Weekly News Platter
The Economic Times

Weekly News Platter

21 Feb, 2026, 05:02PM 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...
Trump announces 10% global tariff on top of existing duties after Supreme Court setbackTrump announces 10% global tariff on top of existing duties after Supreme Court setback
The Supreme Court struck down President Trump's global tariffs, ruling he exceeded his authority by invoking the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. Trump expressed deep disappointment and shame, calling the decision "unpatriotic" and alleging foreign influence. The ruling limits presidential trade power, though alternative legal routes may be explored. Read more
India AI Summit secures over $250 billion infra investment commitments: Ashwini VaishnawIndia AI Summit secures over $250 billion infra investment commitments: Ashwini Vaishnaw
India AI Impact Summit 2026 secured over $250 billion in investment commitments for AI infrastructure, including data centers and semiconductor facilities. Union IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced the upcoming AI Mission 2.0, focusing on advanced models and safety. The government aims to ensure AI benefits reach all citizens, mirroring the 5G rollout's inclusive approach. Read more
From Berlin to Bengaluru: Europe’s beer giants bet big on IndiaFrom Berlin to Bengaluru: Europe’s beer giants bet big on India
Europe's beer market is stagnating, prompting brewers like Soufflet Malt to invest heavily in India, a booming market. With per capita consumption at just two litres, India presents immense growth potential driven by demographics, urbanisation, and favourable policy shifts. Read more
US Supreme Court rules against Trump’s global tariffs imposed under emergency lawUS Supreme Court rules against Trump’s global tariffs imposed under emergency law
The Supreme Court has ruled against President Trump's global tariffs, finding they were improperly enacted under national emergency powers. Businesses and 12 states challenged the tariffs, arguing the administration exceeded its authority under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. Justices expressed skepticism that trade deficits constitute a national emergency. Read more
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Tata Motors targets mass EV adoption with low-priced, fast-charging PunchTata Motors targets mass EV adoption with low-priced, fast-charging Punch
Tata Motors is launching its new low-priced Punch EV. This move aims to capture India's large budget car market for electric vehicles. The company believes cracking this segment is key to mainstreaming EVs. The Punch EV offers competitive pricing and features like fast charging and a battery warranty. Read more
I-T Department sends notices to many senior executives earning over Rs 50L for alleged misuse of exemptionsI-T Department sends notices to many senior executives earning over Rs 50L for alleged misuse of exemptions
Tax authorities are scrutinizing top executives for income underreporting and false claims. Notices have been issued to CEOs and MDs of multinational companies. The focus is on undeclared foreign assets, overseas income, and inflated allowances. This crackdown is part of a broader government initiative for better tax compliance. Many high-earners are being asked to revise their tax returns. Read more
US Visa Bulletin March 2026: Big jump in two categories brings relief for Indian green card applicantsUS Visa Bulletin March 2026: Big jump in two categories brings relief for Indian green card applicants
The March Green Card Update reveals significant advancements in India's employment-based categories, particularly the fourth and second preferences. The fourth preference has surged to July 15, 2021, in the final action chart, while the second preference moved to September 15, 2013. Filing dates also show substantial progress for these categories. Read more
Maid trouble no more: Urban India switches to a new mode of house help hiringMaid trouble no more: Urban India switches to a new mode of house help hiring
Domestic help apps: What began as a convenience-led trial is now gaining scale across parts of Bengaluru, Mumbai and Delhi NCR, fuelled by repeat usage and rapid supply expansion, alongside routine tasks such as dishwashing and laundry. Read more
Vijay Mallya says he can’t say when he’ll board flight to India as he must follow UK lawVijay Mallya says he can’t say when he’ll board flight to India as he must follow UK law
Vijay Mallya informed the Bombay High Court he cannot specify a return date to India, citing legal restrictions preventing him from leaving the UK and the revocation of his passport. Mallya is challenging his declaration as a fugitive economic offender and the validity of the Fugitive Economic Offenders Act. Read more
Bangladesh bars SpiceJet from overflying airspace on pending duesBangladesh bars SpiceJet from overflying airspace on pending dues
Bangladesh has banned SpiceJet from using its airspace due to unpaid air navigation charges, forcing the airline to take longer routes and increasing fuel costs. The budget carrier, facing financial struggles despite recent fundraising, is in communication with Bangladeshi authorities to resolve the issue and resume normal operations. Read more
