The Economic Times

A rare annular solar eclipse is set for February 17, 2026. This celestial spectacle, known as the, ring of fire, will be visible mainly over Antarctica. While India will not see this event, skywatchers can follow live streams. The eclipse occurs when the Moon is farther from Earth, creating a unique visual.

Congress MP Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa on Sunday called out the high-octane India-Pakistan clash in the ICC T20 World Cup, noting that the neighbour had historically been an enemy country to India and should be treated that way only.

During Maharshi Dayanand University's 50th anniversary, Chief Justice Surya Kant inspired attendees with his insights on achieving success. He urged the importance of having well-defined goals, coupled with hard work, discipline, and determination. Justice Kant also highlighted the necessity of upholding integrity and serving societal values. Recalling his enriching experience at MDU, he championed a merit-based approach to recognizing talent.

Maharashtra Congress leader Sachin Sawant has accused the BJP of hypocrisy. He cited instances where BJP leaders allegedly supported or endorsed references to Tipu Sultan in public spaces and official forums. Sawant claims the BJP's current opposition is politically motivated, aimed at creating religious divisions. He highlighted past resolutions and actions by BJP leaders involving Tipu Sultan.

The India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup match in Colombo will be played on a slow, used pitch at the R Premadasa Stadium, favoring spinners. Despite pacers' success in a previous game on the same strip, the surface's characteristics and large boundaries are expected to enhance spin's role. Both teams may consider strengthening their spin departments for the crucial encounter.

By glorifying Tipu Sultan by the AIMIM party is something to distort the history. Everyone knows that Tipu Sultan was responsible for persecuting many Hindus in the areas of Karnataka, Mysore and other places. His deeds have always been seen as anti-Hindu. The AIMIM party is trying to glorify him, and they are trying to even make him a larger figure than Veer Savarkar, Rao told ANI.

Anand Mahindra Maha Shivratri 2026 Wisdom: Anand Mahindra drew a parallel between the ancient myth of Samudra Manthan and contemporary challenges, suggesting that when society or business undergoes periods of intense churn, the first thing to surface is often toxicity. He referred to Lord Shiva and his act of consuming poison as an example of true leadership, advocating containment and composure rather than amplifying negativity during times of disruption and reform.

Bollywood superstar Salman Khan surprised many by revealing that he still resides in a one-bedroom apartment in Mumbai. Despite a net worth of Rs 2,900 crore, Khan prioritises comfort and familiarity over a larger home. He is currently preparing for his upcoming film, Battle of Galwan, alongside Chitrangda Singh. Read on!

New Delhi experienced a chilly Sunday with the minimum temperature dropping to 11.1 degrees Celsius. Mist is expected throughout the day, and the maximum temperature is forecast to reach around 27 degrees Celsius. The city's air quality was recorded in the 'poor' category. Residents can expect a cool day with moderate visibility.

Former US President Barack Obama has spoken out against the decline in political discourse. This follows a recent post on Donald Trump's social media showing Obama's face on a monkey's body. Obama stated that many Americans find such behavior troubling. He believes this lack of shame and decorum has been lost.

A coach of an empty passenger train caught fire at Katwa railway station in West Bengal early Sunday. Fire tenders brought the blaze under control within 30 minutes, and railway staff detached the affected coach to prevent further spread. No injuries were reported, and an investigation into the cause is underway.

Actress Madhubala faced a harsh media campaign in the 1950s. A minor incident escalated into a major scandal, with tabloids questioning her background. She barred journalists from sets, leading to retaliatory stories. Fearing for her safety, she received armed protection. A meeting with press members eventually eased tensions, ending the feud.

New documents reveal how Jeffrey Epstein facilitated immigration for women. He used student visas and English language schools as initial steps. Sham marriages were arranged to secure Green Cards and citizenship. Epstein's network, including lawyers, assisted in these complex immigration processes. The aim was to keep these women dependent and under his influence.

Magh Mela officer Rishi Raj said, Today is the last 'snan parv' of the Magh Mela, and devotees are coming in large numbers to take a holy dip on the occasion of Mahashivratri. 2026. 10 lakh devotees have already taken a holy dip. The administration has made proper arrangements.

