The Economic Times

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.

India and New Zealand are set to sign a free trade agreement on April 27. This pact will significantly boost bilateral trade. Indian companies, especially leather exporters from Agra, will gain duty-free access to New Zealand markets. The agreement aims to double trade and attract substantial investment over fifteen years.

Quote of the Day: Eddie Rickenbacker, a World War I fighter ace, defined courage as acting despite fear. He believed true bravery emerges when one confronts their fears. Rickenbacker's life, filled with high-risk situations, shaped this perspective. His experiences highlight that facing challenges builds resilience. He earned the Medal of Honor and became an aviation pioneer. His legacy inspires many.

The Supreme Court has clarified a significant legal point. A court possesses the authority to deny anticipatory bail to an accused individual. However, it lacks the jurisdiction to mandate that the accused surrender before the trial court. This ruling stems from a case where the Jharkhand High Court had directed an accused to surrender after rejecting his bail plea.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt's remark about shots fired during President Trump's address gained a chilling significance after an armed attacker opened fire at the White House Correspondents' Dinner. The incident, which occurred near the event's screening area, triggered panic and a swift security response, with the suspect apprehended unharmed.

TVK leader Aadhav Arjuna revealed party chief Vijay directed candidates to monitor EVM strong rooms. Elections concluded on April 23 with high turnout. Candidates will inspect strong rooms on rotation. Arjuna urged transparent counting and adequate security for May 4. He anticipates a democratic victory for TVK, predicting a government change based on people's verdict.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi remembered Rabindranath Tagore's legacy on his birth anniversary. He noted Tagore's role in shaping institutions and promoting sustainable industries. Modi also spoke about an organization in Chile spreading Buddha's teachings. He emphasized the relevance of compassion and peace for the future. The Prime Minister mentioned efforts in India connecting people with nature.

West Bengal Assembly Elections 2026: Dum Dum Uttar constituency is no longer a guaranteed win for the TMC. Senior minister Chandrima Bhattacharya faces a tough contest. The BJP's growing presence and public discontent over civic issues like waterlogging and poor roads have intensified the election. New candidates from the BJP and CPI(M) are adding to the competition. The election is set for April 29.

President Trump and First Lady Melania were urgently escorted out of the White House Correspondents' Association Dinner on April 25, 2026, after a man armed with a shotgun tried to breach security. Guests took cover amid chaos as Secret Service agents drew guns and evacuated top officials including Mike Johnson and RFK Jr. Suspect Cole Tomas Allen was detained.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a historic milestone. India's Kalpakkam fast breeder reactor has achieved criticality. This achievement showcases indigenous nuclear technology. Indian scientists have brought glory to the nation. This marks a significant step in India's nuclear energy journey. The reactor uses Uranium-Plutonium Mixed Oxide fuel. It is designed to use Thorium-232 in the future.

Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited has released admit cards for its officer-level exam on April 26, 2026. Candidates must carry a printed copy to the Computer-Based Test center for entry. The hall ticket, accessible via the official HPCL website, contains crucial exam details. Regularly check the website for further recruitment updates.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has highlighted the national Census as a vital citizen responsibility. He assured that all information provided will remain secure and confidential. Census 2027 is now digital, allowing citizens to self-enumerate for 15 days before official visits.

India has achieved a significant milestone in wind energy. The nation's wind generation capacity has now surpassed 56 gigawatts. This places India in the fourth position globally for wind energy capacity. This achievement is a testament to the hard work of engineers and the collective willpower of the country. It marks a strong acceleration in India's renewable energy journey.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel participated in the Gujarat local body elections. Voting commenced across the state for municipal corporations, municipalities, district panchayats, and taluka panchayats. Leaders urged citizens to exercise their democratic right. The elections are crucial for local governance and development. Vote counting is scheduled for April 28.

US-Iran war: President Donald Trump stated Iran's proposal was insufficient for talks. Trump mentioned long travel times and high costs as reasons for cancellation. He also noted a lack of senior-level engagement from Iran. Trump claimed Iran submitted a better proposal after the cancellation.

A massive fraud of Rs 7.31 crore has been uncovered at a Canara Bank branch in Jalna, Maharashtra. Police report that ornaments from gold loan accounts were stolen and replaced with fake jewellery. Two individuals have been arrested in connection with the case. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities exploring the possibility of a larger conspiracy involving more people.

According to the Chief Minister's Office (CMO), officials briefed the CM on the district-wise situation. Out of a total of 4,510 fuel outlets in the state, around 421 have been shut temporarily due to supply constraints. Officials also noted that although fuel supply has increased by nearly 10 per cent compared to earlier levels, panic buying has led to a heavy rush at several petrol stations.

