The Economic Times

Quote of the day by Yoko Ono: Yoko Ono shares a powerful quote on creative freedom. She believes an empty mind is crucial for original thought, achieved through simple, present-moment activities like observing nature. Ono's lifelong dedication to avant-garde art and activism continues to inspire globally. Her journey from Tokyo to New York shaped her unique artistic vision.

In his maiden televised address to the nation after assuming office, Rahman outlined his government's priorities and said that improving the law and order situation and strictly controlling corruption to restore peace and security are his top priorities.

Google has launched the Pixel 10a in India at a starting price of 49,999, bringing its flagship Google AI features to a wider audience. The smartphone offers tools like Camera Coach and Auto Best Take, along with regular Pixel Drops for ongoing updates. It features the brightest display in the A-series with a 6.3-inch Actua screen (3,000 nits peak brightness) and a 5,100 mAh battery delivering over 30 hours of usage.

A massive explosion at a fireworks shop in Xiangyang, Hubei province, left 12 individuals dead. This disaster comes on the heels of a similar event in Jiangsu province that took the lives of eight people just days prior.

Ash Wednesday 2026 Quotes: Ash Wednesday, observed on February 18, 2026, initiates the Christian season of Lent. This day involves church services where ashes are applied to foreheads as a symbol of repentance and spiritual renewal. The ashes, made from burnt palm branches, serve as a reminder of mortality and the call for forgiveness and faith.

US forces struck three boats in Latin American waters, targeting alleged drug smugglers. Eleven people died in the attacks. This campaign has resulted in at least 145 deaths since September. The US military released videos of the destroyed vessels. Critics question the legality and effectiveness of these strikes, especially as fentanyl often travels overland.

At least 175 people, predominantly children, fell ill after consuming contaminated food at a Mahashivratri fair in Jharkhand's Palamu district. Most patients experienced vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain, with 22 still undergoing treatment at the Panki Community Health Centre. The health department has deployed additional resources to manage the situation.

NASA astronaut requirements 2026: Becoming a NASA astronaut is a challenging journey. Applicants need specific degrees and experience. Training lasts two years, covering survival, robotics, and flying. Astronauts work with international partners. Most of their careers are spent on Earth supporting missions. Future missions aim for the Moon and Mars.

Winston Churchill, celebrated for his World War II leadership, also held deeply critical views of India and its people. His legacy is contested due to his imperial attitudes and controversial remarks, particularly concerning his role during British colonial rule and the Bengal Famine.

Just days after a viral claim that 800 people went missing in Delhi in the first two weeks of 2026, many villages in Noida are living under the fear of child kidnapping rumours. Though police have called it a hoax, many residents in Noida villages have stopped their children from going to school and have also quit their jobs. This wave of panic, amplified by viral social media posts, brings back memories of past incidents where misinformation triggered mob violence.

Thought of the day by Terry Pratchett highlights a quote on marriage that uses humor to share insight. This explainer covers the thought of the day today, the thought of the day meaning, and the life, books, awards, and legacy of Terry Pratchett.

A frustrated employee considered a dramatic exit from their job. Online advice urged restraint, emphasizing that burning professional bridges can harm future prospects. While some shared stories of honest departures, the consensus favored a calm, factual approach. Protecting one's reputation and future career moves remains paramount when leaving a role.

Bengaluru's housing market is changing rapidly. The Rs 1 crore home is no longer a luxury but a starting point. Many middle-class buyers are priced out as property rates increase. Demand is high, but new homes are fewer. Developers focus on expensive projects. Buyers now prioritize commute time and reliable builders. High rents also push people towards buying.

A major fire erupted in an Ahmedabad office complex on Thursday. Over 100 people were safely rescued from the 11-storey building. The blaze started on the fourth floor of a real estate office. Firefighters worked for an hour to control the flames. Fortunately, no lives were lost in the incident.

Quote of the day: Jennifer Anistons words reflect that evolution demands friction. Brick walls may slow progress temporarily, but they also strengthen resolve. In confronting them, individuals not only move forward, but they also transform.

Tamil Nadu BJP chief Nainar Nagendran has accused the ruling DMK of making false promises. He joined striking nutritious meal and anganwadi workers, highlighting their unfulfilled demands. Nagendran assured the workers of BJP support. He stated the party will address their concerns once the NDA forms the government in the 2026 Assembly elections.

