The Economic Times

The Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity, widely known as IPEF, faces significant hurdles. Recent analyses indicate that the foundation of the framework may be weakening, largely attributed to the trade policies introduced during Donald Trumps presidency.

UP Smart Meter: Uttar Pradesh government has discontinued the mandatory prepaid system for smart electricity meters. Following widespread complaints of technical glitches and arbitrary disconnections, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has directed a transition to postpaid billing for over 83 lakh consumers to ensure uninterrupted power during the peak summer.

K. C. Venugopal said the Kerala Assembly poll results reflect a rejection of communal polarisation and alleged misgovernance by the LDF, while also alleging unfair practices in BJPs wins elsewhere; he added that the Congress will soon decide on its chief ministerial pick.

The Indian economy is witnessing a historic milestone as the currency in circulation hits 42.3 trillion rupees. This remarkable jump of more than 610 billion rupees in merely 15 days of April signals a transformative phase. Experts warn that this continuous cash demand surge may impact the liquidity framework of the banking system.

Pop superstar Justin Bieber credits his immense success to divine intervention. Discovered on YouTube as a teen, Bieber became a global phenomenon with hits like 'Baby' and 'Sorry'. He has navigated fame's challenges, finding solace in his Christian faith. This perspective highlights gratitude and a grounded outlook, acknowledging forces beyond personal effort in his remarkable journey.

The BJPs sweeping Assam victory is being seen as both a consolidation of Hindutva politics and a weakening of traditional Assamese regionalist forces. Analysts say the party has successfully positioned itself as the protector of Assamese identity while also deepening Hindu consolidation, particularly after the 2023 delimitation exercise. The result sidelines regional outfits such as the AGP, Raijor Dal and Assam Jatiya Parishad, while further marginalising Bengali-speaking Muslims and weakening

Bharat Taxi will be the official mobility partner for Delhi Capitals in the 2026 IPL season. The ride-hailing firm will manage on-ground and digital campaigns. Dedicated travel support will be provided for fans attending matches in Delhi NCR. This partnership aims to enhance the fan experience and ensure timely stadium access.

Bharatiya Janata Party spokesperson Jaiveer Shergill questioned opposition parties' claims of electoral malpractice. He highlighted their acceptance of results in Kerala and Tamil Nadu but not West Bengal. The article details BJP's significant victory in West Bengal assembly elections, securing 206 out of 294 seats. Trinamool Congress won 81 seats. Other parties secured fewer seats.

The Andhra Pradesh POLYCET result is out. Thousands of students can now check their scores online. The results were released on May 5, 2026. Candidates need their hall ticket number and date of birth to view their rank cards. Qualifying candidates will participate in online counselling for diploma course admissions. The rank card is essential for the counselling process.

Tamil Nadu politics has a new force. Actor Vijays party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), has made a significant impact in the assembly elections. The results have produced a hung assembly, putting Vijay in a pivotal position in the formation of the next government. All major parties are now looking towards him, as the state appears to be entering a new political era.

Protect your home this summer by following these six essential AC safety steps. From using dedicated power sockets to ensuring your outdoor unit isn't clogged with dust, these simple maintenance hacks prevent overheating and refrigerant-related explosions, ensuring your cooling system remains safe and efficient during extreme heatwaves.

Kerala witnesses a significant political shift as the Congress-led UDF returns to power after a decade. Discussions are underway to select the new Chief Minister from prominent Congress leaders. The incumbent LDF faces a substantial defeat, prompting introspection. The BJP also secures three seats, marking a breakthrough. Voters have expressed their desire for change.

Pakistan Navy has provided crucial humanitarian aid to the crew of an Indian offshore tug and supply vessel. The vessel, MV Gautam, was stranded in the Arabian Sea due to a technical fault. The Pakistan Maritime Security Agency assisted in the operation. The crew, comprising six Indians and one Indonesian national, received food, medical aid, and technical support.

Samsung Electronics chairman Shin Je-yoon has appealed to unionised workers to settle pay disputes. A planned 18-day strike from May 21 could severely impact investors and employees. Shin warned of serious consequences for South Korea's economy, including market leadership loss and capital outflows.

