The Economic Times

Amidst rising global tensions and concerns over fuel prices, viral claims linking Baba Vanga's alleged 2026 predictions to economic chaos are circulating. However, there is no verified evidence of her specifically foreseeing fuel price hikes. The current anxieties are more a reflection of real-world geopolitical impacts on oil markets than mystical prophecies.

Iran has established a new authority to manage the Strait of Hormuz. This vital waterway has been effectively closed by Tehran, which intends to charge ships for passage. The new body will provide updates on operations and developments. Iran's control over the strait has impacted global markets.

A tourist tragically died at Karnataka's Dubare elephant camp when two trained elephants fought during a bathing session. One elephant lost balance and fell, crushing the 33-year-old woman. Following the incident, authorities are implementing new restrictions on close-contact tourist activities with elephants.

A resurfaced video reveals Shah Rukh Khan's deep affection for his pet dog. When the dog died while Khan was away, household staff buried it by the sea. Upon his return, Khan insisted on digging up the dog and bringing it home, expressing his profound grief and love.

Despite India's technology ministry warning that prediction markets like Polymarket and Kalshi are illegal, customers in India continue to trade. A new law banning online money games went into effect May 1, yet these platforms are still accessible, with some users circumventing blocks.

NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar led a protest demanding the government buy onions at Rs 25 per kg. Farmers are selling produce at distress prices due to falling rates. Pawar stated farmers are not recovering production costs. He also called for compensation for those who sold onions at low rates. The agitation will intensify if demands are not met.

A Gen Z employee was fired for 'attitude' and 'culture fit' despite meeting project deadlines. Weeks later, the company's systems failed due to undocumented backend infrastructure he managed. He was rehired as a consultant, demanding double his previous salary, highlighting the value of skilled, albeit undocumented, contributors.

Word of the Day: Language is more than a tool for communication; it also serves as a form of cultural memory. Words like acersecomic preserve ideas, traditions and identities that modern vocabulary can sometimes overlook. The English language contains thousands of highly specialized terms capable of describing surprisingly precise aspects of human experience.

Kevin Warsh assumes leadership of the U.S. Federal Reserve. This marks a new chapter for the central bank and President Trump. Warsh faces challenges including inflation and interest rate decisions. The Fed's balance sheet and future rate movements are key focus areas.

India's monsoon season is set to begin soon. The India Meteorological Department predicts the southwest monsoon will reach Kerala around May 26. Heavy rainfall with lightning and strong winds are forecast for Kerala and Mahe. This arrival offers much-needed relief from intense summer heat across the country. Farmers eagerly await the rains for crucial crop sowing.

Aam Aadmi Party leader Deepak Singla has been arrested by the Enforcement Directorate in a money laundering case. AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal alleged that the arrest is linked to Singlas refusal to join the Bharatiya Janata Party. He also praised Punjab minister Sanjeev Arora, who has been arrested in a GST fraud case, describing both leaders as brave and patriotic amid escalating political tensions.

Indian businesses are encouraged to monitor imports and identify opportunities for local manufacturing. This push for self-reliance aims to strengthen domestic industries. India's exports are growing, with ambitious targets set for the coming years. Free trade agreements are being expanded to enhance market access. A Swadeshi trade fair will showcase Indian products and services, promoting 'Made in India' goods.

Torrential rain inundated parts of New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Maryland on Monday night. New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy declared a state of emergency, urging people to stay indoors.

A Mumbai flat owner's social media post questions if rental income is truly passive. He shared his struggles with tenant issues and property management, highlighting the stress involved. This has ignited a debate among property owners. Many agree that managing tenants can be a demanding job. The owner suggests financial investments might offer better returns without the hassle.

Two farmers from Doddaballapur Rural were arrested for allegedly attacking an architect and her husband in a road rage incident near Hesaraghatta Main Road. The confrontation began when the architect honked at an MUV blocking her path. The situation escalated when the men allegedly beat her husband and attempted to harm him.

India's cooking gas shortage, driven by the Strait of Hormuz closure, forces refiners to cut alkylate production. This directly impacts California's gasoline supply, as alkylates are crucial for its unique blend, leading to higher prices for motorists already facing a global fuel crisis.

