The Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) on Friday passed an interim order in the matter of RRP Semiconductor for alleged share price manipulation and barred 39 entities from dealing in the shares of the company.

The regulator said the stock has risen over 700 times in just 19 months. It said the company’s shares rose from ₹15 in April 2024 to ₹10,887 by October 2025, a surge that was not supported by its financials or business fundamentals.

During its investigation, Sebi observed that there was a coordinated network of promoters, preferential allottees, off-market transferees and a set of trading entities, who artificially inflated the share price of RRP Semiconductor.

The regulator said the scheme appears to have commenced with the acquisition of control of the company by Ira Mishra, the daughter of Ramesh Mishra, who was subsequently appointed as a director in the company. This was followed by a significant increase in the share capital of RRP through preferential allotment of shares to select entities.

The primary beneficiary of the allotment was one Rajendra Chodankar, who holds 74.5% of the share capital of RRP post allotment. Sumita Mishra, wife of Ramesh Mishra, was also a preferential allottee. Of the remaining preferential allottees, three were brought in by Ramesh Mishra and the rest byChodankar, it said.

The preferential allotment was accompanied by the company altering its MoA and changing its name to “RRP Semiconductor”, apparently to showcase its future forays into the promising semiconductor space. Simultaneously, the public shareholding (a small part of which was in demat mode) was fragmented and distributed through a chain of off-market transfers to multiple entities in small quantities, Sebi said in its order.
“The off-market transferees subsequently sold shares of RRP in minuscule quantities, largely to entities that consistently placed large buy orders at upper circuit limits and contributed significantly to the total market positive LTP. The trading pattern, characterised by insignificant sell quantities and aggressive buy orders at circuit limits, is prima facie not reflective of genuine market behaviour, but indicative of a pre-arranged and manipulative strategy to artificially inflate the price of the scrip of RRP,” Sebi whole-time member Amarjeet Singh said in his order.

Taylor Swift is not performing at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in 2026, despite persistent online rumors and fan speculation that the global superstar might make her long-awaited debut on the Empire Polo Club stages.

The 36-year-old singer-songwriter, one of the biggest names in music, has never performed at Coachella in her two-decade career — a fact that continues to fuel conjecture every spring. This year’s edition, running April 10-12 and April 17-19, features headliners Sabrina Carpenter on Fridays, Justin Bieber on Saturdays and Karol G on Sundays, with no slot or surprise appearance listed for Swift.

Fact-check reports and official lineup announcements have repeatedly debunked claims that Swift would step in, particularly after false rumors circulated suggesting Sabrina Carpenter might withdraw due to health issues or scheduling conflicts tied to Swift’s reported wedding plans with Travis Kelce. Those rumors proved entirely unfounded, with Carpenter delivering her highly anticipated headlining set as scheduled on Friday nights.

Swift’s absence aligns with her preference for large-scale, self-produced stadium tours rather than festival slots that often require scaled-back productions. Her Eras Tour, which wrapped in 2024 after breaking records worldwide, showcased elaborate staging, multiple acts and career-spanning sets that many industry observers say make festival appearances logistically challenging. Insiders note that Swift has consistently avoided one-off performances at events like the Super Bowl halftime show for similar reasons, prioritizing control over her artistic vision.

Recent speculation spiked in early April when unverified social media posts suggested Swift could replace Carpenter or appear as a special guest. Fact-checking outlets quickly clarified that Carpenter faced no reported health setbacks and remained committed to her Coachella headline slots. Swift has made no public statements about the festival, and Goldenvoice, the event’s promoter, has not included her in any official announcements or updates.

Swift and Kelce have a documented history with Coachella as attendees rather than performers. In 2024, the couple was spotted hand-in-hand enjoying sets by artists including Ice Spice and Bleachers, drawing massive media attention and cementing Swift’s status as a style and cultural influencer at the desert gathering. Pinterest data from recent weeks even showed Swift overtaking past festival fashion icons in search popularity, despite her non-performing role.

This year, as Weekend 1 unfolds, Swift remains focused elsewhere. Reports indicate she is deep into planning her next musical era, with speculation pointing to a potential new album in late 2026 or early 2027 followed by an international tour. Insiders close to the couple have also hinted at wedding preparations, with save-the-date cards reportedly circulating for a summer ceremony that could further limit her availability for festival appearances.

