The Economic Times

Paramount's David Ellison has successfully acquired Warner Bros. Discovery. Ellison's company outbid Netflix in a surprising turn of events. This massive deal creates one of the largest entertainment empires globally. Paramount and Warner Bros. announced their merger agreement. The transaction is valued at $110 billion. This marks a significant victory for Ellison in the competitive media landscape.

Fifteen people were killed and at least 30 injured after a Bolivian Air Force Hercules aircraft crashed in El Alto near the capital La Paz on Friday evening, according to television reports.

US President Donald Trump hints at a 'friendly takeover' of Cuba. He states the Cuban government is in 'big trouble' and talking with the US. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is reportedly handling the issue at a high level. Trump believes this change could be positive for Cubans wanting to return home. The Cuban government denies high-level talks.

Former President Bill Clinton appeared before Congress to discuss his association with Jeffrey Epstein. Clinton stated he observed no wrongdoing during their interactions. His testimony marks a significant congressional event. Democrats called for President Donald Trump to also testify. Republicans declined this request. Epstein died in jail in 2019.

Leading Indian restaurant chains are launching fresh strategies to attract customers back to their tables. Companies are creating exclusive dine-in dishes and offering targeted discounts to increase footfall. This shift aims to revive in-store demand, even as food delivery remains popular. Several chains are reporting improved sales, signaling a gradual recovery in dine-in business.

Major car manufacturers are boosting their India plans. Suzuki and Hyundai are raising production and sales targets, anticipating strong demand. India's growing market and export potential are attracting global players like Renault and Volkswagen. Automakers see significant opportunities for growth in the coming years. This trend highlights India's increasing importance in the global automotive landscape.

Indian company boardrooms are now prioritizing artificial intelligence adoption. Leaders are discussing strategies to integrate AI for improved efficiency and a competitive advantage. This shift is evident across various sectors, including manufacturing and digital-native industries. Companies are seeking clear roadmaps for AI implementation and measurable business outcomes. Dedicated units are being established to drive this technological transition.

India's economy expanded by 7.8 percent in the December quarter. Manufacturing output saw a significant increase. Festive season consumption also remained strong. New government numbers show a revised GDP series. Full-year growth for FY26 is now projected at 7.6 percent. Consumption and investment are expected to be key growth drivers.

What does Warner Bros and Paramount $110 bn deal say and what did Bruce Campbell say at townhall? Warner Bros Discovery has signed a $110 billion agreement with Paramount Skydance after Netflix declined to match the offer. The deal includes debt, streaming plans, and regulatory review in California and the European Union.

Why has Atlanta Falcons fired LaTroy Lewis and has football coach made social media accounts private? The team dismissed the assistant coach after sexual assault allegations surfaced. The case involves claims from his Michigan tenure, a police investigation, and questions about social media activity.

Who is LaTroy Lewis and what does Atlanta Falcons statement say? The Atlanta Falcons fired assistant defensive line coach LaTroy Lewis after sexual assault allegations surfaced. The team issued a short statement. The case links to Michigan, Sherrone Moore, and an ongoing police investigation.

Elizabeth Taylor's life, marked by public scrutiny and personal scandals, offered profound insights into human relationships. Her quote, You find out who your real friends are when you're involved in a scandal, highlights how adversity tests loyalty, revealing true friends who stand by you during difficult times.

Ripple is decentralizing XRP Ledger development funding, empowering independent organizations and venture partners. This strategic shift aims to foster a more distributed ecosystem and address concerns about Ripple's influence. New initiatives and upcoming features like XRP staking and a lending market are expected to revitalize the platform's DeFi sector.

Small Indian markets are leading physical retail spending in 2025. This growth surpasses metros and tier-1 and 2 cities. This marks a shift from 2023-24 trends. Aspirational demand from these micro markets is growing. Quick-commerce and social media are driving this expansion. This trend highlights a decentralisation of demand across India.

A long-lost portrait of Richard Carrington, the 19th-century British astronomer behind the largest recorded solar storm, has been discovered. Carrington documented the first observed solar flare in 1859, linking solar activity to geomagnetic disturbances on Earth. The photo, originally owned by his friend Charles Vincent Walker, confirms Carringtons image and has now been added to the RAS archives. This discovery connects the human story to the scientific legacy of space weather research.

