The Economic Times

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh has demanded a parliamentary debate on trade deals with the US and EU. He criticizes Prime Minister Modi's diplomacy, stating India has surrendered its interests. US President Trump announced a trade deal, claiming it will boost American farm exports to India.

An earthquake measuring 4.1 magnitude shook Bangladesh on Tuesday. The tremor occurred at a depth of 150 kilometers. Bangladesh is situated in a seismically active region where three major tectonic plates converge. This geological setting makes the country highly prone to earthquakes.

Fallout Season 2 Finale Episode 8 release time, what to expect and how to watch explains the global release schedule, streaming platform, episode details, cast list, story setup, weekly release changes, and what viewers can expect from the final episode of the second season on Amazon Prime Video.

Melbourne International Comedy Festival offers a special 25/25 ticket sale. Comedy fans can buy tickets for just $25 for a limited 25-hour period. This promotion provides access to over 500 performances. The sale began on Tuesday, February 3, and ends Wednesday, February 4. It is a chance to see big names and new talent at a reduced price.

As India strives to strengthen its economic foothold, the slow march towards improved market access in China is evident. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman points to a dual approach of propelling domestic manufacturing and managing imports to curb the trade deficit.

India's new budget focuses on steady growth through disciplined finances and smart investments. Public spending on infrastructure will increase. The budget also aims to improve logistics by developing waterways and boosting container manufacturing. Efforts are underway to reduce reliance on imported critical minerals.

The government plans to revitalize 200 old industrial clusters. This initiative will focus on upgrading equipment and enhancing worker skills, with a goal to boost cost competitiveness and efficiency across various sectors. This move aims to strengthen India's manufacturing sector and ensure long-term global competitiveness.

Shanaya Kapoors green outfits effortlessly balance drama and elegance, showcasing how one color can adapt across red carpets, festive wear, and contemporary fashion statements.

The Reserve Bank of Australia has raised interest rates by 25 basis points to 3.85%, marking the first increase in over two years. This decision was driven by renewed inflationary pressures and stronger-than-expected domestic demand, with inflation expected to remain above target. Tight labour market conditions and elevated unit labour costs also contributed to the RBA's move.

iQOO 15R launch date in India: iQOO 15R will make its debut in the Indian market this month. iQOO 15R will come with a 7,600mAh battery, 100W fast charging support and a 32MP front camera may be offered for selfies and video calls. The expected price of iQOO 15R is likely to be in the range of Rs 50,000-Rs 55,000.

Congress leaders raised concerns after US President Trump announced the India-US trade deal cutting tariffs on Indian goods to 18%. MP Abhishek Manu Singhvi questioned, When did India outsource its trade announcements? while Jairam Ramesh criticized the government for letting key decisions be first disclosed by US officials, calling it Trump-nirbharta.

Congress MP Manish Tiwari on Tuesday questioned whether New Delhi has sacrificed its strategic autonomy to seal the trade deal with Washington, which would require India to divert its oil purchases from Russia to the US and potentially to Venezuela.

India, US trade: India and the United States have finalized a significant trade agreement. This deal promises to boost opportunities for farmers, MSMEs, and entrepreneurs. It will facilitate technology transfer from the US to India, accelerating India's journey towards Viksit Bharat 2047. The agreement also opens doors for 'Make in India' and 'Design in India' initiatives for the global market.

India, US trade deal announcement: The US and India have reached a trade deal, with Washington reducing tariffs on Indian goods to 18%. This agreement is seen as a significant confidence-building measure after a year of strained relations. While hailed as a major victory, key details regarding energy imports and market access remain unclear.

A Virginia jury convicted former IRS agent Brendan Banfield of two counts of aggravated murder for the deaths of his wife, Christine Banfield, and Joseph Ryan. Prosecutors detailed a calculated plot involving Banfield and the family's au pair to murder his wife and frame Ryan, leading to a life sentence for Banfield.

A fishing boat named Lily Jean sank off the coast of Gloucester, Massachusetts. Seven people lost their lives in the marine disaster. The sinking has brought attention to the inherent risks in Gloucester's centuries-old fishing industry. The U.S. Coast Guard is investigating the incident. The victims included experienced fishermen and a young fisheries observer.

