The Economic Times

The servers were deliberately taken offline by Epic Games as part of scheduled maintenance to roll out the latest patch. During this time, players cannot log in, access matchmaking, or take part in any game modes.

Why are oil and gas prices up today, and will Brent, US WTI crude futures, Dutch and British gas rates continue to rise or drop again? Energy markets reacted to Middle East conflict risks, Hormuz disruption, falling US inventories, and shifting gas supply signals. Analysts say prices may stay volatile as geopolitics, exports, storage levels, and investor positioning continue to drive global oil and gas trends.

The Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS) will release the second provisional lottery list for Class 1 admissions 2026-27 today, April 16, 2026. Parents can check the selection and waiting list on official websites admission.kvs.gov.in and kvsangathan.nic.in using registration number. Selected candidates must complete document verification on time.

Delhi's ITIs are getting a high-tech upgrade to train youth in power electronics, electric vehicles, and automotive sectors. New labs at Jahangirpuri, Jail Road, Arab Ki Sarai, and Mayur Vihar will feature advanced equipment, VR simulators, and EV-specific training, boosting skills for industry and self-employment opportunities.

India Post GDS 3rd Merit List: The third merit list of India Post GDS is expected to be released in the last week of April or in May. Following the past trends, the third merit list should be released in May. Students can check their names in the merit list by visiting the official website indiapostgdsonline.gov.in

The IMF is urging governments to let fuel prices rise, warning that broad subsidies and price caps worsen global energy shocks. Allowing price signals to function encourages demand reduction, which is crucial for market stabilization. Targeted cash transfers are recommended to cushion consumers without distorting global markets.

The Enforcement Directorate has provisionally attached assets worth 159.51 crore in a West Bengal illegal coal mining and pilferage racket, bringing the total to 482.22 crore. The syndicate, allegedly led by Anup Majee, operated with fake transport documents, a WhatsApp clearance system, and a hawala network to move illicit funds and conceal proceeds from cash purchases by select companies.

A 24-year-old IIT Delhi graduate resigned from a high-paying banking job, citing a toxic work culture that eroded his health and peace of mind. He felt pressured to sell financial products he didn't trust and faced relentless sales targets, leading him to prioritize well-being over a substantial salary.

The outage appeared to be partial rather than a full shutdown, mainly affecting the platforms Home timeline and Explore feed, leaving users unable to view real-time posts despite being able to log in successfully.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee accused Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman of violating the Model Code of Conduct by distributing cards to women before elections. Banerjee alleged that the BJP is misusing power and agencies to threaten voters and collect data, warning that women will be robbed of their bank account information and money.

The Supreme Court has dismissed a plea challenging the Election Commission's transfer of administrative and police officers in West Bengal. The court stated that the legal question raised remains open. This decision comes as West Bengal prepares for assembly elections. Voting is scheduled for April 23 and April 29, with vote counting on May 4.

CBSE Class 10 2026 results: The CBSE Class 10 results for 2026 saw a slight increase in the overall pass percentage to 93.7%, with girls continuing to outperform boys. The results have reflected a strong performance as more than 2 lakh students have scored more than 90 percent and 55,368 students secured over 95%.

Central government employees are demanding a significant overhaul of their pay structure. They want the government to consider a family of five for pay calculations, moving away from the current three-member system. This includes support for dependent parents, aligning with legal mandates.

Chinese automaker Geely has launched its new i-HEV Intelligent Hybrid system, claiming a Guinness World Record with fuel efficiency of just 2.22 litres per 100 km (around 45 km per litre). The AI-powered hybrid aims to challenge the long-standing dominance of Japanese brands like Toyota in the conventional hybrid segment.

Narendra Modi described the womens reservation and delimitation bills as a defining moment for Parliament, saying they will shape Indias political future and strengthen inclusive governance. He defended womens reservation as a national reform beyond politics, while accusing opposition parties of hypocrisy for backing quotas at the local level but resisting them in Parliament. Modi also highlighted the growing political role of women at the grassroots and warned that those opposing the move could

A significant legislative package has been introduced in Parliament. This package aims to implement 33 percent reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies. The implementation is planned to begin from the 2029 general elections. This move comes nearly three decades after the concept was first proposed.

