The Economic Times

Phase 2 polling in West Bengal saw BJP candidates alleging Trinamool Congress gundagiri. Bikash Sardar from Basanti constituency reported his vehicle attacked. In Nadia, a BJP booth worker was assaulted. Voting percentages were recorded across several districts. The main contest is between Trinamool Congress and BJP. Abhishek Banerjee cast his vote. The second phase covers 142 seats.

Special police observer Ajay Pal Sharma toured South 24 Parganas, West Bengal, overseeing the second phase of Assembly elections. Despite TMC protests and a High Court move, Sharma coordinated with central forces to prevent intimidation in the sensitive Diamond Harbour area. CRPF Director General also visited to review security arrangements for a peaceful and transparent poll.

Bhabanipur West Bengal Election 2026: The seat, a key West Bengal constituency, remains Mamata Banerjee's political anchor. She faces a strong challenge from Suvendu Adhikari. The seat has a history of close contests and reflects Banerjee's resilience. Recent Lok Sabha results show a tighter race. Ward-level dynamics and leadership perception are crucial factors in this high-stakes battle.

African proverb of the day highlights the Ashanti saying One falsehood spoils a thousand truths. The proverb explains how a single lie damages reputation and trust built over years. The story explores meaning, cultural context, life lessons and relevance today. It also explains integrity, accountability, credibility, truth and dishonesty in daily life, work and relationships, showing why honesty matters and why truth wins over time.

National Investigation Agency officials are now present in seven West Bengal Assembly seats. This deployment aims to stop the use of bombs during the ongoing second phase of polling. The decision follows the recovery of crude bombs and reports of a minor blast. The agency is investigating these incidents. Extensive patrols are underway to ensure a peaceful voting process.

Amid the second and final phase of polling in the West Bengal Assembly elections on Wednesday, Trinamool Congress (TMC) Rajya Sabha MP Derek O'Brien took a sharp swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, daring him to resign from the top post if the ruling TMC wins the state.

Bengaluru weather update: The residents of Bangalore heaved a sigh of relief after the city saw light rain and thunderstorms on Tuesday. Bengaluru will also see rainfall on Wednesday and rainfall activity is expected till May 1. The change in weather amid intense heat triggered a meme fest on X with many netizens joking it is a perfect time for chai pakoda.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth will face lawmakers regarding the ongoing war with Iran. The administration's proposed military budget is also under scrutiny. Democrats are expected to question the war's cost and congressional approval. Hegseth's recent dismissal of top military leaders has drawn criticism from both parties. The conflict's impact on global oil prices and upcoming elections is a significant concern.

Flight operations have resumed at Jodhpur Airport after nearly a month. Runway resurfacing work is complete. An Indian Air Force Dornier aircraft marked the reopening of the main runway. Civil flights are now back to normal. Passengers are experiencing smooth operations at the terminal. This marks a significant return to regular air travel.

Ukraine is battling Russia's Shahed drones with its own interceptor drones. These Ukrainian drones are low-cost and designed to destroy the more expensive Russian weapons. Ukraine aims to neutralize 95% of incoming drones. The technology race is ongoing, with Russia adapting its drones. Ukraine is improving its defenses to survive the war.

A recent podcast clip ignited discussions about retirement savings. One financial expert proposed a 40 crore corpus for individuals with monthly expenses of 1-2 lakh. This figure aims to cover future living costs. However, many online users questioned its practicality for the average Indian. The debate highlights that retirement planning is deeply personal, depending on individual circumstances and goals.

Incoming Hungarian leader Peter Magyar on Wednesday pays his first visit to EU chiefs in Brussels since his election win, looking to turn the page on the bad blood of nationalist Viktor Orban's tenure. Euphoric EU leaders feted conservative Magyar's crushing election victory this month, which ended Kremlin-friendly Orban's 16 years in power.

A major fire erupted at Gaur Green Avenue in Indirapuram, Ghaziabad. Firefighters are battling the blaze. Residents evacuated as smoke filled the area. The cause is under investigation. No injuries have been reported. Efforts are ongoing to control the situation and assess the damage.

Jammu and Kashmir Police have registered a case in Doda district. This follows reports of posters featuring Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir appearing in the Pul Doda area. A geo-tagged video of the posters went viral on social media. Police are investigating the authenticity of the video and identifying those responsible for the alleged act.

Why are oil prices down now, and will Brent, US WTI crude futures continue to drop or rise again? Oil prices eased after a long rally as markets reacted to the exit of OPEC by the United Arab Emirates. Supply risks remain due to the conflict involving Iran and the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. Investors are now watching supply, inventories, and future geopolitical moves.

