The Economic Times

The Reserve Bank of Indias monetary policy committee on Friday unanimously kept the repo rate unchanged at 5.25% and retained a neutral stance, citing a favourable growth outlook and low inflation, even as it flagged risks from global uncertainty. One member, Ram Singh, continued to call for a shift to an accommodative stance.

Jacqueline Fernandez Varanasi trip: Actress Jacqueline Fernandez recently visited Kashi, finding the holy city more beautiful and peaceful than imagined. She offered prayers at Kashi Vishwanath Temple, chanted 'Har Har Mahadev', and explored the Ganga ghats. Fernandez also enjoyed local street food, sharing a candid moment with fans.

Amid reports of 800 people missing in Delhi in the first two weeks of 2026, Delhi Police has issued a clarification saying that the hype around the surge in missing girls in Delhi is being pushed through paid promotion. The remarks came after reports surfaced that more than 800 went missing in Delhi in 15 days in January, mostly women and children. There has been no increase in missing persons cases compared to previous years, Delhi Police said.

Malayalam actor-producer Maniyanpilla Raju (Sudheer Kumar Raju) was arrested by the Thiruvananthapuram Museum Police on February 6, 2026, following a hit-and-run incident near the Trivandrum Club. The actor allegedly rammed his car into a motorcycle carrying two youths, Sooraj and Nivedith Krishna, leaving them with serious fractures and spinal injuries. Traced via a dislodged number plate, the actor claimed he panicked due to his health condition as a cancer survivor and has been booked under t

Toyota's Chief Executive Koji Sato is stepping down after three years. Chief Financial Officer Kenta Kon will take over as the new CEO. This management change comes as Toyota faces scrutiny over its planned buyout of a subsidiary. Sato will move to a vice chairman role. Kon is seen as instrumental in the buyout deal.

In a dramatic display of political defiance, several suspended opposition MPs rallied outside Parliament on Friday, unfurling a banner that labeled the US-India trade agreement as a 'Trap Deal.' This provocative act has intensified the existing standoff during the Budget Session, which has already faced numerous interruptions.

The Supreme Court has declined to hear Prashant Kishor's Jan Suraaj Party's challenge to the Bihar Assembly election results. The party alleged violations of the Model Code of Conduct. The apex court has directed them to approach the Patna High Court with their grievances. This decision comes after the BJP-led NDA secured a significant victory in the state elections.

The Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls in Telangana is slated for announcement in April-May 2026. Preparatory work has commenced to ensure accuracy and transparency. Booth Level Agents will be appointed for each polling station to aid in the process. Electors can still furnish details during the revision. Effective booth-level coordination is crucial for a successful exercise.

Triptii Dimri proves that red isnt just worn, it's owned. Six looks, one fearless fashion statement that refuses to be ignored.

Federal government employees in Canada will soon be required to work in offices more often. Most staff will need to be onsite four days a week starting July, 2026. Executives will work onsite five days a week from May 2026. This move aims to boost collaboration and service delivery. The government will consult with unions on implementation details.

RBI MPC: The Reserve Bank of India on Friday proposed a framework to compensate customers up to 25,000 for losses from small-value fraudulent digital transactions as part of steps to strengthen digital payment safety and customer protection.

RBI MPC statement: The Reserve Bank of India's Monetary Policy Committee maintained the repo rate at 5.25% and a neutral stance, prioritizing stability amidst global uncertainties. Strong domestic growth and controlled inflation provided the confidence for this decision. The MPC's unanimous vote reflects a cautious yet steady approach to managing India's economy.

India's export growth is poised for sustained momentum, driven by upcoming trade deals with the EU and US, alongside existing pacts with New Zealand and Oman. These agreements aim to diversify exports and strengthen the external sector, with key drivers including electronics, engineering goods, and pharmaceuticals contributing to record export figures.

Congress has criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This follows US President Donald Trump's repeated claims of stopping a conflict between India and Pakistan. Congress also attacked Modi's recent speech in the Rajya Sabha. They stated he avoided serious questions. Trump's claims about mediating the India-Pakistan issue have been made multiple times.

