The Economic Times

Growing a mango plant in a pot is easier than many beginners think. From choosing the right pot size to proper sunlight, watering and pruning, these six simple tips can help Indian home gardeners grow a healthy mango plant on balconies, terraces and small home gardens without much hassle.

A prosecution witness in a Kolkata rape and murder case approached the Calcutta High Court. He claims his house was vandalised after election results. The court refused an urgent hearing. The witness seeks protection. The victim's mother is now a BJP MLA in the West Bengal Assembly. The case involves a life sentence for the accused.

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini embraced cycling to promote fuel conservation. He urged citizens to opt for bicycles and public transport, mirroring Prime Minister Narendra Modi's call. Ministers are also reducing vehicle usage and promoting virtual meetings. These measures aim to cut fuel consumption and manage resources efficiently amid global energy concerns.

Norwegian journalist Helle Lyng sought an interview with Rahul Gandhi after Prime Minister Narendra Modi reportedly avoided her questions in Norway. Lyng had attempted to question Modi as he left a stage. Rahul Gandhi criticized the Prime Minister's actions on social media. Later, at a press briefing, Indian officials defended the country's democratic framework and media landscape.

Congress questions the continued presence of Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu in office. This follows a Supreme Court directive for a CBI probe into corruption allegations. The court ordered an inquiry into contracts awarded to the CM's family. Congress states this is a travesty of the Supreme Court's verdict. Other BJP Chief Ministers also face similar allegations.

Kolkata Knight Riders must win their crucial IPL match against Mumbai Indians on Wednesday. A defeat will end their playoff chances for the second consecutive season. Even a win might not be enough as their fate depends on other results. Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Gujarat Titans, and Sunrisers Hyderabad have already secured playoff berths.

Pakistan bonded labour: A Pakistani family has been freed from nearly 130 years of bonded labour. Humanitarian Aaron Hutchings facilitated their rescue from brick kilns in Kasur. The family was trapped due to inherited debt. A video of their emotional release has gone viral. This incident highlights the ongoing issue of bonded labour in Pakistan.

Celebrating the spirit of cricket in Assam, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has launched the Assam Cricket Museum at the Barsapara ACA Stadium. He also introduced 'The Golden Innings: Legacy of Assam Cricket', a documentary that delves into the states cricketing journey from 1948 onward.

Lizards commonly enter Indian apartments searching for insects, warmth and dark corners. From reducing balcony lights to sealing small wall gaps and using simple kitchen remedies, these six practical and easy methods can help keep lizards away naturally and make your apartment feel cleaner, safer and more comfortable throughout the year.

Sunrisers Hyderabad secured a playoff spot with a five-wicket win over Chennai Super Kings. Assistant coach James Franklin lauded Ishan Kishan's match-winning 70 off 47 balls. Kishan's innings, alongside Klaasen's 47, proved crucial on a difficult pitch. Their partnership steadied the innings after early wickets. The bowlers conceded runs, but the batting partnership altered the game's momentum.

Tonbo Imaging will integrate and commission a High Power Microwave system for the Indian Navy. This marks a significant step into directed-energy capabilities for maritime operations. The system will disrupt adversary electronics and drones. Tonbo Imaging's role expands into full-spectrum defence system integration.

A woman presented with a dangerously low hemoglobin of 1.9 g/dL after three years of severe weakness, her body shutting down reproductive functions to prioritize vital organs. Despite prior warnings and a significantly lower hemoglobin level a year ago, she delayed seeking medical help due to family obligations, highlighting a critical need to address women's health and chronic exhaustion.

Bollywood and television production circles are feeling financial pressure. Workers behind the scenes are seeing pay cuts and limited work. Budgets are tighter, and projects are delayed. This impacts many professionals in Mumbai. Some workers are depleting savings or returning to hometowns. Freelancers face delayed payments. The industry hopes for recovery amid calls for structural changes.

The Delhi High Court on Tuesday sought responses from AAP leaders including Arvind Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia, Sanjay Singh and others in a criminal contempt case over alleged vilifying social media posts against Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma.

Microsoft's AI chief, Mustafa Suleyman has sounded an alarm that many white-collar jobs, including accounting, legal, marketing, and project management, could be automated within 12-18 months. He predicts AI will achieve human-level performance on most professional tasks, impacting computer-based roles significantly. This rapid advancement signals a major shift in the workforce.

India's edible oil imports increased by 3 per cent in the last fiscal year owing significant to a boost from duty-free shipments from Nepal. Nepal's edible oil exports to India more than doubled. India relies heavily on foreign supplies for edible oils.

