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‘In the arms of the gods’: How Australia can reach Super 8s at T20 World Cup despite Sri Lanka heartbreak | Cricket News

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February 17, 2026

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‘In the arms of the gods’: How Australia can reach Super 8s at T20 World Cup despite Sri Lanka heartbreak | Cricket News

'In the arms of the gods': How Australia can reach Super 8s at T20 World Cup despite Sri Lanka heartbreak

Australia’s Steve Smith shakes hands with Sri Lanka’s Pawan Ratnayake after the match. (Getty Images)

New Delhi: Fragmented Mitchell Marsh He did not hide his emotions after Australia’s eight-wicket defeat to Sri Lanka in a must-win match at the Palleke International Cricket Stadium on Monday, admitting that his team’s fortunes in the tournament were now out of their control.Push boundaries with our YouTube channel. Subscribe now!Australia scored 181 after a blistering start but were denied by Pathum NissankaHis unbeaten century secured Sri Lanka’s place in the Super Eights and left the former champions facing an early exit.“This is a group that’s been devastated. I think the way it was formed, we’re in the arms of the gods right now,” Marsh said in a brutally honest assessment. “There’s a lot of emotion in the room right now. We’re not at our best yet… We’re a disappointed bunch at the moment. “

T20 World Cup: India humiliates Pakistan again

A fiery beginning, a bitter endMidway through the game, Australia looked firmly in control. Marsh (54) and Travis Head (56) pushed their team to 110/2, setting the stage for a huge total. But what followed was a sharp collapse in momentum as Sri Lanka’s bowlers tightened the screws.“Well, I thought it was a competitive total. There’s no doubt that we probably fell a little bit behind once the game started. So that’s disappointing,” Marsh admitted. “We knew that, in the best-case scenario, we could score a high score. But we just lost our way a little bit at the back end. Couldn’t build partnerships and Sri Lanka played very well.”He added reluctantly: “After the game, we knew we had some shortcomings… There is nothing to say except that Sri Lanka were better than us tonight.”Sri Lanka made Australia pay dearly. Nissanka’s stunning 100 off just 52 balls turned the chase into a statement as Australia’s bowlers had no answers on a night when everything seemed lost.Qualification hopes hang in the balanceThe defeat marked Australia’s second consecutive defeat and leaves their Group B status in jeopardy. With just one win from three games, their Super Eight hopes now depend on other results – particularly the crucial game between Zimbabwe and Ireland.Marsh admitted the team can only wait and hope.“We watched the Zimbabwe-Ireland game and we were hoping… but, yes, we are a disappointed bunch now,” he said.

Australian captains Mitchell Marsh (right) and Nathan Ellis. (AP Photo)

T20 World Cup: How Australia can still qualify for Super 8s

The qualification equation is intense and unforgiving.Australia will be knocked out of the tournament if Zimbabwe beat Ireland on Tuesday. However, victory for Ireland will keep Australia’s hopes alive and set up a three-way battle for the remaining Super Eight spots.In this case, Zimbabwe’s final group match against Sri Lanka on February 19 will be decisive. If Zimbabwe beat their co-hosts, they will join Sri Lanka in the Super Eights, denying Australia the chance regardless of the other results.But if Zimbabwe lose to Sri Lanka – and Ireland have beaten Zimbabwe – then both Zimbabwe and Ireland will take four points, bringing the net run rate into play in deciding the group’s second qualifier.Australia will face Oman in their final match on February 20 and will enter the match with a clear net run rate equation. They need a convincing win and a favorable numerical change to stay alive and secure a dramatic late-game qualification spot.

Move HC over Assam CM’s ‘hate speech’: SC | India News

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February 17, 2026

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Move HC over Assam CM’s ‘hate speech’: SC | India News

New Delhi: Supreme Court The Communist Party of India (CPI), Communist Party of Malaya (CPM) and “prominent personalities” on Monday dissuaded Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma from registering an FIR and SIT over alleged hate speech and “target shooting” videos against Muslims, but were refused. “What stops you from seeking the same relief from the High Court (Guwahati), which has wider powers under Article 226 as compared to the powers of the SC under Article 32? We cannot dilute the HC,” the SC said.CJI Justice Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice Vipul M Pancholi said: “Hastily referring issues to the Supreme Court which the high courts can effectively deal with will not only marginalize the Constitutional Court but also hamper the functioning of the Supreme Court.”The CJI-led bench said: “Unfortunately, whenever an election comes, there is a trend of flocking to the SC, effectively making it a platform for political battles. Is it because political litigation before the SC elections gets all-India attention? Why should the SC become a playground for political litigation for propaganda purposes?”The bench disposed of the petition against CM Himanta Biswa Sarma and asked the apex committee to grant a speedy hearing if they choose to file the petition there. All political parties and their staff are called upon to respect each other and maintain restraint, decency and constitutional morality in their speeches.Senior advocate A M Singhvi, appearing for the petitioners, went to great lengths to say that this was an appropriate case to be heard by the Supreme Court as it reflected abuse of constitutional position, oath of office and hatred towards the community by the holders of constitutional posts and the Gauhati Supreme Commission may not be the right forum to seek redressal of constitutional grievances against the CM.The CJI said, “The SC has become a convenient forum as eminent advocates are in Delhi. There are eminent advocates in the HC as well. The entire effort seems aimed at bypassing the HC. Why can’t the HC adjudicate the petitions and pass appropriate orders? We cannot make the HC redundant. I will not allow this.”Singhvi said the situation would be better if the SC asked the petitioners to transfer the HC to a state outside Assam. The CJI objected to the plea and said: “This is yet another attempt to sabotage the Gauhati HC… You can seek help from Gauhati HC and if you are still unhappy with its decision, then you can approach SC.”

‘I have nothing to hide’: Trump responds to Epstein-related allegations; dig at Hillary Clinton

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February 17, 2026

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‘I have nothing to hide’: Trump responds to Epstein-related allegations; dig at Hillary Clinton

Trump and Epstein (file photo)

President of the United States Donald Trump has once again denied any ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, saying he has been “completely exonerated” and has “nothing to hide.”Trump told reporters that the investigation cleared him of wrongdoing. “I have nothing to hide. I have been exonerated. I had nothing to do with Jeffrey Epstein,” he said, adding that Democrats “hoped to find it, but it’s been the opposite.”“

Trump’s most shocking new Epstein secrets revealed; disturbing revelations about underage girls DOJ kills link

Trump also claimed Epstein was opposed to his political ambitions. “Jeffrey Epstein has been objecting to my inability to be elected with a certain writer, a rogue writer,” he claimed.During the interaction, Trump further suggested that other political figures, including former President Bill Clinton, had also come under scrutiny related to Epstein. In attacking Democrats, he added, “It’s really interesting because they’ve been roped in. Think about it. They’ve been roped in. Clinton and a lot of other Democrats have been roped in.”He also refuted Hillary Clinton’s claims that “she and her husband were involved in the Epstein affair to divert attention.” [Trump]and that his “administration has something to hide.” In response to a reporter’s question about the allegations, Trump said: “No, no.” They were pulled away and that was their problem. I have no idea. They have to see what happens. But I saw her in Munich and she had severe Trump Derangement Syndrome.“Epstein died in federal custody in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges. His ties to prominent figures in politics, business and entertainment remain the subject of public attention and ongoing scrutiny.It comes after a trove of documents released by the Justice Department cited past contacts between Donald Trump and investigators investigating Jeffrey Epstein. According to excerpts from a 2019 FBI interview, former Palm Beach Police Chief Michael Reiter claimed that Trump made calls during the investigation in the mid-2000s and expressