The Economic Times
Elections 2026National / The Economic Times
Mothers Day 2026 gift ideas: Mother's Day is just around the corner, and if you're short on time, don't fret! Simple gestures like cooking her favourite meal, writing a heartfelt letter, or planning a cozy movie night can make her feel incredibly special. Consider a DIY gift, a surprise bouquet with cake, or simply giving her a day off from chores.
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Saturday launched a sharp attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), alleging that the party does not love Punjab but hates it, while accusing it of fomenting unrest in different parts of the country.
Quote of the day by Seneca: Seneca quote of the day meaning and Stoic philosophy on time waste show a powerful truth: most people lose nearly 35 hours daily to distraction, not lack of time. This ancient wisdom from Seneca in Dialogues and Essays feels urgent in todays digital life. The real issue is not short life but wasted attention and poor time management. Seneca quote of the day reminds us that time loss is silent but constant. Social media, overthinking, and distraction reduce productivit
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has appointed retired IAS officer Subrata Gupta as his adviser. Gupta's extensive experience is expected to aid the new administration in policy coordination and governance. IAS officer Shantanu Bala has also been appointed as the Chief Minister's private secretary.
Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam's government formation efforts in Tamil Nadu have received a significant boost. The IUML has now extended unconditional support, bringing the total number of supporting parties to five. This alliance has secured 121 seats, surpassing the required majority mark. TVK chief Vijay is expected to meet the Governor soon.
African proverb of the day shares a message about sacrifice, success, and hard work. The proverb says no person is born great and greatness grows through effort while others rest. The teaching explains dedication, persistence, and self-development. It shows why building your future in private moments matters. The proverb gives guidance on discipline, time use, and personal growth. It encourages action, focus, and steady work to reach goals and long-term success.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has urged all opposition parties, including Leftists and national parties, to unite against the BJP. She called for a joint platform to combat the saffron camp, citing alleged atrocities against TMC workers post-election. Banerjee emphasized the BJP as the primary adversary, dismissing the enemy's enemy is my friend approach.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah honored BJP activists allegedly killed by the Trinamool Congress. A memorial was erected at the Brigade Parade Ground in Kolkata. Their sacrifices were acknowledged as a source of strength for the party. The BJP state president claimed over 300 workers were killed in post-poll violence.
Himangshu Maji, a retired teacher, expressed pride in his former student Suvendu Adhikari becoming West Bengal's Chief Minister. Maji recalled Adhikari as a diligent student who maintained respect even after entering politics. Adhikari's rise from a marginal district to the state's top post brings joy to his former teacher. The new Chief Minister took oath at Brigade Parade Grounds.
Quote of The Day: Marie Curie's timeless words remind us that fear stems from a lack of understanding. By seeking knowledge, we can dispel anxieties and gain clarity. This principle applies to all aspects of life, from education to professional challenges and personal relationships. Embracing curiosity over apprehension leads to better decision-making and a more confident approach to the world.
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar has dismissed claims of Tamil Nadu Congress MLAs being housed in a resort near Bengaluru. He stated he is unaware of any such development and has not received communication from the party high command.
Quote of the Day: A quote attributed to Epicurus suggests delaying marriage in late 30s or 40s due to evolving independence and ingrained lifestyles. This idea resonates today as people prioritize personal fulfillment and emotional compatibility, making adjustments more challenging later in life. The philosophy questions marriage as a natural imperative versus a societal construct.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Saturday arrested Punjab minister Sanjeev Arora in connection with an ongoing Rs 100 crore money laundering investigation linked to alleged fraudulent Goods and Services Tax (GST) transactions, officials said.
AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi claims Muslims face a planned agenda. He links Special Intensive Revision with NRC and NPR. Owaisi also raised concerns about the Nida Khan case and media trials. He questioned references in an FIR and the legality of possessing religious books. The AIMIM leader stated the matter will go to court.
Quote of the day by Noam Chomsky: The Noam Chomsky education system quote highlights how modern education filters independent thinking in schools and workplaces. Over 1.5 billion students worldwide face standardized learning systems that shape skills, behavior, and career paths. Education system debate grows as AI era demands creativity, critical thinking, and innovation. The Noam Chomsky education system quote sparks global discussion on institutional filtering and conformity. Experts say educa
Roy Kapur Films' web series Matka King is a major success on Amazon Prime Video. It is the platform's most successful new show in over three years. The show also ranked in Amazon's Global Top 10. A second season of Matka King has been announced. Roy Kapur Films has more upcoming series on Amazon Prime Video, Jio HotStar, and Netflix.
