Image posted by Department of War on X

US military forces on Sunday boarded another sanctioned oil tanker in the Indian Ocean after tracking it from the Caribbean Sea as part of efforts to curb illicit oil shipments linked to Venezuela.According to the defence department, US forces conducted the operation overnight in the INDOPACOM area of responsibility. The tanker, identified as Veronica III, was intercepted after a long-distance pursuit.In a post on X, the Pentagon shared said, “We defend the Homeland forward. Distance does not protect you.” The department also posted a video showing US troops boarding the tanker.Giving details of the operation, it added, “Overnight, US forces conducted a right-of-visit, maritime interdiction and boarding of the Veronica III without incident in the INDOPACOM area of responsibility.”The department further stated that the vessel had attempted to evade enforcement measures ordered by President Donald Trump. “The vessel tried to defy President Trump’s quarantine —hoping to slip away. We tracked it from the Caribbean to the Indian Ocean, closed the distance, and shut it down. No other nation has the reach, endurance, or will to do this.”It also issued a broader warning, saying, “International waters are not sanctuary. By land, air, or sea, we will find you and deliver justice. The Department of War will deny illicit actors and their proxies freedom of movement in the maritime domain.”The Veronica III is a Panamanian-flagged vessel that is under US sanctions related to Iran, according to the website of the Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control.The action comes amid ongoing US sanctions on Venezuela’s oil sector. Venezuela has faced American sanctions for several years and has relied on a so-called shadow fleet of falsely flagged tankers to move crude oil into global supply chains.In December, President Trump ordered a quarantine of sanctioned tankers to increase pressure on then-President Nicolás Maduro. Maduro was later apprehended in January during an American military operation.The Trump administration has been seizing tankers as part of its broader efforts to take control of Venezuela’s oil flows.Last week, US forces boarded another tanker, the Aquila II, in the Indian Ocean. According to a defence official, the ship was being held while US authorities decided its ultimate fate.

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Several factors led to the sudden crash in the prices of the precious metals. (AI image)

Precious metal prices are expected to remain volatile and witness further consolidation in the coming week as investors track key US economic indicators, including inflation data, GDP readings and signals from the Federal Reserve, analysts said.Traders are also likely to monitor US labour market data, the minutes of the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting and speeches from Fed officials for clarity on the timing and pace of potential rate cuts, as per news agency PTI.

Volatility to persist on US GDP, PCE data

Pranav Mer, vice president, EBG – commodity & currency research at JM Financial Services Ltd, said gold and silver prices may continue to witness consolidative moves, though volatility is expected to persist.“Gold and silver prices may continue to see more consolidative moves but volatility will prevail with focus on incoming US data on GDP and the Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) inflation numbers and Federal Reserve official’s commentary,” he said, as per PTI.On the domestic front, silver futures on the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX) declined Rs 5,532, or 2.2 per cent, over the past week, while gold rose Rs 444, or 0.3 per cent.

Gold corrects sharply in February

Prathamesh Mallya, DVP – research, non-agri commodities and currencies at Angel One, said gold prices have corrected in February.“Gold prices have fallen in February 2026, with prices correcting from highs of Rs 1,80,000 per 10 grams to around Rs 1,53,800 per 10 grams as on February 13,” he said, as per PTI.He attributed the weakness to stronger-than-expected US employment data, which has reduced expectations of near-term rate cuts and weighed on gold prices in the past week.“However, the yellow metal’s safe haven appeal remains intact on account of geopolitical tensions, and strong buying ahead of the Lunar New Year. It’s a tug of war between bears and bulls this week, and the volatility will continue in the week ahead,” Mallya added.

International trends and market drivers

In the international market, Comex gold futures gained $84, or 1.7 per cent, during the week, while silver edged up marginally to close at $77.27 per ounce.Mer said gold prices moved between gains and losses through most of the trading sessions but managed to end the week higher.“Gold prices see-sawed between gains and losses for most part of the trading session, but managed to close the week in positive and above $5,000 per ounce in the overseas market.“The bullions are passing through a phase of consolidation amid a lack of clarity among traders as they remain divided over the price direction and look for fresh fundamental triggers,” he said.Analysts noted that central bank buying, safe-haven demand amid a sharp sell-off in global technology and AI stocks, and a softer dollar index provided support to bullion prices.However, mixed physical demand from India and China, profit-booking by ETF investors and strong US macroeconomic data capped the upside.Mer said silver also experienced two-way price movements during the week.“The white metal was weighed by corrections in industrial metals and profit-booking after failing to breach key technical resistance. It also faced pressure from the tech-led global equity sell-off, which reduced risk appetite across asset classes,” he added.Analysts said both gold and silver are likely to remain range-bound in the near term as investors await clearer signals on the Federal Reserve’s monetary policy trajectory and broader global economic trends.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi (AP image)

