, as Officer on Special Duty. The appointment faced strong criticism from opposition parties and allies. Vettrivel, also a spokesperson for the Tamizhaga Vettri Kazhagam, was a close aide during the election campaign.

The Congress party will announce its Kerala chief minister on Thursday. This decision follows a meeting between party president Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi. The announcement comes amid internal discussions and pressure from allies. A poster campaign in Wayanad has added to the political maneuvering. The party is navigating differing opinions on the top post.

Health Secretary Wes Streeting is reportedly preparing to resign from the UK government. His allies suggest he will challenge Prime Minister Keir Starmer for the Labour leadership. This move could trigger a contest within the party. Financial markets reacted to the news with gilts and the pound dropping. Streeting's spokesperson did not deny the reports.

India is creating a unique username-based digital addressing system. This initiative, led by India Post, aims to simplify sending and receiving parcels, food, and other services. Users will not need to share physical addresses, enhancing privacy. The system, named Dhruva, is awaiting finance ministry approval. It will be similar to Aadhaar and UPI, standardizing addresses nationwide for better service delivery.

With an eye on reaching $1 trillion in exports by FY27, India is launching into a new era of trade. The upcoming implementation of various free trade agreements, combined with efforts to streamline business regulations, is designed to create a robust trade environment.

The United States and China are poised to create a managed trade system for non-sensitive items. This initiative could see tariffs reduced on approximately thirty billion dollars worth of goods. The plan aims to boost trade without compromising national security. Prominent US business leaders are accompanying President Donald Trump to China for this significant summit.

The new Tamil Nadu government will work with the Centre for the state's progress. However, it will oppose the BJP-led central government on matters like delimitation. Minister KG Arunraj emphasized cooperative federalism and state rights. The party is rooted in Dravidian ideology, rationalism, and social justice. The government prioritizes law and order, drug menace, women's safety, and attracting investments.

President Donald Trump has arrived in Beijing for a significant summit with China's Xi Jinping. He aims to open Chinese markets to American businesses and secure economic gains. Trump is accompanied by prominent CEOs, including those from Nvidia and Tesla. The visit also addresses sensitive topics like the Iran war and Taiwan.