The Economic Times

Parliament debated the general budget. Opposition members raised concerns about rising unemployment and wealth disparity. They pointed to the rich accumulating more wealth while the poor remain deprived. The ruling BJP countered by emphasising increased fund allocations for projects and their timely completion. Discussions also touched upon economic policies and their impact on citizens.

In a groundbreaking move, India and the European Union are gearing up to cement a pivotal free trade agreement that stands to link nearly a quarter of the global economy. This union of two major economic powers forms a dynamic market for over two billion individuals.

Fat Tuesday does not fall on a fixed date, as its timing is tied to Easter. Since Easter changes each year, it also determines the dates of Mardi Gras, Ash Wednesday, and the 40-day Lenten season that follows.

Social Security payments will increase in 2026 due to a 2.8% cost-of-living adjustment. This raise is meant to help retirees manage higher prices caused by inflation. The exact dollar increase will depend on each persons current benefit and the age they started collecting Social Security. Some retirees will see bigger monthly gains than others.

XRP price analysis: XRP's calm price action hides growing holder stress, with on-chain data revealing increased exchange inflows and selling at a loss, mirroring 2022 bearish conditions. Metrics like SOPR and realized price suggest potential panic selling, despite some optimistic price outlooks. Broader market weakness and seasonal trends also contribute to the pressure.

India's Defence Secretary met with Seychelles' Chief of Defence Forces and Minister for Foreign Affairs to bolster defense cooperation. Discussions focused on enhancing bilateral engagement, maritime security, and upcoming joint military exercises like 'Lamitye 2026'. Both nations reaffirmed their commitment to peace and stability in the Indian Ocean Region.

NASA has rescheduled the launch of four astronauts to the International Space Station for this Friday, overcoming past weather challenges. The Crew-12 mission will elevate aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, as the new crew prepares to take the reins from Crew-11.

US stock market today: The Dow surged 272 points to hit a record 50,407 today. This gain came as retail sales stalled at 0.0%. Investors now expect lower interest rates. The S&P 500 slipped 0.09% and the Nasdaq fell 0.42%. Stagnant consumer spending shifted money into stable companies. This soft landing data fuels hope for a Fed pivot. Market eyes now turn to Wednesday's critical January jobs report for more direction.

CBSE will implement On-Screen Marking for Class 12 answer sheets starting in 2026, aiming for enhanced accuracy and efficiency. This digital evaluation process will eliminate totalling errors and reduce manual intervention, with Class 10 answer scripts continuing to be assessed physically. Schools must meet specific technical requirements to support this transition.

Karnataka's medical education minister Dr. Sharan Prakash R Patil addressed the World Health Exhibition in Dubai. He emphasized Karnataka's advancements in medical education and healthcare. Dr. Patil called for global cooperation to strengthen nations through improved health. The exhibition features extensive global participation and showcases new medical technologies. He also visited Aster DM Healthcare and inaugurated Thumbay Medicity.

Bangladeshs biggest radical party ran anti-India campaign for decades

Millions of Americans are waiting for news on a possible $2,000 stimulus check from Donald Trump. The idea is linked to money from tariffs, but Trump says no final decision has been made. There is no official plan or Congress approval yet, and experts warn the checks could raise government spending and add to the budget deficit.

India saw a dip in unemployment in cities and villages during October-December 2025. Joblessness fell to 6.7 percent in urban areas and 4 percent in rural regions. More people are now self-employed. The workforce participation rate also rose, indicating a positive trend in employment. This data comes from the National Statistics Office survey.

India's Minister of State for Defence, Sanjay Seth, led a delegation to the World Defence Show in Saudi Arabia, inaugurating the nation's first pavilion. The event showcased India's defence manufacturing capabilities, fostering discussions on enhanced cooperation and co-development of technologies with Saudi officials.

India has climbed to the 91st position on the Corruption Perceptions Index 2025. The nation's score has seen a slight increase. The report highlights global challenges in combating corruption. It also notes that India is among countries considered dangerous for journalists reporting on corruption. Leaders are urged to address abuses of power and strengthen democratic checks.

