PFRDA has proposed new pension payout options, such as SWPs and unit redemptions, to give retirees more flexibility and potentially higher returns. However, these options are not currently given the same tax treatment as annuities. PFRDA has urged the government to extend tax-neutral treatment to all pension payout products, in order to provide choice without creating tax disadvantages.
Indian IT firms are under pressure to adapt to the rise of AI, which could replace traditional services. Concerns about keeping up with technology and reworking delivery models have emerged. Some executives don't think AI will make services obsolete right away, but success lies in shifting to AI-first models and partnering with AI-native players. Mid-sized firms may have an edge, like Accent.
MoSPI Secretary Saurabh Garg defends the reduced weight of food and beverages in the new CPI series, stating it will not affect inflation volatility. The revision aims to reflect household consumption behavior accurately. The new series will have a lower food weight of 36.7%, with the adoption of international standards, leading to a redistribution of weights and capturing real changes.
HERE Technologies, a global leader in mapping and location services, has a significant presence in India with 3,500 employees in Mumbai. It plays a crucial role in the country's automotive industry and has partnerships with top two-wheeler companies. Despite challenges, HERE is focused on local collaborations and has achieved a 450% traffic boost in India through its partnership with Uber.
Yamaha India has launched the EC-06 electric scooter, marking the end of the era of electric holdouts among legacy two-wheeler players. This move has shifted the landscape of the industry, with all members of India's Big Six now having an EV in their portfolio. The EC-06, co-developed with Bengaluru-based startup River Mobility, offers a top speed of 79 km/h, 26 Nm torque, and 6.7 kW power.
The TOEFL iBT has been revamped in 2026 to become shorter, smarter, and more reflective of the digital world. It now features real-world content, adaptive testing, and a new scoring system aligned with international standards. Despite concerns, the general manager assures fairness for all students. The updated test reflects the changing nature of English as a dynamic tool.
MrBeast and Logan Paul, two popular influencers, are making headlines ahead of the Super Bowl 2026. MrBeast is hosting a $1 million giveaway during his Super Bowl livestream, while Logan Paul is betting $50,000 on the Seattle Seahawks to win. The Super Bowl buzz is reaching its peak, with big names attached to the event and various performances by artists like Bad Bunny and Green Day.
Despite a four-month low on Budget day, India's markets are seeing positive developments in trade deals with the US. The Nifty rebounded with a 373-point gain for the week, but investors should remain patient as the deals still need to be implemented.
The RBI has removed the Rs 2.5 lakh crore investment cap and introduced more operational flexibility in the voluntary retention route for foreign investors. This aims to improve long-term foreign portfolio investment in India's bond market. The RBI also plans to offer additional operational flexibilities to FPIs under this route, in hopes of attracting more foreign investment in the bond market.
India's Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal announces plans to expand energy sources by purchasing crude oil, LNG, and LPG from the US. The trade agreement between the two countries will not dictate sourcing choices, but rather provide preferential market access.
The US-India trade deal may help stabilize the Indian rupee, which has recently hit a record low. However, the extent of recovery is uncertain and will depend on foreign investments and RBI intervention. While reduced tariff barriers and improved investor confidence could boost the rupee, its appreciation potential is limited without new inflows.
India aims to liberalize trade in 80% of tariff lines and product-specific Rules of Origin in the review of Asean India Trade in Goods Agreement. Discussions are ongoing to achieve a minimum of 70% tariff line liberalization at the country level. The review also focuses on improving Rules of Origin and establishing bilateral payment linkages.
Sarvam AI, an Indian startup, released Sarvam Audio, a language model that accurately transcribes speech in 22 Indian languages, surpassing global competitors. The British Museum received criticism for using AI-generated images without disclosure. A travel recommendation led tourists to a non-existent attraction, sparking concerns about unregulated AI-generated marketing.
The RSS celebrated its centenary with a two-day event in Mumbai, attended by Bollywood celebrities. Discussions on social and national issues were held, with RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat emphasizing the need for vigilance against illegal immigration and support for Hindus in neighbouring countries.
Rani Mukerji's Mardaani 3 has exceeded expectations at the box office, with a rise in ticket sales on its ninth day. Despite competition, the crime thriller has received positive reviews for its storyline and Mukerji's acting, leading to success in larger cities. It is expected to reach the 50 crore-mark by the end of its theatrical run.
Maharashtra Zila Parishad and Panchayat Samiti elections were held on February 7, with a 67% voter turnout. The counting of votes will take place on February 9, with live coverage available on various TV channels and digital media platforms. The elections were held in 12 Zilla Parishads and 125 Panchayat Samitis, with over 2 crore voters and 25,000 polling stations.
