The Economic Times

Coaches of Indian cricketers Kuldeep Yadav and Shivam Dube are excited for the India versus Pakistan T20 World Cup 2026 match in Colombo. They believe India will win. Coaches highlighted key players like Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Abhishek Sharma, Hardik Pandya, and Jasprit Bumrah. Shivam Dube's recent form was also praised. Beating Pakistan is considered a significant achievement.

Britain's youth unemployment has risen significantly. Bank of England policymaker Catherine Mann believes this is linked to substantial increases in minimum wages for younger workers. The rates for 21-22 year olds and 18-20 year olds have seen considerable hikes. This trend contrasts with the overall workforce unemployment rate.

Asia is a treasure trove of culinary traditions, and at the heart of many of its most beloved dishes lies a simple, humble ingredient: rice. From fragrant biryanis to comforting bowls of congee, rice is woven into daily life across the continent.

India A Women secured a commanding eight-wicket victory over Pakistan A Women. Skipper Radha Yadav led a dominant spin attack, restricting Pakistan to 93. Dinesh Vrinda then smashed a rapid half-century, guiding India A to the target with ease. This win marks India A's first in the tournament, boosting their standing in Group A.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced central projects worth Rs 55,000 crore have been sanctioned in the past year. Several new infrastructure projects are planned, including a ropeway, an elevated corridor in Guwahati, and highway upgrades. A significant Rs 18,662 crore twin-tube tunnel under the Brahmaputra has also been approved.

Kedarnath opening date April 22: Kedarnath Temple will reopen its doors on April 22, 2026. This marks the beginning of the annual Char Dham Yatra. Badrinath Temple opens on April 23, 2026. Gangotri and Yamunotri Temples will reopen on April 19, 2026. Devotees can now plan their spiritual journeys to these sacred Himalayan shrines. Registration is advised in advance.

Police say no more questioning is needed for Shivam Kumar Mishra in the Kanpur Lamborghini crash case. Mishra, son of a local businessman, was arrested and granted bail on Thursday. All necessary interrogation was completed at the time of his arrest. Documents related to the sports car have been submitted. The investigation continues as evidence is collected for a chargesheet.

Strikes, riots, and civil commotion (SRCC) insurance risks have surged, with losses escalating from negligible to over $8 billion between 2020 and 2024. Rising global unrest, fueled by inequality and political polarization, is making Western democracies, particularly the US, increasingly vulnerable to significant property damage.

Word of the Day: Sycophantic captures a timeless human tendency: the inclination to praise power in pursuit of advantage. Rooted in ancient Greek society, the word has travelled across centuries to describe modern institutional behaviour.

Netflix has added an exciting mix of crime thrillers, espionage dramas and regional entertainers to its 2026 line-up. From the return of a gritty Punjabi series to a high-stakes spy film and a gripping Korean mystery, here are the new releases on Netflix right now worth adding to your watchlist.

IND vs PAK Live Streaming: The highly anticipated India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup 2026 match is scheduled for Sunday, February 15th, at Colombo's R. Premadasa Stadium. Both teams are in strong form, with India aiming to extend their dominant T20 World Cup record against Pakistan. Weather concerns remain a possibility for the blockbuster encounter.

World Cup 2026: England faces Italy in their final Group C match. England seeks to secure a Super Eights berth. Italy, a T20 World Cup debutant, is confident after a win. The match at Eden Gardens promises an interesting contest. England's batting and bowling will be tested. Italy's unknown factor could create an upset.

Russian army chief Valery Gerasimov announced the capture of twelve eastern villages in February. This development comes ahead of crucial talks with Kyiv. Russian forces are reportedly advancing towards Sloviansk, an industrial hub. Moscow claims several Ukrainian regions and is expanding its security zone in border areas. The army chief also indicated discussions on further actions in the Dnipropetrovsk direction.

Australia's steep cigarette taxes have created a booming black market. Illicit tobacco now accounts for half of all sales, costing the government billions. This has led to widespread crime, including violence and extortion. Authorities are struggling to combat the issue, with critics arguing the high prices are causing more harm than good.

