The Economic Times

Oil Prices today: On Sunday, the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and their allies, or OPEC+, said they will raise oil output targets by 188,000 barrels per day in June for seven members, the third consecutive monthly rise.

Bolpur Election Results 2026 News: Bolpur's Assembly constituency saw a high voter turnout of 93.13% for the 2026 West Bengal elections. Trinamool's Chandranath Sinha, a multiple-term winner, faces BJP's Dilip Ghosh and Congress's Rathin Sen. Exit polls suggest a tight race between the TMC and BJP across West Bengal. Bolpur has been one of the strong areas of the ruling TMC.

Strait of Hormuz has been blocked: Iran has choked off major flows of oil, gas and fertilizer to the world economy, while the United States has imposed a counter-blockade on Iranian ports.

Assembly Election Results 2026 Live Telecast: Today, May 4, 2026, marks the counting of election results for West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Assam, Kerala, and Puducherry. Over 824 assembly seats are decided. Exit polls predicted NDA's win in Assam, DMK's return in Tamil Nadu, a close fight in Kerala, a tight contest in Puducherry, and a close race in West Bengal.

Thrissur, a key battleground in Kerala's political landscape, is poised for another intense contest in the upcoming 2026 elections. The constituency, known for its close three-cornered fights between UDF, LDF, and BJP, saw a narrow CPI victory in 2021. Shifting loyalties, development, and minority consolidation are expected to be key factors.

Counting for the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections begins May 4, with a key battle in Tollygunge. AITC's Aroop Biswas, the incumbent, faces challenges from BJP and Congress candidates. Exit polls predict a close contest between AITC and BJP, potentially leading to a hung Assembly in West Bengal.

Vattiyoorkavu, a prominent Thiruvananthapuram constituency, is set for a high-stakes election. Known for its educated voters and urban issues, the seat has historically seen tight competition. This year, a triangular contest features sitting MLA V.K. Prasanth, veteran leader K. Muraleedharan, and former DGP R. Sreelekha. The outcome will reflect urban voter sentiment.

Ernakulam, Kerala's financial hub, presents a dynamic electoral landscape. An educated, urban voter base prioritizes governance and development. The constituency is set for a multi-cornered contest. Sitting MLA T. J. Vinod seeks re-election for the UDF. The BJP fields P.R. Sivasankar, while the AAP adds Moses H. M. to the race.

Jalukbari constituency in Guwahati is a key battleground for the 2026 Assam Assembly elections. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma seeks re-election from his stronghold. The Congress fields Bidisha Neog, banking on voter sentiment. Businesswoman Dipika Das is also contesting. Urban expansion and employment are major issues. The seat remains a focus for political observers.

Kottayam, a UDF stronghold in central Kerala, boasts high literacy and a significant Christian population. The constituency, represented by MLA P.K. Jayalakshmi since 2016, faces challenges like rubber farmer distress and youth unemployment. Voters are seeking improved infrastructure and IT investment, shaping its politically competitive landscape.

In West Bengal's Domkal, a close electoral battle is underway between former IPS officer Humayun Kabir and CPI(M)'s Mostafijur Rahaman. While the TMC aims for a fourth consecutive term, the CPI(M) shows signs of regaining ground after a strong performance in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, indicating a competitive contest in the historically CPM stronghold.

Dum Dum Uttar holds its breath as counting for the Assembly seat begins. The constituency, a key part of North 24 Parganas, saw a fierce contest between TMC's Chandrima Bhattacharya, BJP's Sourav Sikdar, and CPI-M's Dipsita Dhar. Voters considered issues like urban infrastructure, women's safety, and employment. The outcome will reveal the political mood of urban Bengal.

Silchar Election Result 2026: Silchar, an urban constituency in Assams Cachar district, is a key economic hub in the Barak Valley and part of the Silchar Lok Sabha seat. It is a general category Assembly constituency with a largely urban population.

Kolkata Port constituency faces a close contest as Firhad Hakim seeks a third term amid a significant voter decline. A sharp drop in electorate numbers has sparked concerns over revised voter rolls, with opposition parties alleging deletions. Civic issues and the integrity of the electoral process are key campaign themes.

