The Economic Times

Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded the Union cabinet's approval of three new railway projects. These projects, costing approximately Rs. 23,437 crore, will enhance connectivity across 19 districts in six states. The initiatives aim to boost infrastructure, improve operational efficiency, and facilitate access to tourist destinations. This development is expected to further economic growth and create employment opportunities.

Delhi weather update: Delhi, Noida, Ghaziabad and Gurugram experienced heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and lightning on Tuesday night. While no major warnings are issued for Wednesday, isolated thundery development is possible in Delhi. Temperatures are expected to rise from Thursday, with Noida and Gurugram anticipating further rain spells around May 10-11.

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi held talks with China's Wang Yi in Beijing. China remains a significant buyer of Iranian oil, bypassing US sanctions. Araghchi's visit precedes US President Donald Trump's scheduled trip to China. US Senator Marco Rubio urged China to pressure Iran regarding the Strait of Hormuz.

The Election Commission has officially notified the constitution of a new West Bengal assembly, marking the end of the electoral process. This crucial constitutional step, sent to the governor, enables the formation of a new government after the BJP secured a landslide victory. The commission affirmed the elections were conducted freely, fairly, and transparently.

The U.S. Department of State announced the phased closure of its Consulate General in Peshawar due to safety concerns for diplomatic personnel and resource management. Diplomatic engagement for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa will now be handled by the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad, while other consulates remain active.

Bengal BJP President Samik Bhattacharya has declared a zero-tolerance policy towards violence, warning party workers against vandalizing Trinamool offices and vowing stringent action. The Election Commission of India has also directed authorities to ensure zero tolerance for post-poll violence. Bhattacharya emphasized a shift towards a more civil political culture in the state.

Gujarat Board SSC Toppers List 2026: The Gujarat Secondary and Higher Secondary Education Board has declared the Class 10th SSC results for 2026. Students can check their scores on gseb.org or via WhatsApp. The board has not released a toppers list this year. The overall pass percentage stands at 83.86%. Narmada district performed best with a 90.85% pass rate, while Ajol centre achieved a perfect 100%.

Ohio voters have chosen their candidates for key November elections. Billionaire Vivek Ramaswamy will face Dr. Amy Acton for governor. Senator Jon Husted secured his party's nomination and will likely compete against Sherrod Brown. These contests set the stage for significant races across the state, with national attention on the outcomes. Several U.S. House races also feature competitive matchups.

Gujarat Class 10 result: Gujarat Board Class 10 SSC results are out today at 8 am. Students can check their scores on the official website gseb.org, an alternative portal gsebeservice.com, via WhatsApp by sending their seat number to 6357300971, or through SMS by typing 'GJ10 [SeatNumber]' and sending it to 58888111. DigiLocker will also provide digital marksheets.

An explosion occurred outside the BSF camp in Amritsar, Punjab last night. Bomb disposal and FSL teams swiftly arrived at the scene. Police received a complaint about a blast sound near Khassa cantonment. Security teams are investigating the number of blasts and their cause. Evidence has been collected for testing.

US Stock Market today: Even with the war ongoing, the U.S. stock market has remained remarkably resilient on its record-setting run.

Samsung Electronics has achieved a $1 trillion market valuation, driven by soaring demand for AI chips. The memory giant's stock has quadrupled, making it the second Asian firm after TSMC to reach this milestone. This surge highlights memory's structural role in AI infrastructure and fuels a broader rally in regional tech stocks.

Gold rate prediction: The release of the U.S. employment report later this week will serve as a test of whether the economy remains resilient enough to keep the Federal Reserve's monetary policy on hold, or whether a softening labor market could revive the case for rate cuts.

US President Donald Trump announced a temporary pause for Project Freedom, an initiative to aid commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. This decision, following requests from Pakistan and other nations, comes amid significant military gains against Iran and progress toward a potential agreement. The naval blockade of Iran's ports, however, will remain in effect.

US Primary election results: Ohio has trended steadily Republican over the past decade, making Brown's comeback bid - after a 2024 loss - a test of how far President Donald Trump's declining popularity is reshaping the 2026 midterm map.

