Month: February 2026

India is set to face Zimbabwe in their do-or-die Super Eight match at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, needing a big win to improve their net run-rate, and possibly save the team from being eliminated from the tournament.

Speaking on JioHotstar, former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra shared his thoughts on the off-spin challenge for India’s left-handers and the method to counter Zimbabwe skipper Sikandar Raza.

Indian opener batters have shown discomfort against off-spinners in the powerplay, and the opponents have used this in almost every match to counter-attack against the Indian batting order.

Chopra highlighted how off-spinners have become India’s biggest headache in the tournament. He said, “Every delivery bowled by off-spinners to the Indian openers is slightly short, wide, and fired in. They are not giving any room. That is exactly what happened against the Netherlands, South Africa and Pakistan. Whether it was Aryan Dutt, Salman Ali Agha or Aiden Markram, everyone followed the same plan against the Indian batters, especially the left-handers.”

“They have tied them down. In fact, no team has lost more wickets than India against finger spinners, especially off-spinners, in this World Cup. Off-spinners are usually considered easier bowlers to play. But in this tournament, the story has been quite painful from India’s point of view,” Chopra said.

Raza has taken 24 wickets at a miserly economy of 6.76 in T20Is since the start of 2025.

On how India should approach against Sikandar Raza’s bowling, Chopra said, “Sikandar Raza will bowl fast and follow the left-handed batters. He will keep the ball around the stumps. He is not going to bowl slower deliveries as Markram did. That is not his plan. He does not even need to change the pace much. India have two left-handers in Ishan Kishan and Abhishek Sharma opening the innings. To counter Raza, they should bring Suryakumar Yadav at number three. He is the Captain and should lead from the front.”

“If Tilak Varma comes at three, India have two left-handers together batting after the fall of the first wicket, and this will only increase their problems. Surya at three creates the left-right combination, which can trouble Zimbabwe’s bowlers. Surya is playing his fourth T20 World Cup. He is in form, needs to take charge and lead the team from the front,” he concluded.

India needs a big win against Zimbabwe to stay alive in the race for the semi-finals. (ANI)

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday experienced Japan’s cutting-edge SCMAGLEV train technology, hailing it as the future of “clean, efficient, and precision mobility”.

The Chief Minister, who is on an official visit to Japan, took a test ride on the famous SC Maglev at the Yamanashi Maglev Line. Developed by the Central Japan Railway Company, this advanced system uses superconducting magnets to lift and propel the train above the tracks. By eliminating friction, the technology allows for speeds exceeding 600 km/h, having previously set a world record of 603 km/h in 2015.

Sharing his first-hand experience in a post on X, the Chief Minister highlighted the extraordinary speed and stability of the system. “You can see that I was travelling at 501 km/h. Experienced Japan’s advanced SCMAGLEV train in Yamanashi… the ride was smooth and remarkably stable even at extraordinary speed, reflecting Japan’s commitment to innovation and long-term infrastructure excellence,” he stated.

The demonstration run underscored the train’s silent movement and cutting-edge safety features, symbolising the growing technological cooperation between India and Japan. CM Adityanath noted that “when technology moves at this speed, the future feels closer than ever”, signalling a keen interest in adopting such modern rail innovations for India’s future transportation development.

Beyond transit technology, the visit served to strengthen broader bilateral ties. Earlier in the day, the Chief Minister expressed gratitude to the Japanese government and the Governor of Yamanashi Prefecture for their roles in advancing the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and former Japanese PM Shinzo Abe.

“I am very delighted that the Japanese government and the Governor of Yamanashi Prefecture are playing a significant role in strengthening the relationship between Japan and India,” the UP CM said.

This collaboration extends into the realm of clean energy and academic excellence. Referring to an initiative proposed during the Governor’s previous visit to Uttar Pradesh, the Chief Minister highlighted a major programme to develop the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur as a Centre of Excellence.

