US President Donald Trump on Thursday signed a proclamation imposing a 10 per cent temporary import surcharge on most goods entering the United States, after the Supreme Court deemed the tariffs imposed on different countries “illegal”.Thereafter, invoking emergency powers under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974 to address what he described as “fundamental international payment problems, Trump signed an order stating that the duty will take effect at 12.01 am EST from February 24, and will remain in force for 150 days, unless extended by Congress.

Why the global tariffs?

After the supreme court verdict, Trump announced the 10 per cent global tariffs. The administration argues that the United States is facing a large and serious balance-of-payments deficit, citing:

According to the White House, the widening balance-of-payments deficit and growing reliance on imports pose significant risks to the US economy. Officials warned that persistent deficits could weaken investor confidence, increase dependence on foreign production for critical goods, and undermine both economic stability and national security.The administration argues that imposing temporary import restrictions will help stem the outflow of US dollars to overseas producers, encourage domestic manufacturing, and restore balance in the country’s trade position. Officials say the measure is intended to support American industries, strengthen economic resilience, and reduce structural imbalances in international payments.Read more: How much tariff will India pay after US SC ruling, Trump’s 10% global duty? What White House said

What exactly has been announced?

Under Section 122 authority, President Trump has:

Which products are exempt?

The proclamation includes broad exemptions based on economic necessity and national interest.Key exemptions include:

What is the legal basis?

The move is based on Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, which allows the US President to impose temporary import restrictions of up to 15% for a maximum of 150 days to address serious balance-of-payments problems. The administration has also used Section 604 of the same law to modify the country’s tariff schedule and implement the new duty.The action has been taken under broader presidential powers granted by Title 3 of the US Code. The White House said the measure is not aimed at protecting specific industries, but at addressing wider economic imbalances and stabilising the country’s international payments position.Also read: Why US Supreme Court struck down Donald Trump’s trade tariffs; explained in 10 points

What about de minimis shipments?

In a parallel executive order, the administration reaffirmed the suspension of duty-free de minimis treatment for low-value imports. Such shipments will also be subject to the new 10% surcharge.De minimis shipments are low-value international, business-to-consumer (B2C) packages allowed to enter a country duty-free and tax-free, with minimal customs procedures.

How does this fit into Trump’s broader trade policy?

The move signals continued reliance on tariffs as a structural tool in US trade policy.The administration stated that despite recent legal challenges to tariff authorities, it will continue reshaping trade relationships through a mix of tariffs and negotiated agreements.Officials argue that previous tariff actions have brought major trading partners “to the negotiating table,” covering more than half of global GDP.

What happens next?

The surcharge will remain in effect until July 24, 2026, unless:

The US Trade Representative has been directed to monitor developments and recommend further action if necessary.

MUMBAI: The BJP has for the first time secured chairmanship of the powerful civic standing committee in the BMC, with its Mulund corporator Prabhakar Shinde elected unopposed at a special meeting held on Friday. The opposition did not field any candidate for the post.The standing committee is the BMC’s most influential statutory body, responsible for scrutinising and approving all major financial proposals of the civic administration, including expenditure on infrastructure, contracts and civic works. Traditionally, the chairmanship goes to the party with the highest number of corporators in the House. The BJP and Shiv Sena, who fought in an alliance, together won 118 seats, of which BJP alone won 89.Earlier in the day, BJP corporator Rajeshree Shirwadkar was appointed chairperson of the civic education committee. Speaking after her appointment, Shirwadkar said she has ordered a comprehensive review of all ongoing and completed education-related works, including improvement and upgradation projects in civic schools. “I am getting to work immediately and have already called for a review meeting on Monday,” she said.As chairperson of the education committee, Shirwadkar will be an ex-officio member of the standing committee, further strengthening the BJP’s presence in key decision-making bodies.Meanwhile, the first day of committee appointments also saw the opposition staking its claims. Shiv Sena (UBT)’s corporator and leader of the opposition Kishori Pednekar demanded that the civic administration present a white paper detailing civic works carried out over the past four years, a period when the BMC functioned without elected corporators.“We want complete clarity on where funds were allocated, to whom contracts were awarded, and what kind of works were undertaken,” Pednekar said. She also demanded that corporators, who receive an honorarium, be officially described as “trustees” rather than “vendors” in administrative records, asserting elected representatives are accountable to citizens, not contractors.

