The Economic Times

India's chief negotiator Darpan Jain will lead a delegation to Washington next week to finalize the legal agreement for the India-US trade deal, aiming for a March signing. The visit follows the finalization of an interim trade agreement framework, with virtual talks ongoing to translate contours into a legal pact.

BJP leader Tejasvi Surya welcomed US Ambassador Sergio Gor to Bengaluru. They discussed the expanding India-US partnership in trade, technology, and innovation. Surya highlighted Bengaluru's role, noting its blend of tradition and cutting-edge innovation. The city hosts many American companies and drives software exports. The leaders also shared a ride in a Namma Auto.

A nine-judge bench will hear cases on women's entry to religious sites. This includes the Sabarimala Temple in Kerala. The hearings begin on April 7 and are expected to end by April 22. The court will examine seven legal questions. The ruling will affect other religious entry cases. This is a significant development for women's rights in India.

The Supreme Court has strongly criticized the trend of using the apex court for political purposes during elections. Chief Justice of India Surya Kant urged leaders and parties to show restraint and adhere to constitutional morality. The court refused to hear petitions against Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma, directing them to the Gauhati High Court.

In a bold move to elevate infrastructure development, India's Central Public Works Department (CPWD) is undergoing a significant transformation. With an influx of skilled professionals, the agency is set to tackle the increasing demands of modern construction. As new architectural wonders rise across the nation, CPWD is now managing an impressive portfolio of projects worth 25,000 crore each year.

Bhupen Borah, former Assam Congress chief, resigned from the party. Senior Congress leaders visited him. Bhanwar Jitendra Singh, Congress in-charge, stated Borah's resignation would not be accepted. Borah has sought time to rethink his decision. He has been associated with the Congress for 32 years. He cited self-respect as the reason for his resignation.

Expressing their deep concern, the Congress party has staunchly opposed the anticipated trade deal between India and the US, claiming it poses a significant threat to the livelihoods of local farmers. They are particularly alarmed by the potential influx of duty-free imports of processed maize, sorghum, soya bean oil, and cotton from America.

In the heart of Maharashtra, a fierce political clash ignites as a municipal office displays an image of Tipu Sultan. This provocative display fuels a BJP offensive against the Congress party. The Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray Sena enters the fray, lamenting the Congress leaders audacious comparison of Tipu Sultan to the revered Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

Iran's foreign minister met the UN nuclear watchdog chief. This comes as Washington and Tehran prepare for new talks on Iran's nuclear program. Tensions are high with Iran conducting military drills in the Strait of Hormuz. Gulf Arab states are calling for diplomacy. The United States seeks to broaden negotiations beyond nuclear issues.

India is moving towards self-reliance in fighter jet engine development. A National Aero Engine Mission has been launched with France. This collaboration aims to develop advanced engines for future combat aircraft. India is also studying engine development with the UK. Scientists are urged to accelerate timelines and focus on next-generation technologies.

West Bengal Chief Secretary Nandini Chakraborty has urged the Election Commission to reopen the ECInet portal. This is to allow uploading of documents for voters whose hearings concluded on February 13th or 14th. The portal closure risks excluding many valid voters from the electoral roll. This could prevent them from exercising their franchise.

European leaders might speed up the hunt for Christine Lagarde's replacement at the European Central Bank. This move aims to finalize the decision before potential far-right leadership in France after the 2027 elections. The current term ends next year. A change in French presidency could bring different views on the ECB's function.

Jammu and Kashmir lieutenant governor Manoj Sinha ordered the reopening of 14 tourist spots. This decision follows a security review meeting. The reopening includes popular destinations like Doodhpathri and Tulip Garden. This move aims to revive the tourism sector after a period of closure due to security concerns. Several locations in Kashmir and Jammu divisions will now welcome visitors again.

A total of 71 million Americans will see higher Social Security checks this month. On February 18, 2026, the SSA will deposit payments for retirees born between the 11th and 20th. Thanks to the 2.8% COLA, the average monthly payment has climbed to $2,074. SSDI recipients will receive approximately $1,633. These automatic deposits ensure inflation-adjusted support. No action is required to receive your updated 2026 benefit amount.

