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The 2026 Winter Olympics, officially known as Milano Cortina 2026, are set to begin in Northern Italy, bringing the global spotlight back to winter sport. The Games will run from Friday, February 6 to Sunday, February 22, with athletes from across the world competing in 16 different disciplines spread across multiple Italian venues.Opening Ceremony: Date and TimeThe Opening Ceremony will be held on Friday, February 6, marking the formal start of the Winter Games. For viewers in India, the ceremony will begin at 12:30 AM IST (early hours of February 7), while local time in Italy will be 8:00 PM CET. The ceremony will officially launch more than two weeks of high-profile competition.Although the opening ceremony is scheduled for February 6, sporting action will start earlier. Curling events begin on February 4, while men’s downhill alpine skiing is scheduled for February 7 at 4:00 PM IST.Key Medal Events to WatchSeveral marquee gold medal events are spread across the Games. The women’s alpine skiing downhill will take place on February 8, followed by men’s figure skating on February 13. The spotlight returns to alpine skiing with the women’s slalom on February 18.February 19 will be one of the busiest medal days, featuring the women’s figure skating final, the women’s ice hockey gold medal match, and the first-ever Olympic gold medals in ski mountaineering, a new addition to the programme. The Games will conclude on February 22, with the men’s ice hockey gold medal match followed by the Closing Ceremony.India’s ParticipationIndia will be represented by two athletes at Milano Cortina 2026. Arif Mohammad Khan has qualified in alpine skiing, while Stanzin Lundup will compete in cross-country skiing, continuing India’s presence at the Winter Olympics.Host Cities and VenuesThe Games will be jointly hosted by Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, with events staged across Northern Italy. Competition venues include Milan, Cortina d’Ampezzo, Valtellina, Val di Fiemme, and Anterselva, showcasing Italy’s alpine landscape and winter sports infrastructure.Where to Watch Live in India Indian viewers can follow the Winter Olympics live on JioCinema, with televised coverage available on Sports18. Viacom18 is the official broadcaster for the Games in India.Full Sports List at Milano Cortina 2026The 16 disciplines featured at the 2026 Winter Olympics are:Alpine Skiing, Biathlon, Bobsleigh, Cross-Country Skiing, Curling, Figure Skating, Freestyle Skiing, Ice Hockey, Luge, Nordic Combined, Short Track Speed Skating, Skeleton, Ski Jumping, Ski Mountaineering, Snowboarding, and Speed Skating.With a multi-city format, new sports, and major medal events lined up, the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics promise a packed and compelling schedule from start to finish.
Benchmark indices ended the day with modest gains, supported by stock-specific buying in select large-cap counters despite a largely sideways trading session. The Sensex closed at 83,817.69, up 78.55 points, while the Nifty50 settled at 25,776.00, gaining 48.45 points and remaining above the 25,750 mark.Trent and Eternal were among the top performers, rising around 5 per cent each. Gains were also seen in Power Grid, NTPC and Adani Ports, whereas some IT and financial names closed slightly lower.Broader market action remained stock-specific, with several midcap and smallcap counters witnessing sharp gains. On the downside, selling pressure was visible in select technology and midcap names.