Anitha Radhakrishnan on Vijay government and family: Senior DMK leader Anita Radhakrishnan launched a blistering attack on the new TVK-led government, days after Joseph Vijay officially took charge as Tamil Nadu Chief Minister following prolonged alliance talks, Predicting that the administration would collapse within four to six months, the Tiruchendur MLA also questioned the absence of Vijays wife and children at the swearing-in ceremony, triggering fresh political controversy.

As temperatures rise, the FSSAI warns of common fridge storage mistakes increasing food poisoning risks. Proper separation of raw and cooked foods, maintaining a fridge temperature below 5C, and careful egg storage are crucial. These simple habits prevent bacterial contamination and protect families from illness during summer.

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has announced a strict zero-tolerance policy against vandalism, stating that the government will take firm legal action against those involved in attacking police personnel or damaging public property. The warning comes in the aftermath of violent protests reported in Kolkatas Park Circus area.

The newly released Episode 7 trailer for Euphoria hints that Rue Bennett may finally stop running from herself. The previews biggest surprise is the return of Ali Muhammed, played by Colman Domingo. Across previous seasons, Ali has remained one of the few people willing to confront Rue honestly while still offering genuine compassion and support.

Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt faced boos at the University of Arizona commencement for warning graduates about technology's 'mess'. He acknowledged fears about AI's impact on jobs and the future, urging students to adapt and shape its use. Concerns over AI-related job losses and past allegations against Schmidt fueled the sharp reaction.

Delhi government employees will now have special bus services connecting their homes to metro stations and the Delhi Secretariat. This initiative by the Delhi Transport Corporation aims to boost public transport usage. The buses will operate during morning and evening office hours. This move supports the government's fuel-saving campaign. Several residential areas are covered by this new service.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump stated he should have sought a greater stake in Intel for the U.S. government. The administration previously invested $10 billion, with the stake now valued over $50 billion. Trump suggested he could sell shares gradually without impacting the stock price.

An Indian software engineer achieved a remarkable salary jump from 3.5 lakh to 35 lakh annually within three years. This success came without mentors or paid courses. The engineer focused on consistent coding practice, rigorous interview preparation, and strategic job changes. Each career move involved a tailored strategy, emphasizing different skills.

DMK President M K Stalin accused the ruling TVK of relying heavily on social media influence to win the recent Assembly elections, alleging that the party failed to carry out traditional fieldwork. He highlighted DMKs own organisational efforts and noted the growing impact of social media on voters and families. Stalin also indicated that the DMK plans to strengthen its strategy to counter such digital campaigning in future elections.

Excitement is building as pre-orders for Grand Theft Auto VI, or GTA 6, are rumored to start today. This follows a leaked email suggesting early access to pre-orders before the November 19 release. Fans also anticipate a new trailer. Rockstar Games has not confirmed these reports. The game is set in Vice City and features dual protagonists.

Wired earphones are making a surprising return in 2026. Celebrities and everyday users are embracing them for better sound and fewer charging hassles. This trend also taps into Y2K nostalgia. In India, affordability and reliability have always kept wired options popular. USB-C earphones are bridging the gap for newer phones. This simple technology is finding a new audience.

Following the UDF's victory in Kerala, Congress leaders Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi expressed optimism for the state's rue progress and future-led development. Gandhi emphasized that the people's voice will guide the new government, led by V D Satheesan, and that work begins now. Kharge highlighted the commitment to dignity, justice, freedom, inclusion, and amity.

A viral Reddit post claiming that most Indian freshers lose money by accepting the first salary offer without negotiating has triggered a massive online debate. While many agreed that candidates should ask for better pay professionally, others including people involved in hiring argued that negotiation can backfire badly in Indias highly competitive fresher job market.

Anand Mahindra shared a heartwarming video of a grandfather teaching his grandson Maniyaro Raas, a vibrant Gujarati folk dance. The clip, believed to be from the Saurashtra region of Gujarat, resonated deeply online for symbolising the passing down of tradition, rhythm and cultural memory from one generation to the next, offering many viewers a comforting sense of continuity.

