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Jet fuel spike forces Air Canada to suspend New York JFK routes

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 03:02:08 GMT

NEW YORK CITY, New York: Air Canada will suspend flights to New York's JFK International Airport for nearly five months as soaring jet fuel costs linked to the Iran war force airlines to cut less profitable routes.

Canada's flag carrier said it will halt services from Toronto and Montreal to JFK starting June 1, with operations set to resume on October 25. Flights to the New Y

Talaat Moustafa plans massive new city project near Cairo

Sun, 19 Apr 2026 18:36:11 GMT

CAIRO, Egypt: Egypt's Talaat Moustafa Group has unveiled plans to develop a US$27 billion mixed-use city east of Cairo, marking one of the country's largest private-sector urban projects in recent years.

The development, named "The Spine", will be built in partnership with the National Bank of Egypt, with total investments estimated at 1.4 trillion Egyptian pounds ($27 billion), CEO and Managing Director Hisham

Meta plans first job cuts in May, more layoffs expected later

Sun, 19 Apr 2026 11:14:47 GMT

NEW YORK CITY/SAN FRANCISCO: Meta Platforms is set to begin a major round of layoffs on May 20 as part of a broader restructuring tied to its aggressive push into artificial intelligence, with additional job cuts expected later this year.

The parent of Facebook and Instagram plans to reduce its global workforce by about 10 percent, roughly 8,000 employees, in the first wave, a

Apple, Huawei defy slowdown as China smartphone sales fall

Sun, 19 Apr 2026 06:38:36 GMT

BEIJING, China: Apple recorded a sharp rise in iPhone shipments in China in the first quarter, outperforming rivals even as the broader smartphone market contracted amid rising component costs and supply disruptions.

Shipments of iPhones rose 20 percent year-on-year in the January–March period, marking the fastest growth among major vendors, according to data from Counterpoint Research. The overall market,

Fed probe intensifies as Trump threatens to fire Powell

Sat, 18 Apr 2026 20:35:53 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C.: A federal investigation into the Federal Reserve's US$2.5 billion headquarters renovation intensified this week after prosecutors sought access to the construction site, adding to mounting pressure on Chair Jerome Powell as President Donald Trump renewed threats to remove him.

Two prosecutors and an investigator from U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro's office made

Investors rattle as Netflix co-founder Hastings steps down

Sat, 18 Apr 2026 20:33:22 GMT

LOS ANGELES, California: Netflix shares fell sharply in premarket trading after co-founder and chairman Reed Hastings announced he would step down, unsettling investors at a time when the streaming giant is grappling with slowing growth and strategic uncertainty.

The stock dropped nearly 10 percent following the surprise announcement, which comes as Netflix searches for new re

Rubber glove makers warn of shortages amid rising input costs

Sat, 18 Apr 2026 12:21:45 GMT

SINGAPORE/KUALA LUMPUR: A sharp rise in raw material costs, triggered by the war in Iran, is pushing up global rubber glove prices and heightening the risk of supply disruptions for hospitals, with manufacturers warning that shortages could emerge within weeks.

Glove makers have increased prices significantly as supply chains for key petrochemical inputs tighten. Synthetic rubber glove prices have climbed about

Dow Jones surges 869 points on Strait of Hormuz opening

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 20:06:15 GMT

NEW YORK, New York - U.S. stocks shot higher on Friday, with major indices notching up record highs intra-day and at the close. Earlier in the day, Iran announced that the Strait of Hormuz was now fully open and would remain so during the ceasefire. The move appears to have been agreed as part of the Israel-Lebanon ceasefire.

"In line with the ceasefire in Lebanon, the passage for all co

Pentagon reliance on SpaceX faces scrutiny after Starlink outage

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 18:35:53 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C.: A Starlink outage that disrupted U.S. Navy drone tests off the California coast has highlighted growing concerns within the Pentagon over its increasing reliance on SpaceX for critical military operations.

During an August test of unmanned vessels, a global outage affecting Elon Musk's satellite network left around two dozen autonomous surface vessels without connectivity, forcing operations to

Male dominance continues among Europe’s highest-paid bankers

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 10:13:53 GMT

LONDON, U.K.: A surge in high-paying banking jobs across Europe has done little to close the gender gap at the top of the financial sector, with men continuing to dominate the highest-earning roles.

A report from the European Banking Authority (EBA) showed that nearly nine out of 10 bank employees earning at least 1 million euros (US$1.2 million) annually in 2024 were men. The disparity was even more pronounced

Iran war drives surge in US oil exports toward record levels

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 04:36:19 GMT

HOUSTON, Texas: A sharp disruption to Middle East oil flows has pushed the United States to the brink of becoming a net crude exporter for the first time in decades, as global buyers turn to American supplies to fill the gap.

The U.S. nearly reached that milestone last week as crude exports surged to meet demand in Europe and Asia, where refiners have been scrambling to replac

Dow Jones rises 123 points as Israel-Lebanon truce is agreed

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 20:06:35 GMT

NEW YORK, New York - Major U.S. stock indexes finished Thursday's trading session in positive territory, driven by technology sector strength. Investors shrugged off earlier caution to push equities toward fresh highs after the U.S. brokered a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon.

The Standard and Poor 500 advanced to close at 7,039.

Pizza giants edge toward sale amid cost pressures, weak demand

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 17:32:31 GMT

NEW YORK CITY, New York: Two of the largest names in the U.S. pizza market are moving closer to potential sales, as mounting cost pressures and slowing demand push owners to explore new ownership structures.

