MUMBAI: The Haryana govt has tightened rules governing the handling of public funds and banking relationships, issuing revised instructions to departments on Feb 18, 2026.In an order issued by the additional chief secretary, the finance department laid down fresh conditions for opening bank accounts, managing deposits and ensuring stricter oversight.Under the new norms, administrative secretaries can approve opening of accounts for govt schemes only in nationalised banks operating in the state. Opening accounts in corporate or private sector banks will now require prior approval from the finance department.The govt said any proposal to open an account with a private bank must carry detailed justification, explain why a nationalised bank cannot be used and provide full particulars of the scheme concerned. Accounts opened without following the prescribed procedure will be treated as irregular and will face immediate closure.The finance department has also de-empanelled IDFC First Bank and AU Small Finance Bank for all state govt business with immediate effect. It directed that no govt funds be parked, deposited, invested or transacted through these two banks.All departments, boards and public sector undertakings have been asked to immediately transfer balances and close existing accounts with the two lenders.On fund management, the govt instructed departments to place surplus funds in flexible or fixed deposits offering the highest available interest rates, instead of leaving them idle in low-yield savings accounts.It has mandated monthly reconciliation of all fixed deposit and bank accounts to detect discrepancies. Any serious deviation or non-compliance by banks with deposit instructions must be reported to the finance department without delay.The govt set March 31, 2026 as the deadline for completing reconciliation of all accounts. A certified compliance report must be submitted to the finance department by April 4, 2026.Administrative secretaries, heads of departments and chief executives of boards and PSUs have been made personally responsible for strict adherence to the directions. The order warned that failure to comply will invite administrative and financial action under applicable rules.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) will conduct Exercise Vayushakti-26 at the Pokhran Air-to-Ground Range in Jaisalmer on February 27, 2026, to demonstrate its operational capabilities.The exercise will showcase the IAF’s air power, including long-range precision strikes, multi-domain operations and indigenous platforms, and will highlight the success of Operation Sindoor as part of the government’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat push.

The IAF said the drill will underline its role as the first responder in conflict scenarios and its ability to rapidly dominate the operational environment and influence outcomes through decisive air operations.Guided by the core values “Achook, Abhedya aur Sateek,” the exercise aims to reassure the nation by reaffirming the Indian Air Force’s role as a key pillar of India’s national security architecture.

What to expect

The exercise is set to highlight the IAF’s role in humanitarian assistance and disaster response, including rapid airlift, rescue and evacuation operations in India and overseas.A full spectrum of operations will be demonstrated by fighter, transport and helicopter platforms, including Tejas, Rafale, Jaguar, Mirage 2000, Sukhoi-30MKI, MiG-29, Hawk, C-130J, C-295, C-17, Chetak, ALH Mk-IV, Mi-17 IV, LCH, Apache and Chinook, along with remotely piloted aircraft.Advanced weapon systems such as short-range loitering munitions, Akash and SpyDer surface-to-air missiles, and counter-unmanned aerial systems will also be showcased in day, dusk and night missions.The exercise will involve 77 fighter aircraft, 43 helicopters and eight transport aircraft, with 277 weapons and 12,000 kg of explosives deployed. Air Force Vice Chief Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor said the drill would demonstrate the IAF’s capability to win future conflicts, its deterrence strength and its long-range targeting superiority.Exercise Vayushakti-26 is expected to test the Indian Air Force’s tactical and strategic capabilities, reinforce India’s regional deterrence posture, and demonstrate the operational and technological strengths of its personnel and platforms.

NEW DELHI: Congress MLA HA Iqbal Hussain has renewed pressure on the Congress high command to swiftly resolve the uncertainty over a possible change of leadership in Karnataka, even as the power tussle between chief minister Siddaramaiah and his deputy DK Shivakumar refuses to die down.Speaking amid continuing speculation over a mid-term switch of the chief minister’s post to DK Shivakumar, Hussain said, “We need a change, we are asking for others to be given a chance. We are only asking for a change from an election perspective.”

