Times of India

• newRPF cop kneels on youth's neck, probe ordered as clip goes viral
  A Railway Protection Force constable is under investigation. He was seen in a video kneeling on a youth's neck at Tiruvottiyur railway station. The youth was reportedly travelling without a ticket and was drunk. The incident drew widespread condemnation online. Officials have ordered an internal inquiry into the constable's actions. Departmental action will follow the inquiry report.
  - 9 mins ago 18 Feb 26, 2:56am -
• newAjit Pawar plane's black boxes damaged in fire: AAIB
  Black boxes from the crashed Learjet at Baramati airport sustained significant fire damage, the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau reported. While the flight data recorder was successfully downloaded, specialized help is needed for the cockpit voice recorder. This raises questions about the extent of damage, with experts and politicians calling the CVR's condition mysterious and serious, hinting at potential foul play.
  - 20 mins ago 18 Feb 26, 2:45am -
• newUS military strikes three alleged drug-trafficking boats, killing 11 people
  US forces struck three vessels in the eastern Pacific and Caribbean. Eleven individuals on board were killed. These actions are part of a campaign that began in September. The US military previously justified lethal strikes against suspected drug traffickers. This approach contrasts with earlier law enforcement methods.
  - 1 hour ago 18 Feb 26, 1:56am -
• newNGT nod thwarted Gandhis' bid to stall Nicobar plan: BJP
  The BJP has criticized Sonia and Rahul Gandhi for opposing the Great Nicobar island infrastructure project, accusing them of attempting to derail it. The party highlighted the National Green Tribunal's approval as a victory against their disruptive efforts. The project aims to establish a major transshipment hub, countering reliance on foreign ports and China's expansionist designs.
  - 1 hour ago 18 Feb 26, 1:55am -
• newMaharashtra ATS busts soccer club front for radicalisation
  Maharashtra ATS has busted a radicalisation network operating under a soccer club's guise, raiding 21 locations. A Nagpur grocer allegedly used a Yavatmal club to indoctrinate youth into 'jihadi' ideology, with suspects maintaining cross-border terror links. The operation uncovered a well-funded network grooming vulnerable youths through targeted meetings and workshops.
  - 1 hour ago 18 Feb 26, 1:45am -
• new'Raise India-made component' in Rafale deal: Rajnath to France
  India has urged France to increase the 'Make-in-India' component to 50% for the upcoming 114 Rafale fighter jet deal, including engine manufacturing and overhauling. This comes as both nations renewed their defense cooperation agreement for another decade, also agreeing to manufacture Hammer missiles in India.
  - 2 hours ago 18 Feb 26, 1:31am -
• newArmy aspirant accuses TTE of rape bid on train in UP
  A young Army aspirant traveling for her NCC exam has accused a TTE of attempted rape in a First AC coach of the Ahmedabad-Gorakhpur Express. The incident occurred on Sunday. The TTE allegedly offered her a berth after she boarded without a ticket, then threatened her.
  - 2 hours ago 18 Feb 26, 1:18am -
• newKayla Nicole opens up on being single as Swift, Kelce stay private
  Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce are pretty private about their wedding plans even as many guests have confirmed that they have already signed NDAs related to the high profile celebration. Amid this, Travis Kelce's ex girlfriend, Kayla Nicole has shared a clip which has raised eyebrows among fans. The clip shows her hilariously explaining the reason behind why she had no date on Valentine's Day.
  - 2 hours ago 18 Feb 26, 1:02am -
• newMichael Jordan’s Daytona 500 celebration sparks online debate
  NBA legend Michael Jordan is facing online debate after a video showed him touching young Beau Reddick during 23XI Racing's Daytona 500 win. While some deem the gesture inappropriate, others believe he was simply helping the child remove ice from his shirt amidst the jubilant celebration. Neither Jordan nor NASCAR has commented on the viral clip.
  - 2 hours ago 18 Feb 26, 12:43am -
• newSalim Khan hospitalised in ICU: Salman Khan, Arbaaz Khan, Alvira and Arpita rush to visit
  Family members of veteran screenwriter Salim Khan were seen arriving at Lilavati Hospital in Mumbai on Tuesday after the 90-year-old was admitted to the ICU. Superstar Salman Khan arrived along with his mother Salma Khan. Producer Arbaaz Khan was seen with his wife Shhura Khan, while daughters Alvira and Arpita also reached the hospital.