James Deans quote tells people to dream big and live life fully every day. He was a famous young Hollywood actor who became a symbol of youth and rebellion. Even though he acted in only a few movies, he became very popular. His words still inspire people to enjoy the present and not delay their dreams.

India is rapidly upgrading infrastructure along its northern borders with China. New emergency landing strips, underwater tunnels, and highways are being built. Prime Minister Modi highlighted these developments, emphasizing improved connectivity and defense readiness. These projects aim to boost economic growth and strengthen the nation's strategic position in the region.

French police have searched the Arab World Institute in Paris. The search is part of an investigation into former head Jack Lang. Lang is being investigated for his connections to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Prosecutors opened a probe into Lang and his daughter for tax fraud. Lang resigned from the institute this month.

Japan has rejected China's accusation of returning to militarism. Tokyo stated its defense strengthening is a response to a severe security environment. Japan's Foreign Ministry emphasized these actions are not directed at any specific country. The exchange follows verbal sparring at the Munich Security Conference. This highlights ongoing tensions between the two Asian powers.

Existentialoopsification is the modern emotional phenomenon where a small, harmless mistake instantly turns into deep overthinking, self-questioning, and mild existential anxiety. It is the moment when an ordinary oops refuses to stay ordinary and instead triggers an internal spiral of Why did I do that? The word shows modern life, where constant visibility and instant feedback amplify embarrassment.

Goa' social media ban: State IT Minister Rohan Khaunte announced plans to explore restricting social media access for children under 16. This move addresses growing worries about digital addiction, cyberbullying, and online safety risks. A task force will study the issue and propose a policy framework. The government aims to protect young users while encouraging positive digital engagement.

Apple has released an urgent iOS 26.3 update to protect iPhone users from 39 security vulnerabilities, including a serious zero-day flaw in the Dynamic Link Editor (dyld). This weakness could allow attackers to bypass security measures and run malicious code, potentially installing spyware or gaining full control of devices. Experts emphasize that these attacks are stealthy and can target individuals from journalists to business users.

Scientists say aliens are not hiding in Area 51. Experts believe life may exist on distant planets with water and the right temperature. Some moons in our Solar System, like Enceladus and Titan, may also have hidden oceans where life could survive. Studies using space telescopes suggest the universe is huge, so finding alien life somewhere is possible.

A Reddit user shared a tense experience after using a company computer for personal tasks, which includes applying for jobs, editing photos, and browsing online. Their boss, shaken and angry, warned them that if it happened again, they could be asked to leave. The employee acknowledged accountability and apologized, but sought advice online, asking, Am I cooked?

A woman shared online that she lost several jobs in a short time and now feels very worried about her future. She is also going through IVF, which adds more stress. Many people replied with support and advice. They told her she still has strong skills and should keep trying because her career is not over yet.

From time-honoured blessings to trendy social media captions, Chinese New Year wishes, messages and quotes are lighting up Instagram, Facebook and WhatsApp feeds with optimism, joy and fresh beginnings.

Indian Railways has deployed an AI-powered robot, ASC Arjun, at Visakhapatnam station for enhanced surveillance and security. This indigenous robocop, equipped with facial recognition and crowd monitoring, has already aided in apprehending two habitual offenders by matching faces against a criminal database. Its deployment signifies a significant step in utilizing local AI technology for public infrastructure.

Chinese President Xi Jinping is consolidating power through purges reminiscent of Mao Zedong. Top military commanders are being removed, signaling a drive for absolute loyalty. This campaign aims to ensure ideological unity and control over the armed forces. The actions reflect a strategy to secure Xi's authority and prepare for future challenges.

Kerala has modernized over 1,000 village offices into smart, digitized centers. This initiative enhances service delivery and reduces the need for repeat visits. Significant progress has been made in land titling and housing for the homeless. A digital resurvey has digitized land records. New initiatives include an integrated land use portal and a Revenue Card.

