The Economic Times

UP Board Exam Class 10, 12 date 2026: The Uttar Pradesh Board of High School and Intermediate Education (UPMSP) will begin the Class 10 and 12 Board examinations from February 18, Wednesday. The morning shift will be from 8:30 AM to 11:45 AM, while the afternoon shift is scheduled from 2:00 PM to 5:15 PM and the exam will be conducted in paper-pen mode.

A fatal stabbing spree near a Merrylands train station has left one man dead and two others critically injured. Police arrested a suspect shortly after the incident, with the crime scene spanning 50 metres. The motive remains unknown, and the alleged offender has a history of petty crime and mental health issues.

Sahil Dhanashree Accident: A fatal road crash in Dwarka has sparked outrage across the coutry. A 23-year-old man died after a minor allegedly drove an SUV recklessly for social media reels. Sahil Dhanashree's mother allege that driver was underage and unlicensed. The victim's mother has demanded justice and accountability for the vehicle owner.

Outgoing interim chief Muhammad Yunus asserted Bangladesh's restored foreign policy pillars of sovereignty and national interests during his farewell address. His remarks highlighted Bangladesh's regional economic relevance and maritime connectivity, as Dhaka prepares for a political transition with a new BNP-led government set to assume office.

UP CM Adityanath said the foundation stone of the semiconductor unit in Gautam Buddh Nagar would be laid on February 21, terming it a significant step towards making the state a hub for high-technology manufacturing.

Pythagoras, a Greek philosopher, believed friends are vital companions on life's journey. They offer support through challenges, helping each other persevere towards a happier existence. This ancient wisdom remains relevant today, providing emotional stability and motivation. True friendship involves mutual aid and a shared commitment to personal growth and well-being.

Ramadan 2026 date: Ramadan 2026 in India is expected to begin either on February 18 or 19, depending on the sighting of the crescent moon. Fasting hours are expected to be shorter, around 12-14 hours daily, due to the timing near the spring equinox. During Ramadan, Muslims worldwide observe a fast from dawn to sunset.

The Belt and Roads resurgence doesnt demonstrate that Chinas economic model is unstoppable. But it does show that Beijing isnt retreating from global engagement. It is simply adapting.

A non-bailable warrant has been issued against actress Ameesha Patel by a Moradabad court for failing to appear in a 2017 wedding event dispute. The case involves an event organizer's complaint of non-performance, a partial refund, and a bounced cheque. Patel claims the matter was settled years ago.

Class 10, 12 CBSE exams: The Class 10 and 12 CBSE board examinations will begin from today and the Board has issued a set of guidelines for students to follow. No entry will be allowed for students after 10 AM, and they are not allowed to carry mobiles, calculators and other electronic devices. Students must come in their school uniforms and carry their admit cards too.

A US federal judge has ordered the National Park Service to put back a slavery exhibit in Philadelphia. The exhibit was removed following claims of anti-American ideology. The judge stated the government cannot erase historical accounts. Pennsylvania's Governor welcomed the decision, emphasizing learning from history.

Former Congress leader Navjot Kaur Sidhu has strongly criticized Rahul Gandhi, accusing him of being disconnected from ground realities and failing to address internal corruption within the Punjab unit. Sidhu alleged that Gandhi's inaction is detrimental to the party in Punjab, with his inner circle reportedly selling election tickets while he remains unaware.

The investigation into Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi's alleged Pakistan links has been transferred to the Central government. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma shared this development, stating all evidence has been provided. This move follows allegations of a plot to undermine India's development. The Chief Minister described it as a significant step in exposing a broader Pakistan-linked network.

Former NRL star Matt Utai is in critical condition after being shot twice outside his Sydney home. Police are investigating the incident as a targeted ambush. Utai, a premiership winner with the Canterbury Bulldogs, was reportedly heading to work when the shooting occurred. Gunmen fled the scene in an SUV, which was later found burning.

Renowned documentary filmmaker Frederick Wiseman has passed away at 96. Wiseman was celebrated for his unflinching look at American institutions. His films like 'Titicut Follies' and 'High School' offered unique perspectives. He won an honorary Academy Award and completed over 35 documentaries. His work shaped filmmaking and influenced audiences worldwide. He is deeply missed by family, friends, and colleagues.

Surya Grahan Timing: Solar Eclipse is taking place today, February 17, 2026, however, this Solar Eclipse will not be visible in India. This is the first Solar Eclipse of the year 2026. According to the IST, the Surya Grahan will begin at 3:26 pm and end at 7:57 pm, lasting for about 4 hours and 31 minutes. The peak phase will take place between 5:13 PM and 6:11 PM.

A shooting at a Rhode Island hockey arena resulted in two deaths, including a young girl, and three injuries. The gunman died by suicide and reportedly targeted his family. Authorities are monitoring the situation, which occurred while two student teams were playing.

