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‘Huge mistake’: Bill Gates apologises to foundation staff over Epstein ties

Bill Gates has apologised to Gates Foundation staff for his association with Jeffrey Epstein, admitting it was a "huge mistake" that harmed the organisation's reputation. While asserting he "did nothing illicit," Gates acknowledged meetings continued after Epstein's conviction and that his ties helped Epstein "burnish his reputation." He also admitted to two affairs during his marriage.

Times of India

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8 months ago

Rinku Singh to rejoin India squad ahead of must-win clash vs Zimbabwe

Rinku Singh is set to rejoin the Indian squad this evening after a brief absence due to his father's ill health. The middle-order batter had returned home urgently, missing training sessions. His father is reportedly in serious condition in an NCR hospital. Singh's availability for the crucial Super 8 match against Zimbabwe was in doubt following his departure.

Times of India

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8 months ago

Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra, S26 Plus & S26 India Prices Leak: See What Each Model May Cost

Samsung Galaxy S26 Leaks: Samsung is getting ready to launch its next big flagship phone, and fans are already excited. While most people are still waiting to see the full design and official features of the Galaxy S26 series, one detail has already grabbed attention: the price of the Galaxy S26 Ultra. Even before Samsung makes anything official, leaks about pricing have started spreading online.  These early details have quickly become the main talking point, and if they are true, Samsung might stick to a familiar pricing strategy this year. Samsung Galaxy S26, Galaxy S26 Plus, & Galaxy S26 Ultra Price In India Recent Samsung Galaxy S26 price leaks suggest that the company may not increase prices this time. The base Galaxy S26 model, which is expected to come with 256GB storage, could be priced at around $799. That roughly converts to Rs 72,000. This is similar to the previous Galaxy S25 model, but there are reports that Samsung may offer better base storage. The Galaxy S26 Plus is likely to cost around $999, which comes close to Rs 90,000. The premium Galaxy S26 Ultra may be priced at $1,299, which is around Rs 1,18,000.  If these numbers turn out to be correct, Samsung may focus more on improving features rather than increasing the cost. For buyers, steady pricing with better upgrades could feel like a smart move. Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra Features And Upgrades Talking about Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra features and upgrades, performance seems to be the main highlight. Reports say the new series could run on the Exynos 2600 chipset, built on Samsung’s advanced 2nm process.  In simple terms, this could mean faster performance, better multitasking, and improved heat control compared to older chips. Charging speed may also see an upgrade. The Galaxy S26 Ultra is rumoured to support 60W wired charging, which would be much faster than before. Wireless charging could go up to 25W on the Ultra and around 20W on the regular models. However, some leaks suggest there may not be built-in Qi2 magnetic support. If that happens, users might need special magnetic cases to use certain accessories properly. Now, all eyes are on Samsung’s official launch to confirm what is real and what is just speculation.

ABP Live

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8 months ago

'Did Nothing Illicit': Bill Gates Apologises To Foundation Staff Over Epstein Ties

