The Economic Times

Katherine Hartley Short, daughter of actor Martin Short, has died at age 42. Her family shared the sad news and asked for privacy. She worked as a social worker in Los Angeles and mostly stayed away from the public eye. Police responded to a call at her home, and officials say the exact cause and circumstances of her death are still unclear.

Tata Sons chairman N Chandrasekaran sought to postpone his reappointment for a third term. A board meeting revealed differing views, notably from Tata Trusts chairman Noel Tata. Concerns were raised about the performance of group businesses like Air India and newer ventures. Chandrasekaran proposed the deferral to ensure alignment between Tata Sons and Tata Trusts.

PayPal stock jumped after news that Stripe may try to buy the company. Reports said Stripe showed early interest, but nothing is final yet. Investors quickly bought shares after the rumor, which pushed the stock price higher. Both companies have not confirmed anything, and experts say it is still too early to know if a real takeover deal will happen.

The US government is putting pressure on AI company Anthropic over military use of its technology. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has given a deadline for the company to allow its AI to be used in legal defense work. Anthropic is worried about safety risks, especially AI weapons and surveillance. The issue shows growing tension between national security needs and AI ethics.

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.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has launched the National Monetisation Pipeline 2.0, aiming for over Rs 16.7 lakh crore in receipts by 2029-30. This ambitious program, a significant increase from its predecessor, will see proceeds allocated across government funds and direct private investment. Key infrastructure assets like major expressways and hydropower stations are slated for monetisation.

India is undertaking a significant exercise to identify gaps in its manufacturing sector. The government is mapping commonly procured goods to understand import reliance. This initiative aims to boost local production and reduce dependence on foreign supplies. A consolidated procurement plan for these items will be developed.

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.

India's economy is poised for robust growth, with projections indicating an 8.1% GDP expansion in the third quarter of the current fiscal year. Strong rural and urban consumption, supported by farm activity and fiscal stimulus, are driving this momentum despite global challenges. Official GDP estimates for FY26 are anticipated soon, reflecting a new base year.

India is introducing a new system for automakers to trade fuel-efficiency credits. This will help companies meet stricter Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency norms. Manufacturers exceeding targets can sell surplus credits to those falling behind. This market-based approach aims to encourage cleaner vehicle technologies. Electric vehicles will receive more credits than fuel-efficient internal combustion engine cars.

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.

The regulator also asked the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) to initiate action for taking back spectrum held by Aircel, Reliance Telecom and Reliance Communications, which are engaged in insolvency proceedings, and put the airwaves on sale in the upcoming auction.

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.

Banks are confronting mounting liquidity pressures as loan portfolios expand faster than deposit bases. As a result, liquidity coverage ratios have weakened across a broad set of institutions. Even with abundant liquidity in the wider financial system, banks are struggling to bring in new deposits, pushing up near-term funding costs.

Chalet Hotels is set to launch India's first Ritz Carlton in Hyderabad, a 330-room luxury hotel project costing approximately 630 crore. This venture, a collaboration with Marriott International, marks Chalet's entry into ultra-luxury hospitality. The company anticipates strong rental performance and good returns from this strategic expansion in a thriving market.

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.

India's real estate sector is rapidly embracing AI to enhance luxury living and operational efficiency. From biometric access and predictive maintenance in homes to streamlining office design and improving construction cycles, AI is transforming how properties are discovered, evaluated, and managed, catering to a new generation of tech-savvy wealth creators.

New Delhi: The Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, announced modifications to the Build Operate Transfer road project agreement. This change aims for equitable risk and reward sharing between the government and concessionaires. Over 2 lakh crore in BOT road projects are planned.

The government has boosted Power Grid Corporation's investment limit to 7,500 crore per subsidiary. This supports large projects and renewable energy. Additionally, three railway projects worth 9,072 crore are approved. These will decongest tracks and speed up transport. The projects will add 307 km to the network and handle more freight.

India's broadcast industry is grappling with a significant surge in television signal piracy, with smuggled DTH set-top boxes illegally redistributing pay TV feeds across borders. This unauthorized redistribution is eroding revenues for legitimate broadcasters, prompting calls for mandatory technological safeguards like forensic watermarking to combat the escalating issue.

Larsen & Toubro (L&T) has secured a major order from Indias Department of Atomic Energy to construct a Laser Interferometer Gravitational Wave Observatory (LIGO) in Aundha, Hingoli, Maharashtra. The project, valued between 1,000-2,500 crore, includes high-precision civil infrastructure, an 8 km ultra-high vacuum beam tube, and critical vacuum equipment. Scheduled for completion in 48 months, this initiative is set to be one of Indias flagship Mega Science projects.

Coal India envisions a phased National Coal Exchange. This new platform will shift from auctions to electronic trading. Market reforms will be carefully balanced with national energy security. Long-term fuel supply agreements will ensure stability for power producers. The exchange aims for transparent price discovery. Independent regulatory oversight is crucial for its success.

Solitaire diamond rings are seeing a surge in demand among Indians aged 28-40, with sales rising 25-35% year-on-year following a 30% price drop. A 1-carat ring now costs 5-5.5 lakh, down from 7-8 lakh, making diamond-heavy, low-gold jewellery more appealing amid high gold prices. Millennials are driving growth, with engagements as the primary purchase but self-buys and milestone-driven purchases also rising. Lower entry barriers and a preference for accessible, meaningful jewellery, including 9-

India's new global networking rules for audit firms, aimed at boosting local players, have introduced stringent compliance and disclosure requirements. While allowing firms to join global networks, the norms mandate registration, appointment of a nodal officer, and arm's length dealings, causing disquiet among Big 4 and consultancy houses.

Marketing network Wondrlab is reportedly in the final stages of acquiring homegrown advertising major Madison World for approximately 1,000 crore. This significant deal, if completed, would be the largest acquisition of an independent Indian ad agency by a domestic firm, marking founder Sam Balsara's exit after nearly four decades.

Venezuelan oil exports are set to accelerate. The first Very Large Crude Carriers are now chartered for shipments. This development follows a recent deal between Venezuela and the United States. Deliveries to India are expected to increase significantly. Trading firms Vitol and Trafigura are involved in these operations. This marks a new phase for Venezuelan crude exports.

ESR is making a major foray into Indias data centre space with a high-value investment in Navi Mumbai. The company will develop a large, multi-level campus in Rabale designed to handle intensive cloud and AI workloads. This initiative underscores Indias rising prominence in the global digital infrastructure landscape and is expected to stimulate local employment, technology adoption, and economic growth.

Merck & Co is restructuring by splitting its drug division into two separate businesses. The change is designed to spotlight its fastest-growing medicines as the blockbuster cancer therapy Keytruda nears patent expiration. The company plans to emphasize newer products, including a pneumonia vaccine and a treatment for lung disease, as key drivers of its next growth phase.

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.