The Economic Times

As India swelters, Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia suggested skipping air conditioning and carrying an onion to combat extreme heat, citing his 'Chambal skin' and traditional remedies. While temperatures soar between 40-46C across many states, with heatwave warnings issued, Scindia's advice blends personal habit with age-old practices, highlighting a contrast between traditional relief and the escalating reality of intense heatwaves.

Zoho Sridhar Vembu open letter: Zoho founder Sridhar Vembu has sparked a massive conversation online with a candid letter to the Indian diaspora in the U.S. Reflecting on his own 37-year journey, Vembu warns that Indians are getting caught in a messy political crossfire between the hard right and woke left. He argues that global respect isn't givenits earned through a nation's technological powerand urges talented professionals to return home to build Indias future.

A Mumbai court has ordered the unfreezing of bank accounts belonging to actor Rhea Chakraborty and her brother. The Narcotics Control Bureau's action was deemed invalid due to procedural lapses under the NDPS Act. The court found the NCB failed to obtain confirmation from a competent authority within the stipulated time.

India and New Zealand are set to sign a Free Trade Agreement. This pact will boost bilateral trade in goods and services. It will also encourage mutual investments. India gains duty-free access for all exports. New Zealand gets duty-free access for over 54% of its exports. The agreement deepens economic ties and strengthens India's Indo-Pacific trade strategy.

TS EAMCET 2026 engineering hall tickets will be available on April 27. Candidates can download their admit cards from the official website. The engineering entrance examination is scheduled from May 9 to May 11, 2026. A printed hall ticket and valid photo ID are mandatory for entry. Candidates should check the official website for further updates.

A major legal battle begins this week in California. Elon Musk is suing Sam Altman and OpenAI. The case centers on OpenAI's shift from a nonprofit to a for-profit entity. Musk claims this was a betrayal of their original agreement. Prominent tech figures may testify. The trial could significantly impact OpenAI and ChatGPT's future. Jury selection starts Monday.

Lucknow Super Giants coach Justin Langer backed the decision to send Nicholas Pooran to bat in the Super Over against Sunil Narine. Langer stated Pooran's past record against Narine made him the best choice despite recent struggles. The team management trusted their player in a tough situation. Mohsin Khan's impressive bowling performance was also highlighted.

Rajasthan Royals captain Riyan Parag faces pressure to perform against a strong Punjab Kings side. Punjab Kings have been highly consistent, winning six of seven games. Their batting lineup, led by Shreyas Iyer, has been exceptional, even chasing a record 265. Rajasthan Royals have lost momentum after a strong start. The Royals' fielding has also been a concern.

Delhi Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu was recently seen travelling in a Delhi metro and talking to commuters, a gesture appreciated by netizens. But more than his Metro ride, a couple sitting behind him has gained traction on social media. The couple was purportedly seen in a cozy position in a metro sparking debates on public behaviour and ethics.

Seven Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Rajya Sabha MPs, led by Raghav Chadha, have officially merged with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). This move significantly alters the Rajya Sabha's composition, boosting the BJP's numbers to 113 and the NDA's to over 140, while reducing AAP's strength to three.

NEET UG Admit Card 2026 Released at neet.nta.nic.in: The National Testing Agency (NTA) has released the NEET UG 2026 admit cards on neet.nta.nic.in for over 25 lakh registered candidates. The highly competitive medical entrance exam is scheduled for May 3, with the exam conducted from 2 PM to 5 PM. Candidates are advised to download and print their hall tickets for entry.

Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik is making practical Marathi language knowledge compulsory for all auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers in the state. A meeting is scheduled with drivers' associations to discuss the implementation. Starting May 1, authorities will verify documents and drivers' spoken Marathi skills. Action will be taken against those who do not comply with the new rule.

A Central Industrial Security Force jawan was injured in a firing incident outside the residence of BJP candidate Pawan Singh in West Bengal's North 24 Parganas district. The incident occurred late Sunday night ahead of the second phase of polling.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders in Madhya Pradesh on Monday held a legislative party meeting at Chief Minister Mohan Yadav's residence ahead of the Special Session of the Legislative Assembly, focusing on 'Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam' and discussions centred on the empowerment of women.

Survive the 2026 Indian summer with these six practical cooling strategies. From consuming traditional Gulkand and Sattu to choosing the right cotton fabrics and protecting your pulse points, this story offers simple, effective ways to maintain your internal temperature and stay energized even during the peak afternoon heat.

Anand Mahindra Monday Motivation: Mahindra Group Chairman Anand Mahindra discovered a 1918 patent by his grandfather, J.C. Mahindra, for a crude oil engine. This unexpected find, unearthed by a senior manager, highlights India's early engineering talent and inspires a renewed sense of pride and motivation for innovation within the company and beyond.

