Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov

Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov has accused the United States of trying to prevent India and other countries from buying Russian oil, describing Washington’s policies as coercive and aimed at achieving global economic domination.In an interview with TV BRICS, reported by Sputnik, Lavrov alleged that the US was using sanctions, tariffs and other restrictive measures to pressure nations into abandoning Russian energy resources in favour of more expensive American supplies.“They (US) tell us that the Ukraine problem should be resolved. In Anchorage, we accepted the US Proposal… The US position was important to us. By accepting their proposal, we seem to have completed the task of resolving the Ukrainian issue and moving on to a dull-scale, broad-based and mutually beneficial cooperation. So far, the reality is quite the opposite,” Lavrov said.“New sanctions are imposed, a ‘war’ against tankers in the open sea is being waged in violation of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. They are trying to ban India and our other partners from buying cheap, affordable Russian energy resources (Europe has long been banned), and are forcing them to buy US LNG at exorbitant prices,” he said.Lavrov claimed that the United States had set itself the goal of controlling global energy markets and supply routes.He described American measures as “coercive” and incompatible with fair competition, adding that tariffs, sanctions and outright prohibitions were being used as tools to meet these objectives.“We have to take all of this into account while remaining open just like India, China, Indonesia and Brazil to cooperation with all countries, including major powers such as the United States. We are in a situation where the Americans themselves are creating artificial obstacles along the way,” he said.Lavrov’s remarks come amid growing speculation about India’s future oil purchases from Russia following recent developments in US-India trade relations.On Monday, foreign secretary Vikram Misri reiterated that India’s energy policy would continue to be guided by national interest, stressing that the country’s priorities were “adequate availability, fair pricing and reliability of supply.”India has neither confirmed nor denied reports that it plans to reduce or halt imports of Russian crude after the United States rolled back a 25 per cent tariff imposed on Indian goods over New Delhi’s purchases of Russian crude.US President Donald Trump recently signed an executive order removing the additional tariff. The decision followed the announcement of a trade deal between the two countries, under which Washington agreed to reduce tariffs on Indian goods to 18 per cent from 50 per cent.When asked about Trump’s assertion, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal reiterated India’s long-standing position on energy security.“So far as India’s energy sourcing is concerned, the government has stated publicly on several occasions that ensuring the energy security of 1.4 billion Indians is the supreme priority of the government,” Jaiswal had said last week.“Diversifying our energy sourcing in keeping with objective market conditions and evolving international dynamics is at the core of our strategy to ensure this. All of India’s actions are taken and will be taken with this in mind,” he added.India’s continued purchase of discounted Russian crude has been a sensitive issue in its relations with the United States, with several American officials alleging that such imports help finance Moscow’s war effort in Ukraine.

You don’t have permission to access “http://www.ndtv.com/world-news/key-terms-of-historic-india-us-trade-deal-inside-trumps-zero-tariff-claim-10979361” on this server.

Reference #18.c7f5d217.1770704157.23c8acd8

https://errors.edgesuite.net/18.c7f5d217.1770704157.23c8acd8

Rupee opened weaker on Tuesday, falling 11 paise to 90.77 against the US dollar in early trade. The currency continued in red as traders opted a cautious stance after the announcement of the interim trade framework between New Delhi and Washington. At the interbank forex market, the currency at was at 90.63 levels against the greenback. As trade progressed, the unit gave up ground and slid to 90.77, reflecting an 11-paise drop compared with the previous finish.The decline comes after a volatile Monday, when rupee moved in and out of positive territory before closing almost flat, ending 1 paisa lower at 90.66.

