The Economic Times

Mahak Chauhan, a young athlete from Uttarkashi, shone at the CASA Rugby 7s Championship in Uzbekistan. She scored nine tries, earning the women's player of the tournament award. Chauhan's journey began unexpectedly when she mistook a rugby trial for a race. Her impressive performance highlights the potential of athletes from remote regions.

Tripti Mukherjee, a renowned Kantha stitch artist, will be honored with the Padma Shri. She is recognized for her dedication to preserving West Bengal's traditional embroidery. Mukherjee has spent over 37 years empowering rural women through skill development and creating livelihood opportunities. Her work has also been showcased internationally, bringing Indian handicrafts to global platforms.

RRP Defence has secured a contract valued at around Rs 29.8 crore from Bharat Electronics Limited. The focus of this order is on the supply of high-precision germanium lenses essential for infrared and thermal imaging applications. These advanced lenses play a pivotal role in cutting-edge defense technologies, showcasing RRP Defence's prowess in the fields of electro-optics and precision engineering.

Billionaire philanthropist MacKenzie Scott's massive 2025 donations, exceeding $7 billion, surprisingly excluded her from a top donor list. Her donations last year exceeded the lifetime charity done by her former husband, Jeff Bezos. The Chronicle of Philanthropy cited a lack of transparency regarding funds channeled through donor-advised funds. Despite her significant giving, Scott's approach prioritizes impact over public recognition, a stance she has consistently maintained.

Vrutika Patel AI: An AI-generated influencer named Vrutika Patel, with over a lakh followers and 300 paid subscribers, is sparking debate about virtual creators and online income. Her profile, mirroring lifestyle influencers, reportedly earns nearly 1.19 lakh monthly from subscriptions alone, raising questions about authenticity and the future of influencer culture.

Janardan Bapurao Bothe, a dedicated social worker and educationist, will receive the prestigious Padma Shri award. President Droupadi Murmu will present the honour at Rashtrapati Bhavan. Bothe has devoted over six decades to social service and rural development. He is a key figure in the All-India Shri Gurudev Seva Mandal. His work has significantly impacted tribal and underprivileged communities.

Spotting a snake near your house can be frightening, but reacting calmly is extremely important. From keeping children away to calling trained rescuers and checking what attracted the reptile, these six practical safety steps can help Indian households avoid dangerous mistakes during sudden snake sightings near residential areas.

In Moroccos drought-hit Anti-Atlas Mountains, women are changing lives by turning fog into clean drinking water. Using giant mesh nets installed across mountain peaks, communities are able to capture moisture from dense Atlantic fog and convert it into a reliable water source. The groundbreaking initiative is helping villages combat severe drought, water scarcity and desertification while reducing the daily burden on women who once spent hours fetching water. Beyond providing sustainable access

Oppo has launched the Find X9 Ultra and Find X9s in India, expanding its premium smartphone lineup. The Find X9s offers flagship specs at a more accessible price, while the Find X9 Ultra targets the ultra-premium segment with advanced camera hardware and top-tier performance. Both devices are set to go on sale on May 30.

Nagaland Lottery Sambad Result today (21-05-2026): Nagaland State Lottery Sambad Dear Star Thursday Weekly draw results for 21 May 2026 have been officially declared. Ticket holders can now check their numbers for the 1 Crore first prize and other attractive cash rewards.

Congress workers marched in Jaipur protesting NEET UG exam irregularities. They demanded the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Police used water cannons to disperse the crowd. The National Testing Agency's credibility was questioned. The future of nearly 22 lakh students was affected by alleged paper leaks.

On September 1, 2026, Cyprus will establish a trade office in Mumbai, aiming to open new pathways for Indian entrepreneurs into European markets. This strategic move positions Cyprus as a robust launchpad for enterprises eyeing the EU, Eastern Mediterranean, Gulf, and North Africa. The focus lies in vibrant sectors such as digital innovation, finance, and sustainable energy.

Vanessa Trump, former daughter-in-law of Donald Trump, has revealed her breast cancer diagnosis in an emotional Instagram post. She is working closely with her medical team on a treatment plan and recovery, surrounded by the love and support of her family and loved ones. The announcement comes during a challenging personal time for Trump.

Kazakhstan recently held an influential international conference dedicated to the Golden Horde, where President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev called for a thorough and impartial examination of this expansive empire. He celebrated its importance as a conduit for trade, governance, and cultural interactions between East and West.

