The Economic Times

Todays quote of the day by Abraham Maslow about choosing growth over safety. It explains the meaning in very simple words and gives a quick look at his life and ideas. The piece highlights how small choices shape our future and why taking risks helps people learn, improve, and become better in life.

The Indian government has declared its stance not to offer financial assistance to its state-run fuel companies, which are currently in the red due to selling fuels like petrol and diesel at a discount. Despite the pressure of escalating crude oil prices, retail costs for these fuels have stayed steady.

More than 70 million Americans depend on monthly benefits from the Social Security Administration. In May 2026, many retirees will wait longer than usual for their checks. This delay is not a policy issue. It is a calendar effect. The month starts late in the week. That shifts the first Wednesday deeper into May. As a result, first payment arrives on May 13. This creates a gap of over 30 days for some seniors.

Trinamool Congress offices and party materials faced alleged vandalism across West Bengal after the BJP's Assembly poll win. Incidents were reported in South 24 Parganas, Cooch Behar, and North 24 Parganas. A TMC office was reportedly set on fire in Paschim Bardhaman. A TMC candidate was allegedly assaulted. The BJP denied any role in these events.

Surveys conducted in Europe and the UK indicate that most couples argue in the car at least once a month, with a notable share reporting conflicts on a weekly basis.

Chennai witnessed a stunning electoral upset as M K Stalin's DMK party lost the 2026 polls to the younger TVK. The incumbent Chief Minister, M K Stalin, also faced a personal defeat, his first in a long political career. This outcome dashed hopes for a second term of the Dravidian model government.

After a decade of positive performance and no warnings, an employee was unexpectedly fired. The company initially cited organizational changes and automation, but later shifted the explanation to performance-related issues. This inconsistency leaves the employee and observers questioning the true reason behind the termination.

Actor Vijay's new party TVK is poised to lead in Tamil Nadu elections. His manifesto includes significant promises like gold for marriages and monthly aid for women. TVK also pledges support for farmers, youth employment, and improved healthcare. The party aims for corruption-free governance and educational reforms. These proposals are central to Vijay's electoral debut.

Astrologer Radhan Pandit accurately predicted actor Vijay's TVK party's dominant performance in the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. His numerological and astrological insights, describing Vijay's chart as a sunami, gained significant traction after the results. Pandit, a known spiritual mentor, visited Vijay to congratulate him, further highlighting his role in the political narrative.

The political landscape in Baharampur shifted dramatically as BJP's Subrata Maitra emerged victorious over Senior Congress stalwart Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, winning by 17,548 votes. With a robust tally of 91,088 votes, Maitra not only retained his seat but also demonstrated an impressive improvement from his last performance.

Indian philanthropy is increasingly extending its grassroots development models to Africa, adapting localized interventions to address shared challenges. This shift from charity to structured, multi-sector development aligns with global priorities for sustainable, community-driven approaches. Organizations are focusing on interconnected solutions and local ownership for lasting impact.

Attention all borrowers! The Reserve Bank of India has flagged a concerning trend involving fraudulent loan waiver initiatives. These duplicitous campaigns claim to erase debts owed to banks and non-banking financial companies (NBFCs) but are merely traps set by dishonest individuals aiming to profit through false promises and upfront fees.

The Bharatiya Janata Party has achieved significant victories in Assam and West Bengal. Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated the results, highlighting the triumph of people's power and good governance. The party is set to form the government in West Bengal for the first time. This outcome marks a historic moment for the BJP in the state.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi donned a traditional Bengali dhoti at BJP headquarters following the party's decisive victory in West Bengal. The BJP is set to form its first government, ending the TMC's 15-year rule with a significant majority. This win signifies a major political shift, with the BJP's vote share increasing substantially.

Chinese proverb of the day: Meaningful achievements are built gradually through consistent effort over time, not instantly. This proverb emphasizes the power of small, repeated actions and the importance of patience, discipline, and resilience. Lasting success requires steady commitment, as excellence is a result of continuous effort, not a single breakthrough.

