The Economic Times

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.

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

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.

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

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.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Sikkim from April 27 to attend the closing ceremony of its 50th statehood anniversary. He will inaugurate and lay foundation stones for development projects exceeding Rs 4,000 crore, focusing on infrastructure, healthcare, education, and tourism, aiming for holistic growth in the state.

Police in Kolkata found approximately 100 crude bombs at a residence in Bhangar. The house belonged to an individual reportedly affiliated with the TMC. This discovery occurred just days before the second phase of the West Bengal assembly elections. Authorities have issued stern warnings to police officials regarding any future incidents of explosives or threats within their jurisdictions.

President Donald Trump's ambitious Golden Dome missile defence system faces significant hurdles. Concerns are mounting over its massive cost, estimated between $185 billion and $3 trillion. Lawmakers are questioning the funding strategy, with some Republicans expressing reservations. The Pentagon is seeking substantial funds for the project, which aims to counter intercontinental ballistic missiles and drones.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called on citizens to make Census 2027 a success. He assured that all shared information is secure and confidential. The census is now digital, with a self-enumeration option available. India is also making strides in nuclear, solar, and wind energy, benefiting various sectors.

Odisha government will issue fewer cordon passes for the upcoming Rath Yatra. This decision aims to prevent overcrowding near the chariots. The move follows an incident last year where three people died. Preparations are underway for the festival starting July 16. Arrangements for security, crowd management, and infrastructure are being finalized.

Democrats face a strategic dilemma. Some push to address President Trump's fitness for office, while others urge a focus on the economy. Many believe economic concerns resonate more with voters. Republicans see an opportunity if Democrats emphasise Trump's removal. Democrats are weighing these approaches as they campaign for upcoming elections.

A young mother received a new lease on life after a successful bilateral hand transplant. The complex 12-hour surgery was performed by specialists at a private hospital. This marks a significant achievement in reconstructive microsurgery. The patient lost her hands in an accident. Donor family's generosity made this possible. The hospital thanked the donor family for their life-changing decision.

Tension flared in Bhabanipur as rival rallies by Mamata Banerjee and Suvendu Adhikari led to a confrontation. BJP leader Ram Kripal Yadav accused Banerjee of seeking anarchy amid anticipated election defeat. Supporters clashed with slogans, requiring police intervention. Polling for the second phase is set for April 29.

India's wheat output for the 2025-26 crop year is stable. The agriculture ministry assures resilience despite unseasonal rains and hailstorms. Increased acreage and better seed varieties are offsetting localized damage. Procurement data from key states shows healthy production. The overall scenario remains strong and steady.

A devastating house fire in Lower Sackville, Nova Scotia, claimed the lives of three adults early Saturday morning. Responding RCMP officers and Halifax Regional Fire and Emergency crews were met with intense smoke upon arrival. Despite immediate efforts, the three individuals could not be saved. The incident remains under investigation.

Singer Sonu Nigam encountered fans in Rotterdam who were playing his song en route to his concert. He joined them in singing, sharing a heartwarming moment before his show. In a separate note, Nigam also expressed his deep sorrow over the passing of legendary singer Asha Bhosle, celebrating her immense contribution to Indian film music.

Sri Lanka is seeking investors for Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport. The airport has been a financial drain since opening in 2013. A previous lease agreement with an Indo-Russian venture did not materialize. The government highlights the airport's potential for tourism and strategic investment. This move comes as Sri Lanka privatizes state-owned enterprises following a financial crisis.

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky has accused Russia of nuclear terrorism. This comes as Ukraine marked the 40th anniversary of the Chernobyl disaster. Russia launched over a hundred drones overnight, killing three people. Zelensky stated that Russia's invasion is bringing the world to the brink of disaster. He urged the world to stop Russia's reckless attacks.

The music from India's Beating Retreat ceremony is now accessible on WAVES OTT. Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced this initiative, stating it will also be available on other platforms soon. This move aims to showcase the rich musical traditions of the armed forces.

The National Green Tribunal has sought responses from the Centre and other bodies concerning the danger posed by hanging glaciers in the central Himalayas. A recent study highlighted unstable glaciers on steep slopes, warning of potential avalanches and downstream disasters, with a sharp rise in human exposure due to development in high-altitude areas.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Sunday he was shocked by a shooting at a Washington media gala, adding it was a huge relief that President Donald Trump and others were unharmed. Any attack on democratic institutions or on the freedom of the press must be condemned in the strongest possible terms, Starmer said on X. Starmer sent a message Sunday to Trump in solidarity for the events that took place, senior minister Darren Jones told UK broadcasters during a round of interviews.