Australia's most decorated living soldier, Ben Roberts-Smith, has been released from jail after being granted bail over alleged war crimes. The Victoria Cross recipient and former corporal in Australia's Special Air Service (SAS) Regiment was taken into custody last week
India's smartphone shipments fell 3% year-on-year in the first quarter of 2026, marking their weakest quarterly performance in six years as cost pressures, price hikes and soft demand weighed on sales, said on Friday.Over 80 smartphone models saw average price hikes of 15%
Charlie Kirk murder accused pushes to ban cameras from court, says live broadcasts violate his right to fair trialTyler Robinson is due in court Friday as his attorneys press their claims that biased coverage is tainting potential jurors in his aggravated murder case. Published on: Apr 17
SpiceJet flight clips Akasa plane at Delhi airport; probe orderedThe incident occurred around 2.15pm near Terminal 1 in IGI. Updated on: Apr 17, 2026 1:52 PM IST By Jasjeev Gandhiok Share via Copy link Two aircraft — operated by SpiceJet and Akasa — clipped wings while taxiing at Delhi’s
Theegala gets off to a good start at RBC HeritageTheegala gets off to a good start at RBC Heritage Published on: Apr 17, 2026 12:46 PM IST PTI Share via Copy link Hilton Head Island , Sahith Theegala started his week at the RBC Heritage with an opening round of 2-under 69 and was placed T-27 on the
Multiplex Association of India raises concerns over Netflix's proposed acquisition of Warner Bros

The Multiplex Association of India (MAI) on Saturday raised its concerns over Netflix's proposed acquisition of Warner Bros Discovery, saying that it poses a direct competition and economic threat to India's theatrical and broader film economy.
The Acquisition of Warner Bros, one of the world's leading studios, by a dominant streaming platform that has historically deprioritised theatrical releases, poses a direct economic threat to India's broader film economy, MAI said in a statement.
On Friday, Netflix said it has struck a deal with Warner Bros Discovery to buy the legacy Hollywood giant's studio and streaming business for $72 billion.
The cash-and-stock deal also includes its namesake television and motion picture division, Warner owns HBO Max streaming services and DC Studios. The transaction is expected to close after Warner separates Discovery Global into a new, publicly traded company in the third quarter of 2026.
MAI President Kamal Gianchandani said the Indian theatrical market thrives on choice, scale, and cultural diversity.
However, "Netflix has consistently made it clear through its limited and highly restrictive approach to theatrical releases that it does not believe in the cinema-first model. If this acquisition proceeds, the risk is two-fold: a meaningful reduction in high-quality content for cinemas and the potential for shortened or non-existent theatrical windows," he said.
Warner Bros has historically been a key partner to Indian cinemas, contributing consistently to our release calendar with successful global and local titles.
The proposed acquisition would inevitably impact revenues, limit consumer choice, and weaken the broader ecosystem of film production, distribution, and exhibition in India, said Gianchandani, adding that "a consolidation of this magnitude warrants careful scrutiny."
MAI will continue to highlight these concerns to regulatory authorities both in India and internationally, he added.
According to Gianchandani, Cinemas in India are more than entertainment venues. They are cultural hubs and significant economic contributors. They support millions of livelihoods across production, distribution, exhibition, F&B, and ancillary services.
MAI is a nationwide group of cinema operators that works with regulatory bodies and industry partners to raise the profile of cinema, highlight opportunities, and address the various challenges faced by the cinema exhibition sector.
Established in 2002, under the aegis of the industry body FICCI, MAI represents more than 11 cinema chains, operating more than 550 multiplexes across the country, with around 3,000 screens.
Source: EconomicTimes
Related Posts: ‘India Mai Talent Ki Kami Nahi Hai’ Mai shraap deta hu Mahila Rozgar Yojana or Mai-Behin scheme — which one offers more Karnataka State Cricket Association elections Association Of Democrats Will Soon Be Revealed All Indian Cine Workers Association demands immediate ban on song Sarke Chunar Odisha Cricket Association offers first Cuttack match ticket to Lord Jagannath Mai Bhi Disrespect Kar Sakti Thi Jackie Shroff Joins Kartik Aaryan's 'Tu Meri Mai Tera Ganga Mai Ki Betiyan TV Show Actors Visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple
Korean food has quietly but firmly moved from a niche curiosity to a mainstream favourite in India, and the reasons are as much about culture as they are about taste. Fuelled by the global stardom of bands like BTS and BLACKPINK and the addictive charm of K‑dramas
1 days ago
The Supreme Court on Friday declined Congress leader Pawan Khera’s petition to vacate a stay on a Telangana High Court order granting him transit anticipatory bail in a case registered by the Assam Police, Live Law reported. A bench comprising Justices JK Maheshwari and Atul S Chandurkar also
1 days ago
The Centre’s proposal to expand the Lok Sabha and carry out a fresh delimitation exercise has triggered an intense political and constitutional debate, particularly around its potential impact on southern states. At the centre of the discussion is whether the proposed expansion will maintain the
1 days ago
The initiative is a significant step towards institutionalising high-level collaboration within India’s internal security framework. In an unprecedented move, the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) will be preparing to participate in a landmark high-level conference that will bring together the
1 days ago
A heartwarming video of a father intently reading his son’s job offer letter from Amazon has gone viral on social media, touching thousands with its simple display of pride and sacrifice. The now viral video, which has been widely shared and praised for its authenticity
1 days ago
