NEW DELHI: Railways is seeking to address the biggest concern of long distance passengers— train toilets. It on Saturday rolled out reforms in on-board services with focus on regular cleaning of toilets, wash basins and garbage collection in trains on the move, including for millions of passenger travelling in general or unreserved coaches to have access to cleaned toilets.This is a sharp contrast to the current practice where toilets, basins and common areas in general coaches of moving trains are not cleaned at regular intervals unless there is a complaint. A top railway official said this provision is being introduced for the first time. Railway minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said, “In the current mechanism, cleaning is done only in reserved coaches. We have included general coaches in the new reform.” Officials said they aim to ensure cleaning of toilets in such coaches every 1-2 hours.Vaishnaw also said the earlier “clean train station” concept, which provided thorough cleaning at limited stations, is now being replaced with a continuous cleaning model from the train’s origin to its destination. “Toilets, garbage bins, cabin interiors, water availability, and minor electrical or mechanical defects such as lights going out will be addressed continuously during the journey,” he said.Minister announced two reforms — ‘for better on-board services’ and ‘rail-based logistics through Gati Shakti cargo terminals and cargo related facilities’ — as a part of its target to implement “52 Reforms in 52 Weeks in 2026”.To begin with, around 80 long-distance trains with high passenger patronage — 4-5 trains per zone — will be covered under reforms relating to on-board services in the next six months and over three years, it will be implemented across all trains. Vaishnaw said fully technology-enabled professional teams will be engaged with defined Service Level Agreements, specifying cleaning frequency and more frequent cleaning during peak hours. Continuous toilet cleaning, garbage removal, cabinetry cleaning, linen handling and related services will be ensured, and AI-generated images of cleaning activities will be monitored and analysed.Vaishnaw said the linen distribution, linen collection, and cleaning functions, which were earlier distributed among separate agencies, will also now be integrated and awarded to a single entity.He said the reforms in the cargo terminal segment are expected to generate around Rs 30,000 crore additional revenue from new Gati Shakti Cargo Terminals (GCTs) in the next three years. The most significant additions are the integration of processing within cargo terminals, transforming them into “cargo plus processing” hubs and extending contract period from the current 35 years to 50 years.

A new study by the Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations (ICRIER), supported by OpenAI, has sought to ease concerns about large-scale job losses due to artificial intelligence.According to the report, generative AI is not triggering mass layoffs in India’s IT sector at present. Instead, it is reshaping how work is organised, improving productivity and transforming job roles.

Survey across 650 IT firms

The findings are based on a survey of 650 IT firms across 10 Indian cities, conducted between November 2025 and January 2026. The study examined hiring trends, changes in occupational demand, productivity outcomes and workforce skilling patterns.Titled ‘AI and Jobs: This Time is No Different’, the study concluded that AI is amplifying output and strengthening the role of skilled professionals rather than replacing them.Firms reported a modest slowdown in hiring, mainly at the entry level, while recruitment at mid and senior levels has remained stable. Researchers noted that this moderation is in line with broader post-pandemic trends in the IT sector and cannot be attributed solely to AI adoption.

Productivity boost, not job wipeout

The study found that roles widely seen as vulnerable to automation, such as software developers and database administrators, are in fact among those seeing the strongest growth in demand.It said generative AI is acting as a productivity-enhancing tool that complements technical and analytical work, rather than serving as a substitute.Ronnie Chatterji, chief economist at OpenAI, was quoted by news agency PTI as saying, “We are seeing a shift in how work is organised, where AI appears to be complementing human talent. This data offers a window into the transition underway in India”.He added that the focus should now shift to helping workers adapt. “Focus now should be on the practical steps needed to help workers align their skills with the advancing capabilities of AI. Currently, only 4 per cent of firms have trained more than half their workforce in AI, presenting a huge opportunity for growth.”

