The Economic Times

Vignesh Shivan has opened up about his strained relationship with Dhanush, sharing his deep admiration for the actor and describing their bond as having a fatherly connection. The filmmaker expressed regret and embarrassment over their fallout, which began following a legal dispute linked to Nayantharas wedding documentary. Shivan also looked back fondly on their time working together on the film Velaiilla Pattadhari (VIP). Despite the past tensions, he is now focused on his upcoming sci-fi roma

India's services sector saw its slowest growth in 14 months during March. This slowdown was influenced by the Middle East conflict affecting domestic demand. However, overseas orders reached near record levels. Input costs intensified significantly. Despite these challenges, employment expanded, and business confidence reached a 12-year high. The overall economic expansion slowed.

The West Bengal Joint Entrance Examinations Board has extended the WBJEE 2026 registration deadline to April 8, 2026. Candidates can now complete their online applications, pay fees, and make corrections during a designated window. The exam is scheduled for May 24, 2026, with specific timings for Mathematics and Physics/Chemistry papers.

Air Marshal Amar Preet Singh, Chief of the Indian Air Force, has landed in the United States with a purpose: to strengthen the defense alliance between India and the US. This visit comes on the heels of Admiral Samuel J Paparo's recent trip to India, showcasing a commitment to regional security and military cooperation.

PSEB Class 5 results 2026 Date: The Class 5 results 2026 is expected to be released by the Punjab School Education Board (PSEB) in the first week of April. The results will be issued offline through the respective schools of students. Past trends show high pass rates above 99%, with strong performances across districts. T

RBI MPC Meeting Outlook: India's central bank is poised to hold interest rates steady amid escalating global tensions. Policymakers are expected to prioritize stabilizing the rupee and managing bond yields, rather than immediate rate hikes. The focus will be on injecting liquidity and supporting the economy through the energy shock, with inflation and growth forecasts likely to be revised downwards.

Kolkata weather: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted partly cloudy sky with possibility of moderate rain or thunderstorms for Kolkata today, April 6, 2026. Kolkata is likely to see rain and thunderstorms till April 11. Rainfall with thunderstorms is also likely in north and South Bengal and an orange alert has been sounded.

Tamil Nadu assembly elections: Actor-turned-politician Vijay has cancelled his election campaign in Chennai. The Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam chief cited insufficient time allotted by the police to travel between constituencies. The party plans to complain to the Election Commission. Tamil Nadu goes to polls on April 23. Vijay's TVK aims to create a three-way contest in the upcoming elections.

Congress leader Pawan Khera has leveled serious allegations against Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma's wife, Riniki Bhuyan Sarma. Khera claims she possesses three passports and a substantial business empire in the United States. Sarma has vehemently denied these accusations, calling the passports fraudulent and threatening legal action. The political storm brews as Assam heads towards assembly elections.

The Bengali entertainment industry is commencing an indefinite strike on April 7, demanding stricter on-set safety measures. This action follows the tragic drowning death of actor Rahul Arunoday Banerjee during a television serial shoot. Industry figures met to formalize the work stoppage until safety protocols are reviewed and ensured for all artists and technicians.

Australian TV personality Grant Denyer has been hospitalised after a three-car crash at Mount Panorama during the Bathurst 6 Hour race. Denyer's Chevrolet Camaro collided with another car while attempting an overtake, leading to a chain reaction. Both drivers were taken to the hospital with injuries; Denyer sustained a shoulder injury.

The global conflict involving the US, Israel, and Iran is severely affecting Rajasthan's mehendi industry in Sojat. Exports are down, production has slowed significantly, and crores of rupees worth of consignments are stuck. Factories are operating at reduced capacity, impacting labourers. This disruption is hitting revenues hard, with export earnings significantly affected.

A retired judge in Meerut celebrated his daughters return home following her divorce with drums, sweets and garlands, in a heartfelt gesture that challenges the stigma often associated with marital separation. His daughter, Pranita Vashistha, was welcomed back like a hero, surrounded by family and warmth. The family made it clear that her happiness and self-respect matter far more than societal judgement. The gesture sends a strong message of support to women navigating difficult marriages.

Israel said it carried out a fresh wave of strikes on regime targets in Tehran on Monday, even as Iranian media reported attacks on residential areas in the capital. The escalation underscores intensifying urban bombardment, with civilian zones increasingly affected alongside military targets in the ongoing conflict.

