The Economic Times

Jharkhand Academic Council conducted Class 10 board exams from February 3 to February 17, 2026, with over 4.3 lakh students appearing. Results are anticipated in the third or fourth week of April 2026. Students can check their provisional mark sheets online using their roll numbers and passwords.

India's G20 satellite for climate and pollution study is set for a 2027 launch. ISRO is leading this initiative. The nation also aims for a human mission to the moon by 2040. This will place India alongside leading space-faring countries. ISRO is also developing a titanium vessel for the Samudrayaan deep ocean mission.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the nation tonight. He chaired high-level meetings focusing on West Asia tensions and domestic preparedness. Discussions covered essential supplies like fuel and food. The government is ensuring adequate stocks for upcoming seasons. Contingency plans are in place to manage potential disruptions.

Chana is a versatile, protein-packed essential for every Indian household. This story breaks down six simple ways to cook chickpeasfrom zesty salads to crispy snacks and hearty curriesensuring you get your daily dose of muscle-building protein and gut-healthy fiber in the most delicious way possible.

The government is stepping in to support farmers. Twenty lakh tonnes of potatoes will be bought in Uttar Pradesh. Gram procurement limits have been increased in Andhra Pradesh. Tur farmers in Karnataka will have more time to sell their produce. These measures aim to ensure farmers get fair prices and avoid distress sales.

The Supreme Court has cautioned high courts against publicly criticizing subordinate judicial officers, emphasizing their role as guardians of the district judiciary. The apex court stressed that disparaging remarks can ruin careers and demoralize the judiciary, advocating for an in-house mechanism to address flaws instead of public criticism.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee declared the BJP's downfall has commenced. She stated the party's defeat is evident after the failure to pass a Constitution amendment bill for women's reservation in legislatures. Banerjee asserted the BJP is in power only with allies' support. She warned those working for the BJP that its time in power is limited.

AIADMK veteran K Palaniswami is seeking his sixth term from Edappadi. He faces DMK's C Kasi and Naam Tamilar Katchi's Priyadarshini. Palaniswami, a former Chief Minister, has transformed the constituency. He criticizes the DMK's dynastic rule and corruption. Voting is on April 23, with results on May 4. The Edappadi electorate numbers 2,74,054.

Former bureaucrat R K Singh is launching a new political party. The party will focus on national and public interest. It aims to unite honest, educated, and caste-free individuals. Bihar politics will be the primary focus. Singh previously served as a Union minister. He left the BJP after being suspended.

India supports US-Iran diplomatic efforts, emphasizing dialogue and de-escalation. Defence expert Sanjeev Srivastava stated Pakistan's role is limited to that of a facilitator and messenger, lacking the credibility to influence negotiations. He noted China and other nations, including India, have encouraged dialogue, creating a positive environment for talks.

Quote of the Day: Liam Hemsworth emphasizes that genuine passion is the key to achieving goals, fueling persistence and effort. He believes that if that passion wanes, it's healthier to move on to something new, highlighting a practical approach to career fulfillment and avoiding burnout by aligning work with authentic interest.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin expressed joy as the opposition successfully blocked the delimitation bill in Parliament. He credited the INDIA bloc MPs and women for this victory. Stalin highlighted the planned campaign and protests that built momentum. He stated this marks the beginning of opposition unity and a setback for the BJP government.

RCB vs DC Playing 11: Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru aim to reclaim the top spot in the IPL 2026 points table as they face Delhi Capitals. RCB, with a strong opening and middle order, will look to capitalize on their historical dominance against a Delhi side seeking to regain momentum after recent defeats.

Iran's military command has announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital energy shipping channel, citing a US blockade. This move follows alleged US-Israeli strikes and Iran's prior threat to charge fees for passage. The strait is crucial as it handles approximately one-fifth of global oil and LNG supplies.

RCB vs DC IPL 2026 match at M.Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru: The 26th match of IPL 2026 features Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) hosting Delhi Capitals (DC) at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium today, April 18. With a 3:30 PM IST start, the Bengaluru weather forecast predicts a hot and dry afternoon with temperatures peaking at 37C, and minimal rain chances.

In a post on X, following his participation in a virtual Leaders' Summit on the Strait of Hormuz co-hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Albanese said 49 countries had come together with a consistent approach focused on ensuring freedom of navigation.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Fadnavis on Saturday chaired a review meeting of the Home Department over the Nashik conversion case, saying that religious conversion cases would not be tolerated under any circumstances.

