The Economic Times

India is in talks with the United States. This is to ensure its Chabahar Port plans continue. A US sanctions waiver is in place until April 26. This waiver is crucial for India's access to Afghanistan and Central Asia. The port is seen as a key trade and transit hub.

Ashton Kutcher returns to acting in The Beauty, an FX/Hulu suspense thriller created by Ryan Murphy. It centers on a revolutionary drug that offers flawless physical perfection while quietly resulting in deadly consequences.The story unfolds along with Kutchers red-carpet appearance at the New York premiere, sparking comeback rumors as the show evaluates obsession, power, morality, and price society bears for chasing beauty.

India's smaller cities are now powering the diamond jewellery market. Rising incomes and a desire for luxury are driving demand in these regions. Consumers are prioritizing durable and credible purchases. Millennials and Gen Z are key buyers. Natural diamonds are preferred for significant events. Organized brands are expanding their reach, making diamond jewellery accessible and trustworthy for a wider audience.

The Employees' State Insurance Corporation has seen significant registration under its SPREE scheme. Over 1.17 lakh new employers and 1.03 crore employees have enrolled. This special scheme, extended until January 31, 2026, offers a unique chance for unregistered entities to join the ESI framework without past dues or penalties. It promotes wider social security coverage across India.

Nicki Minajs quote of the day focuses on self-love, personal values, and confidence. The message says people should accept who they are and trust their own morals. Known for her bold music and strong personality, Nicki Minaj often shares messages about strength and self-belief. This quote connects with young people facing pressure and judgment today.

Kendrick Lamar, a highly influential hip-hop artist, emphasizes the importance of honest feedback in his creative process, avoiding yes men to maintain artistic balance. His career, marked by introspective albums and critical acclaim including a Pulitzer Prize, showcases his commitment to unfiltered storytelling and confronting difficult truths.

The Enforcement Directorate has approached the Supreme Court. It seeks to include the Union Home Ministry and the Department of Personnel and Training as parties. This is due to alleged interference by the West Bengal government. The ED claims obstruction during a probe and raid at I-PAC's office. The Supreme Court has stayed FIRs against ED officials.

Mortgage rates plunged to 6.06%, hitting a three-year low. This shift follows President Trumps $200 billion mortgage bond initiative. The average 30-year fixed mortgage slid to 6.06%, down from 6.16% last week. The average 15-year fixed mortgage dropped to 5.38%, down from 5.46% last week. Refinance applications jumped 40% in a single week, as millions locked into 7%8% mortgages rush to lower monthly payments.

EDME Insurance Brokers aims to double its business to Rs 16,000 crore within four years. The company recently acquired UIB Insurance Brokers, boosting its current business to Rs 8,500 crore. This makes EDME the second largest insurance broker in India. The company will focus on 14-18 key industries and leverage technology for growth.

The BJP-led Mahayuti alliance is poised for a significant victory in Maharashtra's civic elections, including the BMC. The results highlight the BJP's growing urban dominance, marking the end of Shiv Sena's long reign in Mumbai and a setback for the Pawar factions. The Congress also saw limited gains despite strategic alliances.

Tripura began supplying 100 MW of power to Bangladesh from the state-owned ONGC Tripura Power Company (OTPC) power plant in southern Tripuras Gomati district in March 2016.

Oscar-winning actor Denzel Washingtons quote, Everyone has the talent to succeed. But do you have the guts to fail?, emphasizes that talent alone is not enough for success. Delivered during his 2011 University of Pennsylvania commencement speech, Washington urged graduates to embrace failure as a stepping stone, take risks, and keep moving forward despite setbacks.

Shark Tank India Season 5 kicked off with The Croffle Guys, four young entrepreneurs from Mumbai, seeking Rs 1 crore for 1% equity. Their cinematic pitch, influenced by their film industry backgrounds, impressed sharks Kunal Bahl and Mohit Yadav, leading to a Rs 2.5 crore investment for 5% equity.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit West Bengal for back-to-back engagements, addressing rallies in Malda and Singur amidst political disputes over electoral rolls and ED raids. His visit includes inaugurating and laying foundation stones for significant rail and road infrastructure projects, aiming to boost connectivity and economic development in the state.

West Bengal has issued guidelines for Nipah virus treatment. Two nurses have tested positive and are hospitalised. The state government stresses early detection and isolation. Healthcare workers must follow strict protocols. Supportive care is key as no definitive antiviral is approved. Ribavirin and monoclonal antibody therapy may be considered. Public is urged to avoid panic and follow advisories.

Kangana Ranaut wears sarees as an extension of her personality rooted, confident, and refreshingly minimal. Her choices celebrate tradition without trying too hard.

The Thought of the Day today prompts reflection on how effortlessly pivotal moments can slip by unnoticed. Christies words imply that significance is often recognised only in retrospect, when opportunities have passed or circumstances have shifted beyond recovery.

India's foreign exchange reserves saw a significant rise. Reserves climbed by $392 million to reach $687.19 billion. This follows a substantial drop in the preceding week. The Reserve Bank of India manages these reserves. It intervenes to ensure market stability. These actions aim to curb excessive fluctuations in the Indian rupee.

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari congratulated Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy CM Eknath Shinde. Trends indicate a comfortable win for the BJP-Shiv Sena alliance in 29 municipal corporations. Gadkari expressed gratitude to the people for their faith in the Mahayuti government. He believes this victory will strengthen Maharashtra's progress under Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Fadnavis.

