The Economic Times
Elections 2026Economy / The Economic Times
A chartered accountant reveals that a monthly salary is akin to the returns from a crore-rupee asset. Earning Rs 70,000 monthly, for instance, is like generating income from over Rs 1.2 crore in fixed deposits. This perspective highlights the immense, often overlooked, value of one's earning ability and career growth as a powerful wealth-generating engine.
Maharashtra is set to contribute nearly $1.5 trillion to India's $5 trillion economy vision by 2027, solidifying its position as the nation's economic powerhouse. Driven by robust investments and infrastructure development, the state continues to attract the highest share of Foreign Direct Investment, acting as a key gateway for global capital.
LPG crisis: Commercial LPG allocation will now be managed. Oil marketing companies will allocate 20 percent of monthly needs. This aims to stop hoarding and black marketing. The hospitality sector will not be penalized. This measure addresses supply constraints and public anxiety. A committee has assessed genuine needs across the country. Available commercial LPG will reach legitimate users first.
Despite concerns over the Strait of Hormuz being shut down, Indias fuel supply stands strong. Petroleum Minister Hardeep Puri confirmed in the Lok Sabha that there's no shortage of petrol, diesel, or kerosene, attributing the current rush to panic buying fueled by anxiety rather than any real supply crisis.
Busy professionals often lead sedentary lives, impacting health. Nutritionist Anjali Mukerjee and neurologist Dr. Sudhir Kumar highlight the dangers of inactivity. They advocate for simple, short bursts of movement throughout the day. These 'exercise snacks' like walking, stretching, or using stairs can significantly improve well-being. Regular movement boosts metabolism, circulation, and overall health without demanding extensive time.
Why US stock market Dow Jones futures crash today: Dow Jones futures plunged more than 300 points to 47,144 today. The US stock market futures turned sharply red as S&P 500 futures fell to 6,744 and Nasdaq futures dropped to 24,870. The selloff followed a sudden oil price surge, with Brent crude near $96 and WTI above $91 after attacks on oil tankers forced Iraq to halt key export terminals. Investors fear wider Middle East war disruption to global energy supply. Rising oil prices hit airlines,
In West Bengal, the ongoing cooking gas cylinder shortages are posing a challenge to school lunchtime meals. To adapt, authorities are turning to firewood and other alternative fuels to keep the meals flowing for students. Consequently, some schools have had to make adjustments to their menus.
The Solvent Extractors' Association of India (SEA) said average import price for crude sunflower oil rose 17 per cent to USD 1,420 per tonne in February from USD 1,216 a year earlier, while the rupee's 4.2 per cent depreciation over the past year compounded costs for importers and refiners.
Indian cricketers Varun Chakravarthy and Washington Sundar chose a spiritual path after India's T20 World Cup win. They walked barefoot around Arunachala Hill in Tiruvannamalai. This sacred ritual, known as Girivalam, is an act of devotion. It is a traditional circumambulation believed to bring blessings and peace. The players offered prayers at the Annamalaiyar Temple before their pilgrimage.
India has launched an investigation into claims that saccharin imports from China are being rerouted through Thailand to avoid existing duties. The Directorate General of Trade Remedies is examining if Chinese-origin saccharin is being falsely declared as originating from Thailand. If confirmed, India may extend countervailing duties to imports from Thailand. This probe impacts industries like food, beverage, and pharmaceuticals.
Aurum PropTech has announced the sale of two commercial towers in Navi Mumbai for a staggering Rs 112 crore, aligning with their forward-thinking vision of integrating AI technology into the real estate sector. By channeling significant resources into artificial intelligence, the company aims to enhance various aspects of property management, including tenant acquisition and dynamic pricing strategies.
In February, India witnessed a remarkable surge in palm oil imports, climbing to a six-month peak. This uptick was fueled by competitive pricing compared to alternative oils, prompting refiners to increase their palm oil acquisitions and subsequently scale back on sunflower oil imports. This transition might have repercussions on stock levels in major producers like Indonesia and Malaysia.
India's retail inflation rose to 3.21% in February, driven by geopolitical tensions impacting global oil supplies. This marks the second reading under a revised CPI framework with a 2024 base year, reflecting updated consumption patterns. While food and fuel inflation figures are pending, economists monitor potential imported inflation risks.
Delhi Police is taking action to ensure smooth LPG cylinder distribution. Officers are monitoring gas agencies to prevent hoarding and black marketing. This comes as irregular supplies affect households and businesses across Delhi. Restaurants are facing operational challenges. The government has prioritized natural gas allocation for LPG production. Police will continue to monitor the situation closely.
