The Economic Times

Gold price prediction 2026: Despite a significant one-day price crash, some gold investors are making substantial bets on a dramatic price surge. Traders have accumulated call spreads on Comex, positioning for gold to reach $15,000 by year-end. This bold strategy suggests a belief in an extraordinary rally, even as prices remain far below these targets.

China's ambitious tree-planting program has transformed the Taklamakan Desert, once known as The Place of No Return, into a functioning carbon sink. Satellite data reveals measurable photosynthesis and carbon absorption, demonstrating a remarkable environmental shift. While water availability and heat absorption pose challenges, the project offers hope for desertification reversal.

Shrinking Season 3 Episode 4 release time, what to expect and how to watch worldwide is now confirmed. The episode streams February 18, 2026, on Apple TV Plus. Jimmy speaks at Gaby class, Paul faces Parkinson changes, and Gerry returns. Viewers worldwide can stream the episode using an Apple TV Plus subscription.

The U.S. government is backing prediction market platforms in a major legal fight with several states. The dispute is about who should control these online betting-style markets federal regulators or state gambling authorities. The outcome could change how sports betting, online prediction trading, and digital event contracts are regulated across the country in the future.

Five people were injured in a New York church explosion Tuesday morning in Boonville, Oneida County. One firefighter remains in critical condition. The blast happened around 10:30 a.m. at Abundant Life Fellowship Church. Thick black smoke filled the sky. Police say no sign of criminal activity. Investigators are probing a possible propane or gas leak. The church suffered severe structural damage. The cause remains under active investigation.

Job interview tips 2026: A recruiter's advice on telling six 'necessary' lies during job interviews has ignited online debate. He suggests strategic dishonesty in areas like previous salary, reasons for leaving, and describing achievements. While some agree with negotiation tactics, others warn against damaging trust. The discussion highlights power dynamics and the modern hiring process.

The Election Commission of India's full bench visited Assam to assess assembly poll preparedness. Political parties suggested single or two-phase elections, considering the Bihu festival. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma advocated for elections before Bohag Bihu due to potential flooding and resource deployment challenges.

West Bengal is facing issues with voter list revision. Officials are finding many illegible forms and incorrect supporting documents. Documents like PAN cards, ration cards, and Aadhaar cards alone are being rejected. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has questioned the differing rules for West Bengal compared to Bihar, particularly regarding family registers.

The Supreme Court has stressed that political leaders must uphold constitutional morality and engage in elections with mutual respect. Political parties are urged to foster fraternity across the nation. This directive came during a hearing on a plea seeking guidelines against constitutionally unbecoming speeches by officeholders.

Tamil Nadu's Finance Minister Thangam Thenarasu accused the Centre of creating unprecedented fiscal challenges, including project denial and fund blocking. He stated the Union government is artificially precipitating a crisis, impacting state finances despite the government meeting its promises. The minister highlighted GST rate recast and deducted IGST settlement as major concerns.

Bruce Springsteen announces U.S. Land of Hope & Dreams tour 2026. Launching March 31 in Minneapolis and ending May 27 in Washington, D.C., the 19-date trek spans major cities coast to coast. Springsteen frames the tour as a celebration of American democracy, freedom, and the Constitution, stating, We will be rocking your town in celebration and in defense of America, American democracy, American freedom, our American Constitution, and our sacred American dream, all of which are under attack.

Ramadan 1447 begins on February 18, 2026, following the official sighting of the crescent moon in Saudi Arabia. This sacred month marks the start of fasting for Muslims worldwide. The holy month commemorates the revelation of the Quran. Ramadan 2026 is expected to last 29 days, subject to further moon sighting.

West Bengal has filed FIRs against four election officials as per ECI orders. A Block Development Officer was also suspended. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee affirmed the government's support for its officers. These actions follow directives from August 2025 concerning data security lapses. The state government is cooperating with the ECI.

Gujarat's final voter list shows 4.40 crore eligible voters. Over 68 lakh names were removed during a special revision. The list added 5.6 lakh voters since the draft publication. Gujarat Congress chief Amit Chavda welcomed the deletions, citing his party's allegations. He demanded transparency on voter additions and removals.