Punjab Kings has had a one week preparatory camp in Abu Dhabi from February 8 to 14.

NEW DELHI: Some Indian Premier League (IPL) teams have begun preparations for the 2026 season. Shubman Gill, having missed out on the T20 World Cup, has joined his Gujarat Titans teammates. So has Rajasthan Royals‘ Vaibhav Sooryavanshi after his heroics in the U-19 World Cup.What is peculiar, however, is the choice of venues these, and other, teams made for their pre-season camps. The Delhi Capitals travelled to Hyderabad. The Kolkata Knight Riders were at Shivaji Park in Mumbai. The Rajasthan Royals are at their Academy in Talegaon, Nagpur. The Royal Challengers Bengaluru were stationed at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. The Punjab Kings, bafflingly, held their training camp at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi.

The rest of the teams have not begun their training for the 19th edition of the IPL. Mumbai Indians players currently not involved in the T20 World Cup and the Ranji Trophy final are expected to start with the DY Patil T20 Tournament.It is unfathomable that the IPL franchises could not find suitable training facilities in their own city or state. Even if we account for some venues being reserved for the T20 World Cup, it is hard to explain how Gujarat Titans, for example, could not find facilities in Baroda, Saurashtra or Surat. Or how PBKS couldn’t set camp in Mullanpur, Mohali or Dharamsala. Similarly, DC had potential options like the GMR Aerocity Ground or Palam, which BCCI uses for its own tournaments.This is equivalent to Londoners Arsenal going to Manchester United’s Carrington complex to prepare for the English Premier League season.At a time when the continued objective for the IPL franchises should be to grow the league, stay connected with their home fans and build team culture, the last thing you do is fly away hundreds of kilometres.With the IPL 2026 nearly four weeks away, this is the perfect juncture for franchises to start doing their groundwork. Let the fans trickle in and make some noise. All things considered, a cricket fan in Australia, for example, knows well in advance where their respective Big Bash League team will play and some of the more enthusiastic ones would arrive in droves even for the practice sessions.Instead, the IPL franchises and the powers that be are alienating their supporter base even further. How does it even augur well for the IPL as a brand that its teams are deciding to practice tens of thousands of kilometres away instead of having a fixed footing in the city they call home?This also comes at a time when some IPL franchises don’t even have a confirmed home base for when the season gets underway in the last week of March. As TimesofIndia.com reported, defending champions RCB have been asked to “exhaust other options first” before considering DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai as home.While not yet officially confirmed, it took weeks of jostling for the Rajasthan Royals to agree to host four of their home games in Jaipur and the rest in Guwahati.Besides them, the Punjab Kings have regularly played their home games in New Chandigarh and Dharamsala. The Delhi Capitals have called both Visakhapatnam and Delhi ‘home’ in a single IPL season.The entire idea of franchises playing at two different venues as ‘home’ is disrespectful to the original city. It negates the prospect of fan engagement, something that, evidently, is starting with the training sessions themselves.KKR mentor Dwayne Bravo stressed the importance of fans last season as controversy erupted over franchises not getting favourable pitches.

“What helps with the home advantage is the fans. I think that is more important than how the pitch plays. I can’t really comment much on the pitches but once the fans enter the game, cheer us on, that makes a difference,” Bravo had said.Former India player Aakash Chopra concurred. “Home advantage is real, and that comes in only two forms: one is the surface that you choose and the second is the crowd support that is there. Other than that, it’s an away game.”However, if franchises continue to treat cities as interchangeable pit stops, the IPL risks becoming a travelling spectacle with no real home.

