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The Economic Times

Top News / The Economic Times

Israeli strikes kill 21 in Gaza, health officials say

Israeli strikes in Gaza killed 21 Palestinians, including children, on Wednesday. This violence jeopardizes a recent truce. The Rafah border crossing faced delays for patient passage. The Israeli military stated strikes were in response to militant fire. This incident follows earlier deadly Israeli strikes before the border reopened.

4 Feb 2026 5:05 pm
Next 20-25 years will be era of India, says BlackRock CEO Larry Fink

India is poised for significant growth over the next two decades. BlackRock CEO Larry Fink anticipates an 'Era of India' with annual economic expansion between 8-10 percent. He highlighted the country's strong domestic foundation and the potential for foreign investment. Fink encouraged both foreign and domestic investors to participate in India's long-term growth story, emphasizing the importance of capital markets.

4 Feb 2026 5:05 pm
AIADMK unveils second set of poll promises, pledges pension hike, loan waiver

AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami unveiled the party's second list of election promises. Key pledges include increasing monthly social security pensions to Rs 2,000 and waiving education loans. Three free LPG cylinders will be given annually to ration card holders. Compensation for Jallikattu participants and subsidies for events are also promised.

4 Feb 2026 4:59 pm
Quote of the day by Nicolas Cage: Stay mysterious, so when you come out, people have a hunger to see you again.

Nicolas Cage navigates the tension between maintaining mystery and prolific creation. While acknowledging the allure of selective appearances for preserving intrigue, he emphasizes the value of working intensely in youth. Cage prioritizes consistent creation over the fear of creative regret, believing it fuels personal fulfillment and artistic growth.

4 Feb 2026 4:57 pm
Trump Tariff cut: Indias textiles and leather set for US revival

Indian textile, apparel, and leather exporters expect a significant boost in US shipments. A new trade deal offers reduced tariffs, making Indian goods more competitive. This move is set to improve profit margins and revive export volumes. Small and medium exporters are particularly poised to benefit.

4 Feb 2026 4:57 pm
Quote of the day by Abraham Lincoln: Always bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed is...

Abraham Lincoln's timeless words highlight personal resolve as paramount to success. In today's world of distractions and competition, his message of self-belief and persistence remains vital. Lincoln, a former US President, rose from humble beginnings. His leadership during the Civil War inspires many. Applying his wisdom involves setting goals, building discipline, and embracing resilience.

4 Feb 2026 4:51 pm
Prime Minister Modi to visit Malaysia from February 7-8

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will pay an official visit to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia at the invitation of PM Dato Seri Anwar Ibrahim, from February 7-8, as per an official statement by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

4 Feb 2026 4:49 pm
Census 2027: Questions on caste to be notified before second phase

In the second phase of Census 2027, the spotlight will shine on caste enumeration, with final questions set to be unveiled shortly. A plethora of requests related to this topic have reached the governments desk, highlighting its significance. This year, the census embraces technology with a completely digital format, allowing individuals to self-enumerate.

4 Feb 2026 4:45 pm
India-US trade deal to boost renewable exports, strengthen supply chains, say RE players

Indian renewable energy players welcome the India-US trade deal. They believe it will restore stability in global trade and strengthen supply chains. The improved tariff environment will boost export competitiveness for Indian businesses. This move is seen as significant for the solar sector, enhancing price competitiveness and market access to the US.

4 Feb 2026 4:37 pm
IRE vs PAK Live Streaming: When and where to watch T20 World Cup 2026 warm-up match, time and venue

Ireland vs Pakistan Playing 11: Pakistan faces Ireland in a T20 World Cup 2026 warm-up game. Pakistan enters the tournament after a series win. Ireland aims to recover from a recent series loss. The match takes place in Colombo. Both teams will look to fine-tune their strategies before the main event. Fans can follow the action live.

4 Feb 2026 4:36 pm
Word of the Day: Vicissitudinous

Word of the Day: Vicissitudinous invites readers to think beyond immediate change and consider the broader patterns that define political systems, institutions, and human experience.

