The Economic Times

Iran has warned of a severe retaliation if attacked. This comes as the United States signals time is running out for a nuclear deal. The European Union is also set to designate Iran's Revolutionary Guards as a terrorist group. Regional powers are calling for calm and negotiations to prevent escalation. Turkey has offered to mediate between Washington and Tehran.

India must prioritize building robust national capabilities and economic sovereignty amidst a global landscape of shrinking rule-based trade, rising protectionism, and weaponized resources. The Economic Survey highlights the need for strategic indispensability and learning without dependence to navigate a world where economic interdependence is increasingly viewed as a vulnerability, advocating for 'Swadeshi' as a crucial policy lever.

Trump Accounts are new savings plans for U.S. children that start with a $1,000 government deposit. Parents can add money, and some employers are matching the amount. Big banks, tech firms, and fast-food companies have joined the push. Wealthy donors are also contributing to help kids build savings early.

India's economy is performing strongly. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman stated macroeconomic fundamentals are robust. The country has navigated global challenges. Potential GDP growth is now projected at 7 percent. The Economic Survey forecasts 6.8-7.2 percent growth for the next fiscal year. India remains the fastest-growing major economy.

During the recently-concluded World Economic Forum, Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren and state finance secretary Prashant Kumar spoke about moving beyond extraction-led growth toward capital efficiency, value addition, and faster job creation.

Jujutsu Kaisen modulo chapter release time: 'Jujustu Kaisen' revolves around the fight between the Jujutsu sorcerers and curses.

The PRAGATI platform has proven effective in clearing major hurdles for infrastructure projects. This government initiative allows for direct, real-time project reviews by the Prime Minister. Stakeholders from states and Union ministries participate in these reviews. Monitoring through PRAGATI has led to better project completion and control over delays and cost overruns.

Disney Cruise Line announces a major deal for families planning vacations. Passengers can receive 20% off select 2026 voyages. Additionally, each stateroom booked gets a $250 onboard spending credit. This credit applies to dining, spa treatments, merchandise, and shore excursions. The offer is valid for bookings made by March 29 for sailings between April and July.

A tunnel study is underway to bypass the Bandipur forest route and end the night travel ban. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has approved Rs 105 crore for four road projects in Wayanad. An expert committee has also submitted recommendations for landslides in Thamarassery Pass. Work on hairpin bends is expected by February 2027.

The Smithsonian's National Museum of Asian Art will return three ancient sculptures to India. Research confirmed their illegal removal from Tamil Nadu temples. The sculptures include Shiva Nataraja, Somaskanda, and Saint Sundarar with Paravai. India will loan the Shiva Nataraja back to the Smithsonian for display.

Copper prices hit an all-time high of $14,125 per tonne this Thursday. This record-breaking rally stems from a perfect storm of tech demand and mining deficits. Speculators piled in after technical breakouts. AI data centres and electrification lifted long-term demand expectations. Mining supply remains tight due to disruptions and low ore grades. A weaker US dollar and tariff uncertainty added momentum, pushing copper to record highs. Investors are now treating the ed metal as a strategic asse

The Economic Survey 2025-26 proposes a new approach to disinvestment in central public sector enterprises. It suggests market-aligned stake dilution and governance reforms to unlock value. This strategy aims to redeploy public capital into future growth sectors. The survey also recommends rethinking ownership thresholds to enable deeper stake dilution. This move could boost receipts and support long-term growth.

Dr Alok Chopra urges a shift in fitness goals for 2026. He states that true fitness is about strength, stamina, and how well the body functions daily, not just appearance or weight. People should focus on feeling energized and strong. Sustainable habits are better than quick fixes. This approach promotes long-term health and well-being.

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Stop fighting cravings with willpower alone. These seven nutrient-dense foods actually rewire your appetite hormones, keeping hunger at bay and eliminating those desperate reaches for junk. Science-backed, delicious, doable.

A Delhi court has acquitted Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena in a defamation case. Activist Medha Patkar had filed the case 25 years ago. The court stated that Patkar failed to prove her charges. This legal battle began in 2000. Saxena had also filed cases against Patkar. The court dismissed Patkar's plea to examine additional witnesses earlier.

Budget Expectation 2026: India is aggressively pursuing critical mineral security through its National Critical Mineral Mission, aiming to build a domestic value chain for lithium, rare earths, and other strategic minerals. The nation is focusing on both mining and recycling to ensure supply chain resilience and foster industrial leadership in emerging technologies.

India is closely watching attacks on minorities in Bangladesh. The government has repeatedly raised concerns with Dhaka. India expects Bangladesh's interim government to investigate these incidents thoroughly. Perpetrators of violence against minorities must be brought to justice. India's concerns have been conveyed at the highest political levels.

As the Union Budget nears, infrastructure remains key for India's 2047 vision. Public capital expenditure has doubled, driving growth. Future focus shifts from spending scale to outcomes, targeting food systems, healthcare, and energy security. Optimizing existing assets and institutionalizing monetization are crucial for smarter, more impactful infrastructure development.

Quote of the day today ultimately stands as both critique and caution. It invites individuals to examine not only the world around them, but their own assumptions and decisions.

H&M is looking to source more textiles from India. A new trade agreement with the European Union will remove tariffs on Indian textiles. This makes India a more appealing market for H&M. The company reported strong financial results for its fourth quarter.

A Delhi court has denied bail to three individuals accused in the larger conspiracy case related to the 2020 Delhi riots. Salim Malik, Athar Khan, and former AAP councillor Tahir Hussain sought bail citing parity with others granted relief by the Supreme Court. They face charges under the UAPA for their alleged involvement in the riots.

