The Economic Times

Google Anthropic investment explained: Google's parent company, Alphabet, is significantly boosting its AI presence by committing up to $40 billion to AI startup Anthropic. This substantial investment, building on prior funding, underscores the intensifying competition among tech giants in the advanced AI sector.

The relationship between Kim Kardashian and Lewis Hamilton has become a major talking point in global entertainment media. Their frequent public appearances, luxury outings, and international sightings have sparked speculation about whether their romance is purely personal or partly strategic. Both celebrities are powerful global brands, and their connection has amplified media attention across fashion, sports, and pop culture.

As Bengal gears up for elections, domestic helpers have made their way back, highlighting how essential they are to the fabric of middle-class India. The landscape of domestic work has evolved; part-time gigs are the new norm, giving these workers more control over their schedules and pay.

Kofi Offeh, who claimed to be a king from an illegal camp in Scotland, has been deported to Ghana. Now back in his homeland, he declares his intention to take over Ghana and establish a new kingdom. His bold statements are raising concerns after his controversial stay near Jedburgh. Offeh aims to establish his rule in Sunyani, the 'Sun City'.

A 401(k) does not follow your will after death and goes directly to your named beneficiary. Rules are different for spouses and others, especially for taxes and withdrawal timelines. Many people make mistakes by not updating beneficiaries or not naming one at all. Proper planning and understanding simple rules can help avoid problems and ensure your money goes to the right person.

India's foreign exchange reserves saw a significant jump of $2.3 billion, reaching $703 billion. This increase was driven by foreign currency assets and dollar asset revaluation. Meanwhile, the Indian rupee experienced a slight dip of 14 paise against the dollar. Traders suggest the Reserve Bank of India intervened to stabilize the local currency.

India has assured Mauritius that it will uphold benefits under the Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement. This comes after a Supreme Court ruling raised concerns. India has softened tax regulations regarding the General Anti-Avoidance Rule for older investments. This move aims to provide certainty to foreign investors and private equity funds on tax matters.

The seven-times Grand Slam champion picked up the injury in the first round of the Barcelona Open earlier this month before withdrawing from the tournament. Scans showed the issue was more serious than initially thought, after which the 22-year-old also withdrew from the Madrid Open. The Spaniard said he would also skip the Masters tournament in Rome.

In contemporary discourse, the concept of Sanatan Dharma has become a battleground for political maneuvering. While it is often framed as a timeless reflection of Hindu values, its current application serves the interests of those in power rather than the original ideals of Ram Rajya, which championed inclusivity and the safeguarding of the vulnerable.

India's formal loan systems saw a significant surge in FY26, marking a strong revival in borrowing demand. This growth followed a contraction in the previous year. The Reserve Bank of India's policy rate cuts and liquidity infusion spurred lending. Credit expansion reached 44.6 lakh crore. Outstanding financial resources for the commercial sector crossed 300 lakh crore for the first time.

Kohli led the 206-run chase with a commanding 81 off 44 balls, sharing a decisive stand with local favourite Devdutt Padikkal at the batting-friendly M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, sealing the win in 18.5 overs. Put in to bat, Gujarat opener Sudharsan dominated the Bengaluru attack from the outset, striking a fluent 100 off 58 balls to lift his side to 205-3, but his effort proved insufficient as Bengaluru made light work of the chase.

Twenty individuals have received life sentences for the mob lynching of Nilotpal Das and Abhijit Nath in Assam. The Nagaon District and Sessions Court delivered this verdict after an eight-year wait. Families of the victims expressed dissatisfaction, having sought the death penalty. They are considering further legal action, including approaching the High Court for a different outcome.

African proverb of the day: An African proverb highlights how excessive pride blocks wisdom. When individuals are filled with self-importance, they lose the capacity to learn and grow. This can affect daily interactions and decision-making. The proverb emphasizes that humility, seen as openness, is key to acquiring wisdom and fostering personal development over time.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah claims the central government's delay in restoring statehood is a punishment. He made these remarks following comments from BJP leader Sunil Sharma. Sharma stated that statehood restoration should not be linked to any specific leader or political family. He also criticized the current government's performance and priorities.

Several Aam Aadmi Party leaders have joined the Bharatiya Janata Party. This move is seen as a strategic preparation for the upcoming Punjab Assembly elections. The BJP aims to strengthen its position by inducting key figures who were instrumental in AAP's previous electoral success.

