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.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has strongly defended India's decision to purchase Russian crude oil, stating that the country's energy choices are based on cost and availability, and highlighting the West's 'hypocrisy' in criticising India while historically supplying weapons used against it.
'India should understand that we are not going to make the same mistakes with India that we made with China 20 years ago.'
A new report indicates India has become the world's fifth most digitalised economy and ranks fourth globally in AI performance, driven by increasing AI adoption and a strong digital infrastructure.
The Maharashtra excise department has arrested over 210 people and registered 313 cases in a five-day crackdown on illicit liquor manufacturing and sales in Thane, Palghar, and Raigad districts. This intensified action follows the Pune hooch tragedy, which claimed at least 15 lives, leading to the seizure of property worth Rs 1.58 crore and the suspension of 22 police and excise personnel.
The Maharashtra excise department has arrested over 210 people and registered 313 cases in a five-day crackdown on illicit liquor manufacturing and sales in Thane, Palghar, and Raigad districts. This intensified action follows the Pune hooch tragedy, which claimed at least 15 lives, leading to the seizure of property worth Rs 1.58 crore and the suspension of 22 police and excise personnel.
Two mobile software technicians have been arrested in Delhi for allegedly receiving stolen mobile phones and unlocking them using sophisticated software tools for resale in the grey market. Police recovered 45 smartphones and equipment, linking some to theft cases across Delhi, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has accused Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma of corruption and land grabbing, promising action if the Congress party wins the upcoming elections in Assam. Gandhi also criticised the BJP's governance and economic policies.
David Perdue said in a post on X that the US-India relationship delivers real results through close cooperation in diverse areas, including defence, energy and through Quad engagement.
The deal shifts the US posture towards India from hostile to neutral, and that matters for growth, points out T T Ram Mohan.
The US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed striking the Guinea-Bissau-flagged oil tanker MT Jalveer, carrying 20 Indian seafarers, in the Gulf of Oman for allegedly violating the US blockade against Iran. This incident marks the third commercial vessel attacked by US forces in the region this week, with three Indian seafarers previously losing their lives in an attack on the MT Settebello.
With momentum building around the IPO, the NSE saw a surge in retail investors in the last two years, making it one of the widely traded stocks in the unlisted market.
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Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed 'forever grateful' to US President Donald Trump for his 'timely' intervention in securing a ceasefire with India following a military conflict last year, a claim India has consistently rejected.
The Indian government informed Parliament that India and the US are engaged in negotiations for a mutually beneficial multi-sectoral bilateral trade agreement. The two countries also cooperate on strategic, economic, and defense matters, managing divergences through high-level dialogues.
Indian foreign direct investment (FDI) in the United States has reached approximately USD 16.4 billion, supporting around 70,800 jobs and contributing significantly to research and development, according to US Deputy Undersecretary Brandon Remington.
The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has dismantled a wildlife trafficking syndicate involved in the illegal trade of Indian elephant tusks (ivory) in Mysuru, leading to the seizure of 4.058 kg of tusks and the apprehension of three individuals.
'The flip side of this is that he won't hesitate to call out India if he thinks its policies are hurting US economic interests or border US foreign policy goals.'
India and the US have agreed to a trade deal that will see Washington reduce reciprocal tariffs on Indian goods from 25% to 18%, according to US President Donald Trump. The deal also includes commitments from India to reduce tariffs and non-tariff barriers against the US and to increase purchases of American products.
US President Donald Trump described Prime Minister Narendra Modi as 'a Great One', while Russia hailed him as the 'doyen of all Indian prime ministers' as world leaders congratulated him on becoming India's longest continuously serving elected representative at the top post.
The US has seized an oil tanker, 'Skywave', linked to Iran in the Indian Ocean, as part of efforts to disrupt Iran's oil shipments and enforce sanctions. The vessel was part of a network transporting sanctioned Iranian crude oil, with the seizure occurring amid heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran.
A source familiar with US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent's thinking revealed on Saturday that the department "intends to utilise all available authorities to make Iranian assets accessible for rebuilding and repair efforts related to any future damage inflicted by Iran."
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.
Bangladeshi authorities intervened to save a rare albino buffalo named 'Donald Trump,' known for its blond hair resembling the US president's hairstyle, from being sacrificed during Eid celebrations. The buffalo will now be preserved at the national zoo in Dhaka.
Morocco, Norway, Turkey, Colombia, Mexico and Japan are among the leading dark horses for FIFA World Cup 2026, with each side possessing the talent and momentum to challenge football's traditional powers.
Russian President Vladimir Putin asserted that any attempts to undermine India's sovereignty through 'threats of sanctions' would 'boomerang immediately' under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, highlighting India's sovereign decision-making and strong national interests.
Iran has denied agreeing to participate in a second round of peace talks, contradicting claims made by the United States. The denial comes as tensions remain high in West Asia, with a ceasefire window nearing its end.
President Trump is celebrating the US-India trade deal as a landmark achievement, with a major focus on boosting American coal exports to India and other trade partners.
United States President Donald Trump boards Air Force One for his return home following diplomatic engagements in Beijing.
If Iran and Oman choose to charge a fee for rendering services to vessels using their territorial waters, so be it. The US is indulging in an irrationally self-destructive act, notes Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.
'The contours of the trade deal need to be reworked now.'
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio discussed cooperation in trade, critical minerals, nuclear energy, and defence, reaffirming commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific.
The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has dismantled a major gold-smuggling syndicate at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, seizing 3.2 kg of gold worth Rs 5 crore. Seven individuals, including Bangladeshi and Sri Lankan nationals and three airport staff, have been arrested in connection with "Operation Golden Nexus."
'You have seen the retrenchments by big corporates in the IT industry because they are not getting enough offers.' 'MSMEs in the manufacturing sector are really struggling. They do not know what to do. They are not able to predict what will happen tomorrow.'
Police in Beed district, Maharashtra, busted a prostitution racket and rescued three women, arresting two individuals involved in the trafficking operation.
India emerged reasonably well from 2025. But now, the oil shock and war-related supply disruptions have again driven funds out of India and significantly weakened the rupee, points out Ajay Chhibber.
Sharp differences between Iran and the UAE over the West Asia conflict were on full display during the BRICS foreign ministers' meeting in New Delhi, signalling the challenges the bloc faces in reaching a consensus position on the crisis.
Tensions escalate as Iranian forces attack a container ship in the Strait of Hormuz after Trump announced the ceasefire extension.
US President Donald Trump will visit China from May 13 to 15 at the invitation of President Xi Jinping. The visit occurs amidst global tensions, including the war in West Asia and trade disputes between the US and China. Discussions are expected to cover China-US relations, world peace, and economic issues.
Indian stock markets rallied in early trade after US President Donald Trump announced a halt to planned military strikes on Iran, citing requests from Gulf leaders and ongoing "very big discussions" that could lead to a deal. This de-escalation, coupled with foreign fund inflows and gains in IT and Adani group stocks, contributed to the positive market sentiment. Track Sensex and Nifty on May 19, 2026.
