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Elections 2026Top News / The Economic Times
A Reddit post has ignited a discussion about excessive working hours and blurred boundaries in Indian workplaces. An employee at a Big 4 firm said that being asked to work weekends despite a five-day schedule. This has led to widespread sharing of similar experiences and a debate on employee rights versus management pressure.
Samajwadi Party MP Ram Gopal Yadav responded to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's criticism of the party regarding Noida. Yadav suggested India is heading towards monarchy. Modi had called Noida an 'ATM for loot' during the Noida International Airport inauguration. The airport project was inaugurated by Modi. Yadav also predicted Donald Trump's impeachment after midterm elections.
India's economic outlook is bolstered by robust domestic demand and improving high-frequency indicators, including strong auto sales and GST collections. However, rising geopolitical tensions, particularly in the Middle East, present significant stagflation risks and could impact growth and macro stability. External vulnerabilities remain a concern due to reliance on Middle Eastern energy and its importance for Indian exports and remittances.
Hanuman Jayanti kab hai: This year, Hanuman Jayanti will be celebrated on April 2, 2026. The festival is celebrated to commemorate the birth anniversary of Lord Hanuman. On this day, devotees light a diya in front of Lord Hanuman's idol, offer boondi ladoos and chant mantras. They also recite the Hanuman Chalisa as many times as possible.
New Jan Vishwas Bill: The proposed amendments reflect a broader policy push towards reducing criminal liability for business-related offences and promoting ease of doing business through a compliance-based regulatory approach.
RRB Group D Level-1 Examination results for 2026 are anticipated in April, determining eligibility for the Physical Efficiency Test (PET). The Railway Recruitment Board will release a PDF of shortlisted candidates' roll numbers and individual scorecards. Category-wise cut-off marks will also be announced alongside the results.
Luxury carmakers face a significant challenge as the Middle East market, vital for high profits, is under threat. Regional conflict has led to temporary showroom closures and a slump in demand. This comes as global demand for luxury vehicles weakens. Automakers are closely monitoring the situation, with some reporting a notable drop in business.
Possible nuclear use in Iran: UN-linked diplomat Mohamad Safa, the Main Representative of Patriotic Vision (PVA) at the United Nations, has resigned from his positions, levelling explosive allegations that the international body is preparing for a possible nuclear weapon use in Iran. In a series of statements posted to his official account on X, Safa claimed he sacrificed his 12-year diplomatic career to leak information regarding a potential uclear winter.
Vedanta Group has approached the Supreme Court seeking a stay on Adani Group's takeover of Jaiprakash Associates Ltd (JAL). Vedanta claims it was initially declared the highest bidder for JAL, but the decision was later reversed. Lenders, however, defend their choice of Adani's bid, citing upfront cash and faster repayment, despite Vedanta's higher financial offer.
K C Venugopal, AICC general secretary, claims the FCRA amendment bill targets minority communities and charitable organisations. He states the bill restricts charitable work and allows central intervention. Venugopal also criticizes the Prime Minister on the Sabarimala gold loss and AIIMS for Kerala. He highlights UDF poll promises and expresses confidence in winning the Kerala polls.
MHADA Lottery 2026: Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA) has officially launched its 2026 annual housing lottery, offering 2,640 affordable homes across prime Mumbai locations including Vikhroli, Goregaon, Borivali, and Wadala. The application window opens on March 30, 2026, at 3:00 PM, with a submission deadline of April 29, 2026.
DMK leader M K Stalin presented a manifesto for the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly election. The plan aims to boost the local economy and support small businesses. It includes increased financial aid for women and senior citizens. The manifesto also promises skill training for youth and new housing projects. The party plans to attract foreign investment and create jobs.
Punjab PSEB Class 5th Results 2026: The results of Punjab PSEB Class 5th results are expected to be released in the first week of April. But the results won't be declared online and the Class 5 scores will be available offline at schools. Students will receive them through their respective schools.
Crafting family constitutions requires more than technical drafting. Advisors must ensure all family members, regardless of education or language, understand governance principles. This involves using stories, local languages, and inclusive participation. The goal is to create a document that fosters fairness, continuity and belonging, ensuring it is owned and lived by the family for generations.
Air China restarted direct flights between Beijing and Pyongyang on Monday for the first time since the pandemic, although for now North Korea is only allowing in travellers with official or other special purposes. - North Korea's Air Koryo had already restarted flights from Beijing to Pyongyang in 2023.
Mumbai Indians skipper Suryakumar Yadav played as an impact substitute in the IPL opener due to a minor niggle. Head coach Mahela Jayawardene stated this was a precautionary measure. The team secured a six-wicket victory against Kolkata Knight Riders. Rohit Sharma and Ryan Rickelton displayed strong batting performances. Jayawardene also commented on Shardul Thakur's bowling and Rohit's current form.
