The Economic Times

The Maharashtra government is intensifying its campaign against illegal moneylenders, moving to tighten provisions under the Money-Lending Regulation Act. The push comes after a shocking case from Chandrapur, where a farmer reportedly sold a kidney to secure a loan. Six unregistered lenders have been arrested in connection with the incident.

The Delhi High Court has issued a notice to Delhi Police regarding a plea by former MLA Alka Lamba. She seeks to quash an FIR filed against her. The case relates to a protest for women's reservation in 2024. A lower court had previously framed charges against her. The High Court is now seeking a response from the police.

Police in Uttar Pradesh's Muzaffarnagar have arrested two sisters for murdering their 60-year-old father. Upset over the constant taunts and discrimination between sons and daughters, the two decided to kill their father. While the 16-year-old held his legs tightly, the elder one slit his throat with a kitchen knife, according to police.

In the Indian culinary tradition, salads are evolving from simple side relishes into hearty, standalone meals. By combining plant-based proteins, fiber-rich grains, and traditional tempering, these dishes provide sustained energy without the post-meal slump. Here is the story of seven Indian salads that are satisfying enough to be your main course in 2026.

A Zambian student pursuing engineering in India shares her humorous and warm observations of everyday life. She navigates cultural nuances like the head wobble, auto rickshaw rides, and the significance of tea. Her Instagram documents these experiences, highlighting fashion contrasts, bargaining, and midnight street food adventures as she adapts to her new environment.

Gujarat will host the Gujarat Semiconnect Conference 2026 on March 1 in Gandhinagar. The event aims to make Gujarat India's gateway to silicon. Global leaders will discuss strategies to strengthen India's semiconductor manufacturing and research. The conference will feature keynote addresses, panels, and roundtables.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Chennai, Puducherry, and Madurai from February 28, highlighting government initiatives, cultural heritage, and infrastructure projects. His tour comes ahead of the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, where a three-way contest is shaping up between DMK, BJP-AIADMK, and actor Vijays TVK party.

WiseTech Global is set to reduce its workforce by up to 2,000 employees. This significant job cut, nearly a third of its global staff, is part of a major two-year overhaul. The company is aggressively integrating artificial intelligence into its software and operations. This strategic shift aims to create a leaner and more efficient organization.

In the vibrant world of Indian gastronomy, sweet doesn't have to mean unhealthy. As we move into 2026, a new wave of mindful indulgence is transforming the traditional dessert landscape. By swapping refined white sugar for ancient sweeteners like jaggery, dates, and honey, you can satisfy your cravings while nourishing your body. Here is the story of six healthy Indian desserts that celebrate tradition without the sugar crash.

High blood pressure poses serious health risks. A cardiologist, Dr Sanjay Bhojraj, shares a simple two-minute breathing exercise to lower blood pressure naturally. This technique involves controlled inhales and longer exhales, stimulating the body's calming response. Research supports slow breathing for reducing systolic pressure. Blood pressure is also affected by stress, sleep, and other factors beyond salt intake.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman launched the National Monetisation Pipeline 2.0, aiming to raise Rs 16.7 lakh crore by monetising over 2,000 assets. This initiative focuses on operating and maintaining brownfield infrastructure for fixed periods, not privatization, to fund new greenfield projects and boost GDP.

Matt Ridley, descendant of architect Edwin Lutyens, has voiced criticism over the removal of Lutyens' bust from Rashtrapati Bhavan. The bust was replaced with one of Chakravarti Rajagopalachari. Ridley noted Lutyens' name was also previously removed from the building's plinth. He described Lutyens as an architect, not a viceroy, and highlighted the building's diverse architectural influences.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was evacuated from his Canberra residence following a bomb threat. The threat was sent to a Chinese dance group, Shen Yun, which is scheduled to perform in Australia. The email warned of explosives at the Prime Minister's residence if the performance proceeded. Police investigated and found no suspicious items.

T T V Dhinakaran dismissed V K Sasikala's new political party launch. He compared it to quick meals and said it would not impact the NDA's election chances. Sasikala announced her party on Jayalalithaa's birth anniversary. Dhinakaran claimed true followers of Jayalalithaa are united. He stated the true intentions of some leaders are now exposed.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's visit to Japan has secured significant investment. MoUs worth approximately Rs 11,000 crore were signed with several Japanese firms. These agreements span crucial sectors like agriculture, automotive, and electronics. This collaboration is set to boost manufacturing and industrial ties between India and Japan. The partnerships will drive growth and innovation.

