The Economic Times

Astronaut Sunita Williams visit to Kerala after her retirement from NASA triggered an intense rivalry among the states literary festivals. DC Books, which had been inviting her since 2019, quickly secured her appearance at the Kerala Literature Festival in Kozhikode once she retired. Competing organisers, especially the Mathrubhumi Group, also tried to host her but failed.

Paris prosecutors have formed a special team to investigate French nationals potentially linked to Jeffrey Epstein's crimes. This initiative follows the release of US documents and will re-examine the case of Jean-Luc Brunel, a close associate of Epstein. The team aims to uncover evidence for new investigations into suspected offenses involving French citizens.

Sudanese paramilitary forces committed widespread atrocities in Darfur. Over 6,000 people were killed in el-Fasher. The United Nations reported mass killings, sexual violence, and abductions. These acts are considered war crimes and crimes against humanity. The violence mirrors past RSF actions. Accountability for these acts is called for.

The United States and Iran are set to resume nuclear deal talks in Geneva, Switzerland, amid US President Trump's emphasis on reaching an agreement. Previous talks were held in Muscat and Rome, but US strikes on Iranian nuclear sites in June 2025 complicated the situation.

The Justice Department has sent a letter to lawmakers detailing redactions in Jeffrey Epstein's files. The correspondence includes a general description of redactions and a list of notable individuals mentioned, even those with no direct connection to Epstein or Ghislaine Maxwell. The letter does not specify the context of these mentions.

Northern California is bracing for a significant winter storm watch with several feet of snow expected in the Sierra Nevada. Meteorologists advise that Saturday through Sunday morning offers the best travel window before heavy snow impacts begin Sunday afternoon, potentially bringing 1-2 feet to populated areas and much more to higher elevations.

The centrepiece of the package is the proposed Urban Challenge Fund (UCF), which will provide Rs 1 lakh crore in central assistance over five years. The fund will cover up to 25% of project costs, subject to states and urban local bodies raising at least 50% of funding from the market.

India is at a crucial economic juncture. Technology and trade are powering its growth. The nation is building robust digital infrastructure and promoting domestic manufacturing. Free trade deals are opening global markets. The government is committed to safeguarding citizens and supporting farmers and small businesses. India is poised for significant advancement.

Quote of the Day: Emily Bront's iconic quote from Wuthering Heights resonates on Valentine's Day. It speaks of a love so deep it transcends earthly bounds. The article explores Bront's life and the enduring power of her words. Her novel, initially met with criticism, is now celebrated for its raw intensity.

Five European countries said lab tests show a deadly poison in Alexey Navalnys body after his 2024 prison death. They believe Russia is responsible and plan to report it to a global chemical weapons body. Russia denies the claims. The case has increased global tension and raised fresh questions about political safety, investigations, and the truth behind Navalnys death.

Trust has emerged as a defining quality of leadership in the age of social media and radical transparency. The world needs bold decisions. Your organisation needs decisions because the world is changing, Sergei Guriev, dean of the London Business School, said. However, at the same time, leaders must also be transparent about the risks they are taking, and disclose the logic and evidence behind steps that they take, he added.

Last August, S&P Global upgraded India's sovereign credit rating to 'BBB' from 'BBB-'. That upgrade didn't happen by chance, he said at the ET Now Global Business Summit, noting that India's post-pandemic expansion has been among the most consistent of any major economy.

India is rapidly transforming into a pivotal technology and skilled workforce center for global enterprises. Major players such as Uber and NatWest Group underscore the nation's rising significance.

China is slowly cutting its US debt holdings and buying more gold instead. Its share of US Treasuries has dropped to the lowest level in many years. Experts say China wants less financial dependence on the United States and more safety for its reserves. However, selling too fast could also hurt Chinas economy and affect global markets and the US dollar.

Bill Maher discussed Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce on his show. He commented on modern dating and masculinity. Maher suggested Swift's past relationships featured sensitive men. He contrasted this with her current relationship with Kelce. Maher's remarks drew audience applause. The host also addressed backlash to Bad Bunny's Super Bowl performance.

