The Economic Times

With the West Asia conflict persisting and global oil prices likely to average around USD 100/bbl, India's current account deficit could rise meaningfully this year, ICICI Bank Global Markets warns. While resilient services exports should offer some cushion, the brokerage expects the current account deficit (CAD) to settle between 1.5-2 per cent of GDP, provided non-essential imports are contained and capital inflows improve once global risk sentiment stabilizes.

Assam Chief Minister's son, Nandil Biswa Sarma, has successfully completed the demanding Ironman Vietnam challenge, a feat achieved in approximately 16 hours. This accomplishment follows his earlier success at the Ironman 70.3 in Bahrain. Nandil, currently studying law, has previously indicated no immediate plans for a political career, a sentiment echoed by his father.

President Trump returned from China, announcing significant trade deals including 200 Boeing aircraft sales and agricultural support. He described his meetings with President Xi Jinping as a G-2 moment, potentially easing tensions over Taiwan during his term. Trump also extended an invitation for Xi to visit Washington.

Charles Darwin quote of the day is gaining fresh attention in 2026 as millions struggle with burnout, stress, screen addiction, and emotional fatigue. In The Autobiography of Charles Darwin, Charles Darwin admitted he regretted not reading more poetry and listening to music every week. The quote now connects deeply with modern life, mental health, productivity culture, and digital overload. Darwin, best known for On the Origin of Species, warned that endless intellectual work can slowly weaken e

Operation Securus: Shepparton police have launched Operation Securus to combat escalating shop theft. A five-member team will work with retailers to target repeat offenders. This initiative follows a successful previous operation. Retail crime has reached a decade high in the region. A new online reporting system will aid police in identifying and apprehending thieves. The operation will initially focus on Shepparton CBD.

Bangalore , Karnataka Weather Update: Karnataka is bracing for rainfall across coastal, south Interior, and North Interior regions starting May 16, with a low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal persisting. Bengaluru may experience moderate to heavy showers, while several districts are under orange and yellow alerts for heavy rain, thunderstorms, lightning, and strong winds.

Israel and Lebanon have agreed to extend a ceasefire for 45 days and will hold expanded talks on a political settlement, the US announced. Despite the truce, Israel conducted new strikes, claiming they are not subject to the ceasefire, leading to civilian casualties and further displacement in southern Lebanon.

Africa CDC has confirmed a new Ebola outbreak in Congo's Ituri province. Hundreds of suspected cases and dozens of deaths have been recorded. The virus is highly contagious and can be fatal. This outbreak raises concerns due to population movement and insecurity. Health authorities are convening an urgent meeting to coordinate a response and prevent further spread.

Quote of the day by Leonardo da Vinci: The renowned Renaissance artist and thinker, cautioned against the perils of personal opinions. He believed our own beliefs can be the greatest deception, distorting reality. The article emphasizes the importance of questioning our viewpoints. This encourages intellectual humility, leading to clearer thinking about ourselves and the world.

African proverb of the day: The African saying emphasizes that relationships and emotional connections, not just material comfort, define a home. This saying highlights the vital role of human connection, care, and family in creating warmth and balance, urging appreciation for those who foster these bonds.

Quote of the day by Confucius: Confucius viewed aging not with fear but as a comfortable transition. He believed older years offer a unique perspective, allowing one to observe life with gained wisdom and clarity. This shift from active participation to a spectator role brings a different understanding and appreciation.

Quote of the day by Marie Curie: Marie Curie's candid reflection on balancing family and a scientific career resonates today, highlighting the persistent challenges women face. Despite societal pressures, her life exemplified perseverance, proving that dedication to both personal and professional ambitions is achievable, even amidst hardship.

Dow Jones, S&P 500 and Nasdaq today: Wall Street experienced a sell-off on Friday, with major indices like the S&P 500, Nasdaq, and Dow Jones closing lower. Technology stocks led the declines as investors took profits, while rising Treasury yields and inflation concerns added pressure. Disappointment over the Trump-Xi summit and surging oil prices also contributed to the market's cautious mood.

Quote of the day by Stephen Hawking: Renowned physicist Stephen Hawking cautioned about artificial intelligence. He believed AI could be humanity's greatest achievement, but also its last if risks are not managed. Hawking foresaw AI's power to transform life through science and medicine. However, he warned of dangers like loss of control and misuse.

Aristotle's enduring quote, Excellence is never an accident, emphasizes that greatness stems from high intention, sincere effort, and intelligent execution, not chance. His philosophy, developed through extensive study and teaching at the Lyceum, highlights the importance of deliberate choices and consistent action in shaping one's destiny and character, a principle still relevant today.

