The Economic Times

Following the Enforcement Directorate arrest of I-PAC co-founder Vinesh Chandel just days before the Bengal Assembly elections, Abhishek Banerjee alleged that the move has undermined the level playing field and raised concerns over the fairness of the electoral process. He accused central agencies of acting with political bias and targeting opposition-linked individuals at a sensitive time.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has challenged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to resign before campaigning in all 294 assembly seats in the state. She accused him of being an outsider and urged voters to support only the Trinamool Congress, highlighting her government's women's representation initiatives.

A protest blocked the National Highway in Banihal after Tanvir Ahmad Chopan went missing. Family alleges he was thrashed by cow vigilantes while transporting a cow. Witnesses claim he jumped into a canal. Police have registered a case and detained four individuals. An SIT is investigating the circumstances. A delegation also demanded justice for the nomadic community.

USPS postmark rules 2026 are creating real tax filing risks this year. Over 160 million Americans file taxes annually, and many still rely on mail. Now, the IRS deadline depends on processing, not drop-off time. A return mailed on April 15 can still be marked late. That shift increases IRS late filing penalties and interest charges instantly. USPS mail delays and new sorting rules drive this change. Taxpayers must act early, use certified mail, or file electronically. Understanding USPS postmark

The Supreme Court has ruled that individuals with pending appeals against their exclusion from the voter list cannot participate in the upcoming West Bengal elections. Over 34 lakh appeals are currently being heard. The court emphasized that allowing these voters would be meaningless. Those whose appeals are resolved by April 9 will be included.

How much did Donald Trump tip DoorDash grandma driver for McDonalds delivery order, and was the whole encounter staged? A delivery to the White House became a viral political moment. The DoorDash driver spoke about No Tax on Tips and her husbands cancer. Donald Trump gave a cash tip and spoke to media. Many viewers questioned if the encounter was staged. This explainer covers the tip, the policy talk, and the public reaction.

PM Narendra Modi said implementing the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam will be a landmark step for womens empowerment, urging timely action and greater participation of women in the democratic process.

India plans a global tender for ammonia, a key fertilizer ingredient. This move aims to secure vital raw material for urea and other fertilizers. The country needs to import a significant portion of its annual ammonia requirements. This comes as global supply chains face disruptions. The tender will bolster fertilizer reserves ahead of the crucial June planting season.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah asserted that a BJP government will be formed in West Bengal on May 5, promising to fence border areas within 45 days and punish those involved in post-poll violence.

Bengal's Appellate Tribunal is now operational with 16 judges. Election officials held review meetings in Bankura and Paschim Bardhaman. Voter awareness programs took place in Alipurduar, utilizing folk dance and football. The Election Commission is investigating a Nigerian footballer's involvement in a campaign and remarks by a Trinamool Congress leader. Special measures are in place for peaceful and accessible voting.

A leaked dummy model of Apple's anticipated foldable iPhone has surfaced, revealing a book-style design with a wide display. While sparking excitement, the device has drawn criticism for its proportions and potential lack of MagSafe. Expected in September 2026, this glimpse fuels intense online debate about its final form and features.

$625 settlement payout: If you received an unexpected call about a Norton or LifeLock account, you could be eligible for a payout from a $9.95 million settlement. The case focuses on unsolicited calls made to non-customers. Eligible claimants may receive up to $625, with a deadline to apply set for April 13, 2026.

India and France held Foreign Office Consultations in Paris. Discussions covered economic security, innovation, and STEM talent. Defence, nuclear energy, space, and cyber cooperation were reviewed. Global issues like climate change and the Indo-Pacific were also discussed. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri met French officials. He also visited the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre. This follows President Macron's India visit.

Arvind Kejriwal asked Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma to recuse herself from the liquor policy case. The judge complimented his legal arguments. Kejriwal cited previous unfavorable rulings as reasons for his request. The court heard all parties and reserved its decision on the recusal. This is not the first time Kejriwal has argued his own case in court.

