The Economic Times

IRS tax refund 2026 update: IRS processed 20.6 million tax returns through February 6, down 12.3% year over year, while the average tax refund rose to $2,290, up 10.9%. The 2026 tax season started slower. Tax refunds are now arriving for early filers. E-file and direct deposit refunds usually come within 21 days. Paper tax returns can take six to eight weeks. Use Wheres My Refund? on IRS.gov to check refund status daily.

Zero new $1,390 stimulus check is approved for February 2026. The Internal Revenue Service confirms no new federal stimulus payment exists. Congress has not authorized any $1,390 IRS direct deposit. Viral posts about an IRS stimulus check 2026 are false. Current payments are regular tax refunds, Earned Income Tax Credit, or Child Tax Credit refunds. Always verify IRS payment status at IRS.gov to avoid tax scams.

Eighty-four-year-old Nancy Guthrie has been missing for 21 days in Tucson. The FBI and Pima County Sheriff confirm a suspected kidnapping. Doorbell camera footage shows a masked man. Blood DNA matched Nancy. Her pacemaker signal dropped minutes later. The suspect is 59 to 510, average build, facial hair. He may carry a backpack and handgun. Police now seek a Tucson man missing three weeks.

Millennials are changing how people invest money. They use mobile apps, start investing early, and take more risks like crypto. They also plan many income sources and choose investments based on their values. Experts say their biggest lesson is simple: use technology to invest easily, ignore daily market noise, stay disciplined, and focus on long-term financial growth.

Steam down: is Steam down right now? Steam is down right now. Over 18,000 users filed outage reports Friday, February 20, 2026. Cloudflare's server failure knocked out Steam's matchmaking, cloud sync, and store access globally. East Coast saw partial recovery by evening. West Coast delays continued. Valve issued no statement. Launch Steam in Offline Mode to keep playing locally until Steam servers fully recover.

The new $25,000 tip tax deduction applies from 2025 through 2028. File IRS Schedule 1-A to claim it. Only voluntary tips qualify. Income limits apply. Phaseout starts at $150,000 single and $300,000 joint. Maximum deduction is $25,000 per return. Mandatory gratuities do not qualify. Proper documentation is required. Payroll taxes still apply.

Ancient carvings unveil the stories of yesteryears, while today's graffitilike Cikai Korran's expressive words in Egyptmight serve as the historical chronicles of tomorrow. In an era dominated by digital interactions, tangible traces of our culture are fading. This street art could stand as a bridge, connecting us to future societies.

John Lennon's iconic lyrics, All we are saying is give peace a chance and Imagine all the people living life in peace, continue to resonate globally. These powerful messages, born from a turbulent era, fused art with activism, urging compassion over conflict.

President Donald Trump has ordered the release of government files concerning aliens and unidentified flying objects. This move follows his criticism of former President Barack Obama's remarks on extraterrestrial life. Trump stated the release is due to public interest. The Pentagon has found no evidence of alien visitation or government cover-ups. This development continues to fuel public fascination with UFOs.

Quote of the day by Rihanna: Rihanna's powerful words encourage listeners to follow their hearts and avoid settling. This philosophy, rooted in her own journey from Barbados to global superstardom, emphasizes authenticity over fear. Her career highlights include chart-topping hits, successful business ventures like Fenty Beauty, and her personal life.

India's government has launched a significant export promotion mission. Seven new measures aim to boost outbound shipments. These include credit assistance for e-commerce exporters and support for alternative trade instruments. The mission focuses on addressing key constraints for MSME export growth. It will simplify processes and enhance access to finance for businesses.

Despite an unbeaten run, India's T20 team has revealed vulnerabilities, including an opening batsman's struggles and diffidence against finger-spin. As they enter the Super Eights, challenges from South Africa's long boundaries and the West Indies' experienced bowling attack, alongside Zimbabwe's surprise package Muzarabani, will test their mettle.

India and the US are set to sign an interim trade deal in March, with implementation expected the following month. This agreement aims to boost bilateral trade and investments. US officials are scheduled to visit New Delhi for the signing. The deal is anticipated to benefit India's labour-intensive sectors and open new business avenues for exporters.

India's Production Linked Incentive scheme has disbursed over Rs 28,000 crore across 14 key sectors. This initiative has spurred significant investment, production, and job creation. The scheme has boosted domestic manufacturing, reducing reliance on imports, particularly in electronics and pharmaceuticals. It is driving growth in emerging areas like electric mobility and advanced manufacturing ecosystems.

What are Sections 232, 301 and 122 of different trade acts? President Trump announced a new 10% global tariff under Section 122 after the Supreme Court struck down some emergency tariffs. Sections 232 and 301 tariffs remain in place. These laws allow presidents to impose tariffs for national security or trade imbalance reasons.

