The Economic Times

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lead a significant leadership conference for Central Armed Police Forces officers in May. This inaugural event in Delhi will focus on emerging internal security challenges. Senior officials from the CAPFs, along with Home Minister Amit Shah and NSA Ajit Doval, are expected to attend. The conference aims to synchronize efforts and strengthen national security responses.

A planned IVF consultation camp in Nepal faced cancellation when the medical regulatory board intervened, stopping two Indian doctors from proceeding. The Nepal Medical Council clarified that the practitioners lacked the necessary credentials and approvals to operate within its borders. Foreign medical professionals must navigate a registration process before engaging in any healthcare activities in Nepal.

Tamil Nadu elections are shaped by dominant caste blocs, including Vanniyars in the north, Gounders in the west, and Thevars in the south. Dalit and Nadar communities also hold significant sway in key pockets, influencing alliances and candidate selections across the state.

China has imposed hefty fines on seven major e-commerce platforms for serious food safety breaches. Companies like Taobao, Meituan, Pinduoduo, and Douyin failed to verify store licenses. This led to 'ghost food deliveries' from unverified vendors. The regulator also cited issues with order transfers.

A Reddit users job dilemma has sparked debate online after being offered two roles with the same salary but different titles, Senior Manager in Hyderabad and Manager in Bengaluru. While the Hyderabad role offers a higher designation, the Bengaluru option allows the candidate to stay in a settled personal environment. With HR stating that both roles are identical in responsibility as individual contributor positions, the situation has raised questions about whether job title or lifestyle should t

A Bengaluru court has handed down life sentences to Congress MLA Vinay Kulkarni and sixteen others. They were convicted in the 2016 murder of BJP leader Yogeshgouda Goudar. The CBI had named Kulkarni as the main conspirator in the case. Hired assailants attacked Goudar at his gym. Kulkarni's bail was cancelled previously due to witness tampering allegations.

Union Minister Paswan highlighted spices historic role in Indias trade and their vast untapped potential beyond culinary use.

The European Union's trade surplus saw a major drop in February. Exports to the United States fell by over a quarter. This decline is linked to US import tariffs on EU goods. Overall EU exports decreased, while imports also reduced. This situation impacts trade relations between the EU and the US.

Why are oil and gas prices down today, and will Brent, US WTI crude futures, Dutch and British wholesale gas rates continue to decline or rise again? Oil and gas markets moved lower after ceasefire signals and possible US-Iran talks raised hopes of reduced conflict risk. Brent and WTI dropped while European gas also declined. Analysts say supply disruptions still support prices, while weather, wind power and geopolitics will guide the next move.

Transform your mornings with six effortless and nutritious toast recipes. From protein-packed hummus to heart-healthy avocado and almond butter, these simple combinations use everyday ingredients to provide lasting energy and satiety, proving that a healthy, fitness-focused breakfast doesn't have to be complicated or time-consuming in 2026.

A groundbreaking ceasefire has been brokered between Israel and Lebanon with American assistance, setting the stage for more extensive discussions on regional stability. The agreement, effective for ten days, sees Israeli forces maintaining a strategic position in southern Lebanon, while the Lebanese government pledges to prevent any further aggression.

Why are US stock market futures up now, and will Dow Jones, S&P 500 and Nasdaq continue to stay in green or turn red again? US stock futures moved higher as hopes of Middle East peace improved investor mood. Technology stocks gained interest again while investors tracked earnings and oil supply risks. Markets may stay supported if talks continue. However, risks remain from Iran talks and oil supply disruptions.

Lakshya Kapur, an engineer from Vellore Institute of Technology, found his path to Google by embracing uncertainty. He felt lost during college but began experimenting in his final year. This led him to discover his interest in digital marketing through internships and campus activities. Kapur's story shows that taking action and learning from mistakes can open unexpected doors.

Rising oil prices could push India's current account deficit to a concerning two percent of GDP, as highlighted by a Crisil report. This prediction hinges on the volatile global market conditions were currently facing. While US tariff reductions may bolster exports to some extent, the ongoing unrest in West Asia is another pivotal aspect that could affect the situation.

India is increasingly recognized as a stable global capital hub with its market capitalization reaching USD 4.4 trillion and a total of USD 154 billion raised through equity and debt markets in FY26, according to Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) Chairman Tuhin Kanta Pandey.

Beijing stands firm on the legitimacy of its military maneuvers around Taiwan, asserting that these drills are both reasonable and warranted. The Chinese defense authorities point fingers at the Taipei administration for fuelling rising antagonism. President Lai Ching-te of Taiwan is advocating for a more robust defense budget, pushing the narrative that strength is essential for maintaining peace.

