The Economic Times

The Congress on Thursday backed the Supreme Courts strong reaction to references on judicial corruption in an NCERT Class 8 textbook, calling the courts anger justified. The party alleged that textbook revisions over the past decade were an RSS-driven exercise marked by mischief and malice. The apex court imposed a blanket ban on the book, ordered seizure of copies, and sought explanations from officials, while NCERT apologised and withdrew the text.

Ahead of the West Bengal assembly polls, 240 central armed police force companies will be deployed across key districts by March 1, with Purba Medinipur, Kolkata, and Malda seeing the highest presence. The move, part of a two-phase 480-company deployment, aims to ensure election security, smooth polling, and EVM and strong room protection.

After the mammoth chip Nvidia posted a strong revenue, CEO Jensen Huang pushed back against the idea that so-called agentic AI will cannibalise the software industry. The tech titan said the markets got it wrong. He said AI agents will rely on existing software tools to get work done, not eliminate them.

The Supreme Court has asked the Maharashtra government for its response on a bail plea. This plea is from the father of the minor involved in the 2024 Pune Porsche accident. The accident tragically killed two IT professionals. The court previously granted bail to three other accused in the case. The matter is now scheduled for further hearing.

Revenue department to roll out 30-day customs duty deferral for eligible manufacturer-importers from next month to boost liquidity and manufacturing activity.

Tamil Nadu BJP president Nainar Nagenthran accused the DMK regime of misleading voters by taking undue credit for welfare schemes funded by the central government. He confirmed that the NDA would face the 2026 assembly elections under the leadership of Edappadi K Palaniswami.

India has transitioned from a high-growth emerging market to a crucial innovation hub for global retailers and FMCG companies. Its diverse consumer base and intense competition serve as a live laboratory, stress-testing business models and products before their export to other markets worldwide.

Kerala Lottery Results Live Today: Kerala State Lotteries Department is set to conduct the high-stakes draw for the Karunya Plus KN-612 weekly lottery today, February 26, 2026. The event, held at Gorky Bhavan in Thiruvananthapuram, features a grand first prize of 1 crore.

The Australian sharemarket hit a fresh all-time high for the second consecutive day, propelled by strong performances from mining, healthcare, and technology sectors. Buoyant earnings and rising commodity prices fueled the rally, with the S&P/ASX 200 closing up. Miners and healthcare majors, in particular, saw significant gains, while Qantas faced headwinds.

Drger India and Breach Candy Hospital have partnered to enhance clinical education and skill development for healthcare professionals. This collaboration brings the Drger Medical Academy to Mumbai, offering digital learning modules and VR-based simulation training to bridge skill gaps and improve patient safety. The initiative aims to foster continuous learning and readiness in India's evolving healthcare landscape.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah is confident of a BJP victory in West Bengal assembly elections. He stated that upon forming the government, the party will remove all infiltrators from the state. Shah also indicated that this process would begin in Bihar's Seemanchal region. He emphasized that infiltration poses a threat to national security and demographic balance.

India has strongly refuted Pakistan's claims regarding Jammu and Kashmir at the UN Human Rights Council. New Delhi termed Pakistan's allegations as propaganda and accused Islamabad of misusing international forums. India reiterated that Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India.

Indian podcaster Raj Shamani, in a series of Instagram stories, dropped a hint about a mystery guest coming tonight on his podcast. Though he did not reveal the name of the guest, he said that you are not ready for tonight's guest which has sparked speculation among his fans. He also revealed that the guest is coming first time ever on an Indian podcast.

Comedian Tanmay Bhat, known for AIB roast, is making waves online with a creative job application for his second YouTube channel. The form asks unusual questions about controversial opinions and the meaning of life. It also sought candidates with insight into business, startups, and pop culture.

ED Director Rahul Navin is visiting Chennai this weekend. He will review ongoing investigations in Tamil Nadu. This includes high-profile cases. One such case involves state minister K N Nehru. Navin will meet officers and discuss money laundering and foreign exchange violation cases. The visit comes ahead of assembly polls in the state.

As Holi approaches, Hindus observe Holashtak, an eight-day period from February 24 to March 3, 2026, considered inauspicious for new beginnings. Devotees focus on prayer, discipline, and preparations for Holika Dahan, emphasizing spiritual growth and self-reflection over new ventures. This phase highlights devotion and self-control before the vibrant Holi festivities.

