The Economic Times

Warner Bros. Discovery shareholders have approved an $81 billion sale to Skydance-owned Paramount. This mega merger is now closer to completion, potentially reshaping Hollywood. The deal involves HBO Max, Harry Potter titles, and CNN. Paramount wants to buy all of Warner. Regulatory reviews are still ongoing. The acquisition is expected to close in the third fiscal quarter.

In a bid to repair diplomatic ties following recent controversies surrounding President Trump's social media, U.S. officials highlight Trump's respect for India, referring to it as a remarkable nation. An embassy representative emphasized that Trump considers Indias leader a close ally, despite backlash from a recent post where he described India in less favorable terms.

Voter turnout in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu reached historic highs on Thursday. Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar announced the record participation. West Bengal recorded 91.78% polling. Tamil Nadu followed with 84.69%. This surge demonstrates a strong commitment to democratic values across both states. Citizens actively participated in the electoral process.

Chinese proverb of the day: Today's Chinese saying, 'Different locks must be opened with different keys,' highlights the need for tailored solutions. It reminds us that one size does not fit all. Adapting our approach to unique challenges fosters patience and understanding.

Amritpal Singh is now in police custody. His detention under the National Security Act has ended. Punjab Police arrested him in connection with the 2023 Ajnala police station attack. He was brought to Dibrugarh Police Station for interrogation. Legal proceedings will happen via video conferencing. Singh faces charges in multiple cases.

Social Security supports over 67 million Americans today. That number is rising fast. Warren Buffett warns it is not a personal retirement fund. It is a transfer system. Workers pay. Retirees receive. This creates long-term pressure. Aging population adds stress. Fewer workers support more retirees. That gap is widening. Benefits may change. Taxes may rise. Retirement age could shift. Buffetts key message is clear. Do not depend only on Social Security income. Build personal savings. Invest earl

Joshua LeBlanc, a 29-year-old NASA aerospace engineer working on nuclear propulsion systems, died in a 2025 Tesla crash in Huntsville, Alabama. The vehicle reportedly left the road, hit a guardrail and trees, and caught fire. His disappearance was reported shortly after he failed to arrive at work, and his family raised concerns about his unusual final movements, including a four-hour stop at an airport. While authorities have classified the incident as a traffic accident, online discussions hav

Iran has captured two foreign ships and fired on a third near the Strait of Hormuz. At least one Indian seafarer is on a vessel taken by Iran. All Indian seafarers on the affected ships are reported safe. This incident follows the US seizure of an Iranian vessel. Iran claims the ships violated transit rules.

The Foundation for Economic Development (FED), in its report released on Thursday, said workers should be allowed to freely negotiate their wages while the government should allow flexibility in the national floor wage to reflect different regional realities and to prevent pricing poorer states out of formal job creation.

U.S. Stock Market indexes S&P 500, Nasdaq, and Dow Jones Industrial Average are down on Thursday.

American unemployment claims saw a small increase last week. This suggests the job market remains steady for now. However, global events like the conflict with Iran are creating economic worries. These issues could impact future job growth. The data covers recent weeks, reflecting current economic conditions.

Iran has asserted control over the Strait of Hormuz. This follows the breakdown of peace talks. The United States has boarded another tanker. Iran claims it captured two vessels for attempting to cross without permits. Tensions are high as the world's key shipping corridor faces disruption. Markets are reacting to the ongoing energy crisis.

In a strategic move to accelerate its growth, Venttup, the Manufacturing-as-a-Service innovator, has welcomed Prashanth R. Menon as its advisory beacon. Having orchestrated Tesla's successful entry into India, Menon equips Venttup with invaluable expertise in scaling and strategy on a global landscape. His knowledge is perfectly poised to guide the company's mission of localizing essential components for the deep-tech sector.

Union Minister V Somanna, MP Basavaraj Bommai, and MP Yaduveer Wadiyar criticized Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. They stated the Congress party's opposition to a constitutional amendment bill for 33% women's reservation in Lok Sabha and state assemblies harmed Karnataka's interests.

