The Economic Times

AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami has strongly criticized the DMK's Rs 8,000 coupon promise for women. He alleges the scheme is designed to earn commissions and that people will be fooled again. Palaniswami accused the DMK government of corruption and prioritizing looting over public welfare. He highlighted AIADMK's welfare proposals for the upcoming polls.

Petrol, Diesel prices today (March 30): The prices of petrol and diesel have remained the same in major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru and Hyderabad today, March 30, 2026. In Delhi, petrol is being sold at Rs 94.77 per litre, while diesel is priced at Rs 87.67 per litre. Rates are comparatively steeper in Mumbai, where petrol is being sold at Rs 103.54 per litre and diesel at about Rs 90.03 per litre.

US President Donald Trump stated Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei might be seriously injured. He also highlighted increased oil tanker activity in the Strait of Hormuz. Trump mentioned twenty large oil tankers are expected to pass through the vital waterway starting tomorrow. This development signals significant regional shifts and impacts global oil supplies.

Taiwan's opposition KMT party leader will visit China in April, accepting an invitation from President Xi Jinping. This trip aims to promote peaceful cross-strait relations and strengthen exchanges. The visit occurs as Taiwan's government seeks increased defense spending, a move the KMT supports with conditions.

WTO talks: The talks at a WTO meeting in Cameroon were seeking to bridge differences over extending the e-commerce moratorium, and agree to a plan for broader reform of the organisation.

Rajasthan Class 12 Result 2026: The results of RBSE Board Class 12 results are expected to be released on March 31, 2026, at 1 pm. Once the results are declared, students can check their RBSE 12th results on official websites: rajeduboard.rajasthan.gov.in and rajasthan.gov.in. They can also access the RBSE 12th board result 2026 via DigiLocker and SMS.

A seven-month manhunt for fugitive gunman Dezi Freeman has ended. Freeman, accused of killing two police officers, was shot dead by Australian police in Victoria. The incident followed a three-hour standoff at a rural property. Over 450 officers were involved in the extensive search for Freeman, who was described as a conspiracy theorist with bushcraft skills and firearms.

Global trade faces a significant setback following the deadlock at World Trade Organization talks in Cameroon. Britain's business and trade secretary, Peter Kyle, expressed disappointment, stating the failure to reach a collective decision was not the desired outcome. The UK had actively worked towards necessary changes within the WTO.

Mumbai-Kolkata IPL Match: Rohit Sharma's blazing fifty helped the Mumbai Indians seal a win by 6 wickets against Kolkata Knight Riders. The Mumbai Indians chased down a daunting 221-run target with five balls to spare, defeating the Kolkata Knight Riders by six wickets. This result gives the Mumbai Indians a strong start to IPL 2026 with a net run rate boost of +0.687.

Iran's joint military command has declared the private residences of US and Israeli officials in the Middle East legitimate targets. This declaration comes after Iran claims the US and Israel have targeted Iranian residential homes. The move escalates regional tensions as the conflict enters its first month.

Los Angeles authorities deployed tear gas and made dozens of arrests after a No Kings rally protesting President Trump's actions and the war in Iran. While most of the thousands of nationwide and international demonstrations remained peaceful, some protesters in LA threw objects at officers, leading to the arrests.

Politico has appointed insider Jonathan Greenberger as its new editor in chief, effective May 1. He succeeds John Harris, who will become chairman. Greenberger, previously an executive vice president, was recognized for his innovative ideas and ability to drive organizational change. Politico leads U.S. political news sites in traffic.

Iran's heavy water production plant at Khondab has sustained severe damage and is no longer operational following an attack on March 27, according to the International Atomic Energy Agency. The UN nuclear watchdog confirmed the facility contains no declared nuclear material.

The Election Commission has transferred 173 police station officers across West Bengal. This move aims to ensure free and fair Assembly elections. Key constituencies like Bhabanipur and Nandigram are included in the reshuffle. Fourteen block development officers in Purba Medinipur were also transferred. These large-scale transfers seek to ensure neutrality and a level playing field.

