The Economic Times
Elections 2026Economy / The Economic Times
Residents near the Habibpur Border in Ahio face challenges. A closed primary health centre forces villagers to travel for medical care. While some infiltration occurs, locals say it is low due to BSF presence. Development and basic facilities remain a concern for these long-term residents.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi pledges a 'double-engine government' for West Bengal post-assembly polls. He promises to remove infiltrators and ensure government employees receive Seventh Pay Commission benefits. Modi also vows to end the 'mafia raj' and 'syndicates' plaguing the state. Corrupt Trinamool workers will face punishment, and all scam-related files will be reopened.
Tamil Nadu's Chief Minister MK Stalin has voiced skepticism regarding the introduction of the 33% women's reservation bill at this juncture. He perceives it as a politically motivated maneuver designed to attract voters as elections loom. With grave concerns surrounding delimitation and the potential dilution of OBC representation, Stalin underscores the additional fiscal burden it places on state governments.
The Social Security windfall is now real. Over $17 billion is being paid out. More than 3.1 million retirees are impacted. The Social Security windfall average retroactive payment stands near $6,710. This Social Security windfall follows the Social Security Fairness Act. Monthly benefits between $1,500 and $4,000 can quickly build substantial retroactive payouts. However, claiming Social Security retroactive benefits reduces future monthly income permanently for retirees. Experts warn delayed re
Americans can look forward to a summer filled with extra time off thanks to a calendar quirk in 2026. Four federal holidays will result in three-day weekends, offering extended breaks for many. This comes as research suggests a four-day work week could boost productivity and employee well-being.
NASA Artemis II return to Earth: Artemis II is set to splash down in the Pacific Ocean at 1:07 am BST on Saturday, concluding its historic lunar journey. The mission's most perilous phase, re-entry, involves extreme heat and speeds, with the spacecraft's heat shield playing a critical role. Recovery teams will be on standby following the intense 13-minute descent.
Scientists say the Kikai volcano near Japan is slowly filling with magma again after thousands of years. The underwater caldera shows steam and small earthquakes. Researchers warn this may signal future eruption risk. Studies suggest possible tsunamis and climate effects if it erupts. Experts are monitoring closely to understand supervolcano cycles and improve early warning for potential disasters in future.
Pakistan is hosting crucial peace talks between Iran and the United States. This mediation aims to stabilize the global economy and ease tensions. Security is tight in Islamabad for the high-stakes negotiations. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army Chief Asim Munir are leading the diplomatic efforts. Success could boost Pakistan's international standing.
Coachella: Manon Bannerman will not perform with KATSEYE at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival after HYBE confirmed she remains on hiatus. The singer has been on a health-related break since February, with no timeline for her return. Her absence from promotions and new music, including Pinky Up, has sparked speculation about her future in the group.
Iran's Supreme Leader Mojataba Ali Khamenei announced a new phase in managing the Strait of Hormuz. Tehran will seek retribution for attacks on the country. Iran is resolute in taking revenge for its late supreme leader and its martyrs. The nation is not seeking war but will not forfeit its rights. This signals a firm stance on its perceived entitlements.
In a significant diplomatic engagement, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri convened with top US officials in Washington to deliberate on key areas of cooperation, including defense and trade. The summit emphasized the urgency of fortifying supply chains in light of global economic fluctuations. Additionally, both parties shared insights on the evolving geopolitical landscape in the Indo-Pacific and West Asia.
Best companies to work for 2026: American employees have spoken about what makes a workplace great. A new survey reveals the top companies for employee satisfaction in 2026. These firms excel in pay, benefits, leadership, purpose, and appreciation. Fannie Mae, Fairway Home Mortgage Corp, Plante Moran, Progressive Insurance, and The Baldwin Group lead the rankings.
Sambhavam Adhyayam Onnu, the Malayalam mystery thriller starring Askar Ali, is set to make its OTT debut. Released in theatres on March 6, the film received a positive response, especially for its mix of mystery, horror, and a time-loop concept. Directed by Jithu Satheesan Mangalathu, the story is set in a forest region near the KeralaTamil Nadu border, where strange and unexplained events unfold.
