The Economic Times

Mendacious means deliberately lying. It is a precise word for intentional deception. The term highlights conscious dishonesty, not simple mistakes. It is used in journalism and legal writing. Mendacious carries a negative tone, suggesting a breach of trust. The word comes from Latin and means deceitful. It helps distinguish error from intentional falsehood.

Weather update today: The IMD has forecast light rain for Delhi, Haryana, western Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan for Wednesday. Snowfall has been predicted for Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. The weather department has issued a fog alert for Odisha and Andhra Pradesh. For Delhi, the IMD has issued a yellow alert for today.

The father of Dwarka accident accused has spoken out after his son was accused in a fatal Dwarka crash. He denied the claims that his children were making reels. He also stated that the Scorpio involved is part of his commercial vehicle business, and the challans issued against the car were not because of his son but by the driver.

YouTube experienced a global disruption affecting its video platform. An issue with the recommendation system prevented videos from appearing. YouTube confirmed the problem is resolved. Platforms including YouTube.com, the app, Music, Kids, and TV are back to normal. Millions of users reported issues, particularly in the US and India. The mobile app saw the most complaints in India.

The Maharashtra government has rescinded its resolution. This resolution had previously granted a 5% reservation for the Muslim community. The quota applied to admissions in educational institutions. It also covered recruitment in government and semi-government jobs. This withdrawal marks a significant policy shift by the state administration.

Satyaki Savarkar, the grandnephew of V D Savarkar, has taken legal action in Pune, targeting Congress chief Rahul Gandhi for his recent comments. In a defamation suit, Savarkar is seeking voice recordings from Gandhi, who purportedly accused his granduncle of advocating violence against a Muslim man.

YouTube outage memes: As YouTube suffered a global outage today, with users getting 'something is wrong' error message, many users rushed to social media to share memes and hilarious GIFs. One user wrote that YouTube is partially down and its my bedtime. While YouTube services gradually resumed, the internets reaction showed no signs of slowing down

YouTube outage in India: YouTube faced a major global outage on Wednesday morning. Users in India and the United States reported significant problems accessing the platform and streaming videos. The disruption impacted the app, website, and related services. Google, the parent company, confirmed the issue was caused by its recommendations system. Services have since begun to restore for many users.

Delhi Weather today: The India Meteorological Department has issued a yellow alert for Delhi today and has warned of light rain and thunderstorms. On Tuesday, the capital remained unseasonably warm, with the maximum temperature settling at 30.9C, about 6.5 degrees above the seasonal average, according to the IMD. Similar weather conditions have been predicted for Noida and Gurugram too.

A widespread YouTube outage left hundreds of thousands of users globally unable to watch videos, sparking significant frustration. Reports of issues began Tuesday evening in the US and rapidly escalated, with over 355,000 users reporting problems by 7:18 pm CT. The disruption, tracked by Downdetector, saw videos stopping mid-playback and the platform failing to load, with #YouTubeDOWN trending on X.

US forces struck three boats in Latin American waters, targeting alleged drug smugglers. Eleven people died in the attacks. This campaign has resulted in at least 145 deaths since September. The US military released videos of the destroyed vessels. Critics question the legality and effectiveness of these strikes, especially as fentanyl often travels overland.

Youtube something went wrong: Many users are facing an outage with YouTube and they are getting 'Something is Wrong' error message when they are trying to access the app. You should try to refresh the page, restart your device and check your internet connection to try and fix 'something is wrong' error message on YouTube.

Millions are experiencing a major YouTube outage, with reports of disruptions starting around 7:45 PM ET and escalating quickly. DownDetector shows nearly 300,000 users reporting issues, primarily affecting the core YouTube service. While YouTube TV also saw spikes, the exact cause remains unknown, leaving viewers waiting for an official update on service restoration.

Something went wrong YouTube: YouTube suffered a global outage on February 17, with over 2,00,000 users logging complaints on DownDetector in the US alone. The outage seems to be global, with users reporting seeing the 'Something Went Wrong' error message when trying to use the app. YouTube has not issued a statement on the outage yet.

