The Economic Times

A US naval blockade on Iran has turned the Strait of Hormuz into a global flashpoint, significantly impacting China, the largest buyer of Iranian oil. While China officially urges restraint, its commercial actors are subtly testing the blockade's limits, creating a complex dynamic as the US aims to reshape global energy flows.

Quote of the Day by Thomas Jefferson: Never spend your money before you have earned it is one of the most popular and widely used quotes attributed to Thomas Jefferson, an American diplomat. The quote advises people that they should spend only what they have already earned and avoid relying on future income. The quote teaches financial discipline, helping people to stay out of debt and manage money wisely.

A neighborhood dispute erupted after a pet cat's kittens became the subject of a fierce ownership battle between two families. The conflict escalated with alleged threats and the disappearance of the kittens, prompting police intervention. Cops proposed a divided custody solution for the missing furballs.

A former sports journalist, facing declining pay and rising stress in the newspaper industry, transitioned to the US Postal Service. After years of financial struggle, his new career offers significantly higher income, exceeding $85,000 annually, and improved job security. The physically demanding role has also led to better health and a more satisfying work-life balance.

President Xi Jinping of China has urged respect for the sovereignty and security of West Asian and Gulf nations. He called for a sustainable security framework and adherence to international law. This comes as the UAE Crown Prince visits China amid regional conflicts. China advocates for an end to hostilities and unimpeded passage through the Strait of Hormuz.

Why are oil and gas prices down today, and will Brent crude and US WTI crude futures continue to drop or rise again soon? Oil and gas markets moved lower after signals of possible US-Iran talks eased supply fears linked to the Strait of Hormuz blockade. Brent and WTI dropped after sharp gains. Analysts warn that lost oil supply, lower inventories, and uncertain negotiations may still push prices higher again soon.

China has defended its decision to publish new names for regions in Arunachal Pradesh. India has rejected these 'fictitious names' stating they cannot alter the reality of Indian territory. China claims Arunachal Pradesh as its own. Both nations are engaged in a diplomatic exchange over territorial claims. China states its policy to improve relations remains unchanged.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah addressed a rally in Gangarampur, West Bengal. He assured a constitutional solution for the Gorkha issue without dividing the state. Shah stated the BJP will not permit a mosque construction similar to Babri Masjid. He also promised to end political violence, syndicate raj, and infiltrators.

The Trinamool Congress has demanded the immediate release of Vinesh Chandel, a co-founder of I-PAC. Chandel was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate in a money-laundering case. The party described the arrest, just days before the West Bengal elections, as electoral sabotage.

Sthree Shakthi SS-515 Lottery Result (14-04-2026): The Kerala State Lotteries Department is conducting the much-awaited draw for the Sthree Shakthi weekly lottery today, April 14, 2026. The draw takes place at Gorky Bhavan in Thiruvananthapuram and features an attractive first prize of 1 crore.

VR Global Media has launched a $250 million capital programme to build a global entertainment platform, with an initial $120 million fundraise already underway. The investment will be used across film production, distribution, sports franchises and media-tech ventures, aiming to create an integrated and institutionally funded creative ecosystem.

Spiritual leader Sadhguru once explained that individuals can manifest their desires by aligning their thoughts, emotions, body, and energy. He emphasises that human beings are responsible for shaping their lives, as everything created begins as a thought. By consciously directing the mind and maintaining focus, one can move from passive living to actively creating one's reality. Read on!

Soft drink competition is intensifying as new entrants gain market share, prompting established players to boost marketing and distribution. Despite rising packaging costs, bottlers anticipate a revenue rebound to 15% growth this fiscal, driven by hotter summers and deeper market penetration. While profitability may moderate, healthy cash flows will support continued expansion.

India's oil security framework has come under renewed scrutiny following the escalation of tensions in West Asia in 2026, which disrupted global energy markets and exposed vulnerabilities in the country's import-dependent energy system, according to a report by Carnegie India.

The Avatar: The Last Airbender universe remains one of the most beloved animated franchises globally. With original creators involved in the expansion plans, expectations for the new movie are exceptionally high.

India's hotel sector is set for robust growth, with operators planning over 70,000 new rooms by 2030. Driven by strong domestic travel and rising incomes, the industry is experiencing structural maturity with calibrated expansion and stable pricing. Investment is surging, particularly in leisure and pilgrimage destinations, as asset-light models gain traction.

