The Economic Times

Neo Alternative Asset Managers has successfully raised 1,500 crore for its second infrastructure income fund. The fund will invest in de-risked infrastructure assets like roads and renewable energy platforms. This strategy aims to provide investors with stable yields and capital preservation. Investor interest in infrastructure income remains strong, driven by predictable cash flows and government-backed contracts.

A major fire erupted at Gaur Green Avenue in Indirapuram, Ghaziabad. Firefighters are battling the blaze. Residents evacuated as smoke filled the area. The cause is under investigation. No injuries have been reported. Efforts are ongoing to control the situation and assess the damage.

Dr Reddy's Laboratories has secured market authorization from Health Canada for its generic semaglutide injection. This marks a significant achievement as the first company to receive approval for this diabetes treatment in Canada. The company is now preparing to launch the medication, aiming to provide Canadian patients with access to this important therapy.

Jammu and Kashmir Police have registered a case in Doda district. This follows reports of posters featuring Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir appearing in the Pul Doda area. A geo-tagged video of the posters went viral on social media. Police are investigating the authenticity of the video and identifying those responsible for the alleged act.

Why are oil prices down now, and will Brent, US WTI crude futures continue to drop or rise again? Oil prices eased after a long rally as markets reacted to the exit of OPEC by the United Arab Emirates. Supply risks remain due to the conflict involving Iran and the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. Investors are now watching supply, inventories, and future geopolitical moves.

Experts say wheat procurement may be constrained by limited storage, while exports remain largely uncompetitive globally.

Petrol prices on April 29, 2026, show regional variations across India. Delhi recorded 94.77 per litre, while Hyderabad saw 107.46 per litre. Global oil prices have increased due to West Asia conflict. However, the government has stated there are no plans to hike petrol and diesel prices. This decision comes amid speculation following polling in West Bengal.

Chhattisgarh Board of Secondary Education (CGBSE) is releasing Class 10 and 12 results today, April 29, 2026, at 2:30 PM. Students can access their scorecards on cgbse.nic.in and results.cg.nic.in. Exams concluded in March, and a 33% passing mark is required. Compartment exams are available for those who don't qualify.

Taylor Swift's latest lyric from 'The Tortured Poets Department' reveals a profound message about productivity amidst emotional turmoil. The song suggests that even with a broken heart, one can achieve great things, highlighting the hidden strength and efficiency that can emerge from personal suffering. This resonates with real-world experiences where individuals maintain competence despite internal struggles.

Pythagoras, more than a mathematician, was a philosopher advocating for self-governance. His timeless quote urges individuals to resist external pressures and manipulation, emphasizing personal autonomy. It's a call to trust one's inner compass and make choices aligned with deeper values, not just popular opinion or coercion.

India faces significant economic challenges. The rupee's depreciation is fueling imported inflation and straining the balance of payments. Experts warn of a widening current account deficit in the coming years. A structural policy response is crucial to control these risks and ensure price stability. Relying solely on currency movements is not a sustainable strategy.

Bengaluru's founder Harsh Snehanshu describes the city as the loneliest he's lived in, despite his community-building initiatives. He notes that while Bengaluru offers many activities, it lacks spaces for passive engagement and quiet reflection, unlike cities like Mumbai and Delhi. This constant need for interaction, even in social settings, hinders introspection and can exacerbate feelings of isolation for migrants.

A content creator has gained attention for rejecting admission to IIM Bangalore. He prioritized his career and financial security over pursuing an MBA. This decision allowed him to achieve financial independence and support his family. He bought his parents their dream home. His choice highlights that success can be achieved through practical experience and personal priorities, not just academic credentials.

India is phasing out petrol and diesel vehicles. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari stated there is no future for these fuels. Manufacturers must switch to cleaner alternatives. Hydrogen and ethanol are highlighted as key fuels. India is already producing ethanol from various sources. Pilot projects for hydrogen trucks and buses are underway.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the Ganga Expressway in Uttar Pradesh. This six-lane corridor connects 12 districts, enhancing connectivity. He will also flag off the Amrit Bharat Express from Ayodhya to Mumbai. This new train improves travel time and safety. These developments mark significant progress for Uttar Pradesh and its people.

