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Skoda Kushaq 1.0 AT Review: Does New 8-Speed Make A Real Difference?

When buying a car, most buyers focus heavily on engine specifications, often overlooking the gearbox. However, the transmission plays a crucial role in shaping how a car feels on the road. With the updated Skoda Kushaq, the spotlight shifts firmly onto its new 8-speed torque converter automatic paired with the 1.0 TSI engine. Skoda Kushaq: A Smoother, Smarter Driving Experience The biggest upgrade in the facelifted Kushaq is the replacement of the older 6-speed automatic with a new 8-speed torque converter unit in the 1.0-litre variant. Right from the start, the improvement is noticeable. The gearbox feels smoother and more responsive, especially in city conditions. Low-speed driving is more relaxed, thanks to a stronger creep function and reduced lag compared to the earlier version. The 1.0 TSI engine, despite being a three-cylinder, remains impressively refined. Push harder, and the response feels quicker with reduced hesitation, although the engine does get slightly vocal under acceleration. Switching to Sport mode sharpens gear shifts, while paddle shifters add an engaging touch for those who enjoy more control. On highways, the 8-speed transmission truly shines. Cruising feels effortless, with smoother power delivery and better refinement. Fuel efficiency has also improved, with real-world figures hovering around 12–13 kmpl. Driving Dynamics Still A Strong Suit Beyond the gearbox, the Kushaq continues to deliver an engaging driving experience. The steering offers excellent feedback, making it enjoyable for enthusiasts, while its compact dimensions contribute to agile handling. The suspension setup strikes a fine balance, handling rough Indian roads well while retaining a slightly firm, European character. Overall, it remains one of the more driver-focused SUVs in its segment. Fresh Design & Feature Boost The facelift brings noticeable cosmetic updates. A redesigned grille, now illuminated, along with new headlamps, gives the SUV a more premium look. Illuminated Skoda lettering adds a distinctive touch. Inside, the cabin continues with high-quality materials but now benefits from a sharper infotainment system and an improved digital driver display. New features like a panoramic sunroof, rear seat massager, and front parking sensors help it catch up with competitors. However, some key omissions remain. There’s no powered handbrake and no 360-degree camera—features increasingly expected in this segment. The rear seat is best suited for two occupants, though comfort levels remain high. Verdict: A Driver’s SUV Gets Better The updated Kushaq strengthens its position as a driver-focused SUV. The new 8-speed automatic significantly enhances drivability, making it smoother, quicker, and more efficient. While it still misses out on a few features, the overall package feels more complete. For buyers prioritising driving pleasure under the ₹20 lakh bracket, the Kushaq 1.0 AT stands out as a compelling choice.

Foldable iPhone Coming Before iPhone 18 Base Model? This Is What Analysts Think

iPhone 18 Leaks: Apple’s upcoming iPhone 18 lineup has already kept fans guessing, and just when things seemed clear, talk of a foldable iPhone has entered the picture. It feels like Apple is not putting all its eggs in one basket this time, with different launch timelines being discussed. While many expected the usual September reveal, new reports suggest a different plan.  So the big question is simple: will the foldable iPhone arrive alongside the iPhone 18, or will Apple take a separate route for it? When Will iPhone Fold And iPhone 18 Models Launch? According to Apple analyst Tim Long from Barclays, the iPhone 18 base model might not follow the usual September timeline. Instead, it could be announced in March next year.  However, the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are still expected to launch in September this year, sticking to Apple’s traditional schedule. As for the foldable iPhone, shipments are likely to begin in December this year. This suggests that Apple may position it between its major releases rather than bundling it with the main lineup.  A similar approach was seen in 2017 when the iPhone 8 series launched in September, followed by the iPhone X in November. What Other iPhone Models Could Arrive With iPhone 18 Base Variant? The report also mentions that Apple could introduce two more devices alongside the iPhone 18 base model in March.  These may include a lower-end iPhone 18e and either an iPhone 18 Plus or an iPhone Air 2. The mention of a Plus model stands out, as there have been no strong reports supporting its return so far. Past data suggest that both Plus and Air models have not performed as well as other variants. This makes the possibility of a new Plus model uncertain. Since these claims are new, it is best to take them with caution for now.

Celebs arrive at Manish Malhotra's mother's funeral: Pics

In a heartfelt farewell, the illustrious fashion designer Manish Malhotra mourns the loss of his beloved mother, Sudarshan Malhotra, who left this world at the age of 94. Today, March 20, 2026, the Santacruz crematorium in Mumbai was filled with compassion as friends and Bollywood luminaries like Karan Johar and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan gathered to honor her remarkable life. Read on to know more in detail.

