The Economic Times

An office memorandum dated May 8, 2026, issued by the procurement policy division of the department of expenditure to all central ministries, departments, autonomous bodies and CPSES aims to operationalises worker protections envisaged under the four Labour Codes while introducing stricter penalties, including debarment and blacklisting, for firms violating timely wage and social security contributions.

Quote of the day by Michael Jackson: Michael Jackson, the 'King of Pop', revolutionized music, dance, and performance with hits like 'Thriller' and iconic moves such as the moonwalk. His career, though marked by controversy, left an indelible mark on global culture, with his music and innovation continuing to inspire artists worldwide.

Senior BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari took oath as West Bengals first BJP chief minister at Kolkatas Brigade Parade Ground in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and senior BJP leaders. The BJPs victory ended the 15-year rule of the All India Trinamool Congress in the state.

The Israeli military called on residents of more than half a dozen villages in southern Lebanon to immediately evacuate on Saturday ahead of expected attacks against Hezbollah despite a truce with Lebanon intended to halt the fighting. For your safety, you must evacuate your homes immediately and stay away from the villages and towns by a distance of no less than 1,000 metres to open areas, he added.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi showed respect to 98-year-old BJP veteran Makhanlal Sarkar at the West Bengal Chief Minister's swearing-in ceremony. The heartwarming gesture occurred at the Brigade Parade Ground in Kolkata. Sarkar is a founding member of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh and played a key role in building the BJP in North Bengal.

Following Suvendu Adhikari's oath as West Bengal Chief Minister, the TMC has raised serious concerns. Abhishek Banerjee alleged widespread electoral fraud, including disenfranchisement of voters. He also pointed to partisan actions by institutions and the Election Commission. The party claims post-poll violence against its workers. The TMC vows to remain a strong opposition in Delhi and West Bengal.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Hyderabad on May 10. He will inaugurate or lay the foundation stone for development projects valued at Rs 9,400 crore. This visit marks his first public rally in Telangana after his re-election. The Prime Minister will also address a public meeting. The BJP is preparing for a large gathering, expecting two lakh attendees.

Tensions remain high between the US and Iran as both nations exchange fire in the Gulf. A fragile ceasefire is being tested by recent clashes. US intelligence indicates Iran can endure a naval blockade for several months. The United Arab Emirates also faced attacks. The US is awaiting Iran's response to a proposal to end the war.

Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs Nirmala Sitharaman on Friday stated that the 16th India-EU Summit held in New Delhi this January provided a decisive new momentum to the bilateral strategic partnership, elevating it to a higher level.

Chef Ranveer Brar has revealed a simple Instagram trick to crack coconuts easily. This hack makes using fresh coconut accessible for home cooks. He also shared a comforting Kerala-style coconut rice recipe. This dish is fragrant and mildly spiced, perfect for a weekend meal. The chef's tips are making traditional cooking less intimidating for many.

Political maneuvering intensifies in Tamil Nadu after the Assembly election results. DMK leaders TKS Elangovan and P Wilson have voiced concerns over alleged horse trading attempts. This follows a dispute over a letter of support for Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) leader Vijay. TVK claims support from an AMMK MLA, while AMMK denies it.

West Bengal news: Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the historic swearing-in ceremony in Kolkata. Senior BJP worker Makhanlal Sarkar was honored. Suvendu Adhikari took oath as West Bengal's first BJP Chief Minister. The BJP secured a significant victory in the assembly elections. This marks the beginning of a new era for the state.

TMTG, the firm behind Donald Trump's Truth Social, unveiled a troubling report showing a net loss of more than $400 million in the first quarter, primarily linked to a nosedive in cryptocurrency valuations. Earnings dipped below $1 million during this period, raising questions about the viability of its substantial investments in the crypto space.

RBI officers are protesting recent changes to the promotion policy. The Reserve Bank of India Officers' Association has written to the Governor seeking intervention. The new policy links promotions to vacancy availability, replacing the earlier time-bound system. This has caused widespread dissatisfaction and demoralization among officers. The association demands an immediate review and the reintroduction of assured, time-bound promotions.

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.

Melbourne artist Richard Lewer has won the prestigious Archibald Prize. His winning artwork is a portrait of Iluwanti Ken, a respected Pitjantjatjara elder and traditional healer. Lewer spent time on Country with Ken to create the painting. This marks a significant achievement for Lewer and highlights Indigenous representation in art.

Militants from Myanmar crossed the border into Manipur's Kamjong district. They attacked indigenous villages, causing damage and raising concerns about security. The Manipur government has condemned the violence. Security forces are working to restore peace. An armed cadre was apprehended. The incident highlights ongoing border security challenges.

West Bengal's long-standing political clashes with the central government over welfare schemes are set to change. With the BJP now in power in both the state and at the Centre, a new era of administrative integration is expected. Major schemes like Ayushman Bharat and PM-Kisan, previously sources of conflict, may be merged or streamlined.

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.

Lieutenant General (Retd) NS Raja Subramani has been appointed as India's new Chief of Defence Staff. A decorated Army officer with extensive experience in high-altitude operations and counter-insurgency, he will now lead the coordination between the Army, Navy, and Air Force. His career includes command roles and serving as Vice Chief of Army Staff.

Congress leader P Chidambaram raised concerns over the performance of investigative and prosecution agencies. This follows recent acquittals in the 2010 Tadmetla massacre and the 2005 Sohrabuddin Sheikh encounter cases. The acquittals highlight potential weaknesses in how these cases were handled. A memorial was recently inaugurated for the CRPF personnel killed in Tadmetla.

Kerala CM news: Posters supporting Ramesh Chennithala for Chief Minister appeared in Idukki. Earlier, posters for KC Venugopal were also seen. Leaders are meeting in Delhi to decide the United Democratic Front's Chief Ministerial face. VD Satheesan is a frontrunner. The Congress high command will announce the decision after internal processes. MLAs have authorized the high command to decide the leader.

A political storm brews in Tamil Nadu. AMMK leader T. T. V. Dhinakaran alleges Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam is involved in horse-trading. This follows TVK chief Vijay staking claim to form the government. Dhinakaran has urged the Governor to invite AIADMK leader Edappadi K. Palaniswami instead.

Are you trying to lose belly fat and struggling with it? You don't have to go for extreme diets; in fact, certain homemade morning drinks can not only help you lose your belly fat but also boost your metabolism. When combined with a healthy diet and a few workouts per week, these morning drinks can help you lose belly fat more quickly and naturally. Here are six easy drinks you can make at home to reduce your belly fat.

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.

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

The US military reported striking another alleged drug-trafficking boat in the eastern Pacific, resulting in two deaths and one survivor. This incident, part of a campaign against arco-terrorists, brings the death toll to at least 192. Critics question the evidence and suggest the strikes may constitute extrajudicial killings.

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.

US President Donald Trump on Friday (local time) touted his claims of ending multiple global conflicts after he took charge of the White House and expressed hope that the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war could become the next one resolved, saying he would love to make it the tenth.

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.

Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi's (VCK) X account was suspended for violating rules, following a purported post supporting Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) in forming a coalition government. TVK, led by Vijay, secured support from smaller parties, including CPI, CPI(M), and Congress, to reach the required majority in the Tamil Nadu Assembly.

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.