Australia is grappling with a significant diphtheria outbreak, with cases spreading across multiple states and a suspected first death under investigation. Health authorities are urging vigilance for symptoms and emphasizing the importance of vaccination. This rare resurgence marks a serious public health concern for the nation. If investigators confirm the death was caused by diphtheria, it would mark Australias first fatality from the infectious disease since 2018.

Cockroach Janata Party Website: A new online political group, the Cockroach Janta Party, is rapidly gaining followers on Indian social media. Founded by Abhijeet Dipke, the party uses satire and memes to express youth frustration. It addresses issues like unemployment and exam controversies. Prominent figures have engaged with the party online.

A heartwarming video of a Blinkit delivery executive has gone viral. The man was seen practicing cricket shots with a bat during his delivery routine. He then lovingly kissed the bat before continuing his work. The clip has touched thousands online, sparking conversations about dreams and passions.

AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami is holding meetings with party officials. This comes as rebel factions, supporting the TVK government, demand a general council meeting. Palaniswami had previously replaced district secretaries who voted for the TVK government. The breakaway group is preparing to convene the general council meeting to back the TVK government, a move Palaniswami opposes.

An inquiry committee has submitted its report to the Lok Sabha Speaker regarding allegations against Justice Yashwant Varma. The report concerns the alleged discovery of unaccounted cash at his official residence. This report will be presented to Parliament soon. Justice Varma recently resigned as a judge, making removal proceedings infructuous. The committee's work proceeded despite his resignation.

From courtroom thrillers and reality drama to animated adventures and sci-fi mysteries, this weeks OTT lineup has something for every binge-watcher. Platforms like Netflix, Prime Video, JioHotstar, Apple TV+ and ZEE5 are bringing fresh movies and series packed with action, suspense, comedy and drama this week.

V D Satheesan, Kerala's new Chief Minister, displayed sharp political acumen even in college. A college friend recounts a clever strategy used during a student union election. This incident highlights Satheesan's strategic thinking and leadership qualities from a young age. His former college vice-principal also vouches for his genuine nature and academic prowess.

Pakistan Lahore name change: Pakistans Punjab government has approved a plan to restore several pre-Partition street and locality names in Lahore, reviving names linked to the citys Hindu, Sikh, and Jain heritage. The move, backed by former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, has reignited conversations around Lahores lost cultural identity, Partition history, and whether the city is trying to reconnect with its pre-1947 roots.

Britain has received experimental favipiravir from Japan to treat a deadly hantavirus outbreak. The drug is not licensed in the UK and its use for hantavirus is experimental. The outbreak involves Andes virus, which can spread between people. Health officials confirm no increased transmissibility or pandemic risk.

State Bank of India has announced recruitment for 7,150 apprentice positions under the Apprenticeship Act, 1961. The online application window opens on May 19, 2026, and closes on June 8, 2026. Applicants must hold a graduate degree and fall within the 20-28 age bracket. The selection process involves a written test and a local language test.

European Union nations aim to finalize a trade agreement with the United States. President Donald Trump has set a July 4 deadline for this deal. Failure to reach an accord could lead to increased tariffs on European goods. EU negotiators are working towards a compromise to meet the deadline and resolve trade disputes.

Odisha Class 12 Results CHSE 2026 Date and Time: Odisha's Class 12 board results for Science, Commerce, and Arts streams are set for release on May 20, with the Council of Higher Secondary Education confirming the announcement between 12:30 pm and 1 pm. Over 4.1 lakh students await their results, which can be accessed online via official websites and DigiLocker.

A Norwegian journalist raised questions about Prime Minister Narendra Modi's limited media engagement during a joint press event. She highlighted press freedom rankings and India's position. Concerns were also voiced regarding human rights issues. India's Ambassador to Japan defended the nation's democratic framework and media landscape, emphasizing its scale and complexity.

New CCTV footage reveals Twisha Sharma walking alone towards her home's terrace before being found unconscious. Her husband, Samarth Singh, is absconding. His family denies dowry harassment claims, stating Twisha had psychiatric issues and substance abuse. Police are investigating dowry harassment and abetment to suicide charges.

A tourist died after two captive elephants clashed at Karnataka's Dubare Elephant Camp. Following the fatal incident, authorities have imposed strict new rules, including a 100-foot distance for tourists and a ban on close-range interactions like bathing and feeding.

The Supreme Court on Tuesday refused to modify its November 2025 order to remove stray dogs from public institutions like hospitals, schools, colleges, bus stations and railway stations.

Big changes take time. Success, failure, and habits are built gradually. Just as a river needs many cold days to freeze deep, significant achievements require sustained hard work and discipline. Instant results are often an illusion. This ancient Chinese wisdom emphasizes patience and the power of consistent daily actions for lasting outcomes.

