The Economic Times

A Guyanese minister has become a social media sensation. Vikash Ramkissoon, Minister within the Ministry of Agriculture, stunned parliament by speaking fluent Hindi. He issued a direct challenge to an opposition member who claimed he knew no Hindi. Ramkissoon's command of the language impressed viewers. This highlights Guyana's significant Indian heritage.

Karnataka Bandh February 12: Karnataka braces for a nationwide Bharat Bandh on Thursday as trade unions protest the Centre's four new labour codes, which they argue weaken worker rights. The strike is expected to disrupt banking, transport, and daily services across the state, with residents advised to plan ahead for potential delays and closures.

Heineken, the global brewer, announced significant job cuts of up to 6,000 roles worldwide. The company also revised its profit growth forecast for 2026 downwards. This strategic move comes as the beer industry faces challenges with declining demand. Heineken aims for higher growth with fewer resources by 2030, focusing on efficiency and savings.

Opposition's no-confidence motion notice against Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla faces potential rejection. Sources cite flaws, including references to future events in February 2025. The Speaker has directed the Lok Sabha Secretariat to rectify these deficiencies. The revised notice will be examined promptly after the Budget Session's second phase, following established rules for further action.

Former dual AFL premiership player Peter Dean is recovering in hospital after sustaining serious head and facial injuries in an alleged assault in Albury. The 60-year-old was found unconscious on a footpath after reportedly confronting teenagers attempting to break into cars. A 17-year-old male has been arrested in connection with the incident.

Sachin Tendulkar's son, Arjun Tendulkar and Saaniya Chandhok are set to reportedly get married in March this year. The two got engaged last year in a private ceremony. Saaniya Chandhok comes from a well-to-do business family and her grandfather owns the Graviss Group, who owns popular ice cream brands- The Brooklyn Creamery and Baskin-Robbins.

CBSE is implementing a new On-Screen Marking system for Class XII exams. This digital evaluation aims for faster, more accurate checking of answer scripts. Class X exams will continue with traditional manual evaluation. This phased digital transition is expected to improve the overall assessment process for students. Schools are preparing computer labs for the upcoming exams.

The crypto market is evolving beyond speculation. In 2025, it reached $4 trillion, highlighting a shift towards financial infrastructure. Regulation is strengthening, with Dubai leading as a progressive hub. Investors are advised to prioritize education, diversification, and responsible practices. This new era emphasizes structured growth and investor confidence in digital assets.

Bharat Bandh tomorrow: Bharat Bandh will be observed across the country on February 12, Thursday, and the strike will also be in place in Odisha. Schools, colleges, banks, government offices, and public transport services might remain closed tomorrow in Odisha due to Bharat Bandh. Central trade unions have called for a Bharat Bandh tomorrow due to which major services in Odisha may be impacted on Thursday.

Despite robust economic growth, the U.S. job market is surprisingly sluggish, with job creation significantly lower than in recent years. High interest rates, workforce changes, and trade policy uncertainty are cited as key factors. While unemployment remains low due to reduced competition, finding new jobs is proving difficult, especially for entry-level workers facing automation.

Sherlyn Chopra effortlessly blends traditional charm with contemporary glamour, showcasing how sarees can be both elegant and sensational in equal measure.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah voices strong opposition to the proposed Indo-US trade deal. He believes it will harm the region's horticulture and allied sectors by making key products import duty-free. Abdullah also highlights ongoing efforts with the Indian government to revive two crucial water projects in Sopore and Akhnoor, leveraging the suspension of the Indus Water Treaty.

Mahashivratri 2026 Date: Mahashivratri 2026, observed on 15 February, is a sacred night dedicated to Lord Shiva, marked by fasting, prayers and deep devotion. This powerful occasion, believed to commemorate the divine union of Shiva and Shakti, is said to bring immense blessings even through the simplest acts of worship, placing sincerity above elaborate rituals.

China's top chipmaker, SMIC, faces margin pressure this year. The company is expanding capacity to meet high chip demand. This expansion will lead to a significant jump in depreciation costs. SMIC expects flat revenue growth this quarter. The firm is investing heavily in new wafer capacity. This move aims to capitalize on demand from Chinese chip designers.

Federal prosecutors did not indict six Democratic lawmakers who released a video advising military personnel to refuse illegal orders. President Trump had demanded jail time for the politicians. A grand jury denied the Justice Department's request for indictments. The lawmakers stated their video quoted existing law. This development marks a rare setback for prosecutors in a grand jury proceeding.