A shooting incident at the White House Correspondents' Dinner caused alarm. President Donald Trump and other officials were evacuated safely. Lawmakers from both parties condemned the violence. They called for national unity and peaceful resolution of differences. Security forces acted swiftly to protect attendees. An officer was injured in the incident.

India is pursuing a multi-pronged approach to boost its exports to China. The nation is focusing on building its own industrial capabilities and reducing reliance on Chinese imports. This strategy aims to create resilient supply chains and enhance India's export capacity.

Jammu DIG Shridhar Patil emphasized strict vigilance along the Kathua border. He urged officers to maintain heightened alertness to thwart anti-national elements. Robust checking, increased patrolling, and coordination with security agencies are key. The meeting also reviewed crime investigation and the Nasha Mukt Abhiyan, stressing swift action against offenders and drug smugglers to ensure public safety.

President Donald Trump has rejected a new peace proposal from Iran. He stated the offer was not good enough. Trump emphasized that Iran will not possess nuclear weapons. He mentioned that negotiations were halted due to extensive travel and the absence of direct talks with Iran's leader. The US will now communicate via telephone.

China successfully launched Pakistan's PRSC-EO3 satellite on Saturday night. This marks the fourth Pakistani satellite China has put into orbit since last year. The launch expands China's space cooperation with Pakistan. Additionally, two Pakistani astronauts have arrived in Beijing for astronaut training. One will become the first foreign astronaut on China's Tiangong space station.

The Indian Air Force is seeking domestic industry, academia, and startups to develop collaborative drone-based surveillance radar systems under the Mehar Baba Competition. This initiative aims to create a flexible, mobile swarm radar system capable of detecting and tracking aerial targets in contested environments, offering enhanced survivability over traditional fixed radars.

Sohan Singh is now the Chief Executive Officer of the Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee. This appointment supports the upcoming Char Dham Yatra. Health screenings are underway for pilgrims at Rishikesh. The state government is improving yatra routes for safety and convenience. Development projects aim to boost religious tourism. The annual pilgrimage has officially begun.

India and New Zealand will sign a significant trade agreement on April 27. This pact aims to boost bilateral trade and improve market access for Indian goods. Approximately 70 percent of Indian products will enter New Zealand duty-free. The agreement is expected to create new export opportunities for sectors like leather, handloom, and handicrafts.

Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal will meet export councils and industry leaders on April 27. The meeting aims to boost India's outbound shipments. This comes after India and New Zealand sign a free trade pact. The discussion will also address the impact of the West Asia crisis on Indian exporters.

Iran has executed Amer Ramesh, a member of the Sunni militant group Jaish al-Adl. He was convicted of armed rebellion and involvement in bombings and ambushes targeting Iranian security forces. Ramesh was arrested in a counter-terrorism operation in southeastern Iran. Jaish al-Adl is active in Iran's Sistan-Baluchestan region.

Chile's Atacama Desert, a prime spot for stargazing, faces ongoing threats to its clear night skies. A proposed energy project near a major observatory was cancelled, but weak regulations could allow similar developments. Scientists warn that light pollution and dust can disrupt crucial astronomical research. Efforts are underway to strengthen protections for these vital dark sky zones.

Visitors to Delhi's Pradhanmantri Sangrahalaya will soon interact with AI avatars of Mahatma Gandhi and Atal Bihari Vajpayee. This initiative follows successful AI exhibits of Sardar Patel and A P J Abdul Kalam. The museum is integrating technology to improve visitor engagement and accessibility.

The US central bank is widely expected to keep interest rates unchanged at its policy meeting next week, as energy prices stay high and supply chains snarled due to war in the Middle East. We still have a very high level of uncertainty on what's happening in the Middle East, KPMG senior economist Kenneth Kim told AFP. Oil and gasoline prices remain elevated even if they have peaked, meaning here's certainly an energy shock that's still impacting both consumers and businesses, he said.

Tibetans living outside China are voting for their government-in-exile. This election holds great importance as they face a future without their spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama. The Central Tibetan Administration, based in India, is a crucial institution for these exiles. Voters across 27 countries are participating.

The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority has issued a caution advisory due to high UV index levels recorded across the state. Orange and yellow alerts were reported in several districts, with prolonged exposure potentially causing sunburn and other health issues. The public is advised to limit direct sunlight exposure between 10 am and 3 pm and take protective measures.

Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian has refused direct talks with the United States. He stated Iran will not negotiate under pressure or threats. The ongoing naval blockade and hostile US actions are the main obstacles. Pezeshkian urged the US to remove these barriers first. This comes amid stalled peace talks and a US naval blockade.

US-Iran war news: Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is set for another visit to Pakistan. This trip follows his engagements in Oman and precedes his travel to Russia. A portion of his delegation has returned to Tehran for crucial consultations. These discussions are focused on matters related to ending the ongoing conflict. The delegation is expected to rejoin Araghchi in Islamabad soon.