The Economic Times

Polling agency Axis My India will not release West Bengal exit poll data for the 2026 elections. The agency cited a lack of representative sample and widespread voter silence. This non-responsiveness impacts the reliability of projections. Other agencies have released exit polls indicating a close contest between principal rivals. Final results will be known on May 4.

The 2026 Nobel Peace Prize has 287 candidates. Donald Trump is a potential nominee. The committee is concerned about jailed laureate Narges Mohammadi. US Senator Lisa Murkowski and Danish lawmaker Aaja Chemnitz are also considered. The prize winner will be announced on October 9.

Pakistan's Navy is acquiring advanced Chinese submarines. This move enhances maritime security and defense cooperation with China. The first submarine, named Hangor, was commissioned in China. The fleet will consist of eight submarines, with some built in Pakistan. These submarines feature advanced technology and will bolster regional maritime order and stability. This development follows recent missile tests by Pakistan.

Each major Fortnite patch isnt just about bug fixes, its part of a larger storytelling and gameplay evolution. The Fortnite v40.30 update arrives at a crucial point in the current chapter, signaling that something bigger is on the horizon.

China's navy and air force held combat patrols near Scarborough Shoal. This action follows annual regional drills involving Australia, New Zealand, the Philippines, and the United States. These exercises showcase advanced weapons and operational readiness. China stated the patrols are a countermeasure to protect its territorial sovereignty and maintain peace in the South China Sea.

A foreign student's electrifying college election speech at Aligarh Muslim University has gone viral. Ayyuba, with his fluent Hindi and high-energy delivery, promised students ACs, a Metro service, a swimming pool, and three daily teas. His dramatic and confident Chatur Ramalingam-style speech reminded people of Three Idiots, a famous Aamir Khan movie.

Delhi High Court mandates that doubts surrounding Sunjay Kapur's Will must be cleared. Priya Kapur, the Will's proponent, faces the task of addressing concerns raised by Kapur's children. The court has implemented protective measures for the estate, including restrictions on asset alienation.

India's Defence Research and Development Organisation is ready to develop the Agni-VI ballistic missile pending government approval. The nation is also making significant progress on its hypersonic glide and cruise missile systems. Initial trials for the hypersonic glide missile are expected soon. India is also planning a multi-layered conventional missile force for various tactical applications.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is seeking clarity on Russia's proposed short-term ceasefire. He has instructed representatives to contact the US President's team for details. Ukraine desires a long ceasefire and lasting peace. This comes after a call between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Trump hinted at a possible ceasefire announcement from Moscow.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru's Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood will confront Gujarat Titans' top-order batsmen Shubman Gill, Sai Sudharsan, and Jos Buttler. This encounter presents a significant opportunity for RCB to gain an early advantage. Gujarat Titans aim for their fifth win to strengthen their playoff prospects. Royal Challengers Bengaluru seek their seventh victory to solidify their position.

The Maharashtra FDA faces delays in testing food samples linked to four suspected watermelon poisoning deaths. Investigators are further hindered by a sudden market shortage of watermelons, impacting crucial sampling efforts. Police await forensic and FDA reports as vendors avoid selling the fruit due to public panic and police questioning.

The Delhi State Legal Services Authority is organizing a National Lok Adalat on May 9, 2026, to resolve pending cases and minor traffic violations. Token registration for compoundable challans up to January 31, 2026, begins May 4 and runs until May 7. Litigants must book slots online and carry printed challans to designated court premises for settlement.

NEET UG 2026 Paper Leak Rumours: The National Testing Agency (NTA) has reassured NEET UG aspirants that the exam, scheduled for May 3, 2026, will proceed without paper leaks. Addressing viral claims, the NTA confirmed secure material delivery and robust exam centre arrangements nationwide. Provisions are also in place for candidates experiencing biometric verification issues, ensuring a fair and uninterrupted examination process.

May 2026 offers numerous holidays and long weekends across India, featuring religious festivals like Buddha Purnima and Id-ul-Zuha, alongside state-specific observances like Maharashtra Day and Gujarat Day. Many schools will also be closed for summer vacations during the month due to rising temperatures.

