The Economic Times

West Bengal's Chief Electoral Officer has ordered immediate arrests for post-poll violence. Meanwhile, Trinamool Congress candidates are protesting outside an EVM strongroom in Kolkata. They allege procedural issues with EVM storage. The Chief Electoral Officer has stated EVMs are secure and dismissed claims of irregularities. Central forces will remain in the state. Vote counting is scheduled for May 4.

Anthropic is seeing very fast growth and may reach a huge $900 billion value soon. The AI company is getting strong investor interest due to rising revenue and new technology. It is also preparing for a possible IPO in 2026. This growth is putting pressure on other AI companies and raising big questions about future market competition and sustainability.

G7 ministers called for a significant review of OECD's DAC to incorporate private capital and non-traditional finance. The aim is to simplify development architecture, reduce costs, and improve efficiency, potentially benefiting countries like India by recognizing vulnerability beyond per capita income. Reforms will focus on existing tools to attract private investment and address crisis impacts.

The psychology of individuals often described as born leaders suggests their influence is not by chance, but shaped by a blend of personality traits, emotional intelligence and social awareness.

Quote of the day by Martin Luther King Jr. highlights the importance of courage and belief in moments of uncertainty. It emphasizes that faith is not about having a complete understanding of the future, but about trusting enough to take the first step forward. The quote encourages individuals to move beyond fear, embrace uncertainty, and continue forward with confidence, even when the full journey is not visible, making it a timeless lesson on resilience and personal growth.

Social Security COLA 2026 Inflation Gap: Why 2.8% Increase Trails 3.3% Senior Inflation. The 2.8% Social Security COLA for 2026 is failing. It does not cover the 3.3% inflation rate seniors face. This gap creates a silent retirement crisis. Your buying power is shrinking every single day. Government math uses the wrong spending data. They track workers, not retirees. Seniors spend more on healthcare and housing. These costs are rising faster than the general economy. A $58 monthly raise is gone

A lawsuit against a JPMorgan executive has raised serious claims of workplace harassment and abuse. A junior Indian employee has accused a senior official of misconduct, threats, and pressure linked to his career. The company has denied the claims after an internal review. The case has now brought attention to workplace safety, power misuse, and employee rights.

The commerce ministry has updated export duty remission schedules. This aims to simplify benefits for exporters. A Basmati and Organic Training Centre-cum-Demo Farm is also being established. Land transfer for this facility in Pilibhit has been finalized. The center will support farmers and experts. It will be the nation's first such facility for Basmati cultivation.

The Reserve Bank of India is bringing home nearly 77% of its gold reserves by March 2026. This significant move accelerates the onshoring of bullion. The central bank has already repatriated a large portion of its gold. This action follows global events that raised concerns about storing sovereign assets abroad. Many countries are now repatriating their gold.

Olivia Rodrigo tour 2026: Olivia Rodrigos Unraveled Tour is a global arena event spanning 20262027, marking a bold new phase in her career. Supporting her upcoming album You Seem Pretty Sad for a Girl So in Love, the olivia rodrigo tour blends emotional pop with atmospheric production. The tour features major cities across North America and Europe, along with guest acts like Wolf Alice. Ticket demand is high, but official presales and affordable Silver Star Tickets aim to expand access.

Quote of the day by Jack Ma: Jack Ma believes learning from mistakes is crucial for success. He highlights that failures reveal risks and poor decisions, offering valuable lessons. Ma's own journey, marked by early academic struggles and business setbacks, underscores this philosophy. His persistence led to the creation of Alibaba, a global e-commerce giant.

The National Investigation Agency has apprehended a key suspect in the killing of a Sub Divisional Police Officer in Manipur. The officer died in an attack by suspected Kuki militants in October 2023. The arrested individual is accused of conspiring in the incident. This arrest follows the earlier detention of another accused.

Former Twitter CEO Parag Agrawal's new company, Parallel Web Systems, has secured $100 million in funding. This investment values the startup at $2 billion. Parallel Web Systems is developing advanced infrastructure for AI agents to efficiently search the internet. This marks a significant comeback for Agrawal, who was ousted from Twitter.

Leaders of Trinamool Congress staged a sit-in at a counting centre in West Bengal on Thursday, alleging irregularities at an EVM strongroom a day after the second phase of polling. Candidates Kunal Ghosh and Shashi Panja claimed party workers were asked to leave and were not informed before the strongroom was reopened, raising concerns over transparency.

The May full moon is called the Flower Moon because it coincides with the season when flowers are in full bloom. Before the adoption of the Gregorian calendar or the Julian calendar, many Native American cultures relied on the moon as a natural timekeeper. They used specific moon names to mark seasonal changes and guide activities such as planting and harvesting.

Quote of the day by Haile Selassie I explains real leadership in simple words. It shows leaders should guide people, not control them. The story covers his life, rise to power, reforms, war struggle, and global role. It also highlights lessons on leadership, power, and responsibility that are still useful for young people today.

US stock market surging big today. Dow Jones, S&P 500 and Nasdaq rally as Dow jumps record 500 points. A powerful mix of blowout earnings, resilient economic data, and cooling oil prices is pushing the US stock market to a historic April close even as Wall Street keeps one eye on Iran and Apple's after-bell report.

America's Operation Epic Fury is now Operation Economic Fury. The US is targeting Iran's cryptocurrency networks. This aims to stop Iran from moving money globally. Hundreds of millions of dollars in crypto linked to Iran have been frozen. This new digital battleground is a key part of US sanctions policy.

