The Economic Times

Raj Kundra received bail in a Bitcoin money laundering case. Kerala increased Dearness Allowance for employees. PM Modi discussed AI's potential in agriculture and education. India and the US are set to finalize an interim trade pact. Brazil and India plan a critical minerals and AI alliance. A new US initiative aims to counter China's AI push.

The internationally acclaimed Malayalam film Theatre: The Myth of Reality is finally set for its digital debut after a successful theatrical and festival run. Starring Rima Kallingal in a powerhouse performance that earned her the Best Actress award at the 48th Kerala Film Critics Awards, the film is directed by Sajin Baabu, known for the award-winning movie Biriyani.

Palo Alto Networks CEO Nikesh Arora warned that AI tools are rapidly gaining deep personal insights, potentially knowing users better than their spouses. He highlighted that AI's speed of advancement outpaces governance, creating significant risks as people share sensitive data with increasingly autonomous systems.

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra visited Zubeen Garg's cremation ground. She described the singer as the 'voice of Assam's soul' and stated he was above politics. Vadra emphasized Garg's message of love and unity, which upheld Assamese culture. She noted the deep emotional attachment people had with Garg. Her visit was unscheduled and intended to pay respects without political motives.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that Israel is strengthening alliances, highlighting the upcoming visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a gigantic power. Netanyahu emphasized Israel's proactive approach to security and its designation as a model ally by the US, underscoring the significant alliance between Israel and India.

Quote of the day: In a culture that often prizes certainty, control and relentless striving, Zhuangzis insight is profoundly countercultural, a reminder that liberation often comes not from mastery over circumstances.

Gujarat, Lakshadweep and Puducherry recently published their respective final electoral rolls as part of the poll roll cleanup exercise. Before SIR was announced on October 27 last year, the combined electorate of Gujarat and the two Union territories stood at 5.19 crore. After publication of final rolls, their total voter base came down to 4.50 crore -- a net change of 68.9 lakh.

The 82 km DelhiGhaziabadMeerut RRTS corridor is set to fully open to the public this Sunday, February 22, 2026. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lead the inauguration at Shatabdi Nagar, flagging off a Namo Bharat train toward Sarai Kale Khan and launching the Meerut Metro service. This milestone marks the completion of a project that began with its first phase in October 2023.

An intriguing study unveils the depth of generosity in India, where a large chunk of individual donations is directed toward religious institutions and aiding the homeless. Surprisingly, only a fraction is funneled into secular social initiatives. Meanwhile, non-cash contributions slightly edge out financial ones, indicating a culture of resource sharing.

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra has called out Assam's Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma for his lack of action on job creation and future development strategies. During her statement, she questioned why the Chief Minister continues to focus on political disputes from years gone by.

America faces a crisis as its workforce shrinks and education falters. While AI promises productivity, it may not offset declining human capital. Fewer workers mean higher costs for retirees and government debt. The nation needs better education and skilled immigration to boost its economic future. This strategy is crucial for prosperity.

Delhi circle rate news: Delhi's property circle rates are poised for a significant overhaul, with proposed hikes up to 30% to align with soaring market prices. This move aims to boost stamp duty collections and transparency, impacting various property segments. The revision, the first since 2014, will be finalized after public feedback and cabinet approval.

The Pokemon Company has revealed that Pokemon FireRed and Pokmon LeafGreen Version will arrive on the Nintendo Switch later this month, bringing fans back to the Kanto region as the franchise marks its 30th anniversary.

French President Emmanuel Macron lauded India's Unified Payments Interface (UPI), recognising its profound impact on digital transactions. Meanwhile, the Congress party weighed in, asserting that the UPI's foundational ideas were laid down while the UPA was in power.

The Supreme Court of India has taken decisive action in the clash between the West Bengal government and the Election Commission. By appointing judicial officers to oversee the handling of claims and objections for voter list revisions, the court aims to streamline the Special Intensive Revision process. District collectors and police superintendents are on board to facilitate this transition.

Delhi Police have arrested Khusnuma Ansari, also known as 'Madam Zeher'. She is accused of running a drug syndicate for the Lawrence BishnoiHashim Baba gang. Her beauty parlour served as a front for these illegal activities. This arrest follows a pattern of women playing key roles in gang operations in the Delhi-NCR region.

