The Economic Times

Sri Lanka is seeking investors for the Hambantota airport. This offers a chance for Indian companies to invest in a strategic Indian Ocean asset. The airport, previously underutilized, is now open for operation and development. Two investment options are available, including a 30-year build-operate-transfer model.

Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight, told reporters that he has done research with he SAS and even more secret outfits for his reinvention of the next 007 movie, the first produced by Amazon. He said he has met special forces and secret services personnel as part of his immersion in their world.

India's exports expanded significantly last fiscal year. New product and country combinations generated over $200 million in new trade. Ships, telecom instruments, and agri-products saw growth in new markets. This diversification shows a shift towards higher-value manufacturing and technology. Exports to Northeast Asia and Latin America also surged, indicating growing global demand for Indian goods.

The Election Commission of India's special intensive revision of electoral rolls faces significant challenges in violence-hit Manipur due to ongoing ethnic tensions and displacement. Officials deem the exercise a herculean task given the daily disruptions, though other northeastern states report full preparedness for the voter list update.

Quote of the day: One reason Liza Minnellis quote feels so authentic is that her own career became a powerful example of reinvention. After achieving enormous success in the 1970s, she went through periods of professional setbacks, health challenges and intense tabloid attention. Yet she repeatedly returned to the stage, continuing to find new ways to connect with audiences through music and performance.

Ukraine's unmanned forces commander, Madyar, is orchestrating deep strikes into Russia, targeting defense and oil facilities to cripple war funding. These increasingly frequent attacks, aimed at retribution, are enabled by more resources and the gradual dismantling of Russian air defenses, keeping Moscow on edge.

Superstar Rajinikanth denied any jealousy towards Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay. He stated his recent meeting with DMK president M K Stalin was a friendly courtesy visit. Rajinikanth praised Vijay's achievements, noting a significant age difference. He believes Vijay's rise represents a desired change for Tamil Nadu. Rajinikanth advised people to support their chosen parties.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi received Sweden's highest honour, the Royal Order of Polar Star. This marks his 31st international award. The prestigious award recognizes contributions to Sweden and its interests. Prime Minister Modi arrived in Gothenburg for a two-day visit. He was welcomed by Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson. This significant recognition highlights India's growing global standing.

Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's upcoming visit to Norway, business leaders and startup representatives said the visit is expected to strengthen India-Norway economic cooperation, with a focus on sustainability, green technology, startups and skilled talent collaboration.

The government has increased the Supreme Court's judge strength. An ordinance now allows for 38 judges, up from 34. This includes the Chief Justice of India. The law ministry notified the change on Saturday. Parliament will consider a bill to make this a permanent law. The Supreme Court currently has two vacancies.

Minister of State V Somanna travelled by Namma Metro and an electric bike, responding to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's call to reduce fuel use. Somanna also attended a ceremony for a new express train service. He highlighted railway development in Karnataka, including new train lines and electrification projects.

The Narcotics Control Bureau has arrested Thancintuang, a key Myanmar-based drug trafficker. He is a major supplier of Methamphetamine and Heroin. His arrest is part of a larger crackdown on drug networks operating along the India-Myanmar border. Several associates have also been caught.

NBA MVP 2026: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander will become the 14th player in league history to win back- to-back MVPs.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru became the first team to reach the IPL playoffs. They defeated Punjab Kings by 23 runs in Dharamsala. Venkatesh Iyer scored 73 not out and Virat Kohli made 58. Punjab Kings fell short in their chase despite Shashank Singh's 56. This marks Punjab's sixth consecutive loss.

India is keenly watching Sri Lanka's move to offer control of Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport to foreign investors. This presents a significant opportunity for Indian companies to establish a strategic presence in the Indian Ocean. The airport, near the China-controlled Hambantota port, is being offered under a build-operate-transfer model.

His remarks followed the Israeli military's announcement that Ezzedine Al-Haddad, commander of Hamas's armed wing, had been killed in an airstrike in Gaza on Friday.

Bill Cassidy is the first elected U.S. senator to lose re-nomination since 2012. Former Republican Senator Richard Lugar was the last elected incumbent to lose his bid for re-nomination in 2012.

