The Economic Times

India and Germany have agreed on a roadmap for defense industry cooperation. This pact focuses on co-developing and producing military equipment. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh met his German counterpart Boris Pistorius in Berlin. The agreement aims to identify key technologies and weapon systems for joint development. This collaboration strengthens the strategic alignment between the two nations.

Polling for 234-member Tamil Nadu assembly and first phase of West Bengal elections covering 152 seatswill be held on Thursday. A look at eligible voter counts, parties, their candidates, and key contest

Companies laying off employees this week: A new wave of layoffs is impacting thousands of US workers this week as numerous companies announce job cuts. Businesses are responding to economic pressures and automation, with significant reductions reported in California, Texas, and Massachusetts. Industries affected range from tech and finance to hospitality and manufacturing.

Europe is bracing for prolonged high energy prices. The Iran conflict has severely damaged vital gas infrastructure in Qatar, with recovery expected to take years. This disruption is impacting global energy markets, leading to higher costs for natural gas and other fuels. EU officials emphasize the need to reduce consumption and accelerate the transition to renewable energy sources.

Actis, AV Birla Group & KKR are other contenders in fray, binding bids in coming days.

Iran's parliament speaker, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, stated on Wednesday that the Islamic Republic will not reopen the Strait of Hormuz while the US naval blockade persists. He described the blockade as a latant violation of the ceasefire, asserting that a complete ceasefire is meaningless under such conditions.

US President Donald Trump announced Iran has stopped plans to execute eight women arrested during protests. Trump had asked Iran to release the women to aid peace talks. Iran has denied planning the executions. This development marks a significant moment in international relations. The US President expressed his appreciation for Iran's action.

A fielding mix-up involving Rishabh Pant proved costly for Lucknow Super Giants as Donovan Ferreira was given a reprieve. Despite dislodging the stumps, Pant fumbled the ball, allowing Ferreira to scramble back safely. This moment of chaos, during an otherwise strong bowling display, highlighted the unpredictable nature of T20 cricket.

State-owned Punjab National Bank has partnered with Kiwi to launch the RuPay-based PNB Kiwi Credit Card. It offers digital onboarding, UPI integration and 0.51.5% cashback. The move aims to expand credit access, especially in semi-urban and rural areas, amid rising UPI adoption.

Chinese proverb of the day: Ancient Chinese proverbs continue to offer valuable life lessons. These sayings emphasize the importance of lifelong learning and personal development. They encourage curiosity and humility, reminding us that knowledge has no age limit. Adapting to today's rapidly changing world requires a commitment to continuous growth.

Tiger Woods and Vanessa Trump are reportedly making significant changes to their inner circle amid fears of information leaks. Following Woods recent DUI arrest, media attention around the couple has intensified, prompting concerns about privacy. Sources suggest they have reduced staff and become more cautious about who they trust. Insiders describe the pair as paranoid of leaks, with Trump particularly wary of press coverage.

According to the IMD, parts of Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh and Delhi may see heatwave conditions on April 24-25, while similar conditions are likely to prevail over parts of Uttar Pradesh (April 23-26), Rajasthan (April 24-26), Madhya Pradesh (April 23-26), Vidarbha and Chhattisgarh (April 24-27), and Gangetic West Bengal, Bihar and Jharkhand (April 22-23).

Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia launched revised guidelines for the Technology Development and Investment Promotion (TDIP) Scheme, allocating Rs 203 crore for 2026-31. The initiative aims to bolster India's role in global telecom standardization and foster indigenous technologies, including 5G Advanced and 6G, by supporting startups, MSMEs, academia, and industry players.

In order to test civil defence preparedness in the state, a civil defence air raid/blackout mock exercise will be conducted in all districts at 8 pm, according to directives from the Ministry of Home Affairs

On the first anniversary of the Pahalgam terror attack, global leaders paid tribute to the victims. The US, Israel, and Australia reaffirmed their solidarity with India. They pledged to strengthen cooperation in the ongoing fight against terrorism. The attack, which claimed 26 lives, drew widespread condemnation. These nations stand united against terrorism in all its manifestations.

