The Economic Times

India Inc On The Move 2026 in Mumbai will convene manufacturing leaders, tech innovators, and policymakers on February 12, 2026. The event, themed 'The Future is Here: Smart. AI-Powered. Sustainable Manufacturing,' will spotlight strategies and innovations driving a globally competitive manufacturing ecosystem. Discussions will focus on scaling AI, embedding sustainability, and building connected, autonomous enterprises.

Govt borrowing: The government had estimated a gross borrowing Budget of Rs 14.61 lakh crore in FY26 against the budget estimate of Rs 14.82 lakh crore.

IRS tax refund 2026: Americans could see up to $1,000 more. IRS data and policy analysis show average tax refunds in 2026 may rise by $300 to $1,000, with some households nearing $3,800. The increase reflects 2025 tax cuts, higher standard deductions, and unchanged paycheck withholding. Millions likely overpaid during the year. Filing status, tips, overtime, and SALT deductions matter. Experts urge taxpayers to review withholding early to avoid surprises.

2026 is a rare year for Northern Lights trips because the Sun is very active. Strong solar energy makes auroras brighter and more frequent. Winter months in far northern countries offer the best chances to see them. Experts say dark skies, remote locations, and good timing are key for a successful aurora experience.

Kidnapped: Elizabeth Smart revisits one of Americas most widely followed abduction cases through the survivors own perspective. The documentary details how Elizabeth Smart was taken from her Salt Lake City home at age 14 and held captive for nine months before her rescue. Featuring exclusive interviews with Smart, her family, and investigators, the movie delves into the emotional toll of the ordeal and the relentless search that led to her recovery.

Himachal Pradesh schools will ban mobile phones for students from March 1, 2026. This move aims to reduce classroom distractions and improve academic focus. Students caught with phones will face fines and confiscation. Parents will attend counselling. The state is also promoting sports and sports tourism, with employment opportunities for women athletes and cash awards for winning teams.

Bitcoin price BTC USD prediction: Bitcoin's outlook darkens as analysts foresee a potential drop to $38,000. Historical data shows significant past declines. Bitcoin's relationship with the US dollar has reversed since 2025. It now moves with the dollar, unlike before. Tech borrowing costs and cautious Federal Reserve signals add to concerns. This trend impacts Bitcoin's price.

Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge had asked the government whether it had assessed such implications. The Congress leader had also asked about the funds committed and amount spent by India on the development and operations of the Chabahar Port project in Iran in the last five years.

February 2026 SSDI and Social Security payment dates explained: In 2026, the maximum Social Security benefit reaches $5,181 for high earners retiring at age 70. This February, schedules shift because February 1 is a Sunday. Consequently, SSI recipients were paid early on January 30. Standard SSDI and retirement checks arrive on February 11, 18, and 25 based on birth dates. Recipients born between the 1st and 10th get paid first. Those born later follow in weekly waves.

Replying to the discussion on the Motion of Thanks to the Presidents Address in the Rajya Sabha, Modi said Opposition parties had failed to work in the interest of the people when they were in office and were now attempting to sermonise the government.

Sujata Patil and Dashrath Bhagat of the Bharatiya Janata Party have been elected Mayor and Deputy Mayor of Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation. They secured the positions unopposed. Patil stated cleanliness, health, education, environment, and transport planning are her priorities. Former MP Sanjeev Naik confirmed the Mahayuti will work unitedly for Navi Mumbai's development.

Crypto crashing as Bitcoin BTC USD price falls today: The crypto market is witnessing a significant downturn. Prices have plummeted, with Bitcoin and Ethereum leading the decline. Over $900 billion has been wiped out in just 22 days. Leveraged positions are being liquidated, and investors are pulling funds from crypto ETFs.

Eileen Gu has emerged as one of the highest-earning female athletes in the world, ranking just behind top tennis icons in Forbes 2025 list. Despite competing in a niche sport, the Olympic freestyle skier has $23.1 million, with almost all of it coming from endorsements rather than competition winnings. Her success features a broader shift in womens sports, where visibility and marketability often outweigh on-field earnings.

