The Economic Times

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with top Malaysian business leaders. They expressed strong interest in India's economic growth. Discussions focused on expanding investments and partnerships. Malaysian companies are keen to increase their presence in India. This engagement opens new avenues for trade and investment between the two nations.

India's Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal stated that the trade agreement with the US includes safeguards for farmers and domestic industries. He highlighted that Indian agricultural exports to the US are substantial. The minister emphasized that the deal offers Indian goods a competitive edge in the American market.

Chocolate Day arrives tomorrow. The global chocolate industry features luxurious creations. These chocolates use rare ingredients and meticulous techniques. They represent fine art and exclusivity. Examples include Fabelle Trinity, La Madeline au Truffe, and To'ak's Masters Series. These expensive treats symbolize celebration and refinement beyond everyday indulgence.

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav has accused the government of misusing the Special Intensive Revision exercise. He claims professional agencies are targeting booths where the Samajwadi Party previously won. Yadav alleges this exercise has already influenced election outcomes and similar attempts are being made in West Bengal.

A private mini aircraft crashed into an open field in Vijayapura district on Sunday afternoon. Both occupants, including the pilot, ejected safely before the two-seater training aircraft broke into three pieces. The duo sustained injuries and have been hospitalized after the incident, which occurred while flying from Kalaburagi to Belagavi.

From couture drama to red-carpet elegance, Harnaaz Kaur Sandhu proves that a gown isnt just an outfit; its a statement of confidence, grace, and global glamour.

Palak Tiwaris fashion journey blends elegance, youth, and quiet confidence, each look revealing a different side of her evolving style.

Chocolate Day 2026: Indulge in dark chocolate for surprising health perks. It is packed with antioxidants that fight cell damage. This delicious treat also supports a healthy heart and improves blood flow. Enjoy a mood lift as chocolate releases feel-good hormones. It can even sharpen your focus and memory. Plus, it provides vital minerals for your body's well-being.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the strong connection between India and Malaysia through the Tamil language. He noted its vibrant presence in education, media, and culture. An audio-visual agreement aims to further unite hearts through films and music. Modi also mentioned Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's admiration for Tamil actor MGR.

Salaried employees in major Indian cities may soon see significant tax relief. The government is planning to expand the list of cities eligible for a higher House Rent Allowance exemption under the old tax regime. Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Pune, and Ahmedabad are set to join Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, and Chennai in receiving this benefit.

Cybersecurity breaches and attacks are the top risks for Indian companies. Changing customer demands and geopolitical events also pose significant threats. Rapid technological change and digital disruption affect competitive positions. AI presents dual risks, with inadequate adoption impacting operations and ethical issues not being managed.

A senior Hamas leader said Sunday that the Palestinian Islamist movement would not surrender its weapons nor accept foreign intervention in Gaza, pushing back against US and Israeli demands. Hamas, an Islamist movement, has waged an armed struggle against what it sees as Israel's occupation of Palestinian territories.

New Zealand secured a five-wicket win against Afghanistan in the T20 World Cup. Tim Seifert's powerful fifty was the key to the chase. He partnered with Glenn Phillips to overcome an early wobble. Afghanistan had earlier posted 182 for six, with Gulbadin Naib scoring a fifty. New Zealand reached the target with Daryl Mitchell and Mitchell Santner finishing the game.

Singing sands, a centuries-old mystery, are explained by physics as dry dunes emit audible sounds when grains slide. Uniformly sized grains create synchronized vibrations, producing sustained musical notes. Scientists are exploring resonance and waveguide effects to fully understand this natural acoustic phenomenon.

Charles Darwin's profound observation highlights that societal character is revealed by its treatment of the vulnerable. He argued that if poverty stems from human institutions rather than natural laws, society bears significant moral responsibility for that suffering. This timeless message urges us to examine our systems and prioritize compassion for the least fortunate.

