The Economic Times

Satellite images reveal a substantial increase in US military equipment at bases in Qatar and Jordan. Patriot missile systems are now mounted on mobile launchers for quicker deployment. More transport and refueling aircraft are also present. This build-up occurs as Iran reports replenishing its missile stockpiles. The deployment signals a heightened state of readiness in the region.

Word of the Day: A palindrome is a word, phrase, number, or sequence that reads the same forwards and backward, ignoring spaces and punctuation. Originating from Greek roots meaning 'running back again,' palindromes have fascinated people for centuries. They encourage attention to detail, pattern recognition, and symbolize balance and reflection.

The CBI informed the Delhi High Court that Lalu Prasad Yadav, Rabri Devi, and Tejashwi Yadav cannot escape the IRCTC scam trial. The agency stated that prosecution sanction was not mandatory when the trial court took cognisance.

Assam's final electoral rolls now list over 2.49 crore voters. Lakhs of doubtful voters were removed following complaints by BJP workers. This special revision also identified deceased and shifted voters. The process aims to ensure accurate voter lists. Further revisions are planned to continue this effort.

Jobs report today: US job growth slowed in January, adding 130,000 jobs, with revisions indicating a weaker labor market than previously thought. Despite a falling unemployment rate, rising benefit claims and significant job cut announcements signal underlying economic strain. This softer labor market is influencing Federal Reserve policy, with reduced expectations for near-term interest rate cuts.

During a heated debate in the Rajya Sabha, opposition politicians lambasted the government's handling of soaring unemployment rates and dwindling purchasing power, claiming the budget fails to address pressing issues for the urban youth. In contrast, ruling party members hailed the budget as a visionary approach towards social welfare.

El Paso airspace closed for 10 days Texas travel advisory: Over 1,000 flights are canceled as the FAA shuts El Pasos airspace for 10 days. This National Defense Airspace order stops all planes within 10 miles of ELP airport. Major airlines like Southwest and Delta are grounded until February 20, 2026. Even medical helicopters face bans. Security reasons remain classified. Local leaders demand answers. Travelers must reroute to Midland or Albuquerque. This unprecedented lockdown signals a major

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Assam on February 14. He will inaugurate the Advanced Emergency Landing Facility in Moran. This facility is the first highway-based emergency landing ground in Northeast India. The Prime Minister will also inaugurate a bridge in Guwahati and dedicate electric and CNG buses.

Vertiv stock rose after the company reported strong quarterly earnings and higher sales. The company makes power and cooling systems for AI data centers. It also has a big order backlog and expects strong growth in the future. Vertiv works with Nvidia on new data center technology, which is helping increase demand and keeping investor confidence strong.

Seychelles wants the Indo-Pacific to remain open, inclusive and governed by international law, with cooperation instead of confrontation, President Dr Patrick Herminie said in an interview. He said this approach aligns with Indias Mahasagar Vision and supports a stronger defence partnership with India.

Assam's Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has declared exciting changes regarding forest land evictions, thanks to a recent Supreme Court decision. The Court altered a previous ruling from the Gauhati High Court, instituting a 15-day notice period for occupants to assert their claims before any eviction takes place. With over 1.

Sikandar Raza is back at the top of the ICC T20I All-Rounder rankings. This follows Zimbabwe's strong start in the T20 World Cup. Raza's performance against Oman secured his number one position. Teammate Brian Bennett also made significant gains in the T20I batter rankings.

The IRS is managing more than $150 billion in back taxes this year. Many taxpayers are turning to the IRS Offer in Compromise to settle tax debt for less than they owe. Approval depends on your Reasonable Collection Potential. The IRS reviews your income, assets, and monthly expenses carefully. About 66% of applications are rejected. All past tax returns must be filed. Form 656 is required. Low-income hardship rules may help stop wage garnishment.

Taking suo motu cognizance of the coal mine blast in Meghalaya, which killed 30 people, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) issued a notice on the matter and asked the authorities concerned to submit their replies by May 19.

El Paso International Airport handled 3.49 million passengers in the first 11 months of 2025, according to its website. Major U.S. airlines including Southwest, Delta, United and American fly there.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman highlighted the Budget's support for labour-intensive industries and biopharma. She also mentioned collaboration with states on textile parks and opportunities for startups. Meanwhile, Rahul Gandhi criticized the India-US trade deal. He warned that India's vast data is a strategic asset that could be compromised in a volatile world.

