The Economic Times

The Washington Post is facing serious money problems in 2025 after losing over $100 million. The company is cutting many jobs and trying to reduce costs. Leaders say they want to focus on strong and different journalism. The changes come as the news industry faces falling readers, lower revenue, and big challenges in the digital world.

Google rolled out the Nano Banana AI image editor in August, which quickly became a viral sensation, attracting 13 million first-time users to the Gemini app in just four days in September.

Why is oil price surging now by $1 and will it continue to rise or finally drop? Oil prices increased during a volatile session as the United States and Iran held nuclear talks in Geneva. Brent crude and WTI futures moved higher as markets reacted to developments.

Megyn Kelly believes Savannah Guthrie's latest plea about her missing mother, Nancy, revealed a crucial detail: Nancy was taken from her bed in the dark of night. This statement, made on day 24 of the suspected kidnapping, suggests new information has come to light regarding the February 1 incident in Tucson, Arizona.

Troubled automaker Stellantis, behind brands like Jeep and Fiat, announced Thursday a net loss of 22.3 billion euros ($26.3 billion) for last year, blaming a lack of demand for electric vehicles. Stellantis' revenue fell only by two percent to 153.5 billion euros last year while its sales actually rose from 5.41 million vehicles in 2024 to 5.48 million last year.

Ukrainian and US officials met in Geneva to advance post-war reconstruction plans even as Russia launched 420 drones and 39 missiles in fresh strikes on critical infrastructure. With peace talks stalled, Kyiv seeks $800 billion over a decade for rebuilding. Discussions also covered potential trilateral talks with Moscow aimed at ending the five-year war.

Puma has cancelled its dividend and anticipates an annual loss in 2026. Chief Executive Arthur Hoeld is leading a turnaround for the German sportswear brand. China's Anta is becoming a strategic investor, acquiring a 29% stake. Puma expects an operating loss between 50 million and 150 million euros in 2026.

A Chinese company, Henan Kuangshan Crane Co., Ltd., made global headlines by offering 180 million yuan (US$26 million) in year-end bonuses. Employees were invited on stage to count stacks of cash and take home whatever they could carry. Videos went viral, showing workers struggling to hold bundles of notes while cheering. Chairman Cui Peijun, who owns nearly 99% of the company, canceled planned gifts and distributed cash directly, citing employees financial burdens.

Online posts claim Earths gravity will vanish for seven seconds on August 12, 2026, allegedly causing catastrophic damage and 40 million deaths. The speculation suggests NASA is managing the threat through a secret initiative called Project Anchor and even cites an accurate time for the event. NASA has addressed the theory.

Mortgage rates have dropped below 6%, giving home buyers some relief after years of high costs. Lower rates mean smaller monthly payments and may bring more people back into the housing market. However, rates can change quickly, so buyers should focus on their budget, credit score, and long-term plans before deciding when to lock a mortgage rate.

ET has learnt that Cabinet notes to operationalise these proposals are under preparation, with approvals targeted in the May-June window.

An Election Commission of India delegation is currently in Chennai, conducting a comprehensive review of election arrangements in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. After meeting representatives from multiple political parties, the Commission reiterated its directive to Puducherry officials to rigorously enforce the rulesparticularly against the distribution of money, alcohol, and drugs to sway voters.

Physicists have finally solved the mystery behind the squeaky sound of basketball sneakers. High-speed imaging revealed that the noise is caused by rapid 'opening slip pulses' traveling along the rubber sole. Ridged surfaces on the shoes confine these pulses, creating the consistent, musical squeak heard during games.

The Enforcement Directorate has secured prosecution sanction orders against former Union Finance Minister P Chidambaram. These orders pertain to alleged money laundering offenses in the Aircel Maxis and INX Media cases. The agency's probe revealed FIPB approval was granted during Chidambaram's tenure. Illegal gratification was allegedly received through entities linked to his son, Karti P Chidambaram.

