The Economic Times

You can wash your shoes in a washing machine in four, simple steps at home in about 45 minutes to an hour. Before washing, check if your shoes are safe for the washing machine. Remove the laces, clean the soles using a soft brush, put shoes in a mesh garment bag, add towels to balance the load and then air-dry it.

The Thought of the day today serves as both motivation and caution. It reflects the value of striving for excellence while acknowledging the psychological weight borne by those who fall just short.

If the negotiations fail, Trump repeatedly has threatened to attack Iran - something Mideast nations fear could spiral into a new regional war as the embers of the yearslong Israel-Hamas war still smolder. Already, Iran has said all U.S. military bases in the Mideast would be considered legitimate targets, putting at risk the tens of thousands of American service members in the region.

During President Donald Trumps State of the Union address, cameras captured a brief private conversation between Barron Trump and Ivanka Trump in the House gallery. The exchanges context remains unclear, and the identity of the person referenced is unknown. The moment drew public interest as media outlets covered the event, which also featured major political themes and an upcoming Democratic rebuttal after the presidents speech.

CBSE CTET 2026 Date: The CTET 2026 re-examination for candidates affected by cancellations at two centres in Vaishali, Bihar, is scheduled to take place on 1 March 2026. Revised admit cards will be released shortly on the official CTET website. No further opportunity will be provided in this edition of the examination.

Stranger Things: Tales From 85 is an animated spin-off of the original series that recently concluded. Set in the winter of 1985 between seasons two and three, it follows Eleven, Mike, Will, Dustin, Lucas, and Max as they enjoy quieter days in Hawkins, only to face a new mysterious threat. The series introduces Nikki Baxter, a new character voiced by Odessa Azion, alongside the returning main cast.

A major clash is unfolding between AI firm Anthropic and the US Pentagon. Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei is drawing ethical lines on autonomous targeting and domestic surveillance. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is pushing for unrestricted military AI use. This dispute will shape how AI is governed in national security and democratic societies globally.

US stock market today surged as the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose to 49,369. Investors are piling into AI stocks like Nvidia (NVDA) and Oracle as the S&P 500 hits 6,927.93. The Nasdaq jumped 0.79% ahead of the Nvidia earnings report. Tesla and AMD gained big after President Trumps 2026 State of the Union address confirmed a 10% global tariff. This tech stock analysis shows strong AI capital expenditure demand. Wall Street remains bullish on enterprise AI growth.

The RoDTEP scheme neutralises embedded central, state, and local taxes and leviesincluding prior-stage cumulative indirect taxes on goods and services used in the production and distribution of exported productsthat are not otherwise refunded or credited and remain embedded in export goods.

A heartwarming video shows a baby elephant politely asking a vegetable seller for greens. Actor R Madhavan shared the clip, delighting viewers. Meanwhile, Madhavan is preparing for his film Dhurandhar 2, releasing March 19. Fans are eagerly awaiting the sequel, with many planning trips to see it in cinemas. This highlights the communal joy of movie-going.

Telecom operators worldwide have outgrown traditional, rules-based fraud and assurance systems that rely on manual checks and static thresholds, Bengaluru-based Subex Ltd said.

IDFC Bank Fraud: Four individuals, including two former IDFC First Bank employees, have been arrested in a Rs 590-crore fraud case involving Haryana government accounts. The bank has repaid Rs 583 crore to affected departments. The investigation is ongoing, with a Special Investigation Team formed to probe alleged financial irregularities and collusion.

India sugar output: The third advance estimate, released after an executive committee meeting, follows a second projection of 34.35 million tonnes. Output last year was 29.62 million tonnes.

The National Council of Educational Research and Training has withdrawn a Class 8 textbook from its website after drawing sharp criticism from the Supreme Court of India over a chapter discussing judicial corruption, with sources indicating that the government was unhappy with the inclusion of the contentious topic in the curriculum.

Regional air carrier FLY91 on Wednesday said it has inducted two new ATR 72-600 aircraft into its fleet, taking the total number of planes to six. The latest aircraft, acquired from Dubai Aerospace Enterprise, will be deployed on routes connecting underserved and emerging regional destinations across India, the Goa-headquartered airline said.