Bill Ackman Pershing Square IPO has already secured $2.8 billion, signaling strong early demand. This dual IPO will list Pershing Square Capital Management under PS and launch Pershing Square USA (PSUS) at $50 per share. The fund targets up to $10 billion, making it one of 2026s biggest IPOs. Investors gain bonus shares, boosting appeal across retail and institutional markets. Bill Ackman aims to build a permanent capital model inspired by Berkshire Hathaway. This structure reduces redemption ri

This African proverb When two elephants fight, it is the grass that gets hurt is a timeless reflection of how conflicts between powerful individuals or groups often harm ordinary people the most. The saying highlights unequal power structures in society, where decisions are made at the top but their impact is felt widely below. It raises important questions about responsibility, accountability, and the cost of power struggles.

A new trailer for Sunrise on the Reaping reveals Haymitch Abernathy's fight in the Second Quarter Quell. He is selected as a tribute for the deadly games. President Snow issues a warning. The games feature double the tributes. Familiar faces like Effie Trinket and Caesar Flickerman appear. A plan to stop the Capitol is hinted at.

US President Donald Trump refused to apologize Monday for criticizing Pope Leo XIV, after the pontiff called for an end to violence in the Iran war. He was very much against what I'm doing with regard to Iran, and you cannot have a nuclear Iran, said Trump, adding that Leo was very weak on crime and other things. dk/mlm

The Enforcement Directorate has arrested Vinesh Chandel, a director of political consultancy firm I-PAC. This arrest is linked to a money-laundering case connected to an alleged coal scam in West Bengal. The agency conducted raids on premises belonging to I-PAC directors and former AAP communications in-charge. The case originates from a CBI FIR concerning a multi-crore coal-pilferage scam.

Katy Perry and Justin Trudeau went viral after attending Coachella together, where photos and videos from the festival spread widely across social media. Perry shared Instagram images showing the couple walking hand-in-hand, relaxing on the grounds, and enjoying performances. Social media users reacted with humor, surprise, and debate as the unexpected celebrity-political pairing became one of the festivals most talked-about moments worldwide this year across platforms.

A Karnataka High Court division bench has overturned a land acquisition for a non-existent company, restoring 70 acres in Bengaluru to farmers. The court cited a gross abuse of power and fraud, ordering a CBI probe into the 25-year-old transaction where a company was incorporated over a decade after applying for land.

Donald Trump announced a United States-led blockade against Iran is now in effect. He stated Iran is seeking negotiations while tensions remain high. Trump emphasized no fighting is occurring but the blockade will continue. He firmly ruled out any deal permitting Iran to possess nuclear weapons. Consequences were warned if a resolution is not reached soon.

Incorporating affirmations into a Monday routine requires only a few minutes but can have a lasting impact. As individuals begin to replace negative thoughts with empowering beliefs, they may find themselves approaching not just Mondays, but the entire week, with greater confidence and enthusiasm.

The United States military will blockade ships leaving Iran's ports starting Monday. Iran has threatened retaliation against Gulf neighbors. Oil prices have jumped significantly as the Strait of Hormuz remains closed. Talks to end the conflict have broken down. NATO allies refuse to join the blockade. US President Trump warns high gas prices may persist.

Will US naval blockade on Iranian ports successful in ending already-fragile ceasefire? The United States has launched a naval blockade targeting ships linked to Iranian ports after failed talks. Warships are near the Gulf of Oman and the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has issued warnings. Oil prices, shipping, and global trade face pressure. This explainer covers the blockade, ceasefire risks, oil supply impact, diplomacy, and global reactions.

A judge has dismissed Donald Trump's defamation lawsuit against The Wall Street Journal. The judge stated Trump failed to prove the newspaper acted with actual malice. Trump's team has until April 27 to refile the lawsuit. The judge requires Trump to adequately allege the Journal knowingly published false information. The Wall Street Journal stands by its reporting.

HBOs Euphoria has returned with its long-awaited Season 3 following a four-year break, premiering on April 12, 2026, on HBO and HBO Max. Zendaya leads the returning cast alongside Hunter Schafer, Sydney Sweeney, and others. Streaming is available via HBO, HBO Max, and select live TV bundles, making the premiere widely accessible to viewers across multiple platforms.

