The Economic Times

Recent graduates with tech degrees are facing unexpected job market struggles, with one user detailing over 500 applications leading to only two interviews and a return to restaurant work. This experience resonates with many, highlighting a perceived collapse in job opportunities despite strong academic backgrounds and internships.

A sudden all-hands meeting worried employees after a Sunday night email from the CEO. The meeting later revealed the company was acquired, raising fears of job cuts. Workers noticed unclear messages from leadership and mixed signals on job safety. Many employees, especially new hires, are now seeking advice on what to do next.

Senior care facilities operate under a patchwork of state lawsmany adapted from hospital, mental health or social welfare frameworks not designed for long-term elder care.

The government is looking to control the sale of Pregabalin. This common medicine is being misused. The government wants to make sure it is only sold with a doctor's prescription. This move follows concerns raised by authorities. Pregabalin is used for pain and seizures. Stricter rules are being considered to prevent its misuse.

These companies are also shifting from all-year round buying and instead acquiring raw materials in bulk during harvest seasons to reduce costs. High prices of wheat, edible oil, sugar, pulses, and other agri-commodities had squeezed margins at these companies last fiscal year.

A fatal Learjet 45 crash near Pune, killing five, is expected to trigger insurance claims of approximately 50 crore. The aircraft, insured by ICICI Lombard, was attempting to land when it crashed. This follows another aviation insurance claim of 18 crore earlier this month.

Celebrity brand endorsements saw a significant 22% decline in 2025, marking the steepest drop. Companies are shifting budgets from expensive celebrities to influencers, including nano-influencers, to connect with GenZ consumers and achieve better campaign measurement. While celebrities remain important in some categories, the trend favors community-focused advertising.

Indian private banks increased loan write-offs by over 22% in the December quarter. This move aims to clean balance sheets. Despite low reported bad loan ratios, underlying stress persists, especially in retail and unsecured lending. Banks are proactively managing credit costs. This trend highlights ongoing asset quality pressures that observers are watching closely.

PNB Housing Finance aims to balance growth and margins under a new leader with a five-year tenure, following frequent leadership changes. The company is shifting focus to higher-yielding affordable and mid-market housing loans, targeting a 45-50% share by FY28. This strategy, coupled with funding new developers, seeks to improve profitability and address investor concerns.

INOX Clean Energy is securing a 3,400 crore, 20-year loan from NaBFID to refinance debt post-acquisition of Macquarie's Vibrant Energy. This loan, priced between 8-8.50%, will be secured by seven solar, wind, and hybrid projects with long-term PPAs. The move aims to retire expensive debt and reduce the company's equity component.

Hindustan Unilever is restructuring its marketing leadership, appointing new heads across segments to bolster brand building amidst intensifying competition. This strategic shift aims to sharpen brand focus, accelerate decision-making, and adapt to evolving consumer preferences in India's dynamic market.

Data analyst career struggle: A Reddit post detailing a data analyst's struggles with job retention has gone viral, sparking discussions about career misalignment and potential focus issues. Users suggested ADHD evaluations and alternative career paths like project management or logistics, emphasizing the importance of understanding data fundamentals and coping strategies.

When will Amazon Fresh and Amazon Go stores close down and will Amazon.com grocery delivery still work or stop? Amazon will shut 72 physical grocery stores by February 1. California stores will close later. Amazon Fresh online and grocery delivery from Amazon.com will continue without interruption.

Under the EU-Turkey Customs Union, Turkiye has to match the EU's common external tariff. So, when the EU lowers its tariffs for an FTA partner such as India, Turkiye would have to extend the same benefit to India.

Nicki Minaj is supporting Trump accounts, a new savings plan for children in the United States. The program helps kids build money early in life with help from the government, companies, and donors. A White House event is promoting the plan, and more famous people and businesses may join to support childrens future savings.

Deccan Gold Mines will begin drilling at its critical mineral projects in India and overseas this quarter. The company plans to establish small-scale processing facilities by mid-2027. DGM is exploring nickel, copper, and platinum group elements in Chhattisgarh. In Mozambique, focus will be on lithium, tantalum, and copper. A tungsten project in Spain is also advancing.