The Supreme Court is reviewing a dispute over a government tender for message gateway services. Enterprise firm Karix Mobile claims its rival OneXtel secured a contract through a fraudulent certification. The court has asked for responses from NICSI and others. This case highlights the importance of mandatory certifications for sensitive government IT projects.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee claims the Election Commission and CRPF are harassing Trinamool Congress workers. She alleges intimidation and threats against party members in Bhabanipur and across Kolkata. Polling is underway in South Bengal. Security forces are deployed to ensure peaceful elections. Citizens are urged to vote without fear.

Garena Free Fire MAX offers players daily rewards through redeem codes, which are 12-character alphanumeric combinations released regularly. These codes are time-limited and can only be used once. Players can claim their free items by visiting the official redemption site and logging in with their game-linked account.

China's property market faces a prolonged downturn, with prices hitting near two-decade lows, sparking fears of a similar correction in India. While concerns like a weakening rupee and job uncertainty are raised, India's housing market is seen as fundamentally different, driven by strong end-user demand and urbanisation, unlike China's oversupply crisis.

West Bengal Phase 2 Elections 2026 voter turnout: Voting in Phase 2 of the West Bengal Assembly elections recorded 18.39% turnout till 9 am across 142 constituencies in seven districts, including Kolkata. Around 3.21 crore voters are deciding the fate of 1,448 candidates, with Bhabanipur emerging as a key contest between Mamata Banerjee and Suvendu Adhikari.

A Sri Lankan court has ordered the resumption of excavation at a mass grave in Chemmani, halted for seven months due to funding issues. LKR 2.1 million has been allocated, allowing work to restart. Diplomatic representatives will observe the site where 240 skeletal remains and children's items were previously found.

India's economy is poised to overcome global challenges as strong domestic fundamentals will provide resilience, a BoB report said. Industrial activity is set to remain steady, boosted by government initiatives and rising consumer demand, the report added. Key indicators like manufacturing PMI and GST collections have shown positive trends.

India has proposed amendments to its motor vehicle rules to formally integrate higher ethanol-blended fuels, including E85 (85% ethanol) and E100 (nearly pure ethanol). This move follows the nation's achievement of its E20 target and aims to further reduce reliance on expensive petroleum imports.

The Reserve Bank of India's Monetary Policy Committee is expected to hold interest rates steady this fiscal year. Economic growth concerns are seen as more pressing than inflation risks. Producers face higher costs, but consumer prices are contained. The government aims to reduce its fiscal deficit. Market borrowing will increase. The current account deficit is projected to widen.

Google CEO Sundar Pichai starts his day calmly. He reads newspapers before work. His breakfast is simple and vegetarian, featuring tea, eggs, and toast. This routine reflects his Indian roots and mindful approach. Consistent habits like these build his success. Pichai's disciplined lifestyle offers a model for many.

Kolkata rains: As Kolkata and other Bengal districts go to phase 2 voting today, the IMD has predicted rain, thunderstorms and gusty winds across several districts. In Kolkata, a yellow alert has been issued and the weather office has urged people to carry umbrellas to the polling stations. Nadia, Hooghly, Mednipore, Purulia will also see rain today.

During a White House state dinner, President Trump stated that King Charles agrees with him that Iran should not possess nuclear weapons. Trump also claimed military success against an unnamed opponent in the Middle East. The King's remarks did not address Iran or the conflict, and the British Embassy referred inquiries to Buckingham Palace.

President Trump criticized German Chancellor Friedrich Merz for his remarks on the Iran conflict, accusing him of misjudging Tehran's nuclear ambitions and misrepresenting his own position. Merz had previously stated Iran's leadership was humiliating the US and questioned Washington's strategy, highlighting Iran's strength and skillful negotiations amid rising global tensions.

Iran's Army asserts the West Asian conflict remains a war despite a US ceasefire, claiming full operational control of the Strait of Hormuz. Spokesperson Amir Akraminia stated forces are highly prepared, anticipating and repelling potential ground invasions and targeting hostile aircraft. Tehran remains confident of victory amid ongoing tensions.

Rudraprayag district administration has intensified surveillance for the Kedarnath Yatra, utilizing over 90 cameras and a dedicated command center for round-the-clock monitoring. Officials are ensuring pilgrim safety and adherence to guidelines, with a focus on hygiene at community kitchens. The Yatra is witnessing a massive devotional wave and record numbers of visitors.

