The Economic Times

In a significant move for exporters, India's government has rolled out more than Rs 15,700 crore through the RoDTEP initiative this year, benefitting over 1.11 lakh businesses.

Book of the Day: Barbara Kingsolvers storytelling reminds readers that history is not just shaped by governments and leaders but also by the lives of ordinary families navigating unfamiliar worlds.

Quote of the day by Alistair MacLean: Renowned thriller author Alistair MacLean's powerful quote, To all things an end. To every night a dawn, offers enduring hope and resilience. His words remind us that even the longest nights eventually yield to a new day, a message deeply rooted in his own wartime experiences and prolific writing career.

India and the UK, on July 24 last year, signed the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) under which 99 per cent of Indian exports will enter the British market at zero duty, while tariffs on British products, such as cars and whisky, will be reduced in India.

India's imports from China are slowing, with exports growing faster this fiscal year. The government highlighted reduced dependency on Chinese imports in sectors like mobile phones, while also detailing non-tariff barriers faced by Indian exporters to the EU and the benefits of the RoDTEP scheme.

Americans Could Receive $3,000 Check: About 938 U.S. billionaires could fund a major relief plan. Under a new bill from Bernie Sanders and Ro Khanna, Americans could receive a $3,000 check through a 5% billionaire wealth tax. The proposal targets households earning $150,000 or less. A family of four could receive $12,000. Lawmakers estimate $4.4 trillion in revenue over 10 years. The bill aims to reduce wealth inequality while supporting healthcare, childcare, and housing programs.

Rahul Gandhi boldly proclaimed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is psychologically out of the game, sharply critiquing the administration for its lack of gains from the interim trade deal with the US. He committed to initiating a caste census with the Congress party, ensuring representation for Dalits, Adivasis, backward classes, and minorities in the governance of India.

Cathie Wood Oil Price Forecast: Oil markets jumped nearly 50% during the Strait of Hormuz crisis, with WTI crude touching almost $120 before easing. Yet Cathie Wood warns the long-term outlook could flip. She says electric vehicles, autonomous mobility, and falling oil demand may push crude prices toward $50 per barrel in the next decade. Short-term war shocks lift prices. But technology could reshape global energy markets and trigger a deeper oil price decline.

IRS tax update 2026:Millions of Americans filing taxes will find the IRS's updated online withholding estimator crucial. Reflecting recent tax law changes, including new deductions and credits for workers and seniors, the tool helps adjust paycheck deductions. This aims to prevent unexpected tax bills and ensure taxpayers keep more of their earnings throughout the year.

The United States and India are close to finalizing a critical minerals agreement. A significant announcement is anticipated in the coming months. This pact aims to secure supply chains for advanced manufacturing and emerging technologies. The US envoy highlighted recent breakthroughs in trade, technology, and strategic coordination, underscoring a growing partnership.

A hardware business owner challenges the popular 'hustle culture'. Despite earning more than their previous job, they miss the structured environment and professional interactions. The entrepreneur finds dealing with uneducated suppliers and unpredictable behavior mentally exhausting. They suggest that for some, a traditional job offers a better quality of life than entrepreneurship.

Loquacious describes someone who talks a lot, sometimes so much that they dominate conversations. Unlike casual words like chatty or talkative, it often hints at eloquence or even overwhelming speech. Loquacious people can keep discussions flowing, but they may unintentionally overshadow others. Whether in social, professional, or literary contexts, loquacious is a versatile word worth adding to your arsenal.

Iran is coordinating special flights for around 180 Indian sailors, mainly departing from Kochi. Tragically, this mission also includes returning the remains of those lost when a US submarine sank their vessel near Sri Lanka. This comes in light of the unfortunate incident with the Iranian frigate IRIS Dena.

Madan Thangavelu, a senior director at Uber, achieved a remarkable promotion from senior software engineer to senior director in just six years. He attributes his rapid ascent to proactively taking on responsibilities beyond his role, building strong relationships with managers, and understanding the critical importance of timing when presenting innovative ideas to the organization.

Temptation Island Season 10 will once again centre on four couples who travel to a tropical destination to test the strength of their relationships. As part of the experiment, the partners are separated and placed in villas with a group of singles whose presence is meant to challenge their commitment, pushing participants to confront insecurities and questions about their relationships.

Quote of the day by Lin Yutang: Lin Yutang's quote emphasizes the importance of recognizing personal limitations for self-awareness and growth. Understanding what one cannot do guides choices, conserves energy, and fosters realistic goals, ultimately leading to greater fulfillment and success. This perspective encourages humility and better collaboration by acknowledging boundaries.

In January, American job openings surged to nearly 7 million, yet the actual pace of hiring has noticeably dwindled. This paradox points toward a hiring recession in the United States. Although layoffs remain low, job seekers are encountering hurdles. Factors such as elevated interest rates, uncertain policies, and the impact of artificial intelligence are shaping the labor market landscape.

