The Economic Times

AHSEC Assam 12th Result Date: The Assam Higher Secondary Education Council is expected to release Class 12 results in the last week of April 2026. Students can check their marks on official websites like ahsec.assam.gov.in and resultsassam.nic.in, as well as via DigiLocker. The results will be available for Science, Arts, and Commerce streams.

Pakistan's military chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, is in Tehran carrying US proposals for a second round of US-Iran peace talks. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and his foreign minister are engaging regional allies. This coordinated effort aims to advance the peace process. The talks are expected to take place in Islamabad this week. Security is being heightened in the capital.

An Israeli soldier is under investigation after a photograph surfaced on social media showing him damaging a statue of Jesus Christ in a Christian village in southern Lebanon. The Israel Defense Forces condemned the act, stating it is inconsistent with their values and are working to restore the statue.

Rapper Snoop Dogg is gearing up for a biopic, but his enduring message about success remains potent. He emphasises that true achievement lies not in material possessions but in staying authentic and patient. This philosophy, rooted in his own journey, offers a powerful counterpoint to today's social media-driven comparisons. Read on!

Iranian forces launched drones at US warships after an attack on an Iranian commercial vessel in the Sea of Oman. The IRGC claimed US forces retreated after firing at the vessel, which Iran accused the US of seizing in violation of a ceasefire. Tensions escalate in the Strait of Hormuz amid accusations of maritime piracy and blockade violations.

Gold demand during Akshaya Tritiya dropped about 30% in volume as prices, up nearly 60% year-on-year, deterred large purchases. Buyers stayed within budgets, shifting to lighter jewellery, small coins and exchange-led buying, while millennials preferred solitaires in the 75,0002.5 lakh range.

Following a 10-day ceasefire, the IDF has revealed the Forward Defence Line in southern Lebanon, detailing the operational zone of five divisions and naval forces. These forces are actively dismantling Hezbollah infrastructure and preventing threats to northern Israel, aiming to fundamentally change the security reality along the border.

If you are confused by personal finance terms, jargon and calculations, heres a series to simplify and deconstruct these for you. In the 99th part of this series, Riju Mehta explains the difference between the two types of taxes.

The annual returns are ranked for 6 key NSE factor indices, with a broad-based index, Nifty 500, thrown in for comparison. This map shows that no single-factor strategy consistently outperforms, making a strong case for diversification. By Sameer Bhardwaj.

The good thing is that you would be earning well in your 40s and 50s. Combine this with the fact that many of your other goals would have been by now largely (if not fully) managed. So you can invest more as the surplus is there.

The National Pension System's exit rule eased, allowing more flexibility with annuity purchases. Retirees must carefully decide how much to allocate to annuities, balancing essential expense coverage with potential market returns. While annuities offer stable income, Systematic Withdrawal Plans (SWPs) provide tax advantages and flexibility, though they require discipline.

Salaried employees face uncertainty as new labor codes and tax rules loom. Companies are preparing for changes, but widespread implementation is delayed pending final government notifications. The shift towards a fixed-heavy salary structure, with higher basic pay, may reduce take-home salaries while boosting long-term retirement savings.

In situations of financial distress, parents may themselves need help and support. Many of us that live the good life can look out to help and support such families among our friends and relatives. Providing the children the hope that things will get better, and helping their parents clamber back on to their feet, without the blame-game might help immensely.

A health plan consists of a base plan and riders or add-ons. Earlier, the base plan comprised fixed features that could not be changed, and one could add only 2-3 ridersusually critical illness, personal accident, co-pay/ deductibleat the time of purchasing the policy.

Rate cuts are off the table, inflation is creeping up, and the Strait of Hormuz remains a wildcard. In a candid interview with ET Wealths Kayezad E. Adajania, Rahul Goswami of Franklin Templeton, sees a clear opportunity in long-dated bonds for investors who can stomach near-term volatility.

Over the past five years, the sector has delivered strong growth, with revenues rising about 15.5% annually between FY2019-20 and FY2024-25, while EBITDA (Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization) grew faster at around 25%. This was driven by higher insurance-led payments ensuring steadier revenues, strong demand for profitable inpatient care, and aggressive expansion in beds and facilities.

