The Economic Times

Quote of the day by Rosa Parks: You must never be fearful about what you are doing when it is right. Rosa Parks delivered a timeless message of courage. Her words reflect the moral strength behind her historic refusal to give up her bus seat in Montgomery, Alabama in 1955, an act that helped ignite the Montgomery Bus Boycott. The powerful quote emphasizes that fear should never outweigh justice when a decision is ethically correct.

Teacher Appreciation Week 2026, from May 4-8, offers a chance to thank educators. National Teacher Day is May 5. Thoughtful gifts like tumblers and wellness treats, alongside heartfelt messages, are encouraged. This initiative highlights the importance of recognizing teachers' dedication and fostering a supportive educational environment through simple acts of gratitude.

The governor congratulated the chief electoral officer for the smooth conduct of the polls, according to an official statement issued by the Raj Bhavan.

The Enforcement Directorate has issued a lookout notice for Kolkata Police Deputy Commissioner Shantanu Sinha Biswas. This action follows his repeated evasion of multiple summons related to a money laundering investigation. The notice aims to prevent him from leaving India. The ED is probing allegations of financial irregularities linked to land grabbing and sand smuggling.

Actor Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam has achieved a significant victory in Tamil Nadu, securing 108 seats in the 234-member Assembly and ending over five decades of Dravidian rule. Vijay himself won from two constituencies, Trichy East and Perambur, positioning him to become the state's first actor-turned-Chief Minister, though alliances may be necessary to form a government.

African proverb of the day: Survival is a dynamic process, evolving from basic needs to personal growth and opportunity. Today's proverb, A spiders cobweb isnt only its sleeping spring, but also its food trap, highlights how our creations can serve multiple purposes. This emphasizes intentional living, resourcefulness, and unlocking hidden potential in what we build.

Millions may miss money tied to the IRS COVID Refund Deadline 2026 Claim, set for July 10, 2026. This is not routine tax news. It stems from a federal court ruling that could unlock refunds on penalties and interest charged during the COVID-19 disaster period. The IRS COVID Refund Deadline 2026 Claim affects returns from 2019 to 2022, covering millions of taxpayers across income levels. Many still do not know they qualify.

Barack Obama shared a personal update about his life after presidency. He said work and politics are affecting his time at home with Michelle Obama. He also spoke about why he is still active in public life and his views on Donald Trump. The story highlights work-life balance, public pressure, and how even top leaders manage personal relationships.

A prolonged West Asia conflict threatens India's economic growth. CII President Rajiv Memani warns that GDP growth could fall below 6.5 per cent if the crisis continues. Elevated oil prices above USD 100 per barrel will impact growth. Interest rates are unlikely to decrease soon. Targeted relief for MSMEs is suggested.

Madhya Pradesh's cabinet has approved a significant Rs 38,555 crore for development projects. Funds are allocated for road infrastructure, agriculture, and IT manufacturing. A new State Traders' Welfare Board will be established to address trader issues and boost the economy. District-level committees will also be formed to support the business community.

Tamil Nadu is set for a significant political change. Vijay, leader of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, will take oath as the new Chief Minister on May 7. His party emerged as the single largest in the assembly elections. This marks a historic shift, ending the long-standing dominance of DMK and AIADMK. Vijay's rise follows a successful transition from cinema to politics.

Gaurav Gogoi faced a significant defeat in the Assam assembly elections. His national profile did not translate into local electoral success. The Congress party's performance also declined in the state. Voters prioritized local connections over political legacy. This outcome raises questions about organizational strength versus individual prominence for the Congress in Assam.

Women voters showed high turnout in West Bengal elections. The Bharatiya Janata Party's welfare promises and focus on women's safety appear to have swayed support. The Trinamool Congress's flagship scheme faced competition. Issues like employment and recruitment scams also played a role. This suggests a potential shift in the electoral landscape.

Delhi Police busted a NEET scam, arresting four individuals, including a doctor, for allegedly extorting Rs 20-30 lakh from parents by promising guaranteed MBBS admissions. Eighteen students were rescued after being lured with important exam questions. The operation followed a tip-off from Surat, leading to the apprehension of suspects involved in a sophisticated fraud ahead of the NEET-UG 2026 examination.

