The Economic Times

The European Union will attend a meeting of US President Donald Trump's 'Board of Peace' this week. The EU will focus on Gaza's reconstruction and ceasefire implementation. The EU will not be a member of the board. Some EU member states have raised questions about the board's scope, governance, and compatibility with the UN Charter.

School assembly news headlines for February 17: Today's headlines bring you the latest from across India and the world. The Supreme Court hears the Sabarimala case. Actor Rajpal Yadav gets relief. Schools in Gujarat receive bomb threats. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is in Norway. Afghanistan's cricket team aims to make the country proud. India's trade deficit widens. China's Russian oil imports rise.

India is hosting a United Nations Fellowship Training Programme on small arms and light weapons control in Jabalpur. Delegates from 13 Asia-Pacific countries are participating. The program aims to build capacity for implementing UN frameworks against illicit arms trade. This initiative enhances regional cooperation and strengthens India's global peace efforts.

Karnataka's own Priyank Kharge has boldly spoken out against the RSS, casting doubt on its financial integrity and tax obligations. He insisted on the need for the organisation to demonstrate accountability and transparency, positing that the same legal standards should govern the RSS as apply to every citizen.

Stock market Presidents Day 2026: Investors take note. US stock markets will be shut on Monday, February 16, 2026. This closure is for Presidents Day, a federal holiday honoring George Washington. Trading will resume on Tuesday, February 17, 2026. Bond markets will also be closed. This is the first market closure after the new year.

A routine maternity photoshoot tragically ended in heartbreak for a JP Nagar family. Three-year-old Lakshveer C drowned in a pond at The Shire Studio. The child was found in the water while his mother was occupied with the shoot. Studio staff attempted to save him, but he was declared dead at the hospital. Police are investigating the incident.

According to Chinese astrological forecasts, certain zodiac signs are especially well-placed to experience romantic breakthroughs after the festive reset of Chinese New Year 2026.

The latest OTT releases this week (Feb 16-22) are headlined by Kartik Aaryans rom-com Tu Meri Main Tera on Prime Video and the global return of The Night Agent Season 3 on Netflix. From Sunny Leones Kennedy to the intense thriller 56 Days, here is your definitive weekend binge guide.

JEE Main 2026 Session 1 results are expected on February 16, determining eligibility for JEE Advanced and IIT admissions. The National Testing Agency uses a normalization process to calculate percentiles, ensuring fairness across different exam shifts. The scorecard will detail candidate information, subject-wise scores, overall rank, and JEE Advanced qualifying status.

Tamil Nadu has secured significant investments totaling Rs 5,980 crore. Japanese firm MinebeaMitsumi will invest Rs 1,980 crore for a semiconductor manufacturing and R&D center. Bengaluru-based Aequs Group will invest Rs 4,000 crore to boost aerospace manufacturing. These projects are set to create 8,400 jobs, strengthening Tamil Nadu's industrial leadership and providing opportunities for youth and women.

A disturbing video from Bihar shows a woman allegedly forcing her daughter to carry a brick-filled school bag while physically abusing her on a public street. Onlookers attempted to intervene, but the woman reportedly resisted, sparking outrage online. The incident highlights the harmful effects of physical punishment on children.

Kerala's youngest organ donor, 10-month-old Aalin Sherin Abraham, was laid to rest with state honours after her parents consented to donate her organs following her brain death. Her heart valve, liver, kidneys, and eyes were donated to various medical institutions, offering a new lease of life to recipients. The government recognized the parents' noble decision amidst their profound grief.

India's top trade negotiator is heading to the United States next week. The visit aims to finalize a long-awaited bilateral trade agreement. This signals that talks between India and Washington are nearing completion. New Delhi anticipates the US will lower tariffs on Indian goods soon. This move is seen as a positive step before the agreement is sealed.

Ishan Kishan has made a remarkable comeback after facing career doubts. He took a break to focus on his mental well-being and rejuvenation. His dedication to a disciplined process, including meditation and focused training, has led to his resurgence. This comeback showcases his commitment to Indian cricket and his ability to overcome challenges.

