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We hear how a childhood in Guatemala, a fascination with computers and a belief that education should be accessible to everyone helped inspire the world’s most popular learning apps. Luis von Ahn tells us how he went from creating CAPTCHA and selling reCAPTCHA to Google, to building Duolingo into a multi-billion-dollar education technology company used by millions around the world.
He reflects on his mother’s sacrifices to fund his education, the lessons he learned as an entrepreneur, and why he struggles with conflict in his life as a tech CEO.

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Nancy Guthrie has been missing since February, and investigators are still trying to determine whether a series of ransom notes offered real clues or misleading messages.

The case has drawn renewed attention after reports of conflicting ransom notes, including one saying the 84-year-old was alive and another claiming she had died and was “buried with nature.”

On NBC’s “Today,” Savannah Guthrie made an emotional plea for information. “Somebody knows something,” she said. “We are in agony. We cannot be at peace … please do the right thing.”

Which Notes Investigators Believe Are Real

On “CUOMO,” NewsNation correspondent Brian Entin said investigators believed at least some of the early ransom notes were authentic and taken seriously by both law enforcement and the Guthrie family.

“Those are the ones that I’m told the FBI believes are real, that Savannah Guthrie believes are real,” Entin said, referring to two notes sent to local TV stations shortly after Guthrie went missing.

Entin also pointed to separate emails sent to TMZ founder Harvey Levin from an unknown source claiming to have information about the case in exchange for money. “The FBI took it seriously,” Levin said. “They felt that this person might indeed know.”

Former FBI special agent in charge Andrew Black acknowledged criticism of the early investigation, saying there were “a number of missteps,” while also defending the bureau’s overall approach.

“I do trust the FBI’s judgment on how to utilize resources,” Black said.

Questioning the Motive Behind the Notes

Entin said he still believes the case fits a kidnapping scenario but questioned whether the person behind the notes acted out of panic or guilt rather than planning. “Does the person really feel bad?” he said, pointing to language in the second note.

Guthrie’s disappearance from her home in the Catalina Foothills near Tucson, Arizona, in early February has now stretched well beyond four months without a confirmed suspect, despite the extensive efforts of investigators and the wide range of leads — from the ransom notes to surveillance footage of a masked individual at her home — that have emerged throughout the case. The conflicting nature of the notes themselves, with one suggesting she remained alive and another claiming she had died, has only deepened the uncertainty surrounding her fate and complicated investigators’ efforts to determine which pieces of evidence reflect genuine knowledge of what happened to her.

The Ongoing Question of Authenticity

At the center of the renewed scrutiny is a basic but unresolved question: which, if any, of the various ransom communications received by media outlets and family members actually originated from someone with real knowledge of Guthrie’s whereabouts or fate. While the FBI and Savannah Guthrie reportedly believe the earliest two notes sent to local television stations carry some degree of authenticity, the broader pattern of messages — including the more recent, unconfirmed claim that she was “buried with nature” — has left investigators and outside experts divided on how much weight to give the communications overall.

A Family Still Seeking Answers

Savannah Guthrie’s continued public appeals, including her recent comments on “Today,” reflect the family’s ongoing struggle to find closure nearly five months into the investigation. Her description of the family being “in agony” and unable “to be at peace” underscores the emotional toll the prolonged uncertainty has taken, even as investigators continue working through the various leads generated by the ransom notes and other evidence gathered since her mother’s disappearance.

With investigators continuing to assess the credibility and significance of the various ransom communications received throughout the case, the question of whether key leads were overlooked in the early stages of the investigation remains a point of ongoing scrutiny, even as former officials like Black defend the bureau’s overall handling of its resources. Given the continued disagreement among investigators, family members, and outside experts about which notes deserve serious weight, the path toward determining Nancy Guthrie’s fate appears likely to remain unresolved for the foreseeable future, with the FBI and Pima County Sheriff’s Department continuing to seek public assistance in identifying those responsible for her disappearance.

FIRST ON FOX: Bank of America is expanding its signature “Museums on Us” program for the July 4th weekend, offering eligible cardholders free admission to 250 museums and cultural institutions nationwide as the U.S. marks its 250th anniversary.

Bank of America, Merrill and Bank of America Private Bank credit and debit cardholders can receive free general admission to 250 cultural and civic institutions on July 4 and July 5 by presenting an eligible card and a government-issued ID, the financial institution said.

“Visiting one of these museums is an opportunity to celebrate the people, places and institutions that have shaped our country and continue to define our communities,” Meghan Hughes, head of arts and heritage at Bank of America, said in a statement. “As people travel and gather for July 4th weekend, we’re encouraging cardholders to take advantage of Museums on Us and to experience these additional programs celebrating our nation’s history.”

