The Economic Times

Sony is kicking off 2026 with a massive PlayStation State of Play broadcast this Thursday, February 12. Clocking in at over 60 minutes, this is being billed as one of the longest presentations in the show's history. The showcase will focus on a diverse mix of third-party and indie games headed to PS5, alongside fresh updates from the heavy hitters at PlayStation Studios.

India faces significant housing challenges due to land scarcity and soaring prices. NITI Aayog proposes structural reforms like increasing Floor Area Ratios and promoting land pooling. Government initiatives under PMAY are progressing, with millions of houses completed. Policy measures aim to channel more credit and reduce construction costs, signaling momentum to address the housing crunch if land bottlenecks are resolved.

In January 2026, India's retail inflation rose to 2.75%, the first figure from an updated Consumer Price Index series. This development is promising, as it remains beneath the Reserve Bank of India's inflation target. The revamped index better captures today's spending habits, reflecting a decreased emphasis on food items while incorporating our growing reliance on digital services.

Abhishek Sharma is sidelined for Indias T20 World Cup match against Namibia due to a severe stomach infection. The explosive opener fell ill after consuming something following a net session, leading to dehydration and hospitalisation. His recovery is the teams priority, with management monitoring his fitness for future games, particularly the crucial clash against Pakistan.

Thomas Tuchel's contract as England men's head coach is extended through UEFA EURO 2028. This move by the Football Association aims to bring stability and boost the team's chances of winning major titles. Tuchel will continue with his existing technical staff. The FA is also focused on developing local coaching talent for future national team roles.

Opposition parties in India have strongly criticized the government's Industrial Relations Code. They argue the new law favors industrialists over laborers, removing workers' rights to protest. Members of Parliament from Congress, Samajwadi Party, Trinamool Congress, and Shiv Sena-UBT voiced concerns. They highlighted issues like the 14-day strike notice and the decline in women's participation in the labor force.

Konami is currently trending across social media after the official Silent Hill accounts confirmed a brand-new Silent Hill Transmission event scheduled for February 12, 2026. This surprise broadcast follows years of relative silence regarding Silent Hill: Townfall, a co-production between Annapurna Interactive and developer Screen Burn Interactive (formerly No Code).

Pakistan Super League (PSL) auction: A franchise owner confirmed initially that players like Mujeeb ur Rehman, Seddiqullah Atal, Muhamad Nabi, Waqar Salamkheil, Fazal Haq Farooqi had registered for the auction held in Lahore on Wednesday.

The Defence Acquisition Council is set to review significant procurement proposals, including the acquisition of 114 Rafale combat aircraft and SCALP cruise missiles from France. The meeting will also consider P-8I maritime surveillance aircraft from the US and missiles for the Sudarshan S-400 air defence system, alongside indigenous anti-tank mines and armoured vehicle upgrades.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman gave a comprehensive view on how the budget will shape the nation's economy in Lok Sabha. Highlighting the robust expenditure plan of Rs 53.47 lakh crore for the upcoming financial year, Sitharaman emphasized a strategic capital expenditure target of Rs 17.1 lakh crore.

Gold rate was down on Thursday after U.S. jobs data was stronger than expected.

Happy Hug Day wishes: As Valentine's week nears its grand finale, Happy Hug Day reminds couples that love is not always about grand gestures. A simple embrace can dissolve misunderstandings, soothe anxieties and reaffirm commitment.

Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya revealed 1342 athletes exited the Khelo India programme in three years. Reasons included poor performance and doping violations. Over 23000 athletes are currently supported. The government is strengthening anti-doping measures, involving agencies like CBI. India has a high positivity rate for banned substances.

Trade unions across India observed a day-long strike protesting government policies. The Congress party voiced strong support for the workers and farmers. Rahul Gandhi alleged the government disregards their concerns. Mallikarjun Kharge criticized trade deals and labor laws. The opposition vows to continue its struggle from streets to Parliament.

Plato, in his quot,e says human behavior flows from three main sources: desire, emotion, and knowledge. The quote means that human behavior is driven by what we want, what we feel, and what we know and so it becomes important for us to recognise which one is guiding us to help make better choices. Balancing all three leads to wiser actions and clearer judgment.