An anganwadi centre in Kendrapada, Odisha, remains shut for three months. Parents boycotted the facility after a Dalit woman was appointed as helper-cum-cook. They refused to send their children, citing caste reasons. Authorities are attempting to resolve the deadlock. The closure affects around 60 children and pregnant women. Dalit leaders have alleged administrative inaction. District officials are investigating the matter.

Jobs report: Americans face a potential reality check with Wednesday's jobs report. January's employment numbers, along with major revisions to 2025 data, may reveal significantly fewer jobs were created than previously thought. Economists anticipate a modest gain of 68,000 jobs for January. Healthcare is expected to lead this growth. This report is crucial for understanding the labor market's current state.

Celebrate Mahashivratri by exploring Delhi-NCRs most sacred Shiva temples. From the 100-foot statue at Birla Kanan to the ancient Neeli Chhatri Mandir linked to the Pandavas, these shrines offer spiritual solace and rich history. Discover the wish-fulfilling Dudheshwar Nath and the mystical Gufawala cave temple in this divine guide.

U.S. hiring rate fell to 3.3%, near a 13-year low, matching 2020 crisis levels. Payroll growth in 2025 was under 600,000 jobs versus a decade average of 1.9 million. Unemployment holds at 4.4%, while wage growth slows. Yet the broader U.S. economic growth rate has remained positive. GDP expanded at a solid pace through 2025. Hiring stalls despite economic expansion. Job seekers face limited opportunities. This unusual labor trend raises questions for policymakers.

Bengaluru rent: A marketing professional highlighted Koramangala's exorbitant rent, with a 2BHK costing Rs 70,000, questioning the premium despite infrastructural issues like open sewage and potholes. The debate on social media reflects divided opinions on whether the high cost is justified by the neighborhood's popularity and amenities.

A gunman has been detained in Hat Yai, Thailand, after firing shots at Patongprathankiriwat School. All hostages have been freed. Three people sustained injuries during the incident. Gun violence is a recurring issue in Thailand, with a tragic nursery attack in 2022 claiming many young lives.

A nationwide strike call by over 10 trade and farmers' unions for a Bharat Bandh on February 12 is expected to cause significant disruptions across Kerala. While essential services like hospitals and pharmacies will remain operational, the strike is likely to halt public transport and banking services statewide. The massive participation of workers has led to widespread questions regarding tomorrow holiday in Kerala for educational institutions, as the Feb 12 strike in Kerala often results in a

As the global marketplace undergoes significant regulatory changes, Indian firms are stepping up their commitment to compliance. The focus is transitioning from passive responses to active management of regulatory challenges. Tata Steel and Jyoti Steel Industries serve as prime examples of how this shift is essential in today's business climate.

Iran's supreme leader's adviser declared the nation's missile capabilities a non-negotiable red line, as indirect talks between Tehran and Washington continue. While Iran is open to discussing nuclear program curbs for sanctions relief, it firmly rejects linking this to its missile program. Israel's Prime Minister is expected to advocate for missile limitations in any potential U.S.-Iran deal.

The Election Commission directs the transfer of senior West Bengal government officials serving in the similar post for more than three years. However, officials posted at the state headquarters will be exempt from the transfer.

Quote of the day: Feynmans reflection stands as a guiding principle for intellectual integrity. It calls for discipline, skepticism and humility, qualities that define not only great scientists but responsible citizens.

Apple growers in Jammu & Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh fear the proposed India-US trade deal could weaken price protection and trigger a surge in imports.

India is bracing for a significant nationwide disruption on Thursday, February 12, 2026, as a joint forum of 10 central trade unions and farmers' organizations have called for a 24-hour Bharat Bandh. The strike is primarily aimed at protesting the four new labour codes and a proposed IndiaUS trade deal that critics argue could undermine workers' rights and harm domestic agriculture. In response, the Ministry of Labour & Employment has defended the new framework, asserting that the right to strik

Vande Bharat Full Lyrics: The Union Home Ministry has mandated the singing of all six stanzas of 'Vande Mataram' at schools and government events, restoring its original length. This directive, effective February 6, 2026, sets a 3 minute 10 second duration and outlines specific protocols for its rendition, marking the song's 150th anniversary. Check full lyrics of the national song here.

Suspended TMC MLA Humayun Kabir has started building a mosque in Murshidabad, West Bengal. The structure is modelled on Ayodhya's Babri Masjid and is expected to be completed in two years. Kabir stated the construction will proceed despite opposition. He also announced a march to support the project. The mosque's foundation was laid last year.