He emphasised that the partnership would focus on green hydrogen technology to support India’s energy goals, stating, “I am confident that this green hydrogen technology can play a major role in advancing Prime Minister Modi’s mission to achieve Uttar Pradesh’s energy self-sufficiency.” (ANI)

Keyzom Ngodup Massally, AI Director at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), on Monday hailed India’s leadership in the Global South as the country announced a historic trilateral partnership on artificial intelligence with Italy and Kenya on the sidelines of the global AI Impact Summit.

The strategic trilateral partnership was announced to co-design and deploy scalable, sovereign AI pathways across Africa, leveraging India’s digital public goods. It was signed in the presence of Nandan Nilekani; Adolfo Urso, Minister of Enterprises and Made in Italy and William Kabogo Gitau, Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Information, Communications and the Digital Economy.

In an exclusive interview with ANI, Keyzom Ngodup Massally, Director of the AI Hub for Sustainable Development at UNDP, said, “The trilateral agreement between Italy, India, and Kenya embodies this shared commitment. It positions the public and private sectors as strategic partners to elevate the Global South’s role in global AI governance. Together, with India’s leadership in digital public goods for the global south, we are actively working to identify and shape the public goods of AI–responsible pathways for its diffusion that prioritise equity, trust, and accountability–so AI can benefit humanity at scale and leave no one behind.”

At the Summit, Ekstep Foundation’s People plus Ai along with UNDP, Anthropic, IIITB, ORF, governments of Kenya and Italy announced new partnerships in support of the goal to develop 100 AI Diffusion Pathways by 2030 to create breakthroughs in AI adoption.

Massally further told ANI, “The discussions in Delhi marked a meaningful step forward, shifting focus from high-level concepts to the practical architecture of impact: building ecosystems that integrate finance, technology, and international cooperation to deliver real value.”

As per a statement by the UNDP, leveraging the G7-endorsed AI Hub for Sustainable Development, the arrangement unites ecosystems in India, Italy and Kenya to collectively work with local public and private sector innovators to scale voice-enabled AI solutions tailored to African contexts, focusing on low-connectivity environments, local languages, and data ownership.

“The cooperation aims at catalysing smart ecosystem pathways, combining India’s innovation expertise, digital public goods and know-how, Kenya’s on-the-ground ecosystem and leadership in Africa, and Italy’s AI Hub’s focus on horizontal unlocks and industrial partners to deliver concrete, Africa-led progress and marks a crucial step toward building sovereign, green AI infrastructure that is Africa-led”, the UNDP statement said.

Earlier, while in Delhi, Massally underlined how UNDP is working on making sure AI adoption serves people and the planet and noted how it is utilising AI to help support diffusion pathways where AI can speak local languages, and make a difference in the lives of farmers, women entrepreneurs– in India and across the world.

The Global AI Impact Summit 2026 held in New Delhi was the first to be hosted in the Global South, and brought together policymakers, industry leaders, academics and civil society representatives to deliberate on responsible AI governance and inclusive technological advancement.

At the Summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled the comprehensive “MANAV Vision” for AI, reflecting on the technology to have ethical foundations.

Its inauguration was attended by over 20 Heads of Government and 59 Ministerial-level representatives, alongside government representatives from 118 countries. The Summit also convened 100+ global AI leaders, CEOs and CXOs, and over 500 leading AI experts from across the world.

The Summit witnessed unprecedented international participation, reaffirming India’s growing leadership in shaping the global Artificial Intelligence discourse. (ANI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday met Israeli President Isaac Herzog during his two-day state visit, underscoring the growing strategic depth and global relevance of the India-Israel partnership.

During the meeting, PM Modi highlighted the vast potential of bilateral cooperation, saying the relationship between the two countries “in many areas can be very strong and useful for the global good.”

“Whether it is science, innovation, or educational institutions, you have great expertise in certain areas, especially regarding water and agriculture,” PM Modi said, noting that India has adopted several Israeli best practices in agriculture with encouraging outcomes.

The leaders reviewed progress in key areas of collaboration, including innovation, water conservation, agricultural technology, and academic exchanges. India has increasingly partnered with Israel in advanced irrigation techniques and farm technologies, integrating them into its own development initiatives.

PM Modi praised Israel’s expertise, particularly in water management and agriculture, and said India continues to implement and scale up proven Israeli models.