American tech entrepreneur Bill Gates has apologised to staff at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation over his past association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, while insisting he did “nothing illicit”, according to an exclusive report by The Wall Street Journal. During a town hall on Tuesday, Gates acknowledged errors in judgement that, he said, had cast a shadow over the foundation’s reputation. He also admitted to having had two affairs with Russian women, but maintained that none of his actions involved Epstein’s victims or illegal conduct. “I did nothing illicit. I saw nothing illicit,” Gates said, according to a recording reviewed by the newspaper. Meetings With Epstein A ‘Huge Mistake’ The report states that Gates conceded it was “a huge mistake” to spend time with Epstein and to introduce foundation executives to him. “I apologise to other people who are drawn into this because of the mistake that I made,” the newspaper quoted him as saying. Gates was among numerous public figures whose names surfaced in thousands of documents, including emails, interview transcripts, photographs and call logs, released online last month by the US Justice Department. The material, widely referred to as the “Epstein files”, detailed Epstein’s extensive network of high-profile contacts. At the town hall, Gates addressed images in the released documents that show him alongside women whose faces are redacted. He said the photographs were taken at Epstein’s request, with his assistants following meetings. “To be clear, I never spent any time with victims, the women around him,” Gates said. He added that he first met Epstein in 2011, three years after Epstein pleaded guilty in 2008 to soliciting a minor for prostitution. Gates acknowledged that he failed to properly scrutinise Epstein’s background despite being aware of what he described as an “18-month thing” that had restricted Epstein’s travel. 'Wife Was Always Skeptical' Gates also revealed that he continued meeting Epstein until 2014, even after his then-wife, Melinda French Gates, raised concerns in 2013. “To give her credit, she was always kind of skeptical about the Epstein thing,” he said. According to the report, Gates told staff he had flown on a private jet with Epstein and met him in Germany, France, New York and Washington. However, he said he never stayed overnight with Epstein or visited his private island. The Microsoft co-founder admitted that his association may have inadvertently helped Epstein enhance his own standing. He said Epstein often spoke about close relationships with billionaires, particularly on Wall Street, and claimed he could assist in fundraising for global health initiatives. Gates acknowledged that being in meetings attended by other prominent figures made the situation appear “normalised” at the time. Looking back, he said, he recognises that his presence lent credibility to Epstein. Addressing his personal life, Gates said: “I did have affairs, one with a Russian bridge player who met me at bridge events, and one with a Russian nuclear physicist whom I met through business activities.” He reiterated that his final meeting with Epstein was in 2014. Epstein died by suicide in a New York jail cell in August 2019, a month after he was indicted on federal sex trafficking charges, according to US media reports. In response to the town hall, a spokesperson for the Gates Foundation said Gates holds such meetings twice a year and “spoke candidly, addressing several questions in detail, and took responsibility for his actions.”

ABP Live

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8 months ago

'Attack will bring strong response': Iran pushes back against Trump a day before Geneva talks

Iran has strongly refuted US President Trump's accusations of rebuilding nuclear and missile capabilities, calling them "big lies." Ahead of crucial talks in Geneva, Iranian officials stated that "honourable diplomacy" could lead to success, but warned against confrontation. Tehran insists its dignity and mutual interests must be respected during negotiations.

Times of India

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8 months ago

Gold price today: Check rates of 18K, 22K, 24K gold in your city; Delhi, Bangalore and more

Gold futures surged by Rs 1,322 to Rs 1,61,291 per 10 grams on Wednesday, fueled by fresh speculator buying and strong physical market demand. Overseas markets also saw gold prices climb. The article details current gold rates per gram for 24K, 22K, and 18K in major Indian cities.

Times of India

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8 months ago

How Venezuela is chartering very large crude carriers - with focus on boosting oil exports to India

Large vehicles, each capable of carrying as much as 2 million barrels of crude, are likely to reduce freight costs for traders and buyers, ease the shortage of smaller vessels and quicken deliveries from next month.

Times of India

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8 months ago

Bhansali's team clarifies rumours of him having a heart attack

Rumours of filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali suffering a heart attack on his birthday were widely circulated online. However, his team has officially clarified that the reports are entirely false, stating he is in good health and undergoing a routine medical check-up. No cardiac episode or hospitalization occurred.

Times of India

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8 months ago

Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra Unboxing Video Leaks Online Ahead Of Official Launch

Samsung Galaxy S26 Leaks: Samsung is all geared up for the launch of its new flagship, and so are its fans. While everyone is waiting to get a proper look at how the Galaxy S26 series might turn out, someone has already pushed the Galaxy S26 Ultra into the spotlight. Yes, the premium flagship is already out in the wild. This has sparked a fresh wave of leaks and speculation around the device.  A YouTuber who managed to get the phone early has now shared their unboxing video, revealing key details before launch. Galaxy S26 Ultra Leak: YouTuber Shares First Unboxing Video The recent rumour around the Galaxy S26 Ultra started after content creator Sahil Karoul revealed that he had the device in hand. He shared what is being called the world’s first unboxing video of the phone.  The model shown is said to be an international variant aimed at African markets. It is manufactured in Vietnam and comes with 12GB RAM and 256GB storage. The unit featured in the video is white. In the box, buyers get a USB Type-C to Type-C cable, a SIM ejector tool, and a Quick Start Guide. There is no charger included, which has now become common with most premium smartphones.  Also Read: Samsung Galaxy S26 Isn’t Coming Solo: Full List Of Products Tipped For Unpacked 2026 The phone has an aluminium frame and weighs 215 grams. The S Pen reportedly does not support Bluetooth and can only be inserted one way. Galaxy S26 Ultra Specifications And Camera Details Revealed The Galaxy S26 Ultra features a 3,120 x 1,440 resolution display with a 120Hz refresh rate. It also supports a Privacy Display feature. The phone runs on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset and is backed by a 5,000mAh battery. On the camera front, it offers four rear cameras and one front camera. The rear setup supports zoom options of 0.6x, 1x, 2x, 3x, 5x, and 10x. It can record videos up to 8K at 30FPS and 4K at 120FPS. The front camera supports 4K at 60FPS.  Also Read: Samsung Officially Confirms Galaxy S26 Launch Event, YouTube Live Stream Ready All in all, these are all leaks, and nothing is confirmed yet. We know how these leaks have already built excitement among Samsung fans, but take them with a pinch of salt till the flagship arrives.

