Asian stocks traded in green on Wednesday, mirroring Wall Street’s gains and sustained enthusiasm around the artificial intelligence boom. Investors also kept close eye on US President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address, delivered during Asian trading hours. In Japan, Nikkei benchmark index touched a fresh record, leading the positive mood across the region.Nikkei jumped 1,384 points to 58,705, recording a whopping 2,42% gain. Kospi followed the rally adding 2.28% to 6,106. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng also inched higher, adding almost 200 points.Shanghai and Shenzhen also traded in green, adding over 1% each. The advances in Tokyo came even as Beijing moved a day earlier to curb exports to 40 Japanese companies and organisations that it alleges are aiding Japan’s “remilitarisation”. Within the Japanese market, stock movements were uneven. Shares of Subaru Corp and Mitsubishi Materials Corp moved higher, while Eneos Corp and Sumitomo Heavy Industries declined. Market watchers pointed to the softer yen as supportive for export-driven counters such as Honda Motor Co and Panasonic Corp. The US dollar eased slightly to 155.78 yen from 155.83 yen, after having traded near the 160 yen mark several months earlier. The euro edged up to $1.1784 from $1.1779. US markets had already set a positive tone overnight. The S&P 500 rose 0.8% on Tuesday, recouping nearly three-quarters of the previous session’s steep decline. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 370 points, or 0.8%, and the Nasdaq composite climbed 1%. Advanced Micro Devices was a standout performer, jumping 8.8% after unveiling a multiyear agreement to provide chips to Meta Platforms to support its artificial intelligence push. Under the arrangement, Meta also secured the option to purchase up to 160 million AMD shares at 1 cent each, contingent in part on the volume of chips it ultimately purchases. In commodities trading, benchmark US crude rose 45 cents to $66.08 per barrel. Brent crude, the global benchmark, added 47 cents to $71.24 per barrel.

(Image credits: X @ZvikaKlein)

NEW DELHI: PM Narendra Modi featured on the front page of Israeli newspaper The Jerusalem Post on Wednesday (local time) ahead of his visit to Israel.The newspaper’s Editor-in-Chief Zvika Klein shared the front page showing a photograph of PM Modi waving, alongside feature stories on his visit and India–Israel ties. One headline read “Welcome, Modi,” while another said “New Delhi’s burgeoning partnership with Jerusalem”.PM Modi has departed for Israel and will deliver a speech at the Knesset.The edition also carried an interview with India’s envoy to Israel, JP Singh, who highlighted the significance of PM Modi’s planned address to the Knesset. “One of the most important elements will be that he will be the first prime minister from India to address the Knesset,” Singh was quoted as saying by the Jerusalem Post.

Singh said the aim is to broaden and deepen bilateral ties beyond a limited number of sectors to a more comprehensive framework including financial cooperation, trade and cross-border payments, with potential future work on financial systems and money-transfer infrastructure.Also read | ‘Will consolidate ties’: PM Modi leaves for Israel — what’s on agendaThe visit, at the invitation of Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu, will be PM Modi’s second to Israel after his landmark 2017 trip when he became the first Indian prime minister to visit the country. Reflecting on the importance of the trip, Netanyahu called it “historic” and described PM Modi as a “dear friend”. “This morning, at the opening of our Cabinet meeting, I spoke about the historic visit of my dear friend, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to Israel this coming Wednesday,” he said.During the visit, PM Modi and Netanyahu will review progress in the India–Israel Strategic Partnership and discuss cooperation in science and technology, innovation, defence and security, agriculture, water management, trade and economy, and people-to-people exchanges. PM Modi will also call on Israeli President Isaac Herzog.

Image: X@/RepThompson, AP

As US president Donald Trump delivered his State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress on Tuesday night, one senior official remained away from the Capitol.The individual served as the designated survivor, a long-standing security measure to ensure continuity of government.California’s 4th District Congressman Mike Thompson appeared to be the designated survivor for the address, as he was not seen in the House chamber. “I’ve been selected as a designated survivor for tomorrow’s State of the Union, so I won’t be there in person, but I’ll be watching,” Collins said through a post on X.Serving as the designated survivor carries the possibility of assuming the presidency in the event of a catastrophic incident, though former participants say the experience is less dramatic than fictional portrayals.“It focuses your mind. It also enhances your prayer that it doesn’t happen to you,” said James Nicholson, who served as veterans affairs secretary under President George W Bush and was the designated survivor during the 2006 State of the Union address, as cited by AP.The US Constitution does not require a designated survivor or outline the process for selecting and isolating one. The practice is believed to have emerged during the Cold War, when US officials were concerned about the possibility of a nuclear attack by the Soviet Union.