An intelligence alert has been issued in Delhi following inputs warning of a possible terror threat near the Red Fort, with sources stating that terrorists may target a temple in the Chandni Chowk area, news agency ANI reported.

NEW DELHI: An intelligence alert has been issued in Delhi following inputs warning of a possible terror threat near the Red Fort, with sources stating that terrorists may target a temple in the Chandni Chowk area, news agency ANI reported.Intelligence sources told ANI, key religious places, including areas around the Red Fort and parts of Chandni Chowk, remain on the radar of the Pakistan-based terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT).

Inputs suggest that the group may be plotting an improvised explosive device (IED) attack and that a temple in the Chandni Chowk area could be a potential target.Sources further indicated that the outfit is allegedly seeking to avenge a February 6 blast at a mosque in Islamabad and may be planning a major strike in India.Quoting intelligence inputs, sources said, “Blast alert in front of the Red Fort in Delhi. Terrorists may target a temple in Chandni Chowk. Lashkar-e-Taiba is plotting an IED attack.”“They are planning a major terrorist attack in India to avenge the February 6th mosque blast in Islamabad, Pakistan. Major temples in the country can be targeted by Lashkar-e-Taiba,” Intelligence sources said.Sources further stated that prominent temples in the country can be targeted by Lashkar-e-Taiba, indicating that prominent religious places remain on the group’s radar.Authorities have not publicly confirmed specific details of the alleged plot. Security arrangements have been strengthened in and around sensitive locations in the national capital.

November 2025 Red Fort blast

The alert comes in the backdrop of a deadly car explosion near Red Fort on November 10, 2025, which killed 15 people.The blast was caused by a car loaded with explosives near Gate No. 1 of the Red Fort Metro Station and triggered fires in multiple nearby vehicles.The investigation into that case is being handled by the National Investigation Agency (NIA).Recently, a Special NIA court at Patiala House Court on February 13 extended the period of investigation for a further 45 days to conclude the probe in the November 2025 Delhi blast case.The NIA had sought a 90-day extension to complete the investigation. The court has also extended the judicial custody of seven accused until March.

ULHASNAGAR: The first general body meeting after the newly elected civic body assumed office turned stormy on Friday, with corporators across party lines opposing the administration’s proposal to double, and in some cases triple, the annual water tax. After a heated debate, the House unanimously approved a marginal increase while rejecting the steep hike. Municipal Commissioner Manisha Awhale had tabled a proposal recommending a substantial revision of water tax rates. The administration suggested raising the annual levy for RCC houses from Rs 3,600 to Rs 8,000, for sheet-roofed houses from Rs 1,800 to Rs 6,500, and for slum and hutment dwellings from Rs 1,200 to Rs 3,000. Officials also proposed higher charges for property reconstruction, increased built-up area, and other civic services, estimating an additional Rs 90.83 crore in annual revenue. The proposal drew sharp criticism, with corporators citing persistent complaints about contaminated and irregular water supply, leakages, and poor responsiveness by the water supply department. Newly elected members, including BJP corporators Sherry Lund and Kanchan Lund, Congress’ Anjali Salve, Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi’s Vikas Kharat, and Savita Torane and Mayur Mayekar, described the water situation in their wards as “serious”. They urged the administration to ensure a clean and regular supply before imposing higher charges. “Provide safe drinking water first, then consider a hike,” several corporators said. Shinde Sena corporator Rajendra Singh Bhullar questioned the rise in MIDC’s water bill arrears, asking whether monthly payments had been made. His queries put the administration on the defensive, with Executive Engineer Ashok Ghule and Additional Commissioner Kishor Gavas facing scrutiny alongside the municipal commissioner. Adding to the disruptions, BJP corporator Sanjay Singh raised procedural objections, alleging that the meeting was “invalid” as elections to posts such as nominated corporators and committee chairpersons were yet to be held. In a bid to break the deadlock, Shiv Sena group leader Arun Ashan proposed a compromise. The House unanimously approved revised annual water tax rates of Rs 4,400 for RCC houses, Rs 2,400 for sheet-roofed houses, and Rs 1,500 for slum and hutment dwellings. The administration’s proposal for a steep hike was voted down, with corporators insisting that improvements in service delivery must precede any major increase in civic charges.

