The US Supreme Court ruled that President Donald Trump cannot legally use emergency powers under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to impose tariffs. The decision blocks part of his trade strategy but does not end his trade war.The ruling mainly affects “reciprocal tariffs,” which Trump announced last April in the Rose Garden. These tariffs had raised average rates to about 15%, but the court’s decision could cut that by more than half.

Other tariffs, such as sector-specific levies on steel, pharmaceuticals, and autos under trade deals like the UK agreement, remain in place. Overall, the average tariff rate is still above 6%, about three times higher than at the start of 2025.For importers, the immediate impact may be limited. Many have already adapted supply chains to avoid heavily tariffed countries like China, or absorbed extra costs themselves. Last year, tariff revenues reached $240 billion, helping soften the effect on US households.

Trump responds with new tariffs

Despite the ruling, Trump is pressing ahead. Hours after the decision, he announced a 10% global tariff and further investigations into unfair trade practices using the Trade Act of 1974. “We have other ways, numerous other ways,” he said. “While I am sure that they did not mean to do so, the Supreme Court’s decision today made a president’s ability to both regulate trade and impose tariffs more powerful and more crystal clear, rather than less.”US treasury secretary Scott Bessent said the new measures are expected to “result in virtually unchanged tariff revenue in 2026.” However, these legal routes are more complex, with caps on tariff amounts and durations, and procedural steps such as investigations and hearings. Section 122 of the Trade Act allows tariffs of up to 15% for 150 days to address “fundamental international payments problems,” while other sections require investigations to determine if tariffs are needed for national security or to correct unfair trade practices.

Impact on importers and global trade

Donald Trump acknowledged that the new process takes longer. “The process takes a little more time, but the end result is going to get us more money,” he said. On existing trade deals, he added: “Many of them stand. Some of them won’t, and they’ll be replaced with the other tariffs.”Smaller US importers face ongoing uncertainty. Last year’s tariffs pushed companies to shift supply chains, benefiting countries like Thailand and Vietnam, while China remained strong due to IT hardware imports.

Will tariffs be paid back?

The ruling also raises questions about whether the US will have to refund tariffs already collected. Economist Erin McLaughlin, as quoted by The Guardian, said that “many studies show that US firms have paid 90% of that,” often passing costs on to consumers. Trump dismissed the idea of refunds: “It’s not [being] discussed. We’ll end up being in court for the next five years.”

What’s next?

The Supreme Court ruling removes one tool from Trump’s arsenal, but his broader trade strategy remains. The administration now faces a more complicated legal path to enforce tariffs, which may take time and involve investigations. Meanwhile, global trading partners may continue to seek more stable alliances, shifting supply chains and trade flows in response to ongoing uncertainty.

The likelihood of a monetary policy rate hike remains low due to subdued core inflation, according to a report by ICICI Bank Global Markets. The Reserve Bank of India is expected to maintain a prolonged pause in its rate cycle into FY2026–27, with greater emphasis on injecting durable liquidity to ensure effective monetary policy transmission, according to the report, cited by ANI.ICICI Bank Global Markets also stated that the risk of a sharp increase in inflation does not appear to be significant, especially in the wake of the recent readings of core inflation based on the new CPI series. It added that the recent increase in oil prices, although significant, does not change the outlook much and still provides a reason to keep interest rates unchanged.Minutes from the latest monetary policy meeting indicated that policymakers are more optimistic about economic growth, supported by strong high-frequency indicators and recent trade agreements with the US and the EU. Reflecting this improved outlook, growth projections for the first half of FY2026–27 have been revised upward by 20 basis points.Despite a marginal upward revision in CPI projections, most members of the Monetary Policy Committee continued to view the inflation outlook as manageable. The revision was largely attributed to higher precious metals prices. Meanwhile, the new CPI series showed some upward pressure in food inflation, but core inflation remained lower than expected.The improved growth outlook reduces the likelihood of further rate cuts, but the report said interest rates are expected to remain stable for an extended period, with inflation projected to stay close to the central bank’s target. “The focus of MPC is likely to be on transmission and use of different tools to ensure the same. Since the December rate cut, bond yields and wholesale deposit rates have moved the other way with recent inching up of oil prices not helping,” said ICICI Bank Global Markets in their report.Earlier this month, on February 6, the Monetary Policy Committee of the Reserve Bank of India unanimously decided to keep the repo rate unchanged at 5.25 per cent, while maintaining a neutral policy stance.