Informal selection, constitutional eligibility required

There is no formal protocol for selecting the designated survivor, though the choice is typically made by the president and/or the president’s chief of staff, as cited by The Time. Under the Constitution, the designated survivor must be eligible to serve as president, meaning they must be a natural-born US citizen and at least 35 years old.

Origins of the practice

Beginning in April 1980, the White House Military Office directed the Federal Emergency Management Agency to plan for presidential succession, including recommending which official should be absent when top leaders gathered outside the White House.Officials continue to prepare for large-scale attacks or disasters. A military helicopter involved in a collision with a regional jet near Reagan National Airport in January 2025 was on a continuity-of-government training mission.The first publicly disclosed instance of a Cabinet member being kept away from a presidential address to Congress was Education Secretary Terrel Bell in 1981, though his role was revealed afterward. Today, televised coverage of the House chamber allows observers to quickly identify the absent Cabinet member.

NEW DELHI: Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Wednesday urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to raise the Gaza issue during his Israel visit. She called on him to speak about the plight of civilians while addressing the Knesset (Israeli Parliament).Her remarks come as PM Modi departed for a two-day State visit to Israel from February 25–26 at the invitation of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. During the trip, PM Modi is scheduled to meet Netanyahu, call on President Isaac Herzog and address the Knesset.

In a post on X, she wrote: “I hope that the Hon Prime Minister mentions the genocide of thousands of innocent men, women and children in Gaza while addressing the Knesset on his upcoming trip to Israel and demands justice for them. India has stood for what is right throughout our history as an independent nation, we must continue to show the light of truth, peace and justice to the world.”She emphasised that India has historically taken principled positions on global issues and said the country must continue to uphold truth, peace and justice on the world stage.The Congress party has also criticised the government over its position on the Gaza conflict. Party general secretary Jairam Ramesh alleged that the government has abandoned the Palestinian cause despite claiming otherwise.In a post on X, Ramesh alleged that PM Modi is displaying “moral cowardice” by embracing Netanyahu while civilians suffer in Gaza.“On May 20 1960, Jawaharlal Nehru was in Gaza and met with the Indian contingent of the UN Emergency Force there. On Nov 29 1981, India issued a commemorative postage stamp in solidarity with Palestine. On Nov 18 1988, India formally recognised the state of Palestine. That was a different era. Now the Indian Prime Minister is brazenly embracing the Prime Minister of Israel, who has reduced Gaza to rubble and dust and who is orchestrating the expansion of illegal settlements in the occupied West Bank. When the entire world is critical of his ‘dear friend’ Mr. Netanyahu, Mr. Modi will be displaying moral cowardice,” he wrote. Meanwhile, the government has described the visit as an opportunity to reaffirm the deep and long-standing India–Israel strategic partnership. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the two leaders will review progress in cooperation across defence and security, science and technology, innovation, agriculture, water management, trade, and people-to-people exchanges.An upgraded security agreement and progress on a proposed free trade agreement are expected to be key outcomes of the visit. PM Modi will also attend an innovation event and visit Yad Vashem, the World Holocaust Remembrance Center.Netanyahu has termed the visit “historic”, highlighting growing defence and economic cooperation between the two countries. The leaders are also expected to exchange views on regional and global developments, including the situation in West Asia.

After Candace Owens posted the trailer for her new investigative series on YouTube, The Bride of Charlie: An Investigative Series, she caused a new political and media firestorm. The preview, which is mostly about Erika Kirk, quickly started a lot of talk on social media and in conservative media. Supporters say the series is an attempt to find the truth, while critics say it could lead to more speculation and harassment. Within hours of the trailer coming out, people started arguing about it online instead of just being curious.

Candace Owens stirs internal rift debate after releasing Erika Kirk investigation trailer

