The Economic Times
Elections 2026Global Business / The Economic Times
The Bharatiya Janata Party has strongly criticized the Congress party and Rahul Gandhi. This follows a protest by the Congress's youth wing at the India AI Impact Summit in New Delhi. BJP spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi labeled the protest as treason. He stated that the youth wing members attempted to damage India's image before foreign guests.
KHxRK Reunion: Indian cinema is bracing for a tectonic shift as Red Giant Movies officially unveils the first glimpse of the monumental project KH x RK Reunion. Bringing together the two biggest titans of Tamil cinema, Ulaganayagan Kamal Haasan and Superstar Rajinikanth, the film is set to be directed by Nelson Dilipkumar. Produced by Inban Udhayanidhi, the project features a powerhouse technical crew including music by Anirudh Ravichander and cinematography by Rajiv Menon.
India's highest railway bridge over the Chenab river in Jammu and Kashmir is now operational. Afcons Infrastructure Limited persevered through project delays and legal challenges. The company's commitment ensured the bridge's completion. Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Katra-Srinagar rail section featuring this engineering marvel. The bridge stands as a testament to Indian engineering prowess.
The US Supreme Court has ruled President Trump's global tariffs unlawful. Senator Chuck Schumer has declared these tariffs illegal and insists the collected money must be returned. He criticizes Trump's reaction and his attempts to reimpose similar tariffs. Schumer states that if tariffs are illegal, the money will be sought through legal channels.
Mamata Banerjee, the Chief Minister of West Bengal, marked International Mother Language Day with a heartfelt tribute to the importance of preserving all languages. In her address, she articulated her belief in the need for equal reverence for every tongue.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah stated Naxalism will be eliminated by March 31, 2026. He addressed the 87th CRPF Day Parade in Guwahati. Shah highlighted the CRPF's success in Jammu and Kashmir, Manipur, and against Maoists. He praised the force for Operation Black Forest. The minister noted significant progress in previously troubled regions.
Rajasthan's electoral rolls have been updated. The Election Commission published the final list with over 5.15 crore voters. This revision process involved many officials and political parties. The gender ratio has improved. Young voters have also increased. The final list for Anta constituency will be published later. This is part of a nationwide revision.
Prime Minister Modi and Brazilian President Lula held talks, highlighting the strong India-Brazil partnership. Both nations are committed to increasing bilateral trade beyond $20 billion. They also agreed on the importance of inclusive technology for fair progress. President Lula's visit, with a delegation of top CEOs, signals a renewed focus on expanding investment and partnership opportunities between the two countries.
A 15-year-old Class 10 student in Etawah, Uttar Pradesh, allegedly died by suicide on Friday evening following severe mental distress over her performance in the CBSE Mathematics exam held on February 17. While the students family attempted to counsel her, the overwhelming pressure of the high-stakes examination led to the tragic incident in the Friends Colony area.
Emily Blunt observes that modern impatience, fueled by instant gratification, leads people to quit jobs, marriages, and studies. This tendency to seek exits over solutions overlooks that true commitment involves enduring difficulty and believing in long-term rewards. Choosing to stay committed offers depth, endurance, and purpose in a fast-paced world.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi held talks with Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva in New Delhi. President Lula received a ceremonial welcome at Rashtrapati Bhavan. The visit included delegation-level discussions and meetings with key ministers. President Lula also paid respects at Rajghat.
Indian leg-spinner Rahul Chahar has officially announced the legal end of his four-year marriage to Ishani Johar. In a deeply personal social media post shared on February 20, 2026, the 26-year-old athlete reflected on the years of lessons and the 15-month legal process that led to this resolution.
The detention of Prince Andrew has thrown the British monarchy into turmoil, a crisis not seen since the abdication drama of 1936. In the face of this turmoil, King Charles III asserts his commitment to royal responsibilities. With the public demanding transparency and justice, the royal family is actively seeking to separate itself from the controversy.
In an effort to energise grassroots support, the DMK's women's wing is set to embark on an ambitious door-to-door campaign from February 23, targeting key constituencies ahead of the critical Assembly elections. This campaign invites party members to shine a spotlight on the government's welfare initiatives, such as the Kalaignar Kanavu Illam scheme and available tractor subsidies.