A WalletHub study reveals major differences in property taxes across the U.S., indicating that homeowners in high-tax states like New Jersey and Illinois pay thousands more annually compared to low-tax states such as Hawaii and Alabama. Even renters feel the impact, as local taxes indirectly impact rental prices. The analysis uses median home values and tax payments to calculate effective property tax rates, providing a clear comparison nationwide.

Saudi Arabia could develop uranium enrichment facilities under a proposed nuclear agreement with the United States. This development raises concerns about nuclear proliferation, especially with ongoing tensions surrounding Iran's nuclear program. Previous US administrations also sought similar nuclear deals with the kingdom.

India has extended insurance cover for ships arriving at its ports. Four Russian insurance companies, including Soglasie and UGORIA, will now provide protection until March 20. This cover is crucial for vessels transporting valuable cargo like crude oil. Other Russian insurers have permissions extending to 2030 and 2029. UAE-based Sun UW MGA also received a similar extension.

President Trump announced a 10% global tariff under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, shifting from the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) after a Supreme Court ruling. This new measure, permitted for temporary import surcharges due to international payments problems, can last up to 150 days and be up to 15%.

The Supreme Court has delivered a surprising verdict, striking down President Trump's tariffs on imported goods. The justices concluded that he had exceeded his legal authority under a specific statute, which led to taxes on products from a range of countries, such as South Korea, Japan, and the European Union.

US stock market surging big today: The Dow Jones Industrial Average jumped 120 points to 49,515, while the S&P 500 rose 0.57% to 6,900 and the Nasdaq surged 0.85% to 22,875 in a strong US stock market rally today. Investors reacted to the Supreme Court blocking major Trump tariffs. Amazon stock gained over 2%. Nvidia stock climbed more than 1%. The Magnificent Seven stocks led gains as lower trade risk boosted tech and retail shares.

Kerala's inland waterways development reaches a milestone. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan will inaugurate the first phase of the Akkulam-Chettuva Water Way. This project is part of the West Coast Canal Renovation. It aims to boost logistics and tourism across the state. The inauguration will also feature the Chilakoor Tourism Project. Several other development initiatives will be launched.

What will happen to those concessions? The joint statement announced Zero tariff on many goods that the US will export to India; that India intends to import $500 billion worth of goods from the US; that India will not buy Russian oil; that India will address the non-tariff barriers to US goods, and so on. What will happen to those promises? An Indian team is now in the US to finalise the text of the Framework Agreement. What will the team do now?, P Chidambaram asked.

Seven individuals have filed complaints against the Chief Electoral Officer in West Bengal's South 24 Parganas district. They allege harassment during the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. A legislator claims thousands of names, predominantly Muslim, were recommended for deletion to disenfranchise voters.

The Supreme Court has ordered judicial officers to oversee the SIR process in Bengal. A meeting is set for Saturday to finalize arrangements. The court also allowed the publication of the voters' list by February 28, with supplementary lists to follow. Both Trinamool Congress and BJP have welcomed the verdict.

Uber Eats, Workday and Bet365 down and when will it be back up is trending as users report outages. Many say apps are not loading and services are not working. Reports show issues in the United States. Users see errors and failed loading. Companies have not confirmed full restoration timelines yet for users.

Trumps immediate response to the Supreme Court tariff ruling: $160 billion in tariffs vanished instantly following a landmark 6-3 Supreme Court ruling. The Court blocked President Trumps use of IEEPA for global trade taxes. In response, Trump signed a 10% global tariff under Section 122. He slammed disloyal justices as unpatriotic during a live briefing. This legal pivot targets a 150-day trade window. Markets now brace for massive federal refunds and renewed economic volatility.

The Rs 1 lakh crore Fund will see cities proposing different projects to the state government and then competing against each other to tap into this fund. The Centre has earmarked Rs 20,000 crore per year for the next five years. The state governments will match up the Centre's share and the remaining will be raised from the market, either as bank loans or through private participation or through municipal and citizen bonds.

Sibilance is a hissing sound in language. It occurs when 's', 'sh', or 'z' sounds repeat. This technique adds mood to poetry and affects clarity in public speaking. Sound engineers manage sibilance in audio. The word itself echoes its meaning. Understanding sibilance reveals the musicality of words beyond their literal sense.

A hardworking employee shared online that they felt very sad after not getting a promotion even after strong performance and extra training. The company chose another worker and hired someone from outside. This made the employee feel tired and unsure about their future there. Many people online advised them to explore new job options and understand their true career value.

