The Economic Times

IBM stock price dropped sharply after an AI company launched a tool to update old COBOL computer systems faster. This news also affected other tech consulting firms that earn money from legacy system upgrades. The new AI can reduce time, cost, and human effort needed to understand old code, showing how artificial intelligence is changing traditional tech service businesses.

Quote of the Day: Bob Dylan's powerful words highlight a timeless human tendency. People often choose convenience over conviction, leading to regret. This observation is central to Dylan's enduring legacy as a keen observer of life. His career itself often defied expectations, showcasing a commitment to his own path. The quote invites introspection without judgment.

Quote of the day by Harrison Ford: Hollywood legend Harrison Ford's words encourage embracing your unique journey. He stresses the importance of self-direction, urging individuals to follow their own path. Ford, known for iconic roles in Star Wars and Indiana Jones, shares wisdom gained from a celebrated career.

A big AI fight has started after Anthropic accused some Chinese tech companies of secretly using its AI system to learn and improve their own tools. The issue is about data copying, fake accounts, and a method called distillation. This case shows how fast the global AI race is growing and why security worries are increasing.

Akasa Air made history by operating the first flight from Guwahati's new airport terminal on February 22, 2026. The airline's inaugural flight from Mumbai landed in Guwahati, marking a significant step for its Northeast operations. This new facility promises a more efficient and comfortable travel experience for passengers.

European officials sought clarity after Donald Trump announced a 15% global import tariff, prompting the European Parliament to pause ratification of the US-EU trade deal. The new rate, potentially breaching agreed caps, follows a Supreme Court ruling, raising uncertainty for Europe and pressure on the US economy.

Scientists have detected a plume of lithium pollution in Earths upper atmosphere and traced it to the re-entry of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket stage. Using advanced LIDAR technology, researchers observed a rapid spike in lithium almost 100 kilometres above Earth, about ten times higher than normal levels. Atmospheric modelling connected the plume directly to the rockets uncontrolled descent over the Atlantic Ocean.

Bharti Airtel is injecting 20,000 crore into its new NBFC, Airtel Money, to fuel its next growth phase. This move aims to expand financial services across India by leveraging Airtel's digital assets and data expertise. The company plans to offer digital lending and credit solutions, building on its existing successful credit engine.

Anthropic AI cybersecurity stocks crash today: Cybersecurity stocks tumbled Monday as investors reacted to Anthropic's new AI tool, Claude Code Security, fearing disruption to traditional business models. While executives like CrowdStrike's CEO pushed back, emphasizing the need for battle-tested platforms, the market remains concerned about AI's impact on code scanning and security workflows.

Kazakhstan, a major uranium producer, will supply a significant amount of uranium to India. This new contract will fuel India's nuclear power plants. The agreement follows recent discussions between Kazakhstan's Kazatomprom and India's Department of Atomic Energy. India and Kazakhstan have a history of uranium supply deals. This development strengthens energy cooperation between the two nations.

After a 40-day pursuit and six encounters, the Army eliminated three terrorists, including Jaish-e-Mohammed commander Saifullah, concluding the threat from a seven-member group active in Chenab Valley since May 2024. The operation, which involved an army dog and faced challenging terrain, resulted in the deaths of all seven militants responsible for killing nine Army personnel.

Hillhouse Investment has bought a minority stake in Quest Global, an engineering services firm. The deal value was not disclosed. Quest Global operates globally with over 21,000 employees. This investment is part of the company's pre-IPO fundraising. Quest Global is also considering moving its parent entity to India for a potential listing on Indian stock exchanges.

The Supreme Court has asked the Centre and the Drug Controller General of India to respond to Micro Labs' appeal against a ban on two fixed-dose combinations for Type II diabetes. This follows a Delhi High Court division bench restoring the government's ban, overturning a previous single-judge order that favored pharmaceutical companies.

India has launched its first national counter-terrorism policy, PRAHAAR. This policy establishes a structured, intelligence-led framework to prevent and combat terrorism. It emphasizes prevention, swift response, and agency coordination. The strategy is proactive and intelligence-guided, focusing on curbing terror financing, dismantling networks, and countering online threats. It also addresses emerging risks like drones and cyber-attacks, reinforcing protection for critical infrastructure.

The Supreme Court has deemed the surge in air ticket prices during festive seasons a serious concern, questioning unpredictable fare fluctuations by private airlines. The court has directed the central government to file an affidavit within four weeks detailing steps to address this issue, acknowledging it as a matter impacting fundamental rights.

Former UK ambassador Peter Mandelson was arrested by British police in a serious misconduct case. The investigation is linked to his past connection with Jeffrey Epstein and claims of sharing sensitive information. The arrest comes after emails revealed their close ties, making the issue a major political controversy in the United Kingdom.