$166 billion is now being returned under tariff refunds 2026. This massive payout follows a ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court. It has triggered a nationwide question: will consumers get tariff refunds in 2026? The answer is no under current rules. Businesses that paid tariffs directly are eligible. Consumers are not included. Yet households paid over $1,000 yearly through higher prices. The tariff refunds 2026 release has already started. Payments are moving in phases based on claim verification.

New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel has been married to his college sweetheart, Jen Vrabel, since 1999. The couple, who met at Ohio State University where both were athletes, share two sons. Vrabel recently addressed difficult conversations with his family following a scandal involving NFL reporter Dianna Russini.

President Donald Trump has taken a decisive stance regarding the Strait of Hormuz, declaring it firmly under US control. He has instructed the US Navy to act against any ships perceived as threats to this crucial maritime corridor. This directive follows reports of Iran's seizure of two vessels in the area.

Capital One settlement 2026 explained: Capital One has agreed to a $425 million settlement. Eligible customers with 360 Savings accounts will receive payments automatically. This case involved the bank's handling of its savings accounts. The settlement aims to compensate customers who may have missed out on higher interest rates. Payments will be sent out soon to affected account holders.

The proverb of the day offers a refreshing truth: you dont need to leap, you need to move. Big changes dont require dramatic beginnings. They require consistent effort, guided by purpose and sustained by patience.

Quote of the Day: Unless you show off, you're not going to get noticed, Elton Johns quote delivers a powerful reminder that talent alone is not always enough to guarantee recognition in a competitive world. It highlights the importance of visibility, confidence, and self-expression in achieving success. Many capable individuals remain overlooked simply because they hesitate to step forward or promote their abilities. The timeless quote encourages people to overcome self-doubt, embrace confidence

President Donald Trump has taken a firm stance, instructing the US Navy to respond with lethal force against any vessels engaged in mining the crucial Strait of Hormuz. This order emerges as the Gulf experiences heightened tensions, particularly after the recent capture of two ships by Iranian forces.

President Donald Trump has taken a firm stance, instructing the US Navy to respond with lethal force against any vessels engaged in mining the crucial Strait of Hormuz. This order emerges as the Gulf experiences heightened tensions, particularly after the recent capture of two ships by Iranian forces.

The European Union has approved a substantial loan for Ukraine to support its economy and military. This comes after Hungary ended its opposition. New sanctions against Russia have also been greenlit. These measures aim to bolster Ukraine's defense and economic stability. The loan will begin flowing soon. Sanctions target Russia's oil shipping and financial sectors.

Tesla stock just sent a sharp signal. TSLA fell nearly 3% premarket even after strong Q1 2026 earnings. Revenue came in around $22.4 billion. Profit beat expectations. Yet Tesla stock dropped. This is why Tesla stock is behaving like a coin toss for traders today. The market is not reacting to past numbers. It is reacting to future risk. Tesla stock faces slowing EV demand and rising global competition. At the same time, Tesla is spending over $25 billion on AI, robotaxis, and robotics. That shi

Iran-US War news today: Airlines are already cutting flights, even as planes remain full, because some routes no longer make sense at current fuel prices.

India and Qatar held talks to boost trade and strengthen supply chains. The West Asia crisis has disrupted shipping. Bilateral trade reached 14 billion US dollars in 2024-25. Both nations aim to double this by 2030. They are also exploring a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement. India is negotiating a free trade agreement with GCC members.

India's decision to permit ethanol blending in aviation fuel faces strong opposition from the Kerala Congress, which warns of catastrophic consequences. The party cites concerns over lower energy density, potential engine performance issues during take-off, and risks of ice crystal formation and material degradation due to ethanol's properties. They urge extensive testing to ensure aviation safety before any public rollout.

Bengal's first phase of assembly elections saw Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Union Minister Amit Shah leading rival 'war rooms'. Both monitored real-time voting and booth-level feedback from Kalighat and Salt Lake respectively. Sporadic violence marked the day. The high turnout reflected a fierce electoral battle. Both parties calibrated responses from their command centres for the ongoing high-stakes contest.