Afghanistan's anti-doping efforts have collapsed since the Taliban's return. No tests were conducted for three years. Last year, only four tests were managed with help from Iran. The country lacks trained personnel and resources for sample collection and transport. Athletes often compete abroad, making oversight difficult. The situation presents significant challenges for clean sports.

Chahatt Khanna has opened up about her personal and spiritual journey, addressing her conversion to Islam during her marriage to Farhan Mirza and her eventual return to Sanatan Dharma. In an interview with Subhojit Ghosh, she clarified that her conversion was her own choice and emphasised her secular beliefs, while also speaking about how her statements are often misinterpreted. Reflecting on her divorces and public scrutiny, Chahatt Khanna shared that she faced emotional challenges but grew mor

Miley Cyrus shared that the proposal happened during a trip to Japan, where Maxx Morando got down on one knee in a thoughtfully planned moment. The singer said she was genuinely surprised, something she noted doesnt happen often.

Will gold price reach $4,900 or fall towards $4,500 and silver rate touch $90 or slip below $60 this month? Gold held steady and moved toward a fourth weekly gain as hopes of a US-Iran peace deal shaped inflation and interest rate expectations. The dollar fell and oil eased. Indian banks paused imports. Silver gained momentum. Analysts now discuss price targets, risks, and investor strategy for this month.

Indian banks are likely to keep asset quality under control over the next two years, with gross non-performing assets (NPAs) projected at 2.0-2.2 per cent by March 2027, only a shade higher than the estimated historic low of 2.0 per cent as of March 2026, according to ratingas agency Crisil Ratings. The resilience will be led by strong corporate balance sheets, even as the MSME segment faces pressure from the ongoing West Asia conflict.

NBCC has successfully sold commercial space in South Delhi. The sale of approximately 14 lakh square feet at Bharat Business Park fetched Rs 5,779 crore. This significant transaction was conducted through an e-auction. NBCC will receive a one percent marketing fee. These funds will support the redevelopment of residential colonies in the area.

A 60-year-old father's memory loss and behavioral changes during his daughter's wedding were initially blamed on stress. Medical tests were normal, but a seizure led to further investigation. Neurologists diagnosed autoimmune encephalitis. Prompt treatment led to recovery, allowing him to attend the wedding fully present. This case emphasizes early diagnosis for brain conditions.

Hollywood star Denzel Washington, a two-time Oscar winner, once shared powerful insights on failure. He urged graduates to step out of their comfort zones and embrace setbacks. The actor stressed that failure is inevitable and a crucial part of growth. Read on to know more about it.

PNGRB has initiated bidding for nine LPG pipeline projects spanning around 2,500 km to reduce reliance on road transport and improve safety and efficiency in LPG distribution. As per its announcement, four key pipelines are currently in the bidding stage, with an estimated investment of Rs 12,500 crore. The move aims to connect refineries and import terminals with bottling plants, enabling seamless supply while minimising risks associated with tanker transport. PNGRB also highlighted that shifti

Candidates in the West Bengal Assembly polls are declaring significant asset increases. Jakir Hossain's wealth more than doubled to over Rs 133 crore. Sudip Kumar Mukherjee saw a 2,344 percent rise to Rs 11 crore. Krishna Kalyani's assets jumped by 247 percent to over Rs 20 crore. Manas Ranjan Bhunia also more than doubled his assets.

The Delhi High Court has ruled against extending age and attempt relaxations for Economically Weaker Section candidates applying for Central government jobs. The court stated that such decisions are government policy matters. It noted that EWS is an economic category, distinct from caste-based reservations.

Staying cool during a heat wave is essential for maintaining health, and including natural body coolants like Basil seeds, Gond Katira, and Watermelon can make a significant difference. These foods, along with others such as cucumber, coconut water, buttermilk, mint, lemon water, muskmelon, and aloe vera juice, help regulate body temperature, prevent dehydration, and improve digestion. By combining these cooling foods with simple habits like staying hydrated and avoiding excessive heat exposure,

While the sun is a source of Vitamin D, it can be dangerous for fair-skinned individuals, young children, and those on specific medications. This story identifies six groups at high risk for sun damage, explaining why they must prioritize shade and protection to avoid burns, rashes, and long-term health complications.

Band Melam, a Telugu romantic drama, is now heading to OTT platforms. The film, featuring Harsh Roshan and Sridevi Apalla, explores a childhood love story set against the backdrop of wedding bands. It highlights youthful passion and small-town aspirations. Read on to know when and where to watch the movie online.

Global music icon Shakira reveals how she navigated the complex aftermath of her public breakup. She explains that music became her sanctuary, allowing her to process a whirlwind of conflicting emotions like denial, rage, and hope. Her creative process focused on self-understanding and self-compassion, not public justification, offering a universal message for anyone facing loss and reinvention.