Chinese New Year 2026:The Lunar New Year, commonly known as the Spring Festival, is Chinas most significant traditional holiday. It signals the start of a new year according to the lunar calendar and usually takes place between late January and mid-February.

Februarys New Moon Solar Eclipse is expected to bring more than a typical lunar reset, as astrologers forecast intensified emotions and significant personal breakthroughs, especially for three zodiac signs.

An Ayurved doctor has sparked a health debate by warning against eating raw beetroot, citing risks of contamination with bacteria, parasites, and viruses. He advises cooking beetroot thoroughly to eliminate these dangers and potential harm to vital organs, while also debunking the myth of its high iron content.

Why are gold and silver prices down again and will precious metals bounce back or continue to fall? Gold and silver prices dropped due to holiday closures, low trading volume, and a strong dollar. Interest rate outlook and economic signals also affected precious metals outlook. Analysts now watch whether gold and silver prices bounce back or continue to fall.

Kremlin has firmly dismissed allegations from five European nations accusing the Russian state of assassinating Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny two years prior. The claims suggested that an exotic toxin derived from poison dart frogs was utilised. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov characterised these accusations as deeply biased and without merit.

A Data Engineer based in Bengaluru has sparked a viral conversation about financial management by revealing exactly how she spends her 3 lakh monthly salary. With a fully funded six-month emergency reserve already in place, she focuses her remaining income on SIPs, gold, and a dedicated fund for her upcoming wedding.

Senior Congress leaders, including Singh and Assam unit chief Gaurav Gogoi met Borah at his residence, after he sent a letter to the party high command earlier in the day, announcing his resignation.

The Supreme Court has turned down gangster Abu Salem's appeal for release from illegal custody, marking a pivotal moment in his long legal battle. Salem asserts that he has completed his 25-year sentence for his involvement in the 1993 Mumbai blasts.

Nikhil Gupta, the Indian national who pleaded guilty last week in a New York court for his role in the assassination attempt on Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, was a private individual without any links to the government, officials in New Delhi familiar with the matter said, asking not to be identified because of the sensitivity of the matter.

The BJP has criticized Rahul Gandhi, labeling him a 'failed dynast'. This comes as former Assam Congress chief Bhupen Borah resigns, citing neglect. Veteran Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar's remarks about Kerala also drew criticism. These events highlight a perceived lack of confidence in Gandhi from within his own party and among allies.

Kerala Law Minister P Rajeev has indicated that the govt will take an appropriate decision on the Sabarimala women entry issue and the Supreme Court will focus on foundational constitutional matters.

Dante, a well-known Medieval Italian poet, in his quote says you should not remain silent when something wrong is happening.In difficult situations, choosing to be neutral can indirectly support injustice. When right and wrong are clear, we should stand for what is right, even when it feels uncomfortable. This is because every time you choose right over wrong, you make your character strong.

Congress MP Randeep Singh Surjewala on Monday launched a scathing attack on the Central government, alleging that the recent India-US interim trade framework sacrifices Indian farmers, energy security, and digital independence in favour of American interests.

Quote of the day: Blaise Pascal, who lived from 1623 to 1662, made lasting contributions to probability theory, fluid mechanics and Christian apologetics. Yet beyond his mathematical formulas and scientific inquiries, he was also an accomplished and compelling prose stylist.

New South Wales Premier Chris Minns has announced an extra public holiday on Monday, April 27, 2026, and a similar arrangement for 2027, as Anzac Day falls on a weekend. This decision, aimed at acknowledging the significance of the day, has drawn criticism from the hospitality and retail sectors concerned about increased costs and lost trade.

India and Canada are strengthening ties. Foreign ministers met in Munich to discuss cooperation in energy, technology, and trade. This follows a period of strained relations. Prime Minister Mark Carney's visit to India is anticipated next month. Both nations are committed to advancing shared interests and economic resilience.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has publicly invited former Assam Congress chief Bhupen Borah to join the BJP following Borah's resignation. He claims that Borah was being ignored by the party leadership and was not accorded his due in the state unit.