The Bombay High Court has strongly criticized the Navy for a significant intelligence lapse. The court questioned how a tall building was constructed near INS Shikra without the Navy's notice. This lapse occurred despite the building receiving its commencement certificate before a mandatory No Objection Certificate rule was implemented.

Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd (GRSE) is poised for Navratna status, a move that will grant it enhanced financial and operational autonomy. This elevation recognizes the shipyard's significant evolution from a 19th-century workshop to a strategic defence asset, mirroring India's growing maritime ambitions and self-reliance.

Thought of the day by Jerome K. Jerome highlights a quote about work and human behavior. The quote explains observation, delay, and attitude toward effort. This explainer covers Thought of the day today meaning, Thought of the day today relevance, and details about Jerome K. Jerome, his life, books, and legacy today.

PLI Schemes: The Indian government has disbursed Rs 28,748 crore across 14 sectors under Production-Linked Incentive schemes till December last year. These initiatives aim to boost domestic manufacturing and have attracted significant investment. The schemes have led to increased sales and exports, while also generating substantial employment opportunities for the nation. This has helped India reduce imports and enhance local production capabilities.

The Islamic Republic, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei grapples with unprecedented challenges. Surrounded by mounting foreign pressure and growing dissent within Iran, he has traditionally quashed protests. However, as regional allies falter and U.S. threats loom, Khamenei's strategies are set to redefine the dynamics of the Middle East.

Word of the Day: Refined in sound yet pointed in implication, the word Sanctimonious reminds readers that moral authority is strongest when expressed with humility rather than display.

A pregnant woman's murder was a meticulously planned attack, not a crime of passion. Investigators revealed the accused, her ex-husband, tracked her movements for weeks, acquired weapons including a chainsaw, and traveled to her home with intent to kill. The motive appears to stem from past disputes and resentment over their divorce and her remarriage.

The Kerala government has announced a significant increase in Dearness Allowance for state employees and pensioners. This hike will see allowances rise from 25 to 35 percent. The enhanced payments will be disbursed with the March salary for employees and April pension for pensioners.

India is prioritizing equitable access to affordable computing capacity for AI development through a collaborative model involving government, philanthropists, and the private sector. The focus is on intelligent prioritization rather than rationing, aiming to ensure AI benefits all and fosters innovation for public interest infrastructure.

The Supreme Court has ordered the swift conclusion of a murder trial involving YSRCP MLC Anantha Satya Udaya Bhaskara Rao. The court expressed strong concerns about alleged collusion between the police and those in power. The trial is now mandated to finish by November 30. This directive aims to ensure justice in the case of the former driver's death.

From February 25 to 27, the Election Commission will visit Tamil Nadu and Puducherry to evaluate the regions election readiness ahead of the assembly elections.

Anish Ahamad, an environmentalist in Manipur, persists with his sparrow conservation mission. He distributes handmade nests in villages near Churachandpur and Bishnupur districts. His work faces disruptions due to ongoing ethnic violence and gunfire. Ahamad has installed over 600 nests, boosting local sparrow populations. He also works on wildlife rescue and tree plantation. His efforts continue despite the challenging circumstances.

MHADA Lottery 2026: Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA) has launched a significant initiative to clear its inventory by offering 118 residential flats across Mumbai on a First-Come, First-Served (FCFS) basis. These are flats that remained unsold despite being part of three previous lottery cycles, now made available for direct purchase. Registrations for this scheme officially opened on February 17, 2026, allowing citizens to bypass the traditional lottery draw for the fir

Australian shares finished the week lower on Friday, February 20, 2026. However, the benchmark S&P/ASX 200 index saw weekly gains. Strong corporate earnings from companies like BHP and National Australia Bank provided support. Investors are now awaiting results from Woodside Energy, Woolworths, Coles, and Qantas. Miners experienced a decline on Friday.

Industrialist Anand Mahindra has once again captured the internet's attention by sharing a viral video of a science teacher demonstrating Bernoullis Principle in a way that makes textbooks look dull. The video features a teacher struggling to inflate a massive yellow plastic bag using conventional breaths, only to fill it instantly with a single scientific blow.