Papa John's International and Pizza Hut, owned by Yum Brands, are in separate negotiations that could result in both chains changing hands, according to people familiar wi

7-Eleven plans 645 store closures as consumer spending slows

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 10:30:54 GMT

NEW YORK CITY, New York: 7-Eleven is set to significantly shrink its North American footprint this year, planning to close far more stores than it opens as shifting consumer demand and rising costs weigh on performance.

The convenience store chain's parent, Japan-based Seven & i Holdings, said in recent earnings filings that its North American operator expects to shut 645

IMF urges targeted aid over fuel subsidies as oil prices surge

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 05:24:39 GMT

WASHINGTON D.C.: Governments should resist the urge to roll out broad fuel subsidies to cushion the blow of surging energy prices triggered by the Middle East conflict, the International Monetary Fund warned on Wednesday, urging more targeted and fiscally responsible support instead.

In its latest Fiscal Monitor report, the IMF said the war has compounded existing fiscal pressures, with higher interest rates and

Dow Jones bucks trend Wednesday, slips 72 points

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 20:06:42 GMT

NEW YORK, New York - U.S. stock markets closed mixed on Wednesday as a powerful rally in technology shares lifted the Nasdaq Composite, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped into negative territory.

The NASDAQ Composite was the day's standout performer, surging 376.93 points to close at 24,016.02, a gain of 1.59 percent. The

6.8% rise year-on-year till February in property prices in Ireland

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 18:52:46 GMT

DUBLIN, Ireland: The Central Statistics Office (CSO) has revealed that property prices have risen 6.8 percent in the 12 months to February 2026.

This is down from the 7.1 percent recorded in the year to January.

Property prices in Dublin increased by 5.6 percent, while prices outside Dublin rose by 7.8 percent compared to February 2025.

The average (median) price of a home bought in the year up to

Amazon inks $11.57 billion Globalstar deal to boost satellite push

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 18:50:56 GMT

SEATTLE, Washington: Amazon is making a major push into satellite communications with a US$11.57 billion deal to acquire Globalstar, as it ramps up efforts to compete with Elon Musk's dominant Starlink network.

On April 14, the company said the acquisition would strengthen its position in the fast-growing satellite internet market, where technology firms are investing heavily to expand global connectivity.

India-US Bilateral Trade Agreement talks to resume today

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 15:02:04 GMT

New Delhi [India], April 20 (ANI): India and the United States will resume negotiations on the proposed Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) today.

Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agarwal, who shared India's trade data for March earlier this month, had said that the Indian delegation will visit the United States from April 20 to 22.

He stated that negotiations for the BTA will resume this month, marking a key step in

EU arms spending a magnet for criminals anti-fraud chief

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 14:54:43 GMT

Massive funding for military buildup raises corruption risks, the head of watchdog OLAF warns

The billions of euros slated by the EU for the build up of weapons factories and procurement of military hardware are a "magnet for the criminals," according to a senior anti-fraud official.

The EU's defense industry has issues with "manipulation with public tenders, blown-up prices, clientelism [a

GERMANY-HANNOVER-HANNOVER MESSE 2026-FIRST DAY

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 14:15:35 GMT

(260420) -- HANNOVER, April 20, 2026 (Xinhua) -- A man looks at a humanoid robot at the exhibition area of Agile Robots at Hannover Messe 2026 in Hannover, Germany, April 20, 2026.

Hannover Messe 2026, Germany's flagship industrial trade fair, opened on Monday with industrial artificial intelligence (AI) and humanoid robots taking center stage for the first time.

Held under the theme "Think Tech Forward,"

Delhi Court sends Jhunjhunwala, Bapna in judicial custody after ED interrogation

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 13:33:08 GMT

New Delhi [India], April 20 (ANI): The Rouse Avenue court on Monday remanded Amitabh Jhunjhunwala and Amit Bapna in judicial custody after ED's interrogation.

ED produced them before the court after 5 days and sought their judicial custody.

They have been arrested in Reliance Home Finance Limited (RHFL) and Reliance Commercial Finance Limited (RCFL) in an alleged bank loan fraud and money laundering case re

FTA partners' share in India's trade rises to 28.8%; export basket remains concentrated in jewellery: NITI Aayog

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 13:32:25 GMT

New Delhi [India], April 20 (ANI): The share of Free Trade Agreement (FTA) partners in India's trade has risen sharply to 28.8 per cent in 2024, highlighting a structural shift in the country's trade composition, even as concerns remain over export concentration in sectors such as gold and platinum jewellery, according to NITI Aayog's latest 'Trade Watch Quarterly' report.

'FTA partners have emerged as a key driv

Chinese robot smashes human world half-marathon record

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 11:57:15 GMT

A red android named Lightning outpaced all 12,000 human runners during an event in Beijing

A Chinese humanoid robot outpaced thousands of human runners to win the Beijing E-Town half-marathon on Sunday, smashing the current world record. The event featured around 12,000 participants and more than 100 robots.

The brightred bipedal android named Lightning, developed by Chinese smartphone make

India's growth resilient amid global headwinds; markets nearing correction: HDFC Securities

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 11:33:55 GMT

New Delhi [India], April 20 (ANI): In the backdrop of geopolitical tensions and a recent market correction, India's real GDP growth is projected to be approximately 6.5 per cent for FY26-FY27, with nominal GDP expected to expand in the range of 10-11 per cent, according to a report released by HDFC Securities on Monday.

'The Big Review 2026' presents a detailed outlook on India's economy and capital markets for F

Markets end flat amid uncertainty on US-Iran peace talks; Nifty, Sensex see marginal gains

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 11:32:53 GMT

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], April 20 (ANI): Indian equities closed largely flat on Monday as ongoing uncertainty and elevated tensions between the United States and Iran kept investor sentiment cautious.

The NSE Nifty 50 index ended at 24,364.85, rising by 11.30 points or 0.05 per cent, while the BSE Sensex closed at 78,520.30, gaining 26.76 points or 0.03 per cent.

