The Economic Times

Advertising veteran Martin Sorrell said India is in the box seat for growth in a fragmented global economy, thanks to its leadership, manufacturing, and technology capabilities. Speaking at a summit, he highlighted that Indias rapid growth, under Prime Minister Narendra Modis leadership, positions it as a key alternative in Asia amid geopolitical tensions involving the US, China, Russia, and Iran.

Developing nations have a significant opportunity as global consumption shifts towards the Global South. International Monetary Fund and World Bank officials highlight the need for fiscal discipline and infrastructure investment. Reducing trade barriers is also crucial. These actions will help emerging economies harness this growing market and drive future trade expansion and job creation.

Donovan Carrillo, 26, from Guadalajara, made history at the 2026 Winter Olympics by becoming the first Mexican figure skater to reach two Olympic finals. Competing in Milan-Cortina, Carrillo scored 75.56 points in the short program, completing 23rd out of 39, and qualified for the free skate on Feb. 13. Despite a fall on his triple axel, he completed his routine with poise and earned a season-best 143.50 points, totaling 219.06.

Kunal Bahl anticipates a surge of venture-backed startups entering India's public markets over the next decade, projecting new-age companies to contribute significantly to a potential $15 trillion market capitalization. He highlighted the substantial capital gap compared to the US, emphasizing the need for larger risk capital pools to foster globally competitive tech giants.

Priorities for IndiaAmerican economist Ann E Harrison advised India to cautiously accept the US tariff cut under President Donald Trump but warned against offering excessive market access in return, calling it a dangerous strategy. She stressed that the US is unreliable and recommended India demand reciprocity while negotiating carefully, citing Mexicos losses under NAFTA as a cautionary example.

Bitcoin, Ethereum, and altcoins price prediction: Standard Chartered has revised its short-term and full-year cryptocurrency forecasts downward due to ETF outflows and a challenging macroeconomic backdrop. Bitcoin and Ether are expected to see significant drops in the coming months, with revised year-end targets also lowered.

The European Union and India have made headlines by finalizing a groundbreaking free trade agreement. This strategic partnership is poised to revolutionize trade ties, facilitating extensive cooperation and connectivity. With far-reaching implications for defense and security, this agreement not only affirms the strength of EU-India relations but also sets the stage for shared stability and prosperity on an international scale.

Cyclone Gezani has claimed 40 lives in Madagascar. The storm caused widespread destruction, leaving many without power and water. Aid workers describe apocalyptic scenes in affected areas. International aid is being sent to help with recovery efforts. Meanwhile, Mozambique braced for potential impacts but the cyclone's path shifted.

Parliament was informed that the IndiaUS trade deal is in technical and legal stages, while a proposed pact with the European Union aims to grant India access to nearly 99% of its market, boosting trade and exports.

Queen Rania Al Abdullah of Jordan said India is steadily rising in the global order despite geopolitical shocks, lifting millions out of poverty, improving its global standing and producing talent sought worldwide. Speaking at the summit, she said Indias growth reflects innovation, adaptability and resilience shaped by the lived experience of the Global South.

India presents a dynamic landscape for private equity investors, particularly for control buyouts. The market has transformed significantly, offering greater liquidity and partnership opportunities with business promoters. This shift enables private equity firms to acquire entire companies, leveraging India's growing pool of world-class management talent. Exit strategies are now more straightforward, making India an attractive investment destination.

Global business leaders explored strategic sovereignty at the ET Now Global Business Summit. Discussions covered digital control, capital movement sensitivity, financial inclusion, and maintaining brand presence. Experts emphasized domestic development alongside trusted global partnerships. Human resource development was highlighted as crucial for national resilience. Financial institutions play a key role in tackling crises.

Artificial intelligence is now enhancing physical operations, moving beyond IT. This 'physical AI' allows systems to learn and create new rules, impacting factories, buildings, and infrastructure globally. Honeywell sees this as an opportunity to accelerate talent development, addressing global shortages. India is highlighted as a key innovation hub, with its local model influencing multinational strategies worldwide.

