The Economic Times

As Europe grapples with shifting tides in global trade and burgeoning geopolitical tensions, India's trade landscape might pivot dramatically. The anticipated EU-India Free Trade Agreement stands to disrupt numerous sectors, with some European industries bracing for intensified competition from their Indian counterparts.

Akhil Gogoi is fighting on a platform of regionalism and anti-incumbency, backed by the Congress-led 6-party alliance, while Prodip Hazarika (AGP) is a veteran of the Assam Agitation and 5-time MLA from Amguri and Kushal Dowari (BJP) is a former ULFA member and two-time MLA, fielded as a friendly challenger to consolidate the core saffron vote.

Karnataka 2nd PUC result 2026 is expected soon. Students can check their scorecards on official websites like result.bspucpa.in and result.proed.in. Registration details will be required for access. The Department of Pre-University Education will announce the results. A large number of students have registered for the exams across various streams. Passing requires 33 percent marks in each subject.

Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury claims TMC workers attacked him during campaigning in Murshidabad. He alleges the ruling party obstructs development projects for political gain. Chowdhury is contesting the Assembly elections after 30 years. West Bengal will vote in two phases on April 23 and April 29. Vote counting is on May 4.

Kerala Assembly elections 2026: Congress leader V D Satheesan criticized the BJP's actions towards minority communities. He also attacked the CPI(M) for accepting support from extremist groups. Satheesan alleged violence by the LDF ahead of the upcoming polls. He expressed confidence in the UDF's victory, predicting over 100 seats.

The Election Commission has issued a strict directive for the Kerala Assembly polls. Political parties and candidates must get all print advertisements pre-certified by the MCMC. This rule applies to polling day and the day before. Advertisements published without this certification will not be allowed.

Jammu and Kashmir weather update: Jammu and Kashmir is facing severe weather conditions, with heavy rain and snowfall impacting the region. Authorities have issued a travel advisory, urging residents and tourists to avoid non-essential travel. Roads have become waterlogged and slippery, while higher reaches are experiencing fresh snowfall. Erratic weather is expected to continue until 10 April. Public cooperation is essential to ensure safety.

China is actively pursuing a diplomatic role in the Iran war. It has proposed a five-point plan with Pakistan and is seeking support from Gulf nations. China opposes a UN proposal for military action to open the Strait of Hormuz. The United States shows little interest in China's mediation efforts.

Iran is searching for a missing American pilot after two warplanes were shot down. Two airmen have been rescued. The incidents highlight ongoing risks for US and Israeli aircraft over Iran. The conflict, now in its sixth week, has caused thousands of deaths and threatens the global economy. US President Donald Trump has threatened further attacks on Iran's infrastructure.

CBSE Class 10 board results for 2026 are anticipated soon. Students can expect their scorecards by the end of April. Past trends suggest this timeline. Results will be available on cbse.gov.in and other official platforms. Students will need their roll number and other details to access their marks. DigiLocker will also provide digital marksheets.

Bharatiya Janata Party spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla accused the Trinamool Congress of sponsoring violence in Malda. He stated the main accused was seen with top TMC leaders. The incident involved judicial officers being held hostage due to electoral roll deletions. Authorities have arrested 35 people and are investigating the matter. Security has been provided to judicial officers.

The four Artemis astronauts are now halfway to the Moon. Their Orion spacecraft is travelling towards a planned lunar flyby. NASA confirmed the milestone on Friday evening. The spacecraft is over 219,000 kilometres from Earth. This journey marks a significant step in NASA's lunar exploration program. The mission continues its trajectory.

Ukrainian drone strikes have crippled Russia's oil export terminals at Ust-Luga and Primorsk. Refineries are now seeking costlier rail routes to other ports like Vysotsk and Taman. This disruption, continuing for weeks, impacts diesel fuel exports. Shipments from these key hubs have drastically reduced, raising concerns about Russia's overall oil production levels.

West Asian conflict disrupts Bikaner's food exports, with bhujia, papad, and spices facing severe delays and rising costs. Exporters report increased freight charges, container shortages, and longer transit times, impacting both incoming raw materials and outgoing consignments. This situation threatens the city's export-driven economy as peak season preparations are hampered.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin criticizes the CBSE's new curriculum framework. He claims the three-language formula is a hidden plan to promote Hindi in non-Hindi speaking areas. Stalin argues this policy unfairly burdens students in southern states. He questions the lack of reciprocity for other Indian languages.

The Election Commission has approved the creation of 4,660 new auxiliary polling stations in West Bengal. This move aims to improve voter convenience for the upcoming assembly elections. The total number of polling stations in the state now stands at 85,379. Additionally, 321 polling stations will be relocated. Voters will be individually informed about any changes.