Delhi-NCR weather today: The weather in Delhi-NCR saw a sharp turn on Wednesday morning as the residents woke up to rain, strong winds and thunderstorms, bringing a much-needed relief from the extreme heat. The IMD has forecast more rain for Delhi, Noida, Gurugram and Ghaziabad today. A yellow and orange alert is in place for various parts of the national capital.

A job seeker faced a surprising salary discrepancy during a hiring interview. The offered pay was significantly lower than advertised. The candidate confidently questioned this, citing his qualifications and the job listing. The recruiter admitted the company rarely offered top-tier salaries. This incident sparked discussions on recruitment honesty and job seeker advocacy.

President Trump has nominated G. Hunter McMaster II as Assistant Treasury Secretary for Financial Markets, a role he has been performing since July. McMaster, formerly trading chief at Key Square Group, previously served as Director of Policy and Planning and counselor to the Treasury Secretary. The Treasury Department also announced other key appointments, including Quinn Gabriel as White House liaison.

The petitioner alleged that Sharma, often nicknamed the Singham of UP for his record as an encounter specialist, has abandoned the neutrality required of an Election Commission (ECI) observer.

UK's King Charles III and Queen Camilla arrived at the White House on Tuesday evening (local time) for a state dinner hosted by US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump, as part of his ongoing state visit to the United States marking the 250th anniversary of the United States Declaration of Independence.

India is redefining the rules of the game with its upcoming airport privatisation plans, aiming to curb monopolistic tendencies in the aviation sector. The govt is laying down new ground rules to promote a healthy competitive environment.

UAEs planned exit from OPEC is unlikely to disrupt global oil markets despite its sizable output, say industry executives, though it may deepen regional tensions and reshape geopolitics in the Gulf.

Why US stock markets crashed today, and Nasdaq, S&P 500 and Dow Jones in red now? US stocks ended lower as AI growth fears, oil price surge, Fed policy signals, and earnings season drove caution. Tech and chip shares fell after reports about OpenAI. Investors also reacted to rising crude prices, war risks, and company earnings updates across sectors.

Why are oil prices up now, and will Brent, US WTI crude rates continue to rise or drop again? Oil prices climbed as the Iran conflict disrupted supply and the UAE announced it would leave OPEC and OPEC+. Brent moved near a three-week high and WTI crossed $100. Investors also tracked inflation, bond yields, and stock market weakness driven by AI growth concerns and global central bank decisions.

Trumps face and signature in gold to appear on US passports soon? The State Department plans limited-edition passports to mark 250 years of the United States. The design includes Donald Trumps image and signature in gold inside the passport cover. The passports will be issued from the Washington Passport Agency. The change links to larger celebrations planned for Americas 250th anniversary and other commemorative projects.

Taylor Swift was recently spotted enjoying a dinner date with her father, Scott, in New York City. This outing comes amid growing speculation about her upcoming wedding to Travis Kelce. Fans are anticipating a July 4th weekend celebration, especially after Travis hinted at their busy schedule in June.

The FCC is reviewing ABC licences after a controversy linked to Jimmy Kimmels joke about Melania Trump. The issue has created political backlash and debate over free speech and media control. Officials say the review is about company policies, but critics think it is pressure on content. Any legal action may take a long time to resolve.

The Bharatiya Janata Party is targeting Mamata Banerjee's Bhabanipur seat in West Bengal's upcoming polling phase. The party is confident of securing victories in North 24 Parganas, Nadia, Howrah, and Hooghly. BJP expects to win at least 40 seats in the Bengal Presidency region. The party also anticipates a strong showing in North Bengal, Junglemahal, and South Bengal districts.

California settlement payouts 2026: Californians can now claim compensation from numerous class action settlements, covering data breaches, retail purchases, apps, vehicles, housing, and wildfire damages. Payouts vary significantly, with some data breach claims potentially reaching $10,000.

India has approved a significant 3,000-crore currency swap for the Maldives. This move aims to bolster the island nation's economy under the SAARC framework. The facility will help the Maldives manage foreign exchange needs and economic pressures. This support underscores the strong partnership between India and the Maldives.

I Squared Capital is looking to sell its stake in Polaris Smart Metering. The US-based fund has hired an investment bank to manage the sale. Polaris Smart Metering is valued at around $200 million. The company has secured contracts for smart meter installations in Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal. Polaris recently raised financing from British International Investment.