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Elections 2026Top News / The Economic Times
The CBSE Class 10 Science Examination 2026 is scheduled for February 25th, running from 10:30 am to 1:30 pm. The 80-mark theory paper is divided into Biology, Chemistry, and Physics sections. Experts advise revising formulas, diagrams, and key definitions, while avoiding new topics to ensure a calm and confident approach.
BJP leaders have alleged that Rahul Gandhi was behind a recent Congress youth wing protest held at the AI Impact Summit. The party has stated that it plans to pursue legal action against those involved.
The Union Cabinet convenes at Seva Teerth today. This marks the operational start of the new Prime Minister's Office complex. Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the complex on February 13, 2026. The PMO and other key bodies have moved to Seva Teerth. This is a significant administrative milestone for high-level decision-making.
India's top airplane maker Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is under scrutiny after a Pawan Hans Helicopter crashed into the sea near Mayabunder. In another incident, the Indian Air Force grounded its Tejas fighter jet fleet for checks after one jet overshot a runway. Though HAL has denied these reports, these incidents have put the spotlight on aviation safety standards.
The ICC Womens T20 World Cup 2026 kicks off on June 12 in England, featuring an expanded 12-team format. India faces arch-rivals Pakistan on June 14 at Edgbaston. Defending champions New Zealand and six-time winners Australia are among the strong contenders. The tournament culminates with the final at Lord's on July 5.
The Election Commission of India held a conference with state poll panels in New Delhi. Discussions focused on electronic voting machines, digital platforms, and sharing electoral rolls. The aim is to improve election processes and logistics. A book titled 'A Confluence of Democracies' was also launched. This marks the first such gathering in 27 years.
Maharashtra's BJP-led government has ended dry days on Holi, Muharram, and Gandhi Jayanti, allowing liquor stores to remain open. This decision aims to curb illegal liquor sales and black marketing that often surge during these festivals. The updated policy, effective immediately, aligns with existing licensing rules.
The Union Cabinet met for the first time at the new Prime Minister's Office complex, Seva Teerth. This marks a symbolic and strategic shift in governance. The government views the new workplace as a representation of a 'New India'. Decisions made here will prioritize public service and constitutional values.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has announced a strict crackdown on narcotics, adopting a zero-tolerance stance toward drug-related crimes. All such offenses will now be prosecuted under the powerful MCOCA statute. Courier companies found aiding or enabling illicit drug deliveries will face charges as co-accused rather than being treated as mere intermediaries.
The Greater Bengaluru Authority has uncovered Rs 688 crore in property tax evasion across over 23,000 properties through GPS-based surveys. Notices have been issued to tens of thousands of owners, with seven properties auctioned to recover Rs 437 crore in arrears. The drive aims for transparency and accountability in tax collection.
A viral post detailing monthly expenses in France has ignited a global conversation on social media about the cost of living. Users on X are now sharing breakdowns from various countries, including Singapore, India, and the Netherlands, comparing affordability and sparking widespread discussion.
A locally adopted Army dog named Tyson bravely continued a counter-terror mission in Jammu and Kashmir despite a leg injury. He located a terrorist hideout, enabling security forces to eliminate three Jaish-e-Mohammed militants. Tyson is recovering well after being airlifted for medical treatment.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said orchestra bar licenses will be cancelled for repeated violations, with a legal amendment coming soon. The move follows stricter rules after the Supreme Court struck down the states dance bar ban.
You can get an Ayushman card in 24 hours if you have a ration card if your name is listed on it. You can download the Ayushman card through the Ayushman app, the PMJAY portal, or the Umang app. Citizens above the age of 70 are eligible to opt for coverage under Ayushman Bharat.
Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati has approached the Allahabad High Court for anticipatory bail. He faces charges of sexual harassment involving minor children and other offenses. An FIR was filed at Jhunsi police station in Prayagraj. The allegations stem from complaints of sexual abuse at a gurukul and during religious gatherings.
Melbourne experienced widespread power outages affecting over 4,200 customers on Tuesday afternoon due to heavy rain and thunderstorms. The severe weather also caused localized flooding, with a flood warning for the Maribyrnong River downgraded but further isolated flooding still possible. Victoria-wide, heavy falls and storms are expected to continue into Wednesday.
The Australian sharemarket saw the S&P/ASX 200 close lower on Tuesday. Heavyweight banks faced losses, while miners saw gains. Investors watched for domestic data and trade deal clarity. Top gainers included Liontown Limited and Viva Energy Group Limited. ARB Corporation Limited and Austal Limited were among the biggest losers. Energy was the best-performing sector.
Ranveer Singh receives relief from Karnataka High Court. Police are directed not to take coercive steps against the actor. This comes after an FIR was registered for allegedly mocking a local deity. The court reprimanded Singh for hurting religious sentiments. He has been asked to cooperate with the investigation. The case stems from an event in Goa.
An American woman's move to a Pakistani village after marriage has captured global attention. Her video showcasing rural life, including farmland and domestic animals, has gone viral. While some criticize her choice, others praise her for embracing a different lifestyle. The online debate highlights diverse perspectives on happiness and life choices across cultures.
Indian textile firm Gokaldas Exports anticipates improved core earnings margins by fiscal 2027. Lower U.S. tariffs under a new trade deal will provide relief. The company expects quarterly margins to rise to the early double digits. This follows a period of margin pressure due to higher tariffs. Benefits are anticipated after the second quarter of fiscal 2027.
Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu has strongly condemned a recent racial abuse incident involving three women from his state in Delhi. The women faced intimidation from neighbours in Malviya Nagar. Khandu has contacted the Delhi Police Commissioner demanding swift and strict action against the culprits. The accused are currently absconding.
Looking to lose weight without feeling hungry all day? Low-calorie protein smoothies can help. Packed with protein and fiber, these blends support fullness, steady energy, and fewer cravings between meals.
Beijing has called on Washington to end its unilateral tariffs. China's commerce ministry stated it is ready for further trade discussions with the United States. The ministry also indicated that China will decide on adjusting its counter-measures against the latest US tariff adjustments at an appropriate time. This signals a potential de-escalation in the ongoing trade dispute.
Kerala's Left government passed the Nativity Card Bill in the state Assembly. The House also approved other legislative and financial business. The opposition UDF boycotted the proceedings. The Nativity Card aims to allow Keralites to proudly declare their identity. The government stated the card will help individuals prove their identity and place of residence.
Professor B Ravindran from IIT Madras has joined the United Nations Independent International Scientific Panel on Artificial Intelligence. This global panel comprises 40 leading experts. They will assess AI's impact on lives and societies worldwide. Professor Ravindran expressed honor in representing India and the Global South.
Sushila Murmu, a Christian woman, spent nearly thirty years in a Kolkata shelter. Volunteers recently found her son in Jharkhand. He refused to bring her home unless she converted to Hinduism. Murmu declined, stating she would not leave her faith. Her son cited family tradition. Local authorities are now aware of the situation. Murmu remains at the shelter.
AIADMK chief Edappadi K Palaniswami unveiled the partys third phase of poll promises for the upcoming Assembly election, announcing a 10,000 one-time ex-gratia for every family to offset rising living costs under the DMK government.
The iQOO 15R has launched in India, featuring flagship Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 processor and a large 7,600mAh battery. It boasts a 6.59-inch 1.5K AMOLED display with a 144Hz refresh rate and 5,000 nits peak brightness. The device offers a 50MP dual rear camera system and 100W fast charging.
A bust of C Rajagopalachari replaced Edwin Lutyens' bust at Rashtrapati Bhavan. Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut questioned the government's foreign policy and trade deals. He highlighted contributions from various figures in building New Delhi. The move is part of shedding colonial vestiges and embracing Indian culture. Rajagopalachari was a lawyer and intellectual, a comrade of Mahatma Gandhi.
An Iranian Army helicopter crashed into a fruit market in Isfahan on Tuesday, killing the pilot, co-pilot, and two merchants. Emergency services extinguished a fire caused by the crash. The incident follows a separate crash of a U.S.-built fighter jet in Hamadan. Iran's air safety record is reportedly poor due to aging aircraft and a lack of spare parts.