A judicial panel has been formed to investigate a deadly blast at an illegal coal mine in Meghalaya. Retired judge Justice RS Chauhan leads the three-member team. The panel will determine accountability for the February 5 incident that killed 31 people. It will also examine the causes of illegal mining and recommend measures for affected workers.

Queen Elizabeth II's 70-year reign showcased quiet strength. She inspired many by facing challenges with courage. Her life demonstrated a belief in pressing forward during difficult times. She remained a symbol of stability and service throughout her long tenure. Her dedication to duty was evident until her passing.

Tomatoes are a staple in many kitchens, yet pesticide residues can adhere to their delicate skins. A simple soak in salt water can help to remove a significant amount of these surface chemicals. This method is straightforward, economical and makes tomatoes safer for raw consumption. It is advisable to wash tomatoes just before use rather than in advance. Adopting this practice can contribute to healthier eating habits for families.

Tamil Nadu has emerged as the top state in appointing professors of practice in higher education institutions, followed by Maharashtra and Gujarat, according to University Grants Commission data. The initiative aims to bring industry experts into classrooms to bridge the gap between academic learning and practical experience.

Playing 11 for India vs Pakistan: India and Pakistan are set to face off in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, with the much-anticipated match taking place in Colombo. Abhishek Sharmas return to form is a significant boost for India, while probable playing XIs for both sides have been widely predicted. The pitch and weather conditions in Colombo have also been outlined ahead of the clash. All in all, this encounter promises plenty of drama and high-quality cricket.

Lotto Max jackpot: Lotto Max players across Canada are anticipating a substantial prize pool of $59 million for the upcoming Tuesday, February 17 draw, featuring a $55 million jackpot and four $1 million Maxmillions. Qubec continues to be a strong region for Lotto Max winners, with provincial players having secured over $4.

Faridabad's Arshi Gupta, aged nine, shattered Indian motorsport records by becoming the youngest national karting champion. She's also Asia's sole female champion in a mixed-gender format. Her rigorous training, international exposure, and academic dedication, inspired by Max Verstappen, pave a promising path for her future in racing.

Jammu and Kashmir Police have uncovered a white-collar terror module involving doctors who were allegedly radicalised since 2016 and later formed a group called Ansar Interim to carry out subversive activities. The case, now being investigated by the National Investigation Agency, also links one of the accused, Dr Umer-un Nabi, to the explosive-laden car blast outside the Red Fort that killed more than a dozen people.

A rare annular solar eclipse is set for February 17, 2026. This celestial spectacle, known as the, ring of fire, will be visible mainly over Antarctica. While India will not see this event, skywatchers can follow live streams. The eclipse occurs when the Moon is farther from Earth, creating a unique visual.

Congress MP Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa on Sunday called out the high-octane India-Pakistan clash in the ICC T20 World Cup, noting that the neighbour had historically been an enemy country to India and should be treated that way only.

During Maharshi Dayanand University's 50th anniversary, Chief Justice Surya Kant inspired attendees with his insights on achieving success. He urged the importance of having well-defined goals, coupled with hard work, discipline, and determination. Justice Kant also highlighted the necessity of upholding integrity and serving societal values. Recalling his enriching experience at MDU, he championed a merit-based approach to recognizing talent.

Maharashtra Congress leader Sachin Sawant has accused the BJP of hypocrisy. He cited instances where BJP leaders allegedly supported or endorsed references to Tipu Sultan in public spaces and official forums. Sawant claims the BJP's current opposition is politically motivated, aimed at creating religious divisions. He highlighted past resolutions and actions by BJP leaders involving Tipu Sultan.

The India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup match in Colombo will be played on a slow, used pitch at the R Premadasa Stadium, favoring spinners. Despite pacers' success in a previous game on the same strip, the surface's characteristics and large boundaries are expected to enhance spin's role. Both teams may consider strengthening their spin departments for the crucial encounter.

