The Economic Times

Quote of the Day: Liam Hemsworth emphasizes that genuine passion is the key to achieving goals, fueling persistence and effort. He believes that if that passion wanes, it's healthier to move on to something new, highlighting a practical approach to career fulfillment and avoiding burnout by aligning work with authentic interest.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin expressed joy as the opposition successfully blocked the delimitation bill in Parliament. He credited the INDIA bloc MPs and women for this victory. Stalin highlighted the planned campaign and protests that built momentum. He stated this marks the beginning of opposition unity and a setback for the BJP government.

RCB vs DC Playing 11: Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru aim to reclaim the top spot in the IPL 2026 points table as they face Delhi Capitals. RCB, with a strong opening and middle order, will look to capitalize on their historical dominance against a Delhi side seeking to regain momentum after recent defeats.

Iran's military command has announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital energy shipping channel, citing a US blockade. This move follows alleged US-Israeli strikes and Iran's prior threat to charge fees for passage. The strait is crucial as it handles approximately one-fifth of global oil and LNG supplies.

RCB vs DC IPL 2026 match at M.Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru: The 26th match of IPL 2026 features Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) hosting Delhi Capitals (DC) at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium today, April 18. With a 3:30 PM IST start, the Bengaluru weather forecast predicts a hot and dry afternoon with temperatures peaking at 37C, and minimal rain chances.

In a post on X, following his participation in a virtual Leaders' Summit on the Strait of Hormuz co-hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Albanese said 49 countries had come together with a consistent approach focused on ensuring freedom of navigation.

The Malayalam television industry mourns the loss of actor Sidharth Venugopal, aged 41. He was widely recognized for his role in the popular show Kasthooriman. Venugopal had been battling health issues for years. His sudden demise has deeply saddened fans and colleagues. Tributes are pouring in, remembering his significant contribution to television and his memorable on-screen presence.

A U.S. waiver allowing countries to buy sanctioned Russian oil at sea has been extended for another month. This extension will affect an additional 100 million barrels of Russian oil. The total volume impacted by waivers now stands at 200 million barrels. Kirill Dmitriev, a special envoy, noted active political opposition to the waiver's extension.

Global development banks are joining forces to help countries navigate economic challenges. They are combining resources and knowledge to manage immediate pressures and build future resilience. The banks are ready to provide timely support to manage risks and protect vulnerable populations. Collaboration will focus on private sector growth, job creation, and sustainable development.

The Academy Awards recently paid tribute to a beloved quote from Shah Rukh Khans hit movie Om Shanti Om, evoking waves of nostalgia among film aficionados. Khan conveyed his appreciation for the recognition, reminding everyone of the film's significant legacy. The evening also hinted at Khan's upcoming project, King, adding to the buzz surrounding his remarkable career.

Iran's IRGC Navy has imposed new restrictions on maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, permitting only civilian vessels on designated Iranian routes. Military ships are explicitly barred from transiting the vital waterway. These directives follow Iran's announcement of opening the strait and come amid US President Trump's insistence on maintaining a naval blockade until a full agreement is reached.

Akshay Kumar revealed his son Aarav Bhatia is not interested in Bollywood. Aarav is carving his own path in fashion. He is studying in London and gaining practical experience. Aarav is learning about textiles from villages. He also earns his own money. Aarav is a trained martial artist. He is focused on his independent journey.

Scientists have confirmed lunar polar ice has been accumulating for 1.5 billion years. This ancient ice, scattered across different regions, offers vital resources for future space exploration. It can be processed to create rocket fuel and oxygen for astronauts. This discovery strengthens the Moon's role as a potential refueling station for deep-space missions, including journeys to Mars.

Following Russia's retreat from Kherson, museum director Alina Dotsenko discovered thousands of artworks missing, with nearly 10,000 pieces' fate unknown. Ukraine is now highlighting this looting as Russia seeks international cultural engagement, emphasizing the need for accountability for stolen heritage.

Veteran actor Mukesh Khanna questions Ranveer Singh's suitability for Shaktimaan, prioritizing physical authenticity over star power. Despite lucrative offers, Khanna insists on casting a fresh face through auditions to capture the superhero's essence, highlighting creative differences with producers.

A Fact Finding Committee has started its inquiry into serious allegations at a TCS office in Nashik. The committee will speak to all parties involved before releasing any details. This comes as protests continue and authorities investigate the matter. TCS is cooperating with the investigation, which is looking into potential forced conversion and sexual harassment.

New reforms aim to speed up approvals for exporters. The Directorate General of Foreign Trade has enhanced Norms Committees operations. This includes fixed meetings and clearing old applications. More technical experts have joined the committees. These changes are expected to cut costs and speed up processes for businesses.