The Supreme Court is noticing a worrying trend of lawyers using artificial intelligence to draft court petitions. Judges have encountered cases where AI tools have cited judgments and quotations that are either incorrect or do not exist. This raises serious questions about the accuracy and reliability of AI-assisted legal drafting.

US stock market crashes today as the Dow Jones falls 114 points to 49,386. The S&P 500 drops 0.25%. The Nasdaq slips 0.35%. Bitcoin tumbles 2.19% to $67,326. Gold plunges 3.21% to $4,884. Oil prices weaken. Tech stocks trade mixed. Investors react to inflation data, AI concerns, and Federal Reserve rate cut uncertainty. Market volatility spikes across stocks, commodities, and crypto.

The Supreme Court will hear appeals in April regarding the fodder scam convictions. This includes appeals against the Jharkhand High Court's decision to suspend the sentence of former Bihar Chief Minister Lalu Prasad and other convicts. The court noted the advanced age of the accused. Cases where respondents have died will be closed.

Ancient Greek philosopher Diogenes of Sinope taught that insults reflect the speaker's flaws. He believed true dignity comes from within. His philosophy remains relevant today, especially in online interactions. Diogenes lived a simple life, rejecting material possessions. He emphasized self-sufficiency and independence from external validation. His teachings highlight that one's honor is not diminished by others' words unless accepted.

Indian courts are pushing business families towards mediation for dispute resolution. This approach aims to protect family ties and business value. Recent court directives highlight the benefits of negotiated settlements over lengthy legal battles. Experts advocate for formal family agreements to prevent future conflicts. Mediation offers a private avenue to address complex issues involving legacy and control.

The federal government will deposit $1,000 per child into new Trump Accounts starting in 2026. This is a one-time government payment. It is not automatic. Parents must open the account and claim it through their tax filing. Eligible children must be U.S. citizens with Social Security numbers and born between 2025 and 2028. The money will be invested for long-term growth. Annual contributions up to $5,000 will be allowed.

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau is seeking expert help to recover data from the crashed Learjet 45's cockpit voice recorder. Both recorders were severely damaged by intense heat and fire. The CVR, made by Honeywell, is undergoing examination. This investigation aims to understand the cause of the accident that claimed five lives, including Maharashtra's deputy chief minister.

NCP leaders met Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. They demanded a CBI probe into the aircraft crash that killed Ajit Pawar and four others. The Chief Minister assured the state government will write to the Union Home Ministry. This request seeks a CBI investigation into all angles of the crash. The move follows allegations of conspiracy behind Ajit Pawar's death.

Tarique Rahman has taken oath as Bangladesh's new Prime Minister. This marks a significant political shift after two decades. Rahman's government faces the challenge of governance experience. India's Lok Sabha Speaker attended the ceremony, signaling hopes for stronger bilateral ties. The new government is expected to foster inclusive politics. Several international dignitaries were also present.

Heartreachment is a modern expressive word that states a deep emotional influence that reaches directly into the heart. It refers to moments, actions, or words that create lasting emotional resonance rather than brief reactions. The term blends familiarity and intuition, making its meaning easy to grasp even on first encounter. Heartreachment applies to daily life experiences, from personal conversations to powerful art and storytelling.

Bumfuzzle is a rare English word that means to confuse or puzzle someone. It is mostly used in casual talking, not formal writing. The word comes from old dialect words and has been used for more than 100 years. People often use it when something is very hard to understand or makes their mind feel mixed up.

The Supreme Court has expressed its reservations about the feasibility of tracking every violent event unfolding in West Bengal, suggesting that a petitioner should turn to the Calcutta High Court for possible recourse. The case highlights allegations surrounding the killings of BJP workers post the 2018 local body elections.

A recent online discussion reveals young professionals are struggling with the 9-to-5 office grind. An economics graduate shared his dissatisfaction with his filing clerk role, sparking a flood of advice. Many resonated with the feeling of burnout and disillusionment. Suggestions ranged from remote work to pursuing trades. The conversation highlights the search for fulfillment beyond traditional office structures.

