Times of India

Shadley Claude van Schalkwyk delivered a stunning performance, taking three wickets in a single over against India in the T20 World Cup 2026 opener. The South African-born all-rounder dismissed Ishan Kishan, Tilak Varma, and Shivam Dube, leaving India reeling at 45 for 4 after the powerplay.

In her Union Budget 2026 speech on February 1, FM Nirmala Sitharaman had said, “The simplified Income Tax Rules and Forms will be notified shortly, giving adequate time to taxpayers to acquaint themselves with its requirements. The forms have been redesigned such that ordinary citizens can comply without difficulty.”

Mohammed Siraj made an unexpected return to India's T20I side for their World Cup opener against the USA. Called up as standby cover, he was drafted into the playing XI after Jasprit Bumrah fell ill. This marked Siraj's first T20 international appearance in 557 days, a significant moment on the grandest stage.

Romario Shepherd claimed the inaugural hat-trick of the 2026 T20 World Cup during the West Indies' opening match against Scotland. His crucial wickets in the 17th over significantly hampered Scotland's chase of 182. The West Indies ultimately secured a 35-run victory, with Shimron Hetmyer's 64 contributing to their total.

A significant protest is under way in Rajasthan over the felling of the khejri tree. Communities are demanding stronger protection for the state tree, alleging that it is being cut to make way for solar power projects. Political leaders across parties have joined the movement, drawing attention to the tree’s cultural and ecological significance. In an arid landscape where survival is closely tied to ecology, the debate in western Rajasthan now extends beyond development to questions of history, identity and survival.

Shimron Hetmyer's explosive 64 off 36 balls powered West Indies to 182 for 5 against Scotland. Despite a shaky start and Scotland's disciplined bowling, Hetmyer's rapid counterattack, including a 81-run partnership with Rovman Powell, secured a competitive total. His fastest T20 World Cup fifty for West Indies highlighted his improved fitness and clear batting approach.

Three minor sisters in Ghaziabad died by suicide after their father confiscated their mobile phones due to their obsession with Korean culture. Investigations revealed the girls were depressed and unable to access their usual online activities. The father has three wives, who are biological sisters, and the girls' suicide note was addressed solely to him.

Shocking testimony reveals North Koreans, including students, face execution for watching South Korean shows like Squid Game and listening to K-pop. Amnesty International reports severe punishments, including death, for consuming foreign media. New laws mandate harsh penalties, with executions serving as 'ideological education' to deter citizens from foreign cultural influences.

Faheem Ashraf's explosive unbeaten 29 off 11 balls secured a dramatic three-wicket victory for Pakistan against the Netherlands in their T20 World Cup opener. Despite a mid-innings collapse, Ashraf's late heroics, including three sixes in the penultimate over, guided Pakistan to 148 with three balls to spare, rescuing them from a precarious position.

India and the US have inked a landmark trade deal, a significant stride towards India's developed nation status by 2047. Union Minister Piyush Goyal highlighted the agreement's aim to boost bilateral trade to $500 billion, securing benefits for farmers and exporters with reduced tariffs, including zero duty on key sectors like gems, diamonds, and pharmaceuticals.

Tech giants Alphabet, Microsoft, Meta, and Amazon are collectively investing nearly $700 billion in AI infrastructure for 2026, a 60% surge from the previous year. This massive spending on chips and data centers, while crucial for AI dominance, is raising concerns about near-term cash flow and profitability, leading to investor caution and stock fluctuations.

Indian homes are shifting from predictable, trend-driven design to spaces with depth and personal meaning. Homeowners are embracing warmth over coldness, character over coordination, and lived-in elegance. Trends like all-white walls, strict symmetry, and cool grays are giving way to layered colors, asymmetrical balance, and earthy tones, creating more welcoming and authentic living environments.

A 40-year-old man has been arrested by Samta Nagar Police for allegedly sexually assaulting a female dog in Kandivali East. A social worker discovered the injured animal and reported the incident. The FIR was registered under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

A 27-year-old woman in Uttar Pradesh died while filming an Instagram reel where she pretended to hang herself. Mohini lost her balance while standing on a stool, causing the noose to tighten fatally around her neck. The tragic accident was discovered by her young daughter.

India's T20 World Cup batting philosophy has shifted to aggressive acceleration, prioritising high strike-rates and minimal settling-in time. This tournament will test their new-age approach, featuring specialist T20 batters like Abhishek Sharma and Rinku Singh, aiming for decisive Powerplay wins and controlled finishes.