The Economic Times

Credit Card Interest Rate: More people have balances on their cards, with the average amount just over $6,500, the credit bureau TransUnion reported in November

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced that households with valid ration cards will receive free LPG cylinders on Holi and Diwali. The Delhi cabinet approved a direct benefit transfer of Rs 853, the cost of a cylinder, to eligible beneficiaries, including those with piped natural gas connections. The government has allocated Rs 242 crore for this initiative.

India plans underground railway tracks along a 40-km strategic corridor including the 'Chicken's Neck'. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma stated the narrow Siliguri corridor has been used for intimidation. The proposed rail link aims to create a secure transportation route connecting the Northeast with the rest of India. This initiative addresses a long-standing strategic vulnerability.

Inside one of Indias earliest assessment-driven awards programmes honouring excellence across manufacturing, digital transformation, and sustainability.

Authorities have denied permission for Shab-e-Barat prayers at Srinagar's historic Jama Masjid. Mirwaiz Umar Farooq's movement has also been restricted. The mosque's gates were directed to remain closed after afternoon prayers. This action continues a pattern of restrictions on religious gatherings at the mosque since 2019.

Muslims will observe Shab-e-Barat in 2026 from February 3 to February 4. This significant night, also known as the Night of Forgiveness, involves prayer, Quran recitation, and seeking mercy from Allah. Believers reflect on their actions and prepare for the year ahead. Special prayers like Salat ul Tasbih are offered.

Pakistan Cricket Board faces legal action from T20 World Cup broadcasters. The ICC has warned the PCB of potential lawsuits if Pakistan boycotts its February 15 game against India. Pakistan's government instructed the boycott. The ICC might withhold Pakistan's annual revenue share to pay broadcasters.

India's major youth employment and skilling plan has seen very low fund utilisation. Only 5% of the allocated budget was spent in the last fiscal year. This raises questions about how the program is designed and implemented.

Recognizing the seven subtle signs of burnoutfrom chronic fatigue to emotional numbnessis vital for survival in 2026. This story explores how always-on stress erodes our productivity and health, offering a guide to identifying the red flags before they lead to a total physical and mental collapse.

Average IRS refund last year was $3,167. This year, analysts have projected it could be $1,000 higher, thanks to changes in tax law.

Ukraine faced a massive Russian drone and missile assault targeting its power grid. The attacks occurred during extremely cold weather, impacting civilians. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte visited Kyiv, reaffirming alliance support for Ukraine. Peace talks are scheduled in Abu Dhabi.

An investigation has uncovered 890 accounts at Credit Suisse with possible Nazi connections. These include previously unknown wartime accounts for German entities. UBS, which acquired Credit Suisse, is cooperating with the probe. The bank has apologized for the World War Two era. The investigation is nearing completion and a final report is expected by year-end.

Gold prices rebound nearly 6% today: Spot gold surged 6.2% to $4,930.10 today, reversing a historic 1983-style crash. J.P. Morgan now forecasts a $6,300 peak by late 2026. This recovery stems from massive central bank buyingprojected at 800 tonsand a weakening dollar. Institutional dip-buyers are deserting paper assets for physical bullion. While silver jumped 11%, gold remains the primary hedge against US debt. Technical floors at $4,800 suggest the $6,300 target is firmly in play.

In 2026, a truly modern home is defined by what you remove, not what you add. This story identifies seven categories of common household clutterfrom obsolete tech to unloved giftsthat drain your energy. Reclaim your space and peace of mind by letting go of these unnecessary anchors today.

Gold price has now cleared its first retracement hurdle at $4,858, shifting focus toward $5,000.

We explore seven vital life skills overlooked by traditional education, including financial literacy, emotional intelligence, and resilience. Designed for 2026, it offers a roadmap for mastering the soft skills that drive professional success, mental well-being, and personal independence in a rapidly changing global landscape.

Quote of the day attributed to Robert Frost survives not because it flatters diplomacy, but because it distils it. In a single sentence, Frost captures how civility often depends less on truth than on timing and tone.