President Trump urged Ukraine to quickly reach a deal with Russia ahead of crucial Geneva talks brokered by the US. Previous US-mediated discussions in Abu Dhabi failed to achieve a breakthrough, with significant disagreements persisting over territorial concessions demanded by Moscow. Key negotiators from both nations are expected to attend the upcoming summit.

Quote of the day: Charles Baudelaires quote of the day, Always be a poet, even in prose, shows why his 1857 Les Fleurs du mal still influences writers in 2026. The collection reshaped modern poetry and literature. It introduced radical ideas about beauty, mood, and city life. Today, students, creators, and readers search his name for insight and inspiration. This line pushes people to bring art into everyday language and live with creative passion.

Three inmates escaped the Observation Home in R.S. Pura, Jammu, on Monday evening. The escapees include Karajeet Singh and two Pakistani nationals, Mohd Suna-ullah and Ahsan Anwar. During their escape, the inmates attacked and injured two on-duty policemen. Security has been heightened following the incident. Police have launched a manhunt and are conducting raids to apprehend the fugitives.

Bangladesh Nationalist Party chairman Tarique Rahman will be sworn in as Prime Minister on Tuesday. This marks a new political era after Sheikh Hasina's removal. India's Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla will attend the ceremony, highlighting strong bilateral ties. The oath-taking for MPs is scheduled for 9:30 am, with ministerial oaths at 4:00 pm.

Thomas Pritzker has resigned as executive chairman of Hyatt Hotels. He cited errible judgment for his continued contact with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell. Pritzker will not seek re-election to the board in 2026. He expressed deep regret for his association. The U.S. Justice Department's release of Epstein-related documents has revealed numerous prominent connections.

Nearly 50% of retirees already pay federal income tax on Social Security benefits. That share is rising in 2026. The Social Security tax thresholds remain frozen at $25,000 and $32,000 since 1984. They are not indexed for inflation. COLA increases and 401(k) withdrawals push combined income higher. Up to 85% of benefits can become taxable. This tax bracket creep quietly reduces net retirement income and strains Social Security trust fund projections.

Thousands were affected in the recent Amazon layoffs. A 47-year-old senior engineering manager lost his job after 11.5 years at Amazon. The tech layoffs reflect a tighter AI-driven job market. He is now focused on AI upskilling, engineering leadership roles, and career resilience. He applies weekly and builds hands-on AI projects. His story highlights job loss recovery, networking power, and mental strength in todays competitive tech hiring landscape.

Pawtucket Rhode Island shooting: Two people are dead, including the suspected gunman, and four others are hospitalized after a shooting today at Dennis M. Lynch Arena in Pawtucket, Rhode Island. Police say the gunfire erupted during a high school hockey game at the Pawtucket ice rink on February 16, 2026. Authorities confirmed no ongoing threat. The Rhode Island shooting remains under active investigation. One victim died at the scene. Four were taken to hospitals.

American Idol Season 24 release time, schedule and how to watch new episode tonight explains when Season 24 episode four airs on ABC and Hulu. Auditions end February 16, 2026. Hollywood Week starts February 23. Judges Lionel Richie, Luke Bryan, Carrie Underwood return. Ryan Seacrest hosts. Fans can watch live and streaming next day.

Robert Duvall net worth: Acting legend Robert Duvall died at 95 with a $70 million net worth. He passed away peacefully on February 15, 2026, in Virginia. His fortune grew from 142 acting credits and massive box office hits. The Godfather and Apocalypse Now star invested in vast real estate and his own production company. His wife, Luciana Pedraza, confirmed his death was from natural causes. Duvall's seven-decade career remains a Hollywood financial marvel.

Robert Duvall movies and TV shows: Robert Duvall built a 60+ year career with 90+ movie and TV credits before his death at 95. The Oscar-winning star of The Godfather and Apocalypse Now leaves behind one of Hollywoods most respected filmographies. From Tender Mercies to Lonesome Dove, Robert Duvall movies and TV shows shaped American cinema. His passing marks the end of a legendary era defined by awards, iconic roles, and lasting cultural impact.

Haruki Murakami's quote, Life is a lot more fragile than we think. So you should treat others in a way that leaves no regrets. Fairly, and if possible, sincerely, emphasizes the delicate nature of existence and the importance of mindful interactions.

Skiddoo is a slang verb that means to leave quickly or go away. It became popular in the early 1900s and is believed to come from the word skedaddle. Today, people use it in a fun or playful way. Even though it is an old word, many still understand it when someone says it.

Think & Learn, the parent company of BYJU's, has approached the Supreme Court. They seek to stop Aakash Educational Services from moving forward with a 140 crore rights issue tranche. The Supreme Court will hear the plea on Tuesday. This legal battle concerns the allotment of shares in the rights issue.

