The Economic Times

India faces Pakistan in the 2026 T20 World Cup. Pakistani bowler Usman Tariq's unusual action is drawing attention. His sling-like delivery and pre-release pause are notable. Tariq has passed ICC tests for his bowling action. This match is crucial for both teams' qualification chances for the next stage of the tournament.

As a country that is playing an increasingly important role in the world, India has a duty to modernise its defence sector in line with current realities, Modi said in an exclusive interview to PTI.

Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar believes Pinarayi Vijayan will remain Kerala's chief minister. He spoke at an event in Thiruvananthapuram. Aiyar urged legal changes to boost Kerala's Panchayati Raj system. He recalled Mahatma Gandhi's vision for local governance. Aiyar requested Chief Minister Vijayan to lead the Panchayati Raj movement. He stated the Congress has dropped the baton.

February New Moon: The energy of Aquarius thrives on authenticity. By aligning intentions with ones true identity, individuals may find the coming months marked by breakthroughs rather than setbacks.

Ramzan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. The daily fast in Ramzan includes abstaining from all food and drink not even a sip of water is allowed from dawn to sunset, before breaking the fast in a meal known as 'iftar' in Arabic.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio called a report blaming Russia for Alexei Navalny's death troubling. The report, from five European allies, alleges poison dart frog toxin was used. Rubio stated Washington has no reason to question the findings. He made these remarks during a news conference in Bratislava. The US is not disputing the European allies' conclusions.

JEE Main 2026 Session 1 results are expected on February 16, 2026, via the NTA's official websites. Candidates can access their scorecards, which include percentile scores, All India Rank, and subject-wise performance, by using their application number and date of birth. These results are crucial for JEE Advanced eligibility and admission to top engineering institutes.

Presidents Day 2026 holiday is here and U.S. Stock Market indexes S&P 500, Nasdaq, and Dow Jones have big updates for investors.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the Union Budget's focus on infrastructure and capital investment. He emphasized productive spending over short-term populism. The budget aims to drive jobs and sustainable growth. This strategy is designed to accelerate momentum and prepare youth for global opportunities. It builds on reforms to create a developed India.

Epibatidine, first identified in the 1990s from a frog species native to Ecuador, is not typically linked to intentional poisoning. Researchers describe it as exceptionally powerful, once investigated as a painkiller far more potent than morphine, but ultimately abandoned for medical use.

In an exclusive interview with PTI, Modi asserted that none of his government's budgets have been made with an attitude of creating a run-of-the-mill 'bahi khata' documents as hat is not our approach.

CBSE Board Exams 2026 are approaching. Students must reach centres by 10:00 am. Late entry is prohibited. Proper uniform, admit card, and stationery are essential. Adequate sleep and a healthy breakfast are advised. Inside the hall, use reading time wisely. Start with known questions. Follow invigilator instructions. Avoid electronic gadgets. Stay calm during the exam.

Punjab's Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has been admitted to Fortis Hospital in Mohali after feeling unwell during his visit to Sangrur. Medical professionals are diligently examining him after his participation in a Mahashivratri celebration alongside Arvind Kejriwal. Due to this health scare, his planned engagements in Fazilka have been put on hold.

India began their tour of Australia with a commanding victory. They secured a 21-run win against Australia in the first Women's T20 International. Arundhati Reddy starred with the ball, taking four wickets. India were ahead on the DLS method when rain interrupted play. Smriti Mandhana and Jemimah Rodrigues were at the crease. Shafali Verma provided a quick start.

A man faced a dilemma after confronting his mother for pressuring his wife about having children. He felt guilty for raising his voice but stood by his partner. The incident caused tension at home. Online users largely supported his decision to defend his wife. The situation highlights family dynamics and marital support.

Presidents Day weather: Extreme snow fall is expected to span several days and could also impact portions of Western Nevada and Southern Oregon.

Quote of the day by Epictetus: Ancient philosopher Epictetus offers timeless advice on communication. He suggests listening twice as much as speaking. This practice fosters deeper understanding and stronger relationships. It also promotes personal growth and self-awareness. Embracing this Stoic principle leads to more thoughtful interactions. It helps navigate daily challenges with wisdom and calm. This approach enhances emotional intelligence for everyone.

