The Economic Times

Visa has appointed Suresh Sethi as its new Group Country Manager for India and South Asia. Sethi will oversee Visa's strategy and operations across six countries. He previously led Protean e-Gov Technologies Ltd. Sethi's appointment marks a significant leadership change for Visa in the region. He will be based in Mumbai and report to Stephen Karpin.

Stop struggling with dry, rubbery rotis with these six essential Indian kitchen fixes. By using hot water for kneading, allowing the dough to rest, and cooking on a high flame, you can ensure your rotis remain soft as cotton. These simple, non-scientific tips are perfect for every office-goer's lunchbox.

Rakesh Bedi's emotional tribute to Sanjeev Kumar has gone viral, highlighting the late actor's unparalleled talent and profound humanity. Bedi shared touching anecdotes of Kumar's humility and generosity, reminding audiences of his effortless brilliance. The tribute has sparked widespread appreciation for Kumar's versatile performances and enduring legacy.

TMC MP Mitali Bag took to social media to express her outrage after her car was reportedly vandalized by BJP supporters in Hooghly district, characterizing the incident as an unprovoked aggression during her journey to a rally. The BJP has rebuffed her allegations, arguing that it's actually TMC workers who instigated the chaos, calling Bag's accusations mere theatrics.

India's Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri is slated to visit Nepal in early May, marking the first high-level Indian delegation since the new government's formation. The visit aims to discuss bilateral relations and review India-funded projects, potentially paving the way for Prime Minister Balendra Shah's future trip to India.

Educated youth are now creating jobs in Patna, Bihar, instead of seeking them in metros. Initiatives like Start-up India are driving this change. Co-working spaces support young entrepreneurs. Startups in logistics, robotics, and home services are emerging. This trend signifies a transformation, with small cities becoming innovation hubs.

The Supreme Court has mandated minimum standards for ICUs, covering infrastructure, equipment, and staffing. States must submit action plans by May 18. The guidelines classify ICUs into three levels of care and emphasize a higher nurse-to-patient ratio. Expert reviews confirm the norms are practical and necessary, with specific attention to improving rural access through e-ICU support.

Singer Kailash Kher expressed his discomfort with casual requests for impromptu performances at public events, stating it diminishes an artist's dignity. He likened such demands to asking a cricketer to hit a six or a soldier to fire a shot, emphasizing that artists are 'sadhaks' (devotees) and not mere entertainers.

Iran's top diplomat blames Washington for failed talks. Negotiations are at an impasse. The Strait of Hormuz blockade continues, impacting global oil prices. Violence persists on the Lebanese front despite a ceasefire. Iran's Revolutionary Guards maintain their blockade strategy. The situation remains tense with significant global implications.

A decade of escalating threats against Donald Trump culminated in a shooting at the 2026 White House Correspondents' dinner. The incident, following numerous plots and near-misses since his 2016 campaign, highlights his persistent status as a target. Investigators believe the gunman at the dinner was specifically targeting Trump and senior officials.

Farmer producer organisations (FPOs) are key to integrating smallholders in India, but they are constrained by scale, market access, finance, and governance gaps, says a recent policy paper.

Bhagyathara BT-51 Lottery Result (27-04-2026): Kerala State Lotteries Department conducts the high-stakes draw for the Bhagyathara BT-51 weekly lottery today, April 27, 2026. The event will see one ticket holder coming out as the winner of the grand first prize of Rs 1 crore.

Telugu Bigg Boss fame Ashu Reddy has been booked on allegations of Rs 9.5 crore fraud on a false marriage promise from an NRI techie and then backing out. The complainant alleged that she took crores for a US education loan, car, gold and her family also took money from him. The Tollywood actress has denied the allegations.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi concluded his Bengal campaign with a rally in Jagatdal. He expressed confidence in returning for the BJP's oath-taking ceremony after May 4. Modi described his campaign experiences as a spiritual journey, feeling blessed by the people's affection.

Concerns over LPG, CNG, and PNG prices are growing. Supply issues are affecting costs and usage. The government is ensuring household gas availability and speeding up piped natural gas connections. Commercial LPG is being prioritized for essential sectors. Citizens are urged not to panic buy as fuel supplies are sufficient.

