The Economic Times
Elections 2026Economy / The Economic Times
Who was Hell Lady Kazuko Hosoki, the inspiration for Netflixs Straight to Hell? This explainer follows the life of Kazuko Hosoki, from post-war struggle and nightlife business to national fame as a fortune teller, author, and TV personality. It covers her Six Star Astrology system, record book sales, media career, controversies, and lasting cultural influence highlighted again by Netflix series Straight to Hell.
Quote of the day by Jack Whitehall shares humour and lessons about honesty, work culture and human nature. The quote uses comedy to describe a father figure who is not dead but critical. The story explains the meaning, relevance and lessons from the quote. It also covers the life and career of the English comedian, actor, writer and television personality Jack Whitehall and his journey in television and stand-up comedy.
Reliance Industries' March quarter results saw oil and gas businesses face pressure. Digital, telecom, and retail segments provided support. Investors will watch non-oil business performance for future earnings momentum. The company's new energy GIGA factory is set to become operational this year. Telecom ARPU saw a modest increase. Retail revenue grew, but Ebitda growth was limited.
Chinese proverb of the day highlights how people react to change. The proverb explains fear, innovation, adaptability, opportunity, and mindset during uncertain times. It shows how people either resist change or use it to grow and succeed. This teaching connects to career growth, life decisions, and personal development. It explains how mindset shapes progress and how change can become a path to success.
The unrest in West Asia highlights India's urgent need for improved risk management strategies. This is a crucial time for India to pinpoint critical economic vulnerabilities in sectors like energy, agriculture, and mineral resources. Emphasizing the diversification of supply sources alongside an increase in renewable energy initiatives is vital. Despite the challenges, the economy stays strong with manageable inflation rates.
India and New Zealand are set to sign an FTA after talks resumed in 2024, ending a 10-year pause. The deal aims to double bilateral trade to $5 billion within the next five years.
India is on the verge of transforming its tourism landscape with the introduction of new guidelines for trailer caravans. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways is wrapping up its draft rules, ensuring that recreational vehicles and camper vans meet high standards.
Peak demand was comparatively lower at 243 GW during summer 2025 due to favourable weather conditions and an early monsoon. Maximum day temperatures were in the range of 40-45c over most parts of the country except the western Himalayan region, northeast India, west coast, and southern parts of peninsular India, according to IMD.
In a recent address, Prime Minister Narendra Modi assured the refugees residing in West Bengal of citizenship and stable homes. He issued a stern warning to infiltrators to vacate before May 4. Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Amit Shah expressed the BJP's commitment to eradicating lawlessness and corruption, encouraging citizens to vote courageously in the upcoming elections.
A Reddit post has sparked debate after a man shared that his pregnant wife, expecting twins, resigned from her job on medical advice for complete bed rest. However, her employer reportedly insisted she physically serve her notice period in office to receive her relieving letter. The husband questioned whether this is legal, while commenters, including those identifying as lawyers, said the demand appears unreasonable given her medical condition
An Air India flight from Mumbai to Bhopal landed safely in Bhopal on Sunday after reporting a technical issue. The aircraft carried 175 people. Airport officials confirmed all safety protocols were followed. The return flight from Bhopal to Mumbai was cancelled to allow for a detailed inspection of the aircraft. Passengers were provided necessary assistance.
BRICS nations failed to agree on a unified stance regarding the US-Israel conflict with Iran. India's attempt to build consensus during a New Delhi meeting was hindered by sharp differences among member states. A chair's statement was released instead of a collective document. India reiterated its support for a two-state solution for Palestine.
A man in Madhogarh village, Rajasthan, tried to beat the intense heat by placing a heavy metal milk can over his head while riding his motorcycle. The makeshift sun protection backfired when the can got stuck tightly and couldnt be removed. Locals rushed to help and eventually used tools like a cutter and grinder to carefully cut it open. After nearly two hours, the man was safely freed without injury.
Voting for Gujarat's local body elections concluded peacefully on Sunday. Urban areas reported turnout below 50 percent, while tribal regions saw high participation despite heat. Elections were held for municipal corporations, municipalities, and district and taluka panchayats. This exercise is significant ahead of next year's assembly polls. Counting of votes is scheduled for April 28.
Heavy snow warning for a few states in the U.S. has been issued for Sunday night, Monday morning.
