The Economic Times

Quote of the Day: Mark Zuckerberg's The greatest successes come from having the freedom to fail highlights innovation's reliance on experimentation and resilience. His journey with Facebook, marked by rapid growth and strategic shifts, exemplifies how embracing setbacks fuels progress. This philosophy underscores that learning from mistakes is crucial for long-term achievement in a rapidly evolving world.

Tergiversation is a word used when someone avoids giving a clear answer or keeps changing their stand. It often appears in news, politics, and public speeches. The word describes confusing or misleading behavior. Many people search its meaning to better understand debates, statements, and actions where clarity is missing.

The Environmental Protection Agency will issue a final rule rescinding a 2009 government declaration known as the endangerment finding. That Obama-era policy determined that carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases endanger public health and welfare.

Forest dwellers are set to receive a boost as the Centre plans to increase the minimum support price for 87 minor forest produce items. This move aims to empower tribal communities by ensuring better returns for their collected produce. The government is finalising the notification for the revised prices, expected to be implemented from the next financial year.

Eddie Murphy quote of the day shares a strong message about self-belief and thinking for yourself. The famous comedian and actor is known for hit movies, stand-up comedy, and voice roles in animated films. His words reflect his life journey, career ups and downs, and confidence that helped him succeed.

Reddit advice on using personal laptop at work: A Reddit user's post about being asked to use a personal laptop for a new job sparked widespread concern. Redditors strongly advised against it, citing privacy, security, and liability risks for both employees and employers. The consensus was that companies should provide necessary work equipment.

An employee, performing four jobs for a single salary, sought a raise but faced unexpected criticism and implied threats. After management's dismissive response, he quit the same day. Reddit overwhelmingly supported his decision, deeming it a justified act of self-preservation against a company that undervalued his extensive contributions and workload.

The Supreme Court asked the Health, Consumer Affairs ministries, and NMC to respond on whether doctors should be excluded from the Consumer Protection Act, 2019. A PIL by the Association of Health Care Providers argues that including medical professionals undermines trust in doctor-patient relationships, encourages defensive medicine, raises costs, and leads to inconsistent rulings.

Anthropic hiring humanistic skills: AI is not replacing human jobs, says Anthropic cofounder Daniela Amodei. She believes AI will work alongside people, making jobs more engaging. Anthropic seeks employees with strong communication and emotional intelligence. Humanities education is becoming more important. This shift offers new opportunities in the evolving tech landscape.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has filed a 500 crore defamation case. This action follows corruption allegations made by Congress leaders Jitendra Singh, Bhupesh Baghel, and Gaurav Gogoi. The Congress leaders had accused Sarma and his family of holding illegal land assets and graft in government departments. The case seeks damages for what Sarma terms false and malicious claims.

Participating in the discussion on the budget in the Lok Sabha, Yadav termed the trade understanding one-sided and said it would open Indian markets to American agricultural products, severely impacting farmers. America se deal nahi, dheel (compromise)hui hai, he remarked.

Exciting news for Assam as the final voter list for the upcoming assembly elections has been released! With over 24.9 million individuals ready to cast their votes, this list showcases some changes from the draft edition. The revision was carefully curated to ensure every eligible voter is accounted for, while also removing names of those who have sadly passed away.

The Supreme Court observed that political contests frequently occur in courts during election periods. This statement came as a three-member bench heard petitions against Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma for alleged hate speech. Petitioners cited controversial remarks and a video, urging the court to restrain constitutional post holders from making divisive comments.

A paradigm is a fundamental model or way of thinking that shapes our understanding and actions across various fields like science, business, and personal life. Recognizing and shifting these ingrained frameworks can lead to new perspectives, innovation, and personal growth. These mental lenses influence how we interpret information and solve problems.

Lok Sabha saw a tactical shift as Congress ended its protest. The party submitted a notice for the removal of Speaker Om Birla. This move allowed them to join the budget debate. Other opposition parties also pushed for the House to function. Congress dropped its preconditions for participation. The motion against the Speaker cites several reasons.

Trinamool Congress MP Abhishek Banerjee has accused the central government of discriminating against states ruled by the opposition. Speaking in the Lok Sabha during the budget debate, Banerjee alleged that the budget favors a select few while taking from many. He criticized the budget for focusing on headlines rather than solutions.

Noah Kahan, 2x Grammynominated singer-songwriter, is heading out on his 23-date The Great Divide Tour this summer. Fresh off his new single and upcoming fourth album of the same name, Kahan will perform in some of his largest venues yet, which includes Fenway Park, Citi Field, and Rose Bowl Stadium. Fans can participate in the presale starting February 10 by registering on Ticketmaster, with general sales beginning February 12.

Rivian has revealed its new R2 electric SUV as part of its future plans. The vehicle is made for families and everyday driving. It is expected to offer strong performance and good driving range. Rivian hopes the R2 will help the company grow and compete with other popular electric and gas-powered SUVs.

A Reddit user shared how he was fired suddenly from his job due to performance issues and sick leaves. The job loss left him stressed and unsure about his future. He asked for help online and received kind advice. Many people reminded him that getting fired is common and not the end.

Nearly 20% of employers now end employment immediately after a worker resigns to protect digital data. This is not a firing. It is a security protocol. Tell recruiters you resigned voluntarily. Explain the company accelerated your departure date. This is common in government and tech roles. Use your resignation letter as proof. It shows professional intent. Your record remains clean.