Market participants remained watchful o

Gulf nation warns US it could ditch petrodollar for yuan WSJ

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 10:40:45 GMT

The UAE has reportedly threatened that it could shift to the Chinese currency in oil trade as it presses Washington for a financial backstop

The United Arab Emirates has warned the US Treasury that it could be "forced to use Chinese yuan" in oil trade, the Wall Street Journal reported on Sunday.

UAE Central Bank Governor Khaled Mohamed Balama delivered what the newspaper described as an "im

Trade deals, cooling oil prices to ease India's record trade deficit in coming months: BoB Report

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 09:59:57 GMT

New Delhi [India], April 20 (ANI): India's record trade deficit of USD 333.2 billion in FY26 is likely to soften in the coming months due to multiple trade agreements signed during the year with various countries, according to a report by Bank of Baroda.

The report stated that the recent surge in oil prices is expected to correct gradually, and projected the current account deficit at 1.5 to 2 per cent of GDP in

Bengaluru leads India's office market in Q1 2026; GCCs drive 53% of leasing: Report

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 09:59:53 GMT

New Delhi [India], April 20 (ANI): Bengaluru continued to lead India's office market in both leasing and supply during the first quarter of 2026, even as the sector navigated global geopolitical uncertainties. According to a report by Vestian, the city recorded 4.91 million sq ft of absorption and 4.20 million sq ft of new completions.

This performance anchored a broader national trend, with Global Capability Cen

India's power transmission sector to see INR 9 trillion capex push by 2032: Report

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 08:59:54 GMT

New Delhi [India], April 20 (ANI): India's transmission and distribution sector is set for a sustained growth cycle, backed by an estimated capital expenditure of around INR 9 trillion through 2032, even as ordering activity remained weak in FY26 due to temporary constraints, according to a report by Motilal Oswal Financial Services.

The report said 'the transmission and distribution (T&D) value chain... con

Proud to stand alongside Elon Musk Telegrams Durov

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 08:44:39 GMT

Being investigated in France is the new Legion dhonneur, the Russian entrepreneur has said

France is weaponizing criminal prosecution in an attempt to suppress free speech, Telegram founder Pavel Durov has said, as he backed X owner Elon Musk in the social media platform's legal case in the country.

Durov made the remarks on Sunday after the Wall Street Journal reported that the US Departme

Retired RBI employee found stabbed to death at Delhi residence; body sent for post-mortem

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 06:00:08 GMT

New Delhi [India], April 20 (ANI): A retired employee of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) was allegedly stabbed to death inside his residence in New Delhi's Mandir Marg area on Sunday evening, police said.

The deceased was identified as Madho Ram a retired Multi-Tasking Staff who worked at the RBI.

The incident came to light after a PCR call was received at around 5.30 pm on Sunday, reporting a stabbing afte

Indian equities open lower amid US-Iran ceasefire uncertainty, oil price surge

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 05:32:00 GMT

New Delhi [India], April 20 (ANI): Indian equities opened on a cautious, negative note Monday, as investor sentiment weakened amid growing uncertainty over US-Iran negotiations and conflicting signals from both sides' leadership.

Benchmark indices reflected the subdued mood early in the session. The BSE Sensex slipped 122.01 points (-0.16%) to 78,371.53, while the NSE Nifty 50 edged down 14.40 points (-0.06%) to

Indian Railways earns Rs 6813.86 crore from scrap sales in FY 2025-26, surpassing target of Rs 6000 crore by using or selling idle assets

Sun, 19 Apr 2026 19:58:27 GMT

New Delhi [India], April 20 (ANI): The Indian Railways is strengthening its financial resilience while enhancing passenger experience through sustained earnings from scrap monetisation and a steady rise in non-fare revenue streams, without increasing passenger ticket fares.

By unlocking value from idle assets and expanding innovative revenue avenues beyond fares, the Railways is ensuring that improvements in sta

UK cant find 95,000 reservists on call-up list defense adviser

Sun, 19 Apr 2026 19:03:32 GMT

George Robertson claims the Defense Ministry would not know where to find most of those eligible to serve in the event of an urgent need

The UK has effectively lost contact with tens of thousands of reservists who would be called up in a national emergency, George Robertson, a former NATO secretary general and a lead adviser for the Strategic Defense Review (SDR), has said.

Amid the broader

Tata Trust to amend 1923 Deed; calls 'Non-Parsi exclusion' clause 'restrictive'

Sun, 19 Apr 2026 17:08:43 GMT

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], April 19 (ANI): Following recent row in Tata Trusts which intensified after a former trustee Mehli Mistry objected to the eligibility of certain trustees to two of the several Tata Trusts -- the 2026, the Bai Hirabai Jamsetji Tata Navsari Charitable Institution (BHJTNCI) and the Sir Dorabji Jamsetji Tata (SDTT) -- the Trustees including Chairman Noel Tata, have now decided to alter the eli

Tata Trusts to amend 1923 deed to remove "restrictive" non-Parsi clause

Sun, 19 Apr 2026 16:05:09 GMT

Victory certain for EU-skeptic Radev in critical Bulgarian election

Sun, 19 Apr 2026 11:34:38 GMT

Informal exit polls suggest that Rumen Radev has defeated Boyko Borissov by more than 20 points

Former Bulgarian President Rumen Radev has defeated former Prime Minister Boyko Borissov by 21 points in Bulgaria's general election, according to preliminary exit polls.

