Tariff payments by midsize US businesses grew three times over the past year, according to new research released Thursday by JPMorganChase Institute. One of the US’ leading banks, it added that this shows signs of economic strain linked to President Donald Trump’s tariff policies.The JPMorgan study, cited by the Associated Press, indicates that companies employing a combined 48 million people across the US, a segment frequently highlighted in Trump’s economic messaging, are facing mounting cost pressures. Businesses have been forced to adapt by raising prices, trimming hiring, or absorbing the impact through reduced profit margins.“That’s a big change in their cost of doing business,” said Chi Mac, business research director at the JPMorganChase Institute, which published the analysis. “We also see some indications that they may be shifting away from transacting with China and maybe toward some other regions in Asia,” he added.The report stopped short of detailing how the added costs ripple through the broader economy, but it did clarify that US firms are bearing the tariff payments. The findings add to a widening set of studies challenging the administration’s long-standing assertion that the burden falls primarily on foreign exporters.Researchers at the JPMorganChase Institute relied on payments data to examine businesses that typically lack the pricing leverage of large multinationals, yet retain enough flexibility to reconfigure sourcing strategies. The companies analysed generally fell within the “middle market” bracket, with annual revenues ranging from $10 million to $1 billion and workforces of fewer than 500 employees.The data suggested progress toward one of the administration’s stated objectives, which is reducing direct dependence on Chinese manufacturing. Payments flowing to China from these firms were running roughly 20 per cent below October 2024 levels. However, the study notes that the figures alone cannot determine whether supply chains have genuinely shifted or if goods are simply being rerouted through intermediary countries.The authors emphasised that businesses remain in a transition phase, describing tariff-related adjustments as ongoing. They indicated that further analysis is planned as trade patterns continue to evolve.White House deputy press secretary Kush Desai dismissed the findings, calling the analysis “pointless” and saying it didn’t “change the fact that President Trump was right.” The study, however, shows US companies paying duties that President Donald Trump has previously argued would be absorbed by foreign entities.During a visit to Georgia on Thursday, Trump reiterated his defence of the policy while touring Coosa Steel. He expressed confidence that the measures were benefiting domestic industry and voiced disbelief that the US Supreme Court would weigh the legality of certain tariffs. “The tariffs are the greatest thing to happen to this country,” Trump said.Despite the administration’s argument that higher duties would help narrow trade imbalances, newly released figures from the US Census Bureau showed the trade deficit widening last year. The gap increased by $25.5 billion, reaching $1.24 trillion. Trump stated on social media this week that he expects a trade surplus “during this year.”Senior officials have continued to frame tariffs as an economic positive. Kevin Hassett, director of the White House National Economic Council, sharply criticised separate research from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, which concluded that nearly 90 per cent of tariff costs were borne by domestic businesses and consumers.“The paper is an embarrassment,” Hassett told CNBC. “It’s, I think, the worst paper I’ve ever seen in the history of the Federal Reserve system. The people associated with this paper should presumably be disciplined.”According to New York Fed researchers, Trump raised the average US tariff rate to 13 per cent last year, up from 2.6 per cent. The administration justified elevated duties on products including steel and household fixtures on national security grounds. In April 2025, Trump invoked an economic emergency declaration — unveiled at an event branded “Liberation Day” — to implement a broad baseline tariff.Those moves initially unsettled financial markets, triggering volatility that later eased as the administration adjusted rates and pursued trade negotiations with multiple countries. The Supreme Court is now expected to determine whether the emergency declaration exceeded presidential authority.Although inflation has remained relatively stable during Trump’s current term, economic indicators have shown signs of strain. Hiring growth slowed markedly, and academic economists estimate that consumer prices are approximately 0.8 percentage points higher than they might otherwise have been without the tariffs.