Many Americans are working multiple jobs to cope with rising living expenses. Cindy Dionicio, a waitress and saleswoman, exemplifies this trend. Federal Reserve officials note an increase in workers juggling jobs. This situation highlights financial struggles for many, impacting their ability to save and plan for the future. The American dream feels distant for some.

The ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 is here. Australia faces Ireland on February 11. Fans can watch the match live on Amazon Prime Video. Free-to-air TV will not broadcast the games. Australia's group matches are all in Sri Lanka. The knockout stages begin later. The final is scheduled for March 9 in Ahmedabad, India.

Tragedy struck British Columbia's Peace region Tuesday afternoon. A shooting at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School resulted in nine fatalities. Police responded to reports of an active shooter. The individual believed responsible was also found deceased. Several others sustained injuries and were transported to hospital. Schools in the area will remain closed.

CMA Inter result December 2025: The results of CMA Intermediate and Final examinations exams of which were conducted in December 2025 have been declared by the ICMAI today. Pari Agarwal has topped the CMA Intermediate exams for December 2025 and Md Faizan has secured the top position in CMA final examinations.

President Trump is set to direct the Pentagon to use government funds and contracts to support US coal power plants. An executive order will instruct the Defense Secretary to secure electricity from coal facilities for military needs. The Department of Energy will also provide funds for upgrades at six coal plants.

The US Trade Representative has removed a social media post. The post announced a trade deal with India. It featured a map showing Pakistan occupied Kashmir and Aksai Chin as part of India. This deletion follows days of speculation. The map marked a departure from earlier US representations. The US has historically avoided such cartographic endorsements.

Ronald Palmer Heath, 64, was executed in Florida for the 1989 murder of Michael Sheridan. Heath and his brother met Sheridan at a bar and later robbed and killed him. Heath was convicted of first-degree murder and other charges. This was Florida's first execution of 2026. Governor Ron DeSantis oversaw a record number of executions in 2025.

Abhishesk Sharma Miss India Training Session: Indian opener Abhishek Sharma is hospitalised in Delhi with a stomach infection. His participation in upcoming T20 World Cup matches is uncertain. He is doubtful for the Namibia game. The team hopes for his recovery before the Pakistan clash. Other players are also facing fitness issues. Washington Sundar is set to join the squad.

Jimmy Ba, a key co-founder, has departed Elon Musk's AI venture xAI. This follows earlier exits from other technical leaders. Tensions are reportedly high due to demands for model improvements and a planned merger with SpaceX. Musk aims to create a powerful AI and space entity. The company faces challenges in meeting ambitious goals and user engagement expectations.

JEE Main Season 1 Result, answer key: The results of JEE Mains Session 1 will be declared by the NTA on February 12. Once the results are declared, NTA will upload the JEE Main 2026 results and cut-off on their official websites -nta.ac.in and jeemain.nta.nic.in. The release of the final answer key will lock raw scores for all candidates who appeared in Session 1.

Millions of young Bangladeshis will vote for the first time on Thursday in a landmark election to determine the country's leadership following a 2024 student-led uprising that ended former prime minister Sheikh Hasina's autocratic rule. Young people aged from 18 to 27 make up 44 percent of the country's 129 million voters, many who say they never voted during Hasina's 15-year iron-fisted tenure.

Parliament will continue discussions on the Union Budget 2026-27 on Wednesday. Reports and statements on various ministries are scheduled. Opposition MPs criticized the India-United States interim trade agreement and the Union Budget on Tuesday. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Budget on February 1, proposing infrastructure development. The Budget Session will conclude on April 2.

Promise Day 2026: Valentine's Week is being celebrated with great enthusiasm in India and today, couples will be celebrating Promise Day. On Promise Day, couples make heartfelt and real promises to each other to strengthen their relationship. You can write cute handwritten notes, revisit old memories, create a promise jar and gift something special on Promise Day.

zara larsson tickets info: Swedish pop star Zara Larsson is returning to Australian stages for the first time in over a decade with her 'Midnight Sun' tour. The tour supports her 2025 album, 'Midnight Sun,' which signifies a new, confident era for the artist. Larsson's return follows the viral resurgence of her 2017 hit 'Symphony' and a refreshed Y2K-inspired aesthetic.

Polling is underway across Telangana for 116 municipalities and seven municipal corporations in a three-way contest involving the ruling Congress, BJP, and BRS. Over 52 lakh voters are eligible to cast ballots for 2,981 wards.

