The Economic Times
Elections 2026Economy / The Economic Times
A leaked dummy model of Apple's anticipated foldable iPhone has surfaced, revealing a book-style design with a wide display. While sparking excitement, the device has drawn criticism for its proportions and potential lack of MagSafe. Expected in September 2026, this glimpse fuels intense online debate about its final form and features.
$625 settlement payout: If you received an unexpected call about a Norton or LifeLock account, you could be eligible for a payout from a $9.95 million settlement. The case focuses on unsolicited calls made to non-customers. Eligible claimants may receive up to $625, with a deadline to apply set for April 13, 2026.
India and France held Foreign Office Consultations in Paris. Discussions covered economic security, innovation, and STEM talent. Defence, nuclear energy, space, and cyber cooperation were reviewed. Global issues like climate change and the Indo-Pacific were also discussed. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri met French officials. He also visited the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre. This follows President Macron's India visit.
Bill Ackman Pershing Square IPO has already secured $2.8 billion, signaling strong early demand. This dual IPO will list Pershing Square Capital Management under PS and launch Pershing Square USA (PSUS) at $50 per share. The fund targets up to $10 billion, making it one of 2026s biggest IPOs. Investors gain bonus shares, boosting appeal across retail and institutional markets. Bill Ackman aims to build a permanent capital model inspired by Berkshire Hathaway. This structure reduces redemption ri
The Enforcement Directorate has arrested Vinesh Chandel, a director of political consultancy firm I-PAC. This arrest is linked to a money-laundering case connected to an alleged coal scam in West Bengal. The agency conducted raids on premises belonging to I-PAC directors and former AAP communications in-charge. The case originates from a CBI FIR concerning a multi-crore coal-pilferage scam.
Katy Perry and Justin Trudeau went viral after attending Coachella together, where photos and videos from the festival spread widely across social media. Perry shared Instagram images showing the couple walking hand-in-hand, relaxing on the grounds, and enjoying performances. Social media users reacted with humor, surprise, and debate as the unexpected celebrity-political pairing became one of the festivals most talked-about moments worldwide this year across platforms.
Air India's first retrofitted Boeing 787-8 has arrived in Delhi. This marks the completion of a cabin refresh for the first of 26 aircraft. These planes will fly to destinations in the UK, Europe, USA, and the Far East. The aircraft underwent interior upgrades and received a new livery. This development signifies an upgrade to Air India's long-haul fleet.
A Karnataka High Court division bench has overturned a land acquisition for a non-existent company, restoring 70 acres in Bengaluru to farmers. The court cited a gross abuse of power and fraud, ordering a CBI probe into the 25-year-old transaction where a company was incorporated over a decade after applying for land.
Donald Trump announced a United States-led blockade against Iran is now in effect. He stated Iran is seeking negotiations while tensions remain high. Trump emphasized no fighting is occurring but the blockade will continue. He firmly ruled out any deal permitting Iran to possess nuclear weapons. Consequences were warned if a resolution is not reached soon.
French luxury giant LVMH reported a significant hit from the Middle Eastern conflict. Sales in the Gulf region saw a sharp decline. Wealthy tourists from the area also reduced their spending in Europe. This conflict negatively impacted LVMH's total group sales. Mall traffic in Dubai dropped considerably.
Bank of Baroda and Reliance Jio are shaking up the mobile banking landscape by rolling out services tailored for feature phone users. Their new 'bob World Lite' app, set to debut on JioPhone Prima 4G devices, marks a significant step toward digital equality in India.
A recent video of Sadhguru is gaining attention for his unconventional parenting advice, where he urges parents to stop parenting in a controlling way. He explains that children are not a parents property and instead need supportive company rather than authority at home. Emphasising that parenting is a privilege, not ownership, he encourages a shift from control to understanding, a message that has sparked wide discussion online.
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has approved investment proposals totaling Rs 18,430.44 crore. These approvals, granted at the State High-Level Clearance Committee meeting, are expected to create over 15,000 jobs. Seventeen project proposals, including new ventures and expansions, received the green light. Major investments are planned in the EV, automobile, solar, and aerospace manufacturing sectors across various districts of the state.
