The Economic Times

A young businessman running a company with 1 crore annual revenue was convinced by bank officials to buy three non-market linked insurance policies with a combined yearly premium of 11 lakh, promised as 100% tax-free. After paying 22 lakh, he discovered that exceeding the 5 lakh aggregate premium limit under new tax rules makes the maturity proceeds taxable, resulting in a potential 15 lakh loss on surrender.

A political row has erupted in Karnataka after students were allegedly asked to remove their sacred 'janeu' threads before writing the Common Entrance Test. The BJP has accused the Congress government of religious discrimination and appeasement politics. The college has suspended an invigilator and a government probe has been ordered. Police have detained staff for questioning.

India is gearing up for Census 2027, the nation's 16th census. This massive undertaking will be the world's largest, featuring digital integration and mobile data collection. The census will capture detailed demographic, social, and economic information. Comprehensive caste enumeration is also planned. The government has approved significant funding for this crucial exercise, ensuring accurate data for policymaking.

Three men in a BMW and Toyota Fortuner allegedly attacked and briefly kidnapped a toll worker near Bengaluru after refusing to pay the toll. Claiming ties to a local MLA, they forced their way through the barrier, assaulting the toll collector and his colleague. Police have registered an FIR and are searching for the accused.

The Karnataka High Court has observed that India being a secular country does not mean Dharmic and cultural activities cannot be allowed. The court made the remarks while setting aside a Bengaluru civic body order that had denied permission to Malleshwaram Brahmana Sabha to hold Shankaracharya Jayanti at an auditorium in Sankey Tank Park.

Russian influencers are publicly criticising President Putin's government and policies. This dissent stems from economic hardship and strict internet controls. While not an immediate threat, it signals a growing challenge for the Kremlin. Putin's approval ratings have seen a decline. Internet shutdowns and a strained economy are fueling public frustration across Russia.

As extreme weather events become more frequent and less predictable, the future of Indian agriculture will depend on how effectively it combines traditional wisdom with technological innovation.

Delhi Traffic Police has issued an advisory for the upcoming IPL match between Delhi Capitals and Punjab Kings on April 25. Commuters can expect significant congestion in central Delhi due to the match, with potential road diversions and restrictions in place from 1 pm to 9 pm.

US-Iran war impact: Gulf crude oil output may rebound quickly once the Strait of Hormuz reopens. Goldman Sachs research suggests a swift recovery is possible within months. However, a full return to pre-war levels could take longer. Pipeline capacity, tanker availability, and field workovers will influence the speed of the ramp-up. Extended closure risks prolonged delays and potential capacity scarring.

Giant octopus fossil: A new study published in Science reveals that giant octopus-like creatures up to 19 metres long lived as apex predators in the ancient oceans 100 million years ago. Fossilised beaks show they crushed bones and rivalled mosasaurs. The discovery suggests these intelligent invertebrates dominated marine food webs long before modern legends of the Kraken.

Islamabad faces a week-long security lockdown. Markets are deserted and transport disrupted. This is the second lockdown in recent weeks. Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived for talks. US officials were also expected. Hopes remain for engagements to promote regional peace and stability. The first round of talks failed to produce a breakthrough.

Microsoft's voluntary retirement: US tech company Microsoft has announced its first-ever voluntary retirement program and the scheme is open to around 7% of its US workforce. If an employee's age and years of service must add up to 70, then he/she is eligible for voluntary retirement and the program is limited to those at the senior director level and below.

A 25-year-old product manager in Gurgaon shared his monthly expenses, totaling 90,000. Despite living frugally with no expensive hobbies, his costs include rent, subscriptions, groceries, and a significant 30,000 trip. The post resonated with young professionals facing similar financial realities in urban India.

Former Army Chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane has released a new book. It reveals lesser-known stories from India's armed forces. The book unearths military myths and mysteries. It includes tales of soldiers, naval incidents, and airmen. The book is researched and readable. It highlights duty, loyalty, and tradition within the forces.

The Election Commission (EC) has said that no repoll will be held in any polling stations in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu where assembly elections were conducted on Thursday.

