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Elections 2026Top News / The Economic Times
A micromoon occurs when the Moon reaches its farthest point from Earth in its orbit, a position known as apogee. Unlike a supermoon, which appears larger and brighter, a micromoon can look roughly 1014% smaller in the sky.
Power struggle within Masoud Pezeshkians administration has intensified, with the President and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf pushing to remove Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. They accuse him of bypassing civilian leadership and taking directions from Revolutionary Guard commander Ahmad Vahidi.
Waking up refreshed in 2026 is about simple lifestyle shifts rather than complex science. By using orange light filters, keeping your core cool, and placing your alarm across the room, you can eliminate morning grogginess. These six habits ensure you wake up with natural energy and lasting mental clarity.
Weight loss doesn't always require a gym; it starts with choosing foods that trick your brain into feeling full. From the zero-calorie Konjac root to the high-satiety boiled potato, these six foods help regulate your metabolism and reduce calorie intake effortlessly, making dieting simple and sustainable in 2026.
Quote of the day by Sarah Brown highlights determination, hard work, and human nature through the line, The only thing that ever sat its way to success was a hen. The quote connects with life lessons about effort and persistence. This explainer covers the meaning of the quote, its relevance today, and the life and career of American actor Sarah Brown, including awards, television roles, and personal life.
The US has voiced concerns over India's high customs duties on IP-intensive products and its proposed mandatory blanket license for AI developers using copyrighted works. India remains on the US's 'Priority Watch List' for inadequate IP protection, with specific worries about trade secret disclosure and patent revocations, particularly in the pharmaceutical sector.
Employee unions have secured an extension until May 31, 2026, to submit their demands for the eighth pay commission. They are advocating for a doubling of the minimum pay to Rs 69,000 per month, effective January 1, 2026, and a fitment formula of 3.833 for existing employees and pensioners.
International oil benchmark Brent edged back up to around $111 per barrel following Thursday's wild swings on worries about a resumption of hostilities in the Middle East.
Moderna had earlier posted a loss of $2.52 per share a year earlier, while analysts expected a loss of $3.96 per share.
Rajasthan Royals, in strong form with six wins in nine matches, host Delhi Capitals at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium. Led by Riyan Parag, the Royals aim to continue their winning streak, while a struggling Delhi Capitals, captained by Axar Patel, will look to improve their seventh-place standing. The match will be broadcast on Star Sports Network and streamed on JioHotstar.
IPL 2026 RR vs DC Head-to-Head Records: Rajasthan Royals and Delhi Capitals clash at Sawai Mansingh Stadium on Friday. Rajasthan Royals enter the match on a high after defeating Punjab Kings. Delhi Capitals face Rajasthan Royals following a significant loss to Royal Challengers Bengaluru. The head-to-head record between the two teams is evenly split. Predicted playing XIs for both sides are provided.
Stop wasting soft produce with these six simple ways to store tomatoes. By learning to store them stem-side down and avoiding the texture-killing cold of the fridge, you can maintain the perfect crunch and flavor. These easy, relatable kitchen hacks ensure your tomatoes stay firm and delicious for much longer.
Delhi is testing barrierless tolling, known as Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF), at the Mundka toll plaza, with vehicles passing through and tolls deducted via FASTag. This system, set to go live by mid-May, aims to eliminate waiting times and congestion, with plans to expand to 17 plazas and more soon.
US-Iran war: Shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has plummeted by over 90 percent. This critical global energy route is experiencing severe disruptions due to escalating tensions in West Asia. Over 40 incidents involving merchant ships have been reported. Many large merchant vessels are stranded inside the Gulf. Seafarers face strained supplies and mental well-being concerns.
Elon Musk repeatedly described OpenAI as a charity and testified that Altman and Brockman reneged on an initial promise to keep the nonprofit model.
ICSE Class 10 Results 2026: Srishti and Drishti Kumari, identical twins from Jharkhand's Hazaribag, have achieved a remarkable feat. They jointly topped their ICSE Class X board exams with an identical score of 97.6%. The sisters also secured the same marks, 97 in Hindi and English. Even their career goals remain the same.
Union Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan launched Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana-IV in Rayagada, Odisha. The initiative will fund 827 road projects covering 1,701 km. This aims to connect 898 habitations with all-weather roads for the first time. The scheme will boost socio-economic development and improve access to essential services.
Word of the Day: Crepuscule is more than a synonym for twilight, it is a word that encapsulates the beauty of transition, the poetry of impermanence, and the quiet elegance of in-between moments. In a language often driven by efficiency, it offers a reminder of the power of nuance and imagery.