The controversy intensified when a viral post highlighted the silence of prominent allies connected to Charlie Kirk. The post read: “Candace Owens released the trailer of her ‘exposé’ on Erika Kirk. This would be a good time for Charlie Kirk’s ‘friends’ to say something, anything about this. The only one who told Candace to leave Erika alone was @MattWalshBlog, and that was 2 months ago. Where are the rest?” The message quickly circulated, drawing attention to internal tensions and placing pressure on conservative commentators to respond. Candace Owens’s brand is based on combative commentary and investigative stories that go against what most people think. With The Bride of Charlie, she seems to be taking that formula and turning it into a series of digital reports. The trailer suggests that the show will take a close look at the personal relationships, power, and rumored behind-the-scenes dynamics of Charlie Kirk’s inner circle.People who watch the project say that it comes at a time when conservative media figures are getting more attention from both supporters and critics. Some people think the show is a form of accountability journalism within the movement itself. Some people say it could turn private lives into public spectacles for political gain.Matt Walsh’s earlier call for restraint has come back into the spotlight, especially since other well-known people haven’t said anything. That silence has become part of the story, leading to rumors about loyalty, disagreements within the company, and the risk of damaging the company’s reputation.We don’t know yet if the series will reveal true information or just stir up more controversy. One thing is for sure: the trailer has already reached one goal. It has gotten people’s attention, made them talk about it, and made sure that when the full series comes out, there will be a ready audience that is watching closely.

England fast bowler Jofra Archer has once again captured the imagination of cricket fans worldwide with his distinctive ‘C’ celebration, prominently displayed after dismissing Pakistan opener Saim Ayub during their T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 encounter at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on Tuesday.

Archer produced the signature hand signal after removing Ayub for just 7 runs off 7 deliveries in the third over of Pakistan’s innings. The left-handed opener attempted to dispatch Archer for a big hit but instead found Jacob Bethell, who took a brilliant catch to send the Pakistani batter packing.

The ‘C’ celebration – formed by curling his thumb and index finger – was captured repeatedly by broadcast cameras, sparking immediate speculation across social media platforms about its meaning.

Fans and experts quickly connected the dots to a long-standing narrative involving Australian batting maestro Steve Smith.

Meaning behind the ‘C’ celebration

The gesture’s origins trace back to the 2019 Ashes series, when Archer and Steve Smith engaged in one of Test cricket’s most memorable confrontations. During the second Test at Lord’s, a ferocious Archer bouncer struck Smith on the neck, forcing the Australian to retire hurt after collapsing to the ground.

Upon his return to the crease, Smith was observed making a ‘C’ hand signal to the dressing room – widely interpreted as indicating he was ready for a concussion test or signifying “concussion” to team medical staff.

By replicating the gesture after dismissing batters in this World Cup, Archer appears to be engaging in playful on-field banter, subtly referencing that iconic Ashes moment each time he claims a wicket. The celebration first emerged during England’s group stage match against Sri Lanka after Archer dismissed Pathum Nissanka, and has now become his signature response to success.

Here’s the video:

Strong reactions from fans after Saim Ayub departs! 😳

Jofra Archer’s constant variations proved to be too much for the Pakistani opener.

ICC Men’s #T20WorldCup | SUPER 8, #ENGvPAK ➡️ LIVE NOW 👉 https://t.co/BmGBktbFCX pic.twitter.com/ygjzWfqIDw

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) February 24, 2026

Adding to the theatre of the moment, broadcast cameras captured a die-hard Pakistan fan whose anguished reaction to Ayub’s dismissal quickly went viral. The supporter, sporting Pakistan’s flag painted on his face, was seen pulling his hair in anger and fighting back tears as his team’s hopes suffered an early setback.

The contrast between Archer’s theatrical celebration and the fan’s heartbreak perfectly encapsulated the emotional rollercoaster of tournament cricket, with social media users sharing the clip widely alongside memes and reactions.

Also READ: T20 World Cup 2026: Fans mercilessly troll Babar Azam for his flop show with the bat during PAK vs ENG Super 8 game

Match summary: England reaches the semifinals

Archer’s celebration came during a performance that helped England restrict Pakistan to 164 for 9 in their 20 overs. He finished with figures of 2 for 32, also removing tailender Shaheen Afridi, while Liam Dawson was the pick of the bowlers with 3 for 24.

England chased down the target with five balls to spare, courtesy of captain Harry Brook’s magnificent unbeaten 100 off 51 balls – his maiden T20I century. The victory secured England’s spot in the semifinals with one match remaining against New Zealand.

For Pakistan, the defeat left their semifinal hopes hanging by a thread after their opening Super 8 match against New Zealand was washed out. Despite Sahibzada Farhan’s 63 off 45 balls, the Salman Ali Agha-led side failed to post a truly competitive total on a good batting surface.

Also READ: Fans go gaga after Harry Brook’s historic ton sends England into T20 World Cup 2026 semifinal as Pakistan collapse in thriller

You don’t have permission to access “http://www.ndtv.com/world-news/pak-pm-said-35-million-would-have-died-if-it-werent-for-me-trump-on-op-sindoor-11132968” on this server.

