The Economic Times

Quote of the day by Coco Chanel: Coco Chanel's life story highlights her revolutionary impact on fashion. She rose from hardship to become a global icon. Her designs championed comfort and individuality for women. Chanel introduced iconic items like the little black dress and Chanel No. 5. Her enduring legacy continues to influence modern luxury and style.

Crypto billionaires net worth down after Bitcoin crash: The crypto market has seen a sharp decline. Bitcoin has fallen significantly from its record highs. Wealthy crypto holders have lost billions of dollars. Changpeng Zhao of Binance and Brian Armstrong of Coinbase are among those heavily impacted. Investors are moving towards safer assets like gold amid global uncertainty.

Khan will captain the surprise 2024 T20 World Cup semi-finalists against New Zealand in their opening match of the 2026 edition in Chennai on Sunday. But he said the ultimate prize for him would be to lead out Afghanistan one day in the capital Kabul in front of their home fans. Yes, that's bigger than the World Cup to be honest, for me and for the team, Khan told reporters.

For the first time in history, the Winter Games will be diffuse: two emblematic cities Milan and Cortinaand an entire system of territories Lombardy, Veneto and Trentino-Alto Adigeunited by a sustainable and inclusive vision. This constitutes a first, clear political signal. The Games generate effects that extend well beyond the sporting dimension, influencing infrastructure, territorial development, industrial value chains and the international standing of Italy.

Wealth quote of the day by Nobel Laureate Milton Friedman: The stock market is filled with individuals who know the price of everything, but the value of nothing Milton Friedman, Nobel Laureate and Chicago School economist, warned markets often ignore true value. U.S. stock valuations hit historic highs, with CAPE ratios above 30. Retail trading surged 35% since 2020. High-frequency trading dominates over 50% of volume. Productivity growth lags at 1.5% annually. Prices rise faster than earnings.

A three-storey building collapsed in Kota, Rajasthan on Saturday night. A restaurant was operating in the building. Several people are feared trapped under the debris. Police and rescue teams are conducting operations. Five people have been rescued and taken to the hospital. The building collapsed suddenly. Rescue efforts are ongoing.

New Delhi gears up for the ET NOW Global Business Summit 2026 on February 13-14, featuring prominent global leaders. Attendees will hear from distinguished economists like Ann E Harrison and Sergei Guriev, alongside thought leaders such as Marianne Williamson and Fabian Zuleeg, offering insights into economics, geopolitics, and societal well-being.

Panic and chaos gripped the Surajkund Mela after a giant swing snapped mid-air and crashed to the ground, killing an on-duty police inspector who was just weeks away from retirement. The officer lost his life while bravely rescuing people trapped on the ride, turning a festive evening into a scene of horror.

The last date of hearing of Bengal SIR was February 7(today) and the due date for final roll publication was February 14. However, the final roll publication is likely to get delayed at least by seven days. The approximate date for final roll publication is likely to be February 21.

The blast took place inside an unauthorised mine in the Mynsyngat-Thangskai area, under the jurisdiction of the Umpleng police outpost.

Several Kuki Zo organisations have been staging protests in Churachandpur and other hill districts against the participation and involvement of MLAs from their community in the formation of the BJP-led state government.

Layoffs Reddit story: A laid-off employee's viral Reddit post reveals the sting of workplace silence, detailing how even close colleagues largely ignored his attempts to connect post-layoff. Despite investing in relationships, he felt abandoned, a sentiment echoed by many others who experienced similar disappointment. The experience highlights the often-temporary nature of work friendships.

On the concluding day of his visit to J&K, Shah undertook a comprehensive review of key sectors including road infrastructure, power, industry, tourism, and 4G and optical fibre connectivity. The meeting was attended by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Lieutenant Governor M+oj Sinha, the Union Home Secretary and senior officials from the UT and the Centre.

Forest and Environment Minister Arjun Modhwadia presented the Ramsar certificate to Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel in Gandhinagar on Friday.

The Indian National Congress has voiced strong criticism regarding the India-US joint statement on a trade deal. Party leader Jairam Ramesh stated the agreement is silent on crucial details. He alleged that India might cease importing Russian oil and reduce import duties. This, he claimed, would benefit American farmers at the expense of Indian agricultural producers.

Sonia Gandhi has opposed a court plea seeking an FIR against her. The plea alleges her name was included in the electoral roll before she became an Indian citizen. Gandhi calls the plea frivolous and politically motivated. The court has taken her response on record. The complainant claims her name was added in 1980 and deleted later.

Telangana's BRS leader K T Rama Rao criticizes the Union Budget. He claims the budget favors states going to polls, neglecting Telangana. Rao points to special mentions for Bihar, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala. He states Telangana, a strong economic player, is deliberately excluded from key initiatives. This selective approach, he argues, undermines federalism and creates regional inequality.

The Supreme Court has backed Tamil Nadu's authority to appoint university vice-chancellors. This decision overturns a Madras High Court order that had halted the state's power. The Supreme Court noted the High Court acted too quickly. The matter now returns to the High Court for a decision within six weeks.

Following a victory in Maharashtra local polls, the Bharatiya Janata Party is now targeting municipal elections in Telangana and Karnataka. Polling in Telangana is set for February 11. In Karnataka, the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike elections are scheduled for May 2026. The party is mobilizing its workers and setting ambitious targets for these crucial grassroots contests.

States are boosting cash handouts for women voters as elections approach. West Bengal's Lakshmir Bhandar scheme sees a 500 monthly hike. Kerala earmarks 3,720 crore for its Sthree Suraksha Scheme. Bihar adds 3,000 annually to PM-Kisan for women entrepreneurs. Punjab plans 1,000 monthly for women. These moves signal a trend of pre-poll financial promises.

