The Economic Times

India's economy is set for strong growth, projected at 6.4% by Moody's for fiscal 2026-27. This makes it the fastest among G-20 nations. Steady domestic demand and investment will drive this expansion. Financial stability and credit demand are expected to remain robust. Banks will maintain healthy capital buffers. Deposit growth will match loan demand. Retail credit will be stable.

Sunil Grover's hilarious hair-loss parody song, 'Meriyaan Zulfaan,' on The Great Indian Kapil Show has gone viral, leaving audiences in stitches. His impeccable comic timing and relatable lyrics about hair fall have stolen the spotlight. The episode also featured AP Dhillon sharing his inspiring rags-to-riches journey, making it a must-watch blend of comedy and heart.

Lok Adalat Token 2026 Delhi date: Delhi Traffic Police and Delhi State Legal Services Authority will hold a National Lok Adalat on February 14. You must log in to https://traffic.delhipolice.gov.in/lokadalat portal and download the challan. The link will be activated today and for the settlement of challans, a mandatory online registration is required.

A severe weekend blizzard paralyzed southwestern Ontario highways. About 150 vehicles were abandoned on Highway 402. Snowmobilers, farmers, and emergency crews conducted improvised rescues. Whiteout conditions and deep snowdrifts made many roads impassable. Traffic halted from Friday night into Saturday. Ontario Provincial Police declared a significant event. Roads remained closed into Sunday.

Bengaluru BJP MP Tejasvi Surya was detained Monday for protesting a Metro fare hike. Surya, also BJYM national president, demonstrated at Jayanagar Metro station. He used an empty trunk to symbolize unfulfilled state government promises. The fare hike has been put on hold following central government intervention.

Adani Energy Solutions has secured undisclosed long-term financing from a consortium of Japanese banks, led by MUFG Bank and SMBC, for its 950-km HVDC transmission project. This green loan will fund the 6,000 MW link connecting Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh, set to be commissioned by 2029 and utilize Hitachi Energy's technology with BHEL.

India's flexible office market is set for significant growth, reaching 100 million sq ft by year-end. Listed operators are expected to lead this expansion, contributing nearly half of the market share. Companies like Smartworks, Awfis, WeWork, and Indiqube are expanding their portfolios. Future IPOs will further boost the presence of listed players.

Dr. Shubha V. Iyengar is revolutionizing air travel in India. Her groundbreaking Drishti system allows planes to land safely through fog, rain, and dust. Anand Mahindra highlighted her inspiring journey. Iyengar's decades of work at CSIR-NAL ensure pilot precision. Her innovation provides vital guidance for aircraft navigating difficult weather. This achievement showcases dedication and practical problem-solving.

Panic gripped the national capital on Monday morning as at least ten schools, including three in South Delhi, received bomb threat calls. Authorities swiftly responded, deploying fire services, police, and bomb detection squads to the affected institutions. Premises were evacuated as extensive searches commenced to ensure the safety of students and staff.

A viral X post details a divorce stemming from a wife's refusal to quit her tech career to care for her mother-in-law. Despite the couple's shared success, traditional gender roles clashed when the husband expected his wife to become a full-time caregiver, leading to a breakdown in their marriage.

This week's OTT releases brings a diverse lineup, including the Punjabi crime thriller Kohrra Season 2 on Netflix and Chiranjeevi's Telugu hit Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu on Zee5. Audiences can also look forward to the Malayalam medical thriller Baby Girl on SonyLIV and the 1971 war biopic Ikkis on Amazon Prime Video. Read on!

Valentine Week Special: Dulquer Salmaan, known for his amazing performances in Indian cinema, is married to Amal Sufiya. The actor tied the knot in 2011 long before he started his journey in movies. Dulquer Salmaan reached out to Amal on Facebook and asked her for a coffee. This meeting marked the beginning of a beautiful love story.

Mamaearth co-founder Ghazal Alagh warns entrepreneurs about the dangers of early success. She explains that initial wins can create a false sense of mastery, leading to complacency. Alagh advises founders to embrace uncertainty, hire beyond ego, and remain students in a changing market. Continuous learning and curiosity are key to navigating business challenges and achieving true growth.