Taiwan's defense ministry reported Chinese aircraft and vessels near its territory. This follows similar detections on previous days. China claims Taiwan as its own territory. Taiwan maintains its independent governance. The island's status remains a significant international point of debate.

K Kavitha, daughter of former Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao, has launched a new political party named Telangana Rashtra Sena (TRS), marking her formal entry into a new political role in the state.

Rudraprayag is battling 20 forest fires this season. Nearly 15 hectares of forest land have been impacted. Officials cite dry weather and human negligence for the surge. Several fires appear to be deliberately set. Authorities are taking strict action against offenders, including financial penalties and jail time. Investigations are ongoing to apprehend those responsible for the fires.

Aam Aadmi Party leaders are strategising after several Rajya Sabha MPs joined the BJP. Senior leader Manish Sisodia met with party convenor Arvind Kejriwal to discuss the impact of the split. The party plans to write to the Rajya Sabha Chairman seeking action against defecting MPs under the anti-defection law.

Alexander Graham Bell, the inventor of the telephone, revolutionized communication by enabling instant long-distance conversations. His quote, Before anything else, preparation is the key to success, underscores the importance of planning. Born in 1847 in Scotland, Bell's legacy continues to shape our connected world, from early innovations to modern digital communication.

UK board 12th Toppers: The Uttarakhand Board of School Education will announce the UK Board Class 12 Result 2026 on April 25 at 10 AM. The toppers list will also be released. Over one lakh students appeared for the exams. Students can check their results online at uaresults.nic.in by entering their roll number. A minimum of 33% is required to pass each subject.

Quote of the Day: Chris Hemsworth delivered a powerful quote in the film Rush. The line The closer you are to death, the more alive you feel captures the intense mindset of Formula 1 drivers. This sentiment resonates with the idea that facing risks can deepen our appreciation for life. Hemsworth's portrayal of James Hunt showcased his acting range.

Unusual US fuel shipments to Asia reveal global oil supply chain disruptions. Military-grade jet fuel and diesel are sailing from Washington state to the Philippines and Japan. These voyages underscore the impact of the Iran war on oil flows. Asia-Pacific nations are increasingly relying on US supplies as traditional routes are constrained. This trend highlights a global jet fuel crunch.

India faces a split weather forecast with heatwaves gripping northern and central regions while eastern, northeastern, and southern states brace for rain, thunderstorms, and strong winds. The IMD predicts prolonged heat in Rajasthan and widespread heavy showers in the Northeast, alongside unstable weather across eastern India.

UK board 10th Toppers: The names of Class 10 toppers, their marks and rankings will be released along with the UK Board Class 10th results today. Last year, two students, Kamal Singh Chauhan and Jatin Joshi, secured the top position in Class 10, getting 99.20 percent. Students can check names of toppers on ubse.uk.gov.in and uaresults.nic.in

Uttarakhand Board Result 2026 DigiLocker: UK board Class 10 and 12 results are set for declaration today. Students can check their marksheets on ubse.uk.gov.in and uaresults.nic.in. The results will also include improvement examination results for 2025. Exams concluded in March. This announcement is crucial for students' next academic steps and college admissions. Digital access ensures quick and secure access to results.

The US military has said it killed two people in a strike on a suspected drug-trafficking vessel in the Eastern Pacific, as part of its ongoing campaign against what it calls narco-terrorists in Latin America. The US Southern Command stated that the vessel was operated by Designated Terrorist Organizations and was moving along known narcotics routes when it was targeted in a lethal kinetic strike. Officials said intelligence confirmed involvement in drug-trafficking activities.

A recent CUTS International webinar under its Geoeconomic Monograph Series highlighted how global economics and geopolitics are now deeply intertwined, with experts arguing that tools like tariffs, energy deals and semiconductor production have become instruments of state power.

Kazakhstan is emerging as a key digital hub in Central Asia, backed by a broad national push in artificial intelligence, digital governance, connectivity and startup development. The country has rolled out major reforms and infrastructure upgrades to position itself as a bridge between Europe and Asia in the global technology race.

