The Economic Times

MG Motor India has officially teased the upcoming MG Majestor, set to launch on February 12 as the brand's new flagship SUV. Positioned above the Gloster, the Majestor boasts a bold exterior, premium features like Level 2 ADAS, and is expected to be powered by a 2.0-litre twin-turbo diesel engine.

India is in advanced talks with Chile on a comprehensive free trade agreement that could give it long-term access to key critical minerals such as lithium, copper, cobalt and molybdenum, which are essential for electric vehicles, electronics and clean energy. At a time when mineral supply chains are becoming strategic tools in global politics, the proposed pact could support Indias manufacturing growth and energy transition.

India is prioritizing energy security through BRICS, according to Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. Despite US pressure, New Delhi aims to secure its energy needs. Russia pledges support for India's BRICS chairmanship, highlighting its focus on counter-terrorism and energy security. Discussions are ongoing to adapt to market adjustments and ensure continued hydrocarbon imports.

West Bengal's electoral roll revision is on track. Hearings for claims and objections will finish by February 21. The final updated voter list will be published on February 28, 2026. This schedule adheres to Supreme Court orders. The Election Commission of India has issued a revised timeline for the Special Intensive Revision exercise in the state.

Over 800 stores and restaurants across the US will shut down by the end of 2026. Major brands like Wendy's, Macy's, and Pizza Hut are part of this significant retail pullback. Companies are closing physical locations to boost their online presence and streamline operations. This trend continues a pattern observed in recent years, impacting numerous well-known retailers.

The Supreme Court has directed 17 states, including Delhi, Gujarat, and Maharashtra, to establish special NIA courts. This move aims to expedite trials for anti-terror cases. The Union Home Ministry will provide financial assistance for these courts. The initiative focuses on ensuring swift justice for pending cases across the nation.

Trump Account child investment program offers $1,000 government seed savings for newborn Americans. IRS rules allow Roth IRA conversion, creating long-term tax-free retirement wealth opportunities. Families can contribute $5,000 yearly, expanding powerful tax-advantaged savings growth for children. Low-income young adults may convert balances while legally paying zero federal taxes. This overlooked policy shift could reshape generational wealth strategies across households.

Student loan forgiveness was limited in 2025, but thousands of borrowers still got relief. Most forgiveness came from the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. Income-based plans were paused for months because of legal issues. Even with fewer approvals, forgiveness helped many workers manage student debt and monthly expenses.

On Safer Internet Day a NGO has launched a school program in Delhi that aims to help students discuss online safety and digital harm. The initiative reaches nearly 45,000 students in 45 schools. It focuses on technology-facilitated gender-based violence. The program brings digital safety into classrooms for students in Classes 8 to 12.

Bitcoin crisis of confidence: Bitcoin hovers near $70,000 after a sharp sell-off, with analysts deeming it a crisis of confidence rather than a structural issue. Despite a 45% dip from its peak, spot ETFs saw limited outflows. Institutions continue buying, and a year-end target of $150,000 is projected, though some see a potential dip to $50,000.

Assam's final voters' list is out. Over 2.43 lakh names were removed from the draft roll. The final list has 2.49 crore voters. This is a slight decrease from the previous draft. The state assembly elections are approaching soon. The electoral commission released the updated list.

Cricket has long placed value on continuity, of records, rivalries and traditions, but less often on the afterlife of the physical objects that enable the game. Balls and bats, once worn, are typically replaced without ceremony. By reusing these materials to create a series trophy, not as disposable equipment, but as objects capable of carrying forward meaning even after their functional life has ended.

Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov also accused the US of using unfair methods to suppress competitors by imposing sanctions on Russian oil companies.

The death toll in Meghalaya's coal mine blast has risen to 30, with two more people succumbing to their injuries on Tuesday. They were undergoing treatment in Silchar Medical College and Hospital.

Indian Army's robust preparedness prevented the 2020 Galwan clash from escalating into full-scale war, stated Brigadier Saurabh Singh Shekhawat. He emphasized that the adversary understood only strength, and demonstrating this resolved tensions. Shekhawat highlighted the brutal reality of contact battles and the necessity for soldiers' mental and physical readiness for future confrontations.