Indian National Congress has criticized the handling of Indias economy, accusing Prime Minister Narendra Modi of prioritizing elections over pressing economic challenges. The party claimed that rising inflation, slowing economic growth, and declining foreign investment are increasing concerns across sectors. Congress leaders also alleged that a climate of fear and uncertainty is discouraging investors and called for a major shift in economic policy to restore confidence and boost economic stabil

The Supreme Court has refused to alter its previous order. This order had put a halt to the counting of votes for the Bar Council of Delhi elections. Allegations of tampering prompted this decision. The apex court has now asked the Delhi High Court to hear the related pleas. This hearing is scheduled for May 25.

Union Minister Giriraj Singh has strongly criticized Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's recent statements targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Singh described the Congress party as a 'Maoist, Muslim Congress', a departure from its independence movement roots. He defended the Prime Minister's leadership during national crises and asserted public support for Modi.

Dhurandhar OTT release time: Fans can now celebrate the upcoming release of Dhurandhar's Raw & Undekha uncut version on May 22. Both Netflix and JioHotstar will stream this extended cut. The sequel, Dhurandhar: The Revenge, is set for a June 4 premiere. This action franchise continues to dominate the box office and generate significant online interest.

Hardik Pandya, captain of Mumbai Indians, was fined 10 percent of his match fee and handed one demerit point following an on-field incident during the IPL 2026 clash against Kolkata Knight RidersatEden Gardens. Pandya was penalized for forcefully knocking the wicket bails during the match and later admitted to the offense, leading to disciplinary action under the IPL Code of Conduct.

A Noida residents viral video comparing luxury apartment living with village life has triggered a massive online debate. Despite showing premium amenities like swimming pools, clubhouses and sports courts, he argued that city high-rises often come with stress, poor ventilation, pollution and financial pressure. His statement that 25,000 in a village equals 1 lakh in a city resonated with many online, while others said his complaints came from a place of privilege.

A Pune tech professional's manager earned praise online for protecting him from extra tasks during his notice period. Despite a shortened 37-day notice, the manager ensured a smooth handover, refusing requests to assign new work from another team. This supportive action highlighted a positive workplace dynamic, sparking varied reactions online.

Chief Justice of India Surya Kant has urged all high courts to conduct online hearings. Most high courts have already adopted this practice. This initiative aims to reduce unnecessary expenses. The Chief Justice has also requested high court chief justices to consider online hearings for district courts.

Ludwig Kaiser update: WWE star Ludwig Kaiser was arrested in Orange County, Florida, on Wednesday. He faces a battery charge. Records show his bail was set at one thousand dollars. Reports indicate the incident involved an altercation with another male. Kaiser has since been released after posting bail. He is scheduled for a match in Mexico.

A Meta employee in Singapore, Gary Tay, shared his emotional experience of being laid off after nearly a decade, having trained his replacement the day before. His viral post highlighted the shift towards AI, stating, AI is here to stay, apparently the human isn't. Meta is restructuring, integrating AI and cutting managerial roles, impacting thousands globally.

A recent cricket Test match between Bangladesh and Pakistan saw heated exchanges on the field. Pakistan batter Mohammad Rizwan's repeated stoppages during play frustrated Bangladesh players. The incident gained further attention when Australian cricketer Marcus Stoinis humorously recreated Rizwan's actions in a casual game. This online banter has become a talking point among cricket fans.

Students eagerly await the Kerala Plus Two Result 2026. The Directorate of Higher Secondary Education will release the results on May 26 at 3 PM. Access will be available on official websites like keralaresults.nic.in and dhsekerala.gov.in. Candidates need their application number and date of birth. Results can also be accessed via DigiLocker, SAPHALAM app, and SMS.

A school bus driver is in critical condition after a crash in Sydney's western suburbs, involving approximately 40 teenage students. The bus veered off the road, striking a pole and a tree, trapping the driver. Eight students were hospitalized with minor injuries, while others and a teacher were shaken but unharmed. Investigations into the cause are underway.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has returned to New Delhi. His five-nation tour included the UAE, Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, and Italy. During the tour, India signed significant pacts on energy, defence, and critical minerals. Several countries elevated ties with India to strategic partnerships. Prime Minister Modi also received high honours from Sweden and Norway.

The Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) has released admit cards for the CSEET June 2026 session, accessible on the official website. The offline examination is scheduled for June 1-4. Candidates can download their hall tickets by entering their registration details. Exemptions are available for certain graduates and those who have cleared professional exams.

Repolling is underway in Falta Assembly constituency. BJP candidate Debangshu Panda stated voting is peaceful and voters are participating. He expressed confidence in a significant BJP victory. The Election Commission ordered fresh polling due to alleged irregularities. Trinamool Congress leader Jahangir Khan had previously withdrawn from the contest. Counting of votes is scheduled for May 24.

Karnatakas Tree Goddess: Saalumarada Thimmakka, Karnataka's 'Tree Goddess', transformed a barren roadside into a 4.5km green corridor by planting 385 banyan trees. Driven by a deep connection with nature and a desire to nurture life, her selfless dedication, starting in the 1950s, inspired millions and earned her national honours, leaving a lasting legacy of grassroots conservation.

Quote of the Day by Ren Descartes highlights that actions reveal more than words, urging us to judge reality through evidence rather than appearances. This principle remains vital today, cutting through curated images and performance to focus on consistent behavior as the true indicator of intentions and priorities in all aspects of life.

US authorities have dismantled an India-based call centre scam. Hundreds of elderly Americans lost millions to tech support fraud. The investigation led to the conviction of five Indian fraudsters and two US executives. These executives admitted to enabling the widespread fraud. The operation used deceptive pop-ups to trick victims into paying for fake services.

Delhi Temperature today: Delhi and its surrounding regions are experiencing an intense heatwave, with temperatures potentially reaching 46 degrees Celsius. The IMD has issued an orange alert, warning of severe weather and increased risks of heat-related illnesses. The city also recorded its warmest May night in nearly 14 years, with no immediate relief expected.

The BJP Yuva Morcha Spokesperson Abhishek Dubey sought the registration of an FIR against Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi for allegedly calling Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah raitors during a public event on Wednesday.

Adani Enterprises is embarking on a transformative journey to breathe new life into Jaiprakash Associates. With assets valued at around 5,700 crore, the transaction involves the transfer of pivotal operations, including major power facilities and a thriving fertilizer business, to Adani Group subsidiaries.

Security measures at Dhar's Bhojshala have been significantly increased, with over 1,500 police officers deployed alongside advanced monitoring systems including drones and CCTV. This uptick in vigilance follows a recent court decision recognizing the location as a Vagdevi temple, prompting Hindu organizations to organize a large puja event.

Rang Ghar: Built in 1746 in the heart of Sivasagar, Rang Ghar is widely recognised as Asias oldest amphitheatre and one of the most fascinating reminders of the Ahom dynastys grandeur. Once used by kings and nobles to watch wrestling matches, bullfights, cultural performances, and traditional games, the 277-year-old structure still stands tall with its distinctive Ahom-style architecture and unusual construction techniques using rice paste, eggs, and Borali fish instead of cement.

A Bengaluru vegetable seller is making waves online after a video showed him wearing an iPhone on his head. He is reportedly collecting real-world data for artificial intelligence training. The unusual sight has sparked debate about AI's impact on jobs. Some see it as a new opportunity, while others worry about automation. The future of work is clearly changing rapidly.

United States and Israel initiated Operation Epic Fury against Iran on February 28, 2026. The conflict involved extensive air, missile, and maritime combat. Aircraft losses mounted, with the Department of Defense estimating costs at $29 billion. The situation remains unstable despite a ceasefire. Congressional concerns are rising over readiness and spending.

LPG gas cylinder prices today: Domestic LPG cylinder prices remain stable across major Indian cities, offering relief to households despite global energy cost concerns. However, commercial LPG rates have surged significantly, impacting food businesses. This stability in domestic prices is seen as a measure to shield consumers from inflation, even as oil companies face rising input costs.

India's Health Minister J P Nadda emphasized the need for strong regulation and ethical oversight for Artificial Intelligence in healthcare. He highlighted India's digital initiatives and strategies like SAHI to ensure AI benefits everyone. Nadda stressed that responsible AI development is crucial to avoid deepening health inequities.

Quote of the day by Frank Sinatra: Frank Sinatra, a legendary singer and actor, achieved global fame with his smooth voice and timeless hits like 'My Way.' His career, spanning decades, saw him win an Academy Award and become a cultural icon. Sinatra's enduring legacy continues to inspire, defining American popular music with his style and charisma.