The Economic Times

Tata Sons chairman N Chandrasekaran sought to postpone his reappointment for a third term. A board meeting revealed differing views, notably from Tata Trusts chairman Noel Tata. Concerns were raised about the performance of group businesses like Air India and newer ventures. Chandrasekaran proposed the deferral to ensure alignment between Tata Sons and Tata Trusts.

PayPal stock jumped after news that Stripe may try to buy the company. Reports said Stripe showed early interest, but nothing is final yet. Investors quickly bought shares after the rumor, which pushed the stock price higher. Both companies have not confirmed anything, and experts say it is still too early to know if a real takeover deal will happen.

The US government is putting pressure on AI company Anthropic over military use of its technology. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has given a deadline for the company to allow its AI to be used in legal defense work. Anthropic is worried about safety risks, especially AI weapons and surveillance. The issue shows growing tension between national security needs and AI ethics.

Lickspittle is an old English word that means a person who flatters powerful people too much. It describes someone who always agrees just to gain benefits or stay safe. The word comes from lick and spit, showing extreme praise. It is often used in politics, workplaces, and daily life to talk about people who behave like yes-men.

Anthony Quinn's bold declaration, A big talent steals, a small talent borrows. I steal, challenges notions of artistic originality. His life and career exemplified this philosophy, marked by absorbing influences and transforming them with fearless intensity into powerful, unforgettable performances.

Tim Cook CIA briefing China Taiwan 2027 threat: Apple CEO received a classified CIA briefing in July 2023, warning of a potential Chinese move on Taiwan by 2027. The briefing highlighted the global reliance on Taiwan's advanced chip production, a critical factor for Apple and the tech industry.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has launched the National Monetisation Pipeline 2.0, aiming for over Rs 16.7 lakh crore in receipts by 2029-30. This ambitious program, a significant increase from its predecessor, will see proceeds allocated across government funds and direct private investment. Key infrastructure assets like major expressways and hydropower stations are slated for monetisation.

India is undertaking a significant exercise to identify gaps in its manufacturing sector. The government is mapping commonly procured goods to understand import reliance. This initiative aims to boost local production and reduce dependence on foreign supplies. A consolidated procurement plan for these items will be developed.

Kansai International Airport has gone 30 years without a lost baggage incident, earning the Worlds Best Airport for Baggage Delivery award multiple times. Handling up to 30,000 bags everyday, the airport uses a combination of sensors, conveyor belts, and manual oversight to ensure luggage safety. Staff align handles for passenger convenience and personally offer fragile items.

Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu has strongly condemned the alleged racial abuse of three women in South Delhi, urging swift and strict action from the Delhi Police Commissioner. Other political leaders and organizations have also voiced their condemnation, demanding stringent measures against the absconding accused.

Audrey Hepburns quote talks about enjoying life and staying happy. It says happiness matters more than success, money, or fame. The message is simple and positive, so many people still share it today. Audrey Hepburn was also known for her movies, beauty, and charity work, which is why her words continue to inspire people around the world.

The government has permitted the export of 25 lakh tonnes of wheat, according to a commerce ministry notification. While the overall export policy for wheat remains prohibited, this specific quantity has been allowed. The decision was made earlier this month, with detailed modalities to be announced separately.

Bengaluru banks face a severe cash crunch as withdrawals outpace deposits, forcing currency chests to borrow from peers. Businesses, especially in construction, are withdrawing large sums, potentially for upcoming elections. While ATMs are prioritized, 500 notes are scarce, prompting banks to urge customers towards digital transactions to ease the temporary disruption.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is pushing for swift reforms. Ministers are tasked with creating clear plans to improve ease of living and doing business. The Cabinet has pledged to prioritize public good in all decisions. This move signals a significant shift in governance culture, aiming to simplify life for citizens and accelerate national growth.

Standard Chartered's India operations saw a 15% rise in profit before tax to $542 million in 2025, driven by lower expenses and provisions, despite a 3% drop in operating income. India climbed to the fourth position in profit contribution, aided by a 24% decline in China profits. Total loans fell 5% to $12.28 billion, while global pre-tax profit increased 16% to $7.90 billion, boosted by a $238 million gain from the sale of Solv India.