Akshay Kumar revealed his son Aarav Bhatia is not interested in Bollywood. Aarav is carving his own path in fashion. He is studying in London and gaining practical experience. Aarav is learning about textiles from villages. He also earns his own money. Aarav is a trained martial artist. He is focused on his independent journey.

Scientists have confirmed lunar polar ice has been accumulating for 1.5 billion years. This ancient ice, scattered across different regions, offers vital resources for future space exploration. It can be processed to create rocket fuel and oxygen for astronauts. This discovery strengthens the Moon's role as a potential refueling station for deep-space missions, including journeys to Mars.

Following Russia's retreat from Kherson, museum director Alina Dotsenko discovered thousands of artworks missing, with nearly 10,000 pieces' fate unknown. Ukraine is now highlighting this looting as Russia seeks international cultural engagement, emphasizing the need for accountability for stolen heritage.

Union Minister Suresh Gopi expressed disappointment after the Lok Sabha vote on the Women's Reservation Bill. He accused the opposition of prioritizing politics over national progress. The bill, which aimed to implement reservation for women in legislatures from 2029 and increase Lok Sabha seats, did not secure the required two-thirds majority.

A Fact Finding Committee has started its inquiry into serious allegations at a TCS office in Nashik. The committee will speak to all parties involved before releasing any details. This comes as protests continue and authorities investigate the matter. TCS is cooperating with the investigation, which is looking into potential forced conversion and sexual harassment.

Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin criticized the central government for withholding funds and infringing on state rights. He outlined the DMK's future welfare plans, including doubling financial assistance for women and extending the breakfast scheme. Free laptops for college students and appliance coupons for women were also mentioned. Elections are scheduled for April 23.

AP POLYCET 2026 hall tickets are releasing today, April 18. Candidates must download them online. The entrance exam for polytechnic colleges in Andhra Pradesh is scheduled for April 25. Entry requires a printed hall ticket and a valid photo ID. The exam will be offline with 120 multiple-choice questions. Results are expected by May 10.

Pakistan is eager for the International Monetary Fund's next loan installment. A Fund team will visit next month for crucial review talks. This comes as Pakistan's Finance Minister met IMF officials in Washington. The country aims to secure funds to bolster its economy. Discussions also covered global economic shocks and reform progress.

Bihar's Deputy Chief Ministers Vijay Kumar Choudhary and Bijendra Prasad Yadav have been upgraded to Z category security. This decision follows a review of their security arrangements by the state's home department. The Z category includes a dedicated team of trained personnel with advanced weaponry.

Iranians are trying to live normally after bombing and protests. Shops and parks are open, but the economy is struggling. People fear more government pressure after a potential deal with the US. The war has killed thousands and damaged infrastructure. Many Iranians feel the war did not help them and worry about their future.

Alternative Websites for UP Board Result 2026: The Uttar Pradesh Madhyamik Shiksha Parishad is expected to release Class 10 and 12 results for 2026 between April 20-25. Students can check their scores on official websites like upmsp.edu.in and upresults.nic.in, or via DigiLocker, UMANG App, and SMS. A minimum of 33% is required to pass.

Parliament's Budget session concluded abruptly. The Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha were adjourned sine die. This followed the failure of the women's reservation bill. The government also decided to put the delimitation proposal on hold. The session ended on a politically charged note. Attention now shifts to the government's future plans and ongoing state elections.

Jalgaon district is preparing for a heatwave. Government hospitals have set up special rooms and beds for heat-related illnesses. Doctors are instructed to stock necessary medicines. Citizens are urged to avoid going out during peak afternoon hours and take precautions. The India Meteorological Department has issued a heatwave warning for Maharashtra and other parts of the country.

A cruise ship has successfully navigated the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway, for the first time since the West Asia conflict started. The vessel, Celestyal Discovery, sailed through without passengers. Iran has stated that passage through the Strait will be strictly controlled and require Iranian authorization. This development occurs amid heightened regional tensions.

Life in Iran remains unsettled as schools stay closed following recent conflict. Parents are juggling work and online classes, facing productivity challenges. Many families who fled conflict zones are now back, dealing with disrupted routines and financial strain. The uncertainty of when normal life will resume weighs heavily on households across the nation.