The CBI has opposed petitions by Lalu Prasad Yadav, Rabri Devi, and Tejashwi Yadav in the Delhi High Court. They are challenging charges framed in the IRCTC scam case. The agency stated it was a corruption case involving quid pro quo. The alleged conspiracy led to losses for the exchequer.

According to February horoscope readings, three zodiac signs stand out for experiencing marked gains in relationships, personal stability and self-confidence.

Over Rs 72,000 crore in unclaimed bank deposits are held by the RBI's DEA Fund by January 2026. Steps are being taken to help people find their lost money. The government is also boosting cooperative banks and infrastructure investment. Unsecured personal loans have also seen an increase.

Thought of the day: Van Dykes words encourage mindfulness and emotional awareness. They invite readers to recognise why certain days feel endless and others vanish in an instant. More importantly, they suggest that love, whether expressed through relationships, service or compassion, creates moments that outlast time itself.

An Indian defense firm has patented a new fixed-wing tactical drone, integrating precision strike and surveillance capabilities. This versatile unmanned system is designed for modern battlefield demands, offering enhanced operational readiness, reduced risk to personnel, and swift intelligence gathering. Its design emphasizes longer range, higher endurance, and adaptability for various strategic roles, bolstering India's indigenous defense strength.

Top immigration officials face Congress Tuesday. They will answer questions on enforcement actions in US cities. Recent events have drawn criticism. Agencies are under scrutiny for policies affecting immigrants and protesters. Officials will speak as public support for the immigration vision declines. Funding for these agencies remains a point of contention.

February 2026 Social Security payments: Over 71 million Americans are tracking their bank accounts this week. The Social Security Administration (SSA) is currently distributing the first mid-month wave of payments. Thanks to the 2.8% COLA increase, these checks are the largest in history for many households. The payment arriving Wednesday, February 11, is specifically for beneficiaries born between the 1st and 10th of any month.

Amid mounting pressure, US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick is under fire for his recent associations. Newly uncovered documents reveal a visit to Jeffrey Epstein's infamous island, contradicting his previous assertions of severing ties. Lutnick maintains that his interactions with Epstein were insignificant and defended his stance during a Senate committee hearing.

Promise Day 2026 Wishes: Promise Day 2026 arrives as a significant occasion. It emphasizes love's strength through trust and commitment. The day encourages making sincere promises. These pledges are vital for a lasting bond. Readers are invited to celebrate love with heartfelt vows. The focus remains on actions that prove true love. This day marks a future of shared journeys.

DWTS Con 2026 is the first-ever Dancing With the Stars fan convention. It will be held in Palm Springs and will bring judges, pro dancers, celebrity guests, and past winners together. Fans can enjoy live dance shows, panels, photo moments, and special experiences that celebrate the long history of the popular TV dance show.

Target layoffs 2026: Target is cutting 500 jobs as new CEO Michael Fiddelke reshapes the company. These layoffs aim to improve the in-store guest experience and drive growth. The retailer will consolidate store districts and streamline its supply chain. Savings will be redirected to store operations and employee training. Leadership changes are also underway as Target works to revive sales.

Jairam Ramesh, a prominent figure in Congress, openly challenges the latest India-US trade pact, claiming that the interpretation from Washington doesn't align with the assertions made by the Indian administration. He believes India has made significant concessions without reaping appropriate rewards. Additionally, he points out that Indias dominance in textile exports has waned compared to Bangladesh.

Sachin Tendulkar personally invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi to his son Arjun Tendulkar's wedding to Saaniya Chandok. Arjun, who was recently traded to Lucknow Super Giants for the IPL, has had a developing career in the league and represents Goa in domestic cricket. Saaniya Chandok comes from a prominent business family and shares a close bond with the Tendulkar family.

Olympic medals hold significant value beyond their metal composition. While gold medals are primarily silver with a gold coating, and silver medals are solid silver, their true worth lies in the prestige and opportunities they provide. U.S. athletes now benefit from tax exemptions on prize money.

Uttar Pradesh's Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath firmly stated that the Babri structure is not destined for revival. He emphasized the importance of adhering to Indian law for anyone contemplating such endeavors. Critically, Adityanath pointed out a pattern among individuals who only seek the blessings of Lord Ram during crises, alluding to the 1990 Ayodhya incident involving police action against pilgrims.

Did you know? The official average colour of the universe is known as Cosmic latte, a warm, creamy beige born from light billions of years in the making

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath declared the Babri structure will never be rebuilt. He asserted that doomsday will not arrive. The Supreme Court had previously ruled on the Ayodhya dispute, backing a Ram temple construction. Hindus believe a Ram temple existed at the site before the mosque. The mosque was destroyed in 1992.

Bollywood icon Ranveer Singh has found himself in a precarious situation after receiving a menacing voice note threat on WhatsApp from unknown sources. Investigators are looking into potential ties to the infamous Lawrence Bishnoi gang, indicating possible extortion motives.

Parliament debated the general budget. Opposition members raised concerns about rising unemployment and wealth disparity. They pointed to the rich accumulating more wealth while the poor remain deprived. The ruling BJP countered by emphasising increased fund allocations for projects and their timely completion. Discussions also touched upon economic policies and their impact on citizens.