A major scientific study warns that climate change could significantly impact global wildlife in the coming decades. Researchers found that extreme weather events such as heatwaves, floods, droughts, and wildfires are becoming more frequent and may threaten a large share of land animal habitats by 2085. The analysis suggests that overlapping climate stressors could accelerate biodiversity loss and increase extinction risks across ecosystems worldwide.

Six persons have been booked under the stringent Public Safety Act in Sopore, Baramulla district. Authorities took this action following their alleged involvement in recent law and order disturbances and acts of vandalism during a student protest. The individuals are now detained in Bhadarwah District Jail. The Public Safety Act allows for preventive detention without trial.

Seventy-three opposition members have submitted a new notice to remove Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. This is their second attempt after a previous one was rejected. The notice lists nine charges including partisan conduct and electoral fraud. The move comes ahead of the West Bengal election results.

Former Chief Economic Adviser Ashok Lahiri is set to become the new vice-chairman of NITI Aayog, replacing Suman Bery. Lahiri, a member of the 15th Finance Commission and currently a West Bengal MLA, previously served as CEA under Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Gobardhan Das will also join the think tank as a member.

Quote of the Day by Taylor Swift: I'm going to make mistakes, I'm going to fall down, I'm going to learn from it highlights the importance of accepting mistakes as part of personal growth. It reflects how fear of failure often prevents people from trying, but true success comes from learning through setbacks. The quote emphasizes resilience, self-improvement, and the courage to move forward despite challenges. It delivers powerful life lessons on overcoming fear, achieving success, and developin

European Union regulators are increasing pressure on Google. They want the tech giant to allow rival AI search assistants equal access to Android features. This move aims to benefit services like ChatGPT and Claude. Google fears this could impact user security and privacy. The EU's Digital Markets Act is driving these demands.

Seven Rajya Sabha MPs from the Aam Aadmi Party are set to join the Bharatiya Janata Party. This move includes prominent leaders like Raghav Chadha and Swati Maliwal. The split, involving two-thirds of AAP's Rajya Sabha members, protects them from anti-defection laws. The development occurs ahead of Punjab Assembly elections.

India's solar industry said the decision to impose steep preliminary anti-dumping duties on cells and modules from India will have limited immediate impact on domestic exporters, but remains a matter of concern.

New laws for seeds and pesticides are nearing completion. These laws aim to curb fake farm inputs with stricter penalties. The government is also focusing on region-specific agricultural planning. Priorities include food security, higher farm incomes, and better nutrition. Farmers will benefit from improved access to quality seeds and credit. Planning will also consider potential water shortages.

Greenlandic proverb of the Day: Greenlandic wisdom highlights that perceived limits are often mental boundaries, not true incapacities. When feeling exhausted, individuals may only be halfway to their full potential, urging a push beyond perceived exhaustion to unlock deeper strength and achieve more than initially believed possible.

Persian proverb of the day: War does not begin with bombs. It begins with belief. A nation convinces itself that conflict is necessary. That it is justified. That it is controlled. But history shows something very different. The real damage of war is not what breaks. It is what disappears quietly. The Persian proverb says, War first robs you of your laughter, and then your memory. This is not poetry for beauty. It is a warning. Laughter is the first sign of safety. When people feel secure, they

Many people make simple retirement mistakes without knowing the risk. Poor planning, late saving, scams, and wrong money decisions can create big problems later. Experts say early planning and smart choices are very important. Avoiding common errors can help you stay safe financially and enjoy a comfortable retirement life without stress or money worries in the future.

The Trump administration has imposed economic sanctions on a major Chinese oil refinery and dozens of shipping companies for their involvement in transporting Iranian oil. This action aims to cut off Iran's oil revenue and follows threats of secondary sanctions on entities doing business with the country.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee highlighted the Hooghly river's cleanliness. She contrasted it with the Yamuna river in Delhi. Banerjee suggested Prime Minister Narendra Modi could enjoy a boat ride on the Hooghly. She stated such a ride would not be possible on the Yamuna due to pollution. The Chief Minister blamed the BJP-led administration for the Yamuna's condition.

Psychologists suggest that accepting compliments is a skill that can be learned over time. Simple habits, such as saying thank you without deflecting, can help ease discomfort gradually.

