The Economic Times

India and the EU are on the cusp of a landmark Free Trade Agreement, potentially dubbed the 'mother of all deals.' This pact, two decades in the making, aims to boost bilateral trade and investment, offering a crucial diversification avenue amidst rising protectionism. Key sticking points include market access for automobiles and agriculture, but a breakthrough could reshape global trade.

Mumbai will host the Global Economic Cooperation 2026 summit from February 17-19. This forum will bring together governments, investors, and industry leaders. They will discuss economic diplomacy and cooperation in a changing global landscape. The event aims to shape practical pathways for collaboration in capital, infrastructure, technology, and energy. It will focus on key areas for global stability and prosperity.

Iran's supreme leader Ali Khamenei said on Saturday that Iran considers U.S. President Donald Trump a criminal for inflicting casualties, damage, and slander on the Iranian people during the protests.

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat addressed young entrepreneurs in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. He emphasized using technology for societal good without becoming dependent. Bhagwat highlighted that business should prioritize social responsibility alongside profit. He cited farmers' dedication to agriculture as an example of society-centric work. Bhagwat also stressed adapting technology to India's conditions and safeguarding employment.

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor noted positive developments in Iran, with cancelled executions and a toned-down US stance. He believes tensions are decreasing, offering hope for the people of Iran. However, Tharoor expressed doubt regarding the Gaza peace plan, citing ongoing violence and a lack of clear progress on Hamas disarmament. The situation remains tense.

Shiv Sena spokesperson Susieben Shah criticized Sanjay Raut for his remarks against Eknath Shinde. Shah stated Raut's actions caused the Shiv Sena's split. She thanked Mumbai citizens for the BJP-Shiv Sena alliance's success in the BMC elections. The alliance holds the majority and will appoint its mayor. Sanjay Raut had earlier accused Eknath Shinde of betrayal.

An office party video is going viral. A DJ played the Microsoft Teams ringtone, a sound many dread. This unexpected mix with a popular meme line caused laughter and online chatter. The clip has resonated with corporate employees, turning a work sound into an unexpected party highlight. The video has garnered significant views and comments.

A woman has died in New South Wales after a tree branch fell on her car. The incident occurred on Macquarie Pass during severe weather. Emergency services responded to the scene. Police have closed the pass for several hours. Many SES volunteers are assisting with rescues across the state due to heavy rain and strong winds.

Quote of the Day invites readers to reflect on how they engage with ideas, traditions and information. Rather than promoting belief without scrutiny, Wordsworths words emphasise patience, openness and the courage to question.

Kerala is set to showcase its strengths at the World Economic Forum in Davos. A delegation will highlight the state's commitment to sustainable and high-tech industries. The focus will be on responsible investment and industry. Kerala aims to attract global investors by emphasizing its ESG-focused ecosystem. The state will present its transition to a knowledge-based, Industry 4.0 compliant model.

India clarified that the 'BRICS Naval Exercise' was a South African initiative, not a regular BRICS activity, with India not participating. The drills, led by China and involving Russia and Iran, are underway near South Africa's coast amid rising global maritime tensions. India's regular maritime exercise in this context is IBSAMAR with Brazil and South Africa.

Congress leader Ashok Gehlot has raised serious concerns over electoral roll revisions in Ramgarh, Alwar. He claims a BJP election agent filed 1,383 fake objections in one day. Gehlot alleges this is a conspiracy to undermine democracy and steal the public mandate. He has demanded criminal cases against those involved and strict action.

A tragic accident occurred in Pakistan's Punjab province. A truck carrying 23 passengers, mostly a family, fell from a bridge in Kot Momin. Dense fog caused the driver to lose control. At least 14 people, including six children, died. Nine others were injured and are receiving treatment. The family was traveling to Faisalabad for a funeral.

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has cancelled his Davos trip for the World Economic Forum. He will attend meetings in New Delhi regarding the Assam Assembly elections. Shivakumar is also leading a campaign against the Centre over MNREGA. This has led to a special session of the Karnataka Assembly. He is meeting senior Congress leaders in Delhi.

Maharashtra is presenting its investment potential at the World Economic Forum 2026. The state highlights its ability to convert ambition into measurable outcomes through scale, speed, and policy certainty. Maharashtra has attracted significant FDI, focusing on sunrise sectors and strengthening traditional manufacturing.

Security forces eliminated two Naxalites in Bijapur district, Chhattisgarh. Senior cadre Dilip Bedja was among those killed in the encounter. The gunfight occurred during an anti-Naxalite operation in the forested hills. Security personnel from the Special Task Force, District Reserve Guard, and CoBRA were involved. Bodies of two Naxalites and AK-47 rifles were recovered.

