The Economic Times

The IRS has introduced a new online tool to help taxpayers track refunds and manage payments easily. Many Americans are waiting for their tax refunds and using them for daily needs. The tool also supports payment plans and guidance. Missing deadlines can lead to penalties. The system aims to make tax refund tracking simple, clear, and stress free for users.

The Vishwa Hindu Parishad has taken a step towards influencing national policy by submitting a memorandum to the President of India. Their call to action includes urging for enhanced legislation to manage what they describe as rising cases of religious conversions and 'love jihad'. VHP leaders have cited troubling trends affecting various sectors, including the corporate arena.

Senior BJP leader Smriti Irani has attacked opposition parties. She accused them of spreading false information about the 33% women's reservation in Parliament. Prime Minister Modi is set to address the nation tonight. His speech will cover parliamentary functioning and legislative intent. Irani highlighted past support for the bill by BJP.

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce are set to marry on July 3 in New York, creating massive excitement among fans and media alike. However, the timing has sparked controversy as it coincides with major Independence Day celebrations marking Americas 250th anniversary. Donald Trump, who has planned large-scale events for the occasion, is reportedly unhappy with the overlap. What began as a romantic milestone has now become a broader cultural moment, blending entertainment, politics, and public attentio

A Reddit user shared a touching screenshot of messages from their manager after a toxic colleague made them cry at work. The manager comforted the employee and promised to remove the problematic person from the team. The post, captioned amazing manager/human, has gone viral with users calling it wholesome and inspiring.

The Japanese proverb 'Fall seven times, stand up eight' emphasizes resilience and persistence, highlighting that success comes from rising after every setback. This philosophy, rooted in Japanese culture, frames failure as a necessary part of growth, teaching valuable lessons.

In a significant ruling, a sessions court in Kannur, Kerala has concluded a long-standing case by convicting ten members of the CPI(M) for orchestrating a bomb attack on RSS-BJP workers in 2011, which left nine individuals injured. The sentence varies, with the principal offender facing 25 years behind bars, while the others will endure ten years of imprisonment each.

Iran's deputy foreign minister announced no date for upcoming talks with the United States. He stated a framework of understanding must be agreed first. Iran will not accept being an exception to international law. He also addressed issues regarding the Strait of Hormuz passage. The US approach prevented an agreement.

In a tense standoff, two Indian vessels opted to reverse course in the Strait of Hormuz following gunfire allegedly from Iran's Revolutionary Guard. Among them was an Indian-flagged super tanker, transporting Iraqi oil. Iran has reiterated the implementation of restrictions in the strait, but fortunately, both the tanker and its crew are reportedly unharmed.

Speaking with the reporters outside the Parliament, Joshi said that the Centre delinked the census from delimitation to ensure women's reservation and increase the overall seats in the Parliament.

Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh dismissed US President Trump's claims about uranium and expressed caution regarding future talks. He stated Iran is not ready for face-to-face negotiations as the US maintains a maximalist position. This comes after Trump's remarks about retrieving enriched uranium from damaged nuclear sites.

Rahul Gandhi alleged Prime Minister Narendra Modi is controlled by US President Donald Trump, citing the India-US deal as evidence of selling out the country. Gandhi further claimed Modi desires the AIADMK to win in Tamil Nadu to exert control over the state's Chief Minister.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru are wearing their green jerseys for their sustainability initiative. This tradition promotes environmental awareness. The team is also performing well on the field. They have won four of their first five matches. Delhi Capitals won the toss and chose to bowl first. The playing XIs for both teams have been announced.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has accused West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of diverting state resources for Bangladeshi Muslim infiltrators. He stated that Banerjee has earmarked the state treasury for these infiltrators and alleged she sold land for votes. Sarma called for Banerjee's removal, warning that Bengal could be lost to infiltrators.

The Jharkhand Academic Council is expected to release the JAC Class 12 Result 2026 soon, following the completion of exams in February. Students can check their scores online using their roll code and number. The Class 9 results have already been announced.

The Union Cabinet has approved significant decisions impacting infrastructure and social security. A new Bharat Maritime Insurance Pool will boost domestic capacity. Central government employees and pensioners will see a Dearness Allowance and Relief hike. The Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana-III receives an extension. A new rail corridor in Uttar Pradesh is also cleared, enhancing connectivity.

