The Economic Times

India's textile and apparel exports saw a dip in January. High tariffs from the United States impacted shipments. However, a recent reduction in these tariffs is expected to boost export competitiveness. This change should support a recovery in textile and apparel shipments in the coming months. The sector's share in India's total exports also saw a decline.

Former NRL star Matt Utai is in critical condition after being shot twice outside his Sydney home. Police are investigating the incident as a targeted ambush. Utai, a premiership winner with the Canterbury Bulldogs, was reportedly heading to work when the shooting occurred. Gunmen fled the scene in an SUV, which was later found burning.

Renowned documentary filmmaker Frederick Wiseman has passed away at 96. Wiseman was celebrated for his unflinching look at American institutions. His films like 'Titicut Follies' and 'High School' offered unique perspectives. He won an honorary Academy Award and completed over 35 documentaries. His work shaped filmmaking and influenced audiences worldwide. He is deeply missed by family, friends, and colleagues.

Surya Grahan Timing: Solar Eclipse is taking place today, February 17, 2026, however, this Solar Eclipse will not be visible in India. This is the first Solar Eclipse of the year 2026. According to the IST, the Surya Grahan will begin at 3:26 pm and end at 7:57 pm, lasting for about 4 hours and 31 minutes. The peak phase will take place between 5:13 PM and 6:11 PM.

A shooting at a Rhode Island hockey arena resulted in two deaths, including a young girl, and three injuries. The gunman died by suicide and reportedly targeted his family. Authorities are monitoring the situation, which occurred while two student teams were playing.

President Trump urged Ukraine to quickly reach a deal with Russia ahead of crucial Geneva talks brokered by the US. Previous US-mediated discussions in Abu Dhabi failed to achieve a breakthrough, with significant disagreements persisting over territorial concessions demanded by Moscow. Key negotiators from both nations are expected to attend the upcoming summit.

Quote of the day: Charles Baudelaires quote of the day, Always be a poet, even in prose, shows why his 1857 Les Fleurs du mal still influences writers in 2026. The collection reshaped modern poetry and literature. It introduced radical ideas about beauty, mood, and city life. Today, students, creators, and readers search his name for insight and inspiration. This line pushes people to bring art into everyday language and live with creative passion.

Three inmates escaped the Observation Home in R.S. Pura, Jammu, on Monday evening. The escapees include Karajeet Singh and two Pakistani nationals, Mohd Suna-ullah and Ahsan Anwar. During their escape, the inmates attacked and injured two on-duty policemen. Security has been heightened following the incident. Police have launched a manhunt and are conducting raids to apprehend the fugitives.

Bangladesh Nationalist Party chairman Tarique Rahman will be sworn in as Prime Minister on Tuesday. This marks a new political era after Sheikh Hasina's removal. India's Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla will attend the ceremony, highlighting strong bilateral ties. The oath-taking for MPs is scheduled for 9:30 am, with ministerial oaths at 4:00 pm.

Thomas Pritzker has resigned as executive chairman of Hyatt Hotels. He cited errible judgment for his continued contact with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell. Pritzker will not seek re-election to the board in 2026. He expressed deep regret for his association. The U.S. Justice Department's release of Epstein-related documents has revealed numerous prominent connections.

Industry data up to December 2025 showed that banks sold Rs 24,814 crore retail non-performing assets (NPAs) to asset reconstruction companies (ARC). That compares with Rs 9,093 crore of retail bad loans sold up to September.

Nearly 50% of retirees already pay federal income tax on Social Security benefits. That share is rising in 2026. The Social Security tax thresholds remain frozen at $25,000 and $32,000 since 1984. They are not indexed for inflation. COLA increases and 401(k) withdrawals push combined income higher. Up to 85% of benefits can become taxable. This tax bracket creep quietly reduces net retirement income and strains Social Security trust fund projections.

Thousands were affected in the recent Amazon layoffs. A 47-year-old senior engineering manager lost his job after 11.5 years at Amazon. The tech layoffs reflect a tighter AI-driven job market. He is now focused on AI upskilling, engineering leadership roles, and career resilience. He applies weekly and builds hands-on AI projects. His story highlights job loss recovery, networking power, and mental strength in todays competitive tech hiring landscape.

Pawtucket Rhode Island shooting: Two people are dead, including the suspected gunman, and four others are hospitalized after a shooting today at Dennis M. Lynch Arena in Pawtucket, Rhode Island. Police say the gunfire erupted during a high school hockey game at the Pawtucket ice rink on February 16, 2026. Authorities confirmed no ongoing threat. The Rhode Island shooting remains under active investigation. One victim died at the scene. Four were taken to hospitals.

