The Economic Times

Phalguna Amavasya, a significant new moon day for ancestral remembrance and purification, falls on February 17, 2026. This year's observance is amplified by coinciding with the first solar eclipse of 2026, an annular event. Devotees will engage in rituals like holy bathing, Pitru Tarpan, and charity, seeking spiritual renewal.

Logolepsy, a rare and charming term, describes a deep fascination with words, encompassing a love for vocabulary, language sounds, and obscure expressions. This word highlights an enthusiastic and passionate attraction to language, often found in literary circles and among word enthusiasts. It celebrates curiosity and a profound appreciation for the power of words.

JEE Mains Result 2026 link timings: The National Testing Agency is set to release the JEE Main 2026 results on February 16, with scorecards expected to be available later in the day, possibly evening or late night. Candidates must use their application number and date of birth on official NTA websites to access their results and prepare for subsequent admission processes.

The Election Commission has suspended seven officials in West Bengal. These officials are accused of serious misconduct and dereliction of duty. The suspensions are in connection with the ongoing special intensive revision of the voters' list. Disciplinary proceedings have been ordered against the suspended officers. This action follows disagreements between the Election Commission and the Trinamool Congress government.

As India gets ready to host the International Fleet Review and Exercise MILAN, the Indian Navy welcomed naval ships from Thailand, Australia and Sri Lanka on Sunday.

Yesterday's match results: Pakistan was defeated by India by 61 runs in the T20 World Cup match. After the match Pakistan's coach Mike Hesson said they started off well but the way Ishan Kishan played the game, he took the game away from them. Hesson further said there was a pretty disappointed dressing room as the match was very important to Pakistan.

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is in Norway for a two-day visit. She will meet Norway's Prime Minister and Finance Minister. Discussions will focus on economic and financial cooperation. Sitharaman will also engage with startups, business leaders, and the Indian diaspora. This visit follows her participation in the Munich Security Conference.

Japan's economy experienced a sluggish expansion in the fourth quarter, disappointing many market forecasts. This development poses a substantial challenge for Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. As cost-of-living challenges weigh heavily on the populace, consumer confidence and domestic spending are waning. In light of this, government officials are mapping out targeted investments in critical sectors to foster growth.

China is easing travel restrictions for Canadians. Starting Tuesday, citizens can visit for up to 30 days without a visa. This policy marks a significant step in improving relations between Beijing and Ottawa. The move is expected to simplify travel for many Canadians. Both countries also agreed to jointly promote tourism.

Microsoft founder Bill Gates is set to visit Andhra Pradesh on Monday to discuss expanding cooperation in health and artificial intelligence initiatives with Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu. Gates will also observe the state's Real Time Governance System and witness the use of drones and AI in agriculture.

Yesterday's match result: Pakistan leaned heavily on spin against India in Colombo, sending down 18 overs of slow bowling to equal a T20 World Cup record. The same tactic had been employed against Australia at the venue in 2012, but this spin-dominated strategy once again fell short as India secured a commanding 61-run victory.

JEE Main 2026 results are expected tomorrow, February 16th, from the National Testing Agency. Candidates can access their scorecards, detailing All India Rank and subject-wise performance, on official websites jeemain.nta.ac.in and ntaresults.nic.in. Essential login credentials include application number and birthdate. Students are urged to download and verify their results promptly for subsequent admission processes.

China Lunar New Year 2026: Beijing widened its visa-free entry policy to more than 45 countries, making visitors from many European nations, along with those from Australia, New Zealand and more, eligible for stays of up to 30 days.

U.S Weather Forecast: A storm bringing rain to parts of the Southeast moves offshore, it is expected to interact with colder air across parts of the Northeast, likely producing light snowfall across New York and Pennsylvania

Gold rate, silver price prediction: Analysts said central bank buying, safe-haven flows amid the sharp sell-off in tech & AI stocks across global markets, and a softer dollar index lent support to Gold and silver prices.

Press Note 3, which made prior government approval mandatory for foreign direct investment (FDI) from bordering countries, was introduced in April 2020 to curb opportunistic takeovers of domestic companies during the pandemic primarily targeted at those originating from China.

The VB-G RAM G scheme, set to replace MGNREGA, has received the largest share of the Budget for the Department of Rural Development, accounting for 40% of its total allocation. This new scheme, with a 60:40 Centre-state funding ratio, aims to provide 125 days of work, contrasting with MGNREGA's reduced allocation and historical wage payment issues.

NASCAR Daytona 500 live streaming: Daytona 500, the season-opening race of the NASCAR season and its biggest race of the year.

Africa has stepped into the spotlight as a global powerhouse, not just an emerging market. Visionary Mo Abudu, the trailblazer behind EbonyLife Media, underscores the continent's vibrant entrepreneurial drive and its youthful demographic. With a treasure trove of natural resources and a booming media landscape, Africa bursts with opportunities.

UAE's Crescent Group is investing $150 million in India. This move signals a broader trend of Gulf investors diversifying away from North America and Europe. India's strong economic fundamentals and growth potential are key drivers. Crescent Group will focus on consumer, pharma, manufacturing, and financial services. This expansion highlights India's growing importance as an investment destination for global capital.