More than 150,000 households face impact as SNAP benefits eligibility restrictions 2026 roll out with stricter rules this week. Florida has already banned soda, candy, and processed desserts under new SNAP rules, forcing families to rethink grocery spending immediately. At the same time, eligibility checks are tightening across states, raising the risk of benefit loss. These SNAP benefits eligibility restrictions 2026 aim to improve nutrition, but rising food prices make adjustment harder. Many

Haryanvi actress-singer Divyanka Sirohi passed away at the age of 30 after suddenly falling ill at her home in Ghaziabad. She was rushed to a hospital but was declared dead on arrival, with early reports suggesting a possible heart attack, though the exact cause is still unclear. Originally from Bulandshahr, she had a strong academic background, completing her BCA from Chaudhary Charan Singh University and later earning an MBA from Sikkim.

Attention students and parents! The excitement is building as the Karnataka School Examination and Assessment Board prepares to release the SSLC Class 10 results on April 23 at 12 pm. With an impressive turnout of more than 8 lakh candidates, everyone can view their results through official portals and the mobile app, or simply via SMS.

The Reserve Bank of India has unveiled draft guidelines for prepaid payment instruments. These new rules aim to strengthen compliance and customer protection. A key proposal includes UPI-linked wallets for foreign visitors. The framework also pushes for deeper integration of prepaid instruments with UPI. Dormant balances will be managed more strictly.

Haryanvi actress-singer Divyanka Sirohi passed away at the age of 30 after a reported heart attack at her home in Ghaziabad. As news of her sudden death spread, an old pinned Instagram post with the caption POV : Shiva take me with you went viral, drawing emotional reactions from fans. Her final post, a calm devotional video captioned Radhe Radhe, also gained attention.

Indian bank credit growth is set to slow down to under 12 percent this financial year. This moderation is driven by the ongoing West Asia conflict and changing interest rates. Small businesses and unsecured loans may see increased defaults. Banks will be cautious in lending to vulnerable sectors.

India welcomes the United States extending its ceasefire with Iran. Union Minister Kirti Vardhan Singh expressed hope for a swift end to the conflict. He assured citizens that the government is managing West Asia situation challenges. Singh also addressed West Bengal elections, urging fearless voting and criticizing opposition on Women's Reservation Bill.

India's economy shows resilience to high oil prices. Consumption drives growth, allowing over 7 percent annual expansion even with crude oil at USD 90-100 per barrel. Historical data supports this trend. Assocham predicts continued strong growth above 7 percent through 2026-27. This outlook contrasts with some international forecasts predicting moderation.

Thai proverb of the day: In a Battle Between Elephants, the Ants Get Squashed highlights how conflicts between powerful forces often leave ordinary people bearing the consequences. The proverb reflects social inequality, showing how impact is often disproportionate to involvement. It reveals that power struggles rarely remain isolated, instead creating ripple effects across society. It remains relevant in politics, economics, and corporate competition, where decisions made by the powerful freque

The Reserve Bank of India has approved the appointment of Debasish Panda, a former IAS officer and ex-chairman of IRDAI, as the part-time chairman of Bandhan Bank for three years. Panda, who previously served as Secretary of the Department of Financial Services, will succeed Anup Kumar Sinha.

Tim Cook is stepping down as Apple CEO after a nearly 15-year tenure, during which the company's market value surged over $3.6 trillion. He will transition to executive chairman, with John Ternus taking over as CEO. Cook's leadership was guided by Steve Jobs' advice to 'do the right thing' and stay true to company values.

West Bengal election candidates must stay in their constituencies from April 23rd during polling. This directive ensures a free and fair election process. Voters can cast their ballots without fear. The second phase of voting is on April 29th. Results will be declared on May 4th. This is a crucial period for democracy in Bengal.