NEET PG counselling 2025 Round 3 Result Time: The NEET PG Counselling 2025 Round 3 seat allotment result is scheduled for declaration today on the official website. Successful candidates must report to their allotted medical colleges between February 4 and February 11, 2026, with all necessary original and photocopied documents to complete admission formalities.

Security forces and terrorists are engaged in a fierce gunfight in a remote forest area of Udhampur district. The encounter began during a search operation in the Jaffer forest. The operation was launched following intelligence about the movement of suspected terrorists. The exchange of fire is ongoing. No casualties have been reported yet.

Russia states readiness for a world without nuclear arms control limits as the New START treaty expires this week. This marks the first time in over fifty years that long-range strategic nuclear arsenals will be unconstrained. Former US President Barack Obama warns of an arms race. Dmitry Medvedev suggests the world should be alarmed by this new reality.

India's space sector is projected to capture 8-10% of the global space economy by 2035, attracting significant investment momentum. Big-ticket investors, including Singapore's GIC and Temasek, are eyeing opportunities in this burgeoning ecosystem, supported by a Rs 1,000 crore venture fund and a goal of developing five space unicorns annually.

Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos will testify before the U.S. Senate on Tuesday. The hearing focuses on Netflix's proposed acquisition of Warner Bros Discovery. Lawmakers are concerned about competition in the streaming industry. The Department of Justice is also reviewing the deal. Paramount Skydance has also made a bid for Warner Bros.

Russia continues to invest heavily in its Northern Fleet, even with the ongoing Ukraine conflict. This aggressive posture challenges Western naval powers. Naval commanders note Russia's focus on subsurface capabilities. Activity in the North Sea, including drone operations and a shadow fleet, is also a concern. This situation demands a response from allied nations.

A routine Hyderabad cab ride turned inspiring when Suresh Kochattil encountered Nandini, a single mother driving to provide her three children with a better future. Her resilience and determination in overcoming adversity deeply moved him and thousands online, highlighting real-world women's empowerment.

The Supreme Court has granted interim bail to former Chhattisgarh minister Kawasi Lakhma. He was arrested in two alleged liquor scam cases. Lakhma has been in jail since January 2025. The court imposed several conditions on his bail. He must live outside the state and submit his passport.

Actor R. Madhavan revealed in a viral interview why he took a four-year sabbatical to escape dancing to others' tunes. From his intense collaboration with Mani Ratnam to accidentally directing the award-winning 'Rocketry', the actor discusses prioritizing authenticity over superstar status.

The Delhi High Court has allowed IRS officer Sameer Wankhede to file a defamation case in Mumbai. The suit targets a series produced by Shah Rukh Khan's Red Chillies Entertainment. Wankhede alleges the series defames him to settle personal scores. He seeks damages for alleged personal attacks. The Mumbai court will hear the matter on February 12.

Toni Morrison, one of the most famous American authors, is known for her thoughts on empowerment, success, leadership and vision. In one of her quotes, she advises people that if they want to fly high, they must let go their past and emotional traumas. Toni Morrison says you must recognize what is holding you back and make the difficult choice to release it.

Indian and Kyrgyzstan special forces will conduct a joint military exercise in Assam from February 4 to 17. The 13th edition of Exercise Khanjar will focus on urban warfare and counter-terrorism operations. This exercise aims to enhance interoperability and strengthen defense cooperation between the two nations. The event will be held at Misamari, Assam, further deepening the military partnership.

The Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi showcases prehistoric life and contemporary biodiversity, offering a journey through Earth's past, present, and future. Exhibitions like 'March of the Triceratops' and 'Wildlife Photographer of the Year' provide evidence-led storytelling, making complex scientific ideas accessible to all generations.

Bihar's Nitish Kumar government has presented a Rs 3.47 lakh crore budget. The focus is on knowledge, science, and aspirations for a developed Bihar. The budget sees an increase from the previous year. Social welfare schemes receive significant allocation. A women's employment scheme is highlighted, with further financial support planned for business ventures.