Sunny Deol's patriotic war drama, Border 2, continues to dominate the box office with a successful 16th day, earning over Rs 300 crore in India. Despite entering its third week, the film's ticket sales have risen by 50% and it has surpassed the lifetime collections of major hits like Sultan and Dhoom 3. The film's global gross stands at Rs 413 crore, with impressive occupancy rates across India.
PM Modi and Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim held talks to deepen cooperation in security, trade, technology, defence, and people-to-people ties. PM Modi reiterated India's hard line on terrorism and emphasized the need to update global governance. The two leaders discussed bilateral defence, security, and maritime cooperation, and highlighted the importance of the Indian diaspora in Malaysia.
What began as a busy Saturday evening at the Surajkund International Crafts Mela in Faridabad turned tragic within an hour, after two separate accidents left one police officer dead and at least 14 people injured. The incidents happened one after the other --- first, a gate collapsed due to strong winds, and shortly after, a giant swing snapped mid-air with people still seated on it.
We love stories about famous founders. We know the garages, the dorm rooms, the hoodies and the soundbites. Steve Jobs, Mark Zuckerberg, and Elon Musk, their names are everywhere.
AAI and Bharat Taxi have joined hands to offer taxi services at airports, ensuring reliable and passenger-friendly last-mile connectivity. The partnership promises transparent pricing and no surge charges. Bharat Taxi follows a driver-owned cooperative model and provides SOS alerts and a structured grievance process.
After spending a decade in Canada, Sneha and her family made the big decision to return to India. Since their move, one question kept flooding their inbox: What are the real limitations of living in India on an OCI?
Goa police have launched a strict enforcement drive to prevent non-consensual photography and forced selfies on the state's beaches. Those found taking photos without consent or harassing tourists, particularly foreign women, can be detained under preventive action. Beach patrols have been intensified and recent incidents have led to FIRs and arrests of perpetrators.
A short video circulating on X has managed to stir far more than casual curiosity. The reel, posted by a page called Texas Gaushala, shows a cow calmly being led into a newly built house in Texas. Not wandering in by accident, not straying from a nearby field, but brought in deliberately, with care and intent, by the homeowners themselves.
As global markets remain unsettled, precious metals, especially silver, have been under pressure. Prices have slipped in recent weeks, weighed down by uncertainty around interest rates, slowing industrial demand, and ongoing geopolitical tensions. For some investors, falling prices are a warning sign.
Four Indian students were among several people injured in a violent knife attack in Ufa, a city in Russia’s Bashkortostan Republic.
Sakshi, a 28-year-old working professional from Bengaluru, has been using vapes for 1.5 years to quit smoking. Despite the ban in India, she and others continue to rely on them to wean off tobacco. Vapes are easily available through roadside shops and online platforms, with a rapidly growing market.
CBDT releases draft Income-tax Rules, 2026 for the new Income-tax Act, 2025, simplifying language and introducing smart forms and digital trails. The draft rules include provisions for enhanced digital audit requirements, minimum experience and receipts thresholds for accountants and valuers, and consolidated fair market value determination.
Bhajan clubbing, a fusion of traditional devotional music with EDM and modern culture, is the newest trend in India's live events industry. It has become a popular choice among young Indians seeking a spiritual and social experience. This format has also attracted significant capital investment through ticket sales, sponsorships, and brand activations.
Indian Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal revealed that the trade deal with the US will eliminate tariffs on $44 billion worth of Indian exports, covering over half of India's merchandise exports. The remaining exports will have reduced tariffs, and India has also secured separate negotiations for tariffs under a US national security law.
India and the US have signed an interim trade deal, with India agreeing to buy $500 billion of American goods over 5 years and reducing tariffs on Indian exports. India will also stop importing Russian oil and instead purchase energy products from the US. The deal also covers technology trade and non-tariff barriers.
Jasprit Bumrah, a key member of the Indian cricket team, was rested for the T20 World Cup match against the USA due to a fever. This was announced by Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav, who also revealed that Bumrah did not participate in the final net session. Mohammed Siraj, who last played a T20I in 2024, made a comeback after 557 days in place of Bumrah.
India has agreed to lower tariffs on animal feed, tree nuts, and soybean oil, but will protect its farm and dairy sectors from US exports. This includes a boost for the seafood industry, India's top agricultural export to the US. However, genetically modified soybean and maize imports are still not allowed, and some tariffs on products like apples and oranges could harm Indian farmers.
The interim India-US trade agreement, with the lowered tariffs of 18% on textiles, will give Indian exporters an advantage over competitors, particularly China, in the world's largest consumption market. This is expected to lead to a revival in orders and a bigger share of the $113-billion market.