A Frontier Airlines passenger jet reportedly struck a pedestrian on the runway at Denver International Airport late Friday. The aircraft aborted takeoff for Los Angeles after smoke was reported in the cabin. The flight carried 224 passengers and seven crew members. All were safely evacuated. The airline is investigating the incident with airport and safety authorities.
Russian President Vladimir Putin said Saturday that his soldiers in Ukraine were fighting an aggressive force backed by all of NATO and described his war goals as just, as he addressed a scaled back Victory Day parade on Red Square. In an address to the parade, attended by Russian military units as well as soldiers from North Korea, Putin invoked the Soviet victory to rally support for his army in Ukraine.
Planning a summer holiday in India can be exciting, but extreme temperatures in several regions can make travel uncomfortable and even risky during peak summer months (May to June). Many popular tourist destinations experience severe heatwaves, high humidity or dry desert conditions, which can lead to dehydration, heat exhaustion and reduced travel enjoyment.
India successfully tested an Advanced Agni missile with a MIRV system on May 8, 2026. The missile carried multiple payloads, hitting different targets across the Indian Ocean Region. This trial demonstrated India's capability to strike multiple strategic locations with a single missile. The Defence Minister congratulated DRDO and the Indian Army on this significant achievement for national defence preparedness.
3 Body Problem has emerged as one of Netflixs most ambitious projects, despite a challenging start. The adaptation of Liu Cixins acclaimed science fiction novel premiered on March 21, 2024, with a reported budget of $20 million per episode, making it one of the platforms most expensive productions.
A Delhi-based entrepreneur is offering employees a Rs 10,000 reimbursement and extra paid leave for a three-day vacation with their parents. CEO Rajat Grover aims to encourage quality family time, emphasizing the importance of cherishing moments with parents. The initiative has garnered significant praise online for its heartfelt approach.
25% ethanol-blended petrol: India is speeding up its shift to renewable energy. Higher ethanol blending in petrol is being considered. This aims to cut reliance on imported crude oil. The nation is also boosting refining capacity and strategic oil reserves. These steps enhance energy security and shield the economy from global price shocks. Renewable energy, biofuels, and hydrogen are now key national priorities.
Eight Hantavirus cases have been reported, with three deaths. Six cases are confirmed as Andes virus. The World Health Organization assesses the global risk as low. However, the risk for passengers and crew on a cruise ship is moderate. Experts believe Hantavirus spread in India is unlikely due to rare human-to-human transmission. Public health measures are being undertaken.
A fragile ceasefire is being tested as the US struck two Iranian oil tankers. Bahrain announced arrests linked to Iran's Revolutionary Guard. The US military confirmed disabling the tankers and thwarting attacks on its ships. Diplomatic efforts are underway by Russia, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Qatar, and Pakistan to secure a lasting peace agreement and reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
Displaced Kashmiri Pandits staged a protest in Jammu. They are demanding a comprehensive rehabilitation policy for their return to Kashmir Valley. The community also seeks a fresh employment package for 15,000 educated youth. Protesters carried placards and raised slogans for their long-pending demands. They expressed faith in the government's vision for justice and rightful rehabilitation.
The Congress party is currently deliberating the selection of the next Chief Minister for Keralam. Party leaders are meeting at Mallikarjun Kharge's residence to finalize the decision. The Congress-led UDF secured a significant majority in the recent assembly polls. The Kerala Congress (Joseph) party expects two ministerial positions.
According to Phayul, Chinese military courts found both officials guilty of accepting massive bribes and misusing their authority while serving in top defence positions.
Newly sworn-in West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari held a crucial meeting with top officials. He reviewed the state's law and order situation. Discussions also covered the smooth continuation of schemes from the previous government. Progress on Writers' Buildings renovation was also a key point. Officials were directed to ensure seamless operations.
Quote of the day by Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel: More than 250 years after his birth, Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel remains one of the most searched and influential philosophers in modern intellectual history. His philosophy on contradiction, freedom, consciousness, and human existence still shapes global discussions on politics, psychology, society, and identity. Hegels success did not come from sudden fame or wealth. He earned recognition through powerful ideas that transformed modern philos
Summer is the perfect season to start a small balcony garden and enjoy fresh, homegrown vegetables right at home.
The Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi has officially pledged support to Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam. This backing is crucial for TVK to establish a majority government in Tamil Nadu. VCK President Thol. Thirumavalavan conveyed the confirmation to TVK General Secretary Aadhav Arjuna. The move signals a significant political development in the state.
