LEAP YEAR

Quantum could solve AI energy drain, says tech founder

Quantum computers could curb the vast energy demands of artificial intelligence data centres with their ability to run complex calculations, one of the tech's pioneers told AFP. Australian startup Diraq is conducting the first field test worldwide putting a small quantum computer based on a silicon chip in a commercial data centre in Sydney. Diraq's computer installed in Equinix's Sydney data centre has eight quantum bits, or qubits, on a silicon chip.

What 60 Years of Data Reveals About How Men and Women Experience Leadership

In 1965, Harvard Business Review surveyed 2,000 male and female executives to track perceptions of women in leadership. Since then, researchers have replicated that study every twenty years to gauge shifting attitudes toward women in top posts. In this latest installment, which includes responses from 193 senior U.S. executives, supported by in‑depth interviews and several new questions, researchers have found some troubling backsliding: Men and women now diverge sharply on whether women are judged more harshly, held to higher standards, and advance through genuinely meritocratic systems. The findings point not to overt hostility but to “underground bias”: informal sponsorship, subjective performance criteria, and unequal access to P&L roles. The researchers argue that organizations possess the tools to fix these gaps but have not yet summoned the will.

When wars and AI cast a shadow, India has pressed a power reset

India’s renewable energy expansion is reshaping its energy security, cutting dependence on imported coal and natural gas as wars, oil supply disruptions and AI-driven electricity demand put pressure on power markets. An International Energy Agency report says clean energy saved India over $100 billion in fuel imports between 2011 and 2025, with cumulative savings potentially reaching $240 billion by 2030.

US dollar holds onto payrolls gains, NZ dollar rises after election

Dollar index steadies at 102.20 after jumping about 0.7% Friday * Fed hike bets rekindled after receding amid AI stock selloff * NZ ballot too close to call, leader will not be known for weeks TOKYO

BoE’s Pill sees scope for interest rate cuts if UK growth stalls

Bank of England chief economist Huw Pill indicated that interest rates could remain steady or decline if economic growth stalls. Recent financial market predictions suggest potential for at least two interest rate increases within the next year. Economic growth has shown surprising strength, yet households are beginning to tighten their spending due to rising energy costs. While GDP growth is projected at 1.

Parth Samthaan reveals Seher Hone Ko Hai is going off air soon: When and where to watch the last episode of the hit TV series?

In a viral Instagram video, Parth Samthaan, aka Mahid, revealed that Seher Hone Ko Hai was ending soon. He claimed that the TV series was not supposed to end so soon and Colours had wanted it to continue but did not state the reason it was going off air.

Reset will keep India busy as Trump’s midterm loss redraws US politics

The recent US midterm elections have significant implications for international relations and the economy. Incoming policies may impact trade agreements between India and the US, affecting both countries' economies. Additionally, potential conflicts involving Iran could influence energy prices in India, creating economic uncertainty. The evolving political landscape in Washington will require India to adjust its diplomatic strategies.

Matcha moment: A Japanese tea brews up a $96 million flavour in India

Matcha tea market India: The country's matcha market is set to expand, with projected revenue growth from $45.7 million in 2025 to $96.4 million by 2033. Café chains like Tata Starbucks are already seeing increased sales from matcha products, catering to evolving consumer preferences. Instagram and social media have played a significant role in the rising popularity of matcha drinks and recipes.

US Stock Market today: Why are S&P 500, Nasdaq down ahead of November 3 Election Day? Apple, Palantir to Alphabet, Nvidia -- check top, worst performing Wall Street stocks

Wall Street invetsors on Monday were driven by several factors including Tuesday's Election Day for US Midterm elections.

'Energy security directly linked to economic security': PM Modi highlights impact of global crisis

Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the importance of energy security linked to economic security during the global crisis. He stated that India is prioritizing clean energy and green hydrogen to boost its energy independence. The National Green Hydrogen Mission aims for 5 million tonnes of green hydrogen production by the decade's end. India has achieved 300 GW of non-fossil fuel-based energy capacity and is targeting 500 GW.

