The Economic Times

Hundreds of journalists converged in Islamabad for crucial US-Iran peace talks. Authorities provided lavish arrangements including gourmet food and high-speed internet. However, updates were scarce, delivered via WhatsApp statements rather than briefings. Despite the elaborate setup, the media remained largely in the dark about the substantive outcomes of the negotiations.

Quote of the Day by Nobel winning economist Milton Friedman: Global public spending has crossed $30 trillion in 2026. Efficiency remains a serious concern. The Milton Friedman quote is trending again for this reason. Milton Friedman used the Sahara Desert example to show how poor governance creates scarcity. His warning feels real today. Many economies face supply gaps despite abundant resources. Data shows weak incentives often reduce productivity in public systems. This drives waste and delays

Islamabad is buzzing with high-stakes diplomatic activity. A top Iranian delegation is in Pakistan for crucial talks with the US. Iran's stance is firm, emphasizing dialogue but cautioning against mistrust. US Vice President JD Vance is also meeting with Pakistan's Prime Minister. The negotiations are seen as vital for regional stability. The world watches closely as these discussions unfold.

Did 3 identical Iranian planes land in Pakistan to safeguard FM Abbas Araghchi, and US to unfreeze Iran's funds or not? Reports say Iran used decoy planes to protect officials during Islamabad talks. US and Iran met in Pakistan for ceasefire negotiations. Iran demanded Lebanon ceasefire and release of frozen funds. Pakistani troops reached Saudi Arabia under defense pact. Talks involve global mediators amid war, oil disruption, and regional tensions.

Tech industry layoffs are a reality. A UX design leader's journey shows how setbacks can lead to growth. After being laid off from Meta and earlier from Cisco, she reassessed her career. She found a better fit in UX writing. Her experience highlights that layoffs are business decisions. Pausing to reassess goals is crucial for finding aligned career paths.

A new roadmap by NAAS emphasises national monitoring, improved waste management, and biodegradable alternatives to combat the growing crisis due to microplastics.

US and Iranian officials met Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad. Talks occurred amid a fragile ceasefire and continued fighting in Lebanon. Iran presented its proposals as red lines. Israel continued strikes in Lebanon. The war has caused significant casualties and economic disruption.

High-level talks are underway in Islamabad between the United States and Iran. The discussions aim to stabilize a fragile ceasefire in the region. Iran's foreign ministry spokesperson stated the Lebanon ceasefire was part of talks with the US. The Iranian delegation is in contact with Hezbollah. These negotiations are considered crucial for regional security.

Former US President Donald Trump stated America is beginning to clear the Strait of Hormuz. This move aims to ensure safe global energy shipments. Trump criticized other nations for not taking responsibility for securing the vital oil route. He also claimed Iran's military capabilities are significantly degraded and that oil tankers are heading to the US for crude.

Quote of the day by Michael J. Fox: He defines acceptance not as resignation, but as understanding reality and finding a way forward. His quote emphasizes acknowledging difficult situations without denial, then focusing on solutions. This perspective encourages a hopeful and proactive mindset, even amidst challenges.

The Indian government has significantly increased export duties on diesel and aviation turbine fuel. This move aims to boost government revenue amidst fiscal challenges. The export duty on diesel has risen substantially, and a similar increase has been applied to aviation turbine fuel. Export duties on petrol remain unchanged. These changes are effective immediately.

Quote of the day by Charlie Chaplin: Charlie Chaplins Quote of the Day highlights courage, failure, and self-expression, emphasizing that mistakes are part of growth and creativity. Widely shared as an inspirational message, it reflects Chaplins philosophy of comedy, emotional resilience, and human struggle. From his early life in poverty to his iconic films like Modern Times and The Great Dictator, Chaplins journey shaped timeless life lessons on confidence, imperfection, and fearlessness. His

National Pet Day April 11: Over 70% of U.S. households own a pet, yet millions of animals still wait in shelters every year. This National Pet Day USA April 11, the focus is shifting fast toward pet adoption, animal welfare awareness, and choosing the right pet for your lifestyle. Dogs support active routines. Cats suit busy lives. Small pets fit compact homes. Studies show pets can lower stress, reduce heart disease risk, and improve mental health. Adoption also saves lives instantly. Experts n

A software engineer's bold career move led to multiple high-paying job offers after leaving a stable role. Leveraging AI tools and relentless effort, he tackled challenging interviews and upskilled in new technologies. Despite exhaustion and setbacks, his persistence paid off, securing a dream role at a product company, proving that pushing boundaries yields significant rewards.

UK-based vlogger Julius Fiedler shared his experience making South Indian idlis at home after learning the recipe in Bengaluru. He detailed the batter fermentation process, combining rice and lentil mixtures, and steaming them to a fluffy perfection. Food enthusiasts praised his melt-in-the-mouth idlis, calling them 'unreal' and requesting more variations.