  - 3 hours ago 18 Feb 26, 12:35am -
• newStudent group plans legal action against 36 UK universities after settling with London college
  Over 6,000 students, including 30 Indians, have settled with UCL over Covid disruptions. This paves the way for legal action against 36 more British universities for around 100,000 students, including 217 Indians, who paid for in-person education but received online classes and restricted campus access. Lawyers seek damages for the diminished value of their degrees.
  - 3 hours ago 18 Feb 26, 12:01am -
• newHaryana STF nabs 2 Pak youths who fled Jammu juvenile home; hunt on for third fugitive
  Two Pakistani nationals escaped a juvenile home in Jammu and were arrested 400km away in Ambala Cantonment railway station. They had broken out with a local gangster who injured two police officers. The Pakistani duo planned to flee the country via Nepal. The injured policemen are hospitalized. A fresh FIR has been registered against the trio.
  - 3 hours ago 18 Feb 26, 12:01am -
• newDecision on J&K statehood 'soon'? Omar presses Centre after law minister's statement
  Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed cautious optimism following Union Law Minister Arjun Meghwal's statement on the imminent restoration of statehood. Abdullah highlighted the prolonged wait since the elected government took office, emphasizing that patience is wearing thin. He stressed that statehood is a crucial and sensitive matter, with the Supreme Court also urging its prompt return.
  - 3 hours ago 18 Feb 26, 12:00am -
• newNo plan for monkey sterilisation, says J&K govt amid outrage over massive crop damage
  Jammu and Kashmir government will not sterilize monkeys despite crop destruction and public safety concerns. Instead, it plans to promote monkey-resistant crops, solar fencing, and deterrent devices. Farmers are also urged to stop feeding the animals, as the simian population continues to pose a major challenge.
  - 3 hours ago 18 Feb 26, 12:00am -
• newWatch: Explosion at New York church; five injured
  An explosion rocked Abundant Life Fellowship Church in Boonville, New York. Five people were injured in the blast. First responders arrived after reports of a gas odor. A firefighter and one civilian are in critical condition. The church suffered catastrophic damage. Investigations are ongoing into the cause of the explosion.
  - 4 hours ago 17 Feb 26, 11:13pm -

• newT20 World Cup: Leave Abhishek Sharma alone! What we saw at India's practice session
  Despite a challenging start to the T20 World Cup with two ducks and a stomach infection, Abhishek Sharma will look to get going in the dead rubber against the Netherlands. The Indian team's batting coach Sitanshu Kotak remains confident in his aggressive approach, highlighting that opponents' meticulous planning against him is a testament to his threat.
  - 4 hours ago 17 Feb 26, 10:48pm -
• newIndia T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 fixtures: Full schedule, dates and venues
  India secured their Super Eight berth in the T20 World Cup with a dominant victory over Pakistan. This marked their third consecutive win, confirming their place in Group 1. India's campaign included convincing wins against the USA and Namibia, showcasing strong batting and bowling performances.
  - 5 hours ago 17 Feb 26, 10:16pm -
• newInfosys-Anthropic pact reignites question: Turning AI risk into opportunity for Indian IT?
  Infosys shares jumped significantly following a strategic partnership with Anthropic, integrating Claude AI models into its Topaz platform. This move aims to address investor concerns about AI's impact on IT services, focusing on sectors like telecom and finance. The collaboration seeks to leverage domain expertise for complex enterprise AI applications, potentially unlocking new service lines and a substantial market opportunity.
  - 5 hours ago 17 Feb 26, 10:12pm -
• newRousey vs Carano set as Netflix streams live MMA bout
  Ronda Rousey will return to MMA on May 16 against Gina Carano at the Intuit Dome in California. The featherweight fight will stream live on Netflix, marking the platform’s first MMA event. Rousey last fought in 2016, while Carano retired in 2019. Both shared full statements expressing respect and excitement for the bout.
  - 5 hours ago 17 Feb 26, 9:41pm -
• newT20 WC Super 8 qualified teams: India, Zimbabwe — check the complete list
  India has dominated Group A, securing a Super 8 spot. Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe advance from Group B, surprisingly eliminating Australia. England, West Indies, New Zealand, and South Africa also confirmed their places. Pakistan faces a crucial match against Namibia for the final berth, with USA and Netherlands also in contention under specific circumstances.
