The Economic Times

CoRover AI has launched Kanha Ji, a screen-free voice-first AI companion for children aged 0-7. Designed to foster learning and emotional well-being, the device engages children through conversation and adapts to their interests. Parents can monitor interactions and set controls via a linked app, ensuring a safe and enriching experience.

An Indian entrepreneur has sold his Swedish microgreens company and returned to India, citing a hostile and dysfunctional immigration system. Abhijith Nag Balasubramanya described his experience with the Swedish Migration Agency as a masterclass in systemic dysfunction, leading to his forced departure.

A viral video by Dolesh reveals the financial realities for Indian software engineers in Japan. Freshers earn around 3 million yen annually, approximately 17 lakh rupees. After a few years, this can increase to 4.5 to 5 million yen, nearly 30 lakh rupees. However, significant tax deductions of around 3 lakh rupees annually impact their savings.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz met with Chinese leader Xi Jinping in Beijing on Wednesday, hoping to bolster ties with his country's largest trade partner and high-tech rival as Europe's biggest economy struggles. China, the world's number two economy, overtook the United States last year to become Germany's biggest trade partner, but Berlin also regards the Communist Party-run state as a systemic rival to the West.

Quote of the day: Edgar Allan Poe remains a towering figure in American literature, proof that those who dare to dream consciously can reshape the boundaries of storytelling and thought.

Zimbabwe has halted talks on a major health deal with the United States. The nation expressed concerns over sharing sensitive health data without guaranteed access to resulting medical innovations. This led to the US announcing a wind-down of its health assistance to Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe stated this reflects Africa's maturation as a geopolitical actor seeking equal partnerships.

The Union Cabinet has approved changing the states official name from Kerala to Keralam. CPI(M) leader John Brittas emphasised that this is a formal, linguistic correction and will not alter how people from the state are identified. Malayalees, often informally called Mallus, will retain their existing demonyms.

Nepal's soybean oil exports to India saw a massive jump in 2025. Duty-free access allowed Nepal to send record amounts of refined oil to India. This surge helped Nepal's total exports to India double. However, it created challenges for Indian refiners who pay import duties. Nepal's share of India's soybean oil imports increased significantly.

Sri Lanka faces New Zealand in a critical T20 World Cup Super Eight match at the R. Premadasa Stadium. Both teams are under pressure, with Sri Lanka aiming to recover from a significant loss to England. The pitch offers a balanced contest, and dew may favor the chasing side later in the evening.

BMC Budget 26-27: Mumbai's civic body, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, has proposed a significant budget of over Rs 80,000 crore for the upcoming financial year 2026-27. This marks a notable increase in spending, particularly for capital projects. The corporation anticipates higher revenue income compared to previous estimates. Property tax is expected to contribute substantially to the BMC's finances.

The Louvre, home to the Mona Lisa, is set to welcome a new director. Art historian Christophe Leribault will take charge. He faces the significant task of guiding the world's largest museum through a crisis. This follows the audacious theft of the French crown jewels in October. The appointment is expected to be officially confirmed soon.

China is ramping up support for its semiconductor sector by expanding the list of encouraged imports to include chip design services and equipment R&D and maintenance. This policy update, replacing the 2019 catalogue, underscores Beijings push to strengthen its position in a strategically vital tech industry.

Rustem Umerov, Ukraines lead negotiator, is set to meet US envoy Steve Witkoff in Geneva on Thursday as part of preparations for anticipated trilateral talks with Russia in early March, Kyiv announced. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the discussions will focus on advancing efforts toward a potential peace deal, as well as prisoner-of-war exchanges and a proposed reconstruction prosperity package for Ukraine.

An Islamabad High Court judge was removed after he was found to have a fake law degree. University records revealed impersonation and cheating, leading to his ban and subsequent attempts to use another student's identity. The court rejected his delay tactics, finding his entire legal education record fabricated.

Blessed is he who has acquired a wealth of divine wisdom, but miserable he in whom there rests a dim opinion concerning the Gods, Empedocles said in one of his quotes. The quote means that real wealth comes from divine spirituality and not money or wealth. You can use this quote in spirituality by focussing on inner wisdom, practising reflection and using it as a meditation thought.

According to an official statement issued by Madras Medical College and the Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital, Nallakannu was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) on February 1 due to health complications.

The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) has confirmed that Pakistani airstrikes carried out on the night of February 2122 in Afghanistan resulted in civilian casualties. According to initial findings, at least 13 civilians, including women and children, were killed and seven others injured in strikes targeting the Behsud and Khogyani districts of Nangarhar Province.

Word of the Day: Tenebrous is a long, dramatic and atmospheric word. Rooted in Latin expressions of darkness, it conveys both physical gloom and intellectual ambiguity.

The Maharashtra government is intensifying its campaign against illegal moneylenders, moving to tighten provisions under the Money-Lending Regulation Act. The push comes after a shocking case from Chandrapur, where a farmer reportedly sold a kidney to secure a loan. Six unregistered lenders have been arrested in connection with the incident.

The Delhi High Court has issued a notice to Delhi Police regarding a plea by former MLA Alka Lamba. She seeks to quash an FIR filed against her. The case relates to a protest for women's reservation in 2024. A lower court had previously framed charges against her. The High Court is now seeking a response from the police.

Police in Uttar Pradesh's Muzaffarnagar have arrested two sisters for murdering their 60-year-old father. Upset over the constant taunts and discrimination between sons and daughters, the two decided to kill their father. While the 16-year-old held his legs tightly, the elder one slit his throat with a kitchen knife, according to police.

