The Economic Times

India is intensifying its fight against drug cartels. The Narcotics Control Bureau recently seized a massive cocaine shipment in Mumbai. This success followed the repatriation of a key drug trafficker from Turkiye. The government vows to dismantle these networks. These actions highlight strong international cooperation against transnational crime. India is committed to a drug-free nation.

A young professional detailed their overwhelming workload during their notice period, handling critical month-end closing tasks alone without support. Despite raising concerns about keyman risk and lack of overtime compensation, management offered no solutions. The experience led to reflections on professional importance and work-life balance, though the employee also acknowledged personal growth and gratitude for mentorship.

Mumbai-Pune Expressways long-awaited Missing Link will open to traffic on May 1, 2026. The 13.3-km bypass is expected to reduce travel time between Mumbai and Pune by 2030 minutes, ease ghat-section congestion, and make weekend getaways to Karjat, Lonavala, and Neral much easier for daily commuters and families.

The United Arab Emirates has exited OPEC, a move that could change global oil supply and prices. This decision breaks a long-standing production alignment. While immediate impacts might be limited, the UAE's increased production capacity could soften prices long-term. This shift may also lead other nations to re-evaluate their OPEC membership.

April 2026 saw India's Goods and Services Tax hit a stunning Rs 2.11 lakh crore, representing a 7.3 percent growth year-on-year. With total gross collections at Rs 2.43 lakh crore and refunds jumping by 19.3 percent, this surge signals a thriving fiscal environment and enhanced compliance within the economy.

Quote of the day by King Alfred the Great: King Alfred the Great, a pivotal ruler in early English history, successfully defended Wessex against Viking invasions, notably defeating Guthrum at the Battle of Edington. Beyond his military prowess, Alfred championed education and learning, translating important works into English. He also implemented practical reforms, strengthening his kingdom and leaving a legacy of resilience and leadership.

A security official at Delhi airport and a farmer in Tamil Nadu expressed excitement about actor Vijay's political prospects. Zoho founder Sridhar Vembu noted these conversations reflect a broader sentiment for change. While established parties retain strengths, Vijay's rapid rise presents a significant new factor in Tamil Nadu's political landscape. Voter movement is becoming harder to predict.

Microsoft's Priyanka Vergadia shares her inspiring journey. An initial setback with IIT did not deter her. She took a significant education loan to study in the US. Facing financial pressure and adjusting to a new life, she persevered. Her hard work led to a successful career at top tech companies like Google and Microsoft.

Hyundai Motor India Ltd achieved a record high for April domestic sales. The company sold 51,902 units, a 17 per cent increase year-on-year. Exports stood at 13,708 units. The VENUE compact SUV recorded its best-ever monthly domestic sales. This strong performance marks a positive start to the financial year.

India's beloved Masala Dosa has been recognized globally, ranking sixth on TasteAtlas' list of the world's best pancakes. This traditional South Indian dish, made from fermented rice and lentil batter filled with spiced potatoes, earned a 4.3 rating. Its centuries-old history, originating from Tamil Nadu and even offered as sacred food in temples, has now achieved international culinary acclaim.

Veteran Bollywood actor Nana Patekar, aged 76, has captivated the internet with a viral video of him performing tricep dips effortlessly. Shared by Atul Kasbekar, the clip shows Patekar completing 15 repetitions, inspiring fans with his remarkable strength and fitness.

Toyota Motor is embarking on an ambitious project in Maharashtra, India, with plans to construct three new assembly plants. This strategic expansion aims to triple the company's output, allowing them to produce a staggering one million vehicles annually by the 2030s, backed by an estimated investment of 300 billion yen.

Actor Rahul Roy faced online criticism for his social media reels, prompting him to reveal financial pressures due to ongoing legal obligations. Filmmaker Farah Khan and actor Archana Puran Singh have publicly supported him, praising his resilience and honest efforts. Roy urged critics to offer meaningful work instead of ridicule.

The latest OTT releases this weekend (May 13, 2026) feature the explosive return of Sapne Vs Everyone Season 2 on Prime Video and the series finale of Undekhi on SonyLIV. Dont miss Glory and Biker on Netflix, or the hard-hitting The Kerala Story 2 on ZEE5. Here is your ultimate binge guide.

Apple is actively seeking refunds for tariffs it has paid to the U.S. government. According to CEO Tim Cook, any funds recovered will be directed towards fostering American innovation and enhancing advanced manufacturing capabilities. This effort will complement Apple's ongoing investments in the United States. Additionally, several major automotive manufacturers are also looking forward to similar tariff refunds.