India's next decade promises significant transformation. Industry leaders foresee growth driven by localized markets and infrastructure development. Technological advancements, especially in mobility and manufacturing, will be key. Strengthening healthcare and expanding access to capital are also crucial. India is poised to become a global technology leader, focusing on innovation and sustainable growth.

Maharashtra is embracing artificial intelligence, seeing it as a tool to boost human skills. The state is enhancing its infrastructure and policies to attract global investment. Maharashtra aims to become a trillion-dollar economy by 2030 and a five-trillion-dollar economy by 2047. The focus is on integrating manufacturing and services for inclusive growth across all districts.

Friday the 13th is often linked with bad luck and scary history. Many shocking events happened on this date, like wars, disasters, deaths, and accidents. From ancient times to modern years, this day has seen tragic moments around the world. Because of this, many people still feel nervous and believe Friday the 13th brings unlucky events.

Companies are increasingly welcoming back former employees. These boomerang hires integrate quickly and bring valuable institutional knowledge. They also offer fresh perspectives gained from outside experiences. Firms like EY India and RPG Group are building dedicated alumni networks. Infosys and Deloitte also actively recruit returning talent. This trend is seen across various sectors, including IT and ed-tech.

Word of the Day: Catapult - As a verb, it means to launch suddenly. It often refers to quick success. A viral post can catapult a brand. Use it to describe rapid, forceful movement. It is a powerful word for growth. The word comes from the Greek katapalts, where kata means down and pallein means o hurl. Essentially, its all about throwing things down upon your enemies.

Visiting heads of state include those from Estonia, Slovakia, SL, Serbia & Switzerland

Manipur's state cabinet expansion is anticipated on February 23 or 24. The council of ministers will increase in strength. A senior BJP leader indicated the possibility of two more ministers from the Kuki community joining the government. Chief Minister Y Khemchand Singh is in New Delhi for discussions on the cabinet expansion.

Quote of the day by Aeschylus: Ancient Greek playwright Aeschylus viewed fear not as a weakness, but as a vital watchful place at the heart's controls. This perspective, supported by modern psychology, suggests fear serves a protective function, prompting caution and awareness. True strength lies in acknowledging and wisely managing fear, rather than suppressing it.

Word of the Day: PaucityPaucity means a noticeable shortage. It highlights when something is not enough. This word is used for resources, information, or opportunities. A lack of rainfall or evidence shows paucity. It helps identify gaps. Naming scarcity is the first step to fixing it. Paucity is relevant in economics, education, and personal growth.

The Supreme Court has ordered the CBI to provide an update on cases related to Manipur violence. Judges are considering moving trial monitoring closer to Manipur. This aims for better supervision as cases progress. The court seeks input from all parties involved. The Chief Justice of the Manipur High Court may oversee these proceedings.

A 37-year-old man died at an actor Vijay rally in Salem. The man collapsed during the event and was later declared dead. This incident follows a previous stampede that claimed many lives. Videos show large crowds at the rally. Authorities are investigating the exact cause of death. A political leader expressed distress and urged Vijay to focus on safety measures.

The Bharatiya Janata Party has strongly criticized Rahul Gandhi's behavior during the Parliament's Budget session. Senior leader Ravi Shankar Prasad labeled Gandhi's conduct as anarchic, undemocratic, and politically uncivilized. Prasad stated that Gandhi does not respect democratic processes or parliamentary rules. The session concluded with disruptions and the suspension of several Congress MPs.

India and Brazil are finalising agreements to be signed during President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silvas visit next week, aimed at boosting pharmaceutical exports, cooperation in critical minerals and support for the civil aviation sector. The visit is also expected to deepen trade and investment ties between the two countries.

The Centre is preparing new rights-based bills to boost ease of doing business. These will be implemented by state governments within the year. The initiative includes an Ease of Doing Business Bill and a Right to Business Act with affidavit-based clearances. States will also introduce or amend Right to Public Services Acts with automated appeals.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated the new 'Seva Teerth' complex. This signifies a move away from colonial structures towards public service. The Prime Minister highlighted the importance of service in governance. Several significant decisions were announced on the inauguration day. These include the PM RAHAT Scheme and doubling targets for Lakhpati Didis and the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday congratulated Bangladesh Nationalist Party leader Tarique Rahman on his partys decisive win in the parliamentary elections, becoming the first world leader to speak with him after the result.