Just days after a viral claim that 800 people went missing in Delhi in the first two weeks of 2026, many villages in Noida are living under the fear of child kidnapping rumours. Though police have called it a hoax, many residents in Noida villages have stopped their children from going to school and have also quit their jobs. This wave of panic, amplified by viral social media posts, brings back memories of past incidents where misinformation triggered mob violence.

West Bengal launched the Yuva Sathi scheme, offering a Rs 1,500 monthly allowance to unemployed Class X pass-outs aged 21-40. Over 2 lakh people registered on the first day at 294 camps, with the scheme aiming to provide temporary financial relief. The initiative has drawn both overwhelming public response and political criticism regarding its implementation and long-term viability.

Mike Tyson's quote, 'Everyone has a plan 'till they get punched in the mouth,' highlights life's unpredictability. It emphasizes that carefully crafted plans often crumble under unexpected adversity, revealing that resilience and adaptability are more crucial than initial strategies. The true measure of a person lies in their response to challenges, not their theoretical preparations.

The Supreme Court has declined to hear petitions seeking action against Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. The court has asked petitioners to approach the Gauhati High Court for an expeditious hearing. This decision comes after allegations of discriminatory remarks and a viral video. The Supreme Court emphasized the High Court's authority in such matters.

Durai Vaiko, an MDMK MP, met Kanimozhi Karunanidhi of the DMK. He presented six key proposals for the party's 2026 election manifesto. These focus on developing Tiruchirappalli, including a separate transport division and Metro Rail. Proposals also cover establishing a 'University City' and a global manufacturing hub. Additionally, hostels in New Delhi for disadvantaged students were suggested.

India data protection law: The plea, moved by The Reporters' Collective and renowned journalist Nitin Sethi, argues that the new data regime severely dilutes the Right to Information (RTI) Act and grants the Centre sweeping powers over personal data.

Schools in Ahmedabad and Delhi received bomb threat emails. Authorities have increased security at affected schools. Investigations are underway to identify the sources of these threats. Similar incidents were reported in the national capital earlier this week. Schools are urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.

Trinamool Congress leader Derek OBrien has criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent interview. OBrien called the Prime Minister's words hollow and referred to him as a teleprompter tycoon. He stated that Modi avoids speaking in Parliament. The Lok Sabha passed the Motion of Thanks without the Prime Minister's reply. The Prime Minister had previously replied to the Rajya Sabha debate.

Kerala's CPI(M) leader M V Govindan clarified that the party's stance and the government's position on women's entry into Sabarimala temple may differ. This statement comes as the Supreme Court considers review petitions on the 2018 verdict. The issue has resurfaced ahead of state elections, sparking political debate. The government's submission to the court remains undisclosed.

Bihar's Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has allocated a staggering Rs 10,000 each to the bank accounts of 25 lakh women under the Mukhyamantri Mahila Rojgar Yojana. This program is designed to boost self-employment and entrepreneurial spirit among women.

RBI Assistant Recruitment 2026 apply online: The RBI has released the notification for the recruitment of Assistant - Panel Year 2025 on its official website rbi.org.in. Candidates between the age group of 20 to 28 years who have a bachelors degree with at least 50% marks are eligible for the post of RBI Assistant. The last date to apply online for RBI Assistant vacancy 2026 is 8th March 2026.

New Delhi, India leads in AI skill penetration. The government avoids over-regulation to encourage innovation. Affordable GPU access is being ensured for startups and future generations. India focuses on scalable AI models with impact within the country, democratizing technology for all sectors and communities. The nation is well-positioned for this advancement.

A devastating fire erupted at a chemical factory in Bhiwadi, Rajasthan. Seven workers tragically lost their lives in the blaze. Rescue operations are ongoing as two individuals remain trapped inside the unit. The incident occurred in the Khushkhera-Karoli industrial area. Authorities were alerted during a routine patrol and immediately launched rescue efforts.