An Australian study has identified 40 new cases of tattoo-associated uveitis, doubling global reports and highlighting a rare, sight-threatening eye inflammation. This immune reaction to tattoo pigments can cause blurred vision and pain, potentially leading to permanent vision loss if untreated. Experts urge increased awareness among doctors and tattoo recipients due to the condition's potential for long-term impact.

Australia has announced AU$3.9 billion ($2.8 billion) in initial funding to build a new facility for constructing nuclear-powered submarines under the AUKUS security pact with the United States and Britain. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the investment in the Submarine Construction Yard at Osborne is key to delivering conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines for the country.

A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms Episode 5 is all set to premiere in India soon. Ser Duncan the Tall faces Prince Aerion Targaryen in a Trial of Seven. This event follows a tense Episode 4. Prince Baelor Targaryen joins Dunk's side. The episode promises high drama and action. It is a prequel to Game of Thrones. Read on!

India is among 13 nations invited to Bangladesh's new government swearing-in ceremony, led by BNP chairperson Tarique Rahman. This invitation signals early regional engagement following the BNP's electoral victory. The move underscores the party's inclusive diplomatic approach and aims to deepen bilateral ties with New Delhi.

Large crowds gathered for the Mahashivratri holy dip at Prayagraj's Sangam ghats. Uttar Pradesh ATS monitored the Magh Mela 2026. Devotees also flocked to Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi. Similar celebrations occurred at temples nationwide. Mahashivratri marks the divine union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. The festival is celebrated with devotion across India.

New South Wales will observe an extra public holiday in 2026 and 2027. This holiday will be the Monday after Anzac Day if it falls on a weekend. The government aims to boost participation in remembrance activities. This move brings New South Wales in line with other states. The trial will be reviewed in 2032.

Lego Ideas Peanuts Snoopy Doghouse: LEGO has revealed its 21368 Peanuts Snoopy's Doghouse set after months of speculation. This 964-piece LEGO Ideas collection celebrates Charles M. Schulz's Peanuts. It features Snoopy and Woodstock. The set launches globally on June 1, 2026. Preorders are available now. This release marks LEGO's first official Peanuts set.

Bollywood star Akshay Kumar shared a deeply personal story on Wheel of Fortune. He recounted an incident from his past where he physically assaulted a man at a party. The altercation occurred after the man repeatedly insulted Kumar's friend. Kumar's forceful reaction led to the man losing consciousness. He expressed regret over the event, calling it a humiliating memory.

Union Minister Murlidhar Mohol has refuted foreign media claims regarding the Air India plane crash investigation, asserting that Indian agencies are still probing the incident. He emphasized that final conclusions will only be shared once the official report is complete, dismissing speculative media reports as incorrect.

India is planning a large data city in Visakhapatnam as it seeks to narrow the artificial intelligence gap with the United States and China, Andhra Pradesh IT minister Nara Lokesh said. The project aims to build a large digital ecosystem to support AI growth and attract global investment.

Three senior bankers at Raine Groups India unit, including country head Gaurav Mehta, are set to leave the boutique advisory firm to start a new investment banking venture, according to people familiar with the matter. Managing directors Naveen Asopa and Girish Punjabi are also departing.

Astronaut Sunita Williams visit to Kerala after her retirement from NASA triggered an intense rivalry among the states literary festivals. DC Books, which had been inviting her since 2019, quickly secured her appearance at the Kerala Literature Festival in Kozhikode once she retired. Competing organisers, especially the Mathrubhumi Group, also tried to host her but failed.

Telugu romantic comedy Funky, starring Vishwak Sen and directed by Anudeep KV, has secured its digital rights, which will premiere after its theatrical debut. Despite mixed audience reactions, the film is drawing steady crowds, particularly among younger viewers, and aims to mark a comeback for Vishwak Sen. Read on!

O'Romeo, featuring Shahid Kapoor and Triptii Dimri, has released. The film, a violent love story set in Mumbai's underworld, is directed by Vishal Bharadwaj. It has garnered mixed reviews. The movie saw a significant spike in box office collection on its second day. Read on to know how much it earned.

Paris prosecutors have formed a special team to investigate French nationals potentially linked to Jeffrey Epstein's crimes. This initiative follows the release of US documents and will re-examine the case of Jean-Luc Brunel, a close associate of Epstein. The team aims to uncover evidence for new investigations into suspected offenses involving French citizens.