The US tariff wall just lost its teeth. With courts scrapping sweeping duties and a shaky 10% stopgap in place, the urgency behind trade deals fades -- giving India a rare moment to pause, reassess, and renegotiate from firmer ground.
Canadian singer The Weeknd, born Abel Makkonen Tesfaye, has achieved global recognition for his unique musical style and acting roles. Known for his impactful lyrics and ability to evoke strong emotions, he champions creative freedom in art. The artist believes that the power to make people feel is the ultimate measure of true artistry.
A 35-year-old employee, Pawan Kumar, died instantly in a massive explosion at a pharmaceutical chemical unit in Yadadri Bhuvanagiri, Telangana. The blast occurred during chemical mixing. This incident follows two other fires and explosions in the same district this month. Fire services responded to control the situation. Investigations into the exact causes are ongoing.
Governor JB Pritzker sent Donald Trump an invoice Friday demanding nearly $9 billion in tariff refunds for Illinois families after the US Supreme Court ruled the president's much-touted levies are illegal. Earlier Friday, California Governor Gavin Newsom said the money Trump's tariffs had raised came from US voters' pockets -- and should be refunded.
At the India AI Impact Summit 2026, a panel organised by RUSSOFT Association and Akis Tech highlighted a joint India-Russia vision for human-centric, inclusive and trusted AI. The session, moderated by Valentin Makarov and Alok Kumar, brought together officials, academics and industry leaders from both countries to discuss AIs role in future development.
Security forces discovered an Improvised Explosive Device in Ganderbal district on Saturday. The IED was found inside a bag on the roadside in the Safapora area. A bomb disposal squad was immediately called to the scene. Authorities are investigating the incident. Further details are expected soon.
Indian exporters will see immediate relief from US administration tariffs. The US Supreme Court struck down a significant portion of President Trump's tariff agenda. This ruling means Indian exporters will not have to pay the 25% reciprocal tariff.
Seven Central Reserve Police Force personnel sustained injuries when their vehicle veered off the road and plunged into a river in Srinagar. The incident occurred on Dagpora-Umerhair Road at Ahmadnagar locality. The injured personnel were promptly transported to SKIMS hospital in Soura. Their medical condition is reported as stable.
Senior BJP leader Prakash Javadekar criticized Congress activists for disrupting an AI summit in New Delhi, calling it an act of desperation. He stated that the people of Kerala will hold the UDF and LDF accountable for such anti-India activities, asserting that Keralites do not approve of such behavior.
Vietnam's leader To Lam met with US President Donald Trump. Trump pledged to remove Vietnam from a list restricting advanced US technology access. This comes as Vietnamese airlines announced significant aircraft purchases from US companies. The move follows trade negotiations and a Supreme Court ruling on tariffs. Vietnam had previously faced high tariffs but secured a reduced rate.
A couple in Uttar Pradesh has been sentenced to death for the horrific sexual abuse of 33 young boys over ten years. Ram Bhawan and Durgawati were found guilty of luring and assaulting children as young as three. Their crimes also involved creating and distributing child abuse material globally. The court deemed their actions 'rarest of rare'.
Tamil Nadu BJP President Nainar Nagendran stated the public will decide election results. He criticized the ruling DMK government for unfulfilled promises and a decline in law and order. Nagendran projected Edappadi K. Palaniswami as the next Chief Minister. He also mentioned union government fund allocations to Tamil Nadu.
The Goa Maritime Conclave 2026 has begun. Naval Chief Admiral Dinesh Tripathi opened the event. Delegates from 14 Indian Ocean nations are present. They will discuss drug trafficking and illegal fishing. Regional stability is impacted by these issues. Operational coordination and synergy are needed.
Uttar Pradesh's farmers are receiving a vital boost as Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announces the release of Rs 285 crore, benefitting more than 2.51 lakh families. This financial support is aimed at compensating crop losses through initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana and Mukhyamantri Krishak Durghatna Kalyan Yojana.
Himachal Pradesh faces a significant financial challenge. The state anticipates a Rs 10,000 crore revenue deficit. This comes after the Union Government stopped the Revenue Deficit Grant. The state government is implementing new policies. These include reforms in toll collection and excise. Entry fees for vehicles are also revised.
