Weekly News Platter
The Economic Times

Weekly News Platter

18 Apr, 2026, 05:09PM IST, PTI
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In case you had a busy week, these are the top stories you need to get caught up to speed...
Cabinet's key calls: Maritime insurance pool, DA hike, new rail corridor among othersCabinet's key calls: Maritime insurance pool, DA hike, new rail corridor among others
The Union Cabinet has approved significant decisions impacting infrastructure and social security. A new Bharat Maritime Insurance Pool will boost domestic capacity. Central government employees and pensioners will see a Dearness Allowance and Relief hike. The Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana-III receives an extension. A new rail corridor in Uttar Pradesh is also cleared, enhancing connectivity. Read more
Akshaya Tritiya 2026: Gold Vs silver Vs gold stocks. Where should investors put their money this year?Akshaya Tritiya 2026: Gold Vs silver Vs gold stocks. Where should investors put their money this year?
Silver has significantly outperformed gold since last Akshaya Tritiya, delivering a remarkable 160% return compared to gold's nearly 58.7%. While gold remains a stable store of value, silver's demand from key industries fuels its rise, though with higher volatility. Gold jewellery stocks have also seen substantial gains, with domestic sales surging. Read more
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Strait of Hormuz closed again over US blockade, says Iran military commandStrait of Hormuz closed again over US blockade, says Iran military command
Iran's military command has announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital energy shipping channel, citing a US blockade. This move follows alleged US-Israeli strikes and Iran's prior threat to charge fees for passage. The strait is crucial as it handles approximately one-fifth of global oil and LNG supplies. Read more
BJP-led govt’s constitutional amendment bill for women quota in Parliament fails Lok Sabha testBJP-led govt’s constitutional amendment bill for women quota in Parliament fails Lok Sabha test
Parliament rejected a bill to implement 33% women's reservation by 2029, requiring an expansion of Lok Sabha seats. The government blamed opposition parties for the failure, citing a lack of consensus on delimitation. Despite the bill's defeat, the 2023 women's reservation law remains in effect. The government vows to continue its push. Read more
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Naveen Jindal backs Vedanta chair Anil Agarwal, questions FIR in Chhattisgarh boiler blast probeNaveen Jindal backs Vedanta chair Anil Agarwal, questions FIR in Chhattisgarh boiler blast probe
Lok Sabha MP Naveen Jindal voiced support for Vedanta Chairman Anil Agarwal. Jindal questioned Agarwal's naming in an FIR following a fatal boiler blast. He stressed the need for thorough investigation and accountability for the tragedy. Jindal highlighted concerns over due process and consistent standards for private sector accountability. Read more
HDFC Bank Q4 Results: Net profit rises 9% to Rs 19,221 crore; announces Rs 13 dividend for FY26HDFC Bank Q4 Results: Net profit rises 9% to Rs 19,221 crore; announces Rs 13 dividend for FY26
HDFC Bank announced a net profit of Rs 19,221 crore for the March quarter, a 9% rise year-on-year. This growth was achieved despite a slight 1.1% decrease in interest income, which stood at Rs 76,610 crore compared to Rs 77,460 crore in the prior year's corresponding period. Read more
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Govt clears UP potato buy at Rs 6,500/ton, hikes gram cap in Andhra PradeshGovt clears UP potato buy at Rs 6,500/ton, hikes gram cap in Andhra Pradesh
The government is stepping in to support farmers. Twenty lakh tonnes of potatoes will be bought in Uttar Pradesh. Gram procurement limits have been increased in Andhra Pradesh. Tur farmers in Karnataka will have more time to sell their produce. These measures aim to ensure farmers get fair prices and avoid distress sales. Read more
Andhra CM announces Rs 40,000 lease per acre under Amaravati phase II land poolingAndhra CM announces Rs 40,000 lease per acre under Amaravati phase II land pooling
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu announced a Rs 40,000 per acre annual lease for a decade to farmers participating in the second phase of Amaravati's land pooling. Farmers will also receive a Rs 1.5 lakh crop loan per household, with the lease amount increasing by Rs 3,000 annually. Read more
SEC, Adanis jointly seek extension; propose new briefing schedule in US caseSEC, Adanis jointly seek extension; propose new briefing schedule in US case
The US Securities and Exchange Commission and Indian businessmen Gautam Adani and Sagar Adani seek more time in a US court. They have proposed a new schedule for key submissions in a civil securities case. The SEC sued the Adanis in November 2024, alleging they misled investors. The Adanis deny all allegations and seek dismissal of the fraud lawsuit. Read more
Delhi to Mumbai in 12 hours? As new Gujarat stretch of Mumbai Expressway opens, check entry and exit points, routeDelhi to Mumbai in 12 hours? As new Gujarat stretch of Mumbai Expressway opens, check entry and exit points, route