Assam Congress chief Gaurav Gogoi took a swipe at Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma amid a row over alleged multiple passports linked to Sarmas wife, referring to Dubais Golden visa in a social media post.

Congress leader K C Venugopal criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for accusing the UDF of spreading misinformation on FCRA amendments, calling the remarks problematic and humiliating to a community.

Iran's representative in India has strongly criticized US President Donald Trump's recent statements. He described the ongoing conflict in West Asia as a grave error with global consequences. The representative urged world leaders to unite and appeal to President Trump to cease hostilities. He highlighted the widespread suffering caused by the war, impacting global prices and trade.

US Israel Iran War News: Diplomatic efforts are underway for a 45-day ceasefire in the Iran-Israel war, with a two-phase proposal aiming for a permanent end to hostilities. Despite urgent negotiations and a US deadline, chances for a deal remain low amid escalating attacks, rising oil prices, and warnings of wider regional conflict.

Tamil Nadu Weather Today: Will it rain in Chennai today? The IMD has predicted light to moderate rain with thunderstorms and lightning in Chennai, Chengalpattu and Kancheepuram in Tamil Nadu today. Several districts of Tamil Nadu will receive rainfall for the next few days and hailstorms are also expected in some parts of the state.

The Bharatiya Janata Party has submitted its list of star campaigners for the upcoming West Bengal Assembly Elections. Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed a rally, promising accountability for the ruling Trinamool Congress government's actions. He assured that a BJP government will focus on development and address infiltrator issues.

A tanker truck carrying 9,000 gallons of gasoline caught fire in Fort Worth, Texas, after colliding with another vehicle and downing power lines. The truck driver, who attempted to prevent fuel from draining into a nearby gas station, is in critical condition with burns. Firefighters worked for hours to contain the blaze.

Taiwan's defense ministry reported Chinese military aircraft and vessels near its waters. Several Chinese aircraft crossed the median line into Taiwan's air defense zone. Taiwan's armed forces monitored and responded to these incursions. This follows similar detections of Chinese vessels around Taiwan on Sunday. China claims Taiwan as its territory, a stance rooted in historical events and ongoing political disputes.

Developing countries long wary of dependence on China are rethinking that stance as the US-Israel war with Iran disrupts energy supplies. Nations tied to Chinese supply chains are showing greater resilience than those reliant on the US-led order.

Bing Crosby, a legendary entertainer, considered himself a light comedian. This quote reveals his humility and self-awareness. Crosby's career spanned music, film, and radio. He sold millions of records and won an Academy Award. His relaxed style influenced many artists. Crosby's legacy is one of effortless greatness and enduring appeal.

Airstrikes hit a residential building southwest of Tehran, killing at least 13 people, Iranian media reported. Additional strikes targeted Sharif University of Technology and a natural gas site, while another strike in Qom killed at least five. The incidents follow a threat from Trump regarding the Strait of Hormuz.

Israel-Iran war: Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon have claimed at least 15 lives. The attacks occurred after Israel threatened to target a key border crossing. Hezbollah is engaged in conflict with Israel, which has intensified strikes. These actions have caused displacement and casualties, with hospitals receiving wounded. Lebanon's president calls for negotiations to prevent further destruction.

Weather update: According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), several states in India, such as Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu are expected to receive rainfall on 6 and 7 April. Delhi is likely to see rain on Tuesday with thunderstorms and strong winds. The IMD has issued a yellow alert for Delhi on Tuesday.

Russian air defence units intercepted 148 Ukrainian drones over a three-hour period. Emergency crews worked to restore power to nearly half a million households affected by outages. A drone strike killed a civil defence volunteer in Belgorod. Drone debris hit an apartment building in Novorossiysk.

The United States and Iran are engaged in mediated talks for a 45-day ceasefire in West Asia, aiming for a permanent end to the conflict. Discussions involve a two-phase framework, with a temporary truce to facilitate broader negotiations. However, securing an agreement within the next 48 hours remains uncertain amid threats of escalation.

Iran's Parliament Speaker warns US President Donald Trump that his actions risk dragging America into a 'living hell'. Trump threatened to destroy Iran's infrastructure if demands are not met. Tehran has vowed to retaliate in kind against any US strikes on its infrastructure. Tensions between the two nations are escalating rapidly.

