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Divestment jolt hits IDBI Bank as shares extend decline to 30% in a month. Buy, sell or hold?

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Divestment jolt hits IDBI Bank as shares extend decline to 30% in a month. Buy, sell or hold?
IDBI Bank shares plunged more than 17% on Monday, extending their one-month decline to nearly 30%, after The Economic Times reported that the government’s strategic stake sale in the lender could stall because the financial bids received were reportedly below the floor price set for the deal. As the divestment process, which began nearly five years ago, continues to drag on and has tested investors’ patience, market experts that ETMarkets spoke to, remain divided on what investors should do with the stock. Here’s what they opine.

The news of the disinvestment process likely stalling dealt a fresh blow to investors, with the stock already down 17% over the past month going into Monday’s session. They hurried to offload IDBI Bank’s shares soon after the market opened and over 12.5 crore shares traded on the exchange during the session, the NSE data revealed.

Citing a source, the report further said if the government still intends to pursue the strategic sale, it will have to start the bidding process afresh, which will take time.

Also read: IDBI Bank sale may stall as bids trail reserve price

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Meanwhile, IDBI Bank issued a statement, clarifying that the proposed divestment is a confidential process being undertaken by the Government of India (GOI) and the lender is not in a position to either confirm or deny media reports.

The government’s equity in IDBI Bank as of December 31, 2025 stood at 45.48% while state-run Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) held 49.24% as on this date. Together, they held a 94.71% stake and aim to offload a 60.72% stake—30.48% by the government and 30.24% by LIC.
Kranthi Bathini, Director-Equity Strategy at WealthMills Securities said that the news was a big sentiment dampener for investors who have been waiting a long time to get the process through. “It has really tested their patience, failing to meet the set timelines,” he said. Moreover, the overall weak market sentiments and selling pressure in bank stocks have dented investors’ confidence, he added.
Nifty Bank is down 11% in a month, with stocks falling as much as 25% in this period.

IDBI Bank disinvestment timeline

The proposed strategic disinvestment is being undertaken through a competitive bidding process and not through negotiations, keeping the lender out of the process, the company filing said.

On May 5, 2021, IDBI Bank received an in-principle approval from the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) for its strategic disinvestment along with the transfer of management control in IDBI Bank.

The government appointed KPMG India as the transaction advisor and Link legal as the legal advisors on October 7, 2022 for providing advisory services and managing the transaction.

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Market regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) approved the reclassification of GOI as public shareholder upon completion of the sale on January 5, 2023. It later allowed the reclassification of LIC as a public shareholder upon completion of the sale.

Also read: QSR stocks slump up to 47% as weak investor appetite, rising fuel risks dent mood. Time to bottom fish?

What should investors do?

Shares of IDBI Bank are trading below their 50-day and 200-day simple moving averages of Rs 105 and Rs 98, respectively, according to Trendlyne data.

Experts hold a divergent view on what to do with the stock.

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Sunny Agrawal, Head – Retail Fundamental Desk at SBI Securities advised investors to buy on dips, expecting the price to stabilise around the Rs 65-70 band (at FY26E 1.0x – 1.1x PBV multiple).

Bathini of WealthMills said that the fundamentals of the lender remain intact, notwithstanding the correction. He recommends investors hold the counter while saying no to fresh additions.

Lender’s December quarter standalone net profit stood at Rs 1,935 crore compared to Rs 1,908 crore reported in the year-ago period, rising by 1.4% year-on-year. However, the profit after tax was down 47% on a sequential basis compared to Rs 3,627 crore in Q2 of FY26.

The lender earned an interest income of Rs 7,074 crore in the quarter under review, which was down 9% versus Rs 7,816 crore in the year-ago period. It was marginally down by 0.4% versus Rs 7,104 crore in Q2FY26.

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Decoding the charts, Nilesh Jain, Vice President – Head of Technical and Derivative Research at Centrum Finverse said he sees weakness, going forward. His suggestion to investors is to ‘Sell’ on rise.