Coachella 2026 celebrates its 25th anniversary with a diverse, pop-heavy lineup that has drawn praise for its balance of emerging talent and established stars. Beyond the headliners, the bill includes The xx, Disclosure, Turnstile, Ethel Cain, The Strokes, David Byrne, Young Thug, FKA twigs, Wet Leg, Iggy Pop and a strong electronic contingent featuring Anyma, REZZ, Subtronics and Armin van Buuren. Late additions such as Jack White on the Mojave Stage have added further excitement.

Set times released earlier this week show music beginning around 1 p.m. daily, with headliners closing the Coachella Stage in prime evening slots. Extensive YouTube livestreams allow global audiences to tune in, a format that has proven popular even for non-attendees like Swift fans hoping for surprise cameos that never materialized.

Festival organizers emphasize safety, sustainability and immersive art installations alongside the music. Temperatures in the Coachella Valley remain a key consideration for attendees, with wide swings between daytime heat and cooler evenings. The official app and website provide real-time updates, stage maps and personalized schedules.

While Swift is not on stage, her cultural footprint looms large. Fans have speculated about possible guest appearances during Carpenter’s set — ranging from playful ideas like a Muppets crossover to more serious long-shot hopes of Swift joining for a duet. Carpenter herself has addressed the buzz lightly in pre-festival interviews, focusing instead on her own ambitious production, which she described as the most elaborate of her career.

The absence of Swift highlights broader conversations about festival economics and artist strategy. Coachella pays headliners handsomely but cannot match the revenue potential of a full Swift tour. Industry analysts point out that artists of Swift’s stature often generate more value through exclusive residencies, album cycles or stadium runs than through multi-weekend festival commitments that split focus and require production compromises.

Swift’s last major festival performance dates back years, with her career trajectory favoring self-contained spectacles. Her “Reputation” Stadium Tour, “Lover Fest” plans (later canceled due to the pandemic) and the record-shattering Eras Tour all underscored a preference for environments where she controls every element, from lighting to surprise songs to guest lists.

As Coachella Weekend 1 continues and Weekend 2 approaches, attention remains on the announced roster delivering memorable moments. Carpenter’s Friday sets have already sparked viral clips and social media praise for their energy and theatrical flair. Bieber’s Saturday debut and Karol G’s history-making Sunday close are expected to draw similar buzz.

For Swifties disappointed by the confirmation of her non-participation, consolation comes in the form of continued livestream access and the knowledge that new music may arrive soon. Rumors of a 2027 Coachella headline slot have circulated in fan communities, though nothing has been confirmed.

In the meantime, the desert festival proceeds without one of pop’s biggest names — a reminder that even in an event known for surprises, some absences are by design. Swift’s influence on music, fashion and fandom endures regardless, as evidenced by her continued dominance in cultural conversations surrounding the event.

Coachella 2026 runs through April 19. Tickets for Weekend 2 remain unavailable through official channels after selling out rapidly, though resale markets show fluctuating prices. Fans are advised to monitor official sources for any last-minute programming changes, though Swift’s involvement has been definitively ruled out.

The 2026 edition will be remembered for its strong pop representation and genre diversity, even as questions linger about when — or if — Taylor Swift will ever grace the Coachella stage.

CUPERTINO, Calif. — Apple’s iPhone 18 Pro Max is shaping up as one of the most significant upgrades in years, with rumors pointing to a powerful 2nm A20 Pro chip, a larger battery that could deliver record endurance, and a groundbreaking variable aperture camera system as the tech giant prepares for its fall 2026 lineup.

The high-end model is expected to launch alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and a new foldable iPhone in September 2026, while standard iPhone 18 variants may be delayed until spring 2027 in what could mark a major shift in Apple’s annual release cadence. With roughly five months until the anticipated unveiling, leaks from supply chain sources and analysts have painted an increasingly detailed picture of the device that could command premium pricing and push technological boundaries.

At the heart of the iPhone 18 Pro Max rumors is Apple’s leap to a 2-nanometer manufacturing process for the A20 Pro chipset. Built by TSMC, the advanced node is projected to deliver around 15% better CPU performance and up to 30% improved power efficiency compared with the 3nm A19 Pro in the current generation. The chip is also expected to feature enhanced memory bandwidth and stronger on-device AI capabilities, further supercharging Apple Intelligence features.

Battery life has emerged as a major talking point. Multiple leakers suggest the iPhone 18 Pro Max could house a 5,100 to 5,200 mAh cell — among the largest ever in an iPhone — potentially enabling up to 40 hours of mixed usage on a single charge. The increase is tied to a slightly thicker chassis, with reports indicating the device may measure about 8.8 mm thick and weigh over 240 grams, making it one of the heaviest iPhones in recent memory.

