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The Economic Times

Economy / The Economic Times

Iphone 17 Pro Vijay Sales and Apple's Valentine's day offer: Check latest deals and discounts on iPhones, Macbooks and Airpods

Apple Valentines Day Sale 2026 has met its match as Vijay Sales undercuts official iPhone 17 Pro prices by 7,000. While Apple India offers 5,000 instant cashback, Vijay Sales combines a lower base price with 12,500 American Express EMI offers, creating the season's best deal.

2 Feb 2026 12:50 pm
Russia will not accept NATO-member forces in Ukraine, Dmitry Medvedev says

Russia has firmly dismissed a European suggestion to station NATO forces in Ukraine. Dmitry Medvedev expressed that this move is intolerable for Russia, reiterating that the conditions for resolving the ongoing conflict, as stated by President Vladimir Putin, have not changed. This situation underscores the deep-rooted tensions and contrasting viewpoints surrounding a possible peace agreement.

2 Feb 2026 12:46 pm
BJP has many invisible friends, Budget 2026 designed for them: Akhilesh Yadav

Opposition leaders have voiced strong criticism of the Union Budget 2026-27. Akhilesh Yadav claims the budget favors invisible associates of the Bharatiya Janata Party. MPs from Kerala have labeled it an 'anti-Kerala Budget'. Vaiko of MDMK alleges discrimination against Tamil Nadu, particularly impacting its textile industry.

2 Feb 2026 12:46 pm
SC directs Centre to set up tribunal on sharing of Pennaiyar river waters

The Supreme Court has ordered the Central government to establish a tribunal. This tribunal will resolve the water sharing dispute concerning the Pennaiyar river between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. The notification and tribunal formation must be completed within one month. Tamil Nadu had approached the court in 2018 regarding Karnataka's actions on the river.

2 Feb 2026 12:44 pm
Bharat-Balochistan match soon? Amid BLA vs Pakistan Army gunfire violence and Pak boycotting India match at T2O World Cup, a new proposal gains traction

Will a cricket match between Bharat and Balochistan happen soon? A post shared by a Baloch representative shares the idea of a cricket match between India and Balochistan when there is a heavy gunfire between Pakistan Army and the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) with multiple deaths on both the sides. On the other hand, Pakistan has also decided to boycott India match at the T20 World Cup.

2 Feb 2026 12:42 pm
Kerala opposition MPs protest Union Budget in Parliament as state assembly witnesses uproar over adjournment notice rejection

Budget: Opposition MPs from Kerala protested the Union Budget, calling it anti-Kerala. Meanwhile, the Kerala Legislative Assembly witnessed scenes of uproar. The Speaker rejected an Opposition notice demanding a discussion on alleged violations of the Kerala Prisons Act. Congress leaders boycotted the session, accusing the government of releasing criminals on parole to protect political interests.

2 Feb 2026 12:40 pm
9 Budget boosts for businesses: Tax holidays lengthen, penalties soften, compliance made easy

Union Budget: Retaining the governments stated focus on a more facilitative tax regime, several new measures touch a wide host of aspects from revised returns and reassessment proceedings to tax prosecution and buybacks.

2 Feb 2026 12:35 pm
'Merit must have a home': When a fathers pain pushed FM Sitharaman to prioritise girls hostels in Budget 2026

Education Budget 2026: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said a personal experience inspired the Union Budget 202627s focus on expanding girls hostels, stressing that merit must have a home. The budget allocates Rs 1.39 lakh crore to education, with major increases for higher education and digital learning infrastructure, aimed at empowering young people and women.

2 Feb 2026 12:33 pm
Pune Porsche crash case: Supreme Court grants bail to three accused in May 2024 car case

The Supreme Court granted bail to three individuals involved in the 2024 Pune Porsche accident. The court noted parental responsibility in such cases involving juveniles. The accident tragically claimed two lives. The accused sought bail after their initial pleas were rejected. The case involves allegations of blood sample tampering.

