The Economic Times News

As the United States expands its footprint internationally, the acquisition of Venezuela's rich oil reserves marks a pivotal moment in South America. This sudden strategy pivot poses significant implications for China's position in the global market, while it offers India both an opportunity and a challenge.

China's military drills around Taiwan are escalating. Recent exercises like Justice Mission demonstrate rapid mobilization and a potential blockade strategy. This new approach aims to isolate the island and deter external interference. Future drills may focus on duration and cyber warfare. Governments must address China's growing assertiveness regarding Taiwan.

Despite the cheer in Washington and celebrations amongst the Venezuelan diaspora, Venezuela's future remains uncertain. Maduro may be out, but Venezuela's woes are far from over. For a country that has seen the largest migration outside of wartime, with 20% of the population leaving the country, the humanitarian and socio-political crisis continues without an end in sight.

A debate over imposing Hindi in government schools is reigniting fears of 'Hindi imperialism'. Southern states, Maharashtra, and West Bengal are particularly concerned. The move aims to standardize national thought and culture. The author advocates for including all 27 scheduled languages in curricula, emphasizing choice over coercion in education.

The Diplomat uses a crude depiction of the British PM's sex life to portray him as an untrustworthy figure, contrasting with the dignified portrayal of the US president. This tactic, similar to The Crown's portrayal of British royals, serves as political propaganda, projecting Western nations as stable leaders and influencing viewer perception through subtle manipulation of intimate scenes.

A cricketer lecturing on mushrooms, a footballer feted and paraded around by VIPs, CEOs doing motivational YouTube videos - whatever happened to folks sticking to their fields of expertise?

A visually arresting, fiercely polarising action thriller, Dhurandhar transcends propaganda debates through raw performances, brutal choreography, and an uncanny portrayal of familiar worlds rendered disturbingly strange.

As India prepares to host the AI Impact Summit, a Yale study reveals AI hasn't yet disrupted the broader labor market, while some regions see enhanced informal work. Global summits are increasingly focusing on workforce transitions, with India aiming to advance an equitable agenda through its AI stack.

New York is experiencing a quiet Indian cultural ascent, moving beyond anxieties to an invitation of humble joy. From Zohran Mamdani's inclusive inauguration to Bollywood's resurgence in pop culture and Indian models gracing high fashion, a grounded, confident presence is reshaping American culture.

AI is often seen as a threat, but its real impact may be helping humans work better, not replacing them. Evidence shows AI mostly augments human judgement, narrowing skill gaps, boosting productivity and freeing people from routine tasks. Humans retain control over empathy, ethics and decisions. With deliberate design and training, AI can amplify human strengths rather than undermine them.

Saudi bombings of Mukalla, Yemen, have escalated tensions with the UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council, threatening to reignite the civil war. This incident highlights a growing rivalry between Saudi Arabia and the UAE, with implications for regional stability and vital shipping lanes like the Bab al-Mandeb.

Global deal-making touched $4.8 trillion last year, the second-highest level on record, driven by a small number of very large transactions even as overall merger activity thinned. A handful of mega deals, mainly in technology, inflated headline numbers, while deal-making below the top tier declined sharply.

A Supreme Court mandate orders the immediate removal and permanent sheltering of community dogs from public spaces by November 2025. However, the economic blueprint for this massive undertaking is non-existent, requiring over 1 lakh shelters and an annual feeding cost of 29,000 crore, far exceeding available funds and existing infrastructure.

India must make voting easier for all citizens. Migrants, overseas Indians, and people with disabilities face barriers. International examples show remote and electronic voting can boost participation. Secure digital systems can be adapted for elections. Accessible polling stations remain crucial. Expanding voting options is a moral imperative for democratic legitimacy.

As 2026 approaches, India will refine its strategic autonomy. This involves leveraging geography, supply chains, and technology. India aims to become a critical supplier or buyer for many nations. Diversifying markets and sourcing beyond China is crucial. India will also seek partnerships with the EU and ASEAN. Refining crude oil is a key strength.

Diagnosed with PCOS as a teen, the author learned to take control of her health, a proactive approach mirrored by her generation. Gen Z filters information for authenticity and science-backed solutions, influencing brands to build accountable relationships. This generation also redefines ambition, prioritizing flexibility, mental health, and intent in their careers and financial decisions.

India's digital infrastructure is advancing rapidly, with innovations like JAM and UPI transforming payments and e-commerce. However, a historical perspective reveals that current changes in work and employment are part of a continuous evolution. Younger generations face a dynamic job market shaped by technology and economic shifts. Understanding these trends is key to navigating the future of work.

Despite predictions of decline, books are experiencing a resurgence, particularly in India where Gen Z is driving significant growth in print volumes. This trend, fueled by online discovery and offline community engagement, signals a deliberate return to tangible experiences in an increasingly digital world.

India's Gen Z is transforming retail. This generation, emerging from cities and digital spaces, demands value, personalization, and real-time trends. By 2026, they will be key decision-makers. Brands must be agile, transparent, and offer affordable aspiration. AI will enhance shopping experiences, making them intuitive. Gen Z is not just participating; they are rebuilding the marketplace.

India is studying digital competition. The government wants to understand big tech firms and their impact. This study will help create rules for digital markets. The aim is to promote fair competition and growth. Existing laws are being reviewed. India is considering a balanced approach to digital regulation.

Indias economic growth has not eased job insecurity, as employment expansion has remained modest and job quality weak, especially outside agriculture. Manufacturing and services saw limited employment growth between 2012 and 2023, while agricultures shrinking share pushed more workers into non-farm sectors that are becoming less labour-intensive even as their economic output rises.

Despite initial fears of a global recession due to Trump's protectionist policies, the US and India experienced robust economic growth in 2025, fueled by an AI boom and lower-than-threatened tariffs. However, a potential AI sector slowdown and rising inflation in 2026 could lead to a significant setback for Trumpism and a challenging year for the US economy.

India is moving towards decriminalizing minor offenses, replacing jail time with monetary fines. This reform aims to boost ease of doing business and living. However, for fines to be effective deterrents, they must be linked to an offender's financial capacity.