US Israel Iran News Day 36: Tensions surge as Iran downs two US fighter jets, escalating the conflict with America and Israel. Attacks continue across the region, impacting infrastructure in the United Arab Emirates. The situation highlights Iran's capability to disrupt global energy supplies. Nations are seeking alternative sources and reducing domestic consumption to manage these disruptions.

The UPMSP will reopen its portal on April 6-7, 2026, for schools to upload pending Class 12 practical exam marks. This decision follows delays affecting nearly 34,637 students' results due to non-submission. The move aims to ensure smooth evaluation and prevent further disruption to students' academic progression.

Transform your energy levels with six strategic meal swaps designed to eliminate bloating and heaviness. From replacing white rice with cauliflower to swapping sugary cereals for fiber-rich chia seeds, these 2026 health trends focus on highly digestible, nutrient-dense alternatives that keep you feeling light, focused, and agile all day.

Kerala's Assembly elections focus on senior citizens. This large voting bloc prioritizes consistent pension payments and accessible healthcare. Political parties are promising enhanced social security and care initiatives. Elderly voters seek assurance of dignity and support in their twilight years. The demographic shift presents unique challenges and opportunities for governance.

The CPI(M) explains its brief talks with Humayun Kabir's party. The aim was to unite like-minded groups against the TMC and BJP. Talks failed as the CPI(M) insisted on no communal politics. The party is forging broader alliances for the upcoming polls. Senior leaders are focusing on campaigning and organizational rejuvenation.

Build world-class arm definition with these seven high-impact bicep exercises. From isolation moves like concentration curls to mass-builders like barbell 21s, this guide covers the science of targeting every muscle fiber. Master these techniques in 2026 to enhance your bicep peak, thickness, and overall upper-body aesthetics.

Srinagar is bracing for a week of unsettled weather from April 4 to April 10, with intermittent rain, thunderstorms, and hailstorms anticipated. Authorities have issued warnings for heavy rain, lightning, and gusty winds reaching 40-50 kmph on specific days. Temperatures are expected to remain on the cooler side throughout the period.

The upcoming Panihati election in West Bengal is dominated by the rape and murder of a young doctor. The victim's mother is contesting on a BJP ticket, aiming to leverage public anger against the ruling TMC. The TMC, defending its stronghold, faces a challenge to its organizational strength. The CPI(M) seeks to reclaim its role in the protest movement.

Humans ponder alien life and what visitors might think of Earth's conflicts. Former President Obama and Donald Trump have commented on aliens. NASA's Artemis II mission to the moon fuels interest. Many Americans believe intelligent life exists elsewhere. Reports of unidentified aerial phenomena are increasing. Experts suggest aliens might observe humanity's behavior. Government secrecy is linked to national security.

Online RTE admissions for the 2026-27 academic year open Saturday, offering over 84,000 seats in private schools for economically weaker students. This year, parents can choose school and shift preference, with reserved category children now prioritized over anganwadi attendees. The registration window closes April 17.

Iran has rejected a US proposal for a 48-hour ceasefire. This comes as military hostilities escalate. A US fighter jet was downed over Iran. One crew member was rescued and is in US custody. Search continues for the second crew member. The downed aircraft was an F-15E Strike Eagle. The situation remains tense as the search progresses.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Kerala on Saturday for the NDA's election campaign. He will attend a public meeting in Thiruvalla and participate in a roadshow in Thiruvananthapuram. The Prime Minister's itinerary includes landing at Thiruvananthapuram airport and traveling to Kottayam district for the public meeting. Later, he will proceed to Thiruvananthapuram for the roadshow.

A wildfire is burning in Riverside, California. The Springs Fire started Friday and is growing quickly. Strong winds are fanning the flames and spreading smoke. Evacuations are underway in affected areas. Fire crews are working to contain the blaze. The cause is under investigation. Residents in nearby cities can see and smell the smoke.

Kolkata's Bhabanipur constituency faces a political storm. The ruling TMC has demanded the immediate removal of the returning officer. They allege a close association with BJP candidate Suvendu Adhikari. This connection, they claim, compromises election neutrality. The TMC insists on an unimpeachably neutral official for fair polls. The Election Commission is urged to act swiftly.

Assam elections: The state government had ordered the mobilisation of the forest force personnel to assist the Assam Police for the upcoming polls.

Iran's Parliament Speaker mocks the United States' search for a missing pilot after an F-15E fighter jet was downed. This follows claims by Iran of also targeting a US A-10 aircraft. One pilot from the F-15E was recovered alive. Search operations for the second crew member continue. Regional tensions are heightened by these aerial incidents.