Aster DM Healthcare is set for major expansion in India. The company plans to invest heavily, adding thousands of beds through new projects and acquisitions. This follows a merger that will create one of India's top hospital chains. Meanwhile, Aster's GCC operations are also looking at regional growth and possible stock market listings.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Israel this week will see the renewal of a key security pact. This comes amid shifting geopolitical landscapes in West Asia. India and Israel are strengthening ties, building on existing cooperation. The visit also follows recent defense pacts with the UAE.

The International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA) plans to set up special purpose vehicles (SPVs) to issue insurance-linked securities like catastrophe bonds, aiming to diversify insurance risk beyond traditional reinsurance. Chairman K. Rajaraman said private equity and other investors could participate in risk-sharing, making the insurance industry more stable and sustainable. The IFSCA will soon approach the government to operationalize these SPV structures.

Nexus Select Trust, India's first listed retail REIT, is partnering with Runwal Enterprises. They will jointly develop a new 730,000 sq ft retail mall in Dombivli near Mumbai. This project, with an investment over 900 crore, marks Nexus's first venture into an under-construction retail development. Runwal Enterprises will manage construction, while Nexus Select Trust will handle leasing and asset management.

India will lead Asia Pacific office space growth in 2026. Nearly 40% of new Grade-A office supply in the region will come from India. Bengaluru, Delhi-NCR, and Mumbai are among the top five cities for new office completions. This expansion is driven by global capability centers, AI firms, and institutional investment. India's talent pool and scalable growth potential attract occupiers.

India's Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal calls for top quality from manufacturers. This is crucial for India to become a developed economy. New free trade agreements with 38 developed nations will open global markets. Indian products must meet the highest global standards. This will help achieve export targets and build Brand India.

Commercial sector credit surged 14.7% year-on-year to over Rs 300 lakh crore by end-January, indicating increased loan demand following RBI's 125-basis-point rate cuts. Banks have regained market share, with incremental credit growth rising 35% in the first 10 months of the fiscal year, driven by rate cuts and liquidity infusions.

India is considering new rules that could change the zero-emission status of electric cars. Automakers will need to calculate energy consumption for EVs. This move aims to encourage more energy-efficient electric vehicles. The proposal aligns with energy conservation laws. Stricter norms are needed as EV sales grow. This will impact the overall fuel efficiency of car fleets.

Gilead will pay $115 per share in cash at the deal's closing, which is at a premium of 79% to the stock's last close. Kite Pharma, a unit ?of Gilead Sciences, was partnering with Arcellx ?to jointly develop and sell anito-cel, an experimental CAR-T therapy for multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer.

Word of the Day: Life's moments of confusion, where understanding eludes us, are termed 'perplexity'. This state, stemming from the Latin for 'entangled', isn't always negative. It can spark curiosity, drive deeper thinking, and ultimately lead to growth and clarity, urging us to engage with challenges rather than avoid them.

In Haryana, a suspected Rs 590 crore fraud related to deposits at IDFC First Bank is under official scrutiny. Acting on Chief Minister Nayab Singh Sainis orders, both the Anti-Corruption Bureau and the Vigilance Department are examining how the funds were handled.

India and France have updated their tax treaty. This revision strengthens tax collection at the source. It also changes rules for dividends and business presence. Capital gains from share sales will now be taxed where the company is based. This aims to boost investment and economic ties between the two nations.

The Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) is set to consolidate its five schemes into a single account for ETF investments, moving from monthly to annual investment cycles. This aims to simplify regulatory and operational procedures. The retirement fund body will also participate in the Delhi-Meerut Expressway Development's buyback offer for non-convertible debentures.

In Zaporizhzhia, a drone attack on industrial facilities killed a 33-year-old man and wounded another, according to regional chief Ivan Fedorov. The city, a major industrial hub near the front line, faces regular strikes as Russian forces intensify pressure on Ukraine's southeast. Further north, a missile hit Kharkiv's Kholodnogirsky district, mayor Igor Terekhov said early Monday.

AU Small Finance Bank has initiated a review of its operations after being delisted from the Haryana governments panel over alleged irregularities. The bank maintains that no financial loss or fraud has been detected and has temporarily relieved certain employees of duty while an internal probe is conducted.

Ajit Jain, vice-chairman of insurance operations at Berkshire Hathaway and a close aide of Warren Buffett, has purchased a 7,400 sq ft apartment at DLFs ultra-luxury project The Camellias in Gurugram for around 85 crore. Industry sources say NRIs account for over 25% of DLFs ultra-luxury sales, with premium amenities and gated living driving demand among ultra-high-net-worth individuals.

