The Economic Times

President Donald Trump has ordered government agencies to release files on aliens and UFOs. This follows former President Barack Obama's comments suggesting aliens might exist. Public interest in UFOs grew after leaked Navy videos in 2017. Congress held hearings, and the Pentagon established an office to investigate these phenomena.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer reportedly blocked Donald Trump from using RAF bases for strikes on Iran, citing concerns over international law. This decision came amid US military build-up and Trump's public calls for the UK to resist wokeism and not cede control of Diego Garcia.

Quote of the Day by Michael Hudson: The economy doesn't work for you it works to extract from you. U.S. national debt has crossed $34 trillion in 2026. Annual federal interest payments now top $1 trillion. Household debt exceeds $17 trillion. Mortgage rates remain high. Credit card interest rates are above 20%. Economist Michael Hudson says this is a debt-driven economy. In Super Imperialism, he explains how the U.S. shifted from creditor nation to debtor nation. He argues financialization and

Laid-off Americans now wait 21 weeks for a new job. Many accept $17,000 salary cuts. Lost health insurance adds $6,720 yearly. Missing 401(k) matches cost $3,800 annually. Total compensation loss hits $40,000. A 20% pay cut suppresses lifetime earnings for years. This lowball trend stalls long-term career growth and erodes retirement security. Negotiating for remote flexibility or six-month pay reviews is essential to survive this volatile job market.

More than 7.4 million Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients will receive their March 2026 Social Security payment early on February 27, 2026. The early SSI deposit is nationwide. It is not a stimulus check. The Social Security Administration moved the payment because March 1 falls on a Sunday. Federal rules require benefits to go out on the prior business day. March will not have a separate SSI payment. It is a schedule shift. Not extra money.

Twenty suspects are now the focus as the FBI identifies names and photos in the Nancy Guthrie disappearance. Agents are canvassing gun shops with photo packets to find the owner of a black Ozark Trail backpack. DNA evidence from a recovered glove is undergoing genetic genealogy testing. Over 14,500 search hours and a $200,000 reward drive this high-stakes Tucson case. Savannah Guthries family is cleared as federal searches expand.

Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos believes Nancy Guthrie, 84, was a victim of targeted kidnapping near her Tucson home. Law enforcement is actively searching, with evidence including DNA analysis and surveillance footage of a potential suspect. Rewards for information now exceed $200,000.

Skywatchers have a rare opportunity to witness a rare six-planet alignment on February 28, 2026. Mercury, Venus, Neptune, Saturn, Uranus, and Jupiter will appear in a line shortly after sunset. While four planets can be watched with the naked eye, Uranus and Neptune require binoculars or a telescope. NASA highlights that planets must be sufficiently above the horizon for optimal viewing, as lower positions are obscured by Earths atmosphere and obstacles.

Jeffrey Immelts quote, Leadership is an intense journey into yourself... Every morning, I look in the mirror and say, 'I could have done three things better yesterday' highlights the significance of self-reflection in leadership. It refers to daily accountability and personal growth. Immelts career, spanning major corporate transformations and global challenges, offers weight to his perspective.

Bitcoin BTC USD price prediction: Eric Trump expressed strong confidence in Bitcoin at the World Financial Forum, calling it a top-performing asset class. He believes Bitcoin could reach $1 million, citing its significant past growth and potential upside, despite acknowledging its inherent volatility. Trump remains highly bullish on the cryptocurrency's future.

The International Monetary Fund will present its U.S. economic policy review on February 25. This report will examine fiscal, trade, and current account deficits. It will also assess the dollar's value. The IMF views the dollar as central to the global monetary system. The review follows consultations with U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and other Trump administration officials.

IndusInd Bank's top leadership is focused on rebuilding trust and strengthening the bank's operations. Decisions on strategic investors or mergers will be made by the board. The bank is prioritizing growth in affordable housing, gold loans, and MSME lending. Efforts are underway to improve liability generation and reduce costs. Technology and control gaps are being addressed, with completion expected soon.

Indian tax advisory firms are expanding into the Gulf region to meet growing demand from multinational and India-linked businesses. This expansion is driven by the introduction of new levies and compliance mechanisms in Gulf countries, historically known for their tax-free environments.

Many job seekers are now trying AI interview tools to feel more confident during interviews. These tools can help people structure answers, remember points, and reduce stress. But they cannot replace real preparation or strong knowledge. Experts say candidates still need good basics, practice, and understanding because AI tools can only give small support, not full success.