ABP Live

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8 months ago

Historic Moment: PM Modi Begins Historic 9-Year-Later Visit to Israel, Major Defense Deals Expected

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has arrived in Israel for a landmark two-day visit, his first in nine years, marking a significant chapter in India-Israel relations. The visit underscores the deepening ties between the two nations under the leadership of Modi in India and Benjamin Netanyahu in Israel. PM Modi was warmly received at Ben Gurion Airport by Netanyahu and his wife Sara Netanyahu, reflecting the personal rapport between the two leaders. The visit will feature a historic address to the Israeli Parliament, the first by an Indian Prime Minister, and is expected to draw global attention. A major focus of the trip is defense collaboration. India and Israel plan to sign agreements expanding security cooperation, co-developing sensitive technologies, and strengthening counter-terrorism capabilities. The visit also highlights strategic diplomacy in West Asia, amid ongoing tensions in Gaza and Iran-Israel relations. Domestically, the visit has drawn political attention, with Congress raising questions about India’s stance on Gaza during Modi’s address. BJP has defended the Prime Minister, emphasizing India’s balanced foreign policy and national interest. Meanwhile, Israeli officials and the Indian diaspora in Israel have expressed strong enthusiasm for Modi’s visit. The trip reaffirms India’s commitment to maintaining strong bilateral partnerships, advancing security cooperation, and asserting its voice on regional peace and stability.

ABP Live

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8 months ago

India Growth Outlook Brightens: UBS Sees Stable Macros, Strong Demand

Economic momentum in India picked up sequentially during the December quarter, supported by festive season demand and the impact of GST rate cuts. According to the UBS India Composite Economic Indicator report, early data for January 2026 suggests that this robust momentum has continued into the new year. The analysis indicates that the Indian economy is currently maintaining a stable position characterised by strong domestic demand and well-contained macro stability risks. The report stated, "We think the Indian economy is in a sweet spot with strong growth in domestic demand and contained macro stability risks. Building in lower US trade tariffs, reforms and cyclical policy support, we expect India's FY27 real GDP growth at 6.9% YoY, well above consensus expectation of 6.6%." The report noted that high-frequency indicators for January underscore this trend, with retail two-wheeler sales growing 21 per cent and passenger car sales increasing 9 per cent year-on-year. Tractor sales also showed significant strength, rising 35 per cent in December. While gross GST collections grew by 6.2 per cent in January, the manufacturing PMI rose to 55.4 during the same month. Industrial activity, including electricity generation and rail freight traffic, also saw sequential increases. Bank credit growth accelerated to 14.6 per cent as of the end of January, while the services PMI improved to 58.5. External challenges, specifically higher US tariffs that took effect in August 2025, were largely mitigated by resilient domestic demand and adjustments in direct and indirect taxes. The report noted that "external headwinds from higher US tariffs were largely offset by resilient domestic demand, adjustment in direct and indirect taxes, front-loading of government capital expenditure and supportive monetary policy." Additionally, the completion of trade deals with the US and EU is expected to provide a lift to the goods export outlook in the coming months. A new GDP series with a 2022-23 base year is scheduled for release by the end of February 2026, which aims to provide a more accurate gauge of overall growth momentum. This updated series is expected to integrate real-time data from sources like GST and UPI to better cover the digital and informal economies. Regarding monetary policy, the report suggests the Reserve Bank of India may maintain an extended pause, focusing on durable liquidity. On the currency front, UBS expects the USD/INR to reach 94 by the end of 2026, noting that "RBI's large short-end FX forward maturities should provide a floor for USD/INR, making a rebound beyond 88-89 unlikely. We continue to expect a 2026 year-end USD/INR of 94." (Disclaimer: This report has been published as part of the auto-generated syndicate wire feed. Apart from the headline, no editing has been done in the copy by ABP Live.)

