The Economic Times
Elections 2026National / The Economic Times
Iran's Parliament Speaker MB Ghalibaf stated that three more US victories would ruin the nation. Iran's military claimed to have shot down two US Black Hawk helicopters and a C-130 transport plane. US President Donald Trump confirmed the successful rescue of a second F-15 crew member, calling it a daring operation.
Fans eagerly await the home streaming of Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba The Movie: Infinity Castle. The film's theatrical run in Japan concludes on April 9. This marks a potential turning point for its digital release. The movie adapts the Infinity Castle arc, featuring Tanjiro and the Hashira confronting powerful demons. Previous seasons are available on various platforms.
The Meghalaya Board of School Education (MBOSE) will announce the Class 10 SSLC results for 2026 on April 7 at 11 am. Students can check their scorecards on mbose.in and other official websites after the declaration. The exams were held from January 30 to February 11, 2026.
The Powerball Lottery continues to draw millions of participants due to its massive jackpots and widespread accessibility. Broadcast live on official lottery websites and local television stations, the draw remains a major event for players hoping to strike it rich.
Over 23 lakh voters in Bengal face an uncertain future as appeal tribunals remain non-functional ahead of Monday's deadline for the first phase of polling. Despite a high rejection rate during judicial review, many individuals are unable to appeal due to the lack of established tribunal infrastructure, leaving their voting rights in limbo.
Israel aided the United States in a daring operation to rescue a downed US airman from Iran. Israeli security officials confirmed they provided crucial intelligence and paused their own attacks in the region. This assistance facilitated the successful recovery of the F-15E pilot. US President Donald Trump hailed the mission as one of the most daring in American history.
Apoorva Makhija, aka the 'Rebel Kid' is under fire from netizens after she shared a video linking Lipton metabolism tablets to PCOS and hormonal conditions. In the video, she said that her doctor could have simply suggested Liptons metabolism boost for treating PCOS and this sparked massive outrage online with doctors and medical professionals calling out her claims. The video has now been deleted.
Recent maritime activity has unveiled the presence of the oil tanker Ocean Thunder, navigated through the Strait of Hormuz while transporting a hefty load of Basrah Heavy crude from Iraq. The timing of this journey aligns with Iran's recent declaration of Iraq's freedom from transit limitations, emphasizing the region's vital role in global energy trade.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has criticized the ongoing voter list revision. She claims the process intimidates voters by removing names. Banerjee also stated that administrative work might be temporarily disrupted. She announced a future separate budget for farmers. The Chief Minister will contest a key election in Bhabanipur.
Misprision is a word that reflects the fragile nature of understanding. Whether in law, literature, or everyday discourse, it reminds us that meaning is often shaped by perception and that even small misinterpretations can have significant consequences.
Chan Thao Phoumy, a national from France, has been executed in China after a lengthy 15-year sentence on death row for drug trafficking offenses. French officials had sought clemency, yet the execution in Guangzhou went ahead, leading to France's condemnation of the violation of human rights principles, as the country has abolished capital punishment.
Viral diet trends: The concept of proteinmaxxing insists that more is better when it comes to the macronutrient found in foods like meat, dairy and nuts, which is essential to a vast array of bodily functions such as repairing tissue or enhancing immune function.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the Delhi-Dehradun Expressway on April 14. This 210-km high-speed corridor will connect Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand. Travel time between Delhi and Dehradun will reduce from 6.5 hours to 2.5 hours. The expressway features six lanes and passes through Rajaji National Park with wildlife protection measures.
Pope Leo implored global leaders to cease conflicts and relinquish ambitions of power and conquest in his Easter message. He urged those with weapons to lay them down and those with the power to wage war to choose peace, emphasizing Christ's nonviolent example. The Pope also made a direct appeal to U.S.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee urged voters whose names were wrongly deleted to appeal by April 6, promising free legal aid. She also cautioned party workers to vigilantly monitor EVMs against tampering by central forces and warned candidates about potential nomination rejections by the BJP.
In a significant diplomatic move, Oman and Iran engaged in high-level discussions involving deputy foreign ministers to explore strategies for facilitating seamless passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz. This dialogue follows recent remarks from an Iranian official about the drafting of a traffic monitoring protocol with Oman.
Easter 2026: With the US-Israeli war on Iran in its second month and Russia's ongoing campaign in Ukraine, Pope Leo has repeatedly called for a halt in hostilities.
Iran war: Missing pilot's extraction followed a frantic U.S. search-and-rescue operation after the Friday crash of the F-15E Strike Eagle, as Iran also promised a reward for anyone who turned in an enemy pilot.