During his visit to the national capital, Naidu held separate meetings with Union ministers for Jal Shakti, Agriculture, Railways, Home and Finance, pressing for financial assistance and approvals across key sectors.

Love quote of the day: Valentines Day 2026 offers more than roses and rituals. It invites reflection on love as an encounter, one that arrives unannounced, changes everything, and stays long after it is recognised. This Valentines the quote stands not merely as a romantic line, but as a philosophy shaped by lived experience.

Sockeroo Meaning: Sockeroo is a vibrant American slang word for a big success. It describes impressive achievements and smash hits. This word emerged in the 1940s. It adds color to informal language. Sockeroo conveys excitement and surprise. It is used for wins both large and small. The term highlights creativity in English.

Federal student loan payments are set to rise sharply in 2026 under new Trump-era repayment rules. Millions may lose SAVE and PAYE plans. Monthly bills could jump by hundreds. Families and Parent PLUS borrowers face the steepest increases. New income-driven limits reshape repayment and forgiveness timelines nationwide.

In a bid to bolster financial security for private sector employees, Kerala has unveiled 'Rakshakavacham', a groundbreaking accident insurance scheme. Under this initiative, families can receive a substantial payout of 5 lakh rupees should an unfortunate accident occur. The program aims to reach out to 25 lakh workers, all for an accessible annual contribution of only 150 rupees.

Over 800 stores and restaurants across the US will shut down by the end of 2026. Major brands like Wendy's, Macy's, and Pizza Hut are part of this significant retail pullback. Companies are closing physical locations to boost their online presence and streamline operations. This trend continues a pattern observed in recent years, impacting numerous well-known retailers.

The Supreme Court has directed 17 states, including Delhi, Gujarat, and Maharashtra, to establish special NIA courts. This move aims to expedite trials for anti-terror cases. The Union Home Ministry will provide financial assistance for these courts. The initiative focuses on ensuring swift justice for pending cases across the nation.

Trump Account child investment program offers $1,000 government seed savings for newborn Americans. IRS rules allow Roth IRA conversion, creating long-term tax-free retirement wealth opportunities. Families can contribute $5,000 yearly, expanding powerful tax-advantaged savings growth for children. Low-income young adults may convert balances while legally paying zero federal taxes. This overlooked policy shift could reshape generational wealth strategies across households.

Student loan forgiveness was limited in 2025, but thousands of borrowers still got relief. Most forgiveness came from the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. Income-based plans were paused for months because of legal issues. Even with fewer approvals, forgiveness helped many workers manage student debt and monthly expenses.

On Safer Internet Day a NGO has launched a school program in Delhi that aims to help students discuss online safety and digital harm. The initiative reaches nearly 45,000 students in 45 schools. It focuses on technology-facilitated gender-based violence. The program brings digital safety into classrooms for students in Classes 8 to 12.

Bitcoin crisis of confidence: Bitcoin hovers near $70,000 after a sharp sell-off, with analysts deeming it a crisis of confidence rather than a structural issue. Despite a 45% dip from its peak, spot ETFs saw limited outflows. Institutions continue buying, and a year-end target of $150,000 is projected, though some see a potential dip to $50,000.

Assam's final voters' list is out. Over 2.43 lakh names were removed from the draft roll. The final list has 2.49 crore voters. This is a slight decrease from the previous draft. The state assembly elections are approaching soon. The electoral commission released the updated list.

Cricket has long placed value on continuity, of records, rivalries and traditions, but less often on the afterlife of the physical objects that enable the game. Balls and bats, once worn, are typically replaced without ceremony. By reusing these materials to create a series trophy, not as disposable equipment, but as objects capable of carrying forward meaning even after their functional life has ended.

Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov also accused the US of using unfair methods to suppress competitors by imposing sanctions on Russian oil companies.

The death toll in Meghalaya's coal mine blast has risen to 30, with two more people succumbing to their injuries on Tuesday. They were undergoing treatment in Silchar Medical College and Hospital.