The psychology of adults without close friends challenges conventional ideas about social well-being. Rather than reflecting social inadequacy, it often suggests a conscious choice to step away from relationships that feel emotionally unbalanced or unfulfilling.

Bitcoin price (BTC USD) today: Bitcoin surged past $79,000 as traders reacted to potential US-Iran talks aimed at easing geopolitical strain. This price recovery mirrors levels from early February, before Middle East tensions intensified and impacted global markets. Hopes for diplomatic resolution are driving the current rally, though market sensitivity remains.

The next 25 years in finance will prioritize intelligent scale, not just size. Artificial intelligence will be key for risk management and efficiency. Global integration and digital assets are also shaping the future. Meanwhile, the Reserve Bank of India has eased restrictions on offshore non-deliverable forward trading as rupee market volatility subsides. This move aims to support rupee internationalization.

Air India faces significant challenges due to the West Asia conflict. Flight durations to Europe and the US have increased substantially. This leads to higher fuel expenses and a shortage of cockpit and cabin crew. Airlines are reducing flight frequencies to maintain schedules. Geopolitical concerns have also impacted long-haul travel and leisure trips, particularly to the US market.

Net sales growth for select FDI companies in India moderated to 8.7% in 2024-25, down from 9.4% the previous year, according to RBI data. While services sector sales saw a slight increase, manufacturing sector growth decelerated. Operating profit growth also slowed to 10.7% due to rising expenses.

Quote of the day: Franz Kafkas thought offers a quiet yet powerful challenge to one of the most limiting human tendencies, the habit of imagining barriers before they appear. By urging individuals not to waste time searching for obstacles that may not exist, he opens the door to action, clarity, and possibility.

Reserve Bank of India policymakers are watching the West Asia conflict closely. A prolonged conflict could hurt India's economic growth and increase inflation. They have decided to wait for more clarity before making any policy changes. El Nino's impact on inflation is also a concern. India's economy is strong enough to handle these challenges.

Bengal's electoral war begins with the first phase of voting. The BJP and TMC are locked in a fierce contest, trading accusations and making promises. Voter roll revisions have dramatically altered the landscape in many close seats. The election outcome will hinge on welfare, identity, and perception, with every vote counting in this microscopic fight.

Why are Dow Jones, S&P 500, and Nasdaq surging today? US stock market rally today is gaining strong momentum, backed by hard numbers and fresh catalysts. The Dow Jones jumped 364 points. The S&P 500 crossed 7,100. The Nasdaq surged over 1%. This sharp move reflects renewed investor confidence after Donald Trump extended the Iran ceasefire, easing immediate geopolitical fears. At the same time, earnings season is heating up. Tesla results are in focus. Boeing has already delivered a strong surpri

Kim Kardashian and Lewis Hamilton recently sparked fresh dating speculation after being spotted together during a romantic beach outing in Malibu. The duo were captured enjoying time in the Pacific Ocean, sharing playful and affectionate moments that instantly went viral online. The repeated public appearances including events like the Super Bowl and Coachella have fueled ongoing rumors.

India is set to purchase urea fertilizer at significantly higher rates. This comes as the Middle East conflict impacts global supplies. Indian Potash Ltd. will secure 2.5 million tons of urea. Prices are nearly 90% higher than before the conflict. This purchase is crucial for upcoming monsoon crop sowing.

Aadu 3: One Last Ride Part 1, starring Jayasurya, is set to premiere online. Directed by Midhun Manuel Thomas, the film continues the franchises chaotic comedy style but adds a fantasy twist with a story that moves across multiple timelines. After a strong box office run, the film is now heading to OTT, giving a wider audience a chance to watch Shaji Pappan and his gang in a bigger, more ambitious setup.

We entered the negotiations in good faith and with seriousness, but the negotiating party (the United States) has shown disregard and lack of good faith, Iran's foreign ministry spokesperson, Esmaeil Baqaei, said Wednesday, according to Iran's State TV.