The Economic Times

April holidays 2026 include over 200+ global observances, making it one of the most event-packed months of the year. This complete April holidays 2026 planner list helps you track every key date easily. Major events like Easter Sunday and Earth Day drive massive global participation. Daily awareness days, food holidays, and cultural events fill the calendar.

UK motorists are experiencing growing concern over fuel availability as several supermarket petrol stations report shortages. This situation, exacerbated by global oil market disruptions and rising crude prices, has prompted discussions about potential government emergency measures. While national supply remains stable, local shortages are causing drivers and retailers to remain on alert.

Rahul Gandhi warns Christian voters about changes to the Foreign Contributions (Regulation) Act. He states these amendments benefit the RSS and industrialists. Gandhi also questions Prime Minister Modi's silence on Sabarimala temple issues. He criticises the Kerala government's corporate ties and highlights concerns over manufacturing and job losses in India.

Jammu and Kashmir pacer Brijesh Sharma made his IPL debut for Rajasthan Royals against Chennai Super Kings. Sharma, bought at his base price, impressed in the Bengal Pro T20 League with his wicket-taking ability. His journey from humble beginnings highlights the growing talent pool from the region.

Doctors with large 401(k) balances are rethinking retirement planning. Big required withdrawals can push income higher and increase taxes and Medicare costs. Some experts suggest moving savings into Roth accounts or taxable investments to reduce future pressure. Planning early may help avoid surprises later. The shift shows how high earners are adjusting strategies to manage retirement income and taxes better.

Iran denies Pakistan's role as mediator with the United States. The West Asia conflict continues into its second month. Iran states no direct talks with the US are happening. Pakistan's mediation efforts face uncertainty. Ship traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has significantly decreased. Iran is considering tighter control over the waterway. Military actions are intensifying across the region.

India's economic growth is projected to slow down to 6.5 percent in fiscal year 2026-27. This moderation is attributed to rising energy prices and supply concerns stemming from the West Asia conflict. The current account deficit is expected to widen. Inflationary pressures may increase, impacting consumer sentiment.

Olivia Munn has spoken about her breast cancer diagnosis and the strong support she received from husband John Mulaney. Diagnosed with Stage 1 breast cancer in April 2023 despite no symptoms or family history, she underwent multiple surgeries including a double mastectomy. Munn revealed that Mulaney accompanied her to every appointment, helped research treatments, and used humour to ease her emotional burden.

Recession fears are back in focus, with economists now putting US recession 2026 risk near 40%. That is a sharp warning. But it is not a certainty yet. Oil prices are rising again. History shows energy shocks came before most US recessions. Markets are turning cautious. Businesses are slowing decisions. Consumers feel pressure from high costs. Still, the economy has avoided recession for years despite repeated warnings. That matters. Growth is weaker, not broken. Timing remains unclear. Without

In the Lok Sabha, Nirmala Sitharaman said the Fugitive Economic Offenders Act (FEOA), 2018 was enacted to deter economic offenders from evading Indian law by staying abroad and was applicable to offences involving Rs 100 crore or more.

Usha Vance has offered a rare glimpse into her role as Second Lady, describing how candid discussions and occasional disagreements with JD Vance help shape perspectives behind the scenes, without any formal involvement in policymaking.

In the affidavit submitted to the Returning Officer, the 52-year-old actor-politician disclosed that he possesses movable assets valued at Rs 404.58 crore. His immovable assets, which include agricultural land in Kodaikanal and commercial and residential properties across Chennai, are valued at approximately Rs 198.62 crore.

Democratic strategist James Carville believes President Trump will resign after midterm election losses. Carville suggests Trump will find the presidency untenable and seek a pardon from JD Vance. He argues Trump lacks the toughness to endure the post-election fallout. This move would allow Trump to avoid further political challenges and potential legal issues.

Noting that the Modi government has taken several steps to usher development in areas that were affected by Left Wing Extremism, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said on Monday that Naxalism has been almost eradicated from Bastar and the region is now on the path of progress.

Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan has reportedly bought a new Mercedes-Benz V-Class. The luxury MPV is valued at approximately Rs 1.4 crore. This adds to his extensive car collection. Khan is also busy filming his upcoming movie 'King'. The film is slated for a December 24, 2026 release. It features a star-studded cast.

