The Economic Times

Lickspittle is an old English word that means a person who flatters powerful people too much. It describes someone who always agrees just to gain benefits or stay safe. The word comes from lick and spit, showing extreme praise. It is often used in politics, workplaces, and daily life to talk about people who behave like yes-men.

Anthony Quinn's bold declaration, A big talent steals, a small talent borrows. I steal, challenges notions of artistic originality. His life and career exemplified this philosophy, marked by absorbing influences and transforming them with fearless intensity into powerful, unforgettable performances.

Tim Cook CIA briefing China Taiwan 2027 threat: Apple CEO received a classified CIA briefing in July 2023, warning of a potential Chinese move on Taiwan by 2027. The briefing highlighted the global reliance on Taiwan's advanced chip production, a critical factor for Apple and the tech industry.

Kansai International Airport has gone 30 years without a lost baggage incident, earning the Worlds Best Airport for Baggage Delivery award multiple times. Handling up to 30,000 bags everyday, the airport uses a combination of sensors, conveyor belts, and manual oversight to ensure luggage safety. Staff align handles for passenger convenience and personally offer fragile items.

The standard way to track medals is to count each event as awarding a single gold, silver and bronze medal. Counting that way doesnt reward large team efforts like hockey in the official medal count, while other sports allow a single athlete to rack up medals in multiple events.

Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu has strongly condemned the alleged racial abuse of three women in South Delhi, urging swift and strict action from the Delhi Police Commissioner. Other political leaders and organizations have also voiced their condemnation, demanding stringent measures against the absconding accused.

Audrey Hepburns quote talks about enjoying life and staying happy. It says happiness matters more than success, money, or fame. The message is simple and positive, so many people still share it today. Audrey Hepburn was also known for her movies, beauty, and charity work, which is why her words continue to inspire people around the world.

Textile and vehicle exporters face tighter margins and working capital challenges after the government halved RoDTEP tax refunds. This decision, impacting cotton textiles, yarn, and two-wheelers, could hinder export growth and profitability. Companies are appealing for the restoration of earlier rates to avoid financial losses on existing shipments and contracts.

Bengaluru banks face a severe cash crunch as withdrawals outpace deposits, forcing currency chests to borrow from peers. Businesses, especially in construction, are withdrawing large sums, potentially for upcoming elections. While ATMs are prioritized, 500 notes are scarce, prompting banks to urge customers towards digital transactions to ease the temporary disruption.

The Black Caps need a win in their second Super Eights match in Group 2 on Wednesday at the R. Premadasa Stadium after their first match against Pakistan was washed out at the same venue. Santner's team have been in the Sri Lankan capital for a week after finishing their group stage in India.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is pushing for swift reforms. Ministers are tasked with creating clear plans to improve ease of living and doing business. The Cabinet has pledged to prioritize public good in all decisions. This move signals a significant shift in governance culture, aiming to simplify life for citizens and accelerate national growth.

Standard Chartered's India operations saw a 15% rise in profit before tax to $542 million in 2025, driven by lower expenses and provisions, despite a 3% drop in operating income. India climbed to the fourth position in profit contribution, aided by a 24% decline in China profits. Total loans fell 5% to $12.28 billion, while global pre-tax profit increased 16% to $7.90 billion, boosted by a $238 million gain from the sale of Solv India.

Nidhi Chhibber will assume additional responsibilities as the Chief Executive Officer of Niti Aayog. This interim appointment follows the completion of BVR Subrahmanyam's term. Chhibber, currently heading the Development Monitoring and Evaluation Office, will serve until a permanent successor is named. The transition ensures continuity at the policy think tank.

Savannah Guthrie is pleading for answers regarding her mother Nancy Guthrie's abduction. The Today show anchor announced a $1 million reward for information. Nancy Guthrie was taken from her Tucson home nearly a month ago. Savannah expressed agony and fear for her mother's safety. The family hopes for a miracle but prepares for the worst.