India-flagged LPG carrier Jag Vikram has successfully crossed the Strait of Hormuz. This marks a significant transit post the US-Iran ceasefire. The vessel carries a substantial LPG load and is en route to Mumbai. While traffic through the strait is yet to fully recover, this event signals a step towards normalcy. LPG supplies to Indian households remain unaffected.

Pakistan has deployed fighter jets and military forces to Saudi Arabia. This action strengthens security under a defense pact. The move follows recent Iranian attacks on Saudi energy infrastructure. The deployment aims to enhance joint defense cooperation. Saudi Arabia has also offered financial support to Pakistan. This deepens a long-standing security partnership between the two nations.

Nancy Guthrie case update: Investigators have no suspects in Nancy Guthrie's disappearance over two months later. DNA expert CeCe Moore believes revisiting her home for new genetic evidence could be crucial. Current DNA technology struggles with mixed samples, but new methods are being developed. Moore is confident the perpetrator left DNA behind.

Indian techie living in the US shared how he requested flexible working hours to care for his 7-month-old baby after the nanny leaves at 4:30 pm. His American managers warm and understanding reply has gone viral on Reddit, sparking a big discussion on work-life balance.

India's Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal met with Saudi Arabia's Trade Minister Majid bin Abdullah Al Qassabi. They discussed strengthening supply chains affected by the West Asia crisis. Both ministers expressed optimism for early progress on the India-GCC Free Trade Agreement negotiations. The discussions also focused on ensuring smooth trade flows and recovering from disruptions.

Margaret Atwood urges readers to embrace life's finite nature by living with purpose and intention. She advises seizing opportunities and taking ownership of one's journey, emphasizing that the time between birth and death is ours to shape. This call to action encourages prioritizing what truly matters and living boldly before time runs out.

Jeff Bezos salary at Amazon still stands at just $81,400 in 2026. This shocks many readers globally. Amazon spends about $1.6 million yearly on his security and travel. The contrast drives massive search interest now. The Jeff Bezos salary at Amazon reflects a unique pay strategy. He avoids high cash compensation. He relies on stock ownership for wealth growth. His Amazon stake exceeds $200 billion today.

Delhi EV polocy: The nationak capital is set to electrify its transport sector. New petrol and diesel vehicles will not join delivery and ride aggregator fleets starting this year. From 2027, only electric auto-rickshaws will be registered. Incentives are offered for electric three-wheelers to encourage adoption. This policy targets high-usage vehicles to reduce pollution.

India's fisheries exports have seen a significant rise, reaching Rs 68,000 crore from Rs 60,000 crore. This growth is attributed to exploring new international markets following US tariff changes. The government is targeting Rs 1 lakh crore in fisheries exports within the next five years. Key export hubs include Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, Lakshadweep, and Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Chinese proverb of the day focuses on the message Its better to light a candle than curse the darkness. The proverb highlights success, action, self confidence, and proactive solutions. It explains why people should stop complaining and start taking steps. The article explains Chinese proverb of the day meaning and relevance, Chinese proverb of the day teachings, and inspiring Chinese proverbs you should know for daily life and personal growth.

At 98, Prabhavati Bhagwati from Ahmedabad has launched her own food business, 'Nani's Nashta,' proving age is no barrier to pursuing passion. After her husband's passing left her feeling lost, a simple request to cook khandvi for a party sparked a new beginning. Now, she happily cooks for over 200 families, viewing her customers as her own children.

Veteran actor Ranjeet, 84, has gone viral with a workout video featuring a cable chest fly, garnering over 5.6 million views. His daughter, Divyanka Bedi, guided him through the exercise, adding a light-hearted touch. Celebrities and fans praised his fitness and energy, calling it one of the 'cutest things on the internet'.

An Indian LPG tanker, Jag Vikram, has successfully navigated the Strait of Hormuz, marking a significant development following a US-Iran ceasefire. This transit offers a glimmer of hope for India's crucial energy imports, with many other Indian vessels still awaiting passage. The country, heavily reliant on Gulf supplies, had previously faced disruptions.

West Bengal Elections 2026: Amit Shah pledged a son of the soil as West Bengal's next Chief Minister and promised Uniform Civil Code implementation. He also criticized the alleged insult to tribal President Droupadi Murmu, urging voters to seek evenge at the ballot box. Shah further vowed to end love jihad and land jihad, ensuring women's safety and filling government vacancies.

Fans of Stranger Things have exciting news. An animated spin-off, Stranger Things: Tales from '85, is coming to Netflix on April 23. This new series will explore events from seasons two and three. It features familiar characters and new voices. The story is set in 1985 and involves a paranormal mystery threatening Hawkins.