With polling stations closed and the country's embargo on exit polls lifted, Radev's Progressive Bulgaria has won 37.5% of the

Turnout up as Bulgarians vote in critical election

Sun, 19 Apr 2026 11:34:38 GMT

Rumen Radev and Boyko Borissov are competing in a vote that will shape Bulgarias relations with Brussels, Kiev, and Moscow

Bulgaria's Rumen Radev and Boyko Borissov have cast their votes, and the country's eighth election in five years is underway. Radev, who opposes EU aid to Ukraine, has vowed to break the stranglehold of the "oligarchic mafia" on Bulgaria.

The election is another flashpo

EU-skeptic Radev pulls ahead in critical Bulgarian election

Sun, 19 Apr 2026 11:34:38 GMT

Rumen Radev and Boyko Borissov are competing in a vote that will shape Bulgarias relations with Brussels, Kiev, and Moscow

Former Bulgarian President Rumen Radev has extended his lead over former Prime Minister Boyko Borissov as the Bulgarian parliamentary election heads into its final stretch. Informal exit polls show Radev more than 20 points ahead of Borissov.

Theelection is the country'

EGYPT-NEW ADMINISTRATIVE CAPITAL-PM-PRESS CONFERENCE-URBAN DEVELOPMENT PROJECT

Sun, 19 Apr 2026 10:45:16 GMT

(260419) -- CAIRO, April 19, 2026 (Xinhua) -- Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly speaks at a press conference in the New Administrative Capital, Egypt, April 18, 2026. Egypt on Saturday launched the "The Spine" urban development project in New Cairo, with investments exceeding 1.4 trillion Egyptian pounds (about 27 billion U.S. dollars), according to a cabinet statement.

Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly cal

Multiple states to borrow Rs 16,900 crore through RBI SGS auction on April 21

Sun, 19 Apr 2026 10:00:28 GMT

New Delhi [India], April 19 (ANI): The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has announced that multiple state governments will raise a total of Rs 16,900 crore through the revised auction of State Government Securities (SGS), scheduled to be conducted on April 21.

According to the Central Bank release, the securities will be issued through an auction conducted on the RBI's Core Banking Solution platform, E-Kuber. The auct

Air India welcomes its first retrofitted B787-8 featuring new cabin interiors and livery

Sun, 19 Apr 2026 10:00:00 GMT

New Delhi [India], April 19 (ANI): Air India unveiled its first retrofitted, twin-aisle Boeing 787-8 (registered VT-ANT) on Sunday, marking the successful completion of a nose-to-tail cabin refresh of the first of 26 B787 aircraft, the press release said.

The aircraft, which received comprehensive interior upgrades at Boeing's Modification Center in Victorville, California, was subsequently painted in Air India's

Tamil Nadu: LPG shortage hits auto drivers in Kanchipuram; long queues disrupt livelihood

Sun, 19 Apr 2026 09:32:33 GMT

Kanchipuram (Tamil Nadu) [India], April 19 (ANI): Auto-rickshaw drivers operating LPG-powered vehicles in Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu, are facing a severe livelihood crisis due to an acute shortage of LPG fuel, with long queues stretching several kilometres at filling stations, disrupting daily operations.

The shortage, which drivers say has worsened over the past three to four days, has forced many to begin queuing

US reverses on pledge not to renew Russian oil waiver

Sun, 19 Apr 2026 07:56:02 GMT

Moscow says it has always treated Western energy sanctions as hollow and illegal

The US has renewed a sanctions exemption allowing Russian crude and petroleum products already loaded onto tankers to be delivered and sold freely, the US Treasury Department has announced. The move came despite a pledge by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent made two days prior that the waiver would not be extended.

Explainer: As ceasefire nears expiry, what divides Iran and U.S.?

Sun, 19 Apr 2026 07:45:08 GMT

Despite ongoing contacts and mediation efforts, key differences between the United States and Iran remain unresolved, making a swift agreement unlikely, analysts say.

TEHRAN, April 19 (Xinhua) -- With a fragile U.S.-Iran ceasefire nearing its expiry, uncertainty once again clouds the outlook for the Middle East. The stop-and-go situation in the Strait of Hormuz -- briefly reopened and then shut a

Global oil shocks may hit US growth, India's impact likely limited: SBI Research

Sun, 19 Apr 2026 07:01:21 GMT

New Delhi [India], April 19 (ANI): Slowdown in the US economy amid rising geopolitical tensions and energy shocks has raised concerns with limited but notable implications for India, noted a report by SBI research.

The report has flagged concerns over a potential slowdown in the US economy amid rising geopolitical tensions and energy shocks, but noted that 'this time may be different' compared to past recessionar

India to grow 6.8%-7.1% in FY27, defies oil shock pressures: SBI Report

Sun, 19 Apr 2026 07:01:15 GMT

New Delhi [India], April 19 (ANI): India is weathering the latest oil shock and West Asia conflict from a 'situation of strength,' with GDP projected at 6.8%-7.1% in FY27 despite global headwinds, SBI Research said in its latest report.

Historically, every major oil shock pushed the US economy into recession. This time looks different, the report argued. 'Unlike during earlier oil shocks, U.S. households are rece

Economic Watch: Middle East conflict, tariffs bring new cost pressures to U.S. consumers

Sun, 19 Apr 2026 02:45:09 GMT

"When ships are rerouted to avoid conflict zones, it sets off a chain reaction," Port of Long Beach CEO Noel Hacegaba said. "Cargo has to move differently, routes get longer, costs go up, and ultimately consumers feel it."

by Julia Pierrepont III

LOS ANGELES, April 18 (Xinhua) -- Escalating tariffs and renewed conflict in the Middle East are rippling through the largest U.S. port complex, d

Keith Horne surprise leader of Senior PGA Championship

Sun, 19 Apr 2026 00:40:20 GMT

(Photo credit: Garry Smits/Florida Times-Union / USA TODAY NETWORK)

Keith Horne finds himself in an unexpected position -- leading the Senior PGA Championship with 18 holes to go.