Poppycock is a funny English word that means nonsense. Many people think it is British, but it actually started in America. The word came from an old Dutch term and slowly changed its meaning. Today, poppycock is used in daily life to call out false stories, silly excuses, or statements with no facts.

Earlier this week on January 3, Patil wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other union ministers, including Nirmala Sitharaman, Ashwini Vaishnaw, saying the proposed corridor across Karnataka covers only 100 kilometres.

During a spirited session in Parliament, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed dissenting voices by showcasing the impressive economic strides India has made. With a proud declaration of India ascending to the rank of the world's third-largest economy, he linked this achievement to strong GDP performance and strategic reforms.

Amazon Q4 earnings today: Amazon is expected to report $211.5 billion in Q4 revenue, a potential all-time quarterly record. That single number will drive Amazon stock today. Investors are watching AWS growth near 22%. AI spending of $125 billion is the pressure point. Guidance for 2026 matters most. Margins, free cash flow, and capex signals will decide whether Amazon stock breaks above $255 or slips toward $222.

RCB vs DC Women WPL Final predicted playing 11: Smriti Mandhanas RCB eyes a second title, while Jemimahs DC seeks their maiden trophy in Vadodara.

Did You Know: Water is made up of HO molecules that are polar, meaning they have a slightly positive side and a slightly negative side. This polarity creates strong cohesion, causing water molecules to attract one another and stick closely together.

An American mother of four living in India faced a cultural surprise on her birthday. She learned that in India, the birthday person pays for friends when celebrating. This contrasts with American traditions where friends treat the birthday individual. The experience left her questioning this deeply rooted Indian custom and its impact on the joy of birthdays.

Prime Minister Modi stated that India's recent trade agreements are drawing significant global economic attention. Major economies are keen to enhance commercial ties with India. Agreements with the European Union and the United States have boosted international confidence in India's economic trajectory. The world is welcoming these new trade deals.

The recent US-India trade agreement sparked a wave of online derision directed at Pakistan, as India was offered terms that overshadowed Pakistan's expectations. While Pakistan aimed to gain traction with President Trump, their approach yielded little compared to India's assertive negotiations. The backlash on social media revealed a collective disappointment among users, fueling a conversation about self-reflection within Pakistan.

XRP price crash today: XRP has fallen to multi-month lows, mirroring a wider crypto market downturn. Analysts cite derivative selling and global economic uncertainty as key drivers. Leverage has exited the market, indicating a structural reset rather than panic. Investors watch crucial support levels, with a potential slide towards $1 if current zones fail.

Meta Platforms Inc. (META) shares plummeted 3.28% to $668.99 on February 5, 2026. The sell-off centers on a staggering $115 billion to $135 billion capital expenditure (capex) forecast for 2026. This aggressive AI infrastructure pivot has investors fearing rapid margin compression. Metas operating margin already dipped to 41% from 48% last year. While revenue surged 24% to $59.89 billion, the high cost of Personal Superintelligence is spooking Wall Street.

Many Americans claim Social Security early and later regret it because payments are lower. The Social Security Administration allows limited ways to undo or pause benefits. These options have strict time rules, repayment needs, and effects on family payments. Knowing when to withdraw or suspend benefits can help retirees increase future monthly income and avoid costly mistakes.

Ukraine's President Zelenskyy revealed 55,000 Ukrainian soldiers have died in the ongoing war. Meanwhile, U.S.-brokered talks between Russia and Ukraine officials in Abu Dhabi were called productive. The discussions led to a prisoner exchange, the first in five months. Civilian casualties also saw an increase last year. Russia continues its drone and missile attacks on Ukraine.

The piece reflects on George Harrisons belief that the present moment is the only reality people truly experience, shaped by his spiritual journey and exposure to Indian philosophy. It explains how his focus on mindfulness helped him cope with fame, detach from ego, and approach life with greater awareness. The article also briefly traces his early life, rise with The Beatles, and how his introspective songwriting mirrored his evolving outlook.

