The Economic Times
Elections 2026National / The Economic Times
Godrej Industries Group has announced a major leadership transition, elevating Burjis Godrej as chairperson of Godrej Agrovet, while his father Nadir Godrej prepares to step down after decades in leadership. Burjis will also join the board of Godrej Industries as a non-executive director.
Native American proverb When you were born, you cried, and the world rejoiced. Live your life in such a way that when you die, the world cries, and you rejoice reflects the idea that a meaningful life is defined by the impact one has on others. The saying emphasizes living with kindness, integrity, and compassion so that ones absence is deeply felt, highlighting the importance of legacy beyond material success.
The world's largest iceberg, A-23A, has finally broken apart after a nearly 40-year journey. This colossal megaberg, once twice the size of Greater London, calved from Antarctica in 1986 and began its drift in 2020. After extensive melting and fragmentation, it has now disintegrated into tiny pieces in the South Atlantic Ocean.
Armenia and Azerbaijan have aided India in recent weeks. Armenia helped repatriate fishermen. Azerbaijan facilitated the evacuation of Indian embassy staff and families from Iran. Nearly 1,800 Indian nationals were brought home with Iranian authorities' help. This comes as India and Azerbaijan explore confidence-building measures and dialogue to reset ties.
Tamil Nadu's economic boom is seeing more Hindi spoken by locals. This trend challenges the DMK's long-standing opposition to Hindi. Migrant workers from various states are entering Tamil Nadu for employment. This influx is leading to a surprising increase in Hindi adoption by Tamil Nadu residents. The DMK's stance on Hindi imposition is being tested by this evolving linguistic landscape.
Unrest among factory workers across the National Capital Region (NCR) over minimum wage demands is escalating, adding to cost pressures for companies already grappling with rising input and energy costs linked to the Iran war.
Brent crude and WTI oil prices are under sharp focus as physical crude for Europe has surged near $150 a barrel, based on LSEG data. This gap between futures and real oil signals a live supply crunch. The Strait of Hormuz disruption has tightened global flows. Traders are scrambling for immediate cargoes. African crude prices are also hitting fresh highs. This shows replacement demand is rising fast. Fuel shortage risks are building across Europe and Asia. Inflation pressure is returning. Energy
The Bharatiya Janata Party faces a tough contest in Avinashi. The constituency has been an AIADMK stronghold for decades. New entrants like TVK and a young DMK candidate could impact the results. Union Minister L Murugan represents the BJP. AIADMK workers express surprise at the alliance decision. Voters indicate a potential split in Dravidian party votes.
Meta AI Mark Zuckerberg clone: Meta is reportedly developing a photorealistic AI version of Mark Zuckerberg that employees could interact with, designed to mirror his voice, tone, and ideas. The project aims to make workers feel more connected to leadership and is part of Metas broader push into AI, alongside concerns over safety and ethics.
African proverb of the day explores the message behind the Ethiopian saying Restless feet might walk you into a snake pit. The story explains the meaning, relevance, and lessons on patience, planning, and risk awareness. The article explains why careful action matters in daily life, work, and decision making. It also shares lessons on staying grounded and avoiding impulsive actions that may lead to trouble.
Former Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal personally sought the recusal of Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma in the excise policy case, citing apprehension of bias, while the Centre opposed the plea as motivated and sought its dismissal.
President Donald Trump celebrated the first anniversary of the 'no tax on tips' law with a McDonald's delivery to the Oval Office. He met with delivery driver Sharron Simmons, a DoorDash Grandma, and discussed the law's impact. Simmons received a USD 100 tip. The President also invited Simmons and her husband to a UFC event.
Iran's ambassador to India, Mohammad Fathali, confirms good contact with the Indian government on ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz. He indicates Iran will soon announce a mechanism for navigating the critical shipping route. Fathali thanks India for its support during difficult times and attributes the current situation to actions by the US and Israel.
In West Bengals Nadia district, Matua voters in border villages like Majhdia navigate a unique realitycrossing fenced borders daily to farm while weighing political choices amid voter roll concerns, economic stress and identity rooted in migration.