Seat-sharing talks for Tamil Nadu's upcoming state polls will commence after Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit on March 1. The Bharatiya Janata Party chief emphasized alliance coordination for the state's future. The Prime Minister's visit includes engagements in Puducherry and Madurai. The National Democratic Alliance aims to contest the elections against the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam.

Congress has criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi's speech to the Israeli Parliament. The party stated the address was an unabashed defense of Benjamin Netanyahu. They also highlighted Jawaharlal Nehru's earlier views on the creation of Israel. An Israeli lawyer also criticized the speech. The Congress believes the address diminished India's moral standing.

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini announced the final alignment approval for the 64-km GurugramFaridabadNoidaGreater Noida Namo Bharat RRTS-cum-Metro Corridor. This project aims to connect major economic hubs, offering faster travel and reduced congestion for lakhs of commuters across the NCR.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited an innovation exhibition in Israel. He invited Israeli technology companies to invest in India. He urged them to partner with India's talented youth. The exhibition showcased advancements in AI, healthcare, and agriculture. This visit strengthens India-Israel innovation and technology ties. Both nations aim to build solutions for global challenges.

The RBIs recent liquidity infusion, which has pushed overnight rates below the repo rate to ease funding stress, is seen by bankers as a temporary, tactical move rather than a policy shift. With surplus liquidity rising above comfort levels and short-term rates cooling, the central bank is expected to maintain this stance only until March before likely absorbing excess cash and restoring its usual liquidity framework.

PlayStation Plus March 2026 games: The transition into the spring gaming season is looking exceptionally strong for Sony enthusiasts as the PlayStation Plus lineup for March 2026 brings a massive wave of content across multiple genres. Whether you are looking to master professional golf courses, embark on a sprawling multiplayer odyssey, or hunt legendary monsters inspired by Japanese folklore, this month's selection ensures there is something for every type of player.

A year after ties froze over the Nijjar controversy, Canada is quietly changing tone as Prime Minister Mark Carney is set to land in India with a reset agenda dialling down past allegations, and pivoting toward trade, tech, and energy partnerships.

A massive tragedy struck Sydney's Royal Prince Alfred Hospital as a fungal outbreak claimed two lives and left four critically ill. Investigations point to the hospital's extensive redevelopment as a potential cause for the Aspergillus infections. The transplant ward was temporarily closed for deep cleaning and air quality improvements before reopening.

India records almost five lakh road accident deaths yearly. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari highlighted that changing public behaviour and enforcing traffic laws are major hurdles. Overspeeding, not wearing helmets, and seatbelt non-usage contribute significantly to fatalities. The government is focusing on road engineering, vehicle safety, and stricter enforcement to combat this crisis.

Ex-YouTuber Bonu Komali was found dead at her rented flat in Hyderabad. An undergraduate student who was pursuing BSc, dropped a text to her mother and asked her to take care of her younger brother. Later on, she was found hanging from a ceiling fan. Her mother revealed a prior suicide attempt because a software employee allegedly rejected her advances.

Bahujan Samaj Party chief Mayawati has accused the Samajwadi Party of political theatrics. She stated the SP has historically opposed Dalits, OBCs, and the Bahujan community. Mayawati alleged the SP's move to observe 'PDA Day' on Kanshi Ram's birth anniversary is an attempt to gain votes.

AIIMS has opened registrations for NORCET 10, with the application deadline set for March 16, 2026. The recruitment process includes a Preliminary Exam on April 11, 2026, and a Mains Exam on April 30, 2026. Eligibility requires a B.Sc. Nursing, Post Basic B.Sc. Nursing, or GNM qualification, with an age limit of 18-30 years.

A heated exchange erupted on social media between Mahua Moitra, Trinamool Congress MP, and Electoral Roll Observer C S Murugan over allegations concerning the role of micro-observers in electoral roll revisions. The controversy began on 18 February when Moitra accused Murugan of overstepping his mandate by sending incorrect directions to micro-observers via WhatsApp, sharing a post referencing a film character and dubbing him 'Quick Gun Murugan.'