Salman Khan's influence on college students was highlighted by RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat at the historic centenary event. He noted that students follow Khan's fashion trends. Videos of the event are circulating online. Fans agreed with the chief, recalling Khan's past trendsetting styles. Read on!

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat highlighted Salman Khan's influence on college students' fashion choices during a centenary event. This sparked widespread social media discussion. Khan's upcoming film, 'Battle of Galwan', has been postponed to August 14, 2026, for a patriotic release. The film's production is nearing completion with careful planning.

India is set to tighten tax and reporting for digital entities by refining the significant economic presence definition and mandating localized electronic record-keeping for professionals. The central bank digital currency (CBDC) will also be formally integrated into the income-tax framework, with new rules aligning with the Income Tax Act, 2025.

Providence signifies guidance, protection, and foresight, suggesting events are shaped by a higher power or destiny rather than mere chance. It emphasizes outcome and meaning, often appearing in religious and philosophical contexts to describe timely care or a guiding hand in human affairs. This concept offers a thoughtful way to interpret events as part of a larger plan.

February Special Days: February celebrates a spectrum of emotions, from Valentine's Week's romance to Anti-Valentine's Week's self-love and independence. The month offers dedicated days for everything from gifting chocolates and making promises to letting go of negativity and embracing new beginnings. It acknowledges that love, friendship, and personal healing are all equally significant.

NTA JEE Main 2026 Exam Result: The results of JEE Main 2026 will be released on the official website jeemain.nta.ac.in this month. The results of Jee Main 2026 are likely to be released on February 12. The scorecard of JEE Mains 2026 will show percentile scores, ranks, and subject-wise performance derived through a normalisation process. Candidates can download their results online using their login credentials for use in counselling and admissions.

New Zealand is moving to secure its energy future as the government plans an LNG import facility in Taranaki. This facility will ensure a reliable power backup and support economic growth. It aims to protect jobs and reduce the impact of rising energy prices. The project is a key step in diversifying the nation's energy sources.

Aasif Sheikh, the actor behind Vibhuti Narayan Mishra, has a remarkable career. He has portrayed over 350 characters, including more than 35 female roles. He also has an enduring friendship with Salman Khan that spans four decades. Read on to know more about them.

Building wealth is not about sudden gains. CA Nitin Kaushik emphasizes that true wealth grows through consistent, small habits. Saving regularly, avoiding debt, and staying invested during tough times are key. These quiet actions, repeated over time, are the foundation for financial growth. The initial steps may seem unexciting, but they are crucial for long-term success.

Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai has received a 20-year jail sentence. He was convicted on charges of colluding with foreign forces and publishing seditious materials. This marks the city's most significant national security case. Lai, founder of the now-closed Apple Daily newspaper, was arrested in August 2020. His conviction came after a nearly five-year legal process.

Canada is battling a severe winter. Extreme cold and dangerous wind chills are widespread. Snow, freezing rain, and fog are affecting many regions. Experts warn these harsh conditions will continue. Brief warm spells will offer little relief. Residents are advised to take precautions against cold-related illnesses. Travel may be hazardous due to poor visibility and icy conditions.

NEET UG 2026: NEET UG 2026 registration is now open on its official website neet.nta.nic.in with key rules. Aadhaar-based eKYC and live photo capture are now mandatory for applicants appearing for NEET UG 2026. The applications must be filled by March 8, 2026 and the NEET exam starts on May 3 this year.

SpaceX founder Elon Musk announced a shift in focus as the company will now prioritize building a self-growing city on the Moon. This move is expected to be achievable in less than ten years. Mars colonization plans are being deferred. Musk stated that travel to the Moon is more frequent than to Mars.

Donald Trump congratulated Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on a landslide victory in the general election, calling the outcome historic. He praised her leadership and endorsed her conservative agenda, highlighting the two-thirds supermajority her coalition secured. The US State Department also affirmed the strength of the US-Japan alliance.

Agastya Nanda's debut film Ikkis, also Dharmendra's last, is coming to digital platforms. The movie will be available for rental from this week. The film revolves around the life of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal. It earned Rs 33.70 crore globally. Read on to know more about the digital release details.

Venezuela's government released several prominent opposition members, including allies of Maria Corina Machado, after lengthy detentions. This move follows international pressure and a visit from UN human rights representatives. The releases are part of a broader effort to free hundreds of political detainees as an amnesty bill is debated.