The rupee weakened by 11 paise to settle at 90.43 (provisional) against the US dollar on Wednesday, as suspected dollar buying by corporates and importers erased part of the previous session’s gains after the India-US trade deal announcement. The currency opened at 90.35, touched a high of 90.26 and a low of 90.54 during the session.Meanwhile, Foreign Institutional Investors bought equities worth Rs 5,236.28 crore on Tuesday, while India’s services PMI rose to a two-month high of 58.5 in January from 58.0 in December, led by stronger demand, new business gains and tech-led investments
A Knightsbridge restaurant owner of Indian origin is on trial after being caught attempting to spike a woman’s drink with a date-rape drug (Any drug that incapacitates a person and renders them vulnerable to sexual assault).63-year-old Vikas Nath used a straw to put gamma-butyrolactone (GBL) into the woman’s spicy margarita while sitting with her on the rooftop garden bar at the exclusive Mayfair private members’ club Annabel’s.Vikas owns a string of high-end restaurants in the UK and Spain, including two with Michelin stars, reports The London Standard.Staff at Annabel’s noticed Nath dipping the straw into a small bottle of vanilla extract he had retrieved from his pocket, sucking up liquid, and putting it into the cocktail. The staff replaced the drink before the woman could drink it, and Nath threw the bottle into the toilet when police were called. Managers checked the CCTV and warned the woman that her drink might have been spiked.Prosecuting the case, Tim Clark KC told jurors: “This case is unusual because there’s no dispute Mr Nath spiked her drink. His acceptance is not surprising, he had little choice because the spiking was captured on CCTV at Annabel’s. Due to the actions of quick-thinking staff, the spiked drink was retrieved, and she was warned. Staff replaced it with a fresh one, and police were called to the club.”Nath admits spiking the drink but claims it was to “relax” the woman.One message read: “I’m at Annabel’s. This is probably the last evening with (her). She ain’t biting.” His friend replied: “Action time I hope.”Traces of the sleep-inducing drug were later found, and police discovered two more bottles under his sink at home. Nath claimed in police interviews that he obtained GBL as a cleaning fluid for a high-performance car and was told it could be drunk as a “relaxant.” He said he disposed of the bottle because he believed the club would not approve.
Saudi Arabia’s oil giant, Saudi Aramco, has successfully completed a major $4 billion bond issuance, underscoring strong investor confidence in the company’s financial stability and its strategic capital management approach. The multi-tranche bond sale, a part of Aramco’s Global Medium Term Note Programme, was priced on January 26, 2026 and formally completed in early February 2026, with the notes listed on the London Stock Exchange.This development has attracted attention not just within the energy sector but also among global investors and market watchers, as it reflects broader trends in risk appetite, corporate financing and the evolving role of oil majors in capital markets.
Saudi Aramco issued bonds across four tranches, each with different maturities and coupon rates, creating a diversified debt structure designed to appeal to a wide range of investors:
These USD-denominated notes were marketed under both Rule 144A and Reg S offerings, broadening interest across US, European and other global investors. The varied maturities offer investors options across short, medium and long time frames, potentially enhancing liquidity and appeal across different investment strategies. Listing the bonds on a major exchange like London also boosts their visibility and tradability in global fixed-income markets.
One of the standout aspects of the transaction was the pricing conditions achieved by Aramco. According to company statements, three of the four tranches were priced with negative new issue premiums, a technical indicator that suggests bonds were issued at yields slightly below comparable secondary market levels. This is generally interpreted as strong investor demand and trust in the issuer’s credit quality.
😬 $BTC is no longer a top-10 asset by market capitalization.
Its steep drop over the weekend knocked it out of the ranking.
Saudi Aramco enters as a new top-10 asset. pic.twitter.com/YBSXrgl931— RAREMINTS (@raremints_) February 4, 2026
Ziad T Al-Murshed, Aramco’s Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, described the issuance as part of a focused strategy to optimise the company’s capital structure while enhancing shareholder value over the long term. He further noted that the “attractive pricing achieved reflects global investors’ continued confidence in Aramco’s financial strength and resilient balance sheet.”
Aramco’s decision to tap the international debt markets for $4 billion comes at a time when global energy markets are in flux. While oil price volatility persists, with prices having earlier been pressured by weaker demand signals and lower pricing environments, large and credit-strong corporates like Aramco are still able to secure financing on favourable terms compared with sovereign and many corporate peers.Despite occasional pressure on oil prices, Aramco’s robust balance sheet and dominant market position as the world’s largest crude exporter help sustain investor interest in its debt. Its ability to secure funding at such pricing speaks to both its investment grade profile and the perceived safety of dollar-denominated issuances from non-sovereign entities in the Middle East.
The floating roof of the largest storage tank built by SNEI for Saudi Aramco’s Amiral Project was successfully lifted into place, marking completion of the main structures of 11 tanks in the northern tank farm. The lift was carried out safely using a 600-tonne crawler crane.📹 pic.twitter.com/i6KQgpQPch— Sinopec Saudi Arabia (@Sinopec_SA) January 28, 2026
More broadly, bond markets have remained receptive to high-quality credits, even amid macroeconomic uncertainties, as global investors seek stable returns in an environment of shifting interest rate expectations and geopolitical risk. Aramco’s successful issuance is thus both a reflection of company credibility and broader market dynamics.
