The Economic Times

Top hockey prospect Gavin McKenna faces a felony aggravated assault charge in State College following an alleged bar incident on January 31st. The Penn State freshman forward is also charged with misdemeanor simple assault and other offenses. The incident reportedly left an individual with a broken jaw, and McKenna faces significant penalties under Pennsylvania law.

Both sides would now work towards completing the technical details and finalising the paperwork for the trade deal so as to expeditiously unlock its potential, Goyal informed Parliament.

BlackRock CEO Larry Fink urges India to prioritize domestic capital markets over foreign inflows for sustained economic participation. He highlights India's advanced financial infrastructure, from digital payments to asset tokenization, as a strong foundation for growth. Fink also downplayed AI bubble concerns, emphasizing underinvestment risks, especially in the US, amidst China's progress.

Warburg Pincus: Outside US, India is the largest PE destination for the firm, having deployed more than $10 billion since 1996 in over 80 companies.

Quote of the Day: Pablo Picasso believed art was essential for survival, not just decoration. His quote, Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life, highlights creativity's restorative power. This insight reminds us that engaging with art is a vital human need, offering renewal and reconnecting us to elemental truths amidst life's routines.

Pizza Hut is set to close 250 underperforming U.S. locations in the first half of 2026 as parent company Yum! Brands conducts a strategic review. This move comes as the pizza chain faces declining same-store sales and struggles against competitors like Domino's. The closures represent about 3 percent of Pizza Hut's U.S. footprint.

Google's parent company, Alphabet, reported strong fourth-quarter earnings. Revenue surpassed expectations, driven by growth in Search, Ads, and Cloud services. While operating income saw a slight miss due to increased costs and investments, the company announced significant capital expenditure plans for 2025 and 2026. This signals a major focus on scaling AI infrastructure and data centers for future growth.

Quote of the day by Phil McGraw: Dr. Phil, emphasizes that healthy relationships require negotiation, not domination. Experts agree that communication styles, particularly avoiding threats and authority, are crucial for navigating disagreements. Effective partnerships involve ongoing conversations where both partners' needs are considered, fostering mutual understanding and deeper connection.

A spectacular total solar eclipse is coming on August 12, 2026. Greenland, Iceland, and Spain offer prime viewing spots. Experts call witnessing this event a life-changing experience. Bookings are essential as many plan years ahead. The path of totality is crucial for the full awe-inspiring spectacle. Don't miss this celestial marvel.

Global recession risk global recession risk: Global economic stability is at risk as BofA Securities warns a sharp US dollar decline could trigger recessionary shocks outside America. While central banks might intervene, a disorderly fall threatens trade and markets. Interestingly, the dollar is weakening despite stable US interest rates, suggesting a shift in its safe-haven status.

A 31-year-old unemployed man shared his career struggle on Reddit after failing to keep many jobs. He said poor performance, mistakes, and confusion at work ruined his confidence. With few skills and a tough job market, he asked for help. Internet users replied with practical, business-style advice on choosing simpler, structured work and planning a realistic career path.

President Donald Trump called his conversation with Chinese President Xi Jinping excellent. They discussed trade, energy, Taiwan, Iran, and Russia's war in Ukraine. Trump highlighted their strong personal relationship. China stressed Taiwan remains its top priority. Trump claimed China agreed to increase US soya bean purchases.

Promenade meaning: Promenade, meaning a leisurely walk in a public place for pleasure or display, captures a timeless human behavior. This classic word, borrowed from French, describes not just the act of walking but also the scenic paths where such strolls occur. It encourages a mindful, social experience, contrasting with hurried, functional walks.

Valentines Day is a time when online romance scams spike, targeting individuals searching for love or connection. Scammers often exploit feelings through dating apps or social media, asking for money, using AI-generated video calls, or presenting fraudulent investment opportunities. Fake subscription links providing premium access at low prices spread heavily, putting users at risk of identity theft and financial loss.

