A powerful 7.8-magnitude offshore earthquake struck the southern Philippines, killing at least four people, injuring over 200, damaging buildings, and triggering tsunami warnings across parts of Southeast Asia.
Ebrahim Azizi, Head of the Iranian Parliament's National Security Committee, warned the US against interfering with the Strait of Hormuz, asserting Iran's sovereignty after former President Donald Trump threatened to 'take over' the strategic waterway. Despite the heated rhetoric, Iran and the US have established a direct communication line to prevent incidents during a 60-day negotiation period.
Under the agreement reached between the two sides, Karbi community farmers from Assam will be allowed to cultivate and tend their crops for one agricultural season in fields claimed by Meghalaya.
India has expressed firm opposition to attacks on merchant shipping amidst the ongoing Iran conflict, revealing that several Indian nationals have died or are missing due to these incidents. The nation also called for restraint, de-escalation, and prioritising civilian safety in the region.
Pakistan's Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi visited Tehran for the third time recently to mediate peace amidst rising tensions between the US and Iran. Pakistan is actively leading diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the conflict in West Asia, which has impacted global energy markets and trade.
The Consumer Affairs Ministry is developing machine-readable SMART standards using AI to reduce industry compliance burden. This initiative aims to modernise India's standards ecosystem, with the Bureau of Indian Standards transitioning from a regulator to a facilitator, promoting private sector testing and faster processes.
For the foreseeable future, the most likely outcome remains continuation of the status quo. Taiwan will remain self-governing without formally declaring independence, while China continues to apply sustained pressure short of war, predict Krishnan Srinivasan and Manoj Mohanka.
The 13.153-km Zojila Tunnel, the world's longest single-tube bi-directional road tunnel at the highest altitude, and its final breakthrough will be a historic milestone in India's infrastructure history.
The Indian government is set to accelerate reforms, including measures to enhance foreign direct investment, speed up divestment, and boost asset monetisation, to maintain economic growth despite rising fuel and fertiliser import costs driven by the West Asia crisis.
Security forces in Manipur have seized a large cache of arms, ammunition, and explosives in joint operations in the Senapati and Churachandpur districts, disrupting illegal arms supply networks and deterring insurgent activities.
Indrans' standout performance deserves a sharper screenplay than this over-edited, all-too-familiar revenge saga, rues Sreeju Sudhakaran.
A Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) carrier, chartered by an Indian firm, safely transited through the Strait of Hormuz -- the first Indian LNG tanker to cross the war-hit narrow shipping lane since the war in West Asia broke out more than three and a half months back.
As tensions in the Middle East approach a critical juncture, reports have surfaced regarding a draft memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran aimed at de-escalating the ongoing conflict, Iranian state media reported on Wednesday.
'When I look at India's relative valuations, these are by far the lowest I have seen in my 35-year career.' 'The relative 12-month trailing performance is among the weakest I have seen, and foreign investor positioning is at a 16-17 year low.'
Himachal Pradesh Police detained 19 habitual drug traffickers under the PIT-NDPS Act as part of an intensified crackdown on narcotics trade, particularly involving chitta (smack) and heroin.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Tuesday said the United States would prefer to end its extension of waivers on Russian oil "as soon as possible", while noting that such decisions ultimately rest with the US Treasury Department.
Police in Noida have invoked the National Security Act against two individuals accused of inciting labour unrest and violent protests in April. The accused, identified as members of 'Mazdoor Bigul Dasta', allegedly played a significant role in the demonstrations and spreading disorder.
CBSE exams and unemployment are divergent concerns for the middle class and the poor, and the idioms of protest don't speak to all of India's young people, points out Kanika Datta.
Moody's Ratings has downgraded India's growth forecast for financial year 2026-27 (FY27) to 6 per cent from 6.8 per cent, attributing the revision to weaker consumption and industrial activity, elevated energy prices, and rising input costs stemming from the West Asia conflict.
A group of seers, led by the Akhand Parshuram Akhada, has launched a campaign in Uttarakhand's Haridwar to ban the sale of food under the name "veg biryani".
