The Economic Times

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Rahul Gandhi are demanding answers from the Centre regarding excerpts from former army chief Gen MM Naravane's unpublished book. The book, reportedly withheld by the government, allegedly reveals the Modi government's failure to make decisive strategic calls during the 2020 China border standoff, leaving the armed forces to manage the crisis.

IRS Refund: If youre single with no children, your income level must be $19,104 or below. And if youre married filing jointly with three or more children, you must make $68,675 or below.

Quote of the day: Victor Hugos words remain relevant because they speak to a universal human need: to be seen and understood. The quotes simplicity allows it to cross cultural and temporal boundaries, making it accessible without diminishing its depth.

The study by Square Circle Clinic, a criminal laws advocacy group with the NALSAR University of Law in Hyderabad, found that an overwhelming majority of death sentences imposed by trial courts did not withstand scrutiny at higher judicial levels. Acquittals far outnumbered confirmations at both the high courts and Supreme Court levels.

Yumnam Khemchand Singh, a seasoned BJP leader and former RSS functionary, has been sworn in as the new Chief Minister of Manipur. Singh, a two-time legislator, previously served as the Speaker of the Assembly and a Cabinet Minister. His political journey began in 2013 when he joined the BJP. He also has a background in Taekwondo.

Gold and silver price today: Gold prices surged 2.7% to $5,071.79 on February 4, 2026. This move reclaimed the vital $5,000 psychological floor. Silver followed with an 8% jump to $89.92. Fresh U.S.-Iran tensions drove this safe-haven rally. J.P. Morgan now forecasts gold at $6,300 by year-end. They expect central banks to buy 800 tons in 2026. This debasement trade favors real assets over paper. Silver is targeting $125 amid a sixth year of supply deficits.

A CGI advertisement featuring a 3D highway billboard in Dubai has gone viral for its hyper-realistic visuals. Created for Nissan Middle East, the ad showcases a Patrol SUV driving through desert dunes before appearing to burst out of a roadside billboard and onto the highway, with sand seemingly pouring onto the road. Though entirely computer-generated, the video looks convincingly real, leaving viewers baffled.

India and the US maintained strong ties over the past ten months despite trade disputes. High-level officials from both nations engaged in regular meetings, fostering cooperation. Recent visits by US Congressmen and Senators underscored bipartisan support. Discussions focused on strengthening defense ties and strategic coordination, highlighting the importance of the relationship for regional stability and mutual benefit.

Modern life in 2026 is designed for convenience but often leads to chronic exhaustion. From digital overload and blue light disrupting sleep to decision fatigue and nutrient-poor diets, our energy is being zapped by invisible stressors. Understanding these six lifestyle factors is the first step toward reclaiming your daily vitality.

Lok Sabha proceedings were adjourned on Wednesday due to vociferous protests by Opposition members. The House met for the day with Opposition members raising various issues and shouting slogans. Speaker Om Birla urged members to respect proceedings and maintain decorum. The adjournment occurred as the House was scheduled to hear Prime Minister Narendra Modi's address.

Everyone has monsters under the bed in their own minds. From imposter syndrome to secret financial stress, we all carry burdens that we assume are unique to us. Understanding that these struggles are universal is the first step toward self-compassion and deeper connection with those around us.

India faces a projected surge in cancer cases, potentially reaching 2.5 million by 2045. Health experts urge prioritizing prevention and early detection alongside expanding treatment capacity. While budget measures offer welcome relief for treatment costs, addressing advanced-stage diagnoses remains crucial for improving patient outcomes.

GeM CEO Mihir Kumar said about 45 per cent of public procurement orders are placed to MSMEs, higher than the mandatory requirement of 25 per cent.

Elon Musk has achieved a historic financial milestone. His net worth has now crossed $800 billion. This surge is due to a significant merger between his companies SpaceX and xAI. The combined entity is valued at over a trillion dollars. This event reshapes Musk's business empire. SpaceX is now his most valuable asset.

BJP leader Nitin Nabin alleged the Telangana government practices appeasement politics. He stated the government suppresses Telugu people and traditions. Nabin claimed temples faced attacks under Congress rule. He pointed to the Wakf Board's land holdings as evidence of government favoritism. Both BRS and Congress governments failed to deliver on promises. Nabin highlighted NDA's commitment to Telangana's development.

Rajya Sabha MP Kamal Haasan has voiced concerns over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise, accusing commissions of potentially denying voters their right. He highlighted voter confusion and distress caused by the process, which aims to identify illegal migrants by checking place of birth.

Indian renewable energy players welcome the India-US trade deal. They believe it will restore stability in global trade and strengthen supply chains. The improved tariff environment will boost export competitiveness for Indian businesses. This move is seen as significant for the solar sector, enhancing price competitiveness and market access to the US.

Word of the Day: Vicissitudinous invites readers to think beyond immediate change and consider the broader patterns that define political systems, institutions, and human experience.

Rosa Parks Day is marked in several US states to commemorate the civil rights icon whose refusal to give up her bus seat in 1955 helped spark one of the most pivotal movements in American history.

The United States is hosting a global meeting with over 50 nations. The aim is to increase access to critical minerals. This move seeks to reduce China's control over vital industrial supplies. Countries are exploring ways to boost mining and processing outside China. Strategic stockpiles and price floors are among the measures being considered.

The UK's 100-year-old iconic restaurant Veeraswamy faces the risk of closure and has called the intervention of King Charles III to save it. Founded in 1926 and located in London near Piccadilly Circus, the restaurant is known for its delicious menu such as malai chicken tikka, raj kachori, lobster malabar curry, fresh alfonso mango dessert and more. Veeraswamy is a Michelin-star restaurant and celebrity chefs Raymond Blanc and Michel Roux are backing calls to save it.

