The Economic Times
Elections 2026Company / The Economic Times
Prime Minister Narendra Modi made an unscheduled stop in Jhargram, West Bengal. He enjoyed jhalmuri, a popular street food. Bystanders were surprised as the PM approached the stall. Modi asked for the price and requested a tasty preparation. He paid the vendor and specifically asked for no salt. The Prime Minister later shared his experience on X.
Rajasthan is experiencing intense heatwaves. Kota recorded the highest temperature at 42.1 degrees Celsius. Other cities like Churu and Chittorgarh also saw temperatures soaring to 42 degrees Celsius. Many other parts of the state are facing maximum temperatures between 38 and 40 degrees Celsius. The heat is affecting daily life across the state.
Israel's Defence Minister has ordered the military to use full force in Lebanon. This directive applies even during the current ceasefire if Israeli soldiers face any threat. The army is also instructed to demolish booby-trapped structures and houses near the border. These actions aim to remove Hezbollah outposts and protect Israeli communities.
The weather remained mainly dry in Himachal Pradesh over the past 24 hours since Saturday evening, with traces of snowfall in Koksar, 7.8 mm of rain in Kukumseri and traces of rain in Keylong.
Indian spinner Varun Chakaravarthy achieved a career milestone of 200 T20 wickets. He reached this mark during the IPL 2026 match between Kolkata Knight Riders and Rajasthan Royals. Chakaravarthy took three wickets in the game. Rajasthan Royals were restricted to 155/9. Kolkata Knight Riders need 156 runs to win.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged West Bengal voters to elect a BJP government. He promised direct benefits for farmers and accountability for the current administration. Modi pledged to eliminate middlemen and ensure fair prices for produce. A BJP government will focus on development and security for all citizens. The Prime Minister also assured better employment opportunities for the youth.
Quote of the day: As literature continues to shape conversations around mental health, personal growth, and emotional resilience, voices like Stephenie Meyers remain relevant. Her quote stands as a reminder that lifes most meaningful insights often emerge not in moments of ease, but in times when the path forward is hardest to see.
Kolkata Knight Riders captain Ajinkya Rahane has set a new IPL record for the most ducks as an opener. He was dismissed for a duck against Rajasthan Royals, marking his second consecutive duck. Rahane now has 12 ducks in this role. KKR bowlers performed well, restricting Rajasthan Royals to 155. KKR needs to chase 156 for a win.
Justin Bieber tour date related buzz has gripped the social media platforms after singer's Coachella weekend 2 performance.
In a heated exchange, US President Donald Trump labels Iran's actions as a breach of the ceasefire agreement, warning of severe repercussions including attacks on critical infrastructure like power plants and bridges if they don't comply. Meanwhile, his diplomatic team has embarked on a mission to Pakistan to navigate the escalating tensions.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has called for a review of voter numbers in Lok Sabha constituencies. He stated that large electorates prevent MPs from serving their constituents effectively. Shah also urged support for a bill to implement a 33 percent reservation for women in legislatures by 2029.
Protests erupted in Imphal West after a bomb attack killed two children. Security forces used tear gas to control demonstrators. A women's group has called for a seven-day shutdown demanding arrests. The family of the victims rejected government compensation, seeking justice instead. The mother of the deceased children has returned to her maternal home.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed a rally in Jhargram, West Bengal. He accused the ruling Trinamool Congress of neglecting tribal communities and women. Modi urged voters to support the BJP for development and to protect Bengal's heritage. He promised better electricity supply and benefits for tribal families. The upcoming elections are crucial for the state's future.
Attacking opposition parties including the Congress, Samajwadi Party, TMC and DMK, Adityanath said they were anti-women and their speeches and actions had exposed them.
American representatives will travel to Islamabad for talks with Iran. President Trump issued a strong warning of military action if Iran does not agree to a deal. He accused Iran of violating a ceasefire and attempting to close the Strait of Hormuz. Trump stated that a US blockade is already in effect, causing significant daily losses for Iran.
India and Russia have entered into a reciprocal logistics agreement allowing up to 3,000 troops, naval ships, and aircraft to be stationed in each other's territories. This pact, effective January 12, 2025, aims to bolster long-term military cooperation, facilitate joint exercises, and enhance interoperability in the Indo-Pacific and Arctic regions.
After weeks of speculation, Netflix officially confirmed The Night Agent Season 4 on March 6, 2026, shortly after Season 3 premiered. Showrunner Shawn Ryan had earlier indicated that scripts were already in development well before the announcement.
