The Economic Times

President Donald Trump endorsed Nexstar Media Group's $6.2 billion purchase of Tegna, reversing earlier criticism. Trump stated the deal would increase competition against Fake News national networks. The acquisition, pending regulatory approval, would combine two major local broadcast media companies.

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi hopes for renewed talks with the United States soon. He stressed Iran's missile program is non-negotiable and warned of retaliation if attacked. US officials visited an aircraft carrier in the Arabian Sea. The US has imposed new sanctions on Iran. Talks are expected to resume next week.

Thailand votes today in a crucial general election. A tight three-way contest is underway with no single party predicted to win a majority. This could lead to continued political uncertainty. Voters will also decide on drafting a new constitution. The outcome will shape Thailand's future direction and stability.

Television host Savannah Guthrie's family will pay for her mother Nancy Guthrie's safe return. Nancy Guthrie, 84, was presumed abducted in Arizona. Authorities have concluded she was kidnapped. Investigators are examining new messages in the case. The FBI offered a reward for information. President Trump suggested answers are coming soon.

Haiti's presidential council has dissolved after a tumultuous two-year tenure. Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aime is set to continue leading the nation. The country faces significant challenges with widespread gang control and prepares for long-delayed general elections. Officials pledge to restore security and provide humanitarian aid. The path forward remains demanding for Haiti.

BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman urged voters to support the sheaf of paddy symbol for rebuilding Bangladesh, promising healthcare, employment, and development initiatives. He emphasized public participation in realizing the party's vision, describing the upcoming February 12 election as crucial for national reconstruction after a decade of alleged deprivation.

Super Bowl 2026: Every Super Bowl takes on the culture of its host city. South Beach in Miami. The French Quarter in New Orleans. Hollywood in Los Angeles. It will be no different Sunday, when the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks face off at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California, nestled in Silicon Valley an hour's drive south of San Francisco.

Epstein Files: Sometimes it was a Prada bag. Other times it was a flight on Mr. Epstein's jet, or a weekend at his island. Sometimes it was a donation to a charity or school.

Washington Post CEO Will Lewis out: Jeff D'Onofrio, chief financial officer of the newspaper owned by Jeff Bezos, will serve as acting publisher and CEO, the Post said.

India-US trade deal: India's exports of about $44 billion to the US will enter the American market at zero reciprocal tariffs under the first phase of the BTA, which is expected to be signed by mid-March. This will include spices, tea, coffee, copra, coconut oil, certain nuts, banana, guava, mango, bakery goods, and home decor.

India and the US have inked an interim trade deal, paving the way for duty-free exports across numerous sectors, including textiles, leather, and aviation. Global aerospace giants Boeing and Airbus are eyeing India as a major foreign Original Equipment Manufacturer base for aircraft components, signaling significant growth potential and excitement for the bilateral partnership.

Panic and chaos gripped the Surajkund Mela after a giant swing snapped mid-air and crashed to the ground, killing an on-duty police inspector who was just weeks away from retirement. The officer lost his life while bravely rescuing people trapped on the ride, turning a festive evening into a scene of horror.

Forest and Environment Minister Arjun Modhwadia presented the Ramsar certificate to Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel in Gandhinagar on Friday.

Financial Word of the Day: Stagflated describes an economy where inflation stays high while growth slows at the same time. Prices rise, but incomes do not keep up. Consumer demand weakens. Job creation slows. Normally, inflation falls when growth cools, but stagflation breaks that pattern. This traps central banks. Raising rates hurts growth. Cutting rates worsens inflation. Markets fear stagflation because stocks struggle, costs remain high, and uncertainty rises.

The Indian National Congress has voiced strong criticism regarding the India-US joint statement on a trade deal. Party leader Jairam Ramesh stated the agreement is silent on crucial details. He alleged that India might cease importing Russian oil and reduce import duties. This, he claimed, would benefit American farmers at the expense of Indian agricultural producers.

Sonia Gandhi has opposed a court plea seeking an FIR against her. The plea alleges her name was included in the electoral roll before she became an Indian citizen. Gandhi calls the plea frivolous and politically motivated. The court has taken her response on record. The complainant claims her name was added in 1980 and deleted later.

Telangana's BRS leader K T Rama Rao criticizes the Union Budget. He claims the budget favors states going to polls, neglecting Telangana. Rao points to special mentions for Bihar, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala. He states Telangana, a strong economic player, is deliberately excluded from key initiatives. This selective approach, he argues, undermines federalism and creates regional inequality.

The Supreme Court has backed Tamil Nadu's authority to appoint university vice-chancellors. This decision overturns a Madras High Court order that had halted the state's power. The Supreme Court noted the High Court acted too quickly. The matter now returns to the High Court for a decision within six weeks.

Following a victory in Maharashtra local polls, the Bharatiya Janata Party is now targeting municipal elections in Telangana and Karnataka. Polling in Telangana is set for February 11. In Karnataka, the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike elections are scheduled for May 2026. The party is mobilizing its workers and setting ambitious targets for these crucial grassroots contests.

States are boosting cash handouts for women voters as elections approach. West Bengal's Lakshmir Bhandar scheme sees a 500 monthly hike. Kerala earmarks 3,720 crore for its Sthree Suraksha Scheme. Bihar adds 3,000 annually to PM-Kisan for women entrepreneurs. Punjab plans 1,000 monthly for women. These moves signal a trend of pre-poll financial promises.

MEA's statement came after the White House claimed that India had committed to stop directly or indirectly importing Russian oil and would instead purchase from the US. The announcement formed part of the context in which additional tariffs imposed on India over its purchase of Russian oil were withdrawn.

Modi Malaysia visit: Addressing a community event in Kuala Lumpur, Modi reiterated that India's economic trajectory and reform push have enhanced its credibility as a reliable partner.