The United States has paid USD 160 million towards its substantial UN dues. This payment is for the UN's regular budget. The UN had warned of financial collapse if member nations did not pay. The US owes billions to the UN's regular and peacekeeping budgets. This comes as President Trump convenes a new peace initiative.

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu expressed concerns over the recent India-US trade deal. He stated the agreement will adversely affect farmers in Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh. Apple, almond, and walnut growers are expected to face significant consequences. Sukhu highlighted that almond prices have already seen a decline due to such trade agreements.

Federal Bank will receive a significant tax refund of Rs 686 crore. This comes after the successful resolution of a long-standing tax dispute. The refund covers three assessment years. This development is expected to boost the bank's profitability in the upcoming quarter. The amount is substantial compared to its recent quarterly earnings.

Indian paint companies are optimistic about the current quarter. Demand picked up in November and December. This trend is expected to continue, leading to high single-digit volume growth. Competition remains intense. Companies like Asian Paints, Berger Paints, and Kansai Nerolac report gradual improvement in demand post-Diwali. Birla Opus and JSW Paints are also active in the market.

The Delhi High Court has asked the Finance Ministry, Reserve Bank of India, and National Payments Corporation of India for their response. This comes after a public interest plea highlighted a surge in digital payment frauds, particularly on UPI platforms. The court is being urged to direct financial institutions to implement better fraud prevention and recovery mechanisms for victims.

India's oil purchases from Russia are continuing. The Russian foreign ministry stated these imports ensure global energy security. India's decisions are based on national interests and commercial feasibility. Reports suggest India will maintain minimum Russian crude oil imports. This approach aligns with the US view on maintaining global energy stability. Moscow has no information about India halting these purchases.

Several upcoming films have been postponed to avoid clashing with the March 19 release of two major Bollywood productions, Dhurandhar 2 and Toxic. These highly anticipated movies, starring Ranveer Singh and Yash respectively, are expected to draw massive audiences, potentially impacting other releases.

Ola Electric is significantly cutting its physical store count to around 550 by March-end. This move follows a sharp drop in market share and operational difficulties. The company is undergoing a structural reset to fix fundamentals and achieve a sustainable steady state. This strategic shift impacts its retail footprint and operating model as it navigates a challenging market.

Developers are increasingly prioritizing green buildings in India to meet net-zero emission targets. Buyers and tenants prefer environmentally responsible structures, driving a 10-12% CAGR in the green building materials market. Green-certified buildings offer rental premiums and lease faster, becoming essential for sustainable urban development.

Supreme Court is investigating missing case records. A fact-finding inquiry has been ordered by the court's secretary general. This follows the discovery of a missing order from a Goa tiger reserve case. The court noted that missing proceedings have become a common issue. The inquiry aims to understand how these important documents disappear from case files.

Iran's nuclear deal window is closing amid US military build-up in the Middle East. The UN nuclear watchdog chief met with Iranian and US officials to discuss concrete proposals for inspections. Inspectors have not verified Iran's nuclear material for over eight months.

Airbus is setting up a helicopter production line in India with Tata. This facility will cater to regional civilian and military needs. Over 1,000 choppers are expected for the civilian sector. The military sector also presents large requirements. The first helicopter is anticipated by early 2027.

Global giants Coca-Cola and Mondelez have identified India as a key growth market, signaling significant investment and strategic focus. Coca-Cola plans to enhance technology and optimize equity, while Mondelez aims to expand its volume-led growth engine, leveraging its strong local presence and manufacturing capabilities. Both companies see immense potential in the Indian consumer landscape.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has strongly condemned the trailer for The Kerala Story 2 - Goes Beyond. He described the film as a collection of fabricated narratives designed to create communal discord. Vijayan stated that Kerala will reject this attempt to tarnish its secular image. He urged the public to treat the film with utmost seriousness.

The Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam has officially joined the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam-led Secular Progressive Alliance. This alliance is for the upcoming assembly elections in Tamil Nadu. The DMDK's decision ends speculation about their political alignment. This move is seen as a blow to the National Democratic Alliance. The DMK chief welcomed the DMDK's general secretary to the alliance.

