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NASA’s SPHEREx mission observes interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS brightening in a surprising solar outburst |

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NASA’s SPHEREx mission observes interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS brightening in a surprising solar outburst |

NASA's SPHEREx mission observes interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS brightening in a surprising solar outburst

Comets usually disappear quietly after passing by the sun. Interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS did not follow the same path. Instead, it burned dramatically as it began to exit the solar system. NASA’s SPHEREx space telescope captured the burst in December 2025 and found water vapor, carbon dioxide and complex organic compounds flowing into space. For astronomers, this is not only a beautiful display, but also a rare one. A chemical snapshot of the material forming around another star. 3I/ATLAS is the third confirmed interstellar visitor ever, and it provides the clearest observations yet of alien ice outside of the solar family.

NASA’s SPHEREx observes Comet 3I/ATLAS still glowing

By December 2025, Comet 3I/ATLAS has left the inner solar system. It passed its closest approach to the sun two months ago. Typically, activity peaks around this point. The heat rises. The ice evaporates. Gas and dust leak outsideNASA’s SPHEREx (short for Spectrophotometer for Cosmic History, Era of Reionization, and Ice Explorer) observed the comet in infrared light. The comet is exploding, getting brighter and brighter. Throws out a puff of gas and dust. Study co-author Phil Korngut explained that the comet likely formed a radiation-treated shell during its long journey between stars. Beneath this shell, the original ice remains locked away.The comet is “going full blast” after a close flyby of the sun, said the study’s lead author, Carey Lees of the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory in Laurel, Maryland. Even water ice sublimates into gas in interplanetary space.

What SPHEREx actually detects

SPHEREx detected water vapor, carbon dioxide, methane, methanol and traces of cyanide from comet 3I/ATLAS. The same goes for organic molecules. The comet appears to have developed a luminous coma rich in these components. When rock fragments are ejected, a pear-shaped dust tail forms. This is only the third interstellar object to be confirmed, following 1I/’Oumuamua in 2017 and 2I/Borisov in 2019.

‘A winning dressing room is a smiling dressing room’: Gautam Gambhir reflects on cricket news ahead of India vs Namibia

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‘A winning dressing room is a smiling dressing room’: Gautam Gambhir reflects on cricket news ahead of India vs Namibia

'A winning dressing room is a smiling dressing room': Gautam Gambhir reflects before India vs Namibia
India head coach Gautam Gambhir undergoes training in New Delhi. (Press Trust photo)

New Delhi: As India prepares to face Namibia at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, the game will be deeply personal for the head coach Gautam Gambhir. Derry is not only his hometown but also a place where his legacy is commemorated and has a stand named after him.Push boundaries with our YouTube channel. Subscribe now!The former India opener welcomed the team to his home for dinner upon their arrival, stressing the importance of unity in what he described as an emotionally demanding profession. in speech BCCI In the video, Gambhir talks about the reality behind the scenes of elite sport.

Special dinner hosted by Team India at Gautam Gambhir’s home in Delhi | T20 World Cup

“You’re with your family, so for me, home has always been special… It’s also a very challenging profession at times,” Gambhir said, highlighting the loneliness and pressure that often accompanies life in international cricket. He emphasized that there are often more support staff than colleagues. “Support staff is more than just support staff; it’s actually more than just a family,” he adds, noting how shared experiences create strong bonds in a team environment.Despite the intense preparations for the game, Gambhir believes it is crucial to maintain a relaxed atmosphere and stay away from the heat of the competition. “Once the game starts, it’s always tense… but in the dressing room and during training, you try to relax; you can joke around,” he explained, adding that the captain’s leadership plays a key role in shaping the team’s mood.

polling

How important do you think family support is for professional athletes?

However, the Indian coach spoke candidly about the ruthless nature of professional sports. One of Gambill’s striking statements epitomizes his philosophy, “The only time a player or support staff can smile is when you walk into a winning locker room…A winning locker room is a smiling locker room.” For Gambhir, returning to Delhi is ultimately about balance – finding peace amid stress. “No matter how your day goes, you come home…home is love, home is where you find peace,” he concluded.

