The Economic Times

While chai is an Indian staple, drinking hot tea on scorching days can lead to dehydration, acidity, and increased body heat. This story explores six simple reasons why your favorite brew might be making the 2026 summer harder to bear and why switching to cooling alternatives is better for your health.

The Election Commission has directed all District Election Officers and Returning Officers in Kerala not to open any strong rooms before vote counting. This follows reports of a strong room being opened in Kozhikode, though the district administration clarified it was an unsealed material room. The commission emphasized strict compliance to ensure the integrity of the electoral process.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah stated the Gorkha issue will be resolved within six months if the BJP forms the government in West Bengal. He assured a settlement acceptable to the Gorkhas, bringing peace and smiles. Shah criticized previous governments for failing to address Gorkha aspirations.

A major controversy has emerged at the Vaishno Devi Temple after investigations found that much of the silver donated by devotees contains toxic metals like cadmium, posing serious health risks. Nearly 20 tonnes of offerings sent for processing were found to have only 56% actual silver, with the rest made up of cheap and hazardous materials. The discovery not only slashes the estimated value of donations from around Rs 500 crore to about Rs 30 crore but also raises alarms over exposure to cadmiu

Starting your day with curd-based meals is the best way to ensure smooth digestion and high energy in 2026. This story explores six simple Indian breakfast ideasfrom Dahi Poha to Curd Ricethat use the power of probiotics to keep your gut healthy and your mornings productive.

Fraudsters are targeting shipping companies stranded near the Strait of Hormuz, offering safe passage in exchange for cryptocurrency payments, according to risk firm MARISKS, which confirmed the messages are scams.

India's infrastructure investment is set for strong growth of 45-50% over the next two years. This surge is fueled by robust domestic demand and supportive government policies. Sectors like renewable energy and data centers will lead the expansion. While the West Asia conflict may cause indirect cost pressures, overall investment remains on track.

A woman's social media post claiming a salary comparable to a senior Google India manager with only three years of experience has gone viral. She highlighted remote work's potential, sharing an offer letter screenshot, and advised professionals against solely pursuing FAANG companies due to high competition. The post sparked mixed reactions, with some users supporting her while others expressed skepticism.

The USS Abraham Lincoln is operating in West Asia, enforcing a US naval blockade on vessels near Iranian ports. This deployment highlights significant US naval presence amidst rising tensions with Iran. Diplomatic talks are set to begin, but Iran's top negotiator criticizes US rhetoric and alleged truce violations. The situation remains tense as a ceasefire deadline approaches.

Small and medium recycling firms are urging the PMO to scrap the 2.5% import tax on aluminium scrap due to rising costs and tight global supplies. They argue this duty hinders their ability to access quality imported material, impacting competitiveness and downstream manufacturing. India heavily relies on imports for its secondary aluminium sector.

An IIT graduate applying to the IVY League, currently unemployed, asked for an offer letter from Jasveer Singh, co-founder and CEO of Knot Dating in a private conversation on WhatsApp. Jasveer Singh called out this practice, saying this is an embarrassing mindset and degrees can't fix characters. Many netizens felt that this wasn't extreme.

JKBOSE Class 10 Result 2026 declared: The Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education has released the Class 10 Result 2026 for the Summer Zone (Jammu Division) on April 21. Students can now check their subject-wise marks and overall scores on jkresults.nic.in using their Roll Number and Registration Number. The online result is provisional, and original marksheets will be issued later.

A major Canadian airline, WestJet, is reducing its flight capacity. This decision stems from a significant surge in jet fuel prices. The conflict between Iran and the United States has disrupted global oil transit routes. This has led to a sharp increase in fuel costs. Air Canada has also announced route suspensions due to similar reasons.

Escape the 2026 Delhi heat with these seven chilly hill stations. From the quiet pine forests of Kanatal to the high-altitude views of Mukteshwar and the adventure of Bir Billing, these mountain retreats offer the perfect temperature drop and scenic beauty for every type of traveler looking to flee the NCR.

Rising minimum wages and worker unrest in the NCR are poised to increase living costs in gated communities and inflate construction expenses. Facility management firms will likely pass higher labor costs to residents via maintenance charges, while developers face challenges absorbing these pressures due to already slowed home sales.

Global oil prices are surging due to a war in the Middle East. This is increasing demand for biofuels made from crops. Countries in Asia are boosting biofuel use to reduce reliance on expensive oil imports. While some worry about food prices, experts believe large-scale impact is unlikely. Biofuels offer a partial solution to the energy crisis.

