The Economic Times

Sir Mokshagundam Visvesvarayas life is a powerful reminder that patience, discipline, and consistent effort eventually pay off, even when results seem delayed. Born in modest circumstances in Muddenahalli in 1861, he overcame financial struggles and personal loss through sheer determination, pursuing education against all odds and eventually excelling in civil engineering.

India's services sector saw growth in April, boosted by strong domestic demand. This rise followed a dip in March. However, global orders slowed. Middle East uncertainties are impacting future optimism. New business accelerated, with consumer services leading the expansion. International sales growth weakened. Operating expenses rose at a softer pace. Employment expanded at the strongest pace in ten months.

Maharashtra SSC Class 10 results for 2026 are anticipated soon, with reports suggesting a declaration by May 13th. Students can check their scores on the official MSBSHSE website or via DigiLocker using their roll number and mother's name. The board previously announced HSC Class 12 results, with Class 10 results typically following shortly after.

Vivo X300 Ultra & X300 FE Launch: Vivo is launching its flagship X300 Ultra and the more affordable X300 FE in India today at 2:00 PM IST. The Ultra comes with a massive 200MP camera system and top-tier hardware, while the FE offers strong performance in a compact form. Both phones will be available on Flipkart and Amazon.

Following alarming post-election violence in West Bengal, which has tragically resulted in two fatalities and multiple instances of vandalism, Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar has directed the swift arrest of individuals linked to these crimes. In response, law enforcement is ramping up their efforts with heightened surveillance and patrolling of affected neighborhoods.

Amritsar police have restricted movement in Khasa following a blast near the cantonment area. Security agencies and the Bomb Disposal Squad are investigating the incident. No casualties were reported. Punjab Congress has expressed grave concern over the state's safety and demanded accountability from the government. Investigations are ongoing to determine the cause of the blast.

Iran has introduced a new system for maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz. Ships must now get prior authorization before transiting the vital waterway. Electronic instructions will be issued detailing passage rules. This move is described as a sovereign governance system. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy has also issued warnings regarding designated maritime corridors.

Indian firms are set to invest more than twenty billion dollars in the United States. This significant investment will span technology, pharmaceuticals, and manufacturing sectors. US Ambassador Sergio Gor highlighted these plans, emphasizing the strengthening business ties between India and America. These ventures are expected to create American jobs and enhance supply chains.

Bengal Police Woman Viral Video: A West Bengal police officer's viral video highlights the challenges of law enforcement. She speaks of public criticism and following government directives. The clip has ignited discussions on police neutrality and accountability. Many question how officers can distance themselves from past actions. The incident prompts reflection on the police's role in a democracy. Citizens are urged to choose leaders wisely.

Riddhima Kapoor Sahni makes her acting debut at 45 in Daadi Ki Shaadi. The film also features her mother, Neetu Kapoor, and daughter, Samara. This marks a huge moment for the Kapoor family. Riddhima shares her journey of embracing this new path and the advice she received from her brother Ranbir.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded the Union cabinet's approval of three new railway projects. These projects, costing approximately Rs. 23,437 crore, will enhance connectivity across 19 districts in six states. The initiatives aim to boost infrastructure, improve operational efficiency, and facilitate access to tourist destinations. This development is expected to further economic growth and create employment opportunities.

India faces cooking gas shortages due to global events. Villagers in Uttar Pradesh are turning to biogas, made from cow dung, as a reliable alternative. This homegrown fuel powers kitchens and provides valuable fertilizer. The government supports biogas production to meet carbon neutrality goals. This innovation offers a sustainable solution for rural energy needs.

Delhi weather update: Delhi, Noida, Ghaziabad and Gurugram experienced heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and lightning on Tuesday night. While no major warnings are issued for Wednesday, isolated thundery development is possible in Delhi. Temperatures are expected to rise from Thursday, with Noida and Gurugram anticipating further rain spells around May 10-11.

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi held talks with China's Wang Yi in Beijing. China remains a significant buyer of Iranian oil, bypassing US sanctions. Araghchi's visit precedes US President Donald Trump's scheduled trip to China. US Senator Marco Rubio urged China to pressure Iran regarding the Strait of Hormuz.

The Election Commission has officially notified the constitution of a new West Bengal assembly, marking the end of the electoral process. This crucial constitutional step, sent to the governor, enables the formation of a new government after the BJP secured a landslide victory. The commission affirmed the elections were conducted freely, fairly, and transparently.