Recalling their previous interactions, PM Modi expressed appreciation for President Herzog’s clarity of thought and respect for India. He also extended a warm invitation for the Israeli President to visit India.

“The people of India are very eager to welcome you,” Modi said, urging Herzog to travel beyond the capital and experience the diversity of India firsthand.

The meeting reflected the emphasis both nations place on strengthening people-to-people bonds alongside strategic and economic cooperation. Officials said discussions also covered ways to enhance collaboration in emerging technologies and deepen engagement at multiple levels.

At the meeting, Israeli President Isaac Herzog described India as “an essential part of a great future for the Middle East”, while emphasising the growing importance of India-Israel cooperation during his bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi as part of the latter’s two-day state visit to the country.

Addressing the meeting, the Israeli President stated that Israel was also an “essential part of the great future” of India, while noting India’s economic growth, which has garnered much attention from around the world.

“With an expression of compassion and alliance with Israel and its story, I believe that India is an essential part of a great future for the Middle East, and Israel can be an essential part of the great future of India. I have seen your track record for economic growth. It is something that is attracting attention from around the world,” he said.

Herzog highlighted the potential for collaboration between Indian and Israeli universities, saying, “We should recognise the young Indian talent across the globe–students in colleges, universities, and research centres–who are driving innovation. With changes in the geostrategic situation, including the possibilities for learning around the world, Indian and Israeli universities have a golden opportunity to shape the future of our young generation.”

President Herzog also encouraged student exchanges, inviting Indian students to study in Israel and Israeli students to study in India, adding that strengthening connectivity between the two nations could “transform the entire geostrategic situation to the advantage of the Global South, linking it to the U.S. and Southeast Asia through the Eastern Hemisphere.

“The Israeli President concluded by acknowledging India’s global leadership in multiple fields and expressing enthusiasm for PM Modi’s visit, stating, “We know that you lead the world in many fields, and we are happy and excited that you are here with us.”(ANI)

The Indian Institute of Management Calcutta (IIM Calcutta) has successfully concluded the Final Placements for the 61st batch of its flagship MBA programme. The Institute recorded 100% placements, marking another stellar year. The outcome reaffirms sustained industry confidence in its talent pool despite a dynamic hiring environment.

A total of 458 students participated in the process, securing 542 offers from 202 recruiters, including 61 first-time recruiter participants. The placement season recorded a highest domestic compensation of ₹145 LPA, while the highest international offer stood at ₹110.16 LPA.

“The successful completion of Final Placements 2026 reflects the resilience of our students and the continued trust that industry places in IIM Calcutta,”said Prof. Alok Kr. Rai, Director, IIM Calcutta. “The diverse range of roles and sustained recruiter participation underscore the Institute’s commitment to academic rigor, industry relevance, and holistic development.”

The average compensation for the batch rose by 5.05% year-on-year to ₹36.00 LPA, with a median salary of ₹35 LPA. The number of recruiters also increased by 3% compared to the previous year, reflecting sustained corporate engagement with the Institute. The consulting sector was at the top with 206 offers (38%) being made. Boston Consulting Group (BCG) emerged as the top recruiter in the management consulting cohort while Accenture Strategy emerged as the top recruiter in the strategy consulting cohort.

Other consulting firms that participated were Alvarez & Marsal, Bain & Co., EY-Parthenon, Kearney, KPMG, McKinsey & Co., Monitor Deloitte, PwC, TCS, Vector Consulting, and YCP Auctus, amongst others. American Express emerged as the top recruiter in the payments and card cohort.

Prof. Ritu Mehta, chairperson, Placement Committee said, “We are pleased to have achieved remarkable placement outcomes despite challenging market conditions. Our graduates have secured excellent opportunities to begin their professional journeys after completing the program. We remain deeply grateful to our recruiters for their continued confidence in our students and academic ecosystem.”