India and the Gulf Cooperation Council are set to sign terms for a free trade agreement. This marks a significant step towards a comprehensive trade pact. The agreement aims to boost bilateral trade between India and the GCC bloc. This development follows recent trade deals with the US and EU.

India's services sector showed strong growth in January. New orders and output increased, boosting activity. Manufacturing also saw gains. This positive trend signals sustained momentum. Businesses are optimistic about the future. Hiring resumed, though at a modest pace. Input and output prices rose moderately. Service providers are managing costs effectively.

West Bengal SIR: The poll panel pointed out that FIRs were yet to be filed against two Electoral Registration Officers (EROs), two Assistant EROs (AEROs) and a Data Entry Operator under Section 32 of the Representation of the People Act, 1950, along with relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.

Ladakh representatives met with the MHA in Delhi, engaging in heated discussions without reaching a conclusion. The MHA committed to another meeting within a month. Key demands for statehood, Sixth Schedule inclusion, and the release of Sonam Wangchuk were reiterated by the Apex Body Leh and Kargil Democratic Alliance.

Warburg Pincus leaders reflect on three decades in India, highlighting early successes and the evolving entrepreneurial landscape. They discuss navigating global economic complexities and the rise of AI. The firm emphasizes its consistent investment strategy and strong investor returns, focusing on value creation and partnering with talented entrepreneurs. India remains a key market for their continued growth and investment.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington. They discussed formalizing a partnership on critical minerals. Trade, energy, defense, and technology were also covered. The leaders agreed on early meetings to advance shared interests. A trade deal was welcomed, reducing US tariffs on Indian goods. Jaishankar also met Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.

Lawmakers are seeking to inject an additional $70 billion into the agency to support U.S. President Donald Trump's critical minerals push, the Financial Times reported.

Mickey Lolich was a legendary baseball pitcher for the Detroit Tigers. He became famous after his strong performance in the 1968 World Series. Known for his power and long innings, he set many team records and earned major awards. His career and life left a lasting mark on baseball and Tigers fans.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee appeared before the Supreme Court. She argued a petition challenging electoral roll revisions. Analysts say this positions her as a protector of her people's rights. She is the first CM to argue her case personally. Social media is highlighting her actions.

Lok Sabha proceedings were disrupted for the third consecutive day as Congress MPs demanded Rahul Gandhi be allowed to quote from an unpublished memoir concerning the 2020 India-China clashes. Gandhi alleged Prime Minister Modi's directive to the former Army chief was do what you deem appropriate, implying a failure of duty. The House saw multiple adjournments amid the ongoing protest.

The Supreme Court has directed the Election Commission of India to exercise greater caution when issuing notices for minor name discrepancies. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee argued against the special intensive revision process. The court assured that genuine voters would not be excluded. The hearing will continue next week.

The Supreme Court has directed all high courts to submit reports on pending bail applications. This action follows concerns over significant delays in hearing pleas for liberty. The court expressed disappointment with the lack of urgent listing for bail matters, emphasizing their importance. Before issuing mandatory guidelines, the court seeks detailed information on pendency from each high court.

The step by the Supreme Council for Media Regulation would see Egypt join several other countries - some in the Arab world - that have blocked or restricted the game. The ban will be coordinated with the National Telecommunications Regulatory Authority.

Bob Iger's leadership at Disney transformed the company. He acquired major entertainment franchises like Marvel and Lucasfilm. Iger also launched the successful streaming service Disney+. His strategy focused on owning content and finding new distribution methods. He is now handing over the reins to Josh D'Amaro.

Musk had argued the SEC engaged in selective enforcement and said the case infringed on his constitutional free-speech rights, among other claims.

Ryan Wesley Routh has been sentenced to life in prison for attempting to assassinate then-presidential nominee Donald Trump during a golf game in Florida. A Secret Service agent intervened, preventing any injuries. Routh, who represented himself, claimed his actions were a peaceful protest, but a federal jury convicted him of attempted assassination and firearm offenses.

