| |
 |
|
Weekly News Platter |
|
14 Feb, 2026, 05:02PM IST, PTI |
|
|
|
| |
Hello Reader,
In case you had a busy week, these are the top stories you need to get caught up to speed...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Uday Kotak appointed as chairman of GIFT City by Gujarat govt |
| The Gujarat government has appointed Uday Kotak as chairman of Gujarat International Finance Tec-City Company Ltd (GIFT City), according to an ET Now report. Kotak, founder of Kotak Mahindra Bank, led the group’s growth into a diversified financial services firm and earlier headed a SEBI committee on corporate governance reforms. Read more |
|
|
 Bangladesh's BNP wins big in historic parliamentary election |
| Bangladesh election result: A clear outcome had been seen as crucial for stability in the Muslim-majority country of 175 million after months of deadly anti-Hasina unrest disrupted everyday life and hit major industries, including the apparel sector in the world's second-largest garment exporter. Read more |
 |
|
|
|
|
 High personal income tax collection does not mean middle class being suppressed: Sitharaman |
| Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman stated that high personal income tax collection does not indicate suppression of the middle class. She highlighted evidence of middle-class expansion. Sitharaman emphasized the Budget's focus on a self-reliant India and urged state participation in announced schemes. She countered claims of welfare scheme expenditure cuts, noting unspent funds were lower than in the past. Read more |
|
|
|
 Reliance wins US licence for Venezuelan oil, sources say |
| Reliance Industries can now buy Venezuelan oil directly. The US has issued a special license. This move aims to boost Venezuela's oil exports. It will also lower crude costs for Reliance. This helps replace Russian oil supplies. Reliance previously stopped buying Venezuelan oil due to sanctions. This new license allows them to resume purchases. Read more |
|
|
|
|
 M K Stalin's Rs 5,000 payout draws opposition criticism |
| Opposition leaders of Tamil Nadu slam Chief Minister M.K. Stalin for his early morning declaration of a Rs 5,000 payout aimed at women beneficiaries. They termed it as a sign of election fatigue and fear of imminent defeat in the upcoming 2026 Assemblt polls. Read more |
|
|
 India seizes three tankers in first action against dark fleet |
| India's Coast Guard has seized three tankers near Mumbai. These vessels were reportedly involved in oil smuggling. This action marks a significant step by India against the so-called dark fleet. The seized ships are known for frequently changing their identities. This move aligns with global efforts to curb illicit oil trade. Further investigations are underway. Read more |
|
|
|
|
 50 new airports in 5 years to fuel realty growth: K. Rammohan Naidu |
| India will add 50 new airports in the next five years. This expansion will create significant opportunities for the real estate sector. The government is addressing building height restrictions near airports. India's aviation market is growing rapidly. The real estate sector is projected to reach one trillion dollars by 2030. Read more |
|
|
 McDonald's India outlet gets regulatory warning over rotten tomatoes, reused oil |
| Indian food safety officials have issued a warning to a McDonald's outlet in Jaipur. Inspectors found cooking oil unfit for consumption and rotten tomatoes. Samples were seized for testing. The outlet has 14 days to correct its practices. Further inspections of other McDonald's outlets in the city are planned. This incident highlights food safety concerns. Read more |
|
|
 UBS opens new global capability centre in Hyderabad, plans 3,000 jobs over two years |
| Swiss bank UBS has opened a new Global Capability Centre in Hyderabad. The company plans to hire nearly 3,000 professionals over the next two years. This expansion highlights Hyderabad's growing importance as a global hub for financial technology and operations. The new facility signifies UBS's long-term commitment to India and its confidence in the city's talent pool and infrastructure. Read more |
|
|
 America planning more defence sales to India: Top US official |
| The U.S. aims to expand defense sales to India, viewing it as a vital strategic partner. A recently signed ten-year defense framework and trade deal are set to deepen bilateral ties, improve interoperability, and boost American jobs through potential weapons system purchases and energy agreements. Read more |
|
|
 RERA should be abolished if it helps only builders, says Supreme Court |
| The Supreme Court strongly criticized the Real Estate Regulatory Authority, RERA. Judges suggested abolishing the institution, stating it only helps defaulting builders. The court allowed Himachal Pradesh to shift its RERA office to Dharamshala. This decision is subject to a pending High Court case. The court noted people are disappointed with RERA's performance. Read more |
|
|
|
|
 Air India, IndiGo seek easing of proposed cabin crew fatigue rules |
| India's top airlines, IndiGo and Air India, are urging the government to ease new fatigue rules for cabin crew. They warn the proposals could disrupt flight schedules and hinder growth. The rules include more rest time and single hotel rooms for crew. Airlines argue these changes go beyond global standards and could impact competitiveness. Read more |
|
|
 US can't keep Indians out even with $100,000 H-1B fee |
| A proposed $100,000 fee on employers for each H-1B hire may not significantly reduce demand for foreign skilled workers, according to a study by economist George Borjas. The research finds that structural wage gaps and labour market dynamics make H-1B hiring financially attractive even with higher visa costs. This is especially relevant as many H-1B workers are Indian professionals employed in US tech and IT services firms. Read more |
|
|
|
|
Rafale reloaded: India makes ₹3.25 lakh cr bet on 114 French fighter jets to boost defence muscle
India-US trade deal: New Delhi's trade surplus with Washington may cross $90 bn within a year: SBI Report
Indian passport climbs 10 spots in global ranking; allowing visa-free access to 56 countries
Rolls-Royce unveils mega roadmap for India; offers co-development next-gen fighter jet engine with full IP rights
Imran Khan complains about 'denial' of health services, satisfied with security and food in prison
Favourites, not flawless: Early matches show that Team India’s attacking doctrine may require recalibration
Vande Bharat AC chair car fares much lower than those in China, Japan, France: Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw