The Economic Times

A viral video highlights the stark reality of international travel costs for Indians earning in rupees. Content creator Aakriti Pandey shared her shock at US expenses, from a $67 airport transfer to $57 for three dosas, emphasizing the struggle of converting dollars to INR. Even coffee prices felt exorbitant, making company-sponsored trips seem more appealing.

The Bharatiya Janata Party has made history by forming its first government in West Bengal. Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked the occasion, remembering Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee. Suvendu Adhikari took oath as the Chief Minister. This marks a significant political shift after years of Trinamool Congress rule. The BJP's victory signifies a new chapter for the state.

A tragic motor vehicle crash in Musquodoboit Harbour, Nova Scotia, claimed the life of a young person. Two other youths sustained injuries in the single-vehicle collision. Emergency services responded swiftly to the scene on Ostrea Lake Road. The investigation into the incident is currently underway. Ostrea Lake Road was temporarily closed for the investigation.

West Bengal minister list: Kshudiram Tudu, a tribal leader from Bankura, has joined BJP's first West Bengal cabinet. He represents Ranibandh, a tribal-dominated constituency. Tudu's inclusion highlights BJP's strategy to connect with tribal communities. His appointment underscores the importance of tribal representation in the new government. The party aims to strengthen its base in regions like Jangalmahal.

The VCK party is seeking significant positions in the new government, including the Deputy Chief Minister post. Party leader Thol Thirumavalavan is being considered for the Tiruchirapalli East constituency. The VCK also discussed continuing commissions on caste killings and Dalit promotion quotas. The party's stance reflects public sentiment regarding power sharing.

Iran is reviewing a United States proposal concerning the West Asia conflict. Tehran stated it will respond at the appropriate time, dismissing deadlines set by American politicians. The proposal is highly technical, requiring approval from multiple Iranian institutions and senior officials. US President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed anticipation for Iran's response.

Senior BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari took oath as West Bengals first BJP chief minister at Kolkatas Brigade Parade Ground in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and senior BJP leaders. The BJPs victory ended the 15-year rule of the All India Trinamool Congress in the state.

Jansuraksha schemes have settled claims worth over Rs 25,160 crore. Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana settled more than Rs 21,500 crore. Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana settled nearly Rs 3,660 crore. These schemes provide affordable financial protection. Over 27 crore, 58 crore, and 9 crore enrollments are recorded under PMJJBY, PMSBY, and APY respectively.

The Israeli military called on residents of more than half a dozen villages in southern Lebanon to immediately evacuate on Saturday ahead of expected attacks against Hezbollah despite a truce with Lebanon intended to halt the fighting. For your safety, you must evacuate your homes immediately and stay away from the villages and towns by a distance of no less than 1,000 metres to open areas, he added.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi showed respect to 98-year-old BJP veteran Makhanlal Sarkar at the West Bengal Chief Minister's swearing-in ceremony. The heartwarming gesture occurred at the Brigade Parade Ground in Kolkata. Sarkar is a founding member of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh and played a key role in building the BJP in North Bengal.

Following Suvendu Adhikari's oath as West Bengal Chief Minister, the TMC has raised serious concerns. Abhishek Banerjee alleged widespread electoral fraud, including disenfranchisement of voters. He also pointed to partisan actions by institutions and the Election Commission. The party claims post-poll violence against its workers. The TMC vows to remain a strong opposition in Delhi and West Bengal.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Hyderabad on May 10. He will inaugurate or lay the foundation stone for development projects valued at Rs 9,400 crore. This visit marks his first public rally in Telangana after his re-election. The Prime Minister will also address a public meeting. The BJP is preparing for a large gathering, expecting two lakh attendees.

Tensions remain high between the US and Iran as both nations exchange fire in the Gulf. A fragile ceasefire is being tested by recent clashes. US intelligence indicates Iran can endure a naval blockade for several months. The United Arab Emirates also faced attacks. The US is awaiting Iran's response to a proposal to end the war.

Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs Nirmala Sitharaman on Friday stated that the 16th India-EU Summit held in New Delhi this January provided a decisive new momentum to the bilateral strategic partnership, elevating it to a higher level.

