Tonight, Tuesday, February 17, 2026, marks a pivotal moment for Muslims in Saudi Arabia and across much of the Islamic world with the official crescent moon sighting that will determine the start of Ramadan 1447 AH (2026). Saudi authorities, including the Supreme Court, have publicly urged Muslims throughout the Kingdom to look for the faint lunar crescent after maghrib or sunset and report any sightings to local courts or moon-sighting committees.In the traditional Islamic calendar, the new month (in this case, Ramadan) only begins when the slender new crescent moon (hilal) is observed in the evening sky. If tonight’s sighting is confirmed, the first day of fasting will be declared Wednesday, February 18, 2026. If the crescent is not seen due to weather conditions, low visibility or astronomical factors, the month of Sha’ban will be completed as a full 30 days, pushing the start of Ramadan to Thursday, February 19.This annual ritual is a mix of scientific technique, religious tradition and community participation. Saudi Arabia’s Supreme Court has emphasised that sighting testimonies, whether with the naked eye or aided by simple optics, should be registered and shared promptly so that an official announcement can be made without delay.

Why Ramadan 2026 crescent moon sighting is so anticipated

The announcement from Saudi Arabia comes as millions of Muslims worldwide prepare for Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar and one of the five pillars of Islam. Ramadan is a time dedicated to fasting from dawn to sunset, increased prayer, spiritual reflection, charity and community gatherings.Since the Islamic calendar is lunar i.e. based on the moon phases rather than solar calculations, the exact beginning of Ramadan is not fixed by date alone but depends on the visible crescent moon. This makes the act of moon sighting a deeply symbolic and shared experience; a moment when families, mosques and communities across the Kingdom and beyond raise their eyes to the horizon in collective anticipation.

Will Ramadan Begin Tomorrow? Saudi Moon Sighting Could Change Everything Tonight (AP Photo/Emrah Gurel)

Saudi Arabia’s call echoes similar announcements from other parts of the Muslim world, where national moon-sighting committees and astronomical observatories are preparing to attempt sightings tonight. On the other hand, India’s moon-sighting committee is scheduled to meet after sunset on Wednesday to examine reports and determine whether the crescent has been observed.Interestingly, while tonight’s sighting will be the official anchor for Ramadan in Saudi Arabia, scientific and astronomical projections suggest that the crescent might be very difficult to see with the naked eye in many locations due to its proximity to the sun at sunset. Some experts have noted that the angular separation between the sun and moon may be below thresholds generally considered necessary for a visible crescent, which means many astronomers expect no sighting tonight and a February 19 start date for fasting.Indeed, preliminary astronomical data from independent observatories, such as the Afaq Organization for Astronomy, has pointed to the possibility that the crescent would become more observable on the evening of February 18, making Thursday, February 19 the likely formal beginning of Ramadan in many countries, including Saudi Arabia and neighbouring states.Across the region, moon-sighting committees in the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Turkey and beyond are likewise preparing for sunset observations, with many media reports and expert forecasts converging on the idea that the first fast will most likely start on the 19th.

Ramadan 2026 crescent moon sighting: Global community in sync or slightly staggered)

The nuances of moon sighting mean that different countries sometimes begin Ramadan on different days, depending on local sky conditions and religious authority decisions. For instance:

These variations are classic features of the lunar calendar tradition: while religious authorities strive for unified declaration, practical visibility conditions often lead to slight differences regionally.

What happens after Ramadan 2026 crescent moon sighting?