Industrial distress and law and order concerns are key issues in North 24 Parganas assembly constituencies. The rivalry between Arjun Singh and Partha Bhowmick shapes the political landscape. Voters face challenges from mill closures and local conflicts. Political parties are campaigning on these issues, promising solutions and welfare measures for the electorate.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has blamed the United States for the collapse of peace talks in Pakistan. He stated that excessive demands from the US led to the failure. Araghchi made these remarks upon arriving in Russia for a meeting with President Vladimir Putin.

India and the world face record heat in 2026. Heatwaves are a silent killer. Early signs like fatigue and dizziness are warnings. Vulnerable groups need extra care. Recognizing symptoms and taking immediate cooling measures is vital. Heatstroke is a medical emergency. Hydration and smart planning are key. Dress for the heat and keep homes cool. Stay alert and safe.

Most homeowners only realize their air conditioner is failing when it finally stops blowing cold air in the middle of a 45C afternoon. By then, technicians are overbooked and repair costs skyrocket. This guide introduces the 15-minute diagnostic, a simple DIY test to check refrigerant levels and identify mechanical red flags using nothing but your senses.

IPL 2026: Kolkata Knight Riders clinched a thrilling Super Over victory against Lucknow Super Giants, thanks to Rinku Singh's explosive late hitting and Sunil Narine's masterful bowling. Experts highlighted Rinku's game-changing 26-run over and Narine's composed Super Over spell. Meanwhile, Lucknow's Super Over strategy, particularly batting Nicholas Pooran ahead of Mitchell Marsh, drew criticism, raising concerns about their playoff chances.

A job hiring post for managing social media platforms just for a monthly salary of Rs 15,000 has gone viral on social media and netizens are criticising it. The job outlined a role that involved managing content on two Instagram pages, a brand page and LinkedIn, along with added responsibilities such as strategy, research, scripting, and caption writing.

India-New Zealand FTA: India and New Zealand have inked a landmark free trade agreement, a once-in-a-generation pact opening new avenues for trade and investment. This deal, concluding years of negotiations, grants India duty-free access for numerous exports and boosts services, while New Zealand gains immediate access to over half its exports to India.

A Reddit user's account of working with Indian colleagues abroad at a Big Four firm has sparked widespread discussion. The user detailed frustrations with perceived micromanagement, a lack of empathy, and constant update requests, impacting their workflow. Many online commenters shared similar experiences, while others offered differing perspectives on workplace dynamics and cultural influences.

Bharatiya Janata Party leader Smriti Irani has strongly criticised the Trinamool Congress. She alleged widespread corruption and misgovernance in West Bengal. Irani highlighted issues like the RG Kar case and financial irregularities. She stated these problems reflect Trinamool's culture, not Bengal's tradition.

Violence erupted near Jagatdal Police Station on Sunday night. Supporters of Trinamool Congress and BJP clashed, resulting in injuries to several individuals. A CRPF personnel sustained a bullet wound. The incident involved stone-pelting and the use of crude bombs. Four people were arrested following coordinated raids. Efforts are underway to apprehend the remaining accused.

Chery Tiggo V: Chery has unveiled the 2027 Tiggo V, a versatile three-row family SUV capable of transforming into a dual-cab ute. This innovative 3-in-1 Family Vehicle offers SUV, MPV, and pickup utility modes, catering to diverse family needs. Chery Australia is considering its introduction for lifestyle-focused buyers.

ICSE (Class 10) and ISC (Class 12) Results 2026 are anticipated to be released this week by the CISCE. While no official date is confirmed, students can expect their results between late April and early May. Preparations are underway for the announcement on the official CISCE website.

School summer vacations in several states, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, have been preponed as the temperatures have soared above 44 degrees Celsius. In many places like Patna, Kota, Dehradun, Noida, Ghaziabad, the school timings have been revised to ensure that school activities happen before afternoon to protect students from the cruel heat.

Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing global warfare. Nations are significantly increasing AI spending for defense. This technology enables faster decision-making, large-scale data processing, and autonomous actions. AI is already being used in conflicts for intelligence gathering, target identification, and drone operations. The future of warfare will be increasingly uncrewed and software-defined, with AI playing a central role.

A job seeker withdrew his application after an HR professional missed a scheduled interview without notice. Screenshots of the candidate's WhatsApp criticism went viral, sparking online debate. Many users lauded the candidate's bold stance against unprofessional hiring practices, sharing similar frustrating experiences with recruiters and emphasizing the need for mutual respect for time.