Nidhi Chhibber will assume additional responsibilities as the Chief Executive Officer of Niti Aayog. This interim appointment follows the completion of BVR Subrahmanyam's term. Chhibber, currently heading the Development Monitoring and Evaluation Office, will serve until a permanent successor is named. The transition ensures continuity at the policy think tank.

Savannah Guthrie is pleading for answers regarding her mother Nancy Guthrie's abduction. The Today show anchor announced a $1 million reward for information. Nancy Guthrie was taken from her Tucson home nearly a month ago. Savannah expressed agony and fear for her mother's safety. The family hopes for a miracle but prepares for the worst.

The Election Commission has passed a 'National Declaration' to collaborate with State Election Commissions, aiming to align laws for local body polls with those for Parliament and state assemblies. This move supports the Kovind panel's recommendation for simultaneous elections across all three tiers, proposing shared resources like EVMs and electoral rolls to enhance democratic integrity and efficiency.

Coal India envisions a phased National Coal Exchange. This new platform will shift from auctions to electronic trading. Market reforms will be carefully balanced with national energy security. Long-term fuel supply agreements will ensure stability for power producers. The exchange aims for transparent price discovery. Independent regulatory oversight is crucial for its success.

The Union Cabinet has approved the renaming of Kerala to Keralam. This constitutional step follows a request from the Kerala government. Prime Minister Modi stated the move reflects the people's will and strengthens cultural identity. The process involves the President and Parliament. The Kerala assembly had unanimously passed a resolution for the name change.

The Donald Trump tariffs were partly blocked by the Supreme Court, but not fully removed. Many tariffs are still active, so prices remain higher. Experts say U.S. families still pay about $400 extra each year. The ruling mainly said a president cannot set taxes alone because that power belongs to Congress under the Constitution.

Moscow has admitted it has not achieved all its objectives in Ukraine, more than four years after launching its full-scale invasion. The initial aim, according to the provided information, was to capture Kyiv within days of the February 24, 2022, incursion. The conflict has resulted in hundreds of thousands of deaths and displaced millions of people. Much of eastern Ukraine has been destroyed. Peace talks, led by the United States, remain stalled over territorial disputes.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has secured investment proposals totaling Rs 1 lakh crore during his Singapore visit. MoUs worth Rs 60,000 crore have been signed. Discussions focused on expanding economic cooperation and investment opportunities. The Chief Minister highlighted a significant transformation in Uttar Pradesh's perception, citing improvements in infrastructure and governance.

Sailors on the USS Gerald Ford aircraft carrier face severe toilet clogs and sewage failures. This is causing significant distress and anger among the crew. The ship, the most expensive ever built, is struggling with basic sanitation. Personnel are experiencing homesickness and depression. The carrier is preparing for a mission in West Asia, supporting Israel.

Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced approval of gram, mustard and lentil procurement under the Price Support Scheme for Rabi 2026, reviewed Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana progress, and urged states to fully utilise central funds before March 31 to safeguard farmer interests.

Congress leaders have condemned the arrest of Indian Youth Congress national president Uday Bhanu Chib. The arrest followed a protest by IYC activists at an international AI summit. Party leaders stated the activists were exposing government compromises on farmers and the textile sector in a trade deal. They asserted that holding power accountable is patriotism, not a crime.

Indian companies anticipate a 9.1% average pay hike in 2026, an increase from last year. Real estate and NBFC sectors are expected to offer the highest increments. Attrition rates have slowed to a five-year low. Companies are investing in critical talent and building sustainable compensation strategies. New Labour Codes are being assessed for their impact on pay structures.

Banerjee vowed to get Bengal's name changed when BJP is out of power as she questioned why Bengal's name was not renamed despite repeated requests. Bengal's culture, richness and language is well known. But Bengal's students suffer in various examinations or interviews as the name comes last due to alphabetical order, Banerjee emphasised.

