The Economic Times
Elections 2026Economy / The Economic Times
Ranveer Singh's spy thriller Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge has achieved a significant box office milestone, surpassing the lifetime collection of its predecessor within just 11 days. The film's strong performance, with a worldwide gross of approximately Rs 1,361.95 crore, highlights its immense popularity and commercial success. Read on to know how much it earned on day 11.
Politico has appointed insider Jonathan Greenberger as its new editor in chief, effective May 1. He succeeds John Harris, who will become chairman. Greenberger, previously an executive vice president, was recognized for his innovative ideas and ability to drive organizational change. Politico leads U.S. political news sites in traffic.
Iran's heavy water production plant at Khondab has sustained severe damage and is no longer operational following an attack on March 27, according to the International Atomic Energy Agency. The UN nuclear watchdog confirmed the facility contains no declared nuclear material.
The Election Commission has transferred 173 police station officers across West Bengal. This move aims to ensure free and fair Assembly elections. Key constituencies like Bhabanipur and Nandigram are included in the reshuffle. Fourteen block development officers in Purba Medinipur were also transferred. These large-scale transfers seek to ensure neutrality and a level playing field.
Bengali actor Rahul Arunoday Banerjee tragically died at 43 due to accidental drowning at Talsari Beach in Digha. He was filming a television serial when the incident occurred after pack-up. Banerjee was a respected figure in Bengali cinema and television, known for his roles in Chirodini Tumi Je Amar and other notable projects. Read on!
If you are confused by personal finance terms, jargon and calculations, heres a series to simplify and deconstruct these for you. In the 96th part of this series, Riju Mehta explains one way of evaluating companies.
In the first part of a two-part series, we break down option premiums and moneyness. Without a solid understanding of these dynamics, retail investors often end up speculating rather than strategising. Understanding moneyness is critical for understanding why retail traders lose money.
The Income Tax Act, 2025 modernises the law while preserving continuity, ensuring that taxpayers are not forced into uncertainty during transition. Income earned up to financial year 2025- 26, which ends on 31 March, 2026, is governed by the Income Tax Act, 1961; income earned in financial year 2026-27, which starts on 1 April, 2026, comes under the new Act.
Deadlines, reminders, and a nudge or two. Your money, sorted for 2026-27 with this calendar.
Many flexi-cap funds are large-cap funds in disguise. And investors are paying active management fees for the privilege. Aside from safety and less volatility, the real question to ask is if a flexi-cap funds large-cap tilt is rewarding.
With the overhauled Income Tax Act taking effect from 1 April, taxpayers must prepare for new rulesand the renewed old vs new tax regime debate.
A sharp sell-off in precious metals amid extreme stress runs counter to their usual role as diversifiers.
FIFA World Cup 2026 turns a fan trip into a high-cost, multi-country journey.
Short- and medium-haul destinations like Thailand, Sri Lanka, and Japan are seeing a rise in demand.
As the West Asia crisis cuts into vacation plans and budgets, theres still time to reschedule your trip and claim refunds.
Bajaj Finserv is gearing up to elevate its presence in the artificial intelligence sector. With plans to unveil a specialized private equity fund directed at AI initiatives, the financial services giant is also looking to directly invest in nascent AI startups from its own coffers.
With the digital payment landscape in India experiencing rapid growth, there is a growing call for banks to partner with the National Payments Corporation of India to address the rising number of unsuccessful Unified Payments Interface transactions. This collaboration aims to fortify user trust in the system as smaller banks struggle with increased errors and transaction failures.
The microfinance market saw growth in February. The total loan book reached Rs 3.29 lakh cr. Loan disbursements increased. Portfolio quality improved. The bad loan ratio declined. Leaders now advocate for disciplined expansion. This follows past issues with over-lending. Overleveraged customers and loan servicing failures caused past crises.
Factory disruptions are easing as commercial LPG supplies improve and migrant workers return, with companies offering support. The government increased commercial LPG allocation by 20 percentage points to 70% of pre-squeeze levels, prioritizing key labor-intensive sectors like steel, automobiles, and textiles.