Former US President Donald Trump sparked controversy by posting an AI-generated image depicting him as a Jesus-like figure. The image, shared on his Truth Social platform, was later removed. This occurred during an ongoing dispute with Pope Leo, who has criticized US foreign policy. The post drew criticism from various groups, including some religious conservatives.

West Bengal voters can now report election-related law and order issues through a new dedicated helpline. The toll-free number 18003450008 is active 24/7. An email facility wbfreeandfairpolls@gmail.com is also available for grievances. These services will operate until vote counting concludes. The Chief Electoral Officer's office will handle all complaints promptly.

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has approved investment proposals totaling Rs 18,430.44 crore. These approvals, granted at the State High-Level Clearance Committee meeting, are expected to create over 15,000 jobs. Seventeen project proposals, including new ventures and expansions, received the green light. Major investments are planned in the EV, automobile, solar, and aerospace manufacturing sectors across various districts of the state.

Pope Leo XIV asserted his moral duty to advocate for peace, unfazed by President Trump's criticism of his calls to end the Middle East conflict. The pontiff, on his way to Algeria, emphasized the Church's clear mission to promote reconciliation, stating he fears neither the Trump administration nor speaking the Gospel's message. He also called for forgiveness in Algeria.

Vidarbha's Praful Hinge has made a stunning IPL debut. He took three wickets in his very first over. Hinge dismissed Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Dhruv Jurel, and Lhuan-dre Pretorius. Sunrisers Hyderabad signed the young seamer at the IPL auction. He has a strong reputation in domestic cricket for his bowling.

Quote of the day : John Greens reflection does not diminish the emotional complexity of leaving, but it reframes it as a necessary step toward growth. In doing so, it encourages readers to trust their instincts, embrace uncertainty and recognise that sometimes, the path forward only becomes clear once the first step is taken.

INTC stock analysis: Intel stock has surged 51% in eight sessions, adding over $100 billion in market value, driven by a $14.2 billion plant buyback and partnerships with Tesla and Google. Despite analyst caution and valuation concerns, the company anticipates future earnings growth, with projections showing a turnaround from current losses.

The Centre has announced a significant bureaucratic reshuffle. Forty-eight civil servants have been appointed to joint secretary or equivalent positions. Hardik Satishchandra Shah is now private secretary to the prime minister at the joint secretary level. Several other officers have been assigned key roles across various government departments, including agriculture, civil aviation, commerce, defence, and home affairs.

The Portuguese proverb 'guas passadas no movem moinhos' emphasizes the futility of dwelling on the past. It uses the vivid imagery of a water mill to illustrate that only current flow can power it, not water that has already passed. This timeless wisdom encourages focusing on the present and future for growth and emotional well-being.

The exhibition is being organised by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) at the Mahatma Gandhi Prekshagrih in Motihari in north Bihar. It will also feature exhibits highlighting the robust strides taken towards realising the 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' vision.

The Rajya Sabha will elect its Deputy Chairman on April 17. The ruling NDA plans to renominate Harivansh for the post. Opposition parties, including Congress, TMC, and Left, have raised concerns. They question the urgency to fill this position while the Lok Sabha Deputy Speaker post remains vacant since 2019. The election date has been officially announced.

Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced ongoing efforts to resolve the US-Iran conflict. Direct talks were held in Islamabad, marking a historic moment. A two-week ceasefire between the two nations remains in place. While a lasting peace deal was not secured, Pakistan played a crucial role in bringing the delegations together.

The newly released The Boroughs trailer has piqued fans curiosity, teasing a familiar mix of mystery, horror, and emotionthis time with an unexpected twist.

Pakistan's attempt to mediate US-Iran talks and a related stock market rally ended quickly. The country's fortunes are tied to external events, not internal strength. Despite the setback, Pakistan may retain a role in ongoing backchannel diplomacy. Its strategic location and defense ties ensure continued relevance beyond mediation efforts.

McDonald's is set to launch a new cold drink menu next month. This revamp includes a Red Bull Dragonberry Energizer, Dirty Dr Pepper, and Mango Pineapple Refresher. These new beverages will be available nationwide. McDonald's plans to price these drinks lower than competitors. This move aims to attract budget-conscious customers.