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday outlined India’s reform priorities for the next decade, stressing the need for structural reforms, deeper innovation and simpler governance to achieve the goal of a “Viksit Bharat”.In an interview to PTI, PM Modi said that the next phase of India’s growth will require sustained reform momentum, bold private sector investment and a continued focus on infrastructure and digital transformation.“More structural reforms, deeper innovation and simpler governance,” PM Modi said, when asked about the three key reform priorities for the next decade.He said that India’s growth story is being shaped by fundamental changes in governance and economic policy. Highlighting the country’s digital transformation, PM Modi said, “India is a digital leader in the world made possible by fundamental reforms in how people transact via the UPI platform.”The prime minister also emphasised the role of data infrastructure in the coming years. “Data centres will be a massive job creator for our youth; we invite whole world’s data to reside in India,” he said.On infrastructure, PM Modi said that India is witnessing an unprecedented expansion. “India witnessing most expansive infra push in its history, built with future readiness in mind,” he told PTI, underlining that infrastructure development is being planned with long-term needs in focus.PM Modi also described productive capital expenditure as a hallmark of his government and said the latest Union Budget avoided short-term populism. Instead, it prioritised record capital outlays to create jobs and strengthen long-term growth.Also Read | ‘Focus less on margins’: PM Modi says private sector ‘critical’ for Viksit Bharat, offers strong advise – top quotesHe said that India’s goods exports have repeatedly broken earlier records in recent years, reflecting improved competitiveness and global integration.“Our national character has revealed itself even in challenging times; we are bright growth spot in difficult global circumstances,” he said, pointing to India’s resilience amid global economic uncertainty.On trade policy, the prime minister said that India’s free trade agreements are aimed at expanding opportunities for small businesses. “Our FTAs designed to expand market access for MSMEs in textile, leather, chemicals, handicrafts, gems and other sectors,” he said.Looking ahead, PM Modi stressed that the next leap towards a developed India will depend heavily on private sector participation. “Next leap to Viksit Bharat will depend on bold investment by pvt sector in innovation, long-term capacity, global competitiveness,” he said.He also underlined the role of women in India’s development journey. “It is my conviction that women will play the most important role in creating Viksit Bharat,” he said.Framing the broader vision, PM Modi said that the current policy direction should be seen as laying the foundation for long-term national goals. The reforms and investments being undertaken now, he suggested, are meant to prepare India for sustained growth over the next quarter-century.

NEW DELHI: Delhi University has withheld the LLB degree and marksheets of former DU Students Union president Ronak Khatri over alleged unpaid guesthouse and catering bills incurred during his tenure, amounting to around Rs 9 lakh.Khatri completed his LLB from Campus Law Centre in 2024-25 and demitted office as DUSU president on Aug 16 last year. Subsequently, in Nov and Dec, the DUSU office issued notices to him for clearing the dues. A notice dated Nov 17 listed University Guest House bills totalling Rs 1,38,310 for bookings made between Feb and Aug 2025. The following day, another notice detailed International Guest House and catering bills amounting to Rs 7,63,245 for bookings made during the same period.In the second notice, issued by the staff adviser of DUSU, Khatri was informed that “you will not be issued your marksheet or degree till the pending payment is not made by your side” . On the same day, the staff adviser also wrote to the controller of examination directing that the “release of degrees and marksheets… shall be withheld until the pending payments are cleared”.Khatri told TOI that the bookings were made in his official capacity for student union programmes and needed to be paid through the DUSU funds. “These bookings were made for student union activities after seeking permission from university officials and under the supervision of the staff adviser. The expenses were meant to be cleared from the DUSU funds. Holding me personally liable is untenable,” he claimed. Calling the withholding of his degree illegal, Khatri added that the move had affected his career prospects as he couldn’t enrol with the bar council without his degree.DUSU staff adviser Surender Kumar denied granting approval for booking International Guest House. “International Guest House does not fall under the venues permitted for DUSU activities that can be paid from the DUSU fund. No approval was given by me for such bookings,” he claimed. On the timing of the notices, he said that once the guesthouse forwarded the bills, which had to be cleared through the vice-chancellor’s office, “the order was issued for recovering the amount from the office bearer concerned”.Khatri has challenged the university’s action before Delhi High Court, which has issued notice to DU and listed the matter for hearing in March.

The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 witnessed a high-octane encounter at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on February 15, 2026. In a crucial Group A clash, the United States of America (USA) asserted their dominance with a commanding 31-run victory over Namibia. The match, played under the shimmering lights of Chepauk, was defined by a breathtaking display of power-hitting from Sanjay Krishnamurthi and a disciplined bowling performance that successfully defended a mammoth total.

The USA started their innings with intent. Openers Monank Patel and Shayan Jahangir set a scorching pace, dismantling the Namibian powerplay to post 65 runs in the first six overs. Patel was particularly aggressive, racing to a half-century in just 27 balls. However, a middle-order wobble saw the USA slip from 68/0 to 103/3, as Namibia’s Willem Myburgh and Gerhard Erasmus applied the brakes.