Baranagar awaits a crucial verdict on May 4, 2026. The constituency sees a tight contest between TMC's Sayantika Banerjee, BJP's Sajal Ghosh, and Left's Sayandeep Mitra. Campaigning focused on industrial revival, infrastructure, and job creation. Voters' choices will shape local leadership for the next five years. Counting begins tomorrow.

Vote counting for the 2026 West Bengal Assembly Elections begins tomorrow in Kharagpur. The industrial hub's fate hangs in the balance as the BJP incumbent faces a tough contest. The Trinamool Congress aims to regain the seat, while a Left-Congress alliance targets young voters. Local issues like industrial stagnation and civic infrastructure are key.

Lakhimpur Assembly constituency in Assam is under close observation as vote counting begins. Incumbent BJP MLA Manab Deka faces Congress challenger Ghana Buragohain. The contest is shaped by electoral history and ongoing development challenges. Recurring floods, poor connectivity, and limited employment opportunities are key issues. The constituency's diverse population influences political discourse.

The Barpeta constituency in Assam has emerged as a closely watched electoral contest in the 2026 Assembly elections, with candidates from major parties and independents in the fray after recent delimitation changes. Voting in the constituency took place on April 9.

Kanniyakumari constituency, located at the southern tip of mainland India, is a key political seat in Tamil Nadu known for its coastal economy and cultural landmarks such as the Vivekananda Rock Memorial and the Thiruvalluvar Statue.

Jorhat's Assembly seat is a key focus for the 2026 Assam elections. Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi faces BJP MLA Hitendra Nath Goswami. Goswami has a long history with the constituency. Gogoi has declared higher assets and an annual income. Voting is on April 9, 2026, with results on May 4. Exit polls predict a BJP win across Assam.

Coimbatore South Election Results 2026 News: Coimbatore South's election results are being released today, May 4, 2026, with a tight contest expected between DMK's V Senthil Balaji and AIADMK's Amman K Arjunan. Balaji, making a comeback after legal troubles, faces a challenging race in this key urban swing seat. Most exit polls have predicted that DMK is on its course to come back to power again in Tamil Nadu.

Kazhakoottam Election Results 2026: Kazhakoottam's election features a tight race between CPI (M)'s Kadakampally Surendran and BJP candidate V Muraleedharan. A controversy linked to the Sabarimala gold theft has emerged and it could dent Left's performance in Kazhakoottam. Exit polls suggest a shift in Kerala's political landscape, with the majority predicting a setback for the LDF government.

Quote of the day by Taylor Swift: She emphasizes on the profound impact of reading, highlighting its ability to expand thoughts and foster imagination. She explains that engaging with stories allows individuals to step outside their routines, experience diverse emotions, and grow their understanding of the world.

Quote of the day by Whitney Wolfe Herd: The Bumble CEO emphasizes that meaningful relationships stem from self-understanding and confidence, urging individuals to discover their values and boundaries before seeking a partner. She warns against sacrificing one's identity for a relationship, advocating for two whole individuals to build a stable and fulfilling connection.

Alexander Drozdenko, governor of the northwest region which hosts the port, said more than 60 drones were downed overnight. He said the fire at Primorsk, a major oil-exporting outlet, was quickly extinguished and there had been no oil spill following the attack.

China's commerce ministry said the sanctions unlawfully restrict normal trade with third countries and violate international norms. In a rare move, it issued an order prohibiting recognition, enforcement or compliance with the penalties targeting the five firms.

Chinese proverb of the day: Opportunities, often subtle and fleeting, require awareness and decisive action to be seized. The proverb Dont let an opportunity slip, it wont come again emphasizes that life rarely offers identical chances twice. Recognizing and acting on these moments, even with uncertainty, shapes one's future and avoids regret.

A consortium led by the Mittal family and including Adar Poonawalla will acquire Rajasthan Royals for $1.65 billion. The Mittal family will hold a majority stake. This deal follows a previous failed sale. The transaction includes overseas franchises. Approvals are pending, with closure expected in the third quarter of 2026. New investors will join the board.