NEW DELHI: Delhi Police on Saturday sought five days’ custody of the 4 accused who carried out a shirtless march in the Bharat Mandapam during the AI summit. While seeking remand, Delhi Police said that the accused had staged a protest similar to the protest in Nepal, claiming that it was a conspiracy to defame the country internationally.The public prosecutor told the court that the accused raised anti-national slogans while protesting against the India-US trade deal and wore T-shirts with messages against Prime Minister Narendra Modi.When being asked why the police wants 5-day custody of the accused, the investigating officer stated that there is a deep conspiracy, that other accused fled the scene, and that custody is needed for a proper investigation.Police added that three policemen were injured and accused’s mobile phones need to be recovered to verify whether they received funding. Four people from four different locations came together and printed T-shirts. Meanwhile, the lawyer for the accused submitted that they were being targeted because they belong to opposition party. The lawyer also alleged that accused and protests are taking place everywhere.The lawyer added that political dissent shouldn’t be crushed like this.Following the protest, Delhi Police initially detained around 10 IYC workers. “The Indian Youth Congress on Friday staged a protest with around 15 people entering the lobby area of Hall No. 5, and raising slogans after removing T-shirts worn under shirts,” ACP (New Delhi), Devesh Mahla, said.“The four arrested accused will be produced before the Patiala House Court; an FIR is being registered, in which several serious charges are being invoked,” another police officer said.The accused allegedly engaged in a protracted scuffle with security personnel and police staff deployed at the venue, officials said.Investigators are examining whether there was any larger conspiracy behind the incident.The protesters allegedly registered online to obtain QR codes to enter the venue, the Bharat Mandapam, before staging the protest inside Hall No 5, news agency PTI reported citing sources.A few protesters got into heated arguments with some of the attendees before being whisked away by the security personnel.The sources claimed the protesters also manhandled some police officers on duty, which is likely to invoke non-bailable sections.The accused had initially planned to paste printed stickers on black umbrellas and sneak them into the Bharat Mandapam, the sources said.“However, they later felt that the black umbrellas might draw the attention of the security personnel manning the gates, so they changed their plan and got the printed stickers placed on T-shirts instead,” a source said.

Now it’s a battle of the elites. The margin for error will be very thin as the Super 8 stage begins with Pakistan taking on an extremely competitive New Zealand at the Premadasa in Colombo. Both teams know that a loss in this game will make things significantly difficult for them going forward.As per the weather report, there is a bit of rain around, even though none of the games in Colombo have been affected yet.

While Pakistan have been here since the start of this edition, playing on the slower spin-friendly pitches, this will be their first outing in these conditions for the Black Caps.To start then, in this battle of equals, Pakistan are slightly ahead given the depth of the spin attack that they possess.Mystery spinner Usman Tariq has been excellent so far, with none of the teams able to have a go at him.For New Zealand, the onus will be on the likes of middle-order batters Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman and Daryl Mitchell to deal with the threat.Chapman revealed that they are taking the Tariq factor into consideration.“Tariq has a pretty unique action with the way he stops at the crease, so that’s something to factor in. But Pakistan have a number of really good spinners in their side. Each of them poses his own threat,” Chapman said.But the left-hander also mentioned a familiarity factor that New Zealand enjoy with Pakistan.The two teams have met each other quite often in T20Is — the last series being hosted by the Kiwis in 2024-25, which they won 4-1.“Pakistan is one of the teams that we’ve played probably the most frequently over the last few years. So, we’re well aware of what they’re going to bring,” Chapman said.Pakistan had a good outing in their last game against Namibia at the SSC and it’s unlikely they are going to make significant changes to the playing XI.Paceman Shaheen Shah Afridi and leggie Abrar Ahmed haven’t been in the best of form and they were left out of the game against Namibia.To play any of them, Pakistan will have to drop a batter, which they may well be reluctant to do.The spin duties will be shared by Tariq, Saim Ayub, Mohammed Nawaz and Shadab Khan while left-armer Salman Mirza is likely to be the lone pacer.For New Zealand, it’s pretty simple.They will look to have their captain Mitchell Santner back, who missed their last game against Canada due to an illness.His style of bowling is perfect for Sri Lanka conditions and he should be a handful for the Pakistan batters.“Santner looks pretty sprightly, he’s pretty excited to get back,” Chapman said, adding that paceman Lockie Ferguson, who had gone home following the birth of his first child, will be back late before the game.“Lockie is landing potentially tonight. So we’ll just see how he pulls up from the flight,” Chapman said.