2 Feb 2026 12:33 pm
Pretty disgraceful: Shashi Tharoor after Pakistan boycott T20 WC match against India

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor criticised the politicisation of cricket, calling Pakistan's boycott of the T20 World Cup 2026 match against India disgraceful, and urged all parties concerned to contact each other on an emergency basis regarding the imbroglio.

2 Feb 2026 12:26 pm
Power Grid Corp raises FY26 capex forecast to Rs 32,000 cr from earlier Rs 28,000 cr

Power Grid Corporation of India has increased its capital expenditure forecast for the current financial year to Rs 32,000 crores, up from Rs 28,000 crores, driven by strong execution visibility. The company secured seven Tariff-Based Competitive Bidding contracts in FY26, including a significant transmission project for Uttar Pradesh's Pumped Storage Projects.

2 Feb 2026 12:26 pm
Urfi Javed: The Fashion Rebel Bollywood Can't Ignore

Urfi Javed doesn't follow trends; she creates chaos, conversation, and controversy with every outfit. Love her or hate her, you can't ignore her past. Her fashion is bold, bizarre, and unapologetically Urfi always.

2 Feb 2026 12:21 pm
Maruti Suzuki weighs price hike as commodity costs surge, demand stays strong

Maruti Suzuki may increase vehicle prices soon. Rising commodity costs, especially precious metals, are pushing up expenses. The company is trying to absorb these costs through efficiencies. However, sustained pressure might lead to price hikes for consumers. Maruti Suzuki has a large order backlog and is working to increase production capacity. The e Vitara will launch this month.

2 Feb 2026 12:20 pm
Yuvraj Singh wants to apologise to Sachin Tendulkar after 10 years. It is about a photo

Ten years after posting a photo, Yuvraj Singh still feels the need to apologize to Sachin Tendulkar. He reflects on learning from Tendulkar's actions and the importance of enjoying cricket, a lesson he received from the icon. Tendulkar's enduring legacy includes his historic double century and continued impact on fellow cricketers.

2 Feb 2026 12:15 pm
Quote of the day by American philosopher Ralph Waldo Emerson: 'To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else...'

Ralph Waldo Emerson, a renowned American thinker, championed individuality and self-reliance. His ideas, born from personal reflection, urge people to stay true to themselves. He believed genuine independence stems from inner clarity, not outward rebellion. Read on to know more about it!

2 Feb 2026 12:13 pm
India may raise foreign investment cap in state-run banks to 49%

The Indian government is actively conducting inter-ministerial discussions to increase the foreign direct investment (FDI) ceiling in state-owned banks from the current 20% to 49%, financial services secretary M. Nagaraju said on Monday, reported Reuters.

2 Feb 2026 12:10 pm
Cigarette prices jump as new excise regime kicks in, stoking smuggling fears

Cigarette prices have significantly increased following a new excise duty. This tax hike, the first in seven years, aims to align India's tobacco taxation with global health standards. Distributors report substantial price jumps on various cigarette types. The government is shifting to a 40% GST rate and will introduce additional excise duties from 2026.

2 Feb 2026 12:09 pm
BCCI backs ICC's stance on Pakistan boycotting T20 WC match against India: Rajeev Shukla

The BCCI vice president Rajeev Shukla said the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) board agrees with the ICC's stance on sportsmanship regarding Pakistan's boycott of their T20 World Cup 2026 group-stage match against India and will comment only after consulting the ICC.

2 Feb 2026 11:56 am
S&P/ASX 200 closes down as Gold stocks lead sell-off in Australian shares ahead of central bank meeting on interest rate; check top gainers, losers and top performing sectors

Australian shares saw their biggest drop in two months on Monday, February 2, 2026. Investors grew cautious as the central bank is expected to raise interest rates this week. Precious and base metal miners led the decline. The S&P/ASX 200 index closed lower. Gold miners experienced their worst day since late October, 2025.

2 Feb 2026 11:50 am
IMF chief says global inflation to fall to 3.8%, trade integration is needed

The outlook for global inflation is brightening, with substantial reductions anticipated this year and into 2027. This encouraging development is largely attributed to a softening in demand and falling energy prices. The International Monetary Fund's leader recently emphasized this positive trajectory. In the face of significant geopolitical and economic challenges, global growth remains robust.