Chef Ranveer Brar has revealed a simple Instagram trick to crack coconuts easily. This hack makes using fresh coconut accessible for home cooks. He also shared a comforting Kerala-style coconut rice recipe. This dish is fragrant and mildly spiced, perfect for a weekend meal. The chef's tips are making traditional cooking less intimidating for many.

Political maneuvering intensifies in Tamil Nadu after the Assembly election results. DMK leaders TKS Elangovan and P Wilson have voiced concerns over alleged horse trading attempts. This follows a dispute over a letter of support for Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) leader Vijay. TVK claims support from an AMMK MLA, while AMMK denies it.

West Bengal news: Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the historic swearing-in ceremony in Kolkata. Senior BJP worker Makhanlal Sarkar was honored. Suvendu Adhikari took oath as West Bengal's first BJP Chief Minister. The BJP secured a significant victory in the assembly elections. This marks the beginning of a new era for the state.

The US Department of Energy's National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) on Friday (local time) announced the successful removal of all remaining highly enriched uranium from a legacy research reactor in Venezuela, calling the operation a significant step in reducing nuclear security risks in South America and the US homeland.

Suvendu Adhikari took oath as West Bengal's Chief Minister at Kolkata's Brigade Parade Ground. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other senior BJP leaders attended the historic event. This marks the first time the BJP has formed a government in West Bengal. The ceremony featured Bengali cultural elements, including jhalmuri stalls. The venue itself holds significant political history.

West Bengal has a new Chief Minister, Suvendu Adhikari. The BJP secured a historic win in the 2026 elections, ending fifteen years of Trinamool Congress rule. Adhikari took the oath of office at Brigade Parade Grounds. The party achieved a significant majority in the assembly. This marks a major shift in the state's political landscape.

Bank of America has appointed Richard Hardegree as its new vice chair for mergers and acquisitions. Hardegree, a seasoned banker with over 30 years of experience, joins from UBS. He will focus on the semiconductor sector and will be based in Palo Alto, California. This move signals Bank of America's commitment to expanding its market share in tech dealmaking.

India's central government has fully implemented four new labour codes. These codes, effective November 21, 2025, consolidate 29 laws. They aim to provide minimum wage and universal social security for all workers. The new framework enhances worker protection and eases business operations. Key provisions include mandatory appointment letters and a National Reskilling Fund.

Congress accuses BJP and DMK of obstructing TVK's secular government formation in Tamil Nadu. The party claims the DMK is willing to support AIADMK and prevent other secular parties from aiding TVK, amid reported INDIA bloc divisions and DMK seeking separate seating in Parliament.

Are you trying to lose belly fat and struggling with it? You don't have to go for extreme diets; in fact, certain homemade morning drinks can not only help you lose your belly fat but also boost your metabolism. When combined with a healthy diet and a few workouts per week, these morning drinks can help you lose belly fat more quickly and naturally. Here are six easy drinks you can make at home to reduce your belly fat.

Chennai is witnessing high political drama. Vijay's oath-taking as Tamil Nadu's next Chief Minister is uncertain. A razor-thin majority in the assembly has led to intense negotiations. The Governor awaits a crucial support letter. Alliances are shifting rapidly. The state's political future hangs in the balance as discussions continue.

Tamil Nadu's political landscape was thrown into turmoil as DMK and AIADMK failed to prevent C Joseph Vijay's party from forming the government. Despite intense negotiations and attempted defections, Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam emerged as the single largest party, leaving the state's mandate fractured.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi honored Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore on his birth anniversary. He described Tagore as an exceptional philosopher, educationist, artist, and a timeless voice of India's civilisational soul. Tagore's profound thoughts and creative energy enriched society. The Prime Minister expressed deep reverence and gratitude for his contributions. Tagore's legacy continues to inspire and guide.

Suvendu Adhikari is set to be sworn in as West Bengal's first BJP Chief Minister at Kolkata's Brigade Parade Ground. This marks a significant shift in state politics, with the BJP securing a decisive victory over the TMC. The ceremony is expected to be attended by top BJP leaders and thousands of party workers.

Quote of the day by Maya Angelou: Maya Angelou, a renowned writer and poet, inspired millions with her courage, wisdom, and hope. Overcoming early struggles with racism and trauma, she transformed her experiences into powerful lessons on resilience and self-belief. Her impactful writings, including 'I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings,' continue to resonate, encouraging people to rise above adversity with dignity.