Model-actress Mahieka Sharma rang in her 25th birthday with her boyfriend, cricketer Hardik Pandya. The Indian team player had shared a special birthday post for his lady love on social media. And now, she has reacted to the same. This left the internet rooting for them in the comment section. Let’s take a look at it.

Hardik Pandya’s post for Mahieka Sharma on her birthday

Hardik Pandya posted an adorable video of himself with his girlfriend, Mahieka Sharma, from their time together. In the clip, they can be seen laughing, sharing a hug, and holding hands as they sit outdoors. At the end, the video showcased them releasing a floating lantern. He captioned the post, “Happy birthday, my princess,” followed by a red heart emoji. It further read, “Thank you for coming in this world 25 years ago. You are the most amazing person I know. I love you (red heart, Om, and nazar amulet emojis).”

Mahieka responds to Hardik’s post

Soon, Mahieka Sharma reacted to the adorable post in the comment section. She wrote, “You’re my best gift this year,” followed by a pleading face, growing heart, and nazar amulet emojis.”

Soon, fans poured in love in the comment section of the post.

More about Mahieka Sharma and Hardik Pandya

In October 2025, Mahieka Sharma and Hardik Pandya confirmed their relationship after a few weeks of speculations around the duo. They were snapped by the paparazzi at the Mumbai airport. Later, the Indian cricketer also dropped pictures with Mahieka on his social media platform, Instagram. Since then, the duo have been vacationing together, going out on dinner dates, and more. This year, the duo attended the United in Triumph event in Mumbai. They arrived holding hands together at the event. Not just that, the couple made heads turn as they were twinning in black outfits and posed for the cameras.

Who is Mahieka Sharma?

Now, at the age of 25, model Mahieka Sharma has an academic background in Economics and Finance before stepping into the world of acting and modeling. She has since been part of various music videos, indie films, and brand commercials. Besides her entertainment career, she is also a certified yoga trainer.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has officially unveiled the lineup of match officials for the high-stakes Super Eight stage of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, scheduled to begin on February 21. A total of 16 umpires, drawn from the Emirates ICC Elite Panel and the ICC Emerging Umpires Group, alongside four Elite Panel Match Referees, will oversee the second phase of the tournament. The selection highlights a focus on experience, ensuring that the most critical fixtures of the event are handled by the world’s top-tier officials.

T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 Group 2 officials: Colombo and Kandy fixtures 

The Super Eight phase kicks off with a massive Group 2 clash between New Zealand and Pakistan in Colombo. The ICC has leaned on veteran experience for this opening encounter to ensure a smooth transition into the tournament’s most competitive round. The officiating teams for the key Group 2 matches are as follows:

• New Zealand vs Pakistan (Feb 21): Rodney Tucker and Paul Reiffel take the field as on-field umpires, with Allahudien Paleker as TV Umpire and Sam Nogajski as the fourth official.
• England vs Sri Lanka (Feb 22): Adrian Holdstock and Ahsan Raza will serve as the on-field umpires in Kandy.
• England vs Pakistan (Feb 24): Sam Nogajski returns to the field alongside India’s Nitin Menon in Kandy.
• Sri Lanka vs New Zealand (Feb 25): Allahudien Paleker moves to on-field duties with Asif Yaqoob in Colombo.
• New Zealand vs England (Feb 27): Adrian Holdstock and Ahsan Raza join forces again as the on-field team.
• Sri Lanka vs Pakistan (Feb 28): The on-field duo will consist of Rodney Tucker and Sam Nogajski in Kandy.

Also READ: T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8: Date, Match Time, Broadcast, Live Streaming details

T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 Group 2 officials: The Ahmedabad and Mumbai clashes

Group 1 action begins with a blockbuster repeat of the 2024 Final as co-hosts India face South Africa in Ahmedabad. The appointment of Chris Gaffaney, who stood in the final two years ago, signals the ICC’s intent to bring championship-level pedigree to this repeat fixture.