Indian Army's robust preparedness prevented the 2020 Galwan clash from escalating into full-scale war, stated Brigadier Saurabh Singh Shekhawat. He emphasized that the adversary understood only strength, and demonstrating this resolved tensions. Shekhawat highlighted the brutal reality of contact battles and the necessity for soldiers' mental and physical readiness for future confrontations.

Anthropic AI safety chief quits: Mrinank Sharma, Anthropic's safeguards research lead, has resigned. He cited global crises and ethical pressures in AI. Sharma achieved his goals at Anthropic, focusing on AI safety and bioweapons defense. He now seeks work aligned with his integrity, including poetry and courageous speech. This follows other departures from Anthropic's safety team.

Choices made while filing a 2025 tax return can impact retirement income in 2026. Income timing can affect Medicare premiums, Social Security taxes, and overall cash flow. One-time income spikes may trigger higher costs later. Experts say early tax planning, spreading income over years, and careful withdrawals can help retirees protect future money.

Why are Bitcoin, Ethereum and XRP prices down today and will crypto market witness rise or continue to fall in near future? Bitcoin fell below $70,000 as traders waited for U.S. data, regulatory clarity, and Federal Reserve signals. Altcoins stayed weak as market volume dropped.

Stop spending your evenings at the sink with these six one-pan meals designed for maximum flavor and minimum clean-up. From Mediterranean sheet-pan chicken to creamy one-pot pasta, this story provides a roadmap for efficient, gourmet cooking that fits perfectly into the fast-paced lifestyle of 2026.

The Bengaluru Police had named BJP MLA BA Basavaraja among several people as accused in an FIR on charges of conspiracy and murder. He, however, moved the high court praying for quashing of the FIR. The court, however, directed the police not to take coercive action against him, protecting him from arrest.

Hair regrowth herb: A centuries-old Chinese medicinal root, Polygonum multiflorum, is showing promise in scientific research for combating common hair loss. This herb appears to work on multiple fronts, including blocking hair-shrinking hormones and activating natural regrowth signals, offering a potential holistic alternative to conventional treatments.

A 62-year-old Hindu trader was brutally murdered inside his shop in Mymensingh, Bangladesh. Unidentified assailants hacked Susen Chandra Sarkar to death and stole money from his business. This incident marks the latest violence targeting the minority community. Communal violence is reportedly increasing as general elections approach. The Hindu population constitutes nearly 8 percent of Bangladesh's total population.

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has strongly criticized the interim India-US trade deal. He described it as a purchase agreement that disregards reciprocity. Tharoor questioned the government's claims of securing a better deal than other Asian economies. He highlighted concerns about India's negotiating power and potential long-term deficits. The deal's implications for farmers and domestic industries remain unclear.

A new CII report proposes an air taxi corridor connecting Gurgaon, Connaught Place, and Noida International Airport, potentially reducing travel times from hours to minutes using eVTOLs. This phased plan prioritizes safety, utilizing rooftop vertiports to cut costs and expedite implementation, aiming to ease Delhi-NCR's severe congestion.

Hansraj College is facing intense student protests after Principal Rama Sharma allegedly used college facilities for her son's wedding. Students have accused the administration of moral and institutional bankruptcy for converting a public educational space into a private wedding venue. While the college claims all fees were paid, the Delhi University community is demanding a formal inquiry into the misuse of campus property.

The government has amended the Ex-servicemen (Re-employment in Central Civil Services & Posts) Rules 2026 to clarify re-employment benefits for Military Nursing Service (MNS) officers. This amendment explicitly includes MNS personnel in the definition of ex-servicemen, granting them reservation quotas and age relaxation for central government posts.

Successful political leadership hinges on more than just popular policies; rhetoric and implementation are equally crucial. President Trump's immigration agenda, despite initial support, has seen declining approval due to aggressive tactics and controversial rhetoric. Voters are judging his administration on all three aspects, finding him lacking in two, which significantly impacts his job approval ratings.