The Economic Times

Tax deadline is near and experts say file soon to avoid penalties. People can request an extension if they need more time. Gathering documents like W-2 and income records helps speed up filing. Some taxpayers may qualify for deductions. Filing online is easy for simple returns, while complex cases may need expert help. Early filers could receive refunds quickly.

Delhi commuters face significant traffic disruptions on April 4 due to the Delhi Capitals vs. Mumbai Indians IPL match at Arun Jaitley Stadium. Expect congestion and diversions on key roads like Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg and Jawaharlal Nehru Marg between 1 PM and 9 PM. Plan ahead and utilize Park & Ride facilities.

Israeli air strikes have crippled Iran's steel production. About seventy percent of the nation's capacity is now destroyed. This significantly impacts Iran's ability to manufacture weapons. Two major steel plants are out of action. Iran's Revolutionary Guards have retaliated with missile and drone attacks. Further retaliation is threatened if attacks continue.

The application deadline for AP POLYCET 2026 has been extended to April 9, 2026, by the State Board of Technical Education and Training, Andhra Pradesh. The entrance exam for diploma course admissions is scheduled for April 25, 2026. Candidates can apply online at polycetap.ap.gov.in.

The Super Mario Galaxy Movie reintroduces beloved fan-favourite characters while venturing into an expansive, cosmic narrative inspired by the iconic Super Mario Galaxy games.

US tax refunds surge in 2026, confirmed by Internal Revenue Service data. Average refunds jump nearly 11% year-over-year nationwide. Millions file early before the April tax deadline. New deductions on tips and overtime boost refund amounts significantly. Senior tax benefits increase returns for retirees and fixed-income households. Higher standard deductions reduce taxable income across filers. Over $160 billion already returned into US households. Experts expect stronger retail spending as ref

India's foreign exchange reserves saw a significant decline. Reserves fell by over USD 10 billion in the week ending March 27. This drop follows a previous decrease and comes after reserves reached an all-time high in February. The Reserve Bank of India has been actively managing the market. Foreign currency assets and gold reserves contributed to the overall reduction.

A nationwide recall of over 3.1 million eye drop bottles has been issued by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration due to safety concerns. The products, manufactured by K.C. Pharmaceuticals, Inc., were flagged for a lack of assurance of sterility, meaning contamination risks cannot be ruled out. Distributed through major retailers like Kroger and Walgreens, the recall is classified as Class II, indicating temporary or reversible health risks.

Kerala Assembly elections 2026: Overseas voters are expected to significantly reduce travel to Kerala for the upcoming Assembly elections. Conflict in West Asia and high airfares are major deterrents. Many Keralites working abroad usually return to vote, influencing close contests. This year, fewer than 5,000 are anticipated to travel back. Political groups are urging expatriates to influence family votes remotely.

What is gold and silver price prediction for Monday, and will precious metals continue to drop or rise again? Gold and silver prices dropped after the U.S. dollar gained strength and interest rate expectations increased. Turkey gold reserves fell, Indian demand rose, and silver declined. Analysts now assess whether metals will fall further or recover.

Pope Leo spoke with Israeli President Isaac Herzog on Friday. He urged the President to reopen all paths of dialogue to end the Iran war. The Pope also called for the protection of civilians. He stressed the importance of respecting international and humanitarian law. The Vatican released this information.

What is US stock market prediction for Monday, and will Dow Jones, S&P 500 and Nasdaq stay in red or turn green again? U.S. stocks closed mixed on Thursday ahead of the Good Friday holiday. Investors reacted to Iran-Oman diplomatic talks, rising oil prices, Teslas weak first-quarter deliveries, and Blue Owls withdrawal limits. The Dow fell slightly, while S&P 500 and Nasdaq posted small gains, showing cautious market sentiment.

Pakistanis are currently facing an unprecedented spike in fuel prices, with petrol and diesel rates soaring due to escalating global oil costs attributed to the Middle Eastern conflict. This situation is placing severe pressure on an already delicate economy, impacting families across the nation. The government recognizes the necessity of these price adjustments as a reflection of international market trends.

India's Navy has commissioned its indigenous nuclear-powered submarine, INS Aridhaman. This marks a significant step in enhancing national defence capabilities. The submarine is an advanced version of the Arihant-class. Its induction strengthens India's nuclear triad and maritime deterrence. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh had earlier teased the development, calling the submarine a symbol of power.

Global food prices surged in March to a multi-month high. The United Nations warns of further increases if the Middle East conflict persists. Higher energy costs are impacting fertilizer prices, potentially leading farmers to reduce planting. This could affect future crop yields and food commodity prices throughout this year and next.