IndiGo is introducing new flights connecting Bhavnagar in Gujarat to Navi Mumbai. Starting March 29, there will be 14 weekly direct services. These flights will operate twice daily using IndiGo's ATR aircraft. This expansion enhances air connectivity for Bhavnagar, a key trade hub.

New York City continues to experience lingering snow showers after a record-breaking blizzard that dropped up to 27 inches across the region. NYCEM has activated emergency plans, urging residents to avoid non-essential travel while deploying thousands of sanitation workers and plows. Additional snow, up to 1-3 inches, is expected Wednesday morning, accompanied by gusty winds and frigid temperatures.

About $80 billion in Trump tariffs were collected during the U.S.China trade war. Now, a new Trump tariff refund checks bill in Congress could return part of that money to Americans. Lawmakers acted after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled key tariffs unlawful. That decision opened the door for refunds with possible interest. If passed, eligible businesses and potentially households could receive direct payments. Average estimates range near $500 to $600 per household, depending on distribution rules.

Fertiliser subsidies in India are at present primarily transferred to companies rather than directly to farmers. Though the government implemented a DBT system in 2018, the subsidy is released to fertiliser manufacturers only after verified retail sales to farmers.

Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3 focuses on the Culling Game arc, widely regarded as one of the mangas most gripping storylines. It brings in new characters, intricate game-like rules, and escalating battles between sorcerers and powerful curses.

A junior developer at a small AI-focused startup was pushed to use AI tools to meet tight deadlines. While the approach initially helped him keep up, it eventually led to production bugs. Management merged AI-generated code without proper review, and after a second bug appeared, the developer was fired. This incident led to criticism online, with many pointing to poor leadership and lack of quality checks.

Jagadish Prasad Naik, founder of DN Group, built a real estate empire in Odisha from humble beginnings, guided by his father's principles of education, hard work, and integrity. Starting DN Homes in 2003 with limited resources, Naik focused on trust and quality, leading to significant growth and diversification.

A Chartered Accountant's Rs 82,000 monthly expense breakdown for two in Bengaluru has ignited a city-wide cost of living debate. Her detailed spending, from rent to entertainment, sparked varied reactions online. Netizens shared contrasting budgets, highlighting Bengaluru's diverse lifestyles and affordability spectrum, proving that living costs truly depend on location and personal choices.

Biocon Limiteds Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw has challenged Indias technology professionals to apply their expertise to civic issues, questioning the value of tech talent without civic sense. She urged innovators to focus on creating cleaner cities, better-managed traffic and stronger infrastructure, drawing comparisons with Chinas use of technology in public services.

Crypto market rally: Crypto markets experienced renewed energy overnight, with Bitcoin trading near $66,000 after a sharp swing. Layer-1 tokens and other altcoins like VIRTUAL and ETHFI saw significant rallies, indicating a broader risk appetite. Technical indicators suggest consolidation, while derivatives markets show capital rotating away from gold-linked futures.

Realty major Lodha Developers has secured development rights for a significant 4.3-acre land parcel in Mumbai's upscale Malabar Hill. The deal is valued at an estimated Rs 2,800 crore. This acquisition highlights Lodha's focus on premium housing. The transaction involves upfront payments and a revenue share with the land-owning trust.

A job seeker faces a crisis. He secured two new jobs with a 30-day joining requirement. His current employer agreed to an early exit but later demanded a 60-day notice. This delay jeopardizes his new opportunities. The employee is now performing insignificant tasks. Prospective employers are losing patience. This situation highlights the challenges faced by professionals in India.

Electric vehicles: IEEFA's report 'Capital Flows in India's Electric Transport Sector', provides the first consolidated view of realised investments from 2020-2025, identifies investment gaps, and outlines pathways to mobilise capital for the next phase of the nation's electric transport transition.

Tanmay Bhat has addressed criticism after revealing that he is experimenting with GLP-1 weight loss medication. The comedian clarified that he had already lost over 75 kg without using any injections and is only trying the drug to see how it works for him. He said he works out regularly, eats well, and has been monitoring his health through consistent blood tests for years.

President Donald Trump delivered his State of the Union address. His focus now is on ensuring his message of economic success and a secure America connects with voters. He will travel to Texas to discuss economy and energy policies. Republicans aim to use these themes for the upcoming elections. Trump is known for commanding attention in the current media landscape.

