The Economic Times

In a surprising development, Dr. Nasimul Gani, a known ideologue of Hizbut Tahrir, is set to take on the role of Cabinet Secretary in Bangladesh's interim government. This decision comes just before Tarique Rahmans official inauguration as Prime Minister. Gani's background invites scrutiny regarding potential implications for regional security, particularly with another aide, Mahfuz Alam, labeled as a HuT affiliate.

At least 175 people, predominantly children, fell ill after consuming contaminated food at a Mahashivratri fair in Jharkhand's Palamu district. Most patients experienced vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain, with 22 still undergoing treatment at the Panki Community Health Centre. The health department has deployed additional resources to manage the situation.

Veteran actor Robert Duvall has passed away at 95. He was celebrated for his diverse roles, including Colonel Kilgore in Apocalypse Now and Boo Radley in To Kill a Mockingbird. Duvall won an Oscar for Tender Mercies. His career spanned nearly 100 films, showcasing his talent in various characters. He also had a passion for tango and Argentina.

Heavy rain is battering New Zealand's South Island, causing widespread flooding, road closures, and landslides. A state of emergency has been declared on the Banks Peninsula near Christchurch, with some areas cut off and water supplies affected. The storm, which previously disrupted the North Island, is expected to continue with further heavy downpours.

A shooting at a Rhode Island hockey arena resulted in two deaths, including a young girl, and three injuries. The gunman died by suicide and reportedly targeted his family. Authorities are monitoring the situation, which occurred while two student teams were playing.

President Trump urged Ukraine to quickly reach a deal with Russia ahead of crucial Geneva talks brokered by the US. Previous US-mediated discussions in Abu Dhabi failed to achieve a breakthrough, with significant disagreements persisting over territorial concessions demanded by Moscow. Key negotiators from both nations are expected to attend the upcoming summit.

Quote of the day: Charles Baudelaires quote of the day, Always be a poet, even in prose, shows why his 1857 Les Fleurs du mal still influences writers in 2026. The collection reshaped modern poetry and literature. It introduced radical ideas about beauty, mood, and city life. Today, students, creators, and readers search his name for insight and inspiration. This line pushes people to bring art into everyday language and live with creative passion.

Three inmates escaped the Observation Home in R.S. Pura, Jammu, on Monday evening. The escapees include Karajeet Singh and two Pakistani nationals, Mohd Suna-ullah and Ahsan Anwar. During their escape, the inmates attacked and injured two on-duty policemen. Security has been heightened following the incident. Police have launched a manhunt and are conducting raids to apprehend the fugitives.

Bangladesh Nationalist Party chairman Tarique Rahman will be sworn in as Prime Minister on Tuesday. This marks a new political era after Sheikh Hasina's removal. India's Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla will attend the ceremony, highlighting strong bilateral ties. The oath-taking for MPs is scheduled for 9:30 am, with ministerial oaths at 4:00 pm.

Thomas Pritzker has resigned as executive chairman of Hyatt Hotels. He cited errible judgment for his continued contact with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell. Pritzker will not seek re-election to the board in 2026. He expressed deep regret for his association. The U.S. Justice Department's release of Epstein-related documents has revealed numerous prominent connections.

French President Emmanuel Macron has arrived in India for a three-day visit focused on bolstering artificial intelligence cooperation and strategic ties. He will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi to review bilateral progress and discuss global developments. The visit aims to translate the momentum from last year's AI summit in Paris into concrete outcomes in India.

President Donald Trump issued a stern warning to Iran regarding the repercussions of failing to reach an agreement ahead of upcoming talks in Geneva. Speaking aboard Air Force One, Trump indicated his indirect involvement in the negotiations, expressing confidence that Iran desires a deal to avoid negative consequences.

Surging gold and silver imports widened Indias January trade deficit to $34.68 billion. Imports jumped 19% while exports barely grew, with services offering limited relief amid weak global demand.

Nearly 50% of retirees already pay federal income tax on Social Security benefits. That share is rising in 2026. The Social Security tax thresholds remain frozen at $25,000 and $32,000 since 1984. They are not indexed for inflation. COLA increases and 401(k) withdrawals push combined income higher. Up to 85% of benefits can become taxable. This tax bracket creep quietly reduces net retirement income and strains Social Security trust fund projections.

Thousands were affected in the recent Amazon layoffs. A 47-year-old senior engineering manager lost his job after 11.5 years at Amazon. The tech layoffs reflect a tighter AI-driven job market. He is now focused on AI upskilling, engineering leadership roles, and career resilience. He applies weekly and builds hands-on AI projects. His story highlights job loss recovery, networking power, and mental strength in todays competitive tech hiring landscape.

