The Economic Times

Flying Wedge Defence & Aerospace has successfully tested FWD YAMA, India's first autonomous swarm interceptor. This new technology is designed for counter-drone warfare and air defence missions. It offers a cost-effective solution to combat the growing threat of low-cost drones. The system uses artificial intelligence and swarm coordination for precision interception.

In an innovative effort to boost population growth, Andhra Pradesh is set to roll out a Rs 25,000 financial incentive for parents welcoming a second child or more. With the goal of elevating the Total Fertility Rate to the ideal 2.1, the state is gearing up to unveil a comprehensive population management policy by March, with implementation starting in April.

In an inspiring address, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed his admiration for Prime Minister Narendra Modis tireless efforts in promoting welfare programs. Carney highlighted the transformative financial reforms that have brought countless individuals into Indias formal economy. Remarkably, he noted Modi's 25-year streak without a single day off, showcasing his dedication.

During a recent press conference, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of West Bengal leveled strong criticisms against both the Central government and the Election Commission of India. Her major concern revolves around the concerning possibility that names from the Matua community could be removed from the voter list, undermining their essence of citizenship.

In a historic political shift, Nitish Kumar announced his resignation as the Chief Minister of Bihar on Thursday, filing his nomination for the Rajya Sabha polls. After a record-breaking 10 terms and nearly two decades at the helm, Kumars move to the Upper House of Parliament paves the way for the BJP to potentially appoint Bihars first-ever Chief Minister from their party.

Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar has arrived in Kochi for a three day mission focused on the Assembly elections. A familiar face in the region as a former District Collector, hes poised to engage with the youth, promoting voter education through interactive campaigns.

Finnish President Alexander Stubb is on a state visit to India. He met Prime Minister Narendra Modi to strengthen ties. Stubb called India a key strategic partner for Europe. He emphasized India's importance in global affairs. Reforms in global institutions were discussed. India's permanent seat at the UN Security Council is crucial. The visit aims to deepen cooperation across sectors.

India's external sector outlook remains broadly manageable but faces rising risks from geopolitical developments in West Asia that could push up crude oil prices and widen the current account deficit (CAD), according to a recent research note by Yes Bank. The report noted that India recorded a Balance of Payments (BoP) deficit of USD 24.4 billion in Q3 FY26, wider than the USD 10.9 billion deficit in the previous quarter, largely due to capital account outflows.

Iran's internet is still around 1 percent of ordinary levels, monitor Netblocks said on Thursday, leaving most Iranians struggling to access independent news or communicate with the outside world. Iran's internet blackout has now exceeded 120 hours with connectivity still flatlining around 1 percent of ordinary levels, internet monitor Netblocks said in a message posted on social media platform X on Thursday.

A high-earning professional earning Rs 3 lakh monthly was financially vulnerable due to poor savings and high expenses. By rebuilding their budget, establishing an emergency fund, and gradually increasing SIP contributions from Rs 10,000 to Rs 60,000, their potential wealth grew significantly, demonstrating the power of disciplined money management over income alone.

A young Indian traveller, Arjun Teotia, returned from Dubai amidst Iran-Israel tensions and became an online sensation. His account of witnessing escalating hostilities and hearing explosions garnered attention, but his striking appearance quickly captivated social media users, leading to a surge in his online popularity.

In a significant move, Petronet LNG, Indias foremost LNG importer, has invoked force majeure, affecting its shipments from QatarEnergy and local buyers. The ongoing unrest in West Asia has severely hampered shipping operations in the Strait of Hormuz, leading to elevated risks for maritime traffic.

Metabolic diseases are rising in India due to processed foods. Dr Sudhir Kumar advises eliminating liquid sugar, refined flour biscuits, packaged namkeens, traditional deep-fried snacks, and excessive white rice. These changes support balanced blood sugar, healthy insulin response, and reduced inflammation. Prioritizing fiber, protein, and healthy fats safeguards long-term health.

Azerbaijan is preparing to retaliate after Iranian drones struck Nakhichevan Airport and a school. Two civilians were wounded in the midday attacks. The foreign ministry summoned the Iranian envoy to protest the violation of international law. Azerbaijan vows to protect its territorial integrity and sovereignty. These attacks will not go unanswered.

MakeMyTrip said Flamingo's popular international and domestic group travel packages, which are currently sold largely through 51 offices across Gujarat, Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, will complement MakeMyTrip's established holiday packages business.

