The Economic Times

Ramshackle is a word for things that look old and unstable. It describes buildings, vehicles, and objects in poor condition. The term suggests neglect and decay. It is commonly used in stories and everyday talk to paint a vivid picture of run-down places. This expressive word helps listeners instantly imagine something shaky and worn out.

The US has accused China of conducting a secret nuclear explosive test in June 2020, shortly after the deadly Galwan Valley clashes. This allegation, revealed at a global disarmament forum, heightens India's strategic concerns over China's military posture amidst ongoing border tensions. China denies the claims, accusing the US of exaggerating threats and fueling an arms race.

Spartacus: House of Ashur Season 2 renewal and Season 1 ending explained after the Starz series ended on February 6. The explainer covers renewal status, creator comments, cast details, episode count, streaming platforms, and a full breakdown of the finale and Ashurs fate.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held extensive discussions with Malaysian counterpart Anwar Ibrahim, aiming to strengthen defense and security cooperation. The talks also focused on enhancing economic and innovation partnerships, with potential agreements in key sectors like semiconductors. This visit signals a new momentum in the bilateral relationship, building on historic ties.

Ai Weiwei, one of the worlds most influential contemporary artists, is in India for his first solo exhibition at Nature Morte gallery in Delhi. In an interview, he spoke about life in exile, artistic dissent and his views on culture, politics and human rights, reflecting on four decades shaped by detention, surveillance and global travel.

India may turn to private companies to manufacture the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), marking a shift from the usual practice of assigning such projects to state-run Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). The move comes as HALs order book is already full, but it has unsettled investors, with the companys stock falling in recent days.

Rhea Chakraborty is set to make a comeback to acting with the Netflix series Family Business. The actress will star alongside Anil Kapoor and Vijay Varma. Chakraborty recently spoke about the challenging phase she endured after Sushant Singh Rajput's death. Read on!

Industrialist Anand Mahindra shares his experience of New York City's severe winter. Temperatures have dropped significantly, prompting an extreme cold warning. A snow-covered car symbolizes the city's stalled life. The cold spell has caused infrastructure issues like water main breaks. Authorities urge caution due to hazardous conditions.

Australia's conservative opposition coalition has reunited after a month-long split. The National Party severed ties with the Liberal Party over their support for government hate speech laws enacted after the Bondi massacre. Both leaders expressed a desire to move forward together, despite the disagreement over the substantive issue.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a ceremonial welcome in Kuala Lumpur during his two-day official visit to Malaysia. He was greeted by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, with both leaders expressing enthusiasm for strengthening bilateral ties. The visit aims to deepen cooperation across defense, economy, and innovation, building on the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

North Korea's ruling Workers' Party will convene a major conference in late February, where leader Kim Jong Un is expected to unveil his domestic and foreign policies for the next five years. This gathering follows years of accelerated weapons development and deepening ties with Russia, signaling a continued adversarial stance towards the U.S. and South Korea.

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf plans nationwide protests today, marking two years since the 2024 general elections. The party will also observe a day of mourning following a recent suicide bombing. Leaders state protests will proceed against alleged rigging. Efforts continue to revive democratic norms and uphold the rule of law. Security concerns are linked to law enforcement actions against party workers.

Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard denied claims of blocking a whistleblower complaint, stating she acted immediately upon notification of security guidance needs. The complaint, filed last May, alleged political interference in intelligence dissemination. Gabbard asserted that inspectors general did not find the complaint credible and that the 21-day relay requirement only applies to urgent and credible complaints.

Greek Defence Minister Nikos Dendias declared India an indispensable partner for Europe, highlighting its growing strategic and economic significance. Speaking at the India-EU Forum 2026, he expressed strong support for the proposed EU-India Free Trade Agreement, anticipating substantial mutual benefits. The forum concluded after two days of discussions on enhancing India-EU cooperation across various domains.

President Donald Trump endorsed Nexstar Media Group's $6.2 billion purchase of Tegna, reversing earlier criticism. Trump stated the deal would increase competition against Fake News national networks. The acquisition, pending regulatory approval, would combine two major local broadcast media companies.

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi hopes for renewed talks with the United States soon. He stressed Iran's missile program is non-negotiable and warned of retaliation if attacked. US officials visited an aircraft carrier in the Arabian Sea. The US has imposed new sanctions on Iran. Talks are expected to resume next week.

Thailand votes today in a crucial general election. A tight three-way contest is underway with no single party predicted to win a majority. This could lead to continued political uncertainty. Voters will also decide on drafting a new constitution. The outcome will shape Thailand's future direction and stability.

Television host Savannah Guthrie's family will pay for her mother Nancy Guthrie's safe return. Nancy Guthrie, 84, was presumed abducted in Arizona. Authorities have concluded she was kidnapped. Investigators are examining new messages in the case. The FBI offered a reward for information. President Trump suggested answers are coming soon.

Haiti's presidential council has dissolved after a tumultuous two-year tenure. Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aime is set to continue leading the nation. The country faces significant challenges with widespread gang control and prepares for long-delayed general elections. Officials pledge to restore security and provide humanitarian aid. The path forward remains demanding for Haiti.

BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman urged voters to support the sheaf of paddy symbol for rebuilding Bangladesh, promising healthcare, employment, and development initiatives. He emphasized public participation in realizing the party's vision, describing the upcoming February 12 election as crucial for national reconstruction after a decade of alleged deprivation.

IIMs will train 10,000 tourist guides at 20 iconic sites via 12-week hybrid courses, focusing on management skills, sustainability, safety, and local insights to boost tourism quality, jobs, and visitor experience nationwide.

