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The year 2026 opened with an unmistakable signal: politics across the world is entering a decisive phase. January alone saw three major elections across Africa, Asia and Europe, setting the tone for what is set to be one of the most electorally dense years in recent history. By the end of the year, more than 40 countries—home to nearly one-fifth of the global population—will have gone to the polls, with outcomes likely to reshape domestic politics, economic strategies and global alignments.STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS ADJanuary: Authoritarian Endurance, Democratic TestsIn Africa, Uganda’s long-serving President Yoweri Museveni extended his grip on power…

India’s Abhishek Sharma during the practice session ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Cricket Match between India and Netherland at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on February 17, 2026. | Photo Credit: Vijay Soneji India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak threw his weight behind swashbuckling opener Abhishek Sharma, who finds himself under the cosh after failing to open his account in his first two outings in the ongoing T20 World Cup.While there are claims about Abhishek’s vulnerability on the off-side, Kotak said that getting into the minutiae with the 25-year-old would be counterproductive.“We don’t overanalyse unnecessarily. Sometimes, you only…

On a nippy November evening, the large murals and sculptures on the lit-up façade of the eighth-century Kailasa temple in Ellora, the world’s largest human-made monolithic rock structure, come alive. Each mural narrates a story of the ancient Hindu, Buddhist and Jain traditions. Much as Delhi-based Scottish author-historian William Dalrymple does on the stage, set against the backdrop of these rock-cut figures.He brings to life the entire era, connecting India to Java, with a side of the Southeast Asian historical perspective. It is followed by a musical recreation of the landmark 1967 UN General Assembly concert of Pandit Ravi Shankar…

On February 7, 2026, India and the United States reached a landmark interim trade agreement framework, signalling a major de-escalation of trade tensions. This interim deal serves as a bridge towards a more comprehensive Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA), which is expected to be signed in mid-March 2026. After the interim agreement was signed, President Donald Trump issued an executive order rescinding a punitive 25 per cent duty on all imports from India over its purchases of Russian oil, the White House said.STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS ADThe key highlights of the interim agreement are significant. The US has reduced import duties…

South Africa’s player South Africa consultant Albie Morkel (left), batters David Miller (centre) and Tristan Stubbs (right) during a practice session on the eve of ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, cricket match between South Africa and United Arab Emirates, at Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi on February 17, 2026. | Photo Credit: Shiv Kumar Pushpakar Three matches. Three wins. So far, so good for South Africa.At the start of the T20 World Cup, there was consensus that Aiden Markram and Co. were in the toughest of the four groups. Placed alongside New Zealand, Afghanistan, the United Arab Emirates…

People wearing Santa Claus’s outfit take a selfie in a snow-covered valley on the eve of the Christmas festival, in Gulmarg, Baramulla district, Jammu and Kashmir, Wednesday, Dec. 24, 2025. | Photo Credit: PTI Christmas celebrations lifted the spirit of moribund tourism industry in Kashmir on Thursday (December 25, 2025). Hundreds of locals and domestic tourists flocked to Gulmarg and Pahalgam, where a terror attack earlier this year threw a spanner in the growing tourist footfall.  The centre of attraction for tourists was the Saint Mary church at Gulmarg in north Kashmir. Built in 1902, the well-lit church on a snow-laden…

The second round of talks between Russia and Ukraine took place in Abu Dhabi, alongside the participation of the US. As per reports, both sides have made some progress, but major sticking points continue. Russia wants Ukraine to hand over territory it demands, which Ukraine is unwilling to do, wanting the current frontlines as the ceasefire line. Russia also wants global recognition of the land it seeks. An added issue is security guarantees that Ukraine desires for accepting peace.STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS ADThe Russian chief negotiator is its military intelligence director, Igor Kostyukov, a career naval officer known to be…

With their backs against the wall, former champions Pakistan will rely on their fragile batting to come good after the jolt against India and seal a Super 8s spot when they face struggling Namibia, in their final league fixture, in Colombo on Wednesday (February 18, 2026).In Group A, title favourites India have already sealed their Super 8s berth after their handsome 61-run win over Pakistan the other day.The second spot is now up for grabs, with the United States having their nose ahead of Pakistan.Both teams have four points each but Pakistan are behind on Net Run Rate — Pakistan…

What is it?Travel is an amazing activity one can take up to explore beyond the horizons of their knowledge. However, there are two sides to everything, both good and…not so good. Jet lag is one of the major drawbacks when one travels past multiple time zones (five or more) by plane. It is a physiological condition that affects the human body when the circadian rhythm, or the body’s internal clock, desynchronises from the time zone it finds itself in. When this happens, one would find themselves experiencing fatigue, sleep disturbance, headaches, indigestion, etc. In simpler terms, the body is normally…

In modern history, four great empires have risen and fallen: Ottoman, Mughal, Qing China and British. A fifth stands at its apogee but also at a precipice: the United States. Can America’s fall be foretold? Crucially, why do empires rise and fall?The Ottomans were at the forefront of global science and medicine for six hundred years. Their decline was gradual. The Ottomans ruled over a vast swathe of Eurasia — from Spain and Portugal in the west and the Balkans in eastern Europe to Africa in the south and Central Asia in the east.STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS ADBy 1924, it…