Diageo's new chief executive Dave Lewis is planning a significant overhaul of his top team. The company's 14-person executive committee is expected to see several members replaced. Lewis aims for a wholesale change, potentially removing entire management layers. This move comes as Diageo faces challenges in its largest market, the United States.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with AI and deeptech startup leaders. They explored using artificial intelligence in agriculture, environmental protection, and higher education. The Prime Minister stressed strong data governance and solutions for India's needs. He expressed confidence in Indian companies and domestic innovation. Startups highlighted India's growing AI ecosystem and global potential.

Rahul Gandhi questions the integrity of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent trade pact with the United States, suggesting that India is making significant concessions while garnering minimal benefits. He said that the answer to why the PM agreed to a deal, where India gives so much and appears to get so little, and make an abject surrender lies in the grips and chokes placed on him.

India has taken over the leadership of the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium. This forum aims to boost maritime cooperation among nations. India is ready to take on more responsibility for peace and security in the region. The symposium will focus on disaster relief, maritime security, and information sharing. This collaboration is crucial for economic prosperity and stability.

Addressing a joint press conference with US Under Secretary of State for Economic Affairs Jacob Helberg and US President's Science and Technology Advisor Michael Kratsios, Gor said there was no formal announcement yet on the visit, but recalled that President Trump greatly enjoyed his earlier trip to India. He added that when Trump nominated him as ambassador, he had spoken about India's unmatched vibrancy, colour, history and culture, and expressed confidence that the President would return at

India-US trade deal: Officials from both countries will meet in the US from February 23 to finalize the legal text for an interim trade agreement. This meeting follows the finalization of a framework for the deal. The agreement is expected to be signed in March. Both nations will offer duty concessions on various goods.

Who was Quentin Griffiths and what is his cause of death, net worth and family details? ASOS co-founder died after falling from Thailand apartment. Police are investigating cause of death, net worth, legal disputes, family details, and business history linked to ASOS shares and earnings.

Tata Punch EV vs Nexon EV: Tata Motors launched the Tata Punch EV Facelift in India on February 20, 2026, introducing significant design and tech upgrades to its popular micro-SUV. The new model features a sharper front profile with a full-width LED light bar and aero-focused alloy wheels.

Congress has attacked the government's foreign policy. They state that US-Pakistan relations remain strong. Meanwhile, India's leader is busy with optics. This is described as 'MODI governance - Maximum Optics Damaging India'. Pakistan's Prime Minister attended an event in Washington. He praised Donald Trump. India has consistently denied third-party intervention in its affairs.

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra has criticized Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. She stated that attacking Gaurav Gogoi and his family is wrong politics. Vadra emphasized that leaders should focus on issues like youth unemployment and corruption. She also paid respects to singer Zubeen Garg, calling him above politics. Vadra believes Garg's cremation ground should remain a sacred space.

The Supreme Court has declined to hear a petition seeking to prevent the construction or naming of any mosque or religious structure after Babur or Babri Masjid. The petitioner's lawyer withdrew the plea after the bench expressed its unwillingness to proceed. This action followed an announcement by a suspended MLA to build a Babri Masjid replica in West Bengal.

French President Emmanuel Macron's recent state visit to India concluded with a viral farewell video featuring a popular Bollywood soundtrack. The montage, showcasing moments from his trip, ended with a thank you message, resonating with Indian social media users who celebrated the cultural connection.

Mahatma Gandhi, born in 1869, was a pivotal leader in India's independence movement. He developed Satyagraha, a philosophy of nonviolent resistance, which he used to mobilize millions against British rule. Gandhi also championed social reforms, advocating for the eradication of caste injustices and improved women's status, leaving a profound global legacy.

Union Minister Giriraj Singh has backed 'The Kerala Story 2'. He stated filmmakers have the right to show truth. The film's trailer depicts Hindu women allegedly trapped by Islamic men. The Kerala High Court has issued notices regarding the film's censor certificate. Kerala's Chief Minister opposes the sequel, fearing it will incite communal discord.