The Times of India

Central to the disputes is Indias production-linked incentive programme, launched by the Modi government in 2020 with the aim of strengthening domestic manufacturing.

Central to the disputes is Indias production-linked incentive programme, launched by the Modi government in 2020 with the aim of strengthening domestic manufacturing.

India and Israel are set to resume free trade agreement talks in May 2026 in Israel, following initial discussions in New Delhi. The negotiations cover a broad spectrum of trade and investment areas, aiming to unlock significant untapped potential. Despite recent trade dips, both nations are pushing for an ambitious pact to boost economic ties.

Industry leaders met to shape digital journalism's future. Discussions focused on making Indian users pay for news. Experts highlighted that subscriptions require more than just content. They emphasized user experience, ease of access, and personalized value. Building trust and offering unique benefits are key to achieving sustainable growth in the digital news landscape.

Sebi has revamped how mutual funds value physical gold and silver, shifting to domestic spot prices from April 2026, replacing the LBMA benchmark. This move aims for greater transparency and alignment with Indian market conditions. Additionally, Sebi introduced a new scheme classification structure and tightened portfolio overlap disclosures to enhance investor protection and uniformity across the mutual fund industry.

The Enforcement Directorate has filed a prosecution sanction order against former Union Finance Minister P Chidambaram in the Aircel-Maxis money laundering case. This move follows a Supreme Court ruling and aims to expedite the pending trial. The ED alleges Chidambaram granted FIPB approval for the deal in lieu of quid pro quo, with alleged illegal gratification received by his son.

PM Modi's meeting with the star cast comes as various stakeholders in the Indian and Israeli entertainment industries have been seeking collaborative projects and possibilities of utilising each other's strengths in various aspects of the creative space. Last year, amid government efforts to make India a global film production hub, an Indian film festival kicked off in Israel with the screening of filmmaker Kiran Rao's acclaimed feature Laapataa Ladies.

Gold's long-term outlook is bullish, with prices potentially reaching $5,000 per ounce by early 2026, according to MOFSL. Global de-dollarisation, fiscal stress, and geopolitical tensions are driving this 'structural repricing phase'. Analysts predict $6,000 in 12 months and $7,500 medium-term, citing investor confidence shifts and supply constraints.

Rahul Gandhi shared a light-hearted anecdote about resolving a sibling dispute with his sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, attributing Wayanad's magic to their reconciliation. He recounted how a planned trip to the constituency, which he previously represented, led to Priyanka speaking to him again after a period of silence, highlighting the special connection he feels with the region.

Gold prices dipped in India's futures market on Thursday, influenced by a slump in spot demand and weak global cues, despite a rise in New York futures. Major Indian cities saw a decline in 24K, 22K, and 18K gold rates compared to the previous day, with Chennai experiencing a slight unchanged rate for 18K gold.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has revised refund norms, allowing passengers to cancel or modify tickets without extra charges within 48 hours of booking. Airlines are also barred from levying charges for name corrections within 24 hours of booking directly through their website. These changes aim to streamline the refund process and enhance passenger convenience.

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan assured action against those responsible for a controversial Class 8 NCERT textbook chapter on judicial corruption. The Supreme Court had ordered a ban and seizure of the book, deeming its content objectionable and a potential conspiracy to defame the judiciary. NCERT has apologized and is rewriting the chapter.

At the heart of this transition is a unified definition of wages under the labour codes - a seemingly simple reform that brings consistency and transparency to pay structures that have evolved over decades.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will launch a nationwide HPV vaccination drive for 14-year-old girls from Ajmer on Saturday, aiming to prevent cervical cancer. The initiative, offering a single dose of Gardasil-4, will be voluntary and require parental consent. States and Union Territories will join virtually for this crucial public health campaign.

The Kerala High Court has issued an interim stay on the release of 'The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond', scheduled for February 27. The court observed a prima facie non-application of mind by the censor board in granting certification. This decision follows petitions challenging the film's certificate, citing concerns about its portrayal of religious harmony in Kerala.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath experienced Japan's high-speed Maglev train during his official visit aimed at attracting global investment. The tour focuses on manufacturing, mobility, and technology, with the CM highlighting Uttar Pradesh's economic growth and secure investment environment. He also shared a photo with Mount Fuji, expressing gratitude to Japan.

At the DNPA Conclave 2026, media leaders, tech experts, and policymakers emphasized the critical role of technology and verified content in India's evolving digital news ecosystem. Discussions highlighted how AI, regulatory shifts, and India's digital public infrastructure are redefining news organizations' responsibilities towards credibility, inclusion, and accessibility for a resilient future.

