The Economic Times

From its inception, the series has been planned as a three-season story. Both the creator and producers have reiterated that the narrative has a defined conclusion, and the events of Paradise Season 3 are expected to bring closure.

Reports of Hakim Mohammad Tahir Anwar, elder brother of Maulana Masood Azhar and a key operational figure in Jaish-e-Mohammed, have gone viral. Pro-Jaish Telegram channels shared a funeral message, though the cause of death and official confirmation are pending. Anwar led the outfit's armed cadres and headed its Markaz Usman-o-Ali.

Telangana's finances in 2024-25 saw extensive use of RBI's Special Drawing Facility and Ways and Means Advances. The state government borrowed Rs 27,730 crore via SDF and Rs 64,188 crore through WMA. Overdrafts totaling Rs 37,457 crore were also availed. This reliance on short-term borrowing mechanisms highlights financial management challenges. The CAG report detailed these transactions.

Delhi Traffic Lok Adalat 2026: The Delhi Traffic Police and Delhi State Legal Services Authority are organising a special Lok Adalat on April 5, 2026 which falls on a Sunday, for vehicle owners to clear their pending challans. The Lok Adalat 2026 will be organised from 10 am to 4 am at various court complexes in Delhi. You can obtain a token online from https://traffic.delhipolice.gov.in/lokadalat.

Ten foreign-flagged ships carrying energy cargo are stranded in the Persian Gulf, with 18 Indian vessels also in the region, raising concerns over Strait of Hormuz transit. The government prioritizes Indian ships, with two LPG carriers having successfully passed. Insurance costs have significantly increased due to the heightened risk.

The Kerala BJP has unveiled its manifesto for the 2026 elections. Key promises include a welfare card for economically weaker women, providing monthly financial assistance for medicines and groceries. The party also plans to establish an AIIMS and develop a high-speed rail corridor. Additionally, poor families will receive two free LPG cylinders annually during festive seasons.

Italy has refused permission for United States military aircraft to land at the Sigonella air base in Sicily. The aircraft were scheduled to fly to the Middle East. Reports indicate the denial was due to a lack of authorisation and consultation with Italian military leadership. Opposition parties are urging the government to block U.S. base usage to avoid conflict involvement.

Realty firms Signature Global and RMZ Group have formed a 50:50 joint venture to develop a significant commercial project in Gurugram. RMZ Group has invested Rs 1,293 crore for a 50% stake in the project, which is expected to have a total capital value of Rs 14,000-16,000 crore.

India saw a significant jump in mobile data usage in 2025. Average monthly data consumption per user crossed 31 GB. 5G data traffic surged 70 percent, now making up nearly 47 percent of all mobile broadband traffic. India leads globally in 5G subscribers and data consumption. This growth is driven by AI applications and 4K streaming.

Ankita battled acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, a life-threatening illness. She underwent intensive treatment and chemotherapy. Despite her condition, she appeared for her Class 12 exams, writing practicals from an ambulance and theory from home. Ankita achieved 64% in her exams. Her condition is now stable, and she is pursuing a BCA course.

President Droupadi Murmu attended the Nalanda University convocation. She highlighted the university's revival as a symbol of global commitment to its heritage. Murmu noted students receive a shared inheritance of humanity. She praised the university's sustainability efforts towards net-zero emissions. The event also marked Mahavir Jayanti.

India's diesel exports to Southeast Asia hit a seven-year high in March, driven by traders covering short positions and refiners capitalizing on Asian profit margins. This surge, largely by Reliance Industries, helps alleviate supply tightness, with analysts predicting the trend's continuation despite export taxes. The U.S. stance on Russian and Iranian oil purchases enables India to maintain refinery capacity.

An explosion rocked Erbil, Iraq's Kurdistan region, near its international airport. This incident follows broader Middle East conflict involving US-Iran strikes. Pro-Iran groups have attacked US interests, while strikes have targeted them. Debris from an intercepted attack caused damage. Other areas in Iraq also reported overnight attacks on military bases and oil fields. Casualties were not reported in these incidents.

Euro zone inflation surged to 2.5% in March, exceeding the ECB's 2% target, driven by soaring oil and gas prices due to the Iran war. This presents a policy dilemma as expensive energy hinders growth but risks entrenching inflation, prompting debate on interest rate hikes to prevent a self-reinforcing spiral.

Vijay Sethupathi once worked as an accountant in Dubai, earning a modest salary. He took on part-time jobs, distributing pamphlets to make ends meet. Driven by his passion for acting, he returned to India and pursued his dream. Today, he is a celebrated Tamil superstar. Read on to know more about his journey.

Why is gold price heading for biggest monthly drop in over 17 years, and will gold, silver and other precious metals continue to witness wild price movements? Gold is set for a major monthly fall as investors move to the dollar. Oil, inflation fears, and rate expectations continue to drive price swings across metals.

Dubai is launching significant economic support measures. These initiatives, worth AED 1 billion, will be in place for three to six months. The aim is to ease financial burdens on businesses and individuals. Key actions include deferring government fees and supporting the hospitality sector. These steps will help talent live and work in Dubai, boosting its economy.

Sri Lanka will raise electricity prices starting April 1. The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka approved an 8.5 percent hike for households and industries. Those using over 180 units will see a 25 percent increase. Energy conservation measures are also being implemented in the state sector.

Magnum Ice Cream Netherlands has acquired a 61.9% stake in Kwality Walls (India) Ltd, gaining control and becoming the new promoter. The outgoing promoters, including Unilever, are now reclassified as public. The acquisition follows a June 2025 Share Purchase Agreement. KWIL also appointed Abhijit Bhattacharya as Chairman and Non-Executive Director, while Ritesh Tiwari resigned from the board.

India's economy is set for significant growth, aiming for 30 trillion dollars by 2047. However, ongoing global conflicts pose risks. These tensions could reduce India's economic expansion by one percent and increase inflation by 1.5 percent. The nation's reliance on imported energy makes it vulnerable to these disruptions. Despite these challenges, India's economy shows strong momentum.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar observed a democratisation of global order at the Nalanda University convocation, stating the world is becoming more multi-polar as diverse cultures make their voices heard. He highlighted the Nalanda tradition's potential influence and expressed hope that international students would promote India's understanding abroad.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has challenged state Congress president Gaurav Gogoi. Sarma asked Gogoi to disclose details of his properties located in Pakistan and the United Kingdom. He also questioned the income of Gogoi's wife from Pakistan. Sarma stated he would reveal more information after the elections. The Chief Minister also commented on Congress leaders joining the BJP.

Ekadashi in April 2026: Just like every other month, April will observe two Ekadashis- Varuthini and Mohini Ekadashi. While Varuthini Ekadashi falls on April 13, Mohini Ekadashi will be on April 27. Varuthini Ekadashi will begin at 1:16 AM on April 13 and end at 1:08 AM on April 14. Mohini Ekadashi starts at 6:06 PM on April 26 and ends at 6:15 PM on April 27.

Iran's military vows to retaliate severely against any aggressor, with Russian Chechen units reportedly on standby. Amidst US President Trump considering winding down operations, Iran's Parliament approved a plan to impose tolls and ban US, Israeli, and sanctioning nations' vessels from the Strait of Hormuz, asserting its control over the vital waterway.

Non-banking financial companies actively tapped the commercial paper market in March, driven by year-end funding needs, while corporates adopted a cautious approach due to high borrowing costs and ample internal funds. This trend is expected to continue. Bank certificate of deposit issuances remained stable, suggesting easing short-term funding pressures in the banking sector.

A tragic stampede during a religious gathering at a temple in Nalanda, Bihar, has led to the untimely demise of eight women. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed profound grief over this calamity and pledged financial aid to the victims' families.

The Strait of Hormuz is no longer operating normally, with ship traffic significantly reduced and access tightly controlled by Iran. While not fully closed, movement is restricted to friends of Iran, impacting global shipping and oil flows. A new toll system and checks are being implemented, turning the waterway into a strategic pressure point.

A Great Indian Bustard chick hatched in Gujarat, a rare conservation success. Forest officials are providing round-the-clock protection for the VVIC. Experts are guiding the monitoring efforts. The mother bird is tracked to ensure her safe habitat. This intensive team effort aims to secure the future of this endangered species.

Iran War: A persistent Middle East conflict could reduce India's real GDP growth by 1 percentage point and increase retail inflation by 1.5 percentage points from baseline estimates. This impact stems from disruptions to global oil and energy markets, affecting employment-intensive sectors and aggregate demand. The government may need to implement countercyclical policies and augment the Economic Stabilization Fund.

Sthree-Sakthi SS-513 Lottery Result (31-03-2026): The Kerala State Lotteries Department conducts the high-stakes draw for the Sthree Sakthi SS-513 weekly lottery today, March 31, 2026. The event will be held at Gorky Bhavan in Thiruvananthapuram, featuring a grand first prize of 1 crore.

The Union Government will introduce a bill in the Lok Sabha tomorrow. This bill seeks to officially declare Amaravati as the capital of Andhra Pradesh. It amends the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014. The move aims to provide legal certainty on the state's capital. This legislation will end years of debate. Amaravati will be the administrative and legislative center.