The U.S. Department of State announced the phased closure of its Consulate General in Peshawar due to safety concerns for diplomatic personnel and resource management. Diplomatic engagement for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa will now be handled by the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad, while other consulates remain active.

A 35-year-old professional, Biswajit Mohanty, has left his corporate job after questioning his work's purpose and impact. For three years, he reflected on his career, ultimately choosing to pursue a path aligned with his strengths. This transition, though challenging, led him to a more fulfilling, self-directed future, highlighting that financial stability alone doesn't guarantee satisfaction.

Bengal BJP President Samik Bhattacharya has declared a zero-tolerance policy towards violence, warning party workers against vandalizing Trinamool offices and vowing stringent action. The Election Commission of India has also directed authorities to ensure zero tolerance for post-poll violence. Bhattacharya emphasized a shift towards a more civil political culture in the state.

Gujarat Board SSC Toppers List 2026: The Gujarat Secondary and Higher Secondary Education Board has declared the Class 10th SSC results for 2026. Students can check their scores on gseb.org or via WhatsApp. The board has not released a toppers list this year. The overall pass percentage stands at 83.86%. Narmada district performed best with a 90.85% pass rate, while Ajol centre achieved a perfect 100%.

Punjab National Bank is boosting its cybersecurity spending by over 50% this financial year. The bank is investing heavily in technology to protect against digital threats, including those posed by advanced AI. This move comes as regulators and banks assess preparedness for AI-related risks. PNB is also accelerating the purchase of security tools and has made its audit process continuous.

Jammu and Kashmir Bank achieved its highest-ever annual profit of Rs 2,326.47 crore for the financial year 2025-26. This marks a significant year-on-year growth of over 13 percent. The bank also reported a strong quarterly net profit of nearly Rs 800 crore. Despite challenges, the bank demonstrated resilience and sustained improvement in asset quality.

The United States has launched Project Freedom to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that America is uniquely positioned to ensure safe passage for commercial vessels. This initiative responds to requests from multiple nations facing disruptions. The operation aims to restore normal maritime operations and end Iran's actions impacting global trade and safety.

Ohio voters have chosen their candidates for key November elections. Billionaire Vivek Ramaswamy will face Dr. Amy Acton for governor. Senator Jon Husted secured his party's nomination and will likely compete against Sherrod Brown. These contests set the stage for significant races across the state, with national attention on the outcomes. Several U.S. House races also feature competitive matchups.

Veteran film producer R. B. Choudary, founder of Super Good Films, tragically died in a car accident near Udaipur. Known for backing successful Tamil and Telugu family entertainers like Thalapathy Vijay's Poove Unakkaga, Jilla and more, his demise has sent shockwaves through the industry. Choudary's legacy includes nurturing careers and delivering numerous hits. Read on!

Gujarat Class 10 result: Gujarat Board Class 10 SSC results are out today at 8 am. Students can check their scores on the official website gseb.org, an alternative portal gsebeservice.com, via WhatsApp by sending their seat number to 6357300971, or through SMS by typing 'GJ10 [SeatNumber]' and sending it to 58888111. DigiLocker will also provide digital marksheets.

An explosion occurred outside the BSF camp in Amritsar, Punjab last night. Bomb disposal and FSL teams swiftly arrived at the scene. Police received a complaint about a blast sound near Khassa cantonment. Security teams are investigating the number of blasts and their cause. Evidence has been collected for testing.

A Bengaluru chartered accountant offers a new perspective on finances. A 29-year-old earning Rs 1.55 lakh monthly felt strained, but the accountant revealed his money was building wealth. Large sums for SIPs and loan repayments are assets. This reframing shows a stable financial picture, not a struggle. Clarity on money allocation is key.

Actor Vijay's political party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, made a huge impact in the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. Vijay secured victories in two constituencies. Actor Pooja Hegde shared a viral video that fans interpreted as an early prediction of his win. The party emerged as the single largest party, falling short of a majority. Read on!

US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau stated that the US and India are very, very close to signing a trade deal, needing to overcome a last hurdle. Negotiations have been ongoing for months, with both sides aiming to finalize the agreement and address other bilateral issues.