Horne, 54, fired a 5-under 66 during Saturday's third round to seize a one-shot lead over four players at Concession Golf Club at Bradenton, Fla.

Sitting at 11-under 205 is a surreal feeling for Horne, who carded six birdies

FATF Ministers reiterate commitment to tackle illicit finance through coordinated action

Sat, 18 Apr 2026 21:30:25 GMT

Washington DC [US], April 19 (ANI): Ministers from across the globe have reiterated their commitment to tackling illicit finance through coordinated multilateral action under the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), agreeing to focus in particular efforts on the growing threat of fraud and strengthening an effective risk-based implementation of the FATF Standards, an official statement from FATF read.

At the bienn

US to board Iran-linked vessels globally in days WSJ

Sat, 18 Apr 2026 21:10:07 GMT

Washington reportedly aims to ramp up pressure on Tehran beyond the naval blockade to force it to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and abandon its nuclear program

The US military is preparing to track, intercept, and board Iran-linked oil tankers and seize commercial ships tied to Tehran in international waters worldwide, the Wall Street Journal reported on Saturday, citing sources.

The move is

Himachal eco-tourism row: Revenue Minister orders fresh inquiry

Sat, 18 Apr 2026 17:01:19 GMT

Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) [India], April 18 (ANI): In a controversial development in Himachal Pradesh's forest administration, an internal inquiry by the Forest Department has cleared its field staff and senior officials in an alleged illegal money collection case linked to eco-tourism, even as police have referred the matter to the State Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (SV&ACB) and recorded allegations of thr

Himachal eco-tourism Row: DFO clears self, Police refer case to vigilance amid threat allegations: Revenue Minister orders fresh inquiry

Sat, 18 Apr 2026 17:00:28 GMT

Consumer discretionary firms likely to post strong Q4 growth on demand recovery: Report

Sat, 18 Apr 2026 14:04:27 GMT

New Delhi [India], April 18 (ANI): Consumer discretionary companies are expected to post strong revenue and earnings growth in the March quarter of FY26, supported by a recovery in demand across segments, according to a report by HDFC Securities.

The report points to early signs of improvement across categories, noting that the 'consumer discretionary coverage universe (ex-Eternal) is expected to deliver ~23% Yea

India, Austria launch Fast-Track Mechanism to enhance bilateral trade and investment

Sat, 18 Apr 2026 11:01:16 GMT

New Delhi [India], April 18 (ANI): India and Austria significantly strengthened their bilateral trade and investment framework following the high-level India-Austria Business Forum held in Delhi. The engagement was marked by the signing and operationalization of a bilateral Fast-Track Mechanism (FTM), aimed at facilitating smoother investment flows and addressing operational challenges for companies in both jurisdictio

Large caps turn attractive as valuations ease; caution on mid, small caps: DSP MF

Sat, 18 Apr 2026 11:00:57 GMT

New Delhi [India], April 18 (ANI): Indian equities may be entering a more constructive phase after recent corrections, with improving valuations and multiple contrarian indicators signalling potential upside, according to the latest market outlook report by DSP Mutual Fund.

The report highlights that benchmark indices are now trading closer to historical averages, creating a more favourable entry point for invest

KKR co-owner Juhi Chawla Mehta kickstarts this year's 'Runs to Roots' initiative, pledging 10 trees per run

Sat, 18 Apr 2026 08:59:53 GMT

Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], April 18 (ANI): Three-time Indian Premier League (IPL) champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) today kicked off the 2026 edition of their flagship environmental initiative, 'Runs to Roots', with a plantation drive at Subhas Sarovar Lake Park in Kolkata. KKR co-owner Juhi Chawla Mehta inaugurated the drive, joining hands with NGO 'Grow Billion Trees' to champion environmental responsibility.

EU has four years to militarize Belgian defense chief

Sat, 18 Apr 2026 08:33:49 GMT

The bloc should build up its defenses by 2030 to deter Russia even without US backing, Frederik Vansina has said

European nations have around four years to build up their defenses enough to deter a Russian attack without US backing, Frederic Vansina, Belgium's Chief of the General Staff, has said. Moscow has dismissed speculation that it plans to attack NATO as nonsense.

In an interview wit

Below-normal monsoon and West Asia conflict cloud India's agriculture outlook: BoB

Sat, 18 Apr 2026 08:32:26 GMT

New Delhi [India], April 18 (ANI): The Indian agricultural sector faces a significant period of uncertainty due to a below-normal monsoon forecast and the ongoing conflict in West Asia, threatening to disrupt production and rural economic growth. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued its first long-range forecast for the 2026 Southwest Monsoon, estimating rainfall at 92 per cent of the Long Period Average (L

Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha adjourn sine die; Budget Session comes to an end

Sat, 18 Apr 2026 08:00:59 GMT

New Delhi [India], April 18 (ANI): As Saturday marked the final day of the Special Parliament Session, both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha were adjourned sine die.

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla concluded the proceedings, formally bringing the Budget session to a close. Rajya Sabha Chairman Vice-President C.P Radhakrishnan adjourned the Upper House of Parliament shortly after.

The Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, i

Explainer: What to know about Strait of Hormuz reopening?

Sat, 18 Apr 2026 07:15:25 GMT

Iran has specified three conditions for the vessels' passage: the vessels must be commercial and not military, unaffiliated with hostile countries, and follow Iran-determined routes with prior coordination with Iranian authorities, according to the source.