Moulin Rouge Broadway: Megan Thee Stallion is set to make her Broadway debut in Moulin Rouge! The Musical at the Al Hirschfeld Theatre for a limited engagement from March 24 to May 17, 2026. She will feature Zidler, becoming the first female-identifying performer to play the role in any production worldwide.

Renowned defence analyst and retired Indian Army officer Major Maroof Raza has passed away. He was widely recognized for his sharp insights on national security, counter-insurgency, and India-Pakistan relations, becoming a familiar face on television debates. His extensive military background and academic fellowships lent significant credibility to his impactful strategic commentary.

Nasdaq down today: The Nasdaq Composite fell nearly 2% today, dropping below 22,720 in sharp midday trading. Investors are reacting to a 5% plunge in NVIDIA stock despite strong earnings. The sell-off spread fast across AI stocks and semiconductor shares. The S&P 500 slipped over 1%. The Dow Jones fell about 0.4%. Traders fear AI stock valuations are stretched after a massive 40% sector rally in six months. Rising bond yield concerns and inflation data uncertainty added pressure. Todays Nasdaq c

A $100,000 salary doesnt have the same impact everywhere. According to ConsumerAffairs, Southern and Midwestern cities, particularly in Texas, maximize purchasing power, while West and East Coast metros often reduce it significantly. Factors like state and local taxes, housing, and everyday costs determine the real value of income. The findings show that location can turn a six-figure income into a comfort zone or survival mode. Choosing where to live is as important as earning a high salary.

A 23-year-old law student faces a tough choice: a demanding career opportunity in a new city or a less intense role closer to her boyfriend of four years. The dilemma pits professional ambition and financial stability against relationship proximity, sparking debate online about prioritizing career versus love in early adulthood.

Nvidia NVDA stock today: Nvidia's stock saw a dip despite impressive revenue forecasts and a significant jump in fourth-quarter sales. Investors are questioning the sustainability of the artificial intelligence boom. The company's CEO expressed confidence in continued demand, citing customer returns on computing power.

Humanitys Last Exam (HLE) is a groundbreaking 2,500-question assessment created to reveal the limits of advanced AI systems. Developed by almost 1,000 researchers worldwide, including Texas A&M professor Dr. Tung Nguyen, it covers mathematics, natural sciences, humanities, ancient languages, and specialized subfields. Unlike traditional benchmarks, HLE needs deep human expertise and context, leaving even leading AI models struggling with accuracy under 50%.

Telangana power salaries: Salaries in Telanganas power utilities have surged, with senior sweepers reportedly earning up to Rs 2 lakh per month and chief engineers up to Rs 7 lakh, following successive Pay Revision Commissions. This increase has contributed to a significant rise in the states pension and salary bill since its formation in 2014.

Trying out a new gaming headset as someone who isnt a hardcore player can be a mixed bag. The HyperX Cloud Jet Dual Wireless surprised me in more ways than one. Its not without its compromises, but it raises an interesting question: how much headset do you really need for everyday gaming and entertainment?

US stock market today shows a sharp split. The Dow Jones rose 174 points to 49,656. The Nasdaq fell 146 points. The S&P 500 slipped 0.28%. This market divergence followed Nvidia stock dropping over 2% despite strong earnings. Investors questioned AI growth sustainability and China revenue exposure. The AI trade now faces valuation pressure. Tech stocks reacted fast. Defensive Dow components held firm. Jobless claims came at 212,000, signaling a cooling labor market. Traders await inflation data

Donald Trump won the 2024 presidential election in part because Joe Biden - his Democratic predecessor in the White House - was widely seen to have lost mental acuity as he aged in office.

Snowball Earth: Researchers at the University of Southampton have revealed evidence that Earths climate continued to fluctuate during the extreme Cryogenian ice age, known as Snowball Earth. The findings suggest Snowball Earth was not entirely static and may have had habitable oases that supported early complex life. These insights reshape our understanding of ancient climate resilience and planetary systems.