Across global events and photoshoots, Nora Fatehis bold fashion choices transform every appearance into a visual moment that commands attention and admiration.

In Rajasthan's Sriganganagar, police have arrested four people: a newlywed wife, his lover, who worked as a waiter, and his two accomplices, who killed the woman's husband in January. Anju and Ashish got married just three months back, and she planned her husband's murder with her lover, Sanjay, who worked as a waiter. They tried to pass the case as 'hit and run case'.

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Lucky Oberoi was shot dead outside a Gurdwara in Model Town, Jalandhar. The police have started a probe into the killing.

Valentine Week Special: Anand Mahindra, a prominent Indian business leader, met his wife Anuradha in Indore during his Harvard studies. Their relationship blossomed, leading to their marriage in 1985. Anuradha Mahindra carved her own path as a journalist and publisher. Their enduring partnership is a testament to personal commitment alongside professional ambition. The couple has two daughters.

Rose Day 2026 Date: Rose Day 2026 arrives on February 7, initiating Valentine's Week. This tradition celebrates expressing love, friendship, and admiration through the gift of roses. The focus is on simple gestures and genuine emotions. Readers can find guidance on rose colours, outfit ideas, and thoughtful surprise suggestions to make the occasion memorable.

Opposition members protested in the Rajya Sabha after the Lok Sabha Speaker allegedly prevented Rahul Gandhi from speaking. The debate escalated with accusations of ave child and onded labor, and references to lynching incidents, leading to an Opposition walkout.

RBI MPC meeting time: The Reserve Bank of India's Monetary Policy Committee will announce its latest policy decision on February 6, 2026. This decision will impact loan EMIs, savings returns, and market sentiment. Analysts expect the repo rate to remain unchanged. The RBI Governor will address the media, providing insights into inflation and growth. This announcement is crucial for borrowers, investors, and businesses.

Pariksha Pe Charcha 2026 timing: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address students today at 10 am as part of his annual flagship programme, Pariksha Pe Charcha. You can watch today's episode of Pariksha Pe Charcha on Doordarshan, SonyLiv, Zee5 and Prime Video. It will also be streamed on digital platforms such as the PMO, Ministry of Education (MoE), Doordarshan and MyGov.in

The Lok Sabha will debate the Union Budget for 2026-27 on Friday. The session includes Question Hour and the laying of papers by Union Ministers. Later, Private Members' Business will feature numerous Bills on diverse topics. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Modi addressed the Rajya Sabha, criticizing the Congress party. The Budget session continues until April 2.

Uttar Pradesh weather update: The weather in eastern and western Uttar Pradesh are likely to remain dry and strong winds at the speed of 15 to 25 kmph are expected during the daytime. Noida, Ghaziabad will also see strong winds today. In Lucknow, fog is likely during morning hours and clear skies are expected.

Industry Season 4 Episode 5 early release time, schedule and how to watch are confirmed for US and UK viewers. The episode titled Eyes Without a Face follows SternTao's financial struggles and Sweetpeas risky investigation in Africa. Here is the full release schedule, viewing details, and episode synopsis.

Over the past year, President Donald Trump implemented record-high tariffs on U.S. imports, averaging around 17%, the highest since 1932, aiming to boost American industry and reduce the trade deficit. The tariffs generated significant government revenueabout $287 billion in 2025but most of the cost was borne by U.S. businesses and consumers, rather than foreign firms.

Quote of the Day: Pop star Ariana Grande's words encourage self-acceptance and loving one's flaws. Her journey from Nickelodeon to global stardom highlights this message. Grande's career has seen significant challenges and artistic growth. Her music reflects vulnerability and personal transformation. This powerful reminder offers permission to be oneself without apology, valuing existence over constant striving.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is facing intense scrutiny over his 2024 decision to appoint Peter Mandelson as UK ambassador to Washington despite Mandelsons ties to late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Newly released documents revealed Mandelson maintained a closer relationship with Epstein than previously disclosed, including sharing sensitive information and receiving payments.