A new poll indicates former President Barack Obama leads Donald Trump by 11 points in a hypothetical 2028 matchup, though neither is constitutionally eligible to run. The survey found 34% support allowing three terms, while nearly 60% oppose it. Talk of Trump seeking a third term has circulated, with Trump 2028 merchandise already on sale.

The investment required for upcoming PSPs is estimated at around Rs 5.8 lakh crore, calculated at an average cost of Rs 6 crore per MW, CEA said in a report outlining the roadmap for PSPs till 2035-36 on Wednesday.

After losing a $140,000 Fortune 500 position in mid-2024, one professionals seven-month unemployment spiral resulted in lower-paying government work and a continuing battle to return to his former income level. Despite steady applications, he experiences repeated rejection and ghosting, sparking tension at home as his wife struggles to understand how unforgiving todays hiring landscape has become.

A family dispute over control of GreatWhite Global is nearing resolution as Mehul Shah emerges as the successful bidder to acquire his brother Hemang Shah's 50% stake. The National Company Law Tribunal has directed both parties to expedite the conclusion of the bidding process, with a hearing scheduled for March 6.

Under the existing system, the authority then oversees claim settlements and verifications, with the relevant companies playing a key part in the stipulated processes. The proposed move aims to do away with further verification by the IEPFA in cases of low-value claims to ensure faster settlement, as per the draft rules firmed up by the authority.

Maruti Suzuki's third-quarter net profit rose 3.7 percent. This missed market expectations. Weak exports and a one-time provision impacted the results. However, the company achieved its best-ever quarterly net sales. Strong demand during the festive season and a GST reduction boosted sales. Domestic sales volume also reached a record high.

Indian manufacturing CXOs prioritize tax relief and reduced compliance costs in the upcoming budget, with over half flagging it as a top concern. The survey also highlighted the need for demand-side support, faster approvals, and improved logistics, with MSMEs identified as requiring the most policy assistance.

India's insolvency law is set for significant changes. These amendments aim to bring the system in line with global practices. The goal is to enhance the rescue of struggling companies. The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India chairman highlighted these upcoming improvements.

This government backing aims to support the sector facing delinquencies and funding challenges. The scheme will incentivize banks to lend to microfinance institutions, especially smaller ones. It will be implemented outside the union budget framework and announced after Cabinet clearance.

Gold and silver have hit record highs, fueled by strong demand and a dropped value of the US dollar. Escalating geopolitical tensions are also playing a significant role in this upward trend. Wealthy investors are turning to gold as a safe haven, while traders explore financing options for gold acquisitions.

India significantly boosted fertilizer imports this fiscal year. Urea imports rose 85%, DAP 46%, and NPK 122%. This helped meet demand for key crop nutrition months. Urea sales increased despite lower domestic production. DAP sales saw a slight dip, but imports ensured availability. Complex fertilizer production grew, with imports more than doubling.

Tata Power Delhi, a joint venture between the Delhi government and Tata Power Co., supplies electricity in Delhi's northern areas.

Global energy markets are starting 2026 with plentiful oil, gas, and renewable supplies. Prices are expected to remain stable, encouraging economic and demand growth. India is strategically discussing its energy mix. However, electricity transmission faces significant logistical hurdles due to rising power demand from data centers and AI infrastructure.

BJP president Nitin Nabin visited West Bengal and strongly criticized the Trinamool government. He alleged infiltration, corruption, and misrule. Nabin claimed the Trinamool government protects infiltrators and targets Hindus. He stated there is a deliberate attempt to turn West Bengal into Bangladesh. Nabin expressed concern over demographic changes and the alleged intention to merge West Bengal with Bangladesh.

Novak Djokovic moves closer to a record Australian Open title. He advanced after Lorenzo Musetti retired injured while leading. Iga Swiatek's Grand Slam bid ended with a loss to Elena Rybakina. Jessica Pegula also reached the semi-finals. Djokovic expressed sympathy for Musetti's unfortunate situation.

