The Economic Times

Authorities are investigating two deaths on the UC Berkeley campus. A student was found deceased after a fall near Unit 3 Residence Hall. Later, a second man, not affiliated with the university, was discovered deceased outside Sproul Hall. Investigations are ongoing, and officials state there is no immediate indication the incidents are linked. Support services are available for students.

In a dramatic twist to the Amravati sex abuse and video scandal, police on Wednesday paraded main accused Ayaan Ahmed for 600 metres through a neighbourhood to recover a mobile phone sold before his arrest. The device, now sent for forensic analysis, may contain crucial evidence linked to videos of minor girls. Eight accused are in custody.

Quote of the day by Nelson Mandela: His words on peace are gaining importance today. He called peace the greatest weapon for development. This idea influences personal growth and national progress. Mandela's life story shows his fight against apartheid and his journey to becoming South Africa's first Black president. His legacy continues to inspire.

At their core, affirmations are repeated statements that shape how you aim to think and feel. When used consistently, they can help reshape your internal dialogue.

Gold rate: Brent crude oil prices rose above $100 a barrel on the stalled peace talks and as both nations maintained their restrictions on the flow of trade through the strait.

US forces seized another tanker linked to Iranian oil smuggling in the Indian Ocean, escalating tensions after Iran captured two vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. This action, part of a broader maritime enforcement effort, aims to disrupt illicit networks supporting Iran. The ongoing standoff has significantly impacted global oil prices and trade.

The New England Patriots are navigating a challenging moment as head coach Mike Vrabel steps away from the final day of the NFL Draft to focus on personal matters. His decision to seek counseling follows a controversy involving Dianna Russini, which has drawn significant media attention. While Vrabel remains in contact with the team, leadership duties shift to key front-office figures. The situation has sparked conversations about accountability and professionalism in sports.

A woman from Punjab, Sarabjit Kaur, has released a new video from Pakistan. She invites Sikh devotees to visit Nankana Sahib and other gurudwaras. This marks a shift from her earlier remarks that drew attention. Intelligence agencies are now questioning the intent behind her conciliatory message. They suspect she may be acting under ISI influence to test Sikh sentiments.

Mortgage and refinance interest rates today, April 23, 2026, hold steady near 6.10% for 30-year fixed loans. Mortgage interest rates are easing because bond yields have softened, yet they remain structurally high due to persistent inflation pressure and cautious signals from theFederal Reserve. FHA loan rates are slightly lower, often giving entry-level buyers a narrow affordability window, but rising home prices are offsetting that relief. This creates a tight balance. Mortgage rates today are

Health insurance premiums rose 9.1% to Rs 1.2 lakh crore in FY25, while the number of lives covered increased just 1.4% to 58 crore, according to a survey by Niva Bupa.

A Delhi court has sent Vinesh Chandel, director of I-PAC, to 14 days judicial custody. This is in connection with a money laundering probe linked to an alleged coal pilferage case. Chandel has sought regular bail. The Enforcement Directorate's custody concluded today. The court noted compliance with legal procedures during his arrest.

Quote of the day: In 1937, Earhart set out on what would become her most ambitious expedition, a flight around the world. Accompanied by navigator Fred Noonan, she travelled thousands of miles before vanishing near Howland Island in the Pacific Ocean.

Warner Bros. Discovery shareholders are voting on a massive $81 billion deal to be acquired by Skydance-owned Paramount. This mega-merger could significantly alter Hollywood's landscape. If approved, it would combine major studios, streaming services like HBO Max and Paramount+, and news outlets such as CNN and CBS.

Space is now the key to future conflicts. India must boost its capabilities to match rivals. DRDO is working with startups, MSMEs, and academia. Investment in R&D needs to increase significantly. The defence R&D budget will double. India aims for sovereign space technology and secure assets in contested environments. Coordinated efforts are crucial.

A 19-year-old domestic help confessed to a heinous crime. Rahul Meena is accused of raping and killing a senior IRS officer's daughter in Delhi. He admitted to committing a mistake and a crime in court. The court granted police custody for further investigation. The accused also faces similar charges in Alwar, Rajasthan.

India has decided to prolong its restriction on allowing Pakistani aircraft to traverse its airspace, effective until May 24, 2026. This aviation embargo, which has been enforced for over a year, was implemented following the tragic Pahalgam terror incident in April 2025. Meanwhile, Pakistan has reciprocated by prolonging its ban on Indian flights.