A U.S. federal judge has thrown out most of the claims filed by Blake Lively against Justin Baldoni, including accusations of sexual harassment, defamation, and conspiracy.

Sri Lanka's government has halted the planned sale of key state enterprises. Sri Lankan Airlines, Sri Lanka Telecom, Sri Lanka Insurance, and Lanka Hospitals will not be sold. This decision follows a fundamental rights petition challenging the previous government's move. The Supreme Court has concluded the case. The IMF bailout reforms aimed to minimize state losses from these enterprises.

Delhi government's innovation challenge is moving to its next phase. Thirty-three prototypes designed to combat air pollution will undergo trials. These innovations include solar-powered dust traps and advanced mist sprayers. Trials are expected to begin in early May and last for three months. An expert committee will evaluate the technologies for practical and cost-effective solutions.

Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google and Alphabet Inc., will deliver the 2026 commencement address at Stanford University. A Stanford alumnus, Pichai said he is honoured to address the graduating class. This will be his first in-person commencement speech, following his earlier virtual address to the Class of 2020 during the pandemic, where he urged graduates to stay resilient and embrace change.

Yemen's Houthi group announced a joint missile strike on Israel's Jaffa area. This operation, supported by allied forces, signals a widening regional conflict. The Houthis stated their military involvement will continue and may intensify based on developments. Israel's defense forces confirmed identifying a missile launch from Yemen. This marks a significant escalation in the ongoing tensions.

Iranian leaders have strongly criticized Donald Trump's threats to devastate Iran. Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi questioned the logic of such actions. President Masoud Pezeshkian highlighted Iran's peaceful history and condemned attacks on medical facilities. Parliament Speaker MB Ghalibaf suggested financial motives behind the policy. These statements come amid rising global concerns over energy security.

Google's new Gemma 4 AI models are set to revolutionize tech by running advanced capabilities directly on devices like laptops and smartphones. This 'open' AI, built on Gemini's research, promises faster, more private AI experiences, enabling offline features and multi-tasking without heavy computing power. Developers can freely use and adapt these models, potentially transforming everyday apps.

US Attorney General Pam Bondi's abrupt dismissal by President Trump signals a return to his administration's characteristic high turnover. This pattern, seen in his first term, suggests that even unwavering loyalty is insufficient to guarantee survival, as performance and personal chemistry remain critical factors.

Delhi Police successfully traced and rescued eight missing minors in the past month, primarily at major railway stations. These operations, often stemming from minor family disputes, highlight stations as both escape routes for distressed children and crucial checkpoints for law enforcement to intercept them before they travel further.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh highlighted the Indian Navy's crucial role in protecting trade routes and energy supplies. The Navy maintains a constant presence in the Indian Ocean, ensuring the safe passage of commercial ships and oil tankers. A strong navy is deemed a necessity for India's security and its vision for a developed nation by 2047.

The Bharatiya Janata Party has announced 27 candidates for the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. Union minister L Murugan will contest from Avanashi. Former Telangana governor Tamilisai Soundararajan is fielded from Mylapore. Vanathi Srinivasan will run from Coimbatore North. Polling for the 234-member assembly is scheduled for April 23. The party has named other key candidates for various seats.

Russia is promoting its own messenger app, MAX, as foreign communication platforms face restrictions. Many Russians are reluctant to adopt MAX, citing privacy concerns and a preference for existing services. Officials claim MAX ensures national security and a sovereign internet. However, some users feel compelled to use it for state services.

Pune rain: Heavy rainfall has lashed Pune on Thursday and the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has sounded an orange alert for today. Pune has received the highest rainfall since 1896. The IMD has sounded a yellow alert and has warned of thunderstorms, lightning and squall till April 5. In Vidarbha, a yellow alert has been sounded till Sunday.

Hyundai Motor faces export disruptions due to the Middle East conflict. Shipments to Europe and North Africa are delayed, increasing costs. Rebuilding supply chains will take time even if the conflict ends. Hyundai Glovis reroutes cargo and faces higher fuel expenses. Sri Lanka serves as an intermediate hub for diverted shipments.

RBI Assistant Prelims Admit Card 2026 for 650 vacancies: Candidates can download their call letters from the official RBI website to appear for the preliminary examination scheduled on April 11 and 13, 2026. A printed admit card and valid photo ID are mandatory for entry.

