The Economic Times

U.S. Stock Market: S&P 500, Nasdaq, Dow Futures are set for eventful Monday at the Wall Street as several factors will drive the stock markets.

Siliguri Election Results 2026 News: Siliguri, a vital commercial hub in West Bengal's Darjeeling district, held its Assembly elections on April 23, 2026. The constituency, encompassing Siliguri city and its suburbs, saw a voter turnout of 77% in 2021, with Sankar Ghosh of the BJP defeating Omprakash Mishra. In 2016, Asok Bhattacharya of the CPI(M) won with an 81% turnout.

Assembly Election Results 2026 Live Telecast: Today, May 4, 2026, marks the counting of election results for West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Assam, Kerala, and Puducherry. Over 824 assembly seats are decided. Exit polls predicted NDA's win in Assam, DMK's return in Tamil Nadu, a close fight in Kerala, a tight contest in Puducherry, and a close race in West Bengal.

Thrissur, a key battleground in Kerala's political landscape, is poised for another intense contest in the upcoming 2026 elections. The constituency, known for its close three-cornered fights between UDF, LDF, and BJP, saw a narrow CPI victory in 2021. Shifting loyalties, development, and minority consolidation are expected to be key factors.

Counting for the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections begins May 4, with a key battle in Tollygunge. AITC's Aroop Biswas, the incumbent, faces challenges from BJP and Congress candidates. Exit polls predict a close contest between AITC and BJP, potentially leading to a hung Assembly in West Bengal.

Vattiyoorkavu, a prominent Thiruvananthapuram constituency, is set for a high-stakes election. Known for its educated voters and urban issues, the seat has historically seen tight competition. This year, a triangular contest features sitting MLA V.K. Prasanth, veteran leader K. Muraleedharan, and former DGP R. Sreelekha. The outcome will reflect urban voter sentiment.

Ernakulam, Kerala's financial hub, presents a dynamic electoral landscape. An educated, urban voter base prioritizes governance and development. The constituency is set for a multi-cornered contest. Sitting MLA T. J. Vinod seeks re-election for the UDF. The BJP fields P.R. Sivasankar, while the AAP adds Moses H. M. to the race.

Jalukbari constituency in Guwahati is a key battleground for the 2026 Assam Assembly elections. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma seeks re-election from his stronghold. The Congress fields Bidisha Neog, banking on voter sentiment. Businesswoman Dipika Das is also contesting. Urban expansion and employment are major issues. The seat remains a focus for political observers.

Kottayam, a UDF stronghold in central Kerala, boasts high literacy and a significant Christian population. The constituency, represented by MLA P.K. Jayalakshmi since 2016, faces challenges like rubber farmer distress and youth unemployment. Voters are seeking improved infrastructure and IT investment, shaping its politically competitive landscape.

In West Bengal's Domkal, a close electoral battle is underway between former IPS officer Humayun Kabir and CPI(M)'s Mostafijur Rahaman. While the TMC aims for a fourth consecutive term, the CPI(M) shows signs of regaining ground after a strong performance in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, indicating a competitive contest in the historically CPM stronghold.

Dum Dum Uttar holds its breath as counting for the Assembly seat begins. The constituency, a key part of North 24 Parganas, saw a fierce contest between TMC's Chandrima Bhattacharya, BJP's Sourav Sikdar, and CPI-M's Dipsita Dhar. Voters considered issues like urban infrastructure, women's safety, and employment. The outcome will reveal the political mood of urban Bengal.

Silchar Election Result 2026: Silchar, an urban constituency in Assams Cachar district, is a key economic hub in the Barak Valley and part of the Silchar Lok Sabha seat. It is a general category Assembly constituency with a largely urban population.

Kolkata Port constituency faces a close contest as Firhad Hakim seeks a third term amid a significant voter decline. A sharp drop in electorate numbers has sparked concerns over revised voter rolls, with opposition parties alleging deletions. Civic issues and the integrity of the electoral process are key campaign themes.

Baranagar awaits a crucial verdict on May 4, 2026. The constituency sees a tight contest between TMC's Sayantika Banerjee, BJP's Sajal Ghosh, and Left's Sayandeep Mitra. Campaigning focused on industrial revival, infrastructure, and job creation. Voters' choices will shape local leadership for the next five years. Counting begins tomorrow.