Many women may make Social Security decisions without looking at their full retirement plan. Waiting for higher benefits sounds good, but it can mean using savings early. This may create risks, especially for longer retirements. Experts say timing affects taxes, investments and lifestyle. The best choice depends on personal goals, income sources and when someone wants financial flexibility in retirement.
The transaction will create a diversified, multi-format packaging platform with a combined valuation of about $2 billion. EPL is being valued at about $1.2 billion-about 70% higher than its closing price on Friday-while Indovida India is valued at roughly $700 million.
A Ukrainian drone strike hit Russia's Ust-Luga port on Sunday. This major oil export facility caught fire. Ukraine has targeted Russia's oil infrastructure this month. Attacks have disrupted oil supplies. This comes as global oil prices are high. The port handles significant oil exports daily. Ukraine's security agency confirmed the strike caused serious damage and a fire.
India is pushing for fair global fishing subsidy rules. Minister Piyush Goyal stated India's subsidies are very low. He urged the WTO to consider developing nations' needs. India wants a 25-year transition period for these countries. The aim is to prevent overfishing and protect vulnerable communities. These discussions are happening at the WTO Ministerial Conference.
The enchanted land at Disneyland Paris features the Frozen Ever After boat ride and character encounters with Anna and Elsa. The broader relaunch adds a vast central lake, a Tangled attraction, 15 new dining locations and a nighttime spectacular using what Disney calls the world's first combined aquatic and aerial drone system.
The government has extended the deadline for some PM KUSUM solar projects. Developers and state agencies now have until March 31, 2027, to commission projects with power purchase agreements or letters of intent signed by December 31, 2025. This move offers relief amid execution delays and financing challenges. States are coordinating with banks to facilitate project completion.
World Trade Organization talks in Cameroon extended beyond deadlines. Negotiators from the US and Brazil debated agriculture and electronic transmission tariffs. India prevented a China-backed investment agreement from joining the WTO. This pact will now be negotiated separately. India also pushed for progress on development issues and special treatment for developing nations.
The department of pharmaceuticals (DoP) has been holding meetings with the industry executives to take stock of the situation, people in the know said.
The Confederation of Indian Industry, or CII, has proposed a 12-point plan for businesses. This agenda aims to manage challenges from the West Asia conflict. CII calls for joint efforts to secure supply chains and keep prices steady. The focus is on protecting jobs amidst global uncertainty. Industry must also build strategic reserves and pass on savings to consumers.
Chains such as Malabar Gold & Diamonds, Kalyan Jewellers, Joyalukkas and Titan Company's Tanishq, which together command a significant presence in the region, are witnessing weak footfall and cautious spending, even as most stores remain open in markets such as the UAE.
Prepare for potentially higher airfare this summer! With escalating jet fuel prices and a lack of available pilots, airlines are bracing for challenging times. IndiGo is scaling back its flight offerings, and Air India alongside Air India Express is eyeing cautious expansion.
The Serious Fraud Investigation Office is investigating IndusInd Bank's accounting irregularities. Key former executives have been summoned for questioning. This probe follows earlier findings by auditors and forensic reports. Meanwhile, Mumbai Police's Economic Offences Wing is nearing the closure of its preliminary inquiry, finding no evidence of fund diversion.
Several team owners have extended their footprint into overseas T20 leagues such as South Africa's SA20, the UAE's ILT20 and England's The Hundred. This has effectively transformed franchises into multi-league cricket portfolios, transforming them from single-league entities into scalable global platforms with diversified revenue streams and greater upside for investors.
Electronics costs are soaring to unprecedented heights, disrupting the long-standing trend of declining prices. Basic gadgets like televisions and smartphones are now pricier, while crucial appliances such as refrigerators and air conditioners are expected to follow suit.
Tiger Woods faced trouble after a crash that upset Vanessa Trump. Reports say she was angry and questioned his actions. He was charged and later tried to calm the situation. Sources claim he felt embarrassed and may seek treatment. Their relationship is now under focus as the incident brings attention to their future together and raises concerns among close friends.
