Narendra Modi, Emmanuel Macron (File photo) NEW DELHI: India and France will look to further upgrade their defence, trade and technology ties as PM Narendra Modi hosts French President Emmanuel Macron for a bilateral meeting in Mumbai on Tuesday. During his three-day visit to India, Macron will also participate in the AI summit in Delhi on Thursday.Official sources said close to a dozen agreements/MoUs are likely to be signed after the bilateral meeting in areas like defence, trade, skilling, health, and supply chains. In Mumbai, the leaders will jointly inaugurate the India-France Year of Innovation which will be celebrated through 2026 in both countries, according to the ministry of external affairs. The India-France Year of Innovation and Cultural Commemoration will be held at the Gateway of India on Tuesday evening.The Indian govt had last week approved a proposal to procure 114 Rafale fighter jets under a govt-to-govt framework from France. India and France will also hold on Tuesday the 6th Annual Defence Dialogue in Bengaluru that is expected to see the renewal of their defence cooperation agreement for another 10 years. Discussions are also likely to focus on greater cooperation involving air and maritime assets, in line with the ambitious Defence Industrial Roadmap agreed to in 2024.Both leaders will also look to discuss regional and global issues, including the Russia-Ukraine war, the situation in Gaza and the Indo-Pacific region where India sees France as an indispensable partner. With uncertainty looming over Quad, the partnership with France, a resident power in the Indian Ocean, has become even more significant for India.According to Indian authorities, both leaders will hold discussions on strengthening bilateral cooperation across a wide spectrum of areas as enshrined in the Horizon 2047 Roadmap that was adopted three years ago, setting the course for bilateral cooperation over the next 25 years. Macron’s participation in the AI summit in India follows his co-chairing with Modi the same summit in France last year.Both leaders had then stressed their common commitment to concrete actions to ensure that the global AI sector can drive social, economic and environmental outcomes in public interest. They are also expected to review progress on the India-France Roadmap on AI, rooted in the “philosophical convergence” in their approaches focusing on the development of safe, open, secure and trustworthy artificial intelligence. The roadmap had been launched last year during Modi’s visit to France.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosUnion Minister Vaishnaw Details India’s Measures To Handle Deepfake Threats‘Crucial Role For India In AI Governance’: Duncan Cass-Beggs At AI SummitFarewell Address To Nation: Yunus Steps Down Before BNP Takes Charge In DhakaMega AI Summit In Delhi, 20 Heads Of State To Attend; Which Names Figure In New Epstein Files Dump?’From 25 Years To 5’ Rajnath Singh Pushes DRDO With 5-Year Ultimatum On 5th And 6th Gen EnginesIndian Team To Visit US Next Week To Finalise Trade Deal Framework As Govt Faces Opposition Fire’AI Works On Data, Humans Create The Unseen’: CBFC Chairman Prasoon Joshi At AI Impact Summit 2026″Pierce Brosnan To Play Me?” Karti Chidambaram Jokes Amid Dhurandhar Buzz“India Must Move Fast In Ai Era”: Chief Economic Adviser Calls For Structural Reforms’AI Will Create More Than It Destroys’: Microsoft India Chief Puneet Chandok Predicts 3-Year Rise123PhotostoriesBhabiji Ghar Par Hain: From Aasif Sheikh to Shilpa Shinde; A look at the cast’s per-episode feesHow to make traditional Lasuni Dal Tadka for lunch at homeSivakarthikeyan birthday special: From ‘Velaikkaran’ to ‘Hero’ – films to stream on OTT5 animals that thrive on both land and water, and where to spot themT20 World Cup Special: How to make Ishan Kishan’s favourite Chilli Paneer & Garam ParathaFrom Vada Pav to Pumpkin Chicken Curry: 10 comforting dishes that Sachin Tendulkar loves to eat8 popular types of motorbikes and their uses8 comforting steamed egg dishes to try from around the world7 stunning colour-changing birds found around the worldBefore fame, THIS Bollywood comedian worked as a factory tailor, tragedy struck when his wife died minutes after childbirth123Hot PicksBengal election commissionGold Silver PricesSaudi Labour Law ViolationVB-G RAM G schemeIncome Tax CalculatorPublic holidays February 2026Bank Holidays februaryTop TrendingLas Vegas TragedyKayla NicoleCosta RicaJutta LeerdamStefon DiggsKayla NicoleSan Jose SharksBrandon BussiCandace OwensJake Paul Fiance