Small-cap funds, which previously gated inflows due to stretched valuations and excessive liquidity, are now reopening. While some funds have lifted restrictions, others, particularly larger ones, maintain them, citing capacity constraints and liquidity risks. Investors should view these actions as risk management, not market timing signals.

Indian wealth is increasingly seeking global anchors, with GIFT City, Dubai's DIFC, and Singapore emerging as key contenders. Each hub offers distinct advantages in access, tax efficiency, and regulatory comfort, catering to different investor profiles from first-generation entrepreneurs to established family offices.

Iran is not currently planning to attend talks with the United States, state media said, after President Donald Trump ordered US negotiators to travel to Pakistan on Monday, just days before a ceasefire in the Middle East expires. Iran and the United States, along with Israel, are just three days away from the end of the two-week ceasefire that halted the Middle East war, ignited by surprise US-Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28.

Platos quote of the day highlights a simple way to manage anger by separating what can be changed from what cannot. It suggests focusing on action when possible and accepting situations that are beyond control, since anger does not help either way. The idea reflects Platos broader philosophy of using reason over emotion and remains relevant today as a reminder to pause and respond more thoughtfully in daily life.

Iran-U.S. war: United States of America has maintained a blockade of Iranian ports, while Iran has lifted and then reimposed its own blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, which before the war began almost two months ago handled roughly one-fifth of the world's oil supply.

Trump Tariffs Refunds: Importers and their brokers will be able to begin claiming refunds through an online portal.

Indian consumer sector investment declined in FY26. Investors are now favoring smaller, diversified deals over large bets. Deal volume, however, increased significantly. This indicates a market shift towards sustainable growth and operational discipline. Mega deals are absent, but early-stage funding shows resilience. Companies focus on filling gaps rather than just scaling up.

Bank credit growth is set to outpace deposit expansion in fiscal 2027. Analysts predict credit will grow 12-14% while deposits rise 10-12%. This trend follows a pattern where credit has consistently grown faster than deposits for over a decade. Revised liquidity norms may help manage this gap. Declining CASA ratios are a concern, impacting bank profitability.

The Indian government is taking action against non-profits holding unused foreign funds. Registrations are being cancelled for organizations that have not utilized foreign donations received years ago. A new bill aims to further tighten controls, potentially freezing funds and restricting asset management for these entities. This signals a shift towards greater accountability in the non-profit sector.

In an ambitious bid to redefine air travel, Air India is revamping its passenger experience. Customers will soon enjoy upgraded cabins on older jets as well as state-of-the-art aircraft, accompanied by the launch of exclusive airport lounges. These enhancements are tailored to draw in premium travelers, with the ultimate goal of boosting revenue and driving profit growth.

Microfinance lending rates are rising for the poorest borrowers. This is happening despite a government credit guarantee scheme designed to lower these rates. Microfinance companies cite their own increased borrowing expenses as the main reason. They are paying more to banks for funds. This trend is impacting the cost for end borrowers.

Bengal's election campaign intensifies as Trinamool leader Abhishek Banerjee directs party workers to reach out to all voters. Cadres are instructed to explain government schemes and development work. They are also told to remain vigilant on polling day, monitor EVMs, and report any intimidation.

Sajjan Jindal, Business Leader of the Year, shares his four-decade journey. He built JSW with passion and bold decisions. Jindal emphasizes stakeholder care and corporate governance for young entrepreneurs. He expanded into cement and paints, seeing potential beyond steel. Takeovers are a key growth strategy. The Economic Times Awards for Corporate Excellence will be presented on April 25.

Global geopolitical tensions are impacting new technology center openings in India. While the number of new centers slowed, existing ones are expanding. Experts predict continued growth in greenfield centers if uncertainties ease. The GCC ecosystem is steadily rising, driven by new capabilities in AI and product engineering.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has launched a special development package for Chennai. This initiative focuses on improving urban infrastructure and creating future job opportunities. Key promises include enhanced drinking water supply and a new cultural center. The plan also aims to expand the Chennai Metro Rail and invest in a dedicated hub for artificial intelligence and related technologies.

