The Economic Times
Elections 2026Economy / The Economic Times
DBS Bank's CEO views India as a significant long-term growth opportunity. The nation can benefit from the AI-driven demand for hardware. However, India must invest in its people and education to seize this potential. DBS remains committed to India, increasing investments in wealth management and client connectivity. The bank sees strong future prospects for the country.
Ozzy Osbourne, the legendary Black Sabbath frontman and solo artist, is remembered as one of the defining figures of heavy metal, known for shaping the genre with its dark, heavy sound and iconic tracks. Rising from a difficult working-class upbringing in Birmingham, he turned to music after early struggles and became a global rock star, first with Black Sabbath and later through a successful solo career that produced hits like Crazy Train. His reflections on life, including his blunt view that
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued notices to eight food companies, including Emami Healthy & Tasty, for potentially misleading product names and claims. Companies like Plan B are under scrutiny for plant-based vegan marketing without prior approval. FSSAI aims to prevent consumer deception regarding food products.
The government has accepted significant changes to the proposed Securities Markets Code. Investigation timelines will be extended to one year. Depositories will gain powers to correct records. The Centre's authority to supersede market infrastructure institution boards will now require Sebi's recommendation. These revisions follow stakeholder consultations and aim to strengthen market regulation.
India is set to boost its urea production with two new plants commencing operations soon. These facilities will add 25.4 lakh tonnes to the annual capacity. This development aims to significantly reduce the country's reliance on imported fertilizers. The government highlights this as a key step towards self-sufficiency in the agricultural sector. Farmers will benefit from stable fertilizer availability.
Exports of basmati rice and tea to West Asia have stopped due to the US-Iran conflict. Vessels carrying rice are waiting at Kandla Port. Tea exporters face a similar situation, with orders from GCC countries unfulfilled. The Strait of Hormuz closure and attacks on cargo ships have created significant tension and pressure on exporter profitability.
Leading Indian law firms are increasingly rehiring former lawyers, a trend dubbed oomerang hiring, to combat intense competition for legal talent. This strategy offers firms reduced onboarding costs and risks, while returning lawyers gain comfort and growth. Firms view this talent mobility as a positive professional cycle, strengthening their partnerships and endorsing their culture.
Hudco aims to secure one billion dollars in foreign debt. This will be achieved through the Reserve Bank of India's concessional forex swap facility. The company is engaging with international entities for this fundraising. This move supports Hudco's lending and business growth requirements for the current financial year.
Large office leasing deals in India are experiencing extended closing times as companies adopt a cautious approach to expansion amid geopolitical uncertainty and AI-led workforce disruption. While demand for quality office space remains resilient, occupiers and investors are taking a more measured view of capital commitments, leading to longer evaluation periods.
India is accelerating approvals for nuclear power plants and energy storage systems. This push is vital for the nation's growing data and AI centers. States are being urged to speed up clearances for proposed projects. The goal is to ensure a robust energy supply for future power needs. This initiative aims to enhance energy security across the country.
National Students' Union of India workers marched in Lucknow protesting against paper leaks in competitive examinations. They also demonstrated against the arrest of party members who raised these issues. The march was stopped by police, leading to a confrontation. NSUI demanded accountability from the Union Education Minister and a ban on the National Testing Agency.
Vedanta's Anil Agarwal is listing four companies simultaneously. This move aims to unlock significant growth potential across its businesses. The company plans substantial increases in production for aluminium, oil and gas, and steel. Vedanta expects to significantly boost tax inflows to the government and create millions of jobs.
Manipur's Director General of Police Mukesh Singh announced that 70 percent of weapons looted during ethnic violence have been recovered. Efforts are intensifying to find the remaining arms. Strict action will be taken against those illegally possessing weapons. Security forces will deal very strictly with offenders. Search operations will be intensified across districts until normalcy returns.
President Trump and Prime Minister Modi are set to meet in France. This meeting comes as US forces have attacked merchant ships carrying Indian nationals in the Gulf of Oman. An Indian dhow sank off Oman, but all 14 crew members were rescued. The US Navy assisted in the rescue.
If Embraer wins the order to produce 'KC-390 Millennium' military transport aircraft in India, it will be the only other unit outside Brazil to produce this aircraft. Similarly, Embraer will set up an entire ecosystem here to make their trademark civilian passenger jets.
