The Economic Times

India and the United Arab Emirates forged new ties on Friday. Key agreements were signed in defence cooperation, energy security, and infrastructure investment. The UAE committed $5 billion to Indian infrastructure and financial institutions. These pacts were finalized during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the Gulf nation.

Rathindranath Bose has been unanimously elected as the West Bengal Assembly Speaker. Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari emphasized the importance of a constructive opposition. He assured that the government will ensure transparency in legislative proceedings. Live telecasts of Assembly sessions will be arranged. Opposition MLAs will have ample opportunities to voice their concerns and meet ministers.

This weekend (May 1517, 2026) is arguably the biggest streaming window of the year so far. You have a massive collision of Indian blockbusters, Hollywood space operas, and the final chapters of beloved cult classics.

Pakistan's parliamentary session on the 2025 conflict with India saw poor attendance, embarrassing the administration. The session aimed to highlight their narrative of 'Marka-e-Haq' and the 'Bunyanum Marsoos' operation, a response to India's 'Operation Sindoor' strikes targeting terror infrastructure after the Pahalgam attack. Despite claims of success, the low turnout overshadowed the proceedings.

Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary walked to his office with officials. This follows Prime Minister Narendra Modi's call to reduce fuel consumption. The Chief Minister also ordered a smaller motorcade. His government plans more steps to save fuel. These include promoting work-from-home and a weekly 'no vehicle day'. Meetings will be held via video-conferencing.

India requires Rs 80 lakh crore for urban infrastructure by 2037. Cities will contribute significantly to the nation's GDP. A new Rs 1 lakh crore fund will encourage market-based funding for urban projects. Local bodies must raise funds through bonds or loans. This will improve financial discipline and city creditworthiness. Smaller towns can benefit from a credit guarantee scheme.

Entrepreneur and digital creator Mehul Agrawal has gone viral after candidly sharing the harsh reality of quitting his job to start a company. In an Instagram video, he revealed how the excitement of freedom lasted only 11 minutes before anxiety, self-doubt and overwhelming responsibilities of entrepreneurship kicked in.

The Supreme Court has ordered the premature release of Rohit Chaturvedi, a convict in the 2003 Madhumita Shukla murder case. Chaturvedi has spent 22 years in jail. The court stressed that the state should focus on reformation rather than retribution.

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar claims the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls targets SC, BC, and minority votes. He assures the Congress government will protect these voters' rights. The Election Commission announced the revision process across several states, including Karnataka.

Nagaland lottery results today: Nagaland State Lottery Sambad Dear Victory Friday Weekly draw results for 15 May 2026 have been officially declared. Ticket holders can now check their numbers for the 1 Crore first prize and other attractive cash rewards.

Political tensions rise in Jammu and Kashmir as the BJP protests against liquor shops. The party criticizes the National Conference government, accusing it of promoting alcohol sales for revenue. BJP vows to physically shut down outlets if the administration does not change its policy.

The NEET-UG 2026 exam will be re-conducted on June 21 due to a paper leak. Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan assured students that malpractice will not recur. Reforms are planned, including shifting to Computer-Based Test mode next year. Fees for the upcoming exam will be waived. Students can choose their exam city again.

The Supreme Court has overturned a Delhi High Court decision that suspended the life sentence of former BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar. The court has directed the High Court to re-examine Sengar's appeal against his conviction in the Unnao rape case. The High Court is asked to decide on the main appeal against the conviction within two months.

West Bengal assembly proceedings will now be telecast live for the public to witness. Rathindra Bose has been elected unopposed as the new Speaker. The assembly will function according to constitutional principles. The Chief Minister emphasized the importance of a strong opposition. This move aims to bring transparency to the legislative process.

Wes Streeting has resigned as health minister. He is calling for a leadership contest to replace Keir Starmer. This follows disastrous local election results for the Labour Party. Streeting stated Starmer will not lead the party into the next general election. Other senior ministers remain in their positions for now.