(Disclaimer: The recommendations, suggestions, views, and opinions given by the experts are their own. These do not represent the views of The Economic Times.)

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(VIDEO) Coldplay Kiss Cam HR Executive Kristin Cabot Shares New Details in Oprah Interview

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Kristin Cabot

Former human resources executive Kristin Cabot, thrust into global infamy after a viral “kiss cam” moment at a Coldplay concert in July 2025, has broken her silence with fresh revelations in an exclusive interview on “The Oprah Podcast.” In clips released March 16, Cabot disclosed that her estranged husband, Andrew Cabot, was also attending the same show at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, raising the possibility they could have crossed paths that night while she was with her then-boss, Andy Byron.

Kristin Cabot
Kristin Cabot

The incident occurred during Coldplay’s Music of the Spheres tour stop on July 16, 2025. A stadium kiss cam panned to Cabot and Byron — then head of HR and CEO of tech firm Astronomer, respectively — as Byron’s arms were wrapped around her in what appeared to be an intimate embrace. The pair panicked, with Cabot covering her face and Byron ducking out of frame. Frontman Chris Martin quipped from the stage, “Either they’re having an affair, or they’re just very shy,” sparking immediate laughter and speculation.

A fellow concertgoer captured the awkward exchange on video, which exploded on TikTok and other platforms, amassing hundreds of millions of views (some reports cite over 300 billion cumulative impressions across shares and reposts). The clip fueled online outrage, labeling Cabot a “homewrecker” and Byron an unfaithful executive. Both resigned from Astronomer shortly after amid the backlash, with Cabot filing for divorce from her husband in August 2025.

In her first on-camera interview since the scandal — described as her only such appearance — Cabot sat down with Oprah Winfrey to reflect on the fallout. She maintained the relationship with Byron was not an affair, emphasizing they were close colleagues and friends with a “very close” professional and social dynamic her estranged husband knew about. “My estranged husband would not have been surprised if he saw me outside the office with Andy,” she told Oprah in an exclusive clip shared by People magazine.

Cabot revealed a near-miss encounter: her husband was at the concert independently, potentially in the same venue as she socialized with Byron and friends. She described receiving a text from her daughter before the show, adding layers to the personal chaos unfolding publicly. “It was as if someone flipped a switch,” she recalled of the moment the Jumbotron spotlight hit them.

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The mother of two admitted to poor judgment fueled by alcohol — “a couple of High Noons” — leading to dancing and inappropriate behavior. “I made a bad decision… and it’s not nothing,” she said. “I took accountability and gave up my career for that. That’s the price I chose to pay.” She stressed lessons for her children: mistakes happen, but they don’t warrant death threats or lifelong vilification.

Cabot accused technology companies and social media platforms of “feeding off the pain” of viral victims, profiting from algorithms that amplified harassment. She received abusive messages, including death threats, and became “the most maligned HR manager in HR history,” per her comments to outlets like The Times. The scandal’s gendered scrutiny — focusing disproportionately on her while Byron remained quieter — drew criticism in analyses from The New York Times and others.

Byron has not made public statements about the incident or Cabot’s recent disclosures. Astronomer conducted an internal review, finding no misuse of company funds, though the reputational damage proved irreversible for both executives.

Cabot has since pivoted professionally, booking a keynote speaking gig at an event with $875 tickets, positioning herself as a voice on viral shaming and accountability. She expressed hope the conversation shifts toward empathy for those caught in internet firestorms.

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The “Coldplay kiss cam” saga remains a cautionary tale of how fleeting concert moments can spiral into life-altering crises in the digital age. As Cabot reclaims her narrative through high-profile interviews, the episode continues sparking debates on privacy, public shaming and the human cost of viral fame.

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Quad Bikes Wales diversifies with farming land and renewables acquisitions

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The Pontardawe-based business is diversifying with the backing of Lloyds Bank

Quad Bikes Wales.