The Traitors Season 5 renewal, release date, host, cast and how to watch update confirms the series will return. Peacock renewed the show for season five. Alan Cumming will host again. The release date is not announced. All seasons stream on Peacock.

Proterial, a Japanese supplier of advanced materials, is exploring India as a site to manufacture rareearth magnets and cuttingedge EV magnets. With government incentives underpinning investment, the move could strengthen local production and supplychain resilience. India is part of Proterials broader market assessment as it maps out a major manufacturing expansion.

Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, speaking at Srinagar's Jama Masjid, asserted that West Asian stability hinges on justice for Palestinians, warning that US military build-up signals a potential attack on Iran. He also expressed concern over the conflict between Pakistan and Afghanistan during Ramzan, urging dialogue and adherence to the Prophet's teachings for peaceful resolution.

The Trinamool Congress has announced its candidates for the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections. State minister Babul Supriyo, former Bengal DGP Rajeev Kumar, advocate Menaka Guruswamy, and actor Koel Mallick will represent the party. The Trinamool Congress expressed hope that these individuals will uphold the party's legacy and commitment to Indian rights and dignity.

Afghanistan and Pakistan are engaged in military clashes along their border. Both nations report inflicting significant damage on each other's positions. Afghanistan's government has stated a desire for dialogue to resolve the conflict. Iran has offered to mediate between the two neighboring countries. The situation remains tense as both sides claim casualties and territorial gains.

Upholding the January 19 order that also reprimanded SpiceJet for failing to fulfil its obligations even after three years of the apex court's July 2023 order, a bench led by Justice PS Narsimha questioned the airline on how it would justify not paying the amount mentioned in its earlier order.

Bangladesh Army sees significant top-level reshuffles. New officers are appointed to key positions, including Quartermaster General. This follows recent meetings between Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and the army chief. These changes come after a previous reshuffle less than ten days prior. The appointments signal a shift in the military's top brass.

Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera alleged the BJP's involvement in Arvind Kejriwal's acquittal in the Delhi excise case, calling it a predictable script ahead of elections. He claimed cases against Congress leaders would escalate while those against AAP and other 'convenient allies' would cool down, accusing the BJP of using agencies as electoral tools.

India-EU FTA: Among other things, the text allows rejected EU applicant to seek written explanation of reasons for why import license application was rejected and then allows for reapplication.

The Bharatiya Janata Party has described Arvind Kejriwal's discharge in the Delhi excise policy case as a technical matter. It will issue a structured response after a thorough review of the court's judgment. The BJP noted evidence destruction in the case, and said the investigation agency will determine its next steps on technical grounds.

Word of the day: Diaphanous means light, delicate, and almost transparent. It often describes sheer fabric, soft light, or thin mist. The word comes from Greek, meaning to show through. Pronunciation: die-AF-uh-nus. In 2026, the usage of diaphanous has expanded beyond poetry into technical fields like UI/UX design and architecture.

Modern satvikism within Hinduism risks fracturing the tradition by elevating purity and order as absolutes. While it prizes cleanliness, it can entrench social hierarchy and contribute to environmental harm as rituals shift to modern, polluting materials.

A special CBI court ruled that issues related to election funding fall within the Election Commission's domain. State police, the CBI, or the ED cannot investigate these matters in isolation. Criminal law cannot substitute for remedies under election law. Permitting probe agencies to intrude into electoral affairs risks criminalizing political competition. The ruling safeguards fair elections and upholds constitutional democracy.

National Fibre Scheme: The textiles ministry has begun work on the scheme that will address structural inefficiencies and bridge quality gaps to position India against global leaders such as China, Bangladesh and Italy.

Belgorod, which lies about 40 km (25 miles) from the border with Ukraine, has been a frequent target of Ukrainian drone and missile strikes in the four years since Russia invaded its neighbour. Along with the neighbouring Kursk region, parts of which were seized by Ukraine in a surprise attack in August 2024 and held for many months, Belgorod has borne the brunt of Ukrainian cross-border strikes since the start of the war.

After a 13-year hiatus, the iconic parody franchise returns with Scary Movie 6, bringing back fan-favorite stars Marlon Wayans, Shawn Wayans, Anna Faris, and Regina Hall. The film promises no holds barred comedy, combining satire with outrageous physical gags. Set to parody modern horror hits which includes Get Out, Nope, A Quiet Place, and Terrifier 3, the sequel delivers irreverent humor for fans of the series.