IIMC continued to attract marquee finance firms, reaffirming its leadership in the domain. More than 100 offers were made in the areas of Private Equity, Venture Capital, Investment Banking, Markets, Asset and Wealth management which saw participation from firms like Ambit, Arga Investment Management, Avendus, Bank of America, Citi, D.E. Shaw, Deutsche Bank, Edelweiss, Goldman Sachs, HSBC, J.P. Morgan, Kotak Alternate Asset, Kotak Mahindra Capital, Neo Asset & Wealth Management, O3 Capital, Rothschild & Co., Standard Chartered, and UBS, amongst others.

The season witnessed noticeable growth in Consulting and Product Management roles, with overall sectoral distribution remaining largely aligned with last year’s trends. Both new and legacy firms participated in the process, reflecting strong recruiter confidence across sectors. The Marketing domain saw participation from AB InBev, Colgate-Palmolive, Dabur, Glenmark Pharma, Hindustan Unilever Limited, ITC, and Procter & Gamble, among others. The General Management domain featured recruiters such as Aditya Birla Group, Airtel, Eternal, GMR, Godrej Industries Group, Reliance Group, and Tata Administrative Services, among others. Together, the Marketing and General Management domains accounted for 161 offers (30%). The Technology domain witnessed participation from companies such as Adobe, BrowserStack, Emergent, EXL, Google, HCL, HiLabs, Infosys Global, ITC Infotech, Microsoft, Ola, Salesforce, and Tekion India, among others. Collectively, the sector extended 72 offers (13%). The placement season also witnessed participation from several new recruiters, including Berger Paints, Cargill, DAMAC Group, Hero MotoCorp, Meesho, Merisis Advisors, Niva Bupa Health Insurance, and Snapmint, among others.

This year witnessed several new trends, most notably a heightened interest in Pre-Placement Offers (PPOs), reaffirming the quality of candidates at IIM Calcutta and their strong performance during Summer Internships. The placement season also saw participation from several global firms, reinforcing confidence in the MBA programme’s talent pool.

The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has issued an apology and withdrawn the distribution of its newly released Class 8 Social Science textbook after “inappropriate textual material and error of judgement” were found in a chapter on the judiciary.

In a press statement, NCERT said that the Social Science textbook, “Exploring Society: India and Beyond, Vol II” for Class 8, was released on February 24, 2026. However, upon receiving the textbook, it was observed that certain inappropriate textual material and error of judgement had inadvertently crept into Chapter No 4, entitled “The Role of Judiciary in our Society” (pages 125-142).

The Department of School Education and Literacy (Ministry of Education) also made a similar observation and directed that the distribution of this book be kept on strict hold until further orders. The same has been complied with, NCERT said.

NCERT clarified that it holds the judiciary in the highest esteem and considers it to be the upholder of the Indian Constitution and protector of Fundamental Rights.

“The aforesaid error is purely unintentional and NCERT regrets the inclusion of inappropriate material in the said chapter,” the statement said.

NCERT reiterated that the objective of the new textbooks is to strengthen constitutional literacy, institutional respect, and informed understanding of democratic participation amongst students.

“There is no intent to question or diminish the authority of any constitutional body. As part of its continuous review process, NCERT remains open to constructive feedback. And hence, the same shall be re-written, with consultation of the appropriate authority, as necessary, and would be made available to students of Class 8 accordingly on the commencement of academic session 2026-27,” the statement added.

NCERT once again regretted the error of judgement and apologized while reiterating its resolve to continuously work for institutional sanctity and respect.

The chapter will be rewritten in consultation with appropriate authorities before being made available to students for the 2026-27 academic session. (ANI)

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney will leave for India later tonight. The focus during his visit will be on businesses across trade, energy, technology, and defence. One of the key deliverables will be advancing negotiations on a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with Indian.

In an interview with CBC News, Canada’s Minister of International Trade Maninder Sidhu expressed hope in the possibility of conclusing the FTA by the end of the year.

“Over the last nine months we were very successful in completing Indonesia Ecuador UAE and getting access to EU defence procurement initiatives hundreds of billions of dollars of export opportunities. We’re the only non-EU country to get part of that deal. Again coming back to India you know back in November both leaders had met at the G20 Prime Minister Carney and Prime Minister Modi to signal that we both want an FTA with each other and so this trip is about our first round launching negotiations and so hopefully concluding this year an FTA. We both know that FTAs– free trade agreements–will unlock opportunities it presents stability, reliability for businesses, it sends a signal to them and you’ve just looking at the facts free trade leads to more opportunities more trade and more jobs for workers,” he said.

