The Times of India

Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge has accused the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh of engaging in money laundering and questioned its sources of income. He demanded that the RSS, an unregistered organization, be held accountable and pay taxes like other citizens and entities under the law and Constitution.

Subtle facial changes, like persistent eyelid twitches and dark circles, might signal magnesium deficiency, experts reveal. While common lifestyle factors often cause these, a lack of this vital mineral can impact nerve signaling and muscle relaxation. Doctors advise paying attention to these signs and consulting a professional for proper diagnosis and dietary adjustments.

Stock market today: After deep cuts towards the end of last week, Nifty50 and BSE Sensex, opened in red on Monday. While Nifty50 was below 25,450, BSE Sensex dropped over 100 points in opening trade.

Stock market recommendations: Delhivery, and Britannia are the top stock picks for the trading week starting February 16, 2026 from Motilal Oswal Financial Services Ltd. Lets take a look:

The Election Commission of India has suspended seven officials in West Bengal for alleged serious misconduct and dereliction of duty. These Assistant Electoral Registration Officers, posted across Murshidabad, South 24 Parganas, West Medinipur, and Jalpaiguri districts, face immediate disciplinary proceedings. The Commission has directed the Chief Secretary to initiate action without delay and provide an update.

Top Indian firms saw over Rs 3 lakh crore wiped off their market value last week, with IT giants TCS and Infosys leading the decline. A broad market selloff, fueled by global cues and AI disruption fears impacting tech stocks, dragged down valuations. However, select banking and financial stocks like SBI managed to gain.

A new rural employment scheme, VB-G RAM G, has secured the largest budget share, overshadowing MGNREGA with a significant allocation. While MGNREGA faces a sharp funding cut, other key rural development projects like PMAY-G and PMGSY have seen substantial increases. The shift in fund-sharing for VB-G RAM G could impact state government spending.

India's economic growth is expanding beyond major cities, with northern and eastern districts emerging as new activity hubs. While established metros like Ahmedabad and Bengaluru lead, districts such as Gurugram, Hooghly, and Moradabad show significant rank improvements. This decentralised growth, driven by infrastructure and connectivity, signals a reshaping of local economies beyond traditional urban centres.

Prime Minister Modi highlighted the Union Budget's focus on productive spending and record infrastructure outlays, steering clear of populism for sustainable growth. He emphasized plugging structural gaps, pursuing reforms, and laying foundations for a developed India, marking the 'next level' of the nation's journey. The Budget prioritizes long-term assets over short-term gains.

Precious metal prices are set for continued volatility and consolidation as investors await crucial US economic data, including inflation and GDP figures. Market watchers are closely observing Federal Reserve signals for potential rate cut timelines. Gold experienced a sharp correction in February, influenced by stronger US employment data, while silver futures saw a decline.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the private sector's crucial role in India's economic future, urging bold investments in innovation and capacity. He highlighted his government's commitment to reforms and decisive governance, while also stressing the need for the private sector to share productivity gains with workers and invest in R&D and quality.

India and the UK's free trade agreement, signed last year, is slated for implementation by April 2026. This pact promises 99% duty-free access for Indian exports to Britain, while India will lower tariffs on cars and whisky. Parliamentary approval is currently underway in the UK, paving the way for enhanced bilateral trade.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju announced that the Lok Sabha will debate and vote on a no-confidence motion against the Speaker on March 9. This follows a submission by 118 Congress MPs alleging partisan conduct. Historically, such motions against Speakers are rare, with past instances including those against GV Mavalankar, Sardar Hukum Singh, and Balram Jakhar.

Jammu and Kashmir security agencies have frozen over 8,000 mule accounts in three years, identifying them as crucial for global scam networks and potential funding of anti-national activities. These accounts facilitate the conversion of stolen money into untraceable cryptocurrency, with authorities urging banks and law enforcement to curb their rise and identify mulers who manage them.

Isha Yoga Center's Mahashivratri, themed 'Ganga', will be a global livestream event on February 15-16, featuring sign language interpretation and broadcasts in 23 languages. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will be the chief guest. The program includes guided meditations by Sadhguru, musical performances, and for the first time, Sadhguru will perform the Yogeshwara Linga Maha Abhishekam.

Stock markets are poised for a volatile week, driven by US economic data, the Federal Reserve's policy outlook, and growing AI disruption fears. Analysts anticipate a cautious sentiment as investors monitor global geopolitical events and currency movements. Domestic sectors like banking and automobiles may gain traction, while broader indices are expected to trade sideways awaiting clearer economic signals.

Asaduddin Owaisi alleged the BJP-led government is trying to snatch citizenship rights through the special intensive revision of electoral rolls, claiming it will be conducted in Telangana and Maharashtra. He also condemned the alleged harassment of a Muslim bun vendor by YouTubers, demanding action against them.

At the heart of the row is Karnataka Soaps and Detergents Limited (KSDL), the government-owned company that manufactures Mysuru Sandal Soap. Founded during the reign of Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar, the brand is not merely a commercial product. For many Kannadigas, it is an aromatic symbol of heritage. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP K Sudhakar accused the Congress-led Karnataka government of displaying what he called an anti-Kannada mindset.

India and the US aim to boost bilateral trade to $500 billion by 2030, with energy imports like crude oil and LNG forming a key part. This interim trade agreement will help India secure competitive energy prices and diversify suppliers. The pact also focuses on increasing steel, coking coal, and IT exports, enhancing market access for Indian goods.

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla will represent India at the swearing-in of Bangladesh's PM-elect Tarique Rahman, following the BNP's landslide victory. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri will accompany Birla. This event marks a significant diplomatic shift for Dhaka, especially after former PM Sheikh Hasina's ouster and subsequent exile in India. The new BNP government's stance will be closely observed.

The railway ministry has launched a new onboard cleaning initiative for long-distance trains, deploying professional teams to clean coaches and toilets at hourly intervals or as needed. This tech-enabled reform aims to enhance passenger experience through real-time monitoring and accountability. Additionally, the ministry will permit cargo facilities on spare railway land to boost freight operations.

Rahul Gandhi accused the Modi government of betraying farmers through the India-US trade deal, raising concerns about GM maize imports and potential pressure on Indian crops. Union Home Minister Amit Shah refuted these claims, calling them lies and asserting that farmers' interests are protected in trade agreements with the US, EU, and UK.

Foreign investors injected Rs 19,675 crore into Indian stocks in early February, reversing months of outflows. This surge, driven by a US-India trade deal and easing global economic worries, signals renewed optimism. Despite this, overall 2025 flows remain weak, with significant net outflows recorded year-to-date.