Vote counting for the 2026 West Bengal Assembly Elections begins tomorrow in Kharagpur. The industrial hub's fate hangs in the balance as the BJP incumbent faces a tough contest. The Trinamool Congress aims to regain the seat, while a Left-Congress alliance targets young voters. Local issues like industrial stagnation and civic infrastructure are key.

Lakhimpur Assembly constituency in Assam is under close observation as vote counting begins. Incumbent BJP MLA Manab Deka faces Congress challenger Ghana Buragohain. The contest is shaped by electoral history and ongoing development challenges. Recurring floods, poor connectivity, and limited employment opportunities are key issues. The constituency's diverse population influences political discourse.

The Barpeta constituency in Assam has emerged as a closely watched electoral contest in the 2026 Assembly elections, with candidates from major parties and independents in the fray after recent delimitation changes. Voting in the constituency took place on April 9.

Kanniyakumari constituency, located at the southern tip of mainland India, is a key political seat in Tamil Nadu known for its coastal economy and cultural landmarks such as the Vivekananda Rock Memorial and the Thiruvalluvar Statue.

Jorhat's Assembly seat is a key focus for the 2026 Assam elections. Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi faces BJP MLA Hitendra Nath Goswami. Goswami has a long history with the constituency. Gogoi has declared higher assets and an annual income. Voting is on April 9, 2026, with results on May 4. Exit polls predict a BJP win across Assam.

Coimbatore South Election Results 2026 News: Coimbatore South's election results are being released today, May 4, 2026, with a tight contest expected between DMK's V Senthil Balaji and AIADMK's Amman K Arjunan. Balaji, making a comeback after legal troubles, faces a challenging race in this key urban swing seat. Most exit polls have predicted that DMK is on its course to come back to power again in Tamil Nadu.

Kazhakoottam Election Results 2026: Kazhakoottam's election features a tight race between CPI (M)'s Kadakampally Surendran and BJP candidate V Muraleedharan. A controversy linked to the Sabarimala gold theft has emerged and it could dent Left's performance in Kazhakoottam. Exit polls suggest a shift in Kerala's political landscape, with the majority predicting a setback for the LDF government.

The quote of the day from Plato highlights the importance of accepting generational differences in parenting, suggesting that children should not be forced to follow the same paths as their parents because they grow up in a different time with different realities. It emphasizes that while guidance from parents is important, excessive control can limit a childs ability to think independently and adapt to the modern world.

Quote of the day by Whitney Wolfe Herd: The Bumble CEO emphasizes that meaningful relationships stem from self-understanding and confidence, urging individuals to discover their values and boundaries before seeking a partner. She warns against sacrificing one's identity for a relationship, advocating for two whole individuals to build a stable and fulfilling connection.

TP premiums rose 9.3% in FY26, compared with 9% growth in OD, taking overall motor insurance expansion to about 9% on an estimated base of ?1.08 lakh crore. This contrasts with FY24, when OD grew a stronger 17.4% against roughly 10% for TP, supported by robust vehicle sales and pricing improvements. In FY25, OD grew at 8.1% while TP grew at 7.8%. The latest shift comes despite no increase in regulated TP premium rates since the pandemic.

The move is aimed at improving customer engagement as household savings shift from bank deposits to market-linked instruments and risk products. Indian Bank plans to set up a wealth management vertical targeting high net worth individuals, while sectoral leader State Bank of India aims to grow its wealth assets under management fivefold to Rs 15 lakh crore by 2030.

Alexander Drozdenko, governor of the northwest region which hosts the port, said more than 60 drones were downed overnight. He said the fire at Primorsk, a major oil-exporting outlet, was quickly extinguished and there had been no oil spill following the attack.

China's commerce ministry said the sanctions unlawfully restrict normal trade with third countries and violate international norms. In a rare move, it issued an order prohibiting recognition, enforcement or compliance with the penalties targeting the five firms.

Three top-notch hospitals in Mumbai and a famous international spiritual organisation-all functioning as charitable trusts-have been denied Income tax (I-T) exemption on the grounds that they were carrying out commercial activities.

