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PM Modi to inaugurate India's 1st greenfield integrated refinery-cum-petrochem complex in Rajasthan
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to arrive in Rajasthan this Tuesday, where he will unveil a transformative project—the country’s inaugural greenfield integrated refinery-cum-petrochemical complex at Pachpadra.
Why Sticker Residue Feels Impossible to Remove and What Actually Works at Home
Removing sticker residue can be challenging as adhesives penetrate surfaces. The article outlines effective methods, including using heat from a hairdryer to soften the adhesive, applying cooking oils to dissolve stickiness, and employing rubbing alcohol as a solvent. Baking soda paste offers mild abrasion for stubborn remnants, while prevention and commercial products are also discussed.
Coming soon: Price hike round 3 in four months for durables
Consumers face another price hike on electronics like ACs, TVs, and smartphones by end April. This marks the third increase in four months. Rising costs of plastics and memory chips are forcing brands to raise prices. Daily essentials like soaps and detergents are also becoming costlier. This trend impacts consumer demand significantly.
French-style ‘geeli omelette’ on Kolkata streets underlines culinary melting pot
Kolkata's food scene reflects a rich history of foreign influences. From Greek dolma to British chops, the city embraced diverse cuisines. This tradition continues today, as seen with the popular 'geeli omelette'. This dish, with its European flavour, is enjoyed by many Kolkatans. Such assimilation counters recent attempts to label food as 'outsider'.
Why Tehran & Lego can consider talking
Iran's AI-generated propaganda videos featuring Lego-like figures have become popular online. This unexpected move has given the Danish toy company Lego a wider global audience. At the same time, the Islamic government in Iran is using this imagery to present a less severe international image. The use of childlike visuals with stern messages creates a unique spectacle.
How tiny details led police to D4vd in shocking teen Celeste Rivas murder probe
A disturbing odor from a towed Tesla led to a grim discovery. Investigators found the remains of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas. Singer D4vd was arrested in connection with her death. The investigation involved meticulous work over seven months. Authorities are building a case and will present it to prosecutors. D4vd's legal team denies the allegations.
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The invisible hand pushing for peace?
Amidst rising hopes for peace in the Persian Gulf, financial markets exhibit a newfound optimism. Falling crude oil prices signal a shift, with speculations of renewed negotiations between the US and Iran gaining traction. Stock markets are bouncing back, reflecting these positive sentiments.

US manufacturing output dips in March
In March, American factories faced a surprising downturn after two months of robust growth, primarily fueled by declines in motor vehicle manufacturing and other sectors. The mining and utilities industries also reported setbacks, leading to a general drop in industrial output and a softening in capacity utilization, suggesting a cooling in manufacturing momentum.

Apple reports record use of recycled materials across products in 2025
Apple reported that 30% of the materials used in its 2025 products came from recycled sources, its highest level so far, as part of its push to become carbon neutral by 2030. The company highlighted major progress in using recycled materials across batteries, magnets, and circuit boards, while also reducing emissions by over 60% compared to 2015 levels. Alongside this, Apple expanded renewable energy use, eliminated plastic packaging, improved recycling systems, and strengthened water conservation and waste reduction efforts.

Iran war: HUL hikes prices of Dove, Pears, Surf, Red Label
Hindustan Unilever Limited has increased prices for its soap products. This move is a response to escalating costs of raw materials and packaging. The price hikes, ranging from Re 1 to Rs 20, are being passed on to consumers. This development could potentially delay a much-needed revival in consumer demand. FMCG companies were hoping for a boost from GST cuts.

Iran war puts US companies in wait-and-see mode, Fed Beige Book says
US Federal Reserve Beige Book shows economic activity and employment remain steady, but rising energy prices driven by the Iran conflict are creating uncertainty. Businesses are delaying investment and hiring decisions, while inflation pressures persist due to higher fuel and input costs, even as wage growth remains muted overall.

Social Security COLA 2027 prediction: 2.8% increase likely as inflation hits 2-year high, retirees still struggle
Social Security COLA for 2027 may be around 2.8% as inflation rises again. Higher oil prices are making daily things expensive, which affects retirees the most. Even if benefits increase, it may not be enough to cover basic needs. Many people on fixed income could still struggle as living costs keep going up slowly.

Japan will provide support worth about $10 billion to help strengthen energy supply in Asia
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said attacks on merchant vessels are “completely unacceptable,” stressing India’s commitment to secure maritime routes at the AZEC Plus meeting hosted by Japan. Amid tensions over the Strait of Hormuz, Japan announced a $10 billion energy support package to strengthen Asia’s supply chains. Leaders emphasised safe shipping, stable oil access, and coordinated efforts to safeguard regional energy security and economic stability.