Iraq's state oil marketer SOMO has asked customers for crude oil lifting schedules within 24 hours. This follows reports that Iran has exempted Iraq from transit restrictions through the Strait of Hormuz. SOMO stated all loading terminals are operational and ready to execute lifting programs. This move aims to boost Iraq's oil exports, which recently fell.

President Donald Trump will visit China in May for talks with President Xi Jinping. This meeting follows a year of trade disputes and tariffs between the two economic giants. Recent developments show ongoing negotiations and reciprocal actions. The visit is highly anticipated as both nations manage their complex trade relationship.

Quote of the Day by Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang: Trying something new always carries risk, and failure is a natural step toward learning and growth. Without embracing the possibility of failure, you cant achieve innovation or progress. Jensen Huang has used these words at a time when the world is changing fast amid rapid technology and AI boom. If you want to do something new, you have to be willing to fail, Jensen Huang says.

Yesterday IPL Match results: Royal Challengers Bengaluru secured a commanding 43-run victory over Chennai Super Kings, powered by a massive 250/3 and a stellar bowling effort from Bhuvneshwar Kumar. Meanwhile, Rishabh Pant's unbeaten 68 guided Lucknow Super Giants to a thrilling five-wicket win against Sunrisers Hyderabad, marking LSG's first victory of the season.

Chastisement, meaning severe criticism or punishment to correct behavior, is a formal term often seen in news reporting. It signifies accountability and disciplinary action for wrongdoing, whether in politics or organizations. This word, rooted in Latin for 'to correct,' effectively conveys consequences imposed for misconduct, urging readers to explore its nuances in public and institutional contexts.

Artemis II astronauts are setting a new distance record from Earth, surpassing Apollo 13's maximum range during their lunar flyby. The mission aims to map the moon's far side and will witness a total solar eclipse. Following their close encounter with the moon, the crew will return to Earth for a splashdown on April 10.

QOTD: Lee Ann Womack's I Hope You Dance song serves as a greatest ode to the life and survival.

A US special forces mission rescued a stranded American airman deep inside Iran after a high-risk overnight operation that nearly went wrong due to aircraft failure. Under cover of darkness, commandos entered Iran, located the injured weapons specialist from a downed F-15E jet, and moved him toward extraction.

The Reserve Bank of India is widely expected to maintain interest rates and its policy stance unchanged due to global economic uncertainties, including the US-Israel conflict impacting energy prices and fiscal deficit concerns. Policymakers will closely monitor the rupee's performance and potential capital outflows, with the RBI possibly considering measures to support the currency without an aggressive immediate response.

A distinguished jury, led by Preetha Reddy of Apollo Hospitals, will convene Tuesday to select winners for the ET Family Business Awards. These awards recognize family-run enterprises driving innovation, global influence, and economic growth, embodying a blend of tradition and forward-looking vision across various sectors.

Wealthy Indians are adopting alter ego trusts for smoother wealth transfer. These trusts help bypass lengthy court processes and potential family disputes. This trend is growing among ultra-high-net-worth individuals with international ties. Experts see this as a nascent but significant shift in succession planning. The structures offer privacy and efficiency, though tax implications require careful consideration.

So far, Google and its subsidiaries have data centres in 11 countries - the United States, Taiwan, Japan, Singapore, Ireland, the Netherlands, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Belgium, and Chile, spread across 29 geographic locations. The data centre cluster in Visakhapatnam is expected to be Asia's largest.

Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk addressed a large gathering in Kargil. He stated that India is respected for its nationalistic border population. Wangchuk called the labeling of Ladakh's people as anti-national a self-goal that requires introspection. He demanded an explanation and apology from the Ladakh DGP for past allegations.

Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has directed officials to assess crop losses due to heavy rainfall and hailstorms across several states. The ministry is coordinating with state governments to gather ground-level information and will hold discussions with affected state agriculture ministers. Farmers are advised to deploy hail nets, harvest crops promptly, and take protective measures for livestock and produce.

Puducherry restaurants are struggling with an LPG shortage this Easter. This has forced many to alter their traditional brunch menus or cancel them entirely. Some are turning to woodfire ovens to cook. High black market prices for LPG cylinders are a major concern for business owners. The ongoing elections and political rallies are also impacting tourism and business.

Gulf countries have faced repeated drone and missile attacks from Iran in recent weeks in response to US and Israeli strikes that began in late February. Tehran has targeted energy and industrial infrastructure in the oil-rich region, accusing its neighbours of allowing US forces to launch attacks from their territory - claims the Gulf states have strongly denied.