Policymakers reassured, but no room for complacency

Shekhar Aiyar, director and chief executive of ICRIER, said the debate around AI and jobs often involves strong opinions, but the study brings concrete evidence to the discussion.“Everyone has opinions on this matter,” he said, adding that the ICRIER-OpenAI research “brings evidence to the table”.He noted that the authors combined survey data with in-depth interviews of leaders in the Indian IT industry to assess the real impact of generative AI.“The results should reassure Indian policymakers without inducing complacency,” Aiyar said, cautioning that while the IT sector appears to be handling AI adoption reasonably well, many firms are still not fully prepared for future shifts.

Ayatollah Khamenei and Donald Trump (R) (File photo)

US secretary of state Marco Rubio on Saturday said that US President Donald Trump would be open to meeting Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei if such an opportunity arose, signalling Washington’s willingness to engage in talks with Tehran.He said Trump preferred pursuing a deal and negotiations with Iran’s leadership, which could also open the possibility of a direct meeting between Trump and Khamenei.

This comes amid deepened tensions between Washington and Tehran.In an interview with Bloomberg, Rubio projected Trump as keen on resolving global conflicts through dialogue. He said, “I’m pretty confident in saying that if the Ayatollah said tomorrow he wanted to meet with President Trump, the President would meet him, not because he agrees with the Ayatollah but because he thinks that’s the way you solve problems in the world.”He also clarified Trump’s approach to diplomacy, adding, “he doesn’t view meeting someone as a concession.”On Iran’s nuclear ambitions, Rubio said, ” it’s pretty clear that Iran will never be allowed to have a nuclear weapon, that that poses a threat not just to the United States, to Europe, to world security, and to the region. There’s no doubt about it.”Defending the US military presence in the region and Trump’s decision to deploy another aircraft carrier near Iran, Rubio said, “The second is we obviously want to have forces in the region because Iran has shown the willingness and the capability to lash and strike out at the United States presence in the region. We have bases because of our alliances in the region, and Iran has shown in the past that they are willing to attack us and/or threaten our bases. So we have to have sufficient firepower in the region to ensure that they don’t make a mistake and come after us and trigger something larger.”He further added that “the President has said that his preference is to reach a deal with Iran.”However, earlier in the day, Trump struck a different tone, suggesting that regime change in Iran could be beneficial. Speaking to reporters at Fort Bragg in North Carolina, he said a change in Iran’s leadership would be the “best thing that could happen.”“Seems like that would be the best thing that could happen,” Trump said when asked whether he wanted regime change in Iran.“For 47 years, they’ve been talking and talking and talking. In the meantime, we’ve lost a lot of lives while they talk,” he added.

Gold continues to hold strong appeal among young Indians, even as access to modern financial products widens, with 62 per cent of respondents naming the precious metal as their preferred investment option, according to a survey.The findings suggest that despite the rise of mutual funds, equities and crypto assets, gold remains the go-to choice for Gen Z and Millennials when it comes to parking their money.

First pick over mutual funds and stocks

The Smytten PulseAI survey, conducted among 5,000 consumers aged between 18 and 39, found that 61.9 per cent would choose gold if they had Rs 25,000 to invest today, as per news agency PTI.

This was significantly higher than other options. Mutual funds were chosen by 16.6 per cent of respondents, fixed deposits by 13 per cent, stocks by 6.6 per cent and crypto by just 1.9 per cent.During periods of economic uncertainty, gold’s appeal appeared even stronger. Around 65.7 per cent of those surveyed said gold feels like the safest option compared to bank savings, mutual funds or equities.The findings underline gold’s continued role as a financial safety net across both Gen Z and Millennials.

Personal choice, smaller purchases

The survey also highlighted a shift in how young people are approaching gold purchases. About 66.7 per cent of respondents said buying gold is largely a personal decision rather than one driven by family tradition.At the same time, buying patterns are changing. Nearly 62 per cent said their most recent gold purchase was below 5 grams. Breaking this down further, 27.5 per cent bought less than 2 grams, while 34.4 per cent purchased between 2 and 5 grams.Overall, 61.9 per cent of recent purchases were under 5 grams, indicating a move away from large, occasional buys towards smaller and more frequent investments.