Ahead of the Kerala Assembly elections, V.D. Satheesan pledged political exile if the UDF didn't win decisively. His leadership, marked by a steady, ground-level approach and focus on local issues, is credited with rebuilding confidence and organization. This victory is seen as a culmination of deliberate recovery, solidifying his role as a tactically astute leader.

Why are JetBlue and Frontier share prices up today? Shares of JetBlue Airways and Frontier Airlines increased in premarket trading after Spirit Airlines stopped operations. Investors expect both airlines to gain passengers, routes, and pricing power. Spirits exit may reduce fare competition in leisure markets like Florida. The shutdown ended Spirits 34-year run and may reshape the US airline industry.

Himanta Biswa Sarma led the BJP to a historic victory in Assam, winning 82 seats. His aggressive campaign, focusing on welfare schemes like Orunodoi and a strong stance on demographic changes, resonated with voters. Sarma's tenure saw significant policy initiatives and infrastructure development, solidifying his political standing.

A viral TEDx talk challenges the notion that studying abroad is only for the wealthy. Study advisor Asslam Shaikh argues that lack of awareness and planning, not money, is the biggest hurdle for middle-class students. He highlights scholarships, low-cost destinations like Germany, Hungary, and Malaysia, and work-study options.

Quote of the day by Ernest Hemingway talks aQuote of the day by Ernest Hemingway: The best way to find out if you can trust somebody is to trust them simple lessons on why trust reveals true character and how taking risks helps you understand people betterbout trust and real life lessons. It explains why trusting people helps you understand them better. The story also shares his life journey, struggles, and success as a famous writer. This simple quote teaches that taking small risks in trust c

Amid growing global concerns over a widening employment gap, a new economic framework has been proposed to address what experts warn could become one of the most pressing challenges of the coming decades.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma attributed the NDA's significant assembly poll victory to the government's good work and Prime Minister Modi's development focus. He highlighted the BJP's unprecedented majority and criticized the Congress for allegedly politicizing a singer's death. Sarma also asserted India's Hindu identity and urged Hindu Congress leaders to join the BJP.

The Congress-led UDF has secured a decisive victory in Kerala, ending a decade of LDF rule. Party leader Rahul Gandhi congratulated UDF leaders and workers for their campaign, stating the state now has a government with a vision to harness its potential and talent. The UDF is set to form the government with a comfortable majority in the 140-member assembly.

Quote of the Day: George Saunders believes humor is a direct and quick delivery of truth, cutting through politeness and softening. His quote highlights how laughter often arises from recognizing a reality presented with unexpected clarity. This insight shapes his acclaimed writing, which blends satire with empathy to explore societal truths.

Actor Vijay has made a remarkable leap from cinema to politics. He launched his party, TVK, and has now become Chief Minister in his debut election. Vijay's unique campaign strategies, including social media engagement and direct communication, resonated with voters. His journey from 'Thalapathy' to 'Thalaivan' marks a significant political transformation in Tamil Nadu.

BJP's Pradyut Bordoloi secured a significant victory in the Dispur constituency, defeating Congress's Mira Barthakur Goswami by a margin of 49,667 votes. Bordoloi, a former three-time minister and Lok Sabha MP, recently switched from the Congress to the BJP before the Assam assembly polls.

Most professionals don't see a PIP coming because they're looking at the wrong signals. They track their output, measure their deadlines, count their wins. What they miss is the behavioral shift happening above them. Nearly 40% of employees placed on a PIP exit within three months. Most leave bruised, underpaid, and unprepared.

Despite strong anticipation, If Wishes Could Kill did not see an explosive debut. In its first week, the series recorded 16.9 million hours viewed, about 2.8 million views, placing it at No. 4 on Netflixs weekly charts.

The West Bengal Assembly Elections have witnessed a groundbreaking victory for the Bharatiya Janata Party, signaling a significant political transformation after years of Trinamool Congress leadership. Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the electorate and dedicated party members for their remarkable support.

Veteran BJP leader Hitendra Nath Goswami secured a significant victory in Jorhat. He defeated Assam Congress president Gaurav Gogoi by over 23,000 votes. This win marks Goswami's sixth term in the state assembly. His grassroots campaign proved successful against Gogoi's Lok Sabha tenure. Goswami's extensive experience and voter outreach were key to retaining the seat for the BJP.

