The Economic Times

Suvendu Adhikari took oath as West Bengal's Chief Minister at Kolkata's Brigade Parade Ground. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other senior BJP leaders attended the historic event. This marks the first time the BJP has formed a government in West Bengal. The ceremony featured Bengali cultural elements, including jhalmuri stalls. The venue itself holds significant political history.

West Bengal has a new Chief Minister, Suvendu Adhikari. The BJP secured a historic win in the 2026 elections, ending fifteen years of Trinamool Congress rule. Adhikari took the oath of office at Brigade Parade Grounds. The party achieved a significant majority in the assembly. This marks a major shift in the state's political landscape.

Bank of America has appointed Richard Hardegree as its new vice chair for mergers and acquisitions. Hardegree, a seasoned banker with over 30 years of experience, joins from UBS. He will focus on the semiconductor sector and will be based in Palo Alto, California. This move signals Bank of America's commitment to expanding its market share in tech dealmaking.

India's central government has fully implemented four new labour codes. These codes, effective November 21, 2025, consolidate 29 laws. They aim to provide minimum wage and universal social security for all workers. The new framework enhances worker protection and eases business operations. Key provisions include mandatory appointment letters and a National Reskilling Fund.

Congress accuses BJP and DMK of obstructing TVK's secular government formation in Tamil Nadu. The party claims the DMK is willing to support AIADMK and prevent other secular parties from aiding TVK, amid reported INDIA bloc divisions and DMK seeking separate seating in Parliament.

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Chennai is witnessing high political drama. Vijay's oath-taking as Tamil Nadu's next Chief Minister is uncertain. A razor-thin majority in the assembly has led to intense negotiations. The Governor awaits a crucial support letter. Alliances are shifting rapidly. The state's political future hangs in the balance as discussions continue.

Tamil Nadu's political landscape was thrown into turmoil as DMK and AIADMK failed to prevent C Joseph Vijay's party from forming the government. Despite intense negotiations and attempted defections, Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam emerged as the single largest party, leaving the state's mandate fractured.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi honored Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore on his birth anniversary. He described Tagore as an exceptional philosopher, educationist, artist, and a timeless voice of India's civilisational soul. Tagore's profound thoughts and creative energy enriched society. The Prime Minister expressed deep reverence and gratitude for his contributions. Tagore's legacy continues to inspire and guide.

Suvendu Adhikari is set to be sworn in as West Bengal's first BJP Chief Minister at Kolkata's Brigade Parade Ground. This marks a significant shift in state politics, with the BJP securing a decisive victory over the TMC. The ceremony is expected to be attended by top BJP leaders and thousands of party workers.

Quote of the day by Maya Angelou: Maya Angelou, a renowned writer and poet, inspired millions with her courage, wisdom, and hope. Overcoming early struggles with racism and trauma, she transformed her experiences into powerful lessons on resilience and self-belief. Her impactful writings, including 'I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings,' continue to resonate, encouraging people to rise above adversity with dignity.

Police in Lucknow arrested four members of an interstate gang accused of creating and selling fake IPL tickets outside Ekana Cricket Stadium using ChatGPT and graphic design software. According to police, the gang sourced images of original IPL tickets from social media and used CorelDRAW and ChatGPT to replicate ticket dimensions and paper quality.

Maharashtra Minister Sanjay Shirsat made serious allegations regarding a case linked to the TCS facility in Nashik. He claimed AIMIM corporator Mateen Majid Patel sheltered accused Nida Khan. Shirsat also stated that former MP Imtiaz Jaleel was the main culprit. Khan was taken into custody from Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. The investigation is ongoing.

Ahead of the swearing-in ceremony of the BJP government in West Bengal on Saturday, BJP leader Dilip Ghosh said the people of the state voted for change and fulfilled the dream of Syama Prasad Mukherjee.

Suvendu Adhikari Oath Ceremony Date And Time: West Bengal is set for a historic political change. Suvendu Adhikari will be sworn in as the state's first Bharatiya Janata Party Chief Minister on Saturday. The ceremony will take place at the Brigade Parade Ground. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other top BJP leaders are expected to attend. This marks a significant transition for the state's political landscape.