Britain is providing 380 million pounds to Agratas, the battery division of India's Tata Group. This funding supports a new electric vehicle battery gigafactory in Somerset. The plant will boost domestic EV battery production and strengthen supply chains for zero-emission transport. It is set to be Britain's largest EV battery facility.
The Masters returns with top golfers and their stylish partners drawing attention. Rory McIlroy remains a big name after last years success, while Scottie Scheffler enters as favourite. WAGs like Paulina Gretzky and Presleigh Bhatia add glamour. Families, relationships, and support from sidelines make the tournament more exciting beyond just golf action.
After years of mystery, bestselling thriller author Freida McFadden has revealed her real identity as Sara Cohen. Known for The Housemaid series, Cohen balanced her writing career with her work as a doctor in Boston. She initially used a pen name to keep her medical life separate from her books, but with reduced clinical hours, she felt ready to share her true self.
Allowing an application filed by Rampur resident Dilip, Justice Saurabh Srivastava directed the regional passport officer to renew his passport without any delay.
Artemis II astronauts are nearing Earth after a historic moon trip. They describe the journey as surreal and profound. The crew is preparing for a fiery reentry into Earth's atmosphere. This mission marks humanity's return to lunar exploration after decades. The safe return of the astronauts is the top priority for NASA and the Defense Department.
At the Pokhran Firing Range, these advanced helicopters showcased precision strike capabilities by successfully launching AGM-114 Hellfire missiles, rockets and an active display of gunfire.
While Lopezs life may seem extraordinary, her message is strikingly universal. In a fast-paced world filled with comparison and pressure, affirmations offer a moment of pause, a chance to reconnect with ones own voice.
The US housing market is showing unexpected strength this spring. Mortgage rates are rising again. Yet buyers are still entering the market in large numbers. The average 30-year mortgage rate now stands at 6.356%. That is a fresh increase of 3 basis points. At the same time, global war uncertainty continues to pressure financial markets. Still, the US housing market is not slowing down. The biggest factor supporting the US housing market right now is seasonal demand. Spring is historically the b
Bengaluru Police have debunked claims of a 'zombie drug' affecting a man seen in a viral video. Investigations revealed the man was suffering from arthritis and had consumed prescribed pain medication with alcohol. Authorities urge the public to avoid sharing unverified information to prevent panic. The police are continuing their investigation into the matter.
Nancy Guthries disappearance is getting more confusing as a new ransom note appears. Investigators are checking if the message is real while a mystery person asks for Bitcoin. Police warn the demand could be fake. Officials say there is already a reward for real tips. The search continues as authorities try to find answers and confirm whether the latest clue is genuine.
West Asia War: The International Monetary Fund will reduce global growth predictions because of the Middle East war. IMF chief Kristalina Georgieva warned of lasting damage from the conflict. Spiraling energy costs, damaged infrastructure, and supply disruptions will slow growth. The IMF anticipates providing up to 50 billion dollars in financial aid to affected nations.
Quote of the day by Ringo Starr: He emphasizes learning through experience and embracing mistakes, rather than formal study. His journey from childhood illness to global fame with The Beatles highlights the power of persistence and taking action. Starr's philosophy encourages starting new endeavors without fear of imperfection, trusting the process of growth.
He said he was campaigning for his sister Vanathi Srinivasan and praised the hardworking nature of Coimbatore's people, adding that they were as cheerful as she was. He described Tamil Nadu as an economically strong and beautiful state, but alleged that development had stagnated over the past five years due to corruption.
Artificial intelligence is quietly revolutionizing the travel industry. Backend systems are becoming smarter, handling bookings, pricing, and customer support with less manual effort. This shift allows travel companies to operate more efficiently and scale without massive workforce increases. New AI-first platforms are emerging, offering competitive pricing.
Whats happening with WTI and Brent crude oil today? Why oil prices are surging $1 every hour. Oil price today is rising at an extraordinary pace across global energy markets. Brent crude is hovering near the $100 mark again. WTI crude is also climbing sharply with intraday gains nearing $1 every hour. Brent crude jumped over 12% within just 24 hours recently. WTI crude followed with similar sharp gains across trading sessions. These moves are rare and usually tied to supply shocks or war-like co
Jose Maria Olazabal, at 60 years old, surprisingly led the Masters after a strong start on Thursday. This remarkable performance, with birdies on the second and third holes, placed him atop the leaderboard, a feat that would make him the oldest first-round leader in the tournament's history if he maintains his position.
