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Limited economic impact? Here’s how the Middle East crisis is impacting job market and your household bills – for now

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Limited economic impact? Here’s how the Middle East crisis is impacting job market and your household bills – for now


Limited economic impact? Here's how the Middle East crisis is impacting job market and your household bills - for now

The ongoing crisis in the Middle East has triggered ripples for economies and sectors across the globe. Even so, India’s economy still appears firm, with only a few early signs of pressure, according to a recent report by HDFC Bank’s treasury research team.The report, Macro Billboard: 40 Charts, Early Signals dated April 20, 2026, says that spending by households has not been hit much by rising energy prices yet. However, early signs of caution are visible, as consumer surveys show people are starting to feel less confident.The jobs picture is mixed. The formal job market is improving, but rural unemployment is slowly rising. The report warns that if more people move back to villages, it could push down rural wages and also lead to worker shortages in industrial areas.Manufacturing is starting to feel the impact of higher energy costs, although it was performing well earlier. The services sector, however, remains mostly unaffected for now. Some impact is seen in sea-port cargo and air passenger traffic, but other indicators like air cargo, bank activity, commercial vehicle sales and GST collections still show steady growth.The report expects the overall impact of the conflict to remain limited in the last quarter of FY26. It states, “We expect the economic impact of the war to be limited in Q4 FY26 (with the impact likely to be felt only in March and with momentum being strong in January and February) and do not see a material downside to the growth estimate of 7.3-7.4% for Q4 FY26.”It also warns of risks ahead, mainly due to supply issues. “Looking ahead, while ‘peak uncertainty’ seems to have moderated around the war for now, the continued closure of the Strait of Hormuz continues to present downside risks due to supply disruptions to the growth outlook for Q1 FY27 and beyond.”Recent data also shows that demand is still strong. Even though it has slowed after the festive season, it remains better than levels seen in 2024 and early 2025 in both rural and urban areas. GST rate cuts have supported this recovery into 2026, with March GST collections crossing Rs 2 lakh crore, up 8.8%. Vehicle sales, including two-wheelers and passenger cars, have grown by over 20%.Rural demand also looks strong, helped by higher rabi sowing, strong tractor sales growth, and lower demand for MNREGA work. Inflation remains under control at 3.4%, which is helping reduce the impact of higher energy prices on spending.Overall, while some early signs of stress are appearing, the economy remains stable for now, with risks mainly coming from possible supply disruptions in the near future.


Izabelle reacts to viral post on ex Virat’s ‘taste in women’

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Izabelle reacts to viral post on ex Virat’s ‘taste in women’


Izabelle Leite reacts to viral post on ex Virat Kohli’s ‘taste in women’ amid LizLaz ‘like’ row: 'It’s been 12 years...'

Indian cricketer Virat Kohli has once again found himself trending online—this time not for his performance on the field, but for ‘liking’ a German vlogger LizLaz’s Instagram post. While the internet oscillated between memes and mild criticism, it was his ex-girlfriend, Brazilian model-actor Izabelle Leite, who offered a rare reaction.An Instagram page recently shared a collage featuring Izabelle, Anushka Sharma, German vlogger LizLaz, and Avneet Kaur—all women whose pictures Kohli has reportedly ‘liked’ at different points. The caption read, “Nobody can deny about Virat Kohli is that his taste in women is absolute elite,” further adding, “From Izabelle Leite to Anushka Sharma… elite taste is just part of the brand.”Reacting to the post, Izabelle dropped a weary emoji and wrote, “it’s been 12 years, and counting. why can’t people get over it,” along with a bowing emoji—making it clear she isn’t amused by the continued association.

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A past relationship that refuses to fade from headlines

For those unfamiliar, Izabelle and Kohli reportedly dated between 2012 and 2014, before he began his relationship with Anushka. Back in 2014, during promotions for her film Purani Jeans, Izabelle had shut down questions about Kohli’s personal life, stating she wanted to focus solely on her work.She has since moved on—now married and settled in Doha, Qatar, with her husband and two children. Professionally, she was last seen in Mr. Majnu (2019) and World Famous Lover (2020), with no new projects announced so far.

Watch

Liz Lazar Breaks Silence On Virat Kohli’s Viral “like,” Internet Reacts Again

A pattern of ‘likes’ and clarifications

Interestingly, this isn’t the first time Kohli’s social media activity has sparked chatter. In May 2025, a fan noticed that he had ‘liked’ a picture of Avneet Kaur. As screenshots went viral, Kohli issued a clarification, attributing the interaction to an “algorithm error.”His latest ‘like’—this time on LizLaz’s post—has once again triggered speculation, although the cricketer has chosen to remain silent this time around.

Virat and Anushka: A steady personal front

Meanwhile, Kohli and Anushka continue to keep their personal life relatively private. The couple tied the knot in 2017 and are parents to daughter Vamika, born in 2021, and son Akaay, born in 2024.On the work front, Anushka was last seen in Zero alongside Shah Rukh Khan, followed by a cameo in Qala (2022). Her much-awaited sports drama Chakda ‘Xpress remains unreleased, with no new announcements yet.