Maharashtra minister Nitesh Rane celebrated the BJP-led Mahayuti's strong performance in the BMC elections with a viral video mocking Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders. He credited the party's success to senior leadership and invoked a Hindutva pitch, stating those who speak for Hindu interests will rule Maharashtra.

Oswal Energies Limited has partnered with Arab Tanker Services in Abu Dhabi to offer comprehensive energy infrastructure solutions. This collaboration will leverage their combined strengths for end-to-end EPC and DBO projects, including offshore and subsea operations, early production facilities, and pipeline systems.

India tariff impact: India remains one of the few major economies without a trade deal with Washington, despite facing a 50% tariff rate among the highest in the world. The levies have dealt a heavy blow to Indias labour-intensive sectors, especially textiles, handicrafts, apparels, gems and leather.

Azim Premji University is opening its largest campus near Ranchi. Academic sessions commence in July. The university will offer Master's degrees in Applied Economics and Development. Postgraduate diplomas in Local Development, Early Childhood Education, and Educational Assessment are also planned. The campus aims to expand its reach in eastern India and connect with regional development needs.

The Kremlin said Friday it considered calls by some European states to resume dialogue with Russia as positive, after French and Italian leaders called for re-engagement with Moscow on Ukraine. French President Emmanuel Macron and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni both recently said they were in favour of re-engaging with Moscow.

Italian PM Giorgia Meloni and Japanese PM Sanae Takaichi Ghibli style anime picture wins hearts after Meloni shared an anime artwork online. The image mixed diplomacy and pop culture. Users praised the leaders for public engagement and online connection.

India's power sector reached new heights in 2025. Record electricity demand was met with minimal shortages. Installed power capacity surged, with non-fossil fuels forming over half. Renewable energy saw massive additions. Per capita electricity consumption rose significantly. Coal capacity was also expanded. Transmission infrastructure grew, and distribution losses reduced. Tribal electrification and energy efficiency programs advanced.

The Central Information Commission (CIC) rejected the Central Registrar of Cooperative Societies' (CRCS) claim that letters from a Sahara depositor were untraceable due to office relocation. The CIC ordered the CRCS to submit a status report on actions taken regarding the depositor's letters and orders within four weeks, emphasizing the need to address the specific grievance.

Around 675 km, or 96 per cent, of the pipeline runs inside a utility strip just three metres wide along the expressway, a constraint that fundamentally shaped engineering design and construction methods, officials said.

The India-EU free trade agreement is on the brink of being sealed, with negotiations nearing completion ahead of a possible announcement during an upcoming visit by EU leaders.

New research reveals metro station proximity positively impacts home loan EMIs by reducing transport costs and private vehicle reliance. This strengthens household balance sheets, improves financial discipline, and contributes to broader financial stability. The study highlights significant reductions in mortgage delinquency and increases in prepayments in metro-connected areas.

Navya Naveli Nanda has shared a candid glimpse into her life as a student at IIM Ahmedabad, offering a look at everyday moments on campus with her classmates. Through a series of photos, she highlighted simple meals, classroom discussions and time spent with friends, reflecting a grounded student routine. Enrolled in the institutes blended MBA programme since 2024, Navya has previously spoken about the academic rigour of IIM Ahmedabad and the challenge of returning to student life.

Delhi's pre-owned car market is undergoing a revolution driven by pricing transparency. Data-backed listings and online valuations are empowering buyers, reducing guesswork, and leading to faster sales. This shift is creating a more informed and fair marketplace, moving away from traditional ambiguity.

Leo Tolstoy, a giant of literature, penned timeless novels like War and Peace and Anna Karenina. His work delved into morality and self-change. Born in Yasnaya Polyana, his early life saw personal loss. Tolstoy's realism and spiritual awakening shaped his radical beliefs. His influence continues to inspire writers and readers worldwide.

Air India and Singapore Airlines have signed a new agreement. This partnership aims to boost travel between India and Singapore. Passengers will see more flight options and easier booking. The airlines will also work together on corporate travel and frequent flyer benefits. This collaboration is set to expand their global reach and create more value for customers.

Word of the day: Language has a way of giving shape to ideas that extend beyond a single moment, and few words manage this as gracefully as palimpsest. Rooted in history yet rich in literary and philosophical resonance, the term has moved far beyond its original definition to serve as a potent metaphor for memory, cities, relationships and even politics.

The agreement cuts US tariffs on Taiwanese goods to 15 per cent in exchange for USD 250 billion in new investments in the US tech industry. It is comparable to deals with the European Union and Japan worked out after President Donald Trump proposed sweeping tariffs for many US trading partners.

Russia's oil product exports surged in December, showing a 17% increase from November. This rise was fueled by greater output and lower domestic consumption. Shipments from Baltic and Black Sea ports saw significant gains. However, overall exports for the year 2025 experienced a decline compared to 2024, impacted by disruptions.

Election officials made their way to Amartya Sen's residence in Bolpur to streamline the electoral roll revision process. They gathered essential documents such as his Aadhaar details, voter ID, and even the death certificate of his late mother. A letter that allows his cousin to attend hearings on his behalf was also included in the submission.

Justin Bieber, a Canadian pop sensation, began his musical journey as a hobby. He taught himself instruments and shared videos online for family. His first single 'One Time' became a hit, leading to a successful debut EP. Bieber became the first artist with seven songs from a debut record on the Billboard Hot 100.

Maruti Suzuki has commenced exports of its mid-size SUV, Victoris, to global markets, with over 450 vehicles already shipped. The SUV, to be sold internationally as 'Across', will reach approximately 100 countries. This move aligns with the company's 'Make in India, Make for the World' vision, bolstering its position as India's leading passenger vehicle exporter.