Narendra Modi, Emmanuel Macron (File photo) NEW DELHI: India and France will look to further upgrade their defence, trade and technology ties as PM Narendra Modi hosts French President Emmanuel Macron for a bilateral meeting in Mumbai on Tuesday. During his three-day visit to India, Macron will also participate in the AI summit in Delhi on Thursday.Official sources said close to a dozen agreements/MoUs are likely to be signed after the bilateral meeting in areas like defence, trade, skilling, health, and supply chains. In Mumbai, the leaders will jointly inaugurate the India-France Year of Innovation which will be celebrated through 2026 in both countries, according to the ministry of external affairs. The India-France Year of Innovation and Cultural Commemoration will be held at the Gateway of India on Tuesday evening.The Indian govt had last week approved a proposal to procure 114 Rafale fighter jets under a govt-to-govt framework from France. India and France will also hold on Tuesday the 6th Annual Defence Dialogue in Bengaluru that is expected to see the renewal of their defence cooperation agreement for another 10 years. Discussions are also likely to focus on greater cooperation involving air and maritime assets, in line with the ambitious Defence Industrial Roadmap agreed to in 2024.Both leaders will also look to discuss regional and global issues, including the Russia-Ukraine war, the situation in Gaza and the Indo-Pacific region where India sees France as an indispensable partner. With uncertainty looming over Quad, the partnership with France, a resident power in the Indian Ocean, has become even more significant for India.According to Indian authorities, both leaders will hold discussions on strengthening bilateral cooperation across a wide spectrum of areas as enshrined in the Horizon 2047 Roadmap that was adopted three years ago, setting the course for bilateral cooperation over the next 25 years. Macron’s participation in the AI summit in India follows his co-chairing with Modi the same summit in France last year.Both leaders had then stressed their common commitment to concrete actions to ensure that the global AI sector can drive social, economic and environmental outcomes in public interest. They are also expected to review progress on the India-France Roadmap on AI, rooted in the “philosophical convergence” in their approaches focusing on the development of safe, open, secure and trustworthy artificial intelligence. The roadmap had been launched last year during Modi’s visit to France.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosUnion Minister Vaishnaw Details India’s Measures To Handle Deepfake Threats‘Crucial Role For India In AI Governance’: Duncan Cass-Beggs At AI SummitFarewell Address To Nation: Yunus Steps Down Before BNP Takes Charge In DhakaMega AI Summit In Delhi, 20 Heads Of State To Attend; Which Names Figure In New Epstein Files Dump?’From 25 Years To 5’ Rajnath Singh Pushes DRDO With 5-Year Ultimatum On 5th And 6th Gen EnginesIndian Team To Visit US Next Week To Finalise Trade Deal Framework As Govt Faces Opposition Fire’AI Works On Data, Humans Create The Unseen’: CBFC Chairman Prasoon Joshi At AI Impact Summit 2026″Pierce Brosnan To Play Me?” Karti Chidambaram Jokes Amid Dhurandhar Buzz“India Must Move Fast In Ai Era”: Chief Economic Adviser Calls For Structural Reforms’AI Will Create More Than It Destroys’: Microsoft India Chief Puneet Chandok Predicts 3-Year Rise123PhotostoriesBhabiji Ghar Par Hain: From Aasif Sheikh to Shilpa Shinde; A look at the cast’s per-episode feesHow to make traditional Lasuni Dal Tadka for lunch at homeSivakarthikeyan birthday special: From ‘Velaikkaran’ to ‘Hero’ – films to stream on OTT5 animals that thrive on both land and water, and where to spot themT20 World Cup Special: How to make Ishan Kishan’s favourite Chilli Paneer & Garam ParathaFrom Vada Pav to Pumpkin Chicken Curry: 10 comforting dishes that Sachin Tendulkar loves to eat8 popular types of motorbikes and their uses8 comforting steamed egg dishes to try from around the world7 stunning colour-changing birds found around the worldBefore fame, THIS Bollywood comedian worked as a factory tailor, tragedy struck when his wife died minutes after childbirth123Hot PicksBengal election commissionGold Silver PricesSaudi Labour Law ViolationVB-G RAM G schemeIncome Tax CalculatorPublic holidays February 2026Bank Holidays februaryTop TrendingLas Vegas TragedyKayla NicoleCosta RicaJutta LeerdamStefon DiggsKayla NicoleSan Jose SharksBrandon BussiCandace OwensJake Paul Fiance