The government has ordered a study to assess whether rapid formalisation and digitisation are generating durable income and jobs for informal workers. Led by EPFO, the review will guide corrective policies to ensure inclusive growth, as over 90% of Indias workforce remains informal despite rising payroll additions and digital adoption.

Government deposits in private banks face scrutiny after a suspected fraud at IDFC First Bank. This could lead to funds moving to state-run banks like SBI and PNB. IDFC First Bank and AU Small Finance Bank have been de-empanelled by the Haryana government. This situation may impact low-cost deposit accounts. Other private banks could also see some deposit shifts.

The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) plans to create a 1,500-member scientific cadre to speed up drug approval timelines and align Indias regulatory standards with global benchmarks. Around 40% of the workforce will be hired on contract, with scope to engage global industry experts and specialists on deputation across fields such as microbiology, biotechnology and biostatistics.

Authorities are cracking down on hundreds of cough syrup manufacturers failing quality checks. This action follows tragic deaths linked to toxic ingredients. Inspections are ongoing, with strict measures like unit closures and license cancellations being implemented. The drug regulator aims to eliminate substandard cough syrup production. Manufacturers must adhere to new quality standards or face closure.

Quick commerce is transforming grocery shopping in major Indian cities. By 2025, online and modern retail channels will capture 40-50% of key food sales. Consumers in Delhi-NCR, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Pune, and Chennai are increasingly choosing these faster options. Categories like staples, edible oil, and frozen foods are experiencing significant growth.

Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin has strongly criticized AIADMK leader Edappadi K Palaniswami. Stalin accused Palaniswami of mortgaging and selling the AIADMK to the BJP for personal gain. Palaniswami responded by questioning Stalin's grandfather's past alliances with the BJP. The exchange highlights a heated political debate between the ruling DMK and the opposition AIADMK.

Nemesio El Mencho Oseguera, leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), was wounded in a clash with soldiers in the town of Tapalpa in Jalisco state and died while being flown to Mexico City, the army said Sunday. He had a $15 million US bounty on his head.

PayPal shares rose after news that some buyers may want to purchase the company. Interest came after the stock fell a lot in recent years. The company is also facing slow growth, strong competition, and lower customer spending. Leadership changes and weak future profit outlook have added to investor worries about the companys long-term performance.

Tamil Nadu's final electoral roll reveals 5.67 crore voters, a significant drop from previous figures. Notably, women now outnumber men, and the state has welcomed over 12.5 lakh first-time voters. This revision saw substantial deletions, primarily due to absent or shifted electors, with urban areas experiencing the highest purge rates.

Maharashtras next Rajya Sabha poll is emerging as a high-stakes battle for the Maha Vikas Aghadis cohesion. All eyes are on Sharad Pawar, whose call on contesting may be the deciding factor in the oppositions bid for a seat.

New York City is grappling with a powerful winter storm, causing widespread disruptions. Public schools are closed, and transit services face significant delays and route changes. Over a thousand flights have been cancelled at major airports. Postal services are suspended, and delivery operations like DoorDash have paused. Residents are urged to stay home as the city digs out.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has issued an open letter to the people of West Bengal, vowing to usher in a transformative chapter for the state. He promises to eradicate fear, curb corruption, and put an end to misgovernance. Modi also emphasizes enhanced safety for women and expanded employment opportunities.

The Supreme Court has dismissed a plea challenging the Andhra Pradesh government's decision. A one-member committee will review administrative lapses concerning the Tirumala laddu controversy. The court found no overlap with the ongoing criminal proceedings. Both processes will continue strictly as per law. The SIT has completed its investigation and filed its report.

Word of the day: Over 170,000 English words exist today. Yet hornswoggle is trending in vocabulary searches. The hornswoggle meaning is simple. It means to trick or deceive someone. Pronunciation: HORN-swog-uhl. The word dates back to 19th-century American English. Writers use it for strong impact. Learning rare verbs improves communication skills and credibility. Add this Word of the Day to grow vocabulary smartly and naturally.

The Election Commission of India will provide daily updates to the Calcutta High Court. These reports will detail cases resolved by over 200 judicial officers. A new portal has been launched for this purpose. Judicial officers have received training and login credentials. They are now actively working on case adjudication. This initiative aims to streamline the disposal of cases.

Having carefully gone through the review petitions, the order(s) under challenge and the papers annexed therewith, we are satisfied that there is no error apparent on the face of the record or any merit in these review petitions, warranting reconsideration of the order impugned. The review petitions are, accordingly, dismissed, a bench comprising Justices BV Nagarathna and KV Viswanathan held.

Emily Dickinson's quote, Forever, is composed of Nows, emphasises that the present moment shapes our future. This timeless wisdom encourages mindfulness, urging us to value each day and act with intention. By focusing on today's actions and experiences, we build a more meaningful and purposeful life.