FMCG major aims to raise India and US share to 45%; buyouts & portfolio changes key: Top execs

Maha Vikas Aghadi partners are not united on sending Sharad Pawar to the Rajya Sabha. Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray Sena and NCP-SP support the move. Maharashtra Congress is hesitant, seeking clarity on a potential NCP merger with the ruling NDA. Congress also feels sidelined by the unilateral decision. All three parties need to discuss their stance.

A high-level committee and a working group have been established to oversee and study the merger of Power Finance Corporation (PFC) and REC. This move aims to enhance scale and efficiency in public sector NBFCs, with the new entity remaining government-owned. The working group will focus on integration aspects, while the committee monitors progress for a smooth transition.

Quote of the day by Amy Tan: Renowned author Amy Tan reveals how reading offered her a vital refuge and the power to envision different outcomes during challenging times. Her insights, drawn from a life shaped by a multilingual upbringing and the immigrant experience, highlight literature's role in fostering resilience and imagination.

The Election Commission of India has directed chief electoral officers across 23 states and Union Territories to expedite preparatory work for a special intensive revision of electoral rolls. This significant exercise is slated to commence in April. This move covers states like Uttarakhand, Manipur, and Punjab, which are preparing for elections in 2027.

India's office market is poised for accelerated growth driven by Global Capability Centres (GCCs) evolving into innovation hubs. Ongoing tariff rationalization and trade facilitation are expected to broaden demand beyond technology, with BFSI and manufacturing sectors contributing significantly. This synchronized growth across office, industrial, and digital infrastructure is supported by India's robust GDP forecast.

Following the notification of SHANTI Act, India Inc is awaiting decisive government measures to liberalize the nuclear energy sector for private players. Clear regulations are essential for attracting investments, providing potential stakeholders with insights into licensing processes, eligibility criteria, and liability structures.

Philippine firm Aboitiz Power is in discussions to buy a significant stake in Indian renewable energy company Fourth Partner Energy. Early investors in Fourth Partner are looking to sell their holdings. This move signals continued investment in India's green energy sector. Fourth Partner Energy supplies power to commercial and industrial clients and has international projects.

The Department of Public Enterprises has approved a proposal to grant Navratna status to state-run shipbuilder Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd (GRSE). This move will provide GRSE with greater financial and operational autonomy, allowing for larger investments and quicker expansion.

India is set to commence domestic production of permanent magnets by 2026, with commercial production of Neodymium materials and rare earth permanent magnets expected to begin this year. This initiative, supported by government funding and technology transfer, aims to boost value addition and reduce import reliance. Critical minerals are highlighted as a significant geopolitical concern, especially following China's export halt.

The Labour and Employment Ministry has prepared a list of nearly two dozen compliances for employers under four new labour codes. These reforms aim to increase accountability and minimize legal disputes. The codes, which replaced 29 old laws, mandate foundational, monthly, annual, and event-based compliances. Employers must ensure timely wage payments, social security contributions, and adherence to safety regulations.

Public sector banks are set to propose changes to the RBI's climate finance guidelines, citing a lack of incentives for green deposits. Lenders seek a reduction in the cash reserve ratio for green deposits and greater clarity on climate finance taxonomy. These proposals aim to boost the adoption of green finance initiatives.

In a bold rebuttal, Mamata Banerjee, the Chief Minister of West Bengal, has called out Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his controversial reference to the revered Ramakrishna Paramahansa as 'Swami.' Banerjee passionately emphasized that Bengals cultural icons should be honored with their rightful titles, such as the cherished name 'Thakur' for Ramakrishna.

China's January spending on Russian crude doubled to 4 billion, a significant increase from previous months, while India's spending fell to 2 billion. This shift highlights Chinese refiners absorbing Russian cargoes as Indian buyers reduce their imports amid US pressure.

A massive unsecured database with billions of records was discovered by security researchers. It includes emails, passwords, and many real Social Security numbers. Experts say much of the data is old but still very risky because some details never change. Many victims may not even know their information is exposed, which makes the leak a serious long-term security threat.

In a surprising political shuffle, Bishnu Prasad Sharma, a formerly defiant MLA from the BJP representing Kurseong, has opted to align himself with the ruling Trinamool Congress. Sharma revealed that the escalating pressure to embrace communal rhetoric and divisive campaign strategies forced him to leave the BJP.

In West Bengal, a staggering 7 million voters might find themselves removed from the electoral rolls. Approximately 500,000 have had their names rejected, while another 500,000 did not attend their hearings. The final voter list is set to be published on February 28, but many names remain in limbo due to document verification issues.