Gold rate today: Prices fall amid US war on Iran, 24K at ₹1.53 lakh; check latest rates in your cityOver the past week, 24-carat gold has eased by 0.41%, while it is down 5.74% over the past month. Updated on: Apr 17, 2026 12:29 PM IST By HT News Desk Share via Copy link Gold prices declined on
1 days ago
A 10-day ceasefire deal agreed between Lebanon and Israel took effect on Thursday (April 16, 2026), as U.S. President Donald Trump said he was trying to set up the first-ever meeting between the leaders of the two countries. The truce, which Mr
1 days ago
Vivo Y600 Pro has been officially teased in China, with the brand revealing key details about its design and positioning. The most interesting aspect of this phone is that it will pack the largest battery ever seen on a Vivo phone. Here’s a look at what to expect from it
1 days ago
China is using social media platforms like Douyin to spread messages from Taiwanese opposition figures. These clips are then shared on platforms popular in Taiwan, aiming to discredit President Lai Ching-te's government. The campaign seeks to weaken Taiwan's resolve and discourage defense spending
1 days ago
Nearly 20% of the 1,478 candidates contesting the first phase of the West Bengal polls are crorepatis, with a significant share belonging to the Trinamool Congress (TMC), while the poorest candidate has declared assets of just ₹500, according to an analysis of poll affidavits
1 days ago
The round of job losses, the biggest at the BBC since 2011, is being set in motion before the former top Google executive Matt Brittin takes over as director general next month. BBC Layoffs: UK media giant British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) on Wednesday announced that it has planned to axe as
1 days ago
A new space race is unfolding as the United States and China compete for lunar dominance. Both nations are pushing for crewed Moon landings, with the US Artemis program and China's 2030 goal. They are also vying to set the rules for future lunar governance
1 days ago
The 2026 Yamaha Fascino 125 Fi Hybrid has been launched at Rs 76,500 for the base model(drum), and the top variant(disc) will set you back by Rs 95,200. The new updates include newly sculpted tail section, redesigned taillights, flashers, and distinctive V‑iconic taillight design
1 days ago
A viral video showing Donald Trump handing a $100 tip to a DoorDash delivery worker inside the White House has taken over social media, but even he now admits it didn’t quite land the way it was meant to. Speaking at a roundtable in Las Vegas, Trump addressed the moment directly
1 days ago
'The camel dreams of cottonseed...': Iran mocks Trump's peace deal claimsThe Iran state media also shared a Persian proverb: "The camel dreams of cottonseed; sometimes gulping it down, sometimes eating it grain by grain" Updated on: Apr 17, 2026 12:29 PM IST By Karishma Ayaldasani Share via Copy
1 days ago
Chinese carmaker Seres has been granted a patent for what it calls an "in-vehicle toilet" that slides under a passenger's seat for visits to the loo while on the road. The feature is meant to "satisfy users' toilet needs on long journeys, while camping or while staying in the car"
1 days ago
Chennai's Chepauk-Thiruvallikeni constituency sees a key contest between Udhayanidhi Stalin and Adhi Rajaram. Stalin seeks re-election from this DMK stronghold. Rajaram aims to end the DMK's dominance and promises development. Other candidates are also in the fray
1 days ago
India has entered summer, and some parts of the country are already facing harsh weather conditions. The heat of the summer season is slowly but surely getting unbearable. When the mercury crosses 40°C, which has been predicted to happen this month
1 days ago
World Athletics on Thursday rejected applications from 11 elite athletes seeking to transfer their allegiance to Turkey, dealing a major blow to the country’s medal prospects at the 2028 Olympics. Four leading Jamaicans, including 2024 Olympic men’s discus gold medallist Roje Stona
1 days ago
The Indian rupee gains against the US dollar in early trade on Friday, supported by easing geopolitical tensions, positive domestic equity markets and fresh foreign fund inflows. The Indian rupee strengthened by 39 paise to 92.75 against the US dollar in early trade on Friday
1 days ago
Viral video shows Hyderabad security guard working under mosquito net at night, raises questions on dignity of labourA Hyderabad security guard was seen sitting under a mosquito net on night duty, sparking debate over poor working conditions and lack of basic facilities. Published on: Apr 17
1 days ago
As India’s AI ecosystem moves from experimentation to execution, the need to recognise real, measurable innovation has become critical. The ET Most Innovative AI Product Awards 2026 is designed to evaluate AI products based on architecture, deployment, and business impact across startups, SMEs
1 days ago
Shruti Haasan looks stunning in a crimson cocktail saree as she poses with a suited Kamal Haasan at INCA Awards 2026The father and daughter turned heads on the red carpet as they posed in dapper outfits. Here's a closer look at what Shruti Haasan and Kamal Haasan wore. Updated on: Apr 17
1 days ago
, India’s fourth-largest software services exporter, reported a decline in attrition to 13.8% from 14.2% in the fourth quarter on Thursday.After a net addition of 6,529 employees in the December quarter, the company added only 136 staff between January and March, taking its total headcount to 242
1 days ago
IGPL South Africa: Red-hot Mane fires flawless 64 to take six-shot leadIGPL South Africa: Red-hot Mane fires flawless 64 to take six-shot lead Updated on: Apr 17, 2026 1:58 PM IST PTI Share via Copy link Johannesburg, Continuing his red-hot form
1 days ago
In 2025, Alia Bhatt’s sister, Shaheen Bhatt, made her relationship with fitness coach Ishaan Mehra Instagram official. Since then, the duo has been giving major couples on social media. Interestingly, the couple is now engaged. On April 17, Shaheen took to social media and shared a series of
1 days ago
Brent crude slipped toward $98 a barrel, while West Texas Intermediate hovered near $93, partially reversing previous session’s sharp gains Oil prices eased after US President Donald Trump struck a more optimistic tone on the prospects of a lasting ceasefire with Iran
1 days ago