The Economic Times

Iran war: The writer reflects on wartime destruction in London to highlight concerns about ongoing strikes in Iran, especially the historic city of Isfahan. Iran has many protected heritage sites, but these remain vulnerable during conflict.

As part of these efforts, traffic authorities are making temporary adjustments such as closing and reopening specific turns and intersections. During a recent experiment on MA Road, officials temporarily shut a turn near the mechanised parking facility to observe whether redirecting movement towards another point would improve traffic behaviour.

New fossils discovered in Chinas Yunnan province show that complex animal life began millions of years earlier than previously thought, during the late Ediacaran period around 539 million years ago.

Pakistan petrol, diesel prices: The petrol price in cash-strapped Pakistan has increased to PKR 458.40 rupees per litre and diesel has breached the 500 mark. This comes when Pakistan has claimed to be a mediator in the US-Iran war. The increase in fuel prices is expected to burn the pockets of Pakistanis, already facing high inflation and cost of living.

Shivang Kumar's father: Shivang Kumar, a 23-year-old spinner from Moradabad, made his IPL debut for Sunrisers Hyderabad after a journey marked by his father's unconventional coaching and a five-month break from the sport. His impressive domestic performances, including a five-wicket haul, ultimately secured him a spot in the league.

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) skipper Ajinkya Rahane, following KKR's second loss in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, defended his performance by emphasizing that his strike rate has been among the best since 2023, dismissed critics as people who aren't properly watching matches, and suggested that the negativity toward him may stem from bias or even jealousy over his success.

The Election Commission has completed verification for over 52 lakh voters in West Bengal. Work continues for nearly 8 lakh more applicants. The entire adjudication process is expected to finish by April 7. This is crucial as the first phase of elections begins on April 23. Security measures are being enhanced for judicial officers after a recent incident.

Intelligence assessments cited by CNN say Iran still retains a large share of its missile and drone capabilities despite weeks of US-Israeli strikes, contradicting claims by Donald Trump that its programme was destroyed.

Indian peacekeepers in South Sudan have successfully reopened a crucial supply route in Upper Nile State, previously closed due to last year's floods. This vital effort by UNMISS engineers will significantly improve mobility and facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid to vulnerable communities in a challenging environment.

A teenager, Connor James Tobin, is facing more than 50 charges. He allegedly brought a loaded gun to an Eastern Passage restaurant. Police later seized more weapons, including a handgun with a prohibited magazine, long guns, and body armour. This incident was related to intimate partner violence. Tobin remains in custody.

The Middle East conflict intensifies as Iran continues its strikes, impacting regional stability and global energy markets. US President Trump claims Iran's threat is diminishing, but Tehran asserts its capabilities remain strong. Attacks have caused significant casualties and displacement. Disruptions to the Strait of Hormuz threaten oil supplies, leading to rising prices and economic concerns worldwide.

US President Donald Trump has issued a stark warning regarding potential strikes on Iran's bridges and electric power plants. This comes as US-Israeli strikes reportedly caused civilian casualties in Iran. Iran's leadership acknowledges the need for swift action. The conflict intensifies, raising concerns for civilian safety.

Quote of the Day by Mignon McLaughlin: Love in marriage is a continuous journey. Mignon McLaughlin's quote highlights that enduring relationships need repeated rediscovery. Couples must actively nurture affection and admiration. This involves small acts of appreciation and adapting to changes. Such renewal keeps the bond strong over time. It is an ongoing choice for partners.

Delhi weather: Parts of Delhi-NCR woke up to dust storms and strong winds on Friday morning with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) warning of light rain and thunderstorms today. The IMD has issued a yellow alert for Delhi for Saturday, April 4. Noida, Gurugram and Ghaziabad might also see one or two spells of rain today and tomorrow.

Filmmaker Nadav Lapid's new movie 'Yes' opens in US cinemas. The film depicts a couple in Tel Aviv navigating a dual life of raising a child and attending fetish parties. It delves into themes of identity and existential meaning. Lapid states the movie reflects a society on the edge, capturing a global sense of chaos and fear.

FBI Director Kash Patel, Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll, and Labour Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer are being considered for departures from the Trump administration. The timing remains uncertain, as President Trump has not finalised any decisions. The claims could not be independently verified at this time.