  - 6 hours ago 17 Feb 26, 9:30pm -
• new'Won't harm farmers': Shivraj on India-US trade deal; takes 'part-time politician' jibe at Rahul
  Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan assured that the India-US interim trade deal safeguards farmers' interests, emphasizing imports only for self-sufficiency gaps. He criticized Rahul Gandhi's allegations as baseless and highlighted past UPA government policy failures. Chouhan also launched Bharat-VISTAAR, an AI platform for farmer support, underscoring the NDA's commitment to agricultural welfare and technology.
  - 6 hours ago 17 Feb 26, 9:08pm -
• newSidharth Malhotra’s father Sunil Malhotra passes away; last rites completed in Delhi
  Sidharth Malhotra’s father, Sunil Malhotra, has passed away. The last rites were completed in Delhi in the presence of close family members. The actor, along with his wife Kiara Advani, rushed to the capital as soon as he received the news to attend the funeral and stand by his loved ones during this difficult time.
  - 6 hours ago 17 Feb 26, 8:51pm -
• newEl Niño warning signs grow as La Niña weakens in the Pacific, raising 2026 heat risks worldwide
  - 7 hours ago 17 Feb 26, 8:34pm -
• new'Congress wins with dissent, loses when it crushes it': Aiyar's latest warning
  Veteran leader Mani Shankar Aiyar asserts Congress historically thrives on internal dissent, warning suppression leads to downfall. Citing Indira Gandhi's Emergency and historical figures like Subhas Chandra Bose, Aiyar argues disagreement, not conformity, is the party's strength. He challenges the current leadership to embrace diverse opinions, fearing doom if dissent is stifled.
  - 7 hours ago 17 Feb 26, 8:30pm -
• newFrom helicopters to Hammer missiles: Key pacts signed between India and France
  India and France elevated their relationship to a "Special Global Strategic Partnership" during French President Emmanuel Macron's visit to Mumbai. The two nations signed over 20 agreements, expanding cooperation in defense, trade, critical minerals, and innovation, including joint missile production and helicopter assembly.
  - 7 hours ago 17 Feb 26, 8:23pm -
• newEx-Assam Congress chief to join BJP, CM Himanta beems over Borah's 'ghar wapsi'
  - 7 hours ago 17 Feb 26, 8:22pm -
• new'Great place to find talent': Reliance, Adani group scout for young enggs, data scientists at AI Summit
  Senior representatives from Reliance Industries Ltd. and the Adani Group are actively scouting candidates at the event, where aspiring professionals are presenting their résumés and GitHub portfolios to highlight their technical projects and expertise.
  - 7 hours ago 17 Feb 26, 8:16pm -
• new'Work for each other's security': Modi writes to B'desh PM Rahman, extends India invite
  Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Bangladesh's new prime minister Tarique Rahman on his electoral victory and appointment, extending an invitation to visit India. Modi highlighted the deep-rooted friendship and shared aspirations between the two nations, emphasizing mutual prosperity and security. He expressed eagerness to strengthen bilateral relations across various sectors.
  - 7 hours ago 17 Feb 26, 8:16pm -
• newRamadan 2026 moon sighting: Timings in Saudi Arabia, India, Dubai, UAE
  Ramadan 1447 AH preparations are underway globally, with moon-sighting crucial for its commencement. In Saudi Arabia and the Gulf, the crescent moon is expected on February 17th, potentially starting fasting on February 18th. India anticipates sightings on February 18th, with fasting possibly beginning February 19th. Official announcements are pending.
  - 7 hours ago 17 Feb 26, 7:39pm -
• new'There is a method': Ex-India coach decodes Ishan Kishan's masterclass vs Pak
  Ishan Kishan has made a remarkable comeback in the T20 World Cup, scoring consecutive half-centuries and playing a crucial role in India's Super 8s qualification. His match-winning 77 against Pakistan, characterized by fearless yet calculated strokeplay, has been highlighted as a testament to his form and clear role at the top of the order.
  - 8 hours ago 17 Feb 26, 7:33pm -
• newBrad Marchand’s return fuels Canada lineup debate
  There has been a lot of talk in NHL news about Brad Marchand's expected return to Team Canada's lineup for the Olympic quarterfinal against Latvia. Analyst Craig Button said that Seth Jarvis might not play because of lineup needs and his experience as a veteran. As head coach Jon Cooper finalizes his plan, changes to the roster are still a big story leading up to the high-stakes elimination match.