‘Sectarian agenda’: Ulama India chief criticizes govt’s mandate for Vande Mataram News India

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‘Sectarian agenda’: Ulama India chief criticizes govt’s mandate for Vande Mataram News India

'Sectarian agenda': India's Ulama Party chief criticizes government's mandate for Vande Mataram
Chairman, Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind Arshad Madani (ANI)

New Delhi: Chairman Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind Arshad Madani on Thursday strongly criticized the federal government’s decision to compose all six stanzas of the national anthem.van der matalan” is a compulsory subject in schools, universities and official offices, saying it reflects “electoral politics and sectarian agendas”.Madani said in a post onHe added that the move went against the fundamental beliefs of the monotheistic religion and “forcing” Muslims to sing the song was a clear violation of Article 25 of the Constitution.“Muslims do not prevent anyone from singing or playing ‘Vande Mataram’; however, certain verses of the song are based on the belief that portrays the motherland as a god, which contradicts the fundamental beliefs of monotheistic religions. Since Muslims worship only one Allah, forcing him to sing this song is a clear violation of Article 25 of the Constitution and several judgments of the Supreme Court. Enforcing the song and trying to impose it on citizens is not a sign of patriotism; rather, it reflects electoral politics, sectarian agendas and deliberate diversion of public attention from fundamental issues,” he added.His remarks came after the Union Home Ministry directed that whenever the national anthem is played along with the national anthem “Jana Gana Mana”, all six stanzas of the national anthem “Vande Mataram” composed by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay should be sung first.In a January 28 order, the Ministry of Home Affairs issued the first set of protocols for the singing of the national anthem, stating that all six verses of the song, which are 3 minutes and 10 seconds long, should be sung at official functions such as the arrival of the president, hoisting of the national flag and speeches by governors.The order stipulates: “When the national anthem and the national anthem are played or played, the national anthem should be played or played first.” It also stipulates that when the national anthem is played, the plenary session should stand at attention.“The audience should stand whenever the official version of the national anthem is sung or played. However, when the national anthem is played as part of a newsreel or documentary, the audience should not stand as doing so may interrupt the screening and cause confusion rather than adding to the dignity of the anthem,” it added.The directive further states that in schools, events should begin with the playing of the national anthem.The move coincides with the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram.

Here’s what it means | Tech News

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Here’s what it means | Tech News

Xiaomi is gearing up for its next flagship smartphone series, with early reports suggesting the company may change its processor strategy for the upcoming Mi 18 series. With Qualcomm planning to launch the new Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 series later this year, smartphone makers are deciding how to use the new chips in their devices. A recent report in China suggests that Xiaomi may segment its models based on chipset choice to manage costs and pricing.

Due to rising processor costs this year, Xiaomi Mi 18 may skip the Pro chip. (Millet)
Due to rising processor costs this year, Xiaomi Mi 18 may skip the Pro chip. (Millet)

Standard models may skip professional chips

According to a report shared on Weibo by Digital Chat Station, the base version of Xiaomi Mi 18 is likely to be equipped with Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 processor. It may not include the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 Pro variant that Qualcomm is also expected to launch. The higher cost of the Pro version may prevent Xiaomi from using it in the standard model, the source said.

Also read: Pixel 10a price cut by Rs 10,000 in India ahead of launch – Details “>Google Pixel 9a price cut $Pixel 10a price cut by NT$10,000 in India ahead of release – Details

There are reports that Qualcomm may price the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 Pro higher than regular Gen 6 chips. If Xiaomi installs the Pro chip in the base version of the Mi 18, it may push up the retail price of the phone. To avoid this, the company may reserve the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 Pro for the Mi 18 Pro and Mi 18 Pro Max models.

Xiaomi 18 series: release schedule

Qualcomm is expected to launch the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 series in September. Xiaomi may launch the Mi 18 series soon after the chip is released. The current Mi 17 series, including Mi 17, Mi 17 Pro, Mi 17 Pro Max, and Mi 17 Ultra, all use the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor. Qualcomm has not released a professional version of the chip.

Also read: Samsung Galaxy S26, S26+ and S26 Ultra to launch in India on February 25 – all the details

In another update, the source said that Xiaomi is testing two 200MP camera sensors for a compact 6.3-inch flagship device believed to be the Mi 18 Pro. One sensor can be used as the main camera, while the second sensor can be used as a telephoto or periscope lens. If Xiaomi goes ahead with this setup, the Mi 18 Pro may come with dual 200MP cameras. Oppo, another Chinese smartphone brand, is also expected to feature a similar dual 200MP camera system in its upcoming flagship device.

