Shikhar Dhawan, the former Indian cricketer, has responded strongly to false rumors circulating about his personal life following his second marriage to Sophie Shine. The controversy started after a viral social media post claimed that Dhawan had said his ex-wife, Aesha Dhawan, once told him that no one would marry him after their separation. The post suggested that Dhawan’s remarriage was his way of proving her wrong. However, Dhawan firmly denied making such statements, calling the claims

WASHINGTON — DC Water officials said recent snow and rain have not worsened contamination levels linked to the Potomac sewer line failure, even as crews confront new engineering hurdles and unresolved questions about how repair costs will be divided. The agency confirmed that Mayor Muriel Bowser previously sought full federal reimbursement for the sewer collapse under disaster aid provisions. However, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers indicated Monday that the current agreement cov

The Indian government has decided to reschedule a planned visit by its trade delegation to Washington, DC, following fresh uncertainty triggered by the US Supreme Court’s decision to strike down former president Donald Trump’s “Liberation Day” tariffs. Officials indicated that the move reflects a cautious approach as both sides assess the legal and strategic implications of the ruling on the ongoing India-US trade deal discussions. The Indian delegation, led by chief negotiator Darpa

Amazon has overtaken Walmart to become the world’s largest company by annual revenue, marking a historic shift in the long-running rivalry between the two retail giants. Walmart reported revenue of $713.2 billion for its most recent fiscal year, narrowly trailing Amazon’s $716.9 billion. The development had been anticipated for months after Amazon first exceeded Walmart in quarterly sales roughly a year ago, signaling a gradual but decisive change in the competitive landscape. W

President Donald Trump on Thursday announced that the United States will contribute $10 billion to the newly formed Board of Peace, a central element of his 20-point plan aimed at stabilising and rebuilding Gaza. Speaking at the board’s inaugural meeting in Washington, Trump told representatives from nearly 50 countries that the United States intended to play a leading financial role in the initiative, though questions remain about how the funding will be sourced amid the administration’s

Bangladesh has signaled a major shift in its cricket diplomacy, expressing its willingness to repair strained cricket relations with India following the fallout over the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. The move comes shortly after the new Bangladesh Nationalist Party government took office, with newly appointed Youth and Sports Minister Aminul Haque emphasizing the importance of restoring friendly relations through dialogue and cooperation. His remarks have raised hopes among cricket fans and

WASHINGTON — Detectives with the Metropolitan Police Department are continuing their investigation after an 18-year-old man was fatally shot Tuesday evening in the Navy Yard neighborhood of Southeast Washington, an incident that has prompted an urgent appeal for public assistance. Officers responded to reports of gunfire around 6:45 p.m. in the 900 block of 3rd Street Southeast, an area located near the Eye Street Gallery. Upon arrival, responding officers discovered a young man suffering from a gunshot wound. Authorities said the victim was unconscious and not breathing when police reached the scene. Emergency personnel pronounced him dead shortly afterward. The victim has been identified as Dontay Smith of Southeast D.C. Police have not released further details about the circumstances leading up to the fatal shooting, and investigators have yet to announce any arrests in the case. Homicide detectives were called to process the scene and begin a comprehensive investigation. Officials said detectives are actively collecting physical evidence, canvassing the neighborhood for witnesses, and reviewing any available surveillance footage that may help identify the suspect involved in the shooting. At this stage, police have provided only a limited description of the person they believe is responsible. Investigators are urging anyone who may have seen suspicious activity in the area or who may have information about the incident to come forward. Authorities emphasized that community cooperation is critical to solving the case. Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 202-727-9099 or submit anonymous tips by texting 50411. The department noted that tipsters may be eligible for a reward of up to $25,000 if their information leads to an arrest and conviction in connection with a homicide in the District. According to the police department’s latest crime data, the District has recorded seven homicides so far in 2026. Officials say that figure represents a significant decrease of approximately 71 percent compared with the same period last year. Despite the overall decline, investigators say each case remains a top priority as they work to identify suspects and bring closure to affected families and communities. The investigation into the fatal Navy Yard shooting remains active and ongoing. Police say additional details will be released as new information becomes available.