A Pontardawe-based quad bike dealership and parts manufacturer has purchased two adjacent farms, combining agricultural land with renewable energy generation as part of a long-term diversification strategy.

Agrimek Ltd, which trades under Quad Bikes Wales, has acquired Henrhyd Farm in Rhydyfro and Ynysmeudwy Uchaf Farm in Pontardawe. The purchases add 70 acres of land adjacent to the company’s existing operations, including sites with established renewable energy installations.

Funded by two loans from Lloyds, totalling more than £620,000, the acquisitions represent the latest phase in an expansion journey for company director Gareth Porter, who started the business in August 2003 as a vehicle repair shop. What began as a small operation has expanded to now offer dealership and manufacturing operations across a 130-acre site, exporting products across Europe and the United States.

READ MORE: If we want to address the housing crisis we simply need more buildersREAD MORE: Developer behind what will be Wales’ tallest building appetite for further investment

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The company has undergone significant transformation over two decades. After pivoting from vehicle repairs into quad bike sales, Mr Potter bought his first farm in 2007 and began using its sheds to house the growing business. The company now supplies leading brands including Honda,and Quadzilla, while manufacturing its own parts and accessories under the Quadmaxx brand.

A retail unit acquired in 2017 while a purpose-built industrial facility followed in 2019. Most recently, a major refurbishment has created a modern showroom and expanded warehouse space.

The business has installed a solar panel system on the industrial facility’s roof and replaced gas heating with electric alternatives – delivering monthly energy savings of £3,000. The new farm acquisitions will enable the company to develop its renewable energy capabilities further while protecting existing tenants.

The business is also committed to apprenticeships and work experience placements in partnership with local colleges. Several young people from disadvantaged backgrounds have progressed through the programme, with at least one securing full-time employment.

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Mr Potter said “These purchases are about securing the long-term future of the business. Having land adjacent to our existing site gives us room to grow, while the renewable energy element provides diversification and aligns with the sustainability investments we’ve already made across the business.

Working with Lloyds to maintain growth means we can continue focusing considerable energy on delivering work that helps our local community – meaning we’re giving back to them as much as they’ve supported us.”

James Green, commercial relationship manager at Lloyds, said: “Gareth has built an impressive business over the past two decades, combining traditional dealership services with manufacturing and export capabilities. These farm acquisitions demonstrate strategic thinking – securing land for future growth while diversifying into renewable energy.

“The business is also making a real contribution to the local community through its apprenticeship and training programmes. We’re proud to have supported the journey from those early days right through to this latest expansion.”

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Lumo Kodit Oyj (KOJAF) Kojamo Oyj – Analyst/Investor Day – Slideshow

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OneWater Marine Inc. (ONEW) Q1 2026 Earnings Call Transcript

Lumo Kodit Oyj (KOJAF) Kojamo Oyj – Analyst/Investor Day – Slideshow

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Electricity costs set to rise in Alderney

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Electricity costs set to rise in Alderney

Managing director Chris MacGregor said a 6.4% increase above inflation tariff adjustment would “begin correcting that long-term imbalance”, help the company speed up its use of renewable energy and “ensure the long-term stability” of the electricity system.

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Structure Therapeutics’ GLP-1 Agonist Could Be A Potential Acquisition Target (GPCR)

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Structure Therapeutics' GLP-1 Agonist Could Be A Potential Acquisition Target (GPCR)