Xiaomi has not confirmed these details yet. More information will likely surface when it is officially launched later this year.

Marina del Rey fire: Two boats on fire, shocking video surfaces

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Marina del Rey fire: Two boats on fire, shocking video surfaces

Two ships caught fire at the Marina del Rey port, NBC Los Angeles reported. Firefighters responded to a boat fire in Marina del Rey late Wednesday night, February 11. Authorities said the fire spread to at least one other vessel.

Several ships caught fire in Marina del Rey port, shocking video surfaced (Pexel - Representational Image)
Several ships caught fire in Marina del Rey port, shocking video surfaced (Pexel – Representational Image)

Multiple social media posts claimed several ships were on fire at the Marina del Rey port in Los Angeles County. california. According to OC Scanner, the Los Angeles County Fire Department is at the scene of the incident. Shocking video of fire emerges on X.

Learn more | ‘Never seen anything like this’: Residents recall horrific scenes from 4-alarm New York City house fire that killed one person, injured eight; video emerges

“Several ships were burned in Marina del Rey, Los Angeles, others are still burning,” a war reporter wrote on X, sharing photos of the scene.

What we know about the incident so far

According to NBC Los Angeles , Cruise responded to the fire in the 4500 block of Via Marina, accessible via Tahiti Way, around 10:06 p.m. A 50-foot power boat that was docked between two other boats was involved in the fire, according to officials. The flames then spread to at least one neighboring vessel.

Learn more | Who is Keira Renee Corrigan? GoFundMe campaign launched for 21-year-old woman killed in Needham, Mass. fire

Authorities confirmed no one was on board at the time of the fire. The cause of the fire is unknown and is under investigation.

Marina del Rey witnessed another shocking incident in July 2025, when a yacht crashed into a wall, scaring people dining at a nearby restaurant. collapse The yacht reportedly suffered a mechanical failure, ABC 7 reported at the time.

Video from inside the El Torito restaurant shows the boat heading toward diners, who watch through the windows. However, no one was injured. Later video showed damage to the front of the yacht. The vessel was towed shortly after the accident.

Los Angeles County firefighters who responded to the incident said the luxury cruise ship crashed after experiencing mechanical failure. The captain couldn’t reach the engine fast enough to stop it, so they deliberately crashed the ship into a concrete barrier.

Indian expatriate wins $1 million Dubai Duty Free jackpot just days after his 79th birthday | World News

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Indian expatriate wins $1 million Dubai Duty Free jackpot just days after his 79th birthday | World News

Indian expatriate wins $1 million Dubai duty-free prize just days after his 79th birthday
Indian expatriate Rajan Lall wins $1 million Dubai Duty Free at the age of 79 / Picture: @DubaiDutyFree

For Emirati businessman and Bollywood producer Rajan Lall, the number 79 will always be synonymous with luck. Lal celebrated his 79th birthday on February 8, and just six days later, Lal received a life-changing phone call. He was announced as the winner of US$1 million (approximately AED 3.67 million) in the Dubai Duty Free (DDF) Millennium Millionaire draw.The draw is being held at Dubai International Airport during the celebrations of Chinese New Year (Year of the Fire Horse). Lall won the lottery number 3099 in series 535, which he bought online on January 30 when he went to Mumbai to meet an old friend. Interestingly, Lal was in Saudi Arabia when the news broke, which made the surprise even more surreal. He described the victory as “the best 79th birthday present ever” and attributed the luck to divine timing.

Who is $1 million winner Rajan Lall?

Rajan Lall is no stranger to the spotlight. Known by the industry as the “King of Indian Dubbing”, he has been a pivotal figure in Bollywood for decades. In 1971, he moved to the United Arab Emirates with only 90 dirhams in his pocket but a strong desire to rebuild his life. Over the years, he balanced a successful clothing trading business with his passion for films, producing and dubbing films that bridged the gap between South Indian cinema and Hindi audiences.His circle of friends reads like a ‘who’s who’ of Bollywood and includes legends like Anupam Kher, Shatrughan Sinhaand Shashi Ranjan. Although he has a business empire worth millions of dirhams and owns a sea-facing mansion on Palm Jumeirah, Lal remains deeply connected to his roots and the community that supported him during his early days eating Maggi noodles and hitchhiking to work.

