The Economic Times

BJP leader Nitin Nabin accused the Trinamool Congress of betraying women by opposing the central government's women's reservation bill. He stated that the TMC's stance on this issue contrasts with their alleged support for minority reservations. Nabin highlighted concerns about women's safety in West Bengal and criticized the state government's policies regarding infiltrators.

Tamil Nadu Assembly Election 2026 Date and Time: Tamil Nadu's Legislative Assembly elections are set for April 23, 2026, with vote counting on May 4. Over 5.6 crore voters will participate in a significant three-way contest. Polling will occur from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM across all constituencies.

Israel's military is warning Lebanese civilians not to return to southern villages. The military claims Hezbollah is violating a recent ceasefire agreement. Displaced residents have started returning home since the truce began. Israel states its forces remain deployed defensively. Hezbollah officials have also cautioned residents about potential Israeli actions.

As West Bengal braces for electoral battles, state officials are implementing rigorous security strategies. With more than 135 arrests made to date, the focus is on ensuring a tranquil election process. The Election Commission is harnessing advanced AI surveillance technology and outfitting security personnel with bodycams.

American, Philippine, and Japanese forces have commenced joint military exercises in the Philippines. The drills involve thousands of personnel and advanced weaponry. These war games are taking place with the Middle East conflict in the background. Tensions are also high in the South China Sea and near Taiwan.

In the latest episode of the SaaS CMO Circle podcast, top marketing thinkers from LinkedIn and Zoho reveal how B2B video content is engaging buyers and helping to close deals in ways that traditional static content cant. Traditional B2B marketing tactics revolve around content that buyers read. From product brochures and how-to guides through to case study PDFs, thought leadership blog posts, and detailed research reports, the core of B2B has involved exchanging written information for contact d

India and South Korea will resume talks to upgrade their economic partnership agreement. The goal is to increase bilateral trade to 50 billion dollars by 2030. Both nations will also enhance cooperation in critical technologies and supply chains. An economic security dialogue will be established. Discussions will cover shipbuilding, steel, and sustainability. Industrial collaboration will expand through new agreements.

Gurgaon Drug Racket: Authorities in Gurgaon have busted a major illegal pharmaceutical racket involving spurious Mounjaro KwikPen (tirzepatide injections) worth over Rs 70 lakh, with two men arrested after a joint operation by the Drugs Control Department and police intercepted a vehicle carrying suspected fake diabetes and weight-loss drugs stored in violation of safety norms. The raid near Super Mart-1 led to the recovery of multiple cartons of injections in different strengths, with officials

Assam voted in a crucial election. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma's BJP faced a challenge from Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi. The outcome could reshape Congress's future in the Northeast. Sarma's leadership and BJP's organizational strength were key factors. Congress focused on governance reforms and economic revival. The results will influence opposition politics nationwide.

Reports have emerged suggesting that Iranian forces may have opened fire on Indian ships passing through the vital Strait of Hormuz. This unsettling occurrence coincided with increased activity among commercial fleets in the area. Furthermore, Iran is pointing fingers at the United States, alleging that Washington's maneuvers are not only obstructing diplomatic channels but also exacerbating conflict.

An IIT-Kharagpur graduate rejected a 4.3 crore job and Stanford PhD to co-found Giga, an AI startup that recently raised $61 million. Despite the success, the company faces allegations of malpractices and misleading employees from a former worker, which Giga denies as an extortion attempt.

Groww reports strong profit and revenue growth. However, foreign investor selling and global tensions create a mixed market. This boosts short-term trading activity on the platform. But sustained foreign selling could slow new user growth and asset inflows in the medium term. The company manages these market dynamics.

A powerful earthquake of magnitude 7.4 has shaken northeastern Japan. The Japan Meteorological Agency reported the tremor off the coast. Tsunami warnings have been issued for areas including Iwate, Aomori, and Hokkaido prefectures. The quake's epicentre was in the Pacific Ocean. It was strong enough to make movement difficult and cause damage to walls.

Apple's upcoming WWDC event artwork suggests a significant upgrade for Siri. The assistant is expected to gain a new look within the Dynamic Island. Users will see improved conversational abilities and the power to handle multiple requests in one command. This move aims to make Siri a more capable AI assistant, integrating deeper with third-party apps.

At the SaaS CMO Circle, leading marketing thinkers from Adobe and LinkedIn shared new insights into how todays tech buyers feel about B2B purchase decisions, and how marketers can respond.

