The Economic Times

Delhi University has banned all public gatherings on its campus for one month. The university cited concerns over traffic disruption, safety threats, and public peace. This move follows recent incidents, including a scuffle between student groups and an incident involving historian Irfan Habib. The ban prohibits assemblies of five or more people, slogan shouting, and carrying hazardous materials.

India and France are set to deepen defense ties with proposed co-production of HAMMER precision-guided munitions and discussions on acquiring 114 Dassault Rafale fighter jets. The HAMMER, a modular guided bomb system, will be manufactured in India through a joint venture. This collaboration highlights India's focus on enhanced precision strike capabilities and strategic defense partnerships.

Assam's Finance Minister Ajanta Neog unveiled an interim budget exceeding Rs 62,000 crore for the coming financial year ahead of the assembly elections due in a couple of months. Neog said the state is poised to become a Rs 10 lakh crore economy by 2028.

Young cricketer Dilpreet Bajwa, born in Punjab, is making waves internationally as he is the captain of Canada at the T20 World Cup at just 23. Dilpreet Bajwa has shown impressive batting prowess with multiple T20I half-centuries and a century in domestic leagues. Bajwa's journey from Punjab to leading a national side highlights his dedication and talent.

The Supreme Court has called upon petitioners to craft a new request for regulations on political address. Emphasizing the importance of cohesion among citizens, the court chose not to hear a Public Interest Litigation that aimed to establish guidelines for politicians and media on speeches that resonate with constitutional principles.

The amount of cash circulating in the economy has hit an all-time peak of Rs 40 lakh crore in January, after rising 11.1% year-on-year. Yet, interestingly, the cash-to-GDP ratio has dipped, suggesting that digital payments are playing a much bigger role than before.

A coach of the New Delhi-Chennai Grant Trunk Express caught fire in Maharashtra's Wardha district on Tuesday morning. Railway officials confirmed no casualties, stating the affected coach was detached immediately. The train is expected to resume its journey shortly without the damaged coach.

Tell Me Lies Season 3 Finale Episode 8 release time and how to watch worldwide is now confirmed. The finale streams February 17 on Hulu and Disney+. The episode ends Season 3 and the series. This guide explains release time, global schedule, streaming platforms, cast, story, and future of the show.

Solar Eclipse 2026 Live Streaming: The first solar eclipse of 2026, a stunning Ring of Fire annular event, will occur on February 17th. While not visible in India, skywatchers can watch the Surya Grahan live online through official space agencies and astronomy websites. Eye safety is paramount if viewing directly.

The Delhi High Court has ordered Priya Kapur and Mandira Kapur Smith, wife and sister of the late Sunjay Kapur respectively, to cease public allegations against each other. The court directed both parties to conduct themselves with dignity while hearing Priya Kapur's defamation suit seeking 20 crore in damages.

Tens of thousands of cars are reaching Russia from China. These vehicles bypass Western sanctions and automaker pledges to leave the Russian market. Many are new cars reclassified as used to ease export. This practice allows Russian dealers to source popular foreign brands. Data shows a significant surge in these imports. China has become a key conduit for these vehicles.

Bengaluru's Kempegowda International Airport saw a massive surge in rose exports for Valentine's Day. Over 60 million rose stems were shipped globally and domestically. This marks a significant increase in volume and tonnage. The airport's advanced cold chain facilities ensured the freshness of these perishable goods.

Shreyas Mishra from Delhi scored a perfect 100 score in the JEE Main 2026. The 17-year-old revealed his preparation strategy and said he started preparing for it when he was in Class VI and studied for at least 12-14 hours. His interest in Maths drew his attention to the JEE Main. In his free time, he pursued cricket and music.

Nineteen-year-old Yuvraj Samra achieved global recognition by scoring a rapid 55-ball century for Canada against New Zealand in a crucial T20 World Cup match. This explosive innings made him the youngest batter to reach a hundred in the tournament's history, showcasing his aggressive strokeplay and potential as a rising star.

India has offered quotas for most agricultural products in its proposed interim trade agreement with the United States. Officials stated the quantities are largely small and align with import needs. The pact aims for a March signing. India's chief negotiator will visit Washington to finalize the legal text.

During a recent visit to Amaravati, Bill Gates, the visionary behind Microsoft, praised the remarkable development seen in Andhra Pradesh. He underscored the transformative impact of artificial intelligence and technology across the fields of health, agriculture, and education.