Indian exporters face production challenges due to fuel disruptions. FIEO has requested the government for priority allocation of LPG and natural gas to export-oriented manufacturing units. This is crucial for maintaining production schedules and timely deliveries to international buyers. Ensuring fuel availability will protect existing orders and boost India's reliability as a sourcing destination.
Word of the Day: Taciturn highlights the richness of English vocabulary and its ability to capture the subtle complexities of human character.
BMW anticipates a challenging 2026. The German automaker expects a drop in pre-tax earnings and flat car deliveries. Trade barriers and fierce competition in China are major concerns. Global instability and rising fuel prices add to the uncertainty. BMW is focusing on new models and cost cuts to navigate these headwinds.
India is reviewing Bangladesh's request for diesel supplies, prioritizing its own domestic consumption needs. The decision will consider India's diesel availability and refining capacity. New Delhi has also received similar requests from Sri Lanka and Maldives, which are being examined.
Switzerland is currently assessing the ramifications of a new trade investigation launched by the United States. The US Trade Representative has notified Swiss authorities regarding a probe into potential unfair trade practices.
Rising fuel costs are prompting more people to consider electric cars. While gas prices fluctuate wildly due to global events, electricity rates are generally more stable. Experts suggest this trend could boost EV sales. However, electricity prices are also seeing increases due to factors like data center demand. The long-term impact on EV owners remains a subject of discussion.
South Indian Bank has introduced Employees' Provident Fund payment services through its SIBerNet internet banking platform. This collaboration with EPFO allows employers to easily remit EPF contributions. The integration simplifies statutory payments for businesses. Employers can now use South Indian Bank's net banking facility for direct remittances via the EPFO portal. This move enhances the bank's digital offerings.
Whispers of secret U.S.-Cuba talks involving Raul Castro's grandson, Raul Guillermo Rodriguez Castro, have emerged despite Havana's denials. These discussions, reportedly involving high-level U.S. officials, occur amid tightened sanctions and regional political shifts. Rodriguez Castro, known as 'The Crab,' is seen as a key confidant, potentially bridging political and economic spheres.
Feeling drained by routine? A growth marketer suggests building a life outside work that sparks curiosity and joy. The article offers 60 ways to break monotony, from starting your day with small adventures and feeding your curiosity to exploring new perspectives and creating something new. It emphasizes slowing down, connecting, and reflecting to make life more interesting.
High earners often feel financially stretched because they invest consistently. This disciplined approach redirects income towards future wealth, not immediate spending. Real wealth grows quietly through systematic investments. Over time, this strategy builds significant financial security and resilience. Appearing average allows compounding to work its magic, creating a durable financial shield.
Monalisa Bhosle's marriage: Viral Mahakumbh girl Monalisa Bhosle, who married actor Farman Khan in Kerala, denied the allegations of love jihad, saying that the marriage was her personal decision. She also denied reports that she is underage and revealed that her parents wanted her to marry her own aunt's son. The couple, who met six months ago during the muhurat ceremony of a movie, expressed their desire to stay in Kerala.
Amidst LPG supply concerns, Indian oil companies are exploring kerosene as a backup cooking fuel, a move being assessed as a last resort. This precautionary measure involves reviewing old distribution networks in Uttar Pradesh. Despite these contingency plans, OMCs assure stable fuel and LPG supplies across the state, urging against panic.
India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar recently spoke with his Iranian counterpart, Seyed Abbas Araghchi, discussing critical issues concerning the safety of shipping routes and India's energy security. This conversation was part of multiple recent discussions between the two foreign ministers, highlighting the importance of these bilateral concerns.
The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams has confirmed that cooking gas supply to its kitchens remains uninterrupted. This ensures the continuous preparation of the famous Tirupati laddus and Annadanam meals for devotees. The temple body maintains a substantial buffer stock to guarantee seamless operations. Devotees can continue to enjoy laddus as usual without any restrictions.
Looking for something new to watch this week? Several Malayalam and dubbed films have arrived on OTT platforms between March 9 and March 15. From comedy and social satire to adventure and drama, movies like Pennu Case, Made in Korea and Sukran offer plenty of fresh entertainment for viewers at home. Read on to know when and where to watch them.
A hardware business owner shares his experience after leaving a high-paying corporate job. He finds his profitable venture less fulfilling than his previous role. The founder misses the structured environment and intellectual colleagues of corporate life. He highlights the mental exhaustion from dealing with informal interactions and unpredictable behavior in his current business.
Todays Quote of the day reflects that enduring philosophy. It reminds readers that the actions required to achieve success are often straightforward, but they demand consistency and commitment.