The temporary relaxation was provided only to IndiGo following an operational meltdown at India's largest airline last December. For long-haul and ultra long-haul flights of Air India, the extension will continue till March 31. Carriers are pushing for another extension as well.

West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee will meet the Chief Election Commissioner in Delhi regarding concerns over special intensive revision processes. This follows her public rally in Singur, where she criticized PM Modi for not initiating industrial projects and pledged to develop both agriculture and industry in the region, promising employment opportunities.

Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma has directed BJP workers to file bulk Form-7 objections against 'Miyas' during the electoral roll revision, citing suspected Bangladeshi infiltrators. This move follows Congress's allegations of unsubstantiated Form-7 submissions and calls for electoral officer intervention.

President Droupadi Murmu urged Parliamentarians to unite on national interests like Viksit Bharat, security, and unity, emphasizing these transcend political differences. She highlighted the continuous journey towards a developed India by 2047, acknowledging the impact of government schemes and the nation's growing self-reliance, particularly in defence.

Rob Schneiders wife of 15 years, Patricia Schneider, has filed for divorce, officially concluding their long-standing marriage. The filing initiates in motion a confidential legal procedure which includes parental obligations and a sealed consent decree covering custody, finances, and property matters. The duo share two daughters, while Schneider is also father to singer Elle King from a previous marriage.

With the unfortunate passing of Ajit Pawar, the Nationalist Congress Party is at a crossroads. His widow, Sunetra Pawar, emerges as a strong contender for leadership. Meanwhile, the party grapples with ongoing merger discussions with the Sharad Pawar faction, as recent electoral setbacks underscore a pressing need for strategic recalibration.

Ajit Pawar, a dynamic force in Maharashtra politics, left an indelible mark as the deputy chief minister. He adeptly intertwined the economic landscape of Baramati with the NCP, fortifying the Pawar legacy. Known for his bold demeanor and quick temper, his clashes with party elders were frequent, as he ambitiously strove for leadership.

Who is Colleen Aubrey and what is Project Dawn? Amazon announced a second wave of 16,000 corporate job cuts. The layoffs, linked to Project Dawn, involve AWS, retail, and corporate teams. Employees will get internal reapplication opportunities, severance, and benefits. The cuts reflect efficiency and AI-driven restructuring.

Todd Monken: The Cleveland Browns have hired Todd Monken as their new head coach, bringing in the former Ravens offensive coordinator for his first NFL head coaching role. Monken previously served as the Browns' offensive coordinator in 2019 and is known for his successful offenses, including back-to-back national championships with Georgia and leading Baltimore's top-ranked unit.

Writers and filmmakers use verisimilitude to make stories feel real. Details like names, places, dialogue, and small actions help readers connect with the story. Even fantasy or imaginative works can include it. Realistic elements make characters, settings, and events believable. Verisimilitude helps readers feel involved and trust the story, making it more interesting and lifelike.

JSW Energy is set to build its first nuclear power plant by 2030. The company is exploring different reactor technologies, including large and small modular options. A pilot plant will be constructed first to understand operations. Site selection is also in progress. JSW Energy aims for timely execution and cost control in this significant venture.

iQOO is set to launch its 15R smartphone in India by the fourth week of February, featuring Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 chipset and a 1.5K AMOLED display with a 144Hz refresh rate. The device will compete in the under Rs. 55,000 segment, boasting a 7,600mAh battery with 100W fast charging and up to 1TB storage.

February brings the Snow Moon on Sunday, February 1. This celestial event reaches peak illumination in the afternoon. Later in the month, on February 28, a planetary parade will feature Mercury, Venus, Neptune, Saturn, Uranus, and Jupiter. Visibility in Tennessee may be limited due to cloudy skies. Other names for this moon include Bald Eagle Moon and Bear Moon.

Canada is positioning itself as a dependable energy partner for India. Canadian energy minister Tim Hodgson stated Canada can supply crude oil, LNG, and LPG at competitive prices. This move aims to diversify Canada's energy exports beyond the United States. Canada sees energy as a key to doubling trade with India by 2030.