Insisting there is no groupism or vested interest, he said, “Apart from that, there is no factionalism or vested interests. The high command should quickly resolve the confusion regarding the leadership change. This is the demand of all the MLAs and ministers, including me. Draw the curtain without giving room for confusion.”Hinting towards a possible meeting between deputy CM Shivakumar and the Congress high command, he further added, “There is information that DCM D. K. Shivakumar has been asked to come to Delhi again to meet the party high command on February 26.”Siddaramaiah’s camp emphasises governance and warns against unsettling the AHINDA coalition, while Shivakumar stresses unity but hints at a resolution soon. Recent meetings, including PWD minister Satish Jarkiholi’s with AICC chief Mallikarjun Kharge, signal the high command’s intent to decide “soon”, with Shivakumar’s February 26 Delhi visit seen as pivotal. Party insiders note Shivakumar has pressed for a legislature party meeting by late February, aligning with this timeline.

High command’s Catch-22 dilemma

The central leadership faces a bind: backing Shivakumar risks alienating Lingayat and minority voters tied to Siddaramaiah, while retaining him could demotivate the Vokkaliga base and organisational machinery under Shivakumar. Kharge has promised a collective decision involving Rahul and Sonia Gandhi, with both leaders likely summoned post-February 26 talks. Hussain’s intervention, tying the “draw the curtain” plea to the Delhi meeting, highlights how the February 26 rendezvous could finally break the deadlock in Karnataka’s protracted power tussle.

Dalal Street is poised to open Monday amid fresh uncertainity after US President Donald Trump announced increasing temporary global tariffs on nearly all imports, from 10% to 15%. The move came just a day after the US Supreme Court struck down his earlier broad tariff programme, leaving investors questioning whether trade tensions are returning.Earlier this week, Supreme Court had ruled that Trump exceeded his authority by imposing wide-ranging tariffs under an economic emergency law. Markets initially welcomed the verdict, with the Nifty surging on relief that a significant trade-related risk had been removed.

Yet the reprieve was short-lived as just hours later, Trump imposed a 10% tariff under a separate legal provision, and on Saturday. After the first increament, he further hiked it to 15%, the maximum allowed under Section 122 of US trade law. This section permits tariffs of up to 15% for 150 days, after which, any extensionmust be approved by Congress.Trump also indicated that the administration may explore other legal avenues, including national security or unfair trade measures, to continue imposing import duties during this period.For investors, the concern lies less in the specific rate than the unpredictability. Nilesh Shah, MD of Kotak Mahindra AMC, said, “The Street expectation is that the US will use various provisions of law to keep tariffs almost unchanged. Any change will be short-term and, hence, unlikely to impact market direction materially.”Nonetheless, short-term volatility is expected. Sudeep Shah, Head of Technical and Derivatives Research at SBI Securities, told ET, “An important aspect to monitor is the uncertainty surrounding the approximately $175 billion collected under tariffs over the past year and the potential implications of refund claims. That said, the situation remains fluid. Any fresh statements or alternative tariff actions under different presidential authorities could reintroduce volatility in the near term.”The timing is critical for India as equities have already been pressured by US Federal Reserve policy uncertainty and weak IT stocks. Earlier this month, India and the US had reached an interim trade understanding that lowered reciprocal tariffs on Indian goods to 18%, while India agreed to reduce certain tariffs and non-tariff barriers on US imports.Sectors that focus on exports like IT, pharmaceuticals, textiles, and auto components may react sharply to concerns over margins or demand. However, if markets view the 15% cap as temporary and largely in line with expectations, losses are expected to remain limited.(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)