TEHRAN, April 18 (Xinhua) -- Although the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway for the world's oil supply, has been declared fully open for comm

Oil prices retreat while stock indices surge following US-Iran ceasefire

Sat, 18 Apr 2026 05:00:13 GMT

New Delhi [India], April 18 (ANI): Global stock markets saw oil prices drop, and stock indices soar on Saturday as investors relaxed post US-Iran ceasefire, easing immediate concerns over energy supply stability. Market data indicated a sharp correction in the commodities sector alongside a robust rally across major equity benchmarks.

Brent Crude recorded a significant decline of 7.57 per cent to settle at USD 91

Battle for Bulgaria: RTs definitive guide to the Bulgarian election

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 20:24:28 GMT

The EU faces another populist threat to its power, this time from the left

Bulgarians are about to vote in the country's eighth election in five years. Unpopular caretaker governments have come and gone, and now victory looks almost certain for former president, Ukraine skeptic and left-winger Rumen Radev.

The country has been in a state of political dysfunction since 2021, when then-Prime

TSMC expects its 2026 sales to grow more than 30%

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 17:01:16 GMT

New Delhi [India], April 17 (ANI): Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC) has forecast that its 2026 sales will grow by more than 30 per cent in US dollar terms from a year earlier, on the back of strong global demand for artificial intelligence (AI) applications, according to Focus Taiwan CAN English News.

Speaking at an investor conference, TSMC Chairman CC Wei said the current AI boom continues to push

Padres' sale to Chelsea owner on deck for record $3.9 billion

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 16:05:12 GMT

(Photo credit: Orlando Ramirez-Imagn Images)

A contentious two-year process to sell the San Diego Padres could cross the finish line with Chelsea owner Jose E. Feliciano reportedly placing a winning bid to purchase the team for a record $3.9 billion.

According to multiple reports, the framework of the agreement has been agreed to and the transaction only needs the approval of 75 percent of MLB owners to for

'More loss than luck': Bengal's lottery system faces public backlash before polls

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 15:02:07 GMT

By Rajnish Singh

Alipurduar (West Bengal), [India], April 17 (ANI): As West Bengal heads toward a crucial Assembly election, voices from the ground are growing louder against the state's lottery system, with people from Alipurduar's Falakata constituency demanding a complete shutdown, calling the system exploitative and harmful to the poor.

Residents of Falakata assembly constituency in Alipurduar district

How to fuel a war: EU eyes new front for green agenda

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 14:24:26 GMT

Officials claim renewable energy could power European militaries after the Iran war exposed a key vulnerability

EU and NATO officials fear that European armies would be unable to conduct a major military operation - such as a hypothetical war with Russia that Brussels continues to claim could be imminent - without a secure supply of fossil fuels. EU lawmakers and NATO officials met this week to a

U.S.-WASHINGTON, D.C.-IMF-MIDEAST AND CENTRAL ASIA DEPARTMENT-DIRECTOR-PRESS CONFERENCE

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 14:16:30 GMT

(260417) -- WASHINGTON, April 17, 2026 (Xinhua) -- The International Monetary Fund (IMF) Director for the Middle East and Central Asia Jihad Azour (C) takes questions at a press conference on regional economic outlook for the Middle East and Central Asia in Washington, D.C., the United States, April 16, 2026. Economic growth in the MENAP region (Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan, and Pakistan) is projected to slow

Cuba sends secret letter to Trump WSJ

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 14:12:25 GMT

US officials reportedly intercepted a proposal with an economic deal that was intended to bypass Secretary of State Marco Rubio

The Cuban government attempted to open a direct back-channel with US President Donald Trump last week, tapping a private businessman to hand-deliver a sealed letter to the White House, the Wall Street Journal reported on Thursday, citing sources.

The reported messa

Govt updates list of banks authorised to import gold, silver under Foreign Trade Policy

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 14:01:39 GMT

New Delhi [India], April 17 (ANI): The Department of Commerce, under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, has updated the list of banks authorised to import gold and silver, as per an official notification issued on Friday.

According to the notification issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), amendments have been made in Appendix 4B of the Handbook of Procedures, 2023, under the Foreign Trade

Hainan seen as emerging node in China-ASEAN supply chains, says Singapore business group chief

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 13:15:15 GMT

SINGAPORE, April 17 (Xinhua) -- The Hainan Free Trade Port is emerging as a potential node in China-ASEAN supply chains and a gateway into China, as Singapore companies explore new operating models amid global trade fragmentation, Kok Ping Soon, chief executive officer of the Singapore Business Federation (SBF), told Xinhua in a recent interview.

The SBF recently led a business mission to Haikou, Hainan, alongsid

Markets close higher, Nifty gain 156 pts, Sensex up by 504 pts, FMCG leads with 2.65% gain

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 12:31:43 GMT

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], April 17 (ANI): The domestic stock markets recovered from a weak start on Friday and closed higher, supported by improving geopolitical sentiment and a return of foreign institutional investor (FII) inflows.

The NSE Nifty 50 index ended at 24,353.55, gaining 156.80 points or 0.65 per cent, while the BSE Sensex closed at 78,493.54, up by 504.86 points or 0.65 per cent.

Market ex

How China's market draws the world -- observations from two world-class fairs

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 12:15:46 GMT

GUANGZHOU/HAIKOU, April 17 (Xinhua) -- Two international exhibitions that kicked off in southern China this month are showcasing how China's vast market continues to captivate the globe with an open posture.

The 139th edition of the China Import and Export Fair, also known as the Canton Fair, opened in south China's Guangdong Province, and the sixth China International Consumer Products Expo (CICPE) is in full sw

India's current account deficit in FY27 may rise to 2% of GDP even if oil stays at USD 82-87 per barrel: Crisil

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 11:32:19 GMT

New Delhi [India], April 17 (ANI): India's current account deficit (CAD) is likely to touch 2 per cent of GDP under higher oil price scenarios, according to a report by Crisil.

