The Economic Times

Pakistani forces launched a targeted assault on Afghan Taliban positions in response to unexpected provocations. In addition, they went after local Pakistani Taliban hideouts. This came after a tragic incident where a mortar shell from Afghanistan resulted in the death of a civilian. Despite Afghanistan's claims of cross-border strikes, Pakistan refutes these allegations.

Fed rate decision today: The Federal Reserve is set to announce its interest rate decision today. Economists predict rates will remain unchanged at 3.5% to 3.75%. This pause is driven by rising inflation, fueled by the ongoing Iran war. The labor market shows mixed signals. This is also Jerome Powell's final meeting as Fed Chair.

This Latin proverb by Horace teaches staying calm in hard times. It shows that problems are normal, but losing control makes them worse. The message is to keep your mind steady and think clearly. It also reflects Roman values of discipline, balance, and self-control in daily life and difficult situations.

The Israeli military reported killing three Hezbollah fighters and striking infrastructure north of the Yellow Line in southern Lebanon. Amid broadening operations, one Israeli soldier was lightly wounded and evacuated. The military remains active in the region, targeting threats to dismantle the group's operational sites.

West Bengal Exit Poll 2026 latest updates: Exit polls in West Bengal offer conflicting predictions for the upcoming election results. Some surveys suggest a significant win for the Bharatiya Janata Party, potentially unseating the Trinamool Congress. Other polls indicate the Trinamool Congress will retain power with a comfortable majority. The final results will reveal the state's political direction.

Ukraine has stepped up its attacks inside Russia in recent weeks, aiming to knock out oil refineries, depots and ports and cripple Moscow's biggest source of funding for its war in Ukraine as global prices rose due to the Iran war.

The May 9 parade on Moscow's Red Square is a highlight of the Russian calendar, commemorating victory over Nazi Germany in a conflict in which the Soviet Union - of which both Russia and Ukraine were part - lost 27 million people.

Kyiv has stepped up its attacks inside Russia in recent weeks, aiming to knock out oil refineries, depots and ports and cripple Moscow's biggest source of funding for its war in Ukraine, as global prices have risen due to the Iran war.

The first full moon of May is traditionally called the Flower Moon, a name that originates from Native American and early colonial traditions. It was later popularized by publications such as The Old Farmers Almanac.

Italian proverb of the day: Italian proverb Those who sleep do not catch fish highlights the importance of action, awareness, and timely effort in achieving success. It suggests that opportunities rarely wait and are often missed by those who remain passive or unprepared. Beyond its literal meaning, the proverb reflects human behavior, emphasizing how hesitation, procrastination, and comfort zones can limit personal growth. The timeless wisdom serves as a reminder that success is closely tied to

Why did SoFi Technologies (NASDAQ:SOFI) stock crash 9%? The sharp fall in SoFi Technologies stock shocked investors. SoFi Technologies (NASDAQ:SOFI) stock crashed 9% even after posting a strong $1.1 billion revenue beat in Q1 2026. Growth looked powerful on the surface. Revenue jumped 43%. Net income surged 134%. Members reached 14.7 million. Yet markets focused elsewhere. The real trigger was weak forward guidance. Full-year revenue outlook missed expectations. Q2 growth hinted at slowdown near

Exit polls suggest a clear direction for Kerala's assembly elections. Voter turnout remained strong, with women participating in large numbers. Campaign narratives highlighted women-centric promises. The counting of votes is scheduled for May 4. This follows the 2021 elections where the LDF secured a significant victory, retaining power.

Puducherry exit polls 2026: Exit polls for the 2026 Puducherry Assembly elections will be released at 6:30 PM. These polls will provide early insights into the election results. The contest is high-stakes and multi-cornered. Key factors include alliance arithmetic, minority sentiment, and the entry of actor Vijay. Voters will get a first glimpse of the potential outcome.

Tamil Nadu exit polls 2026: Exit poll projections for the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections are expected by 6:30 PM. Polling for all 234 constituencies concluded on April 23 with a high voter turnout of 84.29%. A majority requires 118 seats. Exit polls survey voters immediately after they cast ballots to predict election outcomes based on responses and trends.

Exit polls for the 2026 Assam Assembly elections indicate the ruling BJP may retain power. Projections show the BJP+ alliance winning a majority of seats. The Congress is expected to secure fewer seats in this closely watched contest. Voter turnout was high, signaling significant public engagement. The final results will be declared on May 4.

