The Economic Times
Elections 2026Economy / The Economic Times
An Indian man's video showcasing dangerous driving on Indian roads has gone viral. After eight years in Australia, he returned to find overloaded trucks and vehicles without lights. He described night driving as a war-like experience. Many social media users agreed, sharing similar fears about road safety.
India and Brazil strengthened their strategic partnership during President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva's state visit. Discussions covered bilateral, regional, and global issues, including cooperation in multilateral forums. Trade targets were revised upwards, aiming for $30 billion by 2030. Several MoUs were signed, focusing on areas like rare earth minerals and MSMEs.
A Pune-based developer has sparked discussion online after sharing his experience of being asked to work from the office on a Saturday, only to be left waiting outside for nearly 1.5 hours due to an event occupying the workspace. When he raised concerns about his time being wasted, the CEO allegedly told him to Keep this attitude at your home, leading to a tense exchange.
Supreme Court on Friday struck down President Donald Trumps biggest and boldest tariffs.
State Bank of India is actively investing in startup funds and financial market infrastructure. This is part of its strategy for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises. SBI is also participating in schemes like Startup India. The bank has established startup hubs in various cities. This initiative aims to support startups through debt, equity, and government services.
Salary negotiation tips after external offer: A young professional's dilemma over a 40% salary increase offer versus loyalty to his current employer sparked a heated debate on Reddit. After being told to 'trust the process' by his manager instead of receiving a raise, users overwhelmingly advised him to accept the life-changing money, emphasizing that loyalty alone doesn't guarantee financial growth.
Madhya Pradesh now has over 5.39 crore voters. The Election Commission of India finalized the electoral roll after a special revision. Over 34 lakh names were removed due to absence, death, migration, and duplication. The updated list includes male, female, and third-gender electors. Citizens can check their names online.
In a landmark ruling, the US Supreme Court has slashed tariffs on Indian imports, breathing new life into crucial Indian sectors such as pharmaceuticals, electronics, and textiles. This development not only paves the way for a surge in exports and a stronger presence in the US market but also highlights ongoing hurdles, particularly with steel and aluminum tariffs.
President Trump has immediately raised the previously announced 10% worldwide tariff to 15%, targeting countries he claims have ipped off the U.S. for decades. This escalation follows a recent Supreme Court decision on tariffs, intensifying the administration's trade policy.
Ravi Basrur, the music director behind the massive success of KGF: Chapter 1 and KGF: Chapter 2, recently revealed that he had attempted suicide twice at the age of 18. Speaking at the teaser launch of Cult, he shared how a stranger once saved his life, gave him Rs 35,000 to buy a keyboard, and inspired him to change his name to Ravi.
Today in History, February 21: In 1848, Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels published The Communist Manifesto in London.
Guwahati Airport's new integrated terminal commenced commercial operations on February 22, 2026, following its inauguration by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on December 20, 2025. This state-of-the-art facility is poised to significantly enhance regional connectivity, boost tourism, and strengthen India's 'Act East Policy' by facilitating trade and engagement with ASEAN nations.
Construction of a 12-meter high, 14-meter wide security wall around the Ram Temple complex in Ayodhya is underway, costing approximately Rs 40 crore. Talks are ongoing with landowners to acquire adjacent plots for a straight perimeter. The wall, designed with sensors and modern equipment, will cover 70 acres and include watchtowers.
The NEET PG 2025 stray vacancy round allotment results are out. Candidates can check their status online on the MCC website. Those who secured a seat must report to their allotted institute by February 28, 2026. This is the final chance for admission to MD, MS, and PG Diploma courses. Original documents are required for verification and fee payment.
Adani Defence & Aerospace and Embraer have signed an enhanced MoU to establish a final assembly line in India for E175 regional jets. This collaboration aims to develop an integrated Regional Transport Aircraft ecosystem, boosting regional air connectivity by deploying the 88-seater aircraft for underserved Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities.