Solar eclipse visibility: Annular eclipses are less dramatic than total solar eclipses, as the Sun is never completely obscured. However, the ring of fire effect is widely regarded as equally awe-inspiring due to its symmetry and brilliance.

Russia's senior aide Maxim Oreshkin will lead a delegation to the AI Impact Summit in New Delhi. The summit, from February 16-20, will focus on AI collaboration between India and Russia. Discussions will cover secure, trusted, and sovereign AI. This partnership aims for shared growth and technological advancement. Russia supports India's emphasis on ICT security in AI.

Ukrainian drone attacks have caused fires at a Russian Black Sea port. This comes just before new peace talks aimed at ending the ongoing conflict. Meanwhile, Russian drone debris has damaged infrastructure in Ukraine. Leaders are meeting to discuss security guarantees and potential concessions. Previous talks have failed to resolve key issues.

Israel launched airstrikes in Gaza Sunday, killing at least 11 Palestinians. The military stated this was a response to Hamas violating a ceasefire. Gaza officials reported casualties from strikes on a tent encampment and in Khan Younis. This exchange occurs days before the first meeting of US President Donald Trump's Board of Peace.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has strongly refuted claims made by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi regarding India's trade agreements. Shah asserted that the government has fully safeguarded the interests of farmers, cattle-rearers, and fishermen in all pacts with the US, UK, and EU. He highlighted the Modi government's commitment to farmer welfare, contrasting it with past policies.

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla will represent India at the swearing-in ceremony of Bangladesh's next prime minister, Tarique Rahman. The event is scheduled for February 17 in Dhaka. Bangladesh had invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Om Birla's participation highlights the strong friendship between India and Bangladesh. It reaffirms India's commitment to democratic values.

Chief Justice of India Surya Kant stressed discipline for success. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman met ECB President in Munich. Millions took holy dips on Mahashivratri in Prayagraj. West Indies advanced to T20 World Cup Super Eights. Lockie Ferguson returns home for childbirth. LeBron James extended his NBA All-Star records.

Delhi is introducing a unique 14-digit 'Bhu-Aadhaar' for every land parcel. This digital land map, created using drone surveys, aims to end land boundary disputes. The initiative, part of the Digital India Land Records Modernisation Programme, will bring transparency and ease for citizens. A pilot project in Tilangpur Kotla has already been completed.

Uttarakhand, fondly known as Devbhumi, the Land of the Gods, is a realm where snow-capped peaks, whispering forests, and ancient temple spires converge in timeless harmony.

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.

Quote of the day: Archimedes words not just reflect a physical principle but also serve as a metaphor for intellectual empowerment. In science classrooms, engineering labs, and motivational speeches, the line symbolises the power of insight to amplify effort.

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.

President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have agreed to a plan. The United States will work to cut Iran's oil exports to China. This move aims to increase pressure on Iran. China stated its normal trade cooperation is legitimate. This development comes as US and Iranian diplomats held talks on Iran's nuclear program.

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.

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.

The highly anticipated India versus Pakistan T20 World Cup 2026 match faces a significant threat from rain. A washout could lead to abandoned games and points shared. This scenario would also result in substantial financial losses for broadcasters, fans, and Sri Lanka Cricket. Both teams have started the tournament strongly.

West Bengal's voter count is set for a significant drop. Over 68 lakh voters may be removed from the electoral roll. This represents a nearly 9% decrease from the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. The final list will be published on February 28. Many names are being excluded due to various discrepancies and unverified details.

Goa elections: The Congress party has announced a potential alliance with the Goa Forward Party for the upcoming 2027 assembly elections. Congress leaders stated that together they will form the next government in Goa. This partnership aims to bring about significant changes for the state. The leaders expressed confidence in their combined strength to lead the coastal state.

Leonardo da Vinci, one of the most brilliant minds in history, said 'Once you have tasted flight, you will forever walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward,' which speaks to the transformative power of extraordinary experiences. This feeling of possibility and freedom permanently shifts our perspective, inspiring us to continually seek growth, curiosity, and ambition.

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.