Chinese car makers are now targeting premium customers. Brands like Geely and Nio are launching advanced electric and hybrid vehicles. These new models offer more features at lower prices than German rivals. This shift is creating strong competition in China and abroad. German automakers are already seeing sales declines in China.

President Donald Trump's second term China policy faces challenges. Initial tariff hikes did not yield desired concessions from Beijing. Recent erratic decisions, including conflicting signals on technology sales and blacklists, create confusion. While some actions have put China on the back foot, critics argue the U.S. approach lacks a coherent strategy, potentially undermining its global standing.

Thane police have clarified a viral video showing a disoriented man. The man was not under the influence of a 'zombie drug'. He had taken an overdose of Pregabalin, a medicine for nerve pain. The individual was identified as Sameer Rajendra Rawal, a labourer from Nepal. He was found to have procured and consumed the tablets for intoxication.

Canada's Old Age Security (OAS) payments are increasing in April, providing a financial boost to eligible seniors. The updated payouts vary by age, with those 75 and older receiving higher amounts. Eligibility depends on age, residency, and years lived in Canada after 18. The maximum monthly benefit for those 65-74 is $743.05, and for those 75+, it's $817.36.

TV actress Dipika Kakkar has been diagnosed with two dot-sized cysts and the health update was shared in her husband Shoaib Ibrahims vlog. The couple shared they cannot do anything about the two cysts and doctors have asked them to monitor their health. Dipika Kakkar was also diagnosed with stage two liver cancer.

This Vijay, who entered politics solely for the people and their welfare, will he bow to the pressures of fascist-minded, anti-people parties? Will he cower and kowtow to the threats and coercions of diversionary investment corporations? He cannot be subdued by flaunting benefits to rein in your son. Nor can he be intimidated by wielding authority to threaten your brother, he said.

A 5.2-magnitude earthquake struck Manipur early Tuesday, with its epicentre in Kamjong district. Tremors were felt in Ukhrul district, Imphal and parts of Meghalaya, but no casualties or damage have been reported so far.

Amid rising tensions with Iran, America finds itself in a pivotal moment as it channels unprecedented volumes of oil to Asia, following the blockade of the vital Strait of Hormuz. However, while these exports provide some relief, they fall short of meeting Asia's substantial demand, complicating the landscape for international oil markets.

President Draupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed greetings to civil servants on Civil Services Day. They highlighted the dedication of officers in strengthening governance and contributing to nation-building. Civil servants are recognized for their commitment to public service and implementing policies. The day commemorates their role in advancing India's progress and development.

A banking customer's routine complaint on X took a hilarious turn when they mistakenly tagged the wrong Vikas Saraswat. The individual, on vacation in Monaco, sarcastically told the user not to bother him and to contact their branch manager instead. This sparked a meme fest and a debate on online etiquette and customer service.

ISC Class 12 results are anticipated by the last week of April 2026. ICSE Class 10 results are also expected around the same period. Students can check their marksheets on official websites like cisce.org and results.cisce.org. DigiLocker will also provide access to digital marksheets. Students should keep their Unique ID and Index Number ready for quick access to their scores.

A Nagaon District and Sessions Court convicted 20 out of 45 accused in the 2018 mob lynching of Nilotpal Das and Abhijit Nath. The court acquitted 25 others, a decision met with dissatisfaction by the victims' families who are seeking the strictest punishment. The sentencing for the convicted is scheduled for April 24.

Get ready, Rourkela! President Droupadi Murmu is set to touch down in Odisha this Tuesday for an action-packed day. Shell be cutting ribbons at a new planetarium and a vibrant tribal museum, celebrating culture and education. The launch of the Nirmal Munda Parivesh Path is also on her agenda, promoting environmental consciousness in the area.

Rudraprayag police are ready for the Kedarnath Yatra. A detailed traffic plan is in place to manage crowds and ensure smooth travel. The district is divided into zones and sectors for better control. Mobile teams will respond to issues quickly. Parking facilities are arranged to prevent jams.

A new assessment by the Institute for the Study of War on Monday (local time) pointed to deepening divisions within Iran's leadership, as diplomatic tensions and military pressure between the United States and Iran continue to mount before the second round of Islamabad Talks.

Gulf states fear Iran-U.S. talks may only secure the Strait of Hormuz, not broader de-escalation. Negotiations are shifting focus to uranium enrichment and Iran's leverage over the vital oil route, sidelining Gulf security concerns. Analysts warn this approach risks entrenching Iran's influence, prioritizing global stability over regional safety.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee accuses the BJP of obstructing her flight and targeting TMC workers. She criticises the central government's election interference, questioning the use of military and agencies. Banerjee also highlights unfulfilled job promises and the delayed implementation of the Women's Reservation Bill.

