The Economic Times
Elections 2026Economy / The Economic Times
Indeed has launched its job search app within ChatGPT in India and more than 50 countries. Users can now find jobs through simple conversations. The platform uses AI to offer personalised recommendations based on user profiles. This integration aims to help job seekers turn career inspiration into action by simplifying the job search process.
West Bengal Assembly Elections 2026: Central security forces allegedly baton-charged civilians, including women and a child, in South 24 Parganas during West Bengal elections. TMC leaders condemned the violence, calling for accountability. An Election Commission official stated action will be taken if any security personnel are found involved in injuring the child. The incident occurred amid heightened political activity and deployment of a special observer.
The 2026 Assembly elections in West Bengal are set to be a thrilling showdown, positioning Prime Minister Narendra Modi against Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. Each leader is harnessing the power of personal narratives and community engagement in their strategies. Emotional appeal and voter interaction are at the forefront, with welfare initiatives becoming pivotal in their campaigns.
A remarkable ichthyosaur fossil found in Germany is revealing secrets about ancient marine reptiles. This well-preserved specimen, belonging to the Temnodontosaurus genus, lived around 180 million years ago. It shows evidence of injuries and adaptations, suggesting survival despite physical challenges. Researchers are studying its anatomy and diet to understand Jurassic sea life better.
The White House state dinner hosted by Donald Trump for King Charles III became a viral global moment after the monarch presented a historic bell from HMS Trump, a World War II submarine. The symbolic gift highlighted the deep-rooted alliance between the United Kingdom and the United States. The elegant white-tie evening, attended by top dignitaries, reflected diplomatic warmth, shared heritage, and the enduring special relationship between both nations in a modern context.
BJP Kerala Elections Strategies: Bharatiya Janata Party is intensifying its electoral push in Kerala. The party is focusing on select constituencies and prominent local faces. A development-oriented pitch is central to its strategy. The BJP aims to break into a state long dominated by a bipolar contest. Exit polls later today will indicate the outcome of this closely watched election.
China will offer zero-tariff benefits to all African nations with diplomatic ties starting May 1. This initiative expands previous measures for least developed countries. The move aims to boost trade and economic partnership between China and Africa. This policy will be implemented in phases, with further agreements planned to enhance trade facilitation and agricultural exports from Africa.
Students in Maharashtra will soon receive their degree certificates digitally. The state government has directed universities to upload these certificates on DigiLocker right after results are announced. This move aims to prevent delays and ensure students do not miss academic or career opportunities. DigiLocker will provide a secure and easily accessible digital document for all their future needs.
A Ghaziabad couple's wedding at a riverside cremation site in Almora, Uttarakhand, has ignited public fury. Decorated for ceremonies with music and guests, the sacred ghat's use for celebration has been widely condemned as disrespectful. This incident underscores the urgent need for tourism guidelines to protect local traditions amidst Uttarakhand's growing destination wedding appeal.
FOMC meeting today: Jerome Powell speech, Fed interest rate decision, and US Fed policy outlook. The FOMC meeting today comes with a clear signal. Markets price a 100% rate hold. The Fed interest rate decision lands at 2 PM ET. The Jerome Powell speech follows at 2:30 PM ET. Inflation still sits near 3.3%. Oil prices remain elevated. Job data looks uneven. This keeps the US Fed policy today cautious. No rate cut is expected now. But forward guidance matters more. Powells tone may shift expectati
India and Kenya are exploring trade settlements in their own currencies. Discussions also covered digital payment systems like UPI. A joint trade committee meeting in Nairobi focused on boosting bilateral commerce. An agreement was signed to exchange customs information. Bilateral trade saw a significant increase in the last fiscal year.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced AstraZeneca will invest 300 million pounds in UK life sciences. This significant investment secures 1,000 jobs in Macclesfield and Cambridge. The deal follows a pharmaceutical arrangement with the United States. This move signals renewed confidence in the UK's life sciences sector.
Argentina and India are forging stronger economic bonds, with India becoming Argentina's sixth-largest trade partner. Their collaboration is focused on ensuring food security and accessing essential minerals. Notably, Argentina is a major exporter of edible oils to India, enhancing the strategic partnership that was amplified in 2019. Additionally, Argentina plays a pivotal role in supporting India's energy security requirements.