Concerns over a ceasefire collapse grew as the U.S. seized an Iranian cargo ship, prompting Iran to vow retaliation and reject further peace talks. The incident jeopardizes efforts for regional peace, with Iran citing blockades and U.S. demands. Oil prices surged amid fears of continued Gulf traffic disruptions.

The Supreme Court has rejected a public interest plea. The petition sought to declare Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose's Indian National Army responsible for India's independence. It also asked for Netaji to be named 'National Son'. The court refused to declare his birth anniversary and the INA's foundation day as national days.

India's MSME manufacturing sector continued to grow in early 2026. However, expansion slowed due to global issues, especially the West Asia crisis. This crisis caused longer shipping times and higher costs. Business activity saw new orders and production increase, but hiring remained steady. The outlook for the next quarter is positive but cautious. Policy support is vital for sustained growth.

Explore five easy mushroom recipes designed for the Indian palate, from spicy Masala Roasts to comforting Pulaos. These simple, everyday meals focus on traditional spices and quick cooking techniques, making mushrooms the perfect versatile ingredient for busy 2026 lifestyles without requiring any complicated culinary skills.

Irans leader President Pezeshkian urges a return to diplomacy in light of escalating tensions with the United States. With a ceasefire on the brink of collapse, negotiations are on the horizon in Pakistan, but Iran's candidate delegation remains unconfirmed.

A Ukrainian drone attack hit Russia's Tuapse port, causing a fire and killing at least one person. This major southern port is a key oil export hub and home to a large refinery. Debris from the drones damaged several buildings, including a kindergarten and a church. Russia's defense ministry reported destroying many drones overnight.

Uttar Pradesh farmers can now sell wheat at government procurement centers without prior online registration. This decision comes after many farmers faced difficulties registering and were forced to sell to middlemen. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has ordered immediate implementation. Farmers can now sell their wheat as they did in previous years, ensuring fair prices for their produce.

A viral video showcasing a compact Mumbai apartment for 1.6 crore has sparked widespread debate. While many expressed shock at the price for the small space, others defended its prime location and sea view. The clip highlights Mumbai's challenging housing market, where space comes at a significant premium, prompting discussions about affordability and urban living.

Uttar Pradesh Minister Om Prakash Rajbhar accused Akhilesh Yadav of lying about women's reservation, claiming the Samajwadi Party opposed the bill fearing BJP credit. Yadav, however, stated opposition parties support women's reservation but want SC, ST, and OBC inclusion. Prime Minister Modi criticized the opposition for blocking the bill, calling it an insult to women.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a nationwide heatwave alert in India, warning of a 24C rise in temperatures across north and central regions, including Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh. With severe heatwave conditions, rising AQI levels in Delhi, and temperatures crossing 43C in Raipur, experts warn of increasing heat stress, dehydration risks, and public health concerns. A western disturbance from April 23 may bring temporary relief, but extreme heatwave conditi

A cricket final in Maharashtra's Jalgaon district descended into chaos when a local politician allegedly drove a tractor onto the pitch, destroying it. The politician, reportedly upset over not receiving an invitation to the MLA Trophy final, vandalized the playing surface. The match was called off due to unsafe conditions, and police intervened.

US-Iran war: A United States warship, the USS Miguel Keith, sailed through the vital Strait of Malacca over the weekend. Indonesian Navy officials confirmed the transit on Saturday, April 18. They stated the passage adhered to international law. The warship is based in Japan and was conducting routine operations. The Strait of Malacca is a crucial global shipping lane.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday held a bilateral meeting with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung at the Hyderbad House in the national capital. Both the leaders were also seen planting a tree under the 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' initiative.

Chief Justice of India Surya Kant voiced shock at educated people being defrauded by digital arrests. A recent case involved an elderly woman losing all her retirement savings. The Supreme Court is actively addressing this growing cybercrime. Discussions are underway with authorities like the RBI and DoT to establish procedures and compensation frameworks.

An empty local train coach derailed near Dombivli station on Monday morning. Services on Mumbai's busy suburban network were affected. Commuters faced delays and crowded trains. The incident occurred at 8.09 am. The coach was re-railed later. Traffic on the slow line resumed after diversion. Kalyan-bound services were unavailable at some stations.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's testimony in his corruption trial has been postponed. The Jerusalem District Court approved a defense request citing security and diplomatic reasons. Another witness will testify in his place. The trial is currently in the cross-examination phase. This development occurs during a shortened court week in Israel.