Why Kerala Is Celebrating Eid Today While Rest Of India Waits Till Tomorrow? Real Reason Explained

As the country prepares to celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr, an unusual yet familiar divide has emerged on the calendar. While Kerala has already begun festivities, the rest of India is observing the festival a day later. This difference, though striking at first glance, stems from a deeply rooted Islamic tradition that continues to shape how Eid is marked across regions, the sighting of the crescent moon. ALSO READ: Eid 2026: City-Wise Shawwal Moon Sighting Time In Delhi, Mumbai, Lucknow, Hyderabad And More Why Kerala Is Celebrating Eid Earlier (Image Source: ABPLIVE AI) The key reason behind this variation lies in confirmed moon sightings. In parts of Kerala, especially along coastal belts, religious authorities verified the appearance of the Shawwal crescent on Thursday evening. With this confirmation, clerics declared the beginning of the new Islamic month, allowing Eid celebrations to commence on Friday. In contrast, several regions across northern and central India reported no verified sighting of the moon. As a result, Friday remained the final day of Ramzan for these areas, shifting Eid celebrations to the following day. How Moon Sighting Shapes Eid Dates Unlike festivals that follow fixed dates, Eid-ul-Fitr is determined entirely by the Islamic lunar calendar. The transition from Ramzan to Shawwal depends on the physical visibility of the crescent moon, which can vary due to geography, weather, and atmospheric conditions. This means different regions may begin and end the fasting month on separate days, making such variations not only possible but expected in certain years. Why Kerala Often Aligns With Gulf Countries Kerala’s geographical positioning plays a significant role in early moon visibility. Being a coastal state, the crescent is often sighted here sooner, sometimes aligning with sightings in Gulf nations like Saudi Arabia. Another contributing factor is the strong cultural and professional connection between Kerala and Gulf countries, where many residents live and work. This connection often influences how religious observances are aligned, particularly when moon sightings coincide. A Longer Fast For The Rest Of India With no confirmed sighting in most parts of the country, Muslims outside Kerala are completing a full 30 days of fasting this year. Meanwhile, Kerala concludes the holy month after 29 days, based on its verified sighting. Such variations are a natural outcome of the lunar system and reflect the diversity of observance across regions. Unity Beyond Dates Despite the difference in celebration days, the spirit of Eid remains unchanged. It continues to be a time of gratitude, prayer, charity, and togetherness. Religious leaders have also emphasised harmony during this period. Fatehpuri Masjid Imam Mufti Mukarram Ahmad said, “On this occasion, we pray that brotherhood and harmony in the country continues to prosper and is strengthened with love.” Why This Calendar Split Matters While the difference may appear like a divide, it actually highlights the authenticity of a centuries-old practice rooted in observation rather than uniformity. It raises an interesting question, in an age of precision and technology, does tradition still hold the final word? For millions, the answer lies in faith, where the sighting of the moon continues to guide not just dates, but deeply cherished traditions. [Disclaimer: The content of this article is based solely on beliefs, and should be taken as general guidance. Individual experiences may vary. ABPLive.com does not assert the accuracy or validity of any claims or information presented. It is strongly recommended to consult a qualified expert before considering or implementing any information or belief discussed herein.] 

Using An iPhone? One Wrong Website Visit Could Put Your Data At Risk

If you are using an iPhone, there is a new security concern you should not ignore. A hacking method called “DarkSword” has been identified by Google and cybersecurity firms Lookout and iVerify, and it can target devices simply through a web page. This means just visiting the wrong site could expose your personal data.  The issue mainly affects iPhones running specific iOS 18 versions. While updates are available, many users may still be at risk if their devices are not fully updated or protected. How Does The DarkSword Hack Affect iPhone Users? DarkSword is a fileless hack that does not install traditional spyware on your device. Instead, it uses existing system processes to access sensitive information.  The attack begins when an iPhone opens a malicious iframe hidden inside a web page. From there, it can collect data such as passwords, messages, iCloud content, and even cryptocurrency wallet details. What makes this hack more concerning is that it removes all traces after completing the attack. This makes detection difficult for users.  Reports suggest that DarkSword has already been used in countries like Ukraine, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, Turkey, and Russia, and can enter India at any moment. It became more widely available after its source code was leaked online, allowing broader access to the tool. What Has Apple Done & How Can You Stay Protected? Apple has said that the vulnerabilities linked to DarkSword were already patched in updates released last year across iOS 15 to iOS 26.  Emergency updates were also provided for devices running iOS 15 and 16. However, users on iOS 13 or iOS 14 must upgrade to at least iOS 15 to stay protected. The company also confirmed that Safari’s Safe Browsing feature blocks harmful URLs linked to this attack.  While DarkSword mainly targets iOS 18 versions between iOS 18.4 and iOS 18.6.2, Apple released iOS 18.7 and iOS 26 with fixes. Around 24% of devices still use iOS 18, so keeping your software updated remains essential.