US-Iran peace talks: Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met with US Vice President JD Vance in Islamabad. This meeting occurred as peace talks aimed at resolving the Middle East war began. Pakistan expressed its commitment to facilitating progress towards sustainable peace in the region. The US delegation included top envoys. Earlier, Sharif also met with an Iranian delegation.

People turning 60 at any point during the financial year can now claim senior citizen benefits for the full year while filing the new Form 121 to avoid TDS on interest and other incomes. Income tax experts in Gujarat advise filing early in April to prevent unnecessary deductions from the start.

Companies often revise job roles for efficiency, but surprising employees with these changes erodes trust and engagement. When staff discover altered descriptions passively, it sparks anxiety about their skills and fit, hindering adaptation. Balancing organizational agility with transparent communication is crucial to foster a culture where employees feel valued and informed about their evolving roles.

Workplace feedback often lacks clarity, leaving employees unsure of expectations. Managers may avoid direct communication due to potential conflict. This ambiguity leads to employee stress, reduced engagement, and self-doubt. Clear feedback signals trust and respect, fostering better performance and retention. The quality of feedback, not just its frequency, is crucial for organizational success.

Delhi's new EV Policy 2026 offers significant subsidies for electric vehicles. Buyers of electric two-wheelers could receive up to Rs 30,000. Electric auto-rickshaws may get Rs 50,000. Electric four-wheel goods vehicles can receive up to Rs 1 lakh. These incentives aim to boost electric vehicle adoption in the capital.

China is reportedly preparing to send new air defence systems to Iran in the coming weeks. These systems include shoulder-fired missiles. This development occurs as a ceasefire holds between Iran and the United States. China denies the allegations, stating it has not provided weapons to any party. The move comes ahead of planned high-level US-China talks.

Concerns grow over China's global surveillance technology and repression of Uyghurs. The World Uyghur Congress highlighted these issues. Activists marked 36 years since the Baren Uprising, a key moment of Uyghur resistance. Demonstrations called for justice. China's new economic security framework also raises global unease.

Arvind Kejriwal has criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He alleged institutional takeover and vote manipulation ahead of the West Bengal Assembly elections. The elections are scheduled for April 23 and April 29. Political tensions are high between the Trinamool Congress and the BJP. The BJP has promised to implement the Uniform Civil Code if it wins power.

Global liquor companies are increasingly partnering with Indian firms to navigate the complex market and tap into its steady growth. Facing slowing demand in Western markets, these collaborations leverage local expertise in regulation, distribution, and consumption habits, proving essential for success in India's evolving premium alcohol landscape.

Ghaziabad Development Authority has introduced a new rule making tree plantation compulsory based on plot size for all building approvals from April 1. Developers must show earmarked plantation space in maps and deposit a security amount, which will be refunded only after officials verify the trees have been planted.

Career expert Simon Ingari cautions professionals against leaving jobs without a new offer. He explains that employers often prefer candidates currently employed, viewing unemployment as a potential red flag. Staying employed maintains network access and reduces pressure, leading to a faster job search. It also strengthens negotiating power for salary and roles. Ingari suggests a balanced approach to avoid burnout.

Amidst widespread job losses, an Indian-origin professional's mother secured a new role within days of being laid off. A single LinkedIn message to a relevant contact led to an interview and a job offer, highlighting the power of professional networks in navigating career transitions and offering a swift recovery from setbacks.

Police in Bijnor have arrested two men for allegedly communicating with a Pakistan-linked handler in Saudi Arabia. The handler reportedly used social media to expand his network in India. Interrogation revealed the handler incited youngsters and promoted anti-national activities. This development follows a previous investigation where weapons shown in a video were deemed toys.

Retail space leasing in Delhi-NCR saw a significant 45% jump in the first quarter of this year. Nearly 6 lakh sq ft of space was leased, a notable increase from the previous year. Shopping malls led this demand, accounting for 64% of the total leasing. Delhi-NCR emerged as the top city for retail leasing activity in India.

Mexican word of the day today: The Spanish word apapachar, meaning a soulful, affectionate embrace offering deep emotional comfort, is trending in the US, particularly on social media. Originating from Nahuatl and evolving in Mexican Spanish, it conveys a tenderness beyond a simple hug. Americans are adopting it to express care and support, highlighting language's role as a cultural bridge.

Karunya KR-749 Lottery Result (11-04-2026): The Kerala State Lotteries Department conducts the high-stakes draw for the Karunya KR-749 weekly lottery today, April 11, 2026. The event will be held at Gorky Bhavan in Thiruvananthapuram, featuring a grand first prize of 1 crore.

Tamil Nadu election: Chief Minister M K Stalin has strongly criticized the Bharatiya Janata Party. He stated the Enforcement Directorate has become an 'errand department' for the BJP. Stalin described alleged scams involving TASMAC and sand mining as 'BJP-scripted and ED enacted dramas'. He believes the Union government is oppressing opposition parties by fabricating false cases.