The Economic Times

The Supreme Court is examining the right of entry to religious places. A nine-judge bench questioned how a non-believer from North India could claim entry to Kerala's Sabarimala temple. The court is considering whether a devotee or a non-devotee is asserting this right. This hearing addresses discrimination against women at religious sites and the scope of religious freedom.

Residents across Kerala are protesting against unexpected power outages. Local KSEB offices faced demonstrations late at night and early morning. Officials cite a fault in a major feeder line and increased demand due to extreme heat. The KSEB plans short power curtailments to maintain grid stability. This situation contradicts earlier claims of a decade without power cuts.

A startup CEO shared a hiring experience where a backend developer accepted a 33% salary hike to 28 LPA, only to demand 36 LPA two days before joining after receiving another offer. The CEO expressed frustration over the candidate's unprofessionalism after accepting the initial offer and causing the company to halt other interviews.

West Bengal Elections Phase 2: Tension flared in Bhangar and South 24 Parganas during West Bengal Assembly elections. The ISF alleged TMC workers intimidated polling agents and voters. Trouble was reported from Bhangar and Canning Purba. Central forces and NIA teams were deployed. ISF candidates complained about vote rigging and agents being driven out. The TMC denied the allegations.

A report reveals Sudan's military leader Hemedti and his associates own over 20 luxury properties in Dubai. This wealth is linked to smuggled gold from Sudan. The UAE is identified as a safe haven for this wealth. The findings highlight a stark contrast with the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Sudan. The family claims lawful acquisition of assets.

Assembly Election Exit polls Failure History: Exit polls for West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Puducherry, and Assam are awaited. However, past elections in Haryana, Lok Sabha 2024, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, and Lok Sabha 2014 and 2004 show these forecasts can be inaccurate. Voter sentiment is complex. The final results on counting day are the only ones that truly matter.

West Bengal Election Bhabanipur Mamata vs Suvendu: Bhabanipur witnessed high-tension drama as BJP's Suvendu Adhikari faced 'Joy Bangla' slogans from alleged TMC workers. Police resorted to a lathi-charge to disperse the crowd. Adhikari alleged outsiders were influencing polls and sought additional central forces, while women voters claimed his provocation led to the lathi-charge. The confrontation escalated with counter-slogans.

As the West Bengal Assembly elections conclude, attention turns to exit poll projections, expected after 6:30 pm. These polls, based on voter surveys, offer early indications but have a history of inaccuracies, as seen in recent national and state elections. Factors like voter honesty, tight contests, and methodological flaws contribute to their unreliability.

The Madras High Court ruled that the government cannot discriminate in approving maternity benefits, including for third pregnancies. A division bench directed the Principal District Judge to sanction maternity leave for a third pregnancy equal to that of first and second pregnancies, setting aside a restrictive Government Order.

West Bengal's Chief Electoral Officer announced repolling for any booth with tampered EVM buttons following BJP allegations of tape blocking their candidate's option in Falta. The BJP demanded repolling, citing this as a pattern. Polling for the second phase saw a 39.97% turnout by 11 am.

Popular YouTuber Lakhan Arjun Rawat and his wife Neetu Bisht have accused their house cook of spitting while preparing meals. Neetu, in a video, claimed she reviewed the CCTV footage and caught the cook spitting in the sink while he was preparing food for them. The family claimed this has been happening for five months, leading to recurring illnesses.

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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.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi conducted a large roadshow in Varanasi. He began his journey from Banaras Locomotive Works and concluded at Kashi Vishwanath Dham. At the temple, he offered prayers and performed rituals. Local representatives welcomed him with traditional gifts. Devotees chanted slogans as he departed. The Prime Minister then proceeded to inaugurate the Ganga Expressway.

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.

Congress criticizes Defence Minister Rajnath Singh's remarks on terrorism at an SCO meeting. The party claims Singh provided a 'clean chit' to Pakistan, labeling his statements 'anti-national'. Congress alleges this stance aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's policies towards the US and China. The Defence Minister's comments in Bishkek are under scrutiny.

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.

Senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has strongly criticized the Great Nicobar project. He described it as a major scam and a grave crime against the nation's natural and tribal heritage. Gandhi stated that the project involves cutting down millions of trees and displacing communities.

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.

Pahalgam-like terror attack unfolded in Mumbai after a US-returned science graduate stabbed two guards at Mumbai's Mira Road. He also asked one of the guards to recite Kalma and when he failed, the accused stabbed him. An investigation revealed that Zaib Zubair Ansari had intentions to carry out such attack and he described the incident as his first step to join ISIS.

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.

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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.