Replaying conversations isn't always insecurity; psychologists say it often signals high self-monitoring. This cognitive trait involves observing social cues and adjusting behaviour for better interaction. Unlike anxious rumination, this analytical review helps refine future responses, acting as a valuable learning mechanism for social awareness and effectiveness.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah reviewed Left-Wing Extremism security in Raipur. The meeting included top officials and state chief ministers. Chhattisgarh has seen significant success against Maoists this year. Over 500 Naxalites were killed, with many arrests and surrenders. This comes as the Centre aims to end the insurgency by March 31.

BJP chief Nitin Nabin lauded the Modi government's trade deal with the US, highlighting protection for farmers and workers. He also commended the Delhi BJP government's performance over the past year. Initiatives like e-buses and Atal Canteens were mentioned. The government emphasised zero tolerance for corruption and digital governance.

Happy Chocolate Day 2026: Chocolate Day 2026 falls on Monday, February 9. This day is part of Valentine's Week. People celebrate by exchanging chocolates. It is a way to show affection and care. Gifts range from heart-shaped boxes to handmade treats. Chocolate Day adds sweetness to the week. It reminds us that love can be simple.

India's Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal has defended a new tariff agreement with the United States. He stated this move will give Indian goods a competitive advantage. Goyal highlighted India's strong negotiating position as a growing economy. He also discussed India's approach to trade deals, emphasizing caution and respect for partners.

Assam Congress president Gaurav Gogoi has strongly refuted Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma's claims of his Pakistani connections. Gogoi described the press conference where the allegations were made as a 'super flop' and 'worse than C-grade cinema'. He countered by highlighting his party's 'Xomoy Parivartan Yatra' which he stated has uncovered land occupied by the Chief Minister and his family.

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, along with Transport Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh, PWD Minister Parvesh Verma and BJP National President Nitin Nabin, flagged off electric buses and the Delhi-Panipat bus service on Sunday to mark the BJP government's first year in office.

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat said a Uniform Civil Code should be framed by taking all sections into confidence and must not create differences. Speaking at an event marking the RSS centenary, he also commented on the India-US trade pact, saying agreements involve give and take and should be win-win...we have to ensure we are not at a loss.

Lucknow police are successfully tackling cyber fraud. Two recent cases highlight how timely reporting and swift police action saved citizens from losing their savings. Uttar Pradesh has significantly improved its cyber fraud recovery rate, now ranking third nationally. This success is attributed to faster reporting by victims and enhanced coordination between police, banks, and payment gateways.

Central government advocates will now receive higher fees for their services. The Union Law Ministry has updated remuneration rates after an 11-year gap. Group A counsels will get Rs 21,600 per day, while Group B and C counsels will receive Rs 14,400 per day. This revision aims to retain talented legal professionals. The hike reflects inflation and rising professional costs.

A recent giant swing collapse at Surajkund Mela in Haryana has reignited concerns over amusement ride safety across India. This incident follows a string of accidents at parks and ropeways nationwide. Past events include a Darjeeling ropeway failure in 2003, a Kankaria Park pendulum crash in 2019, and a Trikut ropeway collision in 2022.

The National Testing Agency has released the NEET UG 2026 notification, with applications open on neet.nta.nic.in. The exam is scheduled for May 3, 2026, and will be the sole gateway for undergraduate medical and allied health admissions. Key dates for fee payment, correction window, and application submission are outlined.

Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan stated the India-US trade deal was reached through constructive dialogue, not bargaining. He asserted the pact fully protects India's agriculture sector and farmers' interests. Key agricultural products vital to cultivators have been excluded from the agreement.

PM Modi's Malaysia visit gave momentum to the India-Malaysia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Both sides exchanged 11 documents, announced new initiatives, reaffirmed zero tolerance on terrorism, and committed to speedy implementation of decisions to deepen cooperation across multiple sectors.

Invincible Season 4 release date, cast, plot and how to watch details are now confirmed. Prime Video has set a March 2026 release. The season continues after season 3 events. New villains, returning characters, and the Viltrumite War shape the story.