Samsung S26 Ultra vs S25 Ultra vs Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max: Following the global launch of the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra, the premium smartphone market has entered a new phase of competition. This comparison breaks down the hardware specifications, camera systems, battery capacities, and pricing of the Galaxy S26 Ultra against its predecessor, the Galaxy S25 Ultra, and its primary competitor, the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max.

March 2026 promises a vibrant Hindu calendar. The month begins with Holi, the festival of colours, followed by Rang Panchami. Devotees will celebrate the Hindu New Year with Gudi Padwa and Ugadi. Chaitra Navratri and Rama Navami mark significant religious observances.

Ajit Pawar plane crash: NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar and his cousin Yugendra Pawar approached Baramati police seeking an FIR against aircraft operator VSR Ventures over the January 28 crash that killed Ajit Pawar, citing alleged criminal negligence flagged by the DGCA and accusing authorities of delaying action.

V. K. Sasikala will reveal her new political party's name within a week. She aims for her outfit to play a significant role in the 2026 Tamil Nadu assembly elections. Sasikala recently unveiled a new party flag, marking her return to politics after a hiatus.

Tamil Nadu Polls: AIADMK chief Edappadi K Palaniswami pitched his partys promise of Rs 10,000 one-time relief to families as a stronger alternative to the DMK governments Rs 5,000 payout, accusing Chief Minister M K Stalin of burdening people with inflation and higher taxes and timing welfare disbursals out of fear of defeat ahead of the Assembly elections.

India vs Zimbabwe: India faces Zimbabwe in a crucial T20 World Cup Super Eight match. Former player Anil Kumble warned against complacency, highlighting Zimbabwe's strong performances. India must play aggressively and convert starts into substantial scores. Rinku Singh is set to rejoin the squad. India is aiming for a win to improve semi-final chances.

Taking suo motu cognisance, a Supreme Court bench led by CJI Surya Kant slammed objectionable excerpts on judicial corruption in an NCERT Class 8 textbook. Terming it a well-planned conspiracy to undermine the judiciary's dignity, the court warned that those responsible would not go scot-free. Following the backlash, NCERT issued a public apology and committed to rewriting the controversial chapter to ensure the institution's reputation remains protected.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk and Bill Gates are once again at odds. This time, Musk, the world's richest man, reacted to a post on X Tesla linking short sellers to those lacking ethics and morality. He was reacting to a report that said Bill Gates admitted to having affairs with two Russian women. Musk responded that Karma is real.

Global investors are vying for a majority stake in Indian Premier League cricket teams. Billionaire David Blitzer is reportedly in advanced talks for Royal Challengers Bengaluru or Rajasthan Royals. Avram Glazer, co-owner of Manchester United, has also submitted initial bids. Indian tycoons Adar Poonawalla and Ranjan Pai are also interested in the Bengaluru franchise. Final bids are expected by mid-March.

The United States and Iran are set for indirect talks in Geneva aimed at easing tensions and preventing fresh conflict amid escalating rhetoric and military posturing. Disputes centre on Irans nuclear programme, missile capabilities and US sanctions. While President Trump has issued stern warnings, both sides signal cautious optimism. Iranian officials call the negotiations a historic opportunity, though regional fears persist that failure could trigger a wider war.

India's Super 8 campaign faces a critical juncture against Zimbabwe, where a significant victory is paramount to overcome a negative net run rate. Following a heavy defeat to South Africa, the team must not only win but do so convincingly, with a fast chase or a large margin of victory being crucial for tournament survival.

Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra launch: Samsung has officially launched its most advanced flagship to date, the Galaxy S26 Ultra, alongside its siblings in the S26 series. Unveiled at the Galaxy Unpacked event in San Francisco, the Ultra model introduces a world-first built-in Privacy Display that secures personal data at the pixel level.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney will visit India from February 27 to March 2, 2026, on his first official trip, at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He will begin in Mumbai with business meetings and interactions with CEOs, investors and industry leaders, before heading to New Delhi for delegation-level talks with Modi at Hyderabad House.

Hugh Jackman, renowned for his diverse roles, shares a profound insight on aging. He acknowledges that with age comes increased awareness of failure, both in others and oneself. Jackman emphasizes that maintaining a childlike fearlessness is achieved by persisting, not by avoiding mistakes, but by continuing to move forward despite them.