BANK OF AMERICA TO HIRE NEARLY 4,000 SUMMER INTERNS AND CAMPUS RECRUITS

“Museums on Us” typically gives eligible Bank of America, Merrill and Bank of America Private Bank cardholders free general admission during the first full weekend of each month. This July, the bank is expanding the program to 250 participating institutions as part of its broader support for America 250.

Bank of America is also providing grant support to the National Archives in Washington, D.C., allowing the institution to extend its operating hours until 10 p.m. through July 5. The bank said the extended hours are intended to give more visitors the chance to view the Declaration of Independence.

Ticker	Security	Last	Change	Change %
BAC	BANK OF AMERICA CORP.	57.91	+0.54	+0.94%

The company is backing additional America 250 programming in several major markets.

In Boston, Bank of America is supporting free access to the MA250 + Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular, described as one of the country’s oldest and largest Fourth of July events.

TRUMP ADMIN TO TELL BANKS IMMIGRATION STATUS MAY BE CONSIDERED IN MORTGAGE, CREDIT DECISIONS

In Detroit, the bank is supporting The Henry Ford’s Salute to America and the Michigan Science Center’s “Science of Safety” initiative.

In Miami, the Freedom Tower will join “Museums on Us” and offer free admission throughout the duration of the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Bank of America is also supporting presidential history initiatives, including the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library, which is scheduled to open July 4 in Medora, North Dakota. The bank has made a $5 million founding gift to the library, which will focus on Roosevelt’s presidency, conservation and civic responsibility.

The company has also announced support for the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery through an Art Conservation Project grant to assess and conserve 110 presidential portraits and frames.

STANDARD CHARTERED CEO WALKS BACK COMMENTS ABOUT REPLACING ‘LOWER-VALUE HUMAN CAPITAL’ WITH AI

In New York, Bank of America has committed to raising $500,000 and matching those funds for a total of $1 million in support of the Intrepid Museum’s mission of honoring service members.

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The bank has also partnered with Vet Tix to offer thousands of free FIFA World Cup 2026 tickets to veterans, current military members and first responders.

A full list of participating museums is available at BankofAmerica.com/MuseumsonUs.

B&M Bargains is moving to a bigger premises but the move leaves a large unit in the centre of Carmarthen with an uncertain future

A large retail chain is relocating to a bigger unit on the outskirts of Carmarthen but in doing so will leave behind another empty shop in the town centre.

B&M Bargains has confirmed it will move from its Hall Street location after 15 years of trading to the former B&Q store just off the A40 heading out of town at a site known as Glanyrafon Road.

The retailer has put several banners emblazoned with the opening date outside the now-empty former B&Q building.

B&Q itself relocated to the Pensarn area of Carmarthen in February and B&M Bargains’ decision to close up shop in the town centre and relocate raises questions over the future of the current Hall Street store once it closes in August.

The unit represents one of Carmarthen town centre’s biggest retail spaces and was previously home to Woolworths for decades.

After the collapse of Woolworths in early 2009 the space became clothing store Ethel Austin and later homeware shop Life&Style before B&M opened in early 2011 .

It means the store will now be vacant for the first time in 15 years raising concern from business leaders.

Chair of Carmarthen Chamber of Trade and Commerce, Jack Yeates, said he hoped the blow to the town centre would be a short one.

He said: “It’s always sad when businesses decide to move just outside of town.

“As a chamber we hope that the Hall Street shop isn’t vacant for long and doesn’t join the list of empty properties within town because it is a large space to be left unused.

“If it can be filled quickly and helps pull people into town then all the better.”

B&Q announced last year it was closing its store off the A40 due to the expiry of a lease agreement.

That sparked the move to a smaller premises at Parc Pensarn retail park just over a mile away.

The new B&Q now occupies a unit formerly occupied by Poundstretcher and Laura Ashley.

Work to prepare for B&M’s move into the former B&Q premises has been ongoing since February and the site is currently fenced off to the public with several banners in place advertising the planned opening.

Addressing its relocation B&M Bargains said in a statement: “B&M Hall Street will be relocating to Glanyrafon Road.

“The new store will be much bigger and better with over 26,957 sq ft of sales space offering an even bigger selection of great bargains from grocery, toiletries, and health and beauty to toys, homeware, and DIY.

“The store will also boast its own 10,098 sqft garden centre selling hundreds of plant varieties and gardening essentials.