Venezuela’s Interim President Delcy Rodríguez on Thursday signed into law a long-awaited amnesty bill, paving the way for the potential release of hundreds of political prisoners jailed in recent years.The legislation was unanimously approved by the Venezuelan parliament earlier in the day after several previously delayed sittings. Rodríguez enacted the bill at the Miraflores presidential palace in Caracas, framing it as a step towards reconciliation.“One must know how to ask for forgiveness, and one must also know how to receive forgiveness,” she said following the signing ceremony.The move comes amid mounting domestic and international scrutiny over the fate of detainees held during the turbulent final years of former president Nicolás Maduro’s rule.Who Is Excluded?Despite its broad scope, the amnesty law contains significant exclusions.Article 9 specifies that individuals prosecuted or convicted for promoting or participating in armed actions, or for facilitating foreign intervention against Venezuela’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, will not qualify for amnesty.This clause could affect high-profile opposition figures, including Nobel Peace Prize winner María Corina Machado, whom the ruling party has accused of advocating international intervention — including the US military raid that led to Maduro’s capture on January 3.United Nations human rights experts urged caution ahead of the vote, warning that the law’s scope must be carefully limited. In a statement from Geneva, they said it should apply to victims of human rights violations while expressly excluding those responsible for serious abuses and crimes against humanity, whether state or non-state actors.Retroactive Reach and Lingering DoubtsThe new law applies retroactively to 1999, covering major flashpoints in Venezuela’s modern political history.These include the failed coup against Hugo Chávez, the 2002 oil strike, and the 2024 unrest that followed Maduro’s disputed re-election.For families of detainees, the measure has raised hopes that loved ones could soon return home. However, critics fear the legislation could be used selectively — potentially shielding government allies while denying relief to genuine prisoners of conscience.Prisoners and PressureHuman rights groups estimate that hundreds, possibly thousands, of Venezuelans were detained in recent years over alleged plots to overthrow Maduro’s government. Family members have reported torture, mistreatment and neglect of inmates’ medical needs, news agency AFP reported.Citing NGO Foro Penal, the report said around 450 prisoners have been released since Maduro was ousted, but more than 600 remain in custody. In recent weeks, relatives have staged vigils outside prisons, while a small group in Caracas ended a nearly week-long hunger strike on Thursday.Political BackdropRodríguez assumed power after Maduro was captured during a US military raid in early January. Her interim government has operated with the consent of US President Donald Trump, reportedly in exchange for granting Washington access to Venezuela’s vast oil reserves.On Wednesday, the head of the US military command responsible for operations against alleged drug-smuggling vessels in the region met Rodríguez in Caracas, alongside Defence Minister Vladimir Padrino and Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello — both long-time Maduro allies known for their staunch anti-imperialist rhetoric.The amnesty bill marks Rodríguez’s most significant domestic policy move since taking office, and its implementation is likely to serve as an early test of her administration’s commitment to reconciliation in a deeply polarised nation.

Former Pakistan pacer Mohammad Amir has once again made headlines with his bold predictions about India’s T20 World Cup 2026 campaign. Just days after labelling Abhishek Sharma as a “slogger,” Amir has now targeted the entire Indian team, claiming the defending champions will not make it to the semi-finals. According to him, Suryakumar Yadav’s India, unbeaten in the last three ICC events, will fail to progress beyond Super 8s Group A. India defeated the Netherlands in their last group-stage match on Wednesday at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, advancing to the Super 8s without dropping a single match in the tenth edition of the T20 World Cup. Despite this, the team’s performance has been far from flawless, with the batting side leaving much to be desired.

For starters, Abhishek Sharma is yet to open his account in the tournament, recording three consecutive ducks. Looking at India’s batting so far, Amir suggested that teams like South Africa and the West Indies could exploit the side’s weaknesses. During the ‘Haarna Mana Hai’ show, the anchor asked Amir about his semi-final predictions from Group A of the Super 8s. Amir replied, “South Africa and the West Indies.” When the anchor remarked that he didn’t think India would make it to the last four, Amir shook his head firmly. “If you see their matches, the batting collapsed in all the games, barring the Pakistan contest. The pressure will rise in the Super 8 matches. The way in which South Africa and the West Indies have been playing, they can beat any team,” he said while explaining why he doesn’t see India reaching the semi-finals. India will start their Super 8s campaign on Sunday, February 22, against South Africa in Ahmedabad. The team will then travel to Chennai to face Sikandar Raza’s Zimbabwe on Thursday, February 26. Their final Super 8s match will be against the West Indies at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, on March 1. Meanwhile, in Group B, Pakistan, New Zealand, England, and Sri Lanka will compete for two semi-final spots. Amir has predicted that Pakistan and New Zealand will advance from the group. The Super 8s stage will begin on Saturday, February 21, in Colombo with Pakistan facing New Zealand at the R Premadasa Stadium.