Trinamool Congress offices faced arson and vandalism across West Bengal on Monday. BJP workers celebrated their victory, while TMC accused BJP of violence. Incidents were reported in Kolkata, Howrah, and other districts. TMC condemned the attacks, calling them gutter politics. BJP denied involvement, suggesting internal TMC conflict. Reports indicate assaults on TMC candidates and party agents.

Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev urged a swift transition to an AI-powered economy. He stressed that delaying this shift risks the nation falling behind globally. Traditional growth models are losing effectiveness. The country needs a unified digital transformation and a real-time economy for faster decision-making. Private sector involvement and a robust venture ecosystem are crucial.

President Trump's influence is on trial in Indiana's Republican primaries. Seven state senators face Trump-backed challengers. Ohio's primaries will decide candidates for major U.S. Senate and governor races. Michigan voters will fill a state Senate vacancy in a bellwether district. These contests will reveal the strength of Trump's hold on the Republican Party.

Popular Malayalam actor Santhosh Nair passed away in a road accident in Pathanamthitta. His car collided with a lorry, and he reportedly suffered a heart attack during treatment. Nair, who began his acting career in 1982, featured in over 100 films, portraying diverse roles. He spent his early years with his maternal grandparents.

Vijay Thalapathy Election Result: Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) secured 108 seats in Tamil Nadu, falling just short of a majority. This electoral success is attributed to a long-term organizational strategy by actor-turned-politician Vijay, which involved converting fan networks into welfare groups, testing electoral waters through independent candidates, building a disciplined cadre, and leveraging a distinct campaign symbol and established volunteer networks for effective mobilization.

The Bharatiya Janata Party achieved a significant victory in the West Bengal Assembly elections. Dilip Ghosh won the Kharagpur Sadar seat. This win marks a major milestone for the BJP in the state. The party secured a substantial number of seats, surpassing previous performances. The Trinamool Congress finished second. The election results indicate a shifting political landscape in West Bengal.

The United States and Gulf Arab nations are preparing a United Nations Security Council resolution. This resolution aims to condemn Iran for obstructing the Strait of Hormuz. It follows a previous resolution blocked by Russia and China. The new draft focuses on Iran's mining of waterways and attempts to impose tolls.

A crucial road project is underway in Rajouri's Doongi block. This 13-kilometer road will connect remote border panchayats and link three key blocks. Residents anticipate reduced travel times and improved access to essential services. The initiative is expected to boost local development and livelihoods. This project fulfills a long-standing demand for better infrastructure in the region.

Iran's state media claims US forces attacked civilian cargo boats in the Strait of Hormuz, resulting in five deaths, contradicting Washington's assertion that the vessels were Iranian military boats threatening commercial shipping. The incident occurred during a US mission to secure maritime corridors and ensure freedom of navigation.

US CENTCOM used Sea Hawk and Apache helicopters on Monday to eliminate Iranian small boats threatening commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. As part of Project Freedom, over 100 aircraft from land bases and two carriers are currently working to reopen the waterway and escort commercial vessels.

Global economy faces a grim future if the Middle East conflict continues until 2027. IMF chief Kristalina Georgieva warns of significantly higher inflation and a much worse outcome. Oil prices could reach $125 per barrel, impacting growth and de-anchoring inflation expectations. Physical oil shortages are also a concern.

The United States said it reopened a shipping lane in the Strait of Hormuz after engaging Iranian forces, sinking six boats that were targeting civilian vessels. Two US-flagged merchant ships passed through safely under the new security operation.

Iran's nuclear weapon timeline remains unchanged. U.S. intelligence assessments show it still takes up to a year to build a bomb. Recent U.S. and Israeli attacks targeted conventional military sites. Iran's nuclear facilities were hit, but key material remains. The U.S. aims to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons through ongoing negotiations.

Tensions flare in the Middle East as Iran denies responsibility for a drone strike on UAE oil facilities. Iran blames US military actions for the incident. Iran's navy fired warning shots at US warships in the Strait of Hormuz. US forces claim to have destroyed Iranian military boats. The situation marks a dangerous escalation amid a Middle East war ceasefire.