Four men and a company face charges for allegedly stealing hundreds of crocodile eggs from Kakadu National Park in February 2024. The operation involved a helicopter and is considered serious offending, impacting Traditional Owners, noting the cultural harm they experienced. A five-day hearing is scheduled for November, with 10 witnesses expected.

The ministry of road transport and highways, Tuesday, notified the National Highways Fee Rules for fee collection from overloaded vehicles on National Highways beyond the permissible Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW), the move aimed at promoting compliance with prescribed load limits and enhancing road safety while protecting highway infrastructure.

Rosatom State Corporation, through its unit ETC GET, has partnered with IIT Bombay and ProSIM R&D Pvt Ltd to launch a pilot training programme for nuclear specialists in India. The April 1517 session will focus on simulator and digital twin technologies to build practical operational skills, addressing a growing gap in trained manpower as India ramps up nuclear capacity. The initiative combines industry and academic expertise and is part of Rosatoms broader collaboration with India, including pr

Why are gold and silver prices up, and will precious metals continue to rise or fall again shortly? Gold prices increased after the dollar weakened and oil prices dropped. Peace talk expectations between the United States and Iran also affected markets. Investors tracked inflation, interest rate expectations, and geopolitical risks. Silver and other metals also gained. Analysts now expect short-term price swings while traders assess global developments and central bank policy outlook.

Noida's factory workers erupted in violent protests, demanding higher minimum wages after learning of significant pay hikes in Gurgaon. This wage disparity, exacerbated by Haryana's nearly 35% increase, fueled widespread unrest, leading to torching of vehicles and stone-pelting. Over 300 arrests were made as authorities investigate potential organized mobilization.

A doctor's account revealed a patient's severe kidney dysfunction and long-standing diabetes, stemming from a 20-year lapse in treatment after initial diagnosis. The patient believed stopping sweets and walking had cured his condition, highlighting a dangerous misunderstanding of chronic illness and the critical need for ongoing medical management and routine screening.

The makers officially announced the release date of Lukkhe, a musical action drama. The series stars rapper King, Raashii Khanna and Palak Tiwari. Set in Chandigarh, it explores ambition and rivalry. The show combines rap music with high-intensity action. It features a strong ensemble cast. Read on to know when to watch the series online.

Elevate your nutrition with six tasty foods that combine high protein and high fiber for maximum health. From black beans and lentils to edamame and chia seeds, these dual-nutrient powerhouses are essential for 2026, helping you build muscle, improve digestion, and stay full longer with every delicious bite.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 213-km Delhi-Dehradun expressway, a 12,000-crore, access-controlled corridor that will cut travel time between the two cities from over six hours to about 2.5 hours. The six-lane (expandable to 12) high-speed route, equipped with smart traffic systems, will ease congestion on NH-58, improve connectivity across Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand, and boost tourism to destinations like Mussoorie, while incorporating green features such as wildlife pas

Neurologist Dr. Sudhir Kumar warns that common health efforts like daily walking and cutting sugar may offer a false sense of security. He highlights that many patients with obesity, diabetes, and hypertension fail to address underlying issues due to a lack of strength training and sufficient protein intake, leading to continued metabolic problems despite perceived healthy habits.

Aldous Huxley, author of Brave New World, believed personal change is key. He argued that focusing on self-improvement creates a ripple effect. Huxley's words remain relevant today, encouraging individuals to refine their thoughts and actions. This approach fosters genuine, lasting impact. His life and works explored societal visions and spiritual philosophy.

The government has revised pricing norms for low-grade iron ore, including Banded Haematite Quartzite and Jasper, to encourage its utilization. This move aims to curb wastage, enhance resource utilization, and ensure a steady supply to the steel industry by making beneficiation economically viable.

Indias auto industry saw strong growth in March, with passenger vehicle dispatches rising 16% year-on-year to 4.42 lakh units, according to SIAM. Two-wheeler sales jumped 19.3%, while three-wheeler dispatches grew 21.4%, reflecting broad-based demand across segments.

ICSE Result 2026 Date: The results of ICSE Class 10 are likely to be announced by the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations in mid or last week of April. Once out, students can check the results on cisce.org and results.cisce.org. The official confirmation regarding the exact date and time is awaited.