Jharkhand Academic Council conducted Class 10 board exams from February 3 to February 17, 2026, with over 4.3 lakh students appearing. Results are anticipated in the third or fourth week of April 2026. Students can check their provisional mark sheets online using their roll numbers and passwords.

India's G20 satellite for climate and pollution study is set for a 2027 launch. ISRO is leading this initiative. The nation also aims for a human mission to the moon by 2040. This will place India alongside leading space-faring countries. ISRO is also developing a titanium vessel for the Samudrayaan deep ocean mission.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the nation tonight. He chaired high-level meetings focusing on West Asia tensions and domestic preparedness. Discussions covered essential supplies like fuel and food. The government is ensuring adequate stocks for upcoming seasons. Contingency plans are in place to manage potential disruptions.

Chana is a versatile, protein-packed essential for every Indian household. This story breaks down six simple ways to cook chickpeasfrom zesty salads to crispy snacks and hearty curriesensuring you get your daily dose of muscle-building protein and gut-healthy fiber in the most delicious way possible.

The government is stepping in to support farmers. Twenty lakh tonnes of potatoes will be bought in Uttar Pradesh. Gram procurement limits have been increased in Andhra Pradesh. Tur farmers in Karnataka will have more time to sell their produce. These measures aim to ensure farmers get fair prices and avoid distress sales.

The Supreme Court has cautioned high courts against publicly criticizing subordinate judicial officers, emphasizing their role as guardians of the district judiciary. The apex court stressed that disparaging remarks can ruin careers and demoralize the judiciary, advocating for an in-house mechanism to address flaws instead of public criticism.

AIADMK veteran K Palaniswami is seeking his sixth term from Edappadi. He faces DMK's C Kasi and Naam Tamilar Katchi's Priyadarshini. Palaniswami, a former Chief Minister, has transformed the constituency. He criticizes the DMK's dynastic rule and corruption. Voting is on April 23, with results on May 4. The Edappadi electorate numbers 2,74,054.

India supports US-Iran diplomatic efforts, emphasizing dialogue and de-escalation. Defence expert Sanjeev Srivastava stated Pakistan's role is limited to that of a facilitator and messenger, lacking the credibility to influence negotiations. He noted China and other nations, including India, have encouraged dialogue, creating a positive environment for talks.

Quote of the Day: Liam Hemsworth emphasizes that genuine passion is the key to achieving goals, fueling persistence and effort. He believes that if that passion wanes, it's healthier to move on to something new, highlighting a practical approach to career fulfillment and avoiding burnout by aligning work with authentic interest.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin expressed joy as the opposition successfully blocked the delimitation bill in Parliament. He credited the INDIA bloc MPs and women for this victory. Stalin highlighted the planned campaign and protests that built momentum. He stated this marks the beginning of opposition unity and a setback for the BJP government.

RCB vs DC Playing 11: Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru aim to reclaim the top spot in the IPL 2026 points table as they face Delhi Capitals. RCB, with a strong opening and middle order, will look to capitalize on their historical dominance against a Delhi side seeking to regain momentum after recent defeats.

Iran's military command has announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital energy shipping channel, citing a US blockade. This move follows alleged US-Israeli strikes and Iran's prior threat to charge fees for passage. The strait is crucial as it handles approximately one-fifth of global oil and LNG supplies.

RCB vs DC IPL 2026 match at M.Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru: The 26th match of IPL 2026 features Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) hosting Delhi Capitals (DC) at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium today, April 18. With a 3:30 PM IST start, the Bengaluru weather forecast predicts a hot and dry afternoon with temperatures peaking at 37C, and minimal rain chances.

In a post on X, following his participation in a virtual Leaders' Summit on the Strait of Hormuz co-hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Albanese said 49 countries had come together with a consistent approach focused on ensuring freedom of navigation.

Akshay Kumar revealed his son Aarav Bhatia is not interested in Bollywood. Aarav is carving his own path in fashion. He is studying in London and gaining practical experience. Aarav is learning about textiles from villages. He also earns his own money. Aarav is a trained martial artist. He is focused on his independent journey.

Scientists have confirmed lunar polar ice has been accumulating for 1.5 billion years. This ancient ice, scattered across different regions, offers vital resources for future space exploration. It can be processed to create rocket fuel and oxygen for astronauts. This discovery strengthens the Moon's role as a potential refueling station for deep-space missions, including journeys to Mars.