Certain botanical oils like Rosemary, Pumpkin Seed, and Castor oil are proving to be powerful allies in the fight against thinning hair. By blocking DHT and stimulating blood circulation, these natural remedies provide a science-backed way to nourish follicles and support hair regrowth for a thicker, healthier mane in 2026.

New Delhi has set a minimum import price of Rs 100 per umbrella. This move aims to boost local umbrella production. Imports below this price are now restricted. This policy change affects finished umbrellas. However, certain importers like those with Advance Authorisations are exempt.

India's Ministry of External Affairs has denied reports of a meeting between National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated there was no basis for the claims. Meanwhile, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar described his recent US visit as productive.

Reliance Industries has made a bold move by purchasing two million barrels of oil from Venezuela, marking their first foray into the Venezuelan market in nearly a year. The acquisition, facilitated by the trading company Vitol, ensures supply for April delivery, at a competitive discount relative to ICE Brent prices.

Bharat Taxi, a new cooperative-owned ride-hailing platform, has launched in India. Drivers are now owners, not contractors, on this platform. It promises zero commission and surge-free pricing. This initiative aims to address driver discontent and offer a people-centric alternative.

Nancy Guthrie, 84, mother of NBC Today anchor Savannah Guthrie, has been reported missing from her Arizona residence. She was last seen Saturday night, and officials suspect she may have been taken during the night. President Donald Trump has stepped in, pledging all federal law enforcement resources to support the local investigation.

India boasts surreal landscapes that defy belief, from the salt-cracked Great Rann of Kutch to the ancient living root bridges of Meghalaya. This story explores seven destinationsincluding gravity-defying hills and floating islandsthat offer travelers an otherworldly experience in 2026, proving that natures most unreal wonders are right here.

Why is silver price falling by 9.3% and will it drop below $79.88 or bounce back? Silver prices fell sharply after hitting record highs last week. Industrial demand weakened at higher levels. The dollar strengthened. Global markets sold off. Gold, platinum, and palladium prices also declined amid easing geopolitical tensions.

Securing the right insurance for your used car is crucial, just like choosing the vehicle itself. Understand the mandatory third-party cover, comprehensive protection, and standalone Own Damage options. Follow five simple steps, including using a car insurance calculator, to find affordable and reliable coverage tailored to your needs and budget.

The Bombay High Court has denied gangster Abu Salem's request for parole. Salem sought to visit his native place in Uttar Pradesh to mourn his brother's death. His lawyer stated Salem could not afford the required police escort charges. The court ruled he must pay the mandatory fees if he wishes to go on parole.

US India Trade Deal: India and the United States are close to finalizing a historic trade agreement. Negotiations are in their final stages. This deal marks a new era for bilateral ties. It promises significant opportunities in trade, investment, and strategic cooperation. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar confirmed the progress after meetings in Washington DC. The agreement is expected to be completed very soon.

West Bengal's economy has expanded significantly over the last decade. The budget outlay has reached a record high of over Rs 4 lakh crore. State tax collection has risen substantially, and nominal Gross State Domestic Product is projected to grow. Capital expenditure has seen a massive increase, with a focus on asset creation.

West Bengal's government has boosted allowances for women and incomes for civic volunteers, asha, and anganwadi workers. These hikes come before the upcoming assembly elections. The Lakshmir Bhandar scheme sees a Rs 500 monthly increase for women. Other workers will receive a Rs 1000 raise.

The Congress party will contest all 294 seats in the upcoming West Bengal Assembly elections on its own. This decision was finalized after a meeting of top party leaders and West Bengal Pradesh Congress Committee representatives. The party aims to strengthen its position by contesting independently. Past alliances have reportedly demotivated grassroots workers. The elections are expected in April-May.

Iran's Revolutionary Guards have seized two oil tankers in Gulf waters. The vessels were reportedly smuggling fuel. Over one million litres of fuel were found on board. Fifteen foreign crew members have been referred to the judiciary. The incident occurred near Iran's Farsi island. This is the latest in a series of similar seizures in the region.