The Economic Times

Apple is set to manufacture iPhones in Pakistan. The government will offer incentives under a new framework. Apple will also refurbish iPhones for re-export. This move is expected to bring significant investment and boost local manufacturing. The government aims to make Pakistan a regional hub for electronics exports.

WMT stock drops after Walmart earnings: Walmart shares saw a dip despite a robust holiday quarter. The retail giant reported impressive revenue growth and a significant jump in online sales. However, its outlook for the next fiscal year fell slightly short of Wall Street's predictions. This cautious forecast led to the stock's decline in premarket trading.

Macron at the AI Summit said India and France are forging a special global strategic partnership. This collaboration deepens defence and technology ties. A key development is India's plan to procure 114 Rafale fighter jets. Co-production under 'Make in India' will be central. France also seeks joint ventures in submarines, engines, and helicopters. This marks a new era of long-term strategic alignment.

The DMDK has joined the DMK, a move that impacts the NDA's strategy for the upcoming Assembly elections. The BJP had been working to unite parties against the ruling DMK. Premalatha Vijayakanth stated the decision aims to protect public trust. The AIADMK had offered a Rajya Sabha seat.

Aristotle's wisdom highlights that true education involves critically evaluating ideas without immediate acceptance or rejection. In today's information-saturated world, this principle encourages thoughtful reflection over impulsive reactions. It fosters open-mindedness, independent thinking, and intellectual maturity, crucial for navigating diverse viewpoints and combating misinformation.

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the former Prince Andrew, has been arrested by U.K. police. The arrest is on suspicion of misconduct in public office. Police are conducting searches at addresses in Berkshire and Norfolk. The man remains in police custody. An investigation into the allegation has been opened. Updates will be provided at the appropriate time.

In the vibrant tapestry of Indian society, senior citizens are stepping into roles that exemplify their wealth of knowledge and experience. Eager to stay active, many seek avenues to impart their skills to younger generations. Despite their profound contributions, there remains a gap between perception and reality, often undermining their potential.

Prince Andrew has returned a prestigious Norwegian royal order. He received the Order of St. Olav in 1988. This comes after recent allegations of misconduct in public office. King Charles had previously removed Andrew's royal titles. Norway's palace has not commented on the reason for the return.

Russia's February oil and gas revenue is projected to nearly halve to 410 billion roubles, primarily due to a stronger rouble and lower oil prices. Despite this decline, monthly revenue is expected to rise from January due to a damper payment. Overall revenue for January-February is anticipated to be 800 billion roubles.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh urged global cooperation to address maritime challenges. Exercise MILAN 2026 in Visakhapatnam brings together 74 nations. The event aims to enhance interoperability and build trust among navies. India's MAHASAGAR vision guides this collaborative approach. The exercise focuses on strengthening professional relationships and ensuring a secure maritime future for all.

The 777 rule is a popular relationship guideline designed to help couples prioritize time together. It suggests weekly dates, short trips every seven weeks, and longer vacations every seven months. Experts say the rule encourages intentional connection, novelty, and shared experiences, helping couples avoid drifting apart. However, its not a strict formula, and rigid adherence can create pressure or guilt. Its true value lies in presence, attention, and emotional engagement.

Zoho founder Sridhar Vembu pointed to Sriram Krishnan's global tech success as a reason for India's brain drain. Krishnan, identified early for his programming skills, built a career at Microsoft, Twitter, Facebook, and Yahoo. He also entered venture capital and advised on artificial intelligence. His journey began in Chennai, showcasing the potential lost to other nations.

Britain's King Charles has learned with deep concern about the arrest of his brother, former Prince Andrew. The King stated that the law must take its course. An investigation into the suspicion of misconduct in public office will now proceed. The appropriate authorities will handle the full, fair, and proper process.

Manchester United co-owner Avram Glazer is reportedly making a bid for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru cricket team. The offer is around $1.8 billion. Other potential buyers include Blackstone, Carlyle, and Indian tycoons. Diageo, the current owner, is seeking to sell part or all of the franchise. The Glazer family has previously shown interest in cricket investments.