April 2026 is a pivotal month for students and job seekers with numerous entrance, recruitment, and board examinations scheduled. Key events include JEE Main (Session 2), VITEEE, MHT CET, and various UPSC and government recruitment tests. CBSE and NIOS board exams will also be concluding or commencing during this period.

A new tax deduction may help seniors lower their taxable income and reduce chances of paying tax on Social Security. People aged 65 and above with income under limits can qualify. The benefit lasts until 2028 and can be added to other deductions. This change, along with a new retirement report, is making many Americans rethink when they can retire.

Keith Urban is reportedly in good spirits after his split from Nicole Kidman, according to fellow artist Russell Dickerson. Speaking at the iHeartRadio Music Awards 2026, Dickerson shared that Urban seems to be focusing on music as a source of strength. TWhile Urban has remained relatively private, Kidman continues her acting work, including Scarpetta. Reports and appearances have also sparked speculation about her bond with Simon Baker, though nothing has been confirmed publicly.

House Listing Operations for Census 2027 commence in Delhi on April 16. Information on all structures and households will be gathered. This exercise will be entirely digital, utilising a mobile application. Citizens can opt for self-enumeration online. The data collection will occur in two phases across different municipal areas.

Over 60% of Americans say political divides are worsening, and now Usha Vance and JD Vance disagreements are drawing major attention. Usha Vance has broken her silence. She said clearly, Im not his staffer. She was talking about JD Vance. She confirmed they dont always agree. She called those moments productive. This comes as she launches her new podcast this Friday. The timing matters. 2028 election buzz is rising fast. Her independent voice stands out.

Vastu Shastra offers simple home adjustments for improved health and energy. Key areas like the entrance, northeast corner, bedroom, kitchen, and bathroom benefit from specific placements and cleanliness. Proper ventilation and daily habits like lighting a diya enhance positivity. These mindful changes create a balanced environment, supporting physical and mental well-being for residents.

Noida International Airport's upcoming launch prompts travel planning from Agra. Travelers can reach the airport via the Yamuna Expressway in under two hours. Options range from comfortable taxis to budget-friendly government and private buses, with varying costs and schedules to suit every need. This improved connectivity promises easier access for western Uttar Pradesh.

Social Security Payment April Schedule: Over 70 million Americans will receive benefits under the Social Security payment schedule April 2026. Payments start April 1 for SSI. Early beneficiaries get April 3 deposits. Most recipients follow the Wednesday rule. Birth dates decide timing. April 8 covers 110 birthdays. April 15 applies to 1120. April 22 serves 2131. This staggered system ensures smooth processing. It reduces delays across banks nationwide. Direct deposit speeds up access. It remains

Quote of the day: Robert Downey, Jr. delivers a powerful message of hope and renewal. By emphasising that hitting bottom is not the end, it encourages individuals to embrace resilience and transformation.

West Bengal has not yet issued its notification for the Census. The Registrar General of India has raised this issue with the state. The first phase of the Census, houselisting and housing census, has a deadline of September 30. This exercise is legally mandated and conducted in collaboration with state governments.

Aristotle in his quote says to exist entirely outside of societyand to find pleasure in that statesuggests a nature that is either sub-human (a beast) or super-human (a god). This philosophy serves as a cornerstone for Western political and social theory, emphasizing that community is essential for achieving Eudaimonia or human flourishing.

Some credit card rewards may be taxed, and taxpayers should know the hidden rules. While cashback from spending is usually safe, referral bonuses and no-spend welcome rewards can count as income. People may need to report them in tax returns. Experts warn to check forms and amounts carefully. Understanding these rules can help avoid mistakes before filing during the tax season.

Bank credit to industry saw a significant jump. Growth accelerated to 13.5 percent by February 28. This is a notable increase from 7.5 percent last year. Key sectors like infrastructure and textiles drove this expansion. Services and personal loans also showed strong year-on-year growth. Agriculture and allied activities also registered expansion.

California Governor Gavin Newsom predicted Stephen Miller's dismissal from the Trump administration, citing reports of the advisor's excessive control over the Department of Homeland Security. Miller allegedly undermined President Trump's directives and caused stress-related health issues for DHS officials, leading to his exclusion from key meetings.