After a two-year injury layoff and the loss of her father, 22-year-old Beauty Dungdung has returned to the Indian Women's Hockey Team camp. She is determined to rebuild her career and support her family, drawing strength from her teammates as she prepares for the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 Qualifiers.

NASA is monitoring asteroid 2026 CU1, a 140-foot space rock, as it safely passes Earth at 18,000 mph. While not a threat, its close flyby at 764,000 miles offers a valuable opportunity for scientific study and reinforces the importance of continuous monitoring of near-Earth objects.

Thought of the day: In an era where distractions abound and insecurities are amplified, todays Thought of the day stands as a succinct yet stirring appeal: trust yourself, honour your time and recognise your intrinsic worth.

The report held the Electric Train Lighting (ETL) department of the Chennai Depot primarily responsible for the incident. Seven of the eight-member investigating team concluded that evidence suggests the fire started inside the rearmost coach from the train's emergency light unit battery.

Bengaluru AQI: These notices will require authorities to improve air quality within a specified timeframe, failing which the forest, environment, and ecology department will take legal action, forest, environment & ecology minister Eshwar Khandre said in a statement.

Patiala House Court granted three days' custody to five Indian Youth Congress workers arrested in connection with the AI Summit protest. Police sought remand to investigate their role in shirtless protests and identify the printing press for T-shirts. The court granted further custody for two and a fresh five-day custody for three others arrested from Himachal Pradesh.

IRS tax refund 2026: The IRS opened its 2026 filing season on January 26. Over 31 million Americans are already waiting on refunds. The average payout this year hits nearly $4,000. If you filed early with direct deposit, your money could arrive by February 17. But millions claiming the Earned Income Tax Credit face a hard federal freeze until March 2. The PATH Act blocks every refund dollar not just the credit. Paper checks are gone in 2026. Direct deposit is now mandatory. One filing mistake c

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu shared a personal connection to India. He revealed his first date with his wife Sara was at an Indian restaurant in Tel Aviv. The owner of the establishment recalls the event and Netanyahu's fondness for Indian dishes. This personal anecdote highlights a unique bond between the leaders and their nations.

Opal meaning: Opal, a gemstone of hydrated silica, captivates with its shifting rainbow colors. This precious stone, used in jewelry, boasts a rich history and fascinating origins. Australia is a major source of opals. Historically, opals were linked to good luck and even invisibility. This gemstone is the birthstone for October, symbolizing hope and creativity.

Iran braces for possible U.S. military action in the Middle East. While Iran is outmatched, it retains missile capabilities to strike U.S. bases and allies. The Strait of Hormuz remains a critical point of vulnerability. Regional allies express concern about escalating conflict and its impact on global oil trade. Iran's nuclear program also remains a point of contention.

During the meeting, a majority of the political parties commended the Election Commission of India (ECI) for the peaceful and smooth conduct of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in the state. Additionally, most parties also submitted formal requests urging the ECI to conduct the upcoming elections in a single phase to ensure better management and transparency.

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra called for moral accountability from public office-bearers named in the 'Epstein files', contrasting India's lack of action with international resignations. She emphasized that interacting with a convicted paedophile warrants accountability, especially for ministers. Vadra also highlighted the need for expedited disaster relief and stronger healthcare outreach in Kerala.

Bridgerton Season 4 Part 2 is currently streaming on Netflix. Benedict and Sophie are central characters of the show.

Tobacco settlement funds in the U.S. are under pressure as payments linked to the 1998 tobacco settlement may decline. About $206 billion was paid in the first 25 years under the Tobacco Master Settlement Agreement. Declining smoking rates are reducing tobacco company payouts. Programs in Kentucky depend on this money for healthcare and education. Officials warn funding could shrink further. Governments are now searching for new revenue sources to replace tobacco settlement funds.

Largest data breach in US history: A massive cyberattack has exposed the personal and health data of over 25 million Americans. Social Security numbers and addresses are among the compromised information. Texas and Oregon are among the hardest-hit states. Experts urge immediate action to protect yourself. This incident marks the largest data breach in US history.