The central government has permitted 15 top banks, including the State Bank of India, HDFC Bank, Bank of India and others to import gold and silver from April 1, 2026 to March 31, 2029.

India plans a significant expansion of its nuclear power capacity, targeting 100 gigawatts by 2047. This ambitious goal represents a more than tenfold increase from the current 8.8 gigawatts. The Central Electricity Authority is working on legislative changes and streamlining processes to achieve this.

Samsung's India R&D teams are significantly contributing to Galaxy AI features and flagship devices like the S26 series, with user feedback from channels like Samsung Members and service centers directly shaping product development. India-specific usage patterns are also influencing global software optimizations

Seeking the protection of Arjun's personality rights, senior counsel Swathi Sukumar, representing the actor, submitted that his personality traits were being misappropriated for the sale of merchandise bearing his image and signature, operating voice-cloning platforms, AI chatbots and generation of obscene content.

Ahana introduces a new solution for co-operative banks. It aims to simplify Reserve Bank of India reporting. The system uses a special data model. This will reduce manual work and errors. Banks can expect faster reporting cycles. Audit readiness will also improve. The solution consolidates data for better accuracy and consistency.

Myanmar's former leader Aung San Suu Kyi has had her sentence reduced. This comes as part of an amnesty granted by the new president. Suu Kyi was serving a lengthy jail term on various charges. The reduction is one-sixth of her sentence. It is not yet clear if she will be moved to house arrest.

Philippine forces eliminated ten suspected Muslim militants in a significant clash in the south. This encounter marks the deadliest this year. The operation targeted members of Dawlah Islamiya-Maute, linked to past attacks. The military seized weapons and bomb parts. An infant was found and received medical care.

Sagarmala Finance Corp. will raise 100 billion rupees in FY27. This funding will support ports, shipbuilding, and waterways. The company will borrow through bonds, term loans, and foreign currency. Sagarmala aims to disburse up to 90 billion rupees in loans by March 2027. It also seeks government equity infusion to support its growth.

Dosa, Idli, Sambhar, Chutney song: The rivalry between Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) intensified after DJ played the song 'Dosa, Idli, Sambhar, Chutney'. The CSK has filed a complaint with the BCCI that the song was not in good taste and mocked the identity of Tamil Nadu. Earlier, RCB player Jitesh Sharma sang the same song ahead of a match that drew backlash from the CSK fans.

A recent Telangana caste survey found 89,000 children under 18 working daily. SC Madigas and ST Lambadis form a significant portion. The survey highlights economic hardship among certain communities. Disparities in employment quality across caste groups are evident. Many SC and ST communities have the highest share of daily wage laborers.

Many of India's most respected actors emerged from agricultural backgrounds, where hard work and resilience were instilled from a young age. Their journeys from humble village life to the glitz of cinema show how determination and passion, nurtured by family values, can lead to extraordinary success and redefine destiny. Read on!

Audi and SAIC are strengthening their collaboration for upcoming electric vehicle models in China. They will also establish a new innovation and technology hub in Shanghai. This move aims to boost Audi's presence in the competitive Chinese market. The partnership's first model, the E5 Sportback, has seen initial sales and targets younger buyers.

Sadhguru offers a unique perspective on job loss, urging individuals to view it as a release rather than a loss after years of hard work. He acknowledges financial concerns but emphasizes counting blessings like being alive and having family. This shift in perspective, he suggests, can lead to discovering new talents and making a livelihood without traditional office work.

India's smartphone shipments experienced a 3% year-on-year decline in Q1 2026, reaching a six-year low due to cost pressures and price hikes. Analysts predict further declines, with Vivo leading the market share. Google emerged as the fastest-growing premium brand, boosted by AI features.

On April 18, 2026, NGEL, under the NTPC umbrella, is set to launch its 150 MW solar power output from a pioneering project in Rajasthan. This endeavor, part of the 300 MW Project Sixteen Renewable Power Private Ltd., marks a significant milestone as NGEL's total capacity will hit 10,276.

Rajesh Kumar has shared that he is gradually recovering from the Rs 2 crore debt he incurred after his farming venture failed during the pandemic, with only around Rs 20 lakh remaining, as revealed in an interview with Bollywood Bubble. Best known for Sarabhai vs Sarabhai, the actor spoke about the financial struggles caused by crop damage due to flooding, his reliance on family support during the crisis, and his decision to maintain a simple lifestyle.

The Income Tax Department conducted extensive raids at the residence, election office, and relative's house of Trinamool Congress MLA Debasish Kumar in connection with an illegal land grabbing case. Simultaneously, the Enforcement Directorate is searching premises of three businessmen in Kolkata and North 24 Parganas districts as part of its Merlin Group investigation.