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WorldPhoto: HT WorldThe International Monetary Fund has sharply lowered its 2026 growth forecast for the Middle East and Central Asia, projecting a 0.3% contraction instead of 1.9% growth due to ongoing war disruptions. The IMF cited prolonged closure of the Strait of Hormuz and damage to oil infrastructure in Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar, and Bahrain. A rebound is expected in 2027 with the waterway's reopening.
HT World·
PoliticsPhoto: The News MinuteThe Kerala High Court directed the state's Directorate of Social Justice to release Rs 21,000 in pending financial aid to Srihaan V Chandran, a transgender person who underwent sex reassignment surgery. The court ordered the payment within two months after Chandran challenged the non-disbursement of the full Rs 36,000 assistance. The petitioner had received only Rs 15,000 so far.
The News Minute·
BusinessPhoto: Mint CompaniesMaharashtra's state transmission utility, MahaTransco, has selected a syndicate of merchant bankers led by Axis Bank to manage its $1 billion initial public offering. The IPO is expected to be listed by June 2027, driven by rising electricity demand and increasing state-backed public offerings in the region.
Mint Companies·
EntertainmentPhoto: HT EntertainmentRajinikanth shared that Mithun Chakraborty initially refused to play the villain in Jailer 2, citing his friendship with Rajinikanth and reluctance to be beaten or shot by him on screen. Mithun agreed to join the film only after Rajinikanth assured him he would neither be beaten nor shot, a condition Mithun set during a meeting at the WAVES Summit.
HT Entertainment·
BusinessPhoto: News18 BusinessSunil Bharti Mittal, founder and chairman of Bharti Enterprises, has been awarded France’s Legion of Honour. He has also received major awards including India’s Padma Bhushan in 2007 for his contributions to telecommunications and economic growth, the GSMA Chairman’s Award in 2008 for advancing mobile communications globally, and the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Award in 2009 for excellence in public administration and management.
News18 Business·
SportsPhoto: Firstpost SportsChennai Super Kings CEO Kasi Viswanathan expressed confidence that MS Dhoni could return for the 2027 IPL season despite missing the entire 2026 season due to injury. Dhoni, who many thought was retiring, has not yet decided his future. Viswanathan said Dhoni remains an active player and the franchise awaits his decision, hopeful he will continue with CSK.
Firstpost Sports··Chennai
HT World·
Photo: HT WorldThe International Monetary Fund has sharply lowered its 2026 growth forecast for the Middle East and Central Asia, projecting a 0.3% contraction instead of 1.9% growth due to ongoing war disruptions. The IMF cited prolonged closure of the Strait of Hormuz and damage to oil infrastructure in Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar, and Bahrain. A rebound is expected in 2027 with the waterway's reopening.
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