Katherine Hartley Short, the 42-year-old daughter of actor and comedian Martin Short, passed away on February 23, 2026, in Hollywood Hills. Authorities confirmed her death was ruled a suicide following a self-inflicted gunshot wound. A family statement expressed profound grief and stated her as someone who brought light and joy into the world. Katherine worked as a licensed clinical social worker and supported mental health initiatives.

Quote of the Day by Frank Sinatra:: Frank Sinatra, a legendary American singer, left behind a powerful message about facing life without fear. His words inspire courage and self-belief, urging individuals to overcome obstacles. Sinatra's own journey, from humble beginnings to global stardom, exemplifies this spirit. His enduring legacy continues to motivate millions worldwide.

Fibre Guide: Dietary fibre is essential for healthy digestion, balanced blood sugar and heart health. Dr Saurabh Sethi, a gut health specialist, has highlighted top fibre-rich foods such as chia seeds, flax seeds and lentils. These foods nourish beneficial gut bacteria and support overall wellbeing. White bread ranks poorly due to the refining process, which removes much of its fibre. Prioritising whole, plant-based foods is an effective way to increase daily fibre intake.

Barron Trump's choice of a blue tie at the State of the Union address sparked viewer reactions, with many expecting red for solidarity. Additionally, his tie knot drew criticism, with some viewers suggesting he needed assistance. Barron, currently a sophomore at NYU's Stern School of Business, attended the event with his family.

Nvidia (NVDA) Q4 earnings today: Nvidia reports Q4 earnings today, February 25 and $65.7 billion is on the line. Wall Street expects EPS of $1.53, up 72% year over year. Revenue growth stands at 67%. Blackwell GPU orders have crossed $350 billion. Hyperscaler capex Microsoft, Google, Meta, Amazon hit $600 billion for 2026. Every dollar flows toward Nvidia chips. The AI infrastructure buildout is not slowing. Tonight's Jensen Huang guidance for Q1 FY2027 is the real market mover. Options trade

Indian solar manufacturers Vikram Solar, Waaree Energies, and Premier Energies report minimal impact from new US duties. Companies have diversified supply chains and focus on domestic demand. Exports to the US represent a small portion of total Indian production. This strategic shift insulates them from external trade developments. Installation momentum is expected to accelerate domestically.

IndiGo passengers experienced significant distress on a flight bound for Singapore from Chennai. The flight faced a substantial delay on February 24. Passengers reported issues with ventilation and a lack of updates. The airline cited a minor technical snag and crew duty limitations for the extended wait. The flight eventually departed hours later.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has arrived in Israel for a significant state visit. He received a warm welcome from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The visit aims to further strengthen the strategic partnership between India and Israel. Discussions will cover cooperation in technology, agriculture, defense, and trade. Both leaders will also exchange views on regional and global issues.

RBI MPC member Saugata Bhattacharya says a rate hike is negligible despite inflation risks from crude, metals and weather. He sees no economic overheating, notes improving credit growth and steady consumption, and expects inflation to near 4%. He adds new GDP and CPI series will better reflect Indias economy.

Rashmika Mandanna and Vijay Deverakonda's wedding celebrations are underway in Udaipur. A photo from the pre-wedding festivities shows friends in yellow attire. The event is held at a luxury hotel with tight security. The couple has been sharing teasers, including a friendly cricket match named VIROSH Premier League. The wedding is scheduled for February 26, 2026.

Students at IIM Nagpur boycotted exams protesting disciplinary action. First-year students were barred from mid-term examinations after attending an overnight party off campus. The institute cited unauthorized absence and violation of rules. Students alleged harsh punishment and discriminatory conduct. The administration stated disciplinary measures were necessary for safety and responsibility. The matter is under review.

Maharashtra's Goods & Services Tax Department has initiated inspection and search proceedings at Lupin's registered office. The pharmaceutical giant stated that these actions will not impact its financials, operations, or other activities. Lupin recently reported strong Q3 FY26 growth, with highest-ever US sales and double-digit growth in India.

Indian retail is evolving beyond online or offline. Consumers now shop across both simultaneously. AI, creators, and short videos are changing how Indians find and buy products.