Piyush Goyal stated the government absorbed global oil price hikes by cutting excise duty. He highlighted significant fertiliser subsidies for farmers. The minister also mentioned voluntary austerity appeals for reducing imported commodity consumption. Efforts are underway to boost trade with the US, aiming for preferential market access.

The government has extended deadlines for a major scheme promoting rare earth permanent magnet manufacturing. This move aims to encourage more companies to participate. The bid submission date is now June 29, and technical bids will be opened on June 30. This extension provides crucial additional time for stakeholders involved in the bidding process.

At the New Delhi Municipal Corporation (NDMC) under which these markets come, the property tax is up to 25% of the rent collected while in other parts of Delhi it's just 2-3%.

Searsmont Maine explosion breaking news: A significant fire and explosion at Robbins Lumber in Searsmont, Maine, resulted in at least five injuries and prompted a large-scale emergency response. The incident, which began in a wood shaving packaging area and spread to a dust silo, escalated into a mass casualty event stretching local resources. Investigations into the cause are ongoing.

Chinese Proverb of the Day highlights the meaning of The woman who tells her age is either too young to have anything to lose or too old to have anything to gain. The saying reflects how age is often shaped by social perception, expectations, and personal confidence rather than just a number. It suggests that people may choose to reveal or conceal their age depending on how they feel society will judge them.

The Supreme Court has ruled against Flipkart India regarding its 'MarQ' electronics brand. The court found the name too similar to Marc Enterprises' 'Marc' trademark. Flipkart must now stop using the 'MarQ' name and sell off existing stock within eight weeks. This decision follows a Delhi High Court order. Marc Enterprises has used its 'Marc' brand since 1981.

Addressing concerns about reports suggesting a new tax on international travel, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was quick to clarify that such plans are entirely unfounded. He emphasized the government's focus on facilitating business growth and enhancing living standards. Furthermore, he urged collaboration to navigate the complexities of the current global economy and curb rising costs.

The auction on eBay was intended to revive an event that Buffett hosted for more than two decades that raised USD 53 million for the GLIDE Foundation homeless charity in San Francisco. This year's auction that wrapped up Thursday night also raised month for Curry's Eat.Learn.Play. Foundation that he established with his wife, Ayesha.

The Allahabad High Court has granted bail to a group of men. They were accused of consuming non-vegetarian food on a boat in the Ganga river in Varanasi. The men also allegedly threw leftover waste into the river. The court heard their bail applications. The next hearing for other accused is scheduled for May 18.

The Centre has extended the deadline for the Commission of Inquiry probing Manipur's ethnic violence. The panel will now submit its report by November 20, 2026. This commission was formed in June 2023 to investigate the violence that began in May 2023. Over 260 people have died due to the ongoing conflict in the northeastern state.

The cruise missile hit the nine-story corner apartment block Thursday during what the Ukrainian air force said was Russias biggest barrage on the country of the full-scale invasion. Emergency workers finished digging through the rubble searching for victims after more than a day, Zelenskyy said on X.

President Donald Trump is set to unveil a grand vision for West Potomac Park: the National Garden of American Heroes, a statue garden commemorating 250 influential Americans. While this project promises to celebrate national pride, it may face opposition from legal challenges related to D.C.'s rigorous development guidelines.

In a landmark move towards deeper collaboration, India and the UAE have inked multiple agreements focusing on defense, energy, and infrastructure development. During a pivotal meeting, Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged with UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to deliberate on critical regional stability initiatives and to firmly denounce recent attacks on the UAE.

India has officially launched its ambitious Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft project. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu attended the groundbreaking ceremony. The manufacturing unit for these next-generation stealth fighter jets will be established in Puttaparthi.

While Trump maintained the leaders this week spoke about almost everything you can discuss, except for a reduction of tariffs, he did allow that the two sides outlined efforts to reduce the flow of precursor chemicals used in the production of fentanyl. Trump has cited fentanyl flows in imposing some of the levies he placed on China.

Fidelity Investments is settling a class-action lawsuit for $2.5 million following a 2024 data breach. Customers whose financial account and routing numbers were compromised between August 17-19, 2024, may qualify for up to $5,000 in compensation for documented losses. The settlement also includes identity theft protection and credit monitoring services. Claims must be filed by July 27, 2026.

India's dam infrastructure faces challenges from extreme weather. NHPC is now using Artificial Intelligence for better flood forecasting and dam monitoring. An AI platform called 'eAabhas' uses sensors and machine learning for early warnings. This technology will improve accuracy and help protect dams and people. It integrates data from various agencies for better decision-making.