A 27-year-old Delhi-based entrepreneur and founder of Youthocracy has said that finding a house in the capital has been more difficult than building her startup. In a post on X, she described issues such as sudden rent hikes, intrusive clauses allowing landlords to enter without notice, and moral scrutiny after revealing she is a startup founder. Calling the process exhausting, she raised concerns about privacy and safety as a woman living alone.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah praised the CRPF's 87 years of service. He noted over 2,270 jawans sacrificed their lives for the nation. Shah highlighted the force's success in restoring peace in Jammu and Kashmir, Left-Wing Extremism-affected areas, and the Northeast. He stated these regions are now growth engines, a testament to CRPF's dedication.
The Agartala-Dhaka-Kolkata bus service is set to resume soon. Trial runs have begun for the suspended route. The Tripura Road Transport Corporation will announce the regular schedule after assessing these trials. This service was previously halted due to an accident and subsequent mob attack in Bangladesh. Resumption is expected to greatly benefit passengers traveling between these cities.
Quote of the day by Chuck Palahniuk: Author Chuck Palahniuk's quote highlights creating a legacy over living forever. His life, marked by tragedy and a career shift from mechanic to writer, deeply influenced his work. Fight Club became a cultural phenomenon. Palahniuk's fiction explores connection and the human condition, offering profound insights for readers.
Paris was in talks with EU counterparts and the European Commission over U.S. President Donald Trump's decision to impose a flat global tariff of 10% after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that many of the existing tariffs he had levied on trading partners were illegal, Forissier said.
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms Finale Episode 6 release time and how to watch worldwide is confirmed. Episode 6 releases February 22, 2026, on HBO Max, Sky Atlantic, and JioHotstar. The finale titled The Morrow ends season 1 after six episodes and follows events from episode 5 Trial of Seven battle.
Former India cricketer Shikhar Dhawan wed his girlfriend Sophie Shine on February 21. The couple had publicly announced their relationship in May 2025. Sophie Shine is an Irish social media personality and works with Da One Sports and the Shikhar Dhawan Foundation. Dhawan previously divorced Ayesha Mukherjee and has not seen his son Zoravar in two years.
Indict meaning: The word indict means to formally charge someone with a crime. This happens when a grand jury finds enough evidence to proceed with a court case. An indictment does not mean guilt. It signals a formal legal step in the justice process. Understanding indict helps readers follow legal reporting. The case moves toward trial after an indictment.
The Night Agent Season 4 renewal and Season 3 ending explained shows how Netflix opened a writers room, planned filming, and set future stories. Season 3 exposed corruption, cleared Peters name, and revealed character fates. The report explains renewal signals, ending events, and what may happen next in the series.
At 93, Jim Arrington, recognised as the worlds oldest professional bodybuilder, continues to train three times a week and maintain his physique. Born a sickly child with asthma and once nicknamed Skinny Bones, he transformed his life through weightlifting and went on to compete for decades. In a video shared by Guinness World Records, he explained how changing his diet, training with intensity, and adapting to his bodys needs over time have helped him stay strong.
A US Supreme Court ruling against President Trump's tariffs brings fresh global trade uncertainty. While some tariffs are struck down, analysts expect new measures. Bilateral trade deals may face review. Countries are adapting to trade shifts. Global growth remains resilient. The situation promises ongoing trade policy adjustments.
NASA has confirmed that a rare planetary parade featuring six planetsMercury, Venus, Neptune, Saturn, Uranus, and Jupiterwill occur in the evening sky throughout late February 2026. The alignment is expected to reach its visual peak shortly after sunset on February 28, offering a spectacular display for both naked-eye observers and telescope enthusiasts.
India's six-time Winter Olympian Shiva Keshavan is now overseeing ski mountaineering's Olympic debut in Italy. Having grown up in the Himalayas, Keshavan's experience in sports development and his athlete profile led to his selection for the organizing committee. He believes the sport's minimal infrastructure needs make it ideal for India's mountainous terrain.
Jim Corbett National Park offers a legendary wilderness experience, combining historic tiger conservation with the unique opportunity to stay inside the forest. This story explores seven reasons to visitfrom the vast Dhikala grasslands and diverse birdlife to the thrill of tracking the Royal Bengal Tiger in its ancestral home.