Pam Bondi's time as US attorney general saw significant controversy surrounding the Jeffrey Epstein files. Victims and others sought transparency, but the Justice Department's actions led to accusations of a cover-up. Despite promises of full disclosure, the release of documents was criticized as flawed and incomplete. Bondi faced scrutiny and a congressional subpoena.

Montreal police have arrested four individuals aged 18 to 22 in connection with a counterfeit money scheme. The suspects allegedly used fake $100 bills with identical serial numbers to purchase electronics, often through online marketplaces. Investigations involved social media monitoring and fingerprint analysis, leading to significant seizures of counterfeit currency.

The Israeli military said Friday it had struck more than 3,500 targets across Lebanon in the month since fighting with the Hezbollah militant group began. The Israeli military said Friday it had killed approximately 1,000 militants in Lebanon over the past month, with strikes targeting what it described as errorist infrastructure, weapons storage facilities, launch positions, and command and control headquarters belonging to Hezbollah.

The Central Board of Secondary Education is implementing a new three-language policy. This change, effective from the 2026-27 academic session, makes the third language compulsory from Class 6. Students in Classes 9 and 10 must pass all three languages for board exams. This initiative promotes multilingualism and cultural understanding across India.

The CBSE has issued an advisory, cautioning students, parents, and media against misinformation surrounding QR codes on question papers. CBSE has dismissed viral claims linking QR codes on Class 12 exam papers to internet personality Orry and singer Rick Astley, deeming them misleading and factually incorrect and said QR codes are for internal security.

Natarajan Chandrasekaran, the chairman of Tata Group, has issued a crucial advisory to senior executives regarding an increasingly volatile business landscape. The ongoing turmoil in West Asia is wreaking havoc on supply chains and pushing costs higher. Organizations must gird themselves for a potential slowdown in demand and the likelihood of project delays.

French President Emmanuel Macron and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung met in Seoul. They pledged to work together to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. This vital waterway is crucial for global oil transport. Their cooperation aims to ease economic worries stemming from Middle East conflict. The leaders also agreed to boost collaboration in technology and energy sectors.

India begins Census 2027 on April 1, 2026. This nationwide count is the first in 16 years and will be fully digital, using smartphones and online portals. For the first time since 1931, caste will be comprehensively enumerated. The census aims for faster data delivery and improved policy-making. This exercise will also generate significant employment opportunities across the country.

Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif warned of a swift and decisive response to any Indian attack, countering India's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh's threats. Asif accused India of strategic anxiety ahead of the Pahalgam attack anniversary, stating any future confrontation would see a more forceful Pakistani retaliation.

Former High Commissioner of India To Bangladesh, Veena Sikri on Friday said that Trump's recent address to the nation on the ongoing conflict with Iran underscores that the US President wants to keep all options open, even as he reiterated familiar talking points on the war and threats against Tehran since the beginning of the conflict.

India's Navy is set to commission its nuclear submarine INS Aridhaman. This marks a significant step in strengthening India's nuclear triad. The frigate INS Taragiri will also be inducted. Taragiri embodies the 'Make in India' spirit with over 75 percent indigenous content. These inductions enhance India's maritime power and combat readiness.

Tesla is set to significantly expand its presence in Japan. The electric vehicle maker plans to open at least 60 stores and double its service centres. This move aims to make Tesla Japan's top imported car brand as early as next year. The company is also introducing a new six-seater Model Y L to attract families.

AIMIM leader Mofakkerul Islam has been arrested for allegedly leading a protest in Malda where seven Special Intensive Revision officers were held captive for over nine hours. Mofakkerul Islam is an advocate and he was arrested while attempting to flee the state. The protesters say they are agitating against their names being removed from the voter list despite having all proper documents. The Election Commission has handed the probe to the NIA.

Around 40 nations are discussing joint action to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran has effectively shut down, impacting global economic security. Britain is leading efforts to form a coalition, focusing on diplomatic and military options to ensure safe passage for shipping and reduce soaring energy prices.

Telangana authorities have intensified their crackdown on unsafe food, seizing over 146 kg of spoiled meat statewide and issuing numerous hygiene and licensing violation notices. In Hyderabad, a raid uncovered 352 kg of spoiled chicken, leading to an arrest and highlighting critical lapses in food safety standards.

Donald Trump on strait of Hormuz: America's oil exports are surging, filling global supply gaps. The US now produces more oil than it imports from the Persian Gulf. However, the Strait of Hormuz remains vital for global energy flows. Disruptions there still impact international markets and indirectly affect the US economy. America's role has shifted to a global energy stabilizer.