4 Feb 2026 4:34 pm
RBI MPC begins rate meeting, decision due Friday

The Reserve Bank of India's Monetary Policy Committee has started discussions on interest rates. Experts anticipate a pause in rate cuts following the Union Budget and a trade deal. The RBI is expected to maintain the repo rate at 5.25 percent. The committee will announce its decision on Friday. Focus will be on liquidity management and market stability.

4 Feb 2026 4:22 pm
National Girls & Women in Sports Day: When and where is it observed and how it began

National Girls & Women in Sports Day: As womens sports gain greater visibility globally, supporters of National Girls & Women in Sports Day see the observance as both a celebration and a call to action.

4 Feb 2026 4:09 pm
Delhi HC quashes actor Rajpal Yadav's plea to extend deadline to surrender in cheque bounce cases

The Delhi High Court has rejected actor Rajpal Yadav's plea for more time to surrender in cheque bounce cases. Yadav was ordered to surrender by 4 pm on Wednesday. He sought an extension to arrange a payment of Rs 50 lakh.

4 Feb 2026 4:07 pm
Kremlin shrugs off Indias oil diversification move

India plans to diversify its energy sources to ensure citizen security. Russia's Kremlin stated this is not new, as India has always sourced oil from various nations, including Russia. This comes after a US-India trade deal announcement. Russia acknowledges India's established practice of buying oil from multiple international suppliers.

4 Feb 2026 3:58 pm
Govt deactivates 2.5 crore Aadhaar IDs of deceased to avoid fraud

India's government has deactivated over 2.5 crore Aadhaar numbers of deceased citizens. This move safeguards the world's largest biometric system against identity fraud and misuse. The initiative ensures welfare benefits reach only intended living beneficiaries. Technological safeguards like biometric locks and liveness detection are also in place.

4 Feb 2026 3:56 pm
The killer is lurking inside your childs phone

Disclaimer: This article discusses suicide and mental health. Reader discretion is advised. If you or someone you know needs help, please reach out to a mental health professional or helpline.

4 Feb 2026 3:56 pm
Rosa Parks Day: Which states officially observe it and is it a federal holiday?

Rosa Parks Day is marked in several US states to commemorate the civil rights icon whose refusal to give up her bus seat in 1955 helped spark one of the most pivotal movements in American history.

4 Feb 2026 3:50 pm
US hosts countries for talks to weaken China's grip on critical minerals

The United States is hosting a global meeting with over 50 nations. The aim is to increase access to critical minerals. This move seeks to reduce China's control over vital industrial supplies. Countries are exploring ways to boost mining and processing outside China. Strategic stockpiles and price floors are among the measures being considered.

4 Feb 2026 3:36 pm
Veeraswamy: UK's 100-year-old Michelin star Indian restaurant calls on King Charles III to save it; check its mouth-watering menu

The UK's 100-year-old iconic restaurant Veeraswamy faces the risk of closure and has called the intervention of King Charles III to save it. Founded in 1926 and located in London near Piccadilly Circus, the restaurant is known for its delicious menu such as malai chicken tikka, raj kachori, lobster malabar curry, fresh alfonso mango dessert and more. Veeraswamy is a Michelin-star restaurant and celebrity chefs Raymond Blanc and Michel Roux are backing calls to save it.

4 Feb 2026 3:34 pm
Manipur Presidents rule withdrawn, Y Khemchand Singh to be sworn in as CM at 6 pm

Manipur is set for a new beginning. Y Khemchand Singh will be sworn in as Chief Minister today, February 4, 2026. This follows the revocation of President's Rule. Preparations are underway for the ceremony at Lok Bhavan. The NDA government aims to bring peace and development to the state. This marks a significant shift after a period of President's Rule.