Dealers said that pact between the two countries initially appeared supportive because it prevented any immediate disturbance, mapped out the next stage of talks and offered exporters comfort that there would be no sudden shocks. A closer reading, however, prompted participants to reassess that optimism.“The agreement places India under ongoing US oversight, particularly around energy imports from Russia — a sensitive issue that leaves room for penalties to be reimposed at any time,” CR Forex Advisors MD Amit Pabari said.Pabari indicated that near-term price action would hinge on whether key support levels remain intact. He identified the 90.00–90.20 region as an important cushion and said that if it holds, the pair could slowly move towards 91.00–91.20 over the next few sessions.He also underlined the role of the central bank. “On rupee dips, the RBI is expected to step in with dollar purchases, absorbing inflows rather than allowing sharp appreciation,” he said.Foreign portfolio flows have turned somewhat favourable, with about $2 billion entering Indian markets so far this month, lending some stability to overall sentiment.Yet reservations persist, Pabari added. “While this has helped stabilise sentiment, the market remains unconvinced about the durability of these flows. With global policy signals shifting almost daily, the currency market continues to price in caution rather than celebration,” he said.Data from the exchanges showed that foreign institutional investors were net buyers of shares worth Rs 2,254.64 crore on Monday.In the wider market, the dollar index, which tracks the greenback against six major currencies, edged down 0.02% to 97.79. Brent crude futures were also softer, slipping 0.28% to $68.85 a barrel.Indian equities, meanwhile, began the day in the green. The Sensex climbed 149 points to 84,214.75, and the Nifty rose 44.45 points to 25,911.75 in early trade.

After the massive success of ‘Dhurandhar’, it was reported that Ranveer Singh has left ‘Don 3’. Though, there has not been any official confirmation on the actor’s side regarding this. It was reported that the actor left the Farhan Akhtar directorial due to creative differences. After he left the film, Akhtar was said to be concentrating on ‘Jee Le Zara’ and now a latest report says that Akhtar’s Excel Entertainment is seeking a compensation of Rs 40 crore from Ranveer after his exit from the project. A report by Variety India claims that Excel Entertainment has already begun downsizing, letting go of several heads of departments and asking them to seek work elsewhere. This decision, the report suggests, stems from an alleged financial setback of Rs 40 crore attributed to Ranveer’s departure from the film. However, the actor has reportedly contested the claim, maintaining that he is not obligated to pay any compensation.

An unnamed source told the publication, “Ranveer claims he left the project because he wasn’t happy with the script. He kept asking for changes to be made and didn’t like what the final draft read. Excel, on the other hand, claims that they went ahead with pre-production only after Singh gave his go ahead.”The report further states that both parties held a prolonged meeting to resolve the dispute, but no conclusion was reached. It is now being reported that the Producers Guild of India (PGI) has stepped in to mediate the matter, with the aim of finding common ground and preventing further escalation.For those not in the know, in 2025, a similar issue had happened between Akshay Kumar and Paresh Rawal when the latter exited ‘Hera Pheri 3’. Akshay’s production house took legal action against Rawal and filed a suit seeking Rs 25 crore compensation. Meanwhile, Ranveer is now gearing up for the release of ‘Dhurandhar: Part 2’. The film will delve deeper into his character, Jaskrit Singh Rangi, who lives under the identity of Hamza Ali Mazari in Pakistan. The film is scheduled for a theatrical release on March 19, 2026.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has put speculation to rest by officially confirming Pakistan’s participation in all its scheduled matches at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. This includes the much-anticipated encounter against India, scheduled for February 15 in Colombo.

The announcement, released by the ICC on Monday, comes after days of uncertainty surrounding Pakistan’s involvement amid ongoing administrative discussions. With this confirmation, fans worldwide can now look forward to one of cricket’s most intense rivalries unfolding on the global stage.

ICC emphasizes unity, neutrality and commitment to the game

In its official statement, the ICC highlighted the constructive dialogue held with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), underlining the shared responsibility of all member boards to uphold the integrity of ICC events.

“The dialogue between ICC and PCB took place as part of a broader engagement recognising the need for constructive dealings and being united, committed and purposeful in serving the best interests of the game,” the statement noted. It further stressed values such as integrity, neutrality, and cooperation as essential pillars in ensuring the success of the ongoing tournament.

The ICC reaffirmed that all member nations are expected to respect their commitments under the agreed participation terms, reinforcing stability and trust in global cricket administration.

High-profile India vs Pakistan match set for February 15

The confirmation clears the path for the blockbuster India-Pakistan clash, one of the most-watched fixtures in world cricket. The match will be played in Colombo, a neutral venue, aligning with the ICC’s effort to maintain balance and fairness in hosting arrangements during the tournament.