Israel-Iran war: Iran and its allies have launched a major retaliatory strike, dubbed Wave 93, targeting Israeli military sites. This operation, Operation True Promise 4, is a direct response to recent hostilities. The strikes hit strategic locations in northern and central Israel. The Islamic Revolution Guards Corps confirmed the use of missiles and drones.

Delhi experienced relief from heat with Friday night rain. However, the India Meteorological Department warns of worsening weather on Saturday. Thunderstorms, lightning, and strong winds are expected. An orange alert is in effect for parts of the city. Cloudy skies will persist, with rain likely in the afternoon and evening. Temperatures will remain pleasant but humid.

US intelligence reports suggest Iran will not reopen the Strait of Hormuz soon. Iran uses its control of the vital oil route as leverage against the United States. This strategy aims to pressure President Trump regarding the ongoing war. Reopening the strait militarily carries significant risks for US forces. Iran may seek reconstruction funds by charging passage fees.

Israel-Iran war: A US airman ejected over Iran is missing, and President Trump has not detailed the US response if the airman is harmed. Iran claims it downed a second US aircraft, an A-10, near the Strait of Hormuz. This follows reports of a US F-15E crash. One F-15E crew member was rescued. Search for the second continues. Tensions rise in the region.

Astronauts on a Moon mission are facing familiar challenges like email glitches and toilet troubles. They are also enjoying the unique experience of space travel. The crew is carrying out a groundbreaking mission while dealing with everyday life. Their journey includes essential tasks and moments of childlike wonder.

Grocery prices in Canada saw a sharp increase of 5.7 percent in February. This rise was mainly due to higher costs for meat and poultry. Beef and chicken prices climbed significantly. Some items like cantaloupes and olive oil became cheaper. National inflation stood at 1.8 percent. Statistics Canada provided this data.

Nasa has released stunning high-resolution images of Earth captured by the Artemis II crew as they journey around the Moon. Mission commander Reid Wiseman took the spectacular photos after a final engine burn placed the spacecraft on its lunar trajectory. These images mark the first time humans have traveled beyond Earth's orbit since 1972.

A 5.8 magnitude earthquake struck Afghanistan and Pakistan late Friday. At least eight people died in Afghanistan when a house collapsed. The quake's epicentre was in the Hindu Kush mountain range. It was felt across several cities in Pakistan. Afghanistan's health authorities are on alert. The region is prone to seismic activity.

Police have arrested a second suspect in the tragic stray-bullet killing of a 7-month-old baby in Brooklyn. Matthew Rodriguez, 18, was apprehended in Pennsylvania. The suspected shooter, Amuri Greene, 21, was arrested earlier. The infant, Kaori Patterson-Moore, was in her stroller when gunfire erupted. Greene allegedly fired into a crowd, hitting the baby.

The Trump administration is merging two agencies that were split after the 2010 Gulf oil spill. This move aims to boost efficiency and expedite permits for offshore oil and gas drilling. The new Marine Minerals Administration will combine existing bureaus. Officials state this will improve coordination and oversight of offshore energy development.

Iran-Israel war: Three tankers, one co-owned by a Japanese firm, have successfully crossed the Strait of Hormuz by sailing close to Oman's coast. This is a rare move as Iran continues to disrupt shipping. The passage highlights the ongoing challenges in this crucial global energy route. A French container ship also made a transit earlier.

President Donald Trump has signed a new executive order impacting college sports. The order sets a five-year eligibility limit for student athletes. It also allows athletes to transfer schools once without sitting out a season. These new rules are set to begin on August 1. Institutions not complying risk losing federal funding.

Friends and Neighbors season 2: Westmont Village's opulent homes in 'Your Friends and Neighbors' Season 2, premiering April 3, reveal character depth. Production designer Anu Schwartz details how each residence, from Mel's warm craftsman style to Nick's extravagant mansion, reflects personality, status, and the community's subtle rivalries, offering a glimpse into the lives within.

The Pentagon's fiscal 2027 budget proposes a significant increase in fighter jet procurement, seeking 85 Lockheed Martin F-35s, up from 47 last year. This boost is part of a $1.5 trillion defense request, which also includes substantial funding for missile defense systems and critical munitions amidst ongoing conflict.

President Donald Trump has signed an emergency order. This order will compensate all Department of Homeland Security employees for pay and benefits missed during the partial government shutdown. This action follows a funding standoff that impacted thousands of workers. The move aims to address the financial strain on these essential personnel. The shutdown had caused significant disruptions across various agencies.