The Pentagon has put the brakes on America's involvement in a historic defense panel with Canada that traces back to World War II. Officials indicate that Canadas slow advancement on defense commitments prompted this change. This decision is occurring amid swirling trade disagreements and President Trumps persistent requests for allied countries to bolster their defense budgets.

The Ministry of Finance has strongly refuted social media rumors about plans to issue gold bonds against temple gold reserves. The government states there is no proposal to monetise gold held by religious institutions. It also dismissed claims about temple structure gold being treated as strategic reserves.

The NEET-UG 2026 examination was cancelled due to paper leak allegations, causing widespread panic among lakhs of medical aspirants. Educator Khan Sir's emotional reaction highlighted the immense pressure and sacrifice involved, resonating with students and parents. The controversy underscores the emotional toll of high-stakes exams and the critical need for parental emotional support during academic crises.

Quote of the day by Khalil Gibran: Khalil Gibran, a poet and philosopher, blended Eastern spirituality with Western style, inspiring readers globally. His quote, Our anxiety does not come from thinking about the future, but from wanting to control it, highlights the burden of seeking absolute control. Gibran's work emphasizes inner growth, acceptance of life's dualities, and finding peace through present action rather than future manipulation.

Divya Mittal, an IIT Delhi and IIM Bangalore alumna, has sparked a nationwide conversation. She points out that India's top educational institutions teach how to succeed academically but fail to equip students with essential life skills. Mittal emphasizes the need for emotional regulation, deep communication, critical thinking, and financial literacy.

According to the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) and Kerala Elecion Watch data, Shibu Baby John has declared assets of Rs 25 crore. 15 ministers are crorepatis. 90% of the minister face criminal charges.

Twisha Sharma dowry death: Twisha Sharma's mysterious death has become a complex case with her mother-in-law, a retired judge, alleging drug use and mental health issues. Twisha Sharma's family counters, accusing in-laws of dowry harassment and mental torture, while a CCTV video captures her final moments. The investigation continues amidst conflicting claims.

US prosecutors have charged Alex Saab, a key ally of Nicolas Maduro, with money laundering. Saab allegedly exploited a Venezuelan welfare plan. He was deported to the US over the weekend. This move signals increased cooperation between the Trump administration and Venezuelan officials.

Ukraine's war effort has shifted, with drones dominating the battlefield and blunting Russia's advantages. While Russia faces higher casualties, Ukraine grapples with recruitment and corruption. European allies must now develop a new strategy, independent of the US, to bolster Ukraine's military and societal defenses and offer a clear path to EU integration.

Indias economic transformation since 2014 has become the foundation of its growing strategic partnership with the United States, Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra said at a US-India Friendship Council event. Highlighting deepening bilateral cooperation, he noted that India and the US are targeting USD 500 billion in trade by 2030, while defence collaboration has emerged as one of the fastest-growing pillars of the relationship. Kwatra said India is among the largest users of American defence platfo

India's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh met his Vietnamese counterpart Phan Van Giang in Hanoi. They reviewed defence ties and regional security. The meeting marked ten years of their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Both nations agreed to expand cooperation in maritime security and defence industry.

Heavy rains have caused waterlogging and traffic jams in Karnataka's Bengaluru Rural and Chikkaballapur districts. Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department forecasts hot and humid weather for Odisha and potential heatwaves in coastal Andhra Pradesh. Kerala, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu are expected to receive rainfall, with Karnataka possibly experiencing hailstorms. Northwest India will remain dry, leading to rising temperatures.

India leads global AI adoption, with 41% of employees using it daily. Despite this, a productivity paradox emerges, as daily users report feeling less productive. Rahul Goyal of ADP India highlights the need for organizations to redefine productivity, focusing on human skills and adaptability to build employee confidence alongside AI integration.

Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh praised church leaders for their efforts to de-escalate the crisis following the killing of three church leaders. A 10-member team of church leaders met with the CM, volunteering to broker peace between tribal communities and advocating for the immediate release of hostages on humanitarian grounds.

Beauty influencer Ankush Bahuguna was subjected to homophobic abuse and taunts in London while wearing a pink suit. Born in Delhi, Ankush Bahuguna is a well-known content creator in India and is known for his makeup and beauty content. He gained immense attention after the pandemic when he started taking makeup seriously.

Queen Elizabeth IIs 70-year reign as British sovereign was marked by her role as a symbol of stability and unity. Her 1974 Christmas broadcast emphasized that individual actions in daily life are crucial. These small, consistent attitudes create resilience and hope. Everyday choices uplift others and strengthen society. Collective resilience thrives when individuals act with compassion and responsibility.