Canada is bracing for severe winter storms. Snow, freezing rain, and strong winds are impacting regions from the Prairies to Newfoundland. Travel is hazardous with reduced visibility and potential road closures. Communities can expect significant snow accumulations and icy conditions. Residents are advised to stay informed and prepare for disruptions.

YouTube Down: YouTube faced a major disruption on Tuesday. Over three lakh users in the United States reported issues with the popular video platform. YouTube TV and Google services also saw a number of user complaints. The outage tracking website Downdetector confirmed the widespread problem. Google, the parent company of YouTube, has not yet commented on the incident.

Warner Bros Discovery is in talks with Paramount Skydance Corp. for a potential takeover. The Ellison family's bid has seen a slight increase. Warner boss David Zaslav is negotiating to secure the best possible deal for shareholders. Paramount needs to address remaining concerns to surpass Netflix's offer.

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has proposed a significant property tax increase. This measure is a last resort if Governor Kathy Hochul does not agree to raise income taxes on wealthy individuals. The proposed hike could impact millions of homes and businesses. Mamdani aims to address a substantial budget deficit. Negotiations with the City Council are ongoing.

Japan will invest $36 billion in three U.S. projects, including a $33 billion natural gas power plant in Ohio and a $2.1 billion oil export terminal in Texas. A synthetic industrial diamond factory in Georgia, valued at $600 million, will also be established. These investments are the first under Japan's $550 billion U.S. pledge.

In 2026, Americans lose 239 hours annually to traffic. A 90-minute commute steals 700 hours yearly. This ime tax slashes your effective hourly wage. Switching to a 10-minute commute boosts mental health and work-life balance. Even a $2,000 pay cut saves money on fuel and vehicle wear. Shorter trips reduce burnout risk and increase productivity. Prioritize career growth by reclaiming your time. Small moves yield massive lifestyle gains.

Word of the Day: Quiddity meaning is the essential nature of something. It answers the question, what makes a thing what it is. Quiddity pronunciation is KWID-ih-tee. The word comes from Latin quidditas, meaning whatness. Used in philosophy and law, it signals depth and clarity. Learning rare English vocabulary boosts writing skills, exam scores, and professional credibility in todays competitive knowledge economy.

More than 71 million Americans receive Social Security benefits each month. The Social Security SSDI payment for February 2026 goes out on Wednesday, February 18. This payday covers beneficiaries born between the 11th and 20th. The Social Security Administration follows a three-Wednesday schedule. SSI recipients will also get an early March payment on February 27 because March 1 falls on a Sunday. This is not a bonus.

The World Uncertainty Index hit 106,862 in February 2026. That number is unprecedented. It beats every crisis in modern history. COVID peaked lower. So did the 2008 financial crash. The Dot-Com collapse was nowhere close. This is not a forecast. This is live data from 143 countries. Economists are alarmed. Markets are rattled. And nobody has a clean answer yet.

Over 160 million IRS tax returns will be filed in 2026, and small tax filing mistakes can delay refunds or trigger an IRS audit. The 2026 tax season demands accuracy. Wrong Social Security numbers cause refund delays. Missing 1099 income raises audit risk. Inflated business deductions get flagged. Late filing slows tax refund processing. Use IRS online tools. E-file early. Report all income. Claim valid tax credits. Avoid common tax mistakes.

Quote of the day by Theophrastus: Theophrastus, Aristotle's successor, emphasized time as life's most valuable asset, surpassing material wealth. His philosophy highlights that how we spend our finite hours reveals our values and character. This ancient insight encourages mindful living, urging individuals to invest time in meaningful pursuits for a more fulfilling existence.

40 MPH wind gusts and 15% relative humidity have triggered a Fire Weather Watch in Lansing for Wednesday, according to NWS Chicago. The alert runs from morning through evening. Southwest winds will range from 15 to 25 MPH, increasing wildfire risk. Dry air and dormant grass create critical fire weather conditions. Officials warn rapid fire spread is possible. Outdoor burning is strongly discouraged across the Chicago area.

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.