Defending champions India are set to face England in the second semi-final of the T20 World Cup 2026 at Mumbais iconic Wankhede Stadium this Thursday. Former England pacer Stuart Broad has identified this one player as the huge danger for the Three Lions, emphasizing that his aura and effortless power hitting could propel India past the 200-run mark if not dismissed before the death overs.

The current global shipping crisis is hitting Indian rice exporters hard, forcing the Indian Rice Exporters Federation to call on the government for immediate support. As they grapple with a severe lack of containers, unexpected vessel cancellations, and skyrocketing shipping costs, the domestic market is feeling the squeeze with rising prices and strained cash flow.

A Bengaluru tech professional, Sushma, died by suicide at her residence. Police are investigating allegations of dowry harassment by her husband, Puneeth Kumar, and in-laws. Sushma's family claims frequent quarrels preceded the incident. Her husband is in custody for questioning. The couple had a four-year-old son. The investigation is ongoing.

India's industrial landscape is experiencing a remarkable transformation as demand for manufacturing leads to unprecedented absorption rates. Companies are increasingly focused on building resilient supply chains, reflecting a broader trend towards stability and efficiency. The e-commerce and logistics sectors are also thriving, marking a pivotal moment for India's status as an essential hub for manufacturing and distribution.

Achieving a Rs 1 crore net worth by 35 is attainable through disciplined investing and smart money management, according to financial expert Nitin Kaushik. He advises a balanced portfolio with equities, real estate, and fixed deposits, emphasizing adequate liquidity and an emergency fund to safeguard against market volatility and unexpected expenses, ensuring financial peace of mind.

In a striking accusation, Russia asserts that the U.S. and Israel are purposefully agitating Iran to ensnare Arab countries in a broader conflict across the Middle East. Amid these fraught exchanges, Iran has retaliated with drone and missile assaults on crucial oil infrastructure.

3i Atlas update: It is only the third known interstellar object observed passing through the solar system, offering rare insights into material from another star system.

Saaniya Chandhok and Arjun Tendulkar tied the knot today at St. Regis Hotel in Mumbai and the high-profile wedding was attended by many Bollywood stars. Saaniya Chandhok is the granddaughter of Ravi Ghai, whose Graviss Group operates popular ice-cream brands like Baskin Robbins and Brooklyn Creamery. Saaniya launched Mr Paws Pet Spa & Store in Mumbai in 2022. Reports suggest that Saaniya Chandhok and Arjun Tendulkar knew each other through Mumbai's elite circles.

Amidst escalating conflicts in the Middle East and North Africa, Indian car manufacturers are strategically pausing their vehicle shipments to the affected regions. This shift comes as sea routes face disruptions and freight costs soar. By avoiding the financial burden of increased surcharges and war-risk insurance, automakers are taking a cautious approach.

Brown-Forman is set to introduce premium spirits like El Jimador and Herradura tequila, along with Benriach whisky, to India within two to three years. The company aims to make India a leading international market. This expansion aligns with India's growing affluent consumer base and its projected rise as the world's largest spirits market by volume by 2032.

As tensions rise in Iran due to US and Israeli interventions, India's economy finds itself at a crossroads. Unlike direct price hikes, the real concern lies within broader economic stability, leading the Reserve Bank of India to likely maintain lower interest rates. The repercussions of elevated oil prices and interrupted gas supplies are reverberating through the markets.

Karima Ben Abdelmalek talks leadership and partnership during her tenure as CEO of happn, the lovechild of romance and technology. She stresses authenticity and user rights. Leaders must be intentional in building gender-balanced teams. Technology can enhance connections, but must not obstruct real-world interaction. Adapting to city nuances and ensuring user safety are key priorities for dating apps.

Thursday witnessed a series of explosive events across the Gulf region, as Doha, Qatar echoed with blasts following Iranian strikes. The situation prompted an immediate diplomatic conversation between Qatar's prime minister and Iran's foreign minister. Not far away, Manama, Bahrain experienced similar turbulence, while Saudi Arabia demonstrated its military prowess by intercepting various missile threats.

Why are US stock market index futures down today and Dow Jones, S&P 500 and Nasdaq in red now? Wall Street futures moved lower as investors reacted to Middle East war developments, rising oil prices and inflation concerns. Dow, S&P 500 and Nasdaq futures fell while markets wait for economic data and Federal Reserve signals.

Mohammad Arif from Jharkhand has hand-crafted a Maruti 800 into a Lamborghini-inspired replica for around Rs 4 lakh. The custom build features fiberglass body panels, a wide stance, and a striking neon green finish, along with a sporty two-seater interior and sunroof. This unique creation has gone viral online, capturing the attention of car enthusiasts and social media users alike.

