The Economic Times

An application has been filed in the Supreme Court challenging West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's personal appearance in a Special Intensive Revision matter. The applicant argues her appearance was constitutionally improper and legally untenable. Banerjee had previously urged the court to intervene in the electoral roll revision process.

In their pursuit of justice, federal agents uncovered deep-seated evidence surrounding Jeffrey Epstein's abuse of underage girls. However, a detailed examination of Justice Department archives indicates limited findings regarding Epstein's alleged operation of a sex trafficking ring catering to the powerful. Investigative materials, including videos and monetary transactions, did not tie any associates into his criminal conduct.

Nobel laureate Narges Mohammadi received over seven additional years in prison and an internal exile sentence after beginning a hunger strike. This crackdown on dissent follows nationwide protests and comes as Iran negotiates its nuclear program with the U.S., with its foreign minister emphasizing a maximalist stance.

Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy accused the previous BRS government of blackmailing businessmen and extorting vast sums through phone tapping. He labeled the BRS as the 'Blackmail Rajakeeya Samiti'. Reddy claimed the BRS used phone tapping to collect Rs 1,500 crore in electoral bonds. He also alleged the BRS facilitated the BJP's Lok Sabha victories to evade these cases.

The Kuki-Zo Council has issued a strong advisory. Community members working for the government are cautioned against travelling to or accepting postings in Meitei-dominated areas. The council states the conflict remains unresolved and safety cannot be guaranteed. This advisory prioritizes safeguarding lives amidst a fragile and tense situation. Authorities are urged to act responsibly until peace is restored.

Israel's security cabinet has approved new measures. These steps will make it easier for settlers in the occupied West Bank to buy land. Israeli authorities will also gain more enforcement powers over Palestinians. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas called the moves dangerous and illegal. The decisions come ahead of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump.

India and Malaysia are set to boost cooperation in key sectors like trade, investment, and semiconductors. Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Anwar Ibrahim committed to peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific. Both nations signed 11 agreements, strengthening ties in defence, energy, and advanced manufacturing. Discussions also focused on combating terrorism and promoting local currency trade.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah praised the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh. He stated the organization's contribution to India's journey is undeniable. Shah highlighted the work of RSS volunteers across all national and social spheres. He emphasized their prominent role in every field after India's Independence. The minister expressed no doubt about this significant impact.

Punjab Police is intensifying its crackdown on crime. A new operation, 'Prahaar-2', is underway targeting wanted criminals across the state. The police are also focusing on properties acquired through extortion by gangsters operating from abroad. This drive aims to enhance safety and security for all citizens. Extradition processes for foreign-based gangsters are also in motion.

Manchester City will try to keep their Premier League title hopes alive. Sixth-place Liverpool are eyeing Champions League spot.

Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Limited has paused its planned annual fare revision. The increase, initially set for February 9, is now on hold pending a board review. This decision follows discussions involving political leaders. BMRCL assures commuters of its commitment to safe, reliable, and affordable metro services. A final decision on fares will be communicated after the board's review.

Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu has condemned attempts to link the Dalai Lama to Jeffrey Epstein. The office of the Dalai Lama has issued a statement confirming no meeting or interaction with Epstein ever occurred. These baseless narratives are being called irresponsible and condemnable. The spiritual institution must not be dragged into malicious speculations.

Kuki-Zo MLA Vungzagin Valte, who sustained grievous injuries in May 2023 violence, was airlifted to New Delhi for treatment after his health deteriorated. Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh personally oversaw his evacuation from Churachandpur to Imphal, and subsequently to the national capital, wishing him a full recovery.

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah demanded Prime Minister Narendra Modi's resignation, accusing him of compromising India's interests in US trade negotiations. He stated that the interim trade deal was a result of US pressure, not fair negotiation, and would harm Indian farmers while benefiting American agriculture.

The Rookie Season 8 Episode 6 release time and how to watch details confirm the Valentines Day episode titled Burn 4 Love. The episode airs on ABC on February 9, 2026, and streams on Hulu on February 10, 2026.

Keir Starmer's chief of staff has resigned. This follows controversy over appointing Peter Mandelson as U.K. ambassador to the U.S. Mandelson has ties to Jeffrey Epstein. New documents suggest Mandelson shared market-sensitive information. Police are investigating. Starmer faces questions about his judgment. The government promises to release more information.

RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat spoke on economic strategy, favouring 'production by the masses' for competitiveness and jobs. He stressed the importance of manual labour and creating employment. Bhagwat also addressed the Bharat Ratna for Veer Savarkar, stating it would enhance the award's prestige. He highlighted the need to master new technologies like AI for progress without job losses.

Prashant Kishor has launched the Bihar Navnirman Yatra from West Champaran. The campaign aims to rebuild and strengthen the Jan Suraaj party's organisation across Bihar. Kishor will visit districts to meet associates and expand the grassroots network. The yatra will also focus on the Mukhyamantri Mahila Rozgar Yojana, ensuring women receive promised financial assistance for their businesses.

India and Canada have agreed to a new workplan to boost cooperation on national security, law enforcement, and cybersecurity. This follows talks between their top security advisors. The plan includes establishing liaison officers for better communication and information sharing. Both nations will also formalize cybersecurity policy cooperation and share data on cyber threats.

Sadhguru, a globally known spiritual leader, stresses that emotions like pain and anger stem from within. He encourages self-reflection instead of blaming outside circumstances, noting that our inner perception shapes how we experience suffering. Sadhguru says in such situations, don't go on to blame others but sit, relax, and reflect on your own thoughts to understand the root cause.

