The Economic Times

Naam Tamilar Katchi leader Seeman offers a different political path in Tamil Nadu. He rejects welfare freebies, advocating for Tamil governance. Despite no electoral seats, his party's vote share grows. Seeman's fiery speeches and focus on Tamil identity draw crowds. He fields candidates independently, emphasizing his unique ideology. NTK's rising influence makes him a notable political force.

India's foreign exchange reserves have seen a significant increase. Reserves rose by over nine billion dollars in the week ending April 3. This brings the total reserves to nearly 700 billion dollars. This follows a period of decline. The Reserve Bank of India has been active in managing the currency. This rise indicates a stabilization in the country's financial position.

India is deeply concerned by reports of civilian casualties in Lebanon. This comes after Israel's significant bombardment in its war with Lebanon. India has always prioritized civilian protection and adherence to international law. India and Israel share close ties. Israeli strikes are straining a fragile ceasefire between Washington and Tehran as they prepare for talks.

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US officials claim significant damage to Iran's military, stating over 13,000 targets were hit, including 80% of air defenses and 90% of naval assets. Despite assertions of Iran's capacity being 'wiped out,' independent data suggests strikes continued. Iran's ability to shoot down a US jet highlights lingering capabilities, even as weapons factories and nuclear facilities faced attacks.

Qatar assures India it will remain a dependable energy provider. Indian Oil Minister Hardeep Singh Puri met with Qatar's Energy Minister Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi in Doha. Both leaders stressed the need for stability in global energy markets. They welcomed a ceasefire and emphasized unimpeded navigation for commerce. This visit aims to secure India's energy supplies amid geopolitical challenges.

Is Anthropic Mythos model the most capable AI yet? A powerful new AI has triggered global concern. Anthropic says its Mythos system has already found thousands of critical software vulnerabilities. This includes flaws across major operating systems and web browsers. The Anthropic Mythos model too dangerous debate is now trending across cybersecurity and AI search queries. The model can not only detect bugs but also build working exploits fast. Even non-experts can use it effectively. That change

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has proposed that new national highway projects should only be approved with complete land acquisition. He said land acquisition and clearances are significant challenges in road construction. Gadkari also indicated that highway assets worth Rs 15 lakh crore are available for monetisation.

Top Indian Air Force officers stressed the urgent need for multi-domain operations to counter modern warfare's evolving nature. The 'Ran Samvad-2026' seminar highlighted seamless integration across traditional, cyber, space, and cognitive domains. This strategic shift, driven by technology and AI, aims for speed, tempo, and synergy to ensure national security and operational effectiveness.

The Directorate General of Foreign Trade has released new rules for importing calcined petroleum coke for aluminium production. Applications are now open for allocations for the 2026-27 period. Additionally, a certificate of inspection for rice exports is now only required for specific European countries. Exports to other European nations are exempt for six months.

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu's reliance on military force to counter Iran and Hezbollah is questioned, drawing parallels to Eisenhower's warnings against seeking absolute security through war. Despite a US-Iran ceasefire, Israel's continued strikes in Lebanon risk derailing diplomatic efforts and escalating conflict, highlighting the limitations of military solutions.

In a recent development, India's government has announced an extension of the minimum import price for natural honey, now effective until December 31, 2026. Set at USD 1400 per tonne, this initiative seeks to protect local apiculture by limiting the influx of inexpensive honey. The Directorate General of Foreign Trade has confirmed the new timeline.

French energy giant TotalEnergies said Friday that it had shut down a major refinery on the eastern Gulf coast of Saudi Arabia after it was damaged during the Middle East war. The Saudi energy ministry had announced Thursday multiple attacks recently on its oil and gas sites, including the SATORP refinery, a joint venture owned by TotalEnergies and the Saudi state-owned Aramco group.

A former tech professional, once earning 40 lakh annually, now drives a bike taxi to manage a 95,000 monthly home loan EMI after losing his job. His 1.4 crore flat, bought with confidence in his stable income, has become a source of immense stress. This stark reality highlights the vulnerability of professionals facing sudden job disruptions.

Delhi Police busted an inter-state terror, arms, and espionage module backed by Pakistan's ISI. The operation uncovered a solar-powered CCTV surveillance network near military locations in Punjab and Rajasthan, leading to 11 arrests and exposing a conspiracy linked to Babbar Khalsa International. The module was involved in espionage, arms smuggling, and reconnaissance of critical defense installations.

Global economic growth faces a slowdown to 3.2 percent in 2026. The West Asia conflict is causing the largest energy shock on record. Shipping, energy supply, and trade are impacted. Oil production and key infrastructure face disruptions. Europe and Asia, net energy importers, will see higher costs. This situation significantly alters the global economic outlook.