Narendra Modi, Emmanuel Macron (File photo) NEW DELHI: India and France will look to further upgrade their defence, trade and technology ties as PM Narendra Modi hosts French President Emmanuel Macron for a bilateral meeting in Mumbai on Tuesday. During his three-day visit to India, Macron will also participate in the AI summit in Delhi…

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Updated: Feb 16, 2026, 16:13 IST

Updated: Feb 16, 2026, 16:13 IST

Ishan Kishan and Aditi Hundia (Insta) India’s commanding 61-run win over Pakistan in the 2026 T20 World Cup made headlines for all the right cricketing reasons. But by the end of the evening, the spotlight had gently shifted from Colombo’s turning pitch to a heartwarming development off it. Opener Ishan Kishan is now making news…

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India’s wholesale inflation rises to 1.81% in January, highest in 10 months

India’s wholesale inflation rises to 1.81% in January, highest in 10 months

India’s wholesale prices jumped 1.81 per cent in January 2024 compared to last year, marking the highest increase in 10 months. According to government data, revealed Monday, the figures exceeded economists’ predictions of 1.25 per cent and was driven by rising vegetable prices, basic metals, and manufacturing costs.The increase was notably higher than December’s 0.83…

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Shanaya Kapoor recalls Aryan Khan pushing her and Suhana Khan down stairs in blanket ‘roller coaster’: ‘Luckily we didn’t injure ourselves badly’

Shanaya Kapoor recalls Aryan Khan pushing her and Suhana Khan down stairs in blanket ‘roller coaster’: ‘Luckily we didn’t injure ourselves badly’

Shanaya Kapoor recently revisited a wild childhood memory involving Aryan Khan and Suhana Khan, revealing how Aryan once pushed her and Suhana down a flight of stairs wrapped in a blanket, calling it a self-designed roller coaster.Shanaya, daughter of Sanjay Kapoor and Maheep Kapoor, shared the anecdote during a conversation with Nayandeep Rakshit. The actor…

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“Is he a ghost? Yes! Don’t speak loud, he’ll wake up”: How a spirit found a place in my Pooja Room and became our God

“Is he a ghost? Yes! Don’t speak loud, he’ll wake up”: How a spirit found a place in my Pooja Room and became our God

In my village, the pooja room — our Gosai Ghar — never had framed pictures of gods and goddesses. There were no calendars of deities, no marble idols, no ornate temples. Instead, there were raised, rounded earthen forms — pindas — quiet, unadorned, powerful in their stillness. As a child, I only knew that one…

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Leo Horoscope Today, February 17, 2026: Unmarried Leos may get a proposal through friends or relatives

Leo Horoscope Today, February 17, 2026: Unmarried Leos may get a proposal through friends or relatives

Embrace the joy of family bonding and relaxed outings today, where comfort takes center stage. Those who are single might find a surprise proposal on the horizon, while couples should seize the beautiful weather to share their deepest sentiments. While work tasks remain straightforward, students are encouraged to hit the books early in the day….