A devastating explosion ripped through a firecracker factory in Kattanarpatti, Virudhunagar, Tamil Nadu on Sunday. The blast claimed the lives of 16 people and left six others injured. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin expressed his condolences and dispatched ministers to the site to oversee rescue efforts. The incident has sent shockwaves through the region.
A study at Sawai Man Singh Hospital reveals children's excessive mobile use leads to concentration issues, loneliness, and sleep problems. Many children spend hours on phones daily. This behavior causes irritability and reduced family interaction. Experts warn of psychological dependence. Parents are urged to set limits and encourage outdoor activities and reading to combat these trends.
Stepping away from arguments is often associated with strong psychological boundaries. These boundaries enable individuals to safeguard their mental and emotional well-being. By disengaging from toxic or one-sided exchanges, they avoid unnecessary stress and emotional exhaustion.
Family of TCS employee Raza Rafiq Memon claims internal rivalry and office politics are behind false sexual harassment and conversion allegations. Memon, a high performer and team leader, is among eight arrested, with his uncle alleging a conspiracy fueled by his success. TCS has suspended employees and is conducting an internal probe.
Nashik police secured custody of self-styled godman Ashok Kharat until April 23. This is the fifth sexual assault case against him. Kharat faces multiple charges including sexual assault and financial fraud. He allegedly used black magic and claimed divine powers. A Special Investigation Team is probing the cases. Kharat's connections with political leaders have also drawn attention.
Indian liver specialists warn that energy drinks are harming young livers. High caffeine and sugar levels in these beverages, along with alcohol and sugary drinks, create a serious risk. Doctors are seeing younger patients with liver problems. Urgent awareness campaigns and stricter regulations are needed. Lifestyle changes are crucial to prevent this rising health crisis.
TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to release Rs 2 lakh crore in central dues to West Bengal before professing love for the state. He criticized Modi's guarantee as zero guarantee and highlighted Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's commitment to her promises, contrasting it with alleged BJP inaction on development projects.
The poll body noted that over 11,000 violative social media posts have been addressed since March 15, while 3,10,393 complaints were resolved via the C-Vigil app, highlighting a 96.01% resolution rate within 100 minutes.
Applegate has been candid about her diagnosis and how it has affected her life. Since publicly confirming her condition in August 2021, she has used interviews and her podcast, MeSsy Podcast, to speak about the realities of living with MS.
In embracing this African wisdom, individuals are reminded that true resilience is not about controlling the outside world, but about mastering the one within.
Himachal Pradesh government has deferred a portion of salaries for officers and employees for six months, starting May 2026, to manage financial resources efficiently. The deferment percentages vary by rank, with higher officials seeing a 30% reduction and others 20%. This temporary measure aims for efficient financial management and will be released later based on the state's financial health.
A bizarre on-field moment during an IPL 2026 match between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Chennai Super Kings has gone viral. A fan's apparent 'black magic' ritual with a lemon coincided with the crucial wicket of Shivam Dube. While a fake complaint letter circulated, SRH ultimately secured a 10-run victory.
Tata Trusts trustees will seek to change rules in the Bai Hirabai Trust deed. These rules previously barred non-Zoroastrians from becoming trustees. This action follows a complaint by a former trustee. The trust deed's restrictive clauses are being reviewed. The aim is to align the trust with inclusive values. This move addresses eligibility criteria for trustees.
Postal voting for government employees, police, fire and rescue staff, and accredited journalists on election duty in Thoothukudi district concluded on Sunday. This alternative arrangement allows essential personnel to cast their ballots ahead of the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. The process was conducted peacefully and orderly over three days.
Global finance leaders met amid Middle East war news. They acknowledged their limited ability to counter economic damage from frequent geopolitical shocks. Reliance on U.S. leadership for crisis resolution is no longer assured. The IMF and World Bank pledged aid to developing nations. Officials expressed frustration with ongoing economic calamities.
Responding to last year's unfortunate events, Pahalgam is rolling out a cutting-edge QR code initiative aimed at bolstering security for its many local workers. This smart system allows pony handlers, taxi drivers, and vendors to be instantly verified, providing peace of mind for everyone involved.
Multiple state governments are set to raise a combined Rs 16,900 crore through a revised auction of State Government Securities on April 21. The Reserve Bank of India will conduct the auction on its E-Kuber platform, featuring fresh issuances and re-issues with varying tenors. Andhra Pradesh, Punjab, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Telangana are among the participating states.