Experts say wheat procurement may be constrained by limited storage, while exports remain largely uncompetitive globally.

Petrol prices on April 29, 2026, show regional variations across India. Delhi recorded 94.77 per litre, while Hyderabad saw 107.46 per litre. Global oil prices have increased due to West Asia conflict. However, the government has stated there are no plans to hike petrol and diesel prices. This decision comes amid speculation following polling in West Bengal.

Chhattisgarh Board of Secondary Education (CGBSE) is releasing Class 10 and 12 results today, April 29, 2026, at 2:30 PM. Students can access their scorecards on cgbse.nic.in and results.cg.nic.in. Exams concluded in March, and a 33% passing mark is required. Compartment exams are available for those who don't qualify.

Pythagoras, more than a mathematician, was a philosopher advocating for self-governance. His timeless quote urges individuals to resist external pressures and manipulation, emphasizing personal autonomy. It's a call to trust one's inner compass and make choices aligned with deeper values, not just popular opinion or coercion.

India faces significant economic challenges. The rupee's depreciation is fueling imported inflation and straining the balance of payments. Experts warn of a widening current account deficit in the coming years. A structural policy response is crucial to control these risks and ensure price stability. Relying solely on currency movements is not a sustainable strategy.

Bengaluru's founder Harsh Snehanshu describes the city as the loneliest he's lived in, despite his community-building initiatives. He notes that while Bengaluru offers many activities, it lacks spaces for passive engagement and quiet reflection, unlike cities like Mumbai and Delhi. This constant need for interaction, even in social settings, hinders introspection and can exacerbate feelings of isolation for migrants.

The Supreme Court is reviewing a dispute over a government tender for message gateway services. Enterprise firm Karix Mobile claims its rival OneXtel secured a contract through a fraudulent certification. The court has asked for responses from NICSI and others. This case highlights the importance of mandatory certifications for sensitive government IT projects.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee claims the Election Commission and CRPF are harassing Trinamool Congress workers. She alleges intimidation and threats against party members in Bhabanipur and across Kolkata. Polling is underway in South Bengal. Security forces are deployed to ensure peaceful elections. Citizens are urged to vote without fear.

Garena Free Fire MAX offers players daily rewards through redeem codes, which are 12-character alphanumeric combinations released regularly. These codes are time-limited and can only be used once. Players can claim their free items by visiting the official redemption site and logging in with their game-linked account.

West Bengal Phase 2 Elections 2026 voter turnout: Voting in Phase 2 of the West Bengal Assembly elections recorded 18.39% turnout till 9 am across 142 constituencies in seven districts, including Kolkata. Around 3.21 crore voters are deciding the fate of 1,448 candidates, with Bhabanipur emerging as a key contest between Mamata Banerjee and Suvendu Adhikari.

A Sri Lankan court has ordered the resumption of excavation at a mass grave in Chemmani, halted for seven months due to funding issues. LKR 2.1 million has been allocated, allowing work to restart. Diplomatic representatives will observe the site where 240 skeletal remains and children's items were previously found.

Kolkata rains: As Kolkata and other Bengal districts go to phase 2 voting today, the IMD has predicted rain, thunderstorms and gusty winds across several districts. In Kolkata, a yellow alert has been issued and the weather office has urged people to carry umbrellas to the polling stations. Nadia, Hooghly, Mednipore, Purulia will also see rain today.

During a White House state dinner, President Trump stated that King Charles agrees with him that Iran should not possess nuclear weapons. Trump also claimed military success against an unnamed opponent in the Middle East. The King's remarks did not address Iran or the conflict, and the British Embassy referred inquiries to Buckingham Palace.

President Trump criticized German Chancellor Friedrich Merz for his remarks on the Iran conflict, accusing him of misjudging Tehran's nuclear ambitions and misrepresenting his own position. Merz had previously stated Iran's leadership was humiliating the US and questioned Washington's strategy, highlighting Iran's strength and skillful negotiations amid rising global tensions.

Iran's Army asserts the West Asian conflict remains a war despite a US ceasefire, claiming full operational control of the Strait of Hormuz. Spokesperson Amir Akraminia stated forces are highly prepared, anticipating and repelling potential ground invasions and targeting hostile aircraft. Tehran remains confident of victory amid ongoing tensions.

Rudraprayag district administration has intensified surveillance for the Kedarnath Yatra, utilizing over 90 cameras and a dedicated command center for round-the-clock monitoring. Officials are ensuring pilgrim safety and adherence to guidelines, with a focus on hygiene at community kitchens. The Yatra is witnessing a massive devotional wave and record numbers of visitors.

