Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented Budget 2026 with a strong focus on infrastructure, manufacturing, defence and technology. The government expects economic growth of around 7% while keeping the fiscal deficit at 4.3%. Big announcements include new freight corridors, support for semiconductors, AI data centres and higher defence spending. Customs duty has been removed on 17 cancer drugs, making treatment cheaper. Tax compliance will be simpler under a new Income Tax Act from April 2026. Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the budget strengthens reforms and supports long-term growth, though markets reacted negatively due to higher trading taxes.

US President Donald Trump responded after the US Justice Department released millions of pages linked to Jeffrey Epstein. Speaking to reporters, Trump said the documents “absolve me” and are “the opposite of what people were hoping.” He said others had reviewed the files and told him they clear his name. The Justice Department said some claims against Trump were “false” and “sensational.” Officials stressed that being named in the files does not prove wrongdoing. Epstein, a convicted sex offender, died by suicide in a New York jail in 2019 while awaiting trial. (PC: AP)

The International Cricket Council is yet to decide on any action after Pakistan said it will not play India at the ICC Men's T20 World Cup. Sources said the ICC has not received any official letter from the Pakistan Cricket Board. The decision was announced by the Pakistan government, not the PCB. If Pakistan do not take the field on February 15, the match will be treated as a forfeit. Pakistan would lose points and suffer a net run rate hit. The ICC may consider further sanctions only after formal communication from the PCB. (PC: AP)

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warned that a US attack would trigger a regional war. He said Iran would respond strongly if harmed. His warning came after Donald Trump said large and powerful US warships were moving towards the region. Trump did not say if the United States would strike but said talks were still possible. Iran’s army chief said forces were on high alert and “fingers are on the trigger”. Tensions rose further after deadly explosions in Iran, though officials denied foreign involvement. Fears of escalation across the Middle East continue to grow. (PC: Reuters, AP)

Tech billionaire Elon Musk said the global “balance of power is changing” after new data from the International Monetary Fund showed India ahead of the United States in driving global growth. IMF projections for 2026 place India among the top contributors to world GDP growth. India is expected to add 17 per cent, compared to 9.9 per cent from the United States. China and India together may account for over 40 per cent of global growth. The IMF also expects global inflation to ease, while trade tensions remain a risk. (PC: Reuters)

At least 12 people were killed after a Russian drone strike hit near a company shuttle bus in eastern Ukraine, officials said. Seven others were injured in the attack in the Dnipropetrovsk region. Energy firm DTEK said the bus was carrying mine workers returning after a shift and called it a targeted strike. Separate Russian attacks overnight killed three more people and injured several others. A drone strike also hit a maternity hospital in Zaporizhzhia, injuring women in labour. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said peace talks involving Russia and the US will now begin later this week. (PC: State Emergency Service of Ukraine)

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said former Prince Andrew should testify before a US congressional panel over his links to Jeffrey Epstein. His remarks came after new US Justice Department files showed Andrew stayed in contact with Epstein years after his 2008 conviction. The files include emails and images linked to Epstein’s network. Starmer said anyone with information must cooperate and share facts. Andrew, stripped of royal titles by King Charles III, has denied wrongdoing. US lawmakers renewed calls for his testimony. Epstein died by suicide in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex-trafficking charges. (PC: AP)

India U19 beat Pakistan U19 by 58 runs to enter the semi-finals of the ICC Under-19 World Cup. Defending 252, India’s spinners dominated and bowled Pakistan out for 194. Captain Ayush Mhatre led from the front, while Kanishk Chouhan impressed and won Player of the Match. Vedant Trivedi scored a steady 68 to anchor India’s innings after early wickets. Pakistan started well but lost control as the pitch slowed and spin took over. With this win, India Under-19 will face Afghanistan in the semi-final. Pakistan Under-19 bowed out of the tournament. (PC: X)

India has reduced its financial allocation to Bangladesh to Rs 60 crore in Union Budget 2026-27, down from Rs 120 crore last year. The cut comes as ties between the two neighbours remain under strain. The External Affairs Ministry recently told Parliament it is monitoring reports of attacks on minorities in Bangladesh and has raised the issue with Dhaka at political and diplomatic levels. Officials have also expressed concern over explanations given for such incidents. Bangladesh’s recent outreach to Pakistan has drawn attention in New Delhi. Meanwhile, Bhutan remains the largest recipient of Indian foreign aid with a higher allocation this year. (PC: NDTV)

Pakistan has approved its cricket team’s participation in the T20 World Cup 2026 but said it will not play the scheduled group match against India on February 15 in Colombo. The decision was announced by the Pakistan government. No specific reason was given for skipping the fixture. The move follows controversy after Bangladesh was removed from the tournament over venue concerns. The International Cricket Council said it has not received any formal communication from Pakistan so far. The BCCI also said it is awaiting official confirmation. Under ICC rules, a forfeited match can affect points and net run rate calculations. (PC: India Today)