Nandan Nilekani urges India to prioritize AI for improving lives and economic growth. He advocates for a 'race to the top' in AI adoption, focusing on practical applications. Voice-based AI is highlighted as a key to digital equity, removing literacy barriers. Bengaluru is poised to become a global hub for intelligence-led innovation, with significant opportunities expected in the coming years.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present the Union Budget for 2026-27 on Sunday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted this as a historic moment. Sitharaman will be the first woman finance minister to present the budget for nine consecutive years. This achievement marks a proud chapter in India's parliamentary history.

India is leading a global shift where learning is now the top use for AI. Google is investing heavily to integrate AI into education, aiming to improve student comprehension. Practical tools like AI-powered practice tests and interactive search features are being rolled out.

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited is joining forces with Russia's United Aircraft Corporation. They will manufacture Sukhoi SJ-100 superjets in India. This move aims to boost regional air travel. India needs over 200 jets in the coming decade. The SJ-100 will enhance short-haul connectivity. HAL will also get rights for local certification and sales. UAC will provide technical support for HAL's facilities.

Madonnas quote, A lot of people are afraid to say what they want. Thats why they dont get what they want, highlights how fear of expressing desires can prevent personal and professional success. Drawing from her own career, the pop icon demonstrates that ambition requires clarity, courage, and persistence, whether in music, film, or life. Her experiences, shaped by early family influences and decades of hard work, illustrate the importance of speaking up and taking action to achieve ones goals.

An Air India Express pilot completed his final flight after 23 years. His daughter filmed the journey, showing his mother's blessings and airport celebrations. He addressed passengers, noting his wife and daughter were onboard. After landing, he kissed the aircraft goodbye. He expressed gratitude to his supporters and his late father, his inspiration. He felt content with his successful career.

Shruti Haasan recently opened up about her 2018 acting break, driven by personal and emotional challenges, including a difficult breakup. This period of self-discovery and healing in London, helped her overcome severe anxiety and emerge stronger. Read on to know how she did that.

Nemetschek Group is significantly expanding its India operations. The company plans to double its workforce by next year. India will become a key hub for product development and innovation. Solutions built in India will be deployed globally. This expansion focuses on creating centres of excellence for advanced technologies and customer support.

Indian households are increasingly investing in equities and market-linked instruments. This shift marks a significant change from traditional bank deposits. The trend shows growing confidence in riskier assets. While equity participation is rising, the debt market remains underdeveloped. Developing the debt market is the next step for a robust financial system.

Indian Oil Corporation and Akasa Air are partnering to explore the future supply of sustainable aviation fuel. This collaboration aims to support Akasa Air's green goals and contribute to India's aviation sector's low-carbon transition. Both companies will assess potential SAF volumes, delivery locations, and timelines. This move is crucial for building supply chains and reducing costs for greener air travel.

India's space sector is poised for significant economic contribution. Revenue from launching foreign satellites has surged, with most launches occurring after 2014. This has earned India substantial foreign currency. Opening the sector to private players is a key government decision.

Tesla plans a massive investment boost, doubling its budget for autonomous vehicles, robots and AI. This comes despite recent weak financial results. The company is also investing heavily in Elon Musk's AI venture, xAI. Tesla aims for future abundance, but significant cash burn is expected this year as it shifts focus from car manufacturing to new technologies.

KPI Green Energy has begun supplying power from its new 200 MW solar project in Gujarat. The project has successfully connected to the state grid. This marks a significant step for the company in expanding its clean energy capacity. Power generation and supply have now commenced, contributing to Gujarat's energy needs.

Aged 73, King Charles III became the oldest monarch ever crowned in British history and he often shares his thoughts and deep insights on life, experiences, and success. King Charles III's quote 'I learned the way a monkey learns: by watching its parents' means that learning happens mainly through observation and imitation, not formal teaching.

Economic Survey 2025-26: Clusters designed under this framework may have the potential to become India's primary engines of growth, accelerating integration into global value chains and supporting the nation's economic growth and resilience, it said.

Word of the Day: In an era shaped by polarisation and entrenched viewpoints, obdurate has gained renewed relevance. Whether describing political standoffs, institutional resistance or personal relationships, the word succinctly captures the challenge of engaging with immovable positions.

The Economic Survey highlights growing worries about states' fiscal populism and rising revenue deficits. Unconditional cash transfers are expanding, potentially crowding out growth-enhancing spending. This fiscal indiscipline at the state level now affects India's sovereign borrowing costs. Coordinated fiscal discipline is crucial for productive capacity and income growth.

India faces a looming copper shortage. Surging power demand from AI data centers is a key driver. Critical minerals are now strategic bottlenecks for the global energy transition. This impacts energy security and industrial competitiveness. Massive material requirements for renewable energy projects are also highlighted. India must prepare for significant investments.

The Economic Survey also noted that while private equity and venture capital funding has fuelled the expansion of the microfinance sector, it has also been accompanied by recurring stress, including over-lending and over-indebtedness.

Turkey will offer to mediate between Washington and Tehran. Iran's foreign minister visits Ankara on Friday. Turkey considers reinforcing its border security. This comes as US President Donald Trump threatened military action against Iran. Turkey opposes military intervention and supports dialogue to resolve tensions. Ankara is also assessing additional security measures along its border with Iran.

India's Economic Survey 2025-26 highlights the Kochi Water Metro as a model for sustainable urban transport. This project revitalizes inland waterways, offering cost-effective and green connectivity. It integrates with existing metro systems for seamless travel. The success of Kochi Water Metro is inspiring similar projects in 21 other Indian cities, transforming natural water assets into efficient urban infrastructure.

India's economy is set for robust growth in FY27, with projections between 6.8% and 7.2%. This strong momentum is fueled by solid domestic demand and easing inflation. Private consumption and investment activity are showing significant acceleration. These trends highlight a resilient Indian economy poised for sustained high growth, even with statistical adjustments.