The Economic Times

Opposition members staged a walkout from the Rajya Sabha on Thursday. This action followed the denial of permission to Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge to quote from a memoir by former Army chief M M Naravane. The memoir reportedly discusses the 2020 India-China conflict. The opposition also raised concerns about parliamentary functioning.

India and the United States are set to release a joint statement on their proposed trade agreement in the coming days. The first part of this deal is nearly complete. Discussions between New Delhi and Washington are moving forward steadily. This initial agreement represents a significant step in enhancing economic relations between the two nations.

Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu has strongly criticized Rahul Gandhi. Gandhi called Bittu a traitor outside Parliament. Bittu, who recently joined the BJP from Congress, stated the Congress party has become a family affair. He believes the party has lost its original identity.

India-US trade deal: A single percentage point told a larger story. As Washington announced lower tariffs for India under a new trade deal, Pakistan -- left on the wrong side of the number -- found itself confronting an uncomfortable truth about influence, hierarchy, and where it really stands in US calculations.

Realme P4 Power has launched in India with a record-breaking 10,001mAh battery and 80W fast charging. Starting at 25,999, it features a 144Hz 1.5K curved AMOLED display, the Dimensity 7400-Ultra chip, and an IP69 rating, making it the ultimate endurance flagship for mid-range buyers.

The Indian Under-19 cricket team aims for a record sixth title against England in the ICC Under-19 World Cup final. India's batting line-up, including Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, is expected to perform. England boasts a strong pace attack. Both teams are unbeaten. The match is set for Friday.

Indian coffeehouse chains are bracing for higher costs. A recent increase in customs duty on coffee roasting, brewing, and vending machines is pushing up expenses. Companies are absorbing these costs for now, aiming to avoid immediate price hikes for customers. This change impacts sourcing and capital expenditure.

Bheemanna Jatara: Outrage erupted in Jagtial district after videos showed men killing goats by biting their throats during a traditional ritual. The event occurred at the Bheemanna Jatara in Raikal. Animal rights activists captured the shocking acts. Police registered an FIR against the organisers for violating animal sacrifice laws. Locals defended the practice as a long-standing tradition.

India and the Gulf Cooperation Council have signed the terms of reference for a free trade agreement. This move restarts negotiations for a pact that has been pending since 2004. Talks had previously paused in 2011. The signing on Thursday sets the stage for defining the scope and framework of the trade deal between India and the GCC nations.

Google Pixel 10a set to launch in India on February 18, 2026, Google announced. The upcoming mid-ranger is expected to feature a Tensor G4 chip, a 6.3-inch 120Hz display, and a flush camera design. Pricing is rumored to start around 49,999, with exclusive pre-order offers available for early subscribers.

Global K-pop sensation BTS is set to make a monumental return with their fifth studio album, ARIRANG, releasing on March 20, 2026. This comeback includes a highly anticipated live performance at Seoul's Gwanghwamun Square on March 21, 2026, which will be live-streamed globally on Netflix.

Ghaziabad sisters' suicide: The three sisters who died by suicide were obsessed with Korean dramas and the K-pop culture. They were reportedly upset after their parents introduced Bollywood to their younger sibling, Devu, the diary they left revealed. The girls wrote in their diary that Korean is their life and they loved Korean actors more than their family members.

Prashant Kishor's Jan Suraaj Party has approached the Supreme Court. They are challenging the Bihar Assembly Elections of 2025. The party seeks fresh polls in the state. The plea alleges the Bihar government violated the Model Code. This was done by transferring money to women voters. The court will hear the matter soon.

Sons of Pakistan's jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan allege the government is deliberately blocking their visas. They claim their father is held in solitary confinement and denied proper medical treatment for a serious eye condition. The family states democracy is hollow and human rights are being crushed in Pakistan. They urge international bodies to intervene before irreversible harm occurs.

Parliamentary proceedings were marred by sharp exchanges as BJP chief J.P. Nadda labelled Rahul Gandhi an innocent child, accusing the Congress of being led by him. Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge objected, calling it an insult. The government asserted the Prime Minister was ready to address the Lok Sabha but was prevented by disruptions.

