The Economic Times
Elections 2026Economy / The Economic Times
SpaceX IPO is drawing massive global attention as reports suggest a possible valuation near $2 trillion in 2026. This could make it the biggest IPO in history. SpaceX revenue is estimated at $1516 billion, driven by Starlink satellite internet and Falcon 9 rocket launches. Investors are watching SpaceX IPO valuation risk closely. The price-to-sales ratio looks extremely high compared to major tech stocks. Elon Musk leadership adds both excitement and uncertainty. Strong demand exists, but SpaceX
Donald Trump thinks drinking soda kills cancer cells and Fanta isn't unhealthy? Comments shared by Dr Mehmet Oz on a podcast sparked debate about diet soda, junk food, health science, and fast food culture. The discussion included Donald Trump Jr, Robert F. Kennedy Jr, and Trumps diet habits in the White House.
Over 65 million Americans follow the Social Security April 2026 payment schedule this week. The third Wednesday, April 15, marks a key deposit date. If your birthday falls between the 11th and 20th, your payment is likely arriving now. The Social Security Administration uses a staggered system to manage payouts efficiently. Updated COLA increases have slightly raised benefits this year. Most recipients will get money via direct deposit quickly. This Social Security April 2026 payment schedule he
Starbucks summer menu 2026 is coming soon with new drinks and sweet treats. The company shared a preview before the full launch in May. Some items are new, while some popular ones are returning for a short time. There will also be fun merchandise collections. More menu items are expected to be announced later.
Who is Lisa Bloom, and why did Lonna Drewes lawyer up to make revelations against congressman Eric Swalwell? A model accused Eric Swalwell of drugging and sexual assault in 2018. She spoke publicly with lawyer Lisa Bloom and plans to approach law enforcement with evidence. Multiple accusations triggered an ethics probe, resignation from Congress, and exit from the California governor race. The story also raises questions about silence, investigations, and pension eligibility.
An ancient Roman proverb, 'Si fecisti, nega', advises denial even after committing an act. This saying reveals a practical, sometimes unsettling, view of human nature. It highlights the tension between truth and self-interest, a concept still relevant today. The proverb's enduring sharpness lies in its capture of the relationship between truth, evidence, and power.
Ashiana Housing plans to invest 800 crore in land acquisition across India in FY27, a senior executive said. The company reported record senior living sales of 570.2 crore in FY26, driven by strong demand in the segment.
Since the start of the calendar year, major devaluations have hit multiple premium and super-premium cards, shocking the high spenders. No card has been spared, be it the ICICI Emeralde Private Metal (removal of some vouchers for accelerated rewards), American Express Platinum Travel (higher spend milestones for bonus rewards), or Axis Bank (removal of three popular transfer partners without advance notice). HDFC Bank, too, has asked its Infinia customers to clock in annual spends of at least Rs
Thought of the day by Robert Frost highlights how a jury works through a short quote about lawyers and decisions. The quote connects law, society, and daily life. The story explains the meaning, relevance, life lessons, and the journey of poet Robert Frost. It covers his early life, education, family, awards, and literary legacy. The article explores how his words still guide thinking and discussion today.
Australian influencer Leah Halton has become a major talking point at Coachella, captivating fans with her striking looks and standout fashion. Her presence has dominated social media, with many calling her the 'most beautiful girl alive' and praising her festival style. This attention builds on her previous viral fame from a lip-sync video.
India's market regulator Sebi seeks clarity from the tax department on the duties of authorised representatives for foreign investors. Fund houses need clear guidelines as these representatives may face tax demands. Many professionals are hesitant to take on these roles without understanding their liabilities. Sebi is actively engaging with the Central Board of Direct Taxes to resolve this issue soon.
The trials, covering 10 units with a combined capacity of about 18,000 MW, will determine the extent to which such plants can shift to domestic supplies, people familiar with the matter said. The exercise is evaluating operational feasibility, including the impact on efficiency, combustion and equipment performance.
Fresh tensions have emerged in Manipur after the body of an unidentified woman was found in Churachandpur district, prompting a police investigation amid ongoing unrest, curfews, and continued restrictions in parts of the state.
Baby Memorial Hospital will acquire around 60% stake in the Hyderabad hospital chain's parent company, Unimed Healthcare.