Nestle India faces economic challenges including the Iran war, inflation, and a weak monsoon prediction. The company is increasing advertising, technology, and capital expenditure to manage these uncertainties. Despite these factors, Nestle India reported strong growth in the March quarter. The company aims for volume-led growth in its core categories.

A State Bank of India led consortium is looking at providing 25,000 crore debt funding to Vodafone Idea. This comes after the government significantly reduced the telco's dues. Vodafone Idea is also seeking 10,000 crore for working capital. The company plans a three-year turnaround program focusing on network upgrades and 5G expansion.

French company Saint-Gobain will invest nearly one billion dollars in India over the next five years. This investment signals a major shift towards emerging markets for growth. India's growing population and urbanisation are key drivers. Saint-Gobain aims to triple its business in India within ten years. The company is expanding its presence in various infrastructure projects across the country.

India is embarking on an innovative strategy to enhance apprenticeship programs tailored for micro, small, and medium enterprises. Focused reforms in policies, regulations, and financial frameworks are on the table, with a group training model being a key contender. The goal is to equip the nation's youth with essential workforce skills by 2047.

The industry has sought separate HSN codes, an approved manufacturer list and tighter local content norms, along with clarity on customs duty deferment under warehouse rules for the 12-year life of storage projects.

West Bengal awaits election results. Both Trinamool Congress and BJP are confident of victory. Parties have briefed their counting agents to stay vigilant. Mamata Banerjee is seeking a fourth term as Chief Minister. A minor incident occurred at a counting centre. Leaders have urged agents to remain fearless.

A key figure in Indias fast breeder nuclear programme has highlighted the significance of the Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) achieving criticality, calling it a major indigenous milestone that strengthens the countrys second-stage nuclear energy ambitions.

Vote counting is happening today for the Puducherry assembly elections. The NDA faces the INDIA bloc in a close contest. Bypolls results are also expected for eight seats in Goa, Karnataka, Nagaland, Gujarat, and Maharashtra. These results will shape the political landscape in these regions. All eyes are on the final outcomes.

An explosion rocked the area near Imphal Airport on Sunday, marking the third anniversary of a significant ethnic conflict. Fortunately, no one was harmed in the blast. The Kangleipak Communist Party claimed the act was a demonstration against the recurrent bandhs and blockades affecting the region.

Russia backs India's BRICS leadership and its proposed agenda. This support is crucial as India navigates disagreements within BRICS regarding the West Asia conflict. India's recent efforts to foster dialogue among parties are seen as a significant step. Discussions on the West Asia issue will continue at the upcoming BRICS foreign ministers' meeting in New Delhi.

Extinct animals coming back: Scientists are pursuing de-extinction, aiming to bring back species like the woolly mammoth and bluebuck. The long-term goal includes rewilding these creatures into their natural habitats. This ambitious project also involves developing artificial wombs for species that cannot be carried by living relatives.

Sleeping with a fan on is a common way to cope with heat, but doctors say it may have some downsides for certain people. Experts point out that constant airflow can circulate dust and pollen, potentially triggering allergies and breathing issues. It may also dry out the air, leading to problems like sore throat, sinus irritation, and dehydration. Some people can experience congestion due to excess mucus production, while direct airflow may cause muscle stiffness. In addition, the noise from a fa

India has firmly rejected Nepal's territorial claims over Lipulekh Pass. Nepal objected to the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra route passing through the disputed region. India stated its position is consistent and clear, emphasizing the historical use of the route. India remains open to dialogue to resolve boundary issues.

Meteor showers happen when space rocks hit Earth's atmosphere at extremely high speeds and burn up, gaining fiery tails.

Nepal has raised objections to India and China's plan for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra using the Lipulekh Pass. Kathmandu asserts that Lipulekh is its territory and was not consulted on the route. India maintains ownership of Lipulekh. Nepal has communicated its stance to both India and China, emphasizing diplomatic resolution of border disputes based on historical agreements.

An employee at a small startup in India claimed on Reddit that he may be terminated just a day after informing his managers about his plans to marry a co-worker. He said both of them work in different roles without a direct reporting relationship and had disclosed the news professionally while asking about any policy concerns.