Beyond weddings: New triggers for buying

Traditionally associated with weddings and family events, gold is now increasingly being bought for personal financial reasons.According to the survey, nearly 24 per cent said their first gold purchase was triggered by receiving their first salary or earning personal income. Another 23.9 per cent cited an investment decision as the reason for their first purchase.The survey suggests that while gold retains its cultural importance, younger investors are approaching it with a more practical and individual mindset, integrating tradition with financial planning.

Rajpal Yadav is currently in Delhi’s Tihar Jail in a Rs 9 crore debt cheque bounce case. After news of his surrender to the prison surfaced online, several celebs came forward to lend a helping hand to the actor. And according to the latest development, filmmaker Priyadarshan has come forward to extend his support to the jailed actor. Let’s learn more about it.

Priyadarshan asks the makers of his next film to hike Rajpal Yadav’s fee

According to the Mid-Day report, Priyadarshan shared that the makers of his next film, starring Rajpal Yadav, have increased the actor’s fee after learning of the financial struggle. He told the publication, “I have known Rajpal for over 20 years.” The filmmaker shared that he first saw the actor in the movie ‘Jungle’ and was “surprised” by the performance.

The director further stated that his first film with Rajpal Yadav was ‘Malamaal Weekly’, and after that the actor went on to star in several of his movies.He said, “I told the producers of my next film to pay Rajpal more than what he charges because of his situation. We want to save him. The producers have agreed. Rajpal plays the villain in my movie.”

Priyadarshan shares he knew Rajpal Yadav’s financial struggles

Talking about Rajpal’s financial issue, Priyadarshan said, “I knew about his problem. That’s why I kept signing Rajpal for every film. I pushed him in ad films too. The poor guy made a blunder because of his poor education. Rajpal is a good soul.”

More about Rajpal Yadav’s case

According to the reports, Rajpal Yadav borrowed Rs 5 crore to finance his directorial debut, ‘Ata Pata Laapata’ in 2010. It was released in the year 2012. As the film didn’t work at the box office, the actor failed to repay the amount to the lender. After multiple cheque bounces, the court ordered a jail sentence for the actor.The Delhi Court will be hearing the bail plea again on Monday, after it was adjourned on February 12, 2026.

The cricketing world is bracing for impact as the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 reaches its most anticipated crescendo: India vs. Pakistan. Scheduled as the 27th Match in Group A, this high-stakes encounter at the refurbished Nassau County International Cricket Stadium isn’t just about two points on the board; it’s a battle of nerves, history, and, most recently, unprecedented diplomatic friction on the pitch.

While the rivalry is usually defined by searing yorkers and towering sixes, the lead-up to this specific clash has been overshadowed by a bizarre and tense handshake controversy that has threatened to derail the tournament’s spirit.

Salman Ali Agha reacts to ‘no handshake’ talk ahead of high-voltage India vs Pakistan encounter

As the spotlight intensified during the pre-match press conference on Saturday, Pakistan’s Salman Ali Agha found himself at the center of a media storm. When questioned about the rumored “no handshake” stance, a cold shoulder that has dominated headlines, Agha remained composed but offered a telling, cryptic response.

“We will see about it tomorrow,” Agha remarked, refusing to confirm or deny whether the traditional pre-match pleasantries would take place.

Despite the ambiguity, Agha was firm in his belief that the essence of the sport must remain intact. He emphasized that the ‘Spirit of the Game’ should transcend bilateral tensions. “Cricket should be played in the right spirit. My personal opinion may not matter, but cricket should be played according to how it has always been meant to be played. It’s up to them to decide what to do,” he added, subtly shifting the onus onto the Indian camp and match officials.

Also READ: The ‘Zimbabwe Prophecy’: Why history says Suryakumar Yadav’s India will lift the T20 World Cup 2026?

The handshake controversy of India and Pakistan game

The roots of this tension trace back to a startling intervention by match referee Andy Pycroft. According to reports from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Pycroft allegedly intervened during a previous toss to prevent the customary handshake between the captains. This move sparked an immediate firestorm, leading PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi to formally petition the ICC for Pycroft’s removal from the tournament.