Tata Sons board set to clear N Chandrasekaran's third term, EGM nextTata Sons board set to clear N Chandrasekaran's third term, EGM next
Tata Trusts, the majority shareholder of the Tata Group holding company, had already passed a unanimous resolution in October last year to reappoint Chandrasekaran in an executive role. Separately, the top management of Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) will make a presentation to the Tata Sons board next week on its artificial intelligence pivot. Read more
Mukesh Ambani's Reliance makes Rs 10 lakh cr audacious bet on India's AI prowessMukesh Ambani's Reliance makes Rs 10 lakh cr audacious bet on India's AI prowess
At the AI India Impact Summit, Mukesh Ambani announced that Jio and Reliance Industries will invest ₹10 lakh crore over the next seven years starting 2026 to boost AI development. He said India is set to become a global AI power in the 21st century, with AI systems now able to learn, speak, analyse, move, and operate autonomously. Read more
Govt to provide incentives to Apple to start manufacturing iPhones in Pakistan: ReportGovt to provide incentives to Apple to start manufacturing iPhones in Pakistan: Report
Pakistan is offering incentives to Apple for iPhone manufacturing and refurbishment, aiming for $100 million in re-export revenue. The government plans to provide land at discounted rates and an 8% performance incentive, mirroring Apple's strategy in other Asian countries. This initiative seeks to boost local manufacturing and establish Pakistan as a regional export hub. Read more
Indore water contamination issue rocks MP assembly as Congress becomes aggressive; govt admits 22 deathsIndore water contamination issue rocks MP assembly as Congress becomes aggressive; govt admits 22 deaths
Madhya Pradesh assembly saw uproar as Congress demanded resignations over Indore water contamination deaths. The state government confirmed 22 fatalities. Congress claimed 35 deaths and sought higher compensation. Proceedings were adjourned multiple times. The Speaker assured a discussion on the issue for Friday. An administrative officer was suspended. The Chief Minister stated the government would consider increasing compensation. Read more
DRDO conducts successful qualification test for Gaganyaan Drogue ParachuteDRDO conducts successful qualification test for Gaganyaan Drogue Parachute
According to the Ministry of Defence release, RTRS is a specialised dynamic test facility being used extensively for high-speed aerodynamic and ballistic evaluations. Read more
India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup rivalry delivers record numbers for Reliance co JioStarIndia vs Pakistan T20 World Cup rivalry delivers record numbers for Reliance co JioStar
India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup: The India versus Pakistan T20 World Cup match achieved record digital reach and consumption. JioStar reported 163 million digital viewers, surpassing previous ICC events. TV ratings also saw a significant jump. This fixture continues to be a major draw for fans and a key revenue generator for broadcasters. The tournament is on track for record overall digital reach. Read more
NASA eyes March 6 to send four astronauts to moon under Artemis 2 lunar launchNASA eyes March 6 to send four astronauts to moon under Artemis 2 lunar launch
NASA is targeting March 6 for the Artemis 2 mission, aiming to send four astronauts on the first crewed lunar flyby in over 50 years. A successful 50-hour launch rehearsal, free of hydrogen leaks, has positioned the agency to meet this early March date, though further pad work and a dress rehearsal are still required. Read more
India–US deal under fire as kisan bodies call it ‘anti-farmer’, urge President to stop itIndia–US deal under fire as kisan bodies call it ‘anti-farmer’, urge President to stop it
The farmers' organisation Samyukt Kisan Morcha has expressed strong opposition to the India-US trade deal, deeming it harmful to the agricultural community. They are calling for an urgent cancellation of the agreement. As the Budget session approaches, a series of public gatherings will take place across the country to rally support. Read more
Arrested, freed: What next for Prince Andrew?Arrested, freed: What next for Prince Andrew?
Former British prince Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been arrested and released as police investigate him for misconduct in public office. This probe stems from his alleged connections to Jeffrey Epstein and the sharing of potentially confidential information. Police conducted searches at his properties. The investigation is ongoing, and he could face serious consequences if found guilty. Read more
Cough syrup-linked deaths: Do you realise what dent it caused to country's image, SC asks pharma firmCough syrup-linked deaths: Do you realise what dent it caused to country's image, SC asks pharma firm
The Supreme Court questioned a pharmaceutical firm regarding cough syrups linked to the deaths of over 18 children in Uzbekistan. The court expressed concern about the damage to India's international image. The firm's plea to quash a summoning order was dismissed. This order was issued following allegations of manufacturing and selling substandard drugs. Read more

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