Times of India

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has publicly debunked circulating social media rumors about his death and a supposed "six fingers" claim. He shared a video showcasing his five-fingered hands, dismissing the baseless allegations as fake news. These false claims emerged amidst heightened regional tensions and online misinformation, with the PM's office confirming he is well.

A top Iranian security official claims a network linked to Jeffrey Epstein is plotting a 9/11-style terrorist attack and intends to frame Iran. Ali Larijani stated Iran opposes such plots and has no conflict with the American people, amid escalating Middle East tensions.

Rahul Dravid highlights India's consistent success in global tournaments. He credits this to the nation's immense cricketing talent finally being realized. Dravid noted the alignment of players, administrators, coaches, and fans. He also praised the T20 World Cup winning team for handling immense expectations and performing under pressure. This marks a significant period for Indian cricket.

Arvind Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia have approached the Supreme Court after the Delhi High Court Chief Justice rejected their plea to transfer the CBI's challenge to their discharge in the excise policy case. The appeal was to be heard by Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma, a decision the AAP leaders deemed lacking impartiality, citing early observations by the judge.

Tennis icon Maria Sharapova made a surprise appearance at an NBA game and later posed for a photo with Luka Dončić after the Lakers’ thrilling overtime win. The photo quickly went viral online.

Air India's long-haul flights face extended duty times due to Middle East airspace restrictions. The DGCA has granted temporary relaxations, extending flight duty limits by over an hour. However, allegations suggest Air India may have exceeded these new allowances on a Jeddah flight, highlighting the ongoing impact of regional conflict on aviation.

The International Energy Agency's historic 400 million barrel oil reserve release offers limited relief as the Strait of Hormuz remains closed. S&P Global Energy warns this move won't solve the core issue of disrupted shipping, leaving Asian markets particularly vulnerable. Markets face continued imbalance until this critical chokepoint reopens.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla for his composure and impartiality following the rejection of a no-confidence motion against him. Modi commended Birla's adherence to parliamentary decorum and his affirmation that no one is above the rules, reinforcing democratic traditions.

Virat Kohli, in a recent 'This or That' challenge, named Chris Gayle as his top T20 opener over Rohit Sharma. Kohli's selections progressed through Adam Gilchrist, Travis Head, and Virender Sehwag before reaching the final showdown. Gayle's prolific T20 record, including the highest individual IPL score, solidifies his legendary status in the format.

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 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.

The Trinamool Congress won a decisive victory in the 2021 West Bengal Assembly elections, securing a third consecutive term. The party claimed 213 seats in the 294-member assembly. The Bharatiya Janata Party emerged as the principal opposition, winning 77 seats. This election marked a significant shift in the state's political landscape.

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.