Following Russia's retreat from Kherson, museum director Alina Dotsenko discovered thousands of artworks missing, with nearly 10,000 pieces' fate unknown. Ukraine is now highlighting this looting as Russia seeks international cultural engagement, emphasizing the need for accountability for stolen heritage.

A Fact Finding Committee has started its inquiry into serious allegations at a TCS office in Nashik. The committee will speak to all parties involved before releasing any details. This comes as protests continue and authorities investigate the matter. TCS is cooperating with the investigation, which is looking into potential forced conversion and sexual harassment.

Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin criticized the central government for withholding funds and infringing on state rights. He outlined the DMK's future welfare plans, including doubling financial assistance for women and extending the breakfast scheme. Free laptops for college students and appliance coupons for women were also mentioned. Elections are scheduled for April 23.

AP POLYCET 2026 hall tickets are releasing today, April 18. Candidates must download them online. The entrance exam for polytechnic colleges in Andhra Pradesh is scheduled for April 25. Entry requires a printed hall ticket and a valid photo ID. The exam will be offline with 120 multiple-choice questions. Results are expected by May 10.

Pakistan is eager for the International Monetary Fund's next loan installment. A Fund team will visit next month for crucial review talks. This comes as Pakistan's Finance Minister met IMF officials in Washington. The country aims to secure funds to bolster its economy. Discussions also covered global economic shocks and reform progress.

Bihar's Deputy Chief Ministers Vijay Kumar Choudhary and Bijendra Prasad Yadav have been upgraded to Z category security. This decision follows a review of their security arrangements by the state's home department. The Z category includes a dedicated team of trained personnel with advanced weaponry.

Iranians are trying to live normally after bombing and protests. Shops and parks are open, but the economy is struggling. People fear more government pressure after a potential deal with the US. The war has killed thousands and damaged infrastructure. Many Iranians feel the war did not help them and worry about their future.

Alternative Websites for UP Board Result 2026: The Uttar Pradesh Madhyamik Shiksha Parishad is expected to release Class 10 and 12 results for 2026 between April 20-25. Students can check their scores on official websites like upmsp.edu.in and upresults.nic.in, or via DigiLocker, UMANG App, and SMS. A minimum of 33% is required to pass.

Parliament's Budget session concluded abruptly. The Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha were adjourned sine die. This followed the failure of the women's reservation bill. The government also decided to put the delimitation proposal on hold. The session ended on a politically charged note. Attention now shifts to the government's future plans and ongoing state elections.

Jalgaon district is preparing for a heatwave. Government hospitals have set up special rooms and beds for heat-related illnesses. Doctors are instructed to stock necessary medicines. Citizens are urged to avoid going out during peak afternoon hours and take precautions. The India Meteorological Department has issued a heatwave warning for Maharashtra and other parts of the country.

A cruise ship has successfully navigated the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway, for the first time since the West Asia conflict started. The vessel, Celestyal Discovery, sailed through without passengers. Iran has stated that passage through the Strait will be strictly controlled and require Iranian authorization. This development occurs amid heightened regional tensions.

Life in Iran remains unsettled as schools stay closed following recent conflict. Parents are juggling work and online classes, facing productivity challenges. Many families who fled conflict zones are now back, dealing with disrupted routines and financial strain. The uncertainty of when normal life will resume weighs heavily on households across the nation.

Winless after six matches, Kolkata Knight Riders' playoff hopes are fading, but skipper Ajinkya Rahane urges the team to embrace tough phases and play with freedom. Despite a fifth defeat against Gujarat Titans, Rahane emphasized focusing on one game at a time and playing for their fans, highlighting the team's hard work and discussions on improvement.

Kabul is undergoing a massive transformation as the Taliban government revives old plans to widen roads. Homes, businesses, and even a graveyard are being demolished to make way for modern infrastructure. This extensive project aims to ease traffic congestion in the capital. Property owners are compensated, and new jobs are being created through the construction work.

President Trump sees positive signs in Iran peace talks. A ceasefire in the Middle East conflict may be extended if a deal is reached by Wednesday. Iran has temporarily reopened the Strait of Hormuz. Shipping may return to normal soon. Talks are ongoing to resolve the conflict and Iran's nuclear program.

The Calcutta High Court has cancelled the appointment of assistant professors as presiding officers for the West Bengal assembly elections. The court ruled that these appointments violated Election Commission guidelines. The petitioners, from the West Bengal Government College Teachers' Association, challenged their assignments. The court found no justification for drafting these senior staff without proper reasons.