The Economic Times

Virgin River Season 7 release date, episode titles, order, runtimes and how to watch is confirmed for March 12, 2026 on Netflix. The season has 10 episodes and about eight hours runtime. Episode order, runtimes, story timeline, finale setup, and Season 8 renewal details explain what viewers can expect and how to stream.

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla has formed Parliamentary Friendship Groups with over 60 nations. These groups will involve MPs from both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. Senior leaders from ruling and opposition parties will head these country-specific groups. The initiative aims to deepen legislative cooperation and dialogue. This move continues India's diplomatic outreach strategy.

Al Pacino's legendary career, built on discipline and intensity, is reflected in his quote: 'There is no happiness. There is only concentration.' This sentiment suggests fulfillment arises not from chasing joy, but from complete dedication to meaningful work, a principle Pacino has embodied throughout his life and career.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has clarified that the INDIA bloc has not considered changing its leadership. He emphasized that Rahul Gandhi is performing well in challenging the BJP government. Abdullah dismissed suggestions of Mamata Banerjee taking over as a personal opinion. He stated that any decision on leadership would be made collectively by the INDIA bloc.

European officials sought clarity after Donald Trump announced a 15% global import tariff, prompting the European Parliament to pause ratification of the US-EU trade deal. The new rate, potentially breaching agreed caps, follows a Supreme Court ruling, raising uncertainty for Europe and pressure on the US economy.

Scientists have detected a plume of lithium pollution in Earths upper atmosphere and traced it to the re-entry of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket stage. Using advanced LIDAR technology, researchers observed a rapid spike in lithium almost 100 kilometres above Earth, about ten times higher than normal levels. Atmospheric modelling connected the plume directly to the rockets uncontrolled descent over the Atlantic Ocean.

Anthropic AI cybersecurity stocks crash today: Cybersecurity stocks tumbled Monday as investors reacted to Anthropic's new AI tool, Claude Code Security, fearing disruption to traditional business models. While executives like CrowdStrike's CEO pushed back, emphasizing the need for battle-tested platforms, the market remains concerned about AI's impact on code scanning and security workflows.

After a 40-day pursuit and six encounters, the Army eliminated three terrorists, including Jaish-e-Mohammed commander Saifullah, concluding the threat from a seven-member group active in Chenab Valley since May 2024. The operation, which involved an army dog and faced challenging terrain, resulted in the deaths of all seven militants responsible for killing nine Army personnel.

Hillhouse Investment has bought a minority stake in Quest Global, an engineering services firm. The deal value was not disclosed. Quest Global operates globally with over 21,000 employees. This investment is part of the company's pre-IPO fundraising. Quest Global is also considering moving its parent entity to India for a potential listing on Indian stock exchanges.

India has launched its first national counter-terrorism policy, PRAHAAR. This policy establishes a structured, intelligence-led framework to prevent and combat terrorism. It emphasizes prevention, swift response, and agency coordination. The strategy is proactive and intelligence-guided, focusing on curbing terror financing, dismantling networks, and countering online threats. It also addresses emerging risks like drones and cyber-attacks, reinforcing protection for critical infrastructure.

Former UK ambassador Peter Mandelson was arrested by British police in a serious misconduct case. The investigation is linked to his past connection with Jeffrey Epstein and claims of sharing sensitive information. The arrest comes after emails revealed their close ties, making the issue a major political controversy in the United Kingdom.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Israel this week will see the renewal of a key security pact. This comes amid shifting geopolitical landscapes in West Asia. India and Israel are strengthening ties, building on existing cooperation. The visit also follows recent defense pacts with the UAE.

India's Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal calls for top quality from manufacturers. This is crucial for India to become a developed economy. New free trade agreements with 38 developed nations will open global markets. Indian products must meet the highest global standards. This will help achieve export targets and build Brand India.

Gilead will pay $115 per share in cash at the deal's closing, which is at a premium of 79% to the stock's last close. Kite Pharma, a unit ?of Gilead Sciences, was partnering with Arcellx ?to jointly develop and sell anito-cel, an experimental CAR-T therapy for multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer.

Word of the Day: Life's moments of confusion, where understanding eludes us, are termed 'perplexity'. This state, stemming from the Latin for 'entangled', isn't always negative. It can spark curiosity, drive deeper thinking, and ultimately lead to growth and clarity, urging us to engage with challenges rather than avoid them.