India, US trade deal: India now enjoys a significant trade advantage with the United States. Washington has reduced tariffs on Indian products to 18 percent. This move places India ahead of regional export rivals like Indonesia, Bangladesh, and Vietnam. The deal also sees India's tariffs on US goods reduced. This development is a major boost for Indian exports and strengthens bilateral trade ties.

Former President Bill Clinton and Hillary Clinton will testify in a congressional probe concerning sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. This decision could prevent a contempt vote in the House of Representatives. The Clintons had previously refused in-person testimony, calling the investigation partisan. House Speaker Mike Johnson welcomed the development, expecting compliance with subpoenas.

The Lincoln Lawyer Season 5 renewal, release and what to expect update confirms Netflix has renewed the legal drama before season 4 release. Season 5 will have 10 episodes and adapt Resurrection Walk. Filming will start in March 2026.

India-US trade deal: After speaking with PM Narendra Modi, US President Donald Trump dials down the tariff temperature on India to 18%, while claiming New Delhi would nullify levy on American goods and stop buying Moscow oil

Quote of the Day: Rapper Kendrick Lamar's powerful words highlight the importance of being true to oneself. His career, marked by critical acclaim and historic Grammy wins, proves that authenticity leads to lasting impact. Lamar's journey from Compton to global recognition underscores his message of self-definition. This philosophy guides his artistic choices and community engagement.

SpaceX has acquired AI startup xAI, merging two of Elon Musk's ventures into the world's most valuable private company. This strategic move aims to leverage space for AI's immense computing needs, with Musk predicting space-based AI compute will be the most cost-effective within three years. The combined entity is poised for a significant IPO, potentially valuing it at $1.25 trillion.

Memory of a Killer Episode 3 release time, schedule and how to watch explains when Episode 3 airs, how to stream it, full episode schedule, cast details, plot summary, and where viewers can watch the FOX series in the US and other regions.

Word of the Day: The word crescendo signifies a gradual rise in intensity. It applies to music, emotions, and events. A political movement can reach a crescendo. Stories build to a crescendo as emotions grow. Personal excitement also unfolds as a crescendo. Powerful moments often grow layer by layer. They demand to be felt.

Palantir Technologies has exceeded Wall Street's fourth-quarter expectations. Strong demand for its artificial intelligence tools from businesses and the US government fueled this success. The company reported significant revenue growth, particularly in its US operations. Palantir also provided optimistic revenue guidance for the upcoming year. This performance highlights the increasing adoption of advanced AI solutions across various sectors.

Why is silver price down 4.2% at $80.98 and will it continue to fall or take a U-turn and reach new record highs is the key market question. Silver prices dropped after record highs as futures pressure, margin hikes, and global market shifts hit precious metals.

The government, Anuradha Thakur said, intends to stay on the fiscal consolidation path and reduce its debt-to-GDP ratio. This will weigh down the Centre's borrowing costs and free up resources for priority sector spending, Thakur said at a post-budget event, organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry.

Quote of the day by Ben Bernanke: Former Fed Chair Ben Bernanke clarifies that a gold standard stabilizes gold prices, not everyday goods and services. This distinction is crucial for understanding monetary policy's real-world impact on people's wallets. Bernanke's insights help demystify economic debates by focusing on practical effects rather than theoretical hopes.

State-owned HAL is shifting focus to the commercial aviation market. The company aims for 25% of its revenue from this sector within five years. HAL plans to leverage aircraft like the SJ-100 and Hindustan-228 for this expansion. This move is supported by government incentives for local aircraft manufacturing. HAL is also collaborating with Russian firms for aircraft production and leasing.

ISRO plans another PSLV rocket launch in June. This follows two recent mission failures. Minister Jitendra Singh stated sabotage is not suspected. He assured that reasons for the failures were different. ISRO has set up committees to analyze the issues. Foreign customers and private investors continue to trust ISRO's capabilities.

New initiatives aim to boost credit access for the unbanked. The BAANKNET app and Digital Balance Confirmation Platform were launched to streamline property auctions and audits. The PSB Alliance is encouraged to broaden its services. These steps support financial inclusion and efficiency. India's banking sector shows robust health with declining NPAs and steady credit growth.

The Union Budget proposes changes to provident fund trust rules. These changes aim to simplify business operations and reduce legal disputes. Employer contributions to provident funds will no longer need to match employee contributions. Tax on employer contributions exceeding 12% of wages is also being removed.