In the Indian culinary tradition, salads are evolving from simple side relishes into hearty, standalone meals. By combining plant-based proteins, fiber-rich grains, and traditional tempering, these dishes provide sustained energy without the post-meal slump. Here is the story of seven Indian salads that are satisfying enough to be your main course in 2026.

A Zambian student pursuing engineering in India shares her humorous and warm observations of everyday life. She navigates cultural nuances like the head wobble, auto rickshaw rides, and the significance of tea. Her Instagram documents these experiences, highlighting fashion contrasts, bargaining, and midnight street food adventures as she adapts to her new environment.

Gujarat will host the Gujarat Semiconnect Conference 2026 on March 1 in Gandhinagar. The event aims to make Gujarat India's gateway to silicon. Global leaders will discuss strategies to strengthen India's semiconductor manufacturing and research. The conference will feature keynote addresses, panels, and roundtables.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Chennai, Puducherry, and Madurai from February 28, highlighting government initiatives, cultural heritage, and infrastructure projects. His tour comes ahead of the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, where a three-way contest is shaping up between DMK, BJP-AIADMK, and actor Vijays TVK party.

WiseTech Global is set to reduce its workforce by up to 2,000 employees. This significant job cut, nearly a third of its global staff, is part of a major two-year overhaul. The company is aggressively integrating artificial intelligence into its software and operations. This strategic shift aims to create a leaner and more efficient organization.

In the vibrant world of Indian gastronomy, sweet doesn't have to mean unhealthy. As we move into 2026, a new wave of mindful indulgence is transforming the traditional dessert landscape. By swapping refined white sugar for ancient sweeteners like jaggery, dates, and honey, you can satisfy your cravings while nourishing your body. Here is the story of six healthy Indian desserts that celebrate tradition without the sugar crash.

High blood pressure poses serious health risks. A cardiologist, Dr Sanjay Bhojraj, shares a simple two-minute breathing exercise to lower blood pressure naturally. This technique involves controlled inhales and longer exhales, stimulating the body's calming response. Research supports slow breathing for reducing systolic pressure. Blood pressure is also affected by stress, sleep, and other factors beyond salt intake.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman launched the National Monetisation Pipeline 2.0, aiming to raise Rs 16.7 lakh crore by monetising over 2,000 assets. This initiative focuses on operating and maintaining brownfield infrastructure for fixed periods, not privatization, to fund new greenfield projects and boost GDP.

Matt Ridley, descendant of architect Edwin Lutyens, has voiced criticism over the removal of Lutyens' bust from Rashtrapati Bhavan. The bust was replaced with one of Chakravarti Rajagopalachari. Ridley noted Lutyens' name was also previously removed from the building's plinth. He described Lutyens as an architect, not a viceroy, and highlighted the building's diverse architectural influences.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was evacuated from his Canberra residence following a bomb threat. The threat was sent to a Chinese dance group, Shen Yun, which is scheduled to perform in Australia. The email warned of explosives at the Prime Minister's residence if the performance proceeded. Police investigated and found no suspicious items.

T T V Dhinakaran dismissed V K Sasikala's new political party launch. He compared it to quick meals and said it would not impact the NDA's election chances. Sasikala announced her party on Jayalalithaa's birth anniversary. Dhinakaran claimed true followers of Jayalalithaa are united. He stated the true intentions of some leaders are now exposed.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's visit to Japan has secured significant investment. MoUs worth approximately Rs 11,000 crore were signed with several Japanese firms. These agreements span crucial sectors like agriculture, automotive, and electronics. This collaboration is set to boost manufacturing and industrial ties between India and Japan. The partnerships will drive growth and innovation.

Nearly 86,000 Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation employees have received their pending salary hike dues. The government released Rs 100 crore to clear arrears for February. This financial assistance reflects the government's commitment to its employees. The disbursement process faced delays due to fund shortages and technical issues. Further funds are expected soon.

Elaborate security arrangements have been put in place for the Lathmar Holi celebrations in Barsana, with nearly 500 police officers and 4,000 personnel deployed across the fair area. The venue has been divided into eight zones and 14 sectors, each monitored by designated police officers and magistrates.

Celebrity fitness trainer Siddharth Singh, known for training Tamannaah Bhatia, shared the single worst food for weight loss. He posted this advice on Instagram on February 19, emphasizing mindful eating and sustainable fat loss.

The Financial Action Task Force warns of rising cyber fraud. This crime now links heavily with money laundering and terror financing. Criminals exploit digital platforms to steal money globally. The FATF calls for stronger rules and international teamwork. This will help trace and recover stolen funds. Countries must boost cooperation to fight this digital threat.

The Supreme Court is seeking more information on the cost and availability of Nucleic Acid Amplification Testing in government hospitals nationwide. This testing is crucial for detecting infections like HIV and hepatitis in donated blood.

India's new GDP revision is set to reflect new way of measuring the economy, shifting the base year for GDP to 202223. Authorities will also publish revised figures for earlier years to align them with the new benchmark. The goal is to make the numbers more realistic and responsive to todays economy, including evolving spending patterns and the expansion of online and tech-driven activity.

Alia Bhatt made her 2026 BAFTA debut on February 23 at Londons Royal Festival Hall, presenting the Best Film Not in the English Language award. Styled by Hollywood celebrity stylist Rebecca Corbin-Murray, she stunned in a silver sequinned Gucci gown inspired by Marilyn Monroe. The Indian actor posted her look on Instagram on 23 February.

Indian Oil Panipat workers' protest: Several labourers have been protesting at the Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) Refinery in Haryana's Panipat. The workers, who clashed with the security forces, have demanded reduced duty hours from 12 to 8 hours, timely payment of wages, basic facilities like water and a truck near the facility, no unfair wage deductions and more.