Police in Lucknow arrested four members of an interstate gang accused of creating and selling fake IPL tickets outside Ekana Cricket Stadium using ChatGPT and graphic design software. According to police, the gang sourced images of original IPL tickets from social media and used CorelDRAW and ChatGPT to replicate ticket dimensions and paper quality.

Maharashtra Minister Sanjay Shirsat made serious allegations regarding a case linked to the TCS facility in Nashik. He claimed AIMIM corporator Mateen Majid Patel sheltered accused Nida Khan. Shirsat also stated that former MP Imtiaz Jaleel was the main culprit. Khan was taken into custody from Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. The investigation is ongoing.

Ahead of the swearing-in ceremony of the BJP government in West Bengal on Saturday, BJP leader Dilip Ghosh said the people of the state voted for change and fulfilled the dream of Syama Prasad Mukherjee.

Suvendu Adhikari Oath Ceremony Date And Time: West Bengal is set for a historic political change. Suvendu Adhikari will be sworn in as the state's first Bharatiya Janata Party Chief Minister on Saturday. The ceremony will take place at the Brigade Parade Ground. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other top BJP leaders are expected to attend. This marks a significant transition for the state's political landscape.

The U.S. Treasury imposed sanctions on 10 individuals and companies, including several in China and Hong Kong, for aiding Iran's weapons and drone material procurement. These actions aim to curb Iran's ability to threaten regional allies and shipping. The sanctions target specific companies involved in facilitating weapon and material acquisition for Iran's military programs.

Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan has been appointed as the new Chief of the Naval Staff, succeeding Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi who retires on May 31, 2026. Swaminathan, a decorated officer with extensive operational and staff experience, previously served as the Vice Chief of the Naval Staff. His appointment marks a significant transition in the Indian Navy's leadership.

U.S. forces disabled two Iranian oil tankers after exchanging fire in the Strait of Hormuz, while the UAE reported an Iranian missile and drone attack. These incidents cast doubt on a fragile ceasefire as Washington awaits Iran's response to a proposal aimed at ending the war and reopening the vital waterway.

Chennai Weather: Tamil Nadu is experiencing a mixed summer with heat and humidity in coastal areas, while western and southern districts are seeing thunderstorms and rain. Scattered showers are also possible in delta regions. While no widespread extreme weather is forecast, localized heavy rain may occur.

Lieutenant General N S Raja Subramani (Retd.) has been appointed as the next Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), effective from his assumption of charge. He will also serve as Secretary to the Government of India in the Department of Military Affairs. Lt Gen Raja Subramani previously held the position of Military Adviser at the National Security Council Secretariat.

Hantavirus is usually spread by rodents, but in rare cases can be transmitted person-to-person. The CDC said on Friday it would distribute updated monitoring guidance and resources for state and local health departments later on Friday.

The Trump administration is appealing a court ruling that found its 10% global tariff, imposed under a 1970s trade law, was unjustified. The court blocked the tariffs for three specific importers, but the administration expects to prevail in the appeal. This setback comes as broader tariff plans are being pursued under a different trade law.

The Centre has introduced a nationwide framework for central government land transfers to curb disputes and boost asset monetisation. This new policy mandates separate valuations for buildings and clear guidelines for public versus commercial use, aiming to enhance transparency and unlock revenue for public projects. Transfers to private entities and states will now require cabinet approval.

Tata Trusts have postponed crucial board meetings. The meetings were to discuss Tata Sons' potential public listing and board representation. Legal challenges and differing views among trustees are cited as reasons for the delay. The trusts are reinforcing their stance on keeping Tata Sons privately held. This move aims to ensure alignment with the majority institutional position.

Iran war: U.S. Treasury said it remained ready to take economic action against Iran's military industrial base to prevent Tehran from reconstituting its production capacity.

World Cup 2026 marks the second time the global soccer showcase is being co-hosted by multiple countries. The 2002 World Cup was co-hosted by South Korea and Japan, with the former staging the opening ceremony.

Washington has revised its proposed U.N. resolution demanding Iran halt attacks and mining in the Strait of Hormuz but the changes are unlikely to avert Chinese and Russian vetoes.