Design changes appear relatively modest overall. The iPhone 18 Pro Max is expected to retain the general aesthetic of the iPhone 17 Pro Max, including the same 6.9-inch LTPO OLED display with 120Hz ProMotion technology. However, the front could feature a slimmer Dynamic Island, with some Face ID components moving under the screen. Full under-display Face ID remains uncertain, with conflicting reports suggesting technical challenges may have delayed the complete removal of the cutout.

Camera upgrades could prove transformative. Rumors indicate the main rear camera may gain a variable aperture system — a first for iPhone — allowing users greater control over depth of field and light intake, similar to professional DSLR lenses. The triple-lens array is expected to stick with 48-megapixel sensors across wide, ultrawide and telephoto lenses, possibly incorporating a new three-layer stacked image sensor from Samsung. An 18-megapixel front camera is also in the mix.

Color options have generated excitement among fans. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reported that Apple is testing a “deep red” or burgundy finish for the Pro models, which would mark the first time a Pro variant comes in red. Other rumored hues include purple and brown, potentially replacing some of the iPhone 17 Pro’s palette. A semi-transparent or two-tone back glass design has also been mentioned, though major overhauls appear unlikely given the success of recent titanium builds.

Connectivity improvements are another focus. The iPhone 18 Pro Max could include Apple’s C2 modem with full satellite internet support via NR-NTN technology, enabling always-connected capabilities even without cellular coverage. Wi-Fi 7 and mmWave 5G are also expected, alongside possible refinements to the Camera Control button introduced in prior models.

Pricing remains a sensitive topic. The move to a costly 2nm process has raised concerns that the iPhone 18 Pro Max could become Apple’s most expensive iPhone yet, with some speculation of a noticeable increase over the current Pro Max starting price. Exact figures have not leaked, but analysts note the premium could reflect the advanced manufacturing and new features.

The broader 2026 iPhone strategy appears ambitious. With the standard iPhone 18 potentially pushed to 2027, Apple’s fall event could spotlight the Pro duo and the long-awaited foldable iPhone, creating a more premium-heavy lineup. This shift has fueled speculation about how the company will balance innovation with accessibility across its portfolio.

Industry observers say the rumored upgrades address common user requests. A bigger battery tackles one of the most frequent complaints about flagship phones, while the variable aperture camera could elevate mobile photography to new heights. Enhanced efficiency from the 2nm chip should translate to cooler operation and longer real-world usage, particularly for power-hungry tasks like video recording or AI processing.

Supply chain reports indicate early production planning is underway, though final specifications could still evolve. Apple has a history of refining features late in development, meaning some rumored elements — such as the exact extent of under-display Face ID integration — may not materialize as described.

For consumers weighing an upgrade, the iPhone 18 Pro Max rumors suggest meaningful improvements in performance, endurance and creative tools rather than revolutionary design changes. The device is likely to appeal strongly to professionals, content creators and power users seeking the best available iPhone experience.

As anticipation builds toward September, more concrete details are expected to surface through additional leaks and analyst reports. Apple has not commented on any upcoming products, maintaining its usual policy of secrecy until official announcements.

Whether the iPhone 18 Pro Max delivers on these expectations could influence not only Apple’s sales but also the broader smartphone market’s direction in 2026 and beyond. For now, the rumors paint an enticing picture of a refined flagship that prioritizes practical enhancements and cutting-edge internals.

Stable businesses come into their own during times of instability. Whatever causes market instability, well-equipped businesses find ways to adapt. This is particularly pertinent at the moment, given recent changes to UK tax policies.

The most recent example of Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ budgeting taking hold is the change to Remote Gaming Duty (RGD). The levy imposed on gambling operators in the UK jumped from 21% to 40% on April 1, 2026. According to the government, the increase is designed to reflect the growth of online casino gaming.

Reeves’ assessment is, indeed, correct. Gambling operators diversified their portfolios over two decades ago to align with changing tastes. For example, Paddy Power was formed in 1988 through the merging of three Irish bookmakers.

From a network of betting shops in Ireland, Paddy Power now has a global network of online and offline assets. The casino at Paddy Power alone gives players access to upwards of 2,000 games, including exclusives such as Paddy’s Mansion Heist. This asset sits alongside a sportsbook, poker site and bingo room, as well as live betting shops.

Nothing Changes by Staying the Same

Diversification was the strategy back then, and it will be once again as gambling operators respond to RGD increasing to 40%. Gambling operators aren’t the only ones facing tax hikes. The beleaguered hospitality sector is now contending with increased business rates and a rise in the minimum wage.