Several oil tankers have turned back in the Persian Gulf. This follows Iran's mixed signals on keeping the Strait of Hormuz open. Shipowners are uncertain about transit. Five Greek and Indian tankers halted journeys early Saturday. Warnings were reportedly broadcast over radio. The situation creates confusion for global oil trade.

Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin criticized the central government for withholding funds and infringing on state rights. He outlined the DMK's future welfare plans, including doubling financial assistance for women and extending the breakfast scheme. Free laptops for college students and appliance coupons for women were also mentioned. Elections are scheduled for April 23.

AP POLYCET 2026 hall tickets are releasing today, April 18. Candidates must download them online. The entrance exam for polytechnic colleges in Andhra Pradesh is scheduled for April 25. Entry requires a printed hall ticket and a valid photo ID. The exam will be offline with 120 multiple-choice questions. Results are expected by May 10.

Pakistan is eager for the International Monetary Fund's next loan installment. A Fund team will visit next month for crucial review talks. This comes as Pakistan's Finance Minister met IMF officials in Washington. The country aims to secure funds to bolster its economy. Discussions also covered global economic shocks and reform progress.

Bihar's Deputy Chief Ministers Vijay Kumar Choudhary and Bijendra Prasad Yadav have been upgraded to Z category security. This decision follows a review of their security arrangements by the state's home department. The Z category includes a dedicated team of trained personnel with advanced weaponry.

Iranians are trying to live normally after bombing and protests. Shops and parks are open, but the economy is struggling. People fear more government pressure after a potential deal with the US. The war has killed thousands and damaged infrastructure. Many Iranians feel the war did not help them and worry about their future.

Alternative Websites for UP Board Result 2026: The Uttar Pradesh Madhyamik Shiksha Parishad is expected to release Class 10 and 12 results for 2026 between April 20-25. Students can check their scores on official websites like upmsp.edu.in and upresults.nic.in, or via DigiLocker, UMANG App, and SMS. A minimum of 33% is required to pass.

Parliament's Budget session concluded abruptly. The Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha were adjourned sine die. This followed the failure of the women's reservation bill. The government also decided to put the delimitation proposal on hold. The session ended on a politically charged note. Attention now shifts to the government's future plans and ongoing state elections.

Nutrition expert Lovneet Batra emphasizes the crucial importance of protein in maintaining health. She suggests that a balanced protein intake promotes metabolism, curbs hunger, and accelerates recovery. Incorporating straightforward options like chicken, fish, paneer, tofu, and besan chillas can significantly enhance your daily protein levels. Focusing on consistent, thoughtful food choices instead of striving for perfection fosters lasting health benefits.

Jalgaon district is preparing for a heatwave. Government hospitals have set up special rooms and beds for heat-related illnesses. Doctors are instructed to stock necessary medicines. Citizens are urged to avoid going out during peak afternoon hours and take precautions. The India Meteorological Department has issued a heatwave warning for Maharashtra and other parts of the country.

A cruise ship has successfully navigated the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway, for the first time since the West Asia conflict started. The vessel, Celestyal Discovery, sailed through without passengers. Iran has stated that passage through the Strait will be strictly controlled and require Iranian authorization. This development occurs amid heightened regional tensions.

Life in Iran remains unsettled as schools stay closed following recent conflict. Parents are juggling work and online classes, facing productivity challenges. Many families who fled conflict zones are now back, dealing with disrupted routines and financial strain. The uncertainty of when normal life will resume weighs heavily on households across the nation.

Zendaya, the popular actress, embraces a life philosophy of following joy over strict plans. This approach encourages trusting instincts and finding meaning in the journey. She believes in prioritizing personal contentment over external validation. Her career, from Disney to Euphoria, showcases this adaptable spirit. Zendaya's perspective offers a valuable lesson for navigating life's uncertainties.

A distant war is impacting global luxury sales. Europe's top luxury firms have lost billions in market value. The Middle East, a key growth market, is seeing reduced tourist spending due to travel disruptions and uncertainty. This slowdown affects major brands like Herms, Gucci, and LVMH. Recovery for the luxury sector faces delays as geopolitical risks persist.

Akshay Kumar reminisced about his humble beginnings in Chandni Chowk, where laughter was a constant amidst a large family. A chance modeling gig, paying significantly more than his martial arts instructor salary, opened doors to a new career. His martial arts background proved invaluable, allowing him to perform his own stunts and build a successful film career from scratch.

