The Economic Times

Kolkata's Rashbehari constituency faces a heated election battle. Trinamool Congress MLA Debasish Kumar is up against Bharatiya Janata Party's Swapan Dasgupta. The TMC holds the seat, but the BJP aims to win. Key issues include infrastructure development and welfare schemes. The election is scheduled for April 29. Counting of votes will take place on May 4.

Lyrid meteor shower Tonight Time: Skywatchers have a chance to see the Lyrid meteor shower this week. Early mornings offer the best views due to clear skies and a favourable moon. Look towards the constellation Lyra, near the bright star Vega. Meteors appear to originate from Lyra but are best seen by scanning the wider sky.

In preparation for the 2026 Assembly elections, the Election Commission of India has announced a ban on alcohol sales in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal, introducing dry days leading up to polling and during vote counting. Authorities are mandated to enforce these restrictions rigorously, promoting a fairer and more tranquil voting atmosphere.

Jacqueline Fernandes seeks to become an approver in the Rs 200 crore money laundering case involving Sukesh Chandrasekhar. The Enforcement Directorate requested more time to review her application, deeming it vague. The Patiala House Court has scheduled the next hearing for May 8. Fernandes claims she is ready to cooperate with the investigation.

Bhagyathara BT-50 Lottery Result (20-04-2026): Kerala State Lotteries Department conducts the high-stakes draw for the Bhagyathara BT-50 weekly lottery today, April 20, 2026. The event saw the ticket holder of PL 561807 coming out as the winner of the grand first prize of 1 crore.

JEE Mains 2026 Session 2 toppers List: The National Testing Agency will soon release the JEE Main Session 2 Result 2026 on its official website. Candidates can check their scores and the list of toppers. The agency will also announce state, category, and gender-wise topper lists. Previous session toppers are also mentioned. Students can download their scorecards by logging in with their application number and password.

Nitish Kumar will continue to oversee development work in Bihar. He will spend most of his time in the state, touring it to ensure progress continues. This comes after he stepped down as Chief Minister last week. The JD(U) leader will focus on parliamentary sessions in Delhi. His son, Nishant, has been accepted as the party's future leader.

Visitors are returning to Kashmir, demonstrating renewed confidence in the region's safety. This comes as the first anniversary of a deadly terror attack approaches. Authorities have introduced a QR code system to enhance security and public trust. Analysts highlight the attack's impact on tourism and call for strong action against terrorism and its sponsors.

Iran has executed two more members of the People's Mujahedin group. Authorities state they were hanged for spying for Israel. These hangings are part of a recent surge in executions of political prisoners. Rights groups warn of more executions to come. They urge a halt to all executions and release of prisoners in any talks with Iran.

Rahul Gandhi criticizes the BJP government for the conflict in Manipur. He alleges the party is trying to control states from Delhi. Gandhi also states the BJP seeks to impose one tradition and language across India. He claims the AIADMK in Tamil Nadu has become an instrument of the BJP due to corruption.

Prime Minister Modi announced 2 lakh ex-gratia for families of victims in a tragic Udhampur bus accident, with 50,000 for the injured. The bus, en route from Ramnagar to Udhampur, collided with an auto, resulting in 15 confirmed deaths and 33 injured. Authorities are prioritizing medical care for the wounded, with potential airlifting for critical cases.

A 48-year-old man has been arrested in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, for allegedly killing his 11-year-old twin daughters inside their apartment in a shocking early-morning incident. Police said Shashi Ranjan Mishra, a medical representative, was taken into custody from his home in Kidwai Nagar after a PCR call reported the deaths. The children were found dead inside the residence, with forensic teams later collecting evidence and sending the bodies for post-mortem.

US-Iran war news: Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said there is no plan for a second round of negotiations with the U.S. for now.

China voiced strong concern over the U.S. seizure of an Iranian cargo ship, urging all parties to respect the ceasefire and prevent further escalation in the sensitive Strait of Hormuz. Beijing emphasized the need to create conditions for the resumption of normal transit, highlighting the current window for peace and advocating for an swift end to the conflict.

China is reducing refined fuel exports, not banning them. Shipments to countries like Malaysia and Australia continue. April export cuts are deeper than March. Hong Kong continues to receive robust fuel supplies. This comes as global fuel markets face tight supplies. China's actions are deliberate allocations, not blanket restrictions.

American forces boarded an Iranian ship, the Touska, in the Gulf of Oman. The vessel allegedly ignored warnings and attempted to breach a US naval blockade. Iran confirmed the seizure and vowed retaliation for what it called armed piracy. The incident escalates regional tensions as a ceasefire window nears its end.