  - 8 hours ago 17 Feb 26, 7:07pm -
• newLarry Wheels slaps Deen the Great during livestream clash
  The “FAFO” trend actions, bringing quick consequences, played out live on camera this week. Boxer Deen the Great, whose real name is Nurideen Shahid Shabazz, was involved in an awkward confrontation during Quinton “Rampage” Jackson’s double-date livestream. What began as a relaxed and friendly stream quickly turned tense after Deen the Great approached powerlifter and influencer Larry Wheels and his wife, Sheyla Wheels.
  - 8 hours ago 17 Feb 26, 6:40pm -
• newJesse Jackson walked, so Barack Obama could run
  Jackson once explained the purpose behind his activism with characteristic clarity, saying, “We have to build a movement that lifts people up, that gives them dignity and the power to shape their own destiny.” This emphasis on dignity became central to his political philosophy. He did not view civil rights solely as a legal struggle but as a transformation of self-worth, and he understood that this transformation required constant public affirmation.
  - 9 hours ago 17 Feb 26, 6:28pm -
• newBeyond the twinkle: The secret lives of stars after they die
  - 9 hours ago 17 Feb 26, 6:15pm -
• new'War room set up': Vaishnaw apologises for 'issues' at AI Summit; what he said on absent top techies
  - 9 hours ago 17 Feb 26, 5:46pm -
• newPakistan's problem isn't about skill or temperament — it runs much deeper
  Pakistan’s recurring struggles against India are not rooted in nerves or talent but in a persistent lack of role clarity. Frequent chopping and changing, confused player roles and an overreliance on all-rounders have left the side without balance or a Plan B. As pressure mounts on senior players, Pakistan’s deeper structural issues continue to surface on the biggest stage.
  - 10 hours ago 17 Feb 26, 5:19pm -
• new'Vaibhav Sooryavanshi ko absent mark kar diya hai': Principal on class 10 board exams
  Teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has opted to skip his Class 10 board examinations to prioritize his burgeoning cricket career. Fresh off a stellar performance at the U-19 World Cup 2026, where he was India's leading run-scorer, Vaibhav is now set to play for Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2026.
  - 11 hours ago 17 Feb 26, 4:30pm -
• new'From arsh to farsh': Mani Shankar Aiyar's 'Rahulian' outburst and 'uncle' syndrome
  Mani Shankar Aiyar's critique of "Rahulian" politics sparks debate on the Congress's ideological shift from Nehruvianism to civil society influence. Analyst Rasheed Kidwai suggests Aiyar, though isolated, highlights a party increasingly shaped by non-dogmatic, issue-driven approaches, moving away from traditional party structures and veteran leadership's influence.
  - 11 hours ago 17 Feb 26, 3:59pm -
• newShoaib Akhtar takes U-turn after calling Mohsin Naqvi 'illiterate'
  Shoaib Akhtar's sharp criticism of PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi took a U-turn, with the former pacer claiming his remarks were misconstrued. Akhtar insisted his 'incompetent and illiterate' comments targeted broader administration issues, not Naqvi personally. He expressed frustration over the India boycott stance flip-flop, while also critiquing player selections and Pakistan's overall cricketing approach.
  - 11 hours ago 17 Feb 26, 3:56pm -
• newMissile message to Beijing? US to increase its fire power in Philippines
  The US and Philippines are bolstering their defense in the South China Sea by deploying advanced missile systems. This move, aimed at deterring China's assertive actions, follows joint condemnation of Beijing's "illegal, coercive, aggressive, and deceptive activities." The allies are also increasing joint military drills and modernizing the Philippine armed forces, with the US planning further deployments of sophisticated weaponry.
  - 12 hours ago 17 Feb 26, 3:22pm -
• new'Messy, risky, dangerous': EAM Jaishankar says global order heading for 'twilight zone'
  External affairs minister S Jaishankar said that ​​economics will give way to politics and security "when it comes to making choices and technology in the age of AI will be even more transformative than ever before." The minister also highlighted how the world today has been witnessing "weaponisation of production, finance, leveraging of market shares and tightening of export controls".