Amit Shah expressed his excitement over West Bengal voters making history with their show of support for 'Parivartan'. With a strong belief that the BJP will clinch 110 seats in the first phase of the assembly elections, he reassured the public that the next Chief Minister will be a Bengali-speaking representative.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has voiced her strong disagreement with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's statements concerning Jadavpur University. Emphasizing that student demonstrations embody the essence of democratic expression, Banerjee defended the university's reputation, which consistently ranks among the top educational institutions. She accused Modi of undermining not just the university, but also its passionate student body.

Former Army Chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane breaks his silence on his memoir Four Stars of Destiny. He firmly defends his position that India lost no territory during the 2020 Indo-China border standoff. General Naravane emphasizes the need to keep armed forces insulated from political narratives.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi criticized the Trinamool Congress regarding the RG Kar rape and murder case. He also alleged anti-national slogans were written on Jadavpur University walls. Modi expressed confidence in a BJP victory in the West Bengal assembly elections. He stated that a BJP government would hold those involved in the RG Kar case accountable.

Intel (INTC) growth 2026 story: Intel stock has surged dramatically, surpassing dot-com era peaks, driven by unexpected demand for its AI chips. Strong sales of Xeon server CPUs, even of previously written-off inventory, fueled a more than 24% rally. This turnaround signals a broader semiconductor sector boom, with rivals also seeing gains as AI infrastructure spending accelerates.

The statistics ministry is set to release detailed city-level reports for major urban centers. These reports will use data from the Periodic Labour Force Survey and the Annual Survey of Unincorporated Sector Enterprises. The initiative aims to provide granular urban statistics. This will support policy formulation and enhance understanding of urban labor markets and enterprise dynamics.

Spanish proverb of the day: The Spanish proverb, Don't sell the bear's skin before you hunt it, cautions against premature celebration and making plans based on unachieved results. It emphasizes the importance of patience, effort, and realism, reminding us that success is not guaranteed until the work is truly done. This wisdom remains highly relevant in professional, personal, and financial matters today.

Economist Ashok Lahiri and scientist Gobardhan Das from West Bengal are set to join Niti Aayog. Lahiri, a former chief economic advisor, will be the vice-chairman. Das, director of IISER Bhopal, will serve as a member. This appointment brings distinguished expertise to the policy think tank. Their contributions are expected to shape future economic and scientific initiatives.

Tornado watch: U.S. weather service has warned of possible storms and tornadoes on Friday night.

Chinese Proverb of the Day: Dripping Water Can Penetrate the Stone, is a powerful reminder that success is built through patience, persistence, and consistent effort over time. The proverb highlights how small, repeated actions can eventually overcome even the strongest obstacles, just like water slowly shaping stone. Most people fail before they succeed because they give up too early, but those who stay committed despite slow progress eventually achieve lasting success through steady, continuou

The Social Security May 2026 payment schedule is now clear, and timing matters. Millions depend on these dates. The Social Security Administration confirms SSI payments land on May 1, 2026. That is fixed. No delay. SSDI and Social Security follow a staggered system. Your birth date decides everything.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced successful treatment for early-stage prostate cancer. A routine checkup revealed a malignant tumor. Targeted treatment removed the issue without a trace. Netanyahu delayed his medical report release for two months. This was to prevent Iran from spreading false propaganda. He previously refuted death rumors spread by Iran. Elections are due in Israel by October.

An appeals court has blocked President Trump's executive order that suspended asylum access at the U.S. southern border. The ruling stated that immigration laws grant individuals the right to apply for asylum, which the president cannot override. The court found the order unlawfully circumvented established legal procedures for asylum and anti-torture claims.

China is set to build up to 50 nuclear reactors at once. This move aims to boost nuclear power and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. The nation's nuclear technology is advancing rapidly. China currently operates 60 reactors and has many more under construction. By 2040, capacity is projected to reach 200 GW.

Activist Gurjeet Singh Khalsa ended his 560-day protest atop a 400-foot BSNL tower after the Punjab government enacted a new anti-sacrilege law. The law, notified as the Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Act, 2026, proposes stricter punishments, including life imprisonment, for sacrilege incidents.

A manager stumbled upon her team's private chat, revealing unfiltered criticisms despite their cordial in-person interactions. This discovery caused her significant distress and led her to question their true feelings. While acknowledging the need for employees to vent, she is now processing the feedback to identify areas for improvement.

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat declared India will become a global guide, a 'Vishwaguru'. He stressed collective discipline and understanding Bharat's civilisational values. Bhagwat expressed confidence this transformation will be witnessed by the current generation. He urged citizens to shed Western thinking and reconnect with Indian traditions.