The Economic Times

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has introduced a new policy. Detained Bangladeshi infiltrators will now be directly handed over to the Border Security Force for deportation. This bypasses the court system. The Chief Minister also reviewed civic infrastructure and development plans for Howrah city. He expressed hope for completing delimitation exercises and forming elected boards by year-end.

Brent oil futures were trading around $108 per barrel on Thursday, off their wartime highs of $126 per barrel, but still significantly above the $70 per barrel they were trading at before the Iran war began.

American factories saw a significant boost in May, reaching their highest activity level in four years. Businesses are stocking up on goods to prepare for potential shortages and increasing prices. This surge in manufacturing comes as global supply chains face disruptions. While manufacturing is growing, the services sector shows a slowdown.

Automaker Stellantis is investing 60 billion euros over five years. The company plans to reduce its production capacity in Europe by 20 percent. Stellantis will launch over 60 new vehicles and refresh 50 existing models. This strategy aims to accelerate growth and profit. The company is also forming partnerships with Chinese firms for manufacturing and sales operations.

Rajat Agarwal, founder of Gravita India, transformed from bankruptcy and homelessness to build a recycling empire worth 12,000 crore. He learned from mistakes, particularly misjudging people, and now leads a company employing over 15,000. Agarwal emphasizes discipline and time management, having worked 16-18 hour days in his early career.

African proverb of the day: African elders offer guidance, not rigid rules, helping younger generations navigate life's choices. Their wisdom, rooted in experience, illuminates the best paths without dictating decisions. This approach balances respect for tradition with the freedom of individual growth and responsibility.

Margo Martin, a senior communications aide to Donald Trump, has attracted widespread public attention after reports revealed her relationship with former professional lacrosse player Brock Sorensen. Martin, known for filming behind-the-scenes White House and campaign footage, recently celebrated two years with Sorensen through a social media post. Her popularity has grown rapidly within MAGA circles following Trumps public praise and her viral China trip videos.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi presented unique Indian gifts to world leaders during his recent five-nation tour. Items included Muga silk stoles, Madhubani paintings, and Kesar mangoes. These thoughtful presents showcased India's rich cultural heritage and craftsmanship. The gifts fostered goodwill and highlighted India's artistic traditions on the global stage.

While audiences wait for Super Mario Movie 3, fans can already revisit The Super Mario Galaxy Movie from home. The film is currently available to rent or purchase on digital platforms. Physical Blu-ray and DVD editions are expected to arrive in June, with a streaming release anticipated later on Peacock.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly reminded the world about Moscows nuclear arsenals after sending troops into Ukraine in February 2022 to try to deter the West from ramping up support for Kyiv.

Jobless claims saw a dip last week, indicating continued low layoffs. However, the economy faces significant challenges. The Iran war has driven up oil prices and inflation. This impacts consumer spending and business hiring. The Federal Reserve is monitoring inflation closely. Artificial intelligence advancements also pose potential job market shifts. Job growth has slowed in recent years.

India's priority is to bring back its ships stuck near the Strait of Hormuz. Only after these vessels are safe will India consider sending ships to load fuel. This move comes as the conflict has disrupted vital energy supplies. India relies heavily on the Strait for crude oil and cooking gas imports.

Steve Jobs' iconic Stay hungry, stay foolish advice, originating from the Whole Earth Catalog, continues to inspire. It champions relentless curiosity and ambition alongside a brave embrace of risk and uncertainty. This timeless message resonates deeply with younger generations navigating today's unpredictable world, encouraging growth beyond comfort zones and the fear of failure.

A heartwarming video shows parents reacting with overwhelming joy and emotion after their son, Harnav Singh, revealed he secured a job at Google. His mother's intuition proved correct, leading to tears of pride and celebratory embraces. The touching moment, shared online, resonated deeply with viewers.

A pivotal trade agreement between India and the United States is soon to be concluded, promising a new chapter in their bilateral relations. US Ambassador Sergio Gor is confident that we will see a resolution in the upcoming weeks. High-ranking officials from both sides are preparing to engage in discussions about this promising pact.

A Ghaziabad man accused in a rape case is facing a fresh FIR after videos showed supporters celebrating his release from Dasna jail with a convoy, flower shower and roadshow. Police told TOI the group allegedly blocked traffic for 30 minutes and drove recklessly while escorting him home after bail.

Proverb of the Day: French proverbs and folk sayings often combine elegance, irony and emotional insight. Many traditional expressions subtly satirize human ego while revealing deeper truths about relationships, ambition and the pursuit of happiness.

Pakistan's Chief of Defence Forces, Field Marshal Asim Munir, declared the nation's unwavering commitment to combating terrorism until lasting peace and stability are secured. Speaking at a military awards ceremony, he commended the armed forces and law enforcement for their sustained efforts against terrorists, reaffirming the continuation of the fight with full national resolve.

Delhis new hydrogen-powered buses can travel nearly 250 km on a single refill, but experts told TOI the technology still faces major hurdles. High operational costs, limited refuelling infrastructure, storage concerns and competition from electric vehicles are raising questions about whether hydrogen buses can scale for daily city transport anytime soon.

Western Railway is conducting a massive anti-encroachment drive in Garib Nagar, Mumbai. Hundreds of structures are being demolished to reclaim valuable railway land. This operation aims to facilitate crucial infrastructure expansion near Bandra station. The drive has faced some resistance and violence. Authorities are proceeding with the demolition under heavy security.

IBM Stock: The Trump administration is awarding $2 billion in grants to nine quantum-computing companies in deals.

The Karnataka Examinations Authority is expected to release KCET 2026 results this week for over 3.3 lakh students who took the entrance exam. The scorecard will detail subject-wise and overall marks, along with the candidate's rank, crucial for the upcoming counselling process.

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg informed employees that no further company-wide layoffs are anticipated this year, following a recent wave affecting 10% of the workforce. Despite Zuckerberg's assurance, former employees and current staff express skepticism, citing rumors of August layoffs and a focus on performance-based cuts to avoid the company-wide label.

Pete Davidson and Elsie Hewitt have reportedly ended their relationship just five months after welcoming daughter Scottie Rose Hewitt Davidson in December 2025. Sources claim parenting pressures, Davidsons demanding work schedule, and frequent travel created tension between the couple. Despite the breakup, insiders say both remain focused on co-parenting their child.

The JEE Advanced 2026 response sheet will be available on May 21, followed by the answer key on May 25. Candidates can raise objections before the final answer key and results are released on June 1. Paper analysis indicates a moderately tough exam, with Paper 2 being lengthier than Paper 1.

Scientists have created a new supermaterial using bacteria-grown cellulose. This material is strong, flexible, and biodegradable. It offers a sustainable alternative to plastic for packaging and manufacturing. The innovation promises to reduce plastic pollution and reliance on fossil fuels. This breakthrough could lead to greener industries and a shift towards bioengineered materials.

Some animals possess extraordinary healing powers that allow them to regrow limbs, tails, organs, and other body parts after injury. From axolotls and starfish to octopuses and deer, these six creatures showcase some of natures most fascinating regeneration abilities that continue to amaze scientists around the world.

Singapore recorded a significant rise in COVID-19 cases. New infections jumped by over 58 percent in a week. Hospital admissions also saw an increase. Authorities noted that periodic waves are expected. The current dominant variant is not more severe. Vaccination remains effective. Vulnerable groups are urged to get vaccinated. Public health measures are advised.

Twisha Sharma Death Case: A leaked audio recording reveals a heated exchange between Twisha Sharma's mother-in-law, Giri Bala Singh, and Twisha's brother, Major Harshit Sharma. Singh allegedly questions Twisha's past relationships and character. Sharma confronts his mother-in-law over the distressing remarks. Meanwhile, police are actively searching for Twisha's husband, Samarth Singh, who is a wanted accused in a dowry-related case.

Sindhudurg district in Maharashtra is set to become a major marine tourism hub. India's first underwater museum and submarine tourism project is coming up off its coast. A decommissioned Indian Navy warship, Ex-INS Guldar, has been scuttled to create an artificial reef. This ambitious project aims to boost adventure and marine tourism in the Konkan region.

Extreme Indian summers can quickly damage delicate balcony plants, but some varieties naturally thrive in heat and sunlight. From snake plants to bougainvillea and aloe vera, these six low-maintenance plants can survive harsh summer conditions while keeping your balcony green, colourful and easy to maintain throughout the season.

GST registered businesses can now digitally close e-way bills upon delivery completion. This new voluntary feature on the GST portal strengthens transaction trails and accountability. Previously, e-way bills tracked goods movement but lacked a formal completion record. This move aims to improve data integrity and traceability. Experts suggest this could become mandatory, enhancing reconciliation and curbing malpractices.

Word of the Day: Philokalist reflects a growing cultural desire to romanticize everyday life, from sunsets and bookstores to rain, handwritten notes and quiet moments that might otherwise pass unnoticed.

The Commonwealth Foundation is facing growing scrutiny after winners of the 2026 Commonwealth Short Story Prize were accused of using artificial intelligence to create their entries. Social media users flagged one of the winning stories as potentially AI-generated, triggering a wider debate around literary authenticity and the reliability of AI-detection tools. Judges, writers and critics remain divided over the claims, while the Foundation has defended its selection process, stressing that all

A dating and workplace connection expert says modern work culture has more in common with dating apps than people realise. Speaking at the Fortune Workplace Innovation Summit, Lakshmi Rengarajan argued that behaviours like ghosting and quiet quitting come from the same emotional problem: people struggling to navigate difficult moments and human connection in an increasingly digital world.

The Meghalaya Board of School Education (MBOSE) will release the SSLC Supplementary Result 2026 tomorrow, May 22, at 11 AM. Students can check their scores on the official websites, including mbose.in. This supplementary exam provides a second chance for students to pass failed subjects and proceed to higher secondary education.

Union Minister Virendra Kumar will launch the JEEVAN mobile app for senior citizens and the SHATAYU dashboard for geriatric caregivers on Friday. This initiative aims to strengthen India's care ecosystem. The virtual program will focus on technology, community participation, and policy interventions.