Authorities are investigating two deaths on the UC Berkeley campus. A student was found deceased after a fall near Unit 3 Residence Hall. Later, a second man, not affiliated with the university, was discovered deceased outside Sproul Hall. Investigations are ongoing, and officials state there is no immediate indication the incidents are linked. Support services are available for students.

In a dramatic twist to the Amravati sex abuse and video scandal, police on Wednesday paraded main accused Ayaan Ahmed for 600 metres through a neighbourhood to recover a mobile phone sold before his arrest. The device, now sent for forensic analysis, may contain crucial evidence linked to videos of minor girls. Eight accused are in custody.

Quote of the day by Nelson Mandela: His words on peace are gaining importance today. He called peace the greatest weapon for development. This idea influences personal growth and national progress. Mandela's life story shows his fight against apartheid and his journey to becoming South Africa's first Black president. His legacy continues to inspire.

At their core, affirmations are repeated statements that shape how you aim to think and feel. When used consistently, they can help reshape your internal dialogue.

Gold rate: Brent crude oil prices rose above $100 a barrel on the stalled peace talks and as both nations maintained their restrictions on the flow of trade through the strait.

US forces seized another tanker linked to Iranian oil smuggling in the Indian Ocean, escalating tensions after Iran captured two vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. This action, part of a broader maritime enforcement effort, aims to disrupt illicit networks supporting Iran. The ongoing standoff has significantly impacted global oil prices and trade.

The New England Patriots are navigating a challenging moment as head coach Mike Vrabel steps away from the final day of the NFL Draft to focus on personal matters. His decision to seek counseling follows a controversy involving Dianna Russini, which has drawn significant media attention. While Vrabel remains in contact with the team, leadership duties shift to key front-office figures. The situation has sparked conversations about accountability and professionalism in sports.

A woman from Punjab, Sarabjit Kaur, has released a new video from Pakistan. She invites Sikh devotees to visit Nankana Sahib and other gurudwaras. This marks a shift from her earlier remarks that drew attention. Intelligence agencies are now questioning the intent behind her conciliatory message. They suspect she may be acting under ISI influence to test Sikh sentiments.

Mortgage and refinance interest rates today, April 23, 2026, hold steady near 6.10% for 30-year fixed loans. Mortgage interest rates are easing because bond yields have softened, yet they remain structurally high due to persistent inflation pressure and cautious signals from theFederal Reserve. FHA loan rates are slightly lower, often giving entry-level buyers a narrow affordability window, but rising home prices are offsetting that relief. This creates a tight balance. Mortgage rates today are

Health insurance premiums rose 9.1% to Rs 1.2 lakh crore in FY25, while the number of lives covered increased just 1.4% to 58 crore, according to a survey by Niva Bupa.

A Delhi court has sent Vinesh Chandel, director of I-PAC, to 14 days judicial custody. This is in connection with a money laundering probe linked to an alleged coal pilferage case. Chandel has sought regular bail. The Enforcement Directorate's custody concluded today. The court noted compliance with legal procedures during his arrest.

Quote of the day: In 1937, Earhart set out on what would become her most ambitious expedition, a flight around the world. Accompanied by navigator Fred Noonan, she travelled thousands of miles before vanishing near Howland Island in the Pacific Ocean.

Indian ships are navigating the Persian Gulf amid regional tensions. Ten vessels have safely exited the Strait of Hormuz, while fourteen remain. India is working with Iranian authorities for their safe return. The MEA also confirmed Commander Purnendu Tiwari's ongoing detention in Qatar, with efforts to support him and his family.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman convened a meeting with bank heads to address Artificial Intelligence (AI) risks, particularly concerning Anthropic's Mythos model and its potential to compromise financial system data security. Banks have been urged to implement preemptive measures to safeguard their systems, customer data, and funds following discussions on AI's implications for the financial sector.

Kevin Pietersen has urged young batter Jacob Bethell to stay in India and learn from the IPL, dismissing Alastair Cook's suggestion to return to county cricket. Pietersen believes the IPL environment, even without playing, offers invaluable experience. Bethell himself highlighted the tournament's unique atmosphere and its positive impact on players.