EU chief Ursula von der Leyen told the Munich Security Conference that Europe and Britain need to to cooperate more closely on security, on economy.. on defending our democracies. Europe and in particular the UK should come closer together .. 10 years on from Brexit our futures are as bound as ever, she told the Munich Security conference.

Fresh firing was reported in Manipur's Ukhrul district by Tangkhul Naga village volunteers, prompting police appeals for restraint. Security forces have been deployed to build confidence and secure the area, with authorities warning against spreading rumors. The internet suspension in affected districts was lifted following signs of improvement.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated a highway emergency landing facility in Moran, Assam. Indian Air Force combat aircraft, including Rafale and Sukhoi, landed on the highway. This marks the first such facility in the Northeast. The Prime Minister stated this reflects Assam's growing strength and a new India prepared for defense.

The BNP resumes office for the first time since 2006, now under the next generation of the Ziaur Rahman family. For Tareque Rahman, London-based and long in the political wilderness, the weight of history may weigh more heavily than the promise of the future. Even accounting for the glaring defect of the Awami League's exclusion, the outcome is preferable to the dysfunction and mischief of recent months.

Assam is on the brink of a transportation revolution as a groundbreaking infrastructure endeavor gains the green light. The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has sanctioned a state-of-the-art 4-lane access-controlled highway spanning from Gohpur to Numaligarh, featuring Indias inaugural underwater tunnel for both road and rail traffic beneath the mighty Brahmaputra River.

A designer's third layoff, which eliminated their entire two-person team, revealed poor handling and a lack of dignity. Despite a manager's prior hints about financial struggles and outsourcing, the abrupt dismissal left colleagues unaware. The experience underscored the importance of documenting rights and prioritizing self-protection in the workplace.

A portrait of Tipu Sultan was removed from the Malegaon Municipal Corporation. Deputy Mayor Shaan E-Hind Nihal Ahmed had placed it in her chamber. The BJP and Shiv Sena opposed the move, calling it against protocol. Ahmed defended the action, stating Tipu Sultan was a freedom fighter. The portrait was removed after threats of protests.

Philocalist is a word used for someone who loves beauty in a deep way. It is not only about looks but also about kindness, nature, art, and good personality. The word comes from Greek language roots. Today, it is important because it reminds people to notice small good things and appreciate both outer and inner beauty in everyday life.

Under India's AI leadership framework, seven thematic working groups - termed Chakras - are being structured around three guiding Sutras: People, Planet and Progress, a senior MEA official said. The Human Capital Chakra will address the rapid transformation of work driven by AI, focusing on equipping people with skills and digital literacy to adapt to evolving employment landscapes.

Haryana is set to become a global manufacturing hub. A new policy offers capital subsidies and employment incentives. This initiative aims to attract large-scale investments in manufacturing and logistics. Haryana's strong economic fundamentals and strategic location support this ambitious plan. The state is ready to boost its industrial edge and competitiveness.

Final electoral rolls for Puducherry and Lakshadweep are out. Puducherry saw a drop in voters after removing ineligible names. Lakshadweep also published its updated list. More final rolls are coming soon for Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, and other states. Uttar Pradesh will release its list later.

Devyani Rana, 30, is the daughter of late Devender Rana, a senior political figure who was once a close aide of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah before joining the BJP. Devender Rana won the October 2024 Assembly polls but passed away in 2025. Devyani Rana subsequently won the November 2025 bypoll from Nagrota on a BJP ticket.

India's economic strength positions it to lead globally. Author Marianne Williamson urges India to embrace its democratic potential for worldwide benefit. She highlights that economic prosperity alone does not guarantee stability or democratic values. Modern leadership requires ethical considerations and humility. Solutions to global challenges like climate change and AI ethics are achievable through transformative learning.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has criticised the BJP government, saying it is shortchanging Indian cotton farmers and textile exporters in the proposed India-US trade deal. He highlighted that Bangladesh could get zero-duty access for garments to the US, while India faces an 18% tariff.