Delivery of indigenous LCA Mk1a fighter jets faces further delays. Integration of avionics and final certifications are still pending. At least five jets are manufactured but not yet ready for induction. This program has seen multiple setbacks. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited is working to ramp up production. The Indian Air Force awaits these crucial aircraft.

The T20 World Cup begins Saturday in India and Sri Lanka. This tournament is expected to showcase future cricket stars. Five players to watch are Abhishek Sharma of India, Jacob Bethell from England, South Africa's Dewald Brevis, Afghanistan's Noor Ahmad, and New Zealand's Finn Allen. These talents are set to impress fans with their skills.

The New START treaty, which limits the number of nuclear warheads each side can deploy, expires on Thursday, formally releasing both Moscow and Washington from a raft of restrictions on their nuclear arsenals.

Anil Ambani, represented by senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, assured the top court that he will not leave the country without its prior nod when PIL petitioner and former bureaucrat EAS Sarma apprehended that he may flee.

Wealth quote by Alfred Marshall: The desire for wealth is not itself the desire for excellence, but it may be made compatible with excellence Alfred Marshalls insight reframes wealth beyond money, linking ambition to human excellence and long-term growth. Born during Britains industrial peak, he reshaped modern economics with data-driven thinking. His ideas explain inequality, productivity, and education returns today. Backed by GDP, labor, and policy data, the story connects 19th-century theory

EU inflation: Consumer prices rose 1.7% in January from a year earlier, slowing from the previous month and matching the median estimate in a Bloomberg survey. It was the weakest reading since September 2024.

Rajya Sabha leaders presented contrasting views on the Indo-US trade deal. JP Nadda hailed it as a historic economic achievement, boosting artisans and IT giants. Mallikarjun Kharge strongly opposed the deal, labeling it anti-farmer and predicting widespread protests. The debate also touched upon government spending, foreign policy, and the New Education Policy.

A public confrontation occurred between Rahul Gandhi and Union minister Ravneet Bittu near Parliament House. Gandhi called Bittu a traitor, and Bittu responded by calling Gandhi an enemy of the nation. The exchange, which went viral, involved a refused handshake. This incident gained political attention, particularly in poll-bound Punjab.

Army forces neutralized three Jaish-e-Mohammad terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir. Two infiltrators, including a top commander, were killed in Udhampur's Basantgarh forest. Arms and ammunition were recovered. In Kishtwar's Chatroo region, another terrorist was eliminated during an ongoing operation. The operations highlight continued efforts against terrorism in the region.

Michael Burry Bitcoin price (BTC USD) warning: Famed investor Michael Burry warns of a Bitcoin price crash triggering a 'death spiral'. He believes the digital currency is purely speculative. Further declines could strain corporate balance sheets and push Bitcoin miners toward bankruptcy. The crypto ecosystem faces potential lasting damage. This situation is unfolding now with significant implications.

Yumnam Khemchand Singh, a Meitei BJP leader, has been sworn in as the Chief Minister of Manipur. This development ends the President's rule in the state. Nemcha Kipgen, a Kuki-Zo BJP MLA, has taken oath as Deputy Chief Minister. Another Deputy Chief Minister, Losii Dikho, was also sworn in. The Kuki Inpi Manipur has rejected the new government's formation.

The phrase I dont wash my dirty linen in public is a timeless idiom highlighting discretion and privacy. It suggests handling personal issues, family conflicts, or workplace concerns quietly rather than sharing them publicly. Just as one wouldnt display dirty laundry for everyone to see, this phrase urges emotional intelligence, respect for oneself, and boundaries in social interactions.

Mark your calendars for the ET Now Global Business Summit 2026 in vibrant New Delhi on February 13-14. This event unites influential business leaders to dissect pivotal issues, including investment landscapes and corporate leadership dynamics.