Rahul Gandhi condemned the arrest of Youth Congress president Uday Bhanu Chib and other members, calling the move a display of dictatorial tendencies and cowardice. He praised the Youth Congress for fearlessly raising matters of national importance, and stressed that peaceful protest is a longstanding Congress heritage and a democratic right.
Nidhi Chhibber has taken over as the Chief Executive Officer of NITI Aayog. She holds the additional charge following the completion of BVR Subrahmanyam's three-year term. Chhibber is also the Director General of the Development Monitoring and Evaluation Office. This transition marks a new phase for the NITI Aayog leadership.
Nidhi Chhibber has taken over as the Chief Executive Officer of NITI Aayog. She holds the additional charge following the completion of BVR Subrahmanyam's three-year term. Chhibber is also the Director General of the Development Monitoring and Evaluation Office. This transition marks a new phase for the NITI Aayog leadership.
2026 Women's Day theme: International Women's Day 2026 will be celebrated on March 8, as per the annual custom. This year's theme for IWD is Rights, Justice, Action for all women and girls. Apart from the theme, the United Nations is also focussing on 'Give to Gain' campaign, meaning when we give, we gain.
Former West Indies umpire Steve Bucknor has admitted a mistake. He gave Sachin Tendulkar out LBW in the 2003-04 Brisbane Test. This controversial decision is still discussed today. Bucknor now says the ball would have missed the stumps. The admission revisits a significant moment in cricket history. It highlights the impact of umpiring calls.
Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat has strongly criticized Rahul Gandhi's remarks regarding the India-US trade deal. Shekhawat stated that Gandhi's accusations of the government selling out the country and wiping out farmers are inappropriate. He questioned the repeated nature of these statements, suggesting they tarnish India's global image.
Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams is setting up a new food testing lab. This facility will use advanced e-tongue and e-nose technology. It aims to ensure the highest quality of ingredients for prasadam. The lab will detect even microscopic quality changes. This move follows concerns over ghee supplies. The lab is expected to be operational next month.
Shahid Kapoor's fitness philosophy emphasizes discipline and routine over extreme transformations, focusing on achievable and sustainable health. His approach includes a calm morning routine, functional workouts for injury prevention, a disciplined vegetarian diet, and prioritizing quality sleep for optimal performance and recovery.
Beauty trends in 2026 are moving beyond makeup-focused routines toward long-term skin health.
Jharkhand on Tuesday tabled a Rs 1.58 lakh crore budget for 202627, up from Rs 1.45 lakh crore this fiscal. Finance Minister Radhakrishna Kishore said it aims to support the poor, farmers, tribals and women.
A new NCERT textbook for class 8 reveals significant challenges within India's judicial system. Corruption, a massive backlog of cases, and a shortage of judges are identified as key issues. The book emphasizes that these problems disproportionately affect the poor, hindering their access to justice.
A recent viral claim suggests Bollywood hit 'Dhurandhar' shares striking plot similarities with the 1998 cult classic 'Satya'. An X user highlighted parallels in character arcs and specific scenes, sparking debate online. While some agree, others argue these are common crime drama tropes. Meanwhile, anticipation builds for 'Dhurandhar 2'.
Bhojpuri superstar Nirahua expressed regret over his early arranged marriage, stating he never loved his wife and wants his sons to choose their partners freely. He has openly shared his feelings with his family, emphasizing that he will not impose career choices on his sons, who are pursuing different paths in the film industry.
A video has gone viral which shows a son asking his son to pick up chips that he scattered on the floor while they were travelling on a train. The video has impressed the internet and netizens have appreciated his parenting style. The video has also sparked debate on civic sense and responsibility among parents.
Indian Youth Congress chief Uday Bhanu Chib has been arrested. This follows a shirtless protest at the AI Impact Summit. The Congress party has strongly criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi. They accuse him of being scared of dissent and questions. Security has been increased in Delhi. Several Youth Congress workers have been detained across the country.
Rahul Gandhi has strongly condemned the arrest of Uday Bhanu Chib, president of the Indian Youth Congress. Gandhi stated the police action shows dictatorial tendencies and cowardice. He affirmed that peaceful protest is a democratic legacy. Gandhi declared his support for the arrested comrades. He emphasized that revealing truth to power is patriotism.

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