Vidarbha's Praful Hinge has made a stunning IPL debut. He took three wickets in his very first over. Hinge dismissed Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Dhruv Jurel, and Lhuan-dre Pretorius. Sunrisers Hyderabad signed the young seamer at the IPL auction. He has a strong reputation in domestic cricket for his bowling.
Quote of the day : John Greens reflection does not diminish the emotional complexity of leaving, but it reframes it as a necessary step toward growth. In doing so, it encourages readers to trust their instincts, embrace uncertainty and recognise that sometimes, the path forward only becomes clear once the first step is taken.
INTC stock analysis: Intel stock has surged 51% in eight sessions, adding over $100 billion in market value, driven by a $14.2 billion plant buyback and partnerships with Tesla and Google. Despite analyst caution and valuation concerns, the company anticipates future earnings growth, with projections showing a turnaround from current losses.
The Centre has announced a significant bureaucratic reshuffle. Forty-eight civil servants have been appointed to joint secretary or equivalent positions. Hardik Satishchandra Shah is now private secretary to the prime minister at the joint secretary level. Several other officers have been assigned key roles across various government departments, including agriculture, civil aviation, commerce, defence, and home affairs.
Delhi's draft Electric Vehicle Policy 2.0, designed with a citizen-first approach, offers purchase and scrapping incentives for EVs, aiming for a seamless transition to electric mobility. The policy includes 100% road tax and registration fee exemptions for EVs under Rs 30 lakh, prioritizing benefits for middle and lower-income groups without financial strain.
The newly released The Boroughs trailer has piqued fans curiosity, teasing a familiar mix of mystery, horror, and emotionthis time with an unexpected twist.
Pakistan's attempt to mediate US-Iran talks and a related stock market rally ended quickly. The country's fortunes are tied to external events, not internal strength. Despite the setback, Pakistan may retain a role in ongoing backchannel diplomacy. Its strategic location and defense ties ensure continued relevance beyond mediation efforts.
McDonald's is set to launch a new cold drink menu next month. This revamp includes a Red Bull Dragonberry Energizer, Dirty Dr Pepper, and Mango Pineapple Refresher. These new beverages will be available nationwide. McDonald's plans to price these drinks lower than competitors. This move aims to attract budget-conscious customers.
Nutritionist Lovneet Batra suggests incorporating six specific fruits into daily meals to combat common health problems. Watermelon aids hydration for headaches. Bananas support mental well-being and reduce stress. Pomegranates improve circulation for blood pressure. Blueberries enhance focus and brain function. Figs strengthen bones with essential minerals. Oranges boost immunity with Vitamin C.
India's top judge envisions a future judiciary beyond courtrooms. Justice will reach citizens directly, seamlessly integrated into their lives. Judges will need broader understanding for complex issues like synthetic biology and deep-sea mining. This transformation aims for a more accessible and responsive justice system for all.
Abhishek Sharma faced an early setback at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium. He was dismissed for a golden duck by Jofra Archer on the first ball. Ravi Bishnoi took the catch. This was Abhishek's seventh duck in 2026 T20 innings. Rajasthan Royals captain Riyan Parag won the toss and chose to bowl first.
With over 17,000 additional seats now available each month, the move will boost air connectivity and economic growth in the region, Star Air said.
The UN maritime agency chief Arsenio Dominguez stated Monday that no nation possesses the legal authority to obstruct shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. Access to this vital trade route remains blocked six weeks after the US-Iran war began. Dominguez emphasized that prohibiting innocent passage through international straits violates international law.
NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang has shared that he uses AI as a tool to learn and solve problems, not as a replacement for thinking. He stressed that asking the right questions is a key skill, both in using AI and in leading a company. Huang said much of his work involves questioning rather than giving direct instructions. His comments come as research raises concerns that over-reliance on AI could reduce critical thinking through cognitive offloading.
Priyanka Chopra's mother, Madhu Chopra, offers parenting advice. She emphasizes allowing children to process failure and express emotions. Madhu Chopra highlights the importance of emotional and psychological support for children. She explains that early childhood environments shape personality. Parents must set boundaries between work and personal life. Children learn by observing their parents' behavior and attitudes.
Popeyes one piece: Popeyes is introducing its first anime collaboration with One Piece, launching a limited-time menu and collectibles across the US and Canada on April 13. In partnership with Toei Animation, the campaign celebrates the franchises 25-year legacy and over 600 million manga sales. Select locations offer free collectible bento boxes for early buyers, while exclusive merchandise drops online.