The African proverb A woman holds the knife at the sharp end reflects deep traditional wisdom from parts of Africa about responsibility, emotional strength, and unseen sacrifice. It highlights how some individuals carry heavier emotional and practical burdens in life, often without recognition. The African proverb of the day symbolizes endurance in difficult situations and the quiet strength required to maintain balance within families and society.

Amidst a surge in naval advancements, Pakistan has officially launched its maiden Hangor-class submarine in Sanya, China, with President Asif Ali Zardari honoring the event. This state-of-the-art submarine, outfitted with the latest in armament and sensing technology, is set to significantly improve Pakistan's defensive posture in waters.

Meta stock crash after earnings: Meta Platforms shares plummeted over 10%, erasing $170 billion in value despite better-than-expected Q1 earnings. Investors reacted negatively to the company's significantly increased AI spending forecast for 2026, raising concerns about future profitability. While user growth and advertising showed strength, future investment plans overshadowed past performance.

UAE Quits OPEC: How the World's Energy Map Just Shifted Permanently. The UAE's departure from the Saudi Arabia-led cartel is being called the most consequential rupture in OPEC's history. And for major oil importers, this UAE exit from OPEC carries profound economic implications.

Cameron Diazs quote of the day is not about giving up control, its about redefining it. It encourages effort without attachment, ambition without anxiety and trust without fear.

India's Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal announced that new free trade agreements will boost exports and create lakhs of jobs. A recent pact with New Zealand includes a USD 20 billion investment. These agreements open new markets for Indian industries.

Latin Proverb of the day: The Latin proverb Aegroto dum anima est, spes est emphasizes that as long as life persists, so does the possibility for change and recovery. This timeless saying underscores that hope is not blind optimism but is rooted in the simple fact of being alive, offering resilience in personal, professional, and health-related struggles.

Bengaluru faces heavy rains and flooding. Seven people died in a single incident, prompting Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to review preparedness. The Lokayukta has initiated a case and warned officials. Actions include suspending an engineer and issuing notices. Efforts are underway to clear debris, fill potholes, and desilt drains to prevent further tragedies across the state.

Actor Sonali Kulkarni was caught in a massive traffic gridlock on the Mumbai-Pune route after a construction accident involving a piling rig collapse in Mankhurd. The incident, which killed a police constable, caused severe congestion across Mumbai's eastern suburbs, leaving commuters stranded for hours with limited updates.

Four people drowned on Thursday after a cruise boat carrying 3540 passengers overturned in the Bargi river in Jabalpur district following a sudden storm.

U.S. Commerce Department has said its Personal Consumption Expenditures Price Index (PCE) rose in line with expectations in March.

After a recent attack in Golders Green, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer visited the area but faced angry protests and loud boos. Many people are worried about safety and rising hate crimes against Jewish communities. The government has promised more security and action, but some people feel it is not enough and want stronger steps soon.

China Detains Panama-Flagged Ships: Nearly 70 Panamanian vessels held in Chinese ports. COSCO suspending operations at Balboa. A $2 billion arbitration lawsuit. How a Hong Kong port concession turned into a full-scale geopolitical confrontation and why your supply chain may already be feeling it. When China detains Panama-flagged ships at record rates, it isn't only squeezing a small Central American nation. It is disrupting a global logistics ecosystem that the United States depends on more th

Quote of the day by Denzel Washington highlights a powerful lesson about responsibility and mindset in life. You have to take what you're given and do something with it. The easiest thing to do is complain reminds us that circumstances are not always in our control, but our response always is. It encourages people to move beyond excuses and focus on action, growth, and resilience.

US jobless claims dropped significantly last week, falling below 200,000. This occurred despite ongoing economic challenges, including the war in Iran and elevated oil prices. Consumer prices have also seen a substantial monthly increase. The Federal Reserve maintained its benchmark interest rate due to economic uncertainty. Employers added jobs in March, though the labor market shows signs of strain.

President Donald Trump criticized German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, urging him to prioritize ending the Russia-Ukraine war and addressing domestic issues like immigration and energy. Trump also accused Merz of interfering with efforts to counter Iran's nuclear threat, claiming this work makes the world safer.

Compulsory insurance is a legal rule that forces people or businesses to buy certain insurance. It mainly covers car, motorcycle, workers safety, and medical liability in some cases. Rules change by state, and not everyone follows them. It helps protect victims and workers from big financial loss when accidents or injuries happen, making risk safer and more controlled overall.

May Ekadashi Dates 2026: In May 2026, two significant Ekadashis will be observed: Apara Ekadashi on May 13 and Padmini Ekadashi on May 27. Both Ekadashis are dedicated to Lord Vishnu, with Apara Ekadashi offering liberation from sins and Padmini Ekadashi, observed during Adhik Maas, promising spiritual growth and prosperity.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has accused the BJP of orchestrating exit poll predictions. She claims these projections are designed to demoralize Trinamool Congress workers. Banerjee expressed strong confidence in her party's victory. She anticipates the TMC will secure more than 226 seats in the upcoming assembly elections. Banerjee also alleged central forces acted as BJP agents during polling.

Korean proverb of the day: Birds hear the words spoken in the day, and mice hear the words spoken at night highlights the enduring power and reach of words. It suggests that nothing we say is ever truly private, as someone is always listening, whether seen or unseen. The proverb shows lessons on mindful communication, discretion, and emotional awareness. This Korean saying serves as a reminder that words carry lasting impact and should be used carefully in both personal and professional life.

Chief Economic Advisor V Anantha Nageswaran said India can reach a $30 trillion economy by 2047 if it achieves around 12% annual growth in dollar terms and strengthens its capabilities in technology and frontier research.