Trump administration's decision to import nearly one billion eggs last year also helped lower prices, according to an official.

China's UN representative, Fu Cong, has strongly opposed any measures authorising military action in the Middle East. Addressing the United Nations, he warned that such approval would essentially legitimise the unlawful and indiscriminate use of force, according to reports from Al Jazeera.

Aerospace giant Airbus is enhancing its drone capabilities. The company is developing drones to work alongside manned aircraft. This initiative is driven by lessons from recent conflicts and a European rearmament drive. Airbus aims to double production rates by 2027. This strategic move positions Airbus to meet growing demand for advanced drone technology in defense and civilian applications.

Good Friday 2026 Wishes Messages: Good Friday is one of the most somber days of the Christian calendar and it commemorates Jesus Christ's sacrifice, more specifically the suffering and agony he faced leading up to his Crucifixion. On this occasion, we have Good Friday wishes, images, messages, quotes, WhatsApp status and Instagram blessings to share today.

Iran announced a proposal with Oman to monitor the Strait of Hormuz. The plan aims to ensure safe passage for ships. This comes amid tensions and reported demands for passage fees. The strait is a vital international waterway. Iran stated wartime conditions affect navigation rules. Oman has not yet confirmed the proposal.

America remains open to talks with Iran. This comes as military conflict continues. President Trump has issued new warnings about Iran's civilian infrastructure. The US states it is winning the war. However, an exit strategy is not detailed. The Strait of Hormuz remains closed. This situation has impacted global energy prices.

Donald Trump had asked Congress for a national defense budget of $892.6 billion then added $150 billion through a supplemental budget request, sending the total price tag over $1 trillion for the first time in history.

The UN Security Council is set to vote on a watered-down proposal to secure the Strait of Hormuz, allowing only defensive actions after China and Russia opposed authorizing force. The resolution aims to ensure safe passage for vessels, a critical waterway for global oil transport, following Iran's interference.

Quote of the day by Gianni Versace: He believed healthy competition pushes individuals to excel. This concept fuels personal growth and innovation. Versace, a renowned designer, built a global fashion empire. He inspired supermodels and influenced the industry significantly. His legacy continues through his sister Donatella.

President Trump adjusted national security tariffs on steel, aluminum, and copper imports, reducing duty rates on derivative products and simplifying compliance. The U.S. will maintain a 50% tariff on commodity metals but apply it to customer prices, while derivative products with less than 15% metal content will see duties eliminated.

Blake Lively Justin Baldoni: A federal judge dismissed most of Blake Lively's sexual harassment claims against Justin Baldoni in their It Ends With Us film lawsuit, citing that the alleged conduct occurred outside California. Lively can still pursue retaliation and contract claims against Baldoni's production company.

Quote of the day by Blake Lively: She offers a practical approach to handling criticism, emphasizing the importance of discerning constructive feedback from mere negativity. She advises focusing on valuable insights that foster growth while disregarding personal attacks, thereby protecting self-worth and maintaining emotional strength amidst external opinions.

S&P 500, Dow Jones, Nasdaq today: Wall Street experienced a volatile Thursday, with markets swinging sharply due to rising geopolitical tensions and shifting Middle East signals. Despite intraday drops, the Dow, S&P 500, and Nasdaq closed with modest moves, with all three major indexes posting strong weekly gains.

Who is General Christopher LaNeve, new US Army Chief of Staff? The US Army faces a leadership shift after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth asked General Randy George to retire. General Christopher LaNeve will serve as acting Army Chief of Staff. This explainer covers his career, education, deployments, awards, family background, and the context behind the change.

Who is General Randy George, why was he fired by Pete Hegseth, and who will be next Army Chief of Staff? The Pentagon confirmed that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth asked Army Chief of Staff General Randy George to retire before the end of his term. The leadership change comes during rising military activity linked to the Iran war and troop deployments. General Christopher LaNeve will serve as acting Army Chief of Staff while the administration prepares its long-term leadership decision.

Bo Lueders death: Hardcore music community mourns the loss of Bo Lueders, a founding member of Harm's Way, who passed away at 38. The band shared a heartfelt tribute, remembering his empathy and presence. Lueders was also a co-founder of the HardLore podcast, sharing musicians' touring stories.