The ongoing turmoil in the Middle East has triggered an unprecedented crisis in oil supply, with projections indicating a staggering drop of eight million barrels per day. This crisis stems from the closure of the vital Strait of Hormuz, which has prompted Gulf nations to curtail their oil output dramatically.
A mother in Adelaide has been sentenced to 17 years in prison for the criminal neglect of her six-year-old daughter, Charlie, who died from severe malnutrition. The child, weighing just 18 kilograms and infested with lice, lived in squalor. The mother showed callous disregard for her daughter's deteriorating health. Separately, search efforts for missing four-year-old Gus Lamont have been suspended.
LPG crisis in India: Amid the LPG crisis in the country, the food deliveries from Zomato and Swiggy have been severely impacted as the Iran-Israel war continues. Many gig workers have expressed concern over the grave situation as they have been receiving just five to ten orders in a day.
A tanker carrying Saudi crude has reached Mumbai Port. It is the first India-bound vessel to navigate the Strait of Hormuz since the Iran-US conflict began. The vessel temporarily went off tracking systems while passing through the high-risk strait. Indian authorities are monitoring the safety of Indian-flagged vessels in the Persian Gulf region.
In a significant decision, the Supreme Court has opted not to entertain a request for the return of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose's ashes from Japan. The court raised doubts regarding the authenticity of the ashes and questioned whether the family had reached a unanimous decision on the matter.
India is set to launch a massive 1 trillion fund to boost domestic chipmaking, aiming to become a global manufacturing hub. This initiative will offer subsidies for chip design, manufacturing equipment, and supply chain development, building on existing programs that have attracted major players like Micron and Tata Group. The ambitious plan seeks to elevate India's semiconductor capabilities by 2032.
An attack on an Italian base in Iraqi Kurdistan caused damage but no injuries, Italian authorities said Thursday. It hit the Italian base and caused some damage to the base's infrastructure and equipment, he said.
Honda's recent pivot towards electric vehicles comes at a staggering cost of $15.7 billion, driven by shifting US policies, increased tariffs, and the cessation of tax incentives. As a result, the company is scrapping several EV models intended for the North American market.
Akzo Nobel India is now JSW Dulux. The Ministry of Corporate Affairs approved the name change. This follows JSW Paints acquiring a majority stake in Akzo Nobel India. The company's name change is effective March 11, 2026. JSW Paints is now the promoter and holding company. This marks a significant shift for the paints and coatings maker.
Himachal Pradesh faces an LPG cylinder shortage for commercial users due to West Asia crisis. Indian Oil Corporation assures domestic supply is stable. Hospitals and educational institutions receive priority from dealer stocks. Commercial cylinder bottling has stopped, impacting businesses. The government is reviewing demand to regulate supply. Domestic consumers are urged not to panic book refills.
In a pointed rebuke, the Kerala High Court has criticized the Railway Board for its continued inaction on a vital issue regarding Aadhaar authentication for tatkal bookings. The court has urged the board to take immediate action, imposing a final time limit of three weeks for a satisfactory response.
Oil markets are increasingly swayed by geopolitical rhetoric and actions, with prices reacting more to Iran's threats and attacks than to US reassurances. Despite US President Trump's claims of an impending war's end, Iran's strikes on tankers and infrastructure have driven prices higher, highlighting Tehran's direct influence on supply flow through the Strait of Hormuz.
Global financial markets are experiencing significant losses due to the US-Israel vs. Iran conflict, with the Nifty index falling and the rupee hitting an all-time low. Macro market analyst Nishant Bhardwaj quotes Shah Rukh Khan, advising investors to remain calm and patient, emphasizing that impulsive reactions are unhelpful during challenging times.
Netflix has launched Eyeline Studios in Hyderabad, expanding its presence in India and investing in the countrys Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming and Comics (AVGC) sector. The 32,000 sq ft facility will support advanced visual effects, virtual production and next-generation production technologies as part of Eyelines global network, which already includes studios in Los Angeles, Vancouver, Seoul and London.
Netflix has opened Eyeline Studios in Hyderabad, India. This marks a significant investment in the country's Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, and Comics sector. The studio will support advanced production technologies and global projects. This move highlights India's growing importance in international film production. It aims to foster local talent and integrate global standards.
In an official ceremony, RN Ravi has officially taken the oath as the newly appointed Governor of West Bengal, succeeding CV Ananda Bose. Bose, reflecting on his term, likened his resignation to concluding a cricket match, emphasizing his strategic choice. He is heading back to Kerala to lend his efforts towards the ambitious 'Viksit Bharat' initiative.

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