The Economic Times

Union Home Minister Amit Shah released the Bharatiya Janata Party's West Bengal manifesto, 'Sankalp Patra'. The manifesto outlines promises for women, healthcare, education, and industrial growth. The BJP aims to address citizen needs and bring change to the state. Polling for the assembly elections will occur in April, with results expected in May.

Actor R. Madhavan spent three years reviving barren land in Palani, Tamil Nadu into a productive coconut farm. His experimental approach yielded non-hybrid coconuts known for their sweetness and aroma. This personal project also led to sharing knowledge with local farmers. Madhavan's journey highlights a growing trend of film personalities engaging with agriculture, with diverse outcomes.

A U.S. judge has ruled the Pentagon is defying a court order by hindering journalists' access, calling the department's actions a latant attempt to circumvent a lawful order. The judge stated the Defense Department must comply with his earlier ruling that sided with news organizations challenging restrictions imposed last year.

ISRO successfully conducted the second Integrated Air Drop Test (IADT-02) for the Gaganyaan mission, a crucial step towards India's first human spaceflight next year. This test validated the parachute deceleration system for the Crew Module's safe return to Earth. The mission aims to send a three-member crew into orbit and bring them back safely.

Chinas factory-gate inflation turned positive in March for the first time in over three years, with the producer price index rising 0.5% year-on-year, signalling early cost pressures linked to the Iran conflict. Economists warned that inflation driven by higher input costs rather than demand could squeeze company margins, slow growth and limit Beijings policy options.

Mohali residents face a 1,000 fine from April 15 for water wastage during morning hours, including hose pipe use for lawns, vehicles, or cleaning. Repeat offenders will be fined 2,000, with a third violation leading to water supply disconnection. This strict measure aims to manage demand during peak hours.

Lieutenant Colonel Prasad Shrikant Purohit has been cleared for promotion to Brigadier. This follows a stay on his retirement by the Armed Forces Tribunal. Purohit had sought promotion after his acquittal in the 2008 Malegaon blast case. The Mumbai NIA court acquitted him and six others. The blast occurred in 2008. Investigations and trials spanned many years.

Vice President JD Vance leads U.S. talks in Pakistan to resolve the six-week Iran conflict, aiming to avert President Trump's threat of 'whole civilization' destruction. Despite Vance's skepticism of foreign interventions, he's joined by Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. A fragile ceasefire faces collapse amid irreconcilable demands from the U.S., Israel, and Iran.

The Asian Development Bank forecasts a slowdown in Asia's economic growth to 5.1% this year and next, citing the prolonged Middle East war. This prediction could worsen if the conflict extends, potentially pushing growth lower and inflation higher, impacting energy importers and food security.

President Trump is contemplating a troop withdrawal from Europe. This move stems from frustration over NATO allies' lack of assistance in securing the Strait of Hormuz. His plans to acquire Greenland have also not progressed. Discussions are ongoing, but no final decision has been made. This situation highlights strained relations between the U.S. and its European NATO allies.

On Day 41, a fragile US-Iran ceasefire faces strain as Israel intensifies operations in Lebanon, issuing an evacuation order for Beirut's southern suburbs. Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts are accelerating across multiple tracks, including US-UK plans for the Strait of Hormuz and upcoming talks between Israel and Lebanon.

A U.S. startup's bid to remove a Chinese investor from its board was rejected by a national security watchdog. A lobbying firm connected to Donald Trump Jr. facilitated a meeting for the Chinese firm with the watchdog's head. This decision, which favored the Chinese company, has raised concerns about foreign influence on U.S. national security decisions.

AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami expressed confidence in his party's campaign for the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly polls. He aims for his party to regain power. DMK leader Kanimozhi and Union Minister Piyush Goyal also campaigned for their respective candidates. The elections are anticipated to be a close contest. Actor Vijay is also entering the electoral fray.

The Secondary Education Board, Assam is set to announce the SEBA Assam HSLC Result 2026 today, April 10. Students can expect the topper list and overall pass percentage to be revealed. The results will be declared through an official press conference. Students can check their scores on the official website sebaonline.org by entering their roll number and date of birth.

