Goyal said India can produce goods in areas where US manufacturers may not be competitive.

India is looking to diversify its sources of crude oil, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal has said. Goyal’s comments assume significance in light of the India-US trade deal joint statement which lowers tariffs on Indian exports to 18%. The Donald Trump administration has also removed the 25% penal tariffs on India on the condition that it stops buying crude oil from Russia.India’s crude imports from Russia have dropped since the US imposed sanctions on two major Russian oil firms in late 2025. According to reports, the share of Russian crude in India’s oil imports has dropped to the lowest level since late 2022 and analysts expect the numbers to drop further in the coming months.

India would ‘love’ high-quality coking coal from US

Piyush Goyal said India is looking to broaden its sourcing of crude oil and coking coal and would welcome supplies of premium-quality coking coal from the United States.Also Read | 18% tariffs, boost to exports, agriculture protected: How India benefits from trade deal with US? Explained“We want to diversify our oil sources. I want to diversify the source of coking coal for example. I am dependent on 2 or 3 geographies (for that) and prices keep fluctuating. I would love to have American coking coal which is high quality coming to India,” he said according to a PTI report.He noted that the US is well positioned to supply several products that are critical for India’s economic growth, including graphics processing units used in artificial intelligence, infrastructure and equipment for data centres, and high-performance computing systems.Goyal said India can produce goods in areas where US manufacturers may not be competitive, while America can serve as an important provider of technology and investment capital.Also Read | Trump removes 25% penal tariff: What happens if India stops buying Russian crude oil?He added that demand for aircraft from the US is already estimated at about $100 billion over the next five years, with additional capacity required to expand domestic aviation and help lower fares.Under the proposed interim trade pact with the United States, India has conveyed its intent to procure goods worth $500 billion from America over the next five years. An Indian delegation is scheduled to travel to the US next week to conclude the legal drafting of the agreement, which is expected to be signed in March.Piyush Goyal said entering into a trade agreement with the US would be beneficial for India, noting that it would create significant opportunities for domestic businesses, particularly in labour-intensive sectors and technology-driven services.Referring to India’s free trade agreements, Goyal noted that nine such pacts have been concluded over the past four years. He added that these deals were negotiated from a position of confidence, emphasising that India now engages in trade talks assertively, without defensiveness, and with a focus on long-term interests.

India’s Abhishek Sharma being bowled by Netherlands’ Aryan Dutt during an ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 cricket match between India and Netherlands, at the Narendra Modi Stadium, in Ahmedabad. (PTI)

NEW DELHI: How many ducks are too many ducks? India opener Abhishek Sharma might be asking himself as he was again dismissed for zero and failed to score even a single run in the last group-stage match of the T20 World Cup against the Netherlands on Wednesday. The left-handed batter was bowled on the third ball of the first over by Dutch off-spinner Aryan Dutt.Dutt pitched the ball at the back of a length on the middle and off stump, and it skidded in with the angle. Abhishek had a wild swipe at it, which was perhaps coming after the two dots, but missed it completely, and the ball hits the leg stump.

This was the third duck in a row for Abhishek in the T20 World Cup. The southpaw has endured a difficult T20 World Cup campaign so far. He began with a golden duck against the USA in India’s opening match and was later hospitalised in New Delhi due to a stomach infection, which ruled him out of the clash against Namibia. On his return against Pakistan on Sunday, he was dismissed for another duck.Earlier, India won the toss and elected to bat first against the Netherlands in their final group stage match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Wednesday.FOLLOW LIVEThe Men in Blue, who have already qualified for the Super Eights, will be looking to end the league stage with four wins out of four matches, building momentum ahead of the next stage. The Netherlands, meanwhile, will be aiming for an upset in a tournament that has so far showcased strong performances from several associate cricket teams.Speaking at the toss, Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav confirmed two changes to the playing XI. Arshdeep Singh, the left-arm pacer, comes in for Kuldeep Yadav, while Axar Patel has been “rested” and Washington Sundar gets a game.Suryakumar said, “We are going to bat first. It looks like a good surface. We want to put runs on the board and put some pressure on the bowlers to defend the total. The mood in the camp is really good and they are playing the brand of cricket I want them to play. Every game, someone is putting their hand up and that is good to see. We have two changes – Arshdeep comes in for Kuldeep, Axar is resting and Washington comes in.”India (Playing XI): Ishan Kishan(w), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav(c), Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Rinku Singh, Washington Sundar, Varun Chakaravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep SinghNetherlands (Playing XI): Michael Levitt, Max O’Dowd, Bas de Leede, Colin Ackermann, Scott Edwards (w/c), Zach Lion-Cachet, Roelof van der Merwe, Logan van Beek, Aryan Dutt, Kyle Klein, Noah Croes.