Geopolitical tensions cripple India-Middle East trade in March
India's trade with the Middle East saw a significant drop in March. Exports and imports fell by over 50 percent. This decline resulted from disruptions caused by the US-Israel attack on Iran. The Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping route, faced temporary closure. This impacted shipments of gems, jewellery, engineering goods, and rice.

These mid-cap stocks with ‘Strong Buy’ & ‘Buy’ recos can rally over 25%, according to analysts
What is evident in the last few trading sessions is how the street is treating Q4 earnings numbers. If a company delivers in terms of numbers, the street has money flowing into that stock. So, clearly, from a blanket bearish phase we have moved into stock-selective mode. ET Screener, powered by Refinitiv’s Stock Report Plus, lists quality stocks with high upside potential over the next 12 months, and having an average recommendation rating of “Buy” or "Strong Buy". This predefined screener is only available to ET Prime users.

Japan plans $10 billion framework to help Asia secure oil
Japan is launching a significant financial initiative. A 10 billion dollar framework will assist Asian nations in securing vital energy resources. This move aims to counter the impact of the Middle East conflict on global oil supplies. The support will bolster supply chains, particularly for Southeast Asian countries.

Iran war promises green edge for Asia as plastic packaging runs short
The Iran war's disruption of plastic supplies has unexpectedly boosted demand for eco-friendly paper packaging, with inquiries tripling for companies like South Korea's Yonwoo. While this offers a potential silver lining, the broader reliance on Middle Eastern feedstock and plastic in Asia creates ongoing uncertainty for businesses facing potential shortages and price hikes.

Cold crime case cracked after 45 years: Woman arrested in 1981 newborn killing as DNA blows the Lid off mystery after decades
A cold crime case from 1981 has been reopened thanks to DNA technology. Nancy Jean Trottier, now 65, faces a murder charge. Her newborn baby was found dead on a North Dakota college campus. Advances in DNA analysis linked Trottier to the infant after decades. She was arrested and is currently in jail. A preliminary hearing is scheduled.

This Everyday Kitchen Habit Could Be Quietly Affecting Your Food More Than You Think
Your kitchen cutting board poses hidden risks. Plastic boards shed microplastics, potentially harming food and health. Wooden boards can trap bacteria despite natural defenses. Experts stress that cleaning is more crucial than material choice. Simple steps like replacing worn plastic boards and using separate ones for meat and vegetables significantly boost food safety.

Cleaning Pros Share the Safest Ways to Disinfect Kids’ Toys
Keeping children's toys clean is vital for their health. Experts highlight that regular washing and disinfection significantly reduce the spread of germs. Simple methods using soap, water, and EPA-approved disinfectants are effective for most toys. Special care is needed for soft and electronic items. Consistent hygiene practices ensure a healthier play environment for all children.

Crude surge lifts toy prices ahead of summer rush
Toy prices are rising ahead of the summer holidays as the West Asia conflict pushes up crude-linked raw material costs, especially plastics. Industry body The All India Toy Manufacturers Association said prices could increase 10%–40%, with plastic costs surging sharply in recent weeks.

West Asia war: Punjab industry hit by labour shortage, rising costs
The ongoing turmoil in West Asia is sending ripples through Punjab's industrial landscape. Manufacturers of textiles, bicycles, and automotive components are grappling with surging production costs and shipment delays. In response, businesses are exploring alternative fuel sources while trying to absorb or mitigate rising expenses.

A Plastic Bottle on Your Tire Might Look Random… But Here’s Why It’s Going Viral
A viral internet trend in 2021 promoted placing plastic bottles on car tires, sparking numerous theories about security and car care. However, experts and fact-checkers have debunked these claims, stating that such practices offer no real protection against theft or tire damage. Proven methods like proper locking and maintenance are the only effective ways to ensure vehicle safety.

Microplastics in India’s agriculture: A growing problem demanding urgent action
A new roadmap by NAAS emphasises national monitoring, improved waste management, and biodegradable alternatives to combat the growing crisis due to microplastics.

Piyush Goyal holds talks with Saudi Arabia trade minister on stronger supply chains
India's Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal met with Saudi Arabia's Trade Minister Majid bin Abdullah Al Qassabi. They discussed strengthening supply chains affected by the West Asia crisis. Both ministers expressed optimism for early progress on the India-GCC Free Trade Agreement negotiations. The discussions also focused on ensuring smooth trade flows and recovering from disruptions.

Iran-US war pushes polymer, resin prices up 60%; plastics exporters squeezed despite ceasefire
Freight rates jump up to 10x, polymer prices rise 60%, while supply disruptions and supply chain delays strain MSMEs and the sector's export competitiveness.

Love tea? Your daily brew could be serving up billions of micro- and nanoplastics
Recent studies reveal that steeping tea bags in boiling water releases billions of microplastic and nanoplastic particles. These tiny plastics, often found in the sealing or mesh of tea bags, can also enter tea through packaging and production processes.
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