The Economic Times

An employee's vacation request was denied by his manager citing potential business needs. The employee insisted on a written explanation for the refusal. He argued that paid time off is an earned benefit. This assertive stance led the manager to reconsider the decision. The incident highlights issues of fairness and accountability in workplace leave policies.

Bengaluru experienced a severe hailstorm with heavy rain and strong winds on Wednesday evening. The weather caused significant disruption, including traffic jams and damage. Amidst the chaos, former cricketer Venkatesh Prasad was captured on video collecting hailstones. He shared the moment on social media, embracing his inner child. The video garnered positive reactions online.

India's new borrowers have reached 4.4 crore, boosting credit growth and financial inclusion. Lenders are more selective, yet this segment remains vital. Women's participation is increasing significantly. Consumer durable loans are the main entry point. Many new borrowers show strong repayment discipline. This trend highlights scalable growth opportunities in emerging areas and among younger people.

A viral video of a fan getting emotional after spotting Drakes convoy talks about his strong connection with fans. His quote about winning and losing stresses focusing on the final outcome, especially success. It promotes a practical, long-term mindset, encouraging resilience and consistency. Drakes journey from actor to global star reflects this belief in staying focused despite ups and downs. Read on!

A foreign student's electrifying college election speech at Aligarh Muslim University has gone viral. Ayyuba, with his fluent Hindi and high-energy delivery, promised students ACs, a Metro service, a swimming pool, and three daily teas. His dramatic and confident Chatur Ramalingam-style speech reminded people of Three Idiots, a famous Aamir Khan movie.

Delhi High Court mandates that doubts surrounding Sunjay Kapur's Will must be cleared. Priya Kapur, the Will's proponent, faces the task of addressing concerns raised by Kapur's children. The court has implemented protective measures for the estate, including restrictions on asset alienation.

India's Defence Research and Development Organisation is ready to develop the Agni-VI ballistic missile pending government approval. The nation is also making significant progress on its hypersonic glide and cruise missile systems. Initial trials for the hypersonic glide missile are expected soon. India is also planning a multi-layered conventional missile force for various tactical applications.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is seeking clarity on Russia's proposed short-term ceasefire. He has instructed representatives to contact the US President's team for details. Ukraine desires a long ceasefire and lasting peace. This comes after a call between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Trump hinted at a possible ceasefire announcement from Moscow.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru's Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood will confront Gujarat Titans' top-order batsmen Shubman Gill, Sai Sudharsan, and Jos Buttler. This encounter presents a significant opportunity for RCB to gain an early advantage. Gujarat Titans aim for their fifth win to strengthen their playoff prospects. Royal Challengers Bengaluru seek their seventh victory to solidify their position.

The Maharashtra FDA faces delays in testing food samples linked to four suspected watermelon poisoning deaths. Investigators are further hindered by a sudden market shortage of watermelons, impacting crucial sampling efforts. Police await forensic and FDA reports as vendors avoid selling the fruit due to public panic and police questioning.

India's consumer goods sector is seeing a strong rebound. Rising temperatures are boosting sales, especially in southern regions. While April sales were flat, the coming months look promising. Companies are increasing prices to manage costs. Premium products are selling well, while entry-level items face challenges. Modest growth is expected, supported by good weather and steady demand for high-end appliances.

The Delhi State Legal Services Authority is organizing a National Lok Adalat on May 9, 2026, to resolve pending cases and minor traffic violations. Token registration for compoundable challans up to January 31, 2026, begins May 4 and runs until May 7. Litigants must book slots online and carry printed challans to designated court premises for settlement.

New posters for the upcoming documentary series RAFA have been released, offering a glimpse into Rafael Nadal's emotional and physical journey. The four-part series is all set to release in India. It will explore the final chapter of his career, focusing on his 2024 season, injuries, fatherhood, and retirement. Read on!

NEET UG 2026 Paper Leak Rumours: The National Testing Agency (NTA) has reassured NEET UG aspirants that the exam, scheduled for May 3, 2026, will proceed without paper leaks. Addressing viral claims, the NTA confirmed secure material delivery and robust exam centre arrangements nationwide. Provisions are also in place for candidates experiencing biometric verification issues, ensuring a fair and uninterrupted examination process.

India faces a rare convergence of four macro shockswar-driven oil surge, a record weak rupee, and a likely poor monsoonraising inflation and growth risks. The Finance Ministry warns these interacting pressures could strain external balances and policy choices, even as strong domestic demand and financial resilience provide a partial buffer.