A controversy involving Katy Perry and Ruby Rose has sparked widespread discussion across social media and entertainment circles. Rose recently made serious allegations regarding an incident she claims occurred years ago, while Perrys representatives have strongly denied the accusations.
The government will now track graduates from upgraded Industrial Training Institutes annually. This survey will measure job placements and salaries. An independent agency will monitor progress at national and state levels. Performance data will be made public to encourage improvement. States with slow fund use will be highlighted for prompt action.
Bihar is set for a significant political shift. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar will resign today after his final cabinet meeting. This move will allow a Bharatiya Janata Party leader to assume the Chief Minister's position. The Janata Dal (United) is expected to secure the Deputy Chief Minister post. BJP MLAs will meet to elect their legislative party leader.
AIADMK leader Edappadi Palaniswami stated the party's alliance with BJP is for elections only. He emphasized that if AIADMK wins, its ideology will guide the government, not BJP's. Palaniswami asserted AIADMK will lead the NDA in Tamil Nadu and he would be Chief Minister.
India's retail inflation climbed to 3.4 percent in March. Higher food and fuel costs are driving this increase. Experts predict inflation could reach 4 percent in April. This is due to ongoing global conflicts impacting energy prices. The Reserve Bank of India is closely watching these trends. Policymakers anticipate a pause in interest rate cuts.
Opposition leaders questioned the Modi governments approach to implementing the Womens Reservation Act, objecting to its linkage with delimitation and warning it could disadvantage certain states, while demanding wider consultations and a Census-based process.
A leaked dummy model of Apple's anticipated foldable iPhone has surfaced, revealing a book-style design with a wide display. While sparking excitement, the device has drawn criticism for its proportions and potential lack of MagSafe. Expected in September 2026, this glimpse fuels intense online debate about its final form and features.
$625 settlement payout: If you received an unexpected call about a Norton or LifeLock account, you could be eligible for a payout from a $9.95 million settlement. The case focuses on unsolicited calls made to non-customers. Eligible claimants may receive up to $625, with a deadline to apply set for April 13, 2026.
India and France held Foreign Office Consultations in Paris. Discussions covered economic security, innovation, and STEM talent. Defence, nuclear energy, space, and cyber cooperation were reviewed. Global issues like climate change and the Indo-Pacific were also discussed. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri met French officials. He also visited the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre. This follows President Macron's India visit.
Arvind Kejriwal asked Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma to recuse herself from the liquor policy case. The judge complimented his legal arguments. Kejriwal cited previous unfavorable rulings as reasons for his request. The court heard all parties and reserved its decision on the recusal. This is not the first time Kejriwal has argued his own case in court.
Bill Ackman Pershing Square IPO has already secured $2.8 billion, signaling strong early demand. This dual IPO will list Pershing Square Capital Management under PS and launch Pershing Square USA (PSUS) at $50 per share. The fund targets up to $10 billion, making it one of 2026s biggest IPOs. Investors gain bonus shares, boosting appeal across retail and institutional markets. Bill Ackman aims to build a permanent capital model inspired by Berkshire Hathaway. This structure reduces redemption ri
The Enforcement Directorate has arrested Vinesh Chandel, a director of political consultancy firm I-PAC. This arrest is linked to a money-laundering case connected to an alleged coal scam in West Bengal. The agency conducted raids on premises belonging to I-PAC directors and former AAP communications in-charge. The case originates from a CBI FIR concerning a multi-crore coal-pilferage scam.
Katy Perry and Justin Trudeau went viral after attending Coachella together, where photos and videos from the festival spread widely across social media. Perry shared Instagram images showing the couple walking hand-in-hand, relaxing on the grounds, and enjoying performances. Social media users reacted with humor, surprise, and debate as the unexpected celebrity-political pairing became one of the festivals most talked-about moments worldwide this year across platforms.
A Karnataka High Court division bench has overturned a land acquisition for a non-existent company, restoring 70 acres in Bengaluru to farmers. The court cited a gross abuse of power and fraud, ordering a CBI probe into the 25-year-old transaction where a company was incorporated over a decade after applying for land.