Laughter Chefs 3: Krushna Abhishek gets emotional as Sunita Ahuja surprises him

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Laughter Chefs 3: Krushna Abhishek gets emotional as Sunita Ahuja surprises him



Laughter Chefs 3: Krushna Abhishek gets emotional as Sunita Ahuja surprises him

Comedian Krushna Abhishek and actor Kashmera Shah were left emotional during a recent episode of Laughter Chefs – Unlimited Entertainment when a surprise guest made a dramatic entry. The moment turned deeply personal as Krushna’s aunt, Sunita Ahuja, walked onto the set, marking a significant moment amid their long-standing family tensions.

Krushna Abhishek gets emotional

According to reports, the atmosphere shifted instantly as Sunita arrived, catching everyone off guard. Krushna, visibly overwhelmed, reportedly dropped to her feet in an emotional gesture, while Kashmera Shah was seen tearing up. The reunion carried emotional weight, given the widely known strain between the families over the years.


Moana live-action film: Dwayne Johnson shares interesting fact about Maui

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Moana live-action film: Dwayne Johnson shares interesting fact about Maui



Moana live-action film: Dwayne Johnson shares interesting fact about Maui

Actor Dwayne Johnson turned emotional during the presentation of the live-action Moana at CinemaCon 2026. In a video shared on his social media over the weekend, Johnson revealed that his character, Maui, is inspired by his grandfather, High Chief Peter Maivia. He shared that his grandfather passed away when he was just 10 years old, but they shared a close bond. The actor also posted a picture of his grandfather, describing him as a “big” and “powerful” man.

Dwayne Johnson on Moana live action film

“As many of you know- and maybe some of you don’t- the character of Maui was deeply inspired by my grandfather, High Chief Peter Maivia. He’s walking in the clouds now. He passed away when I was 10 years old. We were very close—about as close as a 10-year-old kid can be. This is my grandfather. He inspired the character of Maui. He’d be very proud right now,” Johnson said in the video.


Video: US forces board sanctioned tanker in Asia Pacific | US-Israel war on Iran

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Video: US forces board sanctioned tanker in Asia Pacific | US-Israel war on Iran


NewsFeed

The Department of War has released a video it says shows US forces boarding a sanctioned tanker in the Asia Pacific region as part of their efforts to disrupt vessels providing support to Iran.


Vijay Varma calls Kartik Aaryan `King of PR`, sparks debate

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Vijay Varma calls Kartik Aaryan `King of PR`, sparks debate



Vijay Varma calls Kartik Aaryan `King of PR`, sparks debate

Actor Vijay Varma was recently seen promoting his newly released web series Matka King. During one of his promotional interviews, he participated in a rapid-fire segment. In the same, he made a remark about Kartik Aaryan that has sparked a debate online.

Vijay calls Kartik King of PR

During a rapid-fire segment on WeAreYuvaa, Vijay was asked to assign labels to actors based on prompts given by the host. When asked who would be called the “King of PR” in the film industry, Vijay named Kartik Aaryan. The segment was meant to be light-hearted; however, the clip went viral and led to widespread discussion among netizens.


US stocks today: Wall Street inches higher as markets eye ceasefire deadline; Dow jumps 300 points, S&P 500 remains flat

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US stocks today: Wall Street inches higher as markets eye ceasefire deadline; Dow jumps 300 points, S&P 500 remains flat


US stocks today: Wall Street inches higher as markets eye ceasefire deadline; Dow jumps 300 points, S&P 500 remains flat

US stocks moved higher on Tuesday, as investors remained optimistic over a possible extension of the US-Iran ceasefire. Markets showed early strength, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average rising 0.56% or 279 points to 49,721.56 around 8 pm IST. The S&P 500 inched up 0.2% to 7,129, while the Nasdaq Composite gained 96 points or 0.4% to reach 24,500. As trading progressed, the upward momentum strengthened, with the Dow climbing 397 points, or 0.8%, and the S&P 500 adding 0.2%, putting it within reach of another record high. The Nasdaq remained modestly higher. Investor sentiment was shaped in part by developments in the Middle East. Oil prices, which had surged a day earlier amid renewed disruption to the Strait of Hormuz, eased on Tuesday. Brent crude slipped 0.7%% to $94.78 per barrel ahead of the expected expiry of a two-week ceasefire between the United States and Iran. The conflict has driven sharp swings in oil markets, with prices ranging from about $70 before the war to peaks of $119 as concerns over a prolonged closure of the key shipping route intensified. Economic data released during the session pointed to continued resilience in consumer activity. US retail sales rose 1.7% from the previous month to $752.1 billion, beating expectations, largely due to higher petrol prices. Spending remained relatively steady even when excluding gasoline sales, indicating broader stability in consumption during the first full month of the conflict. Global markets presented a mixed picture, with European indices trading unevenly after a stronger performance in Asia, where South Korea’s Kospi index jumped 2.7%. In the bond market, US Treasury yields edged higher, with the 10-year yield ticking up to 4.27% from 4.26% the previous day. Attention is also turning to Washington, where Kevin Warsh, nominated by US President Donald Trump to lead the Federal Reserve, is scheduled to testify before Congress later in the day. Investors are expected to closely watch his remarks for indications on interest rate policy and the central bank’s independence.(Disclaimer: Recommendations and views on the stock market, other asset classes or personal finance management tips given by experts are their own. These opinions do not represent the views of The Times of India.)