India has emerged as a strong voice for the Global South. Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated India is shaping global discussions and contributing to a more balanced world. The nation offers practical solutions to global challenges. India's progress is rapid and sustainable. Its digital infrastructure ensures welfare benefits reach citizens efficiently.

India's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh met with France's Catherine Vautrin. Discussions focused on increasing local manufacturing for Rafale fighter jets. India also wants French support for setting up engine maintenance facilities. A renewed 10-year defense pact will boost training and technology cooperation between the nations.

The Karnataka High Court has dismissed a defamation case against Rahul Gandhi. The case was filed by the BJP over a Congress campaign. The court stated continuing the proceedings would be an abuse of law. Rahul Gandhi had reposted campaign material on social media. This campaign targeted the then BJP government with allegations of corruption.

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla met Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. He conveyed a special invitation from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The invitation is for Rahman, his wife, and daughter to visit India. This visit can be scheduled at a mutually convenient time. Prime Minister Modi expressed confidence in Rahman's leadership.

Job search strategies 2026: Finding a job in 2026 is proving incredibly difficult for many. Applicants are sending out hundreds of resumes with little to no response. Automated systems and intense competition mean many applications never reach human eyes. Job seekers are sharing strategies like tailoring applications and building portfolios to improve their chances in this tough market.

Nepal achieved a historic win in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup. They defeated Scotland by seven wickets. Dipendra Singh Airee's strong batting performance was key. Nepal chased down Scotland's score of 170. This marks Nepal's first victory in the tournament's history. The match took place at the Wankhede Stadium.

The Trump family company is seeking to trademark the use of President Donald J. Trump's name on airports. This move comes amid discussions in Florida to rename an airport near his Mar-a-Lago club. The company states this is for protection against misuse of the Trump brand, not for profit.

A 2004 study published in Sleep and Hypnosis found that sleeping on the left side is connected to more nightmares, affecting around 41 percent of participants compared to 14.6 percent of right-side sleepers. The study analyzed 63 people, asking them to sleep on either side and then report dream experiences. Interestingly, left-side sleepers reported generally better sleep overall despite more bad dreams. Right-side sleepers experienced fewer nightmares but lower-quality rest.

Veteran actor Pravina Deshpande has passed away at the age of 60. She was undergoing treatment for multiple myeloma, a form of blood cancer. Deshpande had a notable career in Hindi and Marathi entertainment, appearing in films like Ready and Ek Villain. She also featured in popular television shows. Her contributions spanned films, television, theatre, and web series.

Midterm elections 2026: Political forecasts indicate a shifting landscape for the 2026 midterms, with Republican Senate win probabilities dropping to 60% while Democrats are favored to win the House at 83%. Democrats are expanding their strategy into competitive districts, and key Senate races in Texas and Michigan are intensifying, focusing on economic issues and candidate endorsements.

Many office employees feel tired and sleepy after lunch, which affects their focus and meeting participation. People shared easy tips like eating lighter food, walking outside, drinking water, standing while working, and taking short rest breaks. These simple daily habits can boost energy levels, reduce afternoon tiredness, and help workers stay active, productive, and more focused throughout the day.

Happy Lunar New Year-Year of the Fire Horse 2026: China celebrated the Lunar New Year with a TV show and once again the humanoid robots were a central part of the performance.

An expat's decision to leave his job after five years in a GCC country led to an unexpected conflict. Management accused him of plotting with a colleague. Online, strangers offered reassurance, highlighting that such reactions are common. The situation underscores that business relationships are transactional and personal career decisions are valid.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has strongly criticized the Election Commission. She alleges the commission is acting like a Tughlaqi Commission and is manipulated by the BJP. Banerjee claims the commission is targeting Bengal to alter voter lists and suppress democratic rights. She highlights issues with voter verification and the suspension of officials.

Donald Trump approval rating: U.S. President's approval rating was at 36 per cent among voters making less than $50,000 per year, but 44 per cent among others.

Devotees embarking on the Chardham Yatra starting April 19 will face a minimum registration fee. Officials announced this decision to prevent fake registrations. The registration process will be simplified and transparent. A committee will address concerns from stakeholders. The pilgrimage begins on Akshaya Tritiya with Gangotri and Yamunotri opening first. Kedarnath and Badrinath temple doors will open later in April.