The recent electoral developments in Assam and West Bengal have sparked a vibrant dialogue about the significance of the Muslim electorate. As the spotlight falls on administrative reforms, including constituency mapping and enhancements to the electoral rolls, critics voice concerns that these actionsalong with dynamic campaign strategiescould have played a role in shaping the election's outcome.

PLTR stock surges after 85% revenue growth as Palantir Technologies beats estimates and raises outlook. Palantir stock is outpacing Nvidia (NVDA), AMD (AMD), and Intel (INTC). Q1 2026 revenue surged 85% as Palantir's US business more than doubled. With guidance raised to $7.65 billion and margins that would embarrass most software peers, this quarter demands a reckoning with what Palantir actually is.

Dolly Parton has opened up about her health in a candid video, sharing both encouraging and concerning news with fans. She disclosed that she is undergoing treatment and responding well, though side effects like dizziness have slowed her down. She described her condition with humor while acknowledging issues with her immune and digestive systems, as well as recurring kidney stones. Due to these challenges, she canceled her Las Vegas residency to focus on recovery.

The United States has issued a stern warning to Iran regarding its actions in the Strait of Hormuz. US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that Iran is the aggressor and will face significant retaliation if it continues to harass ships. Washington has launched Operation Project Freedom to ensure safe passage through the critical waterway.

Assam Congress chief Gaurav Gogoi has pledged to be a proactive opposition after a significant defeat. He stated the party will highlight people's issues and monitor the BJP government. Gogoi accepted moral responsibility for the alliance's performance. A detailed analysis of the election results will be conducted soon. The Congress aims to strengthen its organization and reconnect with the public.

Ukraine is significantly increasing medium-range drone strikes, targeting Russian logistics, troop concentrations, and air defenses dozens of kilometers behind the front lines. This escalation, with strikes more than doubling since March, aims to disrupt supplies and weaken Russia's war effort as Kyiv develops its domestic defense capabilities.

Nearly a year after India responded firmly and decisively to the Pahalgam terror attack and launched Operation Sindoor to target terror infrastructure in Pakistan and PoJK, Austrian aerial warfare analyst and historian Tom Cooper has described India's response as a clear-cut military victory, highlighting India's decisive edge during the confrontation with Pakistan.

In a dramatic legal intervention, the Karnataka High Court has blocked a police complaint against election officials in Sringeri, stemmed from claims of electoral malpractice involving postal ballots in the wake of the May 2023 assembly elections. A court-ordered recount uncovered discrepancies that altered the outcome, leading CM Siddaramaiah to allege criminal wrongdoing by the BJP candidate and others.

Keep your milk fresh during the 2026 summer heat with six easy steps. From the earthen pot-in-pot cooling method to the secret baking soda hack and avoiding the fridge door trap, this story explains how to outsmart bacteria and ensure your dairy stays sweet and stable even in rising temperatures.

The National Testing Agency has released the CUET UG 2026 admit card on May 5, available for download on cuet.nta.nic.in. The examination is scheduled from May 11 to May 31, with candidates needing to carry a printed admit card and valid photo ID. Helpdesk support is available for any issues.

DC vs CSK Head-to-Head Records: Delhi Capitals and Chennai Super Kings face a crucial IPL 2026 clash at Arun Jaitley Stadium, with both teams needing a win to boost their playoff chances. Delhi, on a high after a recent victory, faces a strong historical record from Chennai, who have also performed well in New Delhi.

As global conversations become increasingly fragmented and polarised, quodlibetarianism serves as a reminder of the importance of intellectual curiosity.

latest OTT releases this week (May 410, 2026) feature the massive return of Citadel Season 2 on Prime Video and Adivi Seshs Dacoit. Musical fans can catch Lukkhe starring King, while Netflix drops the haunting adaptation of Lord of the Flies. Regionally, Love Insurance Kompany (LIK) and Vaazha 2 lead the charts.

Aerospace components maker ITP Aero is investing Rs 453 crore to establish a new manufacturing facility in Hyderabad, Telangana. The plant, set to be operational by 2027, will produce commercial aviation engine components and create 350 skilled jobs initially. This expansion reinforces Telangana's position as a growing aerospace and defense hub.