Iran-US conflict: Iran's foreign minister is heading to St Petersburg for talks with Russian officials. Discussions will cover bilateral relations and regional matters. The Iran-U.S. conflict is a key topic. This visit concludes a regional tour that included Pakistan and Oman. Iran seeks to secure its national interests.

Maharashtra Board is expected to release Class 12 HSC results soon, with a similar timeline to last year's May 5th announcement. Students should have their roll numbers ready and regularly check the official website for updates. The results will be available on mahahsscboard.in and DigiLocker.

Pakistan has created a legal pathway for Iran-bound goods to bypass a US naval blockade. This move comes as Pakistan also mediates a US-Iran ceasefire. The US Treasury announced new sanctions against Iran. Pakistan's actions allow goods to flow overland, undermining US efforts to isolate Tehran.

Former Michigan Congressman and Senator Donald W. Riegle passed away at 88. Riegle served for nearly three decades, switching from Republican to Democrat. He championed working people's rights and opposed NAFTA. He also pushed for financial reforms and veteran treatment. Riegle's family remembers him as a courageous leader.

West Bengal's upcoming elections hinge on the twin districts of North and South 24 Parganas. These areas, along with Kolkata and Howrah, form a critical battleground. The ruling TMC aims to retain its stronghold, while the BJP seeks to breach it for power. Voter list revisions add another layer to this intense electoral contest.

Youth Congress activists staged an unusual protest in Kollam, Kerala. They laid mats and slept at the KSEB office to protest unannounced power cuts. Protesters claimed children and the elderly are affected. The Electricity Minister and KSEB state there is no load shedding. Recent outages are attributed to temporary overload. The state faces a severe power shortage.

Diesel Price Today City Wise India Fuel Rates: Despite a global crude oil surge driven by geopolitical tensions and Strait of Hormuz disruptions, diesel prices in major Indian cities remained steady on April 27. While retail rates held firm, experts warn of potential price hikes, possibly around Rs 10 per litre, to offset oil marketing companies' losses.

The results of AP Class 10th SSC results might come out in the last week of April or the first week of May, 2026. The results can be checked at bie.ap.gov.in and also through WhatsApp, DigiLocker, SMS and calls. Earlier, claims went viral that the results would be out on April 25 but it was false.

India's top-selling Maruti Suzuki Brezza is set for a significant refresh, spotted testing with subtle exterior tweaks and a larger 10.25-inch infotainment screen. Inside, expect a new dashboard, instrument cluster, and potential feature upgrades like a 360-degree camera. A new turbo-petrol engine and a 6-speed manual gearbox are also rumored, alongside smarter CNG packaging.

Petrol price today: Fuel prices held steady across India on April 26, despite global crude oil market volatility and regional conflicts. This pause coincides with a politically sensitive period ahead of state elections. Major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata saw petrol prices remain at their previous levels, with rates generally exceeding Rs 100 per litre.

Assam Higher Secondary Education Council will announce Class 12 results on April 28, 2026. Students can check their scorecards online on ahsec.assam.gov.in and resultsassam.nic.in. Results for Science, Arts, and Commerce streams will be declared together. Students can also access their results via SMS. The official announcement will be made during a press conference.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah visits Ladakh soon. Representatives seek confidence-building measures for meaningful dialogue. They want cases against protestors withdrawn and compensation for victims. A sub-committee meeting is scheduled for May 22. Ladakh seeks statehood and inclusion under the Sixth Schedule. Hopes are high for a resolution to long-standing demands.

Quote of the Day: Philosopher Ian Hacking argued that societal fears are not random but are deliberately structured by cultural, political, and scientific narratives. His work highlights how institutions and prevailing ideologies shape our perception of risks, influencing public policy and individual responses. This encourages critical examination of why certain fears are amplified over others.

In Uttar Pradesh's Hardoi, a school principal was captured, reportedly shouting at a parent and telling her to shut up at least 10 times in one minute. The principal screamed at the parent as they reportedly did not buy the books from the school, calling the woman a gawar and a bloody fool. After the backlash, the principal issued a clarification.

Tata Elxsi's Chief Financial Officer, Gaurav Bajaj, will resign on May 29, 2026. Nalin Rana will take over as the new CFO from May 30, 2026. Rana brings extensive experience in finance and strategy from his roles within the Tata Group and investment banking. This leadership change is in line with regulatory requirements.