Budget 2026: The microfinance sector did not receive budget credit guarantee support. However, it anticipates that proposals aimed at increasing rural incomes will enhance the repayment capacity of its customers. Focus on fisheries, animal husbandry, and high-value agriculture through credit-linked programs is expected to strengthen income diversification.

India's spiritual travel sector is poised for significant growth. The government is investing heavily in temple towns and Buddhist circuits. New high-speed rail corridors will connect major pilgrimage sites. This focus on infrastructure and amenities will attract more travelers, including families and experience seekers, to destinations like Ayodhya and Varanasi.

India's latest budget reflects a quiet confidence in navigating global economic shifts. The nation's economic foundations are firm, with strong growth expected. Fiscal discipline is evident, with a clear path to reduce debt. Reforms continue to improve the ease of doing business. The corporate bond market is being deepened. These measures signal India's readiness for global investment and financial integration.

Home loan demand is set for a significant boost. The Union Budget has sharply increased subsidy allocations for key housing schemes. This move will directly improve affordability and credit uptake, especially for first-time homebuyers and lower-income households. Housing finance companies anticipate a more sustainable demand environment. The schemes will also generate employment during construction.

India's electric passenger vehicle market saw a 51% year-on-year surge in January 2026 sales, reaching 18,059 units. While Tata Motors maintained leadership, its market share declined as Mahindra & Mahindra and newcomer VinFast gained significant ground. This shift highlights intensifying competition driven by new models and improved infrastructure.

A cricket match between India and Pakistan is a highly anticipated event, driving significant advertising revenue due to its large viewership. Brands often align their major advertising campaigns with the Cricket World Cup, specifically targeting the India-Pakistan game. JioStar aims to generate over Rs 2,000 crore in advertising revenue from the tournament across television and digital platforms. The absence of an India-Pakistan match could result in an estimated revenue loss of up to 20%. Subs

India may halt Russian oil imports after a US trade deal, pivoting to US and Venezuelan crude. The shift could reshape global oil flows and prices, as refiners move away from discounted Russian supplies.

Mirchi has secured exclusive rights as the official private FM radio partner for live score updates of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026. The radio network will provide audio coverage and on-ground reporting from stadiums, bringing fans closer to the tournament's action and atmosphere.

Smaaash Leisure, a popular entertainment operator, has been admitted to insolvency proceedings. The company failed to repay its dues, leading to the application by JC Flowers Asset Reconstruction. The National Company Law Tribunal has appointed an interim resolution professional to manage the process. This development follows a loan default in December 2020.

This marked the fourth straight month of a double-digit growth in domestic car sales. Car sales grew by 17% in October, 19% in November, and 27% in December, as consumers rushed to showrooms to benefit from price cuts on cars and SUVs following a reduction in goods and services tax (GST) with effect from September 22.

English news channel Times Now celebrates 20 years of operations, marking the milestone with curated conversations featuring prominent figures from politics, sport, and entertainment. Launched in 2006 with a focus on accountability-driven journalism, the channel has become a household name, shaping India's modern history.

The UK on Monday sanctioned 10 individuals, including Iran's interior minister and police chiefs, for their roles in ecent brutality against protesters, the British foreign ministry said. The Iranian people have shown extreme courage in the face of brutality and repression over recent weeks simply for exercising their right to peaceful protest, said UK foreign minister Yvette Cooper.

A Reddit user shared how they overcame a six-month employment gap after their startup failed by using a cousin as a fake reference during a background check. They prepped their cousin for twenty minutes on projects and shortcomings, and the HR team never caught the deception. Reddit users discussed similar experiences.

Prices of existing smartphone models have risen by 1,000 to 3,000. Market trackers said new models being rolled out in early 2026 are expected to be priced 2,000-5,000 higher than their predecessors.

Fuel demand saw a positive trend in January, with petrol sales up 5.6% and diesel by 3%, driven by increased personal mobility and goods movement. Aviation fuel and LPG consumption also rose, reflecting a robust economic expansion. This growth continues the upward trajectory seen in the April-January period.

HOOD stock today: Robinhood shares experienced a sharp decline on Monday, extending a losing streak and hitting a multi-month low. Investors are weighing near-term risks like crypto market weakness and softer trading volumes against the company's long-term growth potential. Despite volatility, analysts like Piper Sandler remain bullish on its future prospects.