By glorifying Tipu Sultan by the AIMIM party is something to distort the history. Everyone knows that Tipu Sultan was responsible for persecuting many Hindus in the areas of Karnataka, Mysore and other places. His deeds have always been seen as anti-Hindu. The AIMIM party is trying to glorify him, and they are trying to even make him a larger figure than Veer Savarkar, Rao told ANI.

Anand Mahindra Maha Shivratri 2026 Wisdom: Anand Mahindra drew a parallel between the ancient myth of Samudra Manthan and contemporary challenges, suggesting that when society or business undergoes periods of intense churn, the first thing to surface is often toxicity. He referred to Lord Shiva and his act of consuming poison as an example of true leadership, advocating containment and composure rather than amplifying negativity during times of disruption and reform.

New Delhi experienced a chilly Sunday with the minimum temperature dropping to 11.1 degrees Celsius. Mist is expected throughout the day, and the maximum temperature is forecast to reach around 27 degrees Celsius. The city's air quality was recorded in the 'poor' category. Residents can expect a cool day with moderate visibility.

Former US President Barack Obama has spoken out against the decline in political discourse. This follows a recent post on Donald Trump's social media showing Obama's face on a monkey's body. Obama stated that many Americans find such behavior troubling. He believes this lack of shame and decorum has been lost.

A coach of an empty passenger train caught fire at Katwa railway station in West Bengal early Sunday. Fire tenders brought the blaze under control within 30 minutes, and railway staff detached the affected coach to prevent further spread. No injuries were reported, and an investigation into the cause is underway.

New documents reveal how Jeffrey Epstein facilitated immigration for women. He used student visas and English language schools as initial steps. Sham marriages were arranged to secure Green Cards and citizenship. Epstein's network, including lawyers, assisted in these complex immigration processes. The aim was to keep these women dependent and under his influence.

Magh Mela officer Rishi Raj said, Today is the last 'snan parv' of the Magh Mela, and devotees are coming in large numbers to take a holy dip on the occasion of Mahashivratri. 2026. 10 lakh devotees have already taken a holy dip. The administration has made proper arrangements.

An Australian study has identified 40 new cases of tattoo-associated uveitis, doubling global reports and highlighting a rare, sight-threatening eye inflammation. This immune reaction to tattoo pigments can cause blurred vision and pain, potentially leading to permanent vision loss if untreated. Experts urge increased awareness among doctors and tattoo recipients due to the condition's potential for long-term impact.

Australia has announced AU$3.9 billion ($2.8 billion) in initial funding to build a new facility for constructing nuclear-powered submarines under the AUKUS security pact with the United States and Britain. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the investment in the Submarine Construction Yard at Osborne is key to delivering conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines for the country.

India is among 13 nations invited to Bangladesh's new government swearing-in ceremony, led by BNP chairperson Tarique Rahman. This invitation signals early regional engagement following the BNP's electoral victory. The move underscores the party's inclusive diplomatic approach and aims to deepen bilateral ties with New Delhi.

Large crowds gathered for the Mahashivratri holy dip at Prayagraj's Sangam ghats. Uttar Pradesh ATS monitored the Magh Mela 2026. Devotees also flocked to Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi. Similar celebrations occurred at temples nationwide. Mahashivratri marks the divine union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. The festival is celebrated with devotion across India.

New South Wales will observe an extra public holiday in 2026 and 2027. This holiday will be the Monday after Anzac Day if it falls on a weekend. The government aims to boost participation in remembrance activities. This move brings New South Wales in line with other states. The trial will be reviewed in 2032.

Lego Ideas Peanuts Snoopy Doghouse: LEGO has revealed its 21368 Peanuts Snoopy's Doghouse set after months of speculation. This 964-piece LEGO Ideas collection celebrates Charles M. Schulz's Peanuts. It features Snoopy and Woodstock. The set launches globally on June 1, 2026. Preorders are available now. This release marks LEGO's first official Peanuts set.

India is planning a large data city in Visakhapatnam as it seeks to narrow the artificial intelligence gap with the United States and China, Andhra Pradesh IT minister Nara Lokesh said. The project aims to build a large digital ecosystem to support AI growth and attract global investment.