A Guwahati court has issued an ad-interim injunction. Congress leaders Gaurav Gogoi, Bhupesh Baghel, and Jitendra Singh are restrained from making defamatory statements against Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. This order is in effect until they appear in court. The Chief Minister had filed a Rs 500 crore defamation case. The defendants are scheduled to appear on March 9.

Veteran Doordarshan news anchor Sarla Maheshwari passed away at 71, leaving behind a legacy of calm screen presence and clear diction. She was also a lecturer at Delhi University's Hansraj College, where Shah Rukh Khan studied. Her passing evokes memories of a simpler era of Indian television news.

Congress leader K C Venugopal has dismissed a notice by BJP MP Nishikant Dubey seeking action against Rahul Gandhi. Venugopal stated the Congress is unafraid of any motions and will continue to speak the truth. He accused the government of pressuring the Lok Sabha speaker and exhibiting double standards regarding expunged remarks.

Parliament's joint committee examining the Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan Bill has received an extended deadline. The Lok Sabha approved the time extension until the last week of the Monsoon session. This proposed legislation aims to establish a single higher education regulator. It seeks to replace multiple existing bodies with one overarching authority.

Today's word of the day 'grandiose' describes something impressive in scale but often exaggerated or impractical. This Word of the Day explores its subtle tone of pretension, how it differs from grand, and why it is frequently used to question ambitious plans and dramatic presentations.

Mahindra UDO: Mahindra has launched the UDO, an electric auto-rickshaw featuring an aircraft-inspired design and a real-world range of up to 200 km. The new vehicle focuses strongly on both driver and passenger comfort, offering pilot-style seating and improved legroom for a more relaxed ride. Equipped with first-in-segment safety features and smart driving aids such as hill-hold assist, the UDO aims to upgrade last-mile transport across India.

Farmers' body SKM has urged Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to push the Central Government for key farmer demands. These include a legal guarantee for Minimum Support Price for all crops and full procurement. The organization also called for a complete farm loan waiver and climate compensation for farmers.

A 72-year-old occult practitioner, Kamruddin, has been arrested for allegedly killing three individuals by offering them poison-laced ladoos during a ritual promising wealth. Kamruddin, a father of seven, lured victims with promises of financial gain, administered poison, and fled with their money. Kamruddin is also wanted in murder cases in Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh.

Tamil Nadu BJP chief Nainar Nagendran has accused the ruling DMK of making false promises. He joined striking nutritious meal and anganwadi workers, highlighting their unfulfilled demands. Nagendran assured the workers of BJP support. He stated the party will address their concerns once the NDA forms the government in the 2026 Assembly elections.

Responding to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin's remarks, Congress MP Manickam Tagore has challenged the idea that the Congress's call for a role in governance is a conspiratorial move. The Congress leader posted the one line message on social media.

Kennedy hits OTT on 20 February after premiering at Cannes in 2023. Dark, gritty, and intense perfect for fans of serious crime thrillers.

India is preparing to enhance its aerial prowess with the acquisition of 114 new Rafale fighter jets. This strategic purchase not only amplifies the operational capacity of the Indian Air Force but also signals a robust development of India's indigenous defense manufacturing. As regional security dynamics evolve, this move reinforces India's position while deepening defense cooperation with France.

The latest OTT releases this week (Feb 9-Feb 15) feature the high-stakes crime thriller Kohrra Season 2 on Netflix and the terrifying finale The Conjuring: Last Rites on JioHotstar. From Chiranjeevis Telugu hit Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu on ZEE5 to Vijay Sethupathis action-drama Kaattaan, here is your weekend binge guide.

German carmaker Mercedes-Benz reported Wednesday its lowest annual profit since the Covid pandemic, as it counted the cost of US tariffs and cutthroat competition in China. China, the world's largest car market, has become a battleground for German carmakers amid a brutal price war and fierce competition from local players like BYD and Geely.