A doctor has highlighted how the first 6090 minutes after waking up play a key role in setting the bodys neurobiological tone for the rest of the day. Simple habits like getting early sunlight, drinking water, delaying caffeine, and doing light movement can improve energy, mood, and focus. At the same time, avoiding phone use, the snooze button, and sugary breakfasts can prevent fatigue and crashes later.
Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu met Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in New Delhi. He requested ongoing assistance for crucial infrastructure in the border state. The Chief Minister highlighted development in border districts, enhancing security and local lives. Discussions focused on the Akajan-Likabali-Bame corridor and a key bridge.
Amid an intense heatwave sweeping across India, several states have revised school timings, announced early summer vacations, and even ordered temporary closures to protect students from extreme temperatures crossing 44C. States like Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, and Maharashtra have shifted to early morning classes, while others such as Chhattisgarh, West Bengal, and Tripura have preponed holidays or shut schools altogether.
President Donald Trump on Sunday used a shooting at a gala he attended in Washington to push his plans to construct a huge ballroom next to the White House that has faced legal challenges. This event would never have happened with the Militarily Top Secret Ballroom currently under construction at the White House, Trump wrote.
The CBI has filed a case concerning alleged corruption in a government drain construction contract. The probe involves a deceased man, reportedly a relative of former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. The contract was awarded in 2015-16. Allegations suggest the work was not executed despite payments. The CBI is investigating the role of the former Chief Minister in the matter.
US President Donald Trump stated he is having productive discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy. Trump is actively working towards a resolution for the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. He expressed his belief that a settlement is achievable despite the current animosity between the two leaders. Trump previously pledged to end the war.
With rising concerns over adulterated fruits in the market, especially during summer, knowing how to identify real and fake watermelon at home has become essential for food safety. Authorities like FSSAI have warned about chemically treated and artificially coloured watermelons, which can pose health risks such as digestive issues, nausea, and long-term toxicity. Simple checks like observing the colour and texture, doing a tissue or water test, tasting for natural flavour, and examining seeds an
A music lyric from John Lennons Yer Blues is todays focus, highlighting a phase when the The Beatles were moving into more personal and experimental territory. Written during their stay in India and released on The White Album, the lyric reflects Lennons state of mind, often linked to feelings of detachment and a search for identity. The song, though partly intended as a take on blues music, carried a raw and honest tone, which continues to draw attention to its meaning even now.
US companys board meeting is happening this weekend to finalise decision; an announcement is imminent later tonight or by Monday. Mumbai HQed company pips the consortium of EQT-Gruenthal. Sun will pay $4.5 billion for Organons equity and inherit $8.5 billion of its debt.
Donald Trump suggests Iran can initiate talks, possibly by phone. He believes the Iran conflict will end soon and the US will be victorious. Trump also plans to address Iran's nuclear capabilities. He criticized NATO and the United Kingdom for their responses. China could have done more to help. Discussions on Ukraine with Putin and Zelenskyy are ongoing.
Aurora borealis tonight: Northern lights will be visible on Sunday night from a number of states across the U.S.
Toyota Kirloskar Motor's ABCD program transformed rural Indian schools by tackling hygiene beliefs. Children became agents of change, promoting toilet use and handwashing. This initiative, recognized by Harvard Business School, has reached thousands, improving sanitation and health outcomes. The program's success demonstrates effective behavioral change strategies in community development.
National Security Advisor Ajit Doval recently visited the UAE and Saudi Arabia to discuss energy security and regional stability. These visits follow the ongoing war and ceasefire. The UAE is a key partner for India in the Gulf. Doval's engagement aims to strengthen strategic partnerships and address geopolitical shifts.
Raghuvanshis dismissal: Angkrish Raghuvanshis controversial obstructing the field dismissal during the IPL 2026 clash between Kolkata Knight Riders and Lucknow Super Giants has become a major talking point, highlighting one of the rarest dismissals in IPL history. The young KKR batter, who was trying to stabilise the innings, was ruled out after the third umpire deemed he had altered his running line while attempting a run, following a delivery from Prince Yadav and an appeal led by Mohammed Sha
Mali's defence minister died after an attack on his house, his family said Sunday, as the army fought a second day of battles with jihadist fighters and separatist rebels near the capital Bamako and other cities, putting the Sahel nation's ruling junta under severe pressure. Defence Minister Sadio Camara, his second wife and two of his grandchildren died after a car bomb attack on his home in the junta stronghold of Kati, outside Bamako, his family and an official said.