The World Health Organization has declared an international health emergency due to an Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo. This strain of Ebola has no vaccine and has already caused over 80 deaths. Fears of further spread are growing as a case was confirmed in the city of Goma.

The India Meteorological Department has issued an orange alert for Pathanamthitta and Alappuzha districts in Kerala. Heavy rainfall is expected in these areas. Other districts are under a yellow alert. Authorities have urged residents in flood and landslide-prone regions to stay alert.

Jayant Mundhra, founder of Biz News+, warns India's rupee could fall to Rs 150 against the US dollar due to heavy import reliance. He argues the nation is becoming a consumer economy, spending billions on foreign technology and products instead of fostering domestic manufacturing and innovation.

West Bengal minister Ashok Kirtania assured land handover to BSF within 45 days for border fencing. While progress is satisfactory in North 24 Parganas, resistance in Basirhat's fencing areas requires resolution within a week. The state government aims to complete the fencing of the India-Bangladesh border, with approximately 569 km remaining unfenced.

Recognising the critical role of mass transit in ensuring energy security, economic resilience, and environmental sustainability in the extant scenario, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) is undertaking a series of strategic initiatives to facilitate greater adoption of metro services while enhancing commuter convenience, safety, and accessibility.

Nagaland State Lottery results for the Sambad Morning Sunday Weekly Draw are out, with a top prize of Rs 1 crore. Winners can claim prizes up to Rs 10,000 from distributors, while larger amounts require a formal application to the Director of Nagaland State Lotteries. The Punjab State Dear 200 Monthly Lottery draw is scheduled for June 6, 2026.

A passenger allegedly bit a crew member on a Qantas flight from Melbourne to Dallas. The aircraft diverted to Tahiti where the passenger was arrested. He has now been banned from all Qantas Group flights. Fellow passengers assisted the crew. The incident occurred during the flight's long journey. The plane later continued to Dallas.

Congress leader Adhir Chowdhury has appealed to West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari. The appeal concerns new animal slaughter guidelines causing confusion and unrest. This is particularly affecting the minority community in Murshidabad district. Chowdhury suggests demarcating specific locations for religious practices. This aims to resolve the unease caused by the state government's public notice.

Karnataka Youth Congress will hold a protest march to Raj Bhavan on May 21. The demonstration addresses the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak. Senior Congress leaders will join the march. The protest supports students affected by the controversy. Organizers demand accountability from the central government. They also call for no re-examination in unaffected states.

Over 500 Ukrainian drones targeted Russia overnight, resulting in three fatalities in the Moscow region and injuries to 12 in the capital. Air defenses intercepted 556 drones across multiple regions, with authorities reporting minor damage from falling debris. This escalation follows Ukrainian President Zelensky's vow of retaliatory strikes.

Trinamool Congress MPs visited party offices and met workers affected by recent clashes. They alleged opposition workers are intimidating TMC members and disrupting democracy. The BJP countered, accusing the TMC of diverting attention from its electoral defeat and past worker atrocities. Post-poll violence remains a significant concern in West Bengal.

Kerala lottery results today: The official results for the Kerala Lottery Samrudhi SM-55 are expected today by 3 PM, offering participants a chance to win prizes ranging from a 1 crore jackpot to smaller consolations. The weekly draw features multiple prize tiers, with details on how to check winning numbers and claim prizes available on the official Kerala Lotteries website.

India has strongly refuted claims of diminishing media freedom and minority rights. Officials state the nation is a thriving democracy ensuring free speech for all citizens. India's rich history and diverse religious landscape are highlighted as proof of its inclusive nature. The country's commitment to democratic principles and economic progress is also emphasized.

Built at an investment of nearly Rs 1,100 crore, the tech park spans 13.5 lakh square feet of workspace. In its first phase alone, it will house around 9,000 highly skilled professionals, Shah said.

Steve Irwin, renowned for his work with dangerous animals, observed that human intentions can be far more unpredictable than those of predators. His quote highlights the clarity of nature's honest signals versus the potential for human deception, urging awareness of motives beyond appearances. This perspective emphasizes emotional intelligence and mindful observation as crucial survival skills.

