The Economic Times

Why are Ethereum, XRP, Solana and Dogecoin prices down today and will crypto market bounce back or continue to fall is trending as Bitcoin dropped below $69,000, Ethereum fell over 5%, and Dogecoin crashed 10.91%. Regulatory uncertainty, Federal Reserve signals, and profit-taking pushed crypto prices lower. Investors now watch support levels and legislation for direction.

The Karnataka High Court has nullified the election of Congress MLA SN Subba Reddy from Bagepalli. The court cited electoral malpractice as the reason for its decision. This ruling follows a petition by the defeated BJP candidate, C Muniraju. Reddy's election was challenged over alleged concealment of assets and liabilities.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has commenced military exercises in the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial oil transit route, ahead of talks with the United States. The drills aim to enhance the IRGC's readiness for potential threats, coinciding with a significant US naval deployment to the region. This occurs as Tehran and Washington prepare for renewed negotiations mediated by Oman.

Gold tops the list for best options to save money with top savings asset score. However, the precious metal is closely followed by Rolex watches, and US Treasury Bills.

Presidents Day 2026 offers a combination of closures and normal business operations across the United States. Federal offices, financial markets, and mail delivery services pause in observance of the holiday, while several retailers, grocery stores, restaurants, pharmacies, and private delivery companies remain operating. Store and restaurant hours may differ by location, making advance checks important. Although some services are unavailable, essential needs like shopping, dining, and package d

Elevate your evening meals with seven calcium-rich powerhouses ranging from ancient grains like Ragi to mineral-dense leafy greens. This story explores how to optimize bone density and muscle function through smart dinner choices, ensuring your body has the essential minerals needed for overnight repair and long-term structural health.

India is pushing for global agreement on AI copyright. Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw stated the need for consensus to protect creators' rights. The country aims for techno-legal solutions to balance innovation and intellectual property. India is also investing in a creator economy, establishing content creator labs to nurture talent for the growing AVGC sector.

A bank deputy manager has been apprehended for allegedly misappropriating and pledging over 2.7 kilograms of customer gold ornaments, valued at more than Rs 3.5 crore. Police suspect the funds were used for online betting. While efforts are underway to recover the stolen gold, authorities are facing challenges with financiers and are pursuing legal avenues.

Ethanol is explicitly excluded and limited US farm imports will not disrupt domestic markets, says Deepak Ballani, Director General, ISMA.

A new US program may give parents cash support to help with baby costs. Families could receive a one-time payment during pregnancy and monthly money after the baby is born. The plan is starting in parts of Michigan to reduce financial stress, support newborn health, and help families manage early expenses during the first months of a childs life.

Presidents Day, observed on Monday, February 16, 2026, honors George Washington and all U.S. presidents. While federal offices, banks, and schools close, major retailers like Walmart and Target, along with most restaurants, will remain open. Shipping services like UPS and FedEx will operate, though potential delays should be expected.

Finding the right balance between a quick morning and a nutritious meal often comes down to the versatility of the wrap. By choosing whole-grain or protein-enriched tortillas, you create a portable canvas for high-fiber and protein-dense fillings. Here is the story of six healthy breakfast wraps designed to keep you fueled until lunch.

The European Union will attend a meeting of US President Donald Trump's 'Board of Peace' this week. The EU will focus on Gaza's reconstruction and ceasefire implementation. The EU will not be a member of the board. Some EU member states have raised questions about the board's scope, governance, and compatibility with the UN Charter.

School assembly news headlines for February 17: Today's headlines bring you the latest from across India and the world. The Supreme Court hears the Sabarimala case. Actor Rajpal Yadav gets relief. Schools in Gujarat receive bomb threats. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is in Norway. Afghanistan's cricket team aims to make the country proud. India's trade deficit widens. China's Russian oil imports rise.