ROHTAK: The murder of a 27-year-old bank employee, found with her throat slit near Bahadurgarh in Jhajjar district, was solved within 18 hours, with police arresting her husband — a chartered accountant from Hisar — as the prime accused. Investigators said the accused killed his wife over repeated suspicions about her character and then attempted to pass it off as a robbery-cum-murder. The victim, Mahak, worked with HDFC Bank in Gurgaon. She was married to Anshul Dhawan, a chartered accountant and resident of Hisar’s Sector 14, on September 25, 2025, in an arranged marriage. The couple had been married for barely five months. On Valentine’s Day (February 14), the couple visited Hisar and stayed with family. The next evening, around 7 pm on February 15, they left Mahak’s parental home in Hansi for Gurugram. About four hours later, Anshul called the police, claiming unidentified attackers had intercepted their car near Pahsaur village in the Badli area of Jhajjar district, killed his wife, and fled. Police found Mahak’s body lying outside the car on a dirt track about 100 metres off the Jhajjar-Badli road. Her throat had been slit. However, Anshul’s version soon fell apart during questioning. He failed to describe the alleged attackers and repeatedly changed his statement. During sustained interrogation and a crime scene reconstruction, Anshul confessed. Police said the couple frequently argued over his suspicions about Mahak’s character. The dispute escalated during the drive, leading him to first strangle her and then slit her throat with a pair of scissors, allegedly while wearing gloves to avoid leaving evidence. He later staged the scene to resemble a robbery. Mahak’s father, Krishna Kathuria, had expressed suspicion against his son-in-law from the outset. Family members also stated that Mahak was pregnant at the time of her death. Police have arrested the accused and are proceeding with further investigation.

In a remarkable comeback story, Indian wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan has stormed into the ICC Men’s T20I batting top 10 for the first time in over two years, following his Player of the Match performance against Pakistan in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026. The latest rankings update, released on February 18, saw Kishan leap an incredible 17 places to secure the eighth position with 732 rating points .

The remarkable rise of Ishan Kishan in T20I rankings

Kishan’s journey back to the upper echelons of the batting charts reads like a fairytale. Ranked 78th at the time of his comeback to the T20I setup earlier this year, the left-hander has enjoyed a dizzying trajectory through the rankings. He zoomed to 32nd place by the time the T20 World Cup began, and rose to 25th across the first two games before his explosive knock against Pakistan catapulted him into the top 10 .

The 26-year-old’s resurgence marks his first appearance in the batting top 10 since his initial breakout years in international cricket, demonstrating his return to form at the perfect moment for the defending champions .

Kishan’s elevation in the rankings was powered by a breathtaking innings of 77 runs from just 40 deliveries against arch-rivals Pakistan in Colombo on February 15. His blistering knock, which earned him the Player of the Match award, laid the foundation for India’s commanding 61-run victory and helped the team maintain their perfect record in the tournament .

The innings showcased Kishan’s evolution as a batter, combining fearless strokeplay with responsible anchor role when the situation demanded. His ability to dominate a quality Pakistan bowling attack on a challenging surface caught the attention of cricketing pundits worldwide and now reflects in the updated rankings .

ICC T20I rankings: Four Indian batters in Top 10

Kishan’s entry into the elite club means India now boasts four batters in the ICC T20I top 10 rankings, underlining the team’s extraordinary batting depth ahead of the Super 8 stage .

At the summit, Abhishek Sharma continues to hold the No. 1 position with 891 rating points, despite modest returns in the World Cup so far, including two ducks. England’s Phil Salt follows in second place, while Sri Lanka’s Pathum Nissanka jumped three places to third after his magnificent century against Australia .

India’s Tilak Varma holds steady at fourth position with 751 points, while captain Suryakumar Yadav occupies sixth place with 747 points. The quartet of Indian batters in the top 10 – Abhishek, Tilak, Suryakumar and now Kishan – presents a formidable challenge for opponents in the upcoming Super 8 matches against South Africa, Zimbabwe, and the West Indies.

Meanwhile, South Africa’s Ryan Rickelton gained 22 spots to reach 11th, while Aiden Markram moved up six places to joint 15th. USA’s Saiteja Mukkamalla climbed 16 places to 21st, and England youngster Jacob Bethell jumped 22 slots to 32nd following their impressive contributions.

