The Economic Times

Oil price today: Brent crude futures rose 81 cents, or 0.77 per cent, to $105.83 a barrel, and U.S. West Texas Intermediate futures were up 97 cents, or 0.99 per cent, at $99.23.

President Trump is expected to sign an executive order on AI and cybersecurity, establishing a voluntary framework for developers to share new models with the government 90 days before public release. This move aims to balance pressure from populist supporters for increased oversight with the tech industry's resistance to mandatory requirements.

Business Insider CEO Barbara Peng is stepping down by the end of next month to pursue new opportunities driven by technological change. Christian Baesler will serve as interim lead. Peng's departure follows recent newsroom staff reductions as the company navigates challenges posed by AI in search.

Airbnb, facing tighter local regulations on short-term home rentals, announced Wednesday it is adding boutique hotels, car rentals and grocery delivery to its app in a bid to transform itself into a one-stop travel shop. The updated app adds grocery delivery through Instacart in more than 25 US cities, as well as airport and train station transfers and luggage storage services in more than 160 cities worldwide.

U.S. stock market bounced back after pressure eased on Wall Street from the bond market and oil prices gave back some of their big gains.

India and Italy elevated their Strategic Partnership to a Special Strategic Partnership during Prime Minister Modi's visit, signing key agreements in defense, technology, and trade. Both nations aim to boost bilateral trade to 20 billion by 2029 and are committed to early implementation of IMEC, fostering deeper cooperation across various sectors.

India has strongly criticized Pakistan at the UN Security Council. India highlighted Pakistan's history of genocidal acts. It stated that Pakistan attempts to hide its internal failures through violence. India also pointed to Pakistan's airstrikes on Afghanistan, which caused civilian casualties. These actions demonstrate Pakistan's disregard for international law and human life.

Selena Gomez's famous quote about Cinderella offers a powerful message on letting go. It highlights the importance of not looking back to find happiness and success. Gomez's own life experiences with public scrutiny and personal struggles make this advice deeply relatable. Her journey from Disney star to entrepreneur emphasizes resilience and emotional honesty.

Iran said on Wednesday it was examining a new US proposal to end the Middle East war, as President Donald Trump described the talks as being on the orderline between a deal and renewed strikes. Ghalibaf warned of a forceful response, while Iran's Revolutionary Guards said any renewed conflict would spread far beyond the Middle East.

Meloni described Melody as a very very good toffee in a short video that quickly went viral, riding on the already popular 'Melodi' meme culture around the two leaders' social media camaraderie and triggering a spike in searches and purchases of the decades-old confectionery brand.

Amancio Ortega built the Zara empire from a small clothing job in Spain to a global retail business worth billions. Today, Inditex operates in more than 200 markets and remains the worlds largest fast fashion retailer. Ortega changed fashion forever through speed, affordable style, and customer-driven retail strategy.

Meta has offered rival AI chatbots limited free access to WhatsApp in Europe, with charges to be implemented after a usage threshold is met. This move aims to appease EU regulators concerned about Big Tech's market dominance. Smaller rivals, however, deem the proposal insufficient and discriminatory.

A federal judge has ordered the Trump administration to comply with the Presidential Records Act, rejecting a Justice Department opinion that deemed the law unconstitutional. U.S. District Judge John Bates ruled the act is likely constitutional and found a substantial risk of non-compliance.

In an era of social media comparison, Jordan Peterson's quote, Compare yourself to who you were yesterday, not to who someone else is today, offers a powerful antidote. This advice shifts focus from external validation to personal responsibility and gradual self-improvement, resonating deeply with millions seeking a more grounded path to growth and self-worth.

The Competition Commission of India is enhancing its capabilities to understand digital markets and artificial intelligence. The regulator is hiring data scientists and analysts with expertise in AI tools and digital market operations. This move aims to strengthen the CCI's oversight. The CCI is also increasing approvals for non-problematic transactions through an automated route.

India's research and development spending lags behind global leaders. A Niti Aayog report highlights funding issues and bureaucratic delays. The report suggests increasing R&D investment to 2% of GDP. It also calls for streamlining processes and boosting manpower. Reforms aim to enhance India's research landscape and competitiveness.

India's sugar industry seeks permission for additional exports. This follows a recent ban on overseas shipments. The industry needs to honor existing contracts with international buyers. The government imposed the ban due to concerns over El Nino and rising domestic prices. This move aims to ensure sufficient sugar for local consumption and build buffer stocks for the next year.

Chinese Proverb of the Day highlights the meaning of Women hold up half the sky. The saying emphasizes the essential role women play in society, family life, leadership, and progress. It reflects the belief that the world cannot function or advance without the contributions, strength, and efforts of women. The proverb also promotes the idea of equality, suggesting that women deserve the same recognition, opportunities, and respect as men in every aspect of life.

The Supreme Court has dismissed a public interest litigation. The plea sought to exclude caste enumeration from the population census. A three-member bench stated this falls within the government's policy domain. The court refused to intervene in the matter. The bench noted that governments need such data for welfare measures. The plea was dismissed.

A broad measure of public expenditure fell 7.3% from a year ago, accelerating from the 2.5% decrease in March to mark its sharpest decline since October, according to Bloomberg calculations based on Ministry of Finance data released Wednesday. By contrast, broad fiscal revenue rose 2%.

Taiwan has strongly rejected discriminatory remarks made by a local election candidate. The candidate had vowed to ban Indian immigrants from Taiwan. Taiwan's mission in New Delhi stated that the nation cherishes democracy, inclusivity, and diversity. It supports people-to-people exchanges. This reaffirmation comes after the candidate displayed a billboard with his anti-immigrant pledge.