A food safety raid in Hapurs Pannapuri led to the sealing of a food manufacturing unit found producing adulterated tomato sauce using vegetable pulp, acid, and banned synthetic colours in unhygienic conditions. The Hapur food safety department raid uncovered around 200 litres of unsafe sauce allegedly sold to local eateries and street vendors at low prices.

A U.S. trade court will review a 10% global import tax enacted by the Trump administration. Several states and small businesses argue this tax, imposed under the Trade Act of 1974, illegally bypasses a Supreme Court ruling that limited presidential tariff authority. The administration defends the tariffs as a response to trade deficits.

India and Japan leaders spoke about West Asia and shipping safety. They welcomed a US-Iran announcement. Both nations will work together for de-escalation and energy security. This call follows a recent ceasefire impacting the region. Closer coordination is planned to ensure stability.

America faces a future of slower economic growth due to demographic stagnation. A declining birth rate and reduced immigration are shrinking the potential labour force. This trend will complicate the Federal Reserve's monetary policy decisions. A smaller workforce means less overall economic output. Immigrants currently provide a significant fiscal contribution.

The release of millions of pages of documents tied to Epstein continues to generate controversy, with renewed focus on individuals mentioned in the records. Melania Trump has rejected claims tying her to Jeffrey Epstein and his longtime associate Ghislaine Maxwell.

The journey of Allahabad High Court judge Yashwant Varma has reached a decisive point as his removal proceedings have come to an end. By opting to resign, he rendered the parliamentary removal process moot. This resignation, stemming from allegations of corruption, further enables him to access his pension benefits.

Mona Lisa marraige age: A viral Maha Kumbh bead seller, Monalisa, is now at the center of a legal storm. Investigations revealed she is a minor, leading to an FIR against her husband, Farman Khan, under POCSO in Madhya Pradesh. The marriage, allegedly conducted in Kerala using forged documents to conceal her age, is under scrutiny.

Rajeev Chandrasekhar, BJP state president, foresees a significant shift in Kerala's political arena. He believes the 2026 Assembly elections will mark the final contest involving three major fronts. Following this, he anticipates a bipolar political system will emerge in the state. This new landscape will feature the NDA on one side and a Congress-CPI(M) alliance on the other.

First Lady Melania Trump has broken her silence on the Jeffrey Epstein scandal. She stated she had no knowledge of his abuse and was not a victim. Trump called for an end to false claims linking her to the convicted sex offender. She also urged Congress to allow survivors to testify under oath.

India faces energy security challenges due to global conflicts. ONGC Chairman Arun Kumar Singh advises caution on Middle East oil reliance. He stresses building strategic storages and increasing domestic production as vital. Diversifying energy sources and supply chains is also recommended. India has improved its LPG supply. Prioritizing piped natural gas for households is suggested.

Aam Janata Unnayan Party chief Humayun Kabir claims a conspiracy after a sting video went viral. He alleges West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is involved with the BJP and RSS. This comes as the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen withdrew its alliance with Kabir's party. The video purportedly shows Kabir discussing a deal. AIMIM cited concerns over Muslim integrity.

Shapoorji Pallonji Mistry has again urged for Tata Sons to be listed publicly. He believes this move is a necessary step for the group's evolution. A public listing would improve governance, transparency, and accountability. Mistry argues it is in the public interest and would benefit all stakeholders. He stated no evidence shows it would harm Tata Trusts or their beneficiaries.

The minister further informed that the country added 6.65 gigawatts of solar capacity in March 2026, marking the highest-ever solar installation in a single month. Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Maharashtra have led this extraordinary growth, powering India's transition towards a cleaner, greener, and more self-reliant future, Joshi said.

Protests demanding the closure of a country liquor shop in Maharashtra's Gondia district turned violent, resulting in at least 32 police injuries. The clash erupted when police attempted to arrest a key protester, leading to stone-pelting and arson by villagers. Authorities have deployed additional forces and are working to de-escalate tensions through dialogue.

With rising seasonal infections during shifting heat and rainy weather, experts emphasize a strong monsoon diet focused on immunity-boosting foods to prevent illness. Warm, freshly cooked meals like soups, khichdi, turmeric, ginger, garlic, and vitamin C-rich fruits (orange, amla, guava) help strengthen immunity. Maintaining gut health with probiotics such as curd and buttermilk, staying hydrated with safe boiled water, and avoiding street food, cut fruits, and oily fried foods are key to reduci

During his recent trip to Doha, Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri held important discussions with key Qatari officials, centering on energy collaborations and the enhancement of bilateral relations. He relayed heartfelt greetings from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with both parties expressing aspirations for regional harmony and the continuity of maritime commerce.