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NEW DELHI: Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Mahua Moitra on Thursday moved the Delhi high court seeking custody of her pet Rottweiler, Henry.The petition challenges a November 10 last year’s order of a Saket court which had refused her request for 10-day custody of the dog every month. Justice Manoj Kumar Ohri issued notice to Moitra’s ex-partner and advocate Jai Anant Dehadrai seeing his response to the plea. The matter has been listed for hearing on April 29.Moitra has argued that the lower court’s order is “bad in law and fact.” In her plea, she stated that Henry primarily resided with her, except when she travelled outside Delhi for official duties in her constituency. During such periods, the dog stayed with Dehadrai.

Advocate Jai Anant Dehadrai appeared in person before the high court and submitted that the petition should be dismissed at the outset (in limine), according to news agency ANI. The custody dispute over the Rottweiler has been pending before the Saket court. Last year in September, the Delhi high court had issued notice to Moitra on an appeal filed by Dehadrai against a trial court order, which had directed him not to publicise the matter. Justice Manoj Jain had then asked Moitra to file her response, while senior advocate Sanjoy Ghosh appeared for Dehadrai. According to the plea, Moitra had earlier filed a custody suit against Dehadrai over the pet dog, Henry, which was purchased by him in 2021.The case will now be heard on April 29.

What the case is about?

The legal dispute between Mahua Moitra and advocate Jai Anant Dehadrai stems from a personal fallout that later escalated into multiple public and legal confrontations.Moitra and Dehadrai were reportedly in a relationship and jointly owned a Rottweiler named Henry. However, after their relationship turned bitter and amid Dehadrai’s public allegations against Moitra in the ‘cash-for-query’ controversy, the custody of Henry became a central point of dispute. Both claimed ownership of the dog and accused the other of unlawfully taking him.Dehadrai has claimed that he purchased Henry in 2021 for Rs 75,000 and had been caring for him since the dog was 40 days old. Moitra, on the other hand, alleged that Dehadrai trespassed into her residence and took Henry without her consent.As the custody battle reached the Saket court, the trial court directed both parties to “ensure that the present proceedings shall not be publicised in any manner.” Dehadrai challenged this direction, arguing that the “sweeping gag order” prevented him from even disclosing the existence of the case in the public domain.

In an emotional farewell that captured the profound bond between a coach and his team, Jonathan Trott broke down in tears during his final press conference as Afghanistan’s head coach following his team’s 82-run victory over Canada in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 on Thursday. The 44-year-old former England international, whose three-and-a-half-year tenure ends after this tournament, struggled to contain his emotions when asked to reflect on his journey with the Afghan side .

An emotional moment for Jonathan Trott

The press conference at Chennai’s MA Chidambaram Stadium took an emotional turn when Trott was asked about his time with the team. Words failed him as tears welled up, forcing a brief pause while he composed himself. “Well, I just think, and I could sit here and tell you so many stories of things that I’ve seen with my own eyes, but in the talent, yes – I said I didn’t want to get upset,” Trott admitted, wiping away tears.

What followed was a heartfelt tribute to a team he described as possessing “natural raw talent” that needed only “a little bit of structure to the mindset, professionalism, and the high standards” to flourish on the international stage .

Afghanistan’s consolation victory in a bittersweet T20 World Cup 2026

Afghanistan signed off from the tournament with an emphatic win over tournament debutants Canada, their second win of the campaign. Earlier defeats to New Zealand and the heartbreak of a double Super Over loss to South Africa meant the 2024 semi-finalists could not progress to the Super 8 stage, with South Africa and New Zealand advancing from Group D .