Coca-Colas yellow-capped bottles return each spring to mark Passover, signaling a special version made with cane sugar instead of high fructose corn syrup. The change ensures the drink aligns with dietary restrictions observed during the holiday, when many avoid grains and corn-based ingredients. This practice dates back to 1935, when Rabbi Tuvia Geffen worked with Coca-Cola to adapt its formula.

India's armed forces showcased remarkable jointness in Exercise Dweep Shakti, a five-day drill concluding March 28. The Army, Navy, and Air Force executed coordinated amphibious assaults, maritime dominance, and beach landings using advanced equipment and drones. This exercise underscored their rapid response capabilities and commitment to safeguarding India's coastal and island territories.

Maharashtra government regularizes residential encroachments on government land before January 1, 2011, offering free ownership for plots up to 500 sq ft to low-income families. The scheme excludes Mumbai and Mumbai Suburban districts, with fees for larger plots and strict eligibility criteria to ensure fair distribution.

Spain has barred U.S. military aircraft from its airspace. This move extends a previous denial of access to Spanish military bases. The decision impacts flights en route to the Middle East. Spain's government stated the action aligns with its stance against unilateral wars. This policy reflects Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez's opposition to U.S. and Israeli actions in Iran.

Voters in West Bengal face uncertainty regarding appeals against electoral roll exclusions. While online appeals are enabled, a clear offline process is missing. This creates anxiety for those without digital access. Judicial tribunals are set up, but timelines remain unclear. Many voters are seeking answers from government offices and booth-level officers.

Telangana is set to introduce a new law against hate speech and hate crimes. The proposed bill aims to curb online and offline incidents causing disharmony. Offenders face jail time and fines. Victims will receive compensation. The government will empower officers to remove offensive content. This legislation seeks to protect society from divisive acts.

Rohit Sharma's bat got stuck in an umpire's gauge during an IPL match, sparking social media buzz. The Mumbai Indians captain reassured the official before his powerful innings. Sharma, using his custom CEAT 'Hitman' bat, then led MI to a record-breaking chase against KKR.

Today's headlines bring significant updates from India and around the globe. Prime Minister Modi addresses West Asia conflict impacts and calls opposition remarks dangerous. Business news includes trade discussions with Canada and new airline seat policies. International tensions simmer in West Asia with Israel's plans and diplomatic meetings. Sports highlights feature IPL wins, chess victories, and boxing events.

Bitcoin price has fallen nearly 9% from $72,000 in just days. It now trades near $66,900. This sharp move has triggered fresh fears. Is Bitcoin price heading below $60K? Technical charts suggest rising downside risk. A head and shoulders breakdown signals a bearish trend. The projected target sits near $59,400. That is below the key psychological level. On-chain data shows heavy resistance above current price. Weak whale activity adds more pressure. Short-term bounce signals exist but remain lim

President Trump has raised the stakes in his latest warning to Iran, asserting that a refusal to reach a diplomatic agreement will result in the obliteration of key energy assets, including Kharg Island and its oil wells. This announcement comes as discussions continue amid mounting tensions, indicating that the window for a peaceful resolution is rapidly narrowing.

Logomachy is more than just a rare word; it is a reflection of how language can both illuminate and obscure. By naming a specific kind of unproductive debate, it equips users with a sharper tool for analysis and critique.

The Reserve Bank of India and the Finance Ministry are working to boost rural credit. Measures are in place to ensure ample liquidity for the economy. Priority Sector Lending guidelines and Ground Level Agriculture Credit targets are key to expanding Kisan Credit Card coverage. The limit for collateral-free agricultural loans will increase from January 1, 2025.

Delhis unusual weather on March 30, 2026hot mornings followed by cloudy eveningsis driven by a powerful Western Disturbance interacting with intense pre-monsoon heating. Convective activity and shifting cyclonic circulations over Rajasthan have triggered a yellow alert, bringing relief from heat through evening thunderstorms and gusty winds across the NCR.

French carmaker Renault said on Monday it was developing a ground-based drone for military and civilian use as Europe scrambles to boost weapons production in the face of Russian aggression. French industry magazine L'Usine Nouvelle said that the carmaker is working in partnership with the Belgian group John Cockerill, which owns the main French supplier of military vehicles Arquus.