The Indian Air Force is starting to replace its old VIP transport planes. They have issued a request for information to buy four to six new Long Range Business Jets. These jets will provide secure and fast travel for senior military leaders and government officials. The current fleet is nearing the end of its service life.

Tech sector layoffs are widespread. Anupam Mittal shares his 2001 job loss experience. He criticizes the advice to start companies using AI. Mittal states entrepreneurship is brutal with low survival rates. He advises professionals to assess their position in a company's profit and loss. Understanding this is crucial for career survival in the current tech climate.

The JD(S) party has requested changes to the proposed One Nation-One Election constitutional amendment bill. They are particularly concerned about the Election Commission of India's powers to postpone state elections. The party supports the amendment but wants safeguards for regional parties and coalition government stability. Discussions were held with the Parliamentary Joint Committee in Bengaluru.

Chile's Foreign Minister Francisco Prez Mackenna's visit to India boosted bilateral ties, focusing on CEPA negotiations, critical minerals, and investment. Discussions with Indian ministers and a business delegation explored expanding economic cooperation and strategic convergence. The visit also highlighted a shared commitment to innovation and digital collaboration.

Actress Nicole Kidman focuses on her craft, not reviews. She believes personal satisfaction in her work is paramount. This approach helps her navigate fame and industry scrutiny. Kidman's philosophy encourages valuing personal effort over external validation. Her dedication to challenging roles showcases her commitment to creative integrity. This mindset offers lasting motivation and peace.

Scientists at IVRI Bareilly have identified the pesticide 'carbofuran' as the cause of death for 25 vultures in the Dudhwa Tiger Reserve buffer zone. Toxicological analysis of vulture and dog carcasses, along with rice samples, confirmed lethal levels of the potent pesticide, locally known as 'Furadan'.

Former CPI(M) leader G Sudhakaran met Congress MP K C Venugopal in Alappuzha. Sudhakaran stated the meeting was personal and denied seeking any ministerial posts. He also commented on Vellappally Natesan's remarks and rejected communal voting claims. Preparations are underway for the UDF government's oath-taking ceremony in Thiruvananthapuram. Satheesan will take oath as Chief Minister on May 18.

Dr. Anand Megalingam's journey from a rural Indian village to NASA-linked aerospace programs highlights resilience and innovation. Despite early struggles and a denied US visa, he founded Space Zone India, achieving breakthroughs with reusable rockets like RHUMI-H and RHUMI-1. His international recognition underscores India's growing private space sector.

India and the Netherlands have forged a strategic partnership, signing 17 agreements to enhance collaboration. Discussions focused on defense, critical minerals, and global trade disruptions. Both nations emphasized freedom of navigation and a peaceful Indo-Pacific. Cooperation will expand in green hydrogen, semiconductors, and defense manufacturing. Bilateral trade and investment are set to grow significantly.

Aam Aadmi Party national convenor Arvind Kejriwal inaugurated a night polyclinic in Goa. He promised free electricity, health insurance, and monthly financial assistance for women if AAP wins the 2027 Assembly elections. Kejriwal attacked the ruling BJP government over power cuts and smart meters. He projected AAP as an alternative to Goa's entrenched politics and party-switching culture.

Megastar Rajinikanth addressed speculation regarding his meetings with MK Stalin and his views on Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay. He stated his friendship with Stalin is beyond politics and denied any jealousy towards Vijay's success. Rajinikanth emphasized his departure from politics and praised Vijay's achievements, wishing him well in his new role as Chief Minister.

Punjab Kings captain Shreyas Iyer leads his team in his 100th IPL captaincy match. After a tough losing streak, Iyer seeks a significant turnaround. He has a strong captaincy record, matching MS Dhoni's win percentage. Iyer's personal form has dipped recently. He faces challenging bowlers in this crucial encounter.

Viral video of a man urinating inside a lift at Delhis Kalkaji Metro Station has sparked outrage online after Instagram user Deepshika Mehta shared the incident. Delhi Police said the elderly man was facing a medical emergency and was later penalised by Delhi Metro Rail Corporation for creating a nuisance inside the metro premises.