Tehran's air defenses were activated late Thursday to counter small aircraft and drones, as the White House signaled it would not be constrained by a congressional deadline on the Iran war. Iran's supreme leader declared the US had suffered a shameful defeat and rejected a prolonged naval blockade, while oil prices surged.

The US Trade Representative has identified Vietnam as a Priority Foreign Country due to inadequate intellectual property protection. India, China, and Russia are on the priority watch list. This report highlights concerns over IP rights enforcement. The US aims to address these issues through negotiations and potential investigations. American innovators' rights are a key focus.

The aviation landscape is once again feeling the heat, as jet fuel prices for international airlines have seen another uptick, marking a second straight month of increases. This trend reflects the ripple effects of soaring global energy costs that oil firms are now dictating. Meanwhile, domestic airlines are fortunate to maintain stable fuel prices.

West Bengal Election 2026 BJP vs TMC: Voting has concluded in West Bengal. The central question is whether Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has overcome anti-incumbency after nearly 15 years. Exit polls suggest a close contest, with the BJP showing a strong performance. The Bharatiya Janata Party's surge is pitted against the Trinamool Congress's resilience. The final verdict awaits counting day.

Pilots' body ALPA has alerted the DGCA about risks from delayed flight duty rules. They warn that ongoing relaxations for airlines weaken safety. ALPA demands a clear plan to end these variations and bring back strict rest rules. They also seek more transparency in monitoring pilot fatigue and health. Recent operational issues highlight the need for better fatigue management.

Malayalam cinema's powerhouses Mammootty and Mohanlal unite in the highly anticipated spy thriller 'Patriot', a major cinematic event. The film, featuring a star-studded ensemble, has generated immense buzz and is off to a promising box office start. Its release marks a significant on-screen collaboration after 18 years, drawing widespread excitement from fans and industry peers alike.

Airport operators are requesting urgent government support. A 25 percent cut in landing and parking fees for domestic flights has impacted their cash flow. Operators face revenue losses and operational risks. They seek relief measures from the Ministry of Civil Aviation. This includes deferring payments to AAI. They also suggest increasing User Development Fees.

The National Testing Agency has released dress code guidelines for NEET UG 2026, scheduled for May 3rd. Candidates should wear light clothing and slippers for faster entry. Biometric verification is mandatory, but provisions are in place for technical failures, ensuring no candidate is denied the exam.

As the summer heatwave intensifies, India is preparing for relentless heat well past June. Power networks are under immense strain due to increased temperatures and energy deficits from global disruptions. This unfortunate combination is leading to rolling blackouts, affecting millions as they cope with the dual challenge of sweltering weather and power outages.

Yami Gautam shares insights on the phenomenal success of her husband Aditya Dhar's film Dhurandhar. She highlights that despite the massive box office achievements, their personal lives remain grounded. Gautam emphasizes the film's success signifies a return to strong storytelling in Hindi cinema. Audiences are responding positively to well-crafted narratives, proving their eagerness for quality content in theatres.

President Trump has approved the Bridger Pipeline Expansion, a major oil pipeline project that will transport oil from Canada into the U.S. for export and refining. The 650-mile pipeline, capable of carrying 550,000 barrels daily, faces environmental scrutiny over spill risks, despite company assurances of safety measures and AI leak detection.

India Pharmacy Retail Quick Commerce: India's medicine delivery is seeing a change. Quick-commerce apps are making it easier to buy medicines regularly. While total sales are not growing much, people are buying more wellness products. Acute care medicines are seeing fewer sales. This shift is happening as more people shop online for health items. The market is changing, not booming yet.

Former Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi has been moved from prison to house arrest. Her sentence was reduced as part of a prisoner amnesty for a Buddhist holiday. The move is seen as an effort to improve the image of the current leadership. Suu Kyi was detained in 2021 when the army seized power.

Lorna Hajdini Case: JPMorgan Chase's internal investigation found no evidence to support serious sexual harassment allegations made by former employee Chirayu Rana against executive Lorna Hajdini. Rana accused Hajdini of sexual abuse and coercion, which both Hajdini and the bank have strongly denied. The case remains complex with conflicting accounts and a withdrawn court filing.

Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. announced that Dr. D K Sunil has stepped down as Chairman and Managing Director upon his superannuation on April 30, 2026. He had assumed these leadership roles in September 2024. The company made this announcement through a regulatory filing on Friday.

Gujarat Board Class 10, 12 Results 2026: The Gujarat Secondary and Higher Secondary Education Board (GSEB) is expected to announce Class 10 and 12 results in May, with phased releases for different streams. Students can check their marksheets on gseb.org, via SMS, WhatsApp, or DigiLocker. Official confirmation of the exact date and time is still pending.