Also READ: From Mahela Jayawardene to Kusal Mendis – List of players to record three consecutive 50-plus scores in T20 World Cup history

Tight battle in bowling and all-rounder charts

In the bowling rankings, India’s mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy continues to lead the chart with 796 points, though Afghanistan’s Rashid Khan narrowed the gap by moving up one place to second. Zimbabwe’s Brad Evans made the most significant move, jumping 10 spots to fifth after consecutive three-wicket hauls that helped eliminate Australia .

India’s Axar Patel rose four places to 14th, while Jasprit Bumrah gained six spots to reach 15th, underlining the team’s balanced attack heading into the Super 8s .

The all-rounders’ battle remains intensely competitive, with Pakistan’s Saim Ayub reclaiming the top spot from Zimbabwe’s Sikandar Raza following his three-wicket haul against India. India’s Hardik Pandya holds firm at third position.

Also READ: “Win over Australia will count for nothing if…”: Sikandar Raza’s powerful warning after Zimbabwe’s Super 8 qualification at T20 World Cup 2026

Jammu and Kashmir cricket team (X-Mithun Manhas)

New Delhi: Having served as the head of the ad-hoc committee to run the Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA) till last September, BCCI president Mithun Manhas said that the cricket infrastructure in the state will grow faster once the state association is approved by the government. “Everything is ready with forming the state association. They have gone to the government for approval. Once they get it done, BCCI funds will be unlocked to improve the infrastructure in the state. Right now, they play at the Harbux Stadium in Srinagar and the College Ground in Jammu. Work towards building a proper cricket stadium with proper facilities can start immediately,” Manhas told TOI on Wednesday.

Manhas recalled the process of setting up facilities to help J&K cricket rise since he took charge in 2021. “I must thank Jay Shah, who was the BCCI secretary then, for giving us a free hand and funds to organise the facilities even though we were an ad-hoc committee. We made red-soil pitches in two stadiums so that the team was ready to play on all kinds of pitches across India. We used to start our talent hunt programme from April every year and went to every district. The teams were sent to play off-season tournaments in different parts of the country. Now, the plan is to invite other state teams to play invitational tournaments in J&K,” Manhas said. While 41-year-old Paras Dogra, coming in as a guest player, led from the front as captain in the last two seasons, Manhas said that the endeavour was never to rely heavily on outstation professional players. “Dogra’s experience helped these young batters learn to bat for longer periods. But he is the only guest player in the team. We need to give time to the young players to groom into leadership roles,” the former Delhi captain claimed. Manhas also highlighted that there was a conscious effort to develop more qualified coaches in the region. “When I took charge, there was only one NCA Level 1 coach in the state. Now we have close to 40 Level 2 coaches. That has helped in grooming talent in pockets of the state,” he mentioned.

How is gold taxed? (AI image)

Gold is a safe haven asset globally – and it’s also the traditional go-to savings and investment bet in India. Gold prices have been rising unprecedentedly over the last 18 months and investors are rushing to buy the yellow metal amidst global economic and geopolitical uncertainty.Investment in gold can happen through various avenues: physical pure gold like coins or bars, gold jewellery, or even through digital forms and investment avenues like exchange trade funds (ETFs), mutual funds, and sovereign gold bonds.While buying gold is seen as an obvious choice, especially in India with its cultural aspects, it is important to understand that your gold holdings are subject to tax at the time of sale or even purchase – and this includes the jewellery you inherit!If you intend to buy or sell gold — whether in physical form, digitally, or through other investment avenues — it is important to understand the tax implications applicable to each category.