Nearly 86,000 Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation employees have received their pending salary hike dues. The government released Rs 100 crore to clear arrears for February. This financial assistance reflects the government's commitment to its employees. The disbursement process faced delays due to fund shortages and technical issues. Further funds are expected soon.

Elaborate security arrangements have been put in place for the Lathmar Holi celebrations in Barsana, with nearly 500 police officers and 4,000 personnel deployed across the fair area. The venue has been divided into eight zones and 14 sectors, each monitored by designated police officers and magistrates.

Celebrity fitness trainer Siddharth Singh, known for training Tamannaah Bhatia, shared the single worst food for weight loss. He posted this advice on Instagram on February 19, emphasizing mindful eating and sustainable fat loss.

The Financial Action Task Force warns of rising cyber fraud. This crime now links heavily with money laundering and terror financing. Criminals exploit digital platforms to steal money globally. The FATF calls for stronger rules and international teamwork. This will help trace and recover stolen funds. Countries must boost cooperation to fight this digital threat.

The Supreme Court is seeking more information on the cost and availability of Nucleic Acid Amplification Testing in government hospitals nationwide. This testing is crucial for detecting infections like HIV and hepatitis in donated blood.

India's new GDP revision is set to reflect new way of measuring the economy, shifting the base year for GDP to 202223. Authorities will also publish revised figures for earlier years to align them with the new benchmark. The goal is to make the numbers more realistic and responsive to todays economy, including evolving spending patterns and the expansion of online and tech-driven activity.

Alia Bhatt made her 2026 BAFTA debut on February 23 at Londons Royal Festival Hall, presenting the Best Film Not in the English Language award. Styled by Hollywood celebrity stylist Rebecca Corbin-Murray, she stunned in a silver sequinned Gucci gown inspired by Marilyn Monroe. The Indian actor posted her look on Instagram on 23 February.

Indian Oil Panipat workers' protest: Several labourers have been protesting at the Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) Refinery in Haryana's Panipat. The workers, who clashed with the security forces, have demanded reduced duty hours from 12 to 8 hours, timely payment of wages, basic facilities like water and a truck near the facility, no unfair wage deductions and more.

NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar has lashed out at the DGCA, alleging that the aviation watchdog first gave a clean chit to VSR Ventures following the Baramati plane crash, only to later concede that the operator had serious safety shortcomings.

A tragic accident in Whitchurch-Stouffville has claimed the life of a 71-year-old woman. The collision involved a car and a dump truck at the intersection of Bloomington Road and Thornbay Drive. Police are investigating the cause of the crash. Bloomington Road was temporarily closed for evidence collection but has since reopened. Authorities are seeking information from the public.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is undertaking a two-day official visit to Israel aimed at deepening the strategic partnership between the two countries. The agenda includes high-level talks on defense cooperation, advanced technology collaboration, and expanding bilateral trade. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is also expected to present a proposed hexagon alliance framework.

The Andhra Pradesh government has approved a Disaster Recovery Centre in Tirupati. This facility will support the State Data Centre, which hosts e-governance initiatives. The centre will be established under a Build Own Operate Transfer model. This move aims to enhance IT infrastructure resilience for state government services.

As the name of Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi figuring among the Parliamentary Friendship Groups constituted by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) said that the development has exposed the political propaganda to establish that Gaurav Gogoi has links with Pakistan

BJP president Nitin Nabin on Wednesday accused Congress leader Rahul Gandhi of undertaking foreign visits without informing security agencies and alleged that he has links with anti-India and pro-Pakistan elements abroad.

Iran's foreign ministry has rejected United States accusations regarding its missile program. Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei called the claims 'big lies'. This comes after President Donald Trump stated Iran was developing missiles capable of reaching American soil. Iran maintains its nuclear activities are for peaceful purposes. The country also disputes US figures on casualties from recent unrest.

The Supreme Court has clarified that Class 10 admit cards, along with pass certificates, can be used as supplementary identity documents. This is for the ongoing Special Intensive Revision exercise in West Bengal. The court also allowed the deployment of civil judges and requisitioning of judicial officers from other states to handle a large number of claims and objections.