The Election Commission has passed a 'National Declaration' to collaborate with State Election Commissions, aiming to align laws for local body polls with those for Parliament and state assemblies. This move supports the Kovind panel's recommendation for simultaneous elections across all three tiers, proposing shared resources like EVMs and electoral rolls to enhance democratic integrity and efficiency.

Congress leaders have condemned the arrest of Indian Youth Congress national president Uday Bhanu Chib. The arrest followed a protest by IYC activists at an international AI summit. Party leaders stated the activists were exposing government compromises on farmers and the textile sector in a trade deal. They asserted that holding power accountable is patriotism, not a crime.

Indian companies anticipate a 9.1% average pay hike in 2026, an increase from last year. Real estate and NBFC sectors are expected to offer the highest increments. Attrition rates have slowed to a five-year low. Companies are investing in critical talent and building sustainable compensation strategies. New Labour Codes are being assessed for their impact on pay structures.

Banerjee vowed to get Bengal's name changed when BJP is out of power as she questioned why Bengal's name was not renamed despite repeated requests. Bengal's culture, richness and language is well known. But Bengal's students suffer in various examinations or interviews as the name comes last due to alphabetical order, Banerjee emphasised.

Can a job offer really be rescinded over a false positive drug test? What happens when a promising job offer vanishes due to a positive oral swab result, even if you havent used drugs recently? A Reddit user shared how a job offer that would have almost doubled their salary was rescinded due to a positive oral swab test for marijuana, despite no recent use.

The indigenous Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) missed the full dress rehearsal of Exercise Vayu Shakti and may also skip the main event due to technical checks following an accident earlier this month. The IAFs showcase, highlighting rapid strike capability, will proceed with President Droupadi Murmu as chief guest. This marks the third major incident involving the LCA fleet, with two previous crashes reported.

More than 400,000 BKLN put options were bought in just three weeks. That equals about 40 million shares. This is the highest bearish positioning since 2023. The Invesco Senior Loan ETF (BKLN) trades near $20. Software exposure is about 18%. Investors fear rising software credit risk and stress in the leveraged loan market. Nearly $1 billion has left the ETF in four weeks. Credit spreads are sensitive to rates and growth. If defaults rise, BKLN could fall further. If conditions stabilize, this cr

The government clarified that reduced RoDTEP rates and value caps do not apply to agricultural and processed food exports (ITC HS Chapters 124), amid backlash over a 50% cut in benefits. Exporters warned of margin pressures and policy instability, even as the Commerce Ministry seeks higher budget allocations for the scheme.

Lunar Eclipse Season 2026: As eclipse energy subsides, the focus shifts toward integration. Astrologers recommend journaling, mindful reflection and measured action rather than impulsive decisions.

Deepinder Goyal has unveiled his new wearable device, Temple. This experimental gadget is designed to monitor brain health. Goyal describes it as the most important wearable ever created. The Temple device will soon be available to the public via a waitlist. This innovation is generating considerable global interest and discussion.

The World Trade Organisation has agreed to form a dispute panel. China filed a case against India concerning its automotive and renewable energy policies. Beijing claims India's incentive schemes discriminate against foreign businesses. India maintains its measures comply with WTO rules. This development follows earlier consultations between the two nations. The US also commented on China's decision.

Brazilian planemaker Embraer and U.S. airlines stand to gain after the Trump administration exempted aircraft, engines and parts from new Section 122 tariffs. While the move eases cost pressures and boosts jet imports, industry experts warn ongoing steel tariffs and a Section 232 probe still cloud the outlook.

Gobsmacked means being completely astonished, amazed, or shocked. It is stronger than ordinary surprise, featuring disbelief or being taken aback. Originating from British slang, the word gob means mouth, so gobsmacked figuratively indicates that being struck in the mouth by amazement. It is commonly used in informal contexts to describe reactions to unexpected events, achievements, or discoveries.