ABP Live

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8 months ago

Samsung Galaxy S26 Isn’t Coming Solo: Full List Of Products Tipped For Unpacked 2026

Samsung Galaxy S26 Leaks: Samsung is set to launch its 2026 flagships tonight. And while Android fans are going crazy about what’s coming, rumours are already floating around, giving us a clear idea of what to expect. The Galaxy Unpacked event in San Francisco is expected to bring big upgrades, especially in performance and AI.  Samsung has not confirmed anything officially yet, but leaks have painted a pretty strong picture. From new phones to fresh earbuds, here’s what could be announced in just a few hours. Samsung Galaxy S26 Series Launch: All Products Expected At Galaxy Unpacked 2026 At the Galaxy Unpacked 2026 in San Francisco, Samsung is expected to launch three main phones: Galaxy S26, Galaxy S26 Plus and Galaxy S26 Ultra. The regular Galaxy S26 may come with a slightly bigger 6.3-inch display. The S26 Plus is expected to feature a 6.7-inch screen and a slim design. The Galaxy S26 Ultra will likely remain the top model with a premium build and advanced camera hardware. In markets like the US and China, all models are rumoured to run on the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 processor. RAM could start from 12GB, while the Ultra may go up to 16GB. Storage on the Ultra might reach 1TB. Apart from phones, Samsung may also introduce Galaxy Buds 4 and Galaxy Buds 4 Pro at the same event. Samsung Galaxy S26 Features: Performance, Camera And AI Upgrades When it comes to features, the Galaxy S26 series is expected to focus heavily on AI and camera improvements. The Galaxy S26 and S26 Plus may get a new 50MP ultrawide camera. The Ultra is likely to continue offering high-end camera performance for photography lovers. Battery size may stay similar, with the Ultra expected to pack a 5,000mAh battery and support around 60W wired charging. AI could be the biggest highlight this year. Samsung is reportedly working on a privacy shield feature that hides parts of the screen when someone looks from the side.  On-device generative AI is also expected to improve, making smart tools faster and more secure without depending too much on the cloud. If these upgrades arrive as expected, the Galaxy S26 lineup could give tough competition in the premium smartphone space in 2026.

ABP Live

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8 months ago

US announces duties on Indian solar imports; stocks of Waaree Energies, Premier drop up to 15%

Indian solar equipment manufacturers experienced a sharp decline in share prices following the US announcement of countervailing duties on imports from India, Indonesia, and Laos. The US Commerce Department cited government subsidies in these nations as disadvantaging American producers. This move, impacting a significant portion of US solar imports, follows previous disruptions caused by similar tariffs on other Asian countries.

Times of India

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8 months ago

Your height changes daily: Why you are taller in the morning and shorter at night

Times of India

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8 months ago

Mercedes-Benz CLA Electric To Challenge Premium EV Rivals With 792km Range

The upcoming Mercedes-Benz CLA has a range of 792km which is a WLTP figure and that is more than even the more expensive EQS and pretty much more than any other EV at its expected price bracket. The new CLA isn't going to be an entry level luxury car with a petrol or diesel as instead it will be a premium electric car being brought in as a CBU although we expect competitive prices. The CLA 250+ variant has a 85kwh battery pack which has a 792km range and a 272bhp electric motor. It also has a 2 speed gearbox which is rare for this segment and increases range too. The new CLA also has an 800volt Architecture for faster charging. Dimensions and Platform The India spec CLA has a higher ground clearance which is crucial for our market along with a wheelbase of 2790mm/length of 4723mm. Being based on a new modular platform, the CLA is also having AI with Chat GPT, Google Gemini and . Features and Launch Details Luggage space comprises of a 101 litre frunk and a 405l boot. Features include 18inch wheels, latest MBUX, panoramic sunroof with heat protection, level 2 ADAS, Augmented reality navigation, front massage seats, in car apps, 6 USB C ports and more. To be available in five colours, the new CLA will be launched in April with bookings from March 10.

ABP Live

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8 months ago