This article was written by

I hold a Master’s degree in Cell Biology and began my career working for several years as a lab technician in a drug discovery clinic, where I gained extensive hands-on experience in cell culture, assay development, and therapeutic research. That scientific foundation gave me an appreciation for the rigor and challenges behind drug development, which I now bring into my work as an investor and analyst. For the past five years, I have been active in the investing space, with the last four years dedicated to working as a biotech equity analyst alongside my lab work. My focus is on identifying promising biotechnology companies that are innovating in unique and differentiated ways, whether through novel mechanisms of action, first-in-class therapies, or platform technologies with the potential to reshape treatment paradigms. By combining my lab-based scientific expertise with financial and market analysis, I aim to deliver research that is both technically sound and investment-driven. On Seeking Alpha, I plan to write primarily about the biotech sector, covering companies at different stages of development, from early clinical pipelines to commercial-stage biotechs. My approach emphasizes evaluating the science behind drug candidates, the competitive landscape, clinical trial design, and the potential market opportunity, all while balancing financial fundamentals and valuation. My goal in publishing here is to share some insights that help investors better understand both the opportunities and of course the many risks in biotech. This is a sector where breakthrough science can translate into outsized returns, but also where careful scrutiny is essential. I look forward to contributing thoughtful analysis and engaging with readers who share an interest in this dynamic and rapidly evolving space.

Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have no stock, option or similar derivative position in any of the companies mentioned, and no plans to initiate any such positions within the next 72 hours. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article.

Seeking Alpha’s Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.

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‘One Battle After Another’ Sweeps Oscars 2026, Claims Six Total Wins

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Michael B. Jordan at the premiere of "Black Panther" at Dolby Theatre on Jan. 29, 2018, in Hollywood, California.

The 98th Academy Awards, held Sunday, March 15, 2026, at the Dolby Theatre, delivered a night of first-time winners, emotional tributes, and a dominant performance by Paul Thomas Anderson’s epic “One Battle After Another,” which took home the best picture Oscar along with five other awards.

Hosted by Conan O’Brien for his second consecutive year, the ceremony blended sharp humor, heartfelt moments, and a celebration of cinema amid a competitive field that included Ryan Coogler’s record-nomination “Sinners” and Chloé Zhao’s “Hamnet.”

“One Battle After Another,” Anderson’s wry exploration of nativism and activism, emerged as the evening’s biggest winner with six Oscars. The film secured best picture, best director for Anderson (his first win in the category), best adapted screenplay (also for Anderson), best supporting actor for Sean Penn, best film editing, and best casting.

Penn, absent from the ceremony, became a three-time Oscar winner, tying a record for male actors in supporting roles. Anderson’s long-awaited hardware marked a breakthrough after previous nominations without victories.

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“Sinners,” which entered the night with a record-tying 16 nominations, earned four awards, including best actor for Michael B. Jordan in his dual role as twin brothers Smoke and Stack. Jordan’s win was a career milestone, and he used his acceptance speech to honor predecessors in Black cinema. The film also claimed best original screenplay for Ryan Coogler, best original score for Ludwig Göransson, and best cinematography for Autumn Durald Arkapaw — the first woman to win in that category.

Michael B. Jordan at the premiere of "Black Panther" at Dolby Theatre on Jan. 29, 2018, in Hollywood, California.

Jessie Buckley won best actress for her lead performance in “Hamnet,” directed by Chloé Zhao, becoming the first Irish winner in the category. Buckley’s portrayal in the adaptation earned praise for its emotional depth.

Supporting actress went to Amy Madigan for “Weapons,” while other notable wins included a historic first for a K-pop song in best original song.

The ceremony featured emotional tributes, including an In Memoriam segment honoring late Hollywood figures, and standout performances. “Sinners” and other films brought high-energy moments, with risqué jokes from O’Brien and appearances from past winners like Adrien Brody, Zoe Saldaña, and Mikey Madison as presenters.

Red carpet highlights included bold fashion choices, with stars embracing dramatic looks ahead of the show.

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“One Battle After Another” producer Adam Somner, Sara Murphy, and Anderson accepted the best picture award, capping a sweep that reflected the film’s critical and industry acclaim.

The night’s historic elements — from Arkapaw’s cinematography win to Buckley’s breakthrough — underscored a diverse slate of films and performers.