Global lenders are exploring various financing options for Sun Pharmaceutical Industries' proposed $12 billion acquisition of Organon & Co. The Indian drugmaker is considering swapping Organon bondholders into Sun Pharma debt and a potential euro-denominated bond. Additionally, Sun Pharma plans to raise $3 billion to $4 billion in offshore loans, with deal approvals anticipated by December.

US Stock Market today: Even with the war ongoing, the U.S. stock market has remained remarkably resilient on its record-setting run.

Samsung Electronics has achieved a $1 trillion market valuation, driven by soaring demand for AI chips. The memory giant's stock has quadrupled, making it the second Asian firm after TSMC to reach this milestone. This surge highlights memory's structural role in AI infrastructure and fuels a broader rally in regional tech stocks.

Gold rate prediction: The release of the U.S. employment report later this week will serve as a test of whether the economy remains resilient enough to keep the Federal Reserve's monetary policy on hold, or whether a softening labor market could revive the case for rate cuts.

US President Donald Trump announced a temporary pause for Project Freedom, an initiative to aid commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. This decision, following requests from Pakistan and other nations, comes amid significant military gains against Iran and progress toward a potential agreement. The naval blockade of Iran's ports, however, will remain in effect.

US Primary election results: Ohio has trended steadily Republican over the past decade, making Brown's comeback bid - after a 2024 loss - a test of how far President Donald Trump's declining popularity is reshaping the 2026 midterm map.

Donald Trump targeted seven Indiana state senators who defied months of White House pressure by voting against mid-decade redistricting, which the president wanted to boost Republicans' chances in the midterm elections.

Gasoline price: Many drivers were hopeful in mid-April, amid signs that the conflict could be winding down, and gasoline prices fell daily for almost two weeks.

Oil Price today: Crude stocks fell by 8.1 million barrels in the week ended May 1, the sources said on condition of anonymity.

India's corporate elite, including Isha Ambani, Ananya Birla, and Natasha Poonawalla, made a striking presence at the Met Gala, interpreting 'fashion is art' through unique ensembles. Birla showcased a Robert Wun creation with a Subodh Gupta sculpture mask, while Poonawalla donned a custom Marc Quinn orchid piece.

Kumar Mangalam Birla has returned as non-executive chairman of Vodafone Idea (Vi) to lead its turnaround. The company, bolstered by government relief and a $5 billion capital expenditure, aims to secure debt funding and achieve significant revenue and EBITDA growth. Birla expressed confidence in Vi's role in India's digital future.

Reliance Industries is set to make a significant entry into satellite communications. The company plans a multi-billion dollar investment in the low earth orbit segment. This move positions Reliance against global players like Starlink and Amazon Leo. Six teams are working on various project aspects. The initiative aligns with India's goal for a domestic satcom presence.

The government has approved a new credit scheme, ECLGS 5.0, to support airlines and small businesses facing economic challenges. This initiative will provide significant additional credit. Two new semiconductor manufacturing units are also set to be established. Additionally, railway infrastructure projects and a ship repair facility have received approval, boosting industrial capacity and employment opportunities across the nation.

AMD Stock Price: Advanced Micro Devices forecast second-quarter revenue above Wall Street expectations on Tuesday.

PlayStation $7.85 million settlement explained: A major legal battle involving Sony PlayStation and millions of gamers is nearing its end. A US court has given initial approval to a $7.85 million settlement. This case concerns Sony's decision to stop selling digital game download cards through outside stores. Gamers can now get compensation if they meet certain conditions.

Quote of the Day: Eleanor Roosevelt's words on friendship remain relevant. She believed true friends leave lasting impressions. Her life, marked by early loss and public service, shaped this view. In today's fast world, her quote reminds us to cherish deep connections. These relationships offer support and shape who we become. Roosevelt's wisdom encourages valuing quality over quantity in friendships.

Who attacked UAE today, and what is Project Freedom? The question gained attention after Iran denied launching missile or drone attacks on the UAE while the US pushed its maritime security mission in the Strait of Hormuz. Statements from Iran, the US, and analysts show rising tension, shipping risks, and global oil concerns. This explainer covers claims, warnings, naval actions, and the role of Project Freedom in the Gulf crisis.

Oscar Wildes quote of the day reflects his characteristic wit and his complex view of human relationships. It suggests that emotional distance can sometimes make relationships easier, as reduced expectations and detachment may lead to fewer conflicts and a more stable coexistence, while also pointing to the vulnerability and intensity that love brings.