The Economic Times

Iranian news agencies revealed a chart indicating the Revolutionary Guard deployed sea mines in the Strait of Hormuz. This action occurred during the war. The chart suggests a danger zone over a key shipping route. It also proposed an alternative path closer to Iran's coast. The timing suggests a pressure tactic ahead of potential negotiations.

Iran war: JD Vance champions Viktor Orban's vision of defending Western civilization. This approach, however, raises concerns about international relations and democratic values.

A Microsoft employee based in Hyderabad shared a breakdown of her Rs 1.36 lakh monthly expenses, with a notable Rs 70,000 invested in mutual funds. Although she overspent on shopping and travel, her commitment to tracking her finances and making adjustments going forward struck a chord with many, highlighting that effective money management is more about awareness than perfection.

Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah said Thursday it had fired rockets towards Israel in response to its violation of the US-Iran truce. In response to the enemy's violation of the ceasefire agreement, Hezbollah targeted the Israeli kibbutz of Manara near the border with Lebanon with a rocket barrage early Thursday, Hezbollah said in a statement. bur-cms/tc

Donald Trumps push to strengthen ties with Europes far right has hit setbacks, as many leaders criticise his handling of the Iran war, straining relationships. Figures in Italy, France and Germany have distanced themselves, highlighting growing unease with US actions.

Three men from Punjab have been arrested in Himachal Pradesh's Kangra district. They allegedly stabbed a bus driver, conductor, and two passengers following a road rage incident. The accused attempted to overtake the bus, leading to a heated argument and alleged firing of shots. Police apprehended the suspects and seized the weapon. The injured are receiving treatment.

Kerala is holding a high-stakes Assembly election today, with 2.71 crore voters deciding the fate of 883 candidates across 140 constituencies. The ruling LDF seeks a historic third term against the UDF's comeback bid, while the NDA aims to break the bipolar political landscape. Polling is underway from 7 am to 6 pm.

Iran war: Donald Trump's dialing down of extreme threats towards Iran was a decision made amid a backdrop of soaring tensions and volatile markets. Detractors see this as a capitulation, whereas proponents view it as a masterclass in negotiation tactics.

Assam is voting today, April 9, for its 126 Legislative Assembly seats, with early turnout at 17.87% by 9 am. Results will be declared on May 4, 2026, concluding the election process by May 6. Banks, government offices, schools, and colleges are closed for the polls, while public transport and emergency services remain operational.

Kerala Assembly Elections 2026 Voter Turnout: Kerala voters head to the polls today in a significant Assembly election. Around 2.71 crore citizens will cast their ballots to decide the state's future. The ruling LDF seeks a third term, while the UDF aims to return to power. The NDA is also in contention. Key constituencies are being closely watched as the results will shape Kerala's political landscape.

Assam Assembly Elections 2026 Voter Turnout: Voting is underway across Assam for 126 Assembly seats. Over 2.50 crore voters are eligible to cast their ballots. The ruling BJP seeks a third term against a united opposition. Prominent leaders are in the fray. Counting of votes is scheduled for May 4. The election process is proceeding smoothly with early voter turnout reported.

Pakistan has declared two days of local holidays in the capital at short notice from Thursday, authorities said, ahead of talks between the United States and Iran due to take place in Islamabad. The holidays on Thursday and Friday apply only to the Islamabad Capital Territory, the notice posted by Islamabad's district commissioner on Wednesday said.

Weather today: The IMD has issued an orange alert in Assam and other northeastern states today, warning of moderate to heavy rainfall. Kolkata has been receiving heavy rain since Thursday morning with the IMD predicting more rainfall in later part of the day. Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand might also see rainfall today and tomorrow.

US military assets will stay near Iran until a new agreement is fully followed. President Trump warned of major escalation if Iran violates terms. Ships, aircraft, and personnel are positioned to deter. The US demands Iran does not get nuclear weapons. The Strait of Hormuz must remain open. America's military is ready for action.

Voting began in Kerala, Assam and Puducherry with over 5.3 crore voters set to decide the political future across the three regions, with results due on May 4. The polls come amid economic uncertainty triggered by recent geopolitical tensions, rising oil prices and supply disruptions, which analysts say could influence voter sentiment.

YouTuber Savukku Shankar has been arrested by Chennai police in Andhra Pradesh. He failed to surrender after his interim bail expired on March 25. Police tracked him to a hotel where three others were also apprehended. Shankar faces charges for not appearing as per bail conditions. He was previously arrested in connection with extortion cases.