Inherited IRA tax rules: Recent IRS changes mandate beneficiaries to empty inherited IRAs within 10 years, with exceptions for certain individuals. Failing to take Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) can result in significant penalties. Traditional IRA withdrawals are taxed as ordinary income, while Roth IRA withdrawals are tax-free if the account is at least five years old.

Many taxpayers may face refund delays this tax season because the IRS is changing how it sends money. Direct deposit is now the main method, and paper checks are being stopped. If bank details are missing or wrong, refunds can get frozen for weeks. To avoid delays, taxpayers should give correct bank information and check their IRS account regularly.

Wells Fargo will pay $56.85 million to settle a class-action lawsuit alleging credit score harm due to misreported COVID-19 mortgage forbearances. The settlement, awaiting court approval on April 17, aims to compensate eligible California homeowners who received a CARES Act forbearance and had their accounts inaccurately reported.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Netherlands Prime Minister Dick Schoof. The meeting occurred during the India AI Impact Summit in New Delhi. Schoof highlighted India's artificial intelligence boom. He emphasized international cooperation for AI development. Middle powers can bridge gaps between the Global North and South. The summit brings together global experts.

President Trump hosts a global meeting for his Board of Peace. The focus is on rebuilding Gaza and forming an international security force. Over two dozen nations are attending. Some countries remain hesitant about the initiative. Discussions will also cover disarming Hamas. The plan aims for lasting peace in the region.

Canberra, Australia defeated India by 19 runs in the second Women's T20 International, leveling the three-match series at 1-1. Georgia Voll's 88 and Beth Mooney's 46 set a record opening partnership, guiding Australia to 163/5. India's chase fell short at 144/9 despite contributions from their top order.

According to the Ministry of Defence release, RTRS is a specialised dynamic test facility being used extensively for high-speed aerodynamic and ballistic evaluations.

Ramadan 2026 is set to begin in India on February 19, with the first Roza observed on this date. Muslims will commence their pre-dawn Sehri meal at approximately 5:36 AM and break their fast with Iftar at 6:15 PM. The sacred month is expected to conclude around March 20, leading to Eid al-Fitr.

Dal, or lentils, is a staple in Indian households and is not only nutritious but also versatile. Packed with protein, fibre, and essential nutrients, dal can be transformed into a variety of tasty snacks.

Why are BTC, ETH and XRP prices down today and will Bitcoin, Ethereum and Ripple finally rise or continue to fall? The crypto market declined after Federal Reserve policy signals, stronger dollar, liquidations and macro uncertainty. Bitcoin, Ethereum and XRP fell. Investors now watch inflation data, Fed rate outlook and liquidity conditions to predict crypto market recovery or further decline.

Gurugram-based MeMeraki, a startup championing traditional Indian art, has secured 1 crore funding on Shark Tank India from four investors for a 4% equity stake. The company, which connects over 500 artisans with global customers, plans to use the investment to enhance its technology, expand enterprise collaborations, and improve artisan training, aiming to scale its unique model for cultural projects.

Karnataka has reached the Ranji Trophy final after an 11-year wait. They secured their spot by earning a first-innings lead in their semifinal match against Uttarakhand. Karnataka will now face Jammu and Kashmir in the title clash. This marks a significant achievement for Karnataka, who last won the title in the 2014-15 season.

Assam Chief Minister Biswa Sarma joined daily wages of tea garden workers in the state if the ongoing negotiations with stakeholders become fruitful.

Jerry Seinfeld's iconic quote, If a book about failures doesn't sell, is it a success? delves into the paradox of success and failure. It highlights how the outcome of a venture can ironically reflect its subject matter, prompting a reevaluation of how we define achievement and recognize the inherent value and lessons within perceived failures.

Indian spices are transcending their role as mere ingredients, becoming cultural storytellers on global dining tables. Chefs are now using India's rich spice heritage to narrate regional stories, memories, and traditions, offering a deeper connection between food and identity to international audiences.