“The current Carmarthen store will shut its tills for the final time on Saturday, August 15, but customers won’t have to wait much longer to get back in store as the new site will open its doors at 8am on Saturday, August 22.”

Even as foreign institutional investors (FIIs) continue to pull billions out of Indian equities amid global volatility and geopolitical tensions, select pockets of the market are still attracting steady inflows. One such stock is Suzlon Energy, where foreign investors have increased their holdings for the third consecutive quarter.

The country’s largest renewable energy solutions provider has seen sustained FII interest even as broader market sentiment remains cautious. Suzlon shares currently trade about 15% below their 52-week high of Rs 68 but have still gained more than 11% in 2026, a year marked by tariff-related uncertainty and heightened geopolitical tensions stemming from the Middle East conflict.

Behind the stock’s resilience lies a bigger transformation story. Suzlon is attempting to transform from a wind-focused company into a full-stack renewable energy solutions provider. Combined with favourable industry tailwinds and a strengthening business model, the transition is increasingly drawing the attention of brokerages and investors alike.

Will Suzlon deliver for its 56 lakh shareholders?

Domestic brokerage firm Motilal Oswal has described Suzlon Energy as “the most investable renewable energy player.” At its recent investor meet, the company unveiled an ambitious FY31 roadmap aimed at transforming itself from a wind-centric business into a broader renewable energy platform. Suzlon is targeting revenue growth of more than 25% CAGR through FY31 while further strengthening its leadership position in the domestic wind energy market.As part of this strategy, the company plans to increase its share of India’s wind market to more than 40% from around 33% currently.

Motilal Oswal has a Buy rating on the stock with a target price of Rs 65, implying an upside of 18% from current levels. The brokerage said management addressed several medium- to long-term concerns by outlining a clear roadmap for growth and diversification beyond its core wind business. According to the brokerage, Suzlon’s planned expansion into adjacent renewable energy segments could improve earnings resilience over time.
JM Financial also sees the next phase of growth being driven by what it calls “Suzlon 2.0”, a shift that marks the company’s evolution from a wind turbine supplier to an integrated renewable energy developer.
JM Financial noted that Suzlon’s target of expanding its AMS portfolio to 70 GW from the current 18 GW could create what it describes as the highest-quality earnings stream within the business.

Suzlon 2.0 strategy focused on RE solutions

Under its Suzlon 2.0 roadmap, the company aims to evolve beyond a pure-play wind OEM by offering end-to-end renewable energy solutions. Key strategic pillars include becoming a one-stop provider for customers’ renewable energy requirements through integrated Wind + Solar + BESS solutions, acting as a lifetime service partner across the renewable energy asset lifecycle, and delivering globally competitive products by combining world-class technology, localised engineering capabilities and India’s cost-efficient manufacturing base.

High localization a strategic advantage

The Indian wind industry currently operates with approximately 60% localization levels, whereas the company has achieved 80-85% localization across its value chain. This strengthens supply-chain resilience, reduces dependence on imports and positions the company favourably amid an increasingly volatile global trade and geopolitical environment.

Expanding product portfolio

The company has recently launched its 5MW turbine platform, Blue Sky, designed for international low-wind-speed sites, with the first installation completed in May’26. The company is also developing the S163 (6MW) turbine targeted at mid-to-high wind-speed locations, with the first turbine installation expected in 1HFY27.

DevCo model to reduce project gestation

Wind projects in India typically face delays of 6-12 months because of land acquisition, right-of-way (RoW), grid connectivity and regulatory approvals. Overall project gestation periods generally range between two and three years.

Suzlon’s DevCo model seeks to reduce project timelines to 15-18 months by securing more than 50% of the required land and obtaining early grid connectivity approvals before execution begins. Management expects DevCo to contribute over 60% of revenue by FY31, say experts.

“Suzlon has spent three years strengthening its balance sheet and ‘Suzlon 2.0’ recasts the company from a wind equipment-EPC-O&M provider into a wind-first, full-stack RE solutions house, offering site development, equipment, turnkey projects and asset management across wind, solar and storage,” ICICI Securities said in a note last week.

The strategic shift is coherent with the demand preference shift towards firm and dispatchable RE. Suzlon, through its end-to-end solutions, plans to turn execution bottlenecks (such as land, RoW, and grid connectivity) into its moat to achieve a unique positioning. The framework is sound and a 5.5GW order book (OB) lends near-term comfort while the company builds a base for the next leg of growth,” the brokerage said.

Export opportunity

Global wind installed capacity stood at approximately 1,299 GW at the end of 2025, with around 165 GW added during the year and nearly 2,000 GW estimated by 2030.

