The Economic Times

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.

Global capital is shifting towards electronics and AI in Asia. India's foreign direct investment slowdown is not a major concern. Asia's export boom offers opportunities. India should integrate more into supply chains and adopt pragmatic approaches to Chinese investment. Realistic energy price adjustments and targeted support for vulnerable groups are also recommended.

A severe storm and heavy rains swept through five Uttar Pradesh districts on Wednesday. At least 33 people lost their lives in the devastating incidents. Bhadohi reported the highest casualties with 16 deaths. Fatehpur recorded nine fatalities, while Budaun saw five deaths. Chandauli and Sonbhadra districts also reported casualties.

Kaiser Drive Vaughan shooting: Two individuals were fatally shot outside a Vaughan residence on Wednesday evening, May 13. York Regional Police responded to reports of gunfire and discovered both victims deceased at the scene. Homicide investigators are now leading the investigation into the fatal incident.

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.

Quote of the day by Simone Weil: Simone Weil's observation that petroleum is a more likely cause of international conflict than wheat highlights its critical role in modern economies and geopolitical power. The current Iran conflict demonstrates this, with disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz impacting global oil supply, driving up prices and inflation risks worldwide.

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.

India has banned sugar exports until September 2026. This decision aims to manage domestic prices. The ban will impact global sugar markets, potentially benefiting Brazil and Thailand. Traders with existing contracts face challenges. Shipments already in the export pipeline will proceed under specific conditions. This move reflects concerns about domestic production lagging consumption.

President Trump will ask President Xi for help with the Iran conflict. China is unlikely to fully comply, preferring to maintain its economic and military ties with Iran. The US has limited options to pressure China, as sanctions could lead to costly retaliation. Both nations face complex geopolitical and economic considerations in this delicate situation.

President Donald Trump is in Beijing for crucial talks with China's Xi Jinping. The meetings aim to boost economic ties and maintain a trade truce. Discussions will also cover the Iran war and arms sales to Taiwan. Trump seeks to open China to U.S. business. Both leaders are keen to preserve the existing trade agreement.

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 by Sren Kierkegaard: Sren Kierkegaard's philosophy emphasizes experiencing life rather than solving it. He argued that constant worry about future success and perfect plans prevents people from appreciating the present. Embracing uncertainty, emotions, and personal growth are key to a meaningful existence, as life is a reality to be lived, not a problem to be solved.

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.

Prateek Yadav, son of Mulayam Singh Yadav, passed away in Lucknow. He was found in his kitchen and rushed to the hospital. The cause of death was cardiorespiratory collapse. His wife, Aparna Bisht Yadav, has joined the BJP. Akhilesh Yadav was among the first family members to arrive at the hospital.

Quote of the day by Bernard Meltzer highlights a message about real wealth and personal value. The quote explains that money alone does not define success. It encourages people to focus on relationships, skills, knowledge, and trust. The story explores Bernard Meltzers life, his radio career, and his advice to listeners. It also explains why the quote remains relevant in modern life, where financial pressure and career changes are common.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay secured a trust vote on Wednesday. His government received 144 votes in favour. The opposition DMK staged a walkout, criticising the TVK government's functioning. Udhayanidhi Stalin questioned the TVK's majority and alleged outside support. He also raised concerns about recent political shifts involving the AIADMK.

If this is to continue for longer period of time, it is just a matter of time before the government will pass on some of the price increases, Malhotra said at a conference hosted by the Swiss National Bank and the International Monetary Fund in Switzerland on Tuesday. Excise duties had been cut while state-run fuel retailers were absorbing the increase in crude prices as the conflict continues, he added.

Sambhaji Nagar civic administration demolished properties belonging to AIMIM corporator Mateen Patel. The action followed accusations that Patel hid TCS staffer Nida Khan. Khan faces charges related to illegal conversion. The AIMIM party has condemned the demolition as unlawful. Former MP Imitiaz Jaleel urged supporters not to resist, promising a grander reconstruction.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma believes the NDA's success in Eastern India signifies a revival of ancient civilizations. He states that Anga, Banga, Kalinga, and Kamrupa regions will now drive India's growth. Sarma emphasizes a unified development approach under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, aiming for all-round progress and increased contribution to the national GDP.

In a landscape where global capital is increasingly directed towards the booming electronics and AI industries in Asia, the recent dip in India's foreign direct investments poses little threat. The world economy demonstrates impressive resilience in the face of geopolitical challenges, reflecting how companies and governments have successfully navigated turbulent waters.

The LEADS 2025 report has unveiled the logistics champions of India, with Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Mizoram, and Delhi being hailed as 'exemplars'. Gujarat and Kerala are also making waves as 'high performers' among an elite group of 11 states, reflecting their exceptional efforts in logistics development.