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Los Angeles flash flood warning: What residents need to know about upcoming storms

Los Angeles flash flood warning: What residents need to know about upcoming storms

Los Angeles and much of Southern California are facing flash flood risks as a series of strong storms moves through the region, bringing heavy rain, thunderstorms and hazardous conditions. Officials and forecasters warn residents to stay alert and prepared because flash floods can develop quickly and with little warning. What’s happening now A powerful weather…

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Mani Shankar Aiyar (File Photo) NEW DELHI: After Congress dissociated itself from Mani Shankar Aiyar following his prediction that the rival Left front will win in Kerala elections, the veteran hit back on Monday saying he remains with the party even as ‘friends of Rahul Gandhi’ have left for other parties. The issue flared up on Sunday when Aiyar, attending a function organised by Kerala govt, said Vijayan will return to power. Taking up cudgels on behalf of the Left, Aiyar had said in Thiruvananthapuram, “As a Congressman, I want UDF to win. As a Gandhian, I am obliged to tell the truth, irrespective of what I wish. I am not a voter in Kerala, but I think he (Kerala’s chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan) is going to get another term.” A stung Congress dissociated itself from Aiyar, with spokesman Pawan Khera saying Aiyar has been writing and speaking in personal capacity for past few years, and Khera’s post on X was corroborated by Jairam Ramesh. A day later, Aiyar got back with a bitter attack on Congress. “The Nehru-Gandhi family is built into the DNA of every Congressman. Why should anyone be in Congress when all of Rahul Gandhi’s friends have departed for other shores. It’s only because if you don’t believe in the leadership of the Nehru-Gandhi family, you would not be in Congress,” he said, adding, “I am in Congress, I have not left it. If Pawan Khera is going to expel me, I will happily go outside and kick his backside.” Interestingly, Aiyar also made remarks like “I am Rajivian (Rajiv Gandhi), not Rahulian (Rahul Gandhi)”, and that he does not need Congress, as it does not need him. Besides, he also criticised other Congress members at the national level and in Kerala. Aiyar has been a thorn in the flesh for Congress, with his remarks on politicians and politics having embarrassed Congress many times. His barb at PM Narendra Modi ahead of 2017 Gujarat assembly elections had resulted in Congress suspending him in Dec 2017, but the suspension was revoked in Aug 2018. It is not clear if Congress will again act against Aiyar. Sources said there had not been any discussion on it till late afternoon.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosUnion Minister Vaishnaw Details India’s Measures To Handle Deepfake Threats‘Crucial Role For India In AI Governance’: Duncan Cass-Beggs At AI SummitFarewell Address To Nation: Yunus Steps Down Before BNP Takes Charge In DhakaMega AI Summit In Delhi, 20 Heads Of State To Attend; Which Names Figure In New Epstein Files Dump?’From 25 Years To 5’ Rajnath Singh Pushes DRDO With 5-Year Ultimatum On 5th And 6th Gen EnginesIndian Team To Visit US Next Week To Finalise Trade Deal Framework As Govt Faces Opposition Fire’AI Works On Data, Humans Create The Unseen’: CBFC Chairman Prasoon Joshi At AI Impact Summit 2026″Pierce Brosnan To Play Me?” Karti Chidambaram Jokes Amid Dhurandhar Buzz“India Must Move Fast In Ai Era”: Chief Economic Adviser Calls For Structural Reforms’AI Will Create More Than It Destroys’: Microsoft India Chief Puneet Chandok Predicts 3-Year Rise123PhotostoriesBhabiji Ghar Par Hain: From Aasif Sheikh to Shilpa Shinde; A look at the cast’s per-episode feesHow to make traditional Lasuni Dal Tadka for lunch at homeSivakarthikeyan birthday special: From ‘Velaikkaran’ to ‘Hero’ – films to stream on OTT5 animals that thrive on both land and water, and where to spot themT20 World Cup Special: How to make Ishan Kishan’s favourite Chilli Paneer & Garam ParathaFrom Vada Pav to Pumpkin Chicken Curry: 10 comforting dishes that Sachin Tendulkar loves to eat8 popular types of motorbikes and their uses8 comforting steamed egg dishes to try from around the world7 stunning colour-changing birds found around the worldBefore fame, THIS Bollywood comedian worked as a factory tailor, tragedy struck when his wife died minutes after childbirth123Hot PicksBengal election commissionGold Silver PricesSaudi Labour Law ViolationVB-G RAM G schemeIncome Tax CalculatorPublic holidays February 2026Bank Holidays februaryTop TrendingLas Vegas TragedyKayla NicoleCosta RicaJutta LeerdamStefon DiggsKayla NicoleSan Jose SharksBrandon BussiCandace OwensJake Paul Fiance