MacKenzie Scott donation news shows support for elderly care in the US. Meals on Wheels America will use the funds to improve meal delivery and services for seniors. Many older people are waiting for help, so this funding is important. The story highlights growing demand, charity work, and the need for more donations to support senior citizens.
Starting from the assessment year 2026-27, a new mandate will compel taxpayers utilizing the presumptive taxation system to reveal their bank balances and investments. This initiative by the Income-Tax Department aims to curtail potential abuses of the scheme by allowing authorities to verify reported income against financial assets.
India plans a 4,000 crore emergency credit scheme for airlines, offering sovereign guarantees of up to 1,000 crore per carrier to ease stress from the Iran war. Additional loans will require promoter funding. The move comes as rising fuel costs and curtailed West Asia routes hit operations. SpiceJet is likely to benefit most amid financial strain, while lenders remain cautious given past airline bankruptcies.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has officially launched the Delhi-Dehradun Expressway, marking a significant investment in national infrastructure. Since 2014, spending on such projects has seen a staggering six-fold increase. The expressway, at a cost of 12,000 crore, promises to cut down travel times and expenses significantly. It thoughtfully includes a wildlife corridor to safeguard local animals.
Global infrastructure investors and domestic smart meter makers are showing strong interest in acquiring IntelliSmart Infrastructure. The company, owned by NIIF and EESL, is expected to be valued at $400 million. This sale aligns with India's ambitious smart meter rollout under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme.
Tata Group has infused 1,500 crore into Tata Electronics to scale up its iPhone manufacturing business, alongside plans for further investments. The group has also increased capital in its Pegatron India unit. Analysts say the move reflects long-term capacity expansion, as Tata strengthens its role in Apple supply chains and pushes into semiconductors.
Narendra Modi urged swift implementation of the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, calling it a long-considered reform with historical roots and stressing that further delay would be unjust. In an open letter to women ahead of a constitutional amendment in Parliament, he called for consensus across parties to ensure 33% reservation for women in legislatures is implemented fully by the 2029 elections.
While oil futures registered an unprecedented surge in March, they remain considerably below record levels and the price of actual cargoes, trading at just under $100 a barrel in London. This disconnect between futures and physical markets is becoming increasingly acute, according to the report.
Real estate transactions in Dubai fell 14% in early April amid the West Asia conflict, with buyer sentiment hit and rental demand sharply declining. Smaller developers offered discounts and flexible plans, while prices largely held. Though enquiries have picked up after a ceasefire, deals may take time. Experts say demand remains structurally strong, but prolonged tensions could trigger further price corrections and slower market activity.
Amid market volatility linked to the Iran conflict and delays in the IDBI Bank sale, the government plans to accelerate asset monetisation to bridge potential revenue gaps. Stake sales in Life Insurance Corporation of India may also face headwinds, making monetisation a key fiscal lever this year.
A boiler explosion at Vedantas Singhitarai power plant in Chhattisgarhs Sakti district killed 11 workers and injured 22 others on Monday. The affected personnel were working for a sub-contractor operating and maintaining the unit. Vedanta said it is providing medical assistance to the injured and coordinating with authorities, while an investigation has been launched to determine the cause of the blast.
The road transport ministry is considering additional relief for highway contractors as West Asia tensions drive up input costs and disrupt supply chains. Proposed measures include price compensation, timeline extensions and improved cash flow support, after industry bodies flagged that earlier interim relief fell short of addressing mounting financial stress.
Rudyard Kipling's quote, 'A woman's guess is much more accurate than a man's certainty,' highlights the power of intuition over rigid logic. The article explores how this feminine insight, rooted in empathy and observation, can lead to valuable conclusions that pure reason might miss, emphasizing the importance of trusting one's inner voice.
HDFC Life CEO Vibha Padalkars journey reflects resilience shaped by early family influence and a belief in long-term thinking. After early career rejections and a move to London at 17, she built a career in financial services and has led HDFC Life since 2018 through key transitions while sustaining steady growth and expansion.
Adani Energy Solutions Limited has commissioned a 1,000 MW HVDC transmission link between Kudus and Aarey in Mumbai. This project, featuring the world's first compact HVDC substation, aims to enhance Mumbai's power supply reliability and integrate renewable energy sources. It was conceived following the 2020 Mumbai blackout to reduce reliance on in-city generation and strengthen grid resilience.