Donald Trump's recent social media outbursts, including criticism of Pope Leo and sharing an AI image, have fueled demands for his removal. Calls for invoking the 25th Amendment are growing. Former CIA director John Brennan also urged Trump's departure, citing his unsuitability for office. The president's conduct continues to draw widespread attention and concern.
Britain will not support a US blockade of Iranian ports. Prime Minister Keir Starmer confirmed the UK's stance to keep the Strait of Hormuz open for global trade. The UK is working with France and other partners to protect shipping routes. Military assets are focused on ensuring the Strait remains accessible. This move aims to ease global cost-of-living pressures.
GAIL India is set to build a massive 600 MW solar power project in Uttar Pradesh. This significant undertaking includes a 550 MWh battery storage system. The project aims to boost power supply reliability and efficiency. It represents a major expansion of GAIL's renewable energy efforts. This move aligns with India's strong push for clean energy and reduced carbon emissions.
The Reserve Bank of India has returned Ujjivan Small Finance Bank's application to become a universal bank. The central bank cited the need for Ujjivan to diversify its loan portfolio. Ujjivan must now demonstrate a more varied asset base before reapplying.
The Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro, priced at 22,999, offer a refined premium TWS experience focused on balance rather than major innovation. They feature a comfortable, durable design with IP57 rating, improved controls, and strong ecosystem integration for Galaxy users. Audio performance stands out with a 2-way driver system, clear vocals, balanced sound, and support for high-resolution audio, while AI-powered ANC and a six-mic setup ensure good noise cancellation and call quality.
The CBSE Class 12 Result 2026 is anticipated in mid-May, following exams that began on February 17, 2026. Students can access their results via official websites, SMS, IVRS, DigiLocker, and the UMANG app. A minimum of 33% in each subject is required to pass.
The Reserve Bank's recent statistics reveal that net sales for non-financial private firms surged by 11.4 percent in 2024-25. This reflects a minor slowdown compared to last year. The services sector thrived, fueled by robust trade and thriving real estate activities. Meanwhile, the growth rate in manufacturing sales has cooled off.
A woman's life took an unexpected turn when she developed facial paralysis just two months before her wedding. Despite her insecurities, her fianc's unwavering love and reassuring words helped her find strength. She realized she had married the man of her dreams, who stood by her through the challenging phase.
Super Mario Galaxy Movie continues its dominant theatrical run, surpassing $300 million domestically in just its second weekend. The film secured $69 million, retaining the top box office position with only a 22 percent drop. Its global earnings nears $700 million, with projections indicating a possible $1 billion milestone. Featuring Chris Pratt, Anya Taylor-Joy, and Brie Larson, the film expands Nintendos cinematic universe.
The U.S. military will enforce a blockade in the Gulf of Oman and Arabian Sea east of the Strait of Hormuz, affecting all vessel traffic regardless of flag. Vessels entering or departing the blockaded area without authorization face interception, diversion, and capture. This measure will not impede neutral transit passage through the Strait of Hormuz to non-Iranian destinations.
The stage is set for one of professional wrestlings biggest events as WrestleMania 42 arrives in Las Vegas for a two-night spectacle featuring high-stakes title bouts and marquee rivalries.
Insolvency proceedings have begun against Venugopal Dhoot, former chairman of Videocon. The National Company Law Tribunal directed this action due to his default on loans totaling over Rs 6,157 crore. Dhoot acted as a personal guarantor for two Videocon group companies. The tribunal appointed a resolution professional to manage the process.
New Delhi has placed restrictions on Glufosinate and its salts imports for six months. This herbicide, crucial for agriculture, will face curbs if its combined cost, insurance, freight, and anti-dumping duty fall below Rs 1,154 per kilogram. Some imports will require government registration. India's agricultural chemical imports reached $1.65 billion in FY25, with China being a major supplier.
Chinese proverb of the day: It highlights the profound impact of even small acts of kindness. It urges us to respond to generosity with greater appreciation, fostering stronger relationships and a more compassionate society. This wisdom emphasizes valuing people and remembering kindness, encouraging a ripple effect of goodness.

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