Delhi Police has intensified security across the city, especially at Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport and border points, in anticipation of a protest called by the digital outfit Cockroach Janta Party (CJP). Over 1,000 personnel have been deployed, and senior officers have reviewed arrangements to maintain law and order and ensure public safety.
Loans to micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in India saw moderated growth in April 2026, with early signs of stress emerging among micro borrowers and manufacturers, according to a report by credit bureau CRIF High Mark. The slowdown is attributed to potential impacts of global uncertainty.
Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL) has expressed caution regarding 'extreme volatility' risks stemming from the West Asian conflict, which could impact global oil demand and the company's margins, while also noting that near-term retail consumption demand may remain sensitive to macro conditions. Chairman Mukesh Ambani, in the annual report, remained silent on the timeline for Jio Platforms' anticipated public listing, stating the group will 'continue to evaluate strategic pathways'.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) will come into effect on July 15, 2026, anticipating a significant boost to bilateral trade and investment.
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) conducted raids across four states in India, investigating a case of arms, ammunition, and IED smuggling from Pakistan. The raids targeted 12 locations in Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Bihar, and Maharashtra, leading to the seizure of digital devices for forensic analysis.
The Quad grouping has expanded cooperation in critical minerals and energy, while unveiling new measures to boost maritime surveillance and port infrastructure across the Indo-Pacific. This move comes against the backdrop of China's growing military posturing in the region, with ministers reiterating strong opposition to destabilising actions and expressing serious concerns over militarisation of disputed features.
A new report suggests China's maritime vulnerability lies in the Strait of Hormuz, not Malacca, creating strategic competition in the Indian Ocean.
Pakistani security forces killed 23 terrorists in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province during operations on Wednesday and Thursday, according to the military's media wing.
A key suspect linked to a cross-border drug trafficking network has been apprehended in Bahraich, Uttar Pradesh, in a joint operation by the Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (STF) and Goa Police.
Police in Gautam Buddh Nagar claim an accused linked to violent labour protests in Noida received over Rs 1 crore from foreign countries in their personal bank account.
Delhi Police have arrested six operatives and sharpshooters allegedly linked to the Rashid Cablewala-Hashim Baba gang, recovering a cache of illegal firearms and ammunition.
Five people, including two minors, have been arrested in Aizawl in connection with a violent gang assault on a teenager. The Young Mizo Association has voiced concerns over rising street violence.
A TADA court in Jamnagar convicted 12 individuals in connection with the 1993 arms landing case, linked to Dawood Ibrahim, intended to avenge the Babri Masjid demolition. Ten of the convicted were sentenced to five years rigorous imprisonment.
A special TADA court in Jamnagar convicted 12 individuals in connection with the 1993 arms landing case linked to Dawood Ibrahim, while acquitting 17 others. The case involves a conspiracy to smuggle weapons into India to avenge the Babri Masjid demolition.
Much will depend on how the protagonists use the current interlude to work proactively for the beginning of a durable settlement or, on the contrary, prepare for a new round of escalation, points out Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.
The CUET-UG 2026 exam faced delays at several centres due to a technical glitch, according to the National Testing Agency. The issue has been resolved, and compensatory time will be provided to affected candidates. Students and parents reported delays and communication issues at various examination centres.
Police in Jharkhand's Chatra district have arrested five members of an inter-district gang allegedly involved in the theft of mobile phones, recovering 31 smartphones.
Indian benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty experienced a significant slump in early trade, mirroring weak global trends, as escalating tensions in West Asia, particularly a drone attack on the UAE's Barakah nuclear facility, pushed crude oil prices higher. Track Sensex, Nifty50 movement and key market drivers for May 18, 2026.
South India's manufacturing, construction, and services sectors are grappling with severe labour shortages, prompting employers to offer attractive incentives like free air tickets and salary increments to lure migrant workers back from their home states after recent assembly elections.
Indian stock markets are set to be influenced by developments in US-Iran negotiations, crude oil prices, and foreign investor activity in the upcoming holiday-shortened week, according to market analysts.
