The Economic Times

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.

At the ET Now Global Business Summit, leaders examined the complex dynamics of today's world, emphasizing the transition to multipolarity. They pointed out the looming dangers to stability and economic success in the absence of cohesive guidelines. Now, more than ever, resilience in defense, energy, and overall competitiveness is crucial.

Chief executive officer Mike Jatania defined The Body Shop's core messaging. I would say the Body Shop is a purpose-led brand and has been a purpose-led brand for the last 50 years, he said at the summit, pointing to the ethos first shaped by founder Anita Roddick, encompassing ethical sourcing, diversity and fair trade.

Placing the state's target alongside India's broader goal of becoming a $5-trillion economy by 2030 and a developed nation by 2047, state industry secretary P Anbalagan said Maharashtra's trajectory broadly mirrors national trends but will require a sharper push.

Following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's ambitious target of India becoming a $5 trillion economy, UP chief minister Yogi Adityanath is aiming for a $1 trillion economy for the state. Under the leadership of the chief minister, there is clear intent and content to grow faster, Deepak Kumar, additional chief secretary, finance, and commissioner-infrastructure, industrial development and agriculture production, said. UP was contributing 8% to the national economy a decade back. This has gone up to

India is making significant progress in clean energy. The nation has already met two-thirds of its renewable energy goals, years before the deadline. India aims for 500 gigawatts of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030. The country is also investing in carbon capture technologies. Climate security and resilience are key priorities for India's strategy.

Japan has helped train approximately 24,000 young Indians over the past seven years through Japanese-style manufacturing programs, Okumura said at the summit, adding her country has supported India's metro systems, high-speed rail, and dedicated freight corridors through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

India's economy is growing beyond big cities. New areas in northern and eastern states are becoming economic hubs. This is according to the City Vitality Index for Q1 2026. Established metros still lead, but emerging districts are showing strong growth. This indicates a shift in economic activity across the country.

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.

India has emerged as a key player in international clinical trials, showcasing resilience even in the face of global hurdles. With research and innovation on the rise, firms like Parexel recognize India's crucial contribution to ensuring consistent business operations. Instead of threats, artificial intelligence presents avenues for professionals to expand their roles and skillsets.

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.

During a recent diplomatic gathering, Poland's Ambassador to India, Piotr Antoni Switalski, championed the swift ratification of the India-EU Free Trade Agreement. He underscored that Polish enterprises are eager to channel billions of euros into the Indian market.

India needs patient capital to achieve its $10 trillion GDP target by 2035, according to Spark Capital's Y Rama Rao. He highlighted the success of South Korea and Singapore in their decades of disruption through strategic investments in education and infrastructure, urging India to focus on asset creation and long-term growth over short-term returns.

Indian brands are ready to take the world stage! With favorable geopolitics and new trade agreements with regions such as the EU and the US, opportunities abound. Crafting billion-dollar brands from India is not just a dream; its within reach. The winning formula includes a deep understanding of global markets, product adaptations, and savvy use of technology. Brnd.

During an engaging panel discussion, leaders from Akasa Air and Indian Oil Corporation exchanged valuable perspectives on fortifying resilience in their industries. They highlighted the importance of establishing adaptive strategies to weather market fluctuations. Akasa Air is championing a workforce-focused environment while ensuring operational redundancies.

Haryana is set to launch ten new industrial model townships. This initiative aims to boost economic growth and support Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision for a developed India by 2047. A new policy will streamline approvals for industries, making business easier. The state is also focusing on infrastructure upgrades, including roads and drainage systems, and ensuring long-term drinking water supply.

Singapore's journey underscores the importance of global connectivity for economic advancement. The Changi Airport Group recognizes India's burgeoning infrastructure, especially in aviation. With substantial investments already flowing, Singapore is committed to collaborating and competing for opportunities within India's growth narrative. Together, both countries are driving towards improved infrastructure development.

An employee has gone viral after sharing how a so-called promotion at work came with no salary hike and no change in job title. The announcement was made during a team meeting without prior discussion, leaving the worker shocked and frustrated. Despite being given higher-level responsibilities and asked to train another employee, they were told there would be no raise. The post sparked strong reactions online, with many users advising the employee to decline the offer in writing or start looking

Participating in a panel discussion at the Munich Security Conference, the FM said India has increased its commitment to climate action. Six years ago, we were spending approximately 3.7 per cent of our GDP on climate action. Today, that figure is close to 5.6 per cent. We have invested the funds. We are not waiting for financing and technology to come from elsewhere but they must come, she said.

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.

Punjabi actor and Bigg Boss 13 contestant Himanshi Khurana has filed a complaint with the Mohali police after allegedly receiving an extortion threat of 10 crore through an email that included a voice note. An FIR has been registered under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, and police have launched an investigation to trace the origin of the message. The incident comes amid similar recent threats reported by actors Ranveer Singh and filmmaker Rohit Shetty.

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.

The RBI approval, communicated on February 13, 2026, is in connection with the definitive agreements executed on March 20, 2025, under which Bain Capital committed to invest approximately Rs 4,385 crore to acquire an 18 per cent stake on a fully diluted basis through preferential allotment of equity shares and warrants at a price of Rs 236 per share, Manappuram Finance said in a statement.

Kolkata airport experienced two security scares on Saturday. An IndiGo flight bound for Dibrugarh landed safely after a suspicious message was found in its toilet. Earlier, a Shillong-bound IndiGo flight was grounded for hours due to a similar hoax bomb threat. Both incidents involved messages found in aircraft lavatories. Passengers were safely deplaned in both cases.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Saturday, gave its go ahead to PM RAHAT (Road Accident Victim Hospitalization and Assured Treatment) scheme. Under the scheme, every eligible road accident victim on any category of road will be entitled to cashless treatment up to Rs 1.5 lakh per victim, for a period of seven days from the date of accident.

A 32-year-old food service employee has gone viral on Reddit after claiming he was fired just a day after asking for a small raise and gas mileage compensation. The worker, who traveled between multiple job locations and had not received a salary increase in over a year, said he was let go without warning after completing a full shift. His post has sparked debate online about job security, employer practices, and the risks employees may face when raising concerns about pay and working conditions

Argentine Ambassador Mariano Caucino highlighted that Argentina and India are set to deepen cooperation across numerous sectors, with trade volume expected to rise. Since becoming strategic partners in 2019, economic ties have grown significantly, with India now being Argentina's sixth-largest economic partner.

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.