Airbus is reducing its aircraft production targets. This is due to engine supply problems from Pratt & Whitney. Airbus plans to enforce its contractual rights. The company has also tempered its financial guidance for 2026. This situation impacts the global aviation industry. Airbus aims to stabilise production at 75 jets per month by 2027.

Google CEO Sundar Pichai hailed AI as the iggest platform shift of our lifetimes at the India AI Impact Summit, envisioning hyper progress for emerging economies. He highlighted AI's role in scientific breakthroughs like AlphaFold and Google's significant investments in India, including a coastal AI hub.

Filmmaker Vikram Bhatt received bail. India's AI Summit saw Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw unveil new commitments. An earthquake struck Iran, and a gas leak in Karachi caused fatalities. Eight skiers died in a California avalanche. Harmanpreet Kaur became the most capped player in women's cricket. Moderna's flu shot faces FDA review. Bank of America offers art consulting.

A former British prince, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, has been arrested by Thames Valley Police on suspicion of misconduct in public office. The investigation centers on allegations of sharing trade information with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein in 2010. This development follows years of controversy surrounding his association with Epstein and comes after the prince stepped back from royal duties.

New research from JPMorganChase Institute reveals that tariffs paid by midsized U.S. businesses tripled last year, forcing companies to absorb costs through higher prices, reduced hiring, or lower profits. This indicates significant economic disruption from the Trump administration's trade policies, with some businesses shifting supply chains away from China.

Germany may buy more American F-35 fighter jets. This comes as a joint fighter jet project with France faces significant challenges. The potential purchase signals a shift in Germany's defense strategy. The F-35s will eventually replace older Tornado jets. The future of the Franco-German project remains uncertain.

Why are gold and silver prices rising now and will precious metals hit new highs or fall back? Gold and silver prices increased as US Iran tensions, Federal Reserve policy outlook, inflation expectations, and interest rate decisions influenced demand. Investors tracked economic data and supply levels to understand precious metals outlook and future price direction.

The Union government has reduced the number of districts affected by Left Wing Extremism to seven. This development aligns with the goal to end the Naxal menace by March 2026. A recent review by the Ministry of Home Affairs led to this new classification. The government continues its efforts to address security and development in these regions.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the MANAV vision for AI, emphasizing a human-centric approach focused on morality, accountability, national sovereignty, accessibility, and validity. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh criticized the acronym, calling it an Acronym Infection. Modi asserted India's belief in democratizing AI for global welfare, not fearing it but seeing opportunity.

Ex-Prince Andrew arrested: Former British royal Prince Andrew, born Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, has been arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office, marking a dramatic turn in the controversy surrounding his ties to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein.

A major GST evasion scam has been uncovered in India's restaurant sector. AI analysis of billing data revealed suppressed sales worth thousands of crores. The Income Tax Department's investigation found widespread manipulation of sales records. This probe, spanning several financial years, highlights significant tax evasion. The scale of the scam suggests potential evasion could be much larger across the industry.

Tamil Nadu elections: DMDK's move came amidst reports that the opposition AIADMK was also actively wooing the party to its led NDA. Key NDA constituent BJP slammed DMDK, saying while it has boarded a sinking ship, Vijayakanth's athma (soul) will not forgive the party for forging ties with the DMK.

In an exciting leap for Earth observation, Bengaluru's GalaxEye is set to unveil Mission Drishti. Armed with NVIDIA's Jetson Orin technology, this satellite will provide swift data analysis of our planet.

Siddharth Prasad, who represents the Election Commission in the court, said the petitions have been filed by losing candidates from respective constituencies, and notices were being issued to respondents.

Olympic villages in Milano Cortina have restocked condoms after an early shortage, with organizers confirming higher-than-anticipated demand. This long-standing tradition, aimed at promoting athlete well-being, saw initial supplies depleted rapidly. Officials assured continuous replenishment until the Games conclude on February 22nd, with athletes noting similar trends at past events.