Businesses are now deciding whether to buy AI tools or build custom systems. AI-as-a-service offers quick solutions for simple tasks. Lab-as-a-service provides embedded teams for complex, tailored AI. This shift is crucial for high-trust, domain-specific AI applications. A hybrid approach combining both models is emerging for a layered AI ecosystem.
Foreign investors reduced their purchases of U.S. Treasury notes last month. This trend was observed across two-, five-, and seven-year maturities. The U.S. Treasury Department data revealed a significant drop in foreign buying. Meanwhile, large investment managers increased their holdings in five- and seven-year notes.
Sri Lankan Navy apprehended ten Indian fishermen and seized their trawler. The incident occurred in Sri Lankan waters north of Mannar. This year, the Navy has seized sixteen trawlers and arrested one hundred twelve Indian fishermen for alleged poaching. Thirty Indian fishermen were repatriated to India recently.
Sixty-one railway stations across the state are being redeveloped under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, he told the media in Bengaluru.
With WrestleMania regarded as WWEs biggest annual event, expectations are high for all performers. For IShowSpeed, the pressure is amplified by his outsider status and the intense rivalry storyline.
Gen Z professionals are challenging the notion of lacking drive, instead prioritizing workplace transparency and fairness. A recent social media post highlighted a Gen Z employee's direct questions about compensation for extra hours and career advancement, revealing a generation seeking clear expectations and proportional rewards for their efforts.
AI layoffs long term effects: Losing a job to AI could inflict deeper, lasting career damage than typical layoffs, economists warn. Displaced workers may face prolonged unemployment, lower wages, and delayed life milestones. While younger workers might adapt better, significant job displacement is a future concern, potentially impacting careers for years.
A frustrated employee on Reddit detailed a supervisor's unreasonable demands, including marking days as leave if daily progress reports were deemed unsatisfactory. This manager's alleged lack of leadership skills has reportedly led to skilled staff departures and project delays. The employee questions how such management persists and ponders HR involvement, fearing repercussions.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stated US leadership remains vital for the alliance. He noted Europe is increasing its defense spending and taking on a fairer share of responsibilities. Rutte credited former President Donald Trump for revitalising NATO.
A medical student reported his Bluetooth earphones allegedly burst, leading to eardrum inflammation. This incident raises concerns about earbud safety and loud audio. Experts warn that prolonged use of earbuds and high volumes can damage hearing. Early hearing loss is now seen in younger adults due to lifestyle habits. Protecting hearing is crucial.
Award-winning actor Michael Patrick, known for his roles in Blue Lights and Game of Thrones, has died at the age of 35 after a battle with motor neurone disease (MND). Diagnosed in 2022, Patrick continued to work and advocate for MND awareness, inspiring many with his spirit and creativity. He passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones.
A US-Iran ceasefire faces challenges as Israel intensifies strikes on Hezbollah in Lebanon. This escalation casts doubt on upcoming talks in Pakistan. Iran warns negotiations are meaningless amid the violence. The US views the ceasefire narrowly, while Iran seeks broader regional de-escalation. Events on the ground are outpacing diplomatic efforts, potentially weakening the credibility of the negotiations.
The fire started around midnight inside a very large warehouse. The building stored everyday items like tissues, paper towels, and toilet paper for the region. The warehouse is worth about $156 million (around Rs 1,446 crore), according to Zillow, as cited in Moneycontrol. Police quickly found the fire suspicious and identified a person of interest early in the investigation.
Nikhil Kamath, co-founder of Zerodha and one of Indias youngest billionaires, shared a candid Instagram post reflecting on how quickly life passes and youth fades. He wrote about being called sir by 25-year-old MBA students and realizing how time has flown, even without any extraordinary events. The post struck a chord with followers, sparking thousands of likes and heartfelt comments.

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