The Times of India

Delhi government launched the Chief Minister Skill Development Scheme to empower artisans in khadi, handloom, and unorganised sectors. The initiative offers structured training, financial aid, and digital market access, including ONDC integration. Beneficiaries will receive stipends and toolkits, with a focus on skill enhancement and sustainable livelihoods for thousands of workers.

The upcoming H-1B season for FY 2027 presents unprecedented uncertainty for Indian professionals and US employers. A new wage-weighted selection system, a proposed $100,000 entry fee, and severe consular backlogs in India are forcing companies to rethink hiring strategies, potentially shifting focus to candidates already in the US.

The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs will launch the Eligible Manufacturer-Importer scheme soon. This initiative offers benefits for two years to manufacturers seeking Authorised Economic Operator certification. The scheme aims to streamline customs processes through technology and reduce physical inspections. It aligns with the government's trust-based administration approach.

China is intensifying its focus on rare earth metals, with Premier Li Qiang visiting a major production base to underscore its strategic importance. This comes as the US builds an international coalition to secure critical mineral supply chains, launching a $12 billion Project Vault to reduce reliance on China's dominant position.

US Congress is challenging President Trump's trade tariff powers, with a House vote against Canada tariffs and an impending Supreme Court ruling on emergency trade authority. This uncertainty, coupled with Trump's unpredictable demands, raises serious doubts about the stability of the new US-India trade framework, suggesting even signed deals might be temporary.

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has clarified that the investigation into the June 2025 Air India Flight AI-171 crash in Ahmedabad is ongoing, refuting reports of conclusions that balmed the pilot for the incident. The AAIB emphasized that investigations are technical and evidence-based, with the final report to be published upon completion, dismissing speculative foreign media claims.

The 33rd Mahashivratri celebrations at the Isha Yoga Centre in Coimbatore will be held on February 15th. The festival will be celebrated from 6 pm on the 15th, before Adiyogi, and will continue until 6 am the next morning.

Moodys is of the view that most of these IT sector firms will be able to absorb the higher visa costs without a significant deterioration in their operating or financial profiles. India is in a unique position to bridge the talent gap that the US is facing. Moodys explains that the US is set to face increasing labour shortages because of declining birthrates and a population that is fast aging.

Bangladesh's Awami League has denounced the recent parliamentary election as a staged charade, asserting it violated democratic principles and the constitution. The party claims widespread voter apathy, intimidation, and ballot stuffing marred the process. They are demanding the election's annulment, the chief advisor's resignation, and fresh polls under a neutral government to reinstate citizens' voting rights.

Sarla Maheshwari, one of the most recognisable faces of Doordarshans retro era, passed away on Thursday. Maheshwari became a household name during the 1980s and 1990s, when Doordarshan dominated the television news space in India. For nearly three decades, from 1976 until 2005, she delivered Hindi news bulletins with composure and clarity, earning admiration for her measured tone and flawless diction.

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has dismissed speculation about a leadership change, stating no discussions on the chief ministerial post occurred during his meetings with Congress leaders. He emphasized the party's focus on its broader vision and goals, with senior leaders to make decisions at an opportune time.

Goyal also stressed that the India-US trade deal, which reduces tariffs on Indian exports to 18%, does not touch sensitive agriculture and dairy sectors. On Saturday, India and the US had released a joint statement on the trade agreement.

Saudi Aramco has reached a significant milestone, achieving 70% local content in its supply chain. This achievement strengthens Saudi Arabia's industrial base and diversifies its economy beyond oil. The program has created over 200,000 jobs and attracted substantial foreign investment. Aramco aims to increase local content to 75% by 2030, further enhancing national capabilities and economic resilience.

At present, India is placed at the 75th position in the index. However, it still trails several countries when measured by the number of destinations that allow Indian passport holders visa-free entry or provide visa-on-arrival access.

Gold and silver price prediction: Gold and silver prices have bounced back from recent lows, and appear to be on path for a long-term rise, believes Abhilash Koikkara, Head - Forex & Commodities, Nuvama Professional Clients Group. The commodity expert shares his outlook for gold and silver in the coming sessions:

Rahul Gandhi voiced support for nationwide worker and farmer protests against government policies, citing concerns over labour codes, trade agreements, and MGNREGA. Ten trade unions and the Samyukta Kisan Morcha called for an all-India strike on Thursday to oppose these measures and demand policy changes.

A UN Security Council report has implicated Jaish-e-Mohammed in a car bombing near Delhi's Red Fort last November, which claimed 15 lives. The outfit's leader, Masood Azhar, reportedly established a women's wing to aid terror attacks. Investigations into the incident revealed a 'white-collar' terror module, leading to several arrests.

Stock market today: Indian stock market indices, Nifty50 and BSE Sensex, tanked in opening trade on Thursday morning. While Nifty50 went below 25,900, BSE Sensex was down over 200 points.

Top stock market recommendations: Aakash K Hindocha, Deputy Vice President - WM Research of Nuvama Professional Clients Group recommends these stocks as the top buy calls for today: BPCL, Power Grid, and SAIL. He also shares his view on Nifty, Bank Nifty for February 12, 2026:

Over 10 central trade unions, farmer organisations, and Left parties called for a 12-hour Bharat Bandh on Thursday, protesting against the Centre's alleged anti-worker, anti-farmer, and pro-corporate policies. The strike, supported by the Samyukt Kisan Morcha, aimed to oppose new labor codes, the Indo-US trade agreement, and changes to MGNREGA, with an estimated 30 crore workers participating across India.