Over 7.4 million Americans rely on Supplemental Security Income every month. In 2026, SSI recipients will not receive payments in March, August, and November. This is not a benefit cut. The Social Security Administration moved deposits early because the first falls on a weekend. Payments arrive the prior month. The SSI payment schedule 2026 keeps 12 full benefits intact. Understanding Social Security payment dates helps seniors and disabled Americans plan ahead.

In Mumbai, rising pollution levels are driving a surge in lung cancer, now linked to 57% of reported cases. Breast cancer among women is also on the rise, largely because its often detected too late.

Persian poet Rumi's timeless advice urges us to shed what no longer serves us. Like a tree dropping dead leaves, we can find renewal and peace. Letting go of past mistakes and negative habits allows for personal growth. This practice fosters mental clarity and emotional balance. Embracing Rumi's philosophy helps us navigate life's changes with resilience and grace.

Azim Premji University condemned a violent incident where an external group of 20 people forced entry, vandalized property, and assaulted staff and students. The university clarified that no unauthorized event was planned or held on campus, and police apprehended the individuals.

Gold silver price today dropped after a massive $1.1 trillion AI stock market crash shook global investors. Gold price today fell to $5,174 per ounce, down 1.17%. Silver price today hovered near $87 per ounce amid sharp volatility. A stronger US dollar and hawkish Federal Reserve signals pressured precious metals. Profit booking accelerated after recent rallies. The Nasdaq AI index plunged 28% in one week. Investors rotated to cash. Now traders watch Fed rate cuts, inflation data, and dollar mov

March 2026 Calendar: Whether through awareness campaigns, heritage festivals or seasonal milestones, March signals transition. The lengthening days and diverse celebrations offer a reminder of resilience and shared humanity.

Alain Delons quote, I don't really have the fear of death. I think to life conveys a profound perspective on mortality and existence. Instead of fearing death, he chooses to focus on life, embracing the present and all its experiences. This approach encourages living fully, appreciating small moments, and pursuing purpose without being impacted by anxiety about the inevitable.

U.S. consumer confidence rose more than anticipated in February, reaching 91.2, driven by improved perceptions of the labor market. While the unemployment rate saw a slight decrease, long-term joblessness and scarce opportunities for graduates persist. Economists suggest President Trump's policies are impacting hiring, despite recent tariff adjustments.

Persistent fatigue in women often stems from low iron levels, not just stress or poor sleep. Doctors highlight that this silent decline, exacerbated by menstruation and pregnancy, affects millions. Subtle symptoms like hair thinning and breathlessness are easily overlooked. Addressing dietary habits and seeking timely medical advice can significantly restore energy and well-being.

The WTO's dispute settlement body has established a panel to examine China's complaint against India's automotive and renewable energy sector policies. Beijing alleges that India's Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes discriminate against Chinese goods, violating global trade rules. Bilateral consultations failed to resolve the dispute, prompting China's second request for a panel.

Anthropic Claude AI 10 new enterprise AI tools: AI firm Anthropic is expanding Claude's reach beyond IT with 10 new enterprise plug-ins for sectors like investment banking and HR. These tools, developed with partners like LSEG and Slack, aim to enhance workflows by integrating business expertise, not replace employees. This move intensifies competition for traditional software providers.

Bamboozle means to trick or confuse. This word describes situations from playful riddles to misleading advertisements. Understanding bamboozle helps us recognize deception and appreciate humor. It appears in everyday talk, business, and entertainment. The word's origin is unclear but it has been used for centuries.

The Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways announced modifications to the BOT road project concession agreement, aiming for equitable risk and reward sharing with concessionaires. This initiative, involving Rs 2 lakh crore in projects, will allow for shared profits and losses between contractors and the government.

A new front has opened in the global AI race, focusing on theft and national security. American AI firms like Anthropic and OpenAI accuse Chinese companies of stealing advanced AI capabilities. Meanwhile, these American firms face accusations of data theft themselves. The situation involves complex legal challenges and geopolitical rivalry, raising questions about AI development and national power.