An official of the Chief Minister's Office said that during the meeting the Chief Minister instructed the concerned authorities to promote alternative crop cultivation along with allied activities in the hill districts.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin accused the central government of neglecting the state in the recent Union Budget. He urged voters to deliver a 'zero' to the BJP-led NDA in the upcoming April Assembly elections. Stalin highlighted his government's welfare schemes and Tamil Nadu's leading position in national rankings. He also criticized opposition leader Edappadi K.

Rake meaning: Today's word is 'rake'. This simple English word holds many meanings. It is a gardening tool for gathering leaves or smoothing soil. Figuratively, it means earning money quickly or revisiting past issues. Historically, a 'rake' was a man of reckless lifestyle. The word has been in English for over a thousand years. Its pronunciation is 'rayk'.

More U.S. employees now face unwanted workplace mentorship as managers push leadership pipelines. Data shows many workers prefer stability over promotion. Long-tenured, private employees feel rising pressure. Career boundaries clash with modern management styles. This story explains why forced mentorship is growing, how it impacts workplace politics, and what it reveals about changing job values today.

India and the European Union have begun discussions regarding India's potential involvement in Horizon Europe. This flagship EU program supports cross-border research and innovation. If associated, Indian researchers could receive direct funding and lead projects. This follows a recent summit where both sides agreed to deepen cooperation across various sectors.

UFC update: Dana White, UFC's chief executive officer, is still working on the event, which is set to take place on the US Flag Day holiday and President Donald Trump's 80th birthday.

Cryptocurrency trading mistake compensation: A South Korean crypto exchange, Bithumb, mistakenly sent over $40 billion in Bitcoin to users. The error occurred during a routine rewards payout. Bithumb quickly recovered most of the funds and assured customers it was not a hack. The exchange will compensate users and implement new AI verification systems to prevent future incidents.

Super Bowl 2026: One 30-second spot expected to air on the NBC television network during Super Bowl LX from Anthropic takes a thinly veiled jab at OpenAI's intentions to introduce ads to its AI-powered chatbot, ChatGPT.

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat said the partition of India happened due to forgetting Hindu sentiment. He emphasized that understanding the Sangh requires dialogue. Bhagwat also noted that while swadeshi is important, global dependence is also needed. He stressed that Hindutva guarantees safety and does not diminish religious practices.

Snoop Dogg Winter Olympics salary: Snoop Dogg returns as NBC's correspondent and Honorary Coach for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano-Cortina. His viral success in Paris, where he reportedly earned over $9 million, has led to his reappearance. His role aims to motivate Team USA athletes and entertain viewers, with his pay drawing significant public attention.

Independent MP Pappu Yadav has been placed in judicial custody for two days. The court ordered his treatment at Patna Medical College and Hospital. Yadav was arrested on Friday night following a warrant related to a 1995 case. His bail plea will be heard on Monday. His lawyer claims a false case was filed.

India-US trade deal: India and the US on Saturday announced that they have reached a framework for the first phase of the bilateral trade agreement under which both sides will reduce import duties on a number of goods to boost two-way trade.

President Donald Trump is employing military commanders in key diplomatic roles. Admiral Brad Cooper is participating in talks concerning Iran's nuclear program in Oman. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll is involved in negotiations to end the Russia-Ukraine war. This approach signals a shift in traditional foreign policy, potentially leveraging military expertise and the implicit threat of force to achieve diplomatic objectives.

Social Security payments February 2026: Millions of Americans are watching their Social Security accounts this February. Payments begin February 11 for select retirees and SSDI recipients. Birth dates determine timing. Not everyone qualifies that day. SSI follows different rules. A 2.8% COLA boosts checks in 2026. The full SSA calendar reveals who gets paid, when, and why it matters now.

Nitin Nabin, BJP national president, stated the party will win the Kerala Assembly elections. He highlighted central government aid to the state. Nabin criticized previous LDF-UDF governments for hindering growth. He promised development, empowerment of women, youth, and farmers, and a pro-business environment for a 'Vikasita Keralam'.

Equities of data analytics firms continued to come under selling pressure on concerns that they face an existential threat from powerful new AI models.

India and the US will sign a trade pact by mid-March. Around USD 44 billion of Indian exports will enter the US duty-free. This agreement will boost trade and benefit Indian industries. It aims to achieve USD 500 billion in bilateral trade by 2030. The pact opens opportunities for MSMEs, farmers, and fishermen.

Russia welcomes cooperation with any country, according to Consul General Ivan Fetisov. He highlighted the strong, trust-based relationship between Russia and India. Nuclear energy cooperation, including Small Modular Reactors, presents significant opportunities. Fetisov also mentioned discussions on infrastructure projects with the Chief Minister. Such events foster important dialogue and strengthen bilateral ties.

Speaking at a public gathering here, Bhagwat referred to various streams of thought that emerged during the freedom movement, represented by reformers and leaders including Raja Ram Mohan Roy, Swami Vivekananda and Dayananda Saraswati.

People who are 65 and older are eligible for a tax deduction of up to $6,000 for individuals and $12,000 for married couples, as long as both spouses qualify.

Social Security taxes are rising fast, catching retirees with $2,800 monthly benefits off guard. Nearly half already pay federal taxes. Frozen IRS thresholds, IRA withdrawals, and RMDs are driving higher tax exposure. Smart income timing, Roth strategies, and withdrawal planning can sharply reduce taxes. Heres how retirees can legally protect more of their benefits.

Super Bowl Sunday free chicken wings deals: Super Bowl Sunday is approaching. Several popular restaurants are offering deals on chicken wings. Applebees gives free boneless wings with online orders. Buffalo Wild Wings rewards members can earn free wings. Denny's offers a boneless wings party pack. These deals make game-day food more affordable for fans.