Kerala Lottery: Samrudhi SM 51 Kerala Lottery result 2026 will be declared today following a live draw at Gorky Bhavan in Thiruvananthapuram at 3:00 pm, with thousands of participants awaiting the winning numbers. The Kerala State Lottery SM 51 draw features a first prize of Rs 1 crore, along with a Rs 25 lakh second prize, Rs 5 lakh third prize, and multiple smaller rewards ranging from Rs 100 to Rs 5,000. Winners must verify their ticket numbers with the official Kerala Government Gazette and
Another worker from Jharkhand injured in the boiler explosion at the Vedanta power plant in Singhitarai village of Sakti district, Chhattisgarh, passed away on Sunday at Raigarh Medical College.
The Indian Air Force is revolutionising its operational strategy with the introduction of a cutting-edge unmanned aerial vehicle system for its prestigious Garud Special Forces. Designed to perform efficiently in the harshest climates, this man-portable UAV brings advanced surveillance capabilities to the forefront.
In Noidas industrial belt, thousands of factory workers are struggling to survive on monthly wages of around Rs 11,000Rs 14,000, pushing many into relentless overtime work just to meet basic living costs. Rising rent, inflation, and expensive essentials like LPG have left workers trapped in financial stress, where even taking a day off or falling sick leads to income loss. While Noidas manufacturing sector supplies global brands and employs lakhs of workers, most unskilled employees say their ea
The Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations, CISCE, will soon announce the ICSE and ISC results for 2026. Students can check their scores on the official website, cisce.org. Results are expected in late April or early May. Students can also access their digital marksheets via DigiLocker and the UMANG app. The results will detail subject-wise marks and overall status.
The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) has proposed a unified national industrial land bank with a GIS-enabled system to streamline land acquisition for manufacturing. The proposal includes standardized social impact assessments, district-level acquisition cells, and a dispute registry to reduce timelines and enhance transparency.
The government is poised to significantly boost foreign direct investment in the pension sector, potentially raising the limit to 100%. A bill to this effect is anticipated in upcoming parliamentary sessions. This move mirrors the insurance sector's recent FDI liberalization. Additionally, proposals include separating the NPS Trust from the PFRDA, aiming for independent management.
Bulgarians are voting for the eighth time in five years. They hope to elect a stable parliament to end political deadlock. Nationwide protests against corruption have led to frequent government changes. Former President Rumen Radev's coalition is the front-runner. He promises a fresh start and an end to corruption. This vote could shift Bulgaria's pro-Russian stance.
A Mumbai-based entrepreneur has sparked online discussion after sharing the story of a founder with a net worth of Rs 100 crore who continues to live a simple lifestyle, choosing autorickshaws, shared taxis, and budget hotels over luxury vehicles and high-end living. The anecdote, posted by Vinod Chendhil of Naturally Yours on X, highlights how the entrepreneur prioritises practicality and minimalism despite significant wealth, with the only major lifestyle change being more time for vacations.
Iran's Parliament Speaker claimed its forces neutralized 180 drones and targeted a US F-35 stealth fighter, signaling advanced defense capabilities. He linked these military developments to ongoing indirect talks with Washington, stating that while some consensus exists, major differences persist. Ghalibaf asserted that Iran's refusal to yield to pressure led to the shift towards diplomacy.
An Airbnb host went viral after showcasing a property left in a shocking state of disarray by guests. The video revealed extensive trash, leftover food, and dirt, requiring hours of intensive cleaning. This incident sparked online debate about guest responsibility and a perceived decline in civic sense.
India faces global challenges from a strong position. Economic growth is projected between 6.8% and 7.1% for FY27. The nation's banking sector is robust. Opportunities arise for GIFT City and Indian airports. The Reserve Bank of India is likely to maintain its current monetary policy stance. India's resilience is evident amidst regional conflict and global uncertainties.
Whispers suggest President Trump is considering a military intervention in Cuba, seeing an opportunity for an easy win amidst the island's economic collapse and political instability. Despite the potential for popular welcome, the administration's lack of moral authority and the risk of renewed exploitation pose significant dangers.
Britain's government is set to announce legislation next month to move the country closer to the European Union, as the Iran war sours the UK's so-called special relationship with the United States. When the relationship with the United States is fracturing, it means there's reduced opposition to a closer relationship with the EU among the public, said Aspinall. pdh/jkb/rmb/jhb

38 C