Tax on sale of gold

The rules for short-term and long-term capital gains on gold sales were revised after 23 July 2024. In addition, under Section 54F of the Income Tax Act, long-term capital gains arising from the sale of gold can be exempt from tax if the full sale consideration is invested in the purchase of a residential property within the specified timelines.Physical gold, gold jewellery, and digital gold: If any of these gold-related assets are held by you for more than 24 months, the gains that you make are treated as long-term capital gains – hence facing a 12.5% tax without indexation. If you sell these gold assets within two years of acquiring them, then the gains are classified as short-term and taxed according to your applicable income tax slab.Gold ETFs: Long-term capital gains is applicable if the ETF units are held for over 12 months, implying a tax of 12.5% without indexation. If you sell them within 12 months, the gains are treated as short-term and added to the total income, attracting tax as per slab rates, according to an ET report.Gold mutual funds: The gains that you make from gold MFs qualify as long-term if your holding period is over 24 months and are taxed at 12.5% without indexation. However, if the redemption is made before completing the 2 year time frame, it is treated as short-term gains and taxed at applicable slab rates.Sovereign gold bonds: Before Budget 2026, redemption of SGBs was tax-free if the bonds were taken during primary issuance or from the secondary market and redeemed with the Reserve Bank of India at or before maturity. However, as per the revised rules after the Budget, only Sovereign Gold Bonds which are purchased at primary issuance and held continuously until maturity remain exempt from taxes. Sovereign Gold Bonds bought or sold in the secondary market, or sold before maturity, will now be taxed as either short-term or long-term capital gains depending on the holding duration.Inherited gold: It’s important to understand that although inheritance itself does not attract tax in India, capital gains tax becomes applicable when this inherited gold is sold by you. The acquisition cost and holding period are calculated from the date the original owner acquired the asset. If the total holding period is more than 24 months, the long-term capital gains tax of 12.5% without indexation is applicable, while for shorter holding periods the taxation is applicable at income tax slab rates.

Tax on purchase of gold

Physical gold, gold jewellery, and digital gold: A goods and services tax (GST) of 3% is charged on purchases across these categories. In the case of gold jewellery, an additional 5% GST is applied on making charges.Gold ETFs, gold mutual funds, and sovereign gold bonds (SGBs): No GST is imposed at the time of purchase for these investment options.Imported gold: Gold brought into the country attracts a customs duty of 6%.Inherited gold: Gold received through inheritance, whether as jewellery or in any other form, does not attract inheritance tax.Gifted gold: Gold that you receive as a gift from specified relatives is exempt from tax. However, if this gold is gifted to you by non-relatives and its value is over Rs 50,000 in a financial year, it becomes taxable under the head “income from other sources.”

India, the world’s third-biggest oil importer and consumer has reshaped its crude sourcing strategy, according to data from industry sources. Russian crude shipments in January made up the smallest portion of New Delhi’s oil imports since late 2022. During the same period, supplies from the Middle East rose to their highest share, Reuters reported quoting sources.Back in 2022, Russia emerged as India’s top crude supplier after Indian refiners began buying large volumes of discounted Russian oil following Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine. Over time, Russia’s share of India’s crude oil imports climbed from under 1% to almost 40% at its highest point. However, recent US sanctions on Russian suppliers and Washington’s push for a trade agreement have led New Delhi to cut back on Russian oil purchases, the data showed.Since November, China has overtaken India as Russia’s largest buyer of seaborne crude.Smallest share since late 2022In January, India imported about 1.1 million barrels per day of Russian crude, the lowest level since November 2022, with Russia’s share in India’s total oil imports shrinking to 21.2%.January imports from Russia were down 23.5% from December and roughly one-third lower than a year earlier.According to Reuters, analysts expect imports to drop further, averaging around 1–1.2 million bpd in February and about 800,000 bpd in March, though mid-term flows are seen declining gradually rather than ending completely.“February numbers may appear slightly lower due to timing, as some end-month cargoes discharge in the following month,” Sumit Ritola, lead research analyst, refining and modelling at Kpler told Reuters.Who’s filling the gap?To offset reduced Russian volumes, Indian refiners have turned to other grades from the Middle East, South America and Western suppliers.Middle Eastern crude made up roughly 55% of India’s total imports in January, while Latin American grades hit a 12-month high of about 10%, the data showed.Saudi Arabia has regained its position as India’s top supplier, with imports tracking at record levels so far in February. “February month-to-date data already shows Saudi Arabia regaining its position as India’s top supplier, with imports tracking at a new all-time high,” Ritola told the agency.Lower Russian purchases have lifted OPEC’s share in India’s crude basket to an 11-month high.This comes as US has cut some tariffs on Indian goods and dropped a 25% punitive duty after New Delhi agreed to scale back Russian oil imports, and is also encouraging India to boost energy purchases from the US and potentially Venezuela.

