The Economic Times

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.

Authorities in Doda have imposed a two-month ban on unauthorized gatherings and protests. This measure aims to prevent public disturbance and maintain peace. The decision follows large public events organized by recently released MLA Mehraj Malik. Malik addressed a rally after his release from detention. The ban covers specific areas within Doda town.

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.

Meteor showers happen when space rocks hit Earth's atmosphere at extremely high speeds and burn up, gaining fiery tails.

Nepal has raised objections to India and China's plan for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra using the Lipulekh Pass. Kathmandu asserts that Lipulekh is its territory and was not consulted on the route. India maintains ownership of Lipulekh. Nepal has communicated its stance to both India and China, emphasizing diplomatic resolution of border disputes based on historical agreements.

Quote of the day by Christina Aguilera: The pop icon warns that success can attract opportunists and change relationships. Aguilera's quote highlights the need for emotional intelligence and strong boundaries to navigate the complex social dynamics that accompany fame and fortune, ensuring personal well-being.

Jannik Sinner has won the Madrid Open. He defeated Alexander Zverev in the final. This marks his fifth consecutive Masters 1000 tournament victory. Sinner's winning streak continues. Marta Kostyuk won the women's final. She beat Mirra Andreeva. This is a significant achievement for Sinner in the tennis world.

Vote counting for the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections is set for May 4. Extensive security measures are in place at 62 centres. Over 1.25 lakh personnel will manage the process. Round-wise results will be announced. Exit polls suggest a DMK alliance win, though AIADMK expresses confidence. Allegations of disruption plans have been raised.

Tata Trusts, the majority owner of Tata Sons, will review its board representation at a May 8 meeting amid internal differences over the groups future direction. The move could lead to an attempt to remove vice chairman Venu Srinivasan from the Tata Sons board.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Sunday that the United States was suffocating Iran's leadership through an economic blockade launched alongside the US military offensive. Bessent said his department was imposing economic measures on anyone trying to remit money into Iran to help the IRGC, Iran's elite military force.

Quote of the day by Jessica Chastain: The Oscar-winning actress emphasizes that breaking down long-standing barriers for women requires persistence and collective action. She calls on women to step forward and claim their rightful place, even in unwelcoming environments.

Self checkout means Customers could avoid long lines by scanning and bagging their own items, workers could be freed of doing those monotonous tasks themselves and retailers could save on labor costs.

Delhi recorded a minimum temperature of 24.6 degrees Celsius and is likely to witness thunderstorms with rain, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

A bulk carrier near the Strait of Hormuz reported an attack by small craft. Iran has presented a new proposal to the United States. This plan seeks to resolve bilateral issues within 30 days and end the ongoing war. President Trump is reviewing the proposal. Iran maintains control over the Strait of Hormuz.

Delhi experienced a warm Sunday with a high of 36.6 degrees Celsius. Light rain was recorded in some areas. The India Meteorological Department has issued a yellow alert for thunderstorms and rain starting Monday. No heatwave conditions are expected. Cloudy skies with rain are forecast until May 6. The city's air quality is moderate.

Warren Buffett Apple investment: Warren Buffett lauded Tim Cook's leadership at Berkshire Hathaway's shareholder meeting, highlighting the immense success of their $35 billion Apple investment. Buffett revealed the bet was primarily on Cook, who transformed the investment into approximately $185 billion, a testament to his management of Apple's growth.

Finance leaders from China, Japan, South Korea, and ASEAN nations met in Samarkand. They pledged to watch for excessive financial market volatility. The group will act if necessary to maintain stability. They also committed to open trade and resilient supply chains. Support for a rules-based global trading system was reaffirmed. This meeting occurred during the Asian Development Bank's annual gathering.

Admiral Tripathi visited Myanmar's Naval Training Command where he formally handed over some military hardware including containerised small arms simulator and 'rigid inflatable boat', according to Indian Navy.

The Asian Development Bank plans to back $70 billion in energy and digital infrastructure projects across Asia-Pacific by 2035 to improve connectivity and access. Under its power grid initiative, it aims to mobilise $50 billion to link cross-border electricity networks, support renewable energy, and expand transmission infrastructure.

India's maritime defence received a significant boost with the successful second flight test of its long-range hypersonic anti-ship missile. The DRDO-developed missile, capable of speeds up to Mach 10, was tested off the Odisha coast. This advancement extends India's reach into deep ocean zones. The missile's capabilities are designed to deter regional rivals.

Kerala's political fate hangs in the balance as vote counting for the April 9 Assembly elections begins. The ruling LDF, opposition UDF, and BJP-led NDA are vying for dominance in a high-stakes contest. Exit polls suggest a close fight, with the UDF aiming to unseat the LDF after a decade.

Assam assembly elections key seats: The final stage of the Assam election battle arrives with vote counting on Monday. This will decide if the BJP-led NDA secures a third term or if the Congress returns to power. The fates of 722 candidates from 126 constituencies are sealed in EVMs. Counting will occur at 40 centres across all 35 districts under tight security.

Puducherry's 2026 Assembly elections are a tight race with a record 89.83% voter turnout. Exit polls project a victory for the AINRC-led NDA, though actor Vijay's TVK is also in contention. Key constituencies feature high-profile candidates, including the incumbent CM and former CM, in closely watched contests.

Social Security and SSI benefits cut 2026: A proposed Social Security Administration rule could penalize SSI recipients living with family by counting their living space as income. This change may reduce or eliminate benefits for up to 400,000 individuals, particularly impacting disabled adults and low-income seniors who rely on shared housing for support.

Donald Trump's method of handling inflation has been disapproved by 72 per cent, cost of living 76 per cent. A staggering 66 per cent of respondents disapproved of the U.S. President's way of handling Iran.

The Indian and Cambodian military units have embarked on an exciting two-week joint drill in Cambodia, entering the second chapter of their CINBAX initiative. With a keen focus on counter-terrorism tactics and peacekeeping maneuvers, the exercise will feature hands-on training, including cutting-edge drone technology.