The Economic Times

The IPL finals venue has moved from Bengaluru to Ahmedabad. Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara stated commercial viability is the likely reason. He clarified that distributing tickets to MLAs is not the cause for the shift. No security or arrangement complaints were reported in Bengaluru. Ahmedabad's larger stadium capacity is seen as a factor.

India's defense sector is experiencing a historic upswing, with exports surpassing 38,000 crore rupees. This surge is directly linked to the triumph of Operation Sindoor, a 96-hour engagement that highlighted the capabilities of India's domestic defense systems. As international markets respond positively, key technologies like the BrahMos missile and Akash-NG air defense are leading the charge.

Tamil Nadu's political landscape is in flux as the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) emerges as the single-largest party but falls short of a majority. Established parties are navigating complex negotiations, recognizing a deep anti-establishment sentiment fueled by actor Joseph Vijay's rise, which signals a potential long-term shift beyond the traditional Dravidian duopoly.

NEET UG 2026 saw a massive turnout, with Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Bihar contributing nearly 41.4% of the 22.7 lakh registered candidates. Despite the scale, attendance remained high nationwide at 96.9%, with Gujarat leading at 98.1%.

Trisha Krishnan joining TVK? Actress Trisha Krishnan is reportedly likely to make a political debut with Thalapathy Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK). Party leaders are keen for her to contest a by-election from Tiruchirappalli East, a seat Vijay may vacate. Despite initial reluctance due to no political background, Trisha's past aspirations to become Tamil Nadu CM have resurfaced amid these strong rumors.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has initiated the first phase of Census-2027. This Houselisting and Housing Census will gather detailed information on homes and assets. The public can self-enumerate digitally from May 7-21, 2026. Census personnel will then conduct door-to-door surveys. Caste enumeration is included this time. Forest villages are also part of the census for the first time.

Former India cricketer Salil Ankola has entered a mental health care centre near Pune. He is undergoing treatment for severe depression following the passing of his mother last year. His family confirmed his decision to seek professional help due to deteriorating emotional health. The cricket fraternity has offered support. Ankola previously underwent rehabilitation for alcohol addiction nearly two decades ago.

Gardeners are discovering a simple hack to keep plants hydrated during hot weather: placing a sponge at the bottom of pots. This unusual method helps retain moisture, preventing soil from drying out too quickly, especially beneficial for moisture-loving plants during long absences. However, proper drainage and moderation are key to avoid root rot.

Crime thriller Matka King, starring Vijay Varma, has been renewed for a second season. The series, lauded for its intense storytelling and portrayal of 1960s Bombay's matka gambling world, emerged as the platform's most-watched new Indian scripted series in two years. Read on to know more about it.

Alcoholic beverage makers are urging state governments for price increases. Rising costs for cans and bottles are impacting production. Supply chain disruptions, particularly from the West Asia crisis, have led to significant price surges for glass, paper, and other materials. Manufacturers face potential shutdowns.

Samsung has launched a new Business Experience Studio in Gurugram. This center demonstrates AI-powered solutions for industries like retail, banking, and healthcare. The initiative supports India's digital transformation. Samsung aims to bring these intelligent, connected business environments to more cities. The studio also serves as a hub for creating customized solutions with partners.

The Reserve Bank of India has approved Kotak Mahindra Bank's increased stake in AU Small Finance Bank and Federal Bank. Kotak can now hold almost 9.99 percent in both lenders. This move allows Kotak to build significant minority stakes. The approvals were confirmed through regulatory filings. Markets showed a mild reaction to the development.

Pablo Neruda's poetry explores heartbreak's lasting impact. His famous lines 'Love is so short, forgetting is so long' resonate deeply. Neruda, a Chilean poet, achieved fame young. His work spanned love poems to political writing. He served as a diplomat and won the Nobel Prize. Even today, his personal verses on love and loss connect powerfully with readers worldwide.

Indian giants Tata Group and JSW Group are investing close to $1 billion. They are building local capabilities in electric vehicle and battery technologies. This move aims to reduce dependence on Chinese tech. Tata's Agratas is spending over $400 million on battery research. JSW Motors plans to invest at least $500 million in a research hub.

Operation Sindoor's first anniversary is a proud milestone for India's air power. The operation showcased surgical precision strikes and the successful deployment of the BrahMos missile. It served as a real-world evaluation of military hardware. A key takeaway is India's growing defense self-reliance, with private industries now involved in advanced fighter jet development.

CBSE Class 12th Results 2026: Over 18 lakh students await their CBSE Class 12 results. The board is expected to announce them in the third week of May. Students can check their scores on the official website cbse.gov.in or via the DigiLocker and UMANG app. Past trends show results are typically released in mid-May. Girls have consistently outperformed boys in recent years.