India is hosting a United Nations Fellowship Training Programme on small arms and light weapons control in Jabalpur. Delegates from 13 Asia-Pacific countries are participating. The program aims to build capacity for implementing UN frameworks against illicit arms trade. This initiative enhances regional cooperation and strengthens India's global peace efforts.

Karnataka's own Priyank Kharge has boldly spoken out against the RSS, casting doubt on its financial integrity and tax obligations. He insisted on the need for the organisation to demonstrate accountability and transparency, positing that the same legal standards should govern the RSS as apply to every citizen.

Stock market Presidents Day 2026: Investors take note. US stock markets will be shut on Monday, February 16, 2026. This closure is for Presidents Day, a federal holiday honoring George Washington. Trading will resume on Tuesday, February 17, 2026. Bond markets will also be closed. This is the first market closure after the new year.

A routine maternity photoshoot tragically ended in heartbreak for a JP Nagar family. Three-year-old Lakshveer C drowned in a pond at The Shire Studio. The child was found in the water while his mother was occupied with the shoot. Studio staff attempted to save him, but he was declared dead at the hospital. Police are investigating the incident.

According to Chinese astrological forecasts, certain zodiac signs are especially well-placed to experience romantic breakthroughs after the festive reset of Chinese New Year 2026.

The latest OTT releases this week (Feb 16-22) are headlined by Kartik Aaryans rom-com Tu Meri Main Tera on Prime Video and the global return of The Night Agent Season 3 on Netflix. From Sunny Leones Kennedy to the intense thriller 56 Days, here is your definitive weekend binge guide.

JEE Main 2026 Session 1 results are expected on February 16, determining eligibility for JEE Advanced and IIT admissions. The National Testing Agency uses a normalization process to calculate percentiles, ensuring fairness across different exam shifts. The scorecard will detail candidate information, subject-wise scores, overall rank, and JEE Advanced qualifying status.

Tamil Nadu has secured significant investments totaling Rs 5,980 crore. Japanese firm MinebeaMitsumi will invest Rs 1,980 crore for a semiconductor manufacturing and R&D center. Bengaluru-based Aequs Group will invest Rs 4,000 crore to boost aerospace manufacturing. These projects are set to create 8,400 jobs, strengthening Tamil Nadu's industrial leadership and providing opportunities for youth and women.

A disturbing video from Bihar shows a woman allegedly forcing her daughter to carry a brick-filled school bag while physically abusing her on a public street. Onlookers attempted to intervene, but the woman reportedly resisted, sparking outrage online. The incident highlights the harmful effects of physical punishment on children.

JEE Main 2026 Session 1 results are expected soon from the NTA. Candidates can download their scorecards from official websites using their application number and password. Those unsatisfied with their scores can reappear in Session 2, with top performers eligible for JEE Advanced and admission to premier institutes.

Today's word of the day 'alleviate' means to make something less painful, difficult, or intense.

Why is Bitcoin price down today by 2.19% and will BTC USD go above $68,670 to touch dream levels or continue to drop? Bitcoin trades near $68,670 after failing to hold $70,000. Regulation delays, Federal Reserve signals, and resistance levels influence BTC USD direction and investor sentiment.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Israel from February 25 to 26. He will address the Israeli parliament. Discussions will cover bilateral and regional matters. This visit follows recent high-level exchanges between India and Israel. The two nations are strengthening cooperation in defence, technology, and industry. They are also working towards a Free Trade Agreement.

The Election Commission has directed West Bengal authorities to expedite the processing of Form 7 objections related to voter list revisions. This directive follows reports of alleged record burning and concerns over the misuse of Form 7 by political parties for electoral gains. The commission emphasized strict adherence to statutory frameworks and timelines for resolving all claims and objections.

Business leader Harsh Goenka has triggered a massive conversation on long-term thinking after sharing a post about Norways $2 trillion global investment fund. He noted that since finding oil in 1969, Norway chose to save its riches for future generations rather than spending it immediately, resulting in a fund that now earns more from investments than from oil itself.