India is set to modernize its statistical system. Artificial intelligence will be integrated into official data. A national business register is planned. Data may soon be recognized as an economic asset. These steps aim to enhance economic data accuracy and timeliness. The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation is leading these significant changes.
Telecom firms and banks are locked in a dispute over India's new digital consent rules for commercial messages. Major operators like Bharti Airtel and Reliance Jio want exclusive control over customer consent. They argue smaller players contribute to spam. Other stakeholders believe dominant telcos seek to monopolize a profitable new system.
Muttahida Majlis-e-Ulama, led by Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, met ahead of Muharram. The Shia-Sunni coordination committee will monitor social media. They aim to prevent sectarian discord and maintain brotherhood. This unity is crucial given current challenges. The committee will ensure harmony during Muharram programs and processions.
The Noida airport opens today with an IndiGo flight to Lucknow. Initially, 12 daily flights will operate, increasing to 40 by July. IndiGo and Akasa begin services this week. Tata group airlines are delayed due to capacity cuts. The airport is built for long-term growth, with confidence in India's traffic recovery.
British actor Paul Blackthorne, who played Captain Andrew Russell in the iconic film Lagaan, recently shared how the movie profoundly altered his life. Its Oscar nomination led to a 20-year career in Los Angeles, opening doors to numerous American television and film projects.
Missouri plane crash: A plane carrying skydivers crashed near Butler, Missouri. All twelve people on board died. The aircraft was taking passengers up for a skydiving trip. Emergency responders found the plane engulfed in fire. The National Transportation Safety Board will investigate the incident. The plane was a Pacific Aerospace 750XL model.
Mumbai's property market is seeing a major shift in redevelopment. Developers are now focusing on larger, cluster-based projects instead of individual buildings. This trend is expected to create thousands of new homes by 2031. Areas like Borivali and Andheri are leading this transformation. The city's high population density makes redevelopment a crucial housing solution.
Lionel Messi is set to make history. He will become the first player to participate in six World Cups. This marks a remarkable achievement for the legendary Argentine forward. Messi confirmed his participation for the upcoming tournament. He continues to enjoy playing football. His presence promises an exciting event for fans worldwide.
Iraq has asked Turkey to extend the Kirkuk-Ceyhan oil pipeline agreement for at least one year. This extension will provide more time to negotiate a new accord. Iraq's state oil marketer SOMO confirmed this request. The country has exported 12 million barrels of crude oil from its southern ports since June.
A new study published in the Journal of Experimental Social Psychology suggests that people consistently overestimate how often others lie and cheat. After analysing data from more than 8,000 participants, researchers found that most individuals assumed dishonest behaviour was far more common than it actually was. The study also showed that informing people about real honesty levels increased trust and reduced cynicism, while managers who learned the facts became less supportive of strict workpl
British actor Paul Blackthorne, known for his role in Lagaan, actively participated in earthquake relief efforts in Gujarat. Following the devastating 2001 earthquake, he returned to the affected areas and organized a photo exhibition in London. The proceeds from 'Bollywood Backpack' supported victims. Blackthorne later achieved significant success in Hollywood television series.
Psychology says people tend to heal more effectively when they can make sense of their experiences and fit them into a clear, meaningful story. Ghosting often interrupts that process by removing the opportunity for explanation or closure.
Pilots' group FIP urged the AAIB to conduct simulator tests for the AI171 plane crash. They want to verify the connection between RAT deployment and fuel control switch movement. This follows the AAIB's interim report on the 2025 Air India Dreamliner crash. FIP seeks to independently check acceleration data and system relationships.
A new safety campaign launched by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), with support from the FAA and EASA, is urging airline passengers to leave all baggage behind during aircraft evacuations. The initiative, called Save a Life, Not a Bag, comes amid growing concerns over travelers stopping to retrieve luggage or record videos during emergencies. Aviation authorities warn that even brief delays can slow evacuations, block exits, damage emergency slides, and put lives at risk. Expe
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian announced that the country's highest security authority backs the path of dialogue in negotiations with the United States. This statement comes amid criticism from hardliners regarding Tehran's negotiating team. The Supreme National Security Council, responsible for decisions on war and negotiations, has concluded that dialogue should be pursued.
Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal invited French companies to invest in India. He emphasized India's large talent pool and manufacturing capabilities. Goyal stated India is a trusted partner in the current global economic climate. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is in France for discussions and the G-7 Summit. Bilateral trade between India and France saw a slight increase.
A new political force is emerging in Italy. Former General Roberto Vannacci is challenging Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's leadership. His party, National Future, is gaining traction with hard-line stances on migration and security. This development introduces uncertainty for Meloni's government ahead of the 2027 general election.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron met and signed 19 agreements. Discussions covered AI, innovation, trade, and infrastructure. Key outcomes include an India-France Innovation Roadmap and expansion of UPI services. Both nations aim to strengthen cooperation in technology, space, and economic security. This meeting marks a significant step in the India-France Special Global Strategic Partnership.
A 22-year-old who is about to start a job in Mumbai with a monthly salary of around Rs 1 lakh turned to Reddit for advice on retirement planning. After accounting for rent, living expenses and family support, he expects to have about Rs 20,000 left each month for savings and investments. Reddit users advised him to first build an emergency fund, buy health and term insurance, invest consistently and focus on increasing his income through upskilling, arguing that career growth can have a bigger i
Sunday Quote of the Day: Jamie Dimon, a top banking leader, shares a powerful message on success. He advises comparing yourself to the best in your field to learn and grow. Dimon stresses that true achievement is impossible without consistent hard work. This principle applies to students, professionals, and entrepreneurs alike. Continuous improvement and dedication are key to reaching your goals.
Farheen became an overnight sensation with her debut film Jaan Tere Naam. She rejected a role in Shah Rukh Khan's Baazigar. Later, she married cricketer Manoj Prabhakar. Farheen then stepped away from the entertainment industry to focus on her family. She and Manoj have two sons.
Chinese Proverb of the Day: The Chinese proverb of the day offers a timeless lesson about courage and achievement: preparation has value, but success rarely comes to those who spend their lives analyzing challenges without taking action. Its wisdom reminds us that progress belongs to those who dare to move forward, even when the outcome is uncertain.
Former US President Barack Obama stated that any new deal with Iran is unlikely to be a major improvement over his 2015 nuclear agreement. He emphasized that diplomacy is crucial for finding solutions, rather than resorting to threats or military action.
A recent job switch offering a nearly 30% salary hike has left a Reddit user questioning their decision. Despite initial red flags and poor onboarding, the user is hesitant to leave due to concerns about their resume. Fellow Redditors advise patience, suggesting a four to six-month trial period unless well-being is impacted.
French proverb Dont sell the bears hide before youve killed the bear offers timeless wisdom about patience, humility, and practical thinking. It reminds us not to assume success before it is achieved and to remain cautious in the face of uncertainty. Whether in education, business, or personal life, this proverb encourages hard work, perseverance, and responsible decision-making. By focusing on effort rather than premature celebration, we increase our chances of achieving genuine success and avo
Thousands of British Kashmiris protested outside the UK Parliament, highlighting alleged human rights abuses and excessive force by Pakistani forces in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. Demonstrators demanded international intervention and accountability for civilian deaths, injuries, and the crackdown on peaceful protests over economic hardship and governance issues.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron convened in the picturesque setting of Nice, where they laid the groundwork for future collaboration in areas like AI, startups, and trade. Their discussions not only touched on infrastructure and health but also delved into significant global and regional challenges.
US President Donald Trump has criticized Israeli strikes on Beirut. He stated these attacks should not have occurred as a peace deal with Iran was imminent. Trump emphasized that while Israel has the right to defend itself, the recent response was disproportionate. He called for all parties, including Hezbollah, to stand down to secure a lasting peace in the region.
US-Iran war news: Israel's military is on high alert. They anticipate a retaliatory strike within hours. This comes after an Israeli strike on Beirut's southern suburbs earlier Sunday. The military is preparing for potential fire towards Israeli territory. The exact origin of the expected attack remains unspecified.
Mohanlal's blockbuster Malayalam thriller Drishyam 3 is set to make its OTT debut. The film, which has reportedly crossed Rs 330 crore at the worldwide box office, will be available in Malayalam along with dubbed versions in Tamil, Telugu and Kannada. Directed by Jeethu Joseph, the third instalment continues the story of Georgekutty and his family, bringing back key cast members including Meena, Ansiba Hassan, Esther Anil and Siddique.

33 C