The Economic Times

A Nashik court has extended the police custody of self-styled godman Ashok Kharat until April 1. Kharat faces multiple rape and cheating charges. The Special Investigation Team is probing over 100 complaints, many from women. Investigators are examining Kharat's properties and digital evidence, including contacts with political leaders.

Global trade ministers are nearing a World Trade Organization reform agreement, with crucial talks underway in Cameroon. A key sticking point remains the extension of a moratorium on customs duties for digital downloads, a move vital for U.S. support. India's stance on a shorter extension is creating tension, potentially impacting the WTO's future relevance amidst ongoing trade disputes.

Kerala Assembly elections 2026: Prime Minister Narendra Modi observed a distinct shift in Kerala's political climate. He stated the state is signaling a change. The Prime Minister noted the increasing support for the NDA and the BJP. He highlighted the enthusiastic turnout at a rally in Palakkad. Modi mentioned that youth, women, and farmers are backing the alliance.

Pakistan's Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held talks with his Egyptian and Turkish counterparts in Islamabad. The meetings precede a summit with Saudi Arabia focused on the West Asia conflict. Discussions covered bilateral ties, trade, and defense cooperation. Both sides emphasized dialogue and de-escalation for regional peace. Pakistan reiterated support for the Palestinian people.

Trade talks between Switzerland and the United States will extend past March. A preliminary tariff deal was reached last year. Swiss President Guy Parmelin confirmed the March deadline is no longer applicable. Negotiations will continue, with the next round expected in April. This development follows recent U.S. tariff changes and investigations.

The Bombay High Court has urged the feuding Kalyani family members to consider mediation. Siblings Baba Kalyani, Sugandha Hiremath, and Gaurishankar Kalyani are involved in multiple legal battles. The court's suggestion came during a hearing on an interim application. While Sugandha Hiremath's side is open to mediation, Baba Kalyani's representatives sought time to consult their clients.

Pushpanjali Kumari and Parveen jointly secured the top spot in the Bihar Board Matric Result 2026, achieving 98.4 percent. This year's Class 10 exams saw an 81.79 percent pass rate, with over 1.5 million students participating. Students can now collect marksheets and explore options for Class 11 admissions.

Concerns over synthetic milk are growing. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, FSSAI, has provided a simple 10-second home test. This test helps consumers identify if their milk contains detergent. Authorities have uncovered illegal milk production using harmful chemicals.

Tibet experienced a magnitude 4.3 earthquake on Sunday. The tremor occurred at a depth of 145 kilometers. Earlier, on March 27, a magnitude 3.2 earthquake was recorded in the region at a depth of 40 kilometers. The Tibetan Plateau is prone to seismic activity due to tectonic plate collisions. This geological setting makes the region susceptible to frequent earthquakes.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate Kaynes Semicon's OSAT facility in Sanand on March 31. This 3,300 crore project will produce 60 lakh chips daily. Sanand is transforming into India's first chip packaging cluster. This development is a significant step towards building a complete semiconductor ecosystem in India, from design to manufacturing.

Alternative Website to Check Bihar Board 10th Result: The Bihar School Examination Board (BSEB) will announce the Class 10 results today, March 29, at 1:15 PM. Students can check their scores online on official websites, via SMS, or through DigiLocker. Login requires the student's name and roll number.

A Ukrainian drone attack on Sunday damaged Russia's Ust-Luga port, a major oil export hub. The assault sparked a fire at the facility. Russian forces reported shooting down 36 drones over the Leningrad region. This incident is part of Ukraine's ongoing efforts to disrupt Russia's oil exports and war economy.

Former Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli was arrested Saturday. He faces charges linked to the September 2025 Gen-Z protests. These protests resulted in 77 deaths and significant property damage. Oli will appear in court virtually due to health reasons. His party, CPN-UML, has called for demonstrations.

BSEB Bihar board matric result OUT How to Download Result at results.biharboardonline.com: The Bihar School Examination Board (BSEB) has released the Class 10 board exam results today. Students can access their marksheets, detailing subject-wise scores, total marks, and pass status, on the official websites. A minimum of 33% is required to pass each subject, with compartment exams available for those who don't meet the criteria.