Victory years in the making

Lal told Gulf News that the victory felt like “Sai Baba’s best 79th birthday present ever,” referring to the spiritual blessings he believes shaped his luck.Despite living in a mansion on Palm Jumeirah, the multi-millionaire joked that winning such a large prize was still a big deal and that he had yet to decide what to do with the money. He is looking forward to watching the next cricket match between India and Pakistan.What makes this win remarkable is that Lal has a long history with lottery draws: He bought a ticket every year for 25 years before finally winning the jackpot.

Beyond the jackpot

While Rajan Lall’s story stole the show, he wasn’t the only one celebrating. The draw also honored Oliver, an Austrian living in Portugal, who won his own $1 million prize in Series 534. Additionally, the Best Surprise Raffle also awarded luxury vehicles to a few lucky participants:

  • Walid El-Murr (Lebanese National) won a Mercedes Benz S500.
  • David Duppa-Miller (UK) won a BMW F 900 GS motorcycle.
  • Rasheed Pambil Abdul Kader (Indian national team) wins APRILIA SUNAO v4 championship

What does victory mean?

The Dubai Duty Free Millennium Millionaire draw is one of the most popular promotions in the UAE, regularly offering jackpots of US$1 million.Over the years, winners such as Lal and other Indian expatriates have highlighted the sweepstakes’ broad appeal among residents and visitors. Previous winners include groups who bought tickets en masse, as well as repeat participants who worked hard for years to finally win.Dubai Duty Free’s draws, held at Dubai International Airport, often coincide with major celebrations, Lal’s example being the “Year of the Fire Horse” Chinese New Year celebrations, adding to the excitement and publicity of the event.

‘Associated with anti-India forces’: BJP MPs move motion to revoke Rahul Gandhi’s parliamentary membership India News

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‘Associated with anti-India forces’: BJP MPs move motion to revoke Rahul Gandhi’s parliamentary membership India News

'Associated with anti-India forces': BJP MPs move motion to revoke Rahul Gandhi's parliamentary membership

New Delhi: BJP MP Nisikant Dubey on Thursday said he has moved a substantive motion in the Lok Sabha against the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhiaccusing him of misleading the country with the help of “anti-India forces”.Dube said he was seeking to terminate Gandhi’s parliamentary credentials and ban him from contesting elections for life.“I moved a motion in the Lok Sabha today against Rahul Gandhi alleging how he was misleading the country with the help of forces like Soros who wanted to harm the country. In the motion I moved, I demanded termination of Rahul Gandhi’s membership and life-long ban on him from contesting elections,” ANI quoted Dubey as saying. When asked about the motion against him, Rahul replied: “Did they give you some keywords?”The motion came a day after Gandhi addressed the Lok Sabha in which he accused the Center of harming the national interest.In his speech, Gandhi said the government recognized that the world was undergoing a transformation marked by the end of the era of a single superpower, the intensification of geopolitical conflicts and the weaponization of energy and finance. He claimed that the government had nonetheless allowed the United States to weaponize energy and financial systems in ways that affected India.“By your own admission, we are facing a global storm, the era of one superpower is over, geopolitical conflicts are intensifying, and energy and finance are being weaponized. Yet, despite your acknowledgment of this reality, you have allowed the United States to weaponize our energy and financial systems in ways that affect us. When the United States says we can’t buy oil from a particular country, what it actually means is that our energy security is being dictated from the outside and that energy itself is being weaponized against us. Aren’t you ashamed of this? I am saying you are damaging India’s interests,” Rahul said.

Priyanka Gandhi Attack in the center

Meanwhile, Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi slammed the BJP for moving a motion against the BJP and said “Rahul Gandhi will not be affected by all this.”“Whatever they will do – privilege notices, FIRs, cases – let them do whatever they want. Rahul Gandhi will not be affected by all this.”“Whatever they do is completely wrong. They have betrayed farmers. The trade deal they signed will cause pain to farmers. We support the union’s strike today,” she added.

Candace Owens attacks Erica Kirk again, claims Charlie Kirk ‘took off wedding ring’ the night before murder

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Candace Owens attacks Erica Kirk again, claims Charlie Kirk ‘took off wedding ring’ the night before murder

Candace Owens continues to comment Erica Kirkthis time reacting to claims that Erica may have removed her, Charlie Kirk’s Wedding photos on the bookshelf. Responding to a post on social media, Owens also claimed that Charlie took off his wedding ring the night before he was assassinated. Taylor Robinson In Utah.

