The Economic Times

Newly released Justice Department documents detail how Jeffrey Epstein cultivated relationships with Microsofts top executives, gaining access to internal discussions including CEO succession plans. The files outline his links to figures such as Bill Gates, Nathan Myhrvold and Reid Hoffman, and reveal how he leveraged those connections even after his 2009 conviction.

India and Germany are boosting climate adaptation efforts. A new German grant of up to 20 million Euros will support India's National Adaptation Plan. This funding will enhance resilience in forests, ecosystems, and biodiversity across key regions. The initiative focuses on ecosystem-based approaches and innovative financing. Both nations recognize adaptation as a crucial part of climate policy.

Voters in Manchester cast ballots Thursday in a key by-election. Labour leader Keir Starmer faces a challenge as polls indicate a close contest. The vote is seen as a test for Starmer following recent policy shifts and an ambassadorial appointment. Labour aims to present the election as a choice between their party and Reform UK.

Lunar Eclipse 2026 Time: Skywatchers will witness the first lunar eclipse of 2026 in the early hours of March 3, when the Moon will turn a striking copper-red colour. It will be visible in India and other Asian countries. The Sutak timings in India begin from 06:23 AM. You can observe a lunar eclipse without any special equipment.

A massive storm has left parts of the Northeast buried in snow and facing widespread power outages. Residents are struggling with unplowed streets and impassable conditions. Emergency crews are working around the clock to restore power and clear roads. The severe weather has impacted daily life, causing school closures and travel disruptions across several states.

North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un indicated a willingness to improve ties with the United States. He stated that if Washington respects Pyongyang's nuclear status and ends its hostile policy, relations could improve. However, Kim declared South Korea remains his nation's most hostile enemy, permanently excluding Seoul from any dealings.

Collywobbles is a funny English word that means feeling nervous or sick in the stomach. People use it when they talk about fear, worry, or excitement. It is often called butterflies in the stomach. The word comes from old words about stomach pain and shaking. It is still used today in a playful way.

Democrats accuse the Trump administration of a largest government cover-up over withheld FBI interview summaries concerning allegations of sexual abuse by the former president. Reports indicate millions of pages were released from the Epstein files, but key documents detailing interviews with an accuser remain missing from public view.

The U.S. plans to increase tariffs to 15% or higher for some countries, while maintaining current levels for China ahead of President Trump's visit. These new duties, replacing tariffs struck down by the Supreme Court, are compatible with existing trade deals and will target unfair practices like excess industrial capacity and forced labor.

The International Monetary Fund urged the United States to reduce its growing fiscal deficit, stating it's the most effective method to lower the current account and trade deficits. The IMF projects U.S. fiscal deficits to remain high, posing a growing stability risk to the global economy despite low sovereign stress risk.

Shares of major Indian solar manufacturers such as Waaree Energies, Premier Energies and Vikram Solar fell sharply on the bourses as investors priced in potential export headwinds.

Robert Cosby Jr., son of reality TV star Mary Cosby, died at age 23 in Utah after a possible overdose. Police are still checking the exact cause. He had struggled with drug addiction and legal issues in recent years. His mother shared an emotional message online, while friends and co-stars sent prayers and support to the grieving family.

CRM stock fell after Salesforce gave a weak future revenue forecast. Investors are worried about slow business software demand and heavy AI spending. Even though the company reported strong earnings and growth, the outlook disappointed the market. Salesforce is focusing on AI technology and long-term plans to increase revenue in the coming years.

Nvidia reported very strong earnings and its stock went up after the news. The company made record revenue and expects more growth next quarter. Its AI data center business is the biggest reason for this success. Experts say Nvidia is very important for the AI industry, and many big tech companies are spending heavily on AI, helping Nvidia grow.

A worker shared online that their job is very toxic and causing panic attacks, stress, and long work hours. They want to quit to protect their mental health but feel scared because the job market is tough. People advised them to plan carefully, keep applying for jobs, and take care of their health before making a final decision.