Can a job offer really be rescinded over a false positive drug test? What happens when a promising job offer vanishes due to a positive oral swab result, even if you havent used drugs recently? A Reddit user shared how a job offer that would have almost doubled their salary was rescinded due to a positive oral swab test for marijuana, despite no recent use.

The indigenous Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) missed the full dress rehearsal of Exercise Vayu Shakti and may also skip the main event due to technical checks following an accident earlier this month. The IAFs showcase, highlighting rapid strike capability, will proceed with President Droupadi Murmu as chief guest. This marks the third major incident involving the LCA fleet, with two previous crashes reported.

More than 400,000 BKLN put options were bought in just three weeks. That equals about 40 million shares. This is the highest bearish positioning since 2023. The Invesco Senior Loan ETF (BKLN) trades near $20. Software exposure is about 18%. Investors fear rising software credit risk and stress in the leveraged loan market. Nearly $1 billion has left the ETF in four weeks. Credit spreads are sensitive to rates and growth. If defaults rise, BKLN could fall further. If conditions stabilize, this cr

Government departments are uniting to build interconnected, AI-ready data systems for better governance. A national workshop emphasized harmonizing state-level data, breaking silos, and expanding access. This initiative aims to strengthen evidence-based policymaking and democratize intelligence for real-time decision-making at all levels, paving the way for the AI revolution.

AI and semiconductor demand South Korea: South Korea's economy is experiencing a significant rebound, driven by a booming AI sector that's fueling a surge in semiconductor demand and exports. The Bank of Korea forecasts stronger GDP growth for 2026, with chip shipments seeing remarkable increases.

President Donald Trump addresses the nation in his State of the Union speech. He faces a government shutdown and declining approval ratings. Trump aims to highlight economic gains and border security successes. He also confronts a Supreme Court decision impacting his tariffs. Democrats plan boycotts and a counter-event. The speech is crucial for Trump's presidency and upcoming midterm elections.

After a year of job searching, a professional finally secured a stable position, only to be inundated with new opportunities. This surge of interest, including a potentially higher-paying role, sparked a Reddit discussion on burnout, timing, and the psychological impact of prolonged job hunting.

England secured a semifinal spot in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026. They beat Pakistan by two wickets. Harry Brook scored a century. Pakistan batted first and set a target. England chased it down with five balls remaining. This win marks England's second Super 8 victory. They are now through to the next stage.

Lunar Eclipse Season 2026: As eclipse energy subsides, the focus shifts toward integration. Astrologers recommend journaling, mindful reflection and measured action rather than impulsive decisions.

Deepinder Goyal has unveiled his new wearable device, Temple. This experimental gadget is designed to monitor brain health. Goyal describes it as the most important wearable ever created. The Temple device will soon be available to the public via a waitlist. This innovation is generating considerable global interest and discussion.

Brazilian planemaker Embraer and U.S. airlines stand to gain after the Trump administration exempted aircraft, engines and parts from new Section 122 tariffs. While the move eases cost pressures and boosts jet imports, industry experts warn ongoing steel tariffs and a Section 232 probe still cloud the outlook.

Gobsmacked means being completely astonished, amazed, or shocked. It is stronger than ordinary surprise, featuring disbelief or being taken aback. Originating from British slang, the word gob means mouth, so gobsmacked figuratively indicates that being struck in the mouth by amazement. It is commonly used in informal contexts to describe reactions to unexpected events, achievements, or discoveries.

Over 7.4 million Americans rely on Supplemental Security Income every month. In 2026, SSI recipients will not receive payments in March, August, and November. This is not a benefit cut. The Social Security Administration moved deposits early because the first falls on a weekend. Payments arrive the prior month. The SSI payment schedule 2026 keeps 12 full benefits intact. Understanding Social Security payment dates helps seniors and disabled Americans plan ahead.

In Mumbai, rising pollution levels are driving a surge in lung cancer, now linked to 57% of reported cases. Breast cancer among women is also on the rise, largely because its often detected too late.