Q&A - Interviews / The Economic Times
SpaceX's Starship experienced another explosive failure, prompting criticism and an unusual admission of defeat from Elon Musk. The billionaire, known for avoiding criticism, admitted that the upper-stage failure was a setback. Musk's latest struggles, combined with political tensions, have sparked mockery and speculation about his mood.
Road Construction Minister Nitin Nabin announced that travel time from any part of Bihar to Patna will be reduced to under five hours by the end of this year with several projects nearing completion. The House passed the Rs 6,806.53-crore budget for the Road Construction Department.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi promoted Uttarakhand's winter tourism, urging pilgrims, tourists, corporate professionals, and the film industry to visit the state during the winter season. He highlighted the potential benefits to the state's economy and announced several infrastructure projects, including ropeways for Kedarnath and Hemkund Sahib.
Russian President Vladimir Putin, in response to French President Emmanuel Macron's remarks about Russia being a threat to Europe and the concept of France's nuclear protection for Europe, reminded people of the historical outcome of Napoleon's 1812 invasion of Russia. Putin hinted at the disastrous consequences for those who seek to repeat such history.
ZEISS Group has partnered with the Karnataka government to improve rural eye care through the 'Vidya Drishti' campaign. Over the next two years, they will provide eye testing and glasses to around 1.1 million underprivileged children and adults in Kalaburagi. The initiative aims to enhance vision care and ophthalmic education in the region.
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju emphasized that minorities in India are fortunate due to exclusive schemes and welfare programs unavailable elsewhere. Addressing a workshop in Thiruvananthapuram, he dismissed safety concerns and applauded Kerala's high loan disbursement rates under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram as a success story.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah reaffirmed the commitment to restoring statehood for Jammu and Kashmir, emphasizing that it is essential for the region's dignity and development. Despite intimidation attempts, he insisted on the right to discuss Article 370 and the necessity for its return.
A total lunar eclipse will occur on March 14, 2025, creating a 'Blood Moon.' India will miss this event, but a total lunar eclipse will be visible there on September 7, 2025. The March 2025 eclipse will be seen in parts of North America, South America, Europe, and Africa.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah thanked the people of Telangana for supporting the BJP's significant win in the state's legislative council elections, with BJP-backed candidates securing two out of three seats. Shah emphasized that this victory is a testament to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's development efforts in Telangana and congratulated the state BJP President and party workers for their dedication.
A twin suicide bombing at a military base in Bannu, northwestern Pakistan, killed 18 people, including five soldiers, and injured 42. The bombing, claimed by a Pakistani Taliban-linked group, occurred during Ramadan prayers. A day of mourning was observed, with funeral prayers held for the victims. Other militant attacks also occurred in Balochistan and Peshawar.
Ayesha Takia has responded to the arrest of her husband, Farhan Azmi, in Goa, calling the situation unfair and expressing faith in the legal system. Farhan Azmi, a businessman and politician, was detained in connection with an incident at a hotel, which he claims was politically motivated. Ayesha took to social media, stating that truth will prevail and standing in support of her husband.
Two suicide bombings breached a wall at a military base in Bannu, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, leading to an attack by additional militants that left at least nine people dead and 25 injured. Jaish Al-Fursan, a group affiliated with the Pakistani Taliban, claimed responsibility, stating that the attack involved explosive-laden vehicles.
A visually impaired student from IIM Tiruchirappalli, Amey Tiwari, highlights employment barriers despite his qualifications. Tiwari criticizes organizations for their reluctance to hire individuals with disabilities, contrasting their frequent talks about diversity and inclusion with their hesitant actions.
Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia represented India at the Mobile World Congress 2025 in Barcelona. Scindia wore Ray-Ban Meta AI glasses, combining fashion and technology. He engaged with global technology leaders to strengthen India's position in the tech industry. The event highlighted India's advancements in technology and its vision for the future.
Mark Cuban advises kids to read books and learn how to use artificial intelligence, emphasizing curiosity and a mindset to learn. He spends four to five hours reading daily and highlights its importance among successful entrepreneurs like Bill Gates. Cuban's background includes co-founding a video portal and owning a stake in the Dallas Mavericks.
Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang recommends that everyone get an AI tutor, which can provide instant knowledge and boost productivity. He uses Perplexity's AI-powered search engine daily to stay informed on various subjects. Huang believes AI will enhance human potential and enable higher performance, not replace jobs.
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced a plan to hold a Maha Aarti at the Yamuna River to symbolize its purification and rejuvenation. Spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar confirmed the recovery of the Somnath Shivling pieces, which will undergo a purification ritual before being consecrated.
Union Minister Giriraj Singh criticized RJD leader Tejashwi Yadavs comments on Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's government, asserting that Bihar is progressing with development projects. Singh dismissed Yadav's allegations, emphasizing that the state won't return to past hardships and will continue to move forward.
Madhya Pradesh minister Prahlad Singh Patel criticised people for relying on government handouts and urged them to adopt the values of freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives for the nation. He stressed upon shifting the mindset from taking to giving, to build a stronger and cultured society.
Multiple cities in Pakistan, including Karachi and Rawalpindi, experienced significant gas shortages during the first sehri of Ramzan, causing disruptions in pre-dawn meal preparations. Despite promises of uninterrupted supply from gas companies, many households struggled, with some resorting to hotels for food. The shortages have raised concerns about the reliability of gas supply throughout the holy month.