SpaceX IPO Valuation 2026: The biggest IPO in stock market history is coming. Fast. SpaceX filed confidentially with the SEC on April 1, 2026. The company targets a valuation of $1.75 trillion to $2 trillion. It wants to raise $75 billion in fresh capital. The roadshow begins June 8. Morgan Stanley, Goldman Sachs, JPMorgan, Bank of America, and Citigroup lead the offering with 16 additional banks handling distribution.

Indeed has launched its job search app within ChatGPT in India and more than 50 countries. Users can now find jobs through simple conversations. The platform uses AI to offer personalised recommendations based on user profiles. This integration aims to help job seekers turn career inspiration into action by simplifying the job search process.

West Bengal Assembly Elections 2026: Central security forces allegedly baton-charged civilians, including women and a child, in South 24 Parganas during West Bengal elections. TMC leaders condemned the violence, calling for accountability. An Election Commission official stated action will be taken if any security personnel are found involved in injuring the child. The incident occurred amid heightened political activity and deployment of a special observer.

The 2026 Assembly elections in West Bengal are set to be a thrilling showdown, positioning Prime Minister Narendra Modi against Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. Each leader is harnessing the power of personal narratives and community engagement in their strategies. Emotional appeal and voter interaction are at the forefront, with welfare initiatives becoming pivotal in their campaigns.

A remarkable ichthyosaur fossil found in Germany is revealing secrets about ancient marine reptiles. This well-preserved specimen, belonging to the Temnodontosaurus genus, lived around 180 million years ago. It shows evidence of injuries and adaptations, suggesting survival despite physical challenges. Researchers are studying its anatomy and diet to understand Jurassic sea life better.

The White House state dinner hosted by Donald Trump for King Charles III became a viral global moment after the monarch presented a historic bell from HMS Trump, a World War II submarine. The symbolic gift highlighted the deep-rooted alliance between the United Kingdom and the United States. The elegant white-tie evening, attended by top dignitaries, reflected diplomatic warmth, shared heritage, and the enduring special relationship between both nations in a modern context.

BJP Kerala Elections Strategies: Bharatiya Janata Party is intensifying its electoral push in Kerala. The party is focusing on select constituencies and prominent local faces. A development-oriented pitch is central to its strategy. The BJP aims to break into a state long dominated by a bipolar contest. Exit polls later today will indicate the outcome of this closely watched election.

China will offer zero-tariff benefits to all African nations with diplomatic ties starting May 1. This initiative expands previous measures for least developed countries. The move aims to boost trade and economic partnership between China and Africa. This policy will be implemented in phases, with further agreements planned to enhance trade facilitation and agricultural exports from Africa.

Students in Maharashtra will soon receive their degree certificates digitally. The state government has directed universities to upload these certificates on DigiLocker right after results are announced. This move aims to prevent delays and ensure students do not miss academic or career opportunities. DigiLocker will provide a secure and easily accessible digital document for all their future needs.

A Ghaziabad couple's wedding at a riverside cremation site in Almora, Uttarakhand, has ignited public fury. Decorated for ceremonies with music and guests, the sacred ghat's use for celebration has been widely condemned as disrespectful. This incident underscores the urgent need for tourism guidelines to protect local traditions amidst Uttarakhand's growing destination wedding appeal.

FOMC meeting today: Jerome Powell speech, Fed interest rate decision, and US Fed policy outlook. The FOMC meeting today comes with a clear signal. Markets price a 100% rate hold. The Fed interest rate decision lands at 2 PM ET. The Jerome Powell speech follows at 2:30 PM ET. Inflation still sits near 3.3%. Oil prices remain elevated. Job data looks uneven. This keeps the US Fed policy today cautious. No rate cut is expected now. But forward guidance matters more. Powells tone may shift expectati

India and Kenya are exploring trade settlements in their own currencies. Discussions also covered digital payment systems like UPI. A joint trade committee meeting in Nairobi focused on boosting bilateral commerce. An agreement was signed to exchange customs information. Bilateral trade saw a significant increase in the last fiscal year.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced AstraZeneca will invest 300 million pounds in UK life sciences. This significant investment secures 1,000 jobs in Macclesfield and Cambridge. The deal follows a pharmaceutical arrangement with the United States. This move signals renewed confidence in the UK's life sciences sector.