Mani Shankar Aiyar (File Photo) NEW DELHI: After Congress dissociated itself from Mani Shankar Aiyar following his prediction that the rival Left front will win in Kerala elections, the veteran hit back on Monday saying he remains with the party even as ‘friends of Rahul Gandhi’ have left for other parties. The issue flared up on Sunday when Aiyar, attending a function organised by Kerala govt, said Vijayan will return to power. Taking up cudgels on behalf of the Left, Aiyar had said in Thiruvananthapuram, “As a Congressman, I want UDF to win. As a Gandhian, I am obliged to tell the truth, irrespective of what I wish. I am not a voter in Kerala, but I think he (Kerala’s chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan) is going to get another term.” A stung Congress dissociated itself from Aiyar, with spokesman Pawan Khera saying Aiyar has been writing and speaking in personal capacity for past few years, and Khera’s post on X was corroborated by Jairam Ramesh. A day later, Aiyar got back with a bitter attack on Congress. “The Nehru-Gandhi family is built into the DNA of every Congressman. Why should anyone be in Congress when all of Rahul Gandhi’s friends have departed for other shores. It’s only because if you don’t believe in the leadership of the Nehru-Gandhi family, you would not be in Congress,” he said, adding, “I am in Congress, I have not left it. If Pawan Khera is going to expel me, I will happily go outside and kick his backside.” Interestingly, Aiyar also made remarks like “I am Rajivian (Rajiv Gandhi), not Rahulian (Rahul Gandhi)”, and that he does not need Congress, as it does not need him. Besides, he also criticised other Congress members at the national level and in Kerala. Aiyar has been a thorn in the flesh for Congress, with his remarks on politicians and politics having embarrassed Congress many times. His barb at PM Narendra Modi ahead of 2017 Gujarat assembly elections had resulted in Congress suspending him in Dec 2017, but the suspension was revoked in Aug 2018. It is not clear if Congress will again act against Aiyar. Sources said there had not been any discussion on it till late afternoon.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosUnion Minister Vaishnaw Details India’s Measures To Handle Deepfake Threats‘Crucial Role For India In AI Governance’: Duncan Cass-Beggs At AI SummitFarewell Address To Nation: Yunus Steps Down Before BNP Takes Charge In DhakaMega AI Summit In Delhi, 20 Heads Of State To Attend; Which Names Figure In New Epstein Files Dump?’From 25 Years To 5’ Rajnath Singh Pushes DRDO With 5-Year Ultimatum On 5th And 6th Gen EnginesIndian Team To Visit US Next Week To Finalise Trade Deal Framework As Govt Faces Opposition Fire’AI Works On Data, Humans Create The Unseen’: CBFC Chairman Prasoon Joshi At AI Impact Summit 2026″Pierce Brosnan To Play Me?” Karti Chidambaram Jokes Amid Dhurandhar Buzz“India Must Move Fast In Ai Era”: Chief Economic Adviser Calls For Structural Reforms’AI Will Create More Than It Destroys’: Microsoft India Chief Puneet Chandok Predicts 3-Year Rise123PhotostoriesBhabiji Ghar Par Hain: From Aasif Sheikh to Shilpa Shinde; A look at the cast’s per-episode feesHow to make traditional Lasuni Dal Tadka for lunch at homeSivakarthikeyan birthday special: From ‘Velaikkaran’ to ‘Hero’ – films to stream on OTT5 animals that thrive on both land and water, and where to spot themT20 World Cup Special: How to make Ishan Kishan’s favourite Chilli Paneer & Garam ParathaFrom Vada Pav to Pumpkin Chicken Curry: 10 comforting dishes that Sachin Tendulkar loves to eat8 popular types of motorbikes and their uses8 comforting steamed egg dishes to try from around the world7 stunning colour-changing birds found around the worldBefore fame, THIS Bollywood comedian worked as a factory tailor, tragedy struck when his wife died minutes after childbirth123Hot PicksBengal election commissionGold Silver PricesSaudi Labour Law ViolationVB-G RAM G schemeIncome Tax CalculatorPublic holidays February 2026Bank Holidays februaryTop TrendingLas Vegas TragedyKayla NicoleCosta RicaJutta LeerdamStefon DiggsKayla NicoleSan Jose SharksBrandon BussiCandace OwensJake Paul Fiance