College students earning money from jobs, freelance work, or scholarships may need to file taxes depending on income type and limits. Parents can often still claim them as dependents. Filing may also help students get refunds from withheld taxes. State tax rules can differ. Experts suggest checking income details carefully and using tax software or professional advice to avoid mistakes.

Why was Gucci Mane kidnapped, and who are the suspects? Federal prosecutors say Pooh Shiesty, Big30 and seven others kidnapped and robbed Gucci Mane and other victims inside a Dallas recording studio during a dispute over a 1017 Records contract. Investigators cite electronic monitoring, travel records, surveillance footage and social media posts as evidence. Authorities say the suspects forced a contract release and stole valuables. All defendants could face life imprisonment if convicted.

Artemis II astronauts will enjoy a diverse 10-day menu featuring items like beef brisket, butternut squash, and mango smoothies. With 189 unique items, including 58 tortillas, the mission's food is shelf-stable and prepared using advanced technology. Astronauts taste-tested all meals, ensuring they are nutritious and easy to consume in microgravity.

AI coworker 2026: A new AI employee, 'Junior,' is revolutionizing workplaces by handling tasks 24/7, from drafting campaigns to monitoring communications. Companies are experiencing faster work paces, though some employees find its constant oversight challenging. Priced at $2,000 monthly, Junior is impacting entry-level roles, prompting discussions about the future of work.

Indigenous LCA fighter jets are set to fly again soon. A software issue affecting the braking system caused the recent grounding. Checks and fixes are nearing completion. HAL chairman DK Sunil expects the jets to be airborne within a week. A joint team is working on solutions. This development comes after an accident in February.

The COVID-19 subvariant BA.3.2, nicknamed Cicada, spread internationally, reaching 23 countries and appearing in wastewater across 25 U.S. states. While not a dominant strain in the United States, it has contributed to a notable share of infections in parts of Europe. Early studies indicate it may infect children more efficiently.

A 34-year-old womans job search experience has gone viral after she was rejected following seven rounds of interviews over nearly two months. Despite completing multiple assessments, including a case study and final HR round, the company chose another candidate, leaving her shocked and distressed. Her story has resonated widely online, with many users sharing similar frustrations about lengthy hiring processes.

India and Russia are strengthening their partnership. Russian Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other top officials. Discussions focused on ensuring continued supplies of crucial commodities like crude oil, LPG, fertilisers, and coal. This visit follows a period of intense diplomatic engagement between the two nations.

Vice President JD Vance faces a sharp drop in voter approval. Recent polls show a significant increase in disapproval, impacting his standing. This decline coincides with a fall in his chances for the 2028 Republican presidential nomination. Prediction markets reflect this shift, though betting odds still position him as a contender. Upcoming events will shape his future political trajectory.

Israel and the United States have long accused Iran of having ambitions to build a nuclear weapon, with US President Donald Trump claiming that threat as justification for both the 12-day conflict last year and the ongoing war sparked by US-Israeli strikes on February 28.

Actor Brian Cox joins Dexter: Resurrection Season 2 as the New York Ripper. The mystery from Season 1 connects to Dexters search for his son in New York City. Old secrets return and danger grows. New cast updates and production details are also revealed. The show streams on Paramount+. Fans can expect darker twists and more tension ahead.

India's tax office has challenged treaty benefits claimed by Jane Street's Singapore arm, suspecting 8000 crore in escaped income. The department invoked the MLI-Principal Purposes Test, questioning if obtaining treaty benefits was a primary purpose of the arrangement. This move could impact tax exemptions on derivative profits for Singapore-based FPIs.

The Rajya Sabha has approved the Jan Vishwas Bill. This legislation amends 784 provisions across 79 central Acts. It decriminalises 717 provisions and modifies 67 others. The aim is to enhance ease of living and doing business. Minor offences will no longer lead to criminal charges. This reform simplifies laws and reduces compliance burdens for citizens and MSMEs.

GE Aerospace is facing penalties for late deliveries of F404 engines for India's Light Combat Aircraft program. Liquidated damages are being applied to each delayed engine. HAL has received only six of the 99 ordered engines. Discussions are ongoing for technology transfer of the more advanced F414 engines for the upcoming LCA Mk2 fighter jet.