Phillipsburg officials say repair work on several large sinkholes could take days or even weeks as crews continue to assess the extent of the damage and investigate the underlying cause. Local authorities are working closely with engineers and utility providers to determine whether additional ground failures could occur in the affected area. Mayor Randy Piazza Jr. said the town is taking the situation seriously, noting that while the region sits on a substantial limestone deposit wh

A fresh political spat has erupted between Andhra Pradesh IT Minister Nara Lokesh and Sakshi, reigniting their long-standing rivalry. Over the years, Sakshi has frequently published critical reports targeting Lokesh, while he has consistently responded with sharp counterattacks. The latest controversy surrounding his private trip to Sri Lanka has once again placed both sides in the spotlight. The issue began after Lokesh traveled to Sri Lanka to watch the high-voltage India vs Pakis

Gold and silver prices saw a sharp correction on February 17, rattling investors after weeks of strong gains. Gold dropped by Rs 2,561 or 1.65% to Rs 1,52,199, while silver fell by Rs 6,241 or 2.6% to Rs 2,33,650 at the time of writing. The sudden decline comes amid reduced global trading activity and rising volatility in the bullion market. A major reason behind the decline is low participation from key global markets. Chinese markets remain closed from February 15 to February 23 f

Apple announced on Monday that it plans to introduce a new integrated video podcast experience within Apple Podcasts later this spring, marking a significant step as video consumption continues to reshape the global podcast industry. The update is designed to give listeners and viewers greater flexibility while providing creators with expanded tools to distribute and monetize their content more effectively. The company’s move comes amid strong growth in video podcast viewership. According

A proposal to create a new income tax bracket for Virginia’s highest earners is advancing through the General Assembly, with supporters arguing that the measure could generate significant new revenue for public schools, child care programs and affordable housing initiatives across the state. House Bill 188, introduced by Del. Kelly Convirs-Fowler, who represents Virginia Beach’s 96th House District, would establish a higher tax rate beginning in the 2026 tax year. Under the proposal, individuals earning more than $1 million annually would pay a 10 percent tax on income exceeding that threshold. Lawmakers backing the bill say the change would modernize Virginia’s tax structure and target additional contributions from the state’s wealthiest residents. Currently, Virginia uses a relatively flat income tax system in which all income above $17,000 is taxed at a rate of 5.75 percent. Advocates for the legislation contend that the structure places a proportionally heavier burden on middle-income families while allowing top earners to pay the same marginal rate. By creating a new bracket, they argue, the state can make its tax policy more progressive while securing funds for critical public needs. The bill specifies how revenue from the higher tax rate would be distributed. Half of the additional funds would go toward increased basic aid for public schools, a move intended to help districts address teacher shortages, classroom resources and rising operational costs. Thirty percent of the new revenue would be directed to the Child Care Subsidy Program, which assists working families with the cost of care and aims to expand access for low- and moderate-income households. The remaining 20 percent would be allocated to the Virginia Housing Trust Fund to support affordable housing development and homelessness prevention efforts. Supporters say the targeted investments could strengthen education, improve workforce participation and address housing shortages that have affected communities statewide. Critics, however, have raised concerns about potential impacts on business competitiveness and the possibility that higher-income residents could relocate, affecting overall tax collections. Those debates are expected to continue as the measure moves through committee review. In addition to the new tax bracket, HB 188 includes several technical amendments intended to align existing statutes with the proposed changes. The bill remains under consideration in committee, where lawmakers will determine whether it advances to a full vote in the House and Senate. If approved, the policy would mark one of the most significant adjustments to Virginia’s income tax system in decades and could reshape how the state funds key services tied to education, child care and housing.

A senior Iranian security official has issued a sharp warning to the United States ahead of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s visit to Washington, underscoring escalating rhetoric between Tehran and Tel Aviv as diplomatic efforts around Iran’s nuclear program continue to shape regional politics. Ali Larijani, a prominent figure in Iran’s political and security establishment, addressed the matter in a post on social media on Tuesday, urging American policymakers and citizens to exercise caution. He said the United States should “think wisely” and remain alert to what he described as the “destructive role of the Zionists,” signaling Tehran’s deep distrust of Israeli influence over Washington’s foreign policy decisions. Larijani criticized Netanyahu’s planned trip, suggesting that the Israeli leader intended to sway the United States’ stance on negotiations related to Iran’s nuclear activities. In his remarks, Larijani argued that Netanyahu might attempt to frame the direction of nuclear negotiations before arriving in the United States. He warned that such messaging could mislead American officials and complicate ongoing diplomatic efforts. The comments reflect broader concerns in Tehran that Israel seeks to derail talks that could ease tensions between Iran and the United States or lead to a new agreement governing Iran’s nuclear program. Separately, Iran’s judiciary chief, Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei, reinforced the government’s hardline posture. Speaking publicly, he said the Islamic Republic had demonstrated “compassion” since its founding but stressed that authorities would not hesitate to confront individuals or groups deemed disloyal. Ejei warned that the judiciary would take action against those acting “in tandem with Israel and other enemies of the Islamic revolution,” a statement widely interpreted as a message to domestic critics and alleged collaborators. Meanwhile, Netanyahu confirmed that discussions about Iran’s nuclear ambitions would be a central part of his agenda in Washington. Before departing for the US capital, the Israeli prime minister told reporters that he intended to present Israel’s approach and core principles regarding negotiations with Tehran. He described these principles as essential not only for Israel’s security but for any country seeking peace and stability in the Middle East. Netanyahu also emphasized the close relationship between Israel and the United States, highlighting frequent meetings with former US President Donald Trump as evidence of strong diplomatic and personal ties. According to the Israeli leader, this partnership plays a critical role in shaping policy on issues ranging from nuclear talks to the ongoing conflict in Gaza. He indicated that a range of regional security concerns would be discussed during the visit. The exchange of pointed statements from both sides illustrates the persistent tensions surrounding Iran’s nuclear program and the broader geopolitical rivalry between Iran and Israel. As Washington prepares to engage with Israeli leadership while weighing its approach to Tehran, the coming discussions are likely to influence not only bilateral US-Israel relations but also the future trajectory of diplomacy and security across the Middle East.