Manipur is set for a new beginning. Y Khemchand Singh will be sworn in as Chief Minister today, February 4, 2026. This follows the revocation of President's Rule. Preparations are underway for the ceremony at Lok Bhavan. The NDA government aims to bring peace and development to the state. This marks a significant shift after a period of President's Rule.

The Delhi High Court has strongly criticized the Municipal Corporation of Delhi. The court noted the MCD's failure to publicize its legislative records and proceedings for two decades. This is despite the mandate under the Right to Information Act. The court emphasized that public authorities must proactively share information. The MCD assured the court that corrective measures are underway.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has strongly refuted allegations made by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi regarding the Union Budget. She challenged him to present specific evidence from the document to support his claims of neglect towards unemployment, rural distress, and manufacturing slowdown.

Gastroenterologist Dr. Palaniappan Manickam reveals the five essential habits for a healthy gut: daily fiber, consistent meal timing, stress management, restorative sleep, and screen-free mindful eating. By blending humor with science, Dr. Pal provides a sustainable roadmap to optimize your microbiome and eliminate bloating without relying on medication.

A surprise US tariff cut by President Donald Trump has reshaped plans for Indian exporters. Garment makers are halting overseas moves and reopening price talks with American buyers. This shift means discounts will end, leading to revised invoices or upcharges. While some sectors welcome the move, others find it too late for current orders.

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian leader Vladimir Putin held talks via video call. This meeting follows recent agreements by diplomats to boost economic cooperation. The strategic partnership between China and Russia has strengthened since Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The leaders have maintained regular contact, exchanging New Year greetings and discussing close exchanges.

Emerging markets showed notable resilience despite heightened volatility at the start of 2026. However, India and Indonesia remained underperformers, even as emerging market assets delivered a strong start to the year, according to a Deutsche Bank report.

Spiritual guru Sadhguru has offered two simple tips that can help create mutual magic between partners. The two tips by the popular spiritual guru is approach as a means to share, not extract and become your own source of happiness as complete individuals express love from abundance, not lack, fostering enduring connections.

Anthropic's Claude Cowork agent, now equipped with task-automating plugins, has triggered a SaaSpocalypse fear in tech stocks. This move transforms AI from a helpful feature into a direct competitor, capable of executing tasks autonomously and potentially replacing IT services and software vendors.

Proverb of the day by Theodore Roosevelt: Theodore Roosevelt's wisdom encourages immediate action. Success comes from using available resources and taking consistent small steps. This principle applies to careers, education, personal growth, and business. It inspires millions by urging people to stop overthinking and start acting now. Practical action is key to achieving goals.

NBA All-Star Game: Catch Badshahs historic NBA debut live in India on Saturday, Feb 14, 2026, starting at 5:30 AM IST. The NBA All-Star Celebrity Game will stream on Amazon Prime Video and NBA League Pass, featuring a star-studded clash between Team Giannis and Team Anthony Anderson.

K Annamalai, former Tamil Nadu BJP President, has resigned as election in-charge for six Assembly constituencies. He cited his father's ill health and need for care as the reason. Annamalai informed the Tamil Nadu BJP leadership of his decision. He expressed willingness to support party and alliance candidates in other capacities.

Security forces neutralized two Pakistani terrorists in Udhampur district. The operation, named 'Kiya', lasted over 20 hours. One of the slain terrorists was identified as Rubani alias Abu Mavia, a top Jaish-e-Mohammad commander. The joint operation involved the Army, police, and CRPF. Arms and ammunition were recovered from the site. This encounter follows previous security operations in the region.

India will borrow a record amount in the upcoming fiscal year. The government plans to use bond switches and other tools to manage the market. This approach aims to keep borrowing costs competitive and avoid market disruption. Investor sentiment is expected to improve following the resolution of trade deal uncertainties. The rupee has also shown signs of appreciation.

Chandrawal Water Plant: After over a decade of delays, Delhi's Chandrawal Water Treatment Plant is finally operational, promising to alleviate water shortages and reduce transmission losses. The project, boosted by central and state funding, will significantly increase water treatment capacity and improve distribution networks, aiming for reliable 24x7 supply to densely populated areas.

Bundelkhand University, Jhansi, has announced the UP BEd JEE 2026 application process, which opened on February 10 and closes on March 10. The examination is scheduled from April 20-25, with results expected by May 30. Applicants must meet age criteria and submit required documents along with the application fee.

The Supreme Court has issued notices to the Election Commission and West Bengal's chief electoral officer. This follows a plea from Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee concerning the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. The court is addressing concerns about alleged wrongful deletions of voters. A hearing is scheduled for February 9.

Delhi Crime: Nearly 50% of Delhi's 18,969 prisoners are between 21 and 30 years old, with over 55% under 30. Poverty, unemployment, and the lure of quick money are identified as key drivers for young offenders. The city's jails are severely overcrowded, operating at double capacity, prompting the construction of new facilities.

Virat Kohli look-alike Garvit features in Apollo Tyres' new campaign 'Har Safar Mein Dum Hai', alongside cricketing legends and current stars. The film showcases the journey of Indian cricketers, highlighting their dedication and resilience. This campaign coincides with India's preparation for the ICC T20 World Cup.

Melinda French Gates has hinted that Bill Gates ties with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein led to their divorce in 2021. Speaking on a podcast, the philanthropist said the newly released batch of photos in the Epstein files brought back some very painful times in her marriage. Melinda French and Bill Gates divorced in 2021.

Foreign companies offering cloud services globally will benefit from a 20-year tax holiday. This incentive is available to those using MeitY-notified data centers in India. Overseas firms face no risk of their global income being taxed in India. The move aims to boost investment in Indian data centers and provide certainty to foreign cloud service providers.