The Economic Times

Union Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan launched Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana-IV in Rayagada, Odisha. The initiative will fund 827 road projects covering 1,701 km. This aims to connect 898 habitations with all-weather roads for the first time. The scheme will boost socio-economic development and improve access to essential services.

Word of the Day: Crepuscule is more than a synonym for twilight, it is a word that encapsulates the beauty of transition, the poetry of impermanence, and the quiet elegance of in-between moments. In a language often driven by efficiency, it offers a reminder of the power of nuance and imagery.

SpaceX's $15 billion figure, which has not been previously reported, eclipses the roughly $400 million SpaceX spent developing Falcon 9, the world's most frequently flown rocket.

The U.S. Navy is accelerating its artificial intelligence capabilities to detect Iranian mines in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping lane. A new contract with Domino Data Lab aims to significantly reduce the time it takes to train underwater drones to identify new mine types, potentially cutting a six-month process down to days.

BSE Odisha 10th Result 2026: Odisha Class 10 results are set to be released tomorrow, May 2, 2026, at 4 PM. Nearly 5 lakh students can check their marks online via bseodisha.ac.in, orissaresults.nic.in, and bseodisha.nic.in. An SMS option is also available. Students need 33% overall and 30% in each subject to pass.

West Bengal exit polls suggest a close contest between BJP and TMC. Following the predictions, a Bangladeshi MP Akhtar Hussain expressed concern over a potential refugee crisis in Dhaka if the BJP wins, fearing the return of undocumented migrants. This statement highlights the sensitive issue of illegal immigration, a key election theme.

India is rapidly repatriating its gold reserves, bringing the majority home from overseas vaults. This strategic shift, driven by trust concerns and a desire for greater control, reflects a global trend of nations prioritizing physical sovereignty over foreign custody. The move ensures immediate access to wealth during economic uncertainty, redefining safety in international finance.

Zohran Mamdani faces flak: King Charles and Queen Camilla visited the 9/11 Memorial in the city and paid their respects to the victims of the terror attack.

A tragic cruise boat accident at Bargi Dam in Jabalpur has claimed nine lives. The Madhya Pradesh government has ordered a probe into the incident and banned all cruise boat operations statewide. Local heroes who risked their lives during the rescue will be honored. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences and announced financial assistance for the victims' families.

Chinese proverb of the day explores the meaning of True gold fears not the test of fire. The proverb teaches lessons about truth, integrity, resilience, success, leadership, friendship, and personal growth. It explains how hardship, scrutiny, and challenges reveal real worth and strengthen character. The message encourages patience, confidence, and honesty, showing how difficult times prepare people for growth, learning, and long-term success in life, work, and relationships.

Tensions remain high over the Strait of Hormuz. A UAE official voiced deep mistrust in Iran's unilateral actions. The vital waterway faces a blockade, impacting global oil supplies and prices. Reports of potential new U.S. military strikes have further unsettled markets. Iran warns of a strong response to any attack. Peace talks are stalled, with no quick results expected.

LIK OTT release: Pradeep Ranganathans upcoming romantic comedy Love Insurance Kompany will premiere on Amazon Prime Video on May 6, 2026. The film also stars J Suryah and Krithi Shetty. Directed by Pradeep Ranganathan, the movie promises a fresh mix of romance, humour and entertainment.

The Central Bureau of Investigation has apprehended Natasha Verma, Additional Director of CGHS in Meerut, along with her Private Assistant. They were arrested in connection with a bribery case. Verma was accused of demanding a bribe of Rs 80,000. The CBI laid a trap and caught the Private Assistant red-handed accepting Rs 50,000 on behalf of Verma.

Iran war: Dubai's vibrant restaurant scene is feeling the pinch. Chefs are struggling to get key ingredients like avocados and tomatillos. The ongoing conflict in Iran has disrupted sea routes and increased air freight costs. This is forcing restaurants to scale back, cut staff, and adapt menus. Some are turning to local produce. Authorities are offering support to navigate this challenging period.

India's Defence Research and Development Organisation and the Navy achieved a significant milestone with the first-ever salvo launch of a Naval Anti-ship Missile Short Range from a helicopter off Odisha's coast. This advanced, indigenously developed missile system demonstrated impressive capabilities, including hitting its target at waterline. The successful test bolsters India's naval defence prowess.

Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 2026 dates: Registration for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 2026 has started. Pilgrims can apply online till May 19 for the journey via Lipulekh Pass and Nathu La routes. A total of 20 batches of 50 pilgrims each will undertake the yatra between June and August 2026. The entire process is fully digital and transparent.