As the 2026 awards season concluded, “One Battle After Another” stood out as the defining achievement, blending Anderson’s signature style with timely themes in a film that resonated deeply with Academy voters.

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10+ MFs added these 8 stocks in February; 3 turned multibaggers, up to 140% in FY26

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The Economic Times

Over 10 mutual funds increased exposure to stocks like Multi Commodity Exchange of India, GE Vernova T&D India and National Aluminium Company in February, with three turning multibaggers and delivering up to 140% returns in FY26.

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Delta raises revenue guidance as CEO says travel demand has been great

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Delta raises revenue guidance as CEO says travel demand has been great
Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian on state of travel, rising jet fuel costs and TSA staffing shortage

Delta Air Lines said Tuesday that the company was maintaining its profit guidance for the first quarter and raising revenue expectations, despite airlines dealing with higher jet fuel prices since the war in Iran started.

CEO Ed Bastian told CNBC’s Phil LeBeau that Delta had taken a $400 million hit so far for the fourth quarter, but that demand has been “really, really great,” which was leading to higher revenue growth than the airline had originally guided for.

“The higher revenue is offsetting the cost of not just the fuel, but we’ve also had a pretty tough winter season in terms of storms,” he said. “So you put that all together, we’re expecting to come in within the original guidance of 50 to 90 cents EPS.”

Delta had previously forecast an increase in sales of as much as 7% in the first three months of 2026 and adjusted earnings of between 50 cents per share and 90 cents per share for the first quarter.

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Delta stock was up nearly 4% in premarket trading.

In an 8K filed Tuesday morning, Delta said it was raising revenue guidance due to momentum in demand, citing strength across the main cabin, premium, loyalty and more. The airline also said its domestic and international unit revenue are growing in the mid-single digits year-over-year.

Delta added that it has its strongest balance sheet in its history.

Bastian said most of Delta’s revenue comes from higher-spending customers who still want to travel, as well as from corporate customers.

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“We’ve seen eight of the top 10 sales days in our history this quarter, and five of those just within the last two weeks, within just the last week of March,” he said. “Even with the war going on, our revenues, our bookings are up 25% year over year.”

Last quarter’s bookings are a softer comparison as the airline dealt with customers pulling back over tariff concerns.

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How to Download Telegram and Use the Chinese and Web Versions

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Europe’s youngest consumers are spearheading a growing shift towards refurbished smartphones, according to a new study that highlights changing attitudes to sustainable technology.

In a world where digital privacy feels harder to find, many people are looking for a messaging app that doesn’t just work well but also keeps their data safe.

If you have been looking for a fast, secure, and flexible way to stay in touch with friends or manage large communities, you have likely heard of Telegram. It is more than just a simple instant messaging app; it is a complete ecosystem for communication.

However, getting started can sometimes feel a bit confusing, especially if you are looking for specific features like the Telegram Chinese version or want to use the app without a phone via the browser-based web interface. In this guide, we will break down exactly how to set everything up, solve common login headaches, and make sure you are getting the most out of this powerful cross-platform tool.

Why Users are Moving Away from Traditional Messaging Apps

Many users feel stuck with apps that limit their file sizes or, worse, compromise their privacy. One of the biggest pain points for modern users is the lack of true message synchronization. It is frustrating to start a conversation on your phone and find that it hasn’t updated on your laptop.

Telegram solves this by being a cloud-based service. Unlike other apps that store data only on your physical device, this platform keeps your chats in a secure cloud. This means you can switch from your phone to your tablet or desktop client without missing a single word. Furthermore, for those who prioritize security, the end-to-end encryption used in voice calls and the secret chats feature provide peace of mind that your private business stays private.

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A Complete Guide to the Telegram Download and Setup

Setting up the app is the first step toward better communication. Whether you are an Android fan or an iPhone loyalist, the process is designed to be user-friendly.

Installing the Mobile Version on iOS and Android

For most, the mobile app is the primary way to stay connected.

