The Economic Times

India's free trade agreement with New Zealand is set to boost Indian liquor exports. Duty concessions will make Indian single malt whisky and other spirits more competitive. This pact is expected to support market entry and brand building for Indian alcoholic beverages. While current exports are modest, the FTA offers significant growth potential.

Former New Zealand pacer Mitchell McClenaghan lauded Virat Kohli as the IPL's most consistent player. Kohli recently crossed 9000 IPL runs, a remarkable feat. McClenaghan highlighted Kohli's adaptability and hunger for runs. He also predicted Kohli will soon achieve 10,000 IPL runs. Royal Challengers Bengaluru secured a win against Delhi Capitals.

West Bengal Elections 2026 voting: WB gears up for the second phase of polling on April 29, with authorities emphasizing voter turnout and smooth proceedings. Voters must carry valid ID, with a list of acceptable documents provided. Polling stations are open from 7 am to 6 pm. Essential guidelines, including restrictions on mobile phones and political symbols, are in place to ensure fair elections.

A viral video highlights Jaipur's innovative approach to combating rising heat by transforming rooftops into green spaces. Over 4,000 homes are reportedly staying cooler without heavy AC use, thanks to portable farming systems that utilize plants for shade and moisture, reducing indoor temperatures.

A high-profile IPS officer, Ajay Pal Sharma, is on the ground in Falta Constituency, South 24 Parganas. He is accompanied by a large CRPF contingent to identify and deter those intimidating voters. Trinamool candidate Jahangir Khan has publicly challenged Sharma, comparing himself to the character Pushpa. Sharma's actions follow complaints of voter threats in the constituency.

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman inaugurated the Indian Institute of Gems and Jewellery in Udupi. The centre provides professional training and promotes entrepreneurship among youth. It has grown steadily since 2016, offering industry-relevant skills. The minister also witnessed an MoU signing for lab-grown diamond technologies.

With the Riven Tide update arriving on April 28, developer Embark Studios has introduced sweeping gameplay changes, a brand-new map, weapon balance adjustments, and dozens of bug fixes. For players returning to ARC Raiders, the patch signals a clear shift in both challenge and strategy.

Mumbai faces a 10% water cut starting May 15. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation made this decision following predictions of a below-normal monsoon. Water levels in the city's lakes are currently at 28.35 percent. This measure aims to ensure water availability until July 6. Further measures could extend supply until August 17.

SpaceX's board has approved a groundbreaking pay package for founder Elon Musk. This plan links his compensation to extraordinary future achievements. These include establishing a permanent human colony on Mars and operating massive data centers in space. These ambitious targets are designed to align with SpaceX's long-term vision. The company is preparing for a potential initial public offering.

West Bengal Elections phase 2 voting: West Bengal heads to the polls tomorrow, April 28, 2026, for the second phase, with 142 constituencies voting from 7 am to 6 pm. Voters have to carry valid ID proofs like Voter ID or Aadhaar to the polling booth. The process involves identity verification, indelible ink marking, and casting votes via EVM with VVPAT confirmation.

3 Idiots part 2 confirmed: Aamir Khan has officially confirmed that the long-awaited sequel to the 2009 cult classic 3 Idiots is in the works. During a recent promotional event, the actor revealed that director Rajkumar Hirani and writer Abhijat Joshi have cracked a eautiful and unusual story that reunites the beloved trio a decade after their original journey.

Female employment in India has seen a substantial rise, reaching 39 percent in 2025 from 22 percent in 2017. This growth reflects increased work opportunities for women. The Female Labour Force Participation Rate has also climbed to 40 percent. These positive trends highlight a transformative improvement in female employment indicators across the nation.

Andhra University celebrates its centenary. The life of Swami Jnanananda is being remembered. He renounced ordinary life for spiritual pursuits. He later studied physics and mathematics in Europe. His research in X-ray spectroscopy earned him a D.Sc. He also worked on nuclear physics in England and the US. Returning to India, he joined Andhra University to develop nuclear physics facilities.

Indian weightlifters achieved significant success in Apia, Samoa. They clinched four gold medals at the Commonwealth Youth and Junior Weightlifting Championships and the Universal Cup. Sunil Singh, Aisangfa Gogoi, and Abhinob Gogoi secured top honors in their respective categories. Charu Pesi also won gold in the Universal Cup. These victories highlight India's growing strength in international weightlifting.

