The Economic Times

Following a landslide victory, the new West Bengal government faces expectations from thousands of jobless teaching staff. Their appointments were annulled by the Supreme Court in 2025 due to widespread irregularities. These teachers, who voted with their uncertain future in mind, now hope for transparent and timely reinstatement. The previous government's alleged corruption and nepotism led to this crisis.

Delhi Traffic Challan Lok Adalat: Delhi traffic offenders now face a pay-first, argue-later system. To contest a challan, motorists must deposit half the fine in advance. Strict deadlines and automated notices will track payments. Unpaid fines can block vehicle services and lead to impoundment. Repeat offenders face licence suspension. This new digital framework aims to streamline enforcement and ensure compliance.

The paper, Re-imagining the Care Economy: From Private Burden to Social and Economic Infrastructure and co-authored by Shamika Ravi, member of EAC-PM, Mitali Nikore, who is the founder and chief economist at Nikore Associates, Dr. Bhabesh Hazarika, economist at the National Institute of Public Finance and Policy (NIPFP) and Sindhuja Penumarty, young professional at EAC-PM, pegs the domestic demand for care workers to exceed 30 million by 2050 alongside a significant rise in international demand

India is taking a groundbreaking step forward in the realm of rare disease care with a distinctive approach that champions local ingenuity and smart resource allocation. By shifting away from conventional Western practices, India is crafting a solution tailored to its own needs.

Vijay's political campaign in Tamil Nadu mirrored a film launch. It used digital tools and fan clubs to mobilize supporters. Holograms and AI content reached voters, especially young ones and families. This peer-driven approach bypassed traditional political messaging. Viral content and emotional appeals sustained engagement. The strategy created a new election model for the state.

Actress Trisha Krishnan is making headlines. Speculation surrounds her relationship with actor-politician Thalapathy Vijay. This comes as Vijay's wife has reportedly filed for divorce. Trisha and Vijay have been seen together publicly. Their alleged relationship has intensified recent gossip. Trisha has previously been linked to Rana Daggubati and Varun Manian.

Sangeetha Sornalingam's Net Worth: Sangeetha Sornalingam, wife of Tamil superstar and TVK chief Thalapathy Vijay, comes from a wealthy Sri Lankan Tamil family. Her personal net worth is estimated at Rs 400 crore. Daughter of a London-based businessman, she has significant family wealth. Vijays recent affidavit shows he gave her a Rs 12.6 crore loan.

The Bharatiya Janata Party's electoral successes will strengthen its Rajya Sabha presence over time. This impact will be seen in states like West Bengal and Tamil Nadu in upcoming years. The Congress party's representation is expected to decline. The National Democratic Alliance's strength in the Upper House is projected to grow, influencing the political landscape.

Only seven women candidates secured victory in the 126-member Assam Assembly, mirroring the 2021 results. The ruling NDA will have six women legislators, while the Congress has one. Despite women comprising nearly half the electorate, their representation in the assembly remains low.

The Super Mario Galaxy Movie: Directed by Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic, the film expands Nintendos beloved universe into a cosmic adventure. Inspired by Super Mario Galaxy, the story follows Mario and Luigi as they travel through space to stop Bowser, who is now backed by Bowser Jr.

TVK chief Vijay celebrated a significant victory in the Tamil Nadu Assembly election, securing 108 seats. He paid homage to the party's ideological leaders and convened a meeting with newly elected legislators. Discussions focused on electing the legislature party leader and strategies for government formation. Vijay is confident of securing a majority, with positive news anticipated soon.

Amid global uncertainties, India emerges as a beacon of resilience, ready to tackle potential economic upheavals. Its commitment to early reforms and ample safety nets fortify its economic landscape. With a clear approach to monetary policy and ample foreign currency reserves, India skillfully manages inflationary pressures and fluctuating exchange rates.

The Sthree-Sakthi SS-518 lottery results have now been released, offering participants a chance to win prizes ranging from a 1 crore jackpot to smaller amounts. Ticket holders can check their numbers for the draw, which features multiple prize tiers. The Kerala State Lotteries Department ensures transparency in the announcement and claiming process.

Amidst a significant political shift in Tamil Nadu with Vijay's party emerging as the largest, a nostalgic celebrity moment has captured attention. Trisha Krishnan's recent visit to Vijay's residence has reignited fan memories of their iconic on-screen chemistry and off-screen camaraderie, adding a touch of film-world nostalgia to the political buzz.

Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar has accepted Chief Minister M K Stalin's resignation and his council of ministers. This follows the DMK party's defeat in the Lok Sabha elections held on April 23. The Governor has asked Stalin to continue in his role until new arrangements are made. The election results saw Vijay-led TVK emerge as the largest party.