Tech stock market rotation 2026: Wall Street's software sector is facing a major downturn. Billions in market value have vanished as tech stocks tumble. Investors are now shifting focus to consumer staples, energy, and industrial sectors. This market rotation signals a search for stability outside of technology. The impact of artificial intelligence is a key concern driving these changes.

Social Security benefits are different in each state. Some states give higher monthly payments because workers earned more money before retirement. Cost-of-living increases may also raise benefits in the future. Knowing how benefits are calculated can help retirees plan better. Choosing the right time to claim Social Security may help people receive more monthly income later.

Emerald Fennells Wuthering Heights takes a unique approach to Emily Bronts 1847 classic, concentrating on the first half of the novel and the stormy relationship between Cathy and Heathcliff. The director made hard decisions to condense characters, extend Earnshaws role, and remove others like Lockwood and Hindley while preserving the storys emotional intensity. The movie also alters the ending, keeping Cathy and Heathcliff apart to highlight missed connections and tragic love.

Epistemic, meaning related to knowledge, is a crucial concept for understanding how we gain and justify beliefs. This term, rooted in Greek for 'knowledge,' extends beyond academia to everyday critical thinking, guiding how we evaluate information and form our understanding of the world.

Seven individuals arrested in the Rohit Shetty house firing case have been remanded to police custody until February 25. Investigators revealed the crime was orchestrated by Lawrence Bishnoi gang member Shubham Lonkar to harm Shetty and instill fear. The accused, including the shooter, were apprehended in Haryana and Uttar Pradesh.

Tamannaah Bhatia's trainer, Siddhartha Singh, advises ditching fad diets for sustainable habits. He warns against extreme low-carb diets and ineffective detox teas, emphasizing a moderate calorie deficit with adequate protein. Singh also highlights the crucial role of 7-8 hours of quality sleep for fat loss and recovery, urging a return to fundamental healthy living.

IRS Tax Refund: Among them are no tax on tips, no tax on overtime, deductions for car loan interest, and deductions for people who were 65 or older by December 31.

The State Bank of India is expected to release the SBI Clerk Mains Result 2026 soon on its official website. The examination, held on November 21, 2025, aimed to fill 6,589 vacancies for the Clerk post. Candidates who qualify will proceed to the Language Proficiency Test, with final selection based on Mains performance.

India and the US have not yet discussed digital trade in their initial trade agreement. This crucial chapter will be negotiated as part of the larger bilateral trade agreement. US companies are eager to explore India's rapidly expanding digital trade sector. The two nations are committed to establishing clear rules for digital trade.

Twitter down: X, formerly known as Twitter, experienced a significant outage, preventing thousands of users worldwide from accessing its website and app. Reports surged on Downdetector, with users encountering loading failures and error messages. The platform's owner, Elon Musk, and the company have yet to provide an official explanation for the disruption.

India's agriculture sector has a significant new opportunity. Trade agreements with the United States and the European Union open markets worth 400 billion US dollars. This presents a major chance for growth. Current agricultural exports to the US are 2.8 billion US dollars. Overall exports are valued at 51-52 billion US dollars and are growing.

Rahul Gandhi highlighted deep class and caste discrimination within the gig economy, accusing BJP governments of inaction. He met gig workers, noting their lack of stable income, social security, and dignity, with women facing double exploitation. Gandhi asserted Congress-ruled states are developing laws for worker rights, aiming for a nationwide framework.

Mardi Gras 2026 is set for Tuesday, February 17. This grand finale of Carnival celebrations in New Orleans promises parades, music, and vibrant festivities. The season began on January 6 and concludes before the Lenten fast. Expect colorful floats, costumes, and the traditional king cake. Mardi Gras traditions trace back to ancient Rome and are celebrated globally.

Ramadan 2026 in the United States is expected to begin in mid-February, bringing a month of fasting, worship, and community engagement for Muslims across the country. Observed from dawn to sunset, the everyday fast includes suhoor before sunrise and iftar after sunset. As Ramadan falls during winter in the Northern Hemisphere, fasting hours will be shorter than in summer months. Mosques will organize additional prayers, and charitable efforts will increase throughout communities.