Talking to The Guardian, Nick Evans, co-owner of the Old Crown Coaching Inn in Faringdon, Oxfordshire, said he can’t increase prices any further. The former city trader is almost ready to admit defeat when it comes to the food and beverage side of his business.

“The only way you can make it work is to have a microwave and staff who can open a packet and put it on a plate. That’s not the reason we entered this industry”, Evans told The Guardian.

To keep his business afloat, Evans is doing what many old pubs are doing: he’s adding more hotel rooms. Adding six more rooms to the 14 already in place would “allow us to grow”, Evans explained. In this case, diversification is a necessity rather than a luxury. What’s important to take from this as a business owner is that standing firm isn’t necessarily the answer.

Cost-Cutting Isn’t Always the Answer

A recent report by the British Chambers of Commerce shows that 55% of UK businesses are increasing their prices as a result of tax hikes. A further 26% have cut their investment plans. Alongside those moves, finding new streams of income is crucial. Gambling and hospitality aren’t the only industries currently facing economic changes.

The long-term effects of US President Donald Trump’s war on Iran are already affecting haulage companies and farmers due to higher oil prices. These costs will filter through dozens of industries, meaning very few will escape.

Cost-cutting is a valid strategy, but so is diversification. Finding ways to add new services through online channels might be the way. Diversification could look at a new range of products. Whatever the pivot, it needs to address the central issue of raising costs by either increasing revenue or offering something at a lower price. The best businesses manage this, which is why they remain stable during unstable times.

Sa-Dhan, one of the self-regulatory organisations for the microfinance industry, on Friday suggested continuation of the lending guardrails adopted by lenders to customers at the bottom of the pyramid, even as the industry has shown signs of improvement.

The issue was discussed at a microfinance conclave organised by Sa-Dhan in Mumbai.

Microfinance guardrails in India, enforced by self-regulatory organisations such as the Microfinance Industry Network and Sa-Dhan, were implemented to ensure responsible lending and curb borrowers’ over-indebtedness, which was the primary reason for the severe stress the sector has been passing through over the past two years.

The key measures include limiting lenders to three per borrower, capping total indebtedness at ₹2 lakh, and restricting loans to customers with existing, significant delinquencies.

“The microfinance sector has shown resilience over the years, but it must continue to evolve with changing realities. By focusing on governance, transparency, and customer well-being, these guardrails will help build greater trust and long-term sustainability in the sector,” Sa-Dhan chairman K Paul Thomas said.

At the conclave, Reserve Bank of India’s central board member Satish Marathe is said to have suggested setting up a steering committee to address issues faced by the microfinance sector.

WASHINGTON — Late-night host Jimmy Kimmel offered a biting theory Thursday night for why First Lady Melania Trump chose this moment to deliver a rare, unannounced public statement denying any close ties to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein: sheer resentment toward her husband, President Donald Trump.

Kimmel, during his monologue on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!,” suggested the first lady’s roughly six-minute address — which blindsided even the president — was timed to drag the long-simmering Epstein scandal back into the headlines just days after a fragile ceasefire in the U.S.-Iran conflict that Trump had hoped would shift national attention.

“He spent the past six weeks trying to bomb this Epstein story out of the headlines. Two days after the ceasefire, she puts it right back on top,” Kimmel quipped. “She must really hate him.”

The first lady summoned reporters to the White House entrance hall on April 9 without prior coordination with senior administration officials, according to multiple accounts. In a prepared statement, she firmly rejected “lies” linking her to Epstein, insisting she had “never been friends” with him and had no knowledge of his crimes against underage girls.

“I have never had any knowledge of Epstein’s abuse of his victims. I was never involved in any capacity — I was not a participant, was not a victim,” Melania Trump said. She also denied persistent online rumors that Epstein introduced her to Donald Trump, recounting instead that the couple met by chance at a 1998 New York City party, as detailed in her memoir “MELANIA.” Their first encounter with Epstein came in 2000 at a shared social event, she added.

The first lady urged Congress to hold public hearings for Epstein’s survivors and called for an end to “mean-spirited attempts to defame my reputation.” She described overlapping social circles in New York and Palm Beach as commonplace but stressed any deeper connection was fabricated.

Her remarks immediately reignited public interest in the Epstein files, which have included photos of the Trumps with Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell, as well as a 2002 email exchange between Melania Trump and Maxwell in which Maxwell addressed her as “sweet pea.”