A tragic incident in Jharkhand's Bajto village saw one child die and nearly 20 hospitalized after consuming roadside golgappas. Officials are investigating the vendor, suspecting stale ingredients and improper storage due to the ongoing heatwave. The community is on edge as authorities test samples to confirm the cause.

Iran's Parliament Speaker MB Ghalibaf cryptically stated Iran holds leverage over US oil demand, equating supply and demand through a mathematical equation. He suggested disruptions to key shipping routes like the Strait of Hormuz could significantly impact US gas prices, especially during peak summer demand, potentially affecting upcoming elections.

It was also the fifth consecutive defeat of the LSG, which is the longest losing streak for the Lucknow franchise in IPL. They are currently at the bottom of the points table with only two wins in eight matches.

Rudraprayag administration is taking steps to ensure pilgrim safety on the Kedarnath Yatra route. Sector officers are deployed, and relief camps are established. Measures include mandatory handlers for horses and mules. Medical points and seating are available. The administration is committed to a well-organized pilgrimage, with continuous monitoring in place. The Char Dham Yatra began on April 19.

The BSE has launched its new website. It features a cleaner design and easier navigation. Users will find real-time market data more visible. Quick links and a search bar are now at the top. The navigation menu is reorganized for better access to market information. Live index data is prominently displayed.

Groww, led by Lalit Keshre, has become India's top stock broking platform. The company recently saw its market capitalization surge significantly after a successful public listing. Groww achieved this growth by leveraging digital infrastructure and government databases. The company reported strong profits and substantial assets under management. Groww is now focusing on expanding its presence in the wealth management sector.

A 16th person has died following the Mundathikode fireworks explosion in Kerala, with Unnikrishnan succumbing to over 80 percent burns. The incident, which occurred on April 21 at a fireworks manufacturing unit, has now claimed 16 lives, with four individuals still missing. The fireworks were being produced for the Thrissur Pooram festivities.

Kushal Pal Singh, DLF chairman emeritus, urges India to adopt a bold, long-term urbanisation strategy. He believes radical reforms are vital for economic growth and raising per capita income for 1.4 billion people. Singh emphasizes that well-planned cities are crucial for absorbing migration and boosting productivity. He expresses confidence in India's leadership to achieve transformative change.

Did Oracle plan layoffs, and were they not random? A viral LinkedIn post by a long-time Oracle employee, who was sacked recently, has raised questions over whether the company's latest layoffs were driven by an internal algorithm. Nina Lewis suggested that layoffs follow an algorithm of high-level individual contributors and mid-level managers, especially those with outstanding stock options.

Indians are embracing artificial intelligence personally at a rapid pace. However, companies are not deploying this technology strategically as quickly. This gap presents a significant risk to competitiveness. Leaders must make bold choices now to build future capabilities and embed technology for resilience. The nation's journey towards Viksit Bharat 2047 is a private sector mission.

India's top business leaders gathered for the ET Awards in Mumbai. The event celebrated achievements and fostered conversation. Dignitaries like Nirmala Sitharaman and N Chandrababu Naidu attended. The evening highlighted India's economic vitality and the importance of peace for business success. Attendees enjoyed diverse culinary offerings and networking opportunities.

Indian business leaders view the West Asia conflict as a catalyst for long-delayed structural reforms, urging accelerated efforts in energy security and reduced external vulnerabilities. They advocate for greater self-reliance in energy sources and a significant push towards electric vehicles, while also emphasizing the need for workforce upskilling to navigate the disruptions brought by Artificial Intelligence.

Srinagar Lok Sabha MP Aga Ruhullah stated his party, the National Conference, has ceased advocating for the restoration of Article 370 and statehood, a stance he disagrees with. He accused the party of betraying the mandate by shifting focus from constitutional guarantees to mere statehood, and criticized the BJP's delimitation bill as a move to disenfranchise minorities.

China is building new economic pressure tools against the United States. Beijing has enacted laws to punish foreign firms shifting supply chains. It has also tightened rare earth licensing and banned foreign AI chips. These actions signal a strategic move to counter U.S. measures. China aims to defend its interests and expand its influence.

Over 1,100 former Afghan allies of US forces remain in limbo at Camp As Sayliyah in Qatar, facing uncertainty after US processing halted. Now, reports suggest Washington may offer resettlement in the Democratic Republic of Congo, a proposal rejected by residents fearing for their safety.

JAC Result Class 12th Date and Time: The results of JAC Class 12th are expected to be released anytime soon, most probably in the last week of April. Since the results of Classes 8, 9, 10, and 11 have been released, students must stay vigilant and keep an eye on JAC Class 12th results which can be accessed at jacresults.com, jac.nic.in, and jac.jharkhand.gov.in