Maharashtra is poised for an economic boom, with projections indicating a growth rate of 7.9 percent for 2025-26, outpacing the national average. The state's services sector is primed to drive this growth forward. With a Gross State Domestic Product anticipated to hit Rs 51 lakh crore, Maharashtra remains a magnet for investment, supported by a robust financial framework.

Germany's economy could face a significant blow of 40 billion euros over the next two years. Projections indicate that rising oil prices, stemming from the Iran conflict, threaten economic recovery. Higher oil costs could reduce Germany's GDP by 0.3% in 2026 and 0.6% in 2027. If oil prices surge further, the economic impact could exceed 80 billion euros.

Speaking at a Joint Press Meeting at Hyderabad House alongside Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Stubb said the world is currently witnessing a transition in the global order, with countries of the Global South playing a crucial role in shaping its direction.

Kareena Kapoor Khan prioritises her emotional well-being by consciously avoiding negative people and surrounding herself with those who share a similar positive outlook. She is currently gearing up for the release of her next movie Daayra alongside Prithviraj Sukumaran, directed by Meghna Gulzar. Read on!

Israel faces a staggering NIS 9.4 billion weekly economic loss due to ongoing war restrictions. The Finance Ministry is pushing for a gradual reopening of businesses and workplaces. This move aims to balance crucial security needs with the urgent demands of the economy. The current broad shutdown carries heavy costs.

In a recent address, Rahul Gandhi took aim at Prime Minister Modi, pointing out that the unrest in West Asia is having repercussions on India's immediate interests. He raised alarms about potential disruptions to India's oil supply lines, referencing the sinking of an Iranian warship in the Indian Ocean as a concerning development.

Iran war: A report by Politico based on an internal Pentagon notification indicates that US Central Command has requested additional military intelligence officers to support operations against Iran for at least 100 days -- and potentially through September.

Bollywood actor Lara Dutta and her daughter are experiencing emotional strain in Dubai due to escalating Middle East hostilities. Dutta recounted witnessing missile interceptions and hearing blasts, highlighting the unsettling atmosphere despite feeling personally safe. She praised UAE authorities for their protective measures and admired the resilience of essential workers.

A truck driver named Nehru transformed the life of Arun Kumar, a young boy forced to drop out of school due to poverty. Nehru took Arun under his wing, teaching him on the road and supporting his education. Arun eventually passed his 10th-grade board exams, a testament to their combined efforts.

Sri Lanka is addressing a second Iranian ship in its waters. This follows a U.S. submarine strike that sank an Iranian warship, killing 87 sailors. Sri Lanka is working to ensure the safety of those on board the new vessel. The IRIS Dena, the sunk warship, had participated in an Indian naval exercise. Search for missing sailors continues.

Bihar's political landscape shifted as Chief Minister Nitish Kumar made headlines by filing his nomination for the Rajya Sabha, joined by Union Home Minister Amit Shah. The event saw a flurry of nominations from other NDA party members, reinforcing their unity.

The United States and Canada detected two Russian military aircraft near the US state of Alaska on Wednesday, the joint US-Canadian North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) said. The Russian aircraft remained in international airspace and did not enter American or Canadian sovereign airspace, NORAD said in a statement.

In a groundbreaking alliance, Pocket FM teams up with OpenAI to revolutionise the content landscape. This partnership will enhance the creative toolkit for more than 300,000 creators, enabling them to craft mesmerizing stories for a global audience.

Tamil romantic comedy Pookie, starring newcomers Ajay Dhishan and RK Dhanusha, is set for its digital release, after a lukewarm theatrical run. The film, directed by Ganesh Chandra and produced by Vijay Antony, explores modern love, break-ups, and how Gen Z navigates heartbreak. Read on to know when and where to watch it online.

Missiles and drones originating from Iran struck Nakhchivan International Airport in Azerbaijan's exclave on Thursday. The airport is situated approximately 10 kilometers from the Iranian border. This incident was reported by a source close to the Azerbaijani government.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Thursday launched a scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his government's handling of the Middle East crisis, calling it a eckless abdication of India's strategic and national interests and accusing the PM of surrendering India's foreign policy.

The Punjab Subordinate Services Selection Board's application window for 197 Excise and Taxation Inspector posts closes on March 6, 2026. Candidates must possess a bachelor's degree, Punjabi at matriculation, and basic computer knowledge, with age limits between 18 and 37. The selection involves a 100-mark objective written exam with negative marking.