British defence giant Rolls-Royce is set to boost its India operations. The company plans to double its workforce to 10,000 and increase local sourcing tenfold. This expansion includes co-developing a new combat jet engine. Rolls-Royce aims to make India a strategic home market, supporting national security and energy resilience.

A 33-year-old software engineer, recently returned from the US, has been arrested for allegedly murdering his parents in their Bengaluru villa. The incident reportedly stemmed from a heated argument over financial demands for his tech ventures. Neighbours rushed in after hearing screams but the couple was declared dead upon arrival at the hospital.

A young Hindu tea garden worker, Ratan Shuvo Kar, was found murdered with his hands and legs tied in northeast Bangladesh. This marks the second killing of a Hindu person in as many days ahead of the parliamentary elections. The body was discovered by locals, and an investigation is underway.

Veteran Doordarshan news anchor Sarla Maheshwari has passed away at the age of 71. Known for her calm delivery, precise pronunciation, and dignified on-screen presence, she was a respected figure in Indian news for nearly three decades. Her gentle voice and esteemed presentation earned her a special place in the hearts of viewers.

Word of the Day: Apodictic encourages readers to question how certainty is constructed. Not all strong statements are supported by proof, and not all proof requires dramatic emphasis.

Recently, a video went viral in which a woman was seen crying after her husband was not able to afford Rs 12,000 gift for her. In the video, the woman was sounding visibily upset and questioned her husband for not bringing the gift. Now, she has issued a clarification saying that the video was real and she was really emotional at that time.

India's textile and apparel sector is on the brink of a significant boost, as trade benefits similar to those enjoyed by Bangladesh will soon be applied to Indian exports of yarn and cotton, the Commerce Ministry said, as per reports.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will chair the Union Cabinet's final meeting at South Block on Friday. This marks the Prime Minister's Office's move to its new complex, Seva Teerth. The iconic North and South Blocks will be transformed into a national museum. This relocation signifies a new era in India's administrative architecture.

Grapes often carry pesticide residue and dirt. A simple cleaning routine can make them safer. Start with a rinse. Then, soak grapes in a baking soda solution to break down pesticides. A vinegar wash kills germs. Gently rub and dry the grapes. Proper storage prevents recontamination. Enjoy your clean, healthy grapes.

During his four-day visit to Australia, Israeli President Isaac Herzog addressed the Jewish community in Sydney, providing solace in the wake of an antisemitic incident. The visit coincided with Australias calls for accountability concerning an Israeli airstrike in Gaza that resulted in the tragic death of an Australian aid worker.

In Egypt researchers have found 2,000 year old Tamil-Brahmi inscriptions inside the royal tombs of the valley of the Kings. The researchers noted that one of the inscription specifically reads 'Cikai Korran vara kanta', which translates to 'Cikai Korran came and saw', mirroring the style of Greek tourist graffiti found in the same complex.

The government is reportedly not planning to move a privilege motion against Rahul Gandhi, despite his allegations against PM Modi and ministers concerning Epstein files. However, parts of Gandhi's speech may be expunged as the claims were not authenticated.

Vijay Mallya, based in the UK since 2016, has filed two petitions in the HC - one challenging an order declaring him as a fugitive economic offender and the other questioning the constitutional validity of the 2018 Act.

Arvind Kejriwal has withdrawn his petition challenging summonses from the Enforcement Directorate in the Delhi excise policy case. He stated he would pursue constitutional pleas later. The trial court had previously acquitted him in cases related to non-appearance. The ED plans to appeal the trial court's decision. Kejriwal is currently on interim bail in the money laundering case.

AI.com has been sold for $70 million in a cryptocurrency deal. This marks the largest publicly disclosed domain name sale. The buyer is Kris Marszalek. The seller, Arsyan Ismail, originally bought the domain for $100 in 1993. The transaction was completed in April 2025. AI.com was relaunched during Super Bowl LX, focusing on agentic AI.

Scientists now believe life began long before LUCA. Older organisms, now vanished, passed on vital genetic tools. These 'pre-LUCA' ancestors developed complex biological functions. LUCA inherited these innovations, becoming the foundation for all life. This discovery reshapes our understanding of life's origins on Earth.