2 Feb 2026 11:48 am
9 Budget measures that will change how and what you buy

Union Budget 2026: some measures make high-value imports and essential items cheaper, others add incremental costs that consumers will feel over time.

2 Feb 2026 11:48 am
21,000 Maharashtra school girls to learn Taekwondo, Karate, Judo, kick boxing: Check age, criteria needed for enrollment curriculum and military training details

More than 21,000 girl students in schools across Maharashtra will be imparted military training from February 1, state school education minister Dada Bhuse said. The students will various martial arts such as Taekwondo, Karate, Judo, Krav Maga, Boxing, Kickboxing, Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, Aikido and Wushu and the curriculum also includes Yoga to to improve flexibility and emotional balance.

2 Feb 2026 11:41 am
'Jarvis has gone rogue': Inside Moltbook, where 1.5 million AI agents secretly form an 'anti-human' religion while humans sleep

Moltbook is the worlds first AI social network where 1.5 million autonomous agents post and debate without human input. Using OpenClaw technology, these bots have sparked a digital singularity, spontaneously creating a religion called Crustafarianism and drafting constitutions, leaving tech experts fascinated by this unprecedented emergent AI behavior.

2 Feb 2026 11:38 am
JKBOSE Class 11 Results 2026: Alternative websites and ways to check scores if official jkbose.jk.gov.in site is not working

JKBOSE Class 11 results for 2026: Access your JKBOSE Class 11 Results 2026 smoothly despite potential website slowdowns. Students can check online via jkbose.nic.in or jkresults.nic.in, or opt for SMS by typing JKBOSE11 and sending to 5676750. Provisional marksheets are also available on DigiLocker.

2 Feb 2026 11:34 am
Maruti Suzuki sales up 12% to 2,36,963 units in January, highest ever monthly sales volume

Maruti Suzuki India saw a significant 12 percent jump in total sales for January. The auto giant dispatched 2,36,963 units, a notable rise from the previous year. Domestic passenger vehicle sales showed a marginal increase. Utility vehicle sales experienced strong growth. Exports also surged impressively, contributing to the overall positive performance for the month.

2 Feb 2026 11:28 am
Latest Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada OTT releases (Feb 2 - Feb 8): The Raja Saab to Parasakthi, new movies and shows on Netflix, JioHotstar, ZEE5

This week brings exciting South Indian films to streaming platforms. From Prabhas' The Raja Saab to Sivakarthikeyan and Sreeleela's Parasakthi, there is something for every viewer this week. Read on to know when and where to watch these OTT releases online.

2 Feb 2026 10:55 am
What is Boycott Huda Beauty trend, why are Iranian protestors throwing brand's makeup products in dustbin and why has the internet exploded with Mona Kattan's latest move?

Boycott Huda Beauty: Iranian protestors are boycotting Huda Beauty products and throwing them away in dustbins after Huda Kattan shared a post related to the protests. Huda Kattan is under the ire of Iranian protestors for sharing a video of regime supporters burning pictures of the exiled crown prince, Reza Pahlavi. Moreover, her sister Mona Kattan has unquietly unfollowed her sister Huda Kattan.

2 Feb 2026 10:49 am
UGC NET December 2025 result out soon: Big update for JRF and Assistant Professor aspirants; Heres how to check the scorecard

UGC NET December 2025 results are anticipated soon. The National Testing Agency is expected to release the scorecards by February 4. Candidates can download their results from the official NTA website. This exam is vital for aspiring teachers and researchers in Indian universities. The examination was conducted between December 31, 2025, and January 7, 2026.

2 Feb 2026 10:47 am
India's factory growth improves slightly in January, PMI shows

India's manufacturing activity saw a slight uptick in January, driven by improved domestic demand, though export orders remained sluggish. Despite a modest rise in factory output and a three-month high in hiring, business confidence dipped to a three-and-a-half-year low. Input costs increased, but output price inflation eased, indicating limited pricing power for manufacturers.