The PCB’s grievance centers on allegations that Pycroft pulled Agha aside before the toss to inform him that Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav would not be engaging in the handshake. This perceived breach of protocol led to a brief standoff where Pakistan threatened a tournament boycott, eventually showing up an hour late for their fixture against the UAE as a mark of protest.

The friction reached a boiling point during a recent post-match presentation. India reportedly declined to ascend the dais to collect awards while Naqvi was present. In retaliation, the PCB chief ordered the trophy to be removed from the stage. The Indian squad eventually celebrated on the podium only after the officials had vacated the area—a visual that perfectly encapsulates the current frostiness between the two giants.

As the 27th match of Group A looms, the world is watching not just the scoreboard, but the body language of twenty-two players who carry the weight of a complicated legacy.

Also READ: Mohammad Amir mocks unwell Abhishek Sharma ahead of IND vs PAK T20 World Cup 2026 clash

Abhishek Sharma with his father Rajkumar Sharma and mother Manju Sharma (Special arrangement)

TimesofIndia.com in Colombo: Before the 2018 U-19 World Cup, Abhishek Sharma pleaded with his father, Rajkumar Sharma, to get a passport and come to New Zealand to watch him play. Rajkumar Sharma refused, saying he would travel abroad only if Abhishek played a Test match, an ODI World Cup, or a T20I World Cup. The 16-year-old was heartbroken, but he made a promise to his father: “One day you will have to come and watch me live from the stands. I will play in a World Cup for India.” Eight years later, Rajkumar Sharma, along with his wife Manju Sharma, daughter Komal Sharma and son-in-law Lovish Oberoi, is in Colombo to watch Abhishek play a World Cup match for India.

“I have seen his IPL matches and some India matches but I have never watched him play a World Cup match from the stands. This is my first time,” an emotional Rajkumar Sharma told TimesofIndia.com.“He wanted us to travel to New Zealand during the U-19 World Cup, but I didn’t go. I challenged him that the day he plays for India in a senior World Cup, ODI or T20I, or Tests, I will travel wherever the venue is, to watch him play. I did break his heart, but I also gave him a goal in life,” Sharma senior said.The world’s leading T20I batter did not have an ideal start to the tournament. He played with a stomach infection against the USA in Mumbai. Although his innings lasted just one ball, his condition worsened. He had a high fever when the team landed in Delhi for the Namibia match. It got so severe that the southpaw had to be admitted to the hospital for a night. The illness also caused drastic weight loss.His family rushed to Delhi to be with him. After seeing his son lying on the hospital bed, Rajkumar Sharma decided to cancel his Colombo tickets, but Abhishek assured him that he would be fit for the February 15 match against Pakistan.“Karoron logon ki dua thi, woh kaise fit nahi hota?” said Rajkumar Sharma. (When millions of people were praying for him, how could he not be fit?)Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha, who saw Abhishek’s onslaught from close quarters during the Asia Cup in Dubai, is also an admirer of the Indian batter.“We all know he’s a good player and I really hope he plays tomorrow because we want to play against the best team they have. I really hope he is recovering well and can play tomorrow,” Agha told reporters at the R Premadasa Stadium on the eve of the highly anticipated match against India.Abhishek’s father said he was grateful that his son was admired not only within his own team but also in the opposition camp.India captain Suryakumar Yadav also hinted at Abhishek’s return during the press conference.“If he wants him to play, then we’ll play him tomorrow. Done. If the opposing team’s captain is saying it will be good if Abhishek Sharma plays, then let’s play him. No problem,” Surya said.Back from the hospital bed, Abhishek Sharma batted for an hour in the nets. His session was divided into two parts. In one net, he faced fast bowlers, mostly net bowlers. In the second stint, he took on the spinners. There were a few hits and misses, but the sound off the bat was a clear signal that the Amritsar marauder was back, with plenty of critics to silence, including former Pakistan pacer Mohammad Amir.