Indias gold loan market is seeing rising stress as borrowers take larger and multiple loans, pushing up delinquency rates and credit risk, according to TransUnion CIBIL. Nearly half of borrowers now have loans above 2.5 lakhwhere defaults are over twice as high, often with multiple borrowings. While the segment is growing rapidly, lenders are being urged to look beyond collateral and assess overall borrower debt and repayment capacity more carefully.

According to the IEA, Russias crude oil exports rose by 270,000 barrels per day (bpd) month-on-month to 4.6 million bpd in March.

With board exams over, students are exploring future paths. Several actresses like Aditi Rao Hydari, Raashii Khanna and Sakshi Tanwar studied at LSR, showing how strong education and passion can lead to success in diverse careers, including the entertainment industry. Read on to know more about them.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has accused the BJP and RSS of spreading hate and damaging the Constitution. He also alleged vote theft by the BJP. Gandhi stated that the Trinamool Congress government in West Bengal has not fulfilled its job promises. He highlighted that 84 lakh youths have applied for unemployment allowance in the state.

A Chennai founders post about a 22-year-old employee quitting to become a full-time delivery driver has sparked a wider debate on jobs and pay. Akshat Jain said the worker left after realising gig work could earn him 35,000 to 40,000 a month, more than his administration role. While Jain stressed long-term growth and skill-building, many netizens argued that immediate income matters more, saying mentorship cannot replace a salary that covers basic living costs.

UP Board Results 2026 Date and Time: UP Board class 10 and 12 results 2026 are expected in mid to late April, 2026. Students can check their UPMSP results on official websites like upmsp.edu.in and upresults.nic.in by using their roll number and school code. They can also check their results through DigiLocker and UMANG app.

India's strong economic and financial foundations are expected to absorb a sustained oil price shock, though growth could dip by 80 basis points if crude hits $130/barrel in 2026. Corporate earnings and bank asset quality might weaken, but robust balance sheets and well-capitalized banks offer significant buffers against prolonged disruptions.

A US-led naval blockade on Iran has sharply escalated tensions around the Strait of Hormuz, threatening global oil flows, trade routes and geopolitical stability. Oil prices have surged past $100 as shipping risks, insurance costs and supply disruptions ripple across markets. While enforcement remains complex and legally contested, the bigger risk lies in escalation and second-order effectsespecially for importers like India, which could face higher crude prices and tighter supply as global dema

Lodha Developers possesses a substantial land bank with a projected revenue of Rs 2 lakh crore. The company plans to reduce land acquisition spending in the coming years. This strategic shift aims to boost free cash flow. Lodha Developers has been actively acquiring land parcels across key Indian cities.

Stay cool in 2026 by identifying the six worst vegetables for summer. This story explains why heating ingredients like ginger, chilies, and heavy root vegetables like Arbi can disrupt your internal temperature and digestion, offering a roadmap to a lighter, more hydrated, and thermally balanced summer diet.

Indian startups are offering house help for as little as $1 an hour, attracting thousands of women seeking employment and consumers eager for affordable services. While the market is booming, concerns about worker safety, particularly for women, remain a significant challenge that companies are actively addressing through training and safety features.

The Ministry of Railways has announced the tentative schedule for the RRB NTPC CBT-1 exam, with multiple phases planned for May and June nationwide. Candidates can check their exam city and date 10 days prior, with e-call letters issued four days before. Aadhaar verification is mandatory, and candidates are warned against fraudulent job offers.

Juhi Bhatt, podcaster Ranveer Allahbadia's girlfriend, was spotted with him at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. Ranveer Allahbadia aka Beerbiceps confirmed his relationship with Juhi Bhatt when a fan went to him asking for a selfie. Juhi Bhatt is a Mumbai-based content creator who has appeared in web series and also in many episodes of FilterCopy.

The Bharatiya Janata Party has unveiled its manifesto for the Tamil Nadu assembly polls. The party is focusing on women voters with promises of financial assistance. Key announcements include monthly pensions for women heads of households and fishermen. The manifesto also outlines plans for job creation for youth and improvements to the state's rail network.

Khaitan & Co has taken a significant leap by opening a new office in the Gujarat International Finance Tec-City, a pivotal point for financial services in India. Building on the momentum from their recent Ahmedabad office launch, this initiative marks a bold strategy to deepen their roots in Gujarats thriving economic landscape.

Cement companies are poised for a strong performance in the January-March quarter. Profits are expected to surge significantly compared to the previous quarter. This improvement is driven by better profit margins and robust volume growth. Analysts anticipate a healthy conclusion to the fiscal year.