Quote of the day Motivational by Naomi Klein: Naomi Klein's The Shock Doctrine argues that crises are catalysts for real change, with pre-existing ideas dictating the actions taken. This insight remains relevant as societies navigate pandemics, economic instability, and geopolitical tensions, highlighting the importance of preparedness for individuals and institutions alike.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi honored Makhanlal Sarkar, a 97-year-old associate of Shyama Prasad Mukherjee, at the swearing-in ceremony for Bengal's first BJP Chief Minister, Suvendu Adhikari. Modi acknowledged Sarkar's contributions and past arrest alongside Dr. Mukherjee. The event marked a significant moment for the BJP in West Bengal, with Modi emphasizing the party's commitment to realizing Mukherjee's vision.
Word of the Day: As society continues to grapple with uncertainty, metamodernism offers a vocabulary for understanding the emotional complexity of the present era. It reflects a generation that laughs through anxiety, seeks authenticity despite skepticism, and continues searching for meaning even after questioning whether meaning exists at all.
Congress has demanded a parliamentary debate following China's admission of providing technical support to Pakistan during Operation Sindoor. The party questions the Modi government's approach to China, citing loosened trade curbs and increased industrial dependency. This development follows China's state broadcaster airing an interview confirming engineer involvement with Pakistan's air force. Congress seeks answers on the government's stance and actions.
Summer heat can quickly leave the body feeling tired, dehydrated and low on energy, which is why watermelon becomes one of the most important fruits to include in your daily diet during the warmer months. Packed with nearly 92 per cent water, watermelon is widely considered one of the best hydrating summer fruits because it helps replenish fluids naturally while also providing essential nutrients like potassium, vitamin C and antioxidants.
Iran doubts US sincerity in diplomacy following recent naval clashes in the Gulf. Tehran has not yet responded to Washington's latest peace proposal. US fighter jets fired on Iranian tankers, leading to Iranian retaliation. An oil slick has appeared off Iran's Kharg Island. Meanwhile, a ceasefire in Lebanon is also strained.
The New Delhi Municipal Council has launched a technology-driven Monsoon Action Plan 2026. This initiative aims to significantly reduce waterlogging across the capital. The plan incorporates robotic surveys of drains, GIS mapping, and CCTV monitoring. These advanced measures will enhance monitoring and expedite desilting operations. Vulnerable waterlogging points have been reduced, ensuring better preparedness for the rainy season.
The Supreme Court has delivered a landmark ruling. Individuals accused of murder or abetting murder cannot inherit property from the victim. This disqualification applies to both wills and intestate succession. The court stated that this bar holds even if a trial is ongoing. Principles of justice and equity support this decision.
A newly released clip from the United States Department of Defense has reignited Americas fascination with UFOs, UAPs and biblical mysteries after viewers spotted what many described as an eerie eight-pointed star drifting through military footage.
Nora Fatehi in FIFA World Cup 2026: Nora Fatehi will headline the FIFA World Cup 2026 opening ceremony in Toronto on June 12, 2026, performing alongside a star-studded international lineup. This significant milestone highlights her growing global presence and versatility as an entertainer. The event is expected to draw a massive worldwide audience, further boosting her international profile.
Bengaluru leads metropolitan cities in dowry-related cases with 878 incidents reported in 2024, accounting for 87% of metro cases. Delhi, however, continues to record the highest number of dowry deaths for the fifth consecutive year, with 109 cases reported in the same period.
Russia's Victory Day parade was smaller this year due to threats from Ukraine. The event, marking the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany, saw fewer military displays. A ceasefire was announced by US President Donald Trump, supported by both Russia and Ukraine. This move aims to de-escalate the ongoing conflict. The war in Ukraine continues to impact Russia.
Washington has altered its United Nations resolution demanding Iran cease attacks in the Strait of Hormuz. However, diplomats believe China and Russia will still veto the proposal. This comes ahead of President Trump's visit to China. The revised draft removed a clause allowing for sanctions or military action. Despite this, strong language against Iran remains.
Tamil Nadu's government formation hangs in the balance as VCK prepares to declare its support for TVK. Amidst allegations of horse-trading and a forged support letter from AMMK, Congress MLAs have relocated. TVK and Left parties are pushing for a swift decision to respect the people's mandate and prevent BJP's influence.
Students across India are channeling their anxiety over upcoming Central Board of Secondary Education Class 12 results into social media content. Memes, jokes, and emotional posts are flooding platforms as students nervously await the declaration of marks, expected between May 11 and May 17.

34 C