A Swiggy delivery partner allegedly dragged his food box after a 6.2 km trip for Rs 35, sparking online debate about gig worker pay. While some sympathized, others criticized the rider's actions, suggesting he should quit. This incident highlights growing unrest among gig workers over declining payouts and poor working conditions.

India's trade deficit narrowed in March, but this improvement may not last. Experts warn of a widening deficit in the coming months. Factors like external shocks, slowing global demand, and import pressures are expected to impact trade. Exports face challenges due to weak global demand. The current account deficit is projected to widen.

Karunya Plus KN-619 Lottery Result (16-04-2026): Kerala State Lotteries Department conducts the high-stakes draw for the Karunya Plus KN-619 weekly lottery today, April 16, 2026. The event saw the ticket holder of PL 561807 coming out as the winner of the grand first prize of 1 crore.

China has issued a travel advisory for its citizens heading to the United States. The advisory urges caution and suggests avoiding entry through Seattle's main airport. This follows reports of Chinese scholars facing malicious border checks and being denied entry despite holding valid visas. Chinese authorities are advising travelers to remain calm if questioned by US border officials.

An undercover investigation reveals a network in the UK charging migrants thousands of pounds for fake gay asylum claims. Advisers allegedly provide fabricated stories, evidence, and coaching to help applicants pass scrutiny. This comes as asylum claims from Pakistani and Bangladeshi nationals rise sharply.

Jeff Bezos' ex-wife, MacKenzie Scott has donated big once again, and this time it is $70 million directed to Meals on Wheels America to help the senior and elderly citizens of America. MacKenzie Scott has donated more than $26 Billion since 2020 as part of her donation drives. On the other hand,

Choosing between striped vs unstriped watermelon often confuses buyers, but both varieties offer nearly identical nutritional benefits, making them equally healthy summer fruits. Packed with over 90% water, vitamins A and C, and antioxidants like lycopene, watermelon supports hydration, digestion, and heart health. The difference between striped and unstriped watermelon lies mainly in appearance and variety, not in health value.

Samsung Electronics has asked a court to block planned union strike activities, which unions have decried as a declaration of war. Workers are threatening an 18-day strike from May 21 over a wage dispute, seeking to remove performance pay caps and link bonuses to operating profit. A potential strike could significantly impact output at Samsung's semiconductor complex.

Tech Mahindra is facing online criticism after a 'Footwear Free Zone' sign went viral. The IT firm has denied allegations of religious bias and a divisive workplace culture at its Mumbai office. An internal review found the social media claims inaccurate.

Russia launched one of its largest recent aerial assaults on Ukraine, firing nearly 700 drones and multiple missiles in strikes that killed at least 16 people and injured over 80, officials said. The hours-long barrage hit cities including Kyiv, Odesa and Dnipro, with Ukrainian air defences intercepting most incoming targets but several strikes causing civilian casualties and damage. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy urged continued Western support for air defence systems, warning against easing pre

Parliament is set to increase the Lok Sabha's strength to 815 seats. This expansion includes reserving 272 seats for women, ensuring no state or male representation suffers. The Nari Shakti Vandan Adhniyam aims to provide women their due rights. This move follows the introduction of three key bills in the Lok Sabha.

Lashkar-e-Taiba co-founder Amir Hamza was shot in Lahore. This marks the second attempt on his life in under a year. Hamza, accused in the 2005 Indian Institute of Science attack, was targeted by unidentified assailants. He was previously shot in May last year. Sources suggest internal rifts within Lashkar-e-Taiba may be the cause.

Iran and the United States have made some progress toward a deal to end weeks of conflict, but major differences remain, especially over Tehrans nuclear programme.

With just a bicycle and a pocket full of seeds, Telanganas Tree Man Daripalli Ramaiah planted over 10 million trees, creating one of the most inspiring tree plantation movements in India. His journey highlights the power of environment conservation, afforestation in India, and sustainable living, proving that a single individual can drive a massive green movement in India through consistent efforts and dedication.

Why are gold and silver prices up today, and will precious metals continue to rise or fall again? Gold and silver prices moved higher after the US dollar weakened and Treasury yields fell. Markets reacted to growing hope of a US-Iran peace deal and possible rate cuts. Investors now question if metals will continue rising or reverse later. Analysts say bond yields, inflation fears, and interest rate expectations will guide the next move.