Suzlon’s Blue Sky platform has been launched with country- and grid-specific certifications. The company already has more than 6 GW of existing installations and is targeting entry into select export markets with 3 GW of order intake.

Management highlighted approximately 74 GW of export opportunity across addressable markets over the next five years, along with around 18 GW of additional repowering opportunity.

Contrarian view

Last week, Nuvama Institutional Equities downgraded Suzlon Energy to Hold with a target price of Rs 55. Analysts expect annual domestic wind capacity additions to stabilise at 8-10 GW over the next two to three years as competition from solar and battery energy storage projects intensifies.

Assuming Suzlon maintains a market share of 30-35%, the brokerage estimates annual execution could plateau at around 3-3.5 GW during FY27-28.

Sebi order a key overhang?

While Suzlon’s long-term growth narrative continues to gather momentum, the recent regulatory concern remain an overhang.

Capital markets regulator Sebi has imposed penalties totalling nearly Rs 29 crore on Suzlon Energy and several former executives. Sebi concluded that the company misrepresented its financial position through transactions involving subsidiaries, inflated profits and inadequate disclosures.

With foreign investors steadily increasing their holdings and brokerages backing its renewable energy ambitions, Suzlon’s next phase of growth will ultimately hinge on execution, diversification and its ability to deliver on the promises of the 2.0 growth map.

(Disclaimer: Recommendations, suggestions, views and opinions given by the experts are their own. These do not represent the views of The Economic Times)

Foreign brokerage giant JP Morgan has initiated coverage of India’s capital markets sector with a bullish outlook, arguing that the country’s fast-growing Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) ecosystem continues to drive long-term wealth creation despite muted equity market returns.

The brokerage has named Angel One, Computer Age Management Services (CAMS), and ICICI Prudential Asset Management Company as its top investment picks, citing superior business models, attractive valuations, and favourable regulatory positioning. Its preference order stands at Angel One, followed by CAMS, ICICI AMC, Nippon Life India Asset Management, and HDFC Asset Management Company.

According to JP Morgan, India’s capital market story remains firmly anchored by retail financialisation through SIPs. Monthly SIP inflows surged 48% year-on-year to Rs 310 billion in May 2026, even as the Nifty 50 delivered a modest 0.8% CAGR over the last two years and foreign portfolio investors sold nearly US$36 billion worth of Indian equities during FY25 and FY26.

The brokerage highlighted that SIPs accounted for nearly 77% of total equity and balanced fund net inflows in FY26, underscoring the resilience of retail participation despite market volatility. Supportive tax policies and a growing shift of household savings toward financial assets are expected to keep inflows strong in the coming years.

JP Morgan is also constructive on the structural growth of trading activity. Industry average daily premium turnover in index options has expanded from Rs 10 billion in FY14 to Rs 699 billion in FY26, driven by rising retail participation, algorithmic trading, and the proliferation of weekly expiry contracts. In the commodities segment, Multi Commodity Exchange of India witnessed a sharp surge in volumes, with futures average daily turnover jumping 138% year-on-year during FY26.

While several capital-market stocks have already delivered strong returns over the past year—including BSE Limited (+50%), MCX (+78%), and NAM (+56%)—JP Morgan believes earnings growth and operating leverage will increasingly differentiate winners from laggards.
The brokerage remains neutral on BSE and KFin Technologies, awaiting better entry points, while maintaining an underweight stance on Central Depository Services Limited and MCX.However, JP Morgan cautioned that its bullish thesis could be challenged if monthly SIP inflows fall below Rs 250 billion for a sustained period or if regulatory changes lead to a more than 20% decline in derivatives trading volumes.

For investors looking to ride India’s continuing financialisation wave, the brokerage sees Angel One, CAMS, and ICICI AMC as the standout beneficiaries of the country’s rapidly expanding retail investment ecosystem.

JP Morgan has assigned an Overweight (OW) rating to Angel One, CAMS, ICICI AMC, Nippon Life India Asset Management (NAM), and HDFC AMC. Among its preferred picks, the brokerage has set a price target of Rs 420 for Angel One, Rs 950 for CAMS, and Rs 4,090 for ICICI AMC. It has also given price targets of Rs 1,360 for NAM and Rs 3,250 for HDFC AMC.

(Disclaimer: Recommendations, suggestions, views and opinions given by the experts are their own. These do not represent the views of The Economic Times)

Domestic brokerage firm Motilal Oswal has initiated coverage on eight textile companies, assigning a Buy rating to Gokaldas Exports, Indo Count Industries, Arvind Fashions, Pearl Global Industries and Welspun Living, while assigning Vardhman Textiles, KPR Mill and Trident a Neutral rating.