India is embarking on an innovative strategy to enhance apprenticeship programs tailored for micro, small, and medium enterprises. Focused reforms in policies, regulations, and financial frameworks are on the table, with a group training model being a key contender. The goal is to equip the nation's youth with essential workforce skills by 2047.

Arsenal rediscovered their attacking verve as they blew away Fulham with a first-half masterclass, with fit-again Bukayo Saka on song and summer signing Viktor Gyokeres delivering arguably his best performance for the Gunners.

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha led a public anti-drug rally in Srinagars Lal Chowk on Sunday, reaffirming the administrations drive to eliminate drug abuse in Jammu and Kashmir.

Nishant Kumar, son of former Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, has begun his first political outreach drive in Bihar with a Sadbhav Yatra from Patna.

Assam's political future will be decided Monday. Counting for the assembly elections begins across 40 centres. EVMs hold the fate of 722 candidates. Security is tight with central and state forces deployed. The outcome will determine if the BJP-led NDA secures a third term or if the Congress returns to power. Voters cast their ballots on April 9.

Police found explosive materials including country-made bombs and gunpowder in Dharmadam. This constituency is represented by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. The seizure occurred a day before vote counting for the Kerala assembly elections. Officials acted on a tip about illegal firecracker manufacturing. A case has been registered against a local resident. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Vijayan updated his social media bio.

Tamil Nadu awaits election results. A triangular contest is unfolding between DMK, AIADMK, and TVK. All eyes are on who will become the next chief minister. Exit polls suggest a potential TVK breakthrough, while others predict a close fight between DMK and AIADMK alliances. Speculation mounts over a hung verdict, with TVK reportedly preparing for a post-result scenario.

On the third anniversary of the ethnic strife between the Meitei and Kuki communities in Manipur, a somber atmosphere prevailed. Communities held rallies and meetings, with a notable shutdown to reflect on the ongoing tensions. Candlelight vigils served as heartfelt tributes to those lost amidst the turmoil.

India is hosting its fourth Africa summit this month. The event will focus on India's partnership with Africa. High-level meetings and business discussions are planned. The summit aims to strengthen cooperation in innovation and inclusive transformation. India has provided significant development support to African nations. This engagement underscores India's commitment to a non-predatory approach with the continent.

West Bengal awaits election results. Both Trinamool Congress and BJP are confident of victory. Parties have briefed their counting agents to stay vigilant. Mamata Banerjee is seeking a fourth term as Chief Minister. A minor incident occurred at a counting centre. Leaders have urged agents to remain fearless.

A key figure in Indias fast breeder nuclear programme has highlighted the significance of the Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) achieving criticality, calling it a major indigenous milestone that strengthens the countrys second-stage nuclear energy ambitions.

Vote counting is happening today for the Puducherry assembly elections. The NDA faces the INDIA bloc in a close contest. Bypolls results are also expected for eight seats in Goa, Karnataka, Nagaland, Gujarat, and Maharashtra. These results will shape the political landscape in these regions. All eyes are on the final outcomes.

An explosion rocked the area near Imphal Airport on Sunday, marking the third anniversary of a significant ethnic conflict. Fortunately, no one was harmed in the blast. The Kangleipak Communist Party claimed the act was a demonstration against the recurrent bandhs and blockades affecting the region.

Russia backs India's BRICS leadership and its proposed agenda. This support is crucial as India navigates disagreements within BRICS regarding the West Asia conflict. India's recent efforts to foster dialogue among parties are seen as a significant step. Discussions on the West Asia issue will continue at the upcoming BRICS foreign ministers' meeting in New Delhi.

Extinct animals coming back: Scientists are pursuing de-extinction, aiming to bring back species like the woolly mammoth and bluebuck. The long-term goal includes rewilding these creatures into their natural habitats. This ambitious project also involves developing artificial wombs for species that cannot be carried by living relatives.

India has firmly rejected Nepal's territorial claims over Lipulekh Pass. Nepal objected to the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra route passing through the disputed region. India stated its position is consistent and clear, emphasizing the historical use of the route. India remains open to dialogue to resolve boundary issues.