Mani Shankar Aiyar (File Photo) NEW DELHI: After Congress dissociated itself from Mani Shankar Aiyar following his prediction that the rival Left front will win in Kerala elections, the veteran hit back on Monday saying he remains with the party even as ‘friends of Rahul Gandhi’ have left for other parties. The issue flared up…

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Feb 16, 2026, 17:11 IST

Feb 16, 2026, 17:11 IST

India’s Hardik Pandya and teammates celebrate (ANI Photo) Pakistan’s crushing 61-run defeat to arch-rivals India in the T20 World Cup has largely been framed around their shortcomings, especially after they were bowled out for just 114. Much of the discussion has centred on Pakistan’s lack of intensity and inability to match the defending champions, particularly…

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‘He bailed the team out’: Sunil Gavaskar reveals turning point of India vs Pakistan clash

‘He bailed the team out’: Sunil Gavaskar reveals turning point of India vs Pakistan clash

Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav (ANI Photo) Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar lauded skipper Suryakumar Yadav for bringing sharp match awareness into India’s game after their commanding 61-run victory over Pakistan in the ongoing ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in Colombo.Gavaskar underlined how Suryakumar stepped up in contrasting pressure situations. He recalled the game against USA,…

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.3 billion funding: Key real estate firms line up IPO listings in 2026 amid strong housing demand

$3.3 billion funding: Key real estate firms line up IPO listings in 2026 amid strong housing demand

Indian real estate companies are rushing to raise around $3.3 billion through IPOs this year. This surge in public offerings comes as developers gain confidence in urban growth and housing demand, with more than half a dozen firms preparing to go public, as reported by Bloomberg.n comparison, the entire property sector, including developers and REITs,…

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US Civil Rights Commission to hear Columbia students in antisemitism probe: Experts and campus representatives to testify

US Civil Rights Commission to hear Columbia students in antisemitism probe: Experts and campus representatives to testify

US Civil Rights Commission to Hear Columbia Students in Antisemitism Investigation Students from Columbia University are set to share their experiences with on-campus antisemitism on February 20 as part of a listening session hosted by the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights. The development was first reported by The Columbia Spectator, citing a commission spokesperson.The listening…

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‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’: Bertie Carvel on Baelor Targaryen’s DEATH:  ‘Was delighted to find that heroism can still exist in Westeros’

‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’: Bertie Carvel on Baelor Targaryen’s DEATH: ‘Was delighted to find that heroism can still exist in Westeros’

Actor Bertie Carvel has opened up about portraying Prince Baelor “Breakspear” Targaryen and the pivotal moment in episode 4 and 5, when the prince volunteers to fight for Ser Duncan the Tall in ‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’.Carvel, in a round table attended by ETimes, said the scene immediately stood out to him when…

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What are boomerang employees? Why are companies rehiring their former workers? |

What are boomerang employees? Why are companies rehiring their former workers? |

Remember when getting laid off felt final? Badge deactivated, laptop shipped back, “keep in touch” email sent—door slammed shut. But corporate India’s flipping the script. For instance: Zomato CEO Deepinder Goyal recently shared on X: “If you left Zomato—or had to leave—the door’s wide open. Come back!” And over 400 ex-employees already have, as per…

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Gemini Horoscope Today, February 17, 2026: Take smart risks with strict limits

Gemini Horoscope Today, February 17, 2026: Take smart risks with strict limits

Today heralds a harmonious journey filled with productive collaborations and happy resolutions. You’ll find a sense of fluidity in managing family matters, as bonds grow stronger through empathy and support. Students will discover their inner focus, sharpening their academic pursuits. In your professional life, seizing the moment with assertive communication is essential for progress. Today…

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