India has agreed to scrap import duties on fully-built imported Harley-Davidson motorcycles with engine capacities exceeding 800cc as part of an interim trade pact with the US. This move, a long-standing demand from President Trump, aims to address American concerns regarding high tariffs on its goods entering India.

Super Bowl 2026: Every Super Bowl takes on the culture of its host city. South Beach in Miami. The French Quarter in New Orleans. Hollywood in Los Angeles. It will be no different Sunday, when the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks face off at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California, nestled in Silicon Valley an hour's drive south of San Francisco.

Epstein Files: Sometimes it was a Prada bag. Other times it was a flight on Mr. Epstein's jet, or a weekend at his island. Sometimes it was a donation to a charity or school.

India-US trade deal: The framework targets balanced trade, supply chain resilience and deeper technology cooperation. India intends to buy $500 billion of US energy & tech products, aircraft & parts, precious metals, tech products, coking coal over 5 years.

Washington Post CEO Will Lewis out: Jeff D'Onofrio, chief financial officer of the newspaper owned by Jeff Bezos, will serve as acting publisher and CEO, the Post said.

To be sure, precious stones such as diamonds attracted zero duties until late 2024 before the levies were progressively raised after Donald Trump took office in January 2025. Tariffs on both stones and finished jewellery were raised to 50% before the announcement of a deal was made earlier this month.

India-US trade deal: India's exports of about $44 billion to the US will enter the American market at zero reciprocal tariffs under the first phase of the BTA, which is expected to be signed by mid-March. This will include spices, tea, coffee, copra, coconut oil, certain nuts, banana, guava, mango, bakery goods, and home decor.

India and the US have inked an interim trade deal, paving the way for duty-free exports across numerous sectors, including textiles, leather, and aviation. Global aerospace giants Boeing and Airbus are eyeing India as a major foreign Original Equipment Manufacturer base for aircraft components, signaling significant growth potential and excitement for the bilateral partnership.

The latest move would support pricing stability and supply continuity for one of India's top export items to America, even as both sides continue broader trade negotiations and security reviews.

There's no clarity yet on the level of import duty reduction by India on US tree nuts comprising walnuts, almonds and pistachios. The domestic industry however believes that any duty cut would lead to lower prices, driving consumption among Indian consumers.

Panic and chaos gripped the Surajkund Mela after a giant swing snapped mid-air and crashed to the ground, killing an on-duty police inspector who was just weeks away from retirement. The officer lost his life while bravely rescuing people trapped on the ride, turning a festive evening into a scene of horror.

The battle for cooking oil has been heating up with everything from coconut, mustard and refined oils fighting for shelf space, while avocado oil puts in an appearance now. ET asks experts whether any one oil can ever triumph over others.

Forest and Environment Minister Arjun Modhwadia presented the Ramsar certificate to Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel in Gandhinagar on Friday.

A new trade agreement between India and the United States is set to boost India's textile exports. The deal opens up America's large textile import market, offering a significant advantage to Indian exporters. This agreement is expected to make Indian textiles more competitive globally and contribute substantially to India's export targets.

Financial Word of the Day: Stagflated describes an economy where inflation stays high while growth slows at the same time. Prices rise, but incomes do not keep up. Consumer demand weakens. Job creation slows. Normally, inflation falls when growth cools, but stagflation breaks that pattern. This traps central banks. Raising rates hurts growth. Cutting rates worsens inflation. Markets fear stagflation because stocks struggle, costs remain high, and uncertainty rises.

The Indian National Congress has voiced strong criticism regarding the India-US joint statement on a trade deal. Party leader Jairam Ramesh stated the agreement is silent on crucial details. He alleged that India might cease importing Russian oil and reduce import duties. This, he claimed, would benefit American farmers at the expense of Indian agricultural producers.

Sonia Gandhi has opposed a court plea seeking an FIR against her. The plea alleges her name was included in the electoral roll before she became an Indian citizen. Gandhi calls the plea frivolous and politically motivated. The court has taken her response on record. The complainant claims her name was added in 1980 and deleted later.

Telangana's BRS leader K T Rama Rao criticizes the Union Budget. He claims the budget favors states going to polls, neglecting Telangana. Rao points to special mentions for Bihar, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala. He states Telangana, a strong economic player, is deliberately excluded from key initiatives. This selective approach, he argues, undermines federalism and creates regional inequality.

The Supreme Court has backed Tamil Nadu's authority to appoint university vice-chancellors. This decision overturns a Madras High Court order that had halted the state's power. The Supreme Court noted the High Court acted too quickly. The matter now returns to the High Court for a decision within six weeks.

Following a victory in Maharashtra local polls, the Bharatiya Janata Party is now targeting municipal elections in Telangana and Karnataka. Polling in Telangana is set for February 11. In Karnataka, the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike elections are scheduled for May 2026. The party is mobilizing its workers and setting ambitious targets for these crucial grassroots contests.

States are boosting cash handouts for women voters as elections approach. West Bengal's Lakshmir Bhandar scheme sees a 500 monthly hike. Kerala earmarks 3,720 crore for its Sthree Suraksha Scheme. Bihar adds 3,000 annually to PM-Kisan for women entrepreneurs. Punjab plans 1,000 monthly for women. These moves signal a trend of pre-poll financial promises.

MEA's statement came after the White House claimed that India had committed to stop directly or indirectly importing Russian oil and would instead purchase from the US. The announcement formed part of the context in which additional tariffs imposed on India over its purchase of Russian oil were withdrawn.

Modi Malaysia visit: Addressing a community event in Kuala Lumpur, Modi reiterated that India's economic trajectory and reform push have enhanced its credibility as a reliable partner.

The proposed new line will pass through the Siliguri Corridor, often referred to as the Chickens Neck. The proposed underground line will extend from Tinmile Hat to Rangapani and then onward to Bagdogra.