Delhi government is introducing chip-enabled smart cards for construction workers. This initiative will streamline registration and welfare scheme delivery. A dedicated portal will enhance cess collection from builders. The smart cards will act as a secure identity, ensuring uninterrupted access to benefits for migrant labourers. This digital platform aims to plug leakages and improve accountability for registered workers.

Mumbai's 1BHK apartment launches plummeted by nearly 50% in 2025, as developers shifted focus to larger, more profitable homes post-Covid. This trend has pushed average apartment prices to 3 crore, making compact, budget-friendly options scarce and out of reach for many middle-class families in core city areas.

Exiled Iranian Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi faced an incident in Berlin. Red liquid was thrown at him as he left a news briefing. Pahlavi had spoken critically about a ceasefire between the United States and Iran. He is advocating for a return to power should Iran's current government fall. Pahlavi urged Europeans to support the Iranian people's fight for democracy.

Top US law enforcement agencies like the FBI and DEA have seen thousands of staff cuts. This reduction impacts crime-fighting capabilities. Critics argue these cuts undermine efforts against crime. The Justice Department states buyouts allowed shedding of staff not committed to tackling crime. The US murder rate has fallen, but concerns remain about agency effectiveness.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah declared that a BJP government in West Bengal would prevent any new infiltrators and selectively root out illegal immigrants already present. He asserted that infiltration harms the state's economy, youth employment, and national security, urging voters to support the BJP to free Bengal from infiltrators.

latest OTT releases this week (April 2228, 2026) feature Apex starring Charlize Theron on Netflix and Timothe Chalamets Marty Supreme on Prime Video. Don't miss the animated Stranger Things: Tales from '85, the final tribute in Hulk Hogan: Real American, and the return of Kate Hudson in Running Point Season 2.

WhatsApp is now letting users recharge mobile prepaid numbers directly within the app in India. This new feature, powered by PayU, is rolling out on Android and iOS. Users can recharge their own number or a friend's without leaving WhatsApp. The service supports Jio, Airtel, and Vodafone Idea.

Aman Sanger, co-founder of AI coding platform Cursor, is at the centre stage of a potential $60 billion acquisition or $10 billion partnership with SpaceX. Aman Sanger is an Indian origin entrepreneur who grew up in the United States and he started coding at a very young age. Aman Sanger co-founded Cursor, the maker of a popular AI code editing tool, with three friends from MIT in 2022.

Bharatiya Janata Party president Nitin Nabin predicts a decisive win in West Bengal elections. He anticipates an absolute majority for the BJP, leading to the formation of a new government. Nabin also foresees the BJP-led coalition retaining power in Assam and Puducherry. He believes the party will achieve victory in Tamil Nadu as part of the NDA alliance.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated his jhalmuri consumption in Jhargram gave Trinamool Congress a jolt. He promised sweets and jhalmuri distribution in Bengal once the BJP forms government on May 4. Modi also assured Hindu refugee families of protection and expedited citizenship. He highlighted public discontent over Trinamool's governance, corruption, and inefficiency.

Bengaluru's luxury housing market is experiencing a significant price surge. This rise is reducing the space $1 million can buy, even as the city climbs global rankings for price growth. India's ultra-wealthy population is expanding, driving demand in luxury real estate. Mumbai and Delhi also show strong gains. This trend signals sustained momentum for India's luxury housing market.

Jharkhand Academic Council has released Class 10 results for 2026. A remarkable 95.278% of students passed. Over 4 lakh students appeared, with a large number achieving first division. Top performers from schools in Hazaribagh and Ranchi have been recognized. The overall academic performance indicates strong student preparation and improved teaching standards across the state.

UPMSP Class 10 Toppers List 2026: The toppers list for UP Board Class 10 will be announced today at upmsp.edu.in and upresults.nic.in portals once the results are declared. The toppers' list will be announced at 4 pm today during a press conference in Prayagraj. For Class 10, only one toppers' list will be announced.

US-Iran war news: Islamabad is preparing for potential peace talks. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi met with US Charge d'Affaires Natalie Baker. Discussions focused on diplomatic efforts to bring Washington and Tehran to the negotiating table. Pakistan is deploying extensive security measures for the proposed engagement. The first round of talks failed to yield a breakthrough.