Virat Kohli is set to play his 300th ODI, making him the seventh Indian to achieve this milestone. New Zealand's Glenn Phillips praised Kohli's legacy and hard work, highlighting his impact on Indian cricket and young cricketers. Phillips also expressed hope for Kane Williamson's upcoming performances.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has directed security forces to ensure free movement of people on all roads in Manipur from March 8 and take strict action against those causing obstructions. The state has been under President's rule after chief minister N Biren Singh's resignation amid ongoing ethnic violence since May 2023.
After the release of federal files surrounding the controversial Jeffrey Epstein, there has been a wave of anger cropping up from the MAGA circles, who are rather disappointed with what has been released till now.
WWE Elimination Chamber 2025: The Rock will appear in the event on March 1. He is set to meet with Cody Rhodes after their SmackDown face-off where The Rock asked Rhodes to sell his soul to him and become his champion. The event will take place on March 1.
The DOJ released a 200-page document containing Jeffrey Epstein's contact information, flight logs, and other records. Notable figures include Mick Jagger, Alec Baldwin, and Ethel Kennedy. However, much of the information was already known, which frustrated critics. Calls for complete transparency continue, with officials claiming that more documents may still be found.
A humanoid robot at a Chinese festival recently malfunctioned, charging at a crowd and sparking fresh concerns about AI safety. While organisers dismissed it as a obotic failure, the incident is part of a growing trend of AI malfunctions, from factory mishaps to drones attacking operators. As robots become more integrated into daily life, are we sleepwalking into an AI crisis?
A mysterious disease outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has claimed over 50 lives, with symptoms resembling haemorrhagic fever. The illness, which reportedly spreads rapidly and leads to death within 48 hours, has raised global concerns. The WHO has initiated an emergency response, deploying health teams to investigate the outbreak and contain its spread.
The first death has been recorded in the Texas measles outbreak. Till date, 124 people have been infected by the disease, with the maximum in Gaines County. Most of the cases have been identified in children. The outbreak began in an under-vaccinated Mennonite community in Gaines County.
Heavy snowfall and rain have killed 36 people and injured 40 in Afghanistan, particularly impacting southwestern Farah province. The extreme weather has destroyed 240 homes and damaged 61, while hundreds of acres of land have been lost. Roads are blocked in some provinces, with ongoing efforts to reopen them and survey the damage.
Former Infosys CFO Mohandas Pai criticised Karnataka IT Minister Priyank Kharge for failing to enhance Bengalurus infrastructure, despite its global tech hub status. Pai pinpointed issues like dirty roads and inadequate footpaths. He urged Kharge to work with Bengaluru Development Minister DK Shivakumar for immediate improvements, reflecting citizens' growing frustration and calls for accountability.
In a recent interview, Grimes appealed to the public to stop posting photos of her son X everywhere since fame is something that a person should consent to. The Canadian singer shares three kids with former partner Elon Musk X A-Xii or X, Exa Dark Siderl, and Techno Mechanicus.
A mystery illness has resulted in 53 deaths in parts of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The World Health Organization has stated that the exact cause of the disease is unknown. The symptoms include headache, body aches, fever, chills, cough, vomiting, myalgia, sweating, neck stiffness, diarrhoea, and abdominal cramps.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi criticized RJD supremo Lalu Prasad for mocking the Maha Kumbh Mela, stating that Bihar's people will not forgive those who disrespect Hindu religion. Speaking at a rally, Modi asserted the NDA government's commitment to farmers, announced infrastructural investments, and highlighted increased milk production and new makhana board efforts for Bihar's progress.
Sridhar Vembu suggest why people are producing less babies, and its related to size of houses and misguided modern conceptsZoho founder Sridhar Vembu suggests that modern privacy affects birth rates. He argues that living in close family clusters boosts the desire to have children. His views received mixed reactions online. Vembu observes that rural communities with less economic security still have higher birth rates. He advocates for pro-baby economic development to address demographic decline
Sachin Pilot emphasized that the Congress must actively reach out to the people, instead of waiting for them to tire of the BJP. He pointed out the AAP's decision to contest all 90 seats in Haryana contributed to the Congress's defeat due to minimal vote share differences.
Congress legislators in Assam staged a protest against the attack on MP Rakibul Hussain in Rupahihat, where he was assaulted with a cricket bat. Assam police arrested ten suspects and identified several individuals involved. Hussain filed an FIR against 22 individuals, including the Superintendent of Police.
The backlash against comedian Samay Rainas show Indias Got Latent is driven by political maneuvering, according to Jaaved Jaaferi. He believes the socio-political climate influences reactions to content. Jaaved emphasized that constructive work is more important than name changes. He noted that a vocal minority often dictates the discourse, leading to misdirected public focus.
The Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha and Congress MP from Rae Bareli, on Thursday, two India are being created. Gandhi mentioned that on one side are the wealthy people who can fulfil whatever they want, while on the other side are hardworking individuals who struggle to make a living.
Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla urges all communities to return looted and illegal weapons within seven days, assuring no punitive actions would follow. Over 6000 weapons were looted amid ethnic violence between the Kuki-Zo and Meitei communities, which has displaced more than 60,000 people since May 2023.
Iran executed at least 975 people in 2024, marking a significant increase and the highest number since 2008, according to reports by Iran Human Rights and Together Against the Death Penalty. The rise in executions, used as a tool for political oppression, occurred amid escalating tensions and protests within the country.
Concerns about the water quality at Triveni Sangam during MahaKumbh have arisen. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath insists the water is purified and safe. However, Akhilesh Yadav alleges a conspiracy to hide pollution issues. The Central Pollution Control Board's report indicates the Ganga water is contaminated with sewage. The government maintains regular monitoring is in place.