2 Feb 2026 10:40 am
Pakistan's National Finance Commission stalls as key working groups remain inactive

Pakistan's National Finance Commission has stalled, with most working groups inactive and the second meeting delayed. Provinces and the centre differ over revenue sharing and reforms, raising concerns about further delays to the long-pending 11th NFC award meant to guide distribution of federal resources.

2 Feb 2026 10:32 am
Once bankrupt and selling door to door, this Delhi man now runs a Rs 26 crore empire at just 29. Heres how he did it

Rags to riches story: A Delhi entrepreneur achieved multi-crore wealth by age 29 after facing bankruptcy at 23. He moved to Canada at 17, worked in sales, and later used social media and AI for content creation. This led to significant earnings, which he reinvested in AI ventures and property. He sold his rental business for Rs 27 crore. His journey inspires many.

2 Feb 2026 10:21 am
14 days without added sugar: What happens to your body, according to a Harvard-trained gastro doctor

Removing added sugar for two weeks triggers a significant bodily recalibration, leading to improved energy, digestion, and metabolism. While initial cravings and fatigue occur, they subside as the brain adjusts. By the second week, noticeable benefits like flatter stomachs, better sleep, and clearer hunger cues emerge, indicating a metabolic reset.

2 Feb 2026 10:19 am
Dhurandhar star Akshaye Khanna shakes a leg to Shah Rukh Khans superhit song in old video; netizens react: Rehman Dakait in college

Akshaye Khanna's recent success in 'Dhurandhar' has sparked renewed interest, leading to a viral throwback video of him dancing to 'Chaiyya Chaiyya' with Twinkle Khanna in the early 2000s. The clip, also featuring Aamir Khan, showcases Khanna's effortless charm and surprisingly rhythmic dance moves, earning him widespread admiration online.

2 Feb 2026 10:12 am
Why Anand Mahindra chose Novak Djokovic for his inspiration despite the tennis legend losing the Australian Open final

Novak Djokovic showed his enduring spirit at the Australian Open 2026 final. Though Carlos Alcaraz won, Djokovic's fight earned widespread admiration. Anand Mahindra and Vuk Jeremi praised Djokovic's inspiration and legacy. Djokovic thanked fans for their support. His performance highlighted that greatness extends beyond wins, focusing on perseverance and pushing boundaries.

2 Feb 2026 10:08 am
Fans spot Justin Bieber's new tattoo during Grammy 2026 performance. Is it related to wife Hailey Bieber?

Justin Bieber returned to the Grammy stage for the 2026 awards. His performance also featured a new tattoo on his back. Fans believe the artwork is a portrait of his wife, Hailey Bieber. This marks Justin Bieber's first major live performance in years. He also received four Grammy nominations. Read on!

2 Feb 2026 9:58 am
Himanta Biswa Sarma says he has no ambition to enter national politics for another five years

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma will focus on state politics for the next five years. He stated his commitment to Assam's development and ensuring no infiltrators remain. Union Home Minister Amit Shah also emphasised this goal. Sarma expressed confidence in the BJP securing a third consecutive term.

2 Feb 2026 9:33 am
Ram Charan, two-year-old daughter Klin Kaara mobbed while visiting Upasana and newborn twins outside hospital, irritated 'RRR' star pushes back crowd. Watch viral video

Ram Charan and his two-year-old daughter Klin Kaara were mobbed outside a hospital in Hyderabad while they were going to visit his wife Upasana and their newborn twins. The viral video showed Ram Charan tying to protect his daughter from the crowd at one point, he got irritated and pushed the crowd away to clear the path. Soon after news broke that Ram Charan and Upasana had welcomed twins - a baby boy and a baby girl - fans gathered in large numbers outside Apollo Hospital.

2 Feb 2026 9:21 am
At 90, Dalai Lama wins his first Grammy. How did the Buddhist leader get nominated for musics biggest night?

At 90 years old, the Dalai Lama achieved a historic first, winning a Grammy for Best Audio Book, Narration & Storytelling Recording. His spoken-word album, Meditations: The Reflections of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, mixed his teachings with music from acclaimed artists, aiming to spread messages of peace and compassion to a global audience. Read on!