Delhi-NCR weather today: The weather in Delhi-NCR saw a sharp turn on Wednesday morning as the residents woke up to rain, strong winds and thunderstorms, bringing a much-needed relief from the extreme heat. The IMD has forecast more rain for Delhi, Noida, Gurugram and Ghaziabad today. A yellow and orange alert is in place for various parts of the national capital.

President Trump has nominated G. Hunter McMaster II as Assistant Treasury Secretary for Financial Markets, a role he has been performing since July. McMaster, formerly trading chief at Key Square Group, previously served as Director of Policy and Planning and counselor to the Treasury Secretary. The Treasury Department also announced other key appointments, including Quinn Gabriel as White House liaison.

The petitioner alleged that Sharma, often nicknamed the Singham of UP for his record as an encounter specialist, has abandoned the neutrality required of an Election Commission (ECI) observer.

UK's King Charles III and Queen Camilla arrived at the White House on Tuesday evening (local time) for a state dinner hosted by US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump, as part of his ongoing state visit to the United States marking the 250th anniversary of the United States Declaration of Independence.

Why US stock markets crashed today, and Nasdaq, S&P 500 and Dow Jones in red now? US stocks ended lower as AI growth fears, oil price surge, Fed policy signals, and earnings season drove caution. Tech and chip shares fell after reports about OpenAI. Investors also reacted to rising crude prices, war risks, and company earnings updates across sectors.

Why are oil prices up now, and will Brent, US WTI crude rates continue to rise or drop again? Oil prices climbed as the Iran conflict disrupted supply and the UAE announced it would leave OPEC and OPEC+. Brent moved near a three-week high and WTI crossed $100. Investors also tracked inflation, bond yields, and stock market weakness driven by AI growth concerns and global central bank decisions.

Trumps face and signature in gold to appear on US passports soon? The State Department plans limited-edition passports to mark 250 years of the United States. The design includes Donald Trumps image and signature in gold inside the passport cover. The passports will be issued from the Washington Passport Agency. The change links to larger celebrations planned for Americas 250th anniversary and other commemorative projects.

Taylor Swift was recently spotted enjoying a dinner date with her father, Scott, in New York City. This outing comes amid growing speculation about her upcoming wedding to Travis Kelce. Fans are anticipating a July 4th weekend celebration, especially after Travis hinted at their busy schedule in June.

The FCC is reviewing ABC licences after a controversy linked to Jimmy Kimmels joke about Melania Trump. The issue has created political backlash and debate over free speech and media control. Officials say the review is about company policies, but critics think it is pressure on content. Any legal action may take a long time to resolve.

The Bharatiya Janata Party is targeting Mamata Banerjee's Bhabanipur seat in West Bengal's upcoming polling phase. The party is confident of securing victories in North 24 Parganas, Nadia, Howrah, and Hooghly. BJP expects to win at least 40 seats in the Bengal Presidency region. The party also anticipates a strong showing in North Bengal, Junglemahal, and South Bengal districts.

California settlement payouts 2026: Californians can now claim compensation from numerous class action settlements, covering data breaches, retail purchases, apps, vehicles, housing, and wildfire damages. Payouts vary significantly, with some data breach claims potentially reaching $10,000.

Quote of the Day by Cleopatra: Cleopatras quote reflects a deep truth about human nature. It suggests that people often become more engaged with chaos, challenges, and dramatic changes, even when they bring discomfort or instability. At the same time, we tend to undervalue peace, stability, and comfort, taking them for granted when life is calm. The timeless wisdom highlights a psychological paradox: humans are drawn to intensity but struggle to appreciate simplicity.

India is experiencing intense heatwaves, with temperatures reaching up to 46C in many areas. While El Nino can amplify heat conditions and disrupt monsoon patterns, experts state it's not the sole cause. Persistent high pressure and fewer western disturbances are identified as primary drivers of the extreme heat.

The White Lotus Season 4 is taking shape with a major casting update as Laura Dern joins the ensemble following Helena Bonham Carters exit. Rather than recasting the original role, the creators have chosen to introduce a newly written character tailored for Dern. Filming is currently underway across the French Riviera, with the story unfolding during the Cannes Film Festival. As with previous seasons, the narrative will follow a new group of guests and staff over the course of a week. With a fre

Quote of the Day: F. W. de Klerk, a pivotal figure in ending apartheid, is remembered for his call to prioritize children's futures by halting conflicts and fostering new opportunities. His leadership, marked by bold reforms and a commitment to reconciliation, led to South Africa's first all-race elections and a Nobel Peace Prize.