The Economic Times

The National Testing Agency (NTA) is expected to release the JEE Main Session 2 Result 2026 around April 20, 2026. Candidates can check their scorecards on official NTA websites after logging in with their application number and password or date of birth.

National Security Advisor Ajit Doval visited Saudi Arabia for high-level talks. Discussions covered bilateral ties, energy cooperation, and regional issues. This visit followed a meeting with Ukraine's National Security and Defence Council Secretary. Both engagements focused on strategic dialogue and geopolitical concerns. India reiterated its stance on peaceful resolution through diplomacy.

Bulgaria's election shows a strong win for former President Rumen Radev. Exit polls indicate a significant victory for his party. This outcome could end years of weak governments. Radev's win may alter Bulgaria's foreign policy. Voters are frustrated with corruption and political instability. Final results are expected soon.

Chaos erupted at Surat's Udhna Railway Station on Sunday. Passengers struggled in heat and long queues for a Bihar-bound train. Many migrant workers gathered amid summer vacations and industrial slowdown. Police reportedly used mild baton charges to control the situation. Passengers complained about inadequate facilities and overcrowding. Railways stated the situation was normal and under control.

U.S. forces conducted a strike on a boat in the Caribbean, resulting in the deaths of three individuals identified as illicit drug smugglers. The vessel was traveling on known narco-trafficking routes. This incident is part of a broader U.S. military effort against drug trafficking in the Western Hemisphere.

AHSEC Assam 12th Result Date: The Assam Higher Secondary Education Council is expected to release Class 12 results in the last week of April 2026. Students can check their marks on official websites like ahsec.assam.gov.in and resultsassam.nic.in, as well as via DigiLocker. The results will be available for Science, Arts, and Commerce streams.

Pakistan's military chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, is in Tehran carrying US proposals for a second round of US-Iran peace talks. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and his foreign minister are engaging regional allies. This coordinated effort aims to advance the peace process. The talks are expected to take place in Islamabad this week. Security is being heightened in the capital.

An Israeli soldier is under investigation after a photograph surfaced on social media showing him damaging a statue of Jesus Christ in a Christian village in southern Lebanon. The Israel Defense Forces condemned the act, stating it is inconsistent with their values and are working to restore the statue.

Tata Trusts is currently under the microscope due to its ongoing trustee appointments. Recent legislation in Maharashtra has placed limitations on these positions, striking a chord with the Sir Ratan Tata Trust and the Tata Education and Development Trust. This legislative shift is designed to bolster governance standards and diminish potential legal conflicts.

UP Board Class 10 and Class 12 results for 2026 are anticipated soon. The Uttar Pradesh Madhyamik Shiksha Parishad UPMSP may announce the results by April 25. Students can check their scores online on official websites like upmsp.edu.in and results.upmsp.edu.in. Alternative methods include DigiLocker and SMS services. A minimum of 33% marks is required to pass.

Pakistan is emerging as a key mediator in efforts to ease tensions between the US and Iran, with talks likely to be hosted in Islamabad. However, this diplomatic role contrasts with a worsening domestic power crisis, as the country faces prolonged outages due to LNG shortages and poor coordination in water and energy management.

Iran's top official warned global fuel prices will remain unstable unless pressure on its oil exports ceases. He stated a free oil market is essential for everyone's security. Oil prices surged as tensions between Iran and the US disrupted tanker traffic in the Strait of Hormuz.

Iranian forces launched drones at US warships after an attack on an Iranian commercial vessel in the Sea of Oman. The IRGC claimed US forces retreated after firing at the vessel, which Iran accused the US of seizing in violation of a ceasefire. Tensions escalate in the Strait of Hormuz amid accusations of maritime piracy and blockade violations.

Following a 10-day ceasefire, the IDF has revealed the Forward Defence Line in southern Lebanon, detailing the operational zone of five divisions and naval forces. These forces are actively dismantling Hezbollah infrastructure and preventing threats to northern Israel, aiming to fundamentally change the security reality along the border.