Once a confirmed sighting is reported and verified, typically through regional committees and official announcements, mosques will broadcast the news so that the entire Muslim community can synchronise their calendars. If today’s attempt is successful:

Despite modern astronomical calculations and predictive models, many Muslim majority countries continue to rely on visible moon sightings as the definitive marker for the start of Ramadan. This is because crescent sighting is rooted in Prophetic tradition (Sunnah), where early Muslim communities marked months by actual observation rather than purely by calculation. The practice fosters community participation, as families and volunteers scan the evening skies together after sunset. It retains a spiritual and cultural dimension that resonates beyond astronomical data.Whether Ramadan begins tomorrow or the day after, today’s crescent-hunting exercise stands as a reminder of the interplay between tradition, science and communal devotion, a blend that has guided Muslims through centuries of lunar calendar observances. This Tuesday evening, Muslims will be looking for the crescent moon (hilal) that signals the start of Ramadan 1447 AH. If it is seen, Ramadan begins from Wednesday, February 18, 2026. If it is not sighted, Ramadan begins Thursday, February 19, 2026, after Sha’ban completes 30 days. The announcement sets the rhythm for fasting, prayer and community life across the Muslim world.

In the unforgiving arena of T20 World Cup cricket, where momentum swings faster than a yorker at the death, consistency is a rare and priceless currency. Yet, a select group of batters have defied the format’s volatility to produce three consecutive fifty-plus scores on the biggest stage.

The latest name to join this elite club is Sri Lanka’s Kusal Mendis, who etched his place in history with a composed 51 against Australia on February 15, 2026. In doing so, he joined a distinguished list that includes Mahela Jayawardene and Virat Kohli – players who turned consistency into an art form under immense pressure.

The rare feat of three consecutive 50-plus scores in T20 World Cup

Scoring a half-century in T20 cricket demands precision and calculated aggression. Doing it three matches in a row at a T20 World Cup requires something more – mental resilience, tactical awareness and the ability to thrive amid global scrutiny.

Across multiple editions of the tournament, only five batters have achieved this remarkable milestone. Their performances not only influenced match results but also shaped campaigns and defined legacies.

The feat highlights more than just numbers. It showcases adaptability across different pitches, bowling attacks, and match situations. Whether setting totals or chasing steep targets, these batters delivered when it mattered most.

1) Mahela Jayawardene: The pioneer of consistency

Former Sri Lanka captain Mahela Jayawardene was the trailblazer. He became the first player in T20 World Cup history to score three consecutive fifty-plus knocks during the 2010 edition.

At a time when T20 cricket was still evolving and batting approaches were largely experimental, Jayawardene’s elegant strokeplay stood out. His ability to anchor innings while accelerating at key moments made him a dependable pillar for Sri Lanka.

The significance of his achievement cannot be overstated. In an era where teams were still decoding the shortest format, Jayawardene demonstrated that classical technique and temperament could flourish even in high-octane T20 contests. His consistency laid the groundwork for future batters to chase similar milestones.

2) Virat Kohli: The master of big-tournament chases

When discussions turn to consistency in T20 World Cups, Virat Kohli’s name inevitably dominates.

The former India captain joined Jayawardene in this elite list with three consecutive half-centuries spanning the 2016 and 2021 editions. Kohli struck two fifties in India’s knockout matches of the 2016 tournament before adding another in the opening game of the 2021 edition.

His streak reinforced his reputation as one of the most dependable performers in ICC tournaments. Kohli’s ability to pace chases, rotate strike under pressure, and unleash boundaries at decisive moments has defined his T20 World Cup legacy.

Interestingly, Kohli also holds a related distinction – becoming the first player to score three or more fifty-plus knocks in three separate T20 World Cups (2014, 2016 and 2022). That broader consistency cements his standing as arguably the most reliable batter in tournament history.

3) Babar Azam: Pakistan’s run-machine in 2021

Babar Azam added his name to this exclusive club during the 2021 T20 World Cup, delivering three consecutive half-centuries that propelled Pakistan deep into the tournament.

As captain at the time, Babar combined leadership with impeccable batting form. His crisp cover drives, controlled aggression, and calm presence at the crease anchored Pakistan’s innings repeatedly.

Finishing as the highest run-scorer of that edition, Babar’s streak was instrumental in shaping Pakistan’s campaign. His achievement placed him alongside some of the most revered names in world cricket and reinforced his status as one of the modern era’s premier batters.