Parliamentary proceedings were marred by sharp exchanges as BJP chief J.P. Nadda labelled Rahul Gandhi an innocent child, accusing the Congress of being led by him. Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge objected, calling it an insult. The government asserted the Prime Minister was ready to address the Lok Sabha but was prevented by disruptions.

Quote of the day by Hellen Keller: Hellen Keller's profound quote encourages finding wonder and contentment in all circumstances, even darkness and silence. Despite becoming deaf and blind, she learned to communicate and inspired millions with her resilience. Her message teaches us to embrace life's challenges, find gratitude, and appreciate hidden wonders for inner peace.

Kerala Assembly has passed a resolution. It demands the central government withdraw the new VB-G RAM G Act. The state wants the MGNREGA scheme restored. This follows similar moves by Karnataka, Telangana, and Tamil Nadu. The new act places a significant financial burden on states. It also removes rights-based provisions crucial for poverty alleviation.

Hack of the day: Learn how to claim a refund and possible compensation for failed UPI payments in India. If a UPI transaction fails but money is debited, banks must reverse it within one business day (T+1). If delayed, you can dispute through your app and escalate to RBI CMS or Banking Ombudsman for relief.

The Lok Sabha approved the Motion of Thanks to the President's Address. This happened through a voice vote. Prime Minister Narendra Modi did not speak in the Lok Sabha during the debate. The government decided the Prime Minister would respond in the Rajya Sabha later. This occurred amidst ongoing disruptions and Opposition protests.

At 38, television actress Rubina Dilaik showcases extraordinary strength through aerial yoga, proving that motherhood and peak fitness can coexist beautifully together.

Today's word of the day 'nefandous' describes something so wicked or shocking that it is considered unfit to be spoken of. Writers sometimes use strong language to describe crimes so nefandous that ordinary words feel inadequate.

Parliamentary proceedings were disrupted as Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi were blocked from quoting from former Army Chief Gen. M.M. Naravanes unpublished memoir. Government cited rules against citing unauthenticated, unpublished material, especially concerning defense matters, leading to a standstill in both houses.

Pakistan faces a critical challenge to generate 25 to 30 million jobs in the next decade. World Bank President Ajay Banga stresses this is vital to harness its youth bulge for economic growth. Failure risks instability and increased outward migration. The World Bank is committed to supporting Pakistan's job creation goals through investment and reforms.

Bridgerton Season 4 Part 2 teaser has been released by Netflix. The next part will be arriving on February 26, 2026. Following the dramatic Part 1 finale where Benedict asked Sophie to be his mistress, the new episodes promise a high-stakes resolution to their class-defying romance and the return of fan-favorites Kate and Anthony.

RCMP have placed a radicalized youth on a terrorism peace bond in New Brunswick. This marks the first such bond in the province's history. The youth was arrested in late 2025 for facilitating terrorist activity. The bond allows for monitoring and de-escalation. This action is part of a broader trend of youth radicalization.

The Supreme Court will hear a Public Interest Litigation in March. The petition seeks action against political parties that promise freebies before elections. It asks for seizure of symbols or deregistration of such parties. The court previously sought responses from the Centre and Election Commission. This issue is considered serious and impacts fair elections.

A Reddit user shared a frustrating job search experience. After four interview rounds and positive feedback, including from the CEO, the candidate was ultimately rejected. The company cited another applicant with slightly more experience. This story highlights the uncertainty in recruitment processes, with other users sharing similar tales of unexpected outcomes.

800 people missing in Delhi: Concerns have been raised after reports emerged that more than 800 people, mostly women and children, have disappeared in the national capital in just the first two weeks of 2026. Children and women remain the worst-affected. You can track the status of missing people in Delhi on the official website: zipnet.delhipolice.gov.in

Valentines week 2026 colours: Valentine's Week offers a vibrant spectrum of emotions, with each day's color choice amplifying your message. From red's passion on Rose Day to blue's trust on Promise Day, and pink's romance on Propose Day, these hues express feelings beyond words. Embrace this colorful guide to articulate your love story throughout the week.