Iran is not currently planning to attend talks with the United States, state media said, after President Donald Trump ordered US negotiators to travel to Pakistan on Monday, just days before a ceasefire in the Middle East expires. Iran and the United States, along with Israel, are just three days away from the end of the two-week ceasefire that halted the Middle East war, ignited by surprise US-Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28.

North Korea conducted its second ballistic missile test this month, featuring cluster bomb warheads, likely to enhance its ability to penetrate U.S. and South Korean defenses. Leader Kim Jong Un oversaw the launch of upgraded Hwasong-11 Ra missiles, expressing satisfaction with their high-density striking capability.

The United States said it seized an Iranian cargo ship that tried to breach its blockade, while Iran warned it would retaliate. The development has raised doubts over a two-day ceasefire holding, with Tehran also refusing to join a second round of peace talks proposed by Washington before the truce ends.

Iran-U.S. war: United States of America has maintained a blockade of Iranian ports, while Iran has lifted and then reimposed its own blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, which before the war began almost two months ago handled roughly one-fifth of the world's oil supply.

Gold rate, silver price: Ceasefire between the US and Iran is set to expire on April 22, which may further influence market sentiment.

Trump Tariffs Refunds: Importers and their brokers will be able to begin claiming refunds through an online portal.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has strongly criticized the BJP. She accused the party of intimidating her political consultancy firm, I-PAC. Banerjee also targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding women's reservation and delimitation. She asserted that the government's actions were aimed at dividing the country. Banerjee vowed to protect I-PAC employees.

Bengal's election campaign intensifies as Trinamool leader Abhishek Banerjee directs party workers to reach out to all voters. Cadres are instructed to explain government schemes and development work. They are also told to remain vigilant on polling day, monitor EVMs, and report any intimidation.

Global geopolitical tensions are impacting new technology center openings in India. While the number of new centers slowed, existing ones are expanding. Experts predict continued growth in greenfield centers if uncertainties ease. The GCC ecosystem is steadily rising, driven by new capabilities in AI and product engineering.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has launched a special development package for Chennai. This initiative focuses on improving urban infrastructure and creating future job opportunities. Key promises include enhanced drinking water supply and a new cultural center. The plan also aims to expand the Chennai Metro Rail and invest in a dedicated hub for artificial intelligence and related technologies.

Iran's Foundation of Martyrs and Veterans Affairs reported over 3,400 deaths in the recent conflict with the US and Israel. This announcement follows a two-week ceasefire, with the latest toll indicating 3,468 martyrs lost. Previous reports had cited slightly lower figures, while a US-based agency estimated over 3,600 fatalities, including civilians and military personnel.

West Bengal faces heightened election scrutiny. The Election Commission has marked 55 constituencies as expenditure sensitive. This year, 100 observers are deployed, the highest number across poll-bound regions. Seizures of cash, liquor, drugs, and freebies have surged. Several border areas and urban centers are under close watch to ensure fair elections.

The Central Bureau of Investigation has apprehended a senior Directorate General of Civil Aviation official and a consultant linked to Reliance Industries. The arrests stem from an alleged bribery case involving 2.5 lakh for drone import approvals. The DGCA deputy director-general is accused of demanding payment for granting permissions. The consultant is also associated with a drone manufacturing firm.

The Enforcement Directorate has arrested a Kolkata businessman in a money laundering investigation. The probe targets a criminal syndicate operating in the poll-bound state. Searches were conducted at the businessman's residence and that of a Kolkata Police Deputy Commissioner. The case is linked to alleged organized criminal activities and illegal fund generation.

Voters in Coimbatore are shifting their support away from the BJP. Some students who were inspired by K Annamalai are now considering voting for actor-politician Vijay. Former volunteers who worked for Annamalai are also stepping back. However, some party loyalists continue to campaign for the BJP, believing the party is paramount.

Iran's Civil Aviation Organization announced that international flights will resume from Mashhad Airport starting Monday. This marks the beginning of a phased reopening of Iranian airspace, with transit flights and eastern airports being prioritized. Travelers can now purchase tickets for international routes to and from Mashhad.