The report stated that in its base case scenario, assuming exports benefit from US tariff relaxations and crude oil prices average between USD 75-80 per barrel, the CAD is expected to widen to 1.5 per cent of GDP in fiscal 2027, compared t

Banks' gross NPA's to stay range-bound at 2.0-2.2 per cent by March 2027 despite West Asia risks: Crisil

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 11:31:57 GMT

New Delhi, [India] April 17 (ANI): Indian banks are likely to keep asset quality under control over the next two years, with gross non-performing assets (NPAs) projected at 2.0-2.2 per cent by March 2027, only a shade higher than the estimated historic low of 2.0 per cent as of March 2026, according to ratingas agency Crisil Ratings. The resilience will be led by strong corporate balance sheets, even as the MSME segmen

Global energy shock sparks market rout; India holds ground amid FII outflows: PL Asset Management

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 11:31:47 GMT

New Delhi [India], April 17 (ANI): A sharp global energy shock and rising stagflation risks triggered a synchronized selloff across global asset classes in March 2026, though Indian markets demonstrated relative resilience against a backdrop of record foreign outflows. According to PL Asset Management, the asset management arm of PL Capital Group, the month was defined by a systemic correction in equity markets worldwi

India seen as stable global capital hub with USD 4.4 trillion market cap: Tuhin Kanta Pandey

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 11:31:08 GMT

New Delhi [India], April 17 (ANI): India is increasingly recognized as a stable global capital hub with its market capitalization reaching USD 4.4 trillion and a total of USD 154 billion raised through equity and debt markets in FY26, according to Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) Chairman Tuhin Kanta Pandey.

Speaking at a high-level interaction organized by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII)

"China for China, China for global supply": Malaysian firms eye opportunities in Chinese market

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 09:45:12 GMT

KUALA LUMPUR, April 17 (Xinhua) -- China's economic resilience and its ability to support the economic growth of its trade partners, including Malaysia, through its vast manufacturing capacity and huge consumer base, will be a key stabilizing force for regional supply chains and industrial growth, according to a Malaysian business group.

Not only has China demonstrated itself as a strong and reliable trade and ec

IICA begins induction training for International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA) officers in Manesar

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 09:04:20 GMT

New Delhi [India], April 17 (ANI): The Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs (IICA) initiated a one-week induction training programme for Assistant Managers of the International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA) at its campus in Manesar.

The session, which began on April 13 and concludes on April 18, 2026, focuses on providing a comprehensive understanding of corporate laws, governance frameworks, and

Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board grants authorization to IOCL Kochi-Kanyakumari-Thoothukudi pipeline

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 09:01:57 GMT

New Delhi [India], April 17 (ANI): The Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) has granted authorization to Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) for the Kochi-Kanyakumari-Thoothukudi Natural Gas Pipeline (KTPL).

The company in an official statement said that the pipeline will start from the Kochi LNG Terminal in Kerala and extend to Thoothukudi in Tamil Nadu. It will be about 425 km long and have a ca

India's share of global GDP projected to rise to 7% by 2050 amid private alternatives market growth: McKinsey

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 07:32:49 GMT

New Delhi [India], April 17 (ANI): India's share of global GDP is projected to rise from 3.7 per cent in 2025 to 7.0 per cent by 2050. This shift marks the country's increasing significance as a destination for alternatives investors seeking diversified long-term growth, according to a report by McKinsey & Company. The report stated that India's private markets, which attracted just USD 6.4 billion in 2006, are tod

"39 MPs but not a single one has spoken, they're rubbing gasoline in Parliament": EPS slams Stalin govt over Women's Reservation Bill

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 06:32:34 GMT

Tiruppur (Tamil Nadu) [India], April 17 (ANI): Leader of Opposition in Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly and AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami on Friday launched a frontal attack on Chief Minister MK Stalin over the Women's Reservation Bill, saying that the Home Minister Amit Shah has 'clarified that 59 MPs would come from Tamil Nadu'.

He added that the DMK is the only government that was 'dissolved f

Sahm Capital opens new Jeddah office to strengthen investor support as user base continues to grow

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 06:00:52 GMT

Jeddah [Saudi Arabia], April 17 (ANI): Sahm Capital, a fully licensed financial company regulated by the Capital Market Authority (CMA), has opened a new office in Jeddah, marking a key step in enhancing its service capabilities to support its rapidly growing investor base across Saudi Arabia.

Located in the Al Zahra district on King Abdul Aziz Road, the new office enabl

"This country has given me a lot": Former RBI Governor D Subbarao shares insights from his book 'Just A Mercenary?'

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 05:32:28 GMT

Hyderabad (Telangana) [India], April 17 (ANI): The former Reserve Bank of India Governor Duvvuri Subbarao opened up about his recently launched book 'Just A Mercenary?', calling his work a reflection of his life and career. He also shared the reason behind the book's title.

While talking to ANI, D Subbarao reflected on his life and career to acknowledge the opportunities he recieved from India. However, he also

Indian markets open lower amid cautious sentiment; global cues mixed on ceasefire news

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 04:59:48 GMT

New Delhi [India], April 17 (ANI): Indian equity benchmarks opened in the red on Friday, reflecting cautious investor sentiment amid mixed global cues, though markets showed signs of picking up pace shortly after the opening session.

