The Economic Times

Australian shares finished the week lower on Friday, February 20, 2026. However, the benchmark S&P/ASX 200 index saw weekly gains. Strong corporate earnings from companies like BHP and National Australia Bank provided support. Investors are now awaiting results from Woodside Energy, Woolworths, Coles, and Qantas. Miners experienced a decline on Friday.

Industrialist Anand Mahindra has once again captured the internet's attention by sharing a viral video of a science teacher demonstrating Bernoullis Principle in a way that makes textbooks look dull. The video features a teacher struggling to inflate a massive yellow plastic bag using conventional breaths, only to fill it instantly with a single scientific blow.

Diageo's new chief executive Dave Lewis is planning a significant overhaul of his top team. The company's 14-person executive committee is expected to see several members replaced. Lewis aims for a wholesale change, potentially removing entire management layers. This move comes as Diageo faces challenges in its largest market, the United States.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with AI and deeptech startup leaders. They explored using artificial intelligence in agriculture, environmental protection, and higher education. The Prime Minister stressed strong data governance and solutions for India's needs. He expressed confidence in Indian companies and domestic innovation. Startups highlighted India's growing AI ecosystem and global potential.

Rahul Gandhi questions the integrity of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent trade pact with the United States, suggesting that India is making significant concessions while garnering minimal benefits. He said that the answer to why the PM agreed to a deal, where India gives so much and appears to get so little, and make an abject surrender lies in the grips and chokes placed on him.

India has taken over the leadership of the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium. This forum aims to boost maritime cooperation among nations. India is ready to take on more responsibility for peace and security in the region. The symposium will focus on disaster relief, maritime security, and information sharing. This collaboration is crucial for economic prosperity and stability.

Addressing a joint press conference with US Under Secretary of State for Economic Affairs Jacob Helberg and US President's Science and Technology Advisor Michael Kratsios, Gor said there was no formal announcement yet on the visit, but recalled that President Trump greatly enjoyed his earlier trip to India. He added that when Trump nominated him as ambassador, he had spoken about India's unmatched vibrancy, colour, history and culture, and expressed confidence that the President would return at

India-US trade deal: Officials from both countries will meet in the US from February 23 to finalize the legal text for an interim trade agreement. This meeting follows the finalization of a framework for the deal. The agreement is expected to be signed in March. Both nations will offer duty concessions on various goods.

Who was Quentin Griffiths and what is his cause of death, net worth and family details? ASOS co-founder died after falling from Thailand apartment. Police are investigating cause of death, net worth, legal disputes, family details, and business history linked to ASOS shares and earnings.

Tata Punch EV vs Nexon EV: Tata Motors launched the Tata Punch EV Facelift in India on February 20, 2026, introducing significant design and tech upgrades to its popular micro-SUV. The new model features a sharper front profile with a full-width LED light bar and aero-focused alloy wheels.

Congress has attacked the government's foreign policy. They state that US-Pakistan relations remain strong. Meanwhile, India's leader is busy with optics. This is described as 'MODI governance - Maximum Optics Damaging India'. Pakistan's Prime Minister attended an event in Washington. He praised Donald Trump. India has consistently denied third-party intervention in its affairs.

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra has criticized Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. She stated that attacking Gaurav Gogoi and his family is wrong politics. Vadra emphasized that leaders should focus on issues like youth unemployment and corruption. She also paid respects to singer Zubeen Garg, calling him above politics. Vadra believes Garg's cremation ground should remain a sacred space.

The Supreme Court has declined to hear a petition seeking to prevent the construction or naming of any mosque or religious structure after Babur or Babri Masjid. The petitioner's lawyer withdrew the plea after the bench expressed its unwillingness to proceed. This action followed an announcement by a suspended MLA to build a Babri Masjid replica in West Bengal.

French President Emmanuel Macron's recent state visit to India concluded with a viral farewell video featuring a popular Bollywood soundtrack. The montage, showcasing moments from his trip, ended with a thank you message, resonating with Indian social media users who celebrated the cultural connection.

Mahatma Gandhi, born in 1869, was a pivotal leader in India's independence movement. He developed Satyagraha, a philosophy of nonviolent resistance, which he used to mobilize millions against British rule. Gandhi also championed social reforms, advocating for the eradication of caste injustices and improved women's status, leaving a profound global legacy.

Union Minister Giriraj Singh has backed 'The Kerala Story 2'. He stated filmmakers have the right to show truth. The film's trailer depicts Hindu women allegedly trapped by Islamic men. The Kerala High Court has issued notices regarding the film's censor certificate. Kerala's Chief Minister opposes the sequel, fearing it will incite communal discord.

Priyanka Gandhi heads the screening committee of the grand old party. She held interaction with and block level workers of the party before finalising the list of candidates for the forthcoming Assembly elections in Assam.

2026 Winter Olympics ice hockey: The stakes couldn't be higher, as the winners of today's matches will advance to the Gold Medal Game scheduled for Sunday, February 22, while the losers will meet in the Bronze Medal Game on Saturday, February 21.

Wednesday Season 3 release date, filming, cast and plot update confirms production has started in February 2026. Netflix expects a 2027 release. Jenna Ortega returns with Eva Green joining as Aunt Ophelia. The plot continues after season 2 events, with new threats, returning characters, and unresolved mysteries shaping the next chapter.

Jeffrey Epstein's estate is set to pay up to $35 million. This resolves a lawsuit against two of his former advisers. They were accused of helping Epstein in his sex trafficking. The settlement aims to provide financial relief to victims. This brings a close to claims against the Epstein estate. Epstein died in jail in 2019.

Tragedy struck in Faridabad as the death toll from the factory fire rose to 39, with two more casualties reported, including the owner's son who succumbed to his injuries after heroically attempting to save his father.