Actor Rahul Roy, known for Aashiqui, is back in the spotlight with viral social media reels post-brain stroke. Facing criticism and trolling, he recently defended his work, citing financial needs and pending legal matters. He appealed for genuine work opportunities, emphasising resilience and dignity after his health crisis. Read on to know more about his journey.

Skoda Auto Volkswagen India inaugurated a new 33,000 sq. ft. wing at its Technology Centre Pune, aiming to become a global R&D hub. This expansion enhances localization, supports export markets, and strengthens the group's role in automotive innovation.

May 2026 offers numerous holidays and long weekends across India, featuring religious festivals like Buddha Purnima and Id-ul-Zuha, alongside state-specific observances like Maharashtra Day and Gujarat Day. Many schools will also be closed for summer vacations during the month due to rising temperatures.

Power Grid Corporation of India has secured a significant financial boost. Its board approved raising up to Rs 4,000 crore. This funding will come from the State Bank of India through a bank facility. Powergrid, a key player under the Ministry of Power, is India's largest electric power transmission utility. This move strengthens its financial position for future operations.

Retirement planning is more than saving leftovers. Lifestyle costs increase significantly over time due to inflation. A 35-year-old spending one lakh rupees monthly will need nearly 4.3 lakh rupees monthly by age 60. This requires a corpus of 12 to 13 crore rupees. Disciplined investing early is crucial for financial security.

Indian smartphone buyers now focus on personal style and AI capabilities. Colourful phones and AI features significantly influence choices, especially for women, Gen Z, and Tier-II consumers. Value for money and brand trust remain key. Consumers are making more deliberate upgrade decisions, seeking integrated experiences and reliable performance across devices.

Centuries ago, Kabir Das offered profound insights into life, ego, and truth. His simple yet deep dohas encourage looking inward. A famous verse highlights the folly of judging others before examining oneself. This message remains incredibly relevant today, urging self-reflection in a world quick to criticise. Kabir's legacy continues to guide many towards a more grounded life.

Samay Raina, Ranveer Allahbadia reunite: Comedian Samay Raina and Ranveer Allahbadia are set to reunite on The Great Indian Kapil Show on World Laughter Day, May 2. Their first on-screen appearance together since the Indias Got Latent controversy has excited fans and triggered massive reactions online. The episode will stream on Netflix.

Bengaluru exporters are poised to thrive as the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor gains traction. This innovative route presents a strategic alternative to classic maritime bottlenecks such as the Strait of Hormuz and Suez Canal. With rising geopolitical tensions underscoring the urgency for dependable trade channels, the IMEC stands to enhance operational efficiency for Indian enterprises.

Tata Power Trading Company, Keppel Limited, and Tata Realty are launching a major cooling service at Intellion Park in Chennai. This project will provide efficient cooling for the IT corridor. The initiative aims to significantly cut energy use by over 20 percent. It uses advanced AI and machine learning for optimal performance.

Petrol, Diesel prices update: Despite a surge in Brent crude oil prices, petrol and diesel rates remained stable across India on April 30, 2026, Thursday. Amidst viral rumors of a price hike, the government, through PIB Fact Check, debunked a fake notification claiming significant increases, assuring citizens that fuel prices will not change.

India is set to boost its Basmati rice sector. APEDA will establish a new training and demonstration farm in Pilibhit. This facility will focus on both conventional and organic Basmati cultivation. It aims to enhance farmer training and research. An AI-based survey project for Basmati paddy is also launching. These initiatives will strengthen India's agricultural exports.

PlayStation Plus Monthly Games: Sony has announced the PlayStation Plus Monthly Games for May 2026. Subscribers can claim EA Sports FC 26, Wuchang: Fallen Feathers, and Nine Sols starting May 5. The lineup offers a mix of sports simulation, Soulslike action, and 2D action-platformer for all PlayStation Plus members.

May 2026 brings a calendar full of significant events. National holidays like Labour Day and Mother's Day are celebrated. Religious festivals including Buddha Purnima and Id-ul-Zuha are observed. International days focus on health, technology, environment, and human rights. Key political events include Assembly election results on May 4. The IPL 2026 Final is scheduled for May 31.

Federal Bank is set to acquire a significant credit card portfolio of approximately 4.5 lakh cards from Standard Chartered Bank, India. This strategic move aims to bolster Federal Bank's existing card base, particularly in top Indian cities, and enhance its presence among urban, financially active consumers. The deal is expected to conclude by the end of 2026.

At 52, Sonu Sood maintains impressive fitness through a disciplined vegetarian diet and daily workouts, a routine he's followed since college. He emphasises consistency and simple food habits over extreme diets or shortcuts, proving that real fitness stems from discipline and mindful choices. Read on!

