The Economic Times
Elections 2026Economy / The Economic Times
Think & Learn, the parent company of BYJU's, has approached the Supreme Court. They seek to stop Aakash Educational Services from moving forward with a 140 crore rights issue tranche. The Supreme Court will hear the plea on Tuesday. This legal battle concerns the allotment of shares in the rights issue.
Enforcement Directorate has taken cognisance of a chargesheet in a bank loan fraud case. A Delhi court has issued notices to Videocon Group promoter Venugopal Dhoot and others. The case involves alleged diversion of funds meant for oil and gas assets. The agency has quantified the alleged proceeds of crime. The money laundering case stems from a CBI FIR.
A post on Reddit says many job resumes fail because ATS systems cannot read them properly. A man tested resume software for months and found small mistakes like wrong keywords, fancy designs, and bad formats can hide applications. The main lesson is simple: job seekers must make resumes easy for ATS to read so recruiters can actually see them.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is in Oslo to boost India's bio-pharma and semiconductor sectors. She will meet Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store and discuss capital investments with industry leaders. Sitharaman will also highlight India's Biopharma SHAKTI plan and semiconductor missions. Earlier, she attended the Munich Security Conference, emphasizing economic stability's link to global security.
India's unemployment rate saw a slight increase in January, reaching 5%. Joblessness rose more significantly for women compared to men. Rural unemployment edged up, while urban unemployment also increased. The labour force participation rate experienced a minor dip. Youth unemployment also saw a rise, primarily driven by female joblessness.
AI hard drive shortage 2026: Hard drive prices are set to climb. Western Digital, a major manufacturer, has sold all its storage capacity for 2026. This surge is driven by AI companies needing vast amounts of hardware. Top clients have secured multi-year deals, leaving little for regular buyers. Consumers can expect ongoing shortages and higher costs.
India's chief negotiator Darpan Jain will lead a delegation to Washington next week to finalize the legal agreement for the India-US trade deal, aiming for a March signing. The visit follows the finalization of an interim trade agreement framework, with virtual talks ongoing to translate contours into a legal pact.
BJP leader Tejasvi Surya welcomed US Ambassador Sergio Gor to Bengaluru. They discussed the expanding India-US partnership in trade, technology, and innovation. Surya highlighted Bengaluru's role, noting its blend of tradition and cutting-edge innovation. The city hosts many American companies and drives software exports. The leaders also shared a ride in a Namma Auto.
A nine-judge bench will hear cases on women's entry to religious sites. This includes the Sabarimala Temple in Kerala. The hearings begin on April 7 and are expected to end by April 22. The court will examine seven legal questions. The ruling will affect other religious entry cases. This is a significant development for women's rights in India.
The Supreme Court has strongly criticized the trend of using the apex court for political purposes during elections. Chief Justice of India Surya Kant urged leaders and parties to show restraint and adhere to constitutional morality. The court refused to hear petitions against Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma, directing them to the Gauhati High Court.
In a bold move to elevate infrastructure development, India's Central Public Works Department (CPWD) is undergoing a significant transformation. With an influx of skilled professionals, the agency is set to tackle the increasing demands of modern construction. As new architectural wonders rise across the nation, CPWD is now managing an impressive portfolio of projects worth 25,000 crore each year.
Bhupen Borah, former Assam Congress chief, resigned from the party. Senior Congress leaders visited him. Bhanwar Jitendra Singh, Congress in-charge, stated Borah's resignation would not be accepted. Borah has sought time to rethink his decision. He has been associated with the Congress for 32 years. He cited self-respect as the reason for his resignation.
Expressing their deep concern, the Congress party has staunchly opposed the anticipated trade deal between India and the US, claiming it poses a significant threat to the livelihoods of local farmers. They are particularly alarmed by the potential influx of duty-free imports of processed maize, sorghum, soya bean oil, and cotton from America.