Why is eBay share price up while GameStop stock price is falling down? Shares of eBay rose after a takeover bid from GameStop led by Ryan Cohen. The proposal values the deal at about $56 billion. Investors reacted in opposite ways. eBay stock moved higher after the offer. GameStop stock slipped as the market assessed costs, risks, and integration plans connected to the proposed acquisition.

Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) led by actor Vijay is set to win its first Assembly elections in Tamil Nadu. This mirrors the Aam Aadmi Party's (AAP) debut victory in Delhi. Both parties emerged from public discontent with established political forces. Vijay's TVK and Kejriwal's AAP utilized similar strategies, including freebies and grassroots mobilization.

Quote of the day by Clint Eastwood: He believes consistent effort, not just intention, builds success. His early struggles and breakthrough in television and film paved the way for international fame. Eastwood's directorial career earned him Academy Awards. He is known for his calm, quiet filmmaking approach, a style developed from his early experiences on set.

Many people think Social Security Administration income is always tax-free, but that is not true. Taxes depend on your total income and rules set by the IRS. There are simple and legal ways to reduce tax, like using tax-free savings, planning withdrawals, and managing income smartly. Knowing these tips can help retirees save money and avoid paying extra taxes.

Reassuring news from the high seas: the five Indian crew members of the MV Barakah are safe following a confrontation with the Iranian Navy in the busy Strait of Hormuz.

Why are US stock market futures down today, and will Dow Jones, S&P 500 and Nasdaq stay in red or turn green again? Futures slipped after reports linked to US-Iran tensions, rising oil prices, earnings updates, and corporate deals. Investors track geopolitical risk, logistics competition, and analyst outlook while deciding what to do next.

RBI Deputy Governor Swaminathan J. warns that weak oversight in banking can lead to hidden risks. He stresses that supervision must go beyond reported numbers to understand actual business operations. This approach is crucial for protecting depositors and the wider economy. Digital banking brings new challenges requiring judgment and a sense of public purpose.

The 51-year-old leader of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam made a significant impact in his maiden electoral debut and proved that the electoral battle was a straight contest between the TVK and DMK.

Trisha visits Vijay: On her 43rd birthday, actress Trisha Krishnan visited TVK chief Vijays residence in Chennai as early trends showed his party leading in over 100 seats in the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections 2026. The visit has sparked fresh speculation amid Vijays ongoing divorce proceedings.

Kerala Finance Minister K N Balagopal narrowly won the Kottarakkara constituency by 1,012 votes against former CPI(M) leader Aisha Potty, who had joined the Congress. Balagopal's victory makes him one of the few CPI(M) ministers to survive the UDF's gains in the state assembly polls, though some CPI ministers also faced challenges.

Assam Election Results: The BJP is poised to win the Assam Assembly elections, bucking anti-incumbency trends seen elsewhere. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma's campaign, focused on infrastructure, welfare, and protecting indigenous identity, appears to have resonated strongly with voters. Strategic delimitation and a focus on the infiltrator narrative also played key roles in the anticipated victory.

Why are oil and gas prices up today, and will Brent, US WTI crude futures and Dutch natural gas rates continue to rise or fall again? Oil and gas markets moved higher after reports about a US warship incident near the Strait of Hormuz. Brent and WTI crude futures rose about 5%. Dutch gas prices also moved up as LNG supply remained trapped. Analysts say the market now watches supply disruption risks, OPEC+ output plans, storage levels, and geopolitical developments.

India on Sunday firmly rejected Nepal's objection to the upcoming Kailash Mansarovar Yatra via the long-established Lipulekh Pass in Uttarakhand, dismissing Kathmandu's territorial claims over the region as an unilateral artificial enlargement that New Delhi finds untenable.

BJP workers celebrated across West Bengal as early election trends indicated a significant shift. Celebrations erupted in Kolkata and across the state, with supporters raising slogans. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee released a video message urging party workers not to leave counting centers. Early leads showed the BJP ahead in many constituencies, prompting celebrations and some confrontations.