Dhurandhar: The Revenge continues its impressive box office run, becoming the first Hindi film to surpass 1,000 crore net in India and reaching 1,680 crore worldwide gross. The Aditya Dhar directorial is now chasing the lifetime collection of Pushpa 2: The Rule, needing approximately 187 crore more to claim the top spot.

Dacoit, featuring Adivi Sesh and Mrunal Thakur, has opened in cinemas. The film is a revenge-driven action drama with a strong supporting cast. Early reviews are mixed, but audience interest remains high. The exact OTT release date is yet to be announced. Read on to know where to watch it online after its theatrical run.

Israel intensifies strikes in Lebanon targeting Hezbollah after a US-Iran ceasefire. Over 300 people died in Beirut. Hezbollah retaliated with missiles into Israel. Lebanon seeks inclusion in the truce. Israel and Lebanon will hold talks in Washington to discuss disarming Hezbollah and a peace deal. The conflict continues.

A tense workplace dispute over paid leave escalated dramatically when a manager threatened termination for an employee taking PTO. The employee, refusing to compromise personal time for a client meeting, ultimately resigned. The incident highlights the clash between workplace demands and personal priorities, with the employee emphasizing family over corporate loyalty.

Artemis II astronauts are returning home after a record-breaking lunar mission. The four crew members, including Jeremy Hansen from Canada, are expected to land soon. Despite the mission's significance, these astronauts receive standard NASA salaries. This pay scale applies whether they are on Earth or in space. Canadian astronauts also earn within a similar range.

A sleeping seal named Sammy caused a charming traffic delay on Victoria's Mornington Peninsula, bringing vehicles to a standstill on Point Nepean Road. Police managed the situation, closing lanes for several hours to safely relocate the marine mammal back to the water. Sammy, a known local wanderer, prompted a memorable spectacle for drivers.

Industrialist Anand Mahindra highlights a new High-Power Microwave weapon capable of neutralizing hundreds of drones with a single pulse, addressing the cost imbalance in modern warfare. This technology, unlike lasers, targets a volume of space, offering a crucial advantage against drone swarms. India must prioritize indigenous development of such advanced defense systems.

Malayalam superstar Mammootty self-funded the crime thriller Kalamkaval, portraying a challenging psychopath role. He also opened up about his commitment to evolving as an actor and exploring unconventional narratives, a trait that continues to define his illustrious career. Read on!

West Bengal's Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has raised alarm bells, alleging that the BJP has brought in external operatives for the Assam elections. She denounced the current government's influence, suggesting that impartiality is a thing of the past.

Indian Railways is set to manufacture advanced trainsets with a design speed of 220 kmph. This marks a significant upgrade from current Vande Bharat Express trains. The railways will also implement AI-based track monitoring systems. Composite sleepers will be used for improved track performance. These developments aim to enhance safety and operational efficiency across the network.

Global tech firm Salesforce reports no impact from the West Asia crisis on its Indian operations. The company sees substantial growth opportunities within India's education sector. Salesforce is partnering with educational institutions to enhance student admissions and engagement. India's young population presents a strong market for educational technology solutions. The company's India business has shown robust revenue and profit growth.

Amid rising tensions in the Gulf, BMW India is witnessing a shift in consumer behavior among its high-net-worth clients. The current geopolitical climate is prompting many to postpone significant investments, particularly in luxury items like automobiles. As fuel prices are projected to rise, electric vehicles are capturing the attention of buyers looking for long-term savings.

A massive data breach has reportedly compromised sensitive information from a Chinese government supercomputer, raising national security alarms. Over 10 petabytes of data, including defense documents and missile schematics, are believed stolen and may be for sale. This incident highlights critical vulnerabilities in advanced systems and the escalating threat of sophisticated cyberattacks.

A quiet revolution is happening in entertainment. AI-generated short dramas are now so realistic that viewers cannot tell them apart from human-made shows. This shift is driven by platforms promoting AI content, advanced technology, and the ability to create endless variations of popular stories. This means entertainment is moving towards mass customization, with stories tailored precisely for different audiences.

YouTube is piloting new smart playback features for Premium subscribers, including Auto Speed for dynamic playback adjustment and On-the-Go mode for a distraction-free audio-like experience.

A high-level delegation from Commonwealth Sport visited India to review preparations for the 2030 Commonwealth Games in Amdavad. The team inspected venues and infrastructure across Gujarat. Discussions focused on progress, governance, and delivery plans. Both Commonwealth Sport and the Commonwealth Games Association (India) expressed confidence in India's ability to host a landmark event.