West Bengal will now identify, remove, and deport illegal Bangladeshi immigrants. This policy excludes Hindu refugees and others eligible under the Citizenship Amendment Act. The state government is also implementing the CAA. Land has been handed over to the Border Security Force for fencing. This move aims to enhance national security and border management.

Tangkhul Naga villagers sought security from Manipur's Chief Minister following attacks. They requested police forces and essential supplies. The United Naga Council is asking for details on missing hostages. Meanwhile, the Kuki Inpi Manipur extended a shutdown in Kuki-Zo areas. Peace remains a key focus for the state.

Iran, which has attacked vessels to assert control over the Strait, has expanded its definition of the waterway to include the UAE's Gulf of Oman coastline. The U.S. has imposed its own blockade on Iranian ports and attempted an aborted operation to reopen the chokepoint.

A car caught fire and exploded near New York's Charging Bull statue on May 19. Flames engulfed the vehicle, sending smoke across the Financial District. Pedestrians fled the scene before the blast. Emergency responders arrived quickly and secured the area. Firefighters worked to put out the fire. The cause of the incident is under investigation.

Ma Huateng, also known as Pony Ma, is the influential co-founder, chairman, and CEO of Tencent, a global tech conglomerate. Despite a low public profile, his leadership has built Tencent into a powerhouse in gaming, social media, and financial services, with WeChat boasting over 1 billion users. Forbes estimates his net worth at $63 billion as of November 2025.

Jammu and Kashmir Police have seized approximately 3 kilograms of heroin. The drugs were suspected to have been dropped by a drone near the international border. This significant recovery occurred in the Bishnah sector. Police acted on specific intelligence regarding cross-border narcotics smuggling. A local farmer discovered the suspicious packet while working in his field.

Japanese Proverb of the Day highlights the meaning of Womens quarrels cause the mens wars. The saying reflects how small personal conflicts or emotional disagreements can sometimes grow into much larger disputes when other people become involved. It suggests that misunderstandings, pride, loyalty, and social pressure can escalate tensions far beyond the original issue, turning minor arguments into broader conflicts that affect many others.

India and South Korea are set to collaborate on advanced defence technologies. Plans include joint development and production of next-generation weapon systems. This partnership aims to leverage Korea's technological prowess and India's manufacturing capabilities. Discussions focused on areas like maritime security and emerging technologies. Agreements were signed for directed energy weapons and self-propelled air defence systems.

The three companies wanted a bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M Pancholi to stop the hearing in the case till the mediation is over as they wanted attempt mediation for deciding the case.

Rahul Gandhi labelled Prime Minister Modi and Home Minister Shah as raitors for allegedly attacking the Constitution and handing over national assets to industrialists. Addressing a party meeting in Amethi, he refused to apologize for his remarks, which the BJP condemned as an insult to the nation and reflective of his frustration over electoral losses.

Projects worth 15,000 crore across six states are being awarded to kick-start the Centre's 1 lakh crore Urban Challenge Fund. These initiatives include water supply for villages, lake cleaning, and traffic congestion solutions. The funding model involves a 25% contribution from the Centre and states, with the remaining 50% sourced from municipal bonds, bank loans, and PPPs.

The psychology behind women wanting things done a certain way often points to a deeper link between stress, mental load, anxiety and social expectations. While true Obsessive-compulsive disorder requires professional diagnosis, many everyday control behaviors are more closely connected to emotional overwhelm than to personality flaws.

India and Italy have elevated their relationship to a Special Strategic Partnership. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni announced this major step. The two nations will hold annual meetings and boost defense and maritime security cooperation. Trade targets are set to increase significantly. Both countries are committed to combating terrorism and resolving global issues through dialogue.

The Assam cabinet has approved the Assam State Data Policy 2026. This new policy replaces the 2022 version. A Centre for Data Management will be established. This agency will create a unified data repository for analytics and AI. Departments will systematically share data. This aims to drive innovation for departments and citizens.

OpenAI IPO: Wall Street is entering its biggest IPO wave since 2022. OpenAI, SpaceX, Anthropic, Shein, and Kunlunxin could together raise nearly $200 billion. OpenAI may file for its IPO before SpaceX goes public. That changes the entire AI market race. Investors are now watching Sam Altman, Elon Musk, and Anthropic more closely than ever. These mega IPOs could reshape Nvidia, Microsoft, Nasdaq, AI stocks, tech valuations, and global markets. The battle is no longer only about innovation. It is

Former Cuban President Raul Castro faces murder charges in the United States. This indictment stems from a 1996 incident where Cuban jets shot down exile planes. The US is increasing pressure on Cuba's government. A ceremony in Miami honors victims of the 1996 event. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio offers aid to Cuba.

Quote of the day by Martin Luther King Jr.: He emphasized that true education cultivates both intensive and critical thinking, alongside strong character. This dual focus is crucial in today's information-saturated world, where intelligence must be paired with honesty and empathy to foster a just society and prevent social harm.

The Delhi High Court has rejected a plea to deregister the Aam Aadmi Party and disqualify its leaders. The court found the petition lacked merit. Leaders had boycotted proceedings in the liquor policy case. The court stated the Election Commission cannot deregister a party. Contempt proceedings are underway for the leaders' conduct.

The CBI has filed an FIR against a former Indian Navy captain for allegedly amassing disproportionate assets exceeding Rs 3 crore. During his service, including sensitive postings, the officer and his family's assets reportedly grew significantly between 2010 and 2020. The agency alleges a substantial portion of these assets cannot be explained by known income sources.