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Elections 2026Top News / The Economic Times
Donald Trump has claimed he is a peacemaker who settled eight wars, including a potential conflict between India and Pakistan. He shared this on his social media platform, Truth Social, calling himself 'The Peace President'. Trump also spoke about ongoing talks with Iran and a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon.
Fix your digestion using six common kitchen staples. From the warming power of ginger to the gas-busting relief of Ajwain, these simple, natural ingredients help break down food, reduce bloating, and soothe the gut. Discover how to use everyday spices to keep your digestive system running smoothly and naturally in 2026.
Myanmar's military leadership has pardoned former president Win Myint. This move raises questions about the fate of detained leader Aung San Suu Kyi. However, citizens and analysts express little optimism for a democracy comeback. Experts suggest the release is a strategic move by the leadership to reduce pressure.
Kagiso Rabada said he shifted from being desperate to determined after a disappointing 2025 season, as he delivered a match-winning spell of 3/29 to help Gujarat Titans beat Kolkata Knight Riders. Rabada, returning after a suspension, credited disciplined bowling alongside Mohammed Siraj for restricting KKR to 180.
Rekha Gupta accused the opposition of blocking womens entry into legislatures after the womens reservation bill failed to pass in the Lok Sabha, and said women would continue to fight for representation. The bill, linked to delimitation, fell short of the required two-thirds majority despite 298 votes in favour and 230 against, with Speaker Om Birla confirming its defeat.
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra has called on the Centre to bring back the original Women's Reservation Bill. This comes after the Constitution (One Hundred and Thirty-First Amendment) Bill, 2026, failed to pass in the Lok Sabha. Gandhi stated that a bill passed by all parties should be reintroduced immediately.
Kabul is undergoing a massive transformation as the Taliban government revives old plans to widen roads. Homes, businesses, and even a graveyard are being demolished to make way for modern infrastructure. This extensive project aims to ease traffic congestion in the capital. Property owners are compensated, and new jobs are being created through the construction work.
President Trump sees positive signs in Iran peace talks. A ceasefire in the Middle East conflict may be extended if a deal is reached by Wednesday. Iran has temporarily reopened the Strait of Hormuz. Shipping may return to normal soon. Talks are ongoing to resolve the conflict and Iran's nuclear program.
The Calcutta High Court has cancelled the appointment of assistant professors as presiding officers for the West Bengal assembly elections. The court ruled that these appointments violated Election Commission guidelines. The petitioners, from the West Bengal Government College Teachers' Association, challenged their assignments. The court found no justification for drafting these senior staff without proper reasons.
A woman in Bengaluru faced disappointment in the city's competitive rental market. She lost a house she was about to rent after a landlord accepted another tenant's deposit. The incident, shared online, resonated with many who have had similar experiences. The search for a furnished 1BHK near Garudachar Palya continues.
Iran War News Day 50: The Iran-Israel conflict reaches its 50th day. Tensions rise over the Strait of Hormuz. Diplomatic efforts continue for a nuclear deal. Global markets react to the developments. Lebanon signals a political shift amid ongoing violence. The conflict's impact spreads to Iraq. A multinational mission is planned for Hormuz. Defence industries see increased demand. The situation remains fluid.
An earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 5 struck mountainous Nagano prefecture in central Japan on Saturday. The quake hit Omachi in northern Nagano around 1:20 p.m. It registered a seismic intensity of upper-5 on Japan's scale. It is not immediately clear if there was any damage. Earthquakes are common in Japan, one of the world's most seismically active areas.
Garena Free Fire Max players can snag free in-game items using redeem codes released regularly. These 12-character alphanumeric codes are time-sensitive and can only be used once. Players should visit the official redemption site to log in and enter the codes promptly to claim their rewards before they expire.
Indian Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh experienced a flight in a US F-15EX Eagle II fighter jet at Nellis Air Force Base. This visit aimed to enhance interoperability and collaboration between the Indian and US Air Forces. Discussions focused on joint exercises and modernization efforts. The F-15EX is a key platform for Indo-Pacific defense.
Sunrisers Hyderabad has signed South African pacer Gerald Coetzee for the rest of the IPL 2026 season. Coetzee replaces David Payne, who is out due to an ankle injury. Payne played two matches for SRH this season. Coetzee brings international and IPL experience to the SRH squad. He joins the team for INR 2 Crore.