The U.S. Treasury imposed sanctions on 10 individuals and companies, including several in China and Hong Kong, for aiding Iran's weapons and drone material procurement. These actions aim to curb Iran's ability to threaten regional allies and shipping. The sanctions target specific companies involved in facilitating weapon and material acquisition for Iran's military programs.

Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan has been appointed as the new Chief of the Naval Staff, succeeding Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi who retires on May 31, 2026. Swaminathan, a decorated officer with extensive operational and staff experience, previously served as the Vice Chief of the Naval Staff. His appointment marks a significant transition in the Indian Navy's leadership.

U.S. forces disabled two Iranian oil tankers after exchanging fire in the Strait of Hormuz, while the UAE reported an Iranian missile and drone attack. These incidents cast doubt on a fragile ceasefire as Washington awaits Iran's response to a proposal aimed at ending the war and reopening the vital waterway.

Chennai Weather: Tamil Nadu is experiencing a mixed summer with heat and humidity in coastal areas, while western and southern districts are seeing thunderstorms and rain. Scattered showers are also possible in delta regions. While no widespread extreme weather is forecast, localized heavy rain may occur.

Lieutenant General N S Raja Subramani (Retd.) has been appointed as the next Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), effective from his assumption of charge. He will also serve as Secretary to the Government of India in the Department of Military Affairs. Lt Gen Raja Subramani previously held the position of Military Adviser at the National Security Council Secretariat.

Hantavirus is usually spread by rodents, but in rare cases can be transmitted person-to-person. The CDC said on Friday it would distribute updated monitoring guidance and resources for state and local health departments later on Friday.

The Trump administration is appealing a court ruling that found its 10% global tariff, imposed under a 1970s trade law, was unjustified. The court blocked the tariffs for three specific importers, but the administration expects to prevail in the appeal. This setback comes as broader tariff plans are being pursued under a different trade law.

The Centre has introduced a nationwide framework for central government land transfers to curb disputes and boost asset monetisation. This new policy mandates separate valuations for buildings and clear guidelines for public versus commercial use, aiming to enhance transparency and unlock revenue for public projects. Transfers to private entities and states will now require cabinet approval.

Tata Trusts have postponed crucial board meetings. The meetings were to discuss Tata Sons' potential public listing and board representation. Legal challenges and differing views among trustees are cited as reasons for the delay. The trusts are reinforcing their stance on keeping Tata Sons privately held. This move aims to ensure alignment with the majority institutional position.

Iran war: U.S. Treasury said it remained ready to take economic action against Iran's military industrial base to prevent Tehran from reconstituting its production capacity.

Lottery tycoon Santiago Martin's family has secured elected positions across multiple parties. His wife, Leema Rose, won from Tamil Nadu, while his son, Jose Charles Martin, triumphed in Puducherry. His estranged son-in-law, Aadhav Arjuna, also became an MLA. This marks a significant shift from behind-the-scenes funding to direct political representation, potentially influencing future business family strategies.

World Cup 2026 marks the second time the global soccer showcase is being co-hosted by multiple countries. The 2002 World Cup was co-hosted by South Korea and Japan, with the former staging the opening ceremony.

Washington has revised its proposed U.N. resolution demanding Iran halt attacks and mining in the Strait of Hormuz but the changes are unlikely to avert Chinese and Russian vetoes.

Hantavirus strain that can transmit from person to person -- Andes virus -- has been confirmed among those who have tested positive, fuelling international concern.

UFO Files: The initial release is a trove of videos, other imagery and testimony that is sure to stir more speculation among those who believe we are not alone in the universe.

Quote of the day by George Michael highlights the words Only time will set you free, just like me. The quote connects with life lessons on peace, success, fame, and human nature. It also reflects the journey of George Michael from Wham! to solo success, personal struggles, and legacy in music. The message focuses on patience, growth, freedom, and self-acceptance.

President Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth have declassified approximately 170 files concerning UFO sightings and unidentified aerial phenomena. These documents include alleged photos from the Moon, transcripts of mysterious object sightings by Apollo crews, and reports of flying discs from the 1940s. The release aims to provide unprecedented transparency to the American public regarding these long-speculated events.