INDORE: Displaying striking indifference during a crime scene reconstruction, the accused in the murder of a 24-year-old MBA student reacted casually when questioned by reporters, brushing aside queries about the killing.Surrounded by media personnel on Tuesday, Piyush Dhamnodiya shrugged off questions about the motive behind the murder. “Kuch nai hua hai, chhodo, ho gaya jo hogaya yaar… chhod do na… kya karoge jaan ke,” he said in Hindi, refusing to explain his actions. When asked whether he regretted the crime, he responded with a faint smirk and said he would reveal the reason “when the time comes”.Police officials present at the reconstruction described his demeanour as unusually calm. Officers said his behaviour during interrogation and subsequent proceedings appeared erratic and detached.According to investigators, the accused allegedly muttered apologies in the hours following the crime and claimed he wanted to “communicate with the victim’s spirit”. He also told police he had contemplated suicide by jumping in front of a train but did not act on it.During questioning at the Dwarkapuri police station, Dhamnodiya reportedly asked for a blank sheet of paper and wrote that he had committed a “grave wrong” and wanted to die. He repeatedly requested officers to let him meet the victim, claiming he loved her.DCP Krishna Lalchandani said the accused had been consuming occult-related online content and searching for suicide methods, though he never attempted self-harm. Investigators also learned that Dhamnodiya suspected the victim of speaking to other men.Police said the woman’s body was recovered on Feb 13 from a rented room in Indore, three days after she was reported missing. Dhamnodiya, identified as her boyfriend and classmate, was traced to Mumbai and arrested from Andheri on Feb 14.During interrogation, police alleged that Dhamnodiya tied the victim’s hands and legs, gagged her and strangled her. Officers further claimed he later purchased beer, returned to the room and consumed alcohol beside the body. Investigators accused him of sexually assaulting the corpse and engaging in acts of necrophilia before fleeing.Police said the accused travelled by train after leaving Indore, changing routes before reaching Mumbai. Investigators stated he later went to a deserted location near Panvel, where he allegedly lit incense sticks and watched online videos about summoning spirits.Dwarkapuri police seized items linked to the crime and recreated the scene. The accused is scheduled to be produced before a court on Wednesday.

While Team India continue their dominant run in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, opening sensation Ishan Kishan is making waves for more than just his explosive batting. For years, rumours have swirled around the mystery girl often spotted cheering for the wicketkeeper-batter. Today, those whispers have been officially laid to rest by the most trusted source possible—his family.

Ishan Kishan’s grandfather confirms star opener’s relationship with renowned model Aditi Hundia

In a heartwarming revelation that has taken social media by storm, Ishan Kishan’s grandfather, Anurag Pandey, has officially confirmed the cricketer’s relationship with renowned Jaipur-based model Aditi Hundia. Speaking to the news agency ANI in Aurangabad, Bihar, Pandey expressed the family’s complete support for the couple, emphasizing that the happiness of the children is their top priority.

“Whoever Ishan chooses to marry, I fully accept his decision,” Pandey told ANI during a candid interaction.

He further clarified the family’s stance, stating, “We are ready to accept whoever Ishan Kishan wants to marry. Aditi is his girlfriend. She is a model. One should accept what makes children happy.”

Hundia is no stranger to the limelight. A prominent face in the Indian fashion industry, she was a finalist at Femina Miss India 2017 and crowned Miss Diva Supranational 2018. The pair has reportedly been dating for over six years, with Aditi being a constant pillar of support through Kishan’s professional highs and lows. This confirmation from the patriarch of the family suggests that wedding bells might be on the horizon once the high-stakes cricket season concludes.

Also READ: Explained: Which teams will India face in Super 8 of T20 World Cup 2026?

Kishan’s outstanding run for India in T20 World Cup 2026

While his personal life is trending, Ishan Kishan’s professional form has reached a career-defining peak. After a period of being on the sidelines, the “Patna Powerhouse” has returned to the national side as a transformed athlete, dubbed “Ishan 2.0” by fans and commentators alike.

In the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026, Kishan has emerged as India’s X-factor at the top of the order. His most significant contribution came in the high-voltage clash against Pakistan at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. On a tricky surface where other batters struggled, Kishan played a scintillating knock of 77 runs off just 40 balls, striking at a massive rate of 192. His ability to dismantle both pace and spin during the Powerplay has provided India with the aggressive starts they lacked in previous editions.

Statistically, Kishan’s comeback has been nothing short of phenomenal. Since returning to the T20I setup earlier this year against New Zealand, where he smashed a brilliant 103, he has maintained a staggering average of over 50. His improved technique on the off-side and fearless approach have solidified his spot as the preferred opener alongside Abhishek Sharma. As India enters the Super 8 stage, all eyes remain on Kishan to see if he can carry this love-fueled momentum all the way to the trophy.

Also READ: Janhvi Kapoor, Ajay Devgn and other Bollywood celebs react to India’s thumping win over Pakistan in T20 World Cup 2026