The brokerage believes the global textile and apparel industry is gradually emerging from a prolonged period of weakness. Global textile and apparel trade remained largely flat between CY21 and CY25 after the strong post-pandemic demand surge in FY22.

Apparel, which accounts for around 60% of global trade, saw muted growth, while the home textile segment declined during the period. Inflationary pressures, weak discretionary spending, retailer inventory corrections, softer demand in key markets such as the US and Europe, supply chain disruptions, high freight costs and tariff uncertainties weighed on the sector.

According to Motilal Oswal, conditions have started improving from CY25 onwards, aided by inventory normalisation, easing inflation and lower tariffs. The brokerage expects India’s textile sector to be a key beneficiary of this recovery, supported by upcoming free trade agreements with the UK and EU, favourable tariff realignments and improving incentives such as RoSCTL.

Buy-rated stocks

Gokaldas Exports: The company could benefit from capacity expansion in India and improved utilisation in its Africa business following the renewal of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). The brokerage forecasts revenue, EBITDA and adjusted PAT CAGR of 18%, 33% and 73%, respectively, over FY26-28 and has assigned a Buy rating with a target price of Rs 1,110, an upside of 34%.
Arvind Fashions: The brokerage sees a strategic shift from a fabric-focused business to a garment-led model, which it believes offers a larger addressable market. It also expects the advanced materials segment to support growth and margins. Motilal Oswal projects revenue, EBITDA and adjusted PAT CAGR of 15%, 23% and 29%, respectively, and has set a target price of Rs 670 (43% upside) with a Buy rating.

Pearl Global Industries: It is expected to see growth driven by capacity expansion across India, Bangladesh, Vietnam and Indonesia. The brokerage forecasts revenue, EBITDA and adjusted PAT CAGR of 14%, 25% and 29%, respectively, and values the stock at Rs 2,300 (22% upside) with a Buy recommendation.

Indo Count: The company is expected to benefit from growth in its utility bedding business and the domestic bed linen segment. Motilal Oswal projects revenue, EBITDA and adjusted PAT CAGR of 20%, 44% and 90%, respectively, over FY26-28 and has assigned a Buy rating with a target price of Rs 550, an upside of 40%.
Welspun Living is expected to deliver mid-teen revenue growth led by its home textile business, supported by lower tariffs and prospective trade agreements with the UK and EU. The brokerage forecasts revenue, EBITDA and adjusted PAT CAGR of 14%, 43% and 97%, respectively, and has set a target price of Rs 200 (24% upside) with a Buy rating.

Neutral-rated stocks

KPR Mill: It is expected to benefit from its leadership position in textile and apparel manufacturing and its garmenting capacity, along with contributions from its sugar and ethanol businesses. Motilal Oswal projects revenue, EBITDA and adjusted PAT CAGR of 13%, 20% and 20%, respectively, and has assigned a target price of Rs 1,200 (6% upside).

Trident: The brokerage expects high single-digit growth led by its home textile portfolio, followed by paper and yarn businesses. It forecasts revenue, EBITDA and adjusted PAT CAGR of 11%, 17% and 29%, respectively, and values the stock at Rs 28 (9.3% upside).

Vardhman Textiles: The company is expected to post mid-single-digit growth, driven by its garment business and supported by better yarn realisations. Motilal Oswal projects revenue, EBITDA and adjusted PAT CAGR of 9%, 24% and 32%, respectively, and has initiated coverage with a Neutral rating and a target price of Rs 700 (9.5% upside).

Indian textile market grew at a 6% CAGR between FY22 and FY26, led by apparel growth of around 8% and home textiles growth of about 5%. While the domestic market, which contributes roughly 80% of the industry, expanded 9%, exports declined 4% due to weak global demand. Motilal Oswal expects exports to recover going forward and highlighted the government’s target of expanding the textile market to USD 350 billion from USD 194 billion in FY26.

The brokerage also pointed to global supply chain shifts as a structural opportunity for India. Restrictions on Xinjiang cotton by the US and EU, declining spindle capacity in China and political instability in competing sourcing hubs such as Pakistan and Bangladesh have strengthened India’s position. India remains the world’s second-largest cotton producer and spindle capacity holder, supported by a large export base, execution capabilities and abundant labour availability.

(Disclaimer: Recommendations, suggestions, views and opinions given by the experts are their own. These do not represent the views of The Economic Times)