The Economic Times

Google Chrome AI model: A report by security researcher Alexander Hanff has raised concerns that Google Chrome may be downloading a 4GB AI model onto some users devices without clear permission. The file, linked to on-device AI features, is reportedly installed after Chrome checks system compatibility. Many users may not notice the download until they see reduced storage or increased data usage.

Tamil Nadu leads all states in average MLA wealth at 48.34 crore, driven largely by the Martin family, AIADMK's Leemarose Martin from Lalgudi tops the national list with assets worth 5,863.7 crore, followed by TVK's C Joseph Vijay at 648.9 crore.

Puducherry's 15th Legislative Assembly has been dissolved by Lieutenant Governor K Kailashnathan, effective May 5. This follows the election results announced on May 4, which saw N Rangasamy's AINRC-led NDA secure a decisive victory, winning 18 seats in the 30-member House.

Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam's success involved key figures beyond Vijay. N Anand, Aadhhav Arjuna, K G Arunraj, K A Sengottaiyan, and J C D Prabhakar were instrumental. Their diverse backgrounds, from fan club leadership to former civil service and veteran politics, contributed significantly. These individuals' efforts shaped the party's electoral outcomes.

African Proverb of the day: An African proverb compares knowledge to a garden, emphasizing that intellectual and personal growth requires consistent care and effort. Just as a garden needs nurturing to yield a harvest, knowledge must be actively developed through practice and continuous learning to produce wisdom, skill, and success.

Quote of the day by Angelina Jolie: She emphasizes that life's trajectory is shaped by everyday choices, not just grand plans. Her philosophy highlights that personal growth stems from action and experience, rather than a pursuit of perfection, ultimately defining who we become.

Chandranath Rath, executive assistant to BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari, was shot dead by unidentified assailants in West Bengal's North 24 Parganas district. The attack occurred on a public road in Madhyamgram. Rath sustained critical injuries and was declared dead at a hospital. This incident follows violence in Sandeshkhali's Nazat, where security personnel were injured.

Congress MLAs in Kerala will meet in Thiruvananthapuram on Thursday to select a new chief minister. Senior leaders Mukul Wasnik and Ajay Maken are in the state capital to gather opinions. The party aims to complete the selection process by Sunday. Several leaders are considered frontrunners for the top post.

Roth IRA is a smart way to pass money to family with less tax. It allows tax-free growth and easy transfer to heirs. There are simple rules for withdrawal and time limits heirs must follow. It also helps avoid extra legal costs. Many people use it to build long-term wealth and give financial support to the next generation safely.

Vijay's TVK party won 108 seats and sought to form the government. The governor's approval for the oath-taking ceremony was uncertain. Congress offered conditional support to TVK, breaking ties with DMK. Left parties and AIADMK ruled out support for TVK. Talks of a DMK-AIADMK alliance surfaced but were deemed unworkable.

Landman Season 3 update: Season 3 of Landman is progressing quickly, with director Stephen Kay confirming that episodes are being edited during filming. The series, created by Taylor Sheridan, continues to gain momentum after strong viewership. While details about the plot remain limited, returning cast members are expected.

The new BJP government in West Bengal will be sworn in on May 9. The oath-taking ceremony will take place at Brigade Parade Ground in Kolkata. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to attend the event. Senior leader Suvendu Adhikari is reportedly leading the race for the chief minister's post.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has resigned with his cabinet. This paves the way for a new NDA government. The Governor has accepted the resignation and the dissolution of the assembly. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to attend the new government's swearing-in ceremony. This event is anticipated to occur after May 11.

Godrej Consumer Products Ltd anticipates margin pressure in the coming quarters. Elevated crude oil prices are impacting input costs. However, the company believes this inflation cycle is manageable. They expect higher revenue despite margin challenges. This situation is seen as less disruptive than previous commodity price spikes.

Private hospitals in India are feeling the pinch as government health schemes yield diminishing returns. This downturn provokes a critical reassessment of how these institutions engage with such programs. Delays in payments, inadequate reimbursements, and imposed pricing caps are underscored as significant challenges. As a result, many hospital chains are recalibrating their payer strategies.

