Economy / The Economic Times
Amid heightened security concerns following the Pahalgam terror attack, intelligence agencies have identified 14 local terrorists operating in Jammu and Kashmir. These individuals, aged 20-40, are affiliated with Hizbul Mujahideen, LeT, and JeM, aiding foreign terrorists with logistics. Security forces have launched operations in South Kashmir to disrupt terror networks and prevent further attacks, focusing on Anantnag and Pulwama districts.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah dismissed Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's offer for a probe into the Pahalgam terror attack, criticizing Pakistan's initial denial and subsequent blame-shifting. Abdullah emphasized the unfortunate nature of the attack and the need to prevent such incidents.
Electronics component manufacturers seeking government incentives must establish design teams and achieve Six Sigma quality, according to Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. While not a formal requirement for the Electronics Components Manufacturing Scheme (ECMS), these factors will significantly influence approval.
An IIT graduate shared his inspiring journey on Reddit. He highlighted how IITs level the playing field. Coming from a small town, he broke barriers with his hard work. His mother's support and his determination led him to IIT. He secured a job with a great package. His father's emotional reaction showed how much it meant to his family.
Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh will inaugurate projects worth Rs 255.30 crore under PMMSY in Mumbai, benefiting seven coastal states and UTs. Key initiatives like Marine Fisheries Census, TED project, and Vessel Communication SOP will be launched. The event will also recognize outstanding cooperatives and distribute Aqua Insurance certificates and Kisan Credit Cards.
The US and Iran have commenced crucial nuclear deal negotiations in Oman, their third meeting in recent weeks, mediated by Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi. Discussions, led by US envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, aim to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons in exchange for sanctions relief.
The Resistance Front (TRF), believed to be a proxy for Lashkar-e-Taiba, has retracted its claim of responsibility for the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians. TRF now alleges a coordinated cyber intrusion by Indian cyber-intelligence operatives, claiming their initial statement was planted. The outfit is conducting an internal investigation into the purported breach of their communications network.
Several hotels in the state capital received bomb threats via email on Saturday, leading to immediate police response. Bomb disposal units and dog squads were deployed to inspect the targeted hotels, including the Hilton Hotel in Thiruvananthapuram.
Following the Pahalgam attack, a disturbing detail emerged: terrorists seemingly verified victims' religious identities before execution by having male victims' trousers removed, likely forcibly.
The Delhi High Court has directed A R Rahman and Madras Talkies to deposit 2 crore in a copyright case involving the song 'Veera Raja Veera' from Ponniyin Selvan 2. Justice Prathiba Singh ruled that the song is identical to 'Shiva Stuti', originally composed by the Junior Dagar Brothers. The court also ordered proper crediting of the late composers on all platforms and awarded 2 lakh to the plaintiffs. The lawsuit was filed by Ustad Faiyaz Wasifuddin Dagar.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath conveyed sorrow regarding the Pahalgam terror attack. He reiterated a zero-tolerance stance on terrorism. Speaking in Lakhimpur Kheri, Yogi Adityanath emphasized that terrorism has no place in society. He expressed condolences to the bereaved families. The Chief Minister also inspected the Sharda River channelisation work.
Rahul Gandhi faces a defamation case in Pune related to his comments about VD Savarkar. A court has asked Gandhi to appear on May 9. The Supreme Court cautioned Gandhi against making controversial remarks about freedom fighters. The court warned him of consequences for future statements. Indira Gandhi had praised Savarkar.
Hamas has proposed a comprehensive agreement to end the Gaza conflict, involving the release of all remaining hostages in exchange for a five-year cessation of hostilities. This proposal comes as a Hamas delegation prepares to meet with mediators in Cairo.
Amol Parashar, known from TVF Tripling, fondly remembers his IIT Delhi days. He revisits the campus and SDA market for momos. After engineering, he transitioned to acting, starring in TVF Tripling and Sardar Udham. Now, Amol is preparing for Kull, a series on Jio Hotstar releasing May 2, 2025. He plays a prince in a royal family's power struggle.
Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky met briefly at Pope Francis's funeral. This marked their first encounter since a White House clash. Trump is pushing Zelensky to make a peace deal with Russia. The meeting occurred on the sidelines of the funeral. Tensions are high after Trump criticized Zelensky. Trump wants Zelensky to consider concessions like acknowledging Crimea as Russian.
Shaitan Singh from Rajasthan planned to marry Kesar Kanwar from Pakistan. The wedding faced visa delays. The Attari border closure further complicated matters. This closure followed the Pahalgam terror attack. Singh's family is disheartened. They had waited a long time. The family hopes the border reopens soon. The visa is valid until May 12.
