The Economic Times

Google is significantly expanding its presence in Bengaluru's Whitefield. The tech giant has secured rights for approximately 2.6 million square feet at Alembic City. This move signals a strong commitment to India as a technology hub. The expansion includes reserving future office blocks, ensuring continued growth and scalability within a single campus.

Sunil Grover's journey from a daily earning of Rs 500 to commanding lakhs per episode on The Great Indian Kapil Show showcases remarkable resilience. Despite early financial struggles in Mumbai, his unwavering belief and father's influence fueled his pursuit of passion, leading to widespread recognition and significant financial success.

According to a post on X, the Taiwanese MND stated that no Chinese military aircraft were detected during the timeframe, as there was an absence of PLA aircraft operating around the territory.

Veteran politician Mukul Roy passed away at 70 due to cardiac arrest. Roy had a long political career, serving as Union Railway Minister and holding key positions in the Trinamool Congress. He also switched to the BJP before returning to TMC. His political journey saw significant shifts and legal challenges regarding his legislative status.

The Indian Embassy in Mexico has issued an urgent advisory for Indian nationals to shelter in place. This follows escalating violence across several Mexican states. The unrest began after the killing of cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera, alias 'El Mencho'. The embassy urges citizens to remain indoors and monitor local media for updates.

Countries hit hardest by former President Donald Trumps tariffs are now emerging as winners after the US Supreme Court struck down his emergency levies. China, India, and Brazil, among others, will see lower tariff rates for shipments to the US. While Trump had planned a 15% global tariff, economists calculate the effective rate will average about 12%, the lowest since the initial Liberation Day tariffs in April.

NASA is rolling back its Artemis II Moon rocket and spacecraft from the launch pad. An issue with helium flow to the rocket's upper stage requires diagnosis. The integrated Space Launch System rocket and Orion spacecraft will return to the Vehicle Assembly Building. This move aims to preserve the April launch window. Further updates will be provided soon.

A UK court banned Oatly from using the word 'milk' in its slogan. This ruling sparks a global discussion on plant-based product labeling. Australia is now considering similar restrictions. The Australian government plans to tighten labeling standards for plant-based foods. This aims to help consumers differentiate between traditional and alternative protein products.

Mexico's most wanted cartel boss, Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as El Mencho, was killed by security forces. This triggered widespread fires and violence across the nation. Cartel operatives retaliated in a show of force. The operation is a major victory for Mexico's anti-cartel offensive. The country faces a tense period with potential for further unrest.

Protests have reignited on Iranian university campuses. Students are demonstrating against the government. This comes as Iran faces potential conflict with the United States. The demonstrations mark a resurgence of dissent. Security forces previously suppressed earlier unrest. Many Iranians are preparing for possible war. Talks between Iran and the US are ongoing.

Pakistan launched airstrikes in Afghanistan hitting seven locations. These strikes targeted militant camps in Nangarhar, Paktika, and Khost provinces. Islamabad stated the action was a response to recent suicide attacks. The government blamed handlers in Afghanistan for orchestrating these bombings. The operation aimed to neutralize militants linked to TTP and Daesh. Tensions remain high along the border.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has been reelected as the top official of the ruling Workers' Party. Delegates credited him for strengthening the nation's nuclear capabilities and its position in the region. This move signals a continued focus on military development and economic self-reliance. Kim is expected to outline future political and military objectives for the country.

New York City is bracing for a major winter storm. The government is deploying more plows, salters, and outreach teams. This storm is expected to bring blizzard conditions with wind, snow, and coastal flooding. Public schools will be closed. A travel ban is in effect for city roads.

BAFTA 2026 awards video: John Davidson is known for speaking openly about living with Tourette's syndrome. Alan Cumming stopped the awards night twice to speak to the audience.

Comfort in a career is a silent assassin, leading to stagnation and a decline in market value. Professionals must embrace discomfort, continuously learn new skills, and seek challenging roles to remain relevant and build career insurance. Disrupting oneself and redefining comfort through growth is crucial for long-term success.

If you are confused by personal finance terms, jargon and calculations, heres a series to simplify and deconstruct these for you. In the 91st part of this series, Riju Mehta explains all about this category of small-ticket loans.

India's monetary policy panel unanimously decided to maintain the repurchase rate at 5.25%, deeming it appropriate amidst buoyant growth and benign inflation. This decision follows a US trade agreement that has boosted optimism for exceeding growth forecasts, with inflation expected to remain stable and external risks perceived as limited.

Credit card companies are changing reward systems. American Express is shifting to a milestone structure for its Platinum Travel Card. Other banks like ICICI Bank, SBI, and HDFC Bank are also adjusting perks. These changes require higher spending for benefits. Users must adapt their strategies for optimal card usage.