• India vs South Africa (Feb 22): Chris Gaffaney and Richard Kettleborough lead the on-field team, supported by Alex Wharf (TV) and Chris Brown (4th).
• Zimbabwe vs West Indies (Feb 23): Surprise package Zimbabwe will be officiated by Richard Illingworth and Jayaraman Madanagopal in Mumbai.
• India vs Zimbabwe (Feb 26): Alex Wharf and Richard Kettleborough take charge of the on-field duties.
• West Indies vs South Africa (Feb 26): Kumar Dharmasena, who recently completed his 50th T20I as an umpire, will stand with Shahid Saikat.
• South Africa vs Zimbabwe (Mar 1): Kumar Dharmasena joins Richard Illingworth for this crucial final group game.
• India vs West Indies (Mar 1): The Super Eight stage concludes in Kolkata with Chris Gaffaney and Alex Wharf as the on-field pair.

Match officials at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8

Match Referees: Ranjan Madugalle, Andrew Pycroft, Richie Richardson, Javagal Srinath.

Umpires: Rodney Tucker, Paul Reiffel, Allahudien Paleker, Sam Nogajski, Nitin Menon, Adrian Holdstock, Ahsan Raza, Asif Yaqoob, Richard Kettleborough, Chris Gaffaney, Alex Wharf, Chris Brown, Richard Illingworth, Jayaraman Madanagopal, Shahid Saikat, Kumar Dharmasena.

Also READ: T20 World Cup 2026 [EXPLAINED]: Why all group stage toppers are placed together in single Super 8 group

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NEW DELHI: BJP staged protests in multiple cities on Saturday following a shirtless protest by Indian Youth Congress (IYC) workers at the India AI Impact Summit in New Delhi.BJP workers in Mumbai showed black flags to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. Gandhi landed at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in the morning and travelled by road to Bhiwandi in neighbouring Thane district to appear before a court in the 2014 defamation case.

Video from the incident showed them shouting, “Rahul Gandhi haye haye.”Protests were also held in Jaipur, Jammu, and Surat targeting the Congress party.BJP’s Yuva Morcha held a protest in New Delhi. A Yuva Morcha worker said, “The Indian Youth Congress workers carried out a very shameful incident yesterday…For Rahul Gandhi, AI means anti-India…This protest sends a very wrong signal to the world…Rahul Gandhi and the Congress party should apologise to the nation,” as quoted by ANI. BJP MP Manoj Tiwari said, “The people of the country are not going to forgive the Congress for this act…People from more than 80 countries came to the AI Summit, and everyone has wholeheartedly praised India’s efforts.”BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla added, “Congress party has shown that they are characterless, emotionless, brainless…The entire nation is showing them black flags due to this act…Even their alliance partners are showing them red flags…Congress is anti-national.”

More IYC leaders arrested

Four Indian Youth Congress leaders—Krishna Hari, Kundan Yadav, Ajay Kumar, and Narasimha Yadav—were arrested in connection with the protest and brought to Patiala House Court, where heavy security was deployed. Officials said the detainees are being identified and that appropriate legal action is being taken.The alleged offences carry a punishment of up to seven years. The accused’s lawyer argued that they are affiliated with a political party and claimed the FIR is politically motivated. He also noted that the accused are educated and hold degrees.Police stated that anti-national slogans were raised in the presence of international leaders and other prominent figures. They added that custody is required to apprehend other accused who fled, investigate the involvement of the arrested leaders, and recover their mobile phones to verify potential funding. Police also said three officers were injured during the incident.

On Friday, members of the Indian Youth Congress tricked their way into Bharat Mandapam and briefly raised slogans against Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The protesters entered the venue wearing or holding white T-shirts with images of Prime Minister Modi and US President Donald Trump, along with slogans such as “India-US Trade Deal” and “PM is compromised,” leading to heated exchanges with attendees. Around 10 protesters were detained Friday. The Indian Youth Congress defended the protest, calling it the “voice of millions of angry unemployed youth” aimed at the “compromised” Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The youth wing added that they are “not against the AI Summit” and “will no longer sit quietly.”The “topless” nature of the protest drew sharp reactions, with BJP leaders accusing the Congress and Rahul Gandhi of orchestrating the disruption. The BJP also called the protest a “topless, brainless and shameless” ruckus and alleged it was planned at Rahul Gandhi’s residence.