Odisha has made e-KYC mandatory for domestic LPG consumers. This move ensures only genuine customers receive cylinders. The government has also stopped the illegal sale of smaller gas cylinders in the open market. Authorities recently seized 27 LPG cylinders in Dhenkanal district. Legal action will be taken against those involved in black marketing.
Rastriya Swatantra Party Vice President Dol Prasad Aryal has been elected unopposed as the House Speaker. The announcement was made during a parliamentary meeting on Sunday. Aryal's candidacy was supported by party leaders. He becomes the 10th Speaker of the lower house and the first non-communist in 18 years. Aryal has a background in labor, tourism, and business.
Why is Pinarayi Vijayan, who found fault with Rahul Gandhi in Kerala, befriending him in Delhi, Bengal, and Tamil Nadu? Break your friendship in Delhi, why are you forming an alliance? They are pretending to be friends in Delhi and wrestling in Kerala. Both are responsible for the Sabarimala gold theft; both promote anti-national forces, Poonawalla told ANI.
The Maharashtra Congress is undertaking a significant organisational revamp. This initiative focuses on strengthening the party at the grassroots level. For the first time, taluka presidents will be selected. This move aims to bring in new leadership and broaden the party's base. The overhaul is expected to prepare the Congress for upcoming assembly and Lok Sabha polls.
In a passionate statement, veteran BJP stalwart B S Yediyurappa has launched a scathing attack on Congress, accusing its leaders of flooding the Karnataka bypolls with illicit money. He claims the ruling party resorts to cash, alcohol, and brute force to sway voters. Yediyurappa also criticized the Congress administration for alleged corruption and depleting the state's financial resources.
Ladakh's tourism sector and civil society groups have united. They adopted a resolution expressing concern over increasing outside investors. The aim is to protect the region's fragile ecosystem and local livelihoods. Tourism will remain primarily for local stakeholders. This ensures community ownership and decision-making. Policies will protect local participation and interests. Collaboration will promote responsible tourism practices.
Delhi's Ho Chi Minh Marg honours a global leader. The road's naming in the 1970s highlights India's Cold War diplomacy. India supported Vietnam's independence and sovereignty. This connection stems from shared post-colonial experiences. High-level visits and symbolic gestures cemented ties. The street serves as a reminder of this era.
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin are engaged in a political debate over the National Education Policy. Pradhan states the policy does not impose Hindi, while Stalin alleges the Union Government is withholding funds to enforce a three-language policy. Stalin emphasizes Tamil Nadu's commitment to its two-language system and preserving linguistic diversity.
Noida and Ghaziabad's daily wage earners and domestic workers face an LPG crisis, forcing a return to wood-fired chulhas and costly small cylinders. Morning routines are disrupted, and families struggle with increased expenses and physical strain. Some workers are even migrating back to their hometowns due to the severe supply crunch and financial hardship.
Hezbollah announced it struck an Israeli warship with a cruise missile. The group stated the vessel was 68 nautical miles offshore. This marks the first such claim by Hezbollah since the Middle East war began. Israeli warships have previously launched strikes on Lebanon. The Israeli military stated they were not aware of the incident.
Kerala polls: Nemom constituency prepares for a key 2026 election battle. V Sivankutty seeks to retain the seat for LDF against BJP's Rajeev Chandrasekhar and UDF's KS Sabarinadhan. BJP eyes a breakthrough, leveraging local gains and RSS presence. Christian votes are crucial. Election day is April 9, with counting on May 4.
US President Donald Trump issued a strong warning to Iran regarding escalating regional tensions. He also made controversial remarks about immigration. Reports indicate Iran launched missiles and drones targeting Israel and Kuwait. Both nations activated air defense systems. This follows a month of conflict involving the US, Israel, and Iran, with ongoing exchanges across West Asia.
Pakistans claims of mediating the Iran-US conflict face a reality check as Iran rejects engagement via Islamabad. Former envoy Sunjay Sudhir calls it a messenger at best. Meanwhile, mounting debt pressure from the UAE exposes Islamabads economic vulnerability, further shrinking its diplomatic space in West Asia.
Iran announced a victory in southern Isfahan, claiming to have shot down a US aircraft during a rescue mission. This followed a US operation to retrieve a downed F-15 crew member. President Trump described the rescue as daring and successful. Iran stated the US military suffered a humiliating failure.
Three individuals have died in Dhanbad, Jharkhand, following an alleged gas leak incident in Munidih early Sunday morning. Preliminary investigations suggest the victims may have been attempting to steal iron scrap and inadvertently cut into a full gas cylinder, leading to the fatal fumes. Two were brought dead to the hospital, and a third succumbed during treatment.
Global economic growth is set for cuts. Inflationary pressures are expected to rise. Geopolitical tensions and supply disruptions are the main drivers. West Asia conflicts are impacting energy markets. This could lead to a renewed phase of global price instability. India is expected to show resilience. However, global trade and financial volatility pose risks.
Supreme Court judge Justice BV Nagarathna highlighted concerns about election neutrality. She stated that if those conducting elections depend on those contesting them, the process's neutrality is compromised. Elections are crucial for constituting political authority. Justice Nagarathna also urged the Centre to view states as co-equals, emphasizing that governance should transcend party differences.
The Keralam Legislative Assembly elections will be held in a single phase on April 9, with counting of votes scheduled for May 4. The tenure of the current assembly is set to conclude on May 23.
Addressing an event in Thiruvananthapuram, the former BJP chief stated that the people used to forget what promises were made during elections after two to three years, and the same manifesto was presented in the upcoming polls. He noted that at present, a new culture has been set up, which reflects responsive, responsible, proactive, and accountable government.
Congress criticizes Prime Minister Narendra Modi's plan to increase Lok Sabha seats. The party labels the proposal a 'Weapon of Mass Distraction'. They argue it unfairly benefits populous states and disadvantages smaller ones. The government aims to implement women's reservation law from 2029, requiring parliamentary approval for seat increases.
The potential blockade of the Strait of Hormuz is an alarming scenario for food security affecting millions worldwide. Sanjay Sudhir, a former Indian Ambassador, underscores the threat to 10 million Indians living in the Gulf region. Dependence on cargo flights as a workaround is not a long-term answer.
As geopolitical tensions intensify across West Asia, global trade dynamics are undergoing a structural shift, with political risk insurance (PRI) emerging as a critical safeguard for businesses navigating an increasingly volatile environment. Trade flows, once dictated largely by economic fundamentals, are now deeply influenced by geopolitical flashpoints. The ongoing instability in West Asia, particularly around key maritime corridors such as the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea, has amplified
Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin declared the upcoming election a crucial fight for state autonomy. He urged voters to reject the 'Delhi Team' and support the 'Tamil Nadu Team'. Stalin highlighted the Dravidian Model government's achievements in infrastructure and welfare. He promised increased women's entitlements and new housing initiatives if re-elected.
India Post GDS Result 2026 2nd merit list date: The second merit list for India Post GDS Result 2026 is expected to be released in the first week of April 2026 on indiapostgdsonline.gov.in. The Department of Posts is set to release the India Post GDS second merit list following the completion of the first round of verification on March 23. Shortlisting will happen based on Class 10 marks and selected candidates must undergo mandatory document verification.
In the latest filing, Vijay disclosed FIR number 74 of 2026 registered at the K5 Peravallur Police Station in Chennai for alleged public disturbance during election campaigning on March 30. Vijay stated in the affidavit that he became aware of this case through social media on April 2.
Security forces initiated a search operation in a Samba district village. This action followed reports of three suspicious individuals seen moving under darkness. The Special Operations Group, with Army and paramilitary support, is actively tracing the suspects. The operation is ongoing in the village and surrounding areas. No contact has been made with the individuals yet.
Happy Easter 2026: Easter celebrates Jesus Christ's resurrection, a core tenet of Christianity. This event signifies triumph over death and sin. Observed globally, it follows Holy Week's solemn observances. Christians worldwide mark this festival with services and traditions. Easter's message of hope and renewal continues to resonate today.
FMCG companies like Marico and Dabur saw strong revenue growth in the March quarter. Domestic consumption remained steady, boosting sales. International business also performed well, except in the Middle East due to geopolitical issues. Companies expect better margins as input costs ease. They anticipate continued domestic demand recovery in the coming quarters.
The Reserve Bank of India is expected to hold interest rates steady at its upcoming meeting. Global conflicts are creating significant economic uncertainty. Rising imported inflation and potential domestic price pressures are key concerns. The central bank will likely focus on managing liquidity and market stability. This cautious approach aims to navigate geopolitical risks and currency volatility.
Senior West Bengal BJP leader Dilip Ghosh has declared assets totaling approximately Rs 2 crore. This marks an increase from his net worth disclosed during the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. His affidavit details movable and immovable assets, including agricultural land and a Kolkata flat. Ghosh is now debt-free. His wife's assets are also listed in the document.
Anand Mahindra, who is very popular on social media, has spotlighted Jharkhand's hidden beauty, Meghahatuburu in Jharkhand's West Singhbhum district. Meghahatuburu is spread across 700 hills and is known for its breathtaking landscapes and scenic beauty. Anand Mahindra pointed out that Meghahatuburu has a sunset point, forest waterfalls, and a landscape, making it a perfect destination for offbeat travellers.

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