With millions of viewers expected to tune in, the fixture is anticipated to be a major highlight of the T20 World Cup 2026, adding further momentum to the competition being co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.

Bangladesh’s absence addressed by ICC and BCB

The ICC statement also addressed the situation surrounding Bangladesh, confirming that the team’s non-participation in the T20 World Cup 2026 will not result in penalties. The clarification followed a meeting involving the ICC, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) and the PCB.

The ICC reiterated its commitment to supporting cricket’s growth in Bangladesh, describing it as one of the sport’s most vibrant markets with over 200 million passionate fans.

Also READ: Ravi Shastri’s clear-cut challenge to Babar Azam ahead of PAK vs USA clash in T20 World Cup 2026

Bangladesh to host an ICC event by 2031

In a significant development, the ICC and BCB jointly confirmed that Bangladesh will be given the opportunity to host an ICC event ahead of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2031, subject to standard hosting processes and requirements.

This assurance is seen as a confidence-building measure, reinforcing the ICC’s inclusive approach and long-term vision for global cricket development. It also provides Bangladesh with a pathway to reassert its presence on the international stage despite missing the T20 World Cup.

Also READ: T20 World Cup 2026 – Fans slam Hindi commentary for prioritizing scripted rhymes and loud catchphrases over cricket action

Top 2026 Skills for GCC Job Market: AI, Data, Cybersecurity and More

As GCC economies accelerate towards digital-first, knowledge-driven growth, the skills that employers are looking for in 2026 have shifted dramatically. From Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 projects to the UAE’s AI-led governance push, hiring priorities across the Gulf are increasingly shaped by technology adoption, sustainability goals and workforce localisation policies.

Artificial intelligence and machine learning skills

Artificial Intelligence sits at the heart of GCC transformation strategies. According to the Hays GCC Salary Guide 2026, digital and AI-driven roles are among the hardest to fill across the Middle East, with 90% of employers reporting skills shortages, particularly in advanced tech roles.Academic research supports this shift. A 2024 study published on arXiv, analysing millions of job listings, found that AI adoption increases demand not just for AI engineers but for AI-literate professionals across non-technical roles as well. The paper noted, “AI exposure is associated with higher demand for complementary skills such as analytical thinking, adaptability and collaboration.”In the GCC, AI skills are increasingly required in finance, healthcare, government services, logistics and media, not just tech firms.

Data analytics and data science

Data has become the backbone of decision-making in Gulf organisations. A landmark 2017 Strategy and PwC report on the GCC digital workforce found that while digital adoption is growing, advanced data skills remain scarce, limiting productivity gains.

What Skills Will Land You a Job in the GCC in 2026? The Future of Work Revealed

The report stated, “The shortage of advanced analytics and data science skills is one of the biggest barriers preventing GCC organisations from capturing full value from digital investments.” As governments and enterprises push for smart cities, fintech ecosystems and AI-powered public services, professionals skilled in data analysis, business intelligence and statistical modelling are becoming indispensable.

Cybersecurity skills

With rapid digitisation comes increased cyber risk. While GCC-specific academic studies are limited, global labour research consistently ranks cybersecurity among the fastest-growing skills worldwide, a trend echoed in GCC hiring data.According to hiring outlooks cited by Khaleej Times and regional recruitment firms, cybersecurity specialists remain in high demand as governments and private firms strengthen digital infrastructure

This includes roles such as:

These skills are especially relevant in banking, government, aviation and healthcare sectors across the GCC.

Cloud computing and digital infrastructure

Cloud expertise is now a foundational requirement rather than a niche skill. As per global hiring outlook reports AI, cloud and platform engineering roles dominate new job creation in global capability centres expanding operations linked to GCC markets.Cloud architects, DevOps engineers and platform specialists are especially valuable as Gulf companies migrate operations to scalable digital ecosystems.

Engineering and project management skills

Despite the digital pivot, engineering and project management remain pillars of GCC employment, driven by infrastructure, energy and urban development megaprojects. According to regional hiring analyses cited by Khaleej Times, demand continues for professionals who can manage large-scale, multi-stakeholder projects, particularly those integrating digital and sustainability elementsProject managers with technical literacy, risk management skills and cross-cultural leadership ability are especially prized.