Opener Ibrahim Zadran starred with an unbeaten 95 off 56 balls the highest individual score by an Afghan in this World Cup – while veteran spinner Mohammad Nabi claimed remarkable figures of 4 for 7 to bundle Canada out for 118 .

Trott’s emotional reflection about the Afghan team: From chaos to cohesion

Trott’s emotional response stemmed from witnessing the team’s remarkable transformation since he took charge in July 2022 . He recalled his first tour with the team in Ireland, contrasting the “chaotic” beginnings with the polished outfit that now commands respect worldwide.

“I remember my first trip when we were in Ireland, and I saw things that made me realise these boys are so talented and focused,” Trott said, his voice heavy with emotion. “I remember seeing Ibra (Ibrahim Zadran) for the first time, I remember seeing Azmat (Azmatullah Omarzai) for the first time, I remember seeing Gurbaz (Rahmanullah Gurbaz) for the first time and thinking, what amazing players. Let’s try and build on what we’ve got, this natural raw talent.” 

The outgoing coach emphasized how far the team has progressed: “That first tour to where we are now is chalk and cheese.”

Throughout his emotional address, Trott repeatedly redirected credit to his players, highlighting the extraordinary circumstances from which Afghan cricket emerges. Unlike established cricketing nations, Afghanistan lacks permanent home facilities, academies, and structured coaching pathways for young players .

“They operate at such a high level compared to what they’re afforded compared to other countries, yet they can come on this stage and compete and almost people expect us to be in the semifinals and finals, which I find amazing,” Trott observed .

Drawing a poignant contrast with his own privileged upbringing, he added: “The amount of coaching I’ve had compared to the coaching that these guys are now operating at international levels is chalk and cheese. So, I take my hat off to every single one of them.”

For Trott, the most satisfying aspect of his tenure extended far beyond on-field achievements. He spoke movingly about witnessing players transform not just as cricketers but as individuals capable of changing their families’ circumstances .

“The great joy for me in this job is being able to see the players develop off the field as well and lives change, not just on the field but the ability for players to change their families’ fortunes and trajectory as a family and as a group of people,” he said. “Forget the cricket side, seeing guys equipping themselves and developing as young boys when I took over and developing into young men is something that is very worthwhile.” 

Trott’s tenure, which began in July 2022 after Graham Thorpe was originally slated for the role but couldn’t take it up, saw Afghanistan reach unprecedented heights . Under his guidance, the team reached their first T20 World Cup semi-final in 2024 and came agonizingly close to the semi-finals of the 50-over World Cup in 2023 .

Reflecting on key achievements, Trott recalled: “Beating Pakistan for the first time in a World Cup, beating England, bilateral series wins away from home against teams like Pakistan, Bangladesh, South Africa, all these sorts of things.”

What next for Trott?

With his Afghanistan chapter closed, Trott admitted uncertainty about his future while hinting at a possible desire to coach England – the team he represented with distinction as a player .

“I’m not going to let you put words in my mouth,” he remarked when directly asked about the England job, before adding with characteristic honesty: “I’ve really enjoyed this and I don’t know what the future holds. Maybe have a couple of days off and see how it goes.” 

On coaching England specifically, he conceded: “I’m very proud of where I played my cricket and always like to see the England side do well. I’d be lying. I’d love to one day hopefully have the opportunity to coach a team that you hold so dear to your heart.” 

Also READ: Fans react as Afghanistan end T20 World Cup 2026 with 82-run win over Canada in head coach Jonathan Trott’s farewell game

Even in farewell, Trott offered constructive guidance for the team’s continued development. He identified the need to build greater depth in seam bowling to complement their world-class spinners Rashid Khan and Mujeeb Ur Rahman, particularly with an eye on the 2027 World Cup in South African conditions .

“The consistency and development of some more seamers that will aid the spinners and not just be heavily reliant on spinners, develop some seam bowlers so that when the team plays in conditions perhaps like the World Cup in 2027, they’ll be able to handle all different varieties of conditions,” Trott advised .