West Bengal faces a political standoff after the 2026 election results. Mamata Banerjee stated she will not resign despite her party's defeat and BJP securing a clear majority. The constitution mandates that a Chief Minister must have the confidence of the legislative assembly. The Governor's role is crucial in ensuring a majority government is in place.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee stated she will not resign following the recent election results. She declared the outcome illegitimate, citing widespread rigging and manipulation. Banerjee asserted her political fight will continue despite the setback. The Trinamool Congress plans to form a committee to investigate alleged irregularities. Opposition leaders have offered support.

The BJP has made a remarkable leap in the Assam Assembly arena, experiencing a noteworthy 4.6 percentage point rise in vote share. This boost translated into an additional 22 seats, bringing the party's total to an all-time high of 82.

Mamata Banerjee rejected the West Bengal election results. She alleged widespread rigging, voter manipulation, and violence. Banerjee claimed the Election Commission colluded with the BJP. She stated that 100 seats were stolen. The Trinamool Congress suffered its worst defeat in over a decade. Banerjee vowed to continue the political fight.

Part of the appeal of NYT Connections is its balance of logic and misdirection. Its not just about knowing words, its about spotting relationships under pressure.

In his reflections on the West Bengal election outcome, Asaduddin Owaisi expressed that the electorate's choice to support the BJP should be honored. He criticized traditional secular parties for their inability to curb the BJP's momentum and urged the Muslim community to prioritize cultivating their own political leaders. The BJP's triumph in the West Bengal assembly elections was notably substantial.

Anu Sharma goes viral: Anu Sharma, a talented Indian software engineer, has captured widespread attention after quitting her well-paying job at Google to join Palantir Technologies. Her fearless career move from Big Tech comfort to a challenging role at the data analytics giant has inspired thousands of young professionals in India.

Following a landslide victory, the new West Bengal government faces expectations from thousands of jobless teaching staff. Their appointments were annulled by the Supreme Court in 2025 due to widespread irregularities. These teachers, who voted with their uncertain future in mind, now hope for transparent and timely reinstatement. The previous government's alleged corruption and nepotism led to this crisis.

Delhi Traffic Challan Lok Adalat: Delhi traffic offenders now face a pay-first, argue-later system. To contest a challan, motorists must deposit half the fine in advance. Strict deadlines and automated notices will track payments. Unpaid fines can block vehicle services and lead to impoundment. Repeat offenders face licence suspension. This new digital framework aims to streamline enforcement and ensure compliance.

The paper, Re-imagining the Care Economy: From Private Burden to Social and Economic Infrastructure and co-authored by Shamika Ravi, member of EAC-PM, Mitali Nikore, who is the founder and chief economist at Nikore Associates, Dr. Bhabesh Hazarika, economist at the National Institute of Public Finance and Policy (NIPFP) and Sindhuja Penumarty, young professional at EAC-PM, pegs the domestic demand for care workers to exceed 30 million by 2050 alongside a significant rise in international demand

India is taking a groundbreaking step forward in the realm of rare disease care with a distinctive approach that champions local ingenuity and smart resource allocation. By shifting away from conventional Western practices, India is crafting a solution tailored to its own needs.

Vijay's political campaign in Tamil Nadu mirrored a film launch. It used digital tools and fan clubs to mobilize supporters. Holograms and AI content reached voters, especially young ones and families. This peer-driven approach bypassed traditional political messaging. Viral content and emotional appeals sustained engagement. The strategy created a new election model for the state.

Actress Trisha Krishnan is making headlines. Speculation surrounds her relationship with actor-politician Thalapathy Vijay. This comes as Vijay's wife has reportedly filed for divorce. Trisha and Vijay have been seen together publicly. Their alleged relationship has intensified recent gossip. Trisha has previously been linked to Rana Daggubati and Varun Manian.

Sangeetha Sornalingam's Net Worth: Sangeetha Sornalingam, wife of Tamil superstar and TVK chief Thalapathy Vijay, comes from a wealthy Sri Lankan Tamil family. Her personal net worth is estimated at Rs 400 crore. Daughter of a London-based businessman, she has significant family wealth. Vijays recent affidavit shows he gave her a Rs 12.6 crore loan.

The Bharatiya Janata Party's electoral successes will strengthen its Rajya Sabha presence over time. This impact will be seen in states like West Bengal and Tamil Nadu in upcoming years. The Congress party's representation is expected to decline. The National Democratic Alliance's strength in the Upper House is projected to grow, influencing the political landscape.