The Economic Times
Elections 2026Economy / The Economic Times
Commuters caught in the recent 32-hour Mumbai-Pune Expressway traffic jam will receive refunds. The Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation will return Rs 5.16 crore to 1.2 lakh travellers. This follows reports of toll collection continuing despite suspension orders after a gas tanker overturned. The refunds will be credited to FASTag accounts soon.
Ancient Greek philosopher Plato, a student of Socrates, believed people significantly impact personal growth. He likened individuals to soil, stating some nurture and foster development, while others hinder it, causing individuals to wither. This profound metaphor highlights the critical importance of choosing supportive relationships for a flourishing life and well-being.
US President Donald Trump introduced a new 10% global tariff. This move followed a Supreme Court decision invalidating emergency powers used for previous tariffs. India's tariffs have fluctuated significantly, reaching 50% before an interim deal reduced them. The current 10% global rate applies universally, pending further bilateral agreements.
Gate Response Sheet 2026: The Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati has concluded the GATE 2026 examination. Candidates can now anticipate the release of the provisional answer key on the official website, gate2026.iitg.ac.in, to estimate their scores and prepare for subsequent admission processes.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed students preparing for board examinations. He urged them to remain confident and focus on their efforts. Modi reminded students that stress and doubts are natural during exams. He emphasized that marks do not define a student's worth. The Prime Minister encouraged students to trust themselves and give their best.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Mann ki Baat shared India's progress in artificial intelligence. AI is now helping treat animals and track livestock for farmers. The country is also using AI to preserve ancient knowledge and manuscripts. Modi advised citizens to be cautious of online financial scams. He also celebrated the achievements of Indian-origin athletes in the T20 World Cup.
As BTS anticipates their March 2026 comeback, member V, aka Kim Taehyung, continues to inspire fans with his thoughtful words on self-worth. His quote encourages reflection on progress during hard times, likening individuals to beautiful, unique flowers. This message promotes self-acceptance and emotional balance. Read on!
India can become a major data centre hub in Asia. This requires solving power and grid issues. Renewable energy integration must match digital growth. India has cost advantages and a skilled workforce. Government policies offer incentives. Data centre capacity will grow significantly by 2030. This expansion will increase electricity demand. Addressing these challenges will position India for digital leadership.
Composer Ravi Basrur, known for KGF's iconic score, revealed a deeply personal struggle with suicidal attempts in his youth. A life-altering intervention by a benefactor, who supported his music and provided financial aid, inspired him to adopt the name Ravi. This act of kindness and belief profoundly shaped his journey, leading to his current professional success.
A mystery donor gifted Osaka city 21 kilograms of gold bullion. The donation is worth $3.6 million. The only condition was to fix the city's aging water and drainage system. This significant contribution will fund urgent repairs to the vital infrastructure. The donor wishes to remain anonymous.
India and the United States have postponed their meeting on the proposed interim trade pact. The discussions were scheduled for this week but have been deferred. Both nations have agreed to reschedule the talks for a later date. Officials have indicated that engagement between the two countries continues. The trade talks remain on track.
Bhupen Kumar Borah, former Assam Congress president, has joined the Bharatiya Janata Party. This move comes just a week after his resignation from the Congress. Borah led the Assam Congress from 2021 to 2025. His switch is significant as the Assam Assembly elections are approaching.
Adani Ports, NMDC, and Vale SA have signed an MoU to develop an integrated iron ore blending facility and SEZ at Gangavaram Port. This strategic collaboration aims to enhance India's East Coast iron ore export value chain, boosting efficiency and global competitiveness. The initiative will position Gangavaram Port as a major export hub, capable of handling Valemax vessels.
NCP (SP) president Sharad Pawar was admitted to Ruby Hall Clinic in Pune. Doctors stated he is being treated for mild dehydration. The 85-year-old Rajya Sabha member's condition is stable. He is expected to remain in the hospital for two days. This follows a previous admission in February for a chest infection.
Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva praised India's influence on Brazil's economic policy. He recalled how a 2005 visit inspired Brazil to build significant international hard currency reserves. This move transformed Brazil from an IMF debtor to a creditor. President Lula also noted the cultural exchange, with Indian hospitality mirroring a gesture he arranged for Prime Minister Modi.
Vivo launched the V70 Elite, priced from Rs 51,999, competing with the OnePlus 15R and Samsung Galaxy S25 FE. The V70 Elite boasts a 50MP selfie camera and a large 6500mAh battery with 90W charging, positioning it as a balanced option.
Coal India's Gevra mine in Chhattisgarh is set to become the world's largest coal producer next year. It will surpass US mines by producing 63 million tonnes. The mine, operated by South Eastern Coalfields Ltd, is already India's largest opencast mine. SECL is also exploring diversification into gasification and solar projects. The company aims for listing by March next year.
French spirits giant Pernod Ricard will not list its India business. India remains a critical growth engine for the company. The country is seeing strong premiumisation trends. Pernod Ricard expects continued momentum in India. This performance is despite a global sales dip. The company aims to reduce debt by 2029 without an India IPO.
OMC Power is entering the energy storage market by repurposing used electric vehicle batteries. The company is collaborating with Honda Motors Japan for this initiative. This move addresses concerns about the future of EV batteries. OMC Power plans to use these repurposed batteries for home and commercial UPS systems and hybrid rooftop installations.
Taapsee Pannu revealed how Shah Rukh Khan handles trolls who misunderstand his sharp wit and sarcasm. The actress was recently seen in Anubhav Sinha's Assi, which released in theatres on Friday (February 20). On the other hand, SRK is shooting for his upcoming movie King. Read on!
Ram Kapoor candidly shared the emotional toll of his career, admitting his demanding schedule meant he was largely absent from his children's lives for nearly a decade. His wife, Gautami, shouldered the responsibilities of pregnancy and raising their kids alone, enabling his professional ascent. Kapoor acknowledged her resilience as the foundation of his success.
India's GDP growth is expected to slow to 7.2 percent in the third quarter of fiscal year 2025-26. This moderation is driven by slower expansion in the services and agriculture sectors. Industrial performance is anticipated to improve. Government capital spending and state government revenue expenditure are also projected to be subdued.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami reviewed preparations for next years Kumbh Mela in Haridwar at a high-level meeting, stressing that ensuring facilities, smooth movement, sanitation, healthcare, and tight security for devotees is the governments top priority.
The brewing industry plans a significant investment of Rs 5,500 crore in Uttar Pradesh over the next three years. This includes setting up new breweries and ancillary units like aluminium can and glass production plants. The Brewers' Association of India welcomed the state's progressive excise policy. This policy aims to boost beer consumption and industry growth without impacting tax revenues.
Aurobindo Pharma is set to boost Penicillin-G output to over 10,000 metric tonnes annually. Its China manufacturing facility is projected to reach EBITDA break-even this quarter. The company is also advancing its US operations and developing complex generics. These strategic moves aim for sustainable growth and improved profitability.
Delhi hotels saw a significant rent hike last week. The AI Impact Summit, a major wedding season, and the T20 World Cup drove up demand. Hotel rates climbed substantially, with some premium rooms reaching high prices. This surge highlights Delhi's growing importance as a global hub for technology and diplomacy.
President Trump announced a new import tariff after a court ruling. Asian nations are monitoring the impact of this move. Analysts suggest further actions from Trump are likely. This creates fresh uncertainties for businesses and investors across the region. Japan and Taiwan are cautiously assessing the situation.
BLACKPINK has made history as the first musical artist globally to reach 100 million YouTube subscribers, earning them the prestigious Red Diamond Play Button. This monumental achievement, less than a decade after their 2016 debut, underscores their massive global fanbase, BLINKs, and their phenomenal journey from chart-topping hits to sold-out world tours. Read on!
Garena Free Fire Max players can get free items using redeem codes. These codes are 12-character alphanumeric strings. They are valid for a short time. Players should redeem them quickly. The article provides redeem codes for February 22, 2026. It also explains how to redeem these codes on the official Garena website.