4) KL Rahul: India’s elegant contributor

KL Rahul became the fourth overall batter – and the second Indian 0 to score three consecutive fifty-plus scores in a T20 World Cup, accomplishing the feat in 2021.

Opening the innings, Rahul provided India with consistent starts during a challenging campaign. His adaptability stood out, whether accelerating during powerplays or stabilizing innings after early setbacks.

Rahul’s achievement highlighted India’s batting depth and underscored his ability to deliver on cricket’s grandest stage. Though often understated, his consistency in that edition earned him a rightful place in this elite company.

Also READ: BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla hails Zimbabwe’s rise after Australia’s dramatic exit from T20 World Cup 2026

5) Kusal Mendis: The newest entrant

The T20 World Cup 2026 welcomed its fifth member into this rare club – Kusal Mendis.

His third consecutive fifty-plus score came against Australia at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on February 15. Chasing a competitive 181, Sri Lanka needed composure at the top, and Mendis delivered.

Scoring 51 off 38 balls, he reached his half-century in just 35 deliveries, striking six boundaries and one six. More importantly, he forged a pivotal 97-run partnership for the second wicket with Pathum Nissanka, setting the tone for Sri Lanka’s chase.

Mendis now stands as only the second Sri Lankan, after Jayawardene, to achieve three consecutive half-centuries in T20 World Cup history. His performances have been central to Sri Lanka’s strong showing in the 2026 edition and signal his growing stature in international cricket.

Also READ – IPL 2026: 3 players Lucknow Super Giants can sign to replace Wanindu Hasaranga if he misses out

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NEW DELHI: Cracks within the INDIA bloc appeared to widen on Wednesday after Shiv Sena (UBT) asked the opposition alliance to “wake up” and hold discussions ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections in several states.In an editorial, the party’s mouthpiece Saamana said the coalition must not wait until polls are announced to coordinate its strategy. The piece, titled “Confusion of inner voices, Mamata, Stalin or someone else?”, stressed that multiple inner voices are emerging within the grand old party.

“Once elections are announced, the INDIA bloc must certainly wake up and hold discussions. But more than that, wisdom lies in taking alert, collective decisions together,” the article titled “Confusion of inner voices, Mamata, Stalin or someone else?” read.“Mahatma Gandhi was the supreme leader of both the Congress and the nation. Gandhi had an inner voice that guided his decisions, sharpened by spirituality, patriotism, and selflessness. Today, many ‘inner voices’ are emerging within the Congress, creating confusion. This is not a healthy sign for the country. With Assembly elections approaching in five states, these internal voices have added to the disorder. Statements by Mani Shankar Aiyar, Sanjaya Baru, Bhupen Bora, and others have surfaced at inconvenient times, complicating matters for the Congress,” it added.The article also cited a recent opinion piece written by Sanjaya Baru, in which he proposed that leadership of the INDIA bloc be handed to West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee.“Aiyar remarked that Congress’s victory in Kerala would be difficult, citing factionalism, and suggested that Pinarayi Vijayan may return as Chief Minister. His comments left the Congress uneasy. Though Aiyar remains a Gandhian, Nehruvian, and Rajiv loyalist, he made it clear he is ‘not Rahulvadi.’ Amid this, Sanjaya Baru proposed that leadership of the INDIA alliance be handed to Mamata Banerjee, arguing that she is better positioned to lead opposition forces,” it said.“Around the same time, Aiyar suggested Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Stalin for the role, citing his strong advocacy for regional parties. Whatever the case, the leadership question within the INDIA alliance has resurfaced. After the Lok Sabha elections, what exactly became of the alliance? This remains a delicate question,” the article read further.Earlier, Sanjaya Baru, who served as media adviser to then prime minister Manmohan Singh, said that “new ideas should” lead or manage the INDIA bloc.He argued that “as the only woman to presently head both a political party and a government”, Mamata Banerjee stands apart from the current generation of leaders at the national and regional levels.In 2026, Assembly elections are scheduled in four states and one Union Territory — West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Assam, Kerala, and Puducherry.The Election Commission of India (ECI) is expected to announce the official schedule soon.

