Weekly News Platter
The Economic Times

Weekly News Platter

7 Feb, 2026, 04:55PM IST, PTI
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In case you had a busy week, these are the top stories you need to get caught up to speed...
What India gave the US to seal a $500 billion interim trade dealWhat India gave the US to seal a $500 billion interim trade deal
India has granted the US selective market access under a new trade agreement, allowing duty-free entry for products like animal feed, certain wines, and computer components. This calibrated approach aims to boost trade and economic growth while carefully protecting domestic industries and ensuring benefits for its citizens. Read more
Bullion’s biggest selloff: How macro shocks triggered a healthy correction in gold, silverBullion’s biggest selloff: How macro shocks triggered a healthy correction in gold, silver
Gold and silver saw their sharpest selloff in months as macro shocks, including a stronger US dollar, CME margin hikes and profit booking, triggered a technical correction. Experts say the fall reflects a healthy reset rather than weakening fundamentals, with long-term demand for bullion remaining intact. Read more
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RBI ‘very comfortable’ with gold loan exposure despite sharp volatility in prices, says Guv Sanjay MalhotraRBI ‘very comfortable’ with gold loan exposure despite sharp volatility in prices, says Guv Sanjay Malhotra
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has expressed comfort regarding outstanding gold loans in the financial system, despite recent price volatilities. Governor Sanjay Malhotra stated that loan-to-value ratios are well below prescribed norms, mitigating concerns about potential borrower defaults. Reviews of MSME and personal loans also indicated good asset quality. Read more
India-US trade deal's next big reveal is coming in 4-5 days with a joint statementIndia-US trade deal's next big reveal is coming in 4-5 days with a joint statement
India and the United States are set to release a joint statement on their proposed trade agreement in the coming days. The first part of this deal is nearly complete. Discussions between New Delhi and Washington are moving forward steadily. This initial agreement represents a significant step in enhancing economic relations between the two nations. Read more
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India to restrict Russian oil buy, import only where supplies are irreplaceable: SourcesIndia to restrict Russian oil buy, import only where supplies are irreplaceable: Sources
India will reduce its purchases of Russian crude oil. This is part of a new trade agreement with the United States. The deal lowers tariffs on Indian goods entering the US. In return, India will buy more US energy and other products. Refiners will continue current Russian oil imports but will not place new orders. Read more
100 Reliances, $30 trillion: That's Mukesh Ambani’s India bull case100 Reliances, $30 trillion: That's Mukesh Ambani’s India bull case
Reliance Chairman Mukesh Ambani envisions India capturing $30 trillion in new value over three decades, driven by technology and entrepreneurship. He highlighted the nation's path to energy self-reliance and the crucial role of channeling household savings into productive investments to foster wealth creation. Read more
Confused about income tax deduction on pre-EMI interest? Budget 2026 brings clarity on Rs 2 lakh home loan deductionConfused about income tax deduction on pre-EMI interest? Budget 2026 brings clarity on Rs 2 lakh home loan deduction
Budget 2026 brings clarity on home loan tax deductions. Prior-period interest on home loans is now explicitly included within the Rs 2 lakh deduction limit for self-occupied properties. This amendment aligns the new Income Tax Act with previous rules. Taxpayers can now understand the total interest deduction cap more clearly. The overall tax benefit for most homeowners remains unchanged. Read more
Next 20-25 years will be era of India, says BlackRock CEO Larry FinkNext 20-25 years will be era of India, says BlackRock CEO Larry Fink
India is poised for significant growth over the next two decades. BlackRock CEO Larry Fink anticipates an 'Era of India' with annual economic expansion between 8-10 percent. He highlighted the country's strong domestic foundation and the potential for foreign investment. Fink encouraged both foreign and domestic investors to participate in India's long-term growth story, emphasizing the importance of capital markets. Read more
Bangladesh on edge: Protesters try to seize Yunus residence before first post-Hasina election, echoing 2024 flightBangladesh on edge: Protesters try to seize Yunus residence before first post-Hasina election, echoing 2024 flight
Dhaka unrest: Thousands of protestors stormed the Chief Adviser's residence in Dhaka. They demanded justice for Osman Hadi and immediate pay scale implementation. This unrest occurred just days before Bangladesh's national elections. Police used force to disperse the crowd. The situation raises concerns about the upcoming polls. Read more
ICC Men's T20 World Cup Cheer: Gig workers turn MVP off the fieldICC Men's T20 World Cup Cheer: Gig workers turn MVP off the field