The BJP has expanded its political presence in Maharashtra. This follows a strong performance in the November 2024 assembly elections. The party also achieved stellar results in recent civic polls across 29 municipal corporations. The BJP-led Mahayuti alliance is set to govern 25 of these corporations. Other parties have seen their political bases shrink significantly.

Indian merchandise exports face challenges from the US-India trade deal stalemate and possible US sanctions on Russian crude oil. Tea and basmati rice may see pressure. However, the current account deficit is projected to stay manageable due to strong services trade and remittances.

A Delhi court heard arguments in the Excise Policy corruption case. Arvind Kejriwal's lawyer stated no evidence links him to the alleged Rs 100 crore payment. The chargesheet was described as a repetition of earlier filings. The court adjourned the matter for further hearing. The case involves allegations of undue influence on policy formulation.

Chief Justice of India Surya Kant has initiated the construction of integrated court complexes in six Uttar Pradesh districts. These facilities in Chandauli, Mahoba, Amethi, Shamli, Hathras, and Auraiya are expected to become a national standard. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath was present at the foundation-laying ceremony. The Chief Justice expressed his intent to promote these developments across India.

The Municipal Corporation of Delhi plans a significant budget allocation for stray dog management. Around Rs 35 crore is earmarked for microchipping and vaccination. This initiative aims to improve public safety and animal health. The corporation will spend Rs 20 crore directly, with Rs 15 crore through NGO partnerships. A target of 25,000 dogs will be microchipped and vaccinated soon.

Pakistani cricket stars Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Afridi faced scrutiny during Australia's Big Bash League. Azam's visible frustration after being denied a run and his subsequent dismissal sparked online debate. Rizwan's quiet innings and Afridi's mid-over withdrawal added to the discussion. Steve Smith's dominant century led Sydney Sixers to victory.

Protests erupted again in Murshidabad, West Bengal on Saturday. Locals blocked National Highway-12 and railway tracks at Beldanga. This followed allegations of another migrant worker being assaulted in Bihar. The unrest reignited anger after a previous death. Police are working to restore normalcy. Efforts are underway to prevent further violence.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off Indias first Vande Bharat Sleeper Train between Howrah-Guwahati (Kamakhya) from Malda Town Railway Station on Saturday, boosting rail connectivity in poll-bound West Bengal.

In a post-pandemic world marked by rapid change, many people experience life as a series of unresolved transitions, career shifts, identity questions, and geopolitical realignments. Liminal gives language to this shared sense

AIADMK has unveiled its initial election promises for the Tamil Nadu Assembly polls. Key pledges include Rs 2,000 monthly aid for women heads of families and free bus travel for men. The party also plans housing schemes and enhanced employment opportunities. AIADMK aims to regain power in the state.

Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray has accepted his party's disappointing performance in the BMC elections. He stated the contest was between 'Shiv Shakti and money power'. Despite the setback, Thackeray urged party workers to remain steadfast in their commitment to Marathi manoos and Marathi asmita. He assured that MNS corporators would challenge any actions against Marathi interests.

India's Supreme Court has ruled that tax treaties must prioritize national interest over foreign pressure, emphasizing the need to protect tax sovereignty and prevent abuse. Justice Pardiwala's opinion highlighted that international tax pacts require transparency, periodic reviews, and strong exit clauses. The court upheld the taxation of capital gains from Tiger Global's Flipkart exit, reinforcing these principles for future agreements.

The Centre has revived three stalled dam projects on the Yamuna and its tributaries. These projects, Lakhwar, Renukaji, and Kishau, aim to significantly boost Delhi's water supply. Officials state the dams could meet the capital's drinking water needs for the next 25 years. Water supply is expected to commence within five to seven years.

Pakistani security forces neutralized 12 terrorists in Balochistan after an attack on two banks and a police station in Kharan town. The militants had looted 3.4 million PKR and taken hostages, who were later rescued unharmed. This incident marks the year's largest terror attack in the restive province.

Over 30 tableaux will showcase India's cultural heritage and developmental achievements on Kartavya Path during the Republic Day Parade. Themes of freedom and self-reliance will be highlighted, with states and ministries presenting unique narratives. The parade will also feature 2,500 artists and distinguished European leaders as Chief Guests.

Amazon iPhone Republic Day Sale: Amazon's Great Republic Day Sale brings massive price drops on popular smartphones. The iPhone 17 Pro is now available at an effective cost of Rs 85,700. The iPhone 17 Air sees a sharp reduction to Rs 91,249. Deals extend to Samsung, OnePlus, and iQOO models. Budget-friendly options are also part of the sale.