The proceeds from the bond issuance are expected to support Aramco’s ongoing capital expenditure, including investments in upstream oil and gas capacity, downstream refining and chemicals projects and future business diversification efforts. They also provide the company with strategic liquidity as it navigates a transition toward cleaner energy opportunities and broader industrial growth ambitions.For Saudi Arabia, Aramco’s strong performance in debt markets also signals the kingdom’s continued integration with global capital markets, a priority under its broader economic transformation strategies, which aim to reduce reliance on oil revenues while expanding industrial and technological sectors. Large, well-capitalised issuances contribute to enhanced financial market depth and investor confidence in the region.
Aramco’s successful bond issuance may set a precedent for other Middle Eastern corporates and sovereign entities looking to access debt markets for strategic funding, especially as the energy sector increasingly intersects with transition finance, funding initiatives that support lower-carbon projects and diversified energy portfolios.
🛢️ Largest Oil & Gas Companies by Market Cap 2025 ;
1. 🇸🇦 Saudi Aramco — $1.590T
2. 🇺🇸 Exxon Mobil — $555.07B
3. 🇺🇸 Chevron — $336.95B
4. 🇨🇳 PetroChina — $261.29B
5. 🇬🇧 Shell — $211.23B
6. 🇫🇷 TotalEnergies — $142.54B
7. 🇨🇳 CNOOC — $140.53B
8. 🇺🇸 ConocoPhillips — $125.31B pic.twitter.com/JqCqFLaJ6D— Fact scope (@Factnews2003) February 3, 2026
As global investors continue to seek yield amid tightening monetary conditions and competitive credit landscapes, well-priced, high-quality issuances like Aramco’s $4 billion bonds are positioned to remain attractive, reinforcing the role of bond markets in fuelling long-term industrial and economic strategies.Saudi Aramco’s completion of a $4 billion multi-tranche bond issuance offers a clear signal. Even in times of broader energy market volatility, capital markets still place strong confidence in major energy producers with stable financial fundamentals. By leveraging global debt markets under attractive terms, Aramco not only strengthens its financial position but also contributes to shaping investment flows and economic confidence across Saudi Arabia and the broader Middle East, a trend with implications for investors, policymakers and energy markets alike.
ULHASNAGAR: Ulhasnagar has once again witnessed a dramatic political realignment as long-time rivals—the Pappu Kalani group and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)—came together to form the ruling alliance in the Ulhasnagar Municipal Corporation. The development was formalised on Tuesday with the unopposed election of Ashwini Kamlesh Nikam as Mayor from Shiv Sena and BJP’s Amar Lund as Deputy Mayor.Ashwini Nikam, elected on the Shiv Sena symbol, represents Team Omie Kalani (TOK), led by the influential Kalani family. With no rival nominations filed, both key civic posts were decided unopposed, formalising a power-sharing arrangement between Shiv Sena and the BJP under the Mahayuti banner.The 78-member civic body saw a closely contested election. Shiv Sena, along with its allies—the SAI Party and independents—secured 38 seats, while the BJP emerged with 37 corporators after contesting independently and campaigning aggressively against the Shiv Sena–TOK alliance. Despite the intense rivalry during the polls, Shiv Sena later secured the support of two corporators from the Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi to cross the majority mark.Interestingly, even after attaining the required numbers to form the government on its own, Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Shinde chose to align with the BJP, mirroring the Mahayuti partnership at the state and national levels.This post-election alliance placed the BJP in an awkward position, as it had fought much of the campaign on an anti-Kalani plank in Ulhasnagar, only to now share power with leaders associated with the Kalani group who were elected on the Shiv Sena symbol.