MUMBAI: Powai police arrested a college dropout, Anand Chaudhary (23), from inside the IIT-Powai hostel premises on February 19 for allegedly keeping five 7.65 mm live cartridges in the bag of his friend, Apoorva Mishra, a first-year BTech student. IIT security officials caught Chaudhary when he arrived to meet Mishra on February 19 and, after questioning him, handed him over to the police for further investigation. Chaudhary has been remanded in custody till Monday under provisions of the Arms Act. Police said they are yet to ascertain the reason behind Chaudhary’s intention to carry the live cartridges and keep them in Mishra’s bag. Police said the bullets came to light when security officials searched students’ rooms for alcohol bottles after a fight broke out between them and officials detected the smell of alcohol. Investigations revealed that Chaudhary allegedly kept the live cartridges in Mishra’s bag when he arrived in Mumbai on February 12 and requested Mishra to let him stay in the IIT hostel as a guest. “Chaudhary came to Mumbai to meet his girlfriend and celebrate Valentine’s Day on February 14. He claimed that he arrived two days earlier and, after staying with Mishra in the hostel as a guest, met his girlfriend on Valentine’s Day. He, along with his girlfriend and Mishra, went out for a movie and dinner before dispersing. Mishra was aware of the bullets in his bag but did not consider it a serious matter, as it is considered normal in their hometown in Uttar Pradesh,” said an officer from Powai police station. In his complaint, IIT security sub-inspector Amod Karanje (49) stated that the incident began after a dispute between hostel residents. “On February 19 at 1.30 pm, Sham Golvinde of the QRT team contacted our duty officer and informed him that an argument was taking place between some students on the ground floor of Hostel No. 1. Upon receiving the message, I immediately reached the spot with my team. We saw two students arguing in the open space in front of Room No. 93. We were informed that Suraj Dubey of Room No. 93 and a student named Aman (full name not known), residing in Room No. 89, were fighting over a monetary dispute,” Karanje stated. He said security officials intervened and later decided to check the rooms after noticing signs of alcohol consumption. “At that time, Dubey and his friend Mishra, who was with him, smelled of alcohol. During further questioning, it was found that both are first-year BTech students. Mishra resides in Room No. 115 and Dubey in Room No. 93. Since consumption of alcohol is prohibited in the hostel, our team decided to check their rooms,” Karanje stated in the FIR. Police said the IIT security team, including KP Sahu from vigilance and members of the QRT team, first searched Dubey’s Room No. 93. During the inspection, they checked a black Safari bag lying on the bed and found five live cartridges in the front pocket. “When the guards found five live cartridges in the black bag, they questioned Dubey. He said the bag belonged to his friend Mishra. Mishra stated that his friend Chaudhary, a resident of Samastipur in Bihar, had come to IIT Powai from his village on February 12 to meet him. At that time, he had brought the live cartridges and kept them in the black bag,” the police officer said. The officer added that Chaudhary frequently visited Mumbai and was apprehended when he arrived on February 19 to meet Mishra at the IIT hostel as a guest. He has been booked under the Arms Act. Further investigation is underway to ascertain the purpose behind keeping the cartridges in the IIT BTech student’s bag.In a statement released by IIT-Bombay, the administration mentioned that the bullets were brought to the campus by a visitor of a student residing in the hostel. “Both of them are childhood friends. This came to our knowledge when two students had a physical altercation in hostel and the security came into the picture,” it said.“One of the students was found to be in a drunken state and as part of the standard process, the security checked his room and found liquor bottles. When they did further inspection of the room they found live ammunition (bullets) in the room. No weapon was found. A detailed internal investigation was conducted by the chief security officer and his team and the case was handed over to the police,” mentioned the statement, adding that disciplinary action will be taken as per institute procedures A FIR was filed, the visitor was presented before the judge and sent to judicial custody. The students were questioned by police and released. The matter is pending with the Powai Police, the institute said.

You don’t have permission to access “http://www.ndtv.com/india-news/best-way-to-predict-future-is-to-invent-it-what-founder-ceo-of-vianai-systems-vishal-sikka-told-ndtv-on-jobs-ai-11120294” on this server.