Quote of the Day: Music legend Stevie Wonder's inspiring words offer guidance. His quote, 'When you're moving in the positive, your destination is the brightest star,' highlights how attitude shapes outcomes. Wonder's life, from early challenges to global acclaim, embodies this message. His journey demonstrates that choosing positivity leads to luminous destinations, proving resilience and vision can overcome any obstacle.

President Trump is working with big tech companies like Amazon, Google, Meta, Microsoft, xAI, Oracle, and OpenAI to make them provide their own electricity for AI data centers. The plan aims to protect Americans from rising energy bills while supporting AI growth. Some critics say the pledges may not be enough, but the administration hopes this will lower electricity costs.

Quote of the day by Anthony Bridgerton: Anthony Bridgerton's words highlight the importance of actions matching words. Flattery without follow-through lacks authenticity. This principle applies to all relationships, promoting accountability and honesty. The Netflix series Bridgerton, based on Julia Quinn's novels, explores these themes.

New York Citys rental market remains among the priciest in the nation, yet 2026 data reveals neighborhoods where affordability meets convenience. According to the report by Zumper, the citys median rent currently sits around $4,400, meaning youd require approximately $176,000 a year to comfortably hit the classic 30% rent-to-income rule.

J&K Polices ACB filed a disproportionate assets case against inspector Vijay Singh Choudhary, brother of deputy CM Surinder Choudhary. Searches in Jammu recovered incriminating documents. The deputy CM called the action revenge-driven, while investigation continues.

The Bengal assembly polls will not see any booth rationalisation. The total number of polling stations will be 80,738. Earlier, the Election Commission of India had directed poll officials to rationalise stations with over 1,200 voters. This move aimed to enhance voter accessibility. Polling stations will be set up in high-rise buildings across Bengal.

Two more suspects have been taken into custody by the National Investigation Agency in relation to the November 2025 explosion at Delhis Red Fort, bringing the total arrests in the alleged plot to eleven. Investigators allege that the pair provided arms to the primary accused.

Free hotel breakfast is becoming less common. Some hotels are charging for it or removing it completely to save money. Families and business travelers may need to pay extra or eat outside. High-end hotels are more likely to charge, while budget hotels still often offer it. Guests value free breakfast, but costs and hotel rules are changing.

Travis Kelce revealed he and Taylor Swift watched a hockey game together. They also celebrated Travis' father's birthday. Kelce mentioned experiencing a blizzard in Manhattan. The couple has been keeping a low profile since January. They are reportedly planning a wedding in Rhode Island in June. Travis proposed to Taylor in August 2025.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said the Union government should accept West Bengals plea to rename the state as Bangla, pointing out that the Cabinet had already cleared a similar move for Kerala.

BJP president Nitin Nabin has labelled Congress leader Rahul Gandhi as the 'poster boy of negative politics'. Nabin accused Gandhi of having ties with anti-India and pro-Pakistan groups. He stated that the people, especially the youth, see through Gandhi's rhetoric. Nabin also referenced historical events involving Nehru and Indira Gandhi to support his claims.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin declared the upcoming assembly election a contest between Tamil Nadu and the NDA. He stressed that the state should be governed from Chennai, not Delhi. Stalin characterized Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visits as politically motivated. He stated that the more the PM visits, the greater the NDA's electoral loss will be.

The Bharatiya Janata Party has launched a sharp attack on Rahul Gandhi and the Congress, accusing them of engaging in narrow, divisive politics that allegedly obstruct Indias development agenda. Union Minister Piyush Goyal claimed that Rahul Gandhi and his party are compromised, while the BJP further charged the Congress with corruption and serving the interests of anti-India elements.

Federal agents served court-approved search warrants at Los Angeles Unified School District offices and Superintendent Alberto Carvalhos home. The FBI confirmed the action but declined further remark as affidavits are sealed. The searches come amid lawsuits and scrutiny over LAUSDs handling of Proposition 28 arts education funds, attendance reporting questions, and other financial concerns. Carvalho, who has led the nations second-largest school district since 2022, has not been charged.