With the alliance in place, the ruling coalition now commands 77 of the 78 seats in the Ulhasnagar Municipal Corporation, leaving the Congress—with just one corporator—as the lone opposition party.The latest alliance is politically significant given the turbulent history between the Kalani family and the BJP. Pappu Kalani, a once-dominant and controversial figure in Ulhasnagar politics, and the BJP have traditionally been staunch rivals. In 2018, however, Kalani-backed leaders aligned with the BJP, resulting in Pancham Kalani becoming Mayor. That partnership later collapsed, with Kalani supporters switching sides to Shiv Sena and removing the BJP from power. The current arrangement, though seemingly reluctant, marks yet another shift in Ulhasnagar’s fluid political landscape.Congratulating the newly elected Mayor and Deputy Mayor, Shiv Sena leader Shrikant Shinde said the return of the Mahayuti to power in the civic body would usher in a new phase of development. He said that just as the Mahayuti is working under Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Centre and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis in Maharashtra, the alliance would now work collectively in Ulhasnagar to transform the city.Mayor Ashwini Nikam said her focus would be on the all-round development of the city, with priority given to basic civic amenities. Deputy Mayor Amar Lund expressed confidence that the alliance would ensure stable governance and timely implementation of development projects.
KALYAN: After a prolonged administrative rule, the Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC) has finally witnessed the restoration of elected civic leadership with the unopposed election of its Mayor and Deputy Mayor. Shiv Sena’s Harshali Vijay Chaudhari has been declared elected unopposed as the Mayor of KDMC, while Rahul Vasant Damle has been declared elected unopposed as the Deputy Mayor. Both will serve a term of two and a half years.The election process for the two key civic posts was completed during a special general body meeting held at the municipal headquarters. The proceedings were conducted under the chairmanship of Presiding Officer Anchal Goel, Mumbai City District Collector. With these elections, the six-year-long administrative rule in Kalyan-Dombivli has officially come to an end. The civic body had been under administrative control since 2020, after the term of the elected representatives expired during the COVID-19 pandemic. The restoration of elected leadership marks a significant political milestone for KDMC. Earlier, the longest administrative rule in the history of the corporation was between 1983 and 1995, which lasted nearly 12 years after its formation.However, the special general body meeting was not without political drama. Three corporators from Uddhav Thackeray led Shiv Sena out of elected 11 remained absent during the proceedings. Verbal exchanges were witnessed inside the civic hall, particularly between corporators belonging to the Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) and the Thackeray faction. Shiv Sena (Shinde) corporators Sachin Pote and Nilesh Shinde took a dig at Thackeray group leader Umesh Borgavkar, with a sarcastic remark comparing a “cricket team” turning into a “kabaddi team,” drawing laughter from members present.Meanwhile, two of the four corporators from the Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray (UBT) faction who had earlier gone missing have returned. Of them, corporator Kirti Dhone was present at the meeting, while three members remained absent from the special session.Addressing the gathering after her election, Mayor Harshali Chaudhari said she would not allow the trust shown by citizens to be broken. Emphasizing the need for collective cooperation, she assured that she would fulfill her responsibilities with utmost sincerity and ensure that public works are carried out efficiently.Deputy Mayor Rahul Damle echoed similar sentiments, stating that by working hand in hand and maintaining coordination, Kalyan-Dombivli could be taken forward on the path of development.Welcoming the newly elected Mayor, Kalyan Lok Sabha MP Shrikant Shinde said that in recognition of the overwhelming support extended by women voters under the “Ladli Behna” initiative, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde had ensured that women were given the opportunity to occupy the important Mayor’s post in civic bodies across Thane district, including Thane, Kalyan-Dombivli, and Ulhasnagar, even in the absence of reservation for the post. He added that the government would continue to introduce more welfare-oriented initiatives for women in the coming days.
Team India will walk into the T20 World Cup 2026 carrying the tag of defending champions after their memorable triumph in the 2024 edition. That title win not only ended a long ICC trophy drought in the shortest format but also set the tone for a fearless, attacking brand of cricket that has since become India’s identity in T20Is. With a deep talent pool, multiple bowling combinations, and a refreshed batting approach at the top, India are widely seen as one of the favourites to defend their crown in 2026.
The current squad reflects a clear transition phase. Several young players have taken on prominent roles, offering explosive batting, athletic fielding, and flexible bowling options. While the experience factor has slightly reduced, the balance and adaptability of this group make them a serious threat in conditions that demand innovation and aggression.
Former India captain and head coach Anil Kumble believes that although the 2026 squad is well-rounded, the team that lifted the trophy in 2024 was marginally stronger. According to Kumble, the difference lies mainly in experience rather than skill or balance.