Returning home makes tremendous sense for senior Indians, economically and socially. But for those who want to buy a property in a facility right away, for use in a future date, a word of caution: property choices tend to modernise rapidly; and the rupee continues to depreciate.

A person resident outside India (PROI) has distinct residential statuses under FEMA and the Income Tax Act, impacting foreign exchange transactions and tax liability respectively. FEMA status hinges on intention of stay, while tax status depends on physical presence. PROIs can invest in Indian equities, own property (excluding agricultural land), and open various bank accounts.

The Reserve Bank of India is prioritizing customer protection in its latest monetary policy. New rules will target mis-selling of financial products and harsh loan recovery practices. A compensation framework for small-value fraudulent digital transactions is also proposed. These steps aim to make the financial system safer and fairer for consumers across India.

Experts recommend diversification. While asset allocation is the way to go, the question remains: what is the best combination? Portfolios with gold have delivered a notable returns boost in recent years, while those with zero gold exposure have persistently lagged. By Sameer Bhardwaj.

Start small by saving a fixed amount each month, separate from other financial goals, and in a few years, youll have a solid buffer. Say you pick a mix of 50% in a debt/equity savings fund and the remaining 50% in aggressive hybrid funds.

The Portfolio Doctor analyses investor Sarika Sachdeva's fund portfolio, identifying a need to streamline her investments for early retirement. The advice includes reducing the number of equity funds, balancing NPS exposure, and increasing SIPs annually to meet her Rs 1 lakh monthly income goal by age 53. Health insurance is also recommended.

Love often overlooks financial compatibility. Experts warn of red flags in dating, from unequal spending to conflicting money personalities. Ignoring these signs can lead to marital discord and divorce. Open communication about finances is vital. Recognising and addressing financial attitudes early prevents future conflict and ensures a stable financial future for couples.

The future of work is here. Professionals who master AI tools are gaining an edge, not losing jobs. Employers now value judgment and output quality over mere effort. This shift is democratising capabilities for smaller brands and creating new roles. AI skills are becoming essential, commanding higher wages and driving career growth.

New tax rules for equity investors are coming. From April 2026, share buybacks will be taxed as capital gains. Dividend tax rules are also changing, with interest expense deductions being withdrawn. Bonus shares and stock splits continue to have tax implications only upon sale. Understanding these changes is vital for maximising investment outcomes.

Over the last year, the Reserve Bank of India has supported the government bond market through purchases. The market is concerned that similar support may be absent next year. Our currency has been weakening for quite some time, except for the latest pullback.

The Union Budget introduced a Rs.100 crore incentive for municipal bond issuances exceeding Rs.1,000 crore, aiming to boost India's nascent market. This move encourages large city corporations to tap capital markets for infrastructure projects, complementing existing AMRUT support for smaller issuances. The initiative seeks to foster fiscal discipline and enhance secondary market liquidity.

Union Budget 2026 ushers in major changes for Non-Resident Indians. Property transactions become simpler. A one-time window allows disclosure of foreign assets. Visiting professionals receive tax exemptions. Investment limits in Indian equities are raised. The tax regime is streamlined. These measures aim to boost NRI participation in India's growth.

Budget 2026 signals stricter tax enforcement, urging taxpayers to disclose foreign earnings and assets now or face increased scrutiny. New schemes offer amnesty windows for past non-disclosures, while updated provisions allow for late corrections with penalties, encouraging voluntary compliance. Budget 2026 offers relief routes for honest errors, but the onus is now on taxpayers to be transparentmake accurate disclosures, claim genuine deductions.

Gold and silver prices have seen a significant drop after reaching record highs. This correction follows a period of rapid gains driven by speculative demand and fear of missing out. Experts suggest this pullback is a healthy market adjustment, but investors should remain cautious and maintain balanced asset allocation.

National Security Advisor Ajit Doval met with his Canadian counterpart, Nathalie Drouin, to establish a shared work plan for bilateral cooperation on national security and law enforcement. The agreement includes deploying liaison officers and strengthening agency relationships to address shared concerns like drug trafficking and organized crime, preparing for the Canadian PM's upcoming visit.