Filmmaker Karan Johar has criticised Bollywoods growing dependence on paid publicity, saying the industry is in overdrive when it comes to PR. Speaking to The Week, he said artists should let their work speak for itself, as everything is available at a price today, making it difficult to tell whether audience reactions are genuine or paid for.
Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is in Islamabad for talks on ending the Middle East war. This follows US President Donald Trump cancelling his envoys' trip. Araghchi met Pakistani officials and military chief Asim Munir. The Strait of Hormuz remains closed, impacting energy markets. Israel has launched strikes in Lebanon against Hezbollah, accusing the group of violating a ceasefire.
Russia and North Korea have taken a bold step in reinforcing their military ties, as Moscow's defense minister convened with North Korean authorities to outline a detailed cooperation plan for the years 2027 to 2031. This partnership builds on North Korea's endorsement of Russia's controversial military campaign in Ukraine.
A 61-year-old man in Mangaluru was allegedly duped of over Rs 2 crore in a sophisticated digital arrest scam, where fraudsters posing as officials from agencies like the NIA and ED threatened him with fake criminal charges and arrest. The scammers falsely claimed his identity had been misused for illegal activities and pressured him through calls, fake FIR threats, and WhatsApp interactions, even accusing him of terrorism.
White House correspondents' dinner event shooter suspect will be charged in federal court on Monday with assault of a federal officer, discharging a firearm and attempting to kill a federal officer.
A pregnant MBA graduate set to join a Big Four firm in India has sparked a wider debate on workplace bias and maternity support after sharing her concerns online about starting her career while expecting. While she is happy about her miracle pregnancy, her main worries revolve around job location, potential discrimination, and how her pregnancy might impact her early professional journey. Despite having a strong support system at home and plans to return to work a few months after delivery, she
A Gurugram-based software engineer, Priyanka Giri, has gone viral after sharing how she landed a job at Google following four months of unemployment and rejections from Microsoft and Meta. In a candid video, she pushed back against the belief that getting into top tech firms is nearly impossible, urging jobseekers not to self-reject before even trying. While acknowledging that luck plays a role, she stressed that consistent effort and applying without hesitation are key.
Gujarat conducted local body elections on Sunday. Amid temperatures as high as 44 degrees Celsius, three individuals, including a Jamnagar Municipal Corporation candidate, died of heart attacks. The BJP secured 733 seats uncontested.
London Marathon results saw history was made as Sabastian Sawe finished the event in record time.
Recent strikes across Ukraine and Russia have claimed at least 16 lives. Attacks hit Dnipro, Sevastopol, and Luhansk. Ukraine also struck an oil refinery in Yaroslavl. The Chernobyl disaster anniversary brought renewed warnings about attacks near the nuclear plant. Repairs to the plant's damaged shell are urgently needed.
Tornado warning: Elevated storms with large hail will be possible today from Northern Kansas into northwest Missouri. The more substantial severe-weather threat is expected tonight across central/eastern Kansas into northwest Missouri or southeast Nebraska.
A Noida-based software developers eight-hour ordeal at a walk-in interview has gone viral, highlighting concerns over poor hiring practices and lack of professionalism in the tech industry. Attending a recruitment drive offering Rs 3 LPA, the candidate cleared multiple rounds alongside nearly 100 applicants, only to face long delays and minimal communication before the final CEO round.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated Hezbollah's actions are jeopardizing the ceasefire with Lebanon. He pledged to vigorously target the Iran-backed group. Israel has been striking targets in southern Lebanon almost daily. The military intercepted drones and issued evacuation orders for villages. Lebanon reported seven deaths from Israeli strikes on Saturday. A ceasefire was recently extended for three weeks.
Uttar Pradesh's Ganga Expressway project is nearing completion. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the massive infrastructure development on April 29. This expressway, costing approximately Rs 37,000 crore, is divided into four packages for rapid progress.
The Uttar Pradesh government is transforming the Ganga Expressway into an industrial corridor. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the expressway on April 29. Twelve industrial nodes are planned along the 594-km route. This initiative aims to boost manufacturing, warehousing, and logistics. It will connect 12 districts, fostering economic growth and reducing regional disparities.
A new study published in the BMJ Supportive and Palliative Care journal suggests that doctors may be able to predict whether a patient is likely to die within 24 hours using a simple bedside test. The research found that the absence of the corneal reflex, the eyes automatic blink response, is strongly linked to imminent death, with patients showing no reflex being significantly more likely to die within a day.

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