The Economic Times

The Enforcement Directorate has arrested Vinesh Chandel, a director of political consultancy firm I-PAC. This arrest is linked to a money-laundering case connected to an alleged coal scam in West Bengal. The agency conducted raids on premises belonging to I-PAC directors and former AAP communications in-charge. The case originates from a CBI FIR concerning a multi-crore coal-pilferage scam.

Katy Perry and Justin Trudeau went viral after attending Coachella together, where photos and videos from the festival spread widely across social media. Perry shared Instagram images showing the couple walking hand-in-hand, relaxing on the grounds, and enjoying performances. Social media users reacted with humor, surprise, and debate as the unexpected celebrity-political pairing became one of the festivals most talked-about moments worldwide this year across platforms.

A Karnataka High Court division bench has overturned a land acquisition for a non-existent company, restoring 70 acres in Bengaluru to farmers. The court cited a gross abuse of power and fraud, ordering a CBI probe into the 25-year-old transaction where a company was incorporated over a decade after applying for land.

Donald Trump announced a United States-led blockade against Iran is now in effect. He stated Iran is seeking negotiations while tensions remain high. Trump emphasized no fighting is occurring but the blockade will continue. He firmly ruled out any deal permitting Iran to possess nuclear weapons. Consequences were warned if a resolution is not reached soon.

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has approved investment proposals totaling Rs 18,430.44 crore. These approvals, granted at the State High-Level Clearance Committee meeting, are expected to create over 15,000 jobs. Seventeen project proposals, including new ventures and expansions, received the green light. Major investments are planned in the EV, automobile, solar, and aerospace manufacturing sectors across various districts of the state.

Vidarbha's Praful Hinge has made a stunning IPL debut. He took three wickets in his very first over. Hinge dismissed Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Dhruv Jurel, and Lhuan-dre Pretorius. Sunrisers Hyderabad signed the young seamer at the IPL auction. He has a strong reputation in domestic cricket for his bowling.

Quote of the day : John Greens reflection does not diminish the emotional complexity of leaving, but it reframes it as a necessary step toward growth. In doing so, it encourages readers to trust their instincts, embrace uncertainty and recognise that sometimes, the path forward only becomes clear once the first step is taken.

INTC stock analysis: Intel stock has surged 51% in eight sessions, adding over $100 billion in market value, driven by a $14.2 billion plant buyback and partnerships with Tesla and Google. Despite analyst caution and valuation concerns, the company anticipates future earnings growth, with projections showing a turnaround from current losses.

The Centre has announced a significant bureaucratic reshuffle. Forty-eight civil servants have been appointed to joint secretary or equivalent positions. Hardik Satishchandra Shah is now private secretary to the prime minister at the joint secretary level. Several other officers have been assigned key roles across various government departments, including agriculture, civil aviation, commerce, defence, and home affairs.

The newly released The Boroughs trailer has piqued fans curiosity, teasing a familiar mix of mystery, horror, and emotionthis time with an unexpected twist.

Pakistan's attempt to mediate US-Iran talks and a related stock market rally ended quickly. The country's fortunes are tied to external events, not internal strength. Despite the setback, Pakistan may retain a role in ongoing backchannel diplomacy. Its strategic location and defense ties ensure continued relevance beyond mediation efforts.

McDonald's is set to launch a new cold drink menu next month. This revamp includes a Red Bull Dragonberry Energizer, Dirty Dr Pepper, and Mango Pineapple Refresher. These new beverages will be available nationwide. McDonald's plans to price these drinks lower than competitors. This move aims to attract budget-conscious customers.

India's top judge envisions a future judiciary beyond courtrooms. Justice will reach citizens directly, seamlessly integrated into their lives. Judges will need broader understanding for complex issues like synthetic biology and deep-sea mining. This transformation aims for a more accessible and responsive justice system for all.

Abhishek Sharma faced an early setback at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium. He was dismissed for a golden duck by Jofra Archer on the first ball. Ravi Bishnoi took the catch. This was Abhishek's seventh duck in 2026 T20 innings. Rajasthan Royals captain Riyan Parag won the toss and chose to bowl first.

The UN maritime agency chief Arsenio Dominguez stated Monday that no nation possesses the legal authority to obstruct shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. Access to this vital trade route remains blocked six weeks after the US-Iran war began. Dominguez emphasized that prohibiting innocent passage through international straits violates international law.

Popeyes one piece: Popeyes is introducing its first anime collaboration with One Piece, launching a limited-time menu and collectibles across the US and Canada on April 13. In partnership with Toei Animation, the campaign celebrates the franchises 25-year legacy and over 600 million manga sales. Select locations offer free collectible bento boxes for early buyers, while exclusive merchandise drops online.

Donald Trump's recent social media outbursts, including criticism of Pope Leo and sharing an AI image, have fueled demands for his removal. Calls for invoking the 25th Amendment are growing. Former CIA director John Brennan also urged Trump's departure, citing his unsuitability for office. The president's conduct continues to draw widespread attention and concern.

Britain will not support a US blockade of Iranian ports. Prime Minister Keir Starmer confirmed the UK's stance to keep the Strait of Hormuz open for global trade. The UK is working with France and other partners to protect shipping routes. Military assets are focused on ensuring the Strait remains accessible. This move aims to ease global cost-of-living pressures.

The CBSE Class 12 Result 2026 is anticipated in mid-May, following exams that began on February 17, 2026. Students can access their results via official websites, SMS, IVRS, DigiLocker, and the UMANG app. A minimum of 33% in each subject is required to pass.