New Covid variant 2026 Cicada symptoms: The highly mutated new BA.3.2 Cicada COVID Variant has now spread to at least 23 countries, sparking concerns. The symptoms of Cicada COVID variant include cough, sore throat, congestion, shortness of breath among others. As of now, studies show that BA.3.2 does not cause more severe illness than earlier variants.

US gas prices have surpassed USD 4 a gallon for the first time since 2022, driven by soaring global fuel prices amid the Iran war. The national average now stands at USD 4.02, a significant increase attributed to crude oil price spikes and supply chain disruptions. This surge is exacerbating cost of living strains for consumers and businesses alike.

Actress Krystal DSouza follows a unique eating pattern, skipping breakfast and observing a 15-hour fast daily, aligning with intermittent fasting principles. This approach, which prioritizes a substantial home-cooked lunch and an indulgent dinner, mirrors scientifically backed benefits like improved cognitive function, cardiovascular health, and metabolic regulation, potentially aiding in weight management and longevity.

The final season of Euphoria is coming soon. Rue's story continues after a five-year leap. The show will stream in India on April 15, 2026. Familiar faces return alongside new actors. The series promises an intense conclusion to its bold narrative. Viewers can expect a deep dive into characters' lives. Read on to know more about the upcoming show.

Air India and Uzbekistan Airways have launched a codeshare partnership, effective March 20, 2026, enhancing travel between India and Central Asia. This collaboration allows seamless journeys from major Indian cities to Tashkent and beyond, strengthening India's air links. Passengers can now book combined tickets for greater convenience and expanded travel options.

Dish TV has petitioned the Kerala High Court, demanding that DD Free Dish, Prasar Bharati's free DTH service, be brought under the same encryption and regulatory rules as private operators. The company argues DD Free Dish's current unencrypted model unfairly disadvantages paid platforms, impacting subscriber numbers and violating fair competition principles.

Enzyme Office Spaces is expanding its presence in Bengaluru by leasing 3.5 lakh square feet. This move will add approximately 5,000 seats and is expected to generate Rs 50 crore in annual revenue. The company plans further expansion in the next financial year, driven by demand for flexible workspaces. Enzyme currently manages 2 million square feet across India.

Assam HSLC Result 2026 Date: The Board of Secondary Education, Assam will announce the HSLC (Class 10) Result 2026 on April 10. The examinations for the 2025-26 academic session concluded on February 27, 2026. Students can check their results on sebaonline.org and via DigiLocker and UMANG.

A second major shock to the global economy is emerging as the ongoing disruption in the Strait of Hormuz is now compounded by the risk of Houthi attacks on Red Sea shipping. Iran is reportedly pushing the Houthis to prepare for action, which could disrupt the Bab el-Mandeb straitanother critical trade routecreating simultaneous pressure on two key maritime chokepoints.

Actor-politician Aadhav Arjuna, contesting from Villivakkam, has declared substantial assets. His affidavit reveals a combined wealth of over Rs 197 crore. Arjuna's personal assets amount to Rs 180 crore, with his wife Daisy Arjuna holding assets valued at Rs 162 crore. The couple's income for 2024-25 is also significant. This marks TVK's electoral debut.

Author Harinder Sikka recently criticised filmmaker Meghna Gulzar for her adaptation of his novel, Raazi. He believes the filmmaker altered the protagonist's essence and diluted the story's spirit. His remarks surface as his other work, Dhurandhar 2, achieves significant box office success. Read on to know more about it.

Shabbir Ahmed Lone, the most wanted LeT commander, arrested by Delhi Police Special Cell, targeted Delhi's Kalkaji Temple and Gauri Shankar Temple. He recruited illegal Bangladeshi youths to carry out terror activities in Kolkata, Delhi and other places. Lone had direct links to Hafiz Saeed and was running a cross-border terror network aimed at radicalising Indian youths.

North Bengal's Siliguri and Dabgram-Fulbari constituencies are set for intense assembly election battles. Development, identity, and law and order are central themes. The BJP aims to retain its lead, while the TMC seeks to regain ground. A recent tragic incident has fueled political debate. Both parties are actively campaigning, highlighting their development agendas and criticizing opponents.

A young man selling fresh mountain air from Dharamshala for 50 in Delhi has gone viral on social media. The quirky video captures reactions of surprise and delight from buyers, sparking discussions about Delhi's pollution and the potential commodification of clean air. The stunt highlights the stark contrast between the capital's air quality and that of hill stations.