“He is a slogger. That is how I see him. A player who cannot judge the line and defend the ball properly, can I call him a proper batter? He comes in and swings hard, and it connects well for him right now,” Amir said on the show Haarna Mana Hai.“But the day he learns to handle tough lines and defend properly, I will change my opinion. You are playing on small grounds and flat wickets. You have not really been tested yet,” Amir added.“Let him tour South Africa, New Zealand and England, where the ball moves. That is where the real test will be. If he succeeds there, I will be the first to call him a proper batter,” he said.Since making his debut in July 2024, Abhishek Sharma has emerged as one of the most destructive batters in world cricket. In 39 T20Is, the left-hander has scored 1,297 runs at a staggering strike rate of 194.45, with two centuries and eight fifties, while maintaining a strong average of 36.02.Although his father admits that watching his son bat increases his blood pressure.“I have told him so many times, ‘Kaake single bhi le’ (take singles as well). Now I have given up. But I sincerely hope he stays at the crease for longer. Right now, he is helping the team get ferocious starts, but if he can control his temptation a bit and bat till 15 overs, he can finish games quickly. But this approach has brought him so many blessings, so I have stopped complaining,” he said.As Abhishek Sharma prepares to walk out under the Colombo lights, the moment carries more than just runs and records. It is the culmination of a promise made by a teenager, the faith of millions who prayed for his recovery, and the quiet pride of a father finally watching from the stands. Whatever unfolds on the pitch, this World Cup night already stands as one of the most personal chapters of Abhishek’s journey.

It’s just past 9 am in a makeshift “cooling pit” in a cacti-lined part of Karjat. Like an F1 pit crew, huddles of rustic men sporting stethoscopes over neon reflector jackets hover around blue drums of water and cola bottles filled with brown jaggery solution. Some hold hay, one a carries a carrot in hand. Soon, when the first horses return from a punishing 20-km loop, accents — Tamil, Kannada, Rajasthani, Bambaiya — collide. Saddles are whisked off, bandages peeled away, water poured in hard-won mugs over steaming backs. A stethoscope is pressed to the left side. Watches are checked. Is the pulse under 64 beats per minute within 20 minutes of arrival? Anything higher and they could be eliminated from the 40 km national qualifier at Hoofbeat Marathon – State Open Endurance Championship 2026. “Endurance is won and lost in the vet gate,” says Col Ashok Yadav, president of the ground jury, badges from 21 countries pinned to his hat and lapel. A Rajasthan-based polo player and equine rider, Yadav has judged endurance events in India for three decades under the aegis of the Equestrian Federation of India (EFI), which follows FEI rules. “This is not a race, it’s a ride,” says Yadav about the event organised in collaboration with EFI. “It’s a game of precision. The rider must ensure the horse finishes strong but also cools down fast.”Organised by Hoofbeat heaven, riding club and stud farm, from Feb 6 to 8, the championship featured 20-km and 40-km categories for riders aged 14 and above, with a maximum speed of 16 kmph. The 40-km ride also served as a national qualifier. Fifty-six horses from Tamil Nadu to Madhya Pradesh participated in the event’s third edition and its first in collaboration with the EFI. “This is the first edition with cash prizes,” mused Bhiwandi’s Dnyaneshwar Patil, a veteran participant at 52. Endurance riding began as a military test in the early 1900s, when cavalry horses were required to cover 300 miles over five days. Recognised by the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) in 1978, the sport has since expanded globally, with over 353 FEI endurance competitions held across 49 countries in 2006 alone. In India, rides have reached 120 km in the past and are now rebuilding to 80 km post-Covid.Unlike dressage or show jumping — Olympic equestrian disciplines conducted in arenas — endurance unfolds across open terrain. “In dressage and show jumping, you train in an arena,” Colonel C S Sohal, chief veterinarian and member of the EFI’s executive committee says. “In endurance, you need pathways. Abroad, they have marked trails. Here, we create them.”At Karjat, the track–entailing various water bodies and hills–was marked with red-and-white ribbons and oil paint. Rohan Rasam, championship In-charge and founder of Hoofbeat Heaven, says he spent over 80,000 hiring JCBs to soften the gravelly earth. Sponsors ranged from equine feed and tack companies to riding clubs and a cow ghee start-up, though some early backers withdrew at the last minute.The sport is as technical as it is pastoral. At each mandatory hold, horses undergo rigorous veterinary checks: pulse recovery, respiration rate, mucous membrane colour, capillary and jugular refill time, hydration, gut sounds, muscle tone, gait and overall metabolic soundness. The horse is trotted 20 metres to check for lameness before its heart rate recovery is timed.“You cannot give fluids or painkillers before the event unless recommended by me,” says Sohal, the soft-spoken chief vet with a stethoscope hanging around his neck. Random urine samples are collected to screen for banned substances. Any horse that fails blood screening, shows irregular gait or does not meet metabolic parameters is eliminated. Dr Sandeep Benipal, an A-grade confirmation judge on the veterinary panel, points to local challenges that led to almost 33 of the 56 horses being eliminated. “The main problem here is the heat. Horses are getting high pulse rates and dehydrated faster,” he says. “The horse cannot speak. It cannot tell you how it feels. If we ignore parameters, we risk fatalities.”Many riders are first-timers, unfamiliar with the demands of the vet gate. Indigenous breeds dominate the field. “Our horses are quick in short-distance races,” Benipal explains. Training a horse from 20 km to 120 km, Sohal says, requires at least six months of uninterrupted conditioning, with careful attention to nutrition, vaccination and disease exposure. A 160-km ride runs from one midnight to the next.All participating horses at Karjat were five years old.