The Reserve Bank of India has introduced a bold new daily limit on the open rupee positions held by banks, aiming to counteract the rupee's weakening trend versus the dollar. As a result, banks are now required to trim their dollar assets and offload US currency.
As of April 1, new legislation will prevent the use of Chinese CCTV cameras in India, directly affecting companies such as Hikvision and Dahua. In their place, Indian manufacturers are seizing the opportunity to fill the market void, which is inevitably influencing price trends. With these regulations, the government is committed to bolstering security protocols across the nation.
The order, issued on March 27, had barred the BoB from handling government transactions for five years, citing non-compliance with official instructions on fund transfers under the state's chief minister Kisan Yojana.
Bharti Airtel and Tata Teleservices face a March 31 deadline to pay approximately 10,000 crore in adjusted gross revenue dues. This payment is mandated by a Supreme Court order. Unlike Vodafone Idea, these companies have not received specific relief. Failure to comply will be considered contempt of court. Bharti Airtel owes over 5,000 crore, and Tata Teleservices over 4,000 crore.
In light of recent geopolitical unrest, the Shapoorji Pallonji Group is reaching out to bondholders for consent to adjust a crucial loan-to-value covenant tied to its rupee notes. This strategic decision to elevate the LTV threshold for a short span of three months seeks to provide the group with much-needed breathing room amidst current market fluctuations.
Actor C Joseph Vijay will contest the Tamil Nadu assembly election from Perambur and Trichy East. His party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, released its candidate list on Sunday. Vijay promised to create a drug-free Tamil Nadu and provide collateral-free education loans. Several other prominent candidates are also set to contest on behalf of the TVK party.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has urged voters to grant the BJP another term in Assam. He assured that the state will be made free from infiltrators. Shah highlighted efforts to curb infiltration and reclaim encroached land. He stated that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India's borders are secure.
The strikes mark another blow to the region's commodity sector, with exports already constrained by the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Beyond shipping disruptions, direct damage to industrial infrastructure could delay a return to normal operations even after the conflict ends.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has responded strongly to a BJP charge sheet. She questioned if the BJP is planning to harm her. Banerjee accused the BJP of deleting names of genuine voters from the electoral rolls. She urged her party workers to assist affected citizens in appealing the deletions.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin launched the DMK's election manifesto. The party promises to double monthly assistance for women heads of families to 2,000. Old age pensions will also rise to 2,000. The manifesto includes schemes for household appliances, free electricity, and laptops for students. Economic plans focus on attracting investments and creating jobs.
Jorhat's assembly seat sees a respectful election battle. BJP's Hitendra Nath Goswami faces Congress' Gaurav Gogoi. Campaigning remains civil, avoiding personal attacks. This contrasts with other election trends in Assam. Voters appreciate the decorum. Assam holds single-phase assembly polls on April 9. The region is on high alert following recent explosions and militant attacks.
Kerala's Opposition leader VD Satheesan predicts a United Democratic Front win in the upcoming assembly election. He expects over 100 seats for the front. Satheesan believes this victory will strengthen the Congress party in southern India. He also stated that the All-India Congress Committee will decide on leadership if the party wins.
While the domestic intranet remains operational -- supporting local messaging apps, banking platforms and other services -- access to the global internet has been severely restricted. Many Iranians have been left with little choice but to rely on state-controlled platforms and costly alternatives to stay in touch with loved ones.
Kim Kardashian and Lewis Hamilton created buzz during their Japan trip. Fans expected her to appear at his race, but she was missing from the event. Hamilton was seen with another celebrity, which raised questions online. Kim spent time with her family instead. Social media posts and sightings kept rumors going, leaving fans curious about their rumored relationship.
Pakistan hosted talks with Turkey, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia. Discussions focused on reopening the Strait of Hormuz to shipping. Proposals were sent to Washington. Iran warned the US against a ground attack. Global oil prices surged amid continued fighting. Countries are working to stabilize shipping flows.

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