Earlier, Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal held a virtual meeting with Sidhu to advance discussions on the proposed India-Canada Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), aiming to strengthen bilateral trade and economic cooperation between the two countries.

Sharing details of the interaction Piyush Goyal said the two had discussions related to the India-Canada Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).

“Had a virtual interaction with @MSidhuLiberal, Minister of International Trade, Canada, on advancing discussions related to the India-Canada Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). We also deliberated on strengthening business ties on both sides through regular delegation-level engagements over the coming months to build sustained momentum in our economic partnership,” Goyal said.

The Canadian minister also expressed optimism following the meeting. Sidhu said he hopes to continue building momentum in the trading relationship and advancing discussions towards a CEPA trade agreement.

“I spoke with my Indian counterpart, Minister Piyush Goyal, to continue building momentum in our trading relationship and advancing discussions towards a CEPA trade agreement. With more than USD 30 billion in annual bilateral trade between Canada and India, there is strong potential to unlock new opportunities for Canadian exporters, strengthen commercial ties, and drive growth for businesses and workers in both countries,” he said.

India is the world’s fastest-growing major economy and a powerhouse in global commerce and technology. In 2024, India was Canada’s seventh-largest goods and services trading partner, with two-way trade coming to USD 30.8 billion.

At last year’s G20 Leaders’ Summit, Canada and India agreed to formally launch negotiations for an ambitious Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement that will support Canada’s goal to more than double two-way trade to USD 70 billion by 2030. (ANI)

India delivered a sharp rebuttal to Pakistan at the 61st Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, which is being held from 23 February to 31 March, accusing Islamabad of spreading propaganda and asserting that Jammu and Kashmir’s development trajectory stands in stark contrast to Pakistan’s economic troubles.

Exercising India’s Right to Reply during the high-level segment held on February 25, Anupama Singh, India’s representative, rejected allegations made by Pakistan and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), saying the grouping had allowed itself to be used as an “echo chamber” for one member state.

“We categorically reject these allegations, ” Singh said, adding that Pakistan’s “incessant propaganda now reeks of envy.”

Singh reiterated India’s long-standing position that Jammu and Kashmir “was, is, and will always remain an integral and inalienable part of India.” She said the accession of the region to India in 1947 was “completely legal and irrevocable,” in accordance with the Indian Independence Act and international law.

“The only outstanding dispute regarding this region is the illegal occupation of Indian territories by Pakistan,” she stated, calling on Islamabad to vacate areas under its control.

In a pointed remark that drew attention at the Council, Singh referenced infrastructure and economic development in the region, including the inauguration of the Chenab Rail Bridge, described as the world’s highest railway bridge.

“If the Chenab Rail Bridge, the world’s highest bridge, inaugurated in Jammu and Kashmir last year, is fake, then Pakistan must be hallucinating or living in the ‘La-la-land'”, she said.

She further claimed that the development budget of Jammu and Kashmir is “more than double the recent bailout package” Pakistan sought from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), contrasting what she described as governance and development in the Union Territory with Pakistan’s economic challenges.

Responding to criticism on democratic processes, Singh said it was “hard to take lectures on democracy from a country where civilian governments rarely complete their terms.” She cited voter turnout in recent general and assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir as evidence that people in the region have “rejected the ideology of terrorism and violence” and are moving ahead on the path of development.

Concluding her remarks, Singh accused Pakistan of attempting to destabilise the region through ” relentless state-sponsored terrorism,” while asserting that Jammu and Kashmir continues to progress politically, economically and socially.

“Pakistan would do well if it focuses on fixing its deepening internal crisis rather than masking it with grandstanding at such a platform, ” she said, adding that “the world can certainly see through its charade.”

The exchange marks the latest round of sharp diplomatic sparring between India and Pakistan at multilateral forums like the UNHRC over the issue of Jammu and Kashmir. (ANI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday warmly responded to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, praising him for wearing traditional Indian attire ahead of a joint dinner that the Israeli PM had hosted on Wednesday.