SpaceX's $15 billion figure, which has not been previously reported, eclipses the roughly $400 million SpaceX spent developing Falcon 9, the world's most frequently flown rocket.
The U.S. Navy is accelerating its artificial intelligence capabilities to detect Iranian mines in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping lane. A new contract with Domino Data Lab aims to significantly reduce the time it takes to train underwater drones to identify new mine types, potentially cutting a six-month process down to days.
BSE Odisha 10th Result 2026: Odisha Class 10 results are set to be released tomorrow, May 2, 2026, at 4 PM. Nearly 5 lakh students can check their marks online via bseodisha.ac.in, orissaresults.nic.in, and bseodisha.nic.in. An SMS option is also available. Students need 33% overall and 30% in each subject to pass.
West Bengal exit polls suggest a close contest between BJP and TMC. Following the predictions, a Bangladeshi MP Akhtar Hussain expressed concern over a potential refugee crisis in Dhaka if the BJP wins, fearing the return of undocumented migrants. This statement highlights the sensitive issue of illegal immigration, a key election theme.
India is rapidly repatriating its gold reserves, bringing the majority home from overseas vaults. This strategic shift, driven by trust concerns and a desire for greater control, reflects a global trend of nations prioritizing physical sovereignty over foreign custody. The move ensures immediate access to wealth during economic uncertainty, redefining safety in international finance.
Zohran Mamdani faces flak: King Charles and Queen Camilla visited the 9/11 Memorial in the city and paid their respects to the victims of the terror attack.
A tragic cruise boat accident at Bargi Dam in Jabalpur has claimed nine lives. The Madhya Pradesh government has ordered a probe into the incident and banned all cruise boat operations statewide. Local heroes who risked their lives during the rescue will be honored. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences and announced financial assistance for the victims' families.
Chinese proverb of the day explores the meaning of True gold fears not the test of fire. The proverb teaches lessons about truth, integrity, resilience, success, leadership, friendship, and personal growth. It explains how hardship, scrutiny, and challenges reveal real worth and strengthen character. The message encourages patience, confidence, and honesty, showing how difficult times prepare people for growth, learning, and long-term success in life, work, and relationships.
Tensions remain high over the Strait of Hormuz. A UAE official voiced deep mistrust in Iran's unilateral actions. The vital waterway faces a blockade, impacting global oil supplies and prices. Reports of potential new U.S. military strikes have further unsettled markets. Iran warns of a strong response to any attack. Peace talks are stalled, with no quick results expected.
LIK OTT release: Pradeep Ranganathans upcoming romantic comedy Love Insurance Kompany will premiere on Amazon Prime Video on May 6, 2026. The film also stars J Suryah and Krithi Shetty. Directed by Pradeep Ranganathan, the movie promises a fresh mix of romance, humour and entertainment.
KL Rahul is focused on winning IPL titles, not personal records. He aims to match MS Dhoni's five trophy wins. Rahul feels a special connection to the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. He praises the fearless approach of young Indian batters. Rahul finds stability as an opener but values batting at different positions for growth.
The Central Bureau of Investigation has apprehended Natasha Verma, Additional Director of CGHS in Meerut, along with her Private Assistant. They were arrested in connection with a bribery case. Verma was accused of demanding a bribe of Rs 80,000. The CBI laid a trap and caught the Private Assistant red-handed accepting Rs 50,000 on behalf of Verma.
Hollywood star Bruce Willis faces frontotemporal dementia. His family might donate his brain for research. This news highlights the disease and Willis's cinematic achievements. Willis retired from acting in 2022 due to aphasia, which progressed to dementia. His career includes iconic roles in Die Hard and The Sixth Sense.
Iran asserts it has an open channel for talks with the United States, even amidst military tensions. Tehran is preparing legal action against US actions. Meanwhile, the US administration faces a constitutional debate regarding the War Powers Resolution. The deadline for congressional authorization is approaching, creating a potential conflict between the White House and Congress.
A young man in Bengaluru has vowed to stop celebrating his birthday after a recent celebration resulted in a staggering 65,208 bill. The extensive order included 19 drinks, 28 starters, 5 pizzas, and 5 desserts, with premium beverages significantly contributing to the high cost. The incident sparked online debate about the expense of alcoholic beverages.