A passenger bus plunged down a hill in Udhampur district on Monday. The accident claimed 15 lives and left 20 people injured. Locals initiated rescue efforts before emergency services arrived. The bus was traveling from a remote village to Udhampur. Seriously injured individuals are being airlifted for medical aid. The local administration is coordinating relief efforts.

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung envisions a strengthened special strategic partnership with India, focusing on trade, technology, critical minerals, defence, and shipbuilding. He highlighted shared values and the need for close cooperation amidst geopolitical uncertainty, aiming to deepen comprehensive ties for mutual growth and innovation.

The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has announced 9,195 vacancies for Constable (Technical & Tradesmen and Pioneer) positions. Applications are open from April 20 to May 19, 2026, for both male and female candidates. The recruitment process includes PET, PST, CBT, trade tests, document verification, and a medical examination.

Protect your vehicle from the intense Indian heat with these six essential tyre safety tips. From switching to nitrogen and checking cold pressure to practicing the 2-hour rest rule, these simple habits prevent dangerous blowouts and extend the life of your car and bike tyres during the 2026 summer season.

Nithin Kamath, co-founder of Zerodha, voiced concerns over excessive digital device use by children, warning of long-term dependency. Cognitive neuroscientist Jared Cooney Horvath links this trend to declining learning abilities, even with more formal education. The debate now centers on content consumption and platform design, not just screen time duration.

West Bengal BJP candidate from the Kharagpur Sadar Assembly constituency, Dilip Ghosh, on Monday called the India Political Action Committee (I-PAC) a means to promote corruption in the state following the arrest of Director Vinesh Chandel in a money laundering case.

India's Chief of Defence Staff, General Anil Chauhan, is on a three-day visit to the UK, marking the first official visit of its kind. Discussions with UK counterparts will focus on enhancing cooperation in training, operations, and defence industry partnerships, including co-production opportunities. This visit underscores the strengthening defence ties and shared ambition for a secure Indo-Pacific.

Elon Musk faces scrutiny in Paris. Investigators are probing allegations of misconduct on his social media platform X. This includes the spread of child abuse material and deepfake content. Musk and former CEO Linda Yaccarino have been summoned for interviews. French authorities are investigating potential complicity in serious offenses.

Actress Kalki Koechlin recently shared her struggle with prolonged insomnia, which stemmed from a period of heartbreak. For months, she experienced disrupted sleep, often waking in the early hours and finding it impossible to fall back asleep, significantly impacting her sense of reality during workdays.

The Municipal Corporation of Delhi will soon implement new environment compensation charges for commercial vehicles entering the city. These revised rates, mandated by the Supreme Court, aim to reduce air pollution. Charges for light commercial vehicles and two-axle trucks have increased. Heavier trucks will face a steeper hike. This move is expected to deter polluting vehicles from entering Delhi.

Iran has executed two men accused of spying for Israel's Mossad. Mohammad Masoum Shahi and Hamed Validi were found guilty of belonging to a spy network. They received training abroad and planned attacks within Iran. Their death sentences were confirmed by the Supreme Court.

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung is in New Delhi for talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The visit aims to significantly increase economic ties, focusing on shipbuilding. Both nations plan to nearly double bilateral trade to $50 billion by 2030. Cooperation may also expand into finance, artificial intelligence, and defense. India's role in global production is highlighted.

The Confederation of Indian Industry has presented a plan to fix issues in India's industrial land system. This aims to boost manufacturing by making land access easier and more transparent. The proposals include a national land bank and a digital single-window system. These changes are expected to speed up projects and attract more investment.

Indian Vice President C P Radhakrishnan concluded his Sri Lanka visit. He met beneficiaries of the Indian Housing Project in Nuwara Eliya. Discussions were held on education cooperation and extending the Overseas Citizen Card. The final tranche of houses under Phase 3 of the Indian Housing Project was handed over. Discussions also covered an oil pipeline and fishermen issues.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee attacked the BJP at a community outreach program in her Bhabanipur constituency, alleging voter list deletions and attempts to divide people on religious and caste lines. She emphasized elections as a festival of democracy and urged unity among diverse communities, vowing to protect communal harmony in Bengal.