In Zaporizhzhia, a drone attack on industrial facilities killed a 33-year-old man and wounded another, according to regional chief Ivan Fedorov. The city, a major industrial hub near the front line, faces regular strikes as Russian forces intensify pressure on Ukraine's southeast. Further north, a missile hit Kharkiv's Kholodnogirsky district, mayor Igor Terekhov said early Monday.

On February 22, 2026, Mexico's most wanted man died in a military helicopter shot, bleeding, and finally caught. Nemesio Rubn Oseguera Cervantes, El Mencho, founder of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), was 59. The U.S. had hunted him for over a decade with a $15 million bounty. The Mexican government offered an additional MXN $300 million. Neither money caught him. A woman did. Intelligence traced El Mencho's location through a romantic associate.

TVK leader Vijay has strongly criticized Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin. Vijay stated that Tamil Nadu is now run by a stand-up comedian, not a superstar. He accused Stalin of making false promises and engaging in corruption for political gain. Vijay declared the upcoming assembly election will be a direct contest between TVK and DMK.

Tens of millions of Americans - from Washington, DC, to the northern state of Maine - prepared for as much as two feet (60 centimetres) of snow forecast in some areas. Light snowfall and freezing fog, with temperatures dipping to 30F (-1C), were recorded in New York early Monday, the National Weather Service (NWS) said.

Manithaneya Makkal Katchi, a DMK ally, has requested five assembly seats for the upcoming Tamil Nadu elections. The party won two seats in the previous election. They will contest using the DMK's 'Rising Sun' symbol. Talks were held with DMK leaders. Other allies like MDMK also met the DMK seat-sharing committee.

A North Carolina mother who disappeared 24 years ago while heading out for Christmas shopping has been found alive and well, officials confirmed. Michele Hundley Smith, who vanished in December 2001 at age 38, was located after investigators received new information through a nationwide law enforcement network. Authorities made contact with her in North Carolina, but her exact whereabouts remain undisclosed at her request.

Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin has strongly criticized AIADMK leader Edappadi K Palaniswami. Stalin accused Palaniswami of mortgaging and selling the AIADMK to the BJP for personal gain. Palaniswami responded by questioning Stalin's grandfather's past alliances with the BJP. The exchange highlights a heated political debate between the ruling DMK and the opposition AIADMK.

Nemesio El Mencho Oseguera, leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), was wounded in a clash with soldiers in the town of Tapalpa in Jalisco state and died while being flown to Mexico City, the army said Sunday. He had a $15 million US bounty on his head.

PayPal shares rose after news that some buyers may want to purchase the company. Interest came after the stock fell a lot in recent years. The company is also facing slow growth, strong competition, and lower customer spending. Leadership changes and weak future profit outlook have added to investor worries about the companys long-term performance.

Tamil Nadu's final electoral roll reveals 5.67 crore voters, a significant drop from previous figures. Notably, women now outnumber men, and the state has welcomed over 12.5 lakh first-time voters. This revision saw substantial deletions, primarily due to absent or shifted electors, with urban areas experiencing the highest purge rates.

Maharashtras next Rajya Sabha poll is emerging as a high-stakes battle for the Maha Vikas Aghadis cohesion. All eyes are on Sharad Pawar, whose call on contesting may be the deciding factor in the oppositions bid for a seat.

New York City is grappling with a powerful winter storm, causing widespread disruptions. Public schools are closed, and transit services face significant delays and route changes. Over a thousand flights have been cancelled at major airports. Postal services are suspended, and delivery operations like DoorDash have paused. Residents are urged to stay home as the city digs out.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has issued an open letter to the people of West Bengal, vowing to usher in a transformative chapter for the state. He promises to eradicate fear, curb corruption, and put an end to misgovernance. Modi also emphasizes enhanced safety for women and expanded employment opportunities.

The Supreme Court has dismissed a plea challenging the Andhra Pradesh government's decision. A one-member committee will review administrative lapses concerning the Tirumala laddu controversy. The court found no overlap with the ongoing criminal proceedings. Both processes will continue strictly as per law. The SIT has completed its investigation and filed its report.

