The Economic Times

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.

Astronaut Sunita Williams visit to Kerala after her retirement from NASA triggered an intense rivalry among the states literary festivals. DC Books, which had been inviting her since 2019, quickly secured her appearance at the Kerala Literature Festival in Kozhikode once she retired. Competing organisers, especially the Mathrubhumi Group, also tried to host her but failed.

Paris prosecutors have formed a special team to investigate French nationals potentially linked to Jeffrey Epstein's crimes. This initiative follows the release of US documents and will re-examine the case of Jean-Luc Brunel, a close associate of Epstein. The team aims to uncover evidence for new investigations into suspected offenses involving French citizens.

Sudanese paramilitary forces committed widespread atrocities in Darfur. Over 6,000 people were killed in el-Fasher. The United Nations reported mass killings, sexual violence, and abductions. These acts are considered war crimes and crimes against humanity. The violence mirrors past RSF actions. Accountability for these acts is called for.

The United States and Iran are set to resume nuclear deal talks in Geneva, Switzerland, amid US President Trump's emphasis on reaching an agreement. Previous talks were held in Muscat and Rome, but US strikes on Iranian nuclear sites in June 2025 complicated the situation.

The Justice Department has sent a letter to lawmakers detailing redactions in Jeffrey Epstein's files. The correspondence includes a general description of redactions and a list of notable individuals mentioned, even those with no direct connection to Epstein or Ghislaine Maxwell. The letter does not specify the context of these mentions.

Northern California is bracing for a significant winter storm watch with several feet of snow expected in the Sierra Nevada. Meteorologists advise that Saturday through Sunday morning offers the best travel window before heavy snow impacts begin Sunday afternoon, potentially bringing 1-2 feet to populated areas and much more to higher elevations.

The centrepiece of the package is the proposed Urban Challenge Fund (UCF), which will provide Rs 1 lakh crore in central assistance over five years. The fund will cover up to 25% of project costs, subject to states and urban local bodies raising at least 50% of funding from the market.

India is at a crucial economic juncture. Technology and trade are powering its growth. The nation is building robust digital infrastructure and promoting domestic manufacturing. Free trade deals are opening global markets. The government is committed to safeguarding citizens and supporting farmers and small businesses. India is poised for significant advancement.

Quote of the Day: Emily Bront's iconic quote from Wuthering Heights resonates on Valentine's Day. It speaks of a love so deep it transcends earthly bounds. The article explores Bront's life and the enduring power of her words. Her novel, initially met with criticism, is now celebrated for its raw intensity.

Five European countries said lab tests show a deadly poison in Alexey Navalnys body after his 2024 prison death. They believe Russia is responsible and plan to report it to a global chemical weapons body. Russia denies the claims. The case has increased global tension and raised fresh questions about political safety, investigations, and the truth behind Navalnys death.

Trust has emerged as a defining quality of leadership in the age of social media and radical transparency. The world needs bold decisions. Your organisation needs decisions because the world is changing, Sergei Guriev, dean of the London Business School, said. However, at the same time, leaders must also be transparent about the risks they are taking, and disclose the logic and evidence behind steps that they take, he added.

Last August, S&P Global upgraded India's sovereign credit rating to 'BBB' from 'BBB-'. That upgrade didn't happen by chance, he said at the ET Now Global Business Summit, noting that India's post-pandemic expansion has been among the most consistent of any major economy.

India is rapidly transforming into a pivotal technology and skilled workforce center for global enterprises. Major players such as Uber and NatWest Group underscore the nation's rising significance.

China is slowly cutting its US debt holdings and buying more gold instead. Its share of US Treasuries has dropped to the lowest level in many years. Experts say China wants less financial dependence on the United States and more safety for its reserves. However, selling too fast could also hurt Chinas economy and affect global markets and the US dollar.

Bill Maher discussed Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce on his show. He commented on modern dating and masculinity. Maher suggested Swift's past relationships featured sensitive men. He contrasted this with her current relationship with Kelce. Maher's remarks drew audience applause. The host also addressed backlash to Bad Bunny's Super Bowl performance.