A Redditor's tale of fabricating coding expertise on their rsum led to an unexpected tech career, complete with a promotion. Despite feeling like an imposter, they've managed to navigate the role through quick learning and confident jargon. The story ignited a debate about integrity and the pressures of professional life, with varied opinions on exaggerating skills versus outright lying.
The funeral Mass for Pope Francis commenced in a crowded St. Peter's Square. The pontiff from Argentina passed away on Monday. Mourners gathered in the square early Saturday. Bells rang as Francis' coffin was moved from the Basilica to the altar. Dignitaries like US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy attended.
Delhi is set to tackle its persistent traffic woes with a newly formed high-level joint committee. Led by PWD Minister Parvesh Verma, the committee includes the Delhi Traffic Police and traffic management experts. They will assess critical intersections and congested routes, prioritising upgrades at 538 identified locations.
Kailash Manasarovar Yatra, organised by the Ministry of External Affairs, is set to take place from June to August 2025. This year, 5 batches, each consisting of 50 Yatris, and 10 batches, each consisting of 50 Yatris, are scheduled to travel through Uttarakhand State crossing over at Lipulekh Pass, and through Sikkim State crossing over at Nathu La Pass, respectively.
The United States is facing a measles surge. The country has recorded 884 confirmed cases this year. This is a big jump from last year's 285 cases. Thirty US regions have reported cases. There have been 11 outbreaks and three deaths. Health officials emphasize vaccination. Two MMR vaccine doses are effective. The CDC urges people to get vaccinated.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the world will remember Pope Francis' service. President Droupadi Murmu paid homage at the Vatican. She was accompanied by Union Ministers Kiren Rijiju and George Kurian. Modi met Pope Francis previously at the G7 summit and in 2021. Pope Francis passed away at 88. His funeral rites were simpler.
Zomato's CEO, Deepinder Goyal, has refuted claims circulating online about the company's internal practices. An anonymous Reddit post alleged declining market share, mandated employee orders, and a toxic work environment. Goyal vehemently denied these allegations, emphasizing that Zomato respects freedom of choice and is not losing market share, dismissing the claims as utter nonsense.
In the wake of the recent Pahalgam terror attack and as part of intensified efforts to curb terrorism and its ecosystem, Anantnag Police, in close collaboration with the Army, CRPF and other security forces have launched extensive search and cordon operations across the district.
Actor Ram Kapoor once weighed 140 kilos. He faced health issues. Diets did not work for him. Ram changed his mindset. He adopted healthy habits. He ate two meals a day. He avoided snacking after sunset. Ram lost 55 kilos in 18 months. He improved his health. He set a good example for his children. He weighed 85 kg.
Samantha Ruth Prabhu has revealed the profound bond she shares with Rahul Ravindran, highlighting his unwavering support during her myositis diagnosis. Rahul's selfless care for her family and his recent gift of a 'Woman of Steel' plaque deeply moved Samantha.
Union Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu lauded PM Modi's Rozgar Mela in Visakhapatnam, highlighting its role in connecting youth to the Viksit Bharat 2047 goal. He emphasized India's potential in utilizing youth energy for nation-building, noting the significant reduction in recruitment time under PM Modi's leadership.
India is actively encouraging its steel companies to acquire overseas assets of essential raw materials like iron ore and coking coal. This strategic move aims to secure the supply chain as India aggressively expands its steelmaking capacity to 300 million tons by 2030. The country is also diversifying its coking coal import sources, exploring partnerships with nations like Mongolia.
A terror attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, killed many tourists. Locals displayed immense courage and humanity. Pony rider Syed Adil Hussain Shah died protecting tourists. Other pony riders like Nazakat Ahmed Shah saved several lives. A guide, Sajad Ahmad Bhat, helped carry children to safety. Hotel staff also warned tourists, preventing further casualties. The locals' actions highlighted their solidarity.
Zoho CEO Sridhar Vembu advises caution regarding claims of massive job displacement due to AI, citing research indicating limited current impact on the labor market. A study from Denmark reveals that despite AI adoption, productivity and job markets haven't significantly shifted. While AI tools create new tasks, users suggest focusing on upskilling and leveraging existing technologies for optimal effectiveness.
Larsen & Toubro overcame near-catastrophic challenges during the construction of India's longest rail tunnel, including a major water influx and soft rock pressure.