A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms Episode 4 early release time, schedule and how to watch details are confirmed. Episode 4 will stream early due to the Super Bowl. Viewers can check global release times, full episode schedule, recap of Episode 3, cast list, and streaming platforms worldwide.

Thailand is heading into a snap general election on Sunday, called by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul to avoid a no-confidence vote. The vote takes place amid slow economic growth, nationalist tensions, corruption allegations, and a border dispute with Cambodia.

The United States announced $6 million in additional humanitarian aid for Cuba, focused on food and basic supplies for eastern regions hit by Hurricane Melissa, as relations between the two countries grow more tense.

Oil prices fell for a second day and were set for their first weekly decline in weeks, as fears of Middle East supply disruptions eased and investors focused on U.S.Iran nuclear talks in Oman. Brent crude slipped to about $67 a barrel and U.S. WTI to around $62.8, both down more than 3% from late-January highs.

Word of the Day: Rendezvous means a planned meeting at a set time and place. This French word entered English centuries ago. It adds a sense of purpose to gatherings. From secret meetings to professional appointments, rendezvous covers various scenarios. It can be used for two people or larger groups. The word fits both formal and informal settings.

Donald Trump gave his full endorsement to Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi ahead of Japans national election, saying she deserves complete and total support and confirming he will host her at the White House on March 19.

Why are S&P 500, Dow Jones and Nasdaq down today and who are US stock market big crash losers and gainers? Falling tech stocks, weak job reports, and a bitcoin plunge pushed Wall Street lower. Qualcomm, Alphabet, and Estee Lauder led losses, while McKesson and Broadcom gained.

Shares of Japanese pharmaceutical companies fell sharply in early Tokyo trading after the launch of TrumpRx, a U.S. website offering discounted prescription drugs. Sumitomo Pharma dropped 4.5%, Chugai Pharmaceutical fell 3.1%, and Takeda Pharmaceutical slid 1.5%.

A magnitude 4.0 earthquake struck Namchi, Sikkim at 3:11 am on Friday, at a shallow depth of 5 km, according to the National Centre for Seismology. Residents reported feeling tremors and seeing objects move, though no damage was reported.

Indian solar equipment exports to the US are set for a significant boost. Tariffs are falling, making Indian solar modules and cells more competitive. Companies are now planning to export higher-value items like battery storage systems and inverters. This move is expected to drive capacity expansion and create new opportunities in the growing US market.

A close reading of the budget documents shows that a person can slip away by proactively paying a significantly lower amount on unexplained domestic income - earnings whose 'sources' a taxpayer cannot spell out.

The United States will reduce tariffs on goods from India. The tariffs will drop to 18% from the current 50%. This change will happen after a joint statement is signed virtually, marking the first part of a broader trade agreement. Washington plans to issue an executive order to put the lower tariffs into effect a day or two after the joint statement is finalized. Indian tariff reductions (will happen) only after a legal agreement, stated commerce secretary Rajesh Agrawal.

Switzerland's Rado luxury watch company sees its price advantage from a new trade deal with India largely cancelled out. The rupee's depreciation against the Swiss franc has reduced the expected benefits. The India-European Free Trade Association deal, starting in October 2025, aims to lower import tariffs on Swiss watches. However, currency fluctuations are impacting the final cost for Indian consumers.

A Japanese town near Mount Fuji has cancelled its iconic cherry blossom festival due to overtourism. Badly behaved visitors caused traffic, litter, and trespassing, leading residents to declare a crisis. Authorities cited the need to protect the living environment and dignity of citizens after a decade of the popular event.

Spartacus: House of Ashur Finale Episode 10 release time, schedule, spoilers and how to watch details are now confirmed. The final episode airs on Starz on February 6, 2026. The story focuses on arena fights, power shifts, and outcomes for Ashur, Caesar, and the House of Ashur.