In a post on X, Netanyahu wrote,” Before our joint dinner, I surprised my friend Prime Minister Modi by wearing traditional Indian attire.”

Responding to the gesture, Prime Minister Modi, in a post on X, said, “Truly splendid! Your fondness for Indian attire reflects your respect for the rich culture and traditions of our country.”

Earlier on Wednesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was bestowed with the Medal of the Knesset, becoming the first recipient of the honour. This is the highest honour of the Knesset.

Jaiswal said that PM Modi dedicated the medal to the “enduring friendship and shared democratic traditions between the two countries.”

In a post on X, Jaiswal wrote, “Partnership going from strength to strength ! In a special gesture, PM @narendramodi was bestowed with the Medal of Knesset by the Speaker @AmirOhana. PM @narendramodi is the first recipient of this honour.”

“PM dedicated the medal to the enduring friendship and shared democratic traditions between the two countries,” the post read.

The award was conferred in recognition of PM Modi’s “exceptional contribution through his personal leadership” to strengthen strategic relations between India and Israel. The medal was conferred after PM Modi’s speech in the Israeli Parliament.

After his speech, PM Modi interacted with members of the Israeli parliament, the Knesset. The MPs took selfies and photographs with PM Modi. PM Modi received a standing ovation during his speech, which was also marked by rapturous applause.

In his speech, PM Modi said there is great admiration for Israel’s resolve, courage, and achievements in India.

“Long before we related to each other as modern States, we were linked by ties that go back more than two thousand years. The Book of Esther refers to India as Hodu. The Talmud records trade with India in ancient times,” he said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the Free Trade Agreement being negotiated between India and Israel will unlock the vast untapped potential in the bilateral trade relationship.

The Prime Minister, who addressed the Special Plenary of the Knesset on Wednesday, also spoke about the defence cooperation between the two countries and said “a strong defence partnership between trusted partners like India and Israel is of vital importance” in an uncertain world.

PM Modi said India has been the fastest-growing major economy in the world for the last few years and will be among the top three economies globally. He said Israel is a powerhouse of innovation and technological leadership, and this creates a natural foundation for a forward-looking partnership.

“We are committed to expanding trade, strengthening investment flows, and promoting joint infrastructure development. The Bilateral Investment Treaty signed last year will provide confidence and predictability to our businesses,” he said. (ANI)

Bollywood actor Shahid Kapoor has turned a year older today, ringing in his 45th birthday on Wednesday.

Giving it an energetic start to the day, the ‘O’Romeo’ star shared a video of biking as he showcased an optimistic approach toward a new year.

“Zooming into the new year ! All my blessings in my pocket. Keep it real you all and always make it count,” Shahid wrote in the caption.

http://instagram.com/p/DVLg0GbjY53/

Fans wasted no time as many took to the comment section and sent their wishes.

The actor’s friends and colleagues from the industry also greeted on his birthday. Genelia Deshmukh took to her Instagram story and wrote, “Dear Shahid, Wishing you a year filled with victories, mad laughter, and everything that makes your heart happiest! Happy Birthday.”

Rakul Preet Singh also penned a sweet wish for the actor and added, “Happy Birthday, Shahid! May this year elevate you to new heights and bring endless reasons to celebrate. Keep shining and keep killing it.”

On the work front for Shahid Kapoor, the actor’s film ‘O’Romeo’ recently came out in theatres.

Directed by Vishal Bhardwaj, ‘O’ Romeo’ stars Shahid Kapoor and Triptii Dimri in lead roles. The film was released during Valentine’s Week.

The film marks the fourth collaboration between Shahid and Vishal Bhardwaj after ‘Kaminey’, ‘Haider’, and ‘Rangoon’.

Apart from the lead pair, the movie also features Disha Patani, Vikrant Massey, Tamannaah Bhatia, Farida Jalal, Nana Patekar, Avinash Tiwary, Aruna Irani, Hussain Dalal, Resh Lamba, and Rahul Deshpande in pivotal roles. It is produced under the banner of Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment. (ANI)