Suvarna Keralam SK 51 Lottery Result (01/05/2026): Suvarna Keralam SK 51 weekly lottery conducted by the Kerala State Lotteries Department has been postponed May 8, 2026 instead of May 1, 2026. The event will have one ticket holder coming out as the winner of the grand first prize of Rs 1 crore.
African proverb of the day explains the message behind the saying The earth is a beehive, we all enter by the same door. The proverb highlights shared humanity, equality, unity, empathy, and shared destiny. It reminds people that despite differences in life paths, everyone shares the same world and origin. The proverb also connects with other inspiring African proverbs about preparation, reflection, and responsibility.
Iran war: Dubai's vibrant restaurant scene is feeling the pinch. Chefs are struggling to get key ingredients like avocados and tomatillos. The ongoing conflict in Iran has disrupted sea routes and increased air freight costs. This is forcing restaurants to scale back, cut staff, and adapt menus. Some are turning to local produce. Authorities are offering support to navigate this challenging period.
Delhi is cracking down on polluting vehicles. Over 15,000 cars were denied fuel in just four days for lacking a valid Pollution Under Control certificate. This strict enforcement of the 'no PUC, no fuel' rule aims to combat the city's air quality crisis. The government is ensuring vehicles meet pollution standards to improve air quality for everyone.
India's Defence Research and Development Organisation and the Navy achieved a significant milestone with the first-ever salvo launch of a Naval Anti-ship Missile Short Range from a helicopter off Odisha's coast. This advanced, indigenously developed missile system demonstrated impressive capabilities, including hitting its target at waterline. The successful test bolsters India's naval defence prowess.
Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 2026 dates: Registration for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 2026 has started. Pilgrims can apply online till May 19 for the journey via Lipulekh Pass and Nathu La routes. A total of 20 batches of 50 pilgrims each will undertake the yatra between June and August 2026. The entire process is fully digital and transparent.
Iran's foreign ministry spokesperson condemns US military strikes as aggression, questioning self-defense claims. The US administration maintains it is not at war, despite military engagement reaching a legal threshold. A debate is ongoing regarding the War Powers Resolution and congressional authorization for ongoing hostilities. Opposition lawmakers are pushing to end the engagement.
Opposition parties in Punjab, including Congress and Shiromani Akali Dal, accused Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann of appearing intoxicated during Vidhan Sabha proceedings. They demanded an immediate alcohol test for the CM and all MLAs, with Congress also calling for dope testing and an independent medical check by PGIMER.
Commercial LPG prices have surged significantly after the elections. Rahul Gandhi calls this an 'election bill'. A 19-kg cylinder now costs over Rs 3,000 in Delhi. This rise impacts small businesses like dhabas and restaurants. Domestic LPG prices remain unchanged. Global energy volatility and tensions in West Asia are cited as reasons for the hike.
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel inaugurated the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Exhibition in Surat, showcasing the state's industrial, agricultural, and green energy advancements. The event aims to promote regional development and attract investors, with a focus on new technologies and sustainable practices. This initiative is part of Gujarat's strategy to foster balanced and inclusive growth across the state.
Jharkhand Academic Council is preparing to release the JAC Class 12 results for Science, Commerce, and Arts streams. Students can expect their scorecards soon, likely in the first week of May. The results will be available on the official website, jacresults.com, and results.jacportal.in. Students can also check their marks via DigiLocker or SMS.
Parag Agarwal has raised $100 million for his new AI startup called Parallel Web Systems and the worth of the company is around Rs 19,020 crore. Parag Agrawal was CEO of Twitter until late 2022, when Twitter-acquirer Elon Musk ousted him. He served as Twitters chief technology officer before stepping in as CEO in 2021, following co-founder Jack Dorseys departure.
US-Iran war: Iran's Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi accused the Pentagon of lying about defense spending amid the US-Iran conflict. He claimed the ongoing war has cost the United States $100 billion directly, significantly more than reported. Araghchi further stated that indirect costs are much higher, with each American household facing a monthly bill of $500.
Bruce Willis' family is reportedly preparing for an emotional farewell as the actor battles frontotemporal dementia. His family has decided to donate his brain for scientific research, a move aimed at advancing understanding of the debilitating condition. Willis, known for Die Hard, stepped away from acting after his aphasia diagnosis progressed.
An IndiGo flight from Lucknow to Raipur aborted its takeoff after pilots spotted a monkey on the runway. The incident, which occurred just as the Airbus A320 was accelerating, caused a delay for nearly 170 passengers. Airport operations were briefly disrupted, with another flight performing a go-around.

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