BJP leader Nitin Nabin accused the Trinamool Congress of betraying women by opposing the central government's women's reservation bill. He stated that the TMC's stance on this issue contrasts with their alleged support for minority reservations. Nabin highlighted concerns about women's safety in West Bengal and criticized the state government's policies regarding infiltrators.

Tamil Nadu Assembly Election 2026 Date and Time: Tamil Nadu's Legislative Assembly elections are set for April 23, 2026, with vote counting on May 4. Over 5.6 crore voters will participate in a significant three-way contest. Polling will occur from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM across all constituencies.

Israel's military is warning Lebanese civilians not to return to southern villages. The military claims Hezbollah is violating a recent ceasefire agreement. Displaced residents have started returning home since the truce began. Israel states its forces remain deployed defensively. Hezbollah officials have also cautioned residents about potential Israeli actions.

As West Bengal braces for electoral battles, state officials are implementing rigorous security strategies. With more than 135 arrests made to date, the focus is on ensuring a tranquil election process. The Election Commission is harnessing advanced AI surveillance technology and outfitting security personnel with bodycams.

American, Philippine, and Japanese forces have commenced joint military exercises in the Philippines. The drills involve thousands of personnel and advanced weaponry. These war games are taking place with the Middle East conflict in the background. Tensions are also high in the South China Sea and near Taiwan.

In the latest episode of the SaaS CMO Circle podcast, top marketing thinkers from LinkedIn and Zoho reveal how B2B video content is engaging buyers and helping to close deals in ways that traditional static content cant. Traditional B2B marketing tactics revolve around content that buyers read. From product brochures and how-to guides through to case study PDFs, thought leadership blog posts, and detailed research reports, the core of B2B has involved exchanging written information for contact d

India and South Korea will resume talks to upgrade their economic partnership agreement. The goal is to increase bilateral trade to 50 billion dollars by 2030. Both nations will also enhance cooperation in critical technologies and supply chains. An economic security dialogue will be established. Discussions will cover shipbuilding, steel, and sustainability. Industrial collaboration will expand through new agreements.

Gurgaon Drug Racket: Authorities in Gurgaon have busted a major illegal pharmaceutical racket involving spurious Mounjaro KwikPen (tirzepatide injections) worth over Rs 70 lakh, with two men arrested after a joint operation by the Drugs Control Department and police intercepted a vehicle carrying suspected fake diabetes and weight-loss drugs stored in violation of safety norms. The raid near Super Mart-1 led to the recovery of multiple cartons of injections in different strengths, with officials

Assam voted in a crucial election. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma's BJP faced a challenge from Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi. The outcome could reshape Congress's future in the Northeast. Sarma's leadership and BJP's organizational strength were key factors. Congress focused on governance reforms and economic revival. The results will influence opposition politics nationwide.

Reports have emerged suggesting that Iranian forces may have opened fire on Indian ships passing through the vital Strait of Hormuz. This unsettling occurrence coincided with increased activity among commercial fleets in the area. Furthermore, Iran is pointing fingers at the United States, alleging that Washington's maneuvers are not only obstructing diplomatic channels but also exacerbating conflict.

An IIT-Kharagpur graduate rejected a 4.3 crore job and Stanford PhD to co-found Giga, an AI startup that recently raised $61 million. Despite the success, the company faces allegations of malpractices and misleading employees from a former worker, which Giga denies as an extortion attempt.

Groww reports strong profit and revenue growth. However, foreign investor selling and global tensions create a mixed market. This boosts short-term trading activity on the platform. But sustained foreign selling could slow new user growth and asset inflows in the medium term. The company manages these market dynamics.

A powerful earthquake of magnitude 7.4 has shaken northeastern Japan. The Japan Meteorological Agency reported the tremor off the coast. Tsunami warnings have been issued for areas including Iwate, Aomori, and Hokkaido prefectures. The quake's epicentre was in the Pacific Ocean. It was strong enough to make movement difficult and cause damage to walls.

Apple's upcoming WWDC event artwork suggests a significant upgrade for Siri. The assistant is expected to gain a new look within the Dynamic Island. Users will see improved conversational abilities and the power to handle multiple requests in one command. This move aims to make Siri a more capable AI assistant, integrating deeper with third-party apps.

At the SaaS CMO Circle, leading marketing thinkers from Adobe and LinkedIn shared new insights into how todays tech buyers feel about B2B purchase decisions, and how marketers can respond.

Concerns over a ceasefire collapse grew as the U.S. seized an Iranian cargo ship, prompting Iran to vow retaliation and reject further peace talks. The incident jeopardizes efforts for regional peace, with Iran citing blockades and U.S. demands. Oil prices surged amid fears of continued Gulf traffic disruptions.

