The Economic Times

WTI crude oil jumped 4.4% to $65.01 as fears of a U.S.Iran war intensified. Brent crude climbed near $69. Over 150 U.S. military cargo planes and dozens of fighter jets have moved into the Middle East, signaling possible escalation within days. Israel is reportedly preparing for conflict. Oil markets are reacting fast. Investors are watching geopolitical risk, Strait of Hormuz threats, and global energy supply disruption closely.

Maharashtra's Congress party has labelled the state government's decision to cancel a 2014 order granting reservation to Muslims as an act of vengeance. The government maintains the move is merely procedural, as the quotas were not effectively in place. The Nationalist Congress Party (SP) also opposes the cancellation.

Galgotias University is under fire for presenting a Chinese robot as its own at the AI Impact Summit. The Uttar Pradesh government may investigate the university. The university has apologized for the misinformation. It has withdrawn from the summit. The incident caused embarrassment for the Indian government hosting the event.

Federal Reserve officials kept interest rates unchanged at their January meeting. However, opinions diverged on future policy. Some policymakers indicated potential rate hikes if inflation remains high. Others debated when further rate cuts might be appropriate. Investors anticipate rates will stay steady until June. The next meeting is in March.

In a major step forward, the Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs has established a pivotal advisory committee aimed at streamlining corporate compliance regulations. This new panel is set to enhance the ease of electronic submissions under the Companies Act, 2013, with a focus on minimizing regulatory challenges.

India is preparing a plan to use land owned by HMT Ltd for artificial intelligence clusters. HMT has a large land bank across several states. Investment plans of around 10,000 crore are being drawn up for these AI clusters. The government is considering a report on HMT's revival. This initiative aims to clear worker and statutory dues.

The National Investigation Agency has apprehended Moideenkutty P, a Popular Front of India coordinator, at Cochin International Airport. He was absconding for three years in a case involving the banned organization. The NIA's investigation revealed a conspiracy to create communal division and establish Islamic rule in India. Accused were trained in weapons handling and fundraising for terrorist acts.

IRS has ended its free Direct File tax website after less than two years. The government said the program was costly and not many taxpayers used it. Even though this tool is gone, Americans still have other free ways to file taxes online or get help. These include IRS partner software, simple fillable forms, and volunteer tax assistance services.

Bilal Erdogan, son of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, arrived in Dhaka. He was accompanied by former footballer Mesut Ozil and TIKA chairman Abdullah Aaron. The delegation inaugurated a new medical center at Dhaka University. This project was funded by TIKA. The visit follows the swearing-in of the Tarique Rahman-led government. Erdogan will also visit Rohingya refugee camps.

Visa and Mastercard process more than 95 percent of card payments in the UK, according to the Payment Systems Regulator.

The average IRS tax refund is $2,290 in 2026. That is up 10.9% year over year. The Internal Revenue Service has already paid out $16.9 billion this tax season. Direct deposit refunds average $2,388. Over 22.4 million tax returns have been filed. IRS.gov traffic is up 35%. Bigger tax refunds are putting more money into US households early. New 2025 tax law changes are driving higher payments.

Emerging tech whiz Raul John Aju champions pragmatic AI advancements for India. He cautions against trying to outsize global tech behemoths, advocating instead for the nation to harness AI in tackling pressing issues like education, agriculture, and defense. With his initiative, Thinkraft Academy, he provides complimentary AI learning opportunities, showcasing a need for widespread educational access.

Hilary Duff has added a second Madison Square Garden concert after overwhelming demand caused her initial New York City date on The Lucky Me Tour to sell out rapidly. The additional show provides fans another opportunity to experience Duffs long-awaited return to large-scale touring, which supports her forthcoming album Luck... or Something.

Former Ukraine army chief Valerii Zaluzhnyi has spoken about serious disagreements with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. He alleges an intimidation attempt on his office. These disputes arose over war strategy, including a failed 2023 counteroffensive. Zaluzhnyi was later removed and appointed ambassador to Britain.