A new India-US trade agreement brings much-needed relief to the gem and jewellery sector. This deal aims to revive exports that suffered due to high American tariffs. The agreement caps reciprocal tariffs, replacing punitive levies that had significantly impacted Indian goods. The US is India's largest market for these exports.

Veteran music director S P Venkatesh (70) passed away in Chennai due to cardiac arrest. Known as Sangeetharajan, he was the mastermind behind hits like 'Kilukkam' and 'Rajavinte Makan', famously collaborating with Mohanlal and Mammootty to define the sound of 90s South Indian cinema.

Accismus describes pretending to refuse something desired. This rhetorical tactic involves wanting something, acting uninterested, and having a strategic purpose. It highlights the difference between words and true wants. This behaviour is seen in social settings and public life. It reveals social pretence and calculated humility.

Senior NCP leader Praful Patel has clarified he is not seeking the party's national president post. He stated that decisions regarding the NCP's future will be made according to the sentiments of its members.

India's opposition voices strong concerns over a new trade deal with the US. They claim the agreement was finalized without proper parliamentary debate and may harm Indian farmers. Critics point to a lack of transparency and question the government's negotiating stance. The deal's details remain unclear, fueling further apprehension among opposition leaders and raising questions about national interests.

The Enforcement Directorate is conducting searches across West Bengal. Locations in Durgapur, Kaksha, and Paschim Bardhaman are being investigated. The operation is linked to a multi-crore coal scam. A police officer-in-charge is among those being covered. The ED is probing illegal coal extraction and smuggling from Eastern Coalfields Limited. This racket has been under scrutiny for years.

Looking for the top OTT releases this week (Feb 28, 2026)? Stream Prabhas' 'The Raja Saab' on JioHotstar, 'The Lincoln Lawyer Season 4' on Netflix, and Sivakarthikeyan's 'Parasakthi' on ZEE5. From Kapil Sharmas latest comedy to romantic hits on Prime Video, our guide covers every major movie and web series arrival.

China will ban hidden door handles on cars from next year over safety concerns, phasing out the minimalist design popularised by Tesla. Safety concerns have risen in China recently over sleek, aerodynamic car doors that reduce drag but are prone to losing operability in the event of a crash.

Shrinking Season 3 Episode 2 release time, schedule and how to watch explains when the new episode titled Happiness Mission will stream, the full episode list, cast details, story focus, Apple TV subscription plans, free viewing options, and weekly release timing until the season finale.

Valentine's Week 2026 promises a romantic build-up to February 14th, offering unique ways to express love. This article explores what this Valentine's week has in store for Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces and what they must do to enhance their love life and relationship.

Australian shares saw a strong rebound on Tuesday, recovering from a three-week low. The S&P/ASX 200 index gained significantly, boosted by gold and base metal miners. Investors reacted to the Reserve Bank of Australia's interest rate hike. Several companies reported notable gains, while a few experienced declines. The technology sector also performed well.

A Turkish tech executive, Gokce Guven, has been indicted in the US for allegedly defrauding investors of $7 million. Prosecutors claim she fabricated her fintech startup Kalder Inc.'s finances and partnerships to secure funding and an O-1A extraordinary ability visa. Guven faces multiple fraud and identity theft charges.

Germany is investing 35 billion euros in its military space program. This includes a new secure communication satellite network with over 100 satellites. The country will also develop capabilities to disrupt enemy satellites using non-destructive methods. Germany aims to protect its space assets and enhance its deterrence posture in orbit.

India has finalized a trade agreement with the United States. This deal was achieved through a strategy of patience and strategic negotiation. India resisted pressure and artificial deadlines, prioritizing its national interests. This approach has now paid off, securing a balanced outcome. The agreement marks a significant achievement for India's trade policy.

Dhurandhar 2 (titled Dhurandhar: The Revenge) has officially moved its OTT release to JioHotstar, skipping Netflix. The Ranveer Singh-starrer, directed by Aditya Dhar, arrives in theatres on March 19, 2026, in five languages, before making its exclusive digital debut on the new platform.