A powerful storm is set to hit New York City, New Jersey, and Boston with heavy snow and strong winds. Blizzard warnings are in effect. Communities are preparing for significant snowfall and potential flooding. Travel will be extremely difficult. Officials are mobilizing snow clearing equipment. Many churches have canceled Sunday services.
As overtourism strains cities, the focus is shifting from bigger footfalls to better-managed, low-impact travel. Nupur Amarnath explores how destinations - and travellers - need to adapt
IDFC FIRST Bank has uncovered a significant fraud totaling Rs 590 crore. The incident involves employees at one of its Chandigarh branches. Four suspected officials have been suspended pending a thorough investigation. The bank is also appointing an independent agency to conduct a forensic audit. Strict action will be taken against all involved parties.
Actress Taapsee Pannu is earning praise for her role in Assi. She revealed spending one lakh rupees monthly on her nutritionist, viewing it as a professional necessity. The actress also shared her practical approach to finances, attributing her grounded nature to her mother's middle-class values. Read on to know more about it.
Irascible defines a person prone to quick anger and irritation. This temperament flares up rapidly, often at minor issues. The word highlights sensitivity to annoyance, not deep hostility. It is used in literature and journalism to describe habitual quick tempers. The term originates from Latin words for anger. It helps precisely describe a disposition without implying malice.
SBI Research said a US court ruling invalidating the tariff structure could reshape global policy and reduce uncertainty, but create a complex interim phase where countries may adopt counter-intuitive negotiation strategies as final tariff authority rests with the US Congress.
Globally, the luxury boom is cooling, with prices for prestige assets like watches and fine wines dropping 10-20%. However, India is experiencing a surge in demand for Swiss watches, with exports rising significantly. This presents a unique opportunity for Indian buyers to enter a market that is correcting worldwide but expanding locally.
US President Donald Trump said he is working with Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry to send a hospital ship to Greenland, claiming it would help sick people who are not being properly cared for there. The announcement, made on social media before a White House dinner with Republican governors, lacked details, and neither the White House nor Landrys office clarified whether Denmark or Greenland had requested such aid.
Actor Jeremy Allen White's public affinity for flowers has highlighted a growing trend in floral appreciation. Post-pandemic, people are embracing flowers for self-care and personal expression, moving beyond traditional gifting and events. This shift favors unique, natural arrangements, reflecting a desire for authenticity and individuality.
The first season of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms concludes with Episode 6. Ser Duncan the Tall and his squire Egg face a pivotal moment. Their loyalty is tested as Dunk confronts royal politics. Meanwhile, a debate over IMDb ratings for the show's episodes with Breaking Bad has emerged. Fans anticipate the emotional impact of the finale. Read on!
Indias seaplane ambitions, first launched in 2010 with Pawan Hans Jal Hans service, have largely failed to take off despite early hype, marked by stalled projects, brief trials and zero currently operational routes.
The Supreme Court has struck down President Trump's global tariffs. This decision significantly limits his ability to use tariffs as a tool for leverage in international dealings. Trump plans to reimpose duties through other means, but these are less flexible. This ruling impacts upcoming trade talks, particularly with China. The President's economic agenda faces a setback, potentially altering his messaging.
The Marathi film Krantijyoti Vidyalay Marathi Madhyam is coming to OTT soon. This social drama talks about the importance of mother-tongue education. It tells the story of a principal fighting to save his Marathi-medium school. The film explores the debate between regional and English-medium education. Read on to know where to watch the movie online.
Thousands of portable power banks are being recalled across Canada. Federal safety officials have identified a fire risk with LOGiiX Piston Power 5000 Mag Power Banks. A small number of these devices may overheat while charging. Consumers are urged to stop using the recalled power banks immediately. They should contact LOGiiX for a replacement. Safe disposal guidance is also available.
The US Justice Department is investigating Netflix's massive acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery. Regulators are examining if Netflix uses its market power unfairly against content creators. This review is more extensive than usual, suggesting a lengthy process. The investigation could impact rival bids, including Paramount's. Netflix denies any monopolistic behavior and pledges cooperation.

27 C