NEW DELHI: Calling Himanta Biswa Sarma “Assam’s Jinnah”, Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi played down the exit of former state Congress chief Bhupen Borah from the party ahead of the assembly polls.Speaking at a press conference in Guwahati on Wednesday, Gogoi questioned Borah’s decision to quit the Congress and join the BJP on February 22.

On Borah’s resignation, Gogoi said, “There were many rumours regarding the close relationship between Himanta Biswa Sarma and Bhupen Bora. We tried our best not to believe these rumours and speculation. We always wondered as to how the information relating to confidential meetings was known to a particular journalist close to Himanta Biswa Sarma. These rumours have come out to be true…A day after resigning from Congress, Bhupen Borah had no qualms about joining the BJP and surrendering to Himanta Biswa Sarma.”He added, “It also shows Himanta Biswa Sarma’s desperation that today the entire state is wondering as to how 4000 acres of land belong to one family. Congress party, through its various programs, has been successful in uncovering the real estate empire of Himanta Biswa Sarma. This is why they have been forced to take this decision to distract the public. This will not affect the Congress party’s campaign. We will go on and continue the fight and remove Himanta Biswa Sarma from the seat of power…”Gogoi also pointed to what he called the chief minister’s shifting stance. “A few days ago, Himanta Biswa Sarma criticised Bhupen Bora for his vulgar actions in public when he was interacting with a leader of the Mahila Congress. There is an inquiry against Bhupen Bora by the Women’s Commission. Now, Himanta Biswa Sarma feels Bhupen Bora is the most upright Hindu neta…”Earlier, Borah, who served as Assam Congress president from 2021 to 2025, defended his decision, saying, “I gave 32 years to Congress… I suffered nose injury, bleeding took place infront of Rahul Gandhi. I wrote a letter to Gaurav Gogoi a month ago, saying that I will address a press meet against you because I can’t tolerate such humiliation.”He continued, “The high command spoke to me. Rahul Gandhi reminded me of our relation since 2007, how he helped me, but no one spoke about the issues I mentioned in my resignation letter. Gaurav Gogoi has no control over the party, he is the face of the party as APCC president. Rakibul Hussain, who is MP from Dhubri. is the sole and base of the party.”Sarma, who met Borah at his Guwahati residence, claimed the Congress was “not a place for Hindus” and described Borah as the “last recognised Hindu leader” in the party without family antecedents. He said Borah’s move would have a “psychological impact” on Congress workers.

Cameron Green (Getty Images)

NEW DELHI: Australia’s disastrous group-stage exit from the T20 World Cup 2026 has triggered sharp criticism from former great Glenn McGrath, who openly questioned the selectors’ decision to back Cameron Green over veteran batter Steve Smith.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!Green, picked for his all-round abilities, endured a miserable campaign with the bat, scoring just 24 runs in three matches. His returns included 21 in the opener but disappointing scores of zero and three in the team’s biggest games. More significantly, he bowled only seven deliveries across the tournament, raising serious doubts about his role and value in the XI.

“If he’s not bowling, then what the selectors are saying is that he’s a better player than Steve Smith. If he’s not bowling, I just can’t see how he justifies a spot in that side,” McGrath told the Sunday Morning Herald.Australia entered the tournament among the favourites but never lived up to expectations. After opening with a win over Ireland, they slumped to consecutive defeats against Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka, ultimately crashing out of the T20 World Cup 2026 in humiliating fashion.McGrath said the result reflected a deeper decline in Australia’s dominance. “We said at the start of this World Cup that we were concerned about Australia. All of a sudden, the aura of that Australian team is no longer there when other teams play it. Unfortunately, it’s not surprising,” he said.Former pacer Jason Gillespie also criticised the continued backing of underperforming youngsters, including Cooper Connolly.“Cooper Connolly, and I think to a lesser extent Cameron Green, they’re just not repaying the absolute faith that has been given,” Gillespie said.Australia will now look to salvage some pride when they face Oman in their final fixture at the Pallekele International Stadium on Friday.