The Supreme Court has rejected a public interest plea. The petition sought to declare Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose's Indian National Army responsible for India's independence. It also asked for Netaji to be named 'National Son'. The court refused to declare his birth anniversary and the INA's foundation day as national days.

India's MSME manufacturing sector continued to grow in early 2026. However, expansion slowed due to global issues, especially the West Asia crisis. This crisis caused longer shipping times and higher costs. Business activity saw new orders and production increase, but hiring remained steady. The outlook for the next quarter is positive but cautious. Policy support is vital for sustained growth.

A viral Fly91 flight panic video has brought attention to a mid-air scare on a Hyderabad to Hubballi flight, where passengers were left terrified after the aircraft remained airborne for nearly four hours. The Fly91 Airlines flight IC3401 was later diverted and landed safely at Kempegowda International Airport. While the airline attributed the incident to bad weather and denied any technical fault, the episode has raised concerns over aviation safety in India, in-flight emergency handling, and l

The United States and the Philippines have begun a major joint military exercise. This annual event, called Balikatan, involves over 17,000 personnel. This year, Japan, France, and Canada are also participating. The drills aim to strengthen deterrence against aggression in the Indo-Pacific region.

Hyundai Motor Group's labor union is demanding a significant performance bonus. They seek 30 percent of last year's net profit, amounting to over 3 trillion won. The union also wants a monthly base salary increase and higher standard bonuses. Job security, an extended retirement age, and more hiring are also key demands.

JEE Main Result 2026 Session 2: The National Testing Agency (NTA) is set to announce JEE Main Session 2 results and cut-offs today on jeemain.nta.nic.in. Expected cut-off percentiles and safe score ranges for various categories have been released. Candidates can download their scorecards from the official website following a simple step-by-step process.

Iran's Ambassador to Russia claimed the US and Israel failed in their military objectives against Tehran. He warned that Washington won't succeed through negotiations either. This comes as a two-week ceasefire nears its end, with upcoming Islamabad talks seen as the final chance to avoid full-scale infrastructure warfare.

The Malta-flagged oil tanker Odessa, capable of carrying 1 million barrels, passed through the Strait of Hormuz on April 13. After its AIS tracker was switched off, the Suezmax vessel reappeared near the UAE's Fujairah port and is now heading to South Korean refiner HD Hyundai Oilbank. The refiner confirmed the tanker's destination but declined to comment on its cargo.

Explore five easy mushroom recipes designed for the Indian palate, from spicy Masala Roasts to comforting Pulaos. These simple, everyday meals focus on traditional spices and quick cooking techniques, making mushrooms the perfect versatile ingredient for busy 2026 lifestyles without requiring any complicated culinary skills.

Irans leader President Pezeshkian urges a return to diplomacy in light of escalating tensions with the United States. With a ceasefire on the brink of collapse, negotiations are on the horizon in Pakistan, but Iran's candidate delegation remains unconfirmed.

A Ukrainian drone attack hit Russia's Tuapse port, causing a fire and killing at least one person. This major southern port is a key oil export hub and home to a large refinery. Debris from the drones damaged several buildings, including a kindergarten and a church. Russia's defense ministry reported destroying many drones overnight.

A viral video showcasing a compact Mumbai apartment for 1.6 crore has sparked widespread debate. While many expressed shock at the price for the small space, others defended its prime location and sea view. The clip highlights Mumbai's challenging housing market, where space comes at a significant premium, prompting discussions about affordability and urban living.

Uttar Pradesh Minister Om Prakash Rajbhar accused Akhilesh Yadav of lying about women's reservation, claiming the Samajwadi Party opposed the bill fearing BJP credit. Yadav, however, stated opposition parties support women's reservation but want SC, ST, and OBC inclusion. Prime Minister Modi criticized the opposition for blocking the bill, calling it an insult to women.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a nationwide heatwave alert in India, warning of a 24C rise in temperatures across north and central regions, including Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh. With severe heatwave conditions, rising AQI levels in Delhi, and temperatures crossing 43C in Raipur, experts warn of increasing heat stress, dehydration risks, and public health concerns. A western disturbance from April 23 may bring temporary relief, but extreme heatwave conditi

A cricket final in Maharashtra's Jalgaon district descended into chaos when a local politician allegedly drove a tractor onto the pitch, destroying it. The politician, reportedly upset over not receiving an invitation to the MLA Trophy final, vandalized the playing surface. The match was called off due to unsafe conditions, and police intervened.