Nobel laureate Richard Feynman, a brilliant theoretical physicist, revolutionized quantum mechanics with his groundbreaking work. Despite his immense intellect, Feynman cautioned against intellectual arrogance, emphasizing that expertise in science does not equate to universal wisdom. His quote highlights the importance of humility and critical thinking, reminding us that limitations exist beyond one's specialized field.

Quote of the day by William Shatner highlights loneliness, friendship, and human connection through the words There was nothing lonelier than a man with a million friends. This explainer covers quote meaning, relevance today, and life lessons while tracing the career, awards, and life journey of the Canadian actor known for Star Trek.

Nearly four decades after abandoning his studies, former Maoist leader Devji, 63, reappeared for his Telugu Intermediate exam. He secured special permission to complete his education, which was disrupted in 1983 due to police intimidation during exams. Devji now plans to pursue law to advocate for marginalized communities.

India is undertaking a massive Rs 90,000 crore project in Great Nicobar. This initiative will develop a major transshipment port and international airport. It aims to strengthen India's maritime presence and trade infrastructure. The project is strategically located near the Malacca Strait, a vital global trade route. Defence veterans support its importance for national security and economic growth.

Trump and Xi Jinping also discussed keeping the Strait of Hormuz open for global shipping. Tensions remain high as the conflict continues. Recent incidents involve a sunk cargo vessel and a ship boarded by unauthorised personnel. Diplomacy is currently stalled.

The Supreme Court has stopped issuing orders for mining leases in the Aravalli hills. The court is receiving disturbing feedback about mining activities. It will not allow any mining until fully satisfied. This sensitive matter involves ecological concerns. The court previously banned new leases until expert reports are available.

Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge criticizes the central government over rising petrol and diesel prices. He labels the situation a 'Modi-government-made crisis' and blames leadership failure for the economic burden on citizens. Kharge highlights the cascading effect of inflation from fuel price increases. Union Minister Kiren Rijiju defends the hike, stating India's increases are lower than many other nations.

Mumbai Indians' all-rounder Shardul Thakur addressed fan concerns regarding skipper Hardik Pandya, confirming that his absence is solely due to injury. Thakur hinted at a possible return for Pandya in the upcoming match against Kolkata Knight Riders and reassured fans, quashing rumors about the skipper's future with the team.

India's new envoy to China, Vikram Doraiswami, met with Chinese official Hou Yanqi. They discussed border issues and bilateral relations. Both sides aim for a stable and beneficial relationship. This meeting follows efforts to mend ties strained by a 2020 military standoff. Normalization includes resuming visas and flights.

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi accused the United Arab Emirates on Thursday of playing an active role in the US-Israeli war against his country.

A teenage girl in Panchkula has accused her father of sexually abusing her for over a decade, with assaults beginning at age seven. The 18-year-old reported the abuse, including a pregnancy and forced abortion, after a recent assault and death threat. Police have arrested the father under relevant sections of the law, including POCSO.

A hantavirus outbreak on a cruise ship has sparked public concern. Health officials are working to communicate clearly, drawing lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic. They aim to provide accurate information about the virus while reassuring the public about low risks. Efforts focus on transparency and combating misinformation to build trust and prevent unnecessary fear.

Petrol, diesel price hike impact: Centres Rs 3 per litre hike in petrol and diesel prices may not feel massive immediately, but its ripple effect could slowly hit everyday expenses from vegetables and milk to Blinkit deliveries, cab rides, and even flight tickets. Since fuel powers transport across India, higher diesel and petrol prices often trigger a chain reaction across household budgets.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu initiated a significant defence project in Andhra Pradesh. The Rs 15,803-crore Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft infrastructure project was launched. This initiative is set to create thousands of jobs and boost India's defence manufacturing capabilities. The leaders also inaugurated other defence and drone initiatives, positioning the state as a technology hub.

Delhi Police apprehended three individuals in connection with a mobile phone snatching and disposal racket. The gang specifically targeted iPhone users. Authorities recovered a total of 66 stolen mobile phones, including 50 iPhones. The accused sold stolen devices in grey markets. Investigations are ongoing to trace buyers and recover more devices. The accused have prior criminal records.