Rajya Sabha opposition leader Mallikarjun Kharge has raised concerns. He states a large part of his speech during the motion of thanks to the presidential address was removed. Kharge claims the expunged sections contained factual comments on parliamentary functioning and criticism of government policies. He has requested reconsideration of the removed portions.

High On Life 2 is a structured sci-fi shooter that balances a linear story with optional exploration. Players track targets across distinct maps, using living weapons and gadgets to progress. Focusing only on main missions allows a swift completion, but side activities expand the experience considerably. Collectibles, upgrades, and humorous distractions reward curiosity without blocking progress.

A reflection on Hanumans journey from obedient servant to decisive leader, showing how trust, initiative, and encouragement transform followers into independent, dependable forces capable of growth and greatness.

James Van Der Beeks quote of the day talks about how people live in their own small world and forget the bigger real world outside. The famous actor, known for popular TV shows, recently passed away after cancer. His words remind people to stay open-minded, understand others, and not stay stuck in one way of thinking.

More than 200,000 weekly unemployment claims highlight rising job uncertainty nationwide. A biotech startup employee was told to find a new job by March 31. The CEO avoided calling it a layoff or termination. Grants expire this summer, raising funding concerns. Is this constructive discharge? What about severance pay and unemployment benefits eligibility? Heres what employment law experts say next.

America has eased sanctions on Venezuela's energy sector. This allows global energy companies to restart oil and gas operations. Companies can also negotiate new investment contracts. Payments for royalties and taxes will go through a US-controlled fund. This is the biggest sanction relaxation since President Nicolas Maduro's removal.

Schools across several states will be closed on February 14, 2026, due to the second Saturday holiday. In Uttar Pradesh, select districts are shutting down schools until February 14 to manage crowds from the Maha Kumbh's reverse flow, impacting major religious cities. Maha Shivaratri on Sunday may also lead to bridge holidays.

The Election Commission has appointed NK Mishra, a retired IPS officer, as a special observer. He will oversee the ongoing revision of electoral rolls in West Bengal. Mishra will also monitor poll preparedness for the upcoming Assembly elections. His role involves periodic visits to the state to provide inputs to the Commission.

A tragic accident on a bridge near Karachi claimed 13 lives and injured nine people. A speeding passenger bus collided with an oil tanker, causing a pile-up. Another bus also crashed into the tanker. The driver of the first bus is believed to be at fault. Pedestrians were also among the victims.

Comedian Alex Stein made offensive remarks about Indians and Hindus at a Texas City Council meeting. He criticized demographic shifts and made derogatory comments about the Indian community. Stein also targeted an Indian-origin councilman with a disturbing question. Online reactions to the video showed further criticism of the Indian community.

KPIs after layoffs: A company's drastic 75% workforce reduction has left remaining employees overwhelmed with increased duties and no pay raise. Management's introduction of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) has sparked anger and concern, with employees fearing these metrics could justify further layoffs. Commenters advise documenting extra work and preparing for potential future cuts.

A worker shared on Reddit that they feel stuck after working for almost a year without promotion. Even after doing good work and asking for feedback, the manager gave unclear replies. Online users advised asking for clear answers in writing and also starting a job search quietly while keeping the current job safe.

Bangladesh Election: Sheikh Hasina has sharply rejected the results of Bangladesh's 13th National Parliamentary Election. She described the February 12 vote as a disgrace and a farce. Hasina alleged administrative manipulation and numerical fraud. She demanded the annulment of the election and the resignation of the interim administration. Hasina called for fresh elections under a neutral caretaker government to restore voting rights.

Warren Buffett investing strategy books: Warren Buffett emphasizes daily reading as a cornerstone of success, likening knowledge accumulation to compound interest. He has repeatedly credited specific books with profoundly shaping his investment philosophy and decision-making strategies. These recommended reads offer insights into markets, business, and effective leadership.