Host cities are experiencing a significant rise in temporary jobs for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup. Sectors like hospitality and food services are seeing increased demand. Staffing firms estimate hundreds of thousands of short-term roles will be created. Hiring has accelerated since late last year, with specific cities showing higher demand for different services. Read more
IIT PhDs now in demand as corporates seek top talent for high-end R&D rolesIIT PhDs now in demand as corporates seek top talent for high-end R&D roles
R&D jobs: It is the result of the institutes boosting in-house R&D to develop innovative and competitive products, said professors at the IITs including Kharagpur, Kanpur, Guwahati, Roorkee and BHU. Read more
Not ICC, not India but this hidden threat can 'kill' Pakistan's World Cup chance after match boycottNot ICC, not India but this hidden threat can 'kill' Pakistan's World Cup chance after match boycott
Pakistan’s T20 World Cup campaign is facing a "double-death" scenario. While their government-mandated boycott of the India match has already cost them 2 points, and a 'hidden threat' is found in their opening game against the Netherlands that could leave them with a maximum of 5 points. This "hidden" threat, combined with a devastating Net Run Rate penalty from the forfeit, has turned their tournament into an almost impossible survival mission. Read more
Indian Army drops colonial-era names, renames 246 roads, buildings and facilities nationwideIndian Army drops colonial-era names, renames 246 roads, buildings and facilities nationwide
The Indian Army is removing colonial names from 246 roads, buildings, and facilities. This initiative honors India's heroes and military traditions. Many British-era names are being replaced with those of gallantry awardees and distinguished leaders. This move strengthens an identity rooted in India's history and ethos. Read more
India drops small car concession in new fuel emission rulesIndia drops small car concession in new fuel emission rules
India has scrapped a planned concession for small cars in upcoming fuel-efficiency rules after automakers argued it would unfairly benefit Maruti Suzuki. The revised rules tighten parameters for all manufacturers, increasing pressure to ramp up electric and hybrid car sales and aiming for steeper emissions reductions. Read more
India to introduce risk-based deposit insurance premiums for banks from April 1India to introduce risk-based deposit insurance premiums for banks from April 1
Banks in India will soon pay deposit insurance based on their risk profile. The Reserve Bank of India is introducing a new system from April 1. This replaces the old flat fee. Stronger banks will pay lower premiums. This change aims to encourage better risk management. The new framework considers factors like capital and asset quality. Read more
Islamabad blast: Suicide bombing at Shia mosque kills 31, injures 170 in PakistanIslamabad blast: Suicide bombing at Shia mosque kills 31, injures 170 in Pakistan
A suicide bombing at a Shi'ite Muslim mosque in Islamabad on Friday killed at least 30 people and injured over 160. Security forces confirmed a suicide attacker was responsible for the blast, which remains under investigation. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack. Read more
India successfully test-fires Agni-III ballistic missileIndia successfully test-fires Agni-III ballistic missile
Agni 3 missile: India achieved a significant milestone in its missile program. The Agni-III intermediate-range ballistic missile was successfully test-fired on February 6, 2026. The launch from the Integrated Test Range met all objectives. This validated the missile's operational and technical capabilities. The Ministry of Defence confirmed the successful test. Read more
MM Naravane’s book 'Four Stars of Destiny' cited by Rahul Gandhi disappears from Amazon, FlipkartMM Naravane’s book 'Four Stars of Destiny' cited by Rahul Gandhi disappears from Amazon, Flipkart
A book by former Army chief General M.M. Naravane, used by Rahul Gandhi in Parliament, was not found on major online platforms. Gandhi quoted the book regarding the Ladakh standoff. He alleged Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave him a free hand. Gandhi also stated Naravane felt alone during the crisis. The book's unavailability and Gandhi's claims remain unaddressed. Read more
Pakistan Army downplays casualties in Balochistan fiasco to safeguard Asim MunirPakistan Army downplays casualties in Balochistan fiasco to safeguard Asim Munir
Pakistan's military claims a successful counter-terrorism campaign in Balochistan, reporting 216 terrorists killed while downplaying significant losses from a recent BLA attack. Defense Minister Khawaja Asif admitted the BLA is better equipped, raising concerns for China and the US regarding their investments in the region's resources. Read more
Physical attack on Narendra Modi? Om Birla asked PM to skip Lok Sabha speechPhysical attack on Narendra Modi? Om Birla asked PM to skip Lok Sabha speech
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla revealed he advised Prime Minister Narendra Modi to stay out of the House. This decision followed unexpected and unprecedented conduct by Congress members during Wednesday's proceedings. Birla stated he had information about Congress MPs planning to approach the Prime Minister in an unexpected manner. He personally witnessed the developments. Read more

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