America's Federal Communications Commission is considering a significant move. Three major Chinese telecom firms, China Mobile, China Telecom, and China Unicom, might be prohibited from running data centers within the United States. The FCC also plans to stop other carriers from connecting with these companies. This action stems from national security concerns.

Result Assam NICin 2026: The Assam Secondary Education Board (ASEEB) is releasing HSLC Class 10 results today, April 10, for over 4.38 lakh students. Exams concluded on February 27, and results will be crucial for Class 11 admissions. Students can check scores online, via DigiLocker, and UMANG, with compartment exams available for those needing to improve marks.

Democrats are divided over Israel policy and the influence of pro-Israel lobby American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) at a key Democratic National Committee meeting ahead of the midterm elections.

China's substantial investments across the Middle East, particularly in green tech and tourism, are now jeopardized by regional conflict. Despite facing risks to its capital and personnel, Beijing is navigating a delicate balance, aiming to de-escalate tensions while reassuring Gulf partners and continuing its economic expansion.

Former Iranian foreign minister Kamal Kharazi has died from injuries sustained in US-Israel strikes on April 1, according to Iranian media. He was 81 and was serving as head of the Strategic Council for International Relations.

The WTO failed to renew its long-standing moratorium on tariffs for e-commerce, ending a near 30-year consensus that kept digital trade duty-free. This opens the door for countries to consider taxing cross-border digital services such as software and streaming.

Japanese authorities have arrested a Pakistani used-car dealer and five others in connection with a major drug bust. The group is accused of smuggling 270 kilograms of stimulant drugs, valued at 14.3 billion, into Japan from the UAE. The drugs were reportedly concealed within cosmetic powder bags in a container.

Israel is set to begin direct talks with Lebanon to disarm Hezbollah. This development offers a potential boost to Middle East ceasefire efforts. However, the fragile truce faces challenges. Iran's control over the Strait of Hormuz remains a concern, with ongoing drone attacks reported. The fate of Iran's nuclear program also hangs in the balance as discussions loom.

The United States has summoned the Iraqi ambassador to Washington. This action follows a drone attack on a major US diplomatic facility in Baghdad. The US Embassy in Baghdad stated that an Iraqi terrorist militia group, allegedly aligned with Iran, carried out multiple drone strikes.

India is set to finalize a government-to-government agreement to supply oil and gas to Mauritius. This move aims to strengthen Mauritius' energy security, especially given the ongoing West Asia conflict. India is also supporting Mauritius with clean energy projects, including a floating solar power plant. The two nations are deepening their strategic partnership across various sectors.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami announced the removal of the pilgrim cap for the upcoming Char Dham Yatra, assuring comprehensive preparations for a smooth and safe pilgrimage. All departments are reportedly ready, with extensive discussions held on infrastructure, safety, and disaster management. The Chief Minister also highlighted Prime Minister Modi's significant contributions to the state's development and upcoming projects.

The Secondary Education Board, Assam will announce the Class 10 results for 2026 on April 10. Students can check their scores and download marksheets from the official website, sebaonline.org, after the results are declared during an official press conference. The marksheets will include candidate details, subject-wise marks, and qualifying status.

Andhra Pradesh is set to enact a law restricting social media access for children under 13, aiming to create a safer digital environment. The state is exploring age verification methods like DigiLocker's age tokens to enforce these restrictions. A Group of Ministers is examining the proposal, with a focus on balancing digital access with child safety and well-being.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will visit New Delhi next month following a productive meeting with Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri. Discussions focused on bilateral relations, including trade, critical minerals, defense, and the Quad. Misri also held separate meetings with other US officials on security, defense, and economic cooperation.

Beirut experienced intense Israeli airstrikes on Wednesday. Buildings were destroyed and many people were killed and injured. The attacks targeted residential and commercial areas across the city. This wave of strikes hit busy areas, neighborhoods, and upscale districts. The bombardment caused significant damage and casualties in Beirut and its southern suburbs.

India and the United States are set to deepen their collaboration. Discussions focused on Pax Silica, artificial intelligence, and critical minerals. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri met with US Under Secretary Jacob Helberg. This engagement aims to strengthen economic and technology ties between the two nations. India joined Pax Silica earlier this year.