2 Feb 2026 8:47 am
Uttar Pradesh rain alert: Rainfall to intensify chill in Ghaziabad, Noida and Lucknow due to western disturbance? Here's what IMD has predicted for UP

Uttar Pradesh Rains: The weather in Uttar Pradesh is likely to see a major change as western disturbance is likely to trigger rainfall in many parts of the state, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). Both the eastern and western parts of UP are likely to receive rain with thunderstorms and lightning, the weather office said. Ghaziabad, Noida, Saharanpur, Jhansi, Lalitpur, Meerut, Agra, and Mathura are also likely to see rains.

2 Feb 2026 8:38 am
AR Rahman breaks silence after communal row: My message got corrupted

A.R. Rahman addressed recent criticism regarding his comments on communal bias in Bollywood, explaining his words were misconstrued. Appearing on The Great Indian Kapil Show, he used the show's whisper game to illustrate how messages can be distorted. Rahman also discussed his work on the silent film Gandhi Talks and his struggles with industry comparisons and self-doubt.

2 Feb 2026 8:29 am
CA warns: Buying a Rs 90 lakh home on 'comfortable' salary could trap you working till 70

A chartered accountant warns that buying a home can be a financial trap. The true cost of ownership, including taxes and maintenance, is often overlooked. Stretching finances for a home can sacrifice long-term investments and delay retirement. Real wealth comes from managing debt and investing, not just owning property. This purchase can lead to decades of financial strain.

2 Feb 2026 8:26 am
Grammy 2026: Kendrick Lamar beats Jay-Zs record to become the most-awarded rapper in Grammy history

Kendrick Lamar made history at the 2026 Grammy Awards, becoming the most-awarded rapper ever with 26 wins, surpassing Jay-Z. He secured multiple awards, including Best Rap Album for GNX. Lamar's acceptance speech emphasised his music's voice and the enduring strength of the culture. Read on!

2 Feb 2026 7:51 am
Delhi, Noida, Gurugram weather: Delhi-NCR wakes up to dense fog and reduced visibility, airport issues travel advisory. Check IMD's latest forecast

Delhi, Noida, Gurugram weather: Delhi-NCR was enveloped in thick smog on Monday, which sharply reduced visibility across the city. The dense fog in the national capital prompted the Delhi Airport to issue a travel advisory for passengers. Operations at the Indira Gandhi International Airport were shifted to CAT III conditions, which allow aircraft to land in very low visibility but often lead to delays.

2 Feb 2026 7:46 am
Grammys 2026: Anoushka Shankar skips ceremony despite two nominations for 'Daybreak' and 'We Return to Light', says Being here in India

Grammys 2026: Anoushka Shankar, daughter of the legendary Ravi Shankar, has earned two nominations this year for her album Daybreak and Chapter III: We Return To Light. In an Instagram post, she revealed she is on a tour to India where Chapter III really began, calling her the truest artistic life. Anoushka Shankar has chosen mental health, she wrote in the post.

2 Feb 2026 7:32 am
Trump hopeful of Iran deal after Tehran warns of regional war

Trump Iran war: In a diplomatic gambit, US President Donald Trump is optimistic about reaching a consensus with Iran, while the Islamic Republic's supreme leader cautions of potential warfare in the region should hostilities break out.

2 Feb 2026 7:31 am
China's factory activity expansion accelerates in January, private PMI shows

China's factory activity grew faster in January. Export orders bounced back, and production increased. Hiring reached a three-month high. This private survey contrasts with an official one. China's economy grew 5.0% last year. New export orders expanded, driven by demand from Southeast Asia. Manufacturers increased production ahead of the Chinese New Year holiday.

2 Feb 2026 7:22 am
Wanted to take care of my mental health: Anoushka Shankar skips Grammys 2026 despite two nominations. Heres what she plans to do instead

Anoushka Shankar chose to perform in India during the Grammy Awards. She received two nominations but felt live music offered a more meaningful connection. She highlighted the emotional and financial toll of the awards circuit. She believes her true artistic life is found in performing and creating with her team in India. Read on!

2 Feb 2026 7:14 am