Sanjay Krishnamurthi’s explosive blitz defies Namibian attack in T20 World Cup 2026 clash

The momentum shifted decisively when Krishnamurthi arrived at the crease. Displaying a fearless brand of cricket, Krishnamurthi turned the game on its head with an unbeaten 68 off just 33 deliveries. His innings was a highlight reel of modern T20 batting, featuring four boundaries and a staggering seven sixes. Krishnamurthi reached his fifty in a mere 23 balls, punishing any width offered by the Namibian seamers.

Partnering with Milind Kumar (28 off 20), Krishnamurthi anchored a vital 87-run stand for the fourth wicket. This late-innings surge propelled the USA to a formidable 199/4 in their allotted 20 overs. Despite the best efforts of Ruben Trumpelmann and JJ Smit, who struggled with an economy rate north of 13, the Namibian bowlers found no answer to Krishnamurthi’s 206.06 strike rate.

Also READ: Jason Holder stars with 4-wicket haul as West Indies outclass Nepal to seal the Super 8 spot in T20 World Cup 2026

Disciplined USA bowling smothers Namibia’s run chase

Chasing 200 for victory, Namibia began their pursuit with courage. Louren Steenkamp played a valiant hand, scoring 58 off 39 balls to keep his side in the hunt. Alongside Jan Frylinck, Steenkamp guided Namibia to a steady 50-run mark within the powerplay. However, the USA’s bowling depth soon became apparent. Shadley van Schalkwyk provided the breakthrough, dismissing Frylinck and later accounting for the dangerous Namibia captain, Erasmus, for a duck.

As the required run rate climbed, the pressure mounted on the Namibian middle order. Saurabh Netravalkar and Ali Khan showcased their experience by drying up the boundaries during the middle overs. Netravalkar’s dismissal of Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton (28) effectively broke the back of the chase. Despite a late cameo from Smit (31), Namibia struggled to find the ropes consistently against the USA’s varied attack.

The match flow stayed firmly in the USA’s favor during the death overs. Shubham Ranjane and Khan ensured no late drama occurred, restricting Namibia to 168/6. With this 31-run win, the USA moves significantly closer to the knockout stages, bolstered by a healthy net run rate and a burgeoning superstar in Krishnamurthi.

🚀🏏 USA KEEP THE DREAM ALIVE! 🏏🚀

199/4 followed by a nerveless defence – 31-run victory.

Super 8 hopes on, Namibia bow out of the tournament ❌

Scorecard: https://t.co/IuBf8pn6Qi#T20WorldCup2026 #USA #Namibia #USAvNAM #USAvsNAM #Cricket pic.twitter.com/3TirsF8Wsn

— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) February 15, 2026

Also WATCH: Dipendra Singh Airee anchors Nepal with a thrilling counterattack against West Indies at Wankhede

United States’ Saurabh Netravalkar, second left, celebrates with teammates (AP Photo/Mahesh Kumar A.)

Shadley van Schalkwyk maintained his impressive run with the ball, claiming two key wickets as the USA limited Namibia to 168/6 in 20 overs to secure a commanding 31-run victory in their final T20 World Cup 2026 group-stage match at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Sunday. The win marked USA’s second in succession and kept their Super 8 ambitions alive. However, their qualification hopes now hinge on either India or Pakistan losing both of their remaining group fixtures by significant margins. Set a daunting 200-run target, Namibia began confidently. Openers Jan Frylink and Louren Steenkamp scored briskly at over ten runs per over while keeping the required rate under control. The breakthrough came in the fifth over when van Schalkwyk dismissed Frylink, who made 19 off 15 balls, leaving Namibia 57/1 at the end of the powerplay. Louren continued to counterattack, adding 45 runs with Loftie-Eaton, who struck 28 off 17 balls with four boundaries. Louren reached his half-century in 33 balls but fell for 58 off 39 deliveries, including five fours and three sixes, when Shubham Ranjane deceived him with a slower ball in the 13th over. Captain Gerhard Erasmus followed soon after for 6, and Namibia could not recover. JJ Smit and Zane Green, who retired out in the 18th over, struggled to keep pace as the asking rate climbed. Van Schalkwyk returned figures of 2/30, while Sourabh Netravalkar, Ali Khan and Ranjane took one wicket apiece. Earlier, half-centuries from captain Monank Patel and Sanjay Krishnamurthi powered the USA to 199/4. Monank and Shayan Jahangir put on 68 for the first wicket, with USA reaching 65 without loss in the powerplay. Shayan made 22 before debutant Willem Myburgh struck. Monank brought up his fifty in 27 balls and became the first USA batter to reach 1000 T20I runs. After Monank (52) and Saiteja Mukkamalla (17) fell in quick succession, Milind Kumar and Sanjay added 87 runs to wrest back control. Sanjay smashed 68 not out off 33 balls, including four fours and six sixes, while Milind contributed 28 off 20. Brief Scores: USA 199/4 (Sanjay Krishnamurthi 68*, Monank Patel 52, Milind Kumar 28; Willem Myburgh 2-22, Gerhard Erasmus 2-27) beat Namibia 168/6 (Louren Steenkamp 58, JJ Smit 31; Shadley van Schalkwyk 2-30, Shubham Ranjane 1-6) by 31 runs.