The Economic Times

Salmokji: Whispering Water is a Korean horror film experiencing a phenomenal box office run. It has held the top spot for eight days and is nearing one million admissions. The film continues to attract over 60,000 viewers daily. Its success has also led to a surge in visitors at the real-life reservoir that inspired the movie.

India begins a special parliamentary session aiming for women's empowerment. Prime Minister Modi calls it a historic step. Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi supports women's reservation but criticizes the delimitation process. He demands consideration of caste census data. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin protests the delimitation bill. The government plans to implement women's reservation before the 2029 elections.

The self-enumeration phase of Census 2027 house listing begins today (April 16) in Haryana (including Gurgaon and Faridabad), Chandigarh, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. Residents can submit household details online till April 30. Door-to-door verification will follow from May 1 to May 30.

Amravati viral videos: In a significant development in the Amravati sex abuse scandal, police revealed that the alleged mastermind Ayan Ahmed was a former member of Asaduddin Owaisi's AIMIM. Ayan Ahmed, accused of sexually abusing 180 minors and recording more than 300 explicit videos, had a bet with his friend who would win over more girls, that finally blew the lid off the scandal.

Irans move to charge tolls on ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz has sparked a legal and geopolitical debate. Under international law, particularly UNCLOS, vessels are entitled to transit passage through key straits without interference, making unilateral tolls highly contentious. While Iran argues it can regulate movement within its territorial waters, most experts view such charges as inconsistent with established maritime norms.

Aarav Vats remarkable achievement of scoring 96.6% in the CBSE Class 10 examinations, despite battling Lymphoblastic Lymphoma for two years, stands as a powerful testament to his courage, resilience and unwavering determination, showing that even the most serious health challenges cannot stand in the way of focus, perseverance and academic success.

Cryptocurrency has matured into a recognized asset class, with Bitcoin and Ethereum leading institutional adoption and market volumes. amana facilitates robust, diversified portfolios by offering access to over 325 digital assets across various sectors, emphasizing structured strategies and risk management for confident investing.

In Ghaziabad, a 19-year-old girl died, and her friend got critically injured when they were filming a reel on their sports bike, Yamaha on NH-9. Neither of them was wearing a helmet and left their home without informing their families. A video of the collision has now surfaced on social media which shows what happened before the fatal clash.

Mysterious disappearances and deaths of at least 10 US scientists since 2023, many linked to national security labs, have sparked alarm. Reports detail abrupt departures and violent ends. This echoes a similar pattern in India between 2009-2013, where over a dozen nuclear scientists died under unusual circumstances, fueling ongoing speculation.

Rajasthan's Sarthak Naam Abhiyan, intended to provide meaningful student names, has sparked controversy due to an inappropriate draft list. The suggested names, including 'Bhiksha' and 'Ugra Singh,' have drawn criticism for being embarrassing and undermining the campaign's objective. The education minister's office clarified it's a draft needing revision.

White House Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy and Homeland Security Advisor Stephen Miller said that the United States' naval blockade against Iran in the Persian Gulf is squeezing the economic life out of the Islamic Republic, while reiterating Washington's firm opposition to Tehran acquiring nuclear weapons as part of the deal to achieve a complete end to the hostilities in West Asia.

Mumbai's Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation will start a citywide tree census next week. This exercise, the first in eight years, will take about 1.5 years to complete. Experts and modern technology will be used for the counting. The civic body is also preparing for monsoon by pruning over 45,000 hazardous trees and branches across the city.

Iran war: Earlier on Wednesday (local time), Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi welcomed Pakistan's Chief of Army Staff Asim Munir in Tehran, expressing appreciation for Pakistan's role in facilitating dialogue and underscoring the shared commitment to regional peace and stability amid West Asia tensions.

CBSE Class 10 second exam date: The CBSE second board examination scheme rolled out for Class 10 students will be rolled out in the 2026 cycle in May. According to CBSE, students who want to appear for the second exam must have given the first board examination. If a student has not appeared in three or more subjects in the first examination, then he/she is not eligible to appear in the second examination.

Yogi Adityanath said there will be no compromise on workers rights, dignity and social security, warning of strict legal action against violations amid recent unrest in Uttar Pradeshs industrial hubs. Chairing a review, the chief minister ordered a probe into labour practices, directed timely wage payments and statutory benefits, and called for grievance redressal systems and improved worker facilities, including housing.

The mishap in Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh is deeply painful. I extend my condolences to those who have lost their loved ones and pray for the speedy recovery of the injured, the Prime Minister's Office posted on X.

Mamata Banerjee on Thursday said she spent Poila Boishakh among the people of West Bengal and reaffirmed her commitment to serving the state, while accusing the Bharatiya Janata Party of attempting to undermine Bengal's identity and constitutional rights.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has initiated a statewide protest against the proposed delimitation bill. He burned a copy of the bill and raised a black flag, signaling strong opposition. This move escalates concerns over constituency revisions based on the 2011 census.

Odisha Class 10 Result 2026 Date: Odisha Class 10 students are eagerly awaiting their matriculation results. The Board of Secondary Education, Odisha, is expected to release the outcomes by the second week of May. Over 5.61 lakh students appeared for the examinations this year. Evaluation is in progress, and students can check their results online using their roll number once declared.

Vaishakha Amavasya time: Vaishakha Amavasya, dedicated to ancestors and forefathers, is being observed tomorrow, April 17, 2026. The Amavasya tithi will begin from 8:11 PM, April 16, 2026, and will end at 5:21 PM on April 17, 2026. Vaishakha Amavasya or New Moon Day is considered very powerful for performing religious and spiritual practices.