  1. Find the App: Open the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
  2. Download: Search for the official app. When you telegram下载, make sure you are selecting the official version with the blue paper plane icon to avoid third-party clones.
  3. Account Creation: Use your phone number to register. You will receive a verification code via SMS.
  4. Permissions: The app will ask for access to your contacts. This is optional but helps you find friends who are already using the service.

If you are in a region where the Play Store is restricted, you can always find the official Telegram APK on their website. This ensures that everyone has access to real-time messaging regardless of their location.

Setting Up Telegram for Desktop (Windows and Mac)

For professionals, typing on a phone all day isn’t ideal. The desktop version is a game-changer for productivity.

  1. Download the Installer: Visit the official website and download the setup file for your specific operating system.
  2. Installation: Run the file and follow the simple on-screen instructions.
  3. Fast Login: Instead of typing your number again, you can use the QR code login feature. Just open the app on your phone, go to settings, and scan the code on your computer screen. Your entire chat history will appear instantly.

Accessing the Telegram Web Version Without Installation

One common pain point is wanting to check messages on a computer where you aren’t allowed to install new software, like at a library or a shared office. The telegram网页版 is the perfect solution here.

The web-based interface works directly in your browser. You don’t need to download a single file. There are actually two versions available, often referred to as Web K and Web Z.

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  • Web K is optimized for speed and works exceptionally well even on a slower internet connection.
  • Web Z offers a more polished user interface with modern animations and a look that mirrors the mobile app.

Using the web version is great for quick file sharing or sending a link from your browser. It keeps your data security intact by allowing you to “Log out of all other sessions” directly from your phone if you forget to sign out on a public computer.

How to Set Up the Telegram Chinese Version for Better Localization

Localization is key to a good user experience. If your primary language is Chinese, navigating an English menu can be a bit of a chore. While there isn’t a separate “app” specifically called the telegram中文 version, the platform makes it very easy to switch your language settings.

To change your interface to Chinese Simplified or Traditional, you can follow these steps:

  1. Search for Language Channels: There are many verified communities that provide localization files.
  2. Apply the Link: When you click a dedicated language link, the app will prompt you to “Change Language.”
  3. Instant Update: Once you confirm, the entire navigation experience, from settings to notification alerts, will be in your native tongue.

This level of multilingual support is one of the reasons the app has grown so quickly in global markets. It allows for a more intuitive design that feels natural to the user.

Essential Tips for Managing Your Telegram Experience

Once you are logged in, you might find the number of messages overwhelming. This is a common issue for new users joining large group chats or following popular channels.

Organizing with Chat Folders

If your chat list is getting messy, use the folders feature. You can create a “Work” folder and a “Personal” folder. This simple organization tip reduces digital clutter and ensures you never miss an important notification from a family member or a colleague.

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Strengthening Your Privacy and Security

Since we are dealing with a cloud-based app, you should take an extra minute to lock down your account.

  • Enable 2FA: Activate Two-Step Verification in the privacy settings. This requires a password whenever you log in from a new device, preventing unauthorized access even if someone intercepts your SMS code.
  • Privacy Controls: You can choose who sees your “Last Seen” status or your profile picture. These privacy settings give you full control over your digital footprint.

Troubleshooting Common Connection and Login Issues

Sometimes, things don’t go perfectly. A common pain point is not receiving the verification code. If this happens, wait for the timer to end and choose the “Get code via phone call” option.

Another issue is when the app won’t connect due to local network restrictions. In these cases, you can use the built-in proxy settings. By adding a SOCKS5 or MTProto proxy, you can bypass blocks and maintain a stable release connection. This is a vital feature for users in regions where access to global social media is limited.

Conclusion: Why Telegram is the Future of Communication

Whether you are using it for the encrypted chat features or just because you need to send large files that other apps won’t allow, Telegram offers a level of freedom that is hard to find elsewhere. From the convenience of the browser-based web version to the localized ease of the Chinese interface, it is an app that truly adapts to the user.