Self-enumeration begins in Telangana: Self-enumeration for Census 2027 began in Telangana on April 26, 2026. Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla, Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy, and Union Minister G Kishan Reddy completed the online process and urged citizens to participate. This is India's first fully digital census. Self-enumeration in the state runs from April 26 to May 10.

The Trinamool Congress has filed a writ petition in the Calcutta High Court. The party alleges serious misconduct by Police Observer Parmar Smit Parshottamdas. The petition claims he held an unofficial meeting with a BJP candidate. This occurred during the ongoing West Bengal Assembly elections. The TMC states this violates election observer norms.

Voter numbers have significantly dropped in Kolkata Port Assembly constituency. This has created uncertainty for the ruling Trinamool Congress. The seat is contested by Firhad Hakim of TMC, Rakesh Singh of BJP, Aquib Gulzar of Congress, and Faiyaz Ahmad Khan of CPI(M). Parties are scrutinising the revised voter lists. Civic issues are also part of the campaign.

America is now the world's energy superpower. The Iran war caused an oil crunch, but the U.S. is helping. It is increasing oil exports and using its strategic reserves. The U.S. is also adjusting sanctions on Russian and Iranian oil. This shows America's significant influence on global energy markets.

Prachi Nigam, the UP student who previously topped Class 10, has achieved 91.20% in her Class 12 exams. She excelled in Mathematics, Chemistry, and Physics. Nigam is preparing for engineering entrance exams. She previously faced online trolling but responded with resilience. Her journey inspires perseverance and self-belief.

Delhi, Noida. Ghaziabad school timing: Amid the ongoing heatwave, the school timing in Uttar Pradesh's Noida and Ghaziabad has been revised, and the classes will now begin from 7.30 am and will end at 12.30 pm. In Delhi, the timings are yet to be revised but CM Rekha Gupta has asked schools to give ORS solutions to children.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan for the SCO Defence Ministers' Meeting. He will highlight India's commitment to global peace and its zero-tolerance stance on terrorism. The visit includes bilateral meetings with counterparts and engagement with the Indian community. Discussions will focus on counter-terrorism, joint military exercises, and intelligence sharing.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is confident of her party's victory in the upcoming elections. She cited overwhelming public support during recent rallies. Banerjee stated that the victory of Maa-Mati-Manush is inevitable. She emphasized Bengal's cultural heritage and warned against divisive forces. The Chief Minister highlighted her government's development initiatives, asserting they cannot be stopped.

A Central Industrial Security Force jawan was injured in a firing incident outside the residence of BJP candidate Pawan Singh in West Bengal's North 24 Parganas district. The incident occurred late Sunday night ahead of the second phase of polling.

Survive the 2026 Indian summer with these six practical cooling strategies. From consuming traditional Gulkand and Sattu to choosing the right cotton fabrics and protecting your pulse points, this story offers simple, effective ways to maintain your internal temperature and stay energized even during the peak afternoon heat.

India's top-selling Maruti Suzuki Brezza is set for a significant refresh, spotted testing with subtle exterior tweaks and a larger 10.25-inch infotainment screen. Inside, expect a new dashboard, instrument cluster, and potential feature upgrades like a 360-degree camera. A new turbo-petrol engine and a 6-speed manual gearbox are also rumored, alongside smarter CNG packaging.

Petrol price today: Fuel prices held steady across India on April 26, despite global crude oil market volatility and regional conflicts. This pause coincides with a politically sensitive period ahead of state elections. Major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata saw petrol prices remain at their previous levels, with rates generally exceeding Rs 100 per litre.

Assam Higher Secondary Education Council will announce Class 12 results on April 28, 2026. Students can check their scorecards online on ahsec.assam.gov.in and resultsassam.nic.in. Results for Science, Arts, and Commerce streams will be declared together. Students can also access their results via SMS. The official announcement will be made during a press conference.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah visits Ladakh soon. Representatives seek confidence-building measures for meaningful dialogue. They want cases against protestors withdrawn and compensation for victims. A sub-committee meeting is scheduled for May 22. Ladakh seeks statehood and inclusion under the Sixth Schedule. Hopes are high for a resolution to long-standing demands.

Quote of the Day: Philosopher Ian Hacking argued that societal fears are not random but are deliberately structured by cultural, political, and scientific narratives. His work highlights how institutions and prevailing ideologies shape our perception of risks, influencing public policy and individual responses. This encourages critical examination of why certain fears are amplified over others.