India's services exports hit a record $421.3 billion in fiscal year 2026. This pushed total goods and services exports to an all-time high of $863.1 billion. Services exports saw an 8.7% increase. Merchandise exports also grew, contributing significantly. This performance highlights India's strong export capabilities amidst global challenges. Each quarter of fiscal year 2026 achieved peak export levels.

The new refrigerants called hydrofluoroolefins, or HFOs, are quickly replacing older hydrofluorocarbons, or HFCs, in the USA and Europe as they are believed to have zero ozone depletion potential. The refrigerant gas industry is governed by the Montreal protocol and as a signatory to this deal, India has o move towards lower global warming gases, Bharat Ram said.

The Bombay High Court has ruled in favour of Sun Pharmaceutical Industries. The court has restrained United Biotech from using a similar trademark. Sun Pharma's 'Octride' mark is protected. The dispute involves drugs for acromegaly and carcinoid tumours. The court found Sun Pharma had a stronger claim. This decision protects Sun Pharma's reputation and goodwill.

Royal Enfield is investing Rs 2,200 crore to build a new manufacturing facility and vendor park in Andhra Pradesh. This marks the company's first expansion outside Tamil Nadu. The new plant will significantly increase Royal Enfield's annual motorcycle production capacity. The project is expected to create thousands of jobs and boost Andhra Pradesh's manufacturing sector.

Bank lending in the UAE is slowing down. Lenders are becoming more careful with new loans. This is happening because of the ongoing Iran conflict. Businesses in real estate and construction are finding it harder to get credit. Banks are setting aside more money to cover potential risks. Some businesses are now looking for private lenders.

New rules are set for companies managing their own provident fund trusts. Mandatory annual audits are replaced by a risk-based system. Interest rates offered by these trusts will now be capped. Exempted establishments can retain their status after mergers and acquisitions. These changes aim to strengthen oversight and improve ease of doing business.

India's Op Sindoor offers a model for modern warfare. Unlike protracted conflicts, it used calibrated force with clear objectives. The operation swiftly degraded Pakistani infrastructure and restored deterrence. This approach achieved mission goals within 88 hours. It highlights the importance of controlled escalation and disengagement for national interests and prestige.

India and Vietnam elevated their ties to an 'Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership', signing 13 MoUs focused on defense and economic cooperation, including banking and digital payments. Both nations aim to boost bilateral trade to $25 billion by 2030 and strengthen financial connectivity through central bank cooperation and linking payment systems.

United Breweries, a major player in India's beer market, is preparing to withdraw from unprofitable regions due to soaring input costs and rigid state pricing controls. The company, facing a significant hit to profitability, will make tough decisions regarding supply, promotions, and market prioritization to ensure financial viability.

Diageo has experienced an unforeseen surge in sales for the latest quarter, attributed to robust growth in Africa and Latin America that successfully counterbalanced a slowdown in the U.S. market. As the company upholds its annual forecast, it is simultaneously grappling with issues stemming from decreased consumer expenditure and shifting market dynamics.

Anne Rice's quote, You do have a story inside you; it lies articulate and waiting to be written behind your silence and your suffering, emphasizes that every individual possesses a rich inner narrative shaped by their experiences.

Communications minister Jyotiraditya Scindia convened an unscheduled meeting last week with telecom companies and academia to understand the severity of the situation, and industry's cyber preparedness to tackle potential threats, the people said.

Anthropic pre-IPO valuation explained: AI startup Anthropic's implied pre-IPO valuation has surged to a record $1.2 trillion, a 20% increase in just one week. This rapid ascent, driven by significant cloud and chip spending plans and strategic partnerships, positions Anthropic as a major player in the global tech landscape.

Quad foreign ministers will convene in Delhi to counter China's growing influence, focusing on critical minerals, technology, and supply chains. This meeting follows the US President's China visit. Meanwhile, Indian companies committed a record $20.5 billion in investments to the US, bolstering bilateral trade and strengthening supply chains, particularly in pharmaceuticals.

In a strategic pivot, Larsen and Toubro has recalibrated its ambitious Lakshya Plan 2031, now earmarking an impressive 43,000 crore for investment in the forthcoming five years. The adjustments signal a broader order book and highlighted uncertainties in Middle Eastern markets.

Chandranath Rath, personal assistant to BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari, was shot multiple times in North 24 Parganas district. The incident occurred Wednesday night in the Madhyamgram area. Rath was targeted on a public road and is receiving treatment at a private hospital. Police have launched an investigation into the attack.