Actress Mallika Sherawat, a vegan for over a decade, maintains her fitness at 49 through a disciplined diet of fresh fruits, vegetables, and plant-based meals. She avoids dairy and animal products, opting for dates for sweet cravings and enjoying dishes. Read on to know what her source of protein is.

Amanpreet Singh Gill Death: Indian cricket star Virat Kohli and former all-rounder Yuvraj Singh paid emotional tributes following the death of Amanpreet Singh Gill. The former India U-19 cricketer passed away at the age of 36 in Chandigarh and was remembered for his dedication to the sport and his contribution to Punjab cricket. Gill represented India in Youth ODIs and a Youth Test, while also playing several first-class matches for Punjab during his domestic cricket career.

President Donald Trump will meet President Xi Jinping in Beijing next week. The leaders aim to ease tensions over trade, Taiwan, and the Iran war. Discussions will cover trade deals, technology, and rare earths. The Iran conflict and Taiwan's status are also key agenda items. Minor trade agreements are anticipated.

The Karunya plus KN-622 lottery results have now been released, offering participants a chance to win prizes ranging from a 1 crore jackpot to smaller amounts. Ticket holders can check their numbers for the draw, which features multiple prize tiers. The Kerala State Lotteries Department ensures transparency in the announcement and claiming process.

UK polling stations opened Thursday in local elections set to heap more pressure on beleaguered Labour Prime Minister Keir Starmer and showcase the rise of hard-right and left-wing populists. The prime minister and his wife voted at a polling station near parliament in Westminister.

Tamil Nadu Election Results 2026: Hundreds of TVK supporters arrived at Chennai's Nehru Indoor Stadium expecting a major announcement from their leader Vijay. Many travelled from across the state, only to find the venue closed and without any official communication. Fans expressed deep disappointment and heartbreak after waiting for hours.

Senior leader K V Thomas stated V D Satheesan is the right choice for Kerala Chief Minister. Thomas highlighted Satheesan's successful leadership of the UDF as opposition leader in recent elections. He noted public opinion favors Satheesan for the CM post. The Congress Legislative Party has authorized the high command to make the final decision on the Chief Minister.

Awfis has expanded its presence in Chennai by leasing over 110,000 square feet for two new centres. This move increases Awfis' total footprint in the city to 875,000 square feet across 28 locations. The flexible office sector in Chennai is experiencing significant growth, driven by enterprise adoption.

The Reserve Bank of India faces a tough choice in June. Economists predict no interest rate changes as the economy deals with rising energy costs and unpredictable weather. The RBI must balance fighting inflation with keeping economic growth strong. Any rate hikes are likely delayed until global supply chains stabilize and oil prices fall.

Thanks to the crisis in West Asia, costs are rising for both international and domestic events. Travel disruptions are making overseas weddings more expensive. Families are reducing guest lists and opting for local venues. Imported goods are also seeing price hikes.

Kerala's next chief minister will be decided by Sunday. Congress leaders and MLAs have shared their opinions with AICC observers. The party's high command will make the final decision. This follows the United Democratic Front's victory in the Assembly elections. The selection process involves considering the views of elected representatives and senior party members.

In its report on School Education System in India: Temporal Analysis and Policy Roadmap for Quality Enhancement, the Aayog has mooted 13 recommendations, including eight systemic changes and five institutional changes that can help India achieve its vision of quality education for its children.

India's power demand is set for a significant rise of 5.0-5.5 percent in 2026-27. This growth will be fueled by industrial, commercial, agricultural, and household sectors. Emerging sources like electric vehicles and data centers will also contribute. Thermal plant utilization will stay steady. Distribution companies face challenges with high debt and muted tariff hikes, impacting their profitability.

A manager's compassionate decision to grant an employee three months of paid leave for burnout has sparked widespread discussion. The employee, overwhelmed by relentless workloads, feared admitting his struggles. His supervisor prioritized his health, understanding that recovery fosters renewed energy and creativity.

Skyroot Aerospace, an Indian space company, has achieved a valuation of one billion dollars. This milestone follows a recent funding round securing sixty million dollars. The company is preparing for its first orbital rocket launch. This achievement signals strong investor confidence in India's growing space sector. Skyroot aims to increase launch frequency and expand manufacturing capabilities.

The Bombay High Court has upheld the acquittal of 22 individuals in the 2005 Sohrabuddin Shaikh alleged fake encounter case. Appeals filed by Shaikh's brothers challenging the special court's 2018 judgment were dismissed. The court found the prosecution failed to establish a cogent case against the accused. Most of the acquitted were junior police officers from Gujarat and Rajasthan.