Iran's Foundation of Martyrs and Veterans Affairs reported over 3,400 deaths in the recent conflict with the US and Israel. This announcement follows a two-week ceasefire, with the latest toll indicating 3,468 martyrs lost. Previous reports had cited slightly lower figures, while a US-based agency estimated over 3,600 fatalities, including civilians and military personnel.

The Supreme Court has officially concluded the hearings related to the Additional Tier-1 bond write-down of Yes Bank, with a verdict now on the horizon. This case follows the bank's dramatic near-collapse back in 2020, leading to an aggressive write-down of 8,415 crore in bonds, sparking a flurry of legal action from aggrieved investors.

Brookfield India Real Estate Trust is raising 2,600 crore through a qualified institutional placement. Major investors like IFC, Whiteoak Capital, HDFC Life Insurance, Axis Max Life Insurance, and PPFAS Mutual Fund are participating. The funds will support acquisitions and debt repayment. This move strengthens the REIT's growing portfolio of operational assets.

West Bengal faces heightened election scrutiny. The Election Commission has marked 55 constituencies as expenditure sensitive. This year, 100 observers are deployed, the highest number across poll-bound regions. Seizures of cash, liquor, drugs, and freebies have surged. Several border areas and urban centers are under close watch to ensure fair elections.

The Central Bureau of Investigation has apprehended a senior Directorate General of Civil Aviation official and a consultant linked to Reliance Industries. The arrests stem from an alleged bribery case involving 2.5 lakh for drone import approvals. The DGCA deputy director-general is accused of demanding payment for granting permissions. The consultant is also associated with a drone manufacturing firm.

The Enforcement Directorate has arrested a Kolkata businessman in a money laundering investigation. The probe targets a criminal syndicate operating in the poll-bound state. Searches were conducted at the businessman's residence and that of a Kolkata Police Deputy Commissioner. The case is linked to alleged organized criminal activities and illegal fund generation.

Voters in Coimbatore are shifting their support away from the BJP. Some students who were inspired by K Annamalai are now considering voting for actor-politician Vijay. Former volunteers who worked for Annamalai are also stepping back. However, some party loyalists continue to campaign for the BJP, believing the party is paramount.

India's peak power demand surged to nearly 239 GW on April 18, the highest this summer, driven by rising temperatures and increased cooling loads from air conditioners and agriculture. This figure surpasses last year's peak, and with heatwave conditions predicted, further electricity consumption increases are expected, with the power ministry projecting a peak demand of 271 GW this year.

Iran's Civil Aviation Organization announced that international flights will resume from Mashhad Airport starting Monday. This marks the beginning of a phased reopening of Iranian airspace, with transit flights and eastern airports being prioritized. Travelers can now purchase tickets for international routes to and from Mashhad.

The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) is advocating for a unified national industrial land bank. This initiative aims to create an online system simplifying land acquisition for factories. The proposed system will offer comprehensive land details. Reforms include standardized impact assessments and faster acquisition processes. Uniform stamp duty is also recommended to streamline investments across states.

London police are probing potential Iranian involvement in recent arson attacks targeting Jewish sites. The UK Chief Rabbi warns of a growing campaign of violence. A pro-Iranian group has claimed responsibility for some incidents. Counter-terrorism units are actively investigating these threats. Authorities are vigilant about hostile Iranian activity within the UK. These events highlight a concerning escalation of tensions.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi attacked Trinamool and Congress for allegedly conspiring to defeat the Women's Reservation Bill. He addressed rallies in West Bengal's tribal regions, accusing the ruling party of betraying women. Modi promised financial assistance and the creation of Lakhpati Didis if the BJP forms the government, highlighting women's empowerment.

Violence against women and children is a major election issue in Tamil Nadu. The opposition alleges the DMK government is soft on crime and that drugs are freely available. Concerns over safety are widespread. The DMK is trying to win over female voters with promises of increased financial aid.

Jasmin Lawrence and Eric Murphy have welcomed daughter as Eddie Murphy and Martin Lawrence become grandpas.