Iran's foreign ministry spokesperson condemns US military strikes as aggression, questioning self-defense claims. The US administration maintains it is not at war, despite military engagement reaching a legal threshold. A debate is ongoing regarding the War Powers Resolution and congressional authorization for ongoing hostilities. Opposition lawmakers are pushing to end the engagement.

For the upcoming 2025-26 season, projections indicate that India's sugar exports may hover around a modest 7.5 to 8 lakh tonnes. This downturn is largely attributed to unfavorable global pricing dynamics, which are impeding broader shipping opportunities. Coupled with strict government-imposed quotas limiting exports, the situation has stabilized domestic consumption rates, resulting in a reduced surplus for foreign markets.

Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel inaugurated the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Exhibition in Surat, showcasing the state's industrial, agricultural, and green energy advancements. The event aims to promote regional development and attract investors, with a focus on new technologies and sustainable practices. This initiative is part of Gujarat's strategy to foster balanced and inclusive growth across the state.

Jharkhand Academic Council is preparing to release the JAC Class 12 results for Science, Commerce, and Arts streams. Students can expect their scorecards soon, likely in the first week of May. The results will be available on the official website, jacresults.com, and results.jacportal.in. Students can also check their marks via DigiLocker or SMS.

Parag Agarwal has raised $100 million for his new AI startup called Parallel Web Systems and the worth of the company is around Rs 19,020 crore. Parag Agrawal was CEO of Twitter until late 2022, when Twitter-acquirer Elon Musk ousted him. He served as Twitters chief technology officer before stepping in as CEO in 2021, following co-founder Jack Dorseys departure.

Quote of the day by Lin Dan shares a message about effort, discipline, sportsmanship, and success. The statement from the Chinese badminton legend explains why giving full effort matters more than results. His career story, Olympic gold medals, world titles, and long rivalry with Lee Chong Wei show how this quote connects to real events and life lessons for students, athletes, and professionals.

The narrow pathway between Noida Sector 51 Metro Station and Noida Sector 52 Metro Station has become a daily challenge for commuters in the city. The stretch is poorly maintained and the condition becomes worse during the monsoon, with people comparing passing through this narrow stretch to crossing the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial global trade point.

India's government will maintain its planned capital expenditure of Rs 12.22 lakh crore this fiscal year. This commitment holds despite current fiscal pressures from the West Asia crisis. Key sectors like highways, railways, and urban development will receive focus. The government is actively managing global uncertainties. India's fiscal prudence provides a strong position for unpredictable times ahead.

Young adults, Gen Z, might be experiencing a decline in cognitive skills compared to their parents. This trend, observed by neuroscientists, suggests a potential shift from the long-standing Flynn effect. Factors like increased smartphone use and digital habits are linked to changes in attention and memory. This situation calls for a reevaluation of how technology impacts developing minds.

Kayla Jade's client offered cash just to watch her eat: Australian OnlyFans creator Kayla Jade has revealed the strangest client requests she's received, including those related to the 'feederism' fetish. Despite earning significant money, she stepped away from demands involving weight gain and body modification, stating she couldn't please everyone.

Sarah Moin, a Lucknow girl facing blindness, deafness, and muteness, achieved an outstanding 98.7% in her ISC Class 12 exams, topping Christ Church College. Previously scoring 95% in Class 10 exams, her remarkable determination and intellect, supported by her family and a dedicated teacher, have earned her the moniker 'Helen Keller' of Lucknow.

Hugh Jackman, a versatile Hollywood star, rose to global fame as Wolverine in the X-Men series. Beyond his iconic superhero role, he has showcased immense talent in musicals and dramas, earning critical acclaim. Jackman's dedication and charisma have solidified his status as a beloved and enduring performer.

America's Central Command wants to send its new Dark Eagle missile to the Middle East. This powerful weapon can strike deep into Iran. It is designed to hit heavily defended targets. The move aims to counter Iran's missile capabilities. This deployment would be the first operational use of the Dark Eagle. A final decision is still pending.

A Reddit user shared their difficult experience working extended hours during their notice period. They handled month-end closing tasks alone without overtime pay. Colleagues and managers acknowledged the excessive workload. Despite a senior colleague identifying a 'keyman risk', no backups were created. The organization plans an external hire for the role.

Adani Group is streamlining its operations with a new three-layer structure. This move aims to accelerate decision-making and improve execution as India's infrastructure sector grows. The conglomerate is also expanding worker facilities and plans significant investments. Adani Enterprises is raising funds through a share sale. The group is addressing operational challenges and legal matters.

European nations are questioning America's commitment to NATO. Unpredictable signals from the Trump administration are causing concern among allies on NATO's eastern flank. While U.S. military training continues, European states are reevaluating their partnership. The situation highlights a growing uncertainty about future defense cooperation and the reliability of U.S. support.