In a dramatic turn of events, fugitive entrepreneur Vijay Mallya has communicated to the Bombay High Court that he is unable to set foot in India. Bound legally to the United Kingdom, Mallya's Indian passport has been revoked amid serious allegations of fraud and money laundering.

Ukraine and Russia peace talks in Geneva concluded without progress. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy accused Moscow of delaying U.S.-mediated efforts to end the four-year conflict. Russian forces continue their advance, impacting Ukraine's power grid. Delegations met for two days, with discussions focusing on eastern territory and the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant. No date for future talks was set.

In an urgent legal maneuver, the Enforcement Directorate has petitioned a court to label Nehal Modi as a fugitive economic offender. Accused of orchestrating a pivotal role in the Punjab National Bank scandal, he allegedly funneled an astonishing amount of money overseas. Furthermore, the agency alleges he engaged in the destruction of evidence and witness intimidation.

Bangladesh has banned SpiceJet from using its airspace due to unpaid air navigation charges, forcing the airline to take longer routes and increasing fuel costs. The budget carrier, facing financial struggles despite recent fundraising, is in communication with Bangladeshi authorities to resolve the issue and resume normal operations.

The Supreme Court has addressed a public interest litigation concerning racial violence against people from India's northeast. The plea followed a racially motivated murder. The court urged the Attorney General to look into the issues. A mechanism for regional divisions was a concern. The bench acknowledged vital questions for preventing group-based violence.

The Supreme Court witnessed a heated exchange between the Enforcement Directorate and the West Bengal government. Arguments centered on allegations of obstruction during recent searches. The state questioned the maintainability of the ED's plea. The court adjourned the matter for further consideration. Previously, notices were issued to West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee and others.

A recruiter shared online that many hiring managers do not hire the perfect candidate they ask for. Instead, they often choose people who speak well in interviews and show confidence. Experts say job descriptions are like wish lists. This means job seekers should still apply even if they do not meet every requirement because skills, learning ability, and communication matter more.

Ajit Pawar death: NCP-SP leader Rohit Pawar has raised serious allegations regarding the VSR aircraft crash that claimed Ajit Pawar's life. He claims TDP leaders have ties with VSR and questions the aviation minister's statements. Pawar alleges document fudging and the owner's escape. He also points to an insurance angle and doubts the black box damage claim. An investigation is demanded.

DeepSeek V4 features and upgrades: DeepSeek is poised to launch its V4 AI model around the Lunar New Year, aiming to reclaim technical leadership after a significant market share decline. The new model boasts four major innovations, including an upgraded context window and efficient memory management, as the company pivots towards a China-focused ecosystem.

A recent study examines why, despite decades of searching, no alien signals have been detected. Using computer simulations, scientists modeled hypothetical extraterrestrial signals and discovered that the expected number of detectable transmissions is implausibly large, surpassing the number of habitable planets in the area. The results indicated that advanced alien life is likely rare or situated far from Earth.

More than 71 million Americans receive Social Security benefits each month. The March 2026 Social Security payment schedule is now active. SSI, SSDI, and retirement benefits follow the official SSA payment calendar. Payments are sent by birth date groups. Direct deposit remains the fastest option. The Social Security Administration confirms no delays this month. Beneficiaries should check My Social Security accounts for updates. This SSA schedule helps retirees plan finances confidently.

The upcoming Rajya Sabha elections on March 16 will likely see the ruling NDA gain a slight edge. Based on current state assembly numbers, the NDA is projected to increase its seats. The opposition INDIA bloc may see a reduction in its representation.

Retail magnate Les Wexner tells Congress he was deceived by financier Jeffrey Epstein. Wexner denies any involvement in Epstein's crimes. New documents reveal details of their long association. Wexner's name appears extensively in Epstein files. Survivors are increasing pressure on Wexner due to his past ties.