Border movement is restricted in West Bengal's North 24 Parganas district. This curb is in place for the final phase of assembly elections. The Petrapole land port is affected. Restrictions are to prevent cross-border influence on the electoral process. Exemptions are provided for medical needs and voter travel. This measure ensures election integrity.

West Bengal Phase 2 Elections 2026: West Bengal gears up for the second phase of its Assembly elections. Polling will cover 142 constituencies across seven districts. A total of 1,448 candidates are vying for victory. Key battles include Mamata Banerjee versus Suvendu Adhikari in Bhabanipur. Other prominent seats feature notable leaders and political figures. The electoral contest remains intense.

Sthree Sakthi SS 517 Lottery Result (28/04/2026): Kerala State Lotteries Department conducts the high-stakes draw for the Sthree Sakthi SS 517 weekly lottery today, April 28, 2026. The event will see one ticet holder coming out as the winner of the grand first prize of Rs 1 crore.

India faces significant reliance on China for industrial goods. China supplies over 30 percent of India's industrial imports. This dependence, especially in electronics and machinery, poses risks to India's manufacturing sector. India needs to build domestic capacity and diversify its supply chains to mitigate these vulnerabilities. Trade figures show a widening deficit with China.

Iran has highlighted the vulnerability of submarine cables in the Strait of Hormuz. These vital undersea links carry 99% of global internet traffic and are crucial for the digital economies of Gulf nations. Accidental damage from ship anchors and fishing gear pose risks, alongside potential sabotage.

Authorities are launching a major crackdown on digital arrest scams. WhatsApp has banned thousands of accounts involved in these frauds. New measures include logo detection and warnings for calls from new accounts. Telecom providers are working to block suspicious SIM cards rapidly. The CBI has set a loss threshold for investigations.

India and Africa are entering a new phase in their relationship. Both nations are preparing to significantly enhance their ties. This partnership is rooted in ancient civilizational links and strengthened by shared struggles. A forthcoming summit will focus on an enduring partnership and shared vision. India's foreign policy places Africa in a pivotal position.

Kerala Bandh Today April 28: A 12-hour statewide hartal is being observed in Kerala today, April 28, following the tragic death of dental student Nithin Raj. With over 50 organizations demanding justice, the protest has impacted public transport and commercial activity. Here is a breakdown of what to expect across the state.

In South Mumbai, four members of the same family died after they ate biryani, and they later consumed watermelon late at night. Their condition began to worsen, and none of them could be saved, with doctors pointing out that their kidneys were severely impacted. Doctors have said there are less chances that watermelon could be behind their deaths.

Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University, Kakinada has released AP EAMCET or EAPCET 2026 hall tickets. Candidates can download their admit cards from the official website. Hall tickets are mandatory for entry to the examination centres. Engineering exams are scheduled from May 12 to May 15 and on May 18. Agriculture and pharmacy exams will be held on May 19 and 20.

The Supreme Court emphasized that religious institutions require structure, not anarchy, while hearing pleas on women's entry discrimination. A nine-judge bench stressed the need for norms and modalities for functioning, stating that the right to manage cannot permit unchecked actions. Regulation is essential but must adhere to constitutional limits, preventing discrimination.

A tragic car crash in Shubenacadie, Nova Scotia, claimed one life and left three others injured. The collision involved two vehicles on Highway 2. One driver was pronounced dead at the scene. Another driver sustained life-threatening injuries and was airlifted to hospital. Two passengers suffered non-life-threatening injuries. An investigation into the incident is underway.

Indianna Carroll will join the Las Vegas Raiders cheer squad for the 2026-27 season. She earned a spot with the Raiderettes after years of dedication. This achievement marks a proud moment for her family. Carroll previously came close to joining the Dallas Cowboys cheer squad. Her father, Mark Carroll, expressed immense pride in her accomplishment.

India's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh addressed the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation. He stressed the need to fight state-sponsored terrorism. Singh stated there should be no double standards in this fight. He also highlighted the growing threats of extremism and radicalism. The minister called for global efforts to tackle these challenges. He noted current geopolitical upheavals and conflicts.

A digital creator has gone viral for declining an IIM Bangalore admission. He chose to continue his job for immediate financial security and to avoid student loans. This decision allowed him to build a stable foundation and fulfill a major family goal. He acknowledged potential social perceptions but expressed no regrets. The creator's choice has sparked online discussion.

Indian authorities have secured the return of notorious drug trafficker Mohammad Salim Dola from Turkiye. Dola, a key figure in Dawood Ibrahim's drug network, was apprehended in Istanbul. This deportation marks a significant breakthrough for Indian anti-narcotics agencies. Dola is currently undergoing interrogation by intelligence agencies and will be handed over to Mumbai Police.