By following this guide, you now have the tools to telegram下载 and set up your account like a pro. Remember to keep your security settings tight and use folders to keep your conversations organized. In an era of constant connectivity, having a reliable and secure platform is not just a luxury; it is a necessity.

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From 29,300 to 24,900: Nomura slashes Nifty target, says another 5% correction possible! Here’s why

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From 29,300 to 24,900: Nomura slashes Nifty target, says another 5% correction possible! Here’s why
International brokerage firm Nomura has slashed the Nifty target for December 2026 to 24,900, a sharp 15% cut from its initial target of 29,300 it gave last year. Further, analysts have cautioned that the 50-share index could fall another 5% after already declining 8% since the onset of the US, Israel-Iran war on February 28.

“We think an additional 5% correction (similar to the correction during the Russia-Ukraine war) is a distinct possibility in the near term, with small and midcap stocks at relatively greater risk,” Nomura said in a report dated March 16. “Adverse flow dynamics can drive markets even lower in the short term. Domestic equity inflow growth has slowed down in the recent past. The valuation threshold for FIIs is lower, aggravated by concerns about the impact of AI and higher oil prices,” it added.

The sustained geopolitical tensions in the Middle East following the attack on Iran present a material risk to the oil and gas supply chain. Shipments through the critical Strait of Hormuz have come to a standstill. These shipments are primarily related to oil and gas. The oil and gas shipments through the chokepoint account for more than 20% of global trade in these commodities.

Also Read | Flexi cap mutual funds record highest inflows for 7 consecutive months. Will the trend continue?

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India remains heavily dependent on imports for crude oil, natural gas and LPG, making it particularly vulnerable to external shocks. The Strait of Hormuz alone accounts for around 43% of the country’s crude oil imports and nearly 63% of its LNG imports, highlighting the scale of exposure to this critical route.


Any disruption in supplies can have a broad impact on the economy, as most manufacturing industries are closely linked to the oil and gas supply chain. A sustained rise in oil and gas prices could derail the nascent growth recovery, push inflation higher and put additional pressure on the country’s external balance, Nomura said.
The Indian markets, with the Nifty as a proxy, have corrected 8% over the past two weeks. Such a sharp decline has been seen only twice in the past decade, during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 and at the onset of the Russia-Ukraine conflict in 2022.Valuations have also moderated meaningfully. In terms of price-to-earnings multiples and the spread over bond yields, the market is now at the lower end of the range seen over the past four years, the brokerage said.

“Therefore, a correction beyond 5% from current levels should present a buying opportunity from a long-term perspective, in our view,” analysts added.

Earnings at risk?

A sustained high energy price environment is likely to weigh on FY27 earnings. If oil prices remain around $100 per barrel, aggregate corporate earnings could see a downward revision of 10-15% compared to current consensus estimates.

At present, consensus expectations factor in earnings growth of around 16% for FY27 (BSE 200+). However, such cuts could bring growth down sharply, resulting in flat to mid-single-digit earnings growth for the year.

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FII selling to worsen?

FIIs have been net sellers, particularly in the secondary market, over the past two years. To start with, elevated valuations were a concern. This was followed by the emergence of the AI trade, where India is perceived as a net loser. Investors are concerned about the IT outsourcing business model, which could impact the broader economy. Elevated oil prices now present an additional headwind to sentiment. “Against this backdrop, we think the valuation threshold for FIIs is likely lower than in the past.”

Domestic inflows have been the bulwark of the equity markets in India. SIP flows have remained resilient, driving consistent positive inflows into mutual funds. However, Nomura says there has been a slowdown in inflow growth rates in the recent past. If the crisis prolongs, domestic inflow growth may slow further.

(Disclaimer: Recommendations, suggestions, views and opinions given by the experts are their own. These do not represent the views of The Economic Times.)

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