Canada's 2026 Census of Population and Agriculture has commenced data collection. For the first time, residents will be asked about their sexual orientation. This inclusion follows extensive consultations and aims to address data gaps. The information will help inform programs and policies for equal opportunities. Completion is mandatory, with penalties for non-compliance.

BJP improved its Kerala performance, finishing second in six constituencies including Thiruvalla, Palakkad and Attingal, and winning three seats overall. In several seats, its candidates significantly raised vote share compared to 2021, showing growing support. However, it failed to convert gains into wins in key contests. UDF led with 102 seats, while CPI(M)-led LDF secured 35 seats in the 140-member Assembly.

The World Health Organization said Tuesday that it was trying to trace people on a flight between the island of Saint Helena and Johannesburg taken by a cruise ship passenger who died of hantavirus. The Dutch woman, whose husband died of the virus on the ship now stuck off Cape Verde, disembarked in Saint Helena with gastrointestinal symptoms on April 24.

Cyber conflict escalates beyond borders following US-Israeli strikes on Iran. Hacktivists and state-backed actors launch global attacks. This crisis fuels a cybercrime economy, creating cover and opportunity. Critical infrastructure like energy and aviation face threats. Financially motivated cybercrime surges, targeting everyday users with sophisticated scams. The lines between war and crime blur, creating a chaotic and unpredictable threat landscape.

Vijay tribute to Periyar: A day after Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) won 108 seats in the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, actor-politician Vijay paid homage to social reformers Periyar E.V. Ramasamy and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. The move signals TVKs intent to align with Dravidian and social justice ideologies even as it prepares to form the next government.

Vietnamese President To Lam's visit to India this week is expected to focus on expanding defense ties, with a potential BrahMos missile purchase being a key discussion point. India views Vietnam as crucial for Indo-Pacific stability amid China's growing influence. While some defense cooperation announcements are anticipated, a weapons deal signing is not expected during the visit.

The US and Iran are locked in a dangerous standoff, fueled by mutual miscalculations and overconfidence. Ancient Greek concepts of error and pride offer a framework for understanding the irrational risk of renewed war, as both sides overestimate their strengths and underestimate their weaknesses.

Ghaziabad high registry charges but no facilities: A viral video from Ghaziabad highlights the stark reality of luxury housing, questioning if 2-4 crore apartments offer a life worth the price. Residents face damaged roads, poor air quality, and critical fire safety gaps, with firefighting equipment unable to reach upper floors of tall buildings.

The Election Commission is recounting votes in West Bengal's Rajarhat New Town constituency after a candidate questioned the narrow lead. Trinamool Congress's Tapash Chatterjee was leading by 323 votes over BJP's Piyush Kanodia after the 17th round. The poll panel will announce results upon completion of the recount.

Australian author Craig Silvey, known for Jasper Jones, pleaded guilty to charges of possessing and distributing child exploitation material. Two additional charges were dropped during court proceedings. Silvey, who was initially charged in January after a police raid, will next appear in District Court in July. His bail was continued.

Venu Srinivasan and Vijay Singh will exit TEDT from May 11 after Mehli Mistry opposed their reappointments, with unanimity required. The move highlights governance tensions within Tata Trusts. Srinivasan recently exited another trust as well. TEDT will now have three trustees.

A rival bidder has publicly questioned the Rajasthan Royals ownership sale process. The US-based entrepreneur Kal Somani and his partners expressed deep disappointment after being excluded. They claim their consortium was the lead bid for six months. The sale saw a Mittal family-led group acquire a controlling stake for around $1.65 billion.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has strongly criticized the Bharatiya Janata Party's recent election wins in West Bengal and Assam. He described these victories as a 'theft' of the people's mandate. Gandhi urged opposition parties to set aside political differences and unite against what he called the BJP's mission to destroy Indian democracy.

Pinarayi Vijayan, the outgoing Kerala Chief Minister, arrived at the airport from Kannur. He traveled to his official residence in a private vehicle. This followed the LDF's significant defeat in the Assembly polls. Vijayan was accompanied by his family and Left leaders. He briefly acknowledged the media. A police pilot jeep and escort were present.

Vijays Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam has dramatically reshaped Tamil Nadu politics, unseating Chief Minister MK Stalin from his stronghold. This electoral debut tapped into a clear appetite for change, particularly among younger voters, while anti-incumbency and concerns around safety also played a significant role.

When will TVK form new government in Tamil Nadu: TVK has emerged as the single largest party with 108 seats in the 234-member Tamil Nadu Assembly but falls short of the 118-seat majority. With the current assembly term ending May 10, 2026, post-poll negotiations are underway. TVK is exploring alliances with smaller parties to stake claim and form the government.