Arvind Kejriwal and Kavitha Kalvakuntla have been discharged in the Delhi excise policy case. Kejriwal hailed it as a moral victory and challenged Prime Minister Modi to hold elections in Delhi. Kalvakuntla said the verdict proved her innocence. Both leaders spoke of the personal suffering endured during the legal proceedings.

O Panneerselvam has joined the DMK, a significant shift in Tamil Nadu politics. This follows the DMDK's alliance with the DMK. The BJP, which sought to unite anti-DMK parties, now faces a changed scenario. Panneerselvam's move comes after his expulsion from AIADMK and previous interactions with the BJP. The BJP views his impact as limited.

New GDP data presents a challenge for India's fiscal targets. The government may find it harder to meet deficit and debt goals next fiscal year. However, economists believe the Centre can manage these issues long-term. Debt is expected to remain within the targeted range by FY31. Fiscal deficit and debt ratios for upcoming years will likely be revised upwards.

Quote of the day by Barbra Streisand: Barbra Streisand's wisdom on doubt and confidence offers a fresh perspective. She believes doubt is not an enemy but a motivator, essential for balance. This insight helps individuals prepare better and question assumptions. Streisand, a legendary singer and actress, has a career spanning decades. Her impactful quotes continue to inspire many.

India's Statistics Ministry has released a new GDP series. The base year is now 2022-23, replacing the older 2011-12. This update uses new data sources to better reflect the current economy. The ministry will also release back series data soon. This aims for more accurate economic measurement.

Political parties have proposed holding the Tamil Nadu assembly elections in a single phase. The Election Commission will soon announce its decision. Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar expressed confidence in high voter turnout, especially among young voters. He anticipates Tamil Nadu will surpass Bihar's recent election performance. Candidates can file nominations online or physically.

The initiatives aim to institutionalise uniform procedures and introduce objective performance benchmarks while reinforcing shared responsibility in safeguarding public funds.

A special CBI court cleared former Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal, deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia, and K Kavitha in the Delhi excise policy case, saying there was no prima facie evidence. The bench also criticized the agency for a predetermined trajectory and a fragile narrative. The CBI said it would appeal the decision immediately.

India's journey to a $4 trillion economy faces a slight delay. Revised GDP estimates for 2025-26 show a lower nominal GDP. This pushes back the timeline for India to become the third largest economy. Experts anticipate strong real GDP growth driven by consumption and investments.

The Pentagon will continue its support for Scouting America. This decision follows the organization's commitment to end all diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. Scouting America has agreed to remove DEI language from its programs and publications. A new military service merit badge will be introduced. Membership will be based on sex assigned at birth.

Nepal's national elections are just days away as millions of eligible voters prepare to cast their ballots. The campaign centers on jobs and the economy, with a special emphasis on opportunities for youth. India and China are closely watching the outcome.

Assam's tea garden workers will see a 30 daily wage increase. This decision comes ahead of state assembly elections. Wages will now be 280 in Brahmaputra Valley and 258 in Barak Valley. This move aims to address a key election issue. The final daily wage is expected to exceed 300.

The project, which had its ground-breaking ceremony in September 2023, was the first one approved under India Semiconductor Mission. With a total outlay of over 22,500 crore, once the facility is fully ramped up, it will feature around 500,000 square feet of cleanroom space.

Quote of the day by Charlie Munger: Over ninety percent of active fund managers underperform the market over time. The Charlie Munger quote on keeping it simple explains why. Data from long-term stock market returns shows low-cost, long-term investing beats complex trading strategies. Charlie Mungers investment philosophy focused on value investing, risk control, and strong businesses. In todays volatile stock market, simplicity reduces losses. His strategy at Berkshire Hathaway proves disciplin

Andhra Pradesh is set to open its coastline for beach sand mining. This move aims to extract rare earths and titanium minerals. The state seeks to reduce India's reliance on China for these critical resources. It also plans to establish a new manufacturing hub along its coast. This initiative aligns with the central government's focus on rare earth mining.

Printing of West Bengals Special Intensive Revision (SIR) final electoral roll began Friday, with the list to be published on February 28 and accessible from 2 pm. The roll will include over 60 lakh names marked with adjudication status and indicate deleted electors, while 56 lakh names are likely to be excluded for failing to attend hearings or submit required documents.