In the heart of Maharashtra, a fierce political clash ignites as a municipal office displays an image of Tipu Sultan. This provocative display fuels a BJP offensive against the Congress party. The Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray Sena enters the fray, lamenting the Congress leaders audacious comparison of Tipu Sultan to the revered Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
Iran's foreign minister met the UN nuclear watchdog chief. This comes as Washington and Tehran prepare for new talks on Iran's nuclear program. Tensions are high with Iran conducting military drills in the Strait of Hormuz. Gulf Arab states are calling for diplomacy. The United States seeks to broaden negotiations beyond nuclear issues.
India is moving towards self-reliance in fighter jet engine development. A National Aero Engine Mission has been launched with France. This collaboration aims to develop advanced engines for future combat aircraft. India is also studying engine development with the UK. Scientists are urged to accelerate timelines and focus on next-generation technologies.
West Bengal Chief Secretary Nandini Chakraborty has urged the Election Commission to reopen the ECInet portal. This is to allow uploading of documents for voters whose hearings concluded on February 13th or 14th. The portal closure risks excluding many valid voters from the electoral roll. This could prevent them from exercising their franchise.
European leaders might speed up the hunt for Christine Lagarde's replacement at the European Central Bank. This move aims to finalize the decision before potential far-right leadership in France after the 2027 elections. The current term ends next year. A change in French presidency could bring different views on the ECB's function.
Jammu and Kashmir lieutenant governor Manoj Sinha ordered the reopening of 14 tourist spots. This decision follows a security review meeting. The reopening includes popular destinations like Doodhpathri and Tulip Garden. This move aims to revive the tourism sector after a period of closure due to security concerns. Several locations in Kashmir and Jammu divisions will now welcome visitors again.
A total of 71 million Americans will see higher Social Security checks this month. On February 18, 2026, the SSA will deposit payments for retirees born between the 11th and 20th. Thanks to the 2.8% COLA, the average monthly payment has climbed to $2,074. SSDI recipients will receive approximately $1,633. These automatic deposits ensure inflation-adjusted support. No action is required to receive your updated 2026 benefit amount.
James Deans quote tells people to dream big and live life fully every day. He was a famous young Hollywood actor who became a symbol of youth and rebellion. Even though he acted in only a few movies, he became very popular. His words still inspire people to enjoy the present and not delay their dreams.
India is rapidly upgrading infrastructure along its northern borders with China. New emergency landing strips, underwater tunnels, and highways are being built. Prime Minister Modi highlighted these developments, emphasizing improved connectivity and defense readiness. These projects aim to boost economic growth and strengthen the nation's strategic position in the region.
French police have searched the Arab World Institute in Paris. The search is part of an investigation into former head Jack Lang. Lang is being investigated for his connections to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Prosecutors opened a probe into Lang and his daughter for tax fraud. Lang resigned from the institute this month.
Japan has rejected China's accusation of returning to militarism. Tokyo stated its defense strengthening is a response to a severe security environment. Japan's Foreign Ministry emphasized these actions are not directed at any specific country. The exchange follows verbal sparring at the Munich Security Conference. This highlights ongoing tensions between the two Asian powers.
Existentialoopsification is the modern emotional phenomenon where a small, harmless mistake instantly turns into deep overthinking, self-questioning, and mild existential anxiety. It is the moment when an ordinary oops refuses to stay ordinary and instead triggers an internal spiral of Why did I do that? The word shows modern life, where constant visibility and instant feedback amplify embarrassment.
Air India is boosting international travel options. New cabin interiors and more flights are coming to key routes. Passengers can expect enhanced comfort on flights to Toronto, Seoul, Shanghai, Tokyo, and London. New aircraft deliveries will further improve the travel experience. This expansion aims to offer more seats and better service across its network.
Goa' social media ban: State IT Minister Rohan Khaunte announced plans to explore restricting social media access for children under 16. This move addresses growing worries about digital addiction, cyberbullying, and online safety risks. A task force will study the issue and propose a policy framework. The government aims to protect young users while encouraging positive digital engagement.
Global airlines body IATA is worried about Mumbai airport's plan to stop cargo flights from August 2026. The Adani group-operated airport intends to upgrade its infrastructure. IATA has sought clarification from the airport operator but has not yet received a response. This suspension is planned until May 2027.