Iran War News Day 48: As the Iran-Israel war reaches its 48th day, tensions escalate with Iran threatening US forces and the US intensifying economic pressure through new sanctions and a naval blockade. Israel aligns with US goals, expanding military objectives, while diplomatic efforts and global economic concerns continue to shape the conflict's critical juncture.

The Senate rejected a proposal to curb President Trump's war powers regarding Iran for the fourth time this year. Meanwhile, the US Treasury warned of secondary sanctions on Chinese institutions facilitating Iranian financial flows. President Trump also claimed China committed to halting weapon supplies to Iran.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Wednesday confirmed Washington will not renew sanctions waivers on Russian and Iranian oil, ending temporary relief that had allowed countries including India to purchase crude from both nations without facing US penalties.

Doug Field, a former Tesla and Apple executive leading Fords EV and tech efforts, will leave next month after nearly five years. Hired to modernise the automaker, he drove cultural and talent shifts despite EV setbacks. Ford is restructuring teams as it prepares major product and technology launches in coming years.

Kolkata weather today: The 'City of Joy' is bracing for a stormy week as the IMD has issued a yellow alert for two days in Kolkata, warning of thunderstorms, rain, and gusty winds. Kolkata residents are expected to heave a sigh of relief from the hot and humid conditions. The weather conditions are expected to remain stable from April 19 in Kolkata.

Most US importers who paid $166 billion in tariffs later struck down by the Supreme Court may miss out on refunds because they have not registered for electronic payments, the government told a court.

Indias Ambassador to the US Vinay Mohan Kwatra met top American officials to advance talks on a bilateral trade agreement, as both sides refine key terms. With tariffs and global trade rules shifting, a deal is expected once the US finalises its new tariff framework.

The Trump administration is shifting its Iran strategy towards economic pressure, threatening secondary sanctions on countries doing business with Tehran. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated these moves are the financial equivalent of a bombing campaign, aiming to choke Iran into submission. This escalation targets entities like Chinese banks and warns allies like the UAE, as the U.S.

A 1-day delay can now make your return late. The tax return postmark rules 2026 have changed how the IRS reads mailing dates. Many taxpayers still mail returns on April 15. But USPS now applies postmarks at processing centers, not at drop boxes. That means your envelope may get stamped on April 16. The IRS treats that as a late filing. Penalties and interest can start immediately. This shift is real and already affecting filers. The tax return postmark rules 2026 increase risk for last-minute ma

Japanese proverb of the day: Over 70% of leaders now value emotional intelligence over loud confidence. The Japanese proverb of the day A quiet river runs deep explains why. It shows true strength grows silently, not loudly. In todays fast digital world, calm minds perform better. The Japanese proverb of the day A quiet river runs deep highlights patience, depth, and control. People who speak less often think deeper. This wisdom fits modern success trends. It proves real power stays steady, hidd

India's trade deficit saw a reduction in March as the West Asia conflict disrupted trade flows. Exports and imports both declined, narrowing the monthly deficit. However, the overall trade deficit for the fiscal year widened. Despite challenges, India achieved record exports of $860 billion in FY26, showcasing resilience. Several free trade agreements are expected to boost future trade prospects.

Over 5% of U.S. households already lack full banking access, and the Trump executive order debanking millions Americans impact could sharply increase that number. The proposal pushes banks to verify citizenship for every account holder. This move directly affects millions with missing or outdated documents. Experts warn sudden account checks may trigger closures. The policy ties to stricter immigration enforcement in 2025. However, critics say it may disrupt legal citizens more than illegal acti

The Iran Red Sea trade threat has intensified sharply, with tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz falling below 10% of its normal daily volume. This is a critical global chokepoint. The crisis is escalating fast. Iran has warned it may expand disruption into the Red Sea and nearby routes. The U.S. blockade ordered by Donald Trump has increased tensions further. Global oil supply is at risk. Shipping costs are rising. Markets are reacting. The Iran Red Sea trade threat now signals deeper in

Rumi's profound wisdom suggests that releasing the ego and its attachments allows us to return to our authentic selves. This Persian saying highlights how pride, insecurity, and social expectations obscure our true nature. By letting go of the constructed self, we reconnect with sincerity, compassion, and inner peace, finding strength not in accumulation but in release.

US airlines have increased checked bag fees, making air travel more expensive for passengers. Major carriers say rising fuel and operating costs are the reason. Experts say these fees will likely stay high or increase further. Travelers now face higher costs unless they use credit cards, loyalty status, or bundle fares that include baggage.

African proverb of the day explains the meaning of the proverb A roaring lion kills no game and why it remains relevant in work culture, leadership, productivity, and personal success. The proverb teaches that talking about plans does not create results, while quiet execution leads to achievement. This explainer shares lessons on action over words, discipline, focus, strategy, and human behavior while highlighting the importance of silent work and real outcomes.

A Latin proverb, 'Aquila non capit muscas,' teaches a timeless lesson. It means the eagle does not catch flies. This ancient wisdom advises people of importance to focus on significant goals. They should avoid getting caught up in petty disputes or minor distractions. This principle remains highly relevant in today's busy world.

The Northern Lights tonight could reach up to 18 U.S. states, driven by rising geomagnetic activity, according to the NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center. Solar wind shifts are pushing the aurora borealis visibility farther south than usual this week. Peak viewing is expected between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. local time. Clear, dark skies will boost chances significantly. This rare April 2026 aurora event offers millions a chance to witness vivid green and purple skies without traveling far north.

Quote of the day by Clint Eastwood: His words highlights the importance of knowing when to step away while youre still ahead. It reflects on timing, self-awareness, and protecting success before performance declines. The message offers a simple but powerful reminder about making smart decisions in both life and career moments.