Amidst the NEET paper leak controversy, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan announced significant reforms, including a shift to a computer-based format for the NEET exam from next year. The NTA will refund fees for affected candidates and provide an additional 15 minutes for the re-exam, with admit cards for the re-test to be released on June 14.

US President Donald Trump met Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing. Taiwan remains the most crucial issue for China. The island's self-governance and its dominance in global chip manufacturing create significant geopolitical tension. Any conflict could disrupt world technology. The US maintains a policy of strategic ambiguity regarding Taiwan's security.

India is strongly advocating for major changes in global institutions. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar stated that the United Nations needs reforms, including an expanded Security Council, to remain effective. He emphasized that current global governance structures are outdated. India also seeks restructuring of international financial and trading systems. Reforms are presented as a necessity for multilateralism's relevance.

A young American teen, Jalue Dorje, embraces his destiny as a reincarnated lama. He navigates a dual life, blending his love for video games and sports with ancient Buddhist traditions. Recognized by the Dalai Lama, Dorje now trains at a monastery in India.

Married Hindu women will celebrate Vat Savitri Vrat on May 16, 2026. This significant festival involves fasting for husbands' long life and well-being. Devotees will pray to the banyan tree, offer satvik food, and seek blessings. The rituals include tying sacred threads and seeking blessings from elders and husbands before breaking the fast.

Tickets in South Korea for a football match against a visiting North Korean team sold out within half a day, Seoul'on Friday. Seoul's unification ministry said it will provide 300 million won ($200,000) to support South Korean civic groups planning to cheer both teams at the match.

Nandil Sarma, son of Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, has successfully completed the Ironman Vietnam. This demanding endurance race involves a 3.8-km swim, a 180-km cycle, and a 42.2-km marathon. Nandil achieved this feat in approximately 16 hours after just a few months of preparation. His father expressed immense pride in his son's discipline and determination.

Petrol, diesel prices in India vs neighbour countries: After petrol and diesel prices were increased by Rs 3 per litre in India, fuel costs have once again become a talking point for daily commuters. But how expensive is fuel in India compared to neighbouring countries like Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh and Bhutan? Heres a country-by-country comparison after the latest revision.

India and Iran held high-level talks in New Delhi. Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. Araghchi urged BRICS nations to unite against American coercion. He stated that such practices must be consigned to history. The meetings occurred during the BRICS Foreign Ministers' Meeting.

In a firm stand against potential factory closures in Germany, Volkswagen's labor representatives have voiced their commitment to preserving jobs. While they acknowledge the need for discussions about less active production sites, their position is grounded in a 2024 restructuring agreement.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi begins a six-day international tour. He will visit the UAE, Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, and Italy. The trip aims to strengthen India's global partnerships. Key focus areas include energy security, trade, and critical technologies. Modi will engage with leaders to advance cooperation and discuss regional and global issues.

Kerala SSLC 10th Result 2026 date and time: The Kerala SSLC Result 2026 is set to be released today, May 15, at 3 pm. Students can check their marksheets on results.kite.kerala.gov.in and keralaresults.nic.in, as well as via DigiLocker and SMS. The examinations were held from March 5 to March 30.

Goa Congress leader Ketan Bhatikar tragically died from a snake bite on Thursday night. The incident occurred at Karmal Ghat while he was travelling towards Dandeli village in Karnataka. Bhatikar was a prominent figure for the Congress during the Ponda assembly bypoll. His sudden demise has sent shockwaves through the party.

Agniveer Admit Cards for the Indian Army Common Entrance Exam 2026 will be available from May 15. The online exam is scheduled between June 1 and June 15. Candidates can download their hall tickets from joinindianarmy.nic.in. This is a crucial step for Agnipath scheme recruitment. Applicants must carry their admit card and valid photo ID to the exam centre.

Former Indian badminton player Jwala Gutta donated approximately 60 litres of breast milk to government hospitals in Hyderabad and Chennai. She highlighted the critical role of donor milk in supporting premature infants in NICUs, providing essential immunity and nutrition. Gutta encouraged others to participate in breast milk donation programs.