The Economic Times
Elections 2026Top News / The Economic Times
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar is confident of a Congress victory in the Bagalkote and Davanagere South Assembly bypolls. He cited strong public support for the party's guarantee schemes as a key factor. Shivakumar believes voters are leaning towards Congress due to rising prices and the continuation of welfare programs.
Academy Award-winning actor and producer Brad Pitt has identified the transition into middle age as a pivotal motivator in his professional trajectory. His philosophy highlights a shift from youthful momentum to a deliberate, legacy-focused career phase.
A 60-foot swing ride at the Bhainsaha Mela in Kushinagar collapsed, injuring at least 30 people, including women and children. The overcrowded ride reportedly failed due to poor anchoring and safety lapses, sending riders crashing to the ground amid heavy crowds and triggering panic.
The death toll from a spurious liquor tragedy in Bihar's East Champaran district has risen to six. Authorities have arrested 12 individuals in connection with the incident, with a murder case registered. Investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend the liquor supplier, while a police official has been suspended for negligence.
Gold rate prediction: A stronger dollar typically makes gold more expensive for holders of other currencies, thereby capping its upside.
The Delhi High Court has clarified that the Right to Education Act does not allow parents to choose a specific school for their child. This ruling came in a case where a mother sought admission for her ward in Class 2 under the EWS category. The court emphasized that the RTE Act aims for social inclusion, not individual school selection.
Juan Soto has hit safely in all eight Mets games this season. He entered Friday with a .282 career batting average and 245 home runs.
Venu Srinivasan has resigned from the Bai Hirabai Jamsetji Tata Navsari Charitable Institution. This move follows a dispute over his eligibility as a trustee. Another trustee, Mehli Mistry, challenged Srinivasan and Vijay Singh's qualifications. Mistry claims they do not meet the Parsi Zoroastrian faith and Mumbai residency requirements. Srinivasan cited other business commitments for his departure.
U.S. Weather Forecast: Freezing rain will pound areas across eastern Minnesota, Northern Wisconsin, and Northern Michigan. The ice storm may lead to tree damages and power outages in those areas.
President Donald Trump is contemplating significant changes within his cabinet. This potential reshuffle follows the removal of Attorney General Pam Bondi and is driven by frustration over the ongoing war with Iran. The conflict has negatively impacted gas prices and Trump's approval ratings. Allies suggest personnel changes are needed to project strength ahead of the midterm elections.
Delhi Capitals captain Axar Patel chose to bowl first against Mumbai Indians. Suryakumar Yadav will lead Mumbai Indians as Hardik Pandya is unwell. Mumbai Indians made several changes to their lineup. Delhi Capitals are fielding an unchanged team for this IPL match.
Missing pilot of downed U.S. Fighter Jet: The warplane, identified by Iran as a US F-15E Strike Eagle, was one of two attacked on Friday, with one service member rescued and at least one missing.
GT vs RR Playing 11, Head to Head: Gujarat Titans face Rajasthan Royals in Ahmedabad after mixed starts. GT lost narrowly, while RR secured a dominant win. The match analysis suggests Ahmedabad's pitch may favour GT's bowling, but RR's pace attack poses an early threat. Both teams boast strong middle orders, making crucial runs and quick scoring vital for victory.
Easter Sunday 2026 approaches with varied shopping hours across Australia. Major supermarkets like Woolworths, Coles, and ALDI will have different opening times. Many stores will close on Good Friday and Easter Sunday. Shoppers should check local store details for specific trading hours nationwide. Planning ahead is essential for Easter long weekend shopping.
BJP national president Nitin Nabin stated that past Congress governments made Barak Valley a crime hub. He claimed this was for vote bank politics and appeasing infiltrators. People punished Congress by voting for the BJP-led NDA government. Nabin expressed confidence in the NDA retaining power with a large mandate.
Raghav Chadha Party: Raghav Chadha has vehemently denied allegations of falsehoods and a coordinated attack following his removal as AAP's deputy leader in the Rajya Sabha. He refuted claims of failing to join opposition walkouts and refusing to sign a motion against the CEC, challenging critics to provide proof and questioning his sole targeting.
DC vs MI, Delhi Weather: Delhi's weather poses a significant threat to the DC vs MI IPL 2026 clash, with thunderstorms and increasing rain probability expected. The Arun Jaitley Stadium pitch may initially favor fast bowlers before settling for batters. Both teams aim for a strong start, with Mumbai Indians holding a historical head-to-head advantage.
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP Raghav Chadha issued a sharp three-point rebuttal on Saturday, April 4, 2026, following his removal as the partys deputy leader in the Rajya Sabha. In a video message shared on X, Chadha described the allegations leveled against him by the party leadership as a coordinated attack and a scripted campaign intended to silence his voice.
A US study suggests a link between infectious mononucleosis and a higher risk of developing multiple sclerosis. The research indicates that individuals who had mono were more likely to develop MS. Experts emphasize that this does not mean mono causes MS. Genetic and environmental factors play a role. Improved diagnosis may explain rising younger MS cases.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has urged all political parties to support an unopposed by-election for the Baramati assembly seat. This move aims to elect Sunetra Pawar, wife of the late Ajit Pawar. Fadnavis cited past precedents to encourage consensus. Sunetra Pawar is expected to file her nomination soon for the upcoming by-election.
Tamil Nadu Assembly Elections 2026: A Member of Parliament from the DMK party has voiced strong opposition to the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill. He alleges the legislation unfairly targets Christian institutions and individuals. The MP stated the bill's provisions are draconian and aim to divest minorities of their properties. He questioned the national interest behind such actions.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee alleges the NIA is targeting innocent locals in Malda. She states the real culprits behind the judicial officer gherao have escaped. Banerjee urged voters to approach tribunals for name re-inclusion in voter lists. She warned against provocations, accusing the BJP of instigating violence and using central agencies.