Maharashtra's cabinet has approved a new Artificial Intelligence Policy 2026. This policy aims for a massive Rs 10,000 crore investment in AI. It also plans to create 1.5 lakh new jobs. The state will establish AI Excellence Centres and Innovation Cities. The goal is to build a skilled workforce and boost AI adoption across industries.
India and Sri Lanka strengthened their maritime ties during the IN-SLN DIVEX 2026 diving exercise in Colombo. Divers from both navies conducted complex underwater operations, including deep-sea dives beyond 55 meters. The exercise enhanced interoperability and coordination in the Indian Ocean Region. Humanitarian aid was also extended. The event concluded with a ceremonial send-off, highlighting a robust partnership.
Farmers opposing the land acquisition expressed fears of losing their livelihood. As the situation escalated, police attempted to control the protest, leading to allegations of manhandling and physical assault. It is also reported that some farmers were allegedly dragged by their collars during the incident.
The Kedarnath Yatra faces disruptions due to a two-day orange alert and adverse weather. Helicopter services are suspended across multiple locations. Authorities are on high alert, prioritizing pilgrim safety. Security measures are enhanced, with a special operation launched to identify suspicious individuals posing as sadhus. Pilgrims are urged to check weather updates and follow guidelines for a safe journey.
Speculation about Kannada star Yash's film 'Toxic' being shelved has been debunked. Yash clarified the movie is complete but its release is postponed for a global rollout strategy, aiming for wider international reach. The decision stems from positive feedback at CinemaCon, emphasizing a worldwide release to elevate Indian cinema.
France, during its G7 presidency, will advocate for a significant overhaul of the Development Assistance Committee metrics that govern global development aid. Minister Eleonore Caroit highlighted the inadequacy of current income-based criteria, particularly for vulnerable small island nations facing climate change impacts. The proposed reforms aim to ensure aid is more effectively targeted and sustainable.
A Special Court in Panchkula discharged former Judge Sudhir Parmar and four others in a corruption case. The court found the prosecution failed to present legally admissible evidence. Electronic evidence like audio recordings and WhatsApp chats were deemed inadmissible. Allegations of judicial favouritism and quid pro quo arrangements were dismissed. This order halts criminal proceedings against the accused.
A 33-year-old Mumbai car dealer was arrested for performing a dangerous birthday stunt, setting a public road on fire to create a social media reel. The act, which damaged the road surface, sparked outrage and drew criticism from public figures and netizens alike. Police registered an FIR and booked the man under the Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita.
A tribal man in Keonjhar, Odisha, carried his sister's skeleton to a bank to withdraw funds. He was allegedly asked for proof of death. The incident sparked political debate with the BJD criticizing administrative failure. An inquiry has been ordered. The man received financial aid and necessary certificates.
Few entertainment releases carry the weight of Grand Theft Auto VI. Its predecessor, Grand Theft Auto V, remains one of the best-selling games of all time, generating billions in revenue over more than a decade.
Superstar Joseph Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) enters the 2026 Tamil Nadu elections, introducing a significant third dimension to the DMK-AIADMK rivalry. Vijay's massive fan following and anti-establishment stance offer a compelling alternative, but his party's solo gamble faces challenges in building grassroots strength against established parties.
As summer arrives, Rajshree Manger Thapa, a Darjeeling-born food influencer, has shared her unique papaya thepla recipe. This dish, featuring grated raw papaya, whole wheat flour, paneer, and optional chicken, is seasoned with aromatic spices. It's served with a refreshing mango chutney, creating a flavorful and nutritious summer meal that has captivated food enthusiasts online.
The India BRICS Business Summit in Hyderabad boosted India's MSME sector. The BRICS Entrepreneurs Alliance (BEA) India aims for global MSME unification. The Hyderabad Declaration outlines growth strategies. India will host the BEA Global Summit in November 2026. Dr. Bhaskar Jyoti Sonowal will lead the BEA Global Forum. This positions India for enhanced international trade and cooperation.
AIMIM is targeting the 2026 West Bengal Assembly polls after a notable performance in Bihar. The party faces challenges from electoral roll revisions and a potential consolidation of minority votes behind the TMC. AIMIM aims to represent minorities and marginalized communities, fielding candidates in key constituencies. Developments like electoral roll deletions and the UCC promise are influencing voter sentiment.
