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Elections 2026Top News / The Economic Times
Ashwini Vaishnaw refuted Tamil Nadu CM M.K. Stalin's claims of delayed railway projects due to fund release issues, stating they are baseless. Vaishnaw highlighted that land acquisition delays by the state government are the primary cause, despite increased budget allocations and completed projects.
A heartwarming video from Bengaluru shows a house help surprising her employers with a rose and chocolate for their wedding anniversary. The couple reacted with delight and gratitude, touching her feet to express their appreciation. This touching gesture highlights the power of small acts of kindness and thoughtfulness.
Chief Justice of India Surya Kant condemned 'Gunda Raj' after a lawyer reported being assaulted in a Tis Hazari court. The Chief Justice instructed the lawyer to contact the Delhi High Court chief justice. He emphasized that such incidents are unacceptable and signify a breakdown in the rule of law. The High Court will handle the matter administratively.
Samsung is set to launch the Galaxy F70e 5G in India on February 9, introducing its new F70 lineup. This budget-friendly smartphone boasts a 50MP dual rear camera, an 8MP selfie shooter, and a massive 6,000mAh battery with 25W charging. Expect a vibrant 120Hz display and a stylish leather-pattern finish in two attractive colours.
Maharashtra Zilla Parishad polls: The Bharatiya Janata Party established an early lead in 26 seats of Zilla Parishads and Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena in 13, as per TV channels, with no official confirmation yet from the State Election Commission.
Pariksha Pe Charcha: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during the latest Pariksha Pe Charcha, advised students to understand the journey behind success stories instead of blindly chasing them. He stressed that career confusion is completely normal and that exploring different paths is a sign of growth. The event also focused on exam preparation and building confidence, aiming to turn examinations into a celebration of learning rather than a source of stress.
Opposition MPs are planning a no-confidence motion against Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla. This follows allegations that Rahul Gandhi was not allowed to speak during a debate. The Speaker had previously asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi to avoid the House due to potential disruptions.
KK Mishra runs Banshidhar Exports Pvt Ltd, a firm engaged in supplying tobacco to gutkha manufacturers in the region. His son Shivam Mishra allegedly rammed his Lamborghini Revuelto into pedestrians and two-wheelers in Kanpur due to which the victim was flung 10 feet into the air. Last year, the IT department raided Banshidhar Tobacco Company and seized multiple luxury vehicles such as McLaren, a Porsche, and a Lamborghini. Shivam also reportedly owns a watch worth Rs 2.5 crore.
90s icon Ruby Bhatia has sparked widespread discussion after admitting she doesn't enjoy motherhood due to its grueling nature, despite loving her children. In her first major interview in years, she explained her transition from a top-tier VJ to a 1,000-per-session life coach, her cumulative 500kg weight loss journey, and why she chose to leave a lucrative anchoring career for spiritual peace and homeschooling.
Delhi schools and Parliament received bomb threat emails early this morning, warning of explosions and a possible attack, leading to immediate evacuations and extensive security checks. While no suspicious objects were found, authorities are investigating the hoax, which has caused widespread anxiety and disrupted classes.
Pakistan meets USA in the T20 World Cup. Pakistan seeks to overcome a past defeat against the USA. Both teams need batting improvements. Pakistan's middle-order collapsed against The Netherlands. USA's batters struggled against India. Captains acknowledge pressure and batting issues. USA is familiar with Sri Lankan conditions. Fitness of pacer Ali Khan is a concern.
India's economy is set for strong growth, projected at 6.4% by Moody's for fiscal 2026-27. This makes it the fastest among G-20 nations. Steady domestic demand and investment will drive this expansion. Financial stability and credit demand are expected to remain robust. Banks will maintain healthy capital buffers. Deposit growth will match loan demand. Retail credit will be stable.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged students to master technology, not be mastered by it. He encouraged them to use emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence to boost their skills. Modi also emphasized the importance of practicing past papers and getting adequate sleep for better exam performance.