The defeat against Australia was Oman's 10th consecutive defeat at the T20 World Cup. They first qualified for the multi-nation T20 tournament in the 2016 edition, where they finished their campaign with a win in three group stage matches.
A US Supreme Court decision on President Trump's trade tariffs brings new uncertainty for European companies. While some tariffs are struck down, businesses fear new ones could emerge. Italian wine and German chemical firms face ongoing trade instability. Experts suggest this ruling complicates rather than resolves tariff issues, impacting global trade relations.
Following a protest by the Indian Youth Congress at the India AI Impact Summit in New Delhi, the BJP launched demonstrations in several cities. Party members condemned the Youth Congress' actions as shameful and demanded an apology from Rahul Gandhi and Congress leadership.
Defeated candidates in Telangana are reportedly demanding the return of cash and gifts distributed during the municipal election campaign. Clashes have surfaced in several districts as candidates approach voters after losing. Some candidates had allegedly distributed money and household items before the February 11 polling. Residents, however, state they did not ask for these items and find the demand unreasonable.
Spondulicks, an old-fashioned slang term from the 19th century, humorously refers to money or funds. While rarely used in modern Canadian conversation, it appears in multiple contexts, including informal, creative, and historical, adding a lighthearted, comedic, and retro feel. This colourful term is best suited for casual storytelling and humorous writing.
The Supreme Court struck down many of President Trump's tariffs, a significant blow to his expansion of presidential power. Despite Trump's furious reaction and plans for new tariffs, the ruling creates uncertainty for the federal budget and raises questions about refunding over $100 billion in collected duties.
An earthquake measuring 3.9 on the Richter scale shook Pakistan on Saturday. The tremor occurred at a depth of 10 kilometers. Pakistan's location makes it highly susceptible to seismic activity. Regions like Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Gilgit-Baltistan are particularly at risk due to their proximity to major fault lines.
Croma is offering massive discounts on Apple iPhones. The latest iPhone 17 is available for under Rs 45,000 and the iPhone 16 is priced below Rs 40,000. These deals combine bank cashback, coupon discounts, and exchange bonuses. The sale runs from February 20 to March 8.
The committee will be chaired by party Treasurer TR Baalu. Other members of the panel include Principal Secretary KN Nehru, Deputy General Secretaries Tiruchi Siva and A Raja, Organising Secretary RS Bharathi, and High-Level Executive Committee members EV Velu and MRK Panneerselvam.
Mumbai Crime Branch issued a Look Out Circular against Harichandra, alias Harry Boxer, a suspected Lawrence Bishnoi gang member, for extorting Rs 20 crore from actor Ranveer Singh. This follows a threatening voice note and is linked to a broader probe into intimidation campaigns targeting Bollywood personalities, including a recent firing incident outside Rohit Shetty's residence.
Dubai transforms during Ramadan. Workdays shorten, and the city's rhythm shifts. Evenings come alive with corporate iftars and suhoor gatherings. Hotels offer special menus and tents. Retailers provide significant discounts on essentials. Banking and auto sectors also present attractive deals. The focus moves from profit to seasonal giving.
The U.S. Trade Representative will launch new Section 301 investigations into major trading partners and sectors like pharmaceutical pricing. This follows a Supreme Court decision striking down certain tariffs, with the administration confident that Trump-era trade deals will remain intact. New probes will examine issues including industrial overcapacity, forced labor, and digital goods discrimination.
Government sources said an initial reading of the US Supreme Court ruling striking down President Donald Trumps global reciprocal tariffs effectively nullifies the 25% levy on India, with New Delhi awaiting an official White House response.
The Supreme Courts decision to strike down many of Donald Trumps tariffs has cast uncertainty over several recent U.S. trade deals that had fixed duties at around 1520% in exchange for investment and trade concessions. While Trump said some agreements would remain, he also announced a new 10% global tariff under a different legal authority, creating fresh ambiguity for partners.
US President Donald Trump reiterated his claim of mediating a ceasefire between India and Pakistan with his threats of 200 per cent tariffs as he argued against the US Supreme Court ruling to invalidate his reciprocal tariffs.
The US has imposed a 10% global tariff, impacting India as part of its trade deal, following a Supreme Court ruling that limited President Trump's authority under the IEEPA.

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