The Economic Times

Rahul Gandhi and other opposition leaders met Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla. They raised concerns about suspended Congress MPs and issues concerning Parliament. The opposition urged the Speaker to revoke the suspension of eight MPs. This meeting occurred amid a standoff over Gandhi's demand to speak before the Union Budget discussion. The Lok Sabha has seen disruptions since February 3.

India will phase out tariffs on agricultural inputs for its food processing industry over 10 years under a trade deal with the US, allowing domestic stakeholders time to adjust. The agreement also grants the US zero additional duty on $1.36 billion of Indian agricultural exports, including spices, tea, coffee, and various fruits and nuts, ensuring stability for farmers and exporters.

EPFO subscribers will soon be able to withdraw provident fund directly into their bank accounts via UPI using a new mobile app launching in April. This initiative aims to streamline the withdrawal process, making it more accessible and efficient for members. The app will also offer other services like viewing passbook balances, enhancing overall service delivery.

Shivam Mishra, the son of tobacco tycoon KK Mishra, whose Banshidhar Exports Pvt. Ltd. supplies tobacco to gutkha manufacturers, has found himself in a controversy after he rammed his Rs 10 crore Lamborghini into pedestrians in Kanpur. Shivam Mishra owns high-profile cars and diamond watch worth crores and lives a lavish lifestyle. In 2024, the IT officials seized luxury cars associated with Shivam Mishra who had the same registration numbers.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has sought a clear explanation from Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi. Sarma questioned Gogoi's visit to Rawalpindi district in Pakistan, stating his visa only permitted travel to Lahore, Karachi, and Islamabad. Gogoi had mentioned visiting Takshashila with his wife in 2013.

International passengers flying out of Pune airport may soon experience shorter immigration waits. Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol will advocate for the Fast Track Immigration system. This initiative aims to expedite clearance for pre-verified travelers. Discussions are underway with the Union Ministry of Home Affairs. The program is already operational at several other Indian airports.

Tamil Nadu assembly elections: BJP convened its 13-member Election Manifesto Committee in Chennai. The meeting, chaired by State President Nainar Nagendran, focused on gathering public input for the upcoming 2026 Assembly polls. The committee aims to reflect the 'Makkalukkaga Makkalidamirundhu' campaign, seeking people-centric ideas for the election.

Gajuwaka police arrested Achhi Mahesh Reddy, a former software engineer, for over 26 house burglaries in Vizag. He allegedly stole property worth over Rs 25 lakh. Reddy, also known as Sunny, maintained a lavish lifestyle funded by crime. His criminal activities began in his teenage years. Police recovered significant amounts of gold, silver, and a BMW car.

A Bengaluru woman filed a complaint after her 23-year-old daughter allegedly shared private photos of her mother and nude images of her aunt with her alleged lover, Varun. The daughter reportedly left home to marry Varun, prompting her parents to seek police intervention due to concerns about the man's background and the women's safety.

Sergei Lavrov, Russia's Foreign Minister, has expressed a willingness to collaborate with the United States. Nevertheless, he remains skeptical about the potential for economic partnerships, pointing to what he sees as America's drive for 'economic supremacy' and various impediments to BRICS cohesion. Consequently, Russia is now exploring secure avenues to advance initiatives with its BRICS allies.

India needs an independent space force to secure its interests in outer space. Rajya Sabha MP Sujeet Kumar highlighted space as a strategic domain crucial for communications, navigation, and military operations. He pointed to China and the US having dedicated space forces.

Renowned political cartoonist Jon Kudelka has died at the age of 53. He passed away on Sunday, February 8, 2026, in Hobart. Kudelka had been battling aggressive brain cancer for two years. His work was widely admired by readers, colleagues, and even politicians. He received numerous awards for his sharp observations and wit.

Congress alleges a lack of space for opposition voices in the Lok Sabha. Party leader K C Venugopal stated that opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, are not permitted to speak. He hinted at potential action regarding a no-confidence motion against Speaker Om Birla. This comes after an opposition floor leaders' meeting.