4 Feb 2026 3:32 pm
High Court pulls up MCD over failure to publicise resolutions, records despite 20 years of RTI Act

The Delhi High Court has strongly criticized the Municipal Corporation of Delhi. The court noted the MCD's failure to publicize its legislative records and proceedings for two decades. This is despite the mandate under the Right to Information Act. The court emphasized that public authorities must proactively share information. The MCD assured the court that corrective measures are underway.

4 Feb 2026 3:27 pm
Budget 2026: FM throws challenge to Rahul Gandhi, asks him to cite specific gaps

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has strongly refuted allegations made by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi regarding the Union Budget. She challenged him to present specific evidence from the document to support his claims of neglect towards unemployment, rural distress, and manufacturing slowdown.

4 Feb 2026 3:24 pm
Netflix India focuses on scale and diversity in content push: VP Monika Shergill

Netflix India is launching an ambitious slate for 2026, featuring 30 new projects. Vice President Monika Shergill highlights programming as a mix of art and science, driven by audience intuition. The platform aims to offer diverse content, from regional stories to international films, catering to every viewer's taste and mood.

4 Feb 2026 3:15 pm
Gastro doc Dr. Pal lists 5 best 'tune-ups' to change your gut health

Gastroenterologist Dr. Palaniappan Manickam reveals the five essential habits for a healthy gut: daily fiber, consistent meal timing, stress management, restorative sleep, and screen-free mindful eating. By blending humor with science, Dr. Pal provides a sustainable roadmap to optimize your microbiome and eliminate bloating without relying on medication.

4 Feb 2026 3:13 pm
Over 28 lakh households get Rs 16,000 Cr aid under PM Surya Ghar scheme

PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana has benefited over 28 lakh households by January 2026. Central financial assistance of Rs 16,061.12 crore has been disbursed. The scheme aims to install rooftop solar systems in one crore households. This initiative is expected to generate significant renewable electricity and reduce carbon emissions.

4 Feb 2026 3:06 pm
Delhi minister Sirsa slams Rahul Gandhi for 'traitor' jab at Sikh minister

Delhi Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa has strongly condemned Rahul Gandhi's remarks against Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu. Sirsa called Gandhi's use of the word 'traitor' an insult to the Sikh community. He urged the Lok Sabha Speaker to take immediate action. The incident occurred outside Parliament. Bittu, a Sikh leader, recently switched from Congress to BJP.

4 Feb 2026 3:05 pm
Xi, Putin hold video talks on Wednesday: China state media

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian leader Vladimir Putin held talks via video call. This meeting follows recent agreements by diplomats to boost economic cooperation. The strategic partnership between China and Russia has strengthened since Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The leaders have maintained regular contact, exchanging New Year greetings and discussing close exchanges.

4 Feb 2026 3:00 pm
Deutsche Bank flags India, Indonesia as EM laggards in 2026

Emerging markets showed notable resilience despite heightened volatility at the start of 2026. However, India and Indonesia remained underperformers, even as emerging market assets delivered a strong start to the year, according to a Deutsche Bank report.

4 Feb 2026 2:48 pm
Sadhgurus relationship tip of the day: Two simple habits that can create mutual magic between partners

Spiritual guru Sadhguru has offered two simple tips that can help create mutual magic between partners. The two tips by the popular spiritual guru is approach as a means to share, not extract and become your own source of happiness as complete individuals express love from abundance, not lack, fostering enduring connections.

4 Feb 2026 2:47 pm
From feature to foe: Anthropic move is a trailer of AI-pocalypse

Anthropic's Claude Cowork agent, now equipped with task-automating plugins, has triggered a SaaSpocalypse fear in tech stocks. This move transforms AI from a helpful feature into a direct competitor, capable of executing tasks autonomously and potentially replacing IT services and software vendors.

4 Feb 2026 2:46 pm
Proverb of the day by Theodore Roosevelt: 'Do what you can, with...'

Proverb of the day by Theodore Roosevelt: Theodore Roosevelt's wisdom encourages immediate action. Success comes from using available resources and taking consistent small steps. This principle applies to careers, education, personal growth, and business. It inspires millions by urging people to stop overthinking and start acting now. Practical action is key to achieving goals.