The BSE SENSEX opened at 77,947.66 points, down by 41.02 points or 0.05 per cent at 9:17 am. Simultaneously, the NSE NIFTY 50 was recorded at 24,162.20 points, marking a decline of 3

Theres only one way to achieve China-Taiwan peace

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 16:35:01 GMT

During a moment of rising tensions, the opposition turns to the only viable path forward

Last week, the leader of the Kuomintang (KMT), the Taiwanese conservative opposition party, paid a six-day visit to mainland China. Invited personally by Chinese President Xi Jinping, Cheng Li-wun traveled through Jiangsu, Shanghai and Beijing in what became the first high-level meeting between the Communist

Theres only one way to resolve the Taiwan question

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 16:35:01 GMT

During a moment of rising tensions, the opposition turns to rapprochement with mainland China the only viable path forward

Pentagon taps US carmakers for weapons production WSJ

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 16:27:15 GMT

Washington has reportedly approached General Motors and Ford as it seeks to expand military output amid ongoing conflicts

The Pentagon has approached major US car manufacturers General Motors and Ford about producing weapons and military equipment, the Wall Street Journal has reported, citing sources.

General Motors already supplies military vehicles to the Pentagon through its GM Defense u

RBI launches 49th round of Services and Infrastructure Outlook Survey for Q1 FY27 to assess business conditions

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 15:00:31 GMT

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], April 16 (ANI): The Reserve Bank of India on Thursday launched the 49th round of its quarterly Services and Infrastructure Outlook Survey (SIOS) for the reference period April-June 2026, aimed at assessing business conditions and expectations in key sectors of the economy.

The survey focuses on capturing the current business situation for the first quarter of the financial year 2026-

Union Fisheries Secretary reviews Brackish water Aquaculture Cluster in Bhimavaram

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 15:00:15 GMT

New Delhi [India], April 16 (ANI): Union Fisheries Secretary Abhilaksh Likhi chaired a review meeting of the progress of the brackishwater aquaculture cluster in Bhimavaram on Thursday, developed under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), and interacted with shrimp and fish farmers to assess on-ground challenges.

The review meeting was held in a hybrid mode and saw participation from officials from t

Xinhua Headlines: China secures solid Q1 growth, offering stability amid rising global volatility

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 13:47:06 GMT

(260416) -- BEIJING, April 16, 2026 (Xinhua) -- A customer buys fruits at a supermarket in Wuxi, east China's Jiangsu Province, on March 9, 2026. (Photo by Huan Yueliang/Xinhua)

European Commission President affirms interconnectedness of Gulf, Europe security

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 12:37:14 GMT

BRUSSELS, 16th April, 2026 (WAM) -- European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen affirmed today that the security of the Gulf and Europe is interconnected, stressing the European Union's full solidarity with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and its member states in confronting what she described as unjustified attacks by Iran.

Von der Leyen said in a statement following her meeting in Brussels with Jasem

Markets erase early gains, Nifty, Sensex close marginally lower amid profit booking

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 12:32:40 GMT

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], April 16 (ANI): The domestic stock markets erased their opening gains on Thursday and ended marginally lower as selling pressure and profit booking weighed on investor sentiment.

The NSE Nifty 50 index closed at 24,196.75, down by 34.55 points or 0.14 per cent, while the BSE Sensex ended at 77,988.68, declining by 122.56 points or 0.16 per cent.

Market experts noted that the in

Global fallout of Middle East war to hit poorest countries hardest: IMF

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 12:32:22 GMT

New Delhi [India], April 16 (ANI): The economic fallout from the war in the Middle East is turning global, and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in a recent report warned that the poorest and most vulnerable countries will again be hit hardest.

In a new assessment of policy priorities, the IMF said the shock comes when 'policy space has eroded, and international cooperation is weaker,' leaving little room for

US-led "Most Disruptive" Hormuz blockade could jolt global economy, India to face inflation risks: PHDCCI

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 12:32:17 GMT

New Delhi [India], April 16 (ANI): A complete blockade of the Strait of Hormuz would be the 'most disruptive geopolitical shock' to the global economy, with immediate implications for India through surging energy prices, rising inflation and supply chain disruptions, Ranjeet Mehta, CEO and Secretary General of PHDCCI, told ANI on Thursday.

'A blockade of the Strait of Hormuz will be the most disruptive geopolitic

West Asia conflict hits aviation, tourism, inbound travel dips 15-20%, industry faces Rs 18,000 cr loss: PHDCCI

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 11:32:29 GMT

New Delhi [India], April 16 (ANI): The ongoing West Asia conflict has significantly impacted India's aviation, tourism and hospitality sectors, leading to a 15-20 per cent decline in inbound tourist traffic and an estimated net loss of Rs 18,000 crore for the aviation industry, according to a report released by the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI).

The report, titled 'Impact of the West Asia Conflict

Delhi govt to launch high-tech labs in four ITIs soon: CM Rekha Gupta

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 11:32:24 GMT

New Delhi [India], April 16 (ANI): Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Thursday announced a comprehensive initiative to strengthen technical and vocational education in the capital's Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs).

According to the Delhi Chief Minister's Office, under this initiative in the field of skill development, new state-of-the-art laboratories will be established in four of the capital's ITIs and

India-Austria ties: PM Modi and Chancellor Stocker forge "new chapter" in tech and trade partnership

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 11:32:18 GMT

New Delhi [India], April 16 (ANI): Highlighting a significant shift in diplomatic ties, Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker described his four-day official trip to India as a 'milestone' for the bilateral partnership.

Following high-level deliberations at Hyderabad House on Tuesday, PM Narendra Modi noted that the Chancellor choosing India for his inaugural visit outside of Europe reflected 'his vision and comm

Incoming Hungarian PM pledges crackdown on critical media

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 11:04:41 GMT

Peter Magyar claims his partys election win has liberated the state broadcaster from airing propaganda

Hungary's incoming prime minister, Peter Magyar, has pledged to suspend the news operations of the state broadcaster following two tense interviews he gave on Wednesday.

Magyar's Tisza party secured a decisive victory in Sunday's parliamentary election, effectively ensuring he will form th