Standard deviation, while common, inadequately captures investment risk due to its equal treatment of gains and losses and assumption of symmetry. Skewness and kurtosis offer crucial insights, revealing the asymmetry and frequency of extreme returns. Combining these measures provides a more comprehensive understanding of potential upside and downside, enabling better risk management.

Welcome to TrendMap, your visual guide to investment performance. This edition tracks 10 years of global equity returns. Currency fluctuations impact the returns on foreign investments. To capture the real value from an Indian investors standpoint, these returns are adjusted to reflect their equivalent in Indian rupees. The key takeaway: no market dominates, diversification matters. By Sameer Bhardwaj.

Indian data centre shares saw a significant rally last week. Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted India's goal to become a global AI hub. This announcement, made in the presence of AI leaders, boosted the market value of data centre companies. Major tech firms and Indian conglomerates are investing in India's data centre infrastructure.

The Wealth Company Asset Management, India's newest fund house, is making waves. CEO Madhu Lunawat is prioritizing distributor partnerships and understanding investor behavior. This approach aims to build trust and long-term investment. The company is also launching unique schemes like an Ethical Fund. Their strategy focuses on education and merit-based investments in a growing market. She talks on fixing distribution gaps, resisting hype and building a performance-led fund house, in conversatio

Indian investors acquiring Dubai properties without proper outward remittances are facing Directorate of Enforcement scrutiny. Violations of FEMA, including illegal money transfers and misdeclarations under the LRS, can lead to penalties and attached Indian assets. Proper documentation and compliance with both Indian and foreign regulations are crucial to avoid issues.

Gold and silver funds experienced strong rallies and sharp corrections, creating opportunities for tax harvesting. Investors can strategically use capital losses to offset gains or leverage the LTCG exemption to retain more profits. Careful timing and adherence to tax rules can significantly improve post-tax returns without altering long-term allocations. Tax harvesting can help investors lock in gains, adjust losses, and step up acquisition costs without changing their long-term precious metals

New draft rules for the Income Tax Act, 2025, are sparking a debate between old and new tax regimes. Salaried taxpayers may find the old regime more beneficial if they can utilise exemptions like house rent allowance and other deductions. The proposed rules offer higher exemption limits for certain allowances.

Investors are flocking to multi-asset funds, with new 'omni' and fund-of-funds (FoF) variants emerging. These newer offerings provide manager diversification and style diversification, along with favourable tax treatment. However, they lack exposure to foreign equities, limiting global diversification compared to traditional multi-asset funds.

State-run banks are outperforming India's stock market, attracting foreign investment despite broader equity pullbacks. These lenders are showing stronger growth prospects and better valuations, with foreign investors increasing their stakes to multi-year highs. This resilience signals a reallocation towards steadier earnings, contrasting with tech sector outflows.

Young Indians, particularly Gen Z, are facing a growing debt crisis. Easy digital loans and lifestyle demands are pushing them into significant debt. Many struggle to repay, leading to harassment and financial ruin. Experts highlight the need for responsible borrowing and financial literacy to navigate these challenges and avoid a widespread crisis.

Iran and the United States are scheduled for crucial nuclear talks in Geneva this Thursday. Oman's Foreign Minister confirmed the meeting, highlighting a push for a final deal. Tensions remain high with the U.S. military presence in the Middle East. Iran is reportedly offering concessions on its nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief.

Jalisco's capital, Guadalajara, was turned into a ghost town on Sunday night as civilians hunkered down. School was canceled Monday in several states.

Indian restaurants are adapting to a growing consumer base using weight-loss medications like Ozempic and Mounjaro by introducing Size O menus with smaller portions and lighter options. This trend reflects a shift towards reduced calorie intake, mirroring changes seen in the beverage industry, as diners prioritize protein over carbs. No weighting around: Restaurateurs zero in on Table 2.0

Apple's iPhone emerged as India's top export in 2025, reaching $23 billion and driving smartphones to become the nation's leading export category. This surge was fueled by production incentives and diversification from Chinese suppliers. However, the abolition of US fentanyl tariffs on Chinese exports could challenge India's competitive edge.

India and the US have postponed crucial trade talks aimed at finalizing an interim trade pact. This decision comes as Washington revises its global tariff strategy following a US Supreme Court ruling. Both nations will reconvene once the implications of these developments are fully assessed, with a new date to be mutually agreed upon.

India's upcoming CAFE III standards will likely balance the auto industry by imposing stricter fuel efficiency goals on large carmakers while offering some leniency to smaller ones. The discontinuation of derogation for small cars is expected to increase entry-level vehicle prices, pushing manufacturers towards advanced fuel-saving technologies.