4 Feb 2026 2:40 pm
Badshah in NBA All-Star Game: Rapper to play alongside 'Shang-Chis' Simu Liu and 'Key and Peele's' Keegan. Check India streaming details

NBA All-Star Game: Catch Badshahs historic NBA debut live in India on Saturday, Feb 14, 2026, starting at 5:30 AM IST. The NBA All-Star Celebrity Game will stream on Amazon Prime Video and NBA League Pass, featuring a star-studded clash between Team Giannis and Team Anthony Anderson.

4 Feb 2026 2:38 pm
Annamalai steps down from BJP post over fathers health

K Annamalai, former Tamil Nadu BJP President, has resigned as election in-charge for six Assembly constituencies. He cited his father's ill health and need for care as the reason. Annamalai informed the Tamil Nadu BJP leadership of his decision. He expressed willingness to support party and alliance candidates in other capacities.

4 Feb 2026 2:34 pm
Operation Kiya neutralises two terrorists in J&Ks Udhampur

Security forces neutralized two Pakistani terrorists in Udhampur district. The operation, named 'Kiya', lasted over 20 hours. One of the slain terrorists was identified as Rubani alias Abu Mavia, a top Jaish-e-Mohammad commander. The joint operation involved the Army, police, and CRPF. Arms and ammunition were recovered from the site. This encounter follows previous security operations in the region.

4 Feb 2026 2:32 pm
14 years, multiple cancellations, Rs 1,300+ crore later: How Chandrawal Water Plant revival promises relief for thirsty Delhi

Chandrawal Water Plant: After over a decade of delays, Delhi's Chandrawal Water Treatment Plant is finally operational, promising to alleviate water shortages and reduce transmission losses. The project, boosted by central and state funding, will significantly increase water treatment capacity and improve distribution networks, aiming for reliable 24x7 supply to densely populated areas.

4 Feb 2026 2:27 pm
UP BEd JEE 2026 registration begins at bujhansi.ac.in: Check important dates, eligibility, fees and how to apply

Bundelkhand University, Jhansi, has announced the UP BEd JEE 2026 application process, which opened on February 10 and closes on March 10. The examination is scheduled from April 20-25, with results expected by May 30. Applicants must meet age criteria and submit required documents along with the application fee.

4 Feb 2026 2:25 pm
Supreme Court issues notice in West Bengal SIR dispute, assures protection of voters' rights

The Supreme Court has issued notices to the Election Commission and West Bengal's chief electoral officer. This follows a plea from Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee concerning the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. The court is addressing concerns about alleged wrongful deletions of voters. A hearing is scheduled for February 9.

4 Feb 2026 2:15 pm
Delhi crime files: Half the prison cells are filled with youth aged 2130; Is the capital losing its future behind bars?

Delhi Crime: Nearly 50% of Delhi's 18,969 prisoners are between 21 and 30 years old, with over 55% under 30. Poverty, unemployment, and the lure of quick money are identified as key drivers for young offenders. The city's jails are severely overcrowded, operating at double capacity, prompting the construction of new facilities.

4 Feb 2026 2:11 pm
Melinda French Gates hints Bill Gates Jeffrey Epstein links led to their divorce, says 'it brings back memories of some very, very painful times...'

Melinda French Gates has hinted that Bill Gates ties with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein led to their divorce in 2021. Speaking on a podcast, the philanthropist said the newly released batch of photos in the Epstein files brought back some very painful times in her marriage. Melinda French and Bill Gates divorced in 2021.

4 Feb 2026 1:54 pm
Inside Chinas gray zone activities: How Beijing is salami slicing its way to influence

China is employing a 'salami slicing' strategy, taking incremental steps across military, economic, and technological domains to alter realities without triggering conflict. This 'gray zone' approach, evident in the South China Sea and beyond, bypasses international law and exploits rivals' hesitation. The cumulative effect creates new facts on the ground, challenging the existing order.

4 Feb 2026 1:49 pm