Enforcement Directorate has taken cognisance of a chargesheet in a bank loan fraud case. A Delhi court has issued notices to Videocon Group promoter Venugopal Dhoot and others. The case involves alleged diversion of funds meant for oil and gas assets. The agency has quantified the alleged proceeds of crime. The money laundering case stems from a CBI FIR.

A post on Reddit says many job resumes fail because ATS systems cannot read them properly. A man tested resume software for months and found small mistakes like wrong keywords, fancy designs, and bad formats can hide applications. The main lesson is simple: job seekers must make resumes easy for ATS to read so recruiters can actually see them.

AI hard drive shortage 2026: Hard drive prices are set to climb. Western Digital, a major manufacturer, has sold all its storage capacity for 2026. This surge is driven by AI companies needing vast amounts of hardware. Top clients have secured multi-year deals, leaving little for regular buyers. Consumers can expect ongoing shortages and higher costs.

India's chief negotiator Darpan Jain will lead a delegation to Washington next week to finalize the legal agreement for the India-US trade deal, aiming for a March signing. The visit follows the finalization of an interim trade agreement framework, with virtual talks ongoing to translate contours into a legal pact.

BJP leader Tejasvi Surya welcomed US Ambassador Sergio Gor to Bengaluru. They discussed the expanding India-US partnership in trade, technology, and innovation. Surya highlighted Bengaluru's role, noting its blend of tradition and cutting-edge innovation. The city hosts many American companies and drives software exports. The leaders also shared a ride in a Namma Auto.

A nine-judge bench will hear cases on women's entry to religious sites. This includes the Sabarimala Temple in Kerala. The hearings begin on April 7 and are expected to end by April 22. The court will examine seven legal questions. The ruling will affect other religious entry cases. This is a significant development for women's rights in India.

The Supreme Court has strongly criticized the trend of using the apex court for political purposes during elections. Chief Justice of India Surya Kant urged leaders and parties to show restraint and adhere to constitutional morality. The court refused to hear petitions against Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma, directing them to the Gauhati High Court.

In a bold move to elevate infrastructure development, India's Central Public Works Department (CPWD) is undergoing a significant transformation. With an influx of skilled professionals, the agency is set to tackle the increasing demands of modern construction. As new architectural wonders rise across the nation, CPWD is now managing an impressive portfolio of projects worth 25,000 crore each year.

Bhupen Borah, former Assam Congress chief, resigned from the party. Senior Congress leaders visited him. Bhanwar Jitendra Singh, Congress in-charge, stated Borah's resignation would not be accepted. Borah has sought time to rethink his decision. He has been associated with the Congress for 32 years. He cited self-respect as the reason for his resignation.

Expressing their deep concern, the Congress party has staunchly opposed the anticipated trade deal between India and the US, claiming it poses a significant threat to the livelihoods of local farmers. They are particularly alarmed by the potential influx of duty-free imports of processed maize, sorghum, soya bean oil, and cotton from America.

In the heart of Maharashtra, a fierce political clash ignites as a municipal office displays an image of Tipu Sultan. This provocative display fuels a BJP offensive against the Congress party. The Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray Sena enters the fray, lamenting the Congress leaders audacious comparison of Tipu Sultan to the revered Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

Iran's foreign minister met the UN nuclear watchdog chief. This comes as Washington and Tehran prepare for new talks on Iran's nuclear program. Tensions are high with Iran conducting military drills in the Strait of Hormuz. Gulf Arab states are calling for diplomacy. The United States seeks to broaden negotiations beyond nuclear issues.

India is moving towards self-reliance in fighter jet engine development. A National Aero Engine Mission has been launched with France. This collaboration aims to develop advanced engines for future combat aircraft. India is also studying engine development with the UK. Scientists are urged to accelerate timelines and focus on next-generation technologies.

West Bengal Chief Secretary Nandini Chakraborty has urged the Election Commission to reopen the ECInet portal. This is to allow uploading of documents for voters whose hearings concluded on February 13th or 14th. The portal closure risks excluding many valid voters from the electoral roll. This could prevent them from exercising their franchise.

European leaders might speed up the hunt for Christine Lagarde's replacement at the European Central Bank. This move aims to finalize the decision before potential far-right leadership in France after the 2027 elections. The current term ends next year. A change in French presidency could bring different views on the ECB's function.

Jammu and Kashmir lieutenant governor Manoj Sinha ordered the reopening of 14 tourist spots. This decision follows a security review meeting. The reopening includes popular destinations like Doodhpathri and Tulip Garden. This move aims to revive the tourism sector after a period of closure due to security concerns. Several locations in Kashmir and Jammu divisions will now welcome visitors again.

A total of 71 million Americans will see higher Social Security checks this month. On February 18, 2026, the SSA will deposit payments for retirees born between the 11th and 20th. Thanks to the 2.8% COLA, the average monthly payment has climbed to $2,074. SSDI recipients will receive approximately $1,633. These automatic deposits ensure inflation-adjusted support. No action is required to receive your updated 2026 benefit amount.