US naval forces have intercepted an Iranian-flagged ship. This action is part of a wider US strategy to enforce a maritime blockade against Iran. Several other vessels have also been intercepted globally. The US military is prepared to continue these operations in the Pacific and Indian Oceans. These interdictions aim to prevent sanctioned Iranian oil from reaching its destination.

Students taking the Common Entrance Test in Bengaluru reported being forced to remove sacred religious threads. This incident occurred at a college centre in Madivala. Parents have protested the alleged rule violation. Political leaders have also voiced strong criticism against the government. The controversy highlights confusion over exam regulations and their implementation.

Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez affirmed his nation's reliability within NATO. This comes after reports suggested the United States considered suspending Spain. The US reportedly considered this due to Spain's stance on military operations against Iran. Sanchez stated Spain fulfills all its obligations. He expressed no worry regarding the reports. The NATO treaty lacks provisions for member suspension or expulsion.

America's top lawyer claims President Trump's actions against Iran were in self-defense. He states the bombing campaign was not a new war but a continuation of an existing conflict. This argument comes as the administration faces a deadline to seek Congressional approval for the war. Iran responded with missile and drone attacks.

UK Board Class 10th Result 2026: The UK Board Class 10th results are being released today at 10 am on official websites uaresults.nic.in, ubse. uk.gov.in and DigiLocker. Students can check their results using their roll numbers. Candidates must secure 33% in each subject, qualifying theory and practical separately.

America and the European Union are boosting cooperation on vital minerals. This partnership aims to reduce dependence on China for materials essential for modern industries. Officials signed an agreement to secure and produce these minerals. A separate trade plan will address unfair practices. This move strengthens transatlantic ties and seeks diverse supply chains for future technologies.

Uttar Pradesh is experiencing a severe heatwave, with Prayagraj exceeding 45C and eight cities ranking among the nation's hottest. The India Meteorological Department has issued alerts, warning of extreme heat persisting for several more days. Relief is not expected until around April 27-29, with potential for light rain in western parts of the state.

Israel and Lebanon have agreed to a three-week ceasefire extension. Prime Minister Netanyahu stated that Hezbollah is attempting to disrupt peace efforts. He also highlighted strong cooperation with the United States and President Trump's pressure on Iran. This development marks a significant step towards restoring security in the region.

BJP National President Nitin Nabin met and welcomed the Rajya Sabha MPs Raghav Chadha, Sandeep Pathak, and Ashok Mittal at the BJP Headquarters in Delhi after they joined the Bhartiya Janata Party.

This Jewish proverb teaches that life has both bad and good times. It says you must stay strong during problems to see happiness later. The message is about patience, hope, and not giving up. It reminds people that tough times are part of success and better days come after struggle if you keep going.

AP 10th Class Results 2026 Date and Time: The results of BSE AP SSC 2026 are not being released today, the School Education Department, Andhra Pradesh, has confirmed. There is no official update on the new date and time, but reports indicate that results might be declared by the end of April. Students can check AP SSC results on bse.ap.gov.in.

Seven Aam Aadmi Party Rajya Sabha MPs have resigned from the party. Raghav Chadha and others stated the party has strayed from its founding principles. Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta described the resignations as a blow to Arvind Kejriwal's leadership. The Aam Aadmi Party called the move a betrayal and accused the BJP of orchestrating the split.

Legal experts say the Tenth Schedule allows a two-thirds majority of a legislature party to merge with another party. This means joining the BJP by seven AAP Rajya Sabha MPs led by Raghav Chadha would not violate anti-defection laws. The Supreme Court has previously upheld this provision. Experts suggest the Tenth Schedule is ineffective and should be replaced.

Ahead of the India Africa Forum Summit, officials urged deeper engagement with African financial institutions and enhanced insurance for projects. India's commitment to Africa's development is evident in its expanding diplomatic presence and significant overseas development assistance. Despite strong trade growth, Africa faces substantial financing challenges for infrastructure and a persistent trade finance deficit.

European Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic discussed U.S. sanctions relief on Russian oil with U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. Sefcovic understood the relief was temporary, addressing difficulties faced by lower-income nations due to Strait of Hormuz closures. Both officials also focused on fertilizer supply chain disruptions impacting Europe and Africa. Bessent urged G20 nations to act on fertilizer access.