A bomb threat email has disrupted Patna Civil court operations. Judicial work was suspended on Monday following the threat. This incident delays the bail plea of MP Pappu Yadav. Similar threats were received earlier this month and were found to be hoaxes. The administration is investigating the matter.

Convivial means a warm, friendly, and cheerful atmosphere. It describes gatherings where people enjoy each other's company. The word, originating from Latin for feast, now signifies pleasant social settings. It is often used in writing to describe events, restaurants, or personalities. Convivial settings feel welcoming and sociable. This positive term conveys joy and warmth, making people feel comfortable and happy.

Nick Davidov, a venture capitalist, recently shared a harrowing experience, where he asked AI agent Claude Cowork to organise its wife's desktop. The AI agent accidentally deleted 15 years of family photos and Nick Davidov nearly had a heart attack and he contacted Apple for assistance. In a post on X, he described how Anthropics desktop agent went disastrously wrong while attempting a simple clean-up.

Lamborghini has launched the Revuelto, its first hybrid super sports car. This new model boasts 1,001 HP from a V12 engine and three electric motors. It offers 13 driving modes for varied experiences. The car features a new carbon-fibre monocoque for lighter weight and increased strength. The Revuelto signifies a new era for Lamborghini's performance and design.

Rajya Sabha witnessed a walkout by opposition members on Monday. Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge was denied permission to speak. He intended to raise issues concerning the Lok Sabha and a statement made by Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal. The Chairman proceeded with Question Hour, leading to the opposition's protest and subsequent departure from the House.

The Supreme Court will hear the Chhattisgarh government's appeal against bail for Chaitanya Baghel in liquor scam cases next week. A key witness has reportedly stopped appearing after his bail. Separately, Saumya Chaurasia, former deputy secretary to Bhupesh Baghel, was advised to approach the Chhattisgarh High Court for bail in fresh FIRs.

Traveling does more than create memories; it physically transforms you. From boosting neuroplasticity and strengthening the immune system to significantly lowering the risk of heart disease, exploration acts as a biological reset. This story explores seven scientifically-backed benefits that prove travel is essential for your bodys long-term resilience and health.

Today's word of the day 'fortuitous' describes events that happen by chance, often with a lucky outcome. This Word of the Day explores its Latin roots, evolving meaning, and how unexpected moments can shape our lives in surprisingly positive ways.

Poet K Satchidanandan believes alternating rule by LDF and UDF benefits Kerala. He noted continuous governance can lead to undesirable elements joining parties and reduced power decentralization. Sitting in opposition strengthens parties and allows them to listen to public concerns. He also expressed concern over parties appeasing community organizations.

Australian shares experienced their strongest session since April 2025, with the S&P/ASX 200 index climbing 1.85% on Monday. Gains in miners and gold stocks, buoyed by stronger commodity prices, led the market's rebound. Investors now anticipate a busy earnings week, with a focus on financial sector performance. All 11 sectors ended higher along with the S&P/ASX 200 Index, according to the ASX website.

Gujarat fake milk racket: A factory in Gujarat was raided for allegedly producing and distributing milk and buttermilk contaminated with detergent, urea, and other chemicals. Villagers may have been consuming this adulterated dairy for the past five years. Authorities seized substantial quantities of the contaminated products and chemicals. Five individuals have been arrested, while the factory owner remains at large. The incident has raised serious public health concerns.

Thiruvananthapuram Mayor V V Rajesh has taken a strong stance against cross-massaging in city spas. He stated that such practices are against local culture and will not be permitted. The corporation will conduct document verification and inspections of all spas. This move follows a recent incident in Thiruvalla.

OAV 2026 Results: Odisha Adarsha Vidyalaya Entrance Test (OAVET) 2026 and Odisha Mining Adarsha Vidyalaya (OMAV) entrance test results for the 2026-27 academic session are expected soon. Candidates who appeared for the OAVET and OMAVET examinations can check their results online using their login credentials. Admissions will be based on merit and seat availability.