Delhi–Mumbai Expressway: The Union Transport Ministry, in a release, stated that the Godhra–Vadodara stretch of the Delhi–Mumbai 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. Read more
India turns the tables on China: The great supply chain flip beginsIndia turns the tables on China: The great supply chain flip begins
India's electronics sector is transforming. For years, the country assembled products using imported parts. Now, Indian companies are exporting electronic components, even to China. This marks a significant shift from just assembly to deeper manufacturing involvement. This change is driven by government policies and global manufacturers. Read more
JDU rethinks Bihar grassroots strategy after Nitish Kumar's exitJDU rethinks Bihar grassroots strategy after Nitish Kumar's exit
JDU confronts challenges retaining its core support after Nitish Kumar's resignation. The party's reliance on welfare scheme beneficiaries now requires new strategies. All eyes are on Nishant Kumar, Nitish's son, who is emerging as a consensus leader. He aims to build acceptability and protect JDU's political interests within the new government structure. Read more
RBI asks state oil refiners to curb spot dollar buying, sources sayRBI asks state oil refiners to curb spot dollar buying, sources say
India's central bank is taking action to support the rupee. State-run oil refiners are being asked to use a special credit line for dollar needs instead of buying on the spot market. This move aims to reduce pressure on the Indian currency. The Reserve Bank of India is employing measures similar to those used during the Ukraine war. Read more
TCS denies Nashik facility shut down; brings in Deloitte, Trilegal for probeTCS denies Nashik facility shut down; brings in Deloitte, Trilegal for probe
Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) on Friday dismissed reports that its Nashik facility has been shut down, asserting that the unit “continues to operate and serve clients” even as investigations intensify into the ongoing controversy. Read more
US extends waiver allowing India and other countries to buy Russian oilUS extends waiver allowing India and other countries to buy Russian oil
The Donald Trump administration has issued a short-term waiver allowing countries to continue buying sanctioned Russian oil loaded on ships until May 16, aiming to stabilise global energy prices amid the US-Israeli war on Iran. Read more
New Delimitation Bill 2026: What it means and its key proposalsNew Delimitation Bill 2026: What it means and its key proposals
The government's tabling of the Delimitation Bill has ignited a political firestorm, particularly from southern opposition parties. The proposal, which could redistribute Lok Sabha seats based on population, threatens to reduce the South's political influence despite their economic contributions. Critics argue this move penalizes states that successfully controlled population growth. Read more
G20 satellite expected to be launched in 2027: ISRO chief NarayananG20 satellite expected to be launched in 2027: ISRO chief Narayanan
India's G20 satellite for climate and pollution study is set for a 2027 launch. ISRO is leading this initiative. The nation also aims for a human mission to the moon by 2040. This will place India alongside leading space-faring countries. ISRO is also developing a titanium vessel for the Samudrayaan deep ocean mission. Read more
Starlink unable to get signal for India liftoff; faces FDI hurdles amid security concernsStarlink unable to get signal for India liftoff; faces FDI hurdles amid security concerns
Starlink's plan for satellite services in India is stalled. The government is reviewing Elon Musk's company's investment proposal carefully. National security concerns are a major hurdle. Geopolitical events have heightened these worries. The company awaits crucial security clearance. Officials will discuss the proposal soon. India prioritizes national security in satellite communications. Read more
Pete Hegseth sparks buzz after quoting fake Bible verse from movie Pulp Fiction at PentagonPete Hegseth sparks buzz after quoting fake Bible verse from movie Pulp Fiction at Pentagon
A Pentagon sermon by Pete Hegseth has sparked controversy after he recited a prayer resembling a fictional Bible passage from Pulp Fiction. The lines, written by Quentin Tarantino and Roger Avary and performed by Samuel L. Jackson, were adapted into a military context. The incident has triggered political criticism, public debate, and discussions about the role of religion, accuracy, and symbolism within official government institutions and military spaces. Read more
Have to remove Mamata as Bengal CM, else Bangladeshi Muslims will snatch state from us: Himanta Biswa SarmaHave to remove Mamata as Bengal CM, else Bangladeshi Muslims will snatch state from us: Himanta Biswa Sarma
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has accused West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of diverting state resources for Bangladeshi Muslim infiltrators. He stated that Banerjee has earmarked the state treasury for these infiltrators and alleged she sold land for votes. Sarma called for Banerjee's removal, warning that Bengal could be lost to infiltrators. Read more

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