The Adhikari family's political shift is heating up contests in Purba Medinipur's Tamluk, Kanthi Uttar, and Kanthi Dakshin seats. Once a TMC pillar, the family now backs the BJP. This move transfers a political network, impacting the upcoming West Bengal assembly elections. The BJP aims to retain its base, while the TMC works to rebuild.

America's standing has fallen due to a loss of trust. President Trump's administration is eroding credibility by spreading falsehoods. This damages the nation's ability to lead and secure allies. The article highlights the importance of truth as a vital weapon in international relations. Nations need reliable partners, and America's current approach jeopardizes its global influence.

Former Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores have sent their first message from a Brooklyn jail. Captured by US forces in January, the couple expressed feeling steadfast and serene. They conveyed gratitude for messages and prayers received. Maduro faces narco-terrorism charges. Delcy Rodriguez now leads Venezuela, enacting reforms aligned with US interests.

Bharatiya Janata Party candidate Krishna Kant Saha visited Sainthia's fish market in Birbhum. He listened to people's concerns regarding water supply. The West Bengal Assembly Polls are approaching. The Election Commission has implemented measures for real-time monitoring. Voting will occur in two phases on April 23 and April 29. Vote counting is scheduled for May 4.

Bajre ki raab recipe: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India is highlighting the benefits of traditional Indian diets by promoting bajre ki raab, a millet-based drink from Rajasthan. The drink is a natural way to beat the summer heat, helping to keep the body cool and energised. Rich in fibre and essential minerals, bajre ki raab is also beneficial for digestion.

Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam President Vijay has launched his party's manifesto for the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. Key promises include establishing anti-drug protection zones in all educational institutions and providing monthly financial assistance to students. Vijay aims to transform Tamil Nadu into a drug-free and self-reliant state.

India faces economic challenges due to the West Asia conflict. Remittances from the Gulf may decline, impacting overseas Indians. Higher crude oil prices could widen the current account deficit. The Indian rupee might weaken further. Government finances could be strained by rising subsidy costs, particularly for fertilizers. These factors signal potential pressure on India's external sector and financial markets.

Syrian forces successfully intercepted four drones launched from Iraq targeting a US base in Qasrak. Syria's assistant defence minister stated the drones were shot down without casualties. Syria holds Iraq accountable and urges them to prevent future attacks. This incident follows similar drone and missile attacks from Iraq on other Syrian bases housing US forces.

Rahul Gandhi alleged that hatred and atrocities against Dalit and Adivasi communities have intensified in Gujarat under the BJP government. He expressed solidarity with Una flogging case victims, vowing to amplify their voices until justice is served after a decade of unhealed wounds and systemic suppression.

Global tensions are rising as nations consider developing nuclear weapons. Donald Trump's policies are prompting countries like Germany and Poland to explore their own nuclear deterrents. Meanwhile, China and Russia are concerned about proliferation in Japan and South Korea. The United States is also assessing a return to atomic bomb tests.

Oman's foreign ministry has condemned attacks on its territory. A worker was injured in a drone strike on Salalah port. Danish shipping giant Maersk has temporarily halted operations there. Authorities are investigating the sources and motives behind the incident. No party has claimed responsibility for the attack.

A surprise inspection by the Telangana Food Safety Department at a Mallapur cashew repacking unit uncovered 36 kg of insect-infested cashews, which were discarded. Additionally, 210 kg of suspected poor-quality cashews were seized for lab analysis. The department urges consumers to check for proper labeling, signs of infestation, and buy from licensed vendors.

TVK full candidate list: Actor Vijay's TVK party announced its full candidate list for the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. This follows a complaint filed with the Chief Election Officer alleging that senior IAS and IPS officers are biased towards the ruling DMK, hindering TVK's campaign events.

More than 30 people fell ill after eating non-vegetarian food at a wedding in Barabanki. Guests experienced severe stomach pain and vomiting. Health officials rushed to the scene and provided immediate treatment. Some individuals were discharged after recovery. Others were referred to the District Hospital. Food samples have been collected for investigation to determine the cause of the food poisoning.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated India is resolutely facing challenges from the Israel-Iran conflict, attributing this strength to global relations and domestic capabilities. He highlighted the impact on global energy supplies and urged citizens to remain united, cautioning against misinformation and divisive politics during these difficult times.