Gold prices in Dubai saw a slight decrease on Tuesday, mirroring global bullion market weakness. This dip occurred amidst rising oil prices and ongoing geopolitical tensions between the US and Iran, which continue to create market uncertainty. Despite recent declines, precious metals have shown significant year-long gains.

West Bengal's 2026 elections hinge on the Left's resurgence. The CPI(M)'s vote share is the critical 'X-factor' impacting the TMC and BJP contest. A revitalized Left could shift voters away from the BJP, potentially altering the state's political landscape. The outcome depends on whether voters see the Left as a viable alternative once more.

A viral video by architect Olumuyiwa Ajisafe advises homeowners against concealing AC pipes within walls. This practice, done for aesthetics, leads to costly repairs when leaks or clogs occur. Ajisafe proposes building accessible wooden pelmets to house the pipes. This smart solution ensures easy maintenance without wall demolition.

Long before the stage name Silk became synonymous with South Indian glamour, Vadlapati Vijayalakshmi was a child bride fleeing an abusive home with nothing but grit. This is the story of how a Class 4 dropout navigated the predatory waters of a billion-dollar film industry, built an empire on her own terms, and why the very industry that relied on her eventually turned its back.

Queen Elizabeth II's 2016 Christmas broadcast emphasized that inspiration stems from ordinary people performing extraordinary acts of kindness and dedication. She highlighted volunteers, carers, and community organizers as unsung heroes whose quiet commitment significantly impacts society, challenging conventional notions of heroism and greatness.

Maharashtra ATS is investigating an attack on two security guards in Mira Road. The accused, Jabar Zubair Ansari, allegedly targeted the guards based on religion. He expressed a desire to join ISIS in handwritten notes. Ansari, a science graduate, may have been radicalized online. Agencies are examining his digital devices for cross-border links.

Andhra Pradesh is stepping into the future as Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu unveils a $15 billion collaboration with Google to establish a state-of-the-art AI data centre in Visakhapatnam. This pivotal foreign investment seeks to create an expansive digital infrastructure landscape along the eastern coastline.

Trucks loaded with crushed rock and ore made their way through a craterlike landscape in western Finland, the first place in Europe to house the entire cycle of lithium mining, from mine to refinery. Trucks will then transport the ore to a brand new nearby concentrator plant, which produces a sand-like concentrate that will be taken to a refinery to make battery-quality lithium hydroxide.

India's ambitious trade deals are now facing their crucial test. Agreements signed with countries like the UK and Oman are in transition. While some sectors anticipate early gains, larger firms are poised to benefit first. Geopolitical tensions and complex ratification processes present challenges. The focus is now on translating agreements into tangible market access and actual trade flows.

Uttar Pradesh IPS officer Ajay Pal Sharma issued a stern warning against voter intimidation in West Bengal's South 24 Parganas, acting on complaints in the Falta constituency. Sharma led raids and warned the family of TMC candidate Jahangir Khan, who faces accusations of threatening voters. The officer also noted irregularities in Khan's security deployment.

Actor Shiyas Kareem faces multiple charges, including cheating and outraging modesty, after a business partner accused him of failing to return a significant investment. The complainant alleges Kareem threatened her when she demanded her money back. Police are investigating the case registered under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

China has blocked Meta's acquisition of Singapore-based AI firm Manus, signaling a crackdown on Singapore-washing. This move, aimed at preventing the outflow of critical AI talent and technology, suggests Beijing is scrutinizing companies that relocate abroad to bypass national regulations. The decision highlights China's growing assertiveness in the global AI race.

According to the announcement shared on the official Instagram handle of HBO Max, 'House of the Dragon' Season 3 will launch on June 21 at 9 pm ET. The eight-episode season will release new episodes on a weekly basis, with the finale scheduled for August 9.

Mother's Day 2026: Mother's Day, a celebration of maternal love and sacrifice, will be observed on May 10, 2026, in India. On Mother's Day, people express gratitude and honour their mothers for their unconditional and unwavering love, care and support. The article also offers ten budget-friendly gift ideas and a collection of heartfelt quotes to express gratitude.

America is facing new import taxes. These tariffs aim to replace temporary ones that expire soon. The government is initiating investigations into forced labor and overproduction by trading partners. This move could lead to significant new tariffs on goods from many countries. The administration seeks to maintain revenue and protect domestic industries.