American Idol Season 24 release time, schedule and how to watch new episode tonight explains when Season 24 episode four airs on ABC and Hulu. Auditions end February 16, 2026. Hollywood Week starts February 23. Judges Lionel Richie, Luke Bryan, Carrie Underwood return. Ryan Seacrest hosts. Fans can watch live and streaming next day.

Robert Duvall net worth: Acting legend Robert Duvall died at 95 with a $70 million net worth. He passed away peacefully on February 15, 2026, in Virginia. His fortune grew from 142 acting credits and massive box office hits. The Godfather and Apocalypse Now star invested in vast real estate and his own production company. His wife, Luciana Pedraza, confirmed his death was from natural causes. Duvall's seven-decade career remains a Hollywood financial marvel.

Robert Duvall movies and TV shows: Robert Duvall built a 60+ year career with 90+ movie and TV credits before his death at 95. The Oscar-winning star of The Godfather and Apocalypse Now leaves behind one of Hollywoods most respected filmographies. From Tender Mercies to Lonesome Dove, Robert Duvall movies and TV shows shaped American cinema. His passing marks the end of a legendary era defined by awards, iconic roles, and lasting cultural impact.

Haruki Murakami's quote, Life is a lot more fragile than we think. So you should treat others in a way that leaves no regrets. Fairly, and if possible, sincerely, emphasizes the delicate nature of existence and the importance of mindful interactions.

Skiddoo is a slang verb that means to leave quickly or go away. It became popular in the early 1900s and is believed to come from the word skedaddle. Today, people use it in a fun or playful way. Even though it is an old word, many still understand it when someone says it.

Banks are flagging a new ATM fraud to the Reserve Bank of India. This power-off fraud tricks systems into dispensing cash during withdrawals. Banks want clearer rules to avoid paying for these fraudulent transactions. Existing compensation guidelines are being exploited. This issue is causing significant disputes and financial losses for banks across India.

The government has extended the bid submission deadline for the discovered small fields round. This is the fourth such auction. The new deadline is March 18. This process offers 55 discoveries across nine contract areas. Small discoveries previously deemed unviable are now available under attractive terms. This aims to boost exploration and production.

The shift suggests the current housing cycle is being driven less by entry-level buyers and more by upgrade purchases. Sales in the Rs 50 lakh-Rs 1 crore category also dropped 8%, suggesting affordability constraints are affecting both lower and mid-income purchasers rather than the housing market as a whole.

Think & Learn, the parent company of BYJU's, has approached the Supreme Court. They seek to stop Aakash Educational Services from moving forward with a 140 crore rights issue tranche. The Supreme Court will hear the plea on Tuesday. This legal battle concerns the allotment of shares in the rights issue.

Industry leaders emphasized the need for academia and industry collaboration to equip India's youth for AI-centric jobs. AI is poised to significantly reduce healthcare costs and bridge the talent gap, enabling remote medical expertise and improving diagnostic efficiency. This technological revolution presents a substantial opportunity for India's demographic dividend.

India's rental housing market is adjusting. Property prices rose, but rental demand dipped. Rental yields are stable across major cities. Tenant preference leans towards mid-sized, semi-furnished homes. Competition is high for affordable rentals. The market is becoming more balanced and discerning.

Enforcement Directorate has taken cognisance of a chargesheet in a bank loan fraud case. A Delhi court has issued notices to Videocon Group promoter Venugopal Dhoot and others. The case involves alleged diversion of funds meant for oil and gas assets. The agency has quantified the alleged proceeds of crime. The money laundering case stems from a CBI FIR.

This September, Excel Entertainment plans to issue the film adaptation of its web series 'Mirzapur, titled Mirzapur: The Movie'. A challenging aspect of film adaptations of successful IPs of TV and streaming platforms is they appear like extended versions of original medium of storytelling, according to producers.

Indian pharmaceutical giants Sun Pharma and Glenmark are embracing Artificial Intelligence to speed up new drug creation. This technology promises to cut development times and costs. Global investment in AI for drug discovery is rapidly increasing. Companies are looking to AI for expertise and efficiency. This innovation is set to transform drug research and development cycles.

Jindal Power, Vedanta, and Havells India are among 22 potential bidders for debt-laden Gupta Power Infrastructure, which faces insolvency proceedings with admitted claims of 4,240 crore. Other interested parties include UltraTech Cement and Torrent Electricals. The company manufactures cables, wire rods, and conductors.

Bank of America's Bernard Mensah sees India as a prime investment destination, citing its growing middle class, strong institutions, and reformist government. The bank is increasing its India limits, anticipating more M&A activity fueled by regulatory liberalization and a focus on supply chain resilience. Despite geopolitical risks, Mensah believes capitalism's core architecture remains intact.

Developers are investing in temple towns like Ayodhya and Vrindavan. Government initiatives are boosting religious tourism. This growth is expected to create demand for hotels, retail spaces, and residential properties. Experts anticipate significant development in these spiritual hubs over the coming years. New hotel rooms are projected, and a ripple effect is expected across various real estate sectors.