Mamata Banerjee faced a significant defeat in the Bhabanipur constituency, losing by over 15,000 votes. This outcome mirrors the Nandigram battle. Factors contributing to the loss included voter alienation, corruption allegations, and job scams. The Election Commission's measures ensured fair polls, allowing voters to participate freely. These developments impacted the Trinamool Congress's performance.

The INDIA bloc faces significant electoral defeats in recent assembly polls. Major parties like Congress, TMC, DMK, and Left experienced setbacks, with only Congress's UDF in Kerala securing a victory. These results raise concerns about the bloc's unity and future prospects.

The Bharatiya Janata Party has secured a decisive victory in Assam, forming the government for a third consecutive term. The party achieved a majority on its own for the first time. The National Democratic Alliance, including partners Asom Gana Parishad and Bodoland People's Front, secured a significant number of seats. The Congress party saw a reduction in its tally.

The Bharatiya Janata Party's win in West Bengal signifies a major political achievement. This victory completes the party's expansion into eastern and northeastern India. It establishes the BJP as a pan-India force. The win provides the leadership confidence for future reforms and strengthens its position within the NDA coalition.

The Gorkha community is hopeful for a permanent political solution to their Gorkhaland demand after the BJP's victory. This issue was key to BJP's rise in West Bengal in 2009. The community, a long-time BJP supporter, recalls promises of a solution within six months of government formation. They are looking at a model like the Bodoland Territorial Council.

Petrol, Diesel Prices Today: Fuel prices remained unchanged across major Indian cities on Tuesday, May 5, despite a global oil price surge. Government sources indicate a potential hike of up to Rs 5 per litre for petrol and diesel soon, as retailers aim to recover losses. Domestic LPG cylinder prices are also expected to rise.

US Secret Service agents shot an armed man in downtown Washington on Monday. The incident occurred near the National Mall shortly after Vice President JD Vance's motorcade passed. Agents identified a suspicious individual with a firearm. The man fled, drew his weapon, and fired at agents who returned fire, wounding him. A juvenile bystander was also slightly injured.

Medics are working to evacuate two individuals with hantavirus symptoms from a luxury cruise ship off West Africa after an outbreak claimed three lives. The Dutch-flagged MV Hondius, carrying mostly British, American, and Spanish passengers, has been denied docking as a precaution.

U.S. stocks fell from their record heights, while oil prices jumped following escalations in the Middle East that may undermine the ceasefire in the war with Iran.

US President Donald Trump has intensified warnings against Iran, stating that the United States can't let Iran have a nuclear weapon and threatening severe retaliation if US assets are targeted under Project Freedom.

A large number of assembly seats in West Bengal have reported that electors marked ineligible under the Special Intensive Revision (SIR), along with those still under adjudication, exceed the final victory margins.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Prime Minister Narendra Modi thanked Tamil Nadu voters for supporting the BJP and NDA. They reaffirmed the central government's commitment to the state's development. Actor-turned-politician Vijay's party, TVK, made a significant debut, winning many seats. This marks a potential shift in Tamil Nadu's political landscape.

A South Korean ship experienced an explosion and fire in the Strait of Hormuz. U.S. President Trump stated Iran was responsible for the attack. No casualties were reported. Authorities are investigating the cause of the blaze. The incident occurred as the U.S. initiated an operation to secure shipping lanes. South Korea is reviewing intelligence and considering its response.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the BJP's West Bengal election win. He stated the victory signifies a vote for stability and development amidst global economic challenges. Modi urged an end to violence and vendetta in the state. He assured the new government will work for public aspirations and act against illegal immigrants.

Met Gala 2026: Outside the museum, protesters in colorful outfits held letters spelling out ax the rich and banners reading esistance red carpet and eat the rich.

India has a brand new political map. A massive topple in Bengal, a twist in the Tamil Nadu potboiler, power grip in Assam and Puducherry, and anti-incumbency in Kerala this crucial round of Assembly elections sees BJP tighten dominance across the country, with a very special appearance by Vijays TVK.

Blake Lively-Justin Baldoni settlement ends more than a year of acrimonious litigation that drew intense publicity as details of Lively's allegations and Baldoni's counterclaims trickled out in court filings.

FIFA has concluded agreements with broadcasters in over 175 territories globally, it said in a statement to Reuters.