Pawtucket Rhode Island shooting: Two people are dead, including the suspected gunman, and four others are hospitalized after a shooting today at Dennis M. Lynch Arena in Pawtucket, Rhode Island. Police say the gunfire erupted during a high school hockey game at the Pawtucket ice rink on February 16, 2026. Authorities confirmed no ongoing threat. The Rhode Island shooting remains under active investigation. One victim died at the scene. Four were taken to hospitals.

American Idol Season 24 release time, schedule and how to watch new episode tonight explains when Season 24 episode four airs on ABC and Hulu. Auditions end February 16, 2026. Hollywood Week starts February 23. Judges Lionel Richie, Luke Bryan, Carrie Underwood return. Ryan Seacrest hosts. Fans can watch live and streaming next day.

Robert Duvall net worth: Acting legend Robert Duvall died at 95 with a $70 million net worth. He passed away peacefully on February 15, 2026, in Virginia. His fortune grew from 142 acting credits and massive box office hits. The Godfather and Apocalypse Now star invested in vast real estate and his own production company. His wife, Luciana Pedraza, confirmed his death was from natural causes. Duvall's seven-decade career remains a Hollywood financial marvel.

Robert Duvall movies and TV shows: Robert Duvall built a 60+ year career with 90+ movie and TV credits before his death at 95. The Oscar-winning star of The Godfather and Apocalypse Now leaves behind one of Hollywoods most respected filmographies. From Tender Mercies to Lonesome Dove, Robert Duvall movies and TV shows shaped American cinema. His passing marks the end of a legendary era defined by awards, iconic roles, and lasting cultural impact.

Haruki Murakami's quote, Life is a lot more fragile than we think. So you should treat others in a way that leaves no regrets. Fairly, and if possible, sincerely, emphasizes the delicate nature of existence and the importance of mindful interactions.

Skiddoo is a slang verb that means to leave quickly or go away. It became popular in the early 1900s and is believed to come from the word skedaddle. Today, people use it in a fun or playful way. Even though it is an old word, many still understand it when someone says it.

Quote of the day by Thucydides: Ancient historian Thucydides' timeless wisdom connects happiness, freedom, and courage. His quote highlights that bravery is essential for achieving personal and political liberty. This profound insight, drawn from his analysis of war and human nature, remains relevant for modern challenges.

Robert Duvall cause of death: Acting legend Robert Duvall has died at 95. He passed away peacefully on February 15, 2026, at his home in Virginia. His wife, Luciana Pedraza, confirmed his death was from natural causes. The Oscar-winning star of The Godfather and Apocalypse Now leaves a $70 million legacy. Fans mourn the iconic Tom Hagen and Boo Radley actor. His seven-decade career remains a pillar of Hollywood cinema history.

India aims for strategic sovereignty through global integration. Leaders emphasize resilience without isolation. This involves diversified supply chains and trusted tech partnerships. India will build secure local digital infrastructure while shaping global standards. Talent development and innovation are key. India's future growth depends on intelligent interdependence and resilience-driven globalization.

A 57-year-old man in Torre Lapillo, Puglia, mistakenly threw away 20 gold bars worth approximately 120,000 while cleaning his home. Believing the tin container held ordinary trash, he discarded it in the domestic waste bin. Once the garbage truck had completed its route, he alerted Carabinieri, who initially doubted the story but confirmed it through surveillance footage.

The Delhi High Court has dismissed a petition challenging the Securities and Exchange Board of India's approval for the National Stock Exchange's initial public offering. Justice Jasmeet Singh stated the petition aimed to halt the exchange's IPO. The court found no grounds to interfere with Sebi's decision.

The Rookie Season 8 Episode 7 release time and how to watch is confirmed for February 16 on ABC and February 17 on Hulu. The Baja episode follows Harper and Lucy undercover. Nolan and Bailey face distance. Fans can stream on ABC, Hulu, and Moviesphere+. The episode also confirms Miles Penn survives the explosion and returns.

IRS holds $1.5 billion in unclaimed refunds. Your 2022 tax refund expires April 15, 2026. The IRS enforces a strict three-year window. After this date, money legally reverts to the U.S. Treasury. Military members get 180-day extensions after combat zone service. This olls the refund clock. Overseas troops get automatic June 15 filing deadlines. File Form 4868 now. Protect your 2026 tax assets.

A manager's vague complaint about disappearing staff led an employee to meticulously report every bathroom break and coffee run via Teams. This act of malicious compliance highlighted the unclear directive, prompting the manager to drop the issue after a pointed exchange about professionalism. The situation underscores how vague expectations can lead to unintended consequences.