A decade of combined security pressure and rehabilitation efforts has significantly weakened Naxalism, with over 10,000 Maoists surrendering and top leadership eliminated. The government's unified strategy, including infrastructure development and improved governance, has chipped away at the insurgency's core, leading to a sharp decline in incidents.

The Jan Vishwas Bill aims to decriminalize minor offenses. Jail terms for first-time road safety and pollution violations will be replaced by fines. Power sector non-compliance and unauthorized hawking on trains will also see monetary penalties. Homebuyers will benefit from the removal of imprisonment for non-compliance with Real Estate Appellate Tribunal orders. Repeat offenses will still face stricter consequences.

Joe Pyfer achieved a significant victory over former UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya. Pyfer secured a TKO win in the second round of their fight. This marks a setback for Adesanya, who has not won a bout since April 2023. Pyfer, known as 'Bodybagz', has a strong professional record with many stoppage wins.

Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) today commended the Government of India for its swift, coordinated and well-calibrated response to the disruptions arising from the West Asia crisis, and called on industry to complement these efforts through responsible and constructive action. While the policy response has mitigated immediate risks, the evolving situation requires continued coordination between the government and the industry. CII has therefore outlined a set of actions that the industry

A Great Indian Bustard chick hatched in Kutch after a decade. Former Minister Jairam Ramesh stated he initiated conservation efforts in 2010. Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision from 2011 and Project GIB launched in 2016. This conservation involved transporting a fertile egg from Rajasthan to Gujarat.

Global markets are reeling from U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran. Energy infrastructure damage is causing long-term economic pain. Oil and gas prices have surged, impacting developing nations severely. Fertilizer shortages threaten food supplies. Even the U.S. economy faces challenges. Recovery from this crisis will be slow and prolonged.

The Central Industrial Security Force conducted a mock counter-terrorist exercise at Delhi's IGI Airport. This exercise aimed to assess preparedness and improve coordination among various agencies. CISF also confirmed its deployment at the new Noida International Airport. Security measures are in place to ensure safe operations. Earlier, CISF personnel underwent night firing drills in Shimla.

Noah Johannssen passing: Rising North Sydney Bears forward Noah Johannssen has tragically passed away at 22 just weeks before his 23rd birthday. Johannssen, a promising talent who recently joined the Bears after playing for the Wests Tigers' feeder side, was expected to play a significant role in the upcoming season.

Iran is escalating cyber warfare against the U.S. and Israel. Sophisticated attacks, including spyware disguised as bomb shelter information, are being deployed. These digital assaults aim to spy, steal, and intimidate. Iran is also targeting critical infrastructure like healthcare and data centers. Artificial intelligence is boosting attack speed and spreading disinformation.

Garena Free Fire Max players can snag free in-game items using 12-character alphanumeric redeem codes released regularly. These codes are time-sensitive and can only be used once. To claim rewards, visit the official redemption site, log in, and enter the code promptly before it expires.

Despite U.S. and Israeli claims of significantly degrading Iran's military capabilities, recent attacks on U.S. bases and Persian Gulf countries demonstrate Iran's continued ability to launch missiles and drones. While launch rates have decreased, Iran's effectiveness in striking targets has increased, suggesting adaptation rather than defeat.

Overnight, Ontario Provincial Police apprehended multiple young drivers for egregious speeding on Highways 11 and 400. Charges include stunt driving for speeds reaching up to 189 km/h in posted zones. Penalties for such offenses are severe, encompassing licence suspension, vehicle impoundment, hefty fines, and potential jail time. Police urge all motorists to prioritize safety.

The AIADMK has released its third list of candidates for the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, fielding nominees for Chennai City constituencies. Senior leader Aadhi Rajaram will contest from Chepauk-Thiruvallikeni, while former ministers B Valarmathi and S Gokula Indira will vie for Thousand Lights and Anna Nagar seats respectively.

Victorian government free transport: Victoria is offering free public transport throughout April to ease cost-of-living pressures and rising fuel prices. This initiative covers all metropolitan and regional trains, trams, and buses for the entire month. Tasmania is also providing three months of free bus and ferry services as similar relief.

The Election Commission released the third supplementary voter list for West Bengal under the Special Intensive Revision, but did not disclose details on additions or deletions. The list includes voters under adjudication and follows earlier supplementary lists released this week.