A significant week for global economic data is unfolding. Key US reports on jobs and inflation are set to be released. Investors will also monitor economic indicators from China, Japan, Australia, and Europe. Central bank decisions from Canada, Russia, and Peru are also on the agenda. These releases will shape market expectations for monetary policy and economic growth worldwide.

Super Bowl 2026: Bad Bunny's Super Bowl appearance has become a political flashpoint amid the Trump administration's immigration crackdown.

India has approved a limited import of dried distillers' grains with solubles. This move allows for 5 lakh tonnes of DDGS, just one percent of total consumption. The imports will boost animal feed supply and help meet growing demand. This measure aims to reduce the need for corn and soybean imports.

Super Bowl 2026 weather forecast for NFL summit match between Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots is out.

The Lincoln Lawyer Season 5 release date, cast, plot and production update focuses on Netflix renewal status, filming schedule, story source, returning actors, new characters, and expected release window. The season adapts Resurrection Walk and continues Mickey Hallers legal and family journey.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has urged the country to reject destructive communist ideology. He appealed to Naxalites to surrender their weapons, promising a welcoming reception from the government. Shah emphasized that Left-Wing Extremism is an ideology-driven challenge, not solely a development or law-and-order issue. He stated that communist ideology hinders development and is disappearing from democratic politics.

Delhi Police detained Aam Aadmi Party leader Saurabh Bhardwaj on Sunday. He and other party members were attempting to hold a candle march. The march was in connection with the death of Kamal Dhyani. Dhyani died after his motorcycle fell into an open pit. The pit was dug for Delhi Jal Board work.

Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's ruling coalition has secured a significant victory. The coalition won a super-majority in Sunday's snap lower house elections. National broadcaster NHK projected they secured at least two-thirds of the seats. This means they will have strong control. The projections are based on exit polls and counting centre reports.

England secured a narrow victory over Nepal in their T20 World Cup encounter. Nepal fell short by just four runs in their chase. Lokesh Bam's late hitting provided a scare for England. Earlier, strong batting performances from Jacob Bethell and Harry Brook powered England's total. Nepal fought hard but could not cross the finish line.

Two reserve Electronic Voting Machines were discovered in a car in Solapur, Maharashtra. The machines were found near an eatery. Political parties raised concerns about tampering. Officials clarified the EVMs were reserve devices and unused. They were found sealed. All used EVMs were secured by late Saturday night. An inquiry confirmed the machines were not part of the day's voting.

Super Bowl 2026: Seattle Seahawks have just one Super Bowl in their trophy cabinet. A win Sunday would be historic for the New England Patriots.

Inspector Jagdish Prasad died bravely at the Surajkund fair. A giant swing collapsed, injuring 11 people. Prasad was trying to rescue those trapped when he sustained fatal injuries. He was cremated with state honours in his native village. His son will miss his sister's wedding due to this tragedy. Prasad served the Haryana Armed Police for 36 years.

Senior BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari predicts a decisive victory for his party in the upcoming West Bengal Assembly elections. He stated the BJP will secure a two-thirds majority and form the government by April, ending the Trinamool Congress's 15-year tenure. Adhikari asserted that voters have made up their minds, and the TMC will face a significant defeat across the state.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu highlights concerns about central tax revenue distribution. He believes better-performing states are disadvantaged. Naidu emphasizes regional prosperity and states as allies. He discusses population management and his focus on Andhra Pradesh's development. Naidu also touches upon Amaravati's capital status and the Tirupati temple prasad controversy.

The Congress party has strongly condemned a video posted by the BJP's Assam unit. The video, which has since been deleted, showed Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma appearing to shoot individuals identified as minorities. Congress leaders described the act as a call for genocide and urged the judiciary to intervene.

India and the United States have finalized an interim trade agreement. Union Minister Piyush Goyal stated that bilateral ties remain strong. The agreement will further cement long-term strategic goals. India will reduce tariffs on US industrial and agricultural products. The US will impose an 18 percent reciprocal tariff on Indian goods.

A new report highlights concerns over rising Islamist politics in Bangladesh after the July 2024 uprising. Researchers suggest this shift could negatively affect women and minorities. The analysis indicates a move towards right-wing ideology, with previously suppressed Islamist groups gaining prominence. This transition may introduce formal and informal Islamic governance, posing challenges for women's rights in the country.

Union Minister Satish Chandra Dubey announced the Indo-US trade deal will foster development and boost trade. He criticized opposition parties for their constant criticism of government actions. Dubey highlighted the Union Budget as a catalyst for development, aiming for a developed India by 2047. He emphasized inclusivity in achieving national progress.

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat has stated that caste now serves selfish and political interests. He noted the traditional occupational basis for caste has vanished. Bhagwat called for a sensitive approach to address caste-based conflicts. He explained politicians seek votes using caste identities, which remain deeply ingrained in society. Electoral considerations drive politicians more than ideology.

Socrates' enduring quote on marriage reveals a profound insight into personal growth and philosophical reflection. He suggested that both happy and difficult marriages serve as catalysts for introspection. Adversity, in particular, sharpens the mind, encouraging self-examination and the pursuit of meaning, aligning with his belief that an unexamined life is not worth living.

Former India captain Sourav Ganguly is surprised by Pakistan's decision to withdraw from their ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 match against India. Ganguly stated that every point is crucial in a World Cup. India's T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav confirmed India's readiness to play the scheduled February 15th fixture in Colombo. India's stance remains unchanged for the upcoming tournament.