UltraTech Cement is navigating rising costs for plastic packaging and fuel. These expenses are a concern for the company's target of double-digit volume growth in FY27. Despite these challenges, UltraTech is investing in capacity expansion and expects sustainable growth in the cement industry. Strong structural drivers like urbanisation and government infrastructure spending remain in place.

Amazon founder Jeff Bezos is one of the most prominent and well-known figures of the technology industry. Bezos started Amazon from a garage in Seattle and made it one of the biggest companies in the world. Jeff Bezos, world's third-richest person, also owns The Washington Post and Blue Origin, an aerospace company developing rockets.

Air India's board convened in New Delhi today. Discussions focused on the airline's financial health and cost-saving strategies. The selection of a new Chief Executive Officer was also on the agenda. The West Asia conflict is impacting operations and increasing costs for the carrier. This meeting occurs as Air India pursues its transformation plan.

Indian cricketer Smriti Mandhana shared insights into her journey. She highlighted the power of goal-setting and manifestations in overcoming challenges. Mandhana detailed her recovery from a serious injury and her determination to succeed. Her passion for batting and parental support were key factors. She also discussed navigating public opinion and finding internal validation.

AirAsia is set to acquire 150 Airbus A220-300 aircraft. This significant deal, valued at approximately 19 billion dollars, marks a major step in fleet modernization. The new jets offer enhanced fuel efficiency and lower carbon emissions. This strategic move aims to combat rising fuel prices and operational costs.

Thirteen Australians, including women and children, have returned home after years in a Syrian desert camp. They allegedly have ties to the Islamic State group. Police are investigating potential criminal charges for the women. The group arrived on separate Qatar Airways flights in Melbourne and Sydney.

Tamil Nadu Election news: Makkal Needhi Maiyam chief Kamal Haasan asserts that Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam leader Vijay must be invited to form the government. He emphasizes that the people's verdict has created an unprecedented situation. Haasan highlights that denying Vijay this opportunity disrespects the mandate. Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar met with Vijay as efforts to form the government continue.

Delhi saw a 15.1% drop in overall registered crimes in 2024, with total cases falling to around 2.8 lakh. However, concerning trends persist in violent offenses and crimes against children, where Delhi reported the highest numbers among major metros, particularly in child abduction cases.

Tony Fernandes, co-founder of AirAsia X, is set to launch a new airline. This aggressive expansion comes despite rising oil prices. The new carrier is expected to be announced soon. Fernandes sees opportunities within the current market challenges. AirAsia is reallocating aircraft for this new venture. This move follows a significant aircraft order for smaller planes to boost Asian connectivity.

Actor Kiran Abbavaram's production Thimmarajupalli TV is heading for a digital debut. The rural drama, featuring new talent, will stream from May 15, 2026. The film explores village life in the 1990s, revolving around the impact of a television set. It aims to captivate audiences with its nostalgic narrative and realistic portrayal of community dynamics. Read on!

Senior AIADMK leader S Semmalai has denied reports of party general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami meeting the Tamil Nadu Governor. These reports suggested a discussion about forming a government with TVK support. Semmalai stated there is no such need and AIADMK has not received any invitation from TVK. He emphasized that Palaniswami will make any decision regarding support.

China is building a 134-kilometre-long Pinglu Canal in Guangxi province that will directly connect inland waterways to the Beibu Gulf. The massive project aims to cut shipping distance by 561 km, save billions in logistics costs, and strengthen Chinas position in global trade.

France is preparing financial aid for airlines struggling with soaring jet fuel prices, Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot announced. The government and airlines discussed measures like deferred social security contributions and extended tax deadlines. This support comes as European airlines warn of potential jet fuel shortages this summer due to the Iran war.

VCK leader Thol Thirumavalavan confirmed his party received a request for support from the Vijay-led TVK. TVK emerged as the single largest party but needs more seats to form the government. VCK's high-level committee will soon decide on supporting TVK. Thirumavalavan urged the governor to invite Vijay to form the government, emphasizing it is a constitutional right and people's verdict.

A former high-earning executive in London, Shweta Desai, found her identity shaken after relocating to Australia and taking a job cleaning Airbnb apartments. This unexpected career shift led her to re-evaluate her self-worth, the meaning of money, and ultimately, to build a new path through coaching and community building.

Chia seeds are a popular and natural addition to many weight loss plans because of their high fibre and protein content, which can help keep you feeling fuller for longer and support healthy digestion. While chia seeds may help reduce cravings and encourage better eating habits, they are not a miracle solution for weight loss. Long-term and sustainable weight loss still depends on maintaining a balanced diet, staying physically active and creating a healthy calorie deficit over time.