Factory disruptions are easing as commercial LPG supplies improve and migrant workers return, with companies offering support. The government increased commercial LPG allocation by 20 percentage points to 70% of pre-squeeze levels, prioritizing key labor-intensive sectors like steel, automobiles, and textiles.

Many women may make Social Security decisions without looking at their full retirement plan. Waiting for higher benefits sounds good, but it can mean using savings early. This may create risks, especially for longer retirements. Experts say timing affects taxes, investments and lifestyle. The best choice depends on personal goals, income sources and when someone wants financial flexibility in retirement.

A Ukrainian drone strike hit Russia's Ust-Luga port on Sunday. This major oil export facility caught fire. Ukraine has targeted Russia's oil infrastructure this month. Attacks have disrupted oil supplies. This comes as global oil prices are high. The port handles significant oil exports daily. Ukraine's security agency confirmed the strike caused serious damage and a fire.

India is pushing for fair global fishing subsidy rules. Minister Piyush Goyal stated India's subsidies are very low. He urged the WTO to consider developing nations' needs. India wants a 25-year transition period for these countries. The aim is to prevent overfishing and protect vulnerable communities. These discussions are happening at the WTO Ministerial Conference.

The enchanted land at Disneyland Paris features the Frozen Ever After boat ride and character encounters with Anna and Elsa. The broader relaunch adds a vast central lake, a Tangled attraction, 15 new dining locations and a nighttime spectacular using what Disney calls the world's first combined aquatic and aerial drone system.

World Trade Organization talks in Cameroon extended beyond deadlines. Negotiators from the US and Brazil debated agriculture and electronic transmission tariffs. India prevented a China-backed investment agreement from joining the WTO. This pact will now be negotiated separately. India also pushed for progress on development issues and special treatment for developing nations.

Kerala is gearing up for an intense assembly election. The ruling LDF faces a challenge to secure a third consecutive victory against the UDF, which aims to regain power. The election is being fought on contrasting planks of welfare schemes versus anti-incumbency. New social and political equations are shaping the contest, with the BJP also vying for a role.

Tiger Woods faced trouble after a crash that upset Vanessa Trump. Reports say she was angry and questioned his actions. He was charged and later tried to calm the situation. Sources claim he felt embarrassed and may seek treatment. Their relationship is now under focus as the incident brings attention to their future together and raises concerns among close friends.

Actor C Joseph Vijay will contest the Tamil Nadu assembly election from Perambur and Trichy East. His party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, released its candidate list on Sunday. Vijay promised to create a drug-free Tamil Nadu and provide collateral-free education loans. Several other prominent candidates are also set to contest on behalf of the TVK party.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has urged voters to grant the BJP another term in Assam. He assured that the state will be made free from infiltrators. Shah highlighted efforts to curb infiltration and reclaim encroached land. He stated that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India's borders are secure.

The strikes mark another blow to the region's commodity sector, with exports already constrained by the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Beyond shipping disruptions, direct damage to industrial infrastructure could delay a return to normal operations even after the conflict ends.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has responded strongly to a BJP charge sheet. She questioned if the BJP is planning to harm her. Banerjee accused the BJP of deleting names of genuine voters from the electoral rolls. She urged her party workers to assist affected citizens in appealing the deletions.

The Assam Congress has announced five key guarantees. These include 50,000 monthly financial aid for women's entrepreneurship. Every family will receive cashless health insurance worth 25 lakh. Permanent land pattas will be provided to 10 lakh indigenous people. Justice in the Zubeen Garg case is also promised within 100 days. These promises were made after consulting the public.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin launched the DMK's election manifesto. The party promises to double monthly assistance for women heads of families to 2,000. Old age pensions will also rise to 2,000. The manifesto includes schemes for household appliances, free electricity, and laptops for students. Economic plans focus on attracting investments and creating jobs.

Jorhat's assembly seat sees a respectful election battle. BJP's Hitendra Nath Goswami faces Congress' Gaurav Gogoi. Campaigning remains civil, avoiding personal attacks. This contrasts with other election trends in Assam. Voters appreciate the decorum. Assam holds single-phase assembly polls on April 9. The region is on high alert following recent explosions and militant attacks.