Tennis legend Leander Paes will focus on India's 2036 Olympic bid and youth development. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has assigned him this crucial role. Paes aims to strengthen sports infrastructure and prevent brain drain from West Bengal. He also plans to contribute to hosting the Commonwealth Games in Gujarat.
A strike near Irans Bushehr nuclear power plant killed a security guard and damaged a building, according to state media. Iranian outlet Tasnim said the main sections of the facility were not affected and operations continue normally.
Attacks struck a key petrochemical hub in Iran's Khuzestan province. Five people were wounded in the explosions. Iranian media reported U.S.-Israeli strikes hit the Special Petrochemical Zone in Mahshahr. The Bandar Imam Petrochemical Complex also faced air attacks. Critical energy infrastructure in Iran is now under attack. The full extent of the damage is still unknown.
Iran's air defences have downed two US aircraft, challenging American assumptions of air superiority. This development forces a strategic rethink for US and Israeli forces. Options now include escalation, continuing current operations with higher risks, or pursuing diplomacy. The campaign's future now hinges on balancing deterrence with the cost of conflict.
A football coach from Madhya Pradesh has achieved a historic sporting feat. Param Ashawar invested personal loans to support the District Raisen Football Club. The team of underprivileged girls has now qualified for Tier 2 of the Indian Womens League. This success marks a significant milestone for grassroots football in the state.
Karunya KR-748 Lottery Result (04-04-2026): The Kerala State Lotteries Department conducts the high-stakes draw for the Karunya KR-748 weekly lottery today, April 4, 2026. The event will be held at Gorky Bhavan in Thiruvananthapuram, featuring a grand first prize of 1 crore.
Easter, a significant Christian festival, marks Jesus Christ's resurrection. It symbolizes hope and new beginnings. In 2026, Easter falls on April 5. The article provides various greetings, from religious blessings to funny puns, for people to share with loved ones. These messages capture the joy of the season and the promise of brighter days ahead.
West Bengal elections are heating up. Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee has attacked the BJP's 'Double Engine' slogan. He claims the BJP is using central agencies and local allies to rig the upcoming polls. Banerjee expressed confidence in his party's victory, citing strong public response in various regions. The elections are scheduled for April 23 and April 29.
A school in Kausani, Uttarakhand, built a temple to address paranormal fears. Funds were reportedly collected from students, parents, and teachers. The construction followed incidents of students fainting. The education department has ordered an investigation into the matter. Strict action will be taken against those found responsible.
Jawad Ahmad Siddiqui, chairman of Al-Falah group, has been sent to judicial custody for 14 days. This follows his arrest in a money laundering case. The Enforcement Directorate investigated the fraudulent acquisition of land worth Rs 45 crore. Forged documents were allegedly used in the transaction.
Puducherry's upcoming April 9 polls see TVK chief Vijay criticizing the DMK-Congress and NR Congress-BJP alliances. He promises full statehood for Puducherry and populist welfare schemes. These include Rs 25 lakh medical insurance for families and free electricity for the poor. Vijay also pledges local body elections within six months and a new university.
Rahul Gandhi criticizes Kerala's ruling LDF and the BJP. He alleges Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan partners with groups attacking minorities nationwide. Gandhi claims a BJP-LDF understanding and accuses Prime Minister Modi of silence on Kerala's issues. He highlights a shift within the LDF, stating it lacks its former Left ideals.
Delhi will soon see stricter rules for goods vehicles entering the capital. From November 1, only BS-VI compliant, CNG, and electric trucks will be allowed. This is part of a new plan to fight air pollution. The government is also pushing for more electric buses and charging points. Other measures include better public transport and managing traffic hotspots.
The Delhi High Court has protected preacher Aniruddhacharya's personality rights. Social media platforms must remove content misusing his name, voice, or image. The court found a strong case for infringement, rejecting defenses of parody. Unauthorized use of a person's identity violates their rights. Immediate relief prevents irreparable harm to his reputation and goodwill.
INS Aridaman: India has significantly strengthened its naval capabilities with the commissioning of the nuclear-powered submarine INS Aridaman and the induction of the stealth frigate Taragiri. These developments enhance Indias nuclear deterrence and maritime defence capabilities, reflecting a strong push towards indigenous shipbuilding and self-reliance in the Indo-Pacific region.
US-Israel Iran War: Five European Union finance ministers are urging the EU Commission to implement a tax on energy companies' windfall profits. This move comes in response to soaring fuel prices, which are being linked to the ongoing Iran war. The ministers believe this action will demonstrate unity and a commitment to easing the financial strain on the public.
The BJP plans to combat 'Love Jihad' and 'Land Jihad' if it wins the West Bengal assembly polls. Party leader Samik Bhattacharya described the election as a crucial fight for the existence of Bengali Hindus and nationalist Muslims. He linked this to demographic changes in border districts and alleged minority appeasement by the ruling TMC.
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.
Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin urged voters to defeat the hostile Delhi team in the upcoming April 23 Assembly election. He emphasized the need to extend the DMK's development work and welfare initiatives, such as free bus travel for women and monthly grants for family heads.
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.
Saskatchewan faces high tuberculosis rates, particularly in northern Indigenous communities, with infections significantly exceeding national averages. The NDP criticizes the provincial government for allegedly withholding information on northern cases, while health officials emphasize that general public risk is low. Factors like limited healthcare access and poor housing contribute to the spread.

30 C