India has committed to buying $500 billion worth of US energy products in the next five years, altering its energy import approach. The country's oil import pattern has changed, with a drop in Russian crude and a rise in imports from the Middle East, West Africa, and the US.
Artists globally are using discarded materials to create thought-provoking works on consumption, waste, and sustainability. These artworks challenge viewers to reflect on labor, community, and hope. Sonal Ambani and Pragati Mathur are bridging personal memories with collective meanings, urging a return to balance and a deeper connection with the world through material experimentation.
Amitabh Bachchan shares a personal story from decades ago, reflecting on how India's perception has changed since the U19 cricket team's World Cup victory. He recalls being treated with a mix of fan frenzy and media scorn during a trip to a foreign country. This experience highlights the progress India has made, as shown by the recent cricket win.
The US and India have agreed to a new trade framework to boost industrial supply chains by reducing tariffs on machinery, automotive components, and aerospace parts. Both countries will benefit, with India committing to buy more American energy and defense products. The removal of tariffs on aircraft and aircraft parts will have long-term benefits for Indian airlines.
Tollywood superstar Prabhas is not just known for his blockbuster films but also for his enviable taste in luxury automobiles. With a car collection valued at over Rs 25 crore, the actor’s garage features everything a car enthusiast can dream of. Here’s a closer look at the high-end machines that power Prabhas’s off-screen life.
"Sustaina India III's "Bitter Nectar," curated by Jiten Thukral and Sumir Tagra, uses food systems and fruiting cycles to shed light on the urgent issue of climate change. The exhibition at Bikaner House in New Delhi showcases the works of three Fellows, exposing the unequal access to food and the threat to indigenous knowledge systems."
As we increasingly rely on the cloud for storing data, it's important to be aware of its limitations. With storage capacities becoming more limited and the possibility of data loss, it's crucial to learn data recovery failsafes. Thankfully, there are free recovery softwares available for various devices, including hard drives, CDs, and the cloud.
Kanwal Rekhi's The Ground Breaker shares his journey in the tech industry and stresses the need for democracy in entrepreneurship. Christopher Mims' How to AI shows the potential for AI to enhance productivity and creativity. George Newman's How Great Ideas Happen debunks the myth of creativity as magic. Ali Smith's Glyph addresses current issues of war and truth.
Jhanvi Solanki's morning routine became a nightmare when she learned about the harmful effects of microplastics in her beauty products. These tiny synthetic particles can cause skin irritation, breakouts, and even health issues. The beauty industry's use of microplastics is a major contributor to global plastic pollution, and current bans on microbeads are not enough to address the issue.
The Korean wave, known as Hallyu, has taken the world by storm, impacting various aspects of culture like snacks, skincare, music, fashion, and online games. Despite its positive effects, recent events, such as the tragic suicide of three sisters in India, have sparked concerns about the dangers of obsession and digital addiction.
The Indian markets are experiencing a rise in prices, with Sensex being cheaper in terms of gold, showing it is undervalued. Morgan Stanley reports a shift towards equities from physical assets like gold and real estate, as they are undervalued compared to gold. More households are now investing in equities due to improved macro stability and structural changes in balance sheets.
Smriti Mandhana's mother, Smita, shared a viral meme poking fun at her daughter's ex-fiancé, Palash Muchhal, during RCB's WPL victory. The move was praised by fans and verified handles, putting an end to rumors surrounding the couple.
India and the US have signed a trade agreement to lower tariffs and increase trade. The US will reduce tariffs on Indian goods to 18%, while India will cut import duties on US industrial goods and agricultural products. Industry bodies and industrialists are pleased with the deal, which will enhance economic cooperation and competitiveness.
Akshay Kumar's rise to fame in Indian cinema has been a rollercoaster ride, starting from a small kitchen in Bangkok. Despite facing failures during the pandemic, he almost left the industry to start a cargo business in Canada. However, fate had other plans as he went on to build a Rs 2,700 crore business empire through his unique approach and smart investments.
The 10th edition of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup is underway, with India and Sri Lanka as hosts. Despite political controversy and diplomatic uncertainty, 20 teams are competing in four groups across eight venues, with 55 matches scheduled. Virat Kohli holds the record for most runs and Bangladesh's Shakib Al Hasan is the leading wicket-taker.
The new US-India trade deal is out, but it is only a partial step forward, and visas remain a major blind spot. Deepak Shenoy, founder and CEO of Capitalmind, immediately flagged the gaps, particularly regarding work visas that affect millions of Indians.
In January 2026, the domestic production of phosphatic and potassic fertilisers in the country hit a record high of 1.57 MT, indicating a shift towards self-sufficiency in the industry. This success is credited to the successful implementation of the Nutrient Based Subsidy policy and timely payment of subsidies.