Amidst the effervescent world of beverages, Richeerz, a French sparkling tea brand, is keenly eyeing the thriving Indian non-alcoholic drinks sector. The recent free trade agreement between India and the EU has unlocked fresh pathways for collaboration and trade. Known for their exquisite Darjeeling tea imports, Richeerz is ready to bubble over with their sparkling tea exports to India.

New York City will soon witness a groundbreaking concept. America's first free grocery store, The Polymarket, opens its doors on February 12, 2026. Shoppers can walk in and take groceries without paying a single cent. This initiative by the crypto platform Polymarket aims to support the community amidst rising food prices.

Croma's Valentine's Day sale features the iPhone 17 at an effective price under Rs 50,000. This deal is achievable through a combination of exchange offers, bank cashbacks, and an additional exchange bonus. The sale runs from February 6 to February 15 across Croma stores nationwide.

193,814 Americans must act by February 11, 2026. The New York Blood Center settlement offers a $500,000 fund for data breach victims. Eligible donors can claim $2,500 for identity theft losses. A flat cash payment is also available without documents. This 2025 breach exposed Social Security numbers and medical files. Secure your payout before tomorrow's midnight deadline. File your claim online now to protect your legal rights.

Former Indian Army Chief Manoj Mukund Naravane addresses Parliament uproar over his book. He confirms his memoir's status remains unchanged. Publisher Penguin Random House India clarifies it holds exclusive rights. They state no copies are released. Any circulating versions are unauthorized and illegal. The book's publication is proceeding as planned.

AYUSH graduates seeking MBBS admission through NEET-UG have no central reservation. They are eligible based on existing criteria. Counselling for All India Quota seats follows government reservation policies. State Quota seats are governed by respective state rules. Kerala has reserved 11 MBBS seats for AYUSH candidates under its quota.

Anthropic AI safety chief quits: Mrinank Sharma, Anthropic's safeguards research lead, has resigned. He cited global crises and ethical pressures in AI. Sharma achieved his goals at Anthropic, focusing on AI safety and bioweapons defense. He now seeks work aligned with his integrity, including poetry and courageous speech. This follows other departures from Anthropic's safety team.

Choices made while filing a 2025 tax return can impact retirement income in 2026. Income timing can affect Medicare premiums, Social Security taxes, and overall cash flow. One-time income spikes may trigger higher costs later. Experts say early tax planning, spreading income over years, and careful withdrawals can help retirees protect future money.

Why are Bitcoin, Ethereum and XRP prices down today and will crypto market witness rise or continue to fall in near future? Bitcoin fell below $70,000 as traders waited for U.S. data, regulatory clarity, and Federal Reserve signals. Altcoins stayed weak as market volume dropped.

Stop spending your evenings at the sink with these six one-pan meals designed for maximum flavor and minimum clean-up. From Mediterranean sheet-pan chicken to creamy one-pot pasta, this story provides a roadmap for efficient, gourmet cooking that fits perfectly into the fast-paced lifestyle of 2026.

The Bengaluru Police had named BJP MLA BA Basavaraja among several people as accused in an FIR on charges of conspiracy and murder. He, however, moved the high court praying for quashing of the FIR. The court, however, directed the police not to take coercive action against him, protecting him from arrest.

Quote of the Day: As economic, social and personal challenges continue to shape modern life, Oprah Winfreys words offer reassurance without illusion. The quote does not promise ease, but it affirms progress. It invites individuals to approach ambition with dignity, setbacks with curiosity, and success with humility.

More than 24 lakh income tax returns remain unprocessed for over 90 days. This is out of nearly 8.80 crore returns filed for Assessment Year 2025-26 by February 4, 2026. The NUDGE campaign has led to 1.11 crore updated returns and Rs 6,976.50 crore in additional taxes paid. The total revenue impact of the campaign reached Rs 8,810.59 crore.

India has issued a new order for social media platforms. All AI-generated content must now be clearly labeled. These labels and their embedded identifiers cannot be removed. Companies must use tools to detect and stop illegal or deceptive AI content. Users will also receive warnings about AI misuse. These warnings will be sent every three months.

Why is Bitcoin price down today and will BTC USD fall near $60,000 again or finally go up above $75,000? Bitcoin trades below $70,000 as investors wait for US jobs data, inflation numbers, and Federal Reserve signals, keeping the crypto market rangebound and cautious.

French President Emmanuel Macron is flying to India next week to take the AI baton from Paris to New Delhi, continuing the tech talks he co-chaired with Prime Minister Modi at last years global AI summit.

