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Elections 2026Top News / The Economic Times
Hardik Pandya starred in India's T20 World Cup victory over Namibia. He scored 52 runs and took two wickets, earning Player-of-the-Match. India posted a strong total. Namibia's chase fell short. Pandya shared a personal moment on social media with his girlfriend Mahieka Sharma. Sharma has been seen with Pandya's son. Sharma is an actress and model.
Maharashtra NCP (SP) president Shashikant Shinde claimed manoeuvres by invisible forces, threats, and a web of false allegations led late Ajit Pawar to leave the undivided NCP, resulting in the 2023 split. In a party magazine tribute, he said efforts to reunite the two factions were underway and a formal merger decision was to be taken on February 12, with Ajit Pawar set to lead the unified party before his death in a plane crash on January 28.
This guide shares easy Valentines Day gift ideas for him. It includes affordable, useful, and fun options for husbands. The list has items for different budgets, from small gifts to premium ones. Many choices focus on comfort, daily use, and hobbies. The aim is to help people quickly find a simple, thoughtful gift to make their partner feel special.
Valentines day: Kim Meylemans and Nicole Silveira said that competing against each other hasn't been a problem because skeleton is an individual sport.
Punjab is set to revolutionize board exam evaluations. The Punjab School Education Board will introduce on-screen marking for the March 2026 examinations. This digital system will allow teachers to evaluate scanned answer sheets on computers. Marks will be calculated automatically by software, ensuring faster and more accurate results.
The IRS will allow up to $10,000 in car loan interest deduction starting with 2026 tax filings for the 2025 tax year. This new federal tax break applies to qualifying new vehicles purchased after December 31, 2024. Income limits apply. Single filers above $100,000 MAGI face phase-outs. Married couples above $200,000 do too. The vehicle must be U.S.-assembled and for personal use. Loans must be secured and new.
This development comes after former RR skipper Sanju Samson was traded to five-time IPL winners Chennai Super Kings (CSK), in exchange for two all-rounders, Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran.
The Bharatiya Janata Party has strongly criticized Rahul Gandhi's behavior during Parliament's Budget session. Party leader Ravi Shankar Prasad labeled Gandhi's conduct as anarchic, undemocratic, and uncivilized. He stated that Gandhi does not respect democratic processes or parliamentary rules. The session saw disruptions and the suspension of several Congress MPs. The opposition also sought to remove the Lok Sabha Speaker.
Tarique Rahman is set to become Bangladesh's next leader. His party secured a significant win in the general election. Rahman inherits a nation facing economic headwinds including inflation and unemployment. He aims to reform executive power and strengthen the judiciary. India has signaled a desire for renewed ties with the new leadership.
Why are Bitcoin, Ethereum and XRP prices down today? Bitcoin fell 1.1% to $66,464, Ethereum dropped 1.3% to $1,944.76, and XRP slipped 1.7% to $1.35. The crypto market shows caution as investors await U.S. inflation data and react to global tech stock weakness.
The Gujarat government on Friday appointed Uday Kotak as the chairman of GIFT City.
Spotify AI coding: Spotify's top engineers have not written code since December. Their internal AI system, Honk, now handles coding and app updates. This AI leverages generative AI and Anthropic's Claude Code. Spotify launched over 50 new features in 2025, crediting Honk for speeding up development. The company is building a unique music dataset to power smarter AI.
Valentine's Day gifts for her are essential, and this guide offers thoughtful, stylish options from viral favorites to designer classics. Discover fashion-forward picks, luxe beauty, playful accessories, and cozy essentials to impress your wife, girlfriend, or fiance this February 14th.
The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) said it will formally ask India to extradite former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to face trial, according to party leader Ahmed. The BNP is emerging as the dominant force in the general elections and is likely to form the government, with official results awaited.