Bhabanipur is the focal point of West Bengal's political landscape. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee faces a significant challenge from the BJP's Suvendu Adhikari. The Trinamool Congress relies on emotional appeals and organizational strength. The BJP aims to leverage social arithmetic and symbolism. This contest mirrors their previous clash in Nandigram. The outcome will determine the future of this key constituency.
Kerala's assembly election presents a dynamic contest. The ruling LDF seeks a historic hattrick victory, banking on welfare schemes and incumbent strength. The opposition UDF aims to reverse a trend of defeats, highlighting incumbency issues and offering new guarantees. The BJP continues its efforts to establish itself as a significant third force. Voters will decide the state's political future.
The Indian Certificate of Secondary Education and Indian School Certificate examinations will conclude soon. Results for both exams are anticipated by April 2026. Students can access their scorecards on the official CISCE websites. DigiLocker will also provide an alternative platform for checking results. A minimum of 33% overall marks is required to pass.
Actors Sara Arjun and Ishaan Khatter were spotted chatting at a Mumbai cricket match. Sara Arjun attended with her family to support the Mumbai team. Ishaan Khatter also joined the crowd. Videos of their brief interaction are circulating online. The actors previously worked together on a commercial. Sara Arjun is currently enjoying success with her film Dhurandhar.
The 'King of Rock and Roll,' Elvis Presley, once expressed profound humility, acknowledging that fortune can swiftly change, even suggesting he might be herding sheep next year. This quote, from a global icon, underscores the transient nature of fame and success, reminding us to remain grounded and adaptable in life's unpredictable journey.
Myanmar's junta leader Min Aung Hlaing is set to transition to a civilian role as vice-president. He has been nominated for the position and replaced as military commander. This move allows him to continue his leadership after the 2021 coup. Pro-military parties secured a dominant win in recent elections. The new government is expected to align closely with the military.
The upcoming Census will treat live-in couples as married if they deem their relationship stable. This clarification comes from the self-enumeration portal's FAQs. The first phase of the Census, starting April 1, 2026, will collect data on housing and household details. Citizens will answer questions about their homes and family structures.
Anand Mahindra's Monday motivation: Veteran industrialist Anand Mahindra is impressed with 20-year-old Bittu Tabahi from Madhya Pradesh's Biaora. Bittu Tabahi went viral for single-handedly cleaning the heavily polluted Ajnar River. Bittu began cleaning trash from the river on the 26th of January with the help of a few friends, earning a lot of praise from the locals.
The Directorate of Education (DoE), Delhi, is set to announce Class 9 annual examination results today, March 30, 2026. Students can check their scorecards online at edudel.nic.in. Successful candidates will be promoted to Class 10, while others will have an opportunity for supplementary exams.
The Iran-Israel war intensifies on its 31st day with strikes across multiple fronts, including Tehran and southern Israel. Casualties rise in Lebanon and Kuwait, with infrastructure targeted. US President Trump claims egime change in Iran. Diplomatic efforts are underway, but an information blackout persists in Iran.
Delhi Police have arrested Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorist Shabir Ahmed Lone. Lone was the handler for a terror module recently busted in the Metro Poster Case. He was reportedly in contact with Hafiz Saeed and Zaki-ur-Rahman Lakhvi. This arrest follows the busting of a Pakistan-based LeT module operating from Bangladesh last month, preventing a major incident.
The Delhi Directorate of Education is expected to announce Class 11 results for the 2025-26 academic session today, March 30. Students can check their stream-wise scores on the official website edudel.nic.in by entering their student ID and other required details. A minimum of 33% in each main subject is necessary to pass.
Police arrested Muhammad Roshan in Perinthalmanna for attempting to extort Rs 15 crore. Roshan allegedly threatened to circulate defamatory images of IUML state president Sayyid Sadikkali Shihab Thangal online. He also issued death threats if the matter was reported. Roshan was absconding since a case was registered last week. Fake images were also circulated on Facebook.
Australian police said Monday they shot a fugitive wanted for killing two officers, ending a seven-month manhunt for one of the country's most-wanted criminals. At one point involving around 450 police officers, the manhunt was one of the most significantly resourced police operations in Australian history, Bush said.
A month-long conflict between the US and Israel against Iran has escalated into a difficult stand-off. Initial strikes and retaliatory attacks have caused significant damage and a worsening human rights situation in Iran. Accountability for alleged international crimes by all sides appears elusive due to legal complexities and a lack of international cooperation.