Kerala's youngest organ donor, 10-month-old Aalin Sherin Abraham, was laid to rest with state honours after her parents consented to donate her organs following her brain death. Her heart valve, liver, kidneys, and eyes were donated to various medical institutions, offering a new lease of life to recipients. The government recognized the parents' noble decision amidst their profound grief.

Chinese New Year 2026:The Lunar New Year, commonly known as the Spring Festival, is Chinas most significant traditional holiday. It signals the start of a new year according to the lunar calendar and usually takes place between late January and mid-February.

Februarys New Moon Solar Eclipse is expected to bring more than a typical lunar reset, as astrologers forecast intensified emotions and significant personal breakthroughs, especially for three zodiac signs.

An Ayurved doctor has sparked a health debate by warning against eating raw beetroot, citing risks of contamination with bacteria, parasites, and viruses. He advises cooking beetroot thoroughly to eliminate these dangers and potential harm to vital organs, while also debunking the myth of its high iron content.

Why are gold and silver prices down again and will precious metals bounce back or continue to fall? Gold and silver prices dropped due to holiday closures, low trading volume, and a strong dollar. Interest rate outlook and economic signals also affected precious metals outlook. Analysts now watch whether gold and silver prices bounce back or continue to fall.

Kremlin has firmly dismissed allegations from five European nations accusing the Russian state of assassinating Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny two years prior. The claims suggested that an exotic toxin derived from poison dart frogs was utilised. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov characterised these accusations as deeply biased and without merit.

A Data Engineer based in Bengaluru has sparked a viral conversation about financial management by revealing exactly how she spends her 3 lakh monthly salary. With a fully funded six-month emergency reserve already in place, she focuses her remaining income on SIPs, gold, and a dedicated fund for her upcoming wedding.

Toyota Kirloskar Motor has unveiled structured customer benefits for February 2026 across models like Glanza, Hyryder, Taisor, Camry, and Hilux. These offers emphasize ownership value through exchange incentives, loyalty bonuses, and accessory support, rather than aggressive discounts. Benefits range up to Rs 1.10 lakh on the Hilux and Rs 80,000 on the Hyryder.

Afghanistan triumphed over UAE in the T20 World Cup, with Captain Rashid Khan expressing a strong desire to bring pride to their homeland through cricket. The team's journey to the Super Eights now hinges on forthcoming match outcomes. With their sights set on the next game, Afghanistan is determined to maintain a positive outlook.

Asawari Jagdale, whose father died in a terror attack, is still waiting for a government job promised by the Maharashtra administration. The assurance was made ten months ago. Her family faces financial hardship. A BJP leader has pledged to raise the pending issue with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. The government had announced financial aid and jobs for victims' families.

Solar Eclipse 2026: A Ring of Fire eclipse, formally called an annular solar eclipse, takes place when the Moon moves between the Earth and the Sun while positioned farther from Earth in its orbit, causing it to appear slightly smaller than the Sun.

The scheduled hearing regarding the disagreement between the Bhojshala temple and the Kamal Maula Mosque in Dhar has been adjourned due to a lawyer's strike. The Madhya Pradesh High Court will discuss the matter on February 18. Representatives from both the Hindu and Muslim communities were in attendance.

Senior Congress leaders, including Singh and Assam unit chief Gaurav Gogoi met Borah at his residence, after he sent a letter to the party high command earlier in the day, announcing his resignation.

The Supreme Court has turned down gangster Abu Salem's appeal for release from illegal custody, marking a pivotal moment in his long legal battle. Salem asserts that he has completed his 25-year sentence for his involvement in the 1993 Mumbai blasts.

Nikhil Gupta, the Indian national who pleaded guilty last week in a New York court for his role in the assassination attempt on Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, was a private individual without any links to the government, officials in New Delhi familiar with the matter said, asking not to be identified because of the sensitivity of the matter.