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang calls a total ban on AI chip exports to China 'ridiculous'. He believes such restrictions would push China to build its own technology, ultimately harming US leadership. Huang argues American companies should compete globally. He suggests China can still advance AI using existing resources and older chips, not just the most advanced ones.

JSW Energy on Monday said it sold 2.5 crore equity shares in JSW Steel through a bulk deal on the NSE, raising Rs 3,150 crore. Following the transaction, JSW Energys remaining holding in JSW Steel stands at 4.5 crore equity shares, according to a regulatory filing.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is on a four-day visit to Vietnam and South Korea to bolster strategic defence cooperation, including joint production of military hardware. The trip aims to strengthen defence industrial partnerships, enhance maritime collaboration, and promote peace in the Indo-Pacific region. Discussions will also cover the South China Sea situation and explore new initiatives for bilateral engagements.

Kerala lottery result today: Kerala Lottery Bhagyathara BT-54 results for Monday, 18 May 2026, have been officially declared. Ticket holders can now check their numbers for the 1 crore first prize and other attractive cash rewards.

Ten people died in a tragic road accident in Lakhimpur Kheri. A truck and van collided head-on on the Lakhimpur-Bahraich Highway. Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced ex-gratia payments for the deceased and injured. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also condoled the loss and ordered prompt assistance for victims.

A new employee feels scapegoated at work due to a manager providing incomplete instructions and blaming newer hires for problems. The situation is worsened by perceived favoritism towards a senior employee and communication issues with older freelancers. Reddit users advise documenting everything and actively seeking new employment.

Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and other footballers and sports celebrities have also been in trouble with Spanish tax authorities.

Maldives scuba diving accident: The body of one of the Italian divers was recovered on Friday, the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) said.

Baramulla MP Sheikh Abdul Rashid has been granted interim bail by the Delhi High Court until June 2 following the death of his father. Currently lodged in Tihar Jail in connection with terror-funding charges, Rashid will be escorted by police during his temporary release. The relief allows him to attend his fathers funeral and related ceremonies.

Elon Musk predicts a significant shift in transportation. He stated that self-driving cars without human oversight will become more common in the United States this year. Musk also shared his vision that within a decade, artificial intelligence will handle the vast majority of driving.

Ryanair's suppliers this week said there would be no disruption between now and mid-July, Group Chief Executive Michael O'Leary said in a video presentation.

The BJP has criticized the Congress following V D Satheesan's oath as Kerala Chief Minister. Party spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla alleged the Congress has surrendered to Islamist groups like the IUML and Jamaat-e-Islami. He claimed the decision was made under pressure for vote-bank politics. Poonawalla stated the Muslim League effectively runs the government, accusing Congress of compromising with radicals.

Maharashtra's onion farmers are facing severe financial distress as prices plummet below production costs due to bumper arrivals, unseasonal rains, and weakened export demand. Many growers are incurring substantial losses, struggling to even cover cultivation expenses and facing mounting debt. Farmers are demanding government intervention, including a minimum support price and compensation for distress sales.

The Central Information Commission has ruled that Board of Control for Cricket in India does not qualify as a public authority under the RTI Act because it is not owned, controlled or substantially funded by the government.

China will purchase over $17 billion in US farm goods yearly for three years. This deal boosts agricultural trade significantly. Purchases will include wheat, corn, meat, cotton, and timber. Rival suppliers like Brazil and Australia may see reduced exports. This agreement aims to expand trade between the two nations.

Salesforce is halting software engineer hiring in 2025, anticipating a significant productivity boost from AI tools like Agentforce. CEO Marc Benioff projects hundreds of millions in spending on AI tokens, particularly for coding tasks, indicating a strategic shift towards AI investment over team expansion. Engineers will work alongside AI, not be replaced.

Global security faces growing challenges. DRDO scientist Upendra Kumar Singh stresses the need for stronger preparedness against chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear threats. He notes a turbulent geopolitical shift and interconnected global powers. Singh also points to weakening global institutions and rising conflict zones. Emerging health threats and the accessibility of advanced technologies demand attention.

Tata Power has signed an initial agreement with Druk Green Power Corporation to create a training framework for developing 5,000 MW of clean energy capacity in Bhutan.