The first Hajj 2026 flight carrying 371 pilgrims departed from New Delhi for Mecca. Delhi Hajj Committee Chairperson Kausar Jahan expressed congratulations and highlighted government efforts for smooth arrangements. Pilgrims shared emotional sentiments, expressing gratitude for the opportunity and praying for peace.
Iran is introducing new rules for the Strait of Hormuz. Ships will need security coordination and Iranian approval to pass. Hostile military vessels will be blocked. Iran asserts its guardianship of the vital waterway. This comes amid escalating regional tensions and negotiations with the United States.
Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh visited Ukhrul district on a trust-building mission between Kuki and Tangkhul Naga communities. He emphasized dialogue for peace, addressing villagers' concerns about education, water, and infrastructure, and assured swift action on development projects to secure future generations' well-being.
Britain will contribute militarily to a mission safeguarding the Strait of Hormuz. This initiative aims to ensure safe passage for vessels. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump has criticized NATO allies. He stated they were ineffective during earlier tensions. Trump suggested they needed American help instead. Iran has announced commercial shipping through the Strait will remain open.
Recent developments, including significant voter list deletions and the BJP's UCC promise, have seemingly reversed a potential drift in the TMC's minority vote bank. Smaller Muslim outfits' ability to challenge the ruling party has diminished, leading to a renewed consolidation of Muslim voters behind the TMC out of fear of a divided vote aiding the BJP.
The Uttar Pradesh Police Recruitment Board has released exam city details for 41,424 Home Guard vacancies. Candidates can check their allotted district via an intimation slip issued on April 18, 2026. The written exam is scheduled for April 25-27, 2026, with admit cards available three days prior.
A US appeals court has permitted President Donald Trump's administration to proceed with building a new ballroom at the White House. This decision temporarily halts a lower court's order that had stopped the project. The court will hold a hearing in June to further review the case.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is under intense scrutiny. His choice of Peter Mandelson as US ambassador has resurfaced. Questions are being raised about how Mandelson secured the position. Starmer is accused of misleading Parliament. This comes after Mandelson's initial security clearance was denied. The situation threatens Starmer's promise of integrity in government.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin declared a victory against the delimitation bill in Parliament. He stated this defeat has humbled Delhi's arrogance and significantly impacted the BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Stalin predicted further electoral successes for his alliance in the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections on April 23.
UP Board Class 10 and 12 results for 2026 are anticipated between April 20-25. Students can access their scorecards on official websites like upmsp.edu.in and results.upmsp.edu.in, as well as DigiLocker and the UMANG app. A minimum of 33% is required to pass, with compartment exams available for those who don't meet the criteria.
Senior Democratic lawmakers in the US Senate on Friday (local time) sharply criticised the Trump administration for extending a waiver that allows the continued sale of sanctioned Russian oil, calling the move a shameful policy reversal.
A violent incident unfolded in Melbourne when a masked group attacked a restaurant gathering with machetes. An 18-year-old was hospitalized with injuries. Separately, a truck driver tragically lost his life in a multi-vehicle collision on a Victorian road. Several others were taken to hospital following the crash. Police are investigating both incidents.
YS Jagan Mohan Reddy criticised the defeat of the womens reservation bill in the Lok Sabha, saying it delivered justice neither to women nor to South India, and warned delimitation could reduce the regions representation.
The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) on Saturday said that 21 vessels have been compelled to turn back toward Iran since the United States initiated a naval blockade targeting access to Iranian ports amid diplomatic engagements in order to achieve a complete solution to the hostilities in the region.
Iran has asserted that maritime movement through the Strait of Hormuz will be strictly controlled by Tehran, stating that passage will be allowed only through designated routes and under Iranian approval, amid escalating tensions with the United States over regional security and negotiations.
Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu criticised the Congress-led opposition after a Constitution Amendment Bill on womens reservation was defeated in the Lok Sabha, saying it chose obstruction over progress and denied opportunities to women.
US President Donald Trump criticized NATO allies for their lack of support during Strait of Hormuz tensions. He stated they were useless when needed and that they required American assistance. Trump praised Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Qatar for their help.
US President Donald Trump shared that Chinese President Xi Jinping is pleased with the Strait of Hormuz situation. Trump expressed anticipation for a significant and potentially historic meeting with President Xi in China. He believes much will be achieved during their upcoming discussions. The leaders are set to meet soon.
A US judge has dismissed Bayer's plea to halt Johnson & Johnson's advertising for its prostate cancer drug Erleada. Bayer alleged false claims about a halved death risk compared to its own drug, Nubeqa. The court found J&J's campaign accurately reflected its study's findings, deeming Bayer's arguments insufficient for an injunction. Bayer vows to pursue the case on its merits.