Candice Owens attacks Erica Kirk again, claiming Charlie Kirk
Candice Owens attacks Erica Kirk again, claiming Charlie Kirk “took off her wedding ring” the night before murder (Reuters/Rebecca Cook, mrserikakirk/instagram)

It all started when netizens started comparing the two videos. In one of Charlie’s older videos, there’s a framed wedding photo of him and Erica on a shelf behind him. However, in a new video, Erica is seen sitting in front of the same shelf, but the photo is missing.

Responding to a social media post claiming Erica must have taken the photo off the shelf, Owens wrote, “It’s entirely possible that Charlie took it away when he took off his wedding ring the night before. When they had a priest come and pray for them and their marriage…”

Owens, who previously raised questions about Charlie and Erica’s marriage during Erica’s interview with Jesse Waters, said she wanted Charlie to take a break before the event and let him sleep in their young daughter’s room.

Owens said of Erica’s interview, “I also want you to know that when you said in the Jesse Waters interview that you wanted Charlie to have a good night’s sleep, I found it weird that he was so excited that you sent him to his daughter’s room to sleep. You know, just signing up to me was a little backwards.”

Learn more | Candace Owens’ fiery message to TPUSA and those around Charlie Kirk’s murder: ‘I want to go to war with all of you’

“If I want my husband to get a good night’s sleep because of what he has to do the next day, I might let him sleep in the room and I’ll sleep in my daughter’s room. Mark that.”

Owens also talked about the wedding ring, saying, “I also think it’s interesting that you said the next morning when he snuck in, he grabbed the wedding ring. Again, small detail, but I ask myself, why did his wedding ring fall off?”

Laura Loomer urges Erica Kirk to get restraining order against Candace Owens

As Owens continued to discuss her theories about Charlie’s death and attack Erica, Laura Loomer called on Erica to take legal action against Owens. Loomer called out Owens by name and shared a clip from Owens’ podcast in which she said Erica “should be dragged into the police station.”

Loomer called Owens’ behavior “extremely depraved.” She later tagged Erica, saying she should get a restraining order against Owens.

Learn more | ‘My favorite love story’: Charlie Kirk’s wife shares video of him telling daughter how they met | WATCH

Loomer write on X,” Candace Owens continues her suggestion that @MrsErikaKirk played a role in her husband’s assassination. Candace now says “Erika should be dragged into the police station. “

“This is so depraved. How can anyone defend it?” she added.

exist another postLoomer slammed Owens for his “crazy behavior,” adding, “@MrsErikaKirk needs to get a restraining order against Candace Owens.”

What happened in Speaker Om Birla’s room on February 4? Kiren Rijiju posts video clip|India News

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What happened in Speaker Om Birla’s room on February 4? Kiren Rijiju posts video clip|India News

What happened in Speaker Om Birla's room on February 4? Kiren Rijiju posted video clip

New Delhi: Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Kieron Rijiju A video clip was released on Thursday which he claimed was recorded by MPs in the chamber of Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla.Rigiju reiterated earlier accusations, accusing MPs of breaking into the speaker’s chamber, behaving inappropriately and using abusive language towards him.

Kiren Rijiju slams Congress, shares video of woman MP taking PM Modi’s Lok Sabha seat