Quote of the day by Conrad Hilton: Conrad Hilton, founder of the Hilton Hotels chain, emphasized that success is intrinsically linked to continuous action and persistence. He believed that successful individuals keep moving forward, learning from their inevitable mistakes rather than quitting. This philosophy underscores that achievement is a process built on repeated effort and resilience.

Reddit advice on using personal laptop at work: A Reddit user's post about being asked to use a personal laptop for a new job sparked widespread concern. Redditors strongly advised against it, citing privacy, security, and liability risks for both employees and employers. The consensus was that companies should provide necessary work equipment.

History teaches that deception has its limits, as facts eventually surface. While a famous quote, often attributed to Abraham Lincoln, warns against perpetual trickery, its exact origin remains debated. The saying underscores that lies may fool some, some of the time, but truth ultimately prevails, highlighting the enduring power of integrity and honesty.

Candidate seeks high-paying jobs most people have never heard of. U.S. labor data for 2026 shows a 15% surge in hidden roles paying over $120,000. These jobs sit outside tech and law. Regulation and energy infrastructure drive this growth. Talent shortages are hitting critical levels. AI cannot replace these high-stakes human roles. Entry paths are narrow but fast. Job security is now absolute. These are the best-kept secrets in the 2026 market.

Amazon Ring's new AI feature, Search Party for Dogs, is helping reunite lost pets with owners. Neighborhood Ring cameras scan for missing dogs, alerting owners if a match is found. This technology has already helped bring home 99 dogs. The system uses computer vision to identify breeds and sizes.

Tamil Nadu assembly elections: BJP convened its 13-member Election Manifesto Committee in Chennai. The meeting, chaired by State President Nainar Nagendran, focused on gathering public input for the upcoming 2026 Assembly polls. The committee aims to reflect the 'Makkalukkaga Makkalidamirundhu' campaign, seeking people-centric ideas for the election.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin accused the central government of neglecting the state in the recent Union Budget. He urged voters to deliver a 'zero' to the BJP-led NDA in the upcoming April Assembly elections. Stalin highlighted his government's welfare schemes and Tamil Nadu's leading position in national rankings. He also criticized opposition leader Edappadi K.

George Orwell's quote highlights how destroying a people's connection to their past weakens their identity and makes them susceptible to manipulation. In the digital age, distorted history through misinformation can lead societies to repeat mistakes. Understanding our past, whether personal or collective, is crucial for making wiser choices and protecting truth.

Conor McGregor, the celebrated Irish MMA fighter, believes many struggle to accept the truth, especially when it's blunt. His career, marked by historic UFC achievements and massive pay-per-view events, exemplifies turning bold claims into reality. McGregor's perspective highlights that truth's rejection often stems from its difficulty, not its inaccuracy, resonating with everyday life's challenges.

Amid reports of 800 people missing in Delhi in the first two weeks of 2026, Delhi Police has issued a clarification saying that the hype around the surge in missing girls in Delhi is being pushed through paid promotion. The remarks came after reports surfaced that more than 800 went missing in Delhi in 15 days in January, mostly women and children. There has been no increase in missing persons cases compared to previous years, Delhi Police said.

The U.S. military said it killed two people in a strike on a suspected drug-trafficking vessel in the Eastern Pacific on Thursday. It said intelligence confirmed the vessel was moving along known narcotics routes and was involved in trafficking operations, and added that no U.S. forces were harmed.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee unveiled a pro-people interim budget. She stated the budget prioritizes citizens' welfare and demonstrates fiscal discipline. Banerjee contrasted it with the Union Budget, calling it directionless. The state government allocated funds focusing on women, youth, workers, and vulnerable sections. This budget aims to balance welfare spending with financial prudence.

800 people go missing in Delhi: The data released by the Delhi Police shows that nearly 2,000 people go missing every month in the national capital. Since 2016, the figure has hovered around 23,000 to 24,000 a year, showing no significant surge. The data comes at a time when concerns have been raised amid reports of 800 people missing in Delhi in just fifteen days of 2026.

Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu has strongly criticized Rahul Gandhi. Gandhi called Bittu a traitor outside Parliament. Bittu, who recently joined the BJP from Congress, stated the Congress party has become a family affair. He believes the party has lost its original identity.