LIC Housing Finance recruitment 2026: LIC Housing Finance Limited has opened applications for 180 Junior Assistant positions and the deadline is April 30. To apply for LIC HFL, candidates need a graduate degree with 55% marks and must be between 21 and 30 years old. The selection process involves an online exam and interview, with a starting salary of 20,000 plus benefits.

Wondering what to watch on OTT this week? April reaches its peak with an explosive lineup of new movies and web series across Netflix, Prime Video, ZEE5, and JioHotstar. The biggest highlight is the long-awaited premiere of Euphoria Season 3 on Netflix. Power Star fans can finally catch Ustaad Bhagat Singh, while Vijay Varma takes us into the 1960s underworld in Matka King.

Nara Lokesh has been appointed National Working President of the Telugu Desam Party. This move signals a significant generational shift within the party. Lokesh's elevation follows a period of reinvention after the 2019 election defeat. He has taken on new responsibilities and is seen as a key figure for the party's future.

The latest global energy shock highlights the risks of fuel import dependence, with Bangladesh hit hard by soaring LNG costs after supply disruptions, forcing costly spot purchases. In contrast, Pakistans shift to solar reduced reliance on imports and cushioned the impact. The divergence underscores the need for emerging economies to accelerate clean energy adoption to limit exposure to price volatility.

DelhiMumbai Expressway: The Union Transport Ministry, in a release, stated that the GodhraVadodara stretch of the DelhiMumbai Expressway has been completed and opened to traffic on a trial basis. Once the project is completed, the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway will reduce the travel time between Mumbai and Delhi to just 12 hours. It will connect Gurugram, Kota, Vadodara, Indore and others.

South Korean President Lee Jae-myung's visit to India arrives at a critical juncture for global economic stability. The two Asian powers are poised to forge a strategic economic partnership, moving beyond traditional trade to co-build industrial capacity in semiconductors, green mobility, and advanced manufacturing.

Australia is boosting its defense budget. Defense Minister Richard Marles announced an additional 53 billion Australian dollars over the next decade. This move aims to enhance national security amid a complex global environment. The strategy emphasizes self-reliance while maintaining key alliances, particularly with the United States. A major investment includes a fleet of nuclear-powered submarines.

The Rajya Sabha on Thursday reconstituted its panel of vice-chairpersons, nominating six members from the BJP, Congress, AIADMK and BJD, with effect from April 15.

Parliament is considering a new law to bring 33 percent reservation for women in Lok Sabha and state assemblies starting from the 2029 elections. This move aims to increase women's representation significantly. The proposed legislation seeks to implement this reservation by expanding the number of seats.

The Election Commission of India is enhancing surveillance for the West Bengal Assembly polls by installing cameras for 100% webcasting, monitored by AI technology. Temporary bamboo fencing will also be erected at polling stations lacking boundary walls to prevent unauthorized access and improve security.

The big fire broke out early in the morning in Sector 11 of Vikas Nagar and quickly spread across the make shift settlement. As per report, the fire erupted due to explosions of over 50 LPG cylinders, intensifying the blaze and making firefighting efforts difficult. The fire was so huge that residents watched helplessly as black smoke covered the sky, visible from kilometres away. The shanties were located on land belonging to the Awas Vikas Parishad.

Elections for nine Maharashtra Legislative Council seats are scheduled for May 12, as announced by the Election Commission of India. The tenure of these nine MLCs concludes on May 13, 2026, prompting the need for these biennial elections. The notification will be issued on April 23, with nominations closing on April 30.

In a case of gross medical negligence at BHU Trauma Centre in Varanasi, a 71-year-old woman Radhika Devi was wrongly operated upon for hip replacement instead of her spinal tumour due to patient mix-up. She was partially operated on March 7, underwent the correct surgery on March 18, and passed away on March 28.

Mango Adulteration Alert: With the mango season in full swing, rising cases of mango adulteration in India have sparked serious food safety concerns after the FDA in Pune seized over 3,800 kg of adulterated mango pulp during raids. Authorities found the use of unauthorised colours and harmful substances, highlighting the risks of consuming chemically ripened mangoes, which can cause health issues ranging from digestive problems to long-term illnesses. Consumers are advised to remain cautious and