Reference #18.c52fc917.1771756188.101801de

https://errors.edgesuite.net/18.c52fc917.1771756188.101801de

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday joined the chorus of criticism against the Congress party over its “shirtless” protest at the AI Impact Summit held in New Delhi, accusing the grand old party of turning a global event into an arena for its “gandi aur nangi” politics.In his address after flagging off the Namo Bharat train, the Prime Minister said, “Congress turned a global event into an arena for its ‘gandi aur nangi’ (dirty and shameless) politics.”Further intensifying his attack on the largest opposition party, he added, “I ask Congress leaders — the nation already knows your true form. What was the need to strip further?”PM Modi’s remarks came days after workers of the party’s youth wing, the Indian Youth Congress (IYC), staged a “shirtless” protest at Bharat Mandapam, the venue of the AI Summit in New Delhi.Following the incident, the Congress faced widespread backlash, including criticism from some of its allies and other opposition leaders, who termed the act “inappropriate,” in addition to sharp reactions from the ruling BJP.One of Congress’s key allies, Akhilesh Yadav, also denounced the protest, saying, “They should have refrained from doing something that brings shame to our country in front of foreign delegates and world representatives.”Meanwhile, the Patiala house court sent four IYC workers — Krishna Hari, Kundan Yadav, Ajay Kumar and Narsingh — to five days of police custody.During the protest, they were wearing T-shirts with the slogan “India-US Trade Deal Compromised.”The court rejected the bail pleas of all four accused. It said the investigation is at an important early stage and releasing them now could lead to them fleeing or tampering with evidence. The court described the bail request as premature.Delhi Police told the court that the accused raised anti-national slogans and carried out the protest in a way similar to the Gen Z protests in Nepal, allegedly to defame India at an international event. The protest took place when foreign dignitaries were present at Bharat Mandapam.Police have registered a case against them under charges including obstructing a public servant from performing official duty, assaulting a public servant, hate speech, and criminal conspiracy.Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC) Ravi granted five days of police custody after hearing arguments from Delhi Police and the Additional Public Prosecutor.

MURSHIDABAD: A primary school teacher was arrested after he allegedly fired pellets from a suspected airgun at children who were playing, injuring one child, in Banipur under the Raghunathganj police station area of Murshidabad on Friday. Police confiscated the gun from his house.

Local sources identified the arrested teacher as Samir Kumar Mondal, a teacher at Omarpur Primary School. Around 10–12 local children played daily in front of his house in Banipur and the ball often landed inside his property. It is alleged that Mondal was annoyed and had previously warned the children not to play there. On Friday, a group of children was playing in a field when the ball accidentally hit the teacher’s door, witnesses said. They claimed Mondal lost his temper, brought out the airgun and fired four to five rounds to scare the children. As the children ran, one pellet hit a child’s hand. The injured child’s father, Biswajit Saha, said, “The children were playing, and the ball just hit his door. Does that justify shooting at children? My son was hit and is now in the hospital.” The injured child was taken to Jangipur Subdivision Hospital in a bleeding condition and was undergoing treatment. After receiving the information, police from Raghunathganj police station reached the spot and arrested Mondal from his house. Police recovered a gun, which they suspect may be a sophisticated airgun, and said forensic testing might be conducted to determine the exact type of weapon. During interrogation, the arrested teacher admitted wrongdoing but said he did not intend to harm anyone. Mondal said, “I fired only to scare them. I didn’t realize it would hit someone.” The incident caused shock in the Banipur area. Police have launched an investigation and said they are taking appropriate legal action against the accused.

The heavyweights collide in Ahmedabad, the Narendra Modi Stadium sets the stage for a blockbuster rematch of the 2024 Final. Both India and South Africa enter the Super 8s with unblemished records, having dominated their respective groups with four wins apiece.

While India’s path through Group A was defined by clinical bowling and a formidable +2.500 NRR, South Africa showed nerves of steel in Group D, surviving a double Super Over thriller against Afghanistan.

The Men in Blue are expected to make a tactical swap, bringing in local hero Axar Patel for Washington Sundar. Despite Abhishek Sharma’s recent struggle with three consecutive ducks, the management is likely to back the youngster’s explosive potential over a theoretical swap for Sanju Samson.

After resting key players in their dead rubber against UAE, the Proteas will revert to their full-strength lineup. The return of David Miller and Marco Jansen adds much-needed muscle, while the spin duo of Keshav Maharaj and Aiden Markram will look to exploit India’s left-heavy middle order.

IND vs SA: Ahmedabad Weather Forecast

Weather conditions in Ahmedabad for Sunday’s blockbuster Super 8 clash between India and South Africa are looking near-perfect. Current conditions at the Narendra Modi Stadium show a temperature of 28°C with sunny skies and a light breeze coming from the northeast at 1 mph. The humidity is currently at 33% with a 0% chance of rain, ensuring no immediate threat to the start of play.