Donald Trump announced a United States-led blockade against Iran is now in effect. He stated Iran is seeking negotiations while tensions remain high. Trump emphasized no fighting is occurring but the blockade will continue. He firmly ruled out any deal permitting Iran to possess nuclear weapons. Consequences were warned if a resolution is not reached soon.
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has approved investment proposals totaling Rs 18,430.44 crore. These approvals, granted at the State High-Level Clearance Committee meeting, are expected to create over 15,000 jobs. Seventeen project proposals, including new ventures and expansions, received the green light. Major investments are planned in the EV, automobile, solar, and aerospace manufacturing sectors across various districts of the state.
Vidarbha's Praful Hinge has made a stunning IPL debut. He took three wickets in his very first over. Hinge dismissed Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Dhruv Jurel, and Lhuan-dre Pretorius. Sunrisers Hyderabad signed the young seamer at the IPL auction. He has a strong reputation in domestic cricket for his bowling.
Quote of the day : John Greens reflection does not diminish the emotional complexity of leaving, but it reframes it as a necessary step toward growth. In doing so, it encourages readers to trust their instincts, embrace uncertainty and recognise that sometimes, the path forward only becomes clear once the first step is taken.
INTC stock analysis: Intel stock has surged 51% in eight sessions, adding over $100 billion in market value, driven by a $14.2 billion plant buyback and partnerships with Tesla and Google. Despite analyst caution and valuation concerns, the company anticipates future earnings growth, with projections showing a turnaround from current losses.
The Centre has announced a significant bureaucratic reshuffle. Forty-eight civil servants have been appointed to joint secretary or equivalent positions. Hardik Satishchandra Shah is now private secretary to the prime minister at the joint secretary level. Several other officers have been assigned key roles across various government departments, including agriculture, civil aviation, commerce, defence, and home affairs.
United States and Iran peace talks in Pakistan have concluded without a deal. Both nations blamed each other for the breakdown. The outcome casts doubt on a two-week ceasefire. The failure dims prospects for reopening the Strait of Hormuz. This critical shipping route impacts global energy markets. The United States may resume military operations against Iran.
The newly released The Boroughs trailer has piqued fans curiosity, teasing a familiar mix of mystery, horror, and emotionthis time with an unexpected twist.
Pakistan's attempt to mediate US-Iran talks and a related stock market rally ended quickly. The country's fortunes are tied to external events, not internal strength. Despite the setback, Pakistan may retain a role in ongoing backchannel diplomacy. Its strategic location and defense ties ensure continued relevance beyond mediation efforts.
McDonald's is set to launch a new cold drink menu next month. This revamp includes a Red Bull Dragonberry Energizer, Dirty Dr Pepper, and Mango Pineapple Refresher. These new beverages will be available nationwide. McDonald's plans to price these drinks lower than competitors. This move aims to attract budget-conscious customers.
India's top judge envisions a future judiciary beyond courtrooms. Justice will reach citizens directly, seamlessly integrated into their lives. Judges will need broader understanding for complex issues like synthetic biology and deep-sea mining. This transformation aims for a more accessible and responsive justice system for all.
Abhishek Sharma faced an early setback at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium. He was dismissed for a golden duck by Jofra Archer on the first ball. Ravi Bishnoi took the catch. This was Abhishek's seventh duck in 2026 T20 innings. Rajasthan Royals captain Riyan Parag won the toss and chose to bowl first.
The UN maritime agency chief Arsenio Dominguez stated Monday that no nation possesses the legal authority to obstruct shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. Access to this vital trade route remains blocked six weeks after the US-Iran war began. Dominguez emphasized that prohibiting innocent passage through international straits violates international law.
The BJP is fielding only women leaders in television debates this week. This move aims to emphasize the upcoming parliamentary discussions on the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam. Amendments to the Women's Reservation Act will be presented. The government seeks to implement 33 percent reservation for women in Lok Sabha and state assemblies from 2029.
Popeyes one piece: Popeyes is introducing its first anime collaboration with One Piece, launching a limited-time menu and collectibles across the US and Canada on April 13. In partnership with Toei Animation, the campaign celebrates the franchises 25-year legacy and over 600 million manga sales. Select locations offer free collectible bento boxes for early buyers, while exclusive merchandise drops online.

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