Winless after six matches, Kolkata Knight Riders' playoff hopes are fading, but skipper Ajinkya Rahane urges the team to embrace tough phases and play with freedom. Despite a fifth defeat against Gujarat Titans, Rahane emphasized focusing on one game at a time and playing for their fans, highlighting the team's hard work and discussions on improvement.

Kabul is undergoing a massive transformation as the Taliban government revives old plans to widen roads. Homes, businesses, and even a graveyard are being demolished to make way for modern infrastructure. This extensive project aims to ease traffic congestion in the capital. Property owners are compensated, and new jobs are being created through the construction work.

President Trump sees positive signs in Iran peace talks. A ceasefire in the Middle East conflict may be extended if a deal is reached by Wednesday. Iran has temporarily reopened the Strait of Hormuz. Shipping may return to normal soon. Talks are ongoing to resolve the conflict and Iran's nuclear program.

Work-from-home policies remain a divisive issue as some companies embrace flexibility while others enforce rigid office rules, even during emergencies. A viral story shared by Simon Ingari highlights how a childs heartfelt request led a company to rethink its stance, underlining the importance of empathy, adaptability, and employee-centric workplace practices.

The Calcutta High Court has cancelled the appointment of assistant professors as presiding officers for the West Bengal assembly elections. The court ruled that these appointments violated Election Commission guidelines. The petitioners, from the West Bengal Government College Teachers' Association, challenged their assignments. The court found no justification for drafting these senior staff without proper reasons.

A woman in Bengaluru faced disappointment in the city's competitive rental market. She lost a house she was about to rent after a landlord accepted another tenant's deposit. The incident, shared online, resonated with many who have had similar experiences. The search for a furnished 1BHK near Garudachar Palya continues.

Iran War News Day 50: The Iran-Israel conflict reaches its 50th day. Tensions rise over the Strait of Hormuz. Diplomatic efforts continue for a nuclear deal. Global markets react to the developments. Lebanon signals a political shift amid ongoing violence. The conflict's impact spreads to Iraq. A multinational mission is planned for Hormuz. Defence industries see increased demand. The situation remains fluid.

An earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 5 struck mountainous Nagano prefecture in central Japan on Saturday. The quake hit Omachi in northern Nagano around 1:20 p.m. It registered a seismic intensity of upper-5 on Japan's scale. It is not immediately clear if there was any damage. Earthquakes are common in Japan, one of the world's most seismically active areas.

Iran's actions in the Strait of Hormuz have revealed a key vulnerability for President Trump. The conflict has led to rising energy costs and inflation, impacting American consumers. This economic pressure is forcing Trump to seek a diplomatic solution. Adversaries like Russia and China are observing these developments.

Garena Free Fire Max players can snag free in-game items using redeem codes released regularly. These 12-character alphanumeric codes are time-sensitive and can only be used once. Players should visit the official redemption site to log in and enter the codes promptly to claim their rewards before they expire.

Indian Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh experienced a flight in a US F-15EX Eagle II fighter jet at Nellis Air Force Base. This visit aimed to enhance interoperability and collaboration between the Indian and US Air Forces. Discussions focused on joint exercises and modernization efforts. The F-15EX is a key platform for Indo-Pacific defense.

The Uttar Pradesh Police Recruitment Board has released exam city details for 41,424 Home Guard vacancies. Candidates can check their allotted district via an intimation slip issued on April 18, 2026. The written exam is scheduled for April 25-27, 2026, with admit cards available three days prior.

A US appeals court has permitted President Donald Trump's administration to proceed with building a new ballroom at the White House. This decision temporarily halts a lower court's order that had stopped the project. The court will hold a hearing in June to further review the case.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is under intense scrutiny. His choice of Peter Mandelson as US ambassador has resurfaced. Questions are being raised about how Mandelson secured the position. Starmer is accused of misleading Parliament. This comes after Mandelson's initial security clearance was denied. The situation threatens Starmer's promise of integrity in government.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin declared a victory against the delimitation bill in Parliament. He stated this defeat has humbled Delhi's arrogance and significantly impacted the BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Stalin predicted further electoral successes for his alliance in the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections on April 23.

UP Board Class 10 and 12 results for 2026 are anticipated between April 20-25. Students can access their scorecards on official websites like upmsp.edu.in and results.upmsp.edu.in, as well as DigiLocker and the UMANG app. A minimum of 33% is required to pass, with compartment exams available for those who don't meet the criteria.

Senior Democratic lawmakers in the US Senate on Friday (local time) sharply criticised the Trump administration for extending a waiver that allows the continued sale of sanctioned Russian oil, calling the move a shameful policy reversal.