Apple has released an urgent iOS 26.3 update to protect iPhone users from 39 security vulnerabilities, including a serious zero-day flaw in the Dynamic Link Editor (dyld). This weakness could allow attackers to bypass security measures and run malicious code, potentially installing spyware or gaining full control of devices. Experts emphasize that these attacks are stealthy and can target individuals from journalists to business users.
Scientists say aliens are not hiding in Area 51. Experts believe life may exist on distant planets with water and the right temperature. Some moons in our Solar System, like Enceladus and Titan, may also have hidden oceans where life could survive. Studies using space telescopes suggest the universe is huge, so finding alien life somewhere is possible.
Meerut Metro will soon be India's fastest metro, operating at 120 kmph. This new service connects Meerut South to Modipuram over 21 km in about 30 minutes. It will run on the same tracks as Namo Bharat trains, creating an integrated transport system. Modern trains will offer energy efficiency and advanced technology.
IndiGo has extended flight cancellations to Tbilisi, Almaty, Baku, and Tashkent until March 28, 2026, citing ongoing developments around Iran and its airspace. This decision impacts long-haul flights as both IndiGo and Air India are avoiding Iranian airspace. The airline prioritizes passenger and crew safety while monitoring the escalating regional tensions.
Jamco Corporation, a Japanese aircraft interiors maker, will establish a product engineering centre in Bengaluru. This new facility will manufacture full-scale aircraft interior components for major airlines. The investment highlights Karnataka's strong aerospace ecosystem and skilled talent pool. Jamco's move signifies a commitment to the growing Indian aviation market and its expansion plans in the state.
A Reddit user shared a tense experience after using a company computer for personal tasks, which includes applying for jobs, editing photos, and browsing online. Their boss, shaken and angry, warned them that if it happened again, they could be asked to leave. The employee acknowledged accountability and apologized, but sought advice online, asking, Am I cooked?
A woman shared online that she lost several jobs in a short time and now feels very worried about her future. She is also going through IVF, which adds more stress. Many people replied with support and advice. They told her she still has strong skills and should keep trying because her career is not over yet.
From time-honoured blessings to trendy social media captions, Chinese New Year wishes, messages and quotes are lighting up Instagram, Facebook and WhatsApp feeds with optimism, joy and fresh beginnings.
India is set to launch a 'Create in India' mission. This initiative aims to boost the country's Orange Economy. The goal is to establish India as a global creative hub. This mission will focus on industry and employment. It will also develop future-ready talent. Content creator labs will be established in schools.
Indian Railways has deployed an AI-powered robot, ASC Arjun, at Visakhapatnam station for enhanced surveillance and security. This indigenous robocop, equipped with facial recognition and crowd monitoring, has already aided in apprehending two habitual offenders by matching faces against a criminal database. Its deployment signifies a significant step in utilizing local AI technology for public infrastructure.
Chinese President Xi Jinping is consolidating power through purges reminiscent of Mao Zedong. Top military commanders are being removed, signaling a drive for absolute loyalty. This campaign aims to ensure ideological unity and control over the armed forces. The actions reflect a strategy to secure Xi's authority and prepare for future challenges.
Britannia Industries plans significant investments to counter regional competitors and boost its e-commerce presence. The company aims to adopt a startup mentality to challenge smaller players. This strategy focuses on strengthening its position in key product categories like biscuits and cakes. Britannia is committed to driving topline growth and expanding its consumer base.
AU Real Estate is set to earn Rs 2,000 crore from a new ultra-luxury housing project on NH-24. The development features 595 residences across seven towers. Phase one includes 428 homes in five towers. Residences offer 3BHK and 4BHK configurations. Prices start from Rs 3 crore. The project aims to provide bungalow-style living.
Kerala has modernized over 1,000 village offices into smart, digitized centers. This initiative enhances service delivery and reduces the need for repeat visits. Significant progress has been made in land titling and housing for the homeless. A digital resurvey has digitized land records. New initiatives include an integrated land use portal and a Revenue Card.

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