Rahman's Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) on Friday secured a sweeping victory with more than two-thirds majority in the landmark parliamentary elections held on Thursday. The BNP leader is set to become the prime minister, replacing the interim government chief Muhammad Yunus.

Chinese New Year is celebrated with family gatherings, fireworks, red decorations symbolising luck and prosperity, and festive meals. Cleaning homes before the new year symbolises clearing away old energy to welcome new blessings.

A 10-month-old girl, Aalin Sherin Abraham, became the state's youngest organ donor after a fatal road accident. Her parents' decision to donate six of her organs, including her heart valve, liver, and kidneys, has drawn widespread praise and condolences from political leaders and the public, offering new life to others.

Silverline Technologies announced that its board will review a strategic equity investment proposal of up to Rs 80 crore from UAE-based Trueledger Technologies FZE next week. This potential investment could value the company at Rs 400 crore, aiming to bolster its balance sheet and fuel growth initiatives.

A portion of a cement metro pillar collapsed during construction in Mulund, killing one and injuring three. MMRDA refuted claims linking the incident to earlier structural stability concerns, stating it involved a parapet falling. A high-level investigation is underway, and the contractor and consultant have been fined.

The United States has slipped into its third partial federal funding lapse in six months, though this time the disruption is confined to one agency: the Department of Homeland Security.

Around 200,000 people demonstrated against the Iranian government in Munich on Saturday, denouncing the leadership following deadly repression of nationwide protests. Exiled son of the former shah, Reza Pahlavi, spoke at a nearby security conference, calling for international help to prevent further loss of innocent lives in Iran.

Roth IRA conversion is becoming popular as people plan for retirement and want tax-free income later. Experts say the BETR method is a simple way to check if converting makes sense based on future tax rates. But people should also think about savings, income sources, and family goals before making any final decision about a Roth conversion.

Quote of the day by Henry David Thoreau captures this dual commitment. It suggests that personal insight and societal reform are intertwined, each dependent on the willingness to understand others.

Thorbjorn Jagland, who headed the Norwegian Nobel Committee from 2009 to 2015, turns up hundreds of times in the millions of documents about the former U.S. financier and convicted sex offender that were released by the U.S. Justice Department last month.

The ICC has launched Feel the Thrill, the Hindi version of the official anthem for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026. Composed and performed by Anirudh Ravichander, the high-energy track aims to capture the tournament's electrifying spirit and connect with cricket fans globally. The song features dynamic beats and powerful lyrics, building excitement for the upcoming event.

Barron Trump has entered the business world by starting a new drinks company. The firm focuses on selling yerba mate, a popular herbal caffeine drink from South America. The company is based in Florida and has several directors. This move shows Barron is following a business path while also studying at college in the United States.

India is leveraging vision-based AI to combat its high road fatality rate, shifting from post-crash analysis to real-time collision prevention. AI cameras act as intelligent coaching systems, detecting risky behaviors like drowsiness and distraction, and issuing in-cab alerts to intervene before accidents occur. This technology is proving effective in reducing accidents and improving driver safety across various commercial sectors.

Boost your immunity naturally with India's top Vitamin C powerhouses. From the unmatched potency of Amla and Guava to the spicy benefits of Green Chilies and the superfood status of Moringa, this story explores six essential local foods that strengthen your internal defenses and promote overall vitality in 2026.

The foreign ministries of the UK, France, Germany, Sweden and the Netherlands said Saturday that analysis of samples from Navalny, who died two years ago, have conclusively confirmed the presence of epibatidine. It is a toxin found in poison dart frogs in South America.

Authorities are searching for Nancy Guthrie, who has been missing for 13 days. The FBI has released a description of a suspect seen with a specific backpack. A significant reward is offered for information. Law enforcement conducted searches and detained individuals for questioning. DNA and gloves have been recovered as part of the ongoing investigation.

Elevate your gut health with these seven fiber-rich Indian breakfast ideas featuring ancient grains like Ragi and Bajra. From sprouted moong chillas to vegetable-loaded daliya, these traditional recipes are designed to keep you full longer, stabilize energy levels, and provide the essential prebiotics your digestive system needs for 2026.