As Trott walked away from his final press conference as Afghanistan head coach, the emotion on display underscored a truth that transcended cricket.

Here’s the video: 

It was an emotional press conference for Jonathan Trott, it shows how profoundly meaningful the experience was for him and how much he loved working with Afghanistan Cricket Team.
Thank you coach and all the best @Trotty

Via @ICC #T20WorldCup #AFGvCAN pic.twitter.com/CvvKBjnVJN

— Bashir Gharwal غروال (@bashir_gharwall) February 19, 2026

Also READ: ICC announces complete list of teams qualified for the T20 World Cup 2028

MUMBAI: A director of a construction firm and his son have been booked by the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) for inducing a businessman to invest Rs 5.15 crores promising a high returns through MOU by falsely claiming development rights and failed to fulfil contractual obligations, hid the issue of land disputes, demanded additional funds and later issued a termination notice indicating dishonest intent.The Economic Offences Wing (EOW), Mumbai, is probing an alleged cheating case involving a slum redevelopment project at Rani Sati Marg, Malad (East), after a real estate director Nilesh Raghani accused the promoters of Shah Housecon Pvt. Ltd. of defrauding his company through false promises and misleading agreements.According to the FIR registered with the Kasturba Marg police, Raghani, director and 99 percent shareholder of Classic Treasure Pvt. Ltd., alleged that he was introduced to directors Mansukh H. Shah and his son Akash Mansukh Shah in March 2025 regarding an SRA redevelopment project at Khot Dongri Cooperative Housing Society. A term sheet dated May 6, 2025, followed by an MoU on May 17, 2025, and a supplementary MoU on July 16, 2025, were executed for development of a 5,600 sq metre plot with a proposed 4.5 lakh sq ft sale component.Raghani claimed his company paid a total of Rs. 5.15 crore in instalments as per the MoU schedule. However, he later discovered that Shah Housecon allegedly failed to carry out essential redevelopment work such as eviction of occupants, title creation, and coordination with stakeholders. He further alleged that development rights over that particular land were falsely represented, as the ownership was reportedly with a charitable trust.Raghani also stated that the accused had entered into parallel agreements with other developers and allegedly demanded an additional Rs. 25 crore, along with threats when the demand was refused. Raghani has accused the directors of misusing funds, concealing disputes related to the land, and issuing termination notices after receiving payments.The complaint further alleges that many of the purported slum dwellers shown on the 5,600 sq metre plot were not recognised original occupants under Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) records. It is also alleged that certain encroachments were created with the help of a local resident, from whom rent of Rs3,000 to Rs4,000 per month was being collected.Additionally, some slum dwellers have allegedly filed a writ petition in the High Court against Shah Housecon for failing to provide rent or alternate accommodation.The FIR also alleges that Shah Housecon entered into separate redevelopment agreements for the same plot with other developers, including Jha Buildcon LLP (Rs6.93 crore), B-Right Real Estate Ventures LLP (Rs14 crore), and Salasar Land Developers, collecting substantial sums from them as well.

Gold has moved below the mid-Bollinger band, confirming downside pressure. (AI image)

Gold price prediction today: Gold prices are facing resistance at higher levels, and the short-term structure is showing weakness, says Jateen Trivedi, VP Research Analyst – Commodity and Currency, LKP Securities.Gold futures on MCX are trading near ₹1,54,700 after failing to sustain the recent upward momentum. The price action shows clear rejection near higher levels, forming a lower high on the intraday chart. The short-term structure has turned weak, and rallies toward the resistance band are likely to attract fresh selling pressure. Technical Setup: Price is trading below the short-term EMA cluster, with the 8 EMA slipping beneath the 21 EMA, indicating a bearish crossover. The ₹1,55,500 zone aligns with this moving average resistance area, strengthening it as a sell-on-rise level. Gold has moved below the mid-Bollinger band, confirming downside pressure. The lower band near ₹1,53,500–₹1,53,000 could act as the next support zone if selling intensifies. The chart reflects a breakdown from consolidation, followed by sideways movement below resistance. Until price reclaims ₹1,56,500 decisively, the intraday bias remains negative. RSI is at 37.9, below the neutral 50 mark, reflecting weakening momentum and supporting continuation of the downside move. MACD remains in negative territory with the histogram showing bearish expansion, indicating sustained selling momentum.