Milton Berle, known as 'Mr. Television', was a groundbreaking comedian. He began his career as a child actor and rose to fame in the late 1940s and early 1950s with 'Texaco Star Theater'. Berle's influence on comedy was immense. He shaped modern entertainment and inspired many comedians. His legacy as a television pioneer endures.

CMA Inter result 2025: The CMA Inter December 2025b results will be released on the official website eicmai.in by the ICMAI today. Students can also apply for re-verification process if they are not satisfied with the results of CMA inter and the request must be submitted within 30 days of the result declaration. To pass the ICMAI CMA 2025 exam, candidates must secure a minimum of 40 percent marks in each subject and an overall aggregate of at least 50 percent.

Tumbler Ridge is on high alert following a shooting at its local high school, with multiple victims confirmed. Authorities initially identified one suspect, a woman with brown hair in a dress, who is believed to be deceased. However, police are now investigating the possibility of a second shooter. Emergency services, including air ambulance, have been deployed to the remote community.

A powerful earthquake measuring 6.0 magnitude shook the Indian Ocean. The tremor occurred at a significant depth of 515 kilometers. This event highlights the seismic activity in the South Pacific Ocean region. The area is part of the circum-Pacific seismic belt, known as the Ring of Fire. This zone experiences a high percentage of the world's earthquakes.

In many workplaces, friendly conversations can quickly cross into personal territory, making employees uncomfortable. One worker shared their experience of repeated questions about their romantic life despite clearly citing, I dont like to share that info. Oversharing can lead to gossip, unsolicited advice, or workplace judgment. Users suggested some strategies to help balance social engagement with personal privacy, keeping work relationships healthy.

Thought of the day by Robert Frost focuses on work, time, effort, and leadership. The quote speaks about long working hours and responsibility. This explainer shares the thought of the day meaning and details about Robert Frost, his life, work, poems, and public influence.

India is changing its defence buying rules. The government will now favor Indian firms that invest in research and own technology. This shift from 'Made in India' to 'Owned by India' aims to boost local startups. Procurement timelines will also be cut by up to 50 percent. These new rules are expected to be finalized by March.

India's tax department is intensifying scrutiny of foreign investment firms. Following a Supreme Court decision, notices have been issued to several overseas venture capital and private equity houses. The tax office is seeking detailed information about their operations in Mauritius and Singapore.

India's economy is showing strong recovery signs. Auto sales and daily consumer goods demand are rising. This revival is seen across urban and rural areas. New fuel efficiency norms for vehicles are also on the horizon. Discussions are ongoing regarding concessions for small cars. The government aims for fair regulations for all manufacturers.

Californias Death Valley National Park may witness a rare superbloom in 2026, transforming its generally arid landscape into a colorful carpet of wildflowers. Early sprouts have already been spotted along the south end of Badwater Road. The National Park Service says, Based on the sprouts we see, it looks quite possible there will be a superbloom. Peak bloom is expected between late February and early April, assuming climate conditions remain favorable.

Photos of Tobey Maguire at Super Bowl LX went viral after he was captured seated beside 20-year-old influencer Mishka Silva, sparking intense online discussion. The 50-year-old actors appearance immediately shifted focus from football to rumors about a possible romance, largely due to the 30-year age gap. Social media users reacted with jokes, criticism, and defenses, while others urged restraint, citing no relationship was confirmed.

Quote of the Day: Mark Zuckerberg's The greatest successes come from having the freedom to fail highlights innovation's reliance on experimentation and resilience. His journey with Facebook, marked by rapid growth and strategic shifts, exemplifies how embracing setbacks fuels progress. This philosophy underscores that learning from mistakes is crucial for long-term achievement in a rapidly evolving world.

Tergiversation is a word used when someone avoids giving a clear answer or keeps changing their stand. It often appears in news, politics, and public speeches. The word describes confusing or misleading behavior. Many people search its meaning to better understand debates, statements, and actions where clarity is missing.

The Environmental Protection Agency will issue a final rule rescinding a 2009 government declaration known as the endangerment finding. That Obama-era policy determined that carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases endanger public health and welfare.

Forest dwellers are set to receive a boost as the Centre plans to increase the minimum support price for 87 minor forest produce items. This move aims to empower tribal communities by ensuring better returns for their collected produce. The government is finalising the notification for the revised prices, expected to be implemented from the next financial year.