Kimmel wasted no time highlighting one of the most circulated images: a photo of Donald and Melania Trump posing with Epstein that reportedly hung in the financier’s home. While showing the picture on air, the host deadpanned, “By the way, while you’re explaining how much you didn’t know Epstein, any particular reason you can think of that he had a picture of you guys on display at his house? Maybe this is the photo that came with the frame, I don’t know.”

“I, for one, when I see this, I think, well, these two don’t know each other at all,” Kimmel added sarcastically.

President Trump later told reporters he had no advance knowledge of the exact content of his wife’s statement, though he suggested he was aware she had wanted to address the rumors at some point. “I didn’t know what the statement was, but I knew she was going to make a statement,” he said Friday, adding that she “had a right to talk about it.”

Kimmel seized on that disclosure as further evidence of White House disarray. “Shows you just how smoothly things are running over there,” he joked.

The timing has fueled widespread speculation. The Epstein matter had largely faded from daily headlines amid escalating tensions with Iran, including military actions and subsequent ceasefire negotiations. Analysts and late-night comedians alike questioned why the first lady would voluntarily resurface the topic now, especially with midterm elections approaching and other pressing national issues dominating the agenda.

Some insiders told CNN that Melania Trump had grown increasingly frustrated with persistent online speculation and blog posts amplifying unproven claims about her relationship with Epstein and Maxwell. The statement, according to those familiar with her thinking, was driven by a desire to shut down the rumors once and for all.

Critics and Epstein survivors’ advocates offered mixed reactions. Some praised her call for congressional hearings as a positive step toward justice for victims. Others accused the address of being a defensive maneuver that nonetheless kept powerful figures in the spotlight while providing few new details.

Kimmel was not alone in his commentary. Multiple outlets noted the unusual nature of a first lady holding what amounted to a solo press conference on such a sensitive personal and political matter. The New York Times described Kimmel’s take as saluting the “White House surprise,” while Variety highlighted his decision to air the contentious photo as a direct challenge to her denials.

The Epstein scandal has dogged the Trump orbit for years. Court documents and released files have detailed social connections between Epstein — who died by suicide in jail in 2019 while awaiting trial on federal sex-trafficking charges — and numerous high-profile figures, including former President Bill Clinton and Donald Trump himself in earlier decades. Trump has previously distanced himself, claiming he had not spoken to Epstein in 15 years before the financier’s arrest and labeling much of the coverage a political “hoax.”

Melania Trump’s statement marked one of her most substantive public interventions since returning to the White House. Known for a relatively low public profile compared to previous first ladies, she has largely focused on initiatives involving children and anti-bullying efforts. Her memoir, released during the transition period, offered personal insights but avoided deep dives into controversial associations.

In the monologue, Kimmel also mocked the delivery of the remarks, comparing parts of the language to statements Donald Trump had made in the past regarding other scandals. “It’s the same speech he gave her after Stormy Daniels. She just regurgitated it,” he said.

He further dramatized the scene, joking that Melania “emerged from the rubble of the East Wing, brushed the drywall off her business suit, and delivered a doozy of a prepared statement demanding that we stop talking about something that no one was talking about.”

The East Wing reference alluded to ongoing renovation reports at the White House.

As of Friday, the White House had not issued additional clarification on the motivations behind the timing. Press Secretary attempts to downplay the episode focused on the first lady’s right to defend her reputation.

Legal experts noted that while no criminal allegations have ever been leveled against Melania Trump in connection with Epstein, the persistent online narratives and selective release of documents have kept the story alive in partisan circles.

Survivors of Epstein’s abuse expressed varied views. Some welcomed any attention to the need for accountability and hearings, while others worried that high-profile denials without new evidence could distract from demands for full transparency in the remaining sealed files.

Kimmel’s segment quickly went viral, with clips circulating widely on social media and drawing millions of views on YouTube. It underscored the enduring power of late-night comedy to shape public perception of political moments, particularly those involving the Trump family.

The episode also highlighted ongoing tensions within the first couple’s dynamic under the intense scrutiny of the presidency. Observers have long noted Melania Trump’s independent streak, from her fashion choices to her occasional public divergences from her husband’s messaging.

Whether the statement succeeds in quelling speculation remains uncertain. Fresh document releases under the Epstein Files Transparency Act have continued to surface correspondence and photos, keeping the case in the public eye.

For now, Jimmy Kimmel’s speculation — that the address was less about closure and more about domestic score-settling — has added another layer of intrigue to an already complex narrative. As one commentator put it, in a White House often defined by chaos and competing agendas, even the first lady’s efforts at damage control can become fodder for late-night laughs and renewed headlines.

The Epstein saga, it seems, refuses to stay buried — no matter who tries to end the conversation.