Extraction 3 is officially happening, with Chris Hemsworth returning as Tyler Rake and Idris Elba also set to reprise their roles. Directed by Sam Hargrave, the action-packed sequel is expected to begin production in summer 2026. The franchise, known for its intense action and global set pieces, is expanding with international spin-offs. Read on!

Two Chinese oil tankers, Cospearl Lake and He Rong Hai, are heading towards the Strait of Hormuz, potentially becoming the first large foreign vessels to transit since a US-Iran ceasefire. Their movement signals a cautious resumption of China-linked shipping, despite mixed signals from both nations regarding the strait's operational status.

The Secondary Education Board, Assam, will announce the Assam Class 10 Results 2026 on April 10, 2026. Students can check their scores and download marksheets online. The Assam Board conducted the Class 10 examinations from February 10 to February 27, 2026. Results will be available on sebaonline.org. Students need their roll number to access their marks.

Chartered accountant Nitin Kaushik argues that investor panic, not market downturns, is the primary cause of financial losses. He emphasizes that emotional reactions to volatility often lead to selling low and buying high, locking in permanent losses. Kaushik advises focusing on controllable factors like asset allocation, emergency funds, and emotional discipline to navigate market cycles effectively.

John Lennon, a legendary voice from The Beatles, shared a profound insight in a 1980 interview: Don't fear the unknown. Accept that it's unknown, then you're ahead of the game. This powerful message encourages embracing uncertainty, fostering self-reliance, and recognizing that true change originates from within, a sentiment that remains remarkably relevant today.

North Korea said its latest three-day weapons tests included new systems such as ballistic missiles with cluster-bomb warheads, anti-aircraft weapons and electromagnetic systems, as it expands its nuclear-capable arsenal aimed at South Korea.

As Kerala heads to the polls, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge urged voters to elect a government that listens, cares, and delivers, emphasizing the state's strength in unity in diversity. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra echoed this sentiment, calling for change and advocating for the UDF to prioritize the well-being of the people.

US Israel Iran War Day 41 News: Lebanon has become the most volatile front in the 41-day Iran-Israel conflict, as a US-Iran ceasefire faces strain. Fresh Israeli strikes and Hezbollah rocket fire have escalated tensions, despite diplomatic efforts. Iran is demanding a halt to attacks in Lebanon, while Israel signals readiness for renewed conflict.

The Union Home Ministry has ordered 150 more companies of security forces for West Bengal Assembly elections, taking total deployment to about 2,550. The additional forces include central and state police units, to be deployed by April 18 to strengthen security in sensitive areas. The Election Commission said the move aims to ensure free, fair and peaceful polling across the two phases on April 23 and 29.

Karnataka 2nd PUC results are scheduled for announcement today, April 9, 2026, at 3 PM by the KSEAB. Students can check their scores online via kseab.karnataka.gov.in or karresults.nic.in using their registration number and date of birth. The results will also be accessible through DigiLocker.

Two people died after a plane went off the runway and caught fire at a small airport in Marana, Arizona. No other injuries or aircraft were involved. Authorities have not identified the victims, and the National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the cause.

Homebuyers who booked properties 15 years ago with Jaiprakash Associates Limited (JAL) are anticipating possession following the Supreme Court's refusal to halt Adani Group's Rs 14,500 crore debt resolution plan. The approved plan offers buyers a choice of home delivery within two years or a refund, aiming to resolve one of India's largest bankruptcy cases.

Kerala Elections 2026 key candidates: Kerala is holding a crucial Assembly election today, with 2.71 crore voters deciding the fate of the ruling LDF, aiming for a third term, the UDF seeking to regain power, and the NDA striving to break the state's bipolar politics. Key factors influencing the outcome include anti-incumbency, governance records, welfare promises, identity politics, and the overall voter mood.

Walt Disney is set to lay off as many as 1,000 employees in the coming weeks. Many of these job cuts will impact the company's marketing department. This move is part of a broader plan to reduce expenses. The initiative, code-named Project Imagine, aims to streamline marketing operations. The layoffs represent less than one percent of Disney's total workforce.

Tanay Kothari, a CEO, hired a 20-year-old engineer with no prior experience. This decision defied conventional hiring norms. The young engineer quickly proved their worth by delivering a complex project overnight. This story highlights a shift in identifying talent beyond resumes and credentials. It emphasizes the value of drive and initiative in today's fast-paced tech world.