Sustainability and green skills

Sustainability is no longer optional in the GCC. With the UAE and Saudi Arabia investing heavily in renewable energy, clean technology and climate initiatives, green skills are moving into the mainstream.

GCC’s Digital Gold Rush: Are You Skilled Enough for 2026’s Tech Takeover?

A recent 2025 workforce analysis by PeopleConnect Global highlights rising demand for professionals skilled in sustainability reporting, renewable energy systems and environmental compliance across GCC markets.Roles linked to net-zero strategies, ESG compliance and sustainable infrastructure are expected to grow steadily through 2026.

Soft skills: Leadership, communication and adaptability

Multiple studies stress that human skills grow more valuable as automation increases. The same arXiv 2024 study on AI and labour markets found that AI-exposed roles show higher demand for teamwork, communication and resilience, not less.In the GCC, where teams are highly multicultural, employers increasingly value professionals who can lead diverse teams, communicate clearly and adapt to fast-changing environments.

Lifelong learning and reskilling mindset

The 2027 Strategy& GCC digital workforce report emphasises that long-term employability depends not on one-time qualifications but on continuous upskilling. The report noted that economies that embed lifelong learning frameworks will be better positioned to meet future labour demands.This message is echoed in national workforce strategies across the Gulf.

Understanding localisation policies

Understanding Emiratisation, Saudisation and national talent development policies is increasingly important. The Hays GCC Salary Guide 2026 highlights that localisation efforts are reshaping hiring strategies, particularly in leadership and specialist roles. Professionals who align their skills with these frameworks gain a competitive edge.Research across academia, recruitment and policy consistently point to one conclusion that GCC jobs in 2026 will reward hybrid professionals or those who combine digital fluency, analytical capability, adaptability and human-centric skills. From AI literacy to sustainability expertise, the most future-proof careers will belong to individuals who learn continuously, adapt quickly and align with the region’s transformation goals.