The Reserve Bank's recent statistics reveal that net sales for non-financial private firms surged by 11.4 percent in 2024-25. This reflects a minor slowdown compared to last year. The services sector thrived, fueled by robust trade and thriving real estate activities. Meanwhile, the growth rate in manufacturing sales has cooled off.

Super Mario Galaxy Movie continues its dominant theatrical run, surpassing $300 million domestically in just its second weekend. The film secured $69 million, retaining the top box office position with only a 22 percent drop. Its global earnings nears $700 million, with projections indicating a possible $1 billion milestone. Featuring Chris Pratt, Anya Taylor-Joy, and Brie Larson, the film expands Nintendos cinematic universe.

The U.S. military will enforce a blockade in the Gulf of Oman and Arabian Sea east of the Strait of Hormuz, affecting all vessel traffic regardless of flag. Vessels entering or departing the blockaded area without authorization face interception, diversion, and capture. This measure will not impede neutral transit passage through the Strait of Hormuz to non-Iranian destinations.

The stage is set for one of professional wrestlings biggest events as WrestleMania 42 arrives in Las Vegas for a two-night spectacle featuring high-stakes title bouts and marquee rivalries.

New Delhi has placed restrictions on Glufosinate and its salts imports for six months. This herbicide, crucial for agriculture, will face curbs if its combined cost, insurance, freight, and anti-dumping duty fall below Rs 1,154 per kilogram. Some imports will require government registration. India's agricultural chemical imports reached $1.65 billion in FY25, with China being a major supplier.

Chinese proverb of the day: It highlights the profound impact of even small acts of kindness. It urges us to respond to generosity with greater appreciation, fostering stronger relationships and a more compassionate society. This wisdom emphasizes valuing people and remembering kindness, encouraging a ripple effect of goodness.

A tech professional in Noida shared his flatmate's difficult job search. The unemployed individual faces constant rejection, primarily due to his English language proficiency. He experiences significant stress and anxiety, questioning his future and what to tell his family. The techie urges empathy and support for those navigating this challenging phase, emphasizing listening over advice.

Britain's competition regulator will soon investigate the massive $110 billion deal between Paramount and Warner Bros Discovery. This move comes as the film and TV industries are vital to the economy. Over a thousand industry professionals have voiced opposition, fearing harm to Hollywood. The regulator is gathering views before a formal launch.

A former model, Victoria Yakimova, has apologized to President Zelensky after being fired as Ukraine's honorary consul to the Dominican Republic. Her past modeling career and a photo wearing a Russian kokoshnik sparked backlash, leading to her swift dismissal after only two weeks in the role.

Millions of visitors are set for an opportunity this May as the Grand Canyon and other iconic U.S. national parks open their gates for free on Memorial Day. U.S. residents can explore breathtaking landscapes without entry fees. Fee-free access is part of the broader Patriotic Fee-Free Days initiative across national parks in the United States.

America's NATO allies will not join President Trump's plan to blockade the Strait of Hormuz. Britain and France stated they will not participate in the blockade. They emphasized the need to keep the vital waterway open. France will organize a conference to restore navigation. Turkey called for diplomacy to reopen the strait.

In a working paper titled Unlocking Rural Property Rights: Social Inclusion and Credit Expansion through SVAMITVA, co-authored by Soumya Kanti Ghosh and Pulak Ghosh, part-time member of EAC-PM and Falguni Sinha, economist at ERD, SBI, it said the scheme will help to integrate scattered land records across states.

Word of the day and thought of the day: A beautiful Japanese word, Komorebi, is now trending worldwide. It describes the lovely sight of sunlight peeking through tree leaves. This word, combining tree, leak, and light, captures a natural moment. People are using Komorebi on social media to share feelings of peace and mindfulness. It encourages appreciating simple, quiet beauty in our busy lives.

Anthropic Mythos AI model explained: Anthropic's powerful AI, Mythos, can uncover software vulnerabilities at an unprecedented scale, leading the company to withhold public release due to potential misuse by hackers. Instead, Anthropic is collaborating with major organizations through Project Glasswing to bolster defenses against rapidly evolving AI-driven cyber threats.

Why are gold and silver prices down, and will gold drop to $4,500 and silver slip to $70? Precious metals fell after rising Middle East tensions pushed oil above $100, lifted the dollar, and reduced rate cut hopes. Markets now watch inflation, Federal Reserve policy, and war risks to judge the next move in gold and silver prices.

The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams has released the July ticket schedule, with online bookings commencing on April 18 in phases. Devotees can register for electronic dip until April 20, with payment deadlines and specific seva ticket releases detailed for April 21 and 23. Special Entry Darshan and accommodation bookings open on April 24.

IPL 2026: Tim David of Royal Challengers Bengaluru received a fine and a demerit point for disobeying umpire instructions. This occurred during the match against Mumbai Indians. David delayed returning the ball twice. Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya was also fined for a slow over-rate. Royal Challengers Bengaluru won the match by 18 runs.

The Madhya Pradesh Board of Secondary Education is expected to release Class 10 and 12 results soon, likely in late April or early May. Students can check their scores on official websites or DigiLocker, needing at least 33% in each subject to pass.

Chrysopoeia is more than just an alchemical term, it is a symbol of aspiration and possibility. It captures the timeless human quest to elevate, refine and transform.

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has responded to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin. She accused him of creating false narratives regarding a Centre's advisory on bonuses for wheat and paddy farmers. Sitharaman stated that Stalin misinterpreted the advisory. She highlighted that other states understood the letter's intent.

Students eagerly await the CBSE Class 10 Result 2026. The Central Board of Secondary Education will announce results in mid-April. Students can check scores online via official websites. Access is also available through DigiLocker, SMS, IVRS, and the UMANG app. This ensures easy access for all students.