Donald Trump targeted seven Indiana state senators who defied months of White House pressure by voting against mid-decade redistricting, which the president wanted to boost Republicans' chances in the midterm elections.

Gasoline price: Many drivers were hopeful in mid-April, amid signs that the conflict could be winding down, and gasoline prices fell daily for almost two weeks.

Oil Price today: Crude stocks fell by 8.1 million barrels in the week ended May 1, the sources said on condition of anonymity.

India's corporate elite, including Isha Ambani, Ananya Birla, and Natasha Poonawalla, made a striking presence at the Met Gala, interpreting 'fashion is art' through unique ensembles. Birla showcased a Robert Wun creation with a Subodh Gupta sculpture mask, while Poonawalla donned a custom Marc Quinn orchid piece.

AMD Stock Price: Advanced Micro Devices forecast second-quarter revenue above Wall Street expectations on Tuesday.

PlayStation $7.85 million settlement explained: A major legal battle involving Sony PlayStation and millions of gamers is nearing its end. A US court has given initial approval to a $7.85 million settlement. This case concerns Sony's decision to stop selling digital game download cards through outside stores. Gamers can now get compensation if they meet certain conditions.

Quote of the Day: Eleanor Roosevelt's words on friendship remain relevant. She believed true friends leave lasting impressions. Her life, marked by early loss and public service, shaped this view. In today's fast world, her quote reminds us to cherish deep connections. These relationships offer support and shape who we become. Roosevelt's wisdom encourages valuing quality over quantity in friendships.

Who attacked UAE today, and what is Project Freedom? The question gained attention after Iran denied launching missile or drone attacks on the UAE while the US pushed its maritime security mission in the Strait of Hormuz. Statements from Iran, the US, and analysts show rising tension, shipping risks, and global oil concerns. This explainer covers claims, warnings, naval actions, and the role of Project Freedom in the Gulf crisis.

Americans are feeling more worried about retirement and money safety. Inflation, rising costs, and market ups and downs are causing fear. Many people lack clear financial plans. Experts say money alone is not enough for peace of mind. Good planning, stable income sources, and cash savings help build real confidence and reduce stress about the future.

US economy growth drivers at risk warning: The US economy is heavily reliant on household spending and a surge in AI investment, creating a wo tailwinds, one risk scenario. However, the conflict involving Iran poses a significant threat, potentially driving up inflation and disrupting energy supplies crucial for the AI boom.

The Union Cabinet has approved increasing the number of Supreme Court judges. The strength will rise to 37, excluding the Chief Justice of India. This move aims to improve efficiency and speed up justice delivery. Over 92,000 cases are currently pending. The government plans to introduce a bill in Parliament to effect this change.

Twelve senior Bangladeshi officials are undergoing training in Pakistan. This marks the first structured program for Bangladeshi bureaucrats in Pakistan since the early 1970s. The training, fully funded by Pakistan, focuses on comparative learning of administrative systems. This engagement follows increased interaction between the two nations since Sheikh Hasina's ouster.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi strongly condemned the attack on the Fujairah Petroleum Industries Zone in the UAE. Three Indian nationals were injured in the incident. India stands in solidarity with the UAE. The Prime Minister reiterated India's support for peaceful resolution through dialogue and diplomacy.

A new TV special explores the Nancy Guthrie disappearance, with profilers suggesting the porch figure may have been silenced by a oss. Experts believe the abduction was a well-planned, coordinated effort involving multiple individuals, adding new layers to the ongoing mystery.

President Donald Trump has again criticized Pope Leo XIV. Trump claims the pontiff aids Iran and endangers people with his views on immigrants. The Pope denies these claims, stating his stance reflects church teachings on peace and opposing nuclear weapons. This dispute complicates Secretary of State Marco Rubio's upcoming Vatican visit. Italian leaders have also voiced disapproval of Trump's remarks.

A growing number of job seekers are starting to question one long-standing rule: only apply when you meet almost every requirement. Instead, many are taking a bold, unconventional approach, targeting roles where they match the core skills but fall short on a few details. The result? A noticeable rise in interview callbacks for some, while others report mixed outcomes. This shift has sparked debate across the job market, challenging the idea that job descriptions are strict checklists.

Farmers will receive a premium of 3.56 per quintal for every 0.1% increase in recovery above this level, with a corresponding reduction for lower recovery.