Indian airlines experienced substantial growth in March 2025, transporting 1.45 crore passengers, marking an 8.79% increase compared to the previous year. IndiGo dominated the market, carrying 93.1 lakh passengers with a 64% market share, while the Air India Group transported 38.8 lakh passengers, securing a 26.7% share. IndiGo also led in on-time performance at 88.1% across major metro airports.
In a massive statewide crackdown, Gujarat Police detained over 550 illegal immigrants from Bangladesh in Ahmedabad and Surat. The individuals were residing in India with forged documents, prompting coordinated operations by multiple law enforcement units. Deportation proceedings will commence after verification and interrogation, as confirmed by officials.
Seema Haider, who crossed into India illegally from Pakistan in 2023 to marry her Indian partner, faces possible deportation after India suspended visas for Pakistani nationals in response to the Pahalgam terror attack. She now lives in Greater Noida with her husband and newborn daughter. In a video appeal to Prime Minister Modi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, she urges to remain in India, claiming her citizenship is now tied to her Indian husband and that she no longer belongs
Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the inclusivity of Indian youth as crucial for national development while distributing appointment letters to over 51,000 newly appointed government employees. He urged them to contribute to economic growth, internal security, infrastructure development, and the betterment of laborers, highlighting the government's focus on increasing employment and self-employment opportunities.
Preity Zinta, the Bollywood icon and co-owner of Punjab Kings, shares her life with Gene Goodenough, a finance and energy sector professional. Gene, an MBA graduate, holds a senior position at NLine Energy Inc. The couple enjoys a luxurious lifestyle with homes in Los Angeles and Mumbai, complemented by a collection of high-end cars.
The Trump administration reversed its longstanding position, stating that the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, is not immune from lawsuits. This decision comes amidst allegations that some UNRWA staff were involved in the October 7th Hamas attack on Israel.
ISRO organized a national meeting concerning the Chandrayaan-4 mission, which aims to bring lunar samples back to Earth. The meeting, attended by 50 scientists, focused on lunar science, meteorite analysis, and potential landing sites. Discussions included plans for lunar sample curation and analysis facilities, contributing to India's lunar exploration program and a future human-spaceflight mission to the Moon by 2040.
A recent study warns that consuming 300 grams of chicken weekly may elevate the risk of gastrointestinal cancer. The research involved over 4,000 participants monitored for 19 years. Findings revealed a 27% higher mortality risk for those consuming over 300 grams of poultry weekly. Men face a doubled risk of gastrointestinal cancer mortality.
Amidst ongoing conflict, Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed potential direct talks with Ukraine with a US envoy, while Donald Trump claimed a deal was near. However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky rejected ceding Crimea, asserting it belongs to Ukraine. A top Russian general was killed in a car bomb attack, further complicating the situation as peace efforts continue.
Charu Asopa, following her divorce from Rajeev Sen, has embarked on a new chapter in Bikaner with her daughter, Ziana. She emotionally shared the accomplishment of registering her first property, a long-held dream come true. Despite past financial struggles and a public feud, Charu is focusing on her independence, career, and building a stable future for herself and her daughter.
A Bengaluru resident warns against succumbing to real estate FOMO, sharing his experience of nearly buying an overpriced 2BHK due to sales pressure. He highlights inflated prices, deceptive sales tactics, and long possession delays. The Redditor advises potential buyers to be patient, prioritize financial stability, and avoid making hasty decisions based on market hype, especially given global economic uncertainties.
Former Pakistan foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari has issued a stark warning to India following New Delhis formal suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty. Standing beside the Indus River, Bhutto declared, Either water will flow or their blood will. Indias move follows the deadly Pahalgam terror attack, blamed on a Pakistan-based group. The treatys suspension, which affects the water supply to 80% of Pakistans farmland, has ignited a political and diplomatic storm across both nations, fuellin
Due to Pakistan's airspace closure, the DGCA has instructed airlines to enhance passenger care on international flights. Longer routes from north Indian cities are causing delays and extended flight times. Airlines must improve communication, in-flight services, medical preparedness, customer support, and internal coordination to mitigate passenger inconvenience during rerouting and potential fuel stops.
ISRO will assume the lead role of the International Charter Space and Major Disasters from April 2025 for six months, marking its commitment to space-based disaster management. NRSC/ISRO organized the 53rd Charter meeting in Hyderabad, with global space agencies participating. ISRO will coordinate global disaster response efforts using space-based assets during its leadership.
Delhi Airport anticipates flight delays and disruptions until May 4 due to easterly winds and the temporary closure of Runway 28/10 for ILS upgrades. The wind shift limits usable runways, causing approximately 240 daily delays. Passengers are advised to contact their airlines for schedule updates as the airport works to minimize the impact.