The Economic Times

Campaigning concludes for West Bengal's final election phase as attention turns to voting and upcoming exit polls. A silence period is in effect until 6:00 PM on April 29, prohibiting election content on media platforms. Exit polls for multiple states are slated for release on April 29 after 6:30 PM, with vote counting scheduled for May 4.

Tamil Nadu Exit Polls Date and Time 2026: Tamil Nadu Assembly Elections 2026 exit polls will be released on April 29, Wednesday, at 6:30 pm, offering an early indication of voter sentiment. While exit polls provide initial insights, the official results will be declared on May 4 after the vote count.

The Calcutta High Court has strongly criticized the West Bengal government. It failed to comply with a court order to give land to the BSF for fencing the India-Bangladesh border. Only eight kilometers of the required 127 kilometers have been handed over. The court has ordered a detailed affidavit explaining the delay.

Sthree Sakthi SS 517 Lottery Result (28/04/2026): Kerala State Lotteries Department conducts the high-stakes draw for the Sthree Sakthi SS 517 weekly lottery today, April 28, 2026. The event will see one ticet holder coming out as the winner of the grand first prize of Rs 1 crore.

India faces significant reliance on China for industrial goods. China supplies over 30 percent of India's industrial imports. This dependence, especially in electronics and machinery, poses risks to India's manufacturing sector. India needs to build domestic capacity and diversify its supply chains to mitigate these vulnerabilities. Trade figures show a widening deficit with China.

Iran has highlighted the vulnerability of submarine cables in the Strait of Hormuz. These vital undersea links carry 99% of global internet traffic and are crucial for the digital economies of Gulf nations. Accidental damage from ship anchors and fishing gear pose risks, alongside potential sabotage.

Authorities are launching a major crackdown on digital arrest scams. WhatsApp has banned thousands of accounts involved in these frauds. New measures include logo detection and warnings for calls from new accounts. Telecom providers are working to block suspicious SIM cards rapidly. The CBI has set a loss threshold for investigations.

Bullet trains will soon connect Hyderabad and Amaravati in just 70 minutes. Other proposed corridors include Amaravati to Chennai in 112 minutes. The South Coast Railway Zone will be officially notified on June 1. These high-speed links aim to create a strong southern economic corridor. Andhra Pradesh railway allocations have significantly increased, with many stations undergoing modernization.

Industry representatives met with Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal to discuss compliance costs, testing, and MSME export challenges. Goyal assured support and urged leveraging trade pacts to boost exports, aiming for $2 trillion by 2030, building on the record $860.09 billion achieved in 2025-26.

Kerala Bandh Today April 28: A 12-hour statewide hartal is being observed in Kerala today, April 28, following the tragic death of dental student Nithin Raj. With over 50 organizations demanding justice, the protest has impacted public transport and commercial activity. Here is a breakdown of what to expect across the state.

In South Mumbai, four members of the same family died after they ate biryani, and they later consumed watermelon late at night. Their condition began to worsen, and none of them could be saved, with doctors pointing out that their kidneys were severely impacted. Doctors have said there are less chances that watermelon could be behind their deaths.

Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University, Kakinada has released AP EAMCET or EAPCET 2026 hall tickets. Candidates can download their admit cards from the official website. Hall tickets are mandatory for entry to the examination centres. Engineering exams are scheduled from May 12 to May 15 and on May 18. Agriculture and pharmacy exams will be held on May 19 and 20.

The Supreme Court emphasized that religious institutions require structure, not anarchy, while hearing pleas on women's entry discrimination. A nine-judge bench stressed the need for norms and modalities for functioning, stating that the right to manage cannot permit unchecked actions. Regulation is essential but must adhere to constitutional limits, preventing discrimination.

A tragic car crash in Shubenacadie, Nova Scotia, claimed one life and left three others injured. The collision involved two vehicles on Highway 2. One driver was pronounced dead at the scene. Another driver sustained life-threatening injuries and was airlifted to hospital. Two passengers suffered non-life-threatening injuries. An investigation into the incident is underway.

Indianna Carroll will join the Las Vegas Raiders cheer squad for the 2026-27 season. She earned a spot with the Raiderettes after years of dedication. This achievement marks a proud moment for her family. Carroll previously came close to joining the Dallas Cowboys cheer squad. Her father, Mark Carroll, expressed immense pride in her accomplishment.