“If you talk about experience, they will miss Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, the two legends,” Kumble said while speaking on Star Sports. He pointed out that the presence of senior players during pressure moments often makes a decisive difference in global tournaments.
However, Kumble was quick to add that the current side has its own strengths. He praised the team’s balance, highlighting the variety in bowling options and a refreshed batting mindset at the top of the order. “The batting is different in terms of approach, and the bowling depth gives the captain more flexibility,” he explained.
Kumble summed up his assessment by saying that he would rate the 2024 team “maybe 10 percent ahead” of the 2026 squad, while also stressing that the gap is minimal and the present group is very close to the championship-winning combination.
“However, it’s still going to be challenging. 2024, in terms of conditions, was very different. I would probably rate the 2024 team maybe 10 percent ahead of this team, but I still feel this team is very close to that,” added Kumle.
Also READ: Can India create history by defending their T20 World Cup crown? MS Dhoni shares his verdict
As the T20 World Cup 2026 approaches, several young and in-form players are expected to shape the tournament. For India, explosive opener Abhishek Sharma has emerged as a powerplay game-changer, while Ishan Kishan offers left-handed firepower and wicketkeeping flexibility. Finisher Rinku Singh continues to impress with his calmness under pressure and ability to close out tight games.
Globally, the tournament will feature several match-winners capable of turning games on their own. Australia’s Travis Head and Tim David bring brute power and momentum-shifting potential, while England’s Harry Brook remains one of the most feared batters in the middle order. South Africa’s young sensation Dewald Brevis adds flair and unpredictability to the mix.
Also READ: Pommie Mbangwa predicts the winner of T20 World Cup 2026
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NEW DELHI: An eyewitness in the Ghaziabad case said that one of the three minor sisters appeared to have jumped deliberately, while the other two fell while trying to stop her.Arun Kumar, a resident of Bharat City Society, said he noticed something amiss around 2.00am when he saw the girls sitting on a glass balcony in the dark.
“It looked quite abnormal,” he said. “It was around 2 am, and if there’s no light on, it’s a bit suspicious and if someone is sitting on the balcony it’s even more suspicious.”Moments later, the tragedy unfolded.“I saw all three of them jumping from the front. Before I could even understand what was happening or call out, the whole incident was over,” Kumar said.He added that while one of the sisters seemed intent on jumping, the others appeared to be trying to pull her back.“They were repeatedly trying to fall from the back, and the other person was trying to catch them,” he said. “The planning was of one – that’s what it looked like to me. From what I saw, one of them planned to jump, and the others fell while trying to save her.”After the fall, Kumar said he rushed downstairs and alerted emergency services.“I just came downstairs, called my wife, called the police, called the ambulance, and immediately informed everyone.”The deceased were identified as Nishika (16), Prachi (14) and Pakhi (12), residents of Tower B-1 under Tila Mod police limits.Assistant commissioner of police Atul Kumar Singh said police received information around 2.15am. “On reaching the spot, it was confirmed that the girls had died due to the fall. They were taken to a hospital in Loni, where doctors declared them dead,” he said.Singh added that a window in the room that had a temple was found open. The sisters allegedly used a chair placed near the window and jumped one by one.Police sources said the girls were reportedly addicted to a Korean task-based online gaming application and had begun addressing each other by Korean names. Their parents had repeatedly reprimanded them over excessive gaming and had recently barred them from using the app.Investigators said the sisters had quietly stepped out of their bedroom early Wednesday, moved to the temple room window and allegedly jumped into the darkness below.Parents also found a handwritten note pasted on a glass panel, titled “True Life Story” and bearing a sad emoji. Written in a Hindi-English mix, it read: “Is diari me jo kuch bhi likha hai wo sab padh lo kyunki ye sab sach hai. Read now!!! I’m really sorry. Sorry papa.”Police further revealed that all three sisters had not attended school since the Covid-19 pandemic. Despite being 16, the eldest was enrolled only in Class 4, indicating prolonged educational disruption.Residents rushed out after hearing the impact. The bodies have been sent for post-mortem.Officials said they are analysing the handwritten note, the diary referred to in it and digital evidence linked to the gaming app. All aspects, including online activity, family circumstances and mental health, are being examined as part of the ongoing probe.(With inputs from agencies)