BAHRAICH: A 34-year-old woman allegedly cut open her own abdomen with a knife on Thursday after being unable to bear labour pain and tried to deliver the baby in Nandwal village of Bahraich district. She was rushed to a local health centre where doctors helped her deliver a baby girl at 2.30 pm.A video purportedly showing the woman on a stretcher has surfaced on social media in which she can allegedly be heard saying that she cut open her abdomen due to the intense pain.

The woman, identified as Nankai Kumari, was living alone at the time of the incident. Her husband, Badkau, died six months ago after a prolonged illness, leaving her to care for their four sons — Niwas (16), Diwan (12), Ravi (8), and Rohan (5).On Thursday around 1:30 pm, she began experiencing severe labour pain. Her children had gone out to play in the village, and no other adult was present at home, police said.According to neighbours, Nankai was heard screaming with agony.Despite wound, she gave birth to healthy baby girlUnable to bear the suffering, she allegedly picked up a vegetable-cutting knife from the kitchen and inflicted a deep wound on her abdomen. Blood spread across the room, and her condition worsened rapidly, said Baundi SHO TN Maurya.Alarmed by her cries, villagers rushed to the house and found her grievously injured, with her intestines reportedly protruding from the wound. She was immediately taken by ambulance to a local Community Health Centre (CHC), where doctors conducted an emergency normal delivery. She gave birth to a healthy baby girl. However, due to the severity of the abdominal injury, she was referred to the district hospital. After initial treatment failed to stabilise her condition, she was shifted to the KGMU Trauma Centre in Lucknow for advanced care.Her mother, Neeta, accompanied her in the ambulance and is currently caring for the newborn.District hospital CMS NN Tripathi confirmed that the woman had inflicted a deep abdominal wound with a sharp knife and was referred to Lucknow in a critical condition.Doctors Rajesh Sonkar and Shivam Mishra, who attended to her in the emergency ward, said the woman had sustained severe abdominal injuries. They confirmed that the newborn girl was stable and has been admitted to the SNCU ward of Bahraich dist hospital for observation. The incident has left residents of the area shocked and concerned.

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The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 enters its most elite phase as Pakistan and New Zealand will kick off the Super 8 stage at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. Both teams progressed from the group stages as ‘second seeds’ but remain clinical contenders.

Pakistan arrives with massive momentum after a 102-run thumping of Namibia, highlighted by a historic maiden T20I century from Sahibzada Farhan. New Zealand, meanwhile, booked their spot with a solid win over Canada, though they’ll be wary of the spin-friendly conditions awaiting them in the Sri Lankan capital.

PAK vs NZ, T20 World Cup 2026: Match Details

• Date and Time: February 21 (Saturday); 7:00 pm IST / 1:30 pm GMT / 6:30 pm local
• Venue: R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo, Sri Lanka

PAK vs NZ, Head-to-Head Record in T20Is

Matches played: 49 | Pakistan won: 24 | New Zealand won: 23 | No result: 2

R. Premadasa Stadium Pitch Report

The surface is expected to be a slow, turning track, typical of the R. Premadasa Stadium. In this tournament, spinners have been the primary architects of victory here, as seen in Pakistan’s recent matches where Usman Tariq and Abrar Ahmed dominated the middle overs. The pitch offers significant grip, making it difficult for batters to play cross-batted shots once the ball loses its shine. While the Powerplay provides the best opportunity to score, the team batting first generally has a psychological advantage on a deteriorating surface. Expect a competitive total to be around 155–165.