Life stinks, but that doesn't mean you don't enjoy it the quote by Dustin Hoffman reflects a realistic yet optimistic view of life. Hoffman, an acclaimed actor popular for movies like The Graduate, Kramer vs. Kramer, and Rain Man, suggests that life includes both struggles and joyful moments. His words remind us that challenges, disappointments, and setbacks are unavoidable parts of the human experience. However, they should not prevent people from appreciating happiness, relationships, and pers

President Donald Trump said Friday he feels honored to be killing Iran's leadership, calling them deranged scumbags. We have unparalleled firepower, unlimited ammunition, and plenty of time -- Watch what happens to these deranged scumbags today, Trump posted on Truth Social.

A CAG report reveals the Namami Gange program failed in Uttarakhand. Implementing agencies showed major flaws. Sewage treatment plants had defective designs and poor maintenance. Drains discharging into the Ganga were not tapped. Waste was dumped near rivers. Funds were underutilized. Local communities were not involved. This led to infrastructure not being used.

Two weeks into Operation Epic Fury, the US faces a financially punishing war against Iran. Billions are being spent on advanced munitions, depleting stockpiles and prompting a request for tens of billions more. The high cost of precision weapons and the imbalance with cheaper Iranian drones present a significant economic challenge.

Why US stock market surging today: The Dow Jones stands at 46,809.47, up 131 points. The S&P 500 reaches 6,681.73. The Nasdaq climbs to 22,324.48. The Russell 2000 jumps 1.16%, leading the rally. Nearly 70% of US stocks are advancing. Fresh PCE inflation data rose 0.3%, while core PCE increased 0.4%. Investors now expect a Federal Reserve rate cut in 2025. Strong buying appears in Nvidia, Intel, Micron and Nokia. Meanwhile WTI crude trades near $94 and gold holds around $5,094. Markets also watc

Investigators say preliminary evidence indicates that Nancy Guthrie may have been intentionally targeted, though authorities have not yet reached a definitive conclusion.

Quote of the Day by Michael Sandel: More than 20 million people watched the famous Justice lectures by Michael Sandel at Harvard University. His quote remains powerful. Justice is not only about distributing wealth. It is about valuing things correctly. Sandel asks a key question. Should markets decide everything? Or should society protect dignity and fairness? His philosophy challenges profit-driven systems and highlights ethics, equality, and the common good in modern democracy.

A viral video of Richard Pulley, a 78-year-old working as a delivery driver in Manchester, sparked widespread support online. The clip featured him carefully delivering a Starbucks order, initiating viewers to learn more about his situation. After discovering that Pulley and his wife had returned to work because of financial pressures and medical expenses, thousands of people donated money to help them. A fundraiser launched on GoFundMe rapidly gained momentum, collecting around $500,000.

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated there is no clear evidence Iran has placed mines in the Strait of Hormuz, contradicting earlier news reports. This assessment comes as global oil prices remain high amid the ongoing U.S.-Israel war.

New family tax bill 2026: Connecticut families may soon get a tax break. Lawmakers are considering a new bill for a child tax credit. Eligible households could receive up to $600 per child. This aims to ease the burden of rising living costs. The proposal could help families with essential expenses. Connecticut would join other states with similar credits if the bill becomes law.

The National Testing Agency has reopened the application window for JEE Main 2026 Session 2. Candidates can now apply until March 13, 2026. Fee payment is also due by March 13, 2026. The JEE Main 2026 Session 2 exams will be held from April 2 to April 9, 2026.

Earlier, for every proposal that involved more than 40 hectares of forest land, the conservator of forests of the forest circle in question had to carry out a field inspection -- in addition to the verification by the divisional forest officer (DFO) concerned.

The US economy grew at a significantly slower pace than initially estimated for the final months of 2025, government data showed Friday, a major downgrade that comes as fallout from war in the Middle East looms. Trump was quick to blame a lengthy government shutdown late last year for the slowdown in growth when early estimates were released last month.

Oil price warning: Oil prices above $100 per barrel have returned, with Brent crude and West Texas Intermediate crude crossing $108. The surge followed tensions involving Iran. Fuel costs reacted fast. US gasoline jumped to $3.40 per gallon in days. Rising oil prices now threaten transport costs, grocery prices, airline tickets, and household goods. Experts at the International Energy Agency say energy can drive nearly 50% of production costs, fueling broader inflation and consumer price pressur

As per the Bill, those involved in unlawful conversions on the pretext of marriage will be punished with imprisonment of seven years and shall also be liable for fine of Rs 1 lakh.

Quote of the day by Jackie Joyner-Kersee: Legendary athlete Jackie Joyner-Kersee shares a powerful message. She advises looking ahead and preparing for what comes next. This approach helps avoid future regrets. Joyner-Kersee's own life shows the impact of dedication and foresight. Her journey inspires many to plan wisely and act decisively.

The plea had sought a range of directions to the Centre and others to ensure public safety, including but not limited to maintenance, routine inspection and regular auditing of public infrastructure, such as roads, bridges and electric wiring, among others.

The series, which premiered in 2025, is a Netflix Original created by Simon Barry, best known for his work on Warrior Nun. It draws inspiration from the Japanese manga Kakegurui, written by Homura Kawamoto and illustrated by Tru Naomura.

Pakistani labourers are caught in the crossfire of Middle East conflicts. Two Pakistani men were killed in Dubai due to retaliatory strikes. Their families are mourning the loss of sole breadwinners. These workers send vital remittances home, supporting millions. The ongoing conflict threatens these earnings and the livelihoods of many families.