India's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh addressed the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation. He stressed the need to fight state-sponsored terrorism. Singh stated there should be no double standards in this fight. He also highlighted the growing threats of extremism and radicalism. The minister called for global efforts to tackle these challenges. He noted current geopolitical upheavals and conflicts.

A digital creator has gone viral for declining an IIM Bangalore admission. He chose to continue his job for immediate financial security and to avoid student loans. This decision allowed him to build a stable foundation and fulfill a major family goal. He acknowledged potential social perceptions but expressed no regrets. The creator's choice has sparked online discussion.

Indian authorities have secured the return of notorious drug trafficker Mohammad Salim Dola from Turkiye. Dola, a key figure in Dawood Ibrahim's drug network, was apprehended in Istanbul. This deportation marks a significant breakthrough for Indian anti-narcotics agencies. Dola is currently undergoing interrogation by intelligence agencies and will be handed over to Mumbai Police.

Gold prices in Dubai saw a slight decrease on Tuesday, mirroring global bullion market weakness. This dip occurred amidst rising oil prices and ongoing geopolitical tensions between the US and Iran, which continue to create market uncertainty. Despite recent declines, precious metals have shown significant year-long gains.

West Bengal's 2026 elections hinge on the Left's resurgence. The CPI(M)'s vote share is the critical 'X-factor' impacting the TMC and BJP contest. A revitalized Left could shift voters away from the BJP, potentially altering the state's political landscape. The outcome depends on whether voters see the Left as a viable alternative once more.

A viral video by architect Olumuyiwa Ajisafe advises homeowners against concealing AC pipes within walls. This practice, done for aesthetics, leads to costly repairs when leaks or clogs occur. Ajisafe proposes building accessible wooden pelmets to house the pipes. This smart solution ensures easy maintenance without wall demolition.

Long before the stage name Silk became synonymous with South Indian glamour, Vadlapati Vijayalakshmi was a child bride fleeing an abusive home with nothing but grit. This is the story of how a Class 4 dropout navigated the predatory waters of a billion-dollar film industry, built an empire on her own terms, and why the very industry that relied on her eventually turned its back.

Queen Elizabeth II's 2016 Christmas broadcast emphasized that inspiration stems from ordinary people performing extraordinary acts of kindness and dedication. She highlighted volunteers, carers, and community organizers as unsung heroes whose quiet commitment significantly impacts society, challenging conventional notions of heroism and greatness.

Maharashtra ATS is investigating an attack on two security guards in Mira Road. The accused, Jabar Zubair Ansari, allegedly targeted the guards based on religion. He expressed a desire to join ISIS in handwritten notes. Ansari, a science graduate, may have been radicalized online. Agencies are examining his digital devices for cross-border links.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared the government's resolve to 'Act Fast' for India's northeast, referring to the region as 'Ashtalakshmi'. He highlighted plans to boost Sikkim's tourism through improved connectivity, including expressways and a ring road. The Prime Minister also mentioned promoting eco-wellness and adventure tourism, alongside enhancing sports infrastructure in the state.

Kolkata weather update: As West Bengal gears up for phase 2 of the 2026 Legislative Assembly elections tomorrow, the Kolkata MeT has predicted less harsh weather, with an orange alert for rain, gusty winds, lightning, and thunderstorms across several districts. Temperatures are expected to decline, offering relief from recent heat on the day of the high-powered clash between TMC and BJP.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru's pacers Josh Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar Kumar showcased exceptional bowling on a lively pitch, dismantling Delhi Capitals for 75. Their disciplined lengths and swing proved too much for Delhi's batters, highlighting how quality bowling can rebalance the IPL's batter-dominated landscape. This performance offered a stark contrast to recent high-scoring encounters.

Delhi Opposition Leader Atishi has questioned the government regarding a promised monthly financial assistance for women. She stated that the Rs 2,500 per month scheme has not been implemented despite deadlines passing. Atishi also raised concerns about the merger of seven AAP Rajya Sabha MPs with the BJP, deeming it unconstitutional and a violation of anti-defection laws.

Andhra Pradesh is stepping into the future as Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu unveils a $15 billion collaboration with Google to establish a state-of-the-art AI data centre in Visakhapatnam. This pivotal foreign investment seeks to create an expansive digital infrastructure landscape along the eastern coastline.

Trucks loaded with crushed rock and ore made their way through a craterlike landscape in western Finland, the first place in Europe to house the entire cycle of lithium mining, from mine to refinery. Trucks will then transport the ore to a brand new nearby concentrator plant, which produces a sand-like concentrate that will be taken to a refinery to make battery-quality lithium hydroxide.