Big technology stocks traded unevenly on Monday as investors attempted to stabilize after a turbulent week that erased more than $1 trillion in combined market value across the sector. While several large-cap names posted gains on renewed optimism around artificial intelligence and cloud demand, others slipped as concerns lingered over rising capital expenditure and broader market volatility. Oracle led the advance, climbing about 9 percent after receiving an upgrade from D.A. David

Pakistan has signaled a possible change in its stance regarding the highly anticipated India vs Pakistan clash at the T20 World Cup 2026, but only if certain conditions are met. According to reports, the Pakistan Cricket Board has conveyed three specific demands to the International Cricket Council, stating that it would consult the Pakistani government about reversing the boycott of the February 15 fixture only if the ICC agrees to these terms. The match is scheduled to be played at a neutra

Amazon shares fell sharply on Friday, sliding more than 9% after the company outlined an aggressive capital spending plan that unsettled investors already wary about the sustainability of the artificial intelligence boom. The drop added to a broader technology selloff, as market participants questioned whether escalating investments in AI infrastructure could outpace future returns and create excess capacity across the sector. The e-commerce and cloud computing group disclosed in it

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s 175-run spectacle in the U19 World Cup final has now become one of the most remarkable performances in cricket history. On February 6, 2026, at the Harare Sports Club in Harare, the young Indian cricketer turned heads with his explosive batting against England. The left-handed batsman reached his century in just 58 balls, making him the fastest to score a ton in a U19 World Cup final. As the match progressed, Sooryavanshi continued to dominate, eventually smashing 175

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has reportedly urged the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to reconsider its decision to boycott the India-Pakistan match in the 2026 T20 World Cup. In a formal letter sent to the PCB, SLC expressed concerns over the severe financial losses that could result from the boycott. The India-Pakistan fixture is one of the most lucrative matches in world cricket, drawing massive global viewership and contributing significantly to the revenue generated during International Cricket

Ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup, India's T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav addressed concerns over Pakistan's threat to boycott their scheduled group-stage clash. Yadav firmly stated that India's preparations for the match remain unchanged, regardless of Pakistan's stance on participation. During a captain's meet ahead of the tournament, Suryakumar emphasized that India's focus remains on the game. "Our mindset is very clear. We haven’t said no to playing them; they are the ones who??

India’s national security advisor Ajit Doval conveyed a firm message to senior United States officials months before the announcement of a new trade agreement between New Delhi and Washington, underscoring that India would not yield to public pressure or coercive tactics during negotiations. According to officials familiar with the discussions, Doval made it clear during meetings in Washington that India was prepared to wait out the current US administration if necessary rather than accept terms it viewed as unfavorable. The visit took place in early September, shortly after Prime Minister Narendra Modi held talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping, signaling an active diplomatic phase for New Delhi across major global powers. During his interaction with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Doval reportedly emphasized that while India remained committed to reviving trade talks, it expected a more measured tone from Washington and less public criticism that could complicate bilateral ties. Officials said Doval sought to put recent acrimony behind the two countries and expressed interest in restarting substantive discussions on a trade deal that has been under negotiation for several years. At the same time, he warned that India would not be “bullied” by President Donald Trump or senior members of his team, stressing that any agreement must respect India’s economic interests and strategic autonomy. The remarks came months before Trump publicly announced progress on a trade deal with India following a phone call with Modi on February 2. That announcement marked a fresh attempt by both sides to rebuild momentum in economic cooperation after a period marked by tariff disputes and disagreements over market access. Diplomatic observers note that India’s approach reflects a broader foreign policy strategy that balances engagement with firmness. By signaling willingness to continue talks while resisting overt pressure, New Delhi appears intent on safeguarding domestic priorities while preserving its long-term partnership with Washington. The United States remains one of India’s largest trading partners, and both governments view closer economic integration as central to strengthening strategic ties in the Indo-Pacific. The Washington meeting is seen as part of quiet backchannel diplomacy aimed at lowering tensions and creating space for practical negotiations. With both sides now indicating readiness to resume dialogue, officials say the focus will be on rebuilding trust and advancing a mutually beneficial trade framework that supports growth and stability in the relationship.