Word of the day: Over 170,000 English words exist today. Yet hornswoggle is trending in vocabulary searches. The hornswoggle meaning is simple. It means to trick or deceive someone. Pronunciation: HORN-swog-uhl. The word dates back to 19th-century American English. Writers use it for strong impact. Learning rare verbs improves communication skills and credibility. Add this Word of the Day to grow vocabulary smartly and naturally.

The Election Commission of India will provide daily updates to the Calcutta High Court. These reports will detail cases resolved by over 200 judicial officers. A new portal has been launched for this purpose. Judicial officers have received training and login credentials. They are now actively working on case adjudication. This initiative aims to streamline the disposal of cases.

Emily Dickinson's quote, Forever, is composed of Nows, emphasises that the present moment shapes our future. This timeless wisdom encourages mindfulness, urging us to value each day and act with intention. By focusing on today's actions and experiences, we build a more meaningful and purposeful life.

Gold overtakes US dollar as reserve asset: Gold is now the world's top reserve asset, surpassing the US dollar. Central banks are increasingly buying gold for stability amid global uncertainty. Emerging economies, including China and India, are leading this trend as they reduce reliance on the US dollar. This shift highlights gold's growing importance as a strategic global financial asset.

The Supreme Court has ordered ministries to develop a plan for relocating coal-based industries from the Delhi-National Capital Region. Neighboring states will seek public input on phasing out these industries. The court also mandated an examination of alternative fuel sources.

Should you take a $50,000 pay cut for better benefits and work-life balance? Health insurance for families now tops $23,000 a year. That changes everything. Many professionals are asking if they should take a $50,000 pay cut for real employee benefits and work-life balance. A $150K salary with no health insurance, no 401(k) match, and 60-hour weeks shrinks fast. A $100K job with benefits, PTO, and retirement match may deliver stronger total compensation and long-term financial security.

The apex court issued a notice to WhatsApp and its parent Meta Platforms on a plea for imposing a five-year ban on advertisements on WhatsApp, following a recommendation by the CCI .

Aretha Franklins quote, Sometimes, what you're looking for is already there, reminds us that fulfillment, clarity, and solutions may exist quietly in our lives, waiting to be recognized. Franklins insight encourages mindfulness, self-reflection, and gratitude, emphasizing that happiness or success is often closer than we think. By appreciating what we already have, our skills, relationships, or opportunities we can navigate challenges with confidence.

Former British ambassador Peter Mandelson has been arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office. The arrest follows a criminal investigation into his communications with Jeffrey Epstein, which came to light after his dismissal from his U.S. posting in September.

Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana vowed to fill seats with former lawmakers if the opposition boycotts Prime Minister Modi's address, a move tied to the Supreme Court President's exclusion. Opposition leader Yair Lapid insists on protocol, warning of embarrassment for India and Israel. This political standoff highlights Israel's deep judicial overhaul divisions.

West Indies surged to the top of the Super 8 standings with a dominant win over Zimbabwe, boosting their Net Run Rate. India, however, stumbled against South Africa, facing a must-win scenario in upcoming matches to keep semi-final hopes alive and improve their NRR.

Novo Nordisk shares have fallen sharply. Their new obesity drug, CagriSema, did not meet expectations in trials. This setback affects future sales and market position. Eli Lilly's shares saw a rise. Investors are watching competition in the weight-loss drug market closely. Novo's stock is back to levels seen before Wegovy's success.

Israel is poised to issue a disarmament ultimatum to Hamas in Gaza, according to Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich. If Hamas rejects the terms, Israeli forces are expected to move in and take over the enclave. Washington is said to support this potential escalation, while foreign forces stationed nearby may pull out soon.

Professor Omar Yaghi, a 2025 Nobel Prize-winning chemist, has developed a revolutionary machine that extracts drinking water directly from the air. Using metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), highly porous materials created via reticular chemistry, the device captures water molecules even in low humidity. Powered only by sunlight or low-grade thermal energy, it functions off-grid, generating up to 1,000 liters of clean water everyday.

Why gold and silver prices are rising while platinum and copper fall: Gold and silver prices are skyrocketing as gold hit $5,230.70, gaining 2.95% today. This surge follows a Dow Jones crash of 814 points triggered by 15% global tariffs. Investors are fleeing stocks for safety. Silver prices jumped 5.66% to $87.00 on massive industrial deficits. Meanwhile, copper and platinum fell nearly 1%. Markets now prioritize precious metals as the ultimate 2026 recession hedge.