MEA's statement came after the White House claimed that India had committed to stop directly or indirectly importing Russian oil and would instead purchase from the US. The announcement formed part of the context in which additional tariffs imposed on India over its purchase of Russian oil were withdrawn.

Modi Malaysia visit: Addressing a community event in Kuala Lumpur, Modi reiterated that India's economic trajectory and reform push have enhanced its credibility as a reliable partner.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin accused the central government of neglecting the state in the recent Union Budget. He urged voters to deliver a 'zero' to the BJP-led NDA in the upcoming April Assembly elections. Stalin highlighted his government's welfare schemes and Tamil Nadu's leading position in national rankings. He also criticized opposition leader Edappadi K.

60% of workers still fear retaliation for sharing pay data. One employees 21% raise vanished after a peer complained. HR cut salary from $73,000 to $67,500. That breach may violate NLRA protections. Verbal promises are risky. Always get raises in writing. Workplace transparency is a legal right. Protect your pay. Share facts. Know your rights. Report retaliation to NLRB or a lawyer if needed. Document everything, email confirmations count today.

Draft income tax rules: The changes include rationalisation of archaic perquisite thresholdssuch as tax-free at-work meal values and gifts received from employersbringing the tax framework closer in line with contemporary economic realities, tax experts said.

The budget proposed a revamped safe harbour regime for component warehousing linked to manufacturing, fixing taxable margins at 2% which would result in an effective tax rate of about 0.7%.

The Election Commission of India has confirmed that a Permanent Resident Certificate is a valid document for the ongoing special intensive revision of electoral rolls in West Bengal. This clarification follows earlier communications regarding the Special Intensive Revision guidelines.

Rake meaning: Today's word is 'rake'. This simple English word holds many meanings. It is a gardening tool for gathering leaves or smoothing soil. Figuratively, it means earning money quickly or revisiting past issues. Historically, a 'rake' was a man of reckless lifestyle. The word has been in English for over a thousand years. Its pronunciation is 'rayk'.

More U.S. employees now face unwanted workplace mentorship as managers push leadership pipelines. Data shows many workers prefer stability over promotion. Long-tenured, private employees feel rising pressure. Career boundaries clash with modern management styles. This story explains why forced mentorship is growing, how it impacts workplace politics, and what it reveals about changing job values today.

India and the European Union have begun discussions regarding India's potential involvement in Horizon Europe. This flagship EU program supports cross-border research and innovation. If associated, Indian researchers could receive direct funding and lead projects. This follows a recent summit where both sides agreed to deepen cooperation across various sectors.

UFC update: Dana White, UFC's chief executive officer, is still working on the event, which is set to take place on the US Flag Day holiday and President Donald Trump's 80th birthday.

Trumps $2,000 tariff dividend: No $2,000 stimulus check is scheduled for February 2026. IRS confirms no new federal payment exists. Trump proposed a tariff dividend, but Congress has not approved funding. Tariff revenue is far below needed levels. Legal challenges and Supreme Court reviews add uncertainty. Routine tax refunds and credits continue. Scammers exploit false stimulus claims. Official IRS updates remain the only reliable source.

Cryptocurrency trading mistake compensation: A South Korean crypto exchange, Bithumb, mistakenly sent over $40 billion in Bitcoin to users. The error occurred during a routine rewards payout. Bithumb quickly recovered most of the funds and assured customers it was not a hack. The exchange will compensate users and implement new AI verification systems to prevent future incidents.

Super Bowl 2026: One 30-second spot expected to air on the NBC television network during Super Bowl LX from Anthropic takes a thinly veiled jab at OpenAI's intentions to introduce ads to its AI-powered chatbot, ChatGPT.

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat said the partition of India happened due to forgetting Hindu sentiment. He emphasized that understanding the Sangh requires dialogue. Bhagwat also noted that while swadeshi is important, global dependence is also needed. He stressed that Hindutva guarantees safety and does not diminish religious practices.

Snoop Dogg Winter Olympics salary: Snoop Dogg returns as NBC's correspondent and Honorary Coach for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano-Cortina. His viral success in Paris, where he reportedly earned over $9 million, has led to his reappearance. His role aims to motivate Team USA athletes and entertain viewers, with his pay drawing significant public attention.

Independent MP Pappu Yadav has been placed in judicial custody for two days. The court ordered his treatment at Patna Medical College and Hospital. Yadav was arrested on Friday night following a warrant related to a 1995 case. His bail plea will be heard on Monday. His lawyer claims a false case was filed.

President Donald Trump is employing military commanders in key diplomatic roles. Admiral Brad Cooper is participating in talks concerning Iran's nuclear program in Oman. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll is involved in negotiations to end the Russia-Ukraine war. This approach signals a shift in traditional foreign policy, potentially leveraging military expertise and the implicit threat of force to achieve diplomatic objectives.

Social Security payments February 2026: Millions of Americans are watching their Social Security accounts this February. Payments begin February 11 for select retirees and SSDI recipients. Birth dates determine timing. Not everyone qualifies that day. SSI follows different rules. A 2.8% COLA boosts checks in 2026. The full SSA calendar reveals who gets paid, when, and why it matters now.

Nitin Nabin, BJP national president, stated the party will win the Kerala Assembly elections. He highlighted central government aid to the state. Nabin criticized previous LDF-UDF governments for hindering growth. He promised development, empowerment of women, youth, and farmers, and a pro-business environment for a 'Vikasita Keralam'.

Ramesh Chandra Sen's death, coming just days before the nation's scheduled general election on February 12, 2026, has intensified scrutiny of the treatment of detained politicians and accusations of custodial neglect.