Japan intends to export its carbon emissions to Malaysia for storage. This pioneering Southeast Asian project aims to capture and bury carbon dioxide. Critics argue this technology is an expensive distraction from renewable energy. Malaysia seeks to become a hub for this alternative process. The initiative could influence other regional nations.

The Supreme Court has adjourned the hearing of Lalu Prasad Yadav to April 22. A bench of Justices MM Sundresh and N Kotiswar Singh deferred the matter, citing incomplete documents .

Ukraine and Russia are set for U.S.-mediated peace talks in Geneva, with land disputes dominating discussions. President Trump urges a swift deal, while Ukraine faces pressure to concede territory. Hopes for a significant breakthrough remain low as both sides remain far apart on key issues, including territorial control and the future of occupied regions.

Northwest Pakistan witnessed deadly violence on Monday. Two bomb attacks and a gunfight claimed the lives of at least 11 security personnel and three civilians. The incidents occurred in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. One attack involved a suicide bomber at a religious college in Bajaur. Another bomb exploded at a police station in Bannu.

NEET aspirant Supreme Court case: A 19-year-old NEET aspirant from Madhya Pradesh successfully argued his own case before the Supreme Court, securing an MBBS seat under the EWS quota. Despite clearing NEET with an EWS rank, he was denied admission due to the policy's non-implementation in state private medical colleges. The Supreme Court invoked Article 142 to direct his admission, citing administrative failure.

India is actively engaging with global partners from a strong stance. Recent trade agreements highlight this enhanced international cooperation. These pacts are set to boost commerce and strengthen economic ties. The world is experiencing significant shifts in global order and economic dynamics. India's proactive approach positions it for future growth and influence.

The Australian sharemarket saw gains on Tuesday, February 17, 2026. BHP, the world's largest listed miner, reached a record high after reporting strong first-half results. This boosted the S&P/ASX 200 index. Investors are now watching for upcoming jobs data and signals on iron ore demand. Several Asian markets were closed for Lunar New Year.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis declared climate change an urgent governance challenge, highlighting the direct impact of extreme weather on coastal cities like Mumbai. He called for increased investment, stronger implementation, and global partnerships to address the issue, emphasizing India's rapid shift towards renewable energy and sustainable practices.

In Uttar Pradesh's Kanpur, a 51-year-old Kargil war veteran allegedly shot his wife and teen son and then jumped in front of a train. According to the neighbours, the couple had a fight on Sunday night. Police sources said he even took a loan of Rs 12 lakh for his daughter's marriage and for the construction of his house.

HBSE Admit Cards 2026: HBSE Haryana Board exams for Class 10 and 12 are approaching. Admit cards are now available on the official website. Regular students can collect theirs from schools. Private and open school candidates can download their hall tickets online. Students must ensure they have a coloured printout for entry.

Chief Minister of Kerala Pinarayi Vijayan is urging for fairness in intergovernmental fiscal arrangements. He said that the state has maintained a strong public service delivery and has continued to prioritise welfare, education and public services.

Yuvraj Samra of Canada achieved a historic feat by scoring a century against New Zealand in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup in Chennai. His 58-ball knock made him the youngest player to score a hundred in the tournament's history. This remarkable innings highlighted Canada's growing presence in international cricket.

Pernicious means very harmful or damaging, usually in a gradual or subtle way. This word captures quiet, creeping harm that causes serious damage over time. It focuses on impact, not intent. Pernicious influences quietly undermine or corrupt. The word appears in journalism and literature to describe long-term harmful consequences. It emphasizes danger and lasting damage.

2026 Winter Olympics Men's freestyle skiing: The stage is set at the Livigno Snow Park in Valtellina for the Mens Freeski Big Air Final, one of the most high-stakes and visually spectacular events of the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games. After a dramatic qualification round on February 15, the worlds elite freeskiers are ready to launch off massive kickers to showcase gravity-defying rotations and never-before-seen tricks.

Jammu and Kashmir's public sector landscape reveals a challenging picture: 24 out of 44 PSUs are operating at a loss, with four completely non-functional. The UT government is actively exploring strategies to revitalize these struggling entities and enhance their performance. While some, like J-K Bank, are profitable, many others face significant financial hurdles.