Ammad Shakeel Butt (Getty Images)

Pakistan hockey captain criticises federation after troubled Australia tour during which his side didn’t just have to roam the streets for lack of accommodation but also “wash dishes before going to play a match”.Pakistan hockey captain Shakeel Ammad Butt has strongly criticised the Pakistan Hockey Federation after the team’s difficult tour of Australia.

Speaking to reporters at Lahore Airport, early this morning that the Pakistan Hockey Federation had been telling them lies and “enough was enough”.“We can’t work with this current management of the federation. When players have to clean the kitchen and wash dishes before going to play a match what result do you expect from us?” a livid Butt asked angrily.Butt said the players faced serious problems during the trip. He claimed the federation did not properly arrange accommodation for the team. According to him, the players had to wait 13 to 14 hours at Sydney Airport before flying to Canberra.When the team arrived at their hotel, they were told that no advance payment had been made, so there were no confirmed bookings. The players had to wait for hours and even walk around the streets before a place to stay was arranged. Pakistan lost 2-3 to Australia in their first FIH Pro League match and went on to lose all their matches during the Australia leg, including games against Australia and Germany.Butt said the situation was embarrassing and affected the team’s performance. “What was pathetic was that even the Airbnb accommodation was arranged for 10 days when we had to stay for 13 days. We had to move into a cheaper residence after 10-days,” Butt said.The Pakistan Sports Board said it had given more than 10 million rupees to the federation for hotel arrangements. Its Director-General, Noor us Sabah, said a detailed report is being prepared for Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who has ordered an inquiry into the matter.The Sharif is the patron-in-chief of the PHF.Butt also revealed that players were warned not to speak to the media. “I am speaking up because of what we have been through in Australia,” he said.“We need a foreign coach if we have to move forward. We have a good combination of players but we need a foreign coach and good management,” he added.

Cigarette stocks lit up Dalal Street on Wednesday after reports that manufacturers had raised prices to counter higher tax outgo. Shares of ITC Ltd, Godfrey Phillips India Ltd and VST Industries Ltd climbed by as much as 15%, following media reports that companies have implemented price hikes to pass on the impact of the recent excise duty increase to consumers. As of 1:15 pm, Godfrey Phillips India Ltd was trading at 2,386, up 318 points or 15.4%. At the same time, ITC gained 2% to 331 while VST Industries Ltd strengthened to 244, adding 2%. The move by cigarette makers is seen as a step to protect margins, with the expected decline in EBIT now projected at around 2%, sharply lower than earlier estimates of 8–15%. The changes follow the government’s notification on February 1 ending the GST compensation cess and introducing a new tobacco taxation framework.ITC Ltd is likely to increase cigarette prices by 20–40% across brands. Fresh shipments reflecting the revised pricing are expected to reach the market soon, while retailers are also said to be selling existing inventory at higher rates. Market reaction was swift. ITC Ltd climbed 2% to Rs 331 during the session, extending its gains to a third straight day and taking its cumulative rise over three sessions to about 5.5%. Godfrey Phillips India Ltd jumped 12% to Rs 2,315 per share on the BSE, marking a more than 15% gain over two days. VST Industries Ltd also traded higher, advancing 3.3% in morning deals.The new taxation structure has reset excise duties on cigarettes to between Rs 2,050 and Rs 8,500 per 1,000 sticks, alongside a 40% GST. The revised regime has materially increased the overall tax burden, leading to concerns around demand trends, margins and the possibility of greater illicit trade.The Budget also introduced a technical change to the National Calamity Contingent Duty (NCCD). The statutory NCCD rate on tobacco products has been raised from 25% to 60%, effective May 1, 2026. At the same time, it was clarified that the effective duty rate will continue at 25% through a notification, meaning there is no immediate increase in tax outgo for cigarette companies. In effect, while the duty remains unchanged for now, the government has enabled a future increase without requiring another amendment to the law.In the December quarter, ITC, the country’s largest cigarette manufacturer, reported revenue growth of 6.2% year-on-year. The performance was supported by double-digit expansion in its FMCG-Others business and steady momentum in cigarettes. Cigarette revenues rose 8%, driven by 7% growth in volumes.However, margins in the cigarette segment fell to 59.9%, a multi-quarter low, contracting by 163 basis points year-on-year due to the consumption of high-cost leaf inventory. Management indicated that leaf procurement prices have moderated in the current crop cycle, which could help support margins in the coming quarters.