The edible oil and soybean processing industry has cautiously welcomed the India-US interim trade agreement but is waiting for clarity on tariff cuts, quotas and quality norms. The pact includes lower US tariffs on Indian goods and reduced Indian duties on several American food and farm products such as soybean oil and DDGS.

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat will continue his role as directed by the organization. He mentioned the Sangh asked him to work beyond the age of 75. Bhagwat stressed the RSS focuses on inculcating values, not on self-promotion. He also noted English will not be the primary communication language in RSS functions. The organization is undertaking outreach initiatives.

A police inspector died bravely at the Surajkund fair. Inspector Jagdish Prasad sacrificed his life trying to save people when a giant swing collapsed. The accident injured eleven others. Prasad was a decorated officer. The fair will continue, but the swing area is closed for investigation. A case is registered against the swing vendor.

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut asserts Marathi voter support compelled the BJP to select a Marathi mayor for Mumbai. He also questioned an interaction between RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat and actor Salman Khan. The BJP's Ritu Tawde is set to become Mumbai's mayor unopposed, ending a 25-year dominance by the Thackeray family.

The United States has officially recognized Jammu and Kashmir as part of India. This map, released by the Trump administration, includes Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and Aksai Chin within Indian territory. This move signals a significant geopolitical shift, potentially impacting relations with Pakistan and China. India views this as a major diplomatic achievement, affirming its territorial claims on the international stage.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said the Union Budget 202627 reflects Prime Minister Narendra Modis focus on avoiding policy ping-pong and ensuring policy stability to support long-term growth. She said the Budget is built around sustained investment, infrastructure expansion and structural reforms, while maintaining fiscal discipline and avoiding populist measures.

Jeff DOnofrio is now the acting Chief Executive Officer and Publisher of The Washington Post. This follows the exit of Will Lewis and a significant round of job cuts. DOnofrio, previously the Post's Chief Financial Officer, steps into leadership during a period of considerable uncertainty.

Nobody Wants This Season 3 release date, cast and plot update confirms the Netflix series will return. The show continues Joanne and Noahs story. Kristen Bell and Adam Brody return. Filming starts in 2026. The plot follows conversion, relationships, and future decisions.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Malaysia. He met with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. A song from the Tamil actor MGR's movie was played. Modi stated that Anwar Ibrahim is a big fan of MGR. This highlights the shared cultural connections. The Tamil diaspora in Malaysia is significant. India is strengthening ties with the diaspora.

An Air Canada flight from Toronto to London made an unexpected landing in St. John's, Newfoundland. The diversion occurred late Friday night due to an unruly passenger onboard. Authorities met the aircraft upon arrival. Passengers were later flown back to Toronto to continue their journeys. The airline has handed the matter to law enforcement.

West Bengal has informed the Election Commission of its readiness to provide 8,505 Group B officers for the ongoing Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. This comes after the poll panel argued in the Supreme Court that the state had provided fewer officers. The Supreme Court is hearing pleas related to the revision process.

Dozens of students fell ill after eating mid-day meals in Bihar and Andhra Pradesh. In Madhepura, Bihar, seventy students were hospitalized with vomiting and stomach pain. In Polavaram, Andhra Pradesh, seventy tribal students also fell ill and received intensive care. Investigations are underway in both incidents to determine the cause of the food poisoning.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma accused Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi of attempting to legitimise Pakistan and alleged links between Gogois wife, Elizabeth Colburn Gogoi, and Pakistani national Ali Tauqeer Sheikh. Sarma claimed she worked in Pakistan from March 2011 to March 2012 and that her family had close ties with Sheikh.

Apple's new iPhone 17e might arrive sooner than expected, possibly this month. This budget-friendly iPhone is expected to feature MagSafe wireless charging. Internal upgrades are also anticipated, including a new chip for better performance. The design is likely to remain similar to previous models.

Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Sunday defended the India-US trade pact and rejected Congress criticism, saying the agreement protects the agriculture sector and keeps farmers interests at the centre. He said key farm products have been kept out and no concession has been given on items that are important for cultivators.