Dr Reddy's Laboratories is strategically shifting focus towards biosimilars and innovation. The company is increasing investment in biosimilars, anticipating significant growth within five years. Generics and active pharmaceutical ingredients will continue to be major revenue sources. Dr Reddy's aims to compete in a biologics-led future by investing in research and development.

A tech professional recently shared a surprising experience during a final job interview when he saw the same manager who had fired him two years earlier. Despite the awkward start, the conversation went smoothly, focusing on his growth since the layoff. The encounter ended positively, and he received a job offer the next day.

The 2026 BAFTA Film Awards in London honored global cinema. Hosted by Alan Cumming, the event saw Leonardo DiCaprio's 'One Battle After Another' win Best Film. Indian film 'Boong' secured the Best Children's & Family Film award. Alia Bhatt and Farhan Akhtar were among the attendees. The ceremony featured emotional speeches and memorable red-carpet moments.

Steve Jobs once said, Let's go invent tomorrow rather than worrying about what happened yesterday. The quote reflects his belief in focusing on innovation and future possibilities instead of dwelling on past mistakes or successes. The article looks at how this mindset shaped his journey at Apple Inc. from founding the company with Steve Wozniak, to being forced out, and later returning to revive the brand with breakthrough products like the iMac and iPhone.

Alia Bhatt made a stunning BAFTA debut in a Gucci gown, captivating audiences. During media interactions, she shared a heartwarming revelation about her daughter Raha, calling her the core of her inspiration. The actress expressed her love for cinema and her excitement to present an award, highlighting her upcoming projects like 'Love and War' and 'Alpha'.

UPL's chairman Jai Shroff announced a shareholder-friendly reorganisation, spinning off its merged global and local crop protection businesses into a new entity, UPL Global. This move aims to simplify the corporate structure, address confusion for shareholders, and provide investors direct exposure to diverse international markets.

Indian actor-filmmaker Farhan Akhtar and his wife Shibani Dandekar made a surprise appearance at the 79th BAFTA Film Awards 2026. Their production company's film, 'Boong', a Manipuri-language movie, won the Best Children's & Family Film award, beating international nominees. The film, which premiered at TIFF 2024, follows a schoolboy's journey amidst social and political strain.

Haryana government has mandated all its departments and state-run entities to exclusively bank with public sector banks. Private bank accounts now require Finance Department approval. IDFC First Bank and AU Small Finance Bank have been removed from the approved panel due to non-adherence to fixed deposit conditions, leading to potential financial losses for the state.

Skoda-led Volkswagen Group is exploring CNG and flex-fuel vehicles. This move aligns with stricter emission rules and future electric vehicle plans. The company is considering these new powertrains as part of its extensive product updates. Regulatory changes are driving this multi-technology approach. The group aims to meet evolving fuel efficiency standards.

Mahagun Group has reached a settlement with IDBI Trusteeship, resolving insolvency proceedings. This development brings relief to homebuyers of the Mahagun Manorialle project in Noida. The National Company Law Tribunal has allowed the withdrawal of the insolvency petition. Mahagun is now focused on delivering the project by March 2027, with construction activities accelerated.

Palfinger AG is localizing manufacturing in India through a partnership with TVS Mobility Group. This move aims to reduce costs by 30% and expand market reach. A new manufacturing facility in Pune will begin production by 2027. The collaboration covers supply chain, dealerships, and aftermarket support.

India's proposed treaty changes with France could significantly impact participatory note (P-note) trading. Previously, French investors enjoyed a tax advantage on Indian equity sales. The revisions aim to remove this benefit, potentially making P-notes less attractive and prompting investors to explore other jurisdictions like the Netherlands or Belgium for similar tax protections.

The MQ9B-AEW marks the first attempt to integrate airborne early warning systems onto a UAV rather than a larger radar-equipped aircraft, enabling deeper, more persistent surveillance of air threats in enemy skies - an need also felt during Op Sindoor.

Farhan Akhtar-backed Manipuri film Boong has won the Best Childrens & Family Film award at the 2026 BAFTA Awards held in London. Directed by Lakshmipriya Devi, the film triumphed over major international contenders including Zootopia 2, Lilo & Stitch and Arco. The coming-of-age drama, set in Manipur, follows a young boys emotional journey to reunite his family amid social tensions. The win marks a significant moment for Indian regional cinema on the global stage.

Former Assam Congress chief Bhupen Borah, along with two other leaders, officially joined the BJP on Sunday after a 32-year association with the Congress. Borah cited internal party interference as his reason for leaving, hinting at further defections. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma welcomed Borah, marking a new political chapter for the ex-Congress leader.