NEW DELHI: The Congress on Tuesday criticised the Centre over mismanagement at the ongoing AI Impact Summit in the national capital. Party president Mallikarjun Kharge called it an example of “PR hungry” government that had turned a global opportunity into “utter chaos”.In a post on X, Kharge said that what could have been a major moment for India’s digital and artificial intelligence leadership had instead resulted in distress for participants.“What could have been a showpiece AI Summit for the entire world demonstrating the digital & AI capabilities of India, has reportedly turned into utter chaos and rank mismanagement by this ‘PR hungry’ government!” he wrote.The Congress chief alleged that founders, exhibitors and visitors faced multiple problems during the event, particularly on the first day.“Founders, exhibitors and visitors – all face extreme distress due to the PM gatecrashing for a photo opportunity on the very first day,” Kharge said.Listing the complaints, he added, “Exhibitors are left without food and water, their products are stolen, Digi Yatra miserably fails, laptops, personal electronic devices and even bags are prohibited, only cash instead of digital/UPI payment is accepted, and founders are made to pay huge sums without basic facilities, among many other reasons of distress.”Calling it an embarrassment for the country, Kharge said, “It is extremely unfortunate that, our country has to suffer this global embarassment due to the incompetancy of our own government.”He also suggested that the Centre take lessons from a state-level technology event. “Perhaps the Modi Govt should learn from the Bengaluru Tech Summit (BTS) which is an annual feature in smoothly organising such large scale Digital & Tech congregations,” he wrote.Union minister Ashwini Vaishnaw acknowledged the issue and assured that all problems will be addressed. “If any issue or inconvenience has come to exhibitors at AI Summit, we apologise for that. All issues will be addressed,” Vaishnaw said. The AI Impact Summit, which began on Monday at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, is being described as the world’s largest artificial intelligence gathering. The five-day event, running from February 16 to 20, has drawn thousands of participants, including tech leaders, policymakers, startup founders and industry experts.Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the summit, which will also see the participation of more than 20 heads of state and government, including France’s Emmanuel Macron and Brazil’s Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. Technology leaders such as OpenAI’s Sam Altman and Google’s Sundar Pichai are also scheduled to attend.The summit aims to shape a “shared roadmap for global AI governance and collaboration” and focuses on themes of “People, Planet, and Progress”. India is positioning itself as a hub for digital infrastructure and artificial intelligence, and is expected to push for wider access to AI technologies and the creation of global AI commons.PTI reporters at the venue observed long queues outside session halls due to packed schedules and high demand. Organisers said that registrations exceeded expectations, reflecting growing global interest in AI infrastructure, enterprise adoption and governance.While there were reports of logistical challenges due to heavy footfall and parallel sessions running simultaneously, the event has seen strong participation, with panel discussions and exhibitions drawing large crowds.The government has highlighted the summit as an opportunity to showcase India’s digital public infrastructure, engineering talent and its ambitions to lead global conversations on responsible and inclusive AI development.