MUMBAI: BJP corporator Ritu Tawde is all set to become Mumbai’s next mayor after being elected unopposed in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) polls. The mayoral election, scheduled for Wednesday at noon, will formally mark her taking charge as the city’s eighth woman mayor, nearly three years after the previous woman mayor held office between 2019 and 2022.Tawde’s elevation ends an uninterrupted 25-year run by the Shiv Sena in the BMC mayoral office and represents the BJP’s first mayoral win in Mumbai since Prabhakar Pai’s tenure in 1982–83. Her deputy mayor will be Sanjay Ghadi of the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, who will serve a 15-month term before rotation, while the mayoral post carries a 2.5-year term.The path to her unopposed victory was cleared after the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) decided not to field a candidate against Tawde, reportedly following a meeting at Thackeray’s residence. Former mayor and Sena (UBT) leader Kishori Pednekar said the decision was made out of respect for Marathi identity, acknowledging the arithmetic of the Mahayuti alliance in the 227-member civic body.Tawde, 53, a two-time corporator from Ghatkopar East, filed her nomination at the municipal secretary’s office in the presence of senior Mahayuti leaders, including minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha and BJP Mumbai chief Ameet Satam. Speaking to reporters, she said she would function as a “sevak” of Mumbai rather than merely as mayor, promising to prioritise citizens’ safety, development, and overall quality of life.A second-time corporator, Tawde first won in 2012, chaired the BMC’s Education Committee, and raised civic concerns ranging from infrastructure improvements to public safety. She lost the 2017 civic elections but returned to office in the latest polls, securing 19,810 votes from her Ghatkopar ward.BJP leaders emphasised the symbolic importance of Tawde’s election, highlighting the alliance’s commitment to a corruption-free administration. Satam said, “Ritu Tawde will lead the city and work to free the BMC from the clutches of corruption which the previous UBT-led administration had allowed to flourish. Our priority is to ensure Mumbai’s continued progress.” The Mahayuti had also pledged that the mayor would represent Marathi and Hindu identity, reflecting the alliance’s promise during the BMC election campaign.The BJP emerged as the single largest party in the civic polls, winning 89 seats with 11,79,273 votes, accounting for 21.58% of the total votes cast. Its alliance partner, the Shinde-led Shiv Sena, secured 29 seats with 2,73,326 votes. The UBT faction of Shiv Sena, in alliance with the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), won 65 seats, while the Indian National Congress managed 24 seats. The MNS contributed six seats to the alliance tally.The opposition NCP (SP) sharply criticised the BJP’s choice of Tawde, a former Congress leader, saying it demoralised loyal BJP corporators who had worked extensively for the party. NCP (SP) spokesperson Clyde Crasto said, “By selecting a former Congresswoman as mayor, the BJP has insulted its own loyal corporators who have given their blood, sweat and tears for the party.”On the deputy mayoral front, Sanjay Ghadi, a corporator from Ward No. 5 who defected from Sena (UBT) to the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, was nominated by the Mahayuti for the post. Party secretary Sanjay More confirmed that the tenure would be split, allowing multiple corporators to hold the deputy mayor’s post during the term.The mayoral post in Mumbai, while largely ceremonial, carries significant political and symbolic weight, particularly in a city where identity-driven politics often intersect with civic administration. The BMC itself, India’s richest municipal body, has been under a state-appointed administrator since March 2022. Its budget for 2025–26 is pegged at Rs 74,450 crore, larger than the annual budgets of several Indian states.The Urban Development Department had last month reserved the mayor’s post for a woman from the open category after a lottery draw, setting the stage for Tawde and Sion corporator Rajeshree Shirwadkar as potential candidates. However, the Mahayuti kept its nominations under wraps until the final day, ensuring a smooth, uncontested outcome. Opposition parties did not file any nominations, completing the process before the withdrawal deadline on February 11.Tawde’s victory represents not only the BJP’s return to the mayoral office after four decades but also a consolidation of the Mahayuti alliance’s dominance in Mumbai’s civic politics. Speaking to ANI, she reiterated her commitment to working as a servant of the city, saying, “I am very happy that the people of Mumbai have given a good mandate to Mahayuti. After assuming office, I will work as a sevak of Mumbai, not as its mayor.”With the unopposed elections now set, Mumbai prepares for a historic transition in the BMC leadership, signaling a new chapter in the city’s governance after nearly three decades of Shiv Sena control.

An Iranian man recorded a final video message in English urging US President Donald Trump to abandon any potential deal with Iran’s leadership before he allegedly died by suicide.The man has been identified as Pouria Hamidi from Bushehr, a port city in southern Iran, news outlet Iran International reported. Hamidi’s video, which runs for around 10 minutes, was described as an attempt to draw global attention to what he called a brutal government crackdown on protesters.“If you’re watching this, then I’m not around anymore,” Hamidi said at the start of the recording.

He claimed he was speaking out on behalf of those killed during recent unrest in Iran and alleged that the scale of violence had been largely ignored by the international community.“More than 40,000 people died, killed, massacred. More than Russia and Ukraine war and more than Israel and Palestine,” he said in the video.Hamidi directly appealed to the US administration, urging Washington to halt any negotiations with Tehran’s ruling establishment.Addressing American leaders, he warned that any diplomatic agreement would “betray all those people who died.”“Trump told us to keep protesting, and we did. We trusted him,” Hamidi said.Hamidi expressed support for exiled opposition figure Prince Reza Pahlavi and argued that Iranians were unable to confront the regime on their own.“America attacking Iran is the only hope we have right now,” he said. “We can’t fight this regime alone. Our people need foreign intervention.”The appeal comes at a time when the United States has been exploring renewed engagement with Tehran. Although Trump had earlier threatened to take action over Iran’s handling of protests, Washington has since shown little indication that human rights concerns will play a major role in any fresh talks.Iranian authorities have provided their own figures on the unrest, acknowledging that 3,117 people were killed. The government has published a list of 2,986 names, claiming most of the dead were security personnel or civilians caught in the violence.The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency says it has verified 6,964 deaths, primarily protesters, and is investigating another 11,730 suspected cases.The organisation has also documented more than 51,000 arrests in connection with the demonstrations.