Times Music has acquired Catrack Entertainment, a significant move to boost its regional music collection. This deal brings a valuable Punjabi music catalogue from the 1990s into Times Music's ownership. The company aims to monetize this legacy content through various channels. This acquisition highlights Times Music's strategy to consolidate important regional music assets in India.

A finance expert from Gurgaon shared a personal moment with his daughter, highlighting it as his true happiness. This comes amid discussions about couples in Indian cities choosing not to have children. Rising living costs and education expenses are cited as reasons for this trend. The expert's view offers a different perspective on life's fulfillment beyond financial considerations.

The Delhi High Court has officially dismissed a petition that was questioning the legitimacy of the acting president's role at the National Company Law Tribunal. This ruling arrives in light of the Central government's recent appointment of Justice Anupinder Singh Grewal, a former judge, to take over as the tribunals president.

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has not yet announced the official date and time for the Class 12 results in 2026. While media reports suggest a potential release in the third week of May, the board has not issued a formal confirmation.

UFC returns to Perth with a stacked card headlined by hometown hero Jack Della Maddalena facing dangerous finisher Carlos Prates. Maddalena aims to rebound from his title loss against Islam Makhachev, while Prates seeks to build momentum after consecutive highlight-reel knockouts. This welterweight clash promises to be a thrilling showdown with significant implications for the division's future.

Exit polls are revealing potential political shifts across India. In West Bengal, the Trinamool Congress faces its toughest challenge yet from the BJP. Assam shows continued BJP dominance. Tamil Nadu sees a complex scenario with the DMK alliance ahead but Vijay's new party disrupting the scene. Kerala anticipates a UDF comeback. Puducherry indicates an NDA advantage.

Manu Wadhwa will move from Chief Human Resources Officer to Strategy Advisor at Sony Pictures Networks India starting July 1, 2026. She will advise the leadership team on key strategic priorities. The company will search for a new CHRO. Wadhwa has been instrumental in strengthening the company's people and organizational agenda over seven years.

The sector's economic value surged, reflecting strong market demand and improved marketing efficiency across the nation.

Quote of the Day: David Allan Coe's quote, 'All men are created equal; it is only men themselves who place themselves above equality,' challenges the societal tendency to judge based on status. The article emphasizes that true equality stems from how we treat each other, not from perceived superiority.

A bride's simple word choice at her Indian wedding has gone viral. During a ritual, she replaced the traditional 'beta' with 'baccha' when asked about a baby boy. This subtle act of choosing a gender-neutral term has resonated online. Many see it as a sign of evolving perspectives among younger generations in India.

Dhanush's new film Kara has hit the theatres today (April 30). The rural heist thriller is getting mixed reviews. Early viewers praise Dhanush's performance and G.V. Prakash Kumar's music. The film's narrative starts strong with a gripping interval. Read on to know more about the movie.

Hindustan Unilever celebrated a solid profit for the March quarter, yet issued a caution regarding escalating geopolitical tensions. The ongoing conflict in Iran is predicted to influence both commodity prices and currency stability. In response, management is tightening its purse strings and adjusting pricing strategies.

Hindustan Unilever reported an 18% profit jump. The company is using cost cuts and price hikes to manage volatility from the Middle East war. Rising raw material costs are impacting consumer goods makers. Hindustan Unilever maintained its mid-term earnings forecast. The company expects better fiscal 2027 performance by focusing on premium products and key brands.

Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw launched the first direct Vande Bharat Express between Jammu and Srinagar. This 20-coach train connects the two capitals of Jammu and Kashmir. The service will reduce travel time and boost tourism. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had inaugurated the initial service between Katra and Srinagar in June 2025.

Union Minister Piyush Goyal reviewed efforts to boost India's exports. The focus is on better implementation, coordination, and monitoring. Special attention is given to MSMEs and agricultural exports. Goyal also discussed enhancing the Government e-Marketplace for transparent public procurement. This aims to include more MSMEs, startups, and women entrepreneurs, driving economic growth.

Quote of the day by Oscar Wilde: Oscar Wilde's Lady Windermere's Fan challenges simplistic moral labels, suggesting people are either charming or tedious, reflecting perception over inherent goodness. The play unfolds as Lady Windermere suspects her husband's infidelity, leading to misunderstandings and a dramatic sacrifice by Mrs Erlynne, who is revealed to be her mother, ultimately protecting her daughter's reputation.

The WONDERfools trailer is out, showcasing a group of misfits gaining superpowers. This K-drama, starring Cha Eun Woo and Park Eun Bin, is all set to premiere in India. The series promises humour, action, and mystery. It follows their journey as they go through the newfound abilities and a dark mystery. Read on to know more about it.