As the match progresses into the evening, the forecast remains favourable for a full 40-over contest. The daytime high is expected to reach 34°C before dipping to a low of 19°C tonight. The evening sky will be clear with a consistent 0% probability of precipitation. Winds are expected to shift slightly, coming from the northwest at 6 mph, which may offer some movement for the pacers under the lights. While the air remains dry with 29% humidity forecasted for the day, local reports suggest that dew typically settles in during the second innings at this venue, which could significantly impact the grip for spinners.

IND vs SA: Dew factor at the Narendra Modi Stadium

The dew factor is expected to be a major tactical headache for both captains tonight in Ahmedabad. As evening temperatures drop toward 19°C, heavy moisture typically settles on the Narendra Modi Stadium outfield during the second innings. This makes the ball significantly harder for spinners to grip, often neutralizing their turn and allowing the ball to skid onto the bat. Consequently, the chasing team gains a distinct advantage as the ball comes on faster and becomes difficult for pacers to control at the death, making the toss a potential game-changer.

Also READ: T20 World Cup 2026: Varun Aaron names biggest threat for India in Super 8 match against South Africa

IND vs SA: Toss Prediction

In Ahmedabad, the toss winner is highly likely to elect to bowl first, a decision underpinned by three tactical drivers specific to the Narendra Modi Stadium:

• The dew factor: Unlike the drier conditions in day, evening games in Ahmedabad during February are heavily influenced by significant dew. As temperatures plummet to 19°C, the outfield becomes slick, making it nearly impossible for spinners to grip the white ball. Captains will prefer to chase to ensure their bowlers operate with a dry ball while forcing the opposition to struggle with a wet cake in the second innings.
• Black-soil dynamics: The match will be played on a black-soil pitch, which traditionally offers a consistent, carpet-like bounce that favours stroke-making. While the surface might be slightly tacky initially, it tends to skid on better under lights. South Africa’s recent successful chase of 175 against New Zealand at this very venue proves that the deck becomes a batter’s paradise as the game goes late.
• Chasing success at night: While historical data shows a slight tilt toward teams batting first in Ahmedabad, recent T20 World Cup night fixtures have favoured the chasing side. With a lightning-fast outfield and high-scoring potential, both Suryakumar and Markram will likely back their explosive middle orders featuring finishers like Hardik Pandya and Miller to hunt down any target bolstered by the logistical advantage of chasing under the lights.

Also READ: Deep Dasgupta unveils his preferred India XI for the T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 showdown against South Africa

Morne Morkel and Albie Morkel (IANS Phoro)

NEW DELHI: When India take on South Africa in their opening Super 8 clash of the T20 World Cup at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday, the spotlight will not only be on the players but also on an extraordinary family duel unfolding behind the scenes.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!For the first time on such a stage, brothers Morne Morkel and Albie Morkel will stand in rival camps, serving as India’s bowling coach and South Africa’s consultant respectively, each tasked with plotting the other’s downfall in a high-stakes rematch of the 2024 final.

In a video shared by the BCCI, Albie summed up his mission with a smile and a warning. “Specialist consultant is a mouthful. In short, I have to figure out ways to beat Team India on Sunday. That’s it,” he said. “We actually coached together in our first stint; that’s where I shaped him to be a very good bowling coach. Showed him how to do it.”Morne acknowledged the intense expectations that come with his role but stressed the strength of India’s support system. “As a bowling coach, there’s always a lot of pressure on you. But we’re quite lucky that in our group, there’s a lot of experience… people that can assist and help you in that mental load,” he said.Despite the personal connection, both brothers made it clear that sentiment will not dilute their professional focus. “He works for India, I work for South Africa, and we both have the same goal — to win that game on Sunday,” Albie said. “The family will do the banter. We’re very calm and professional.”Their rivalry, however, dates back to childhood. “Most of the backyard games ended up in either argument or tears,” Albie laughed. “I remember him crying a lot because he was the youngest.”Both sides enter the contest unbeaten, raising the stakes further.