Indian online money gaming companies face uncertainty after a betting ban. They are seeking government clarity on overseas investments and partnerships. Firms want to know if past investments are valid and if they can support foreign platforms. This clarity is crucial for their survival and future business beyond India's borders.

The Supreme Court upheld the Bombay High Court order, backing Mumbai Polices FIR against Rashmi Saluja and citing ample incriminating material gathered by the ED in the ESOP case.

New laws like the I-T Act and Labour Codes are creating uncertainty for employers. Companies face challenges in understanding new rules for compensation and data handling. These changes could alter salary structures and increase legal risks. Businesses are seeking expert advice to prepare for upcoming deadlines and ensure compliance with evolving regulations.

Among the seven districts across the Himalayan states, two districts are in J&K -- Kishtwar and Ramban. The IMD plans to instal four additional doppler weather radars and 34 automatic weather stations and snow gauges in J&K in addition to the existing three X-band radars in Srinagar, Jammu and Banihal.The new radars are proposed at Doda, Rajouri, Anantnag and Baramulla to strengthen early warning and weather service delivery, chief minister Omar Abdullah said.

President Donald Trump signals defiance after the Supreme Court struck down his tariff policy. He plans to use other legal avenues to advance his trade agenda. Trump announced immediate steps to impose a 10% global tariff and launch new investigations. This indicates a policy shift rather than a retreat, potentially leading to renewed trade tensions.

In a bold move aimed at increasing transparency, the Gujarat government is revamping its marriage registration process. Parents will now receive updates throughout the registration, fostering a more informed approach. A dedicated online portal will streamline this procedure, reinforcing the commitment to protect young women and uphold societal values.

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh activist Rajesh Kunte filed a complaint in the court alleging that the Congress leader, while speaking at a rally at Sonale village during the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, stated that the Sangh was behind the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi.

Trump reaction to Supreme Court tariff ruling: President Donald Trump reacted with fury after the Supreme Court declared his emergency tariffs unlawful. The ruling, delivered after a brief hearing, emphasized that presidential powers require clear congressional grants. This decision marks a significant setback for his trade policy.

Mid-career professionals often face unique challenges despite years of experience, advanced degrees, and a strong work ethic. Even highly skilled individuals can encounter career stagnation, unexpected setbacks, or limited opportunities as they navigate a competitive job market. Many struggle with age-related biases, niche skill requirements, or finding roles that match their expertise and seniority. With these challenges in mind, how can seasoned professionals adapt and thrive while continuing

The partnership between India and the UAE is evolving, moving past traditional investment opportunities into the vibrant realms of co-innovation and artificial intelligence. By exploring state-of-the-art computing technologies, establishing modern data centers, and developing AI-powered services, the two countries are on a mission to create a formidable UAE-India hub for future AI developments.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah confidently announced that the BJP administration in Assam has successfully put an end to unlawful infiltration over the last ten years. While campaigning for another five-year term, he vowed to rid the state of any remaining illegal infiltrators.

The Supreme Court struck down President Trump's global tariffs, ruling he exceeded his authority by invoking the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. Trump expressed deep disappointment and shame, calling the decision unpatriotic and alleging foreign influence. The ruling limits presidential trade power, though alternative legal routes may be explored.

In a significant development in defense collaboration, India has urged France to prioritize local production of weaponry linked to the Rafale fighter jets. This initiative seeks to enhance the 'Make in India' vision by fostering the domestic manufacturing of critical missiles such as the Meteor and SCALP.

In a bold statement at the World AI Impact Summit in Delhi, Youth Congress members staged a daring protest, shedding their shirts to symbolize transparency and accountability. Their demonstration was a reaction to Prime Minister Modi and the controversial India-US trade agreement. Armed with striking slogans and vibrant posters, the activists caught attention, though some were met with police detentions.

The Supreme Court has declined a public interest litigation. The plea sought a ban on establishing mosques named Babur or Babri Masjid. The court refused to entertain the petition. The petitioner subsequently withdrew the plea. The case highlighted concerns about naming religious structures after invaders.

The US Supreme Court has ruled against President Trump's trade tariffs. This decision could lead to over 175 billion dollars in refunds for collected duties. The court stated the President exceeded his authority in imposing these tariffs. This ruling impacts a key part of Trump's economic strategy. Businesses faced uncertainty and rising costs due to these tariffs.

What is ADIZ and why were Russian fighter jets spotted near Alaska? NORAD detected Russian Tu-95, Su-35, and A-50 aircraft in Alaska ADIZ. US responded with F-16 and F-35 jets. The aircraft stayed in international airspace. ADIZ helps identify aircraft before sovereign airspace entry. Such incidents happen regularly, officials confirmed Friday.