India's Swan Defence and Heavy Industries Limited will supply a training ship to the Royal Navy of Oman. The vessel, measuring over 104 meters, will support advanced naval training and maritime operations. It will feature modern navigation and communication systems, and accommodation for 70 officer cadets. Delivery is expected within 18 months, strengthening bilateral ties.

MHADA lottery 2026 update: MHADA has announced the 2026 Mumbai Housing Scheme for 120 unsold flats on a first-come, first-served basis will be starting on February 5. But due to technical reasons this has been postponed. Available across suburban Mumbai, these units are open to eligible EWS, LIG, and MIG applicants who register through the official MHADA portal to secure their homes instantly.

A political storm brews in Tamil Nadu as a DMK minister's comments about North Indian migrants working as cleaners and sellers draws sharp criticism. The BJP accuses the DMK of fueling divisions and mocking workers. Senior DMK leaders attempt damage control, emphasizing their stance against Hindi imposition. The controversy intensifies the election narrative, highlighting language politics and North-South tensions.

Abhishek Bachchan has found his stride on OTT platforms, delivering powerful performances across genres. From sports dramas to psychological thrillers, here's where you can stream his best recent work online.

Coffee Myths: Concerns about instant coffee causing cancer are largely unfounded. A Delhi-based gastroenterologist clarifies that the chemical acrylamide, present in instant coffee, is in very small amounts. Consuming eight to ten sachets daily would be needed to reach harmful levels. Two to four cups of coffee daily are generally safe for most adults. Moderate consumption may even offer health benefits.

In an ANI interview, Aditi revealed, I put my kitchen on my face. My mother taught me this. What I eat also goes on my face except brinjal

Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) has clarified reports of LCA Mk1a fighter jet delivery delays, confirming five aircraft are ready and nine more are built and flown. The company awaits engine deliveries from GE Aerospace to complete the remaining nine, assuring it will meet financial year guidance. HAL is actively discussing early delivery with the Indian Air Force.

AIADMK leaders are reaching out to voters with election promises. Party chief Edappadi K Palaniswami unveiled several welfare schemes. These include financial aid for women, free bus travel for men, housing, and LPG cylinders. Pension hikes and loan waivers are also part of the plan. The party aims to implement these if it forms the government this year.

Namma Metro commuters face another fare hike. Fares will increase by 5% starting February 9. This follows a significant hike last year. The Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited cites financial obligations for the revision. The Fare Fixation Committee report mandates annual increases. Commuters will see fares rise by Re 1 to Rs 5. The new fares will be notified soon.

Ghaziabad sisters' suicide: Actor Sonu Sood, known for helping many people during the Covid-19 pandemic, has raised an alarm after three minor sisters died by suicide. The three were reportedly influenced by Korean drama and TV shows and were obsessed with the Korean lover game. The actor also suggested that social media and online gaming must be restricted for children under 16, except for education.

Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics commence February 6, featuring new sport ski mountaineering and full ice hockey participation. Nations like Benin and UAE debut. India's Arif Mohammad Khan and Stanzin Lundup will compete in Alpine Skiing and Cross-Country Skiing respectively. Live coverage in India is on JioCinema and Sports18.

Valentines Week 2026 Dates: Valentines Week 2026 brings a seven-day celebration leading up to 14 February, centred on small yet heartfelt gestures. From the simple charm of Rose Day to the promises of commitment on Promise Day and the warmth of comfort on Hug Day, each day encourages thoughtful expressions of love and friendship. The week finally culminates in Valentines Day, placing more value on genuine connection than on grand or extravagant displays.

Nargis Fakhri brings a refreshing perspective to traditional Indian wear, blending heritage aesthetics with modern cuts and styling that feel relevant, confident, and fashion-forward today.

Security forces in Bijapur, Chhattisgarh, have recovered the body of a Maoist during an encounter. An AK-47 rifle was also found at the scene. The operation was launched following reports of armed Maoist presence. Intermittent firing occurred between the forces and Maoists. This follows a similar recovery of two Maoist cadres and weapons last month in the same district.