The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) is advocating for a unified national industrial land bank. This initiative aims to create an online system simplifying land acquisition for factories. The proposed system will offer comprehensive land details. Reforms include standardized impact assessments and faster acquisition processes. Uniform stamp duty is also recommended to streamline investments across states.

London police are probing potential Iranian involvement in recent arson attacks targeting Jewish sites. The UK Chief Rabbi warns of a growing campaign of violence. A pro-Iranian group has claimed responsibility for some incidents. Counter-terrorism units are actively investigating these threats. Authorities are vigilant about hostile Iranian activity within the UK. These events highlight a concerning escalation of tensions.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi attacked Trinamool and Congress for allegedly conspiring to defeat the Women's Reservation Bill. He addressed rallies in West Bengal's tribal regions, accusing the ruling party of betraying women. Modi promised financial assistance and the creation of Lakhpati Didis if the BJP forms the government, highlighting women's empowerment.

Violence against women and children is a major election issue in Tamil Nadu. The opposition alleges the DMK government is soft on crime and that drugs are freely available. Concerns over safety are widespread. The DMK is trying to win over female voters with promises of increased financial aid.

Jasmin Lawrence and Eric Murphy have welcomed daughter as Eddie Murphy and Martin Lawrence become grandpas.

Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem stated that the 10-day truce with Israel must be mutual, vowing retaliation for any Israeli attacks. He criticized the US for dictating truce terms and condemned direct negotiations with Israel as humiliating for Lebanon. Qassem also expressed gratitude to Iran for its support.

The Finance Ministry is set to discuss customs warehousing benefits for imported battery storage systems. Industry groups have raised concerns about the MOOWR scheme creating an uneven playing field. Consultations with power and renewable energy ministries are planned. The government is examining potential misuse and policy gaps. A decision will align with India's energy security goals.

The labour ministry of India is charting a new course by investigating a multi-manager framework for its latest social security initiative aimed at gig and platform workers. The EPFO is likely to manage the provident fund components, while various fund managers will look after pension allocations.

Authorities are urged to release Baramulla MP Engineer Rashid. His father, Khazir Muhammad Sheikh, is critically ill and on ventilator support. Political leaders have called for Rashid's interim bail. He was arrested in 2019 under UAPA charges. Rashid won the 2024 Lok Sabha elections from Baramulla while in jail. His party has filed an application for his release.

On Monday, Kashmir's transporters will embark on a strike, voicing their dissent against the Smart City initiative that plans to expand bus services to district areas. The transport community fears that this will jeopardize their means of income, with many private operators already struggling under the weight of loans and escalated operational costs.

Former Union minister Dinesh Trivedi has been appointed India's high commissioner to Bangladesh, a first for the Modi government appointing a politician to head a diplomatic mission. He faces the challenge of repairing strained ties with Dhaka, which have deteriorated following Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's ouster and an adversarial stance by the new government.

Global business surveys this week will reveal the escalating impact of seven weeks of Middle East conflict on growth and inflation. Initial data from Australia to the US is expected to show deterioration, particularly in Europe, raising concerns about potential stagflation. Policymakers are cautiously awaiting these figures to inform interest rate decisions.

Shreveport Louisiana Mass Shooting: The victims ranged in age from one to about 14 years old and some of the children were related to the suspect, as per reports.

India and Germany are set to sign a defence industrial cooperation roadmap. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh's visit will focus on joint development and production of weapon systems. Discussions will also cover cyber security, artificial intelligence, and drones. A defence investor summit is planned to boost collaboration and investment in the defence sector.

Pahalgam's tourism is slowly reviving after a devastating attack last year. However, several tourist spots remain shut, affecting hundreds of pony wallas. Their earnings have drastically reduced. Hotel occupancy is low, and tourist stays are shorter. Security measures led to the closure of many sites. Authorities are working to reopen these areas, promising a return to normalcy.