The Supreme Court has sent petitions challenging parts of the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, and its rules to a five-judge bench. The court will not halt the Act's enforcement for now. Petitioners argue amendments weaken transparency and the Right to Information Act. The case involves fundamental rights and seeks to balance privacy with public access to information.

The Bombay High Court has disposed of an anticipatory bail application filed by Future Group non-executive director Sunil Biyani. The court noted the plea was premature as no arrest order was issued. However, Biyani received limited protection.

Think & Learn, the parent company of BYJU's, has approached the Supreme Court. They seek to stop Aakash Educational Services from moving forward with a 140 crore rights issue tranche. The Supreme Court will hear the plea on Tuesday. This legal battle concerns the allotment of shares in the rights issue.

Enforcement Directorate has taken cognisance of a chargesheet in a bank loan fraud case. A Delhi court has issued notices to Videocon Group promoter Venugopal Dhoot and others. The case involves alleged diversion of funds meant for oil and gas assets. The agency has quantified the alleged proceeds of crime. The money laundering case stems from a CBI FIR.

A post on Reddit says many job resumes fail because ATS systems cannot read them properly. A man tested resume software for months and found small mistakes like wrong keywords, fancy designs, and bad formats can hide applications. The main lesson is simple: job seekers must make resumes easy for ATS to read so recruiters can actually see them.

AI hard drive shortage 2026: Hard drive prices are set to climb. Western Digital, a major manufacturer, has sold all its storage capacity for 2026. This surge is driven by AI companies needing vast amounts of hardware. Top clients have secured multi-year deals, leaving little for regular buyers. Consumers can expect ongoing shortages and higher costs.

In a groundbreaking operation, Raipur police have detained six suspects allegedly involved in a cheating scheme for the GATE exam. Investigators suspect this group was part of a larger network spanning several states, possibly facilitating cheating in other national assessments as well. Recovery of electronic devices has unveiled WhatsApp messages hinting at their elaborate setup.

India's wholesale inflation reached a 10-month peak of 1.81 percent in January. This rise was fueled by higher costs for food, non-food articles, and manufactured goods. Retail inflation also saw its first reading under a new series. Economists noted a gradual increase in inflation since October 2025. The core WPI segment showed a significant jump.

In a sweeping crackdown, the Enforcement Directorate has launched an investigation into 234 cybercrime cases, ranging from illicit online betting to deceptive cryptocurrency schemes and predatory loan applications. The total illicit gains are estimated to exceed 34,855 crore, leading to the attachment of properties valued at 12,230 crore.

$200 million is now available for California first-time homebuyers under the Dream For All down payment assistance program reopening February 24. Eligible first-generation buyers can receive up to $150,000 through a state-backed shared appreciation loan. Applications close March 16. Selection happens by lottery. Income limits apply. Repayment includes 15% to 20% of home value gains. The program targets Californias housing affordability crisis and rising median home prices.

India is preparing to create 'champion' public sector companies. These firms will boost economic growth and technology. The goal is to help India become a developed nation by 2047. These companies will get more freedom in decisions and talent hiring. They will use new technologies for better performance. This initiative aims to strengthen India's strategic role globally.

In an extraordinary step, the Election Commission of India has suspended seven Assistant Electoral Registration Officers in Bengal due to allegations of serious misconduct. Accusations include the abuse of their official authority and the unauthorized upload of critical documents. As a result, disciplinary proceedings have been initiated, requiring resolution within half a year.

You can close your eyes to the things you dont want to see, but you cant close your heart to the things you dont want to feel this quote by Johnny Depp delves into the contrast between avoidance and emotional reality. While people can choose not to see painful situations, emotions remain to exist beneath the surface. The message emphasizes how feelings are instinctive and impossible to fully suppress. It reflects daily experiences of denial, love, loss, and emotional conflict.

President Trump vowed most severe federal penalties for those responsible for kidnapping Nancy Guthrie, mother of NBC's Savannah Guthrie. He indicated the Justice Department would seek the death penalty if she is killed. The FBI is investigating, with recent findings including gloves that may match the suspect in surveillance footage.

At the India AI Impact Summit 2026, Akash Ambani showcased Reliance Jio Infocomm Limiteds AI ecosystem to Narendra Modi.The presentation highlighted Jio AI Stack as the backbone of scalable AI integration. Key platforms spanned healthcare, education, cultural preservation and smart homes. Initiatives like Jio Sanskriti AI and Jio Arogya AI underscored sector-focused innovation. The summit reinforced Indias growing focus on indigenous AI development.