Sudanese paramilitary forces committed widespread atrocities in Darfur. Over 6,000 people were killed in el-Fasher. The United Nations reported mass killings, sexual violence, and abductions. These acts are considered war crimes and crimes against humanity. The violence mirrors past RSF actions. Accountability for these acts is called for.

The United States and Iran are set to resume nuclear deal talks in Geneva, Switzerland, amid US President Trump's emphasis on reaching an agreement. Previous talks were held in Muscat and Rome, but US strikes on Iranian nuclear sites in June 2025 complicated the situation.

The Justice Department has sent a letter to lawmakers detailing redactions in Jeffrey Epstein's files. The correspondence includes a general description of redactions and a list of notable individuals mentioned, even those with no direct connection to Epstein or Ghislaine Maxwell. The letter does not specify the context of these mentions.

Northern California is bracing for a significant winter storm watch with several feet of snow expected in the Sierra Nevada. Meteorologists advise that Saturday through Sunday morning offers the best travel window before heavy snow impacts begin Sunday afternoon, potentially bringing 1-2 feet to populated areas and much more to higher elevations.

The centrepiece of the package is the proposed Urban Challenge Fund (UCF), which will provide Rs 1 lakh crore in central assistance over five years. The fund will cover up to 25% of project costs, subject to states and urban local bodies raising at least 50% of funding from the market.

Established Indian two-wheeler companies are now leading the electric vehicle market. By January 2026, TVS Motor, Bajaj Auto, and Hero MotoCorp will hold 60% of the market. This marks a significant shift from startup dominance. Legacy players are attracting mainstream customers with their strong networks and reliable products. The market is moving towards consolidation.

India's economy is transforming thanks to its digital highway. This connectivity acts as essential infrastructure, much like transport during the industrial revolution. Broadband subscribers have surged from 60 million to over one billion. Data costs have dramatically fallen, making access widespread. This digital shift fuels commerce and the economy.

India is at a crucial economic juncture. Technology and trade are powering its growth. The nation is building robust digital infrastructure and promoting domestic manufacturing. Free trade deals are opening global markets. The government is committed to safeguarding citizens and supporting farmers and small businesses. India is poised for significant advancement.

Quote of the Day: Emily Bront's iconic quote from Wuthering Heights resonates on Valentine's Day. It speaks of a love so deep it transcends earthly bounds. The article explores Bront's life and the enduring power of her words. Her novel, initially met with criticism, is now celebrated for its raw intensity.

Five European countries said lab tests show a deadly poison in Alexey Navalnys body after his 2024 prison death. They believe Russia is responsible and plan to report it to a global chemical weapons body. Russia denies the claims. The case has increased global tension and raised fresh questions about political safety, investigations, and the truth behind Navalnys death.

Trust has emerged as a defining quality of leadership in the age of social media and radical transparency. The world needs bold decisions. Your organisation needs decisions because the world is changing, Sergei Guriev, dean of the London Business School, said. However, at the same time, leaders must also be transparent about the risks they are taking, and disclose the logic and evidence behind steps that they take, he added.

Last August, S&P Global upgraded India's sovereign credit rating to 'BBB' from 'BBB-'. That upgrade didn't happen by chance, he said at the ET Now Global Business Summit, noting that India's post-pandemic expansion has been among the most consistent of any major economy.

India is rapidly transforming into a pivotal technology and skilled workforce center for global enterprises. Major players such as Uber and NatWest Group underscore the nation's rising significance.

China is slowly cutting its US debt holdings and buying more gold instead. Its share of US Treasuries has dropped to the lowest level in many years. Experts say China wants less financial dependence on the United States and more safety for its reserves. However, selling too fast could also hurt Chinas economy and affect global markets and the US dollar.

Bill Maher discussed Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce on his show. He commented on modern dating and masculinity. Maher suggested Swift's past relationships featured sensitive men. He contrasted this with her current relationship with Kelce. Maher's remarks drew audience applause. The host also addressed backlash to Bad Bunny's Super Bowl performance.

EU chief Ursula von der Leyen told the Munich Security Conference that Europe and Britain need to to cooperate more closely on security, on economy.. on defending our democracies. Europe and in particular the UK should come closer together .. 10 years on from Brexit our futures are as bound as ever, she told the Munich Security conference.