Al Pacino, a legendary American actor, has captivated audiences for decades. His powerful performances in films like The Godfather and Scarface cemented his status. Pacino also excels on stage, demonstrating his dedication to acting. He continues to take on challenging roles, proving his enduring relevance. His career showcases a deep commitment to exploring human emotions and storytelling.

'O Romeo' OTT release date revealed: Shahid Kapoor and Tripti Dimri starrer movie O Romeo will be released in theatres on February 13. The movie is likely to be released on Amazon Prime Video. O Romeo follows the story of Hussain Ustara, a raw and emotionally conflicted gangster in Mumbai.

Maharashtra Zilla Parishad polls: The Bharatiya Janata Party established an early lead in 26 seats of Zilla Parishads and Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena in 13, as per TV channels, with no official confirmation yet from the State Election Commission.

Pariksha Pe Charcha: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during the latest Pariksha Pe Charcha, advised students to understand the journey behind success stories instead of blindly chasing them. He stressed that career confusion is completely normal and that exploring different paths is a sign of growth. The event also focused on exam preparation and building confidence, aiming to turn examinations into a celebration of learning rather than a source of stress.

Opposition MPs are planning a no-confidence motion against Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla. This follows allegations that Rahul Gandhi was not allowed to speak during a debate. The Speaker had previously asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi to avoid the House due to potential disruptions.

KK Mishra runs Banshidhar Exports Pvt Ltd, a firm engaged in supplying tobacco to gutkha manufacturers in the region. His son Shivam Mishra allegedly rammed his Lamborghini Revuelto into pedestrians and two-wheelers in Kanpur due to which the victim was flung 10 feet into the air. Last year, the IT department raided Banshidhar Tobacco Company and seized multiple luxury vehicles such as McLaren, a Porsche, and a Lamborghini. Shivam also reportedly owns a watch worth Rs 2.5 crore.

90s icon Ruby Bhatia has sparked widespread discussion after admitting she doesn't enjoy motherhood due to its grueling nature, despite loving her children. In her first major interview in years, she explained her transition from a top-tier VJ to a 1,000-per-session life coach, her cumulative 500kg weight loss journey, and why she chose to leave a lucrative anchoring career for spiritual peace and homeschooling.

Delhi schools and Parliament received bomb threat emails early this morning, warning of explosions and a possible attack, leading to immediate evacuations and extensive security checks. While no suspicious objects were found, authorities are investigating the hoax, which has caused widespread anxiety and disrupted classes.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged students to master technology, not be mastered by it. He encouraged them to use emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence to boost their skills. Modi also emphasized the importance of practicing past papers and getting adequate sleep for better exam performance.

Maharashtra's Zilla Parishad and Panchayat Samiti elections: These polls, held on February 7 after a postponement, saw a 68.28 percent voter turnout. The results are crucial for the Nationalist Congress Party, with factions of Ajit Pawar and Sharad Pawar contesting together in key western Maharashtra districts.

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav criticizes the new US-India trade deal. He claims India's market is being handed to America, undermining the 'Make in India' initiative. Yadav questions the government's priorities, highlighting imports of animal feed despite local research. He states this impacts backward classes and Dalits involved in dairy farming.

A world-class ARAI centre will be established in Mandya, Karnataka. Union Minister H D Kumaraswamy announced an investment of Rs 500 crore for this project. The centre will boost the state's automobile sector. Land is being secured from the state government. Funds are already earmarked. This facility will benefit Mandya, Mysuru, and the entire state's automotive industry.

Sunil Grover's hilarious hair-loss parody song, 'Meriyaan Zulfaan,' on The Great Indian Kapil Show has gone viral, leaving audiences in stitches. His impeccable comic timing and relatable lyrics about hair fall have stolen the spotlight. The episode also featured AP Dhillon sharing his inspiring rags-to-riches journey, making it a must-watch blend of comedy and heart.

Lok Adalat Token 2026 Delhi date: Delhi Traffic Police and Delhi State Legal Services Authority will hold a National Lok Adalat on February 14. You must log in to https://traffic.delhipolice.gov.in/lokadalat portal and download the challan. The link will be activated today and for the settlement of challans, a mandatory online registration is required.