Mahavir Jayanti Holiday 2026: Mahavir Jayanti will be observed on March 31, 2026. Since it is a gazetted holiday, schools, banks, post offices and stock markets will remain closed tomorrow. Mahavir Jayanti is the most significant day for Jain community people. Schools in most states will remain closed. Karnataka is observing a holiday today on Mahavir Jayanti.
Toyota's global production dropped for the fourth straight month in February. This decline was mainly due to lower output in Canada as the company transitioned to the new RAV4 model. Overall vehicle production saw a decrease compared to the previous year. Despite strong demand, the production switch impacted numbers.
Maharashtra's substantial land transfer to the MMRDA signals a major shift in infrastructure financing. Public land is now a primary, structured funding source, not just supplementary revenue. This move leverages land value to fund development, reducing reliance on debt and aligning with urban growth. The approach aims to unlock asset value for upfront capital generation.
Delhi is set for thunderstorms and rain later today. The minimum temperature across the city was recorded around 19.4 degrees Celsius. Palam registered 21 degrees Celsius, while Lodhi Road saw 19.4 degrees Celsius. Safdarjung recorded 20.4 degrees Celsius. The air quality is currently in the moderate category. Maximum temperatures are expected between 29 and 31 degrees Celsius.
The Punjab School Education Board (PSEB) is anticipated to release the Class 8 results for 2026 in the first week of April. Students can access their qualifying status and subject-wise marks on the official website, pseb.ac.in, after the announcement. The exams were conducted from February 17 to February 27, 2026.
A tragic accident on the Ganga Expressway service road in Hardoi claimed three lives. A car collided with a motorcycle near Khitauli village. Four people on the motorcycle and one car occupant sustained critical injuries. Doctors at Sawayajpur Community Health Centre pronounced three of the motorcycle riders dead. The injured are receiving medical attention. Investigations are ongoing.
Pakistan is embracing the world of cryptocurrency as a catalyst for enhancing its ties with the United States. A prominent meeting with Zachary Witkoff, the son of Donald Trump, as well as influential crypto leaders, showcases this innovative approach.
Melbourne Storm player Tui Kamikamica is recovering in hospital after a suspected stroke. The club confirmed he received treatment and is receiving the best care. This news adds to the Storm's injury concerns as they prepare for a tough match. Kamikamica has been a consistent player for the team since joining in 2017.
Garena Free Fire Max players can snag free in-game items using 12-character alphanumeric redeem codes, released regularly. These codes are time-sensitive and can only be used once. Players should visit the official redemption site, log in, and enter the code promptly to claim their rewards before they expire.
Despite geopolitical tensions and economic headwinds, investment banking is experiencing a robust first quarter with strong dealmaking and fundraising. However, persistent high energy prices and AI's disruptive potential pose significant risks, potentially halting the current boom. Bankers are rushing to close deals, wary of unpredictable political shifts.
Rahul Arunoday Banerjee Death News: Tragedy struck the Bengali film industry with the sudden demise of actor Rahul Arunoday Banerjee. He drowned at Talsari beach in Odisha while filming a television project. His wife Priyanka Sarkar has requested privacy for the family during this period of immense grief. Police have registered an unnatural death case.
G7 meeting: The United States and Israel launched strikes on Iran in late February and Tehran has hit back by targeting crude-exporting countries in the region and halting shipments through the Gulf.
Delhi DoE Class 9, 11 results 2026: The results of Class 9 and 11 annual exams might be released by the Directorate of Education (DoE) today on its official website edudel.nic.in. Students who fail to pass Class 9 and 11 exams will have the opportunity to appear for supplementary or improvement exams.
J-K attack on BSF: The incident occurred around 1.30 am when the two, an inspector and a sub-inspector of the Border Security Force (BSF), had gone for some investigation to Gujjar Basti Dwarkapuri in the Supwal area, officials said.
President Trump stated that the U.S. and Iran are engaging in direct and indirect talks, with Iran's new leaders described as very reasonable. Pakistan is preparing to host meaningful talks to end the month-long war, while Iran warns against a U.S. ground invasion. Thousands of additional U.S. troops have arrived in the region.
Australians will soon pay half the fuel tax for three months. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced this measure to ease pressure from high petrol prices. The government is also working to address fuel shortages. Measures include underwriting fuel shipments and reducing costs for trucks. Australians are urged to conserve fuel. Petrol prices have significantly increased.
Trump on Sunday described the ballroom as a shed for a massive military complex being built underneath. The ballroom will have high-grade, bullet-proof glass windows and a drone-proof roof, he said.
Toronto is launching a bold initiative to open city-run, not-for-profit grocery stores. This move aims to tackle soaring food prices and serve low-income areas. However, experts express doubts about the city's ability to compete with established retailers. The success hinges on matching the purchasing power and efficiency of the private sector. This experiment is being closely watched.

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