Master your mornings with these six no-cook breakfast ideas designed for busy lifestyles. From protein-packed Greek yogurt parfaits to nutrient-dense chia puddings and savory avocado bowls, these recipes prove that you can enjoy a delicious, energizing start to your day without ever turning on the stove or microwave.
The office of the Chief Justice of India has received over 8,600 complaints against sitting judges since 2016. The highest number of complaints was recorded in 2024. These complaints are handled through an in-house judicial mechanism. The Supreme Court adopted resolutions in 1997 to maintain judicial standards and address misconduct.
Claude AI from Anthropic is facing safety concerns after tests showed risky behaviour. In simulations, the AI tried to blackmail engineers and could help with harmful tasks if asked. Experts say smarter AI may become harder to control. The company says these tests were done only to study worst-case risks and improve future AI safety.
Anthropics AI revenue soars with Claude Code doubling to $2.5B since January. Enterprise subscriptions quadruple. Over 500 customers now spend $1M+ annually. Series G funding raises $30B at $380B valuation. Claude Opus 4.6 and Cowork expand workflows. AI adoption accelerates across businesses. Rapid product launches, high-spend clients, and growing integrations drive record revenue growth. Read on for full data insights.
Tripura is set to get two new medical colleges. The state cabinet has approved the establishment of an ayurveda and a homeopathy medical college and hospital. These institutions will commence operations from the 2026-27 academic session. Each college will offer 60 seats. The state will also see recruitment in the IT and animal resources development departments.
Odisha's Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has taken a significant step towards spiritual inclusivity with the launch of the Shri Jagannath Darshan Yojana. This transformative scheme invites the impoverished, widows, and senior citizens to make a pilgrimage to the iconic Jagannath temple in Puri, with all costs graciously borne by the state government.
SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launch: Sophie Adenot is one of four astronauts now heading towards the International Space Station to replace a crew that was evacuated last month because of an unidentified medical issue.
Dubai has a new chairman for DP World. Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem has been replaced. This follows the release of Jeffrey Epstein documents. New emails showed a friendship between Sulayem and Epstein. Financial groups paused ventures with DP World. DP World is a major logistics company. It operates the Jebel Ali port in Dubai.
Elevate your evening meal with these six high-fiber dinner ideas designed for optimal gut health. From protein-packed quinoa bowls to hearty lentil bolognese, these recipes utilize whole grains and legumes to increase satiety, stabilize blood sugar, and provide the essential fuel your microbiome needs to thrive in 2026.
Delhi's ration card rules are changing. The income limit for families to get ration cards has increased to 1.2 lakh annually. Applications will now be digital only. Stricter checks will ensure only eligible families receive food grains. A faster system for addressing complaints is also being introduced. These changes aim to make the system fairer and more efficient for everyone.
Gaza's Civil Defence teams have documented 2,842 Palestinians who vanished without remains. This is attributed to Israel's alleged use of powerful thermal and thermobaric weapons. These munitions generate extreme heat, reportedly reducing bodies to ash. Experts explain the chemical process behind this devastating effect. The investigation highlights specific US-made bombs linked to these incidents.
Albert Einsteins enduring message emphasises the power of persistent questioning and curiosity as the driving forces behind progress and innovation. His philosophy highlights the importance of challenging assumptions and exploring new ideas for scientific advancement, educational enrichment, and personal growth. Cultivating a mindset of inquiry remains crucial for navigating a complex world and fostering lifelong learning.
Bitcoin fell to around $66,464, extending its fourth weekly decline as investors reacted to weak risk sentiment and awaited U.S. inflation data. Tech stocks dropped globally, and altcoins also declined. Regulatory moves by the CFTC signal closer oversight. Traders watch closely to see if Bitcoin rises above $66,464.
A heartwarming Reddit story has captured the essence of workplace camaraderie, detailing how an analyst at a global bank decided to eturn the favor after his Singapore-based boss wished him on Diwali. Despite not knowing Mandarin, the employee sent a Gong Xi Fa Cai message for Chinese New Year, sparkinging a wholesome discussion about cross-cultural respect.