EU chief Ursula von der Leyen told the Munich Security Conference that Europe and Britain need to to cooperate more closely on security, on economy.. on defending our democracies. Europe and in particular the UK should come closer together .. 10 years on from Brexit our futures are as bound as ever, she told the Munich Security conference.

Fresh firing was reported in Manipur's Ukhrul district by Tangkhul Naga village volunteers, prompting police appeals for restraint. Security forces have been deployed to build confidence and secure the area, with authorities warning against spreading rumors. The internet suspension in affected districts was lifted following signs of improvement.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated a highway emergency landing facility in Moran, Assam. Indian Air Force combat aircraft, including Rafale and Sukhoi, landed on the highway. This marks the first such facility in the Northeast. The Prime Minister stated this reflects Assam's growing strength and a new India prepared for defense.

The BNP resumes office for the first time since 2006, now under the next generation of the Ziaur Rahman family. For Tareque Rahman, London-based and long in the political wilderness, the weight of history may weigh more heavily than the promise of the future. Even accounting for the glaring defect of the Awami League's exclusion, the outcome is preferable to the dysfunction and mischief of recent months.

Assam is on the brink of a transportation revolution as a groundbreaking infrastructure endeavor gains the green light. The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has sanctioned a state-of-the-art 4-lane access-controlled highway spanning from Gohpur to Numaligarh, featuring Indias inaugural underwater tunnel for both road and rail traffic beneath the mighty Brahmaputra River.

A designer's third layoff, which eliminated their entire two-person team, revealed poor handling and a lack of dignity. Despite a manager's prior hints about financial struggles and outsourcing, the abrupt dismissal left colleagues unaware. The experience underscored the importance of documenting rights and prioritizing self-protection in the workplace.

A portrait of Tipu Sultan was removed from the Malegaon Municipal Corporation. Deputy Mayor Shaan E-Hind Nihal Ahmed had placed it in her chamber. The BJP and Shiv Sena opposed the move, calling it against protocol. Ahmed defended the action, stating Tipu Sultan was a freedom fighter. The portrait was removed after threats of protests.

Philocalist is a word used for someone who loves beauty in a deep way. It is not only about looks but also about kindness, nature, art, and good personality. The word comes from Greek language roots. Today, it is important because it reminds people to notice small good things and appreciate both outer and inner beauty in everyday life.

Under India's AI leadership framework, seven thematic working groups - termed Chakras - are being structured around three guiding Sutras: People, Planet and Progress, a senior MEA official said. The Human Capital Chakra will address the rapid transformation of work driven by AI, focusing on equipping people with skills and digital literacy to adapt to evolving employment landscapes.

Haryana is set to become a global manufacturing hub. A new policy offers capital subsidies and employment incentives. This initiative aims to attract large-scale investments in manufacturing and logistics. Haryana's strong economic fundamentals and strategic location support this ambitious plan. The state is ready to boost its industrial edge and competitiveness.

Final electoral rolls for Puducherry and Lakshadweep are out. Puducherry saw a drop in voters after removing ineligible names. Lakshadweep also published its updated list. More final rolls are coming soon for Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, and other states. Uttar Pradesh will release its list later.

Devyani Rana, 30, is the daughter of late Devender Rana, a senior political figure who was once a close aide of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah before joining the BJP. Devender Rana won the October 2024 Assembly polls but passed away in 2025. Devyani Rana subsequently won the November 2025 bypoll from Nagrota on a BJP ticket.

India's economic strength positions it to lead globally. Author Marianne Williamson urges India to embrace its democratic potential for worldwide benefit. She highlights that economic prosperity alone does not guarantee stability or democratic values. Modern leadership requires ethical considerations and humility. Solutions to global challenges like climate change and AI ethics are achievable through transformative learning.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has criticised the BJP government, saying it is shortchanging Indian cotton farmers and textile exporters in the proposed India-US trade deal. He highlighted that Bangladesh could get zero-duty access for garments to the US, while India faces an 18% tariff.

Rahman's Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) on Friday secured a sweeping victory with more than two-thirds majority in the landmark parliamentary elections held on Thursday. The BNP leader is set to become the prime minister, replacing the interim government chief Muhammad Yunus.