A post on Reddit says many job resumes fail because ATS systems cannot read them properly. A man tested resume software for months and found small mistakes like wrong keywords, fancy designs, and bad formats can hide applications. The main lesson is simple: job seekers must make resumes easy for ATS to read so recruiters can actually see them.

India's retail market is set for massive growth by 2035. However, retailers must adapt. Consumers are more selective, demanding convenience and personalization. Store expansion and discounts are no longer enough. Technology, especially AI, will be crucial for future success. Retailers need clear strategies to focus on specific customer segments and leverage AI for growth.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is in Oslo to boost India's bio-pharma and semiconductor sectors. She will meet Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store and discuss capital investments with industry leaders. Sitharaman will also highlight India's Biopharma SHAKTI plan and semiconductor missions. Earlier, she attended the Munich Security Conference, emphasizing economic stability's link to global security.

Trent is focusing its expansion on smaller towns. The company is opening many new stores in tier 3 and tier 4 cities. This strategy aims to tap into the growing fashion adoption by young customers in these areas. Trent believes these smaller markets will become very attractive in the coming years. The company is confident in this new growth direction.

India's unemployment rate saw a slight increase in January, reaching 5%. Joblessness rose more significantly for women compared to men. Rural unemployment edged up, while urban unemployment also increased. The labour force participation rate experienced a minor dip. Youth unemployment also saw a rise, primarily driven by female joblessness.

In a significant decision, the National Green Tribunal has green-lighted the ambitious Great Nicobar mega infrastructure project. After thorough inspection, the tribunal determined that the environmental clearances come with robust protective measures. It underlined the project's vital role in regional development.

Telecom operators such as Reliance Jio have submitted comments concerning net neutrality to the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai), asking the regulator to update the norms that will support slicing for tariff products such as a defined upload speed slice and low latency gaming slice.

AI hard drive shortage 2026: Hard drive prices are set to climb. Western Digital, a major manufacturer, has sold all its storage capacity for 2026. This surge is driven by AI companies needing vast amounts of hardware. Top clients have secured multi-year deals, leaving little for regular buyers. Consumers can expect ongoing shortages and higher costs.

Tata Sons has appointed former civil aviation secretary Pradeep Singh Kharola as an advisor for its aviation business. This move aims to bolster Air India's turnaround efforts. Kharola's expertise will be crucial in managing government communications. Air India faces significant regulatory scrutiny and operational challenges. The airline is also undergoing a leadership transition.

A looming ban on twenty-nine vitamin and mineral combination drugs has sparked a heated debate. Initially flagged as irrational by an expert panel in 2015, these products are now being re-evaluated by a specialized sub-committee. Before any final ruling, the companies will be given a chance to defend their products.

India's chief negotiator Darpan Jain will lead a delegation to Washington next week to finalize the legal agreement for the India-US trade deal, aiming for a March signing. The visit follows the finalization of an interim trade agreement framework, with virtual talks ongoing to translate contours into a legal pact.

BJP leader Tejasvi Surya welcomed US Ambassador Sergio Gor to Bengaluru. They discussed the expanding India-US partnership in trade, technology, and innovation. Surya highlighted Bengaluru's role, noting its blend of tradition and cutting-edge innovation. The city hosts many American companies and drives software exports. The leaders also shared a ride in a Namma Auto.

A nine-judge bench will hear cases on women's entry to religious sites. This includes the Sabarimala Temple in Kerala. The hearings begin on April 7 and are expected to end by April 22. The court will examine seven legal questions. The ruling will affect other religious entry cases. This is a significant development for women's rights in India.

The Supreme Court has strongly criticized the trend of using the apex court for political purposes during elections. Chief Justice of India Surya Kant urged leaders and parties to show restraint and adhere to constitutional morality. The court refused to hear petitions against Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma, directing them to the Gauhati High Court.

In a bold move to elevate infrastructure development, India's Central Public Works Department (CPWD) is undergoing a significant transformation. With an influx of skilled professionals, the agency is set to tackle the increasing demands of modern construction. As new architectural wonders rise across the nation, CPWD is now managing an impressive portfolio of projects worth 25,000 crore each year.

Bhupen Borah, former Assam Congress chief, resigned from the party. Senior Congress leaders visited him. Bhanwar Jitendra Singh, Congress in-charge, stated Borah's resignation would not be accepted. Borah has sought time to rethink his decision. He has been associated with the Congress for 32 years. He cited self-respect as the reason for his resignation.

Expressing their deep concern, the Congress party has staunchly opposed the anticipated trade deal between India and the US, claiming it poses a significant threat to the livelihoods of local farmers. They are particularly alarmed by the potential influx of duty-free imports of processed maize, sorghum, soya bean oil, and cotton from America.