Quote of the Day by the Professor from Money Heist: When the odds are against us, that's when we shine the brightest is a powerful reflection on resilience, mental strength, and the ability to rise during adversity. Spoken by the brilliant mastermind known as The Professor, the quote highlights how true potential often appears in moments of pressure and uncertainty rather than comfort. It encourages people to see challenges not as barriers, but as opportunities for growth, courage, and self-disc

Chhattisgarh's Chief Minister, Vishnu Deo Sai, has launched an innovative program aimed at revitalizing inactive police and paramilitary camps within tribal territories by transforming them into 'Seva Kendras'. This initiative aspires to deliver a plethora of government services right to the heart of underserved communities.

The monsoon is expected to arrive in Kerala on May 26, six days earlier than usual. This early onset is significant as it precedes sowing for key kharif crops. Farmers are preparing for the rainy season. The India Meteorological Department forecasts below-normal rainfall for 2026 due to El Nino concerns. Heatwave conditions persist in northwest and central India.

Prioritizing efficiency, Indian enterprises are reshaping their spending habits. Non-essential travel and expenses are being minimized, while remote work and energy conservation practices gain traction. This shift resonates with broader national efforts towards sustainable consumption. Amidst a backdrop of global unpredictability, organizations are recalibrating to sustain growth and fortify their operational robustness.

Pole vault champion Mondo Duplantis is trying a longer 22-step run-up. He aims to enhance his performance for upcoming championships. Faith Kipyegon, a record holder, will also compete. She is participating in the 5,000m event to assess her current form. Both athletes are preparing for future competitions.

Thirty-one people abducted earlier this week in Manipur's Kangpokpi and Senapati districts have been released. Armed men had ambushed civilian vehicles on May 13, resulting in three deaths and four injuries. Public leaders and security forces worked together to trace and secure the release of the detained civilians.

The Supreme Court has voiced serious concern regarding the prevalence of lawyers with fake degrees. Chief Justice of India Surya Kant suggested the CBI investigate this issue. The court also addressed a lawyer's social media conduct, emphasizing professional discipline. The bench criticized the lawyer's language and approach to filing contempt petitions. The petitioner subsequently withdrew their plea.

In a significant milestone for Assam politics, Chandra Mohan Patowary has been sworn in as Pro-tem Speaker of the 16th Assam Legislative Assembly, ready to lead the ceremony for incoming MLAs as the Assembly convenes on May 21. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma is currently reviewing advancements in industry and power sectors.

David Beckham has achieved a historic milestone becoming Britain's first billionaire sportsman. His wealth, combined with his wife Victoria's, now stands at an impressive 1.185 billion. This places them second among the UK's wealthiest sports personalities. Beckham's success stems from his football career and lucrative endorsements.

The Madhya Pradesh High Court has recognized the Bhojshala-Kamal Maula Mosque complex as a temple of Goddess Saraswati. The court quashed an earlier order allowing Friday prayers. Representatives of the mosque can seek alternative land for construction. The ruling follows a scientific survey indicating the structure predates the mosque and was built using temple components.

The CBI has apprehended PV Kulkarni, a chemistry lecturer, in connection with the NEET-UG paper leak. Kulkarni allegedly provided leaked question papers and answers to students. The CBI is actively investigating the potential involvement of National Testing Agency officials in the leak. Several individuals have been arrested as part of the ongoing investigation into the examination irregularities.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola wishes for more preparation time before the FA Cup final. He acknowledges that winning other domestic trophies leads to a tight schedule. City faces Chelsea at Wembley Stadium. Guardiola expressed confidence in his team's ability to perform despite the circumstances. The team aims to win the FA Cup after previous final losses.

BJP workers staged a protest in Srinagar demanding a ban on liquor. They marched towards Chief Minister Omar Abdullah's residence. Protesters accused the ruling National Conference government of hypocrisy. They stated Abdullah had promised a ban before the October 2024 assembly elections. BJP members highlighted the government's inaction despite having the power to implement a ban.

West Bengal's Chief Minister, Suvendu Adhikari, has taken decisive action by suspending jail staff after a bold crackdown at Presidency Central Correctional Home, resulting in the seizure of 23 mobile phones. With a CID investigation on the horizon, the Chief Minister pointed out a troubling trend of criminals orchestrating operations from behind bars.

Flags at half mast today reason explained: United States flags fly at half-staff today, May 15. This honors fallen law enforcement officers on Peace Officers Memorial Day. Nebraska also remembers Staff Sergeant Robert A. Keuchel, a World War II airman. His remains were identified after decades. Flags will remain lowered until sunset at Omaha National Cemetery.

Exams likely to be held in 20 sessions over 10 days from next yr, with normalisation cycles for the test format