Dr. Martens is building its future in Bengaluru, India. The brand has opened a Global Capability Centre to blend its rich heritage with digital innovation. This move taps into India's talent for technical precision and creative thinking. The Bengaluru hub will drive key functions like supply chain and data analytics. This strategic step ensures Dr.

An HR executive was brutally attacked with bats after his car was rear-ended near IMT Manesar. The victim, Nitesh Bhatia, believes the assault was pre-planned, not mere road rage. Three assailants, armed with cricket and baseball bats, continued to beat him even after he fell. Bystanders intervened, and police are reviewing CCTV footage to identify the attackers.

During the discussion on the motion of thanks on the Governor's address in the Assembly on Thursday, the parliamentary affairs minister lost his cool, triggering an uproar.

he Kerala Story 2 case: The petition stated that it approached the court after being aggrieved by the grant of certification to the film titled The Kerala Story 2 - Goes Beyond by the CBFC allegedly without due compliance with the statutory mandate under the Cinematograph Act, 1952.

Iran has issued a stern warning to the United States. Iranian ambassador Amir Saeid Iravani stated that US bases and assets in the region will be considered legitimate targets. This comes amid escalating tensions and military deployments by the US. Iran insists it is committed to diplomatic solutions for its nuclear program.

A new survey reveals Indian Americans are unhappy with Donald Trump's approach to India. Trade and technology issues have strained ties. Many also face online racism and discrimination. This impacts their political leanings and views on US-India relations. The report highlights growing concerns for the diaspora.

President Donald Trump has ordered government agencies to release files on aliens and UFOs. This follows former President Barack Obama's comments suggesting aliens might exist. Public interest in UFOs grew after leaked Navy videos in 2017. Congress held hearings, and the Pentagon established an office to investigate these phenomena.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer reportedly blocked Donald Trump from using RAF bases for strikes on Iran, citing concerns over international law. This decision came amid US military build-up and Trump's public calls for the UK to resist wokeism and not cede control of Diego Garcia.

Quote of the Day by Michael Hudson: The economy doesn't work for you it works to extract from you. U.S. national debt has crossed $34 trillion in 2026. Annual federal interest payments now top $1 trillion. Household debt exceeds $17 trillion. Mortgage rates remain high. Credit card interest rates are above 20%. Economist Michael Hudson says this is a debt-driven economy. In Super Imperialism, he explains how the U.S. shifted from creditor nation to debtor nation. He argues financialization and

Laid-off Americans now wait 21 weeks for a new job. Many accept $17,000 salary cuts. Lost health insurance adds $6,720 yearly. Missing 401(k) matches cost $3,800 annually. Total compensation loss hits $40,000. A 20% pay cut suppresses lifetime earnings for years. This lowball trend stalls long-term career growth and erodes retirement security. Negotiating for remote flexibility or six-month pay reviews is essential to survive this volatile job market.

More than 7.4 million Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients will receive their March 2026 Social Security payment early on February 27, 2026. The early SSI deposit is nationwide. It is not a stimulus check. The Social Security Administration moved the payment because March 1 falls on a Sunday. Federal rules require benefits to go out on the prior business day. March will not have a separate SSI payment. It is a schedule shift. Not extra money.

Twenty suspects are now the focus as the FBI identifies names and photos in the Nancy Guthrie disappearance. Agents are canvassing gun shops with photo packets to find the owner of a black Ozark Trail backpack. DNA evidence from a recovered glove is undergoing genetic genealogy testing. Over 14,500 search hours and a $200,000 reward drive this high-stakes Tucson case. Savannah Guthries family is cleared as federal searches expand.

Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos believes Nancy Guthrie, 84, was a victim of targeted kidnapping near her Tucson home. Law enforcement is actively searching, with evidence including DNA analysis and surveillance footage of a potential suspect. Rewards for information now exceed $200,000.

Skywatchers have a rare opportunity to witness a rare six-planet alignment on February 28, 2026. Mercury, Venus, Neptune, Saturn, Uranus, and Jupiter will appear in a line shortly after sunset. While four planets can be watched with the naked eye, Uranus and Neptune require binoculars or a telescope. NASA highlights that planets must be sufficiently above the horizon for optimal viewing, as lower positions are obscured by Earths atmosphere and obstacles.

Jeffrey Immelts quote, Leadership is an intense journey into yourself... Every morning, I look in the mirror and say, 'I could have done three things better yesterday' highlights the significance of self-reflection in leadership. It refers to daily accountability and personal growth. Immelts career, spanning major corporate transformations and global challenges, offers weight to his perspective.

Bitcoin BTC USD price prediction: Eric Trump expressed strong confidence in Bitcoin at the World Financial Forum, calling it a top-performing asset class. He believes Bitcoin could reach $1 million, citing its significant past growth and potential upside, despite acknowledging its inherent volatility. Trump remains highly bullish on the cryptocurrency's future.

The International Monetary Fund will present its U.S. economic policy review on February 25. This report will examine fiscal, trade, and current account deficits. It will also assess the dollar's value. The IMF views the dollar as central to the global monetary system. The review follows consultations with U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and other Trump administration officials.

Many job seekers are now trying AI interview tools to feel more confident during interviews. These tools can help people structure answers, remember points, and reduce stress. But they cannot replace real preparation or strong knowledge. Experts say candidates still need good basics, practice, and understanding because AI tools can only give small support, not full success.

The United States has paid USD 160 million towards its substantial UN dues. This payment is for the UN's regular budget. The UN had warned of financial collapse if member nations did not pay. The US owes billions to the UN's regular and peacekeeping budgets. This comes as President Trump convenes a new peace initiative.