Police stopped BRS cadres attempting to hold a peace rally in Hyderabad. The rally aimed to demand a separate Secunderabad Municipal Corporation. Former Minister Talasani Srinivas Yadav had organized the event. BRS leaders stated party workers were prevented from participating and taken into custody. Senior leader T Harish Rao condemned the actions.

This achievement follows the earlier successful launch of two Bailey bridges in the Jaffna and Kandy regions. Collectively, these engineering efforts have restored road connectivity, improved access to essential services, and provided much-needed relief to communities affected by Cyclone Ditwah.

Former Pakistan cricket captain Shahid Afridi has relocated to Islamabad. He has expressed openness to entering politics in the future. Afridi desires to witness Pakistan's prosperity. He believes this is achievable when governments and institutions complete their constitutional tenures. He feels Pakistan and its cricket have provided him with much. He wishes to contribute to his nation's progress.

The South American trade bloc Mercosur and the European Union will sign on Saturday a deal 25 years in the making to create one of the world's largest free trade areas at a time of growing protectionism and volatility. The deal will favor European exports of cars, wine and cheese, while making it easier for South American beef, poultry, sugar, rice, honey and soybeans to enter Europe.

Global energy markets are shifting. Major investors Shell and Mitsubishi are considering selling parts of their stakes in Canada's LNG project. This comes as the project's owners look at a significant expansion. The project offers cost advantages but faces fears of global oversupply. Decisions on potential sales are not guaranteed.

The Congress criticized the Modi government following joint US-Pakistan military training, calling it a blow to India's diplomacy. The exercise, 'Inspired Gambit 2026', focused on counter-terrorism and infantry skills. This development follows past US praise for Pakistan as a counter-terrorism partner, raising concerns about India's foreign policy stance.

Elon Musk is seeking $79 billion to $134 billion in damages from OpenAI and Microsoft, alleging fraud for abandoning nonprofit roots. A financial expert calculated these damages based on Musk's initial investment and contributions. A jury trial is set for late April, with OpenAI calling the lawsuit baseless harassment.

The world is entering what the World Economic Forum (WEF) calls an Age of Competition, marked by intensifying geoeconomic rivalry, rising societal polarization and accelerating technological disruption, according to the Global Risks Report 2026, released ahead of the WEF annual event.

American and Pakistani soldiers have completed joint training in Pakistan. The exercise, named 'Inspired Gambit 2026', focused on infantry skills and counterterrorism tactics. This event marks a strengthening of defence ties between the two nations. The training took place at Pakistan's National Counter-Terrorism Centre. This collaboration highlights renewed engagement between the US and Pakistani defense establishments.

The Maharashtra civic elections 2026 saw the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance achieve a significant victory, securing over 1,800 seats statewide and ending Shiv Sena's long-held control of the BMC. Devendra Fadnavis and the BJP emerged as major winners, while Uddhav Thackeray's Sena and the Congress faced substantial setbacks. The results underscore a shift in urban Maharashtra's political landscape.

Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) (UBT) on Saturday gave its first reaction following the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections, striking a defiant tone and signalling that the political fight in Maharashtra is far from over and will continue until the Marathi community receives the respect it deserves.

Bob Hawke served as Australia's 23rd Prime Minister. He was known for his charisma and negotiation skills. Hawke guided Australia through major economic changes. These included financial deregulation and floating the Australian dollar. He also focused on social and environmental issues. His leadership left a lasting impact on modern Australia. Hawke remains a popular and influential figure.

A 4.1 magnitude earthquake jolted Gujarat's Kutch district early Saturday, causing panic but no reported casualties or damage. The tremor's epicenter was located 55 km north northeast of Khavda. Kutch, situated in a high-risk seismic zone, regularly experiences such events, a reminder of the devastating 2001 earthquake.

This year's Republic Day parade on January 26 will celebrate 150 years of 'Vande Mataram'. The event will highlight India's military might and rich culture. Special guests from various fields will attend. The parade will feature advanced military equipment and cultural displays. The theme 'Vande Mataram' will be central to the celebrations.

A road near President Donald Trump's Florida club has been renamed in his honor. This marks the latest in a series of projects and buildings bearing his name since he returned to office. The renaming is symbolic and does not affect official addresses. Trump expressed his honor at the gesture.

The White House has unveiled a Board of Peace to oversee Gaza's temporary governance, including figures like Tony Blair and Jared Kushner, with Donald Trump as chair. This international body will supervise a Palestinian technocratic administration. Concerns about colonial structures and past controversies surround the appointments, with no Palestinians initially named to the board.