pHighlights of India Today Hindi 18 February 2026 issue:p pCover Story: Budget 2026 — Bhavishya Par Bada DaonbrThe Modi government bets big on 10 future-ready sectors to make India a global economic powerhouse. Priorities include biopharma, semiconductors, rare earths, chemical parks, MSME 2.0, metro corridors, mobility, orange economy, lab-to-workstation innovation, and agri diversity. The aim is to build national champions, drive self-reliance, and deepen India’s role in global value chains.p pUpfront: Indo–US Trade Deal — Sabse Badi Trade DealbrThough details matter, the pact resets bilateral ties and restores India’s competitive edge in key labour-intensive sectors, signalling renewed economic cooperation.p pUpfront: Bangladesh — Taiyari Loktantra Ke Mahaparv KibrAhead of the February 12 election, Dhaka quips the next PM will be a “Rahman”—Tarique Rahman BNP or Dr Shafiqur Rahman JeI. The first poll since Sheikh Hasina’s 2024 fall, it brings veterans, ideologues, and a reform-minded generation together at a pivotal moment.p pState Scan: Manipur — Sir Aaya Kanton Bhara TaajbrCM Khemchand, a Meitei and Biren critic, leads with two Deputy CMs from Kuki and Naga communities. Can this “dialogue-shaped” government heal deep dividesp pState Scan: Delhi — School Fee Par Santulan Ki PahalbrThe Delhi government clarifies rules and bars any school fee hike this year, addressing parental concerns.p pState Scan: Maharashtra — Ek Vichar Ka AvsaanbrProspects of a Pawar reunion fade as Ajit Pawar charts an independent path. With Sunetra Pawar as Deputy CM, their NCP faction signals a new trajectory.p