Maharashtra's Zilla Parishad and Panchayat Samiti elections: These polls, held on February 7 after a postponement, saw a 68.28 percent voter turnout. The results are crucial for the Nationalist Congress Party, with factions of Ajit Pawar and Sharad Pawar contesting together in key western Maharashtra districts.
Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav criticizes the new US-India trade deal. He claims India's market is being handed to America, undermining the 'Make in India' initiative. Yadav questions the government's priorities, highlighting imports of animal feed despite local research. He states this impacts backward classes and Dalits involved in dairy farming.
A world-class ARAI centre will be established in Mandya, Karnataka. Union Minister H D Kumaraswamy announced an investment of Rs 500 crore for this project. The centre will boost the state's automobile sector. Land is being secured from the state government. Funds are already earmarked. This facility will benefit Mandya, Mysuru, and the entire state's automotive industry.
Pakistan pacer Haris Rauf faced online ridicule after a video of him flying kites surfaced, coinciding with his exclusion from the T20 World Cup 2026 squad. While Rauf and Hasan Ali were overlooked, Babar Azam retained his place. Head coach Mike Hesson cited pace attack balance for Rauf's omission.
Sunil Grover's hilarious hair-loss parody song, 'Meriyaan Zulfaan,' on The Great Indian Kapil Show has gone viral, leaving audiences in stitches. His impeccable comic timing and relatable lyrics about hair fall have stolen the spotlight. The episode also featured AP Dhillon sharing his inspiring rags-to-riches journey, making it a must-watch blend of comedy and heart.
Lok Adalat Token 2026 Delhi date: Delhi Traffic Police and Delhi State Legal Services Authority will hold a National Lok Adalat on February 14. You must log in to https://traffic.delhipolice.gov.in/lokadalat portal and download the challan. The link will be activated today and for the settlement of challans, a mandatory online registration is required.
A severe weekend blizzard paralyzed southwestern Ontario highways. About 150 vehicles were abandoned on Highway 402. Snowmobilers, farmers, and emergency crews conducted improvised rescues. Whiteout conditions and deep snowdrifts made many roads impassable. Traffic halted from Friday night into Saturday. Ontario Provincial Police declared a significant event. Roads remained closed into Sunday.
Bengaluru BJP MP Tejasvi Surya was detained Monday for protesting a Metro fare hike. Surya, also BJYM national president, demonstrated at Jayanagar Metro station. He used an empty trunk to symbolize unfulfilled state government promises. The fare hike has been put on hold following central government intervention.
Sweden's SAAB offers India a groundbreaking aerospace industry. This includes advanced design, production, and maintenance. The Gripen E fighter jet is central to this proposal. SAAB aims to significantly boost India's Air Force capabilities. This initiative promises substantial technology transfer and job creation. It also supports India's indigenous fighter projects.
India vs India T20 World Cup news: The ICC met with the PCB and BCB regarding Pakistan's boycott of the T20 World Cup match against India. The meeting concluded without a joint statement, as Pakistan awaits government approval for any formal announcement. The boycott has created a significant commercial challenge for the ICC.
A speeding Lamborghini, reportedly driven by the son of a wealthy tobacco merchant, crashed into vehicles and pedestrians in Kanpur's VIP road, causing panic. The luxury car, worth over 10 crore, hit an auto-rickshaw, multiple two-wheelers, and people, flinging one rider several feet. Police seized the vehicle and are investigating the incident.
Anand Mahindra's Monday Motivation: This Monday, tech titan Anand Mahindra shared the story of Dr Shubha V Iyengar, a Padma Shri scientist who has developed Drishti, India's first homegrown runway visibility system. Dr Shubha V Iyengar, a former senior scientist with CSIR-National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL), is known for her pioneering work in the field of aerospace technology. Drishti is a system designed to measure runway visibility during landing and take-offcritical moments in aviation, es
Using or touching a mobile phone while driving is illegal across Australian states and territories, with fines exceeding $1200 in some areas. Even resting a phone on your lap or holding it between your shoulder and ear is prohibited. Fully licensed drivers can only use phones for audio calls or music/navigation if secured in a cradle or operated hands-free.
Virat Kohli love story: Cricket star Virat Kohli and actress Anushka Sharma's journey captivates many. Their relationship began during a 2013 ad shoot. They navigated public attention, a brief separation, and online criticism. The couple married in 2017 and later welcomed two children. They now balance their lives between India and the UK for their family's privacy. Their bond highlights respect and unwavering support.
Panic gripped the national capital on Monday morning as at least ten schools, including three in South Delhi, received bomb threat calls. Authorities swiftly responded, deploying fire services, police, and bomb detection squads to the affected institutions. Premises were evacuated as extensive searches commenced to ensure the safety of students and staff.
A viral X post details a divorce stemming from a wife's refusal to quit her tech career to care for her mother-in-law. Despite the couple's shared success, traditional gender roles clashed when the husband expected his wife to become a full-time caregiver, leading to a breakdown in their marriage.
Valentine Week Special: Dulquer Salmaan, known for his amazing performances in Indian cinema, is married to Amal Sufiya. The actor tied the knot in 2011 long before he started his journey in movies. Dulquer Salmaan reached out to Amal on Facebook and asked her for a coffee. This meeting marked the beginning of a beautiful love story.
India and Egypt held their 14th Foreign Office consultation in Cairo. Both nations reviewed their strategic partnership and explored avenues for future cooperation. Discussions also covered regional and international issues. This follows Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Egypt in 2023, where trade targets were set. Cooperation in renewable energy is also growing.
Mumbai's bustling Andheri hides a 66-million-year-old volcanic rock formation, Gilbert Hill, a geological wonder previously unknown to many, including industrialist Anand Mahindra. This rare basalt column, one of only three globally, has survived urban sprawl and is now gaining attention for its ancient significance and unique beauty, prompting calls for greater recognition.
Quote of the day Robin Sharma: Robin Sharmas quote, Everything is created twice, first in the mind and then in reality, highlights the power of our thoughts in shaping our lives. This idea, which lies at the heart of The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari, shows that mental clarity and positivity come before real, visible achievements. By mastering our inner world, we can consciously create the outcomes we want to see in our actions and everyday reality.
RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat highlighted Salman Khan's influence on college students' fashion choices during a centenary event. This sparked widespread social media discussion. Khan's upcoming film, 'Battle of Galwan', has been postponed to August 14, 2026, for a patriotic release. The film's production is nearing completion with careful planning.
Providence signifies guidance, protection, and foresight, suggesting events are shaped by a higher power or destiny rather than mere chance. It emphasizes outcome and meaning, often appearing in religious and philosophical contexts to describe timely care or a guiding hand in human affairs. This concept offers a thoughtful way to interpret events as part of a larger plan.
February Special Days: February celebrates a spectrum of emotions, from Valentine's Week's romance to Anti-Valentine's Week's self-love and independence. The month offers dedicated days for everything from gifting chocolates and making promises to letting go of negativity and embracing new beginnings. It acknowledges that love, friendship, and personal healing are all equally significant.
NTA JEE Main 2026 Exam Result: The results of JEE Main 2026 will be released on the official website jeemain.nta.ac.in this month. The results of Jee Main 2026 are likely to be released on February 12. The scorecard of JEE Mains 2026 will show percentile scores, ranks, and subject-wise performance derived through a normalisation process. Candidates can download their results online using their login credentials for use in counselling and admissions.
New Zealand is moving to secure its energy future as the government plans an LNG import facility in Taranaki. This facility will ensure a reliable power backup and support economic growth. It aims to protect jobs and reduce the impact of rising energy prices. The project is a key step in diversifying the nation's energy sources.
Neil Armstrong, the first person to set foot on the Moon, once said you should shoot for the stars but if you happen to miss, you can shoot for the moon instead. The thought is a powerful reminder that you should always dream big and extraordinary. In case, you don't achieve your goals, you will still achieve something great along the way. You can apply this thought in real life too in personal and professional growth.

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