Argentina and India are forging stronger economic bonds, with India becoming Argentina's sixth-largest trade partner. Their collaboration is focused on ensuring food security and accessing essential minerals. Notably, Argentina is a major exporter of edible oils to India, enhancing the strategic partnership that was amplified in 2019. Additionally, Argentina plays a pivotal role in supporting India's energy security requirements.

Maharashtra's cabinet has approved a new Artificial Intelligence Policy 2026. This policy aims for a massive Rs 10,000 crore investment in AI. It also plans to create 1.5 lakh new jobs. The state will establish AI Excellence Centres and Innovation Cities. The goal is to build a skilled workforce and boost AI adoption across industries.

India and Sri Lanka strengthened their maritime ties during the IN-SLN DIVEX 2026 diving exercise in Colombo. Divers from both navies conducted complex underwater operations, including deep-sea dives beyond 55 meters. The exercise enhanced interoperability and coordination in the Indian Ocean Region. Humanitarian aid was also extended. The event concluded with a ceremonial send-off, highlighting a robust partnership.

Farmers opposing the land acquisition expressed fears of losing their livelihood. As the situation escalated, police attempted to control the protest, leading to allegations of manhandling and physical assault. It is also reported that some farmers were allegedly dragged by their collars during the incident.

The Kedarnath Yatra faces disruptions due to a two-day orange alert and adverse weather. Helicopter services are suspended across multiple locations. Authorities are on high alert, prioritizing pilgrim safety. Security measures are enhanced, with a special operation launched to identify suspicious individuals posing as sadhus. Pilgrims are urged to check weather updates and follow guidelines for a safe journey.

Speculation about Kannada star Yash's film 'Toxic' being shelved has been debunked. Yash clarified the movie is complete but its release is postponed for a global rollout strategy, aiming for wider international reach. The decision stems from positive feedback at CinemaCon, emphasizing a worldwide release to elevate Indian cinema.

France, during its G7 presidency, will advocate for a significant overhaul of the Development Assistance Committee metrics that govern global development aid. Minister Eleonore Caroit highlighted the inadequacy of current income-based criteria, particularly for vulnerable small island nations facing climate change impacts. The proposed reforms aim to ensure aid is more effectively targeted and sustainable.

A Special Court in Panchkula discharged former Judge Sudhir Parmar and four others in a corruption case. The court found the prosecution failed to present legally admissible evidence. Electronic evidence like audio recordings and WhatsApp chats were deemed inadmissible. Allegations of judicial favouritism and quid pro quo arrangements were dismissed. This order halts criminal proceedings against the accused.

A 33-year-old Mumbai car dealer was arrested for performing a dangerous birthday stunt, setting a public road on fire to create a social media reel. The act, which damaged the road surface, sparked outrage and drew criticism from public figures and netizens alike. Police registered an FIR and booked the man under the Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita.

A tribal man in Keonjhar, Odisha, carried his sister's skeleton to a bank to withdraw funds. He was allegedly asked for proof of death. The incident sparked political debate with the BJD criticizing administrative failure. An inquiry has been ordered. The man received financial aid and necessary certificates.

Few entertainment releases carry the weight of Grand Theft Auto VI. Its predecessor, Grand Theft Auto V, remains one of the best-selling games of all time, generating billions in revenue over more than a decade.

Superstar Joseph Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) enters the 2026 Tamil Nadu elections, introducing a significant third dimension to the DMK-AIADMK rivalry. Vijay's massive fan following and anti-establishment stance offer a compelling alternative, but his party's solo gamble faces challenges in building grassroots strength against established parties.

The India BRICS Business Summit in Hyderabad boosted India's MSME sector. The BRICS Entrepreneurs Alliance (BEA) India aims for global MSME unification. The Hyderabad Declaration outlines growth strategies. India will host the BEA Global Summit in November 2026. Dr. Bhaskar Jyoti Sonowal will lead the BEA Global Forum. This positions India for enhanced international trade and cooperation.

AIMIM is targeting the 2026 West Bengal Assembly polls after a notable performance in Bihar. The party faces challenges from electoral roll revisions and a potential consolidation of minority votes behind the TMC. AIMIM aims to represent minorities and marginalized communities, fielding candidates in key constituencies. Developments like electoral roll deletions and the UCC promise are influencing voter sentiment.