West Indies players return home after travel disruption: CWI

After an arduous wait, the West Indies cricket team and its staff have successfully made their journey back home following their time in India for the T20 World Cup. The team faced significant challenges due to travel restrictions caused by escalating tensions in West Asia, resulting in closed airspace and canceled flights that kept them in Kolkata longer than anticipated.

Gold, silver may see more corrective moves this week as Iran conflict drive volatility

Gold and silver prices are poised for continued volatility this week, influenced by Middle East conflict developments and key central bank policy announcements. Investors are closely watching for geopolitical shifts and forward guidance from the Fed, ECB, BoE, and PBOC. Despite recent price dips, analysts maintain that long-term allocation to bullion remains favoured due to its safe-haven and hedging properties.

Why your brain struggles to finish this sentence after an hour of reels

Scientists warn that habitual short-form video consumption may be weakening crucial brain circuits for deep thinking and focus. Studies show a negative correlation between short-video addiction and prefrontal brain activity, impacting attention, impulse control, and self-regulation.

Assembly Elections 2026: SIR, MCC & more — what EC said on polls for 4 states, 1 UT

West Bengal polls: Why EC opted for two-phase assembly elections

Kerala, Assam & Puducherry vote on April 9, TN on April 23, 2-phase polling in WB; results May 4

The Election Commission has unveiled the assembly poll schedule for West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Assam, Kerala, and Puducherry. Key political players like Mamata Banerjee, MK Stalin, and Himanta Biswa Sarma are gearing up for intense electoral battles across these states and the Union Territory.

EC announces bypoll dates for 8 assembly constituencies across six states; check schedule

By-elections for eight assembly seats across six states, including Goa, Gujarat, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Nagaland, and Tripura, have been announced by the Election Commission. Polling dates are set for April 9 and April 23, with vote counting scheduled for May 4. These elections will fill vacant legislative seats, ensuring full representation in state assemblies.

Puducherry assembly polls: Key election dates and other details

Puducherry will vote for its 30 Assembly seats on April 9, 2026, with results announced on May 4. Nearly 9.44 lakh voters are eligible, including 23,033 first-time electors. The Election Commission emphasized free and fair polls, deploying extensive webcasting and model polling stations. The NDA, including AINRC and BJP, has finalized its seat-sharing plan.

Kerala polls: Voting on April 9, results on May 4

Assam election schedule: Voting in one phase on April 9, results on May 4

Mamata raises monthly honorarium for priests, muezzins ahead of poll schedule announcement

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced a Rs 500 hike in monthly honorariums for priests and muezzins, raising their pay to Rs 2,000. This move, along with the approval of all new applications, was made just before the Election Commission declared poll dates. Banerjee stated the decision recognizes the vital role of religious functionaries in community life.

Kerala, Assam & Puducherry to vote on April 9; Tamil Nadu on April 23

The Election Commission has unveiled the assembly poll schedule for West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Assam, Kerala, and Puducherry. Key political players like Mamata Banerjee, MK Stalin, and Himanta Biswa Sarma are gearing up for intense electoral battles across these states and the Union Territory.

Chinese telecom company fined $50m for conspiring to steal technology from US firm

A Chinese telecommunications company, Hytera, has been fined $50 million for criminally conspiring to steal proprietary digital mobile radio technology from Motorola Solutions. Hytera recruited Motorola employees to take trade secrets, including source code, to develop competing products at a significantly lower cost. The company pleaded guilty to conspiracy to steal trade secrets and received a five-year probation term.

‘Good stocks in hand’: India well placed on crude, fuel despite Middle East war, says Goyal

India is well-prepared for Middle East crisis disruptions, with ample fuel stocks and no supply issues reported. The government is diversifying gas import sources and will soon announce support for affected exporters, including insurance schemes. Despite short-term economic pressures and rupee stress, India remains confident in its growth trajectory.

Mother quit job, son scripts history: How Mayank, 16, became Northeast’s 1st GM

Sixteen-year-old Mayank Chakraborty has made history as the first Grandmaster from Assam and Northeast India. His landmark achievement in Sweden follows years of immense sacrifice, including his mother, Dr. Monomita Chakraborty, resigning from her medical career to support his journey. While celebrated as India’s 94th GM, Mayank’s family now seeks government and corporate backing to sustain his elite professional career.