India is intensifying its fight against drug cartels. The Narcotics Control Bureau recently seized a massive cocaine shipment in Mumbai. This success followed the repatriation of a key drug trafficker from Turkiye. The government vows to dismantle these networks. These actions highlight strong international cooperation against transnational crime. India is committed to a drug-free nation.

A young professional detailed their overwhelming workload during their notice period, handling critical month-end closing tasks alone without support. Despite raising concerns about keyman risk and lack of overtime compensation, management offered no solutions. The experience led to reflections on professional importance and work-life balance, though the employee also acknowledged personal growth and gratitude for mentorship.

Mumbai-Pune Expressways long-awaited Missing Link will open to traffic on May 1, 2026. The 13.3-km bypass is expected to reduce travel time between Mumbai and Pune by 2030 minutes, ease ghat-section congestion, and make weekend getaways to Karjat, Lonavala, and Neral much easier for daily commuters and families.

The United Arab Emirates has exited OPEC, a move that could change global oil supply and prices. This decision breaks a long-standing production alignment. While immediate impacts might be limited, the UAE's increased production capacity could soften prices long-term. This shift may also lead other nations to re-evaluate their OPEC membership.

April 2026 saw India's Goods and Services Tax hit a stunning Rs 2.11 lakh crore, representing a 7.3 percent growth year-on-year. With total gross collections at Rs 2.43 lakh crore and refunds jumping by 19.3 percent, this surge signals a thriving fiscal environment and enhanced compliance within the economy.

Quote of the day by King Alfred the Great: King Alfred the Great, a pivotal ruler in early English history, successfully defended Wessex against Viking invasions, notably defeating Guthrum at the Battle of Edington. Beyond his military prowess, Alfred championed education and learning, translating important works into English. He also implemented practical reforms, strengthening his kingdom and leaving a legacy of resilience and leadership.

India's beloved Masala Dosa has been recognized globally, ranking sixth on TasteAtlas' list of the world's best pancakes. This traditional South Indian dish, made from fermented rice and lentil batter filled with spiced potatoes, earned a 4.3 rating. Its centuries-old history, originating from Tamil Nadu and even offered as sacred food in temples, has now achieved international culinary acclaim.

Veteran Bollywood actor Nana Patekar, aged 76, has captivated the internet with a viral video of him performing tricep dips effortlessly. Shared by Atul Kasbekar, the clip shows Patekar completing 15 repetitions, inspiring fans with his remarkable strength and fitness.

The latest OTT releases this weekend (May 13, 2026) feature the explosive return of Sapne Vs Everyone Season 2 on Prime Video and the series finale of Undekhi on SonyLIV. Dont miss Glory and Biker on Netflix, or the hard-hitting The Kerala Story 2 on ZEE5. Here is your ultimate binge guide.

Tehran's air defenses were activated late Thursday to counter small aircraft and drones, as the White House signaled it would not be constrained by a congressional deadline on the Iran war. Iran's supreme leader declared the US had suffered a shameful defeat and rejected a prolonged naval blockade, while oil prices surged.

West Bengal Election 2026 BJP vs TMC: Voting has concluded in West Bengal. The central question is whether Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has overcome anti-incumbency after nearly 15 years. Exit polls suggest a close contest, with the BJP showing a strong performance. The Bharatiya Janata Party's surge is pitted against the Trinamool Congress's resilience. The final verdict awaits counting day.

The National Testing Agency has released dress code guidelines for NEET UG 2026, scheduled for May 3rd. Candidates should wear light clothing and slippers for faster entry. Biometric verification is mandatory, but provisions are in place for technical failures, ensuring no candidate is denied the exam.

President Trump has approved the Bridger Pipeline Expansion, a major oil pipeline project that will transport oil from Canada into the U.S. for export and refining. The 650-mile pipeline, capable of carrying 550,000 barrels daily, faces environmental scrutiny over spill risks, despite company assurances of safety measures and AI leak detection.

Former Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi has been moved from prison to house arrest. Her sentence was reduced as part of a prisoner amnesty for a Buddhist holiday. The move is seen as an effort to improve the image of the current leadership. Suu Kyi was detained in 2021 when the army seized power.

Lorna Hajdini Case: JPMorgan Chase's internal investigation found no evidence to support serious sexual harassment allegations made by former employee Chirayu Rana against executive Lorna Hajdini. Rana accused Hajdini of sexual abuse and coercion, which both Hajdini and the bank have strongly denied. The case remains complex with conflicting accounts and a withdrawn court filing.