France is considering a ban on Kanye West performing in Marseille. This follows backlash over his past antisemitic comments. West was also barred from entering the UK for the Wireless Festival. Organizers cancelled his UK performance. French officials are exploring all options to prevent his Marseille concert. The city's mayor previously stated West was not welcome.
Chinese proverb of the day: The proverb emphasizes the profound difference between secondhand information and firsthand experience. It encourages independent thinking by urging individuals to observe and explore, forming their own perspectives rather than solely relying on what they are told.
Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu called the Siang Upper Multipurpose Project a national strategic asset. He launched development projects totaling Rs 196.44 crore in Siang district. The Chief Minister emphasised the project's benefits for national security, flood control and economic growth.
Indian National Congress and Left parties have backed a workers protest in Noida demanding higher minimum wages and better conditions, citing rising fuel prices and living costs due to the West Asia conflict. Rahul Gandhi said the demands are justified, while trade unions urged authorities to address workers grievances through dialogue.
The violence erupted following the seizure of a large quantity of drugs from a suspected drug peddler at the Imphal airport.
Chennai Super Kings secured their second consecutive Indian Premier League win. They defeated Kolkata Knight Riders by 32 runs. Chennai Super Kings posted 192 runs. Kolkata Knight Riders were restricted to 160 runs. Noor Ahmad was exceptional with the ball for Chennai Super Kings. Rovman Powell and Ramandeep Singh showed fight for Kolkata Knight Riders.
The Enforcement Directorate has summoned relatives of I-PAC's Bengal chief for questioning. This follows the arrest of Vinesh Chandel, a director and co-founder of the political consultancy firm. The ED is investigating alleged financial irregularities and money laundering amounting to approximately Rs 50 crore. Chandel has been remanded to ED custody.
StubHub will pay money to some customers after a case by the Federal Trade Commission about hidden ticket fees. The issue happened for a few days in May 2025. Some people saw lower prices first and higher prices later. Now refunds will be given. Customers do not need to apply. This shows rules on online pricing are becoming stricter now.
A remark by a Kolkata South election officer warning troublemakers would need Boroline and Burnol has sparked a political row, with Mamata Banerjee criticising poll authorities. The Trinamool Congress filed a complaint, calling the post inflammatory and in violation of election rules. The Election Commission has sought a report. Banerjee also alleged targeting of her party and raised concerns over possible arrests of booth agents.
April 15, 2026 is here. The US tax deadline ends today. Over 10 million Americans are still at risk. IRS data shows penalties begin immediately after the cutoff. Late payment triggers a 0.5% monthly penalty. Interest charges also start growing daily. Missing the filing deadline can cost even more. Filing late does not stop penalties. Paying late increases total tax liability fast. The IRS urges taxpayers to act now. File returns electronically to avoid delays. Use IRS Free File or Direct Pay tod
In the face of workplace negativity, holding on to self-belief can be difficult but not impossible. Affirmations offer a simple, accessible way to rebuild confidence and protect mental well-being.
Renault plans significant job cuts in its engineering department. The French automaker will reduce its global engineering staff by up to 20 percent in the next two years. This move aims to increase agility and compete effectively with fast-developing Chinese car manufacturers. The company is adopting strategies to mirror Chinese development methods.
The Dharavi Redevelopment Project is accelerating, and residents in Sector-6 on railway land have been urged to cooperate and vacate homes. Construction of new rehabilitation buildings will begin soon. Residents have been offered transit accommodation or rental support.
US-Iran war news: Traffic through the Strait of Hormuz remained limited on the first full day of a U.S. blockade of Iranian ports, despite some vessels transiting. Announced by Donald Trump, the move has heightened uncertainty for global shipping, oil flows and insurers.
A boat carrying Rohingya refugees and Bangladeshi nationals capsized in the Andaman Sea. Around 250 people are feared missing. The vessel departed from Teknaf, Bangladesh, heading for Malaysia. It reportedly sank due to heavy winds, rough seas, and overcrowding. Nine survivors were rescued by the Bangladesh Coast Guard. This incident highlights the dangers faced by refugees seeking a better life.

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