Samay Raina, Ranveer Allahbadia reunite: Comedian Samay Raina and Ranveer Allahbadia are set to reunite on The Great Indian Kapil Show on World Laughter Day, May 2. Their first on-screen appearance together since the Indias Got Latent controversy has excited fans and triggered massive reactions online. The episode will stream on Netflix.

Bengaluru exporters are poised to thrive as the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor gains traction. This innovative route presents a strategic alternative to classic maritime bottlenecks such as the Strait of Hormuz and Suez Canal. With rising geopolitical tensions underscoring the urgency for dependable trade channels, the IMEC stands to enhance operational efficiency for Indian enterprises.

Petrol, Diesel prices update: Despite a surge in Brent crude oil prices, petrol and diesel rates remained stable across India on April 30, 2026, Thursday. Amidst viral rumors of a price hike, the government, through PIB Fact Check, debunked a fake notification claiming significant increases, assuring citizens that fuel prices will not change.

India is set to boost its Basmati rice sector. APEDA will establish a new training and demonstration farm in Pilibhit. This facility will focus on both conventional and organic Basmati cultivation. It aims to enhance farmer training and research. An AI-based survey project for Basmati paddy is also launching. These initiatives will strengthen India's agricultural exports.

PlayStation Plus Monthly Games: Sony has announced the PlayStation Plus Monthly Games for May 2026. Subscribers can claim EA Sports FC 26, Wuchang: Fallen Feathers, and Nine Sols starting May 5. The lineup offers a mix of sports simulation, Soulslike action, and 2D action-platformer for all PlayStation Plus members.

May 2026 brings a calendar full of significant events. National holidays like Labour Day and Mother's Day are celebrated. Religious festivals including Buddha Purnima and Id-ul-Zuha are observed. International days focus on health, technology, environment, and human rights. Key political events include Assembly election results on May 4. The IPL 2026 Final is scheduled for May 31.

The Delhi High Court has officially dismissed a petition that was questioning the legitimacy of the acting president's role at the National Company Law Tribunal. This ruling arrives in light of the Central government's recent appointment of Justice Anupinder Singh Grewal, a former judge, to take over as the tribunals president.

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has not yet announced the official date and time for the Class 12 results in 2026. While media reports suggest a potential release in the third week of May, the board has not issued a formal confirmation.

UFC returns to Perth with a stacked card headlined by hometown hero Jack Della Maddalena facing dangerous finisher Carlos Prates. Maddalena aims to rebound from his title loss against Islam Makhachev, while Prates seeks to build momentum after consecutive highlight-reel knockouts. This welterweight clash promises to be a thrilling showdown with significant implications for the division's future.

Exit polls are revealing potential political shifts across India. In West Bengal, the Trinamool Congress faces its toughest challenge yet from the BJP. Assam shows continued BJP dominance. Tamil Nadu sees a complex scenario with the DMK alliance ahead but Vijay's new party disrupting the scene. Kerala anticipates a UDF comeback. Puducherry indicates an NDA advantage.

The sector's economic value surged, reflecting strong market demand and improved marketing efficiency across the nation.

Quote of the Day: David Allan Coe's quote, 'All men are created equal; it is only men themselves who place themselves above equality,' challenges the societal tendency to judge based on status. The article emphasizes that true equality stems from how we treat each other, not from perceived superiority.

A bride's simple word choice at her Indian wedding has gone viral. During a ritual, she replaced the traditional 'beta' with 'baccha' when asked about a baby boy. This subtle act of choosing a gender-neutral term has resonated online. Many see it as a sign of evolving perspectives among younger generations in India.

OnePlus Update: reports suggest OnePlus and Realme are merging operations. Both brands will now work under a new sub-product center. This move combines their domestic and global businesses. Marketing and after-sales services will also be unified. This development comes as OnePlus evaluates its future in Europe. The merger signals a deeper consolidation within the Oppo group.

A tragic road accident in Madhya Pradesh's Dhar district has claimed 15 lives. A pick-up van carrying labourers overturned and collided with an SUV. The incident occurred near Chikliya crossing on the Indore-Ahmedabad National Highway. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Mohan Yadav have directed authorities to provide full support to the injured and the families of the deceased.

Samsung Electronics achieved record profits, fueled by a massive surge in chip income. The company anticipates a severe chip shortage next year as clients invest heavily in AI. This demand is driving up prices for Samsung's memory chips. Samsung is also preparing for a potential strike by workers in its chip division.