The Supreme Court of India on Wednesday clarified that Class 10 (Madhyamik) admit cards can be submitted as supplementary documents, along with pass certificates, to verify a candidates date of birth and parentage during the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in West Bengal.

More than 3 million Americans quit jobs monthly, per recent labor data. The debate over one-day notice after bonus pay is exploding online. An employee asked if they should resign after bonus payout and skip the traditional two weeks notice. The answer is simple. In most at-will employment states, it is legal if the performance bonus policy requires active employment on payout date only. You keep earned money. But quitting after bonus can affect references and reputation. Always read your employ

The Election Commission of India will release the final voter list on February 28. Approximately 60 lakh names are currently under adjudication and will be marked as such. These names will not be counted initially but can be added later if cleared.

Kantar's global CEO highlights India's crucial role in the company's future. India is no longer just an emerging market but a core focus for innovation and growth. It serves as a live laboratory for consumer intelligence and a template for global expansion. Kantar is leveraging India for research, delivery, and analytics, with AI-powered tools developed there reshaping brand strategies.

All Union ministries are cataloguing reforms undertaken since 2024. These will be presented at upcoming Cabinet meetings. The exercise covers legislative, statutory, policy, and administrative changes. Measurable outcomes, including ease of doing business and living, will be assessed. This structured performance assessment consolidates previous reviews. The initiative aims to drive policy transformation and recalibrate governance priorities.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee stated that approximately 1.2 crore names are expected to be removed from voter lists in Bengal. She expressed concern over the deletions, particularly those under the Special Intensive Revision. Banerjee inaugurated projects in her Bhabanipur constituency. The final voter rolls are scheduled for publication by the Election Commission of India on February 28.

Galaxy S26 Ultra pre-order deals today: Samsung Galaxy S26 pre-orders commence on February 25th at 1 PM ET. Early birds can secure deals through the Reservation program. Expect a free $30 accessory credit and potential trade-in savings up to $900 on the S26 Ultra. Free storage upgrades might also be available. Students and professionals can look forward to additional discounts.

The Indian government is planning significant reforms for the fertiliser sector. These changes aim to simplify approval processes, reduce penalties for minor violations, and make regulations more sensible. This move is part of a broader effort to ease rules in a highly controlled industry. The government is seeking industry feedback to address compliance issues and legal hurdles.

At the BAFTA Awards on Sunday night, a guest with Tourette syndrome shouted out while two actors from Sinners, Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo, were on stage. The BBC broadcast the show around two hours later and the offensive language remained in the programme, and on its streaming platform until Monday morning.

India's economy is poised for robust growth, with expectations of a 7.4% expansion in the December quarter. Festive season demand and Goods and Services Tax adjustments are fueling this positive trend. Economists anticipate continued resilience amid global challenges, with domestic demand and the services sector remaining strong.

Balram Mehta, Chief Operating Officer at ReNew, has departed after more than 14 years. Mehta was an early employee and led the company's wind business. His exit was announced internally. Sivaprasad Manikkapurath will assume Mehta's responsibilities immediately. Manikkapurath has been with ReNew since July 2020.

A family in Sehore is preparing to send a legal notice to the British government, alleging that a loan of Rs 35,000 taken in 1917 remains unpaid. The family claims to have discovered documents indicating that the amount was issued as a war loan during the First World War and is now seeking repayment of what it describes as a historical sovereign debt.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warmly welcomed Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Knesset. He described the relationship as a wondrous friendship and praised the Modi hug as a symbol of deep connection. Netanyahu emphasized the strategic alliance between the two democracies, calling it an enormous multiplier of their powers.

Lionel Richie is a world-renowned singer, songwriter, and music icon. Richie first gained fame as a member of the Commodores, an R&B and funk band that dominated the 1970s music scene. His smooth voice, emotional songwriting, and timeless hits such as Hello, All Night Long, and Endless Love earned him international acclaim. Over his decades-long career, he has won multiple Grammy Awards, an Academy Award, and a Golden Globe, solidifying his legacy as one of musics enduring legends.