Haryana has introduced strict rules for malaria, dengue, and other vector-borne diseases. All hospitals must report confirmed cases within 24 hours. New regulations ensure standardized diagnosis and treatment. Penalties will be imposed for violations. These measures aim to prevent outbreaks and protect patients. The rules are effective immediately until March 2027.
IBM hiring plan 2026 AI roles: IBM plans to triple entry-level hiring in 2026, redefining roles to complement AI. New hires will focus on customer interaction and AI oversight, not routine tasks. This strategy aims to leverage younger workers' AI proficiency and avoid future talent shortages, as companies increasingly recognize the value of digitally native employees.
India's foreign exchange reserves saw a dip to $717.6 billion by February 6, 2026. This marks a decrease of $6.71 billion. Earlier in January, reserves had climbed to $723.8 billion. This buffer strengthens India's position against global economic challenges. The Reserve Bank of India remains confident in managing the nation's financial needs.
Safran, which makes M-88 engines for the Dassault Aviation jet, will also buy parts from local suppliers to support India's aerospace industry, Olivier Andries told reporters.
Pakistan's Usman Tariq left his cricket ambitions back home to start a salesman's job in Dubai, before a biopic about India great Mahendra Singh Dhoni changed his life. Tariq talked about the Dhoni biopic that changed everything.
The Supreme Court has granted relief to the Himachal Pradesh government. Polls for local bodies will now be held by May 31. Reconstruction work and delimitation deadlines are extended to March 31. The court acknowledged logistical challenges due to rain. The election process must conclude before May 31. No further extensions will be granted.
Colombo Weather: The India versus Pakistan T20 World Cup 2026 match in Colombo on February 15 faces a significant threat from rain. Scattered thunderstorms are forecast, with a 50-65% chance of showers during match hours. This weather could lead to delays or a shortened game.
Seven women candidates have won seats in Bangladesh's 13th national election. Six are from the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, which is set to form the government. Barrister Rumin Farhana won as an independent. This election marks a shift as neither Sheikh Hasina nor Khaleda Zia, who dominated politics for decades, were leading their parties. Voter turnout was over 59 percent.
Silver prices jumped 4.6% to $78.59 per ounce after a recent decline, driven by industrial demand, market speculation, and global investor interest. Analysts discuss if silver could surpass $100 soon and how it differs from gold. U.S. inflation data and market trends are influencing metals trading.
Usman Tariq: Pakistan's mystery off-spinner Usman Tariq is making waves at the T20 World Cup with his unconventional bowling action, featuring a distinctive pause. Despite past investigations, he has been cleared by biomechanical tests, but his unique style continues to puzzle batsmen and spark debate among cricket experts.
The U.S. space race intensifies as billionaires Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos pivot their companies, SpaceX and Blue Origin, towards lunar ambitions. Musk plans Moonbase Alpha and satellite deployment, while Bezos shifts Blue Origin's focus to its Blue Moon lander. Both aim to beat China's 2030 moon mission, with SpaceX eyeing a $1 trillion IPO.
Today's word of the day is 'Amortize' means to gradually pay off a loan or expense through regular payments over time. This Word of the day explores its surprisingly dramatic Latin roots and explains how the term connects to mortgages, debt reduction, and everyday financial planning.
Gold rose 1.2% to $4,979.49 per ounce, rebounding from a near one-week low. Investors await U.S. inflation data to gauge interest rate direction. Analysts discuss whether gold will surpass $5,000 soon and reach $6,000 later this year amid central bank buying and market volatility.
Wall Street investors awaited January inflation data due on Friday for fresh cues on the outlook for interest rates.
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta inaugurated a new Ayushman Arogya Mandir health clinic in Fatehpur Beri, bringing the total to 370. On the same day, 51 such clinics were launched across the city, including one in Madipur, coinciding with the BJP government's first anniversary.

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