Trading gold and silver futures on India’s major commodity exchanges has become more affordable after the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX) and the National Stock Exchange (NSE) removed additional margin requirements that were imposed earlier due to market volatility. This move is expected to make futures trading more accessible, especially for retail traders and smaller investors, as it reduces the amount of upfront capital required to enter these contracts. The decision reflects stabilizing

Canada has announced major changes to its Express Entry immigration system in 2026, introducing new priority categories to attract skilled professionals in key sectors such as healthcare, aviation, research, and defence. The revised immigration policy also includes highly skilled foreign military applicants, marking a significant shift in Canada’s strategy to strengthen its workforce and national security. The government stated that these changes are designed to ensure immigration remains s

Taliban’s newly introduced penal code has sparked global concern after reports revealed provisions that allow husbands to physically punish their wives and children under certain conditions. The controversial law, signed by Taliban supreme leader Hibatullah Akhundzada, has drawn sharp criticism from human rights organisations and international observers, who warn that it severely undermines women’s rights and legal protections in Afghanistan. According to reports, the penal code

Ramadan Mubarak 2026 has officially begun, bringing a period of deep spiritual reflection, fasting, prayer, and charity for Muslims across the world. Observed during the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, Ramadan is considered the holiest month in Islam. In 2026, Ramadan is expected to be observed from the evening of February 17 until March 19, depending on the sighting of the crescent moon. During this time, millions of Muslims in countries such as India, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Indonesia

Naga Chaitanya has opened up about growing up in one of Telugu cinema’s most iconic families and how he has carefully built his own identity without chasing comparisons. As he prepares for his milestone 25th film Vrushakarma, the actor reflected on his journey, his approach to selecting scripts, and the influence of his father, superstar Nagarjuna. Naga Chaitanya shared that he views his father’s legendary career not as pressure but as inspiration. He made it clear that his focu

Rana Daggubati has opened up about one of the most difficult phases of his life, revealing why he returned advances for several films after facing a serious health crisis. The actor shared his emotional journey during a recent appearance on Rhea Chakraborty’s podcast Chapter 2, where he spoke about undergoing a kidney transplant in the United States and how the experience reshaped both his career and personal identity. At the peak of his career, Rana was widely known for his comma

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

Oil prices climbed sharply on Wednesday, rising more than 4% as investors reacted to escalating tensions between the United States and Iran following the latest round of nuclear negotiations. Market sentiment shifted after U.S. Vice President JD Vance indicated that Tehran had failed to address key American demands and warned that military options remain under consideration. U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude settled up $2.86, or 4.59%, at $65.19 per barrel, while global benchmark B

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday publicly criticized British Prime Minister Keir Starmer over the United Kingdom’s handling of the strategically important island of Diego Garcia, warning that London could be making a significant strategic error. In a post on Truth Social dated February 18, Trump said he had advised Starmer that entering into a 100-year lease arrangement concerning Diego Garcia was a “big mistake.” The island, located in the Indian Ocean and part of the Chagos Arc

Denmark’s King Frederik X arrived in Nuuk on Wednesday for his second visit to Greenland within a year, a trip widely viewed as reinforcing unity between Denmark and the semi-autonomous Arctic territory at a time of renewed international attention. The visit comes amid heightened geopolitical interest in Greenland and ongoing diplomatic efforts involving the United States. The royal visit follows talks launched late last month between Greenland, Denmark and the United States aimed

A 22-year-old Sikh nurse has alleged that he was subjected to a brutal racially motivated assault at a gym in Geelong, near Melbourne, late on February 17, prompting renewed concerns about hate crimes in Australia. The victim, identified as Harmanpreet Singh, said the incident occurred while he was working out at a gym in Corio at around 11 pm, when he was confronted by a group of three men. According to Singh, the men approached him without provocation and began hurling racial slurs before

Poland has formally prohibited Chinese-made cars and other technologically advanced vehicles from entering the country’s military facilities, citing concerns over potential data security risks. The decision, announced by the Chief of the General Staff of the Polish Armed Forces, is intended to reduce the possibility of uncontrolled acquisition and use of sensitive information by modern automotive systems. According to the Polish military, the move follows a detailed risk assessmen

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

Actor Shia LaBeouf was arrested in New Orleans early Tuesday following an alleged altercation outside a Royal Street business during Mardi Gras festivities, according to local police. Authorities said the incident unfolded after the 39-year-old actor was removed from the establishment for reportedly causing a disturbance. In a statement, the New Orleans Police Department said the situation escalated shortly after LaBeouf was escorted out of the venue. Investigators reported that one

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

India is set to further restrict water flow to Pakistan ahead of the summer season with the completion of the Shahpur Kandi barrage on the Ravi River by March 31, 2026. The move comes at a time when tensions between the two neighbours remain high and follows India’s decision to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty after last year’s Pahalgam terror attack. With the new infrastructure in place, surplus water that previously flowed unused into Pakistan is now expected to be diverted for irrigatio

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has extended a warm invitation to Bangladesh’s newly sworn-in Prime Minister Tarique Rahman following the Bangladesh Nationalist Party’s (BNP) electoral victory, signaling India’s intent to deepen engagement with Dhaka’s new leadership. In a congratulatory letter sent soon after the swearing-in ceremony in Dhaka, PM Modi expressed confidence that bilateral relations would grow stronger under Rahman’s leadership and emphasized the importance of shared dev

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron elevated bilateral ties to a new level by signing more than 20 agreements across defence, artificial intelligence, trade, skilling, health and critical technologies during high-level talks in Mumbai. The agreements were announced during President Macron’s three-day visit to India from February 17 to 19, where he is also attending the AI Summit 2026 in New Delhi. Addressing a joint press conference, Prime Minister Na

At least 14 military personnel, 18 militants and three civilians, including a child, were killed in a series of coordinated attacks in Pakistan’s northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, according to military and police officials. The violence, which involved two bomb explosions and a subsequent gunfight near a security checkpoint, also left at least 12 people injured. Security officials said the deadliest incident occurred near a military check post in Bajaur district on Monday when militants rammed an explosive-laden vehicle into a wall close to the facility. The powerful blast killed 11 members of the security forces and a young girl who was nearby at the time of the explosion. Authorities described the attack as a deliberate attempt to breach the checkpoint’s defenses. In a statement issued Tuesday, the military’s media wing said troops responded swiftly after the blast. According to the statement, security personnel engaged the attackers who attempted to flee the scene. The military reported that 12 militants were killed during the follow-up operation, crediting what it called a “vigilant and resolute response” by troops on the ground. Officials maintained that the attackers’ plan to overrun the check post was successfully thwarted. In a separate operation in Shangla district, police confirmed that three security personnel and three militants were killed during what was described as a search-and-rescue mission. Authorities said the militants involved in that encounter had been linked to plots targeting Chinese nationals working in the region, highlighting ongoing concerns about the safety of foreign workers in Pakistan’s sensitive border areas. The latest violence comes amid a broader surge in militant activity across Pakistan, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and adjoining tribal regions. Security analysts note that attacks have increased since the Taliban returned to power in neighboring Afghanistan in 2021. Official data indicates that more than 2,400 people were killed in terror-related incidents during the first three quarters of 2025, reflecting a sharp rise in militant violence compared with previous years. Pakistani authorities have blamed the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) for many of the recent attacks. The group, whose fighters largely originate from Pakistan’s tribal belt near the Afghan border, has intensified operations against security forces and government targets. Officials say counterterror operations will continue as security agencies attempt to contain the growing threat. Investigations into both incidents are ongoing, and additional security measures have been reinforced across vulnerable districts in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.