Vijay Varma calls Kartik Aaryan ‘King of PR’ in rapid-fire round, internet reacts: ‘Being honest is not a crime’

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Vijay Varma calls Kartik Aaryan ‘King of PR’ in rapid-fire round, internet reacts: ‘Being honest is not a crime’


Actor Vijay Varma, who is currently busy promoting his upcoming web series Matka King, recently found himself at the centre of an online discussion after a casual remark about fellow actor Kartik Aaryan sparked mixed reactions on social media. (Also read: Aamir Khan lauds Vijay Varma’s performance in Matka King, says ‘Ratan Khatri’ is a role he would have loved to portray )

Vijay Varma's light-hearted comment on Kartik Aaryan sparks mixed reactions online. (Instagram )
Vijay Varma’s light-hearted comment on Kartik Aaryan sparks mixed reactions online. (Instagram )

What Vijay Varma said

During a rapid-fire segment in an interaction with WeAreYuvaa, Vijay was asked to name actors based on specific traits. When prompted about who he considers the “King of PR” in the industry, he took Kartik Aaryan’s name. The comment was made in a light-hearted, spontaneous setting. However, the clip quickly started circulating online, leading to divided opinions online.

How social media reacted

While some users took offence and interpreted the remark as a subtle dig, criticising Vijay and calling him “jealous” or “hypocritical,” others came out in his support, highlighting the informal nature of rapid-fire rounds.

A Reddit user backed the actor, stating, “Honestly, he is spot on with all the answers.” Another comment read, “I think being honest is not a crime, completely supporting Vijay Verma here!”

Several others emphasised that such segments are meant to be light-hearted and spontaneous. One user said, “It was rapid fire yaar, why take it so seriously?” while another added, “It was clearly meant in a light-hearted way…nothing ‘PR expose’ level dramatic about it.”

A section of social media users also felt the remark was being misinterpreted and was actually intended as praise. One user wrote, “He was just appreciating, logo ne ulta hi le liya.” Another comment stated, “Joke tha yaar, compliment samjho na and upar se he’s actually called king of PR by everyone!”

On the work front

On the professional side, Vijay Varma will next be seen in Family Business, which also stars Anil Kapoor and Rhea Chakraborty among others.

Meanwhile, Kartik Aaryan has multiple projects lined up, including Naagzilla, an untitled film directed by Anurag Basu, and another untitled project with director Kabir Khan.


Alan Osmond passes away at 76

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Alan Osmond passes away at 76


Alan Osmond from the musical group "The Osmonds' passes away at age 76

The Osmonds were a beloved family musical group from America that were known for hits such as ‘Down By The Lazy River’, ‘Let Me In’, ‘One Bad Apple’, and ‘Crazy Horses’. Their eldest member, Alan Osmond, as per the latest reports, has passed away. He was 76 at the time of his demise.

Alan Osmond passes away at 76

The news was confirmed by news outlet ABC4 Utah. It was revealed that the famed musician and the eldest member of ‘The Osmonds’ passed away at 76 during the evening hours of April 20. He is survived by his wife, Suzanne Pinegar Osmond, and their eight sons, who were all reportedly with him at his home at the time of his passing.40 years ago, the singer had officially been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS), and had taken a step away from the life of glitz and glamour to recover from the disease.

Merrill Osmond pays tribute to the legendary The Osmonds band member Alan Osmand

As the news of his passing was shared online, many netizens and fans alike shared their tributes and paid their respects for the famed artist. His brother, Merrill Osmond, who was also a part of The Osmonds and was the lead vocalist, also paid his respects for his late brother.In a social media post, he talked about how a few days before Alan’s passing he was able to sit down with his brother and have an emotional talk. He further detailed in the post that “He was struggling, but when I shared a joke or two, he found the strength to chuckle… and then he smiled. In a tender moment I will never forget, he leaned close and whispered something into my ear. He said, ‘Merrill, you and I worked side by side.’” He further talked about how they used to work together while working as The Osmonds, and that Alan will be forever remembered for his music and his personality.While talking to PEOPLE about his brother’s passing, he also cited, “It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of my beloved brother, Alan Osmond. I was grateful to be with him shortly before he passed and to share a final meaningful moment together. Alan was a gifted creator, a man of faith, and a deeply loving soul whose life blessed many. Our family is thankful for the outpouring of love and prayers. We will honor his memory and the message he cared so deeply about. He will be missed beyond words.”

About The Osmonds

The Osmonds were a famed family musical group formed by brothers Alan, Wayne, Merrill, Jay, and Donny. The group skyrocketed to fame in the 1970s, around the time that they were formed, and remained active up until 2023. The brothers also pursued solo careers as well outside of the group, and were successful in creating an independent name for themselves.


How will Apple change under 'product guy' John Ternus?

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How will Apple change under 'product guy' John Ternus?



As Tim Cook announces his departure from the top job at Apple, these are the key challenges for new boss John Ternus.