US President Donald Trump seems desperate for foreign policy wins. Expert Mahesh Sachdev notes declining popularity and domestic challenges fuel this. Trump claims credit for stopping India-Pakistan conflict and eight wars. However, India denies third-party involvement in its agreement with Pakistan. This assertion comes amid falling US President popularity as midterm elections approach.

The Institute of Company Secretaries of India has announced the ICSI CS Result 2026 for the professional exam. Results for the executive program are expected today. Students can check their scores on the official ICSI website. The next CS Executive and Professional Programme examinations are scheduled for June 2026. Reserve dates are also set for potential unforeseen situations.

Bridgerton S4 P2: The second half of Bridgerton Season 4 is set to premiere exclusively on Netflix on Thursday, February 26, 2026. Following the mid-season cliffhanger on January 29, the final four episodes will conclude the central romance between Benedict Bridgerton (Luke Thompson) and Sophie Baek (Yerin Ha).

Cricket authorities have issued a strong statement. Players must not be excluded based on their nationality. This comes amid concerns that Indian-owned teams in The Hundred might ignore Pakistani cricketers. The ECB is committed to preventing discrimination. Selections will be based solely on cricketing merit. Many Pakistani players have registered for the upcoming auction.

Coulomb Litech has secured Rs 20 crore in seed funding to bolster its manufacturing and expand its presence in India's EV sector. The IIT Kanpur alumni-founded startup specializes in fast-charging, long-life battery systems for medium and heavy EVs, including material handling equipment and electric tractors.

JJK S3 Ep 8: The high-stakes action of the Culling Game arc reaches a fever pitch as Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3 Episode 8 prepares for its global rollout. Following the intense psychological and physical battles of previous weeks, fans are eager to see the next move from Yuji Itadori and Megumi Fushiguro.

The Bharatiya Janata Party has responded to Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's remarks on Gaza. The BJP accused the Congress leader of selective outrage. They referred to her as the 'female Ghajini of Indian politics'. This criticism comes as Prime Minister Narendra Modi visits Israel. The BJP stated that condemning the October 7th attacks in Israel requires moral courage.

Did Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif beg US President Donald Trump to stop India's attack on Pakistan? Trump in his State of the Union address, claimed that Shehbaz Sharif would have died if not for my involvement. 35 million people said the Prime Minister of Pakistan would have died if it were not for my involvement, Trump said, sparking a buzz online.

India is expanding its global trade partnerships amidst international uncertainty. The nation now has preferential trade access to almost two-thirds of global commerce. Nine free trade agreements have been signed with developed economies. Discussions are underway with the Gulf Cooperation Council, Israel, and Chile. Trade with Australia and the UAE has doubled post-FTAs.

An Indian court has ruled against enforcing Australian family court orders in a property settlement case involving cricketer Shikhar Dhawan. His former wife must refund nearly Rs 5.7 crore. The court found Australian property settlement laws inconsistent with Indian statutes. Dhawan's former wife did not appear in the Indian court proceedings. This ruling follows Dhawan's recent marriage.

A court in Muzaffarnagar acquitted 37 individuals accused in the 2013 communal riots case that left eight people dead, citing insufficient evidence. Additional District and Sessions Judge Manjula Bhalotiya noted that the prosecution failed to prove the charges beyond a reasonable doubt.

Apple is set to introduce touch-screen MacBooks. These new models, likely 14 and 16-inch MacBook Pros, are anticipated by late 2026. They will feature OLED displays and Apple's Dynamic Island. The interface will adapt for touch, complementing keyboard and trackpad use.

The Supreme Court has taken suo motu cognisance of a Class 8 NCERT textbook. The book mentions corruption in the judiciary. Chief Justice Surya Kant stated this is a grave concern. He emphasized that the institution will not be defamed. Law will take its course. The court is perturbed by the content. This matter is being addressed urgently.

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju has assured strict legal action following allegations of racial abuse against three women from Arunachal Pradesh in Delhi's Malviya Nagar. Arrests have been made. Rijiju emphasized that incidents targeting people from the Northeast are taken seriously. He stated that the government prioritizes the region and will protect its dignity.

The Indian Navy will enhance its coastal defence with the commissioning of INS Anjadip. This advanced vessel is designed for anti-submarine warfare in shallow waters. It will detect, track, and neutralize enemy submarines. The ship also supports coastal surveillance and search and rescue missions. INS Anjadip's induction strengthens India's maritime security.