A Reuters poll of economists indicates the Federal Reserve will hold interest rates steady through May, with a cut expected in June. Economists also expressed concern about potential erosion of Fed independence under Kevin Warsh, who is seen as likely to set policy too loosely.

What is Bithumb and did crypto exchange really give away $40 billion in assets for free? South Korea crypto exchange Bithumb said system flaws caused an erroneous transfer of 620,000 bitcoins during a promotional event. The exchange retrieved most assets, but regulators and lawmakers raised oversight concerns.

Grenoble prosecutor tienne Manteaux has taken the rare step of publicly naming Jacques Leveugle, a 79-year-old man accused of raping and sexually assaulting 89 minors between 1967 and 2022. The case, which spans multiple countries including India, Morocco, and France, came to light after a relative discovered a 15-volume digital memoir on a USB drive documenting decades of abuse. Beyond the sexual assault charges, Leveugle has reportedly confessed to killing his terminally ill mother and his 92-

America sees India as a key partner for stronger economic ties. US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer highlighted India's role in diversifying global supply chains. American firms view India as a viable manufacturing alternative. This strategic shift aims for more resilient and secure economic models. India's growing industrial capacity makes it a crucial 'waystation' in this process.

United States Energy Secretary Chris Wright is in Venezuela this week. This marks a significant visit focused on the nation's oil industry. The U.S. recently issued a license for oil and gas exploration. Wright will meet with Venezuelan officials and company executives. The trip aims to assess rebuilding the country's energy sector. This is part of a larger U.S.

Swiss bank UBS has opened a new Global Capability Centre in Hyderabad. The company plans to hire nearly 3,000 professionals over the next two years. This expansion highlights Hyderabad's growing importance as a global hub for financial technology and operations. The new facility signifies UBS's long-term commitment to India and its confidence in the city's talent pool and infrastructure.

A Meitei man's murder in Churachandpur has deeply impacted Meitei-Kuki couples in Manipur. Separated since mid-2023, these couples now face renewed fear and uncertainty. Reunions planned for late 2025 are shelved. Buffer zones have become strict borders. Love persists, but safe passage is gone, replaced by caution and risk awareness.

Coca-Cola is setting its sights on India as a pivotal player in its future expansion strategy. After navigating through hurdles like unpredictable weather and taxing regulations over the past year, the company is gearing up for significant investments alongside its bottling partners to reignite its growth.

Word of the Day: Perspicacious shows readers that understanding often requires more than attention and it demands depth.

Indian garment exporters remain unconcerned about Bangladesh's new US trade deal. A slight tariff reduction for Bangladesh offers little advantage. Experts point to higher transport costs and Bangladesh's weaker spinning industry. India's own favorable US trade terms and potential for value-added concessions provide a buffer. Buyers are also diversifying sourcing, benefiting India.

Rajpal Yadav Tihar Jail: Actor Rajpal Yadav surrendered at Tihar Jail over a Rs 9 crore cheque bounce case, stemming from a 2010 loan. Following his six-month sentence, Bollywood stars like Sonu Sood, Ajay Devgn, and Salman Khan have rallied, offering financial aid and professional opportunities.

Sigma Advanced Systems has made waves in the defence industry by acquiring AS Strategic for 30 crore, intensifying its foothold in European defence initiatives. AS Strategic contributes an impressive order pipeline of over 315 crore due for 2026, allowing Sigma to leverage essential partnerships with top-tier European defence firms.

A startling red waterfall, Blood Falls, flows in Antarctica's McMurdo Dry Valleys. Scientists have uncovered its secret. The crimson color comes from an ancient, iron-rich lake trapped for millions of years. When this water meets oxygen, iron oxidizes, creating the striking red hue. This isolated ecosystem hosts unique microbes, offering insights into Earth's past and potential life beyond our planet.

Goa's final voter list publication is rescheduled. The Election Commission announced the change today. The final electoral rolls will now be released on February 21, 2026. This is a shift from the earlier planned date of February 14. The draft rolls were released in December last year. Political parties and stakeholders will be informed of the new date.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath while presenting the Uttar Pradesh's tenth budget, highlighted a shift from policy paralysis to unlimited potential. The budget focuses on women, youth, farmers, and employment.

The Indian Air Force will hold Exercise Vayu Shakti in Pokhran on February 27. Over 120 defence assets will be displayed, including fighter jets and helicopters. The exercise will demonstrate precise targeting and offensive capabilities. New indigenous weapons will be showcased for the first time. The event aims to display combat preparedness and motivate youth to join the Air Force.