800 people missing in Delhi: Concerns have been raised after reports emerged that more than 800 people, mostly women and children, have disappeared in the national capital in just the first two weeks of 2026. Children and women remain the worst-affected. You can track the status of missing people in Delhi on the official website: zipnet.delhipolice.gov.in

The phrase I dont wash my linen in front of people is a timeless idiom highlighting discretion and privacy. It suggests handling personal issues, family conflicts, or workplace concerns quietly rather than sharing them publicly. Just as one wouldnt display dirty laundry for everyone to see, this phrase urges emotional intelligence, respect for oneself, and boundaries in social interactions.

Nicolas Cage navigates the tension between maintaining mystery and prolific creation. While acknowledging the allure of selective appearances for preserving intrigue, he emphasizes the value of working intensely in youth. Cage prioritizes consistent creation over the fear of creative regret, believing it fuels personal fulfillment and artistic growth.

Bihar witnessed 2,547 deaths from disasters in 2024-25, a rise from the previous year. Drowning caused the most fatalities. Lightning strikes and fire incidents also claimed many lives. Heatwaves worsened the toll. The state's geography makes it prone to multiple hazards like floods and earthquakes.

Delhi faces a public safety crisis as over 800 individuals vanished in the first 15 days of 2026. More than 500 women and girls were reported missing in Delhi during the first two weeks of 2026, accounting for nearly two-thirds of all missing cases, according to police data. Last year, 5,081 teenagers were reported missing out of which 3,970 were girls.

Ruling National Conference legislators protested in Jammu demanding statehood restoration and an end to violence against Kashmiris. Opposition parties dismissed the protest as a drama. The Speaker refused amendments on Article 370, 35A, and statehood. Meanwhile, a debate over establishing a National Law University triggered a Jammu versus Kashmir discussion.

How much do your genes determine how long you'll live? A new study published in Science reveals that genes have a higher contribution to human lifespan. You may exercise daily, eat the right food and inculcate good habits, but how long you live depends on your genes. However, the strong effect of genes on life span does not mean that lifestyle can be ignored.

Australian actor Chris Hemsworth rose to fame as Thor. He began his career in 'Home and Away' before Hollywood success. Hemsworth notes how people treated him differently after he became famous. Directors and producers who previously ignored him became friendly. He criticizes this insincere behavior and conditional respect in the film industry.

Wealth Quote of the Day by Jamie Dimon: In good times, people underestimate risk. In bad times, they overestimate it. Long-term investors win by staying rational in both Jamie Dimon, JPMorgan CEO, controls $4 trillion in assets globally. His net worth nears $2.9 billion. He led JPMorgan through the 2008 crisis with strategic foresight. Stock climbed over 160% since 2006 under his leadership. He invests billions in AI and technology annually. Markets swing, but rational, long-term investors outpe

Metabolic resiliencethe bodys ability to maintain stable energy, blood sugar, and insulin levelsis now a top health priority. In 2026, people are shifting from calorie counting to metabolic eating, focusing on foods that stabilize glucose, reduce inflammation, and support gut health. Here are the 7 most talked-about foods fueling this trend.

Fifty people are expected to cross the border between Gaza and Egypt in each direction in the first days of the reopening of the Rafah crossing, Egyptian state-linked media reported Monday. AlQahera News, which is linked to state intelligence, reported citing an unnamed source that fifty people will depart Egypt for Gaza and fifty people will come from Gaza, in the first days of the operation of the Rafah crossing.

Budget 2026: High-speed rail corridors announced in the budget have sparked debate, with Karnataka's minister and citizens questioning the limited benefits for their state. While some routes connect major southern cities, concerns are raised about the exclusion of other regions and the need for broader network coverage.

Thought of the day by Maurice Setters shares a quote about silver lining and gold. The explainer covers the meaning of the thought of the day, details about Maurice Setters, and why the quote still matters today.

Sigmund Freud's observation that people often shun freedom due to its inherent responsibility resonates today. His theories suggest individuals may prefer external authority to avoid confronting personal desires and fears. This enduring tension between liberty and accountability is evident in modern discussions on civic duties and online behavior, highlighting that true freedom demands embracing its weighty consequences.

Pakistan secured a 22-run victory over Australia in the first T20, taking a 1-0 series lead. Saim Ayub starred with an all-round performance, earning Player of the Match. The match also saw a viral moment with the third umpire's amusing English during a Babar Azam review, providing unexpected comic relief for fans.