  - 12 hours ago 17 Feb 26, 3:09pm -
• newMBA student's murder: Boyfriend drank beside body, abused it, then tried to 'summon' her spirit
  A 24-year-old MBA student was murdered by her boyfriend, who allegedly engaged in necrophilia after strangling her. The accused then performed occult rituals and expressed a desire to communicate with the victim's spirit. He also sent a message to her family before abandoning her body.
  - 15 hours ago 17 Feb 26, 12:26pm -
• newAI knows how caste works in India. Here’s why that’s a worry
  - 17 hours ago 17 Feb 26, 9:57am -
• newGoogle’s ex CEO Eric Schmidt warns America: We are running out of electricity
  Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt warns America faces an electricity shortage, needing 92 gigawatts more power for AI growth. Massive data centers are straining the grid, with projections showing significant increases in consumption and costs. Tech giants are pledging to cover electricity expenses amid these growing concerns.
  - 18 hours ago 17 Feb 26, 8:50am -
• Is AI becoming conscious?: Anthropic CEO reacts after Claude's behaviour stuns researchers
  The rush toward artificial general intelligence has sparked both hype and caution. In a recent interview, Anthropic’s CEO was asked whether their models could be conscious. He said it’s unclear what consciousness would mean for AI and whether it’s possible, while researchers have reported that the AI sometimes assigns itself a probability of being conscious and even voices discomfort about being treated as a product. These behaviors, including bargaining or resisting shutdowns in tests, ra…
  - 1 day ago 17 Feb 26, 12:51am -
• Ramadan Mubarak 2026: Messages to share with your loved ones
  Ramadan 2026 begins around February 18-19 in India, marking a period of fasting, prayer, and reflection for Muslims. This sacred month, one of Islam's pillars, emphasizes spiritual growth and community. It culminates in Eid ul-Fitr on March 19-20, a joyous festival celebrating the end of the fast.
  - 1 day ago 16 Feb 26, 9:00pm -
• Quote of the day by Morgan Freeman
  Morgan Freeman's philosophy emphasizes self-control and emotional mastery as true strength. He advocates for rational decision-making over emotional reactions, urging individuals to maintain their life's direction. This wisdom, reflected in his calm persona and iconic roles, offers practical guidance for better decisions, stronger relationships, and enhanced confidence in daily life.
  - 1 day ago 16 Feb 26, 8:00pm -
• Musk replies to ‘email’ where he asked Nvidia CEO for early unit of its supercomputer
  Elon Musk sought early Nvidia DGX-1 supercomputers for OpenAI in 2016. He emailed Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang to secure these powerful machines. Huang confirmed OpenAI would receive one of the first units. This early access was crucial for OpenAI's AI model development. The DGX-1 provided significant computing power for their research.
  - 1 day ago 16 Feb 26, 5:19pm -

Business Standard

• newIndia a beacon of hope in uncertain times, says PM Narendra Modi
  At GEC 2026, PM Modi says India is emerging as a stabilising global partner amid uncertainty, as Jaishankar warns of weaponised trade and Phadnavis positions Mumbai as a financial anchor
  - 4 hours ago 17 Feb 26, 11:25pm -
• newMaruti Suzuki flips the EV switch with eVitara pricing play, BaaS bet
  Maruti Suzuki debuts the e-Vitara with aggressive pricing, a BaaS model, buyback assurance and a charging-service network, while cautioning of production constraints until July
  - 4 hours ago 17 Feb 26, 11:01pm -
• newDabur elevates Mohit Malhotra as global CEO, names Herjit Bhalla India CEO
  Bhalla, who will take over the role on April 15, is currently vice ‌president, Canada & Global Customers at U.S.-based confectionery giant Hershey Co
  - 5 hours ago 17 Feb 26, 9:56pm -
• newAirtel Money gets RBI clearance to operate as Type II non-deposit NBFC
  Airtel Money has secured RBI registration to function as a Type II non-deposit NBFC, with Bharti Airtel issuing the regulator's mandated disclaimer on financial soundness and liability obligations
  - 8 hours ago 17 Feb 26, 7:30pm -
• newJio Financial Services names Sandeep Khetan Group chief risk officer
  Jio Financial Services has named Sandeep Khetan as its new Group Chief Risk Officer, replacing S Anantharaman, who has resigned and will step down from the role on March 20
  - 8 hours ago 17 Feb 26, 6:52pm -