Quote of the Day: Abraham Lincoln's enduring quote, Always bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed is more important than any other one thing, highlights the power of inner determination. His life, from poverty to the presidency, exemplifies perseverance through hardship. This timeless message continues to inspire individuals to trust their resolve in overcoming obstacles and achieving success.

Newly released Pentagon files reveal Apollo 17 astronauts reported seeing Fourth of July-like lights and drifting particles near the moon. The documents also detail unusual observations from Apollo 11, Apollo 12, and Gemini VII missions, fueling renewed interest in unexplained space phenomena, though the Pentagon states there is no consensus on the nature of these anomalies.

India's manufacturing sector saw positive growth in Q4 FY26, driven by robust domestic demand. Despite rising input costs and geopolitical concerns, production levels increased, and manufacturers remain optimistic about future investments and hiring. Export sentiment also improved, with most firms reporting sufficient funding availability.

The ballot was the biggest electoral test for Starmer since Labour ousted the Conservatives following 14 years in power in a landslide election victory in 2024. The grim predictions made by opinion polls were borne out in results. Nigel Farage's anti-immigrant Reform UK party had gained 478 seats while Labour had lost 322 across 57 of the 136 English councils to announce results by mid-Friday.

Economist Ashok Kumar Lahiri has assumed the role of vice chairman at Niti Aayog, succeeding Suman Bery. A former chief economic adviser and Finance Commission member, Lahiri's extensive experience is expected to bolster the think tank's evidence-based policymaking and economic transformation initiatives. The Aayog was recently reconstituted with Lahiri as vice chairman and seven new full-time members.

Quote of the day by Ringo Starr highlights a message about education and life experience. The Beatles drummer said he had no schooling before or after the band and learned from life itself. The quote connects to modern views on success, creativity, and personal growth. This explainer covers the quote meaning, Ringo Starr biography, career journey, achievements, and lessons for readers seeking inspiration today.

The statistics ministry has directed states to adopt 2022-23 as the new base year for Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) computation by fiscal 2027. This move aligns state-level estimates with the revised national GDP framework, enhancing regional economic data accuracy. While states are also free to develop sub-state CPI, there's no central directive for this.

The Supreme Court has strongly criticized the Madhya Pradesh government for delaying a decision on prosecuting minister Kunwar Vijay Shah. Shah made objectionable remarks against Colonel Sofiya Qureshi. The court stated the decision should have been made weeks ago. The Special Investigation Team had requested sanction to prosecute the minister.

A significant development in the Ukraine-Russia conflict has been announced. US President Donald Trump revealed that both nations have agreed to a three-day truce commencing Saturday. This ceasefire is expected to be accompanied by a mutual exchange of 1,000 prisoners each.

The Supreme Court has voiced grave concern regarding Punjab's escalating drug crisis and its devastating human impact. A bench noted the alarming situation, particularly in areas like Ludhiana. The court highlighted the need for structural and policy changes, suggesting potential central government involvement.

Micron stock price shocked Wall Street after surged 14% and touched $738.12 in one of the biggest semiconductor rallies of 2026. The jump in MU stock is not just about earnings. It reflects a deeper AI shift inside the global economy. AI data centers now consume enormous volumes of DRAM, HBM, and NAND memory chips. That demand is reshaping the semiconductor industry itself. Micron stock has suddenly become a symbol of the AI infrastructure race powering artificial intelligence, cloud computing,

Suvendu Adhikari will be the new Chief Minister of West Bengal. The swearing-in ceremony is scheduled for Saturday. Amit Shah announced Adhikari's name as the leader of the BJP legislative party. The BJP government promises to end corruption and political violence. They aim to build a 'Sonar Bangla' for the people of West Bengal.

Apple and Intel have reportedly reached a preliminary agreement for the chipmaker to produce components for Apple hardware. This marks a potential return to collaboration after Apple's successful transition to its own Apple Silicon. While specific products remain unclear, discussions suggest Intel might manufacture Apple's lowest-end M processors as early as 2027.