Quote of the Day by George Washington: The line is part of George Washington's first annual address to Congress. The event took place on January 8, 1790.

In a significant development, India and the United States have inked a preliminary trade pact aimed at enhancing economic ties. This agreement features a reduction in US tariffs on various Indian imports, easing the burden on exporters. Nonetheless, challenges linger, particularly around India's ongoing crude oil purchases from Russia and future commitments from the US.

The Reserve Bank of India is seeking input from banks to streamline overseas investment rules. This move aims to simplify procedures and ease compliance hurdles for Indian companies. Discussions are underway to address practical challenges and ambiguities in the current framework. The central bank is looking to clarify regulations and facilitate smoother outbound investments for businesses and individuals.

Admiral Samuel J. Paparo of the US expressed admiration for India's Operation Sindoor, commending its strategic precision and the measured approach taken. He reflected on the insights gained from Pakistan's deployment of Chinese weaponry and voiced optimism for enduring collaboration between India and the US to avert future tensions.

China will welcome citizens from Canada and Britain without visas from Tuesday. This follows agreements made after recent visits by their leaders to Beijing. Prime Ministers Keir Starmer and Mark Carney met with senior Chinese officials, including President Xi Jinping. Visa-free travel was a key outcome of these discussions aimed at strengthening ties.

While foreign secretary Vikram Misri could visit Washington for political and strategic dialogue, a few US ministers are expected to travel to New Delhi for sector specific engagement, ET has learnt.

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen stated that US President Donald Trump still wants to control Greenland. This interest from the US has caused friction with Denmark. Earlier threats from Trump to take the Arctic island by force have softened. However, Frederiksen believes the underlying desire for ownership remains. The mineral-rich territory is an autonomous part of Denmark.

Australia has announced a significant investment of AU$3.9 billion for nuclear-powered submarines. This funding is part of the AUKUS security pact with Britain and the United States. The new submarines, designed in the US, will bolster Australia's defence capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region.

The Opposition's move to remove Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla has unexpectedly granted him a period of relaxation. While the motion's outcome is predictable, the Speaker will enjoy a break from the intense parliamentary sessions. This gives the Opposition a chance to regroup and find new targets for their concerns.

China should coordinate efforts to boost consumption and expand investment, and fully leverage the advantages of China's super-large-scale market, Xi said in comments published by Qiushi, the Communist Party's flagship journal. He stressed improving livelihoods, stabilizing investment and supporting long-term growth.

French investigators are probing new leads in the Jeffrey Epstein case. They are re-examining the situation of modelling agent Jean-Luc Brunel, who died in prison. New documents from the US Justice Department are being reviewed for connections to French citizens. Former minister Jack Lang resigned amid allegations. This broadens the ongoing global impact of the Epstein revelations.

In a notable display of diplomacy, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla will attend the inauguration of Bangladesh's newly formed government, led by Tarique Rahman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party. Set to take place in Dhaka on Tuesday, this ceremony not only celebrates the democratic process but also reinforces the enduring friendship between India and Bangladesh.

In the recent elections, Jamaat-e-Islami, known for its pro-Pakistan stance, clinched more than 70 seats in Bangladesh. However, the party will not take the reins of government, instead positioning itself as a formidable opposition voice.

In a bold statement, Union Home Minister Amit Shah criticized the Congress party for its Dunkel proposals, claiming they jeopardize the well-being of farmers. He emphasized the Modi administration's commitment to safeguarding agricultural interests since 2014.

Karnataka's IT/BT Minister Priyank Kharge highlights that communal tensions are hindering investment in Mangaluru and Udupi-Manipal. These coastal cities possess significant economic potential, but investor confidence is shaken. The minister urges leaders to exercise restraint on communal issues. The government is working to boost job creation and economic growth in these regions.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi calls on India's private sector to boost investment and innovation. He highlights the government's infrastructure push and urges companies to invest in R&D and new technologies. This partnership is crucial for driving globally competitive growth and achieving a developed India by 2047. The focus is on innovation, efficiency, and scale for sustainable economic momentum.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) secured a decisive victory in the general elections, winning 49.97% of the votes and 209 seats. Its former ally, Jamaat-e-Islami, emerged as the main opposition with 31.76% of the votes and 68 seats. The election landscape was altered by the disqualification of Sheikh Hasina's Awami League.

Workplace challenges and conflicts: A 30-year-old professional has sparked widespread online debate after alleging that a company laid him off due to budget constraints, only to appoint the intern he had personally mentored to his position just weeks later.

Gujarat requires 30 lakh skilled workers. The government is implementing plans to bridge this gap. Training programs are being aligned with industry needs. The India Skill Competition aims to prepare youth for future job requirements. This initiative is crucial for shaping the nation's workforce and industrial growth.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlights his government's reform achievements and future plans. He emphasizes continued structural reforms, deepening innovation, and simplifying governance. These initiatives aim to benefit common citizens and businesses. The Prime Minister expresses a commitment to continuous improvement and serving the nation better. Reforms have already eased burdens and improved connectivity across India.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio assured European leaders the US seeks partnership, not a vassal relationship, urging them to embrace Donald Trump's vision for global renewal. He met with Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico and will meet Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, both staunch right-wing allies of Trump, to discuss strengthening transatlantic ties and energy cooperation.