The Economic Times

The United Democratic Front is set to take power in Keralam. VD Satheesan will be sworn in as Chief Minister today. Senior Congress leaders and Chief Ministers from other states are attending the ceremony. The new government promises to fulfill election guarantees.

Will MS Dhoni play today? MS Dhoni's recent training session at Chepauk has ignited intense speculation about his potential return for Chennai Super Kings' crucial final home game. Fans are eagerly anticipating his comeback, hoping it will be his last appearance in Chennai.

Russia launched drone and missile attacks on Ukrainian cities Odesa and Dnipro overnight. These strikes injured eleven people, including two boys. Meanwhile, Ukraine conducted its largest drone assault on Russia in over a year. This resulted in at least four fatalities, with three deaths reported in the Moscow region.

Ebola outbreak: The World Health Organization has declared an Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda a public health emergency. Driven by the Bundibugyo virus, the disease has caused significant fatalities. Health officials urge caution and preventive measures, emphasizing that Ebola spreads through direct contact with bodily fluids, unlike COVID-19.

Governments, banks and investors have deployed about $100 billion toward climate adaptation projects in Asia over the past five years, with most funding directed at water management and infrastructure projects.

From Whatsapp chats, Insta reels to Amazon deliveries, everything could be hit as Iran is considering imposing fees on undersea internet cables passing through the Strait of Hormuz. This move could impact global technology companies and disrupt international internet traffic. The proposal also suggests restricting cable repair work to Iranian firms. This development occurs amidst ongoing tensions between Iran, the US, and Israel, with a fragile ceasefire in place.

The cruise ship MV Hondius, hit by hantavirus, has docked in Rotterdam for disinfection. Remaining crew and medical staff will undergo quarantine. The outbreak, involving the Andes virus, has seen three deaths. Authorities are managing the situation, with the WHO stating it is not comparable to COVID-19. Citizens express some concern but do not anticipate a new pandemic.

Bain Capital has raised $10.5 billion for its sixth Asia-focused private equity fund, including $9.1 billion from external investors, exceeding its original $7 billion target. Bain Capital partners, employees and related entities contributed the remaining capital and became the funds largest investor group.

Petrol, Diesel prices today: Petrol and diesel prices remained steady on Monday after a recent Rs 3 per litre hike, with further increases anticipated due to rising global oil prices. This surge, driven by Middle East conflict and US-Iran tensions, is pressuring India's foreign exchange reserves as the nation imports most of its crude oil.

US President Donald Trump has issued a stern warning to Iran regarding stalled nuclear negotiations. He stated that time is running out for Tehran to reach an agreement on uranium stockpiles and sanctions relief. Both nations remain far apart on key demands. Tensions are high in the Middle East, with fears of renewed conflict impacting global energy markets.

Ebola in India: The WHO has declared the Ebola outbreak in Congo and Uganda a public health emergency with over 300 cases and 88 deaths. Indian health experts assure no need for panic, emphasizing Ebola's direct contact spread, unlike COVID-19, while stressing vigilance and early detection. There are two vaccines for Ebola.

China has agreed to address U.S. concerns over shortages of specialty rare earth minerals and critical materials caused by Beijings export controls, according to a White House factsheet released after last weeks U.S.-China summit.

Ladakh's daily wage earners will see a substantial pay increase. Skilled workers will now earn Rs 575 daily, and unskilled workers Rs 450 daily. This decision comes ahead of crucial meetings with the Ministry of Home Affairs. The administration aims to provide dignified wages, aligning with the Minimum Wages Act.

Four crew members safely ejected after two U.S. Navy E/A-18G Growler jets collided mid-air during an aerial demonstration at the Gunfighter Skies Air Show near Idahos Mountain Home Air Force Base on Sunday.

Karnataka, Bengaluru weather today: Bengaluru is set to experience thunderstorms and rainfall on Monday, May 18, with temperatures ranging from 23C to 33C. The India Meteorological Department has issued a yellow alert for Bengaluru and most of interior Karnataka for the next three days, with an orange alert for parts of south interior Karnataka for the next 24 hours.

The West Bengal government has raised the upper age limit for recruitment to state government jobs across categories through amendments to the West Bengal Services (Raising of Age-limit) Rules, 1981.

Investors are increasingly betting that China is back as the economy rebounds from years of deflation, helped by strong manufacturing, exports and growth in sectors such as AI, electric vehicles, green energy and high-end manufacturing. Chinas GDP grew 5% in the first quarter, while tech and industrial stocks in Hong Kong outperformed broader markets.

According to an official White House press release, both leaders agreed that the United States and China should build a constructive relationship of strategic stability based on fairness and reciprocity. The release also stated that President Trump will host President Xi in Washington later this year, while both countries will support each other as hosts of the G20 and APEC summits scheduled later in 2026.

Finance ministers from the Group of Seven are meeting in Paris to discuss global economic tensions, trade imbalances and coordination on critical mineral supplies, amid growing geopolitical divisions within the group.

US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said President Donald Trump secured a commitment from China not to provide material support to Iran during talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Indias Ministry of External Affairs condemned the drone attack on the Barakah nuclear power plant in the UAE, calling it a dangerous escalation and urging restraint and diplomacy amid rising Gulf tensions.

Federal officials urged unions representing workers at the Long Island Rail Road to resume negotiations after a strike entered its second day, disrupting travel for hundreds of thousands of commuters in New York.

Samsung Electronics and its South Korean labour union will resume government-mediated pay talks on Monday in an effort to avoid a strike planned for Thursday. The talks come after an earlier round of negotiations over wages and bonuses collapsed at the worlds largest memory chipmaker.

A drone strike caused a fire at the Barakah nuclear power plant in the UAE, while Saudi Arabia said it intercepted three drones that entered from Iraqi airspace, amid rising tensions linked to the US-Iran conflict. UAE officials called the attack a dangerous escalation and said they were investigating the source.

The US and China have agreed to create new trade and investment boards and build a more stable economic relationship based on fairness and reciprocity, according to a White House fact sheet released after talks between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing.

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has prepared a list of the highway stretches for monetisation with Haryana accounting for the highest number of assets followed by Uttar Pradesh.

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.