Winless after six matches, Kolkata Knight Riders' playoff hopes are fading, but skipper Ajinkya Rahane urges the team to embrace tough phases and play with freedom. Despite a fifth defeat against Gujarat Titans, Rahane emphasized focusing on one game at a time and playing for their fans, highlighting the team's hard work and discussions on improvement.

Kabul is undergoing a massive transformation as the Taliban government revives old plans to widen roads. Homes, businesses, and even a graveyard are being demolished to make way for modern infrastructure. This extensive project aims to ease traffic congestion in the capital. Property owners are compensated, and new jobs are being created through the construction work.

President Trump sees positive signs in Iran peace talks. A ceasefire in the Middle East conflict may be extended if a deal is reached by Wednesday. Iran has temporarily reopened the Strait of Hormuz. Shipping may return to normal soon. Talks are ongoing to resolve the conflict and Iran's nuclear program.

The Calcutta High Court has cancelled the appointment of assistant professors as presiding officers for the West Bengal assembly elections. The court ruled that these appointments violated Election Commission guidelines. The petitioners, from the West Bengal Government College Teachers' Association, challenged their assignments. The court found no justification for drafting these senior staff without proper reasons.

A woman in Bengaluru faced disappointment in the city's competitive rental market. She lost a house she was about to rent after a landlord accepted another tenant's deposit. The incident, shared online, resonated with many who have had similar experiences. The search for a furnished 1BHK near Garudachar Palya continues.

Aaditya Thackeray stated the women's quota bill, tied to delimitation, was a political move to weaken states and secure unfair wins. He claimed the bill, which sought to increase Lok Sabha seats and implement women's reservation, was rejected by opposition MPs. The proposed constitutional amendment required a two-thirds majority but did not achieve it.

Iran War News Day 50: The Iran-Israel conflict reaches its 50th day. Tensions rise over the Strait of Hormuz. Diplomatic efforts continue for a nuclear deal. Global markets react to the developments. Lebanon signals a political shift amid ongoing violence. The conflict's impact spreads to Iraq. A multinational mission is planned for Hormuz. Defence industries see increased demand. The situation remains fluid.

Mallikarjun Kharge stated INDIA bloc MPs are not anti-women, asserting the NDA government's aim was to gain power to pass delimitation laws with a simple majority. He explained their opposition to the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill and Delimitation Bill was due to the delimitation clause, not women's reservation itself.

An earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 5 struck mountainous Nagano prefecture in central Japan on Saturday. The quake hit Omachi in northern Nagano around 1:20 p.m. It registered a seismic intensity of upper-5 on Japan's scale. It is not immediately clear if there was any damage. Earthquakes are common in Japan, one of the world's most seismically active areas.

Iran's actions in the Strait of Hormuz have revealed a key vulnerability for President Trump. The conflict has led to rising energy costs and inflation, impacting American consumers. This economic pressure is forcing Trump to seek a diplomatic solution. Adversaries like Russia and China are observing these developments.

Garena Free Fire Max players can snag free in-game items using redeem codes released regularly. These 12-character alphanumeric codes are time-sensitive and can only be used once. Players should visit the official redemption site to log in and enter the codes promptly to claim their rewards before they expire.

Indian Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh experienced a flight in a US F-15EX Eagle II fighter jet at Nellis Air Force Base. This visit aimed to enhance interoperability and collaboration between the Indian and US Air Forces. Discussions focused on joint exercises and modernization efforts. The F-15EX is a key platform for Indo-Pacific defense.

Telangana BJP President N. Ramchander Rao on Saturday was placed under house arrest by police in Hyderabad after the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) called for a protest outside the residence of Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy over the Congress party's stand on the Women's Reservation Bill in Parliament.

The Uttar Pradesh Police Recruitment Board has released exam city details for 41,424 Home Guard vacancies. Candidates can check their allotted district via an intimation slip issued on April 18, 2026. The written exam is scheduled for April 25-27, 2026, with admit cards available three days prior.

A US appeals court has permitted President Donald Trump's administration to proceed with building a new ballroom at the White House. This decision temporarily halts a lower court's order that had stopped the project. The court will hold a hearing in June to further review the case.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is under intense scrutiny. His choice of Peter Mandelson as US ambassador has resurfaced. Questions are being raised about how Mandelson secured the position. Starmer is accused of misleading Parliament. This comes after Mandelson's initial security clearance was denied. The situation threatens Starmer's promise of integrity in government.