The Federal Reserve is experiencing a period of significant disagreement among its policymakers. This dissent comes as Kevin Warsh is set to become the new Fed chair. The central bank has decided to hold its policy rate steady for now. Warsh aims to foster more open discussions and potentially lead to better decision-making.

China's factories saw growth for a second month in April. Exporters are shipping goods early, fearing higher costs from the Iran conflict. New export orders reached a two-year high. However, rising energy prices pose future risks. Domestic demand remains weak, making exports crucial for China's economy. The manufacturing sector shows resilience to external shocks.

The Board of Secondary Education Andhra Pradesh will announce the AP SSC Result 2026 today, April 30, at 11 AM, as confirmed by IT Minister Nara Lokesh. Students should have their hall ticket numbers ready to check their results on official websites like bse.ap.gov.in and results.bse.ap.gov.in. The announcement marks a crucial step for students in planning their future academic paths.

A chlorine gas leak at Kondhwa in Pune caused a major incident. The leak originated from an abandoned tank at a defunct water purification plant. Residents and firemen complained of breathlessness. Twenty-two residents and two fire personnel were hospitalized. All affected individuals are now out of danger and under observation.

ICSE ISC Results 2026 Digilocker Link: Students can check CISCE ICSE and ISC Class 10, 12 results on DigiLocker, an effective and instant way to check results if cisce.org is not working. Students can check results on DigiLocker by logging in using phone or Aadhar number and then going to the Education section, selecting the relevant section and filling in the needed details.

Actor Michael J. Fox's quote highlights living in the present. He advises against dwelling on the past or worrying about the future. Fox, known for Family Ties and Back to the Future, also founded a foundation for Parkinson's research. His life story inspires many with its message of resilience and hope. He continues to advocate for awareness.

United States officials are discussing a prolonged blockade of Iran's ports with oil companies. This comes as efforts to resolve the ongoing conflict have stalled. Pakistan is mediating between the two nations. The United States is also seeking international support for a coalition to ensure safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz.

Andhra Pradesh Class 10 results for 2026 will be released today, April 30, at 11 AM by the Board of Secondary Education Andhra Pradesh. Students can access their scores on official websites and the NDTV Education portal, with multiple alternative methods like SMS and WhatsApp also available for checking.

US Central Command has developed a plan for limited strikes on Iran to break nuclear negotiation deadlock, though President Trump has not authorized military action. He favors a naval blockade, which Iran warns could provoke unprecedented action if it continues.

New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani has called for the return of the Kohinoor diamond ahead of King Charles III's visit. The diamond, a contested royal possession, holds deep historical significance for India. Mamdani's direct approach contrasts with typical diplomatic exchanges. This statement brings a long-standing colonial dispute into a modern political context.

Iran maintains a firm stance on its nuclear program and control of the Strait of Hormuz. The United States continues its naval blockade, viewing it as a key pressure tactic. President Trump insists Iran must abandon its nuclear ambitions before any agreement is reached. Iran is exploring strategies to pressure the US, including involving regional actors.

ISC Class 10 Result 2026 Link: The ISC Class 12th results for 2026 will be released today, April 30th, at 11 AM by the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE). Students can access their results online on results.cisce.org, DigiLocker, or UMANG, and also via SMS. Schools will receive results through the CAREERS Portal.

Donald Trump has shared a post on Truth Social suggesting the Strait of Hormuz be renamed the 'Strait of Trump'. This move comes amid rising global tensions and concerns over energy security. The strait is a vital waterway for oil shipments. Observers see this as part of Trump's assertive rhetoric on maritime dominance.

Donald Trump has threatened to reduce US troops in Germany. This comes after disagreements with Chancellor Friedrich Merz regarding the war with Iran. Merz has voiced concerns about the conflict's impact on the global economy. Trump previously sought troop reductions in Germany due to defense spending. The US maintains significant military facilities in the country.

Kolkata weather update: The residents of Kolkata may see relief from heatwave again as the IMD has forecast rainfall and thunderstorms for Thursday, April 30. A yellow alert has been issued for Kolkata for the entire week, the IMD has forecast. Multiple districts of Bengal will receive rainfall till May 3.