The Bombay High Court has ruled that a child raised solely by her mother cannot be forced to use her father's name, surname, or caste. The court stated that recognizing a single mother as the complete parent for a child's identity is constitutional. A society cannot insist a child's public identity be tied to an absent father.

Consulting firm Deloitte estimated in its latest annual report on the art market that ultra-high net worth clients held around US$2.56 trillion in art in 2024, and that figure could reach $3.5 trillion by 2030. Banks and family offices expect that around one third of those art works may be transferred to younger generations over the next decade.

Bank of America is introducing a new loyalty program called BofA Rewards. This program will be available to all personal checking account holders without any minimum balance requirement. It offers four tiers with benefits like credit card bonuses and cash back. Existing business rewards customers will remain on their current plan.

In his maiden televised address to the nation after assuming office, Rahman outlined his government's priorities and said that improving the law and order situation and strictly controlling corruption to restore peace and security are his top priorities.

Citigroup has completed its exit from Russia by selling its former subsidiary to Renaissance Capital, a move approved by regulators. This transaction is expected to boost the bank's capital by $4 billion in the first quarter of 2026. Analysts view this as a significant step towards completing Citigroup's international divestiture plan.

Lugubrious is an adjective that expresses something deeply sad, gloomy, or mournful, often with a dramatic flair. Derived from Latin lugubris, it offers a pronounced melancholy, beyond simple sadness. The word is commonly applied to individuals , moods, or scenes that are notably sorrowful or theatrical. Whether in literature, poetry, or everyday contexts, lugubrious is perfect for emphasizing profound, noticeable sorrow.

U.S. Stock Market today: Most megacap and growth stocks rose on the day, with Nvidia gaining 2.6 per cent after the company said it had signed a multi-year deal to sell Meta Platforms millions of its current and future AI chips.

Pakistan's hockey captain Ammad Shakeel Butt has leveled serious accusations against the Pakistan Hockey Federation and team management. He claims players endured poor accommodation, were forced into menial chores like cleaning toilets, and faced psychological pressure during the Hobart leg of the Pro League. The Pakistan Sports Board confirmed PHF lapses, promising an inquiry.

Taradiddle is an old English word that means a small lie or nonsense talk. Its origin is unknown, but it has been used for many years in books and speech. The word is not very common today, yet it is still useful to describe silly stories or fake talk in a fun and interesting way.

Skywatchers around the world are preparing for a striking celestial spectacle, as the total lunar eclipse on March 3, 2026, is set to bathe the Moon in a deep crimson hue.

A Reddit user shared their challenge with receiving persistent criticism from a senior manager regarding appearance, mainly their hair, despite strong work performance. In a casual department, minor wardrobe adjustments were initially sufficient, but currently even grooming choices are scrutinized. The employees direct boss supports them but acknowledges defending them is a constant battle. Community advice points to practical solutions such as hair products, wardrobe updates, neat grooming, and

A man who lost his job just hours after dropping his wife at the airport for her best friends wedding has sparked online debate over whether he made the right choice by keeping the news to himself for three days.

Microsoft has achieved its 2025 goal of matching all electricity needs with renewable energy, contracting 40 gigawatts of new supply. The tech giant plans to maintain this 100% renewable energy matching through 2030, with carbon-free sources like nuclear power playing a larger role. This commitment supports significant capital expenditure on AI-driven data center expansion.

Mira Sorvino shared a quote about communication, fear, and love. She said people often fail to talk clearly and feel scared to connect with others. Her message tells everyone to be open, kind, and brave in relationships. Sorvino is a famous Oscar-winning actress who also supports social causes and speaks about human values and better understanding between people.

US President Donald Trump's remarks on discussing arms sales to Taiwan with Chinese President Xi Jinping have caused unease in Taipei. This move may challenge long-standing US foreign policy principles. Experts suggest this could set a dangerous precedent, potentially allowing China to influence US arms provisions to Taiwan.

Candidates seeking party tickets must submit applications between February 20 and March 2, a release from Anna Arivalayam, the DMK state headquarters, quoting general secretary Duraimurugan, said.