US Stock Market prediction: S&P 500, Nasdaq, Dow Jones, Russell 2000 set for surprise opening on Monday, Apple, AMD, Palantir, Qualcomm other stocks to follow

Wall Street today: U.S. war with Iran has been ongoing since February and has essentially shut down the vital Strait of Hormuz.

If you want to become PM, stay in mock parliament: Amit Shah on Rahul Gandhi

Union Home Minister Amit Shah condemned Rahul Gandhi for holding a rally on the anniversary of the 1984 Sikh genocide. He emphasized that Congress has consistently faced electoral defeats and alleged that Gandhi combats parliamentary proceedings. Shah reflected on the historical significance of the anti-Sikh riots and highlighted the BJP's efforts to support victims. He mentioned initiatives taken under the Modi government to advance the country.

Piyush Goyal says Assam's fragrant gold gets global gateway! Centre approves Guwahati airport as export point for agarwood; all about the 'scent of fortune'

Assam's agarwood industry has received an export boost after the Centre approved Guwahati airport as an export point for agarwood chips and oil. The move is expected to ease logistics for farmers, producers and exporters across the Northeast, helping them access international markets. Agarwood, also known as oud, is a fragrant resin-rich wood valued for its use in perfumes, incense and traditional fragrances.

Hospital balance sheet: How AI could cut costs and improve efficiency

As hospitals grapple with soaring costs in drugs, supplies, and labor, the integration of AI emerges as a vital necessity.

Buffett on gold: It does not lose because the pessimists are wrong. It loses for a reason almost nobody mentions

The number of shares Berkshire Hathaway held in American Express did not change for eight years. Yet, its ownership of the company rose from 12.6% to 17.9%, purely because American Express kept buying back its own shares. Fewer shares existed, so the same number of shares owned more of the company. Buffett draws the general rule from it in one short line: When earnings increase and shares outstanding decrease, owners over time usually do well.

AI is part of solution for climate change, COP31 pledge says

Turkey is set to introduce a pledge at the upcoming COP31 climate summit in Antalya. This pledge suggests that artificial intelligence can help in combating climate change effectively. However, data centers are reportedly increasing fossil fuel emissions significantly, raising environmental concerns.

The bond market swings, but US stocks remain steady after the Fed says it won't raise interest rates

U.S. stock markets rallied following the Federal Reserve's decision to keep interest rates steady. As inflation remains a concern, investors are recalibrating their outlook on potential future rate increases. The bond market showed fluctuations, particularly in the two-year Treasury yield post-announcement. Notably, several companies, such as GE HealthCare Technologies and Wendy's, reported better-than-expected earnings, leading to significant stock price surges.

‘Shrinking’ season 4’s two-year time jump could bring heartbreaking changes for Harrison Ford’s Paul as Parkinson’s threatens his independence

Apple TV's Shrinking is set to return for a new season with significant changes in the storyline. The fourth season will feature a two-year time jump that influences key character Paul Rhoades. This shift presents new challenges related to his battle with Parkinson's disease. The show aims to delve deeper into the realities of living with a progressive neurological condition.

Israel election sees highest turnout since 1999; exit polls show no clear majority

Israel's general election recorded its highest voter turnout at this hour since 1999, with participation reaching 77.7% by 10 pm, according to official data. However, exit polls suggested that neither Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's bloc nor the opposition had secured the 61 seats needed for a Knesset majority. Arab parties could play a crucial role in coalition negotiations as Netanyahu faces a challenge from Gadi Eisenkot's Yashar Party.

From piano and painting to giant-killing on the squash court. Meet Anahat Singh

Tiki-Takaover: How Spanish coaches became football's hottest commodity

After decades in the shadow of Italian, English and German counterparts, Spanish coaches -- From Guardiola and Enrique to Arteta and de la Fuente -- are now in high demand as both clubs and national teams seek to tap into the philosophy credited for Spain's success on the world stage.

India's chip path is clearly laid out: Ashwini Vaishnaw outlines road map to a bigger, better semiconductor ecosystem

Vaishnaw said India’s semiconductor ambitions rest on a clear sequence: establish a foothold in high-volume chip manufacturing, develop domestic design capabilities and progressively move towards advanced technologies