Pakistan vs New Zealand: Team dynamics and key players

Pakistan: The Men in Green have found a new hero in Sahibzada Farhan, whose unbeaten 100 off 58 balls against Namibia makes him the tournament’s leading run-scorer. While Babar Azam’s strike rate remains a point of discussion, the middle-order stability provided by skipper Salman Ali Agha and the explosive finishing of Shadab Khan make them dangerous. Their biggest strength is their spin-heavy bowling attack, which is perfectly suited for Colombo. The inclusion of Abrar Ahmed alongside Usman Tariq creates a “mystery spin” tandem that New Zealand’s middle order has struggled against in the past.

New Zealand: The Black Caps welcome back captain Mitchell Santner after an illness-related rest. His return is vital given the spin-friendly nature of the pitch. Finn Allen and Tim Seifert will look to provide a rapid start, but the real test lies with Glenn Phillips and Daryl Mitchell in the middle overs. New Zealand’s pace quartet, Matt Henry, Lockie Ferguson, Kyle Jamieson and Jacob Duffy, will need to rely heavily on cutters and variations rather than out-and-out pace on this sluggish track.

Also READ: ‘I had to resign because of this’: Former Pakistan legend makes explosive Babar Azam allegation amidst T20 World Cup 2026

Squads:

Pakistan: Salman Ali Agha (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khawaja Nafay, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan, Usman Tariq

New Zealand: Mitchell Santner (captain), Finn Allen, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Seifert, Ish Sodhi

PAK vs NZ, T20 World Cup 2026: Today’s Match Prediction

Case 1:

• Pakistan wins the toss and bats first
• Pakistan’s Powerplay score: 45-55 (6 overs)
• Pakistan’s total score: 160-175

Case 2:

• New Zealand wins the toss and bats first
• New Zealand’s Powerplay score: 48-58 (6 overs)
• New Zealand’s total score: 150-165

Match result: Pakistan to win the contest.

Also READ: Pakistan to lift T20 World Cup 2026? Here’s how Australia’s group stage exit benefits Salman Ali Agha’s side

Veteran Pakistan batter Ahmed Shehzad has strongly criticised all-rounder Shadab Khan following the latter’s recent comments aimed at former national players. The backlash comes in the wake of Pakistan’s defeat to India in the T20 World Cup, a result that triggered widespread criticism of the Salman Ali Agha-led side.In response to former cricketers questioning the team’s performance, Shadab had pointed out that he had at least been part of a Pakistan side that beat India in an ICC event — something he suggested the previous generation could not accomplish. The remark did not sit well with Shehzad.

Speaking during a television debate, Shehzad launched a fierce attack, questioning Shadab’s place in the national team and accusing him of benefiting from undue support. He alleged that the all-rounder had not done enough in domestic cricket to justify his selection and hinted at preferential treatment.“First of all, you came in through the back door (Ek to aap chor raastey se aaye ho). You’re neither a performer nor a regular in domestic cricket. Despite not performing at all, you’re getting the backing. You didn’t even do rehab after getting injured. They axed Hasan Ali from the central contracts, but not you. If that’s not favoritism, then I don’t know what is. It doesn’t look good when you make such statements. And you’re comparing yourself with the team from the 90s? They had their issues and lost to India in World Cups, but they were far superior to you. Look at their performances; they dominated India during that period. Just because two former players criticized the team, you suddenly forgot the backing they gave you. So, learn to respect your seniors,” said Shehzad.The debate also featured former Pakistan pacer Mohammad Amir and ex-wicketkeeper Rashid Latif, both of whom weighed in on the controversy.Amir expressed disappointment over Shadab’s timing, suggesting that such remarks were inappropriate during an ongoing tour.“If you’re on tour, there will be criticism. So, you’ve got no right to say such things when you are on tour. Even we used to get criticized during tours, but my focus was to shut those critics up with my performances. So, if you’re not performing, you should keep quiet,” Amir noted.Latif, meanwhile, offered a pointed response of his own.“Shadab should get credit for showing the courage to say what he said. Everyone has the right to speak, so it is okay,” Latif added in a sarcastic tone.