Wednesday marked a notable rise in gold and silver prices as hopes for a truce in the West Asia conflict sent ripples through the market. Gold experienced a remarkable spike on the MCX platform, while silver futures also climbed higher. Market analysts pointed to a surge in investment interest for gold, though they advised some caution regarding silver investments.

Social Security May 2026 benefits update: The hidden calendar shift behind later SSA payments for millions of Americans. Social Security May 2026 payment schedule is trending across searches this week. Nearly 75 million Americans depend on these monthly benefits. This May feels different. Payments seem late at first glance. But the Social Security May 2026 payment schedule has not changed.

Thought of the day: Haruki Murakami has crafted a literary universe where the lines between reality and imagination often blur, yet his insights into human nature remain remarkably clear.

Chinese proverb of the day explains how a childs life is shaped by every interaction with parents, teachers, and society. The proverb compares childhood to paper that receives marks from everyone. The message highlights parenting, motherhood, education, human nature, mentorship, and responsibility. It reminds adults that daily words and actions influence development, values, personality, and life direction. The teaching encourages care, kindness, and awareness in every moment with children.

Amidst the backdrop of escalating component prices, Samsung has entered negotiations with the government, aiming to revisit the terms of their smartphone and IT hardware supply contracts. While the demand from government sectors remains robust, the tech giant is striving to adjust these contracts to reflect the financial pressures they're facing.

A new report says many Gen Z workers are facing job struggles as companies change hiring rules in the AI era. Experts say the issue is linked to changing work values, fewer beginner jobs, and different expectations between young employees and employers. As AI grows, Gen Z may need to rethink career choices and workplace habits to succeed.

Israel launched an airstrike on Beirut's southern suburbs Wednesday, the first since an April 17 ceasefire, targeting a Hezbollah Radwan Force commander. This escalation follows continued fighting in southern Lebanon and previous major strikes on Beirut in early April. The unannounced attack marks a significant development in the ongoing conflict.

Hayden Panettiere has publicly come out as bisexual, sharing her journey in her new memoir. The actress revealed it was a scary experience dating women due to paparazzi and societal perceptions, but she is now comfortable sharing her truth. Panettiere also discussed her past struggles with abusive relationships and addiction.

An American fighter jet destroyed the rudder of an Iranian oil tanker in the Gulf of Oman on Wednesday for attempting to breach a US blockade. The incident occurred despite an official ceasefire and ongoing negotiations for a war-ending agreement. US Central Command stated multiple warnings were issued to the vessel.

Hair growth on toes can indicate circulatory system health, according to Dr. Shraddhey Katiyar. Reduced hair may signal restricted blood flow, potentially linked to long-term insulin resistance and diabetes. This subtle sign, when combined with other symptoms like cold feet or slow-healing cuts, warrants medical evaluation for early detection of vascular issues.

Sunetra Pawar has resigned from her Rajya Sabha seat. This comes just two days after her significant victory in the Baramati assembly bypoll. She secured a record margin of over 2 lakh votes. Pawar had become a Rajya Sabha member in June 2024. She was sworn in as Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra on January 31.

President Donald Trump has signed a new national counterterrorism strategy. This plan prioritizes neutralizing threats in the Americas by crippling cartel operations. It also targets violent, anti-American political groups within the United States. The strategy aims to protect America's homeland. International partners will also be consulted on combating threats from Iran.

Barak Ravid and the Iran Leak Pipeline: The name Barak Ravid keeps appearing whenever sensitive Iran stories break in Washington. A new leak about Iranian responses to U.S. proposals. A private White House discussion. Israeli intelligence assessments. Anonymous officials shaping the narrative before formal policy announcements. Again and again, the same reporter lands at the center of the information cycle. That repetition has triggered a broader debate far bigger than one journalist. Is this si

The West Asia conflict is softening demand for entry-level motorcycles in India. Bajaj Auto sees a significant slowdown from over 20 percent growth to an expected 7-9 percent. Conversely, electric scooters are gaining traction, with Bajaj Auto's Chetak sales surging. Rising fuel prices and commodity costs are also influencing consumer choices towards electric alternatives. The industry anticipates continued challenges.