Left-leaning Americans are increasingly purchasing firearms due to fears of government overreach under the Trump administration. This trend is upending traditional gun ownership demographics, with individuals citing concerns about federal agents and societal polarization as motivations for seeking self-protection and preparedness.
Mirwaiz Umar Farooq calls for global religious unity for peace. He praises Pope Leo's stance and urges leaders to speak with one voice. The ongoing turmoil in the Middle East, including Iran, Lebanon, and Palestine, is highlighted. Mirwaiz emphasizes that resolving the Palestinian occupation is crucial for lasting regional peace.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun announced a ew phase of permanent agreements following a 10-day ceasefire in the Israel-Hezbollah war. He stated Lebanon is no longer an arena for anyone's wars, emphasizing the nation's reclaimed decision-making power and commitment to negotiating for its own rights and sovereignty.
The Strait of Hormuz has reopened for commercial ships following a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon. This move initially boosted oil markets. However, Iran has cautioned that the waterway could be shut again if the United States continues its naval blockade of Iranian ports. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump stated a deal with Iran is nearing completion.
Iranian and American negotiators are set to meet in Islamabad on Monday. This development signals renewed diplomatic efforts to ease tensions in West Asia. Leaders from Qatar and Turkey have also met Pakistan's Prime Minister, discussing de-escalation. Pakistan's Army Chief recently visited Tehran, aiming to prepare for further talks.
President Donald Trump indicates a desire to conclude the US conflict with Iran. Talks have reportedly outlined an agreement, with Trump stating Iran will not close the Strait of Hormuz again. This development comes as midterm elections approach, with domestic economic concerns potentially influencing the President's decisions. Negotiations are ongoing, with a potential deal nearing finalization.
The Donald Trump administration is considering changes to North American trade rules that could raise tariffs on imported vehicles and push automakers to increase US-based production.
Iran's foreign ministry denied claims that its enriched uranium stockpile would be transferred, stating it would not be moved anywhere. Spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei emphasized that recent talks focused on ending the war, not uranium recovery, and warned of an appropriate response to any naval blockade.
President Donald Trump announced a plan for the United States and Iran to jointly remove uranium from Tehran's nuclear sites using excavators. This move is part of a potential peace deal. Trump expressed optimism about reaching an agreement soon. He mentioned the material would be transferred to US territory.
A key bill for 33% women's reservation in Parliament and state assemblies failed to pass. The government's plan to expand Lok Sabha seats and link it with delimitation faced opposition. This marks a rare legislative defeat for the ruling party. The government stated it will continue to pursue women's reservation.
The Social Security proposal 2026 could reshape retirement payouts fast. New data shows up to $190 billion may be cut in ten years. The plan caps benefits at $50,000 for individuals and $100,000 for couples. It directly targets high-income retirees first. But the long-term impact goes wider. Fixed caps may pull middle earners into limits over time. Experts say this Social Security reform could close half the funding gap. Still, concerns remain about fairness, trust, and future retirement income
Gautam Adani has officially claimed the title of Asia's wealthiest individual, overtaking Mukesh Ambani with a net worth of $92.6 billion as of April 16. The surge in Adani Group stock prices has fueled this remarkable comeback after earlier hardships. Adani now proudly ranks 19th on the prestigious Bloomberg Billionaire Index, highlighting a significant turnaround in his financial standing.
AMD UALink Standard is driving a major shift in AI infrastructure right now. Advanced Micro Devices is leading this open interconnect push as AI cluster demand surges globally. AMD stock has jumped over 166% in one year, showing strong market confidence. This standard improves speed, reduces latency, and supports multi-vendor AI systems. It helps data centers scale faster with better efficiency. As cloud and enterprise AI grow rapidly, AMD UALink Standard is becoming critical for building flexib
Claude Opus 4.7 benchmarks explained start with a strong data point: 87.6% on SWE-bench Verified. This jump signals real coding gains in 2026. Developers now see better issue resolution and faster workflows. Claude Opus 4.7 benchmarks explained also highlight 64.3% on SWE-bench Pro, beating GPT-5.4 and Gemini 3.1 Pro. Tool use leads at 77.3% on MCP-Atlas. Computer use reaches 78.0%. However, BrowseComp drops to 79.3%. This means weaker research performance. Overall, Claude Opus 4.7 benchmarks ex

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