“This is an illegal video shot by an MP when 20 to 25 MPs entered the speaker’s chamber, insulted him and threatened the prime minister. Our party believes in debate and discussion and never encourages physical threats by MPs,” Rijiju posted on X.Rijiju’s remarks came a day after he alleged that a group of MPs entered the Speaker’s Chamber and behaved unruly.“At least 20-25 MPs entered the Lok Sabha Speaker’s room and abused him. I was also present. The Speaker is a very weak person, otherwise strict action would have been taken. Senior Congress leaders, including Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and KC Venugopal were also present and encouraged them to fight,” Rijiju told reporters.“They went to the speaker’s chamber to insult him and say bad things. Then the speaker made a ruling but it was not followed and then Rahul Gandhi That he didn’t need anyone’s permission to speak. He will speak as he wishes, without any rules…A Member cannot speak in the House except with the permission of the Chairman. Even the Prime Minister can speak only with the permission of the Chairman. Everyone can speak only with permission,” he added.The accusations surfaced amid a deepening confrontation between the government and the parliamentary opposition. Earlier this week, the opposition parties filed a notice seeking the removal of Om Birla as Speaker of the Lok Sabha, accusing him of “blatant partisanship”. The opposition leader also claimed that Birla had made “false accusations” against the MP after referring to some “unexpected action” of the Lok Sabha and demanding the Prime Minister. Narendra Modi Not come to the House to reply to the motion of thanks for the President’s speech.The BJP has strongly opposed the opposition’s move against the Speaker, saying it is an attempt to weaken the parliamentary institution.Earlier, Rijiju claimed that tensions in the Lok Sabha could escalate further if BJP MPs confront Congress MPs on the day the Prime Minister is scheduled to respond to the debate.He also shared video footage from the February 4 meeting, which showed opposition female lawmakers walking towards the finance minister’s table amid a heated exchange. Rijiju questioned this behavior and accused the opposition of disrupting parliamentary proceedings in an unprecedented manner.The minister said the BJP and NDA MPs were “very angry” over the MP’s behavior but chose to exercise restraint.The Congress has faced several disruptions since February 2 after Congress leader Rahul Gandhi was blocked by the chairman from quoting an article based on excerpts from the “unpublished memoirs” of former Army Chief MM Naravane.The situation escalated on February 4, when the Prime Minister was unable to reply to the motion of thanks due to opposition protests. The motion was passed on February 5, but did not receive a reply from the Prime Minister as is customary. The Speaker read out the motion, which was passed by voice vote amid sustained chanting by opposition MPs.

Oman officially confirms Ramadan 2026 to start on February 19 | World News

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Oman officially confirms Ramadan 2026 to start on February 19 | World News

Oman officially confirms Ramadan 2026 will start on February 19
Oman uses scientific lunar data to set first fasting day of Ramadan for February 19, 2026/Image: AI

In a landmark announcement on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, the Sultanate of Oman became the first country to officially announce the start date of Ramadan. The Main Committee for Lunar Observation under the Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs (MERA) confirmed that Thursday, February 19, 2026 will be the first day of Ramadan 1447 in the Islamic calendar. This early announcement provides citizens and residents with clear information, allowing families to begin their mental and logistical preparations with certainty.

Ramadan 2026 dates confirmed

The Main Committee for Moon Observation in Oman has officially declared Thursday, February 19, 2026 as the first day of Ramadan 1447 in the Islamic calendar. The decision was based on astronomical calculations showing that the crescent moon (new moon) would not be visible on Tuesday, February 17, as the moon would set before sunset across the country, making visual observations impossible.Since the new moon will not be visible on February 17, the Islamic month of Shaban will end on Wednesday, February 18 for 30 days, and Ramadan will begin the next day, Thursday, February 19.This makes Oman one of the first GCC countries to officially declare the start of the holy month using scientific lunar data – a combination of tradition and astronomy.

Why February 19th?

Traditionally, the Islamic month begins with the new moon visible to the naked eye after sunset on the 29th of the last month. If the moon is not seen, the month ends at 30 days and a new month begins the next day.Take Oman as an example:

  • Astronomers calculated the moon’s position and determined that the new moon set too early and was not visible on February 17.
  • This scientifically proven impossibility means Oman can confidently designate February 19 as the first fasting day.

Elsewhere in the Gulf, including the Emirates Astronomers and Lunar Observation Center, also predict February 19 as the most likely start date, unless observations on February 17 or 18 change the decision.

Working hours reduced in Oman

To ensure communities are able to balance their professional responsibilities with worship and family time, the Department of Labor has announced significant reductions in working hours for both sectors:

  • Public Sector: The official working hours of administrative units are five consecutive hours, usually 9:00 am to 2:00 pm. However, the flexible system allows some employees to start working as early as 7:00 AM, provided the total duration remains 5 hours.
  • Private sector: For Muslim employees, working hours are reduced to a maximum of 6 hours per day and a maximum of 30 hours per week. These adjustments are designed to maintain business continuity while respecting the physical demands of fasting and the importance of evening prayers.

expect

As the countdown to February 19 begins, the mood in Oman turns to reflection and generosity. His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tariq extends his most sincere congratulations to the citizens of Oman and the wider Muslim world, wishing this month to be filled with prosperity and divine blessings.In addition to work schedules and dates, this period is characterized by an increase in charitable activities and community “Eids”. Local authorities are also preparing to increase traffic around mosques for tarawi prayers. Whether you’re looking for the best Iftar buffets in Muscat or preparing your home for the month, the ministry’s official confirmation ensures everyone can move forward together.

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