FILE – Pakistan’s former Prime Minister Imran Khan gives a press conference at his home, in Lahore, Pakistan, on May 18, 2023. (AP Photo/K.M. Chaudary, File)

Pakistan’s information minister Ataullah Tarar on Saturday announced that imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan will undergo treatment for an eye condition at a specialised medical facility, days after the Supreme Court ordered a medical evaluation amid growing concerns about the cricketer-turned-politician’s eyesight.Also Read | ‘Intervention is necessary’: Pak SC on Imran Khan’s ‘vision loss’; allows ex-PM to speak with his sonsTarar wrote on X that an examination would be conducted by leading eye specialists as part of Khan’s ongoing treatment, which began in late January after the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder-chairman claimed “partial loss of vision” in his right eye.

The minister, however, did not specify the medical facility or the date of treatment and urged the public to avoid speculation.“A detailed report will also be submitted to the Supreme Court. Conjecture, speculations, and efforts to turn this into political rhetoric and mileage for vested interests may please be avoided,” Tarar posted.Earlier this week, Khan’s lawyer and PTI member Salman Safdar told the Supreme Court that the ex-premier had lost roughly 85% of vision in his right eye. The court subsequently directed authorities to arrange a medical assessment by a panel of doctors and facilitate a telephone call between Khan and his two UK-based sons before February 16.PTI supporters have staged protests in the capital, Islamabad, and other cities, demanding that their party chief be shifted from prison to a hospital for specialised treatment. Some lawmakers from PTI and its allies are also staging a sit-in outside Parliament.‘We were not consulted’: Imran Khan’s sisterMeanwhile, Khan’s sister Aleema Khan reacted angrily to Tarar’s announcement, saying the family had not been consulted and demanding that family members and his personal physician be present during any future procedures.She confirmed that, following the Supreme Court’s directive, authorities had arranged a call between her brother and his two sons, who live with their mother and his former wife, British screenwriter and producer Jemima Goldsmith.Khan was removed from office in a parliamentary no-confidence vote in April 2022. He has alleged that his ouster was the result of a US-backed “conspiracy” involving political rivals and Pakistan’s then army chief, Qamar Javed Bajwa — allegations denied by Washington, Pakistan’s military, and Khan’s political opponents.The issue of Khan’s partial vision surfaced in late January when the federal government said the former prime minister had undergone a medical procedure for an eye condition and was in “good health.”The PTI made a strong showing in the February 2024 parliamentary elections but did not secure a majority in the National Assembly, the lower house of Parliament. The party alleged the vote was “rigged,” a claim the government has denied.(With AP inputs)