The European Union plans to broaden its Iran sanctions. New measures will target individuals and groups responsible for blocking the Strait of Hormuz. This move comes after nearly two months of disruption to global energy and commodity markets. The European External Action Service will prepare the new listings. This follows previous EU actions against Iran's Revolutionary Guards and officials.

India faces extreme weather. Heavy rains lash the Northeast, while heatwaves grip North and Central India. Thunderstorms and hailstorms are also reported. These conditions pose risks to crops and infrastructure. Authorities advise caution and adherence to safety measures. Residents should stay informed about weather updates.

Indian garment exporters expect a strong business rebound in the second half of the fiscal year. Easing US tariff pressures are bringing buyers back. Orders for the first two quarters were booked at peak tariffs. Revenue improvement will be visible from October. Exporters are diversifying markets to Europe and Africa.

India's security agencies gain a new edge with the indigenously developed satellite imaging system Prajna. This AI-enabled technology will bolster internal security and counter-terrorism efforts. Meanwhile, the Indian Navy successfully tested the Air Droppable Container ADC-150. This system enhances naval logistics, enabling quick delivery of critical supplies to vessels at sea.

Hopes of a breakthrough in the USIran conflict have faded after early diplomatic progress was disrupted, with President Donald Trumps public statements and combative social media posts may have complicated sensitive negotiations. While backchannel talks mediated by Pakistan had been gaining momentum, Trumps claims that Iran had already agreed to key demands were swiftly rejected by Tehran, which warned such assertions risk undermining its domestic position. Major disagreements over uranium enric

UP Board Class 10th result upmsp: UP Board Class 10 and 12 results will not be released today. Final checks are underway to ensure accuracy for the lakhs of students awaiting their scores. The announcement is now anticipated between April 25 and April 29. Students can check their results online on official websites once declared. Parents are advised to support their children through the outcome.

Charles Dickens, a renowned English novelist, penned a powerful quote about enduring hardship. His words highlight the human struggle against overwhelming problems. Dickens' own life experiences fueled his concern for the less fortunate. The quote emphasizes moral perseverance and the conscious choice to maintain hope for a better future, even when immediate change is impossible.

Robin Sharma's quote, Change is hardest at the beginning, messiest in the middle and best at the end, encapsulates the challenging yet rewarding journey of personal growth. Robin, a renowned leadership expert and author, inspires millions with his philosophy of discipline, self-improvement, and meaningful work, emphasizing that consistent small daily efforts lead to extraordinary outcomes.

CBSE Class 12 Result Date Time: Lakhs of CBSE Class 12 students are now awaiting their results after the scorecards of Class 10 were released. Reports hint that the results may be declared by the end of this month, possibly by April 30. Once released, students will be able to access their results through multiple platforms such as cbse.gov.in, results.cbse.nic.in, UMANG app, DigiLocker and IVRS service.

New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has confirmed his leadership of the National Party. He faced a confidence vote following internal speculation about his position. The party caucus decisively backed Luxon, closing the matter. This comes as the National Party's popularity and the ruling coalition's election prospects have declined in recent polls.

Apple's long-serving CEO Tim Cook is transitioning to executive chairman later this year. John Ternus will assume the CEO role on September 1, 2026. This leadership change follows a planned succession. Cook's departure marks a significant moment for the tech giant. Ternus is set to continue Apple's focus on innovation and core values.

Lebanese President Aoun announced planned talks with Israel to end hostilities and occupation, despite strong rejection from Hezbollah. The negotiations, set for a second round, follow a US-brokered truce after weeks of conflict. Hezbollah lawmaker Fadlallah urged Lebanon to withdraw, citing internal divisions and the threat to national consensus.

Iran's powerful parliament speaker warned Monday that Tehran had ew cards if war resumes with the United States and Israel, ahead of the expiration of a two-week ceasefire. We do not accept negotiations under the shadow of threats, and in the last two weeks we have been preparing to show new cards on the battlefield, Ghalibaf, Iran's top negotiator in talks with the United States, wrote on X. sct/des

Assam HS 12th Results 2026 Date: Students can expect Assam Class 12th HS Results in the last week of April, 2026. According to an official statement, the results are expected to be declared in the last week of the month, most likely by April 30, 2026. Students can check HS Results on aahsec.assam.gov.in, DigiLocker and UPOLOBDHA application.