Indian online shopping faces a new threat. Organised groups are using device farms to commit large-scale eCommerce fraud. These networks exploit features like returns and cashback. They target accounts with saved payment details for high-value scams. This industrialised fraud is concentrated in tech hubs. Platforms face a challenge balancing security with user experience.
Voting in West Bengal's Panihati constituency saw heightened political tension. BJP candidate Ratna Debnath alleged intimidation by TMC workers. Her husband also reported being confronted. BJP's Chief Election Agent accused TMC of voter influence. Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari also faced alleged attacks. Polling is underway for 142 seats amid tight security.
The Dhanalakshmi DL-50 lottery results are released today at 3 PM, offering participants a chance to win prizes ranging from a 1 crore jackpot to smaller consolations. Ticket holders can verify their numbers on the official Kerala State Lotteries portal or authorized apps, with the full PDF expected by 4:30 PM.
Tata Motors achieved a record with 144 patent applications in FY26. These innovations target vehicle safety, reliability, and occupant comfort. The company is also investing in sustainable mobility, including electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles. This strong intellectual property growth underscores Tata Motors' commitment to future-ready solutions for customers and the nation.
Mumbai leads India's warehousing sector with 42 percent absorption in Q1 2026. The market shows steady recovery, driven by demand from 3PL, manufacturing, and consumer goods. Pune also sees significant growth. Rentals remain stable across major cities. Despite a dip in investment, the long-term outlook is positive, supported by government policies and e-commerce growth.
Indian oil companies face significant financial strain. LPG under-recoveries may reach Rs 80,000 crore by FY2027. Supply disruptions and high global prices impact profitability. Fertiliser costs are rising sharply, requiring increased government subsidy. Chemical and gas sectors also see margin pressures. Elevated costs will affect downstream sectors in FY2027.
ISC, ICSE Results 2026 Date: The results of ISC and ICSE are expected to be released in April, most probably tomorrow. As lakhs of Class 10 and 12 students wait for their results, the CISCE has issued a note for students. Students can check the results on cisce.org and results.cisce.org and also through SMS.
Exit polls for the 2026 Kerala, West Bengal, Assam, and Tamil Nadu Assembly elections are due today. In 2021, pollsters accurately predicted Assam and Kerala's outcomes, but West Bengal and Tamil Nadu saw results deviate from initial projections, with the TMC and DMK winning respectively.
Indian exports are showing strong growth in April. This is happening even with tensions in West Asia. Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal highlighted this resilience. Improving global demand and new trade agreements are boosting outbound trade. Indian exporters are enthusiastic about expanding market access. Discussions on an India-US trade deal are also progressing well.
Dubai's real estate market is increasingly valuing properties based on connectivity, with metro-linked areas seeing over 26% price growth. Urban expansion now aligns with transit corridors, fostering integrated communities and boosting development activity. This shift is reshaping demand patterns and creating localized economic clusters.
West Bengal's second phase of voting is underway with extensive security. The Chief Electoral Officer expressed confidence in a high voter turnout, potentially exceeding the first phase. He highlighted the peaceful conduct of polling across the state. All necessary arrangements are in place to ensure a smooth electoral process.
India successfully met its record peak power demand of over 256 GW on April 25, 2026. Renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and hydro contributed significantly. This achievement demonstrates India's capability in handling peak power demand with clean energy. The government is investing in grid modernization and increasing generation capacity to boost renewable energy's share in the power mix.
Addressing a public gathering in Hardoi, the Prime Minister said he appreciated the great people of Bengal for coming out in large numbers to exercise their franchise and urged them to maintain the same enthusiasm until the completion of polling.
A woman's idyllic arranged marriage was shattered by a Stage 3 chronic kidney disease diagnosis. Despite relentless efforts and a devastating setback with a brain clot before a planned transplant, her husband's unwavering support and a successful kidney donation in late 2025 led to a profound transformation. She now embraces life with deep gratitude for her family's love and resilience.
County Group has acquired two stalled housing projects in Gurgaon. This move brings relief to nearly 400 homebuyers who have been waiting for over a decade. The acquisitions add approximately 2.6 million sq ft of saleable area to the developer's portfolio. County Group also recently purchased land in Noida and Ghaziabad for new developments.

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