Indian journalists Anand RK and Suparna Sharma have achieved a significant milestone. They have won the prestigious Pulitzer Prize. Their award-winning work, rAPPed, highlights digital surveillance and cyber fraud. The report details a neurologist's experience of digital arrest. This recognition underscores the growing global challenges of digital scams and surveillance.

Non-food credit growth in FY26 stood at 15.9% against 10.9% in the corresponding period last year. The aggregate credit outstanding in March 2026 reached 212.9 lakh crore, 29.2 lakh crore higher than the previous year.

Foreign companies in Tamil Nadu are watching closely as a new government forms. Firms from Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan seek stable policies and labor continuity. They hope for new incentives to boost electronics manufacturing and further investment. Established companies are less concerned, but new entrants are more watchful.

As per the updated standard operating procedure (SOP) for processing FDI applications, the government has also rolled out reporting guidelines for investments in India from a company having any direct or indirect ownership by a citizen or an entity of a country sharing a land border with India.

Interview gone wrong turned success: A job candidate accidentally shared her screen during a video interview, revealing her prepared questions. Instead of derailing the conversation, this unexpected moment allowed her to lead a discussion on key aspects of the role, impressing the interviewers with her preparedness and directness. She was subsequently advanced to the final round.

India has conveyed to the US that identifying forced labor in other nations presents challenges. New Delhi's strategy remains measured and gradual. Existing regulations, like the BRSR framework and NGRBC, are described as voluntary. India is actively contesting the US investigation's basis, emphasizing its participation in multilateral efforts.

Social Security payments follow a fixed monthly schedule based on birth dates, with SSI paid early each month. In May 2026, payments arrive on different Wednesdays depending on birthdays. Some groups get paid on May 1. Medicare deductions have increased, slightly reducing take-home checks, but rules protect benefits. Knowing dates helps people plan money and avoid confusion or missed payments.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma stated social media popularity does not guarantee election wins. He criticized Congress's campaign strategy and poor performance. Sarma also mentioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi's potential attendance at the BJP's oath-taking ceremony. The dates for the ceremony will be decided based on his availability.

Mahindra Group is integrating artificial intelligence across its operations. This move aims to boost profits significantly. In the automotive sector, AI will drive over 4,100 crore in revenue by FY27. Customer satisfaction will also see a 2-3 percentage point increase. Mahindra Finance will disburse 10,000 crore via AI-driven customer acquisition. Operations will become largely autonomous, with AI assisting loan collections.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee stated she will not resign following the election results. She alleged a conspiracy and blamed the Election Commission of India and the BJP for manipulating the outcome. Banerjee claimed her party's seats were looted. The BJP countered that her statements make her a laughing stock.

Job seekers often fear resume gaps. One professional's honest approach to explaining career breaks surprised many. Instead of elaborate stories, simple truths were shared. Interviewers accepted these explanations readily, shifting focus to skills. This suggests candidates may overestimate the impact of gaps. Authenticity and confidence can be more powerful than polished narratives in the hiring process.

The Union Cabinet has approved a proposal to include Vande Mataram under the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971. This move places the national song on par with Jana Gana Mana. Disruption during its rendition will now be a punishable offense. An amendment bill will be presented in Parliament. Penalties will include imprisonment up to three years.

The Supreme Court has expressed strong disapproval of the increasing misuse of Public Interest Litigation. Justice BV Nagarathna observed that PILs are now often used for private, publicity, financial, and political interests. The court emphasized that it will only entertain genuine and real Public Interest Litigations.

Bihar's NDA government is set for a major cabinet expansion on May 7. Twenty-seven new ministers are expected to take oath, strengthening the administration. The expansion follows the recent change in leadership. Key allies will receive berths, with some ministers likely to continue their roles. This move aims to bolster governance in the state.

Post-poll violence erupted in West Bengal on Tuesday. A BJP worker, Madhu Mondal, died in New Town after an alleged attack by TMC workers. In Birbhum, TMC worker Abir Sheikh was killed. Incidents of arson and vandalism were reported at TMC offices. State BJP chief Samik Bhattacharya emphasized a change in political culture and zero tolerance for violence.