The UP Board Class 12th Toppers List 2026 is set to be released along with the UPMSP Intermediate results 2026, bringing key details such as topper names, marks, ranks and district-wise merit holders into focus. Students across Uttar Pradesh are eagerly awaiting the UP Board 12th result 2026, which will be available on official websites like upmsp.edu.in and upresults.nic.in. With rising search trends around UP Board results, topper list, merit list and scorecard download, this announcement is e

Starbucks is reportedly laying off staff from its technology departments. This move is part of a larger restructuring plan by new CEO Brian Niccol. The company aims to reorganize operations and focus resources effectively. These cuts follow previous workforce reductions and store closures. Further adjustments to operations and cost structure are anticipated.

China has revealed a video hinting at a new nuclear-powered aircraft carrier. The nation also plans to strengthen its island infrastructure. These moves aim to enhance China's naval strength and assert its territorial claims. Military drills are underway in the region, involving multiple nations. China's expansion efforts continue amid regional tensions.

A viral 7-day Indian weight loss meal plan shared by Kopal Agarwal is gaining traction for its simple, sustainable approach, focusing on balanced nutrition, portion control and home-cooked meals rather than crash diets or intense workouts. Backed by research from journals like the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition and The Lancet, the plan combines protein-rich foods, fibre, plant-based diversity and smart snacking to support metabolism, reduce cravings and improve long-term adherence.

A shocking crime unfolded in Delhi's Kailash Hills. A 19-year-old former domestic help allegedly raped and murdered the daughter of a senior Indian Revenue Officer. The accused entered the house using a spare key. He attacked the woman, stole cash and jewelry, and fled. The victim was preparing for civil services exams.

India's military is set for a major transformation. Theater-based integration, rapid technology adoption, and AI-driven systems will be key. Ongoing defense reforms are reshaping how armed forces operate. Future warfare will rely on strong digital networks, indigenous technology, and faster decision-making. Space-based assets and real-time intelligence will improve coordination and response times. Unmanned systems and data-driven warfare offer crucial lessons.

Rajpal Yadav, who recently went to jail in a cheque bounce case, said he was sent to jail not because he couldn't pay the money but because he incurred losses of Rs 17 crores. The Phir Hera Pheri actor said that had it been a matter of Rs 5 crore, it would have been resolved in 2012 itself.

Navy chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi visited the Andaman and Nicobar Command. He emphasized coordination among Army, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard for Indo-Pacific security. The visit focused on operational preparedness and strengthening jointmanship. Admiral Tripathi highlighted the islands' strategic role in maritime security and surveillance. Personnel were commended for their professionalism and readiness.

Financial markets must become more agile and intelligent. CCIL Chairman Rajeshwar Rao highlighted the need for stronger integration to face technological shifts and geopolitical challenges. Emerging technologies like AI will enhance efficiency and resilience.

A 19-year-old man arrested for a brutal rape and murder in Delhi's Kailash Hills is a serial offender. Police revealed he played Ludo online with the husband of another woman he allegedly raped in Alwar just hours before the Delhi crime. Rajasthan Police have formed a special team to investigate the Alwar rape charge.

Clearing Iranian mines from the Strait of Hormuz could take six months. This operation may keep oil prices high. Iran has largely blocked the vital waterway. The United States has imposed its own blockade. Even after hostilities end, mine clearance will take time. This situation impacts global oil and gas prices.

Indias ultra-wealth population is expanding rapidly, with the country now ranking sixth globally with 19,877 ultra-high net worth individuals (UHNWIs) in 2026, a figure projected to grow 27% to 25,217 by 2031, according to a Knight Frank report. The growth reflects strong wealth creation driven by technology, capital markets and entrepreneurship, alongside a 58% surge in Indias billionaire count to 207, making it the third-largest globally after the US and China. While Mumbai remains the top wea

Murshidabad Violence: Violence and political tensions have marked the Bengal Elections 2026, particularly in Murshidabad, where clashes between TMC and AUJP workers, stone-pelting, vandalism, and crude bomb attack allegations have raised serious concerns over election-day security and voter safety. Amid reports of proxy voting, protests against AUJP chief Humayun Kabir, and a separate altercation involving BJP candidate Sankar Ghosh in Siliguri, the poll narrative is being shaped by allegations

West Bengal's assembly elections 2026: The TMC has accused police in Nandigram of favoring the BJP. Meanwhile, the Leader of the Opposition, Suvendu Adhikari, claims TMC-backed individuals are threatening voters. Both parties have lodged complaints. Polling is proceeding with significant security measures across multiple districts.

India is set to acquire advanced Type 214 submarines from Germany. Defence ministers from both nations visited a submarine facility, highlighting cooperation. The deal, valued between eight and ten billion dollars, includes technology transfer and local manufacturing. Six submarines will be built in India, with the first expected in seven years.