Supreme Court probes nationwide child disappearances, while a special court frames charges in the Baba Siddique murder case. Meanwhile, ED investigates a Tirupati laddu adulteration scam. Internationally, South Korea aims to retain STEM students, and France urges EU reform amidst US tensions.

Elevate your mornings with six high-fibre Indian breakfast ideas featuring ancient grains like millets and sprouts. From Ragi Idlis to Vegetable-loaded Dalia, these recipes focus on slow-digesting carbohydrates and gut-friendly nutrients, providing a delicious and sustainable roadmap to better energy levels and digestive health in 2026.

Quote of the day by William Shakespeare: Shakespeare's timeless advice, Love all, trust a few, do wrong to none, offers a profound philosophy for life. Spoken by the Countess of Roussillon in All's Well That Ends Well, this simple yet powerful quote encourages kindness, careful discernment in trust, and unwavering integrity.

Hair regrowth herb: A centuries-old Chinese medicinal root, Polygonum multiflorum, is showing promise in scientific research for combating common hair loss. This herb appears to work on multiple fronts, including blocking hair-shrinking hormones and activating natural regrowth signals, offering a potential holistic alternative to conventional treatments.

A 62-year-old Hindu trader was brutally murdered inside his shop in Mymensingh, Bangladesh. Unidentified assailants hacked Susen Chandra Sarkar to death and stole money from his business. This incident marks the latest violence targeting the minority community. Communal violence is reportedly increasing as general elections approach. The Hindu population constitutes nearly 8 percent of Bangladesh's total population.

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has strongly criticized the interim India-US trade deal. He described it as a purchase agreement that disregards reciprocity. Tharoor questioned the government's claims of securing a better deal than other Asian economies. He highlighted concerns about India's negotiating power and potential long-term deficits. The deal's implications for farmers and domestic industries remain unclear.

A new CII report proposes an air taxi corridor connecting Gurgaon, Connaught Place, and Noida International Airport, potentially reducing travel times from hours to minutes using eVTOLs. This phased plan prioritizes safety, utilizing rooftop vertiports to cut costs and expedite implementation, aiming to ease Delhi-NCR's severe congestion.

Hansraj College is facing intense student protests after Principal Rama Sharma allegedly used college facilities for her son's wedding. Students have accused the administration of moral and institutional bankruptcy for converting a public educational space into a private wedding venue. While the college claims all fees were paid, the Delhi University community is demanding a formal inquiry into the misuse of campus property.

The government has amended the Ex-servicemen (Re-employment in Central Civil Services & Posts) Rules 2026 to clarify re-employment benefits for Military Nursing Service (MNS) officers. This amendment explicitly includes MNS personnel in the definition of ex-servicemen, granting them reservation quotas and age relaxation for central government posts.

Successful political leadership hinges on more than just popular policies; rhetoric and implementation are equally crucial. President Trump's immigration agenda, despite initial support, has seen declining approval due to aggressive tactics and controversial rhetoric. Voters are judging his administration on all three aspects, finding him lacking in two, which significantly impacts his job approval ratings.

Pappu Yadav was arrested on Friday evening at his residence by Patna Police after a warrant was issued against him by the court in connection with a 1995 case lodged under Section 467 (forgery of documents) of the IPC. He was admitted to Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH) due to illness the next morning.

Around 37 gallantry awards were presented to the members of the rank in the Eastern Command annual investiture ceremony in Meghalaya. The jawans were awarded to celebrate their exemplary courage and devotion to duty.

Mahashivratri 2026 arrives on February 15th. This sacred night honors Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati's divine union. Devotees will observe fasts and offer prayers throughout the night. Special rituals, including Ratri Prahar and Nishita Kaal Puja, are scheduled. The festival signifies spiritual awakening and blessings from Lord Shiva. Devotees can break their fast on February 16th.

Quote of the day by George Bernard Shaw: The reasonable man adapts himself to the world; the unreasonable one persists in trying to adapt the world to himself George Bernard Shaw, Nobel-winning playwright and social critic, challenged norms for measurable progress. His plays, including Pygmalion and Man and Superman, exposed social inequities. Shaws insights on reasonable versus unreasonable men remain relevant in innovation, politics, and culture. Discover how his life, quotes, and ideas shaped