Supreme Court tariff ruling impact on US households: The Supreme Court declared President Trump's tariffs unconstitutional, ruling they violated the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. These tariffs, which generated billions, were found to have cost American households up to $2,400 annually. The decision offers potential savings for consumers as inflation shows a slight decline.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for a semiconductor chip manufacturing plant in Jewar, Uttar Pradesh, emphasizing its importance for a self-reliant and developed India. He highlighted the nation's twin-track approach in software and hardware, including efforts to secure critical rare earth minerals essential for the semiconductor industry.
Abraham Lincoln, America's 16th President, steered the nation through the Civil War, dismantling slavery and preserving the Union. Rising from humble frontier beginnings, his political career culminated in a presidency marked by profound leadership and enduring words on responsibility. His assassination cemented his legacy as a pivotal figure in American history.
Greta Garbo, a legendary Hollywood icon, captivated audiences with her introspective presence and emotional depth during the silent era and Golden Age. Her career, marked by acclaimed roles and Oscar nominations, saw her transition seamlessly to talkies before she ultimately chose a life of seclusion, leaving an indelible mark on cinema.
West Bengal is conducting fresh hearings for logical discrepancies and unmapped cases across all 294 assembly constituencies, following a Supreme Court directive. The exact number of cases will be finalized after verification by Saturday midnight. The state will also see the deployment of 480 companies of central forces in two phases ahead of the assembly polls.
Winter snow storm weather forecast: The storm is expected to take shape overnight Saturday, with snow picking up through the day Sunday and lasting through Monday.
Jharkhand's economy is set for growth. Projections show a 5.96 percent expansion in the 2026-27 fiscal year. This follows an estimated 6.17 percent growth in the previous year. Per capita income is expected to surpass one lakh rupees. The state's Gross State Domestic Product is also on an upward trajectory. These figures highlight a positive economic outlook for Jharkhand.
A Rapido driver with Master's degrees in Mathematics and a B.Ed., who spent years preparing for teaching exams, now drives for a living, highlighting the struggles of educated youth. This story, shared on X, resonates with others facing unemployment despite qualifications, as gig work becomes a survival necessity for many.
Ukrainian drones targeted a key state-owned missile factory in Russia's Udmurt Republic, reportedly the Votkinsk Machine Building Plant. The attack, occurring over 1,400 kilometers from Ukraine, resulted in 11 injuries and damage to the industrial site. The plant is known for producing Iskander ballistic missiles and intercontinental ballistic missiles.
Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda launched India's indigenously manufactured tetanus and adult diphtheria (Td) vaccine, bolstering the Universal Immunization Programme. The Central Research Institute will supply 55 lakh doses, marking a significant step towards national health security and self-reliance in the pharmaceutical sector.
Maruti Suzuki has launched its e-Vitara electric SUV in India, with pre-bookings open for Rs 21,000. The e-Vitara, developed with Toyota, offers two battery options and competes with rivals like the MG ZS EV. It features a comprehensive warranty and an assured buyback program.
Theatre The Myth of Reality is a critically acclaimed Malayalam film directed by Sajin Baabu. Starring Rima Kallingal and Sarasa Balussery, it tells the story of a mother and daughter living on a secluded island whose private life becomes public after a viral incident. Praised for its visuals, storytelling, and exploration of myth versus reality, the film won multiple awards and is now available to stream on Manorama Max with English subtitles.
Word of the day today: Marginalia refers to notes or markings written in the margins of a text, as well as minor details surrounding a larger subject.
Tamil Nadu Congress President Selvaperunthagai K stated the party is prepared for seat-sharing talks with the DMK for the 2026 Assembly elections. The INDIA bloc is strengthening. The DMK has formed a committee for alliance discussions. The upcoming polls are anticipated to be a three-way contest with actor Vijay's party entering the fray. The DMK-led alliance aims to secure victory.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced a firm stance on illegal immigrants. He stated they will be removed from electoral rolls and expelled from India within five years. Shah asserted that just as India can be free of Naxals, it can also be free of infiltrators. He also mentioned Assam's potential to become an industrial hub in the coming years.
In a pivotal move for the upcoming elections, West Bengal is preparing to welcome a robust contingent of 480 Central Armed Police Force companies. Arriving in waves between March 1 and March 10, these forces will focus on maintaining law and order, fostering voter confidence, and securing Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) at strategic locations.

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