The Economic Times

Bihar's Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has allocated a staggering Rs 10,000 each to the bank accounts of 25 lakh women under the Mukhyamantri Mahila Rojgar Yojana. This program is designed to boost self-employment and entrepreneurial spirit among women.

RBI Assistant Recruitment 2026 apply online: The RBI has released the notification for the recruitment of Assistant - Panel Year 2025 on its official website rbi.org.in. Candidates between the age group of 20 to 28 years who have a bachelors degree with at least 50% marks are eligible for the post of RBI Assistant. The last date to apply online for RBI Assistant vacancy 2026 is 8th March 2026.

New Delhi, India leads in AI skill penetration. The government avoids over-regulation to encourage innovation. Affordable GPU access is being ensured for startups and future generations. India focuses on scalable AI models with impact within the country, democratizing technology for all sectors and communities. The nation is well-positioned for this advancement.

A devastating fire erupted at a chemical factory in Bhiwadi, Rajasthan. Seven workers tragically lost their lives in the blaze. Rescue operations are ongoing as two individuals remain trapped inside the unit. The incident occurred in the Khushkhera-Karoli industrial area. Authorities were alerted during a routine patrol and immediately launched rescue efforts.

Ramadan, the holy month of fasting, is set to begin soon. Muslims will abstain from food and drink from dawn to dusk. This practice is a core pillar of Islam, fostering spiritual growth and empathy. The month is also marked by cultural traditions and communal gatherings. Eid al-Fitr follows Ramadan, celebrating the end of the fast.

Mohsin Naqvi exits stadium early: India secured a commanding 61-run victory over Pakistan in the T20 World Cup. Following the match, former fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar publicly criticized Pakistan Cricket Board chief Mohsin Naqvi. Akhtar blamed poor leadership and weak decisions for the team's decline. India's strong batting and bowling performance highlighted a growing gap in T20 cricket.

Microsoft founder Bill Gates visited Andhra Pradesh. He met Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu and other ministers. Discussions focused on enhancing collaboration in health, agriculture, education, and technology. Gates also observed the use of technology in governance and AI in farming. This visit aimed to deepen the state's partnership with the Gates Foundation.

NTA JEE Main 2026 Session 1 results declared: The National Testing Agency has announced the JEE Main 2026 Session 1 results, based on the final answer key. Nine questions were dropped across various shifts, with all candidates in affected shifts receiving full marks for them. Candidates can now check their scorecards on the official NTA website using their application number and password.

Apple is gearing up for a busy period with new Mac computers. A budget MacBook, priced under $1,000, is expected soon. Other Mac updates, new iPads, and an iPhone 17e are also on the horizon. However, Apple's revamped Siri assistant is experiencing further delays.

Kanye West India date and tickets: Global rap icon Ye will perform in India for the first time next month. The 24-time Grammy winner is likely to perform a one-night show in New Delhi on March 29. This event is designed as a singular cultural moment and the demand for the show is expected to be extremely high.

Following India's high-octane victory against Pakistan in the T20 World Cup 2026 yesterday, the Delhi Police took to social media to deliver a masterclass in witty public service messaging. Using the hashtag #RoadSafety and #INDvsPAK, they poked fun at a critical moment in the match where a wrong U-turn led to a 'humiliating' defeat to Pakistan cricket team.

Assam is building new emergency landing strips for aircraft. This is part of a larger plan to strengthen India's defense in the Northeast. The state is also developing new airports and a major road-cum-rail tunnel under the Brahmaputra River. These projects aim to improve connectivity and security in the strategically important region.

Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir was briefly asked for his ID by security at the Munich Security Conference. The visit was also protested by the Jeay Sindh Muttahida Mahaz, citing alleged human rights violations and military interference in Pakistan's political institutions.

Anand Mahindra's Monday motivation: In his Monday motivation post, Anand Mahindra shared a video of an elderly man working out at the gym. The industrialist said it was the mindet of the man that inspired him, adding that the man's attitude will be his inspiration from now on. The netizens applauded the man and called him a complete muscle beast and an inspiration.

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju stated Rahul Gandhi is not interested in Parliament's smooth functioning. He believes NGOs have advised Gandhi, promising future success for his party. Rijiju added the government will not take further steps to appease the Congress. He mentioned smaller parties are unhappy with the Congress's disruptions.

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.