The Bharatiya Janata Party secured a landslide victory in West Bengal, winning 206 seats and ending the Trinamool Congress's 15-year reign. The BJP swept nine districts completely, painting the state saffron for the first time. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's predictions of TMC's failure in multiple districts proved accurate. This win marks a major political shift in eastern India.

South Indian actress Trisha Krishnan boasts a net worth of approximately Rs 85 crore, earning significant income from films and brand endorsements. She reportedly charges up to Rs 12 crore per movie and Rs 9 crore for endorsements. Trisha owns luxurious properties in Chennai and Hyderabad, along with a collection of high-end cars valued at Rs 3-4 crore.

DMK chief M.K. Stalin highlighted a narrow vote margin in the recent polls, stating his party's alliance secured 1.54 crore votes, just 3.52% behind the leading party. He lauded party cadres for their commitment, promising to continue fighting for people's demands as a strong opposition and uphold Dravidian movement ideals.

Congress's alliance with DMK has come under scrutiny for overlooking the vibrant support for TVK at the grassroots level. Many local leaders believe that a joint campaign featuring Rahul Gandhi and Vijay could have clinched a significant number of seats. However, party higher-ups opted for the DMK partnership, influenced by collective political strategies and the reliability associated with their alliance.

The Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity, widely known as IPEF, faces significant hurdles. Recent analyses indicate that the foundation of the framework may be weakening, largely attributed to the trade policies introduced during Donald Trumps presidency.

UP Smart Meter: Uttar Pradesh government has discontinued the mandatory prepaid system for smart electricity meters. Following widespread complaints of technical glitches and arbitrary disconnections, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has directed a transition to postpaid billing for over 83 lakh consumers to ensure uninterrupted power during the peak summer.

K. C. Venugopal said the Kerala Assembly poll results reflect a rejection of communal polarisation and alleged misgovernance by the LDF, while also alleging unfair practices in BJPs wins elsewhere; he added that the Congress will soon decide on its chief ministerial pick.

The Indian economy is witnessing a historic milestone as the currency in circulation hits 42.3 trillion rupees. This remarkable jump of more than 610 billion rupees in merely 15 days of April signals a transformative phase. Experts warn that this continuous cash demand surge may impact the liquidity framework of the banking system.

Pop superstar Justin Bieber credits his immense success to divine intervention. Discovered on YouTube as a teen, Bieber became a global phenomenon with hits like 'Baby' and 'Sorry'. He has navigated fame's challenges, finding solace in his Christian faith. This perspective highlights gratitude and a grounded outlook, acknowledging forces beyond personal effort in his remarkable journey.

The BJPs sweeping Assam victory is being seen as both a consolidation of Hindutva politics and a weakening of traditional Assamese regionalist forces. Analysts say the party has successfully positioned itself as the protector of Assamese identity while also deepening Hindu consolidation, particularly after the 2023 delimitation exercise. The result sidelines regional outfits such as the AGP, Raijor Dal and Assam Jatiya Parishad, while further marginalising Bengali-speaking Muslims and weakening

Bharat Taxi will be the official mobility partner for Delhi Capitals in the 2026 IPL season. The ride-hailing firm will manage on-ground and digital campaigns. Dedicated travel support will be provided for fans attending matches in Delhi NCR. This partnership aims to enhance the fan experience and ensure timely stadium access.

Bharatiya Janata Party spokesperson Jaiveer Shergill questioned opposition parties' claims of electoral malpractice. He highlighted their acceptance of results in Kerala and Tamil Nadu but not West Bengal. The article details BJP's significant victory in West Bengal assembly elections, securing 206 out of 294 seats. Trinamool Congress won 81 seats. Other parties secured fewer seats.

The Andhra Pradesh POLYCET result is out. Thousands of students can now check their scores online. The results were released on May 5, 2026. Candidates need their hall ticket number and date of birth to view their rank cards. Qualifying candidates will participate in online counselling for diploma course admissions. The rank card is essential for the counselling process.

Tamil Nadu politics has a new force. Actor Vijays party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), has made a significant impact in the assembly elections. The results have produced a hung assembly, putting Vijay in a pivotal position in the formation of the next government. All major parties are now looking towards him, as the state appears to be entering a new political era.

Protect your home this summer by following these six essential AC safety steps. From using dedicated power sockets to ensuring your outdoor unit isn't clogged with dust, these simple maintenance hacks prevent overheating and refrigerant-related explosions, ensuring your cooling system remains safe and efficient during extreme heatwaves.