Reference #18.adf5d217.1771993961.25ebe71d

https://errors.edgesuite.net/18.adf5d217.1771993961.25ebe71d

President Donald Trump on Tuesday claimed that most of the US’ trading partners want to continue trade arrangements negotiated under his tariffs despite the recent ruling by the Supreme Court striking down many of them.Speaking at the joint session of Congress during his 2026 State of the Union address, Trump also reiterated that tariff revenue could eventually replace income taxes. “Congressional action will not be necessary,” he said. “As time goes by, I believe the tariffs, paid for by foreign countries, will, like in the past, substantially replace the modern day system of income tax.”Slamming the ruling that struck down his sweeping tariffs, Trump said, “Just four days ago, an unfortunate ruling from the United States Supreme Court. Very unfortunate ruling but the good news is that almost all countries and corporations want to keep the deal that they already made.”“Knowing that the legal power that I, as President, have to make a new deal could be far worse for them, and therefore, they will continue to work along the same successful path that we had negotiated before the Supreme Court’s unfortunate involvement,” he added.The high court’s decision, issued last week, found that Trump had exceeded his authority in imposing sweeping tariffs on imports. Chief justice John Roberts and justices Amy Coney Barrett and Elena Kagan joined a 6–3 majority against several of the tariffs.Soon after the ruling, Trump imposed a new 10-per cent duty under a different law, with the measure taking effect Tuesday. He has pledged to raise the rate to 15 percent and said the temporary tariffs, set to last 150 days unless extended by Congress, would lead to a stronger long-term solution.“One of the primary reasons for our country’s stunning economic turnaround, the biggest in history, where the Dow Jones broke 50,000 four years ahead of schedule and the S&P hit 7,000 where it wasn’t supposed to do it for many years, were tariffs. I used these tariffs, took in hundreds of billions of dollars to make great deals for our country, both economically and on a national security basis. Everything was working well,” he said.“Countries that were ripping us off for decades are now paying us hundreds of billions of dollars… And yet these countries are now happy, and so are we. We made deals. The deals are all done, and they’re happy… There was no inflation, tremendous growth, and the big story was how Donald Trump called the economy correctly, and 22 Nobel Prize winners in economics didn’t. They got it totally wrong. They got it really wrong,” said the US President.However, a New York Federal Reserve paper released this month found that nearly 90 percent of the tariffs’ economic burden fell on US firms and consumers. In 2026, the United States marks its 250th anniversary, commemorating the signing of the United States Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. The milestone celebrates two and a half centuries since the thirteen American colonies declared independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain and launched a bold experiment in self-government.

Stock market today (AI image)

Stock market today: After a day of steep fall, Nifty50 and BSE Sensex opened in green on Wednesday on positive to mixed global cues. While Nifty50 went above 25,500, BSE Sensex was up over 400 points. At 9:17 AM, Nifty50 was trading at 25,538.70, up 114 points or 0.45%. BSE Sensex was at 82,629.13, up 403 points or 0.49%.Experts remain cautious as mixed global cues and range-bound movement in the Nifty keep investors on the sidelines. Analysts said the Nifty has been moving within a narrow band in recent sessions and may continue to do so in the near term.Dr. VK Vijayakumar, Chief Investment Strategist, Geojit Investments Limited says, “There are two significant trends in the market – one negative, other positive – which will have a bearing on how the market moves in the near-term. The negative factor is the continued weakness in IT stocks triggered by the Anthropic shock. Many leading IT names have crashed between 18 % to 26 % in the last one month alone. The positive factor is the FIIs turning buyers in February after a long time.”“The negative factor of sustained selling in IT stocks may be over and there is a possibility of some rebound in the segment. News of Anthropic’s Claude chatbot building partnership in software and services with IT firms indicates that there will be collaboration opportunities for Indian IT firms. If the weakness in IT stocks subsides and the segment recovers, the tailwind of FII buying can lift the markets. Importantly, FII buying has fundamental support from a strong economy and rising corporate earnings. Segments witnessing FII buying like financials, capital goods and pharmaceuticals are likely to remain resilient.” Wall Street ended higher on Tuesday, led by technology stocks as renewed optimism around artificial intelligence outweighed concerns about potential disruptions from the emerging technology. Asian markets also opened in positive territory after the rally in US technology stocks helped ease worries about artificial intelligence that had unsettled investors in recent weeks.In the commodities market, gold prices remained largely steady on Wednesday following a decline of more than 1 per cent in the previous session. The strength in the US dollar kept bullion prices under pressure by making dollar-denominated metals more expensive for overseas buyers.(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)