In a notification issued on February 17, the oil ministry has said that oil marketing companies must supply ethanol-mixed motor spirit (petrol) containing ethanol up to 20%, in accordance with specifications set by the Bureau of Indian Standards.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney begins a four-day visit to India, aiming to strengthen bilateral ties with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The agenda includes discussions on trade, investment, energy, critical minerals, and people-to-people connections, seeking to inject fresh momentum after a diplomatic row.

The Supreme Court has issued a show-cause notice to the NCERT director, calling the inclusion of a chapter on judicial corruption in a Class 8 textbook a deep-rooted conspiracy. The court ordered the seizure of all copies of the textbook in circulation, emphasizing the need for a deeper probe to prevent erosion of public faith in the judiciary.

Trust is now the bedrock of news, dictating audience loyalty and advertiser confidence in a crowded digital space. At the DNPA Conclave 2026, leaders emphasized how AI's rise makes verification crucial, with audiences demanding transparency. Brands are prioritizing credible sources, while revenue models increasingly rely on public faith. India's hyper-digital landscape presents both opportunities and fragility for media.

Carneys visit is expected to have two major outcomes: the most significant of which could be the formal revival of negotiations for an IndiaCanada Free Trade Agreement.

DNPA chairperson Mariam Mammen Mathew highlighted how AI and digital shifts are transforming news creation, distribution, and monetization. She stressed the importance of credible journalism anchoring technological advancements and DNPA's role in fostering collaboration and policy engagement to navigate these disruptions and ensure sustainable growth.

Gold and silver price prediction: Gold prices are exhibiting a bullish bias, while silver prices face resistance, says Abhilash Koikkara, Head - Forex & Commodities, Nuvama Professional Clients Group.

India strongly rebuked Pakistan at the UN Human Rights Council, dismissing its allegations regarding Jammu and Kashmir as incessant propaganda. New Delhi highlighted the region's development budget exceeding Pakistan's IMF bailout and pointed to infrastructure projects like the Chenab Rail Bridge as proof of progress, asserting that Kashmir is an integral part of India.

A Maoist commander, Anwesh, with a Rs 22 lakh bounty, was allegedly killed by his leader, Sukru, for planning to surrender to Odisha Police. His decomposed body was exhumed, revealing internal conflicts within Maoist groups over surrendering to authorities. The murder is believed to have been executed by Sukru with assistance from other cadres.

NCERT is recalling 38 copies of a Class 8 textbook after the Supreme Court strongly criticized its content on the judiciary. The Chief Justice of India took suo motu cognizance, calling the portrayal a deep-rooted conspiracy to defame the institution.

Stock market today: The 30-share index began the day on a positive note and extended gains by about 303 points to touch an intraday high of 82,579.16 in late morning trade, supported by strength in other Asian markets. Meanwhile, the NSE Nifty 50 recorded a modest rise of 14.05 points, or 0.06 per cent, to close at 25,496.55.

Greer said the Trump administration does not plan to raise tariffs on Chinese imports beyond their current levels, as President Donald Trump is expected to visit China in the coming weeks.

At 95, acclaimed actor and director Clint Eastwood reflects on the art of aging, proclaiming that doubt has finally been cast aside. He champions the freedom that comes with maturity, which allows individuals to make bold choices without the burden of self-doubt.

Canada now believes India is not linked to violent crimes on its soil, signaling a diplomatic thaw ahead of Prime Minister Mark Carney's visit. This shift follows months of strained ties and high-level security dialogue, with Ottawa confident alleged activities are no longer continuing. The visit aims to stabilize relations and expand cooperation in various sectors.

Top stock market recommendations: Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles, Colgate-Palmolive (India), and JSW Steel are the top stock picks that Aakash K Hindocha, Deputy Vice President - WM Research of Nuvama Professional Clients Group has listed. He also shares his outlook for Nifty, and Bank Nifty for February 26, 2026:

'Shows growing power of Indian passport wth more cxountries'

'Practising digital hygiene can reverse effects'

The Lok Sabha Secretariat has reshuffled the three-member panel investigating allegations against Allahabad High Court Justice Yashwant Varma. Chief Justice Manindra Mohan Shrivastava of Madras High Court has been replaced by Chief Justice Shree Chandrashekhar of Bombay High Court, effective March 6. The other two members of the inquiry committee remain unchanged.

HC had dismissed Jharkhand CM's petition to quash prosecution