House Republicans blocked a Democratic attempt to end U.S. attacks on Iran, continuing to prevent efforts to limit President Trump's war powers. Democrats vow to force war powers votes again after recess, citing Trump's threats and concerns over civilian infrastructure. The move comes amid discussions of impeachment and linking foreign policy to domestic affordability issues.

African proverb of the day: If You Want to Go Fast, Go Alone; If You Want to Go Far, Go Together It reminds us that speed may bring quick results when working alone, but lasting success is built through collaboration, shared vision, and collective strength in every journey we take together.

What started as a quick stop for an energy drink turned into a moment James Milby will never forget. A simple detour to a local store in Glasgow, Kentucky, ended with the truck driver walking away with a lottery win worth more than half a million dollars, completely reshaping an ordinary day into an extraordinary one.

West Asia War: Israel wants direct talks with Lebanon to disarm Hezbollah. This comes after heavy bombardment in Lebanon. US President Donald Trump stated his forces will remain near Iran until a deal is fully met. Iran insists it will not restrict uranium enrichment. Tehran also seeks sanctions relief and control over the Strait of Hormuz. Pakistan is preparing for US-Iran talks.

Jonah Hill has confirmed that he is married to Olivia Millar and that the couple has quietly welcomed their second child. The revelation came during a conversation with Martin Scorsese for Interview Magazine, where Hill casually referred to Millar as his wife while discussing his film Outcome. He also spoke about how fatherhood has reshaped his priorities, saying family now comes first.

Melania Trump has denied any relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and his associate Ghislaine Maxwell, calling circulating claims false and defamatory. Her remarks came as a disputed 2002 email resurfaced online, sparking renewed debate about alleged connections. The email, released in Justice Department records, contains references to G and is not conclusively verified as hers.

Afrika Bambaataa, a pioneering DJ, rapper, and producer credited as one of hip-hops founding figures, has died at the age of 67 in Pennsylvania.Born Lance Taylor in the Bronx in 1957, he rose to prominence in the 1970s and helped shape hip-hop culture through block parties and innovative music. He founded the Universal Zulu Nation and gained global recognition with tracks like Planet Rock.

Brain rot, a new term for mental fatigue, is gaining attention. Excessive online content consumption, especially on social media, is linked to shorter attention spans and memory issues. Experts are researching its effects on younger generations. Strategies like limiting screen time and mindful technology use are recommended to combat this digital overload.

Native American Cherokee proverb teaches how to live a good life. It says people should help others and leave kindness behind. The saying has no single author because it comes from oral tradition. A folklore story shares personal connection to Cherokee roots. The message remains important today, encouraging respect, strong values, and legacy remembered by family, community, and future generations.

Prime Video has officially greenlit a Texas-set crime thriller created by David Weil. The series follows the aftermath of a violent drug deal that shakes a quiet border town, drawing together a sheriff confronting her past, a ruthless hitwoman, an ambitious FBI agent, and a dangerous cartel faction. Produced with Glen Powell and Barnstorm, the show explores intersecting lives caught in escalating chaos.

Indian businesses are seizing opportunities after the Iran war ceasefire. Exports are resuming, and factories are returning to full capacity. Companies expect a surge in orders for reconstruction activities in war-affected nations. Pharma and packaged food sectors see increased demand.

The UAE has reported its first day without air strikes since the conflict started on February 28. No missiles or drones were detected from Iran. However, the Strait of Hormuz remains closed.

The European Union has stated that ships must be allowed passage through the Strait of Hormuz freely. Iran had suggested charging for passage. The EU emphasized that international law guarantees freedom of navigation. This freedom is considered a public good that must be protected. No payment or toll will be accepted for passage.

Social Security benefits check 2026: Many Americans may not be receiving their full Social Security payments. Small errors in earnings records or personal status can lead to underpayments. Checking your earnings history and ensuring your personal details are updated with the Social Security Administration is crucial.

India's economic growth for FY27 is projected at 6.6 percent. The World Bank notes potential risks from the Gulf conflict impacting global energy prices. However, India's economy is strong, supported by reserves and low inflation. Growth is expected to average 7.1 percent from FY28 to FY29. Boosting private sector growth is key for job creation and achieving Viksit Bharat.