May 1 marks Labour Day, honouring workers' vital role in economies and societies. The day highlights rights, dignity, and fair treatment. Discussions now include work-life balance and digital economy opportunities. Labour Day serves as a celebration of progress and a reminder of ongoing efforts for fairness and respect for all workers across India and globally.

MSBSHSE HSC Results 2026 Date Time: Maharashtra HSC results will be declared tomorrow, May 2, 2026, at 1 PM by the MSBSHSE. Students can check their scores on official websites like mahahsscboard.in and mahresult.nic.in, as well as DigiLocker and via SMS. Digital marksheets will also be available on DigiLocker for easy access.

Donald Trump asserts he ended the India-Pakistan conflict in 2025 through tariffs. He stated he threatened 200 percent tariffs to deter fighting between the nuclear nations. Trump claims this action saved millions of lives. India, however, states the ceasefire occurred after Pakistan's DGMO contacted his Indian counterpart. India conducted Operation Sindoor in response to a terror attack.

Pop icon Britney Spears faces legal challenges after being charged with a misdemeanor count of driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs in California. The incident, which reportedly involved no crash or injuries, follows her being pulled over for erratic driving. Spears has since entered a substance abuse program, with a potential 'wet reckless' plea deal on the table.

Buddha Purnima Wishes for Status: Buddha Purnima, a sacred day celebrating Gautama Buddha's birth, enlightenment, and nirvana, inspires peace and mindfulness. The article offers various messages, from simple wishes to profound quotes, encouraging compassion and inner reflection. It highlights that true peace comes from within, urging a focus on awareness over mere greetings.

Chartered Accountant Paaras Gangwal revealed the significant financial commitment of raising a child in India, estimating initial birth costs at 1-4 lakh and ongoing upbringing at 18,000 monthly. He emphasized that disciplined investing, like a 15,000 monthly SIP, is crucial to meet future expenses like higher education and marriage, which inflation will significantly inflate.

Airline fuel costs are holding steady even as oil firms take the hit from rising global prices to keep fares manageable for travelers. Meanwhile, the rates for petrol, diesel, and domestic LPG cylinders havent changed, providing a buffer for nearly 90% of users against the fluctuations of the international market.

Actor R Madhavan shared a simple yet powerful thought on social media. He highlighted the value of individuals who inspire good habits. These people help maintain consistency in fitness and self-improvement. This perspective shifts focus from internal motivation to external support. Madhavan's message resonates with his own journey of sustainable habits.

Raja Shivaji, starring Riteish Deshmukh as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, has premiered to an enthusiastic reception. Early reviews highlight Deshmukh's powerful portrayal and Sanjay Dutt's formidable antagonist role. The film is praised for its intense action, emotional depth, and impressive music, with a special appearance by Salman Khan adding to the buzz.

Ek Din, starring Sai Pallavi and Junaid Khan, premiered on May 1, eliciting mixed reactions on social media. While some criticized its storyline and execution, film critic Subhash K Jha praised its gentle, heartfelt portrayal of love and the significant role of Japan.

Commercial LPG cylinder prices surged by Rs 993 on May 1, 2026, reaching Rs 3,071.50 in Delhi, driven by the US-Iran-Israel conflict and Strait of Hormuz disruptions. Domestic cylinder prices remain unchanged. The price of 14.2 kg LPG domestic cylinder in Delhi costs Rs 913.

Chinese Proverb of the Day reveals how time exposes true human character in life. Most betrayals don't arrive as a shock. They arrive as a confirmation of something you already felt but refused to name. Ancient China knew this. This ancient Chinese wisdom meaning reflects friendship, trust, and long-term relationships in simple language. It teaches that real behavior appears only after time, not first impressions or words. People worldwide use this proverb for relationship advice, emotional trut

The Iran war has led to a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, the main transit route for Gulf energy supplies. While India has partly offset crude supply disruptions by sourcing oil from countries, including Russia, gas supplies have been curtailed to industrial users and LPG availability to commercial establishments, such as hotels and restaurants, has been reduced.

Apple CEO Tim Cook is thrilled about India's market potential. iPhone, iPad and Mac sales are growing strongly. Despite this success, Apple holds a modest market share. The company is also expanding its retail presence. Supply chain issues and rising component costs are impacting production.

Oil prices are soaring, pushing the government to consider raising fuel costs. State-run companies are facing significant losses due to the sharp increase in crude oil. While elections are over, a decision on price hikes remains pending. Consumers have seen stable prices so far, but this situation may not last.