Uttar Pradesh IPS officer Ajay Pal Sharma issued a stern warning against voter intimidation in West Bengal's South 24 Parganas, acting on complaints in the Falta constituency. Sharma led raids and warned the family of TMC candidate Jahangir Khan, who faces accusations of threatening voters. The officer also noted irregularities in Khan's security deployment.

Actor Shiyas Kareem faces multiple charges, including cheating and outraging modesty, after a business partner accused him of failing to return a significant investment. The complainant alleges Kareem threatened her when she demanded her money back. Police are investigating the case registered under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

China has blocked Meta's acquisition of Singapore-based AI firm Manus, signaling a crackdown on Singapore-washing. This move, aimed at preventing the outflow of critical AI talent and technology, suggests Beijing is scrutinizing companies that relocate abroad to bypass national regulations. The decision highlights China's growing assertiveness in the global AI race.

According to the announcement shared on the official Instagram handle of HBO Max, 'House of the Dragon' Season 3 will launch on June 21 at 9 pm ET. The eight-episode season will release new episodes on a weekly basis, with the finale scheduled for August 9.

Mother's Day 2026: Mother's Day, a celebration of maternal love and sacrifice, will be observed on May 10, 2026, in India. On Mother's Day, people express gratitude and honour their mothers for their unconditional and unwavering love, care and support. The article also offers ten budget-friendly gift ideas and a collection of heartfelt quotes to express gratitude.

America is facing new import taxes. These tariffs aim to replace temporary ones that expire soon. The government is initiating investigations into forced labor and overproduction by trading partners. This move could lead to significant new tariffs on goods from many countries. The administration seeks to maintain revenue and protect domestic industries.

Venture capitalist Hemant Mohapatra clarified Sridhar Vembu's call for Indian-Americans to return, emphasizing it's a mission for nation-building, not a guarantee of ease. He stated the appeal is for individuals willing to embrace hardship and contribute to India's growth in emerging tech sectors, acknowledging potential struggles and the need for sacrifice.

Gujarat Municipal Elections 2026 Results Live: Counting of votes for Gujarat Municipal Corporation elections 2026 is underway. BJP is expected to retain strong control in major cities like Ahmedabad, Surat, Vadodara and Rajkot. The elections were held on April 26 with moderate voter turnout. Live updates show BJP leading in most urban local bodies while Congress and AAP are trying to make inroads.

An attempted detonation occurred on a railway track near Shambhu in Punjab's Patiala. The individual attempting the detonation died in the incident. Police recovered a SIM card from the scene and have launched a technical investigation. This incident follows a previous blast on a freight corridor track in Fatehgarh Sahib.

Lady Gaga's quote encourages a five-minute morning practice of self-compassion, challenging the common tendency towards self-criticism. This simple habit aims to foster a more supportive inner dialogue, setting a balanced tone for the day and improving mental well-being in a performance-driven world. The practice promotes self-acceptance and can extend kindness outwards to others.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated development projects exceeding Rs 4,000 crore in Sikkim during the state's 50th-anniversary celebrations. These initiatives target infrastructure, healthcare, education, and tourism, aiming for holistic growth. The visit underscores the government's dedication to Sikkim's rapid and sustainable development, marking a significant moment in its golden jubilee year.

The Assam Higher Secondary result for Class 12 students has been declared. Candidates can check their results online using their roll number or full name. The examinations were conducted from February 11 to March 16, 2026. Students will receive a provisional scorecard and can collect their original marksheet from their schools later. The results are also available on DigiLocker.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Sikkim for its 50th Statehood Day celebrations. He began his day with an energizing football session with local youth in Gangtok. The Prime Minister shared his experience on social media. His visit included several official engagements marking this significant milestone for the state.

Olympic bronze medallist Manu Bhaker was asked about 15-year-old cricket sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi during an NRAI event, triggering widespread criticism on social media. Many called the question unfair to her achievements. Bhaker responded gracefully, emphasising the importance of good mentorship and environment for young talent.

An Ontario Provincial Police officer died in a motorcycle crash on Highway 401 in Cobourg. Sergeant Brandon Malcolm was on duty when the single-vehicle incident occurred. He joined the OPP in 2020 and was a skilled motor officer. His service to the province and community is remembered. The investigation into the crash is ongoing.