Kerala's Opposition leader VD Satheesan predicts a United Democratic Front win in the upcoming assembly election. He expects over 100 seats for the front. Satheesan believes this victory will strengthen the Congress party in southern India. He also stated that the All-India Congress Committee will decide on leadership if the party wins.

While the domestic intranet remains operational -- supporting local messaging apps, banking platforms and other services -- access to the global internet has been severely restricted. Many Iranians have been left with little choice but to rely on state-controlled platforms and costly alternatives to stay in touch with loved ones.

Kim Kardashian and Lewis Hamilton created buzz during their Japan trip. Fans expected her to appear at his race, but she was missing from the event. Hamilton was seen with another celebrity, which raised questions online. Kim spent time with her family instead. Social media posts and sightings kept rumors going, leaving fans curious about their rumored relationship.

Pakistan hosted talks with Turkey, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia. Discussions focused on reopening the Strait of Hormuz to shipping. Proposals were sent to Washington. Iran warned the US against a ground attack. Global oil prices surged amid continued fighting. Countries are working to stabilize shipping flows.

Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy announced a new policy. Sportspersons excelling in sports will now receive government jobs. This initiative aims to secure a bright future for students in sports. The state is also developing the Gachibowli Sports Complex. The Chief Minister expressed concern over substance abuse among students.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that India's global relations and international support have helped it navigate the petrol and diesel crisis stemming from the West Asia war. He expressed gratitude to Gulf countries for assisting Indians there and urged citizens to remain united and disregard rumors, warning against politicizing the situation.

A major Indian defence program for new long endurance drones has been delayed. Companies requested more time to submit bids due to the ongoing conflict in West Asia. The deadline for the 30,000-crore tender has been extended by two months. This program aims to boost indigenous drone manufacturing in India.

Pakistan's Foreign Minister announced plans for US-Iran talks in Islamabad. This initiative follows consultations with Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Turkiye regarding the West Asia conflict. The ministers agreed the ongoing war benefits no one and stressed Muslim unity. Visiting dignitaries fully support the proposed US-Iran dialogue. This development comes as direct talks between the US and Iran are delayed.

Todays Quote of the Day by Liu Xiaobo talks about freedom and hope. It reminds people that the desire to be free never ends. The message inspires courage, human rights, and belief in change. Liu Xiaobos life also reflects the struggle for democracy and justice. This quote encourages readers to stay strong and keep believing in a better future today ahead.

A teenager's life was tragically cut short in Varanasi's Panditpur area. Accused of stealing a mobile phone, the 17-year-old was allegedly taken from his home and beaten to death by a group of men. Police have registered a murder case and are actively searching for the prime accused, Ramesh Patel, and his accomplices.

The Election Commission of India has undertaken a major reshuffle of 184 police officers and 83 Block Development Officers across West Bengal. This move aims to ensure violence-free and transparent assembly polls. Key police stations in violence-prone areas and sensitive constituencies have seen new postings. The commission is also reviewing actions taken against officers for past poll violence.

April 2026 horoscope: The ongoing planetary movements suggest a period of optimism and growth, particularly for the four highlighted Zodiac Signs. While astrology interpretations vary, the current alignment of Jupiter and Venus is widely regarded as supportive for financial progress, emotional healing and personal development.

Olivia Munn shared her breast cancer journey after finding a high-risk score from a quick online test. She took strong treatment steps and later spoke openly to spread awareness. Her partner supported her during the tough time, and she also focused on family life. Her story encouraged many women to learn about risk testing and think about early health checks.

A potter from Gujarat has created a clay refrigerator. This device preserves food without electricity. It uses evaporation to keep items cool for days. The innovation arose after the 2001 Gujarat earthquake. It provides a low-cost alternative for many households. The National Innovation Foundation recognized this grassroots invention. It showcases traditional knowledge meeting modern needs.

Quote of the Day by Barbara Walters talks about kindness and compassion. The message encourages people to believe in the goodness of others. It highlights the idea of making the world better with humanity. This inspiring quote motivates readers to stay positive, treat people well, and spread care in daily life. It is simple, meaningful, and still relevant today.