The Economic Times

India vs Pakistan at the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026: The ICC T20 World Cup 2026 sees India face Pakistan on February 15. The match takes place at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. Both teams are ready for this high-stakes encounter. Abhishek Sharma is fit to play for India. Pakistan also has its probable lineup ready. This rivalry promises excitement for cricket fans.

An award-winning farmer, Ambattu Elias, aged 62, has reportedly died by suicide in Kannur, Kerala. He allegedly consumed pesticide due to mounting financial debt. Elias cultivated vegetables on leased land for decades. This season, his income did not match the yield from 2,500 banana saplings. He was undergoing treatment at a private hospital where he succumbed to his condition.

French President Emmanuel Macron will visit India from February 17 to 19 to attend the India AI Impact Summit in Delhi and hold talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, as both countries deepen strategic ties. The summit, beginning Monday, will bring together global leaders, policymakers and AI experts.

Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister stated the country is ready to compromise on its nuclear program if the U.S. lifts sanctions. Tehran confirmed a second round of talks in Geneva, aiming to discuss uranium enrichment in exchange for sanctions relief, while reiterating its refusal for zero enrichment.

Police have arrested five members of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang for the murder of a businessman in Delhi's Bawana industrial area. The arrests followed a brief encounter where one suspect was injured. The businessman was shot dead on February 9 after allegedly resisting a robbery attempt.

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.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has requested more emergency landing facilities from the Centre. The state government will also partner with the Civil Aviation Ministry for a feasibility study on four new airports. Strategic projects including a road-cum-rail tunnel under the Brahmaputra and an underground highway are planned. These developments aim to bolster Assam's strategic importance.

Parliament will witness a no-confidence motion debate against Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on March 9. Union Minister Kiren Rijiju expects an interesting session with important bills. Disruptions could lead to the guillotine, impacting the opposition. Upcoming assembly polls add to the session's significance. Several ministries will be discussed in both houses.

Australia faces Sri Lanka in a crucial T20 World Cup match. Injury-hit Australia might bring in Steve Smith to strengthen their batting. They need wins to advance. Sri Lanka leads the group but has lost spinner Wanindu Hasaranga. Australia recalls their 2023 ODI World Cup winning spirit for this challenge.

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.

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.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman held significant meetings in Munich. Discussions centered on the India-EU Free Trade Agreement, set for finalization in January 2026. Sitharaman explored financial facilitation roles for the European Central Bank and outlined India's plans for EU bank branches. Investments and partnerships with Liechtenstein were also discussed. Germany's Finance Minister highlighted the FTA's importance for trade and investments.

Victor Wembanyama grabbed attention at NBA All-Star Weekend in Los Angeles. He wore a France-themed Marty Supreme jacket. Actor Timothe Chalamet shared photos online, boosting the look's popularity. This moment connected basketball, fashion, and film. Wembanyama is increasingly using fashion in his public image. The jacket also aligned with the film Marty Supreme's French release.

Salman Khurshid addressed the India-Pakistan cricket match. He emphasized respecting national sentiments while urging leadership to act with reason and responsibility. The Pakistan cricket team was directed by their government to play the match. This follows Pakistan's earlier boycott decision. The India-Pakistan cricket rivalry is a major global sporting event.

A Metro Line 4 parapet segment collapsed in Mulund West, killing one person and injuring three. Five individuals, including senior officials from two firms, have been arrested. The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority has imposed penalties and ordered a high-level inquiry. Work at the affected stretch is halted. Traffic diversions are in place.

Former India cricketer Harbhajan Singh has defended the young Indian cricketer Abhishek Sharma after former Pakistan cricketer Mohammad Amir called the Indian batter a slogger ahead of the much-awaited India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup 2026 match on Sunday. Harbhajan said Abhishek is a proper batter and has cricketing shots that a lot of other batters don't.

India and Pakistan's highly anticipated T20 World Cup clash is confirmed for Sunday at Colombo's R Premadasa Stadium, despite looming rain threats. Historically, India has dominated this rivalry in the tournament, winning seven out of eight encounters. Both teams arrive in Colombo with recent victories under their belts.

Happy Mahashivratri 2026 Wishes, Photos: Maha Shivratri, a sacred night in the Hindu tradition honouring Lord Shiva, highlights transformation and inner peace through fasting, prayer, and reflection. The 2026 observance encourages us to shed ego and embrace truth with humility and sincerity. This collection presents 70 wishes, quotes, and greetings to share blessings of strength, clarity, and serenity, nurturing spiritual awakening and heartfelt devotion.

The case stemmed from a public meeting organised by the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam at Krishnamoorthy Hall in Erukkancheri on June 16, 2023. In his speech, Sivaji allegedly used abusive and derogatory language while referring to the TN Governor RN Ravi, actor-turned-politician Khushbu Sundar, Leader of the Opposition Edappadi K. Palaniswami, former BJP state president K. Annamalai and former minister D. Jayakumar.

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.

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.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated President Trump aims to end the Russia-Ukraine war once and for all. Rubio met with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference, discussing Ukraine's security and deepening partnerships. Zelenskyy briefed Rubio on the war's impact and upcoming trilateral talks in Geneva, expressing hope for productive discussions.

The BJP has accused former Union minister Kapil Sibal of receiving an award funded by Jeffrey Epstein in 2010, demanding a response from Rahul Gandhi. Sibal and the Congress have dismissed the allegations, stating he was not Epstein's guest and the award was for educational collaboration. The Congress claims the BJP misrepresented a document to create a false narrative.

Gunmen launched simultaneous attacks on three communities in Nigeria's Niger state, killing at least 32 people. The dawn raids targeted Tunga-Makeri, Konkoso, and Pissa, with one community reporting 26 fatalities. Security forces have been mobilized to the scene as efforts to rescue abducted individuals are underway.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met with G7 Foreign Ministers at the Munich Security Conference 2026, reaffirming India's support for UN reform and its crucial role in global security. He also held bilateral meetings with counterparts from the Czech Republic, Germany, Canada, and France, discussing economic and defense cooperation.

President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu agreed to exert maximum pressure on Iran, specifically targeting its oil exports to China. This move aims to significantly reduce Iran's oil revenue, as China represents over 80% of its exports. The agreement follows recent nuclear talks and U.S. military preparations in the region.