Lebanon's health ministry reported 182 deaths in Israeli strikes, the highest single-day toll in the Israel-Hezbollah war. Despite a shaky ceasefire, Israel launched extensive attacks across Lebanon, including central Beirut, hitting over 100 Hezbollah targets. Lebanese officials condemned the strikes as a dangerous escalation and a violation of international law.

This week's Malayalam OTT releases offer a diverse lineup, from the romantic drama Haal to the rural family tale Thaai Kizhavi (dubbed). Horror-comedy Kanimangalam Kovilakam arrives on SunNXT, while the crime comedy thriller series Kaakee Circus premieres on April 10, promising engaging stories for viewers. Read on to when and where to watch these releases online.

Irans economy, already under strain with nearly 50% inflation, has worsened sharply after more than five weeks of war. Prices of basic goods, medicines and services have surged, with some items rising multiple times, while the currency has weakened further, forcing the central bank to issue higher denomination notes.

Dhurandhar 2 has achieved a historic box office milestone, becoming the first Hindi film to cross Rs 1,000 crore domestically and securing its place as India's second-highest-grossing film. Despite a recent slowdown in daily earnings as it enters its fourth week, the action-packed spy thriller continues to draw audiences, with its worldwide collection reaching Rs 1,653.67 crore. Read on!

Prime Minister Netanyahu declared Israel remains prepared to fight Iran if necessary, despite a US-Iran truce. He asserted that Israel has achieved significant objectives, including damaging Iran's nuclear program and missile capabilities, and will continue its campaign against Hezbollah.

Reza Pahlavi, son of Iran's ousted shah, stated that Iranians still need to free themselves from their religious rulers, even after a ceasefire between the US and Tehran. He dismissed claims of egime change by President Trump, arguing the same individuals remain in power. Pahlavi predicted Iranians would ultimately overthrow the Islamic republic.

Author J.K. Rowling faced societal judgment as a single mother. She openly defied this stigma, asserting her pride in raising her child alone. Rowling's experience highlights resilience and self-worth, challenging traditional family views. Her journey demonstrates that personal circumstances do not define success or dignity. This perspective encourages a broader societal understanding of parenthood and personal achievement.

Iran's Parliament speaker, Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, stated that three key clauses of a 10-point proposal were violated before upcoming negotiations in Pakistan. These breaches included a ceasefire violation in Lebanon, an intruding drone entering Iranian airspace, and denial of Iran's uranium enrichment rights. Qalibaf deemed a bilateral ceasefire or negotiations unreasonable under these circumstances.

The African Proverb The ruin of a nation begins in the homes of its people highlights how a countrys future is shaped by the values practiced within families. It suggests that personal behavior, discipline, and moral upbringing directly influence society, institutions, and leadership. The proverb emphasizes individual accountability and the importance of strong foundations.

Irish actor Michael Patrick has died at the age of 35 after battling motor neurone disease. Known for his role in Game of Thrones, he was remembered for his talent and resilience. His wife Naomi confirmed the news, sharing emotional tributes and revealing he spent his final days in hospice care. Despite his diagnosis in 2023, he continued to inspire others through his strength and positivity. Tributes have poured in from fans and colleagues, honoring his legacy both on screen and in life.

President Trump expressed frustration with NATO allies following a meeting with Secretary General Mark Rutte, reiterating his belief they were absent during the Iran conflict. He also revived his controversial remarks about Greenland, leaving the alliance's future uncertain. Rutte, known for his diplomatic approach, offered no direct answers on Trump's potential withdrawal.

While the ceasefire may hold for now, a return to normal oil trade could take at least three months due to multiple hurdles, including slow vessel movement, limited ship and insurance availability, loading constraints and production shut-ins, industry executives said.

CEOs express cautious optimism following the US-Iran ceasefire, anticipating a consumer sentiment boost after a month of geopolitical uncertainty. While markets rallied and oil prices dropped, they caution that supply chain disruptions, LPG shortages, and labor migration will take time to normalize, with inflationary pressures persisting.

A fire dance performance at a wildlife park in Nantong, China, turned into a frightening incident when a dancers outfit caught fire mid-show. She was performing inside a ring of fire when the edge of her skirt ignited and flames rapidly spread across her clothing. Panic followed as she ran screaming toward a nearby river and jumped in, extinguishing the fire within seconds.

Hailee Steinfeld has opened up about her home life with husband Josh Allen following the arrival of their first child. In a recent interview, the actress discussed her household routines, including avoiding screen time during meals and maintaining a peaceful environment at home. The couple recently welcomed a baby girl and are adjusting to life as new parents.