Gold Intraday Trading View:

Gold’s intraday technical structure remains weak, supported by bearish EMA alignment, sub-50 RSI reading, and negative MACD momentum. The resistance near ₹1,55,500 provides an opportunity to initiate short positions. Traders are advised to sell near ₹1,55,500, maintain a strict stop-loss above ₹1,56,500, and look for downside targets toward ₹1,54,000 and ₹1,53,000 during the session. Bias: Sell on Rise | Resistance: ₹1,55,500 | Target: ₹1,54,000 / ₹1,53,000 (Disclaimer: Recommendations and views on the stock market, other asset classes or personal finance management tips given by experts are their own. These opinions do not represent the views of The Times of India)

India entered the US-led Pax Silica strategic alliance on Friday, as the two sides signed Pax Silica Declaration in presence of Union minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and US under secretary of state for economic affairs, Jacob Helberg. This comes after US envoy Sergio Gor invited India to enter the bloc last month continuing efforts to finalise a proposed trade agreement and expand cooperation in emerging technologies and supply chains. Hailing the agreement, Gor said, “India joins Pax Silica, the coalition that will define the 21st century economic and technological order.” The Pax Silica Declaration is aimed towards building a secure, resilient and innovation-driven ecosystem for critical minerals and artificial intelligence (AI).

Addressing the signing ceremony, Vaishnaw also highlighted the broader vision behind the initiative, saying, “India has become a part of the Pax Silica. This will greatly benefit India’s electronics and semiconductor industry. Ten plants are already established in India and are in the process of being established, and very soon, the first semiconductor plant will begin commercial production.”He further added that India’s engineers are now designing some of the world’s most advanced 2-nanometre chips domestically. Noting that the semiconductor industry will require around one million additional skilled professionals, he stressed that this talent is expected to come from India. “All this will continue, we have to move forward. The country has a direction, a clear goal, and we have to take global leadership in the semiconductor industry and the electronics industry.”Talking about the Declaration, Gor said that the move builds on recent economic engagement between the two democracies. He said, “India’s entry into Pax Silica is not just symbolic. It is strategic and essential. India is a nation with deep talent, deep enough to rival challengers. India’s engineering depth offers critical capabilities for this vital coalition. In addition to talent, India has made important strides towards critical mineral processing capacity, and that is something that we are also fully engaged in. Policies that will reinforce US-India tech cooperation will power AI innovation and adoption for years to come. We can share trusted AI technology with the world, and especially with partners like India…”The alliance, launched back in December 2025, seeks to secure global AI and semiconductor supply chains and reduce dependence on non-aligned nations. It focuses on strengthening cooperation across the full technology value chain, from raw materials to advanced infrastructure. India’s entry in the bloc is set to add its vast talent base, semiconductor ambitions and strategic location to the alliance, positioning New Delhi to play a role in shaping the future economic and technological framework.The Pax Silica declaration recognises “that a reliable supply chain is indispensable to our mutual economic security.” It further notes, “We also recognize that artificial intelligence represents a transformative force for our long-term prosperity and that trustworthy systems are essential to safeguarding our mutual security and prosperity…We believe that economic value and growth will flow through and across all levels of the global AI supply chain, driving historic opportunity and demand for energy, critical minerals, manufacturing, technological hardware, infrastructure, and new markets not yet invented.“Member nations also include Australia, Greece, Israel, Japan, Qatar, the Republic of Korea, Singapore, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom and the United States.A Pax Silica Summit held in Washington on December 12 had earlier brought partner nations together to endorse a shared vision of deeper economic and technology cooperation, with one of the initiative’s central pillars being the creation of a durable economic order to drive AI-powered prosperity across participating countries.