As Lunar New Year arrives, millions globally prepare for a fresh start, marked by family gatherings and the welcoming of the Year of the Horse in 2026. This 15-day festival, also known as the Spring Festival, emphasizes traditions like home cleaning, new clothes, and exchanging wishes for prosperity and happiness.

A week after a tragic shooting at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School, where eight people were killed, including six children, the community is beginning to recover. Portable facilities are arriving to allow students to return to classes. The 18-year-old shooter, Jesse Van Rootselaar, also killed her mother and half-brother before taking her own life.

Russian veterans wounded in Ukraine are getting new prosthetic limbs. Hundreds of thousands of soldiers are returning injured. Russia's prosthetic workshops are seeing a surge in demand. Government data shows a significant increase in prosthetic limb issuance. Veterans receive rehabilitation and financial support.

Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut echoes concerns about the plane crash that killed Ajit Pawar. He highlights the burned black box as a serious mystery. Rohit Pawar also raised suspicions, suggesting a conspiracy rather than an accident. He pointed to last-minute changes in Ajit Pawar's travel plans before the crash. The investigation into the incident continues amid public questioning.

Nissan Gravite launch date in India arrives today. Positioned as a versatile Nissan Gravite 7 seater, this new model is expected to be a premium yet affordable family vehicle. While official details are still under wraps until the unveiling, industry reports suggest a stylish Nissan Gravite MPV body style aimed at those who find the Magnite too small and full-sized SUVs too cumbersome.

Learn how to clean bhindi (okra) to prevent sliminess and maintain its natural crunch. Proper drying after a gentle rinse under running water is crucial. Avoid soaking and ensure pods are completely dry before cutting with a dry knife for perfectly textured bhindi every time.

Tarique Rahman, the chief of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), will take the oath as the Prime Minister of Bangladesh today. Tarique Rahman is the son of Ziaur Rahman and Khalida Zia. Rahman was jailed for corruption cases and was in exile in London for around 17 years. Asked about India and Bangladesh ties, Tarique Rahman said he wants a relationship of mutual respect and mutual understanding between the two countries.

Chinese Zodiac 2026: Chinese New Year 2026 marks the arrival of the Year of the Fire Horse. This period symbolises courage, determination and bold action. You may notice swift progress in your career and positive financial growth. Zodiac signs such as the Dragon, Horse, Tiger, Snake, Rat and Monkey are particularly well placed to benefit. Embrace change, take sensible and calculated risks, and step confidently into a rewarding new chapter.

'Rockstar' Anirudh Ravichander announced the first show of his highly anticipated XV Tour in Hyderabad. Celebrating a monumental 15 Years With You, the Anirudh's 2026 concert might just be one of the biggest musical event of the year.

Google's doodle celebrates the thrilling men's freestyle skiing big air final at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Livigno. American Mac Forehand leads the charge, with defending champion Birk Ruud also a strong contender. Expect spectacular jumps and intense competition as athletes vie for Olympic glory.

Russia is deliberately targeting Ukraine's energy infrastructure, causing widespread blackouts and freezing conditions for civilians. This kilowatt war aims to force submission and project inevitable victory, despite significant Russian losses and economic strain. The US and Europe must increase pressure by bolstering Ukraine's air defenses and further restricting Russian oil revenue to achieve a lasting peace.

Dozens fell ill with suspected food poisoning after consuming buckwheat flour during Mahashivratri in Greater Noida West. Police sealed a shop and warehouse, detaining four, including the owner. Investigations traced the affected batch to a single manufacturing unit. Medical experts suggest prolonged storage of buckwheat flour may be a contributing factor.

Indore MBA student murder: A 24-year-old MBA student was found dead in Indore. Police arrested her classmate in Mumbai. He confessed to strangling her and later performing occult rituals near Panvel. The victim's father alleged blackmail and extortion by the accused. The investigation is ongoing.

National Highways Authority of India has accepted an offer of over Rs 6,200 crore from National Highways Infra Trust. This deal monetises two highway stretches spanning 310 kilometres in Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh. This move unlocks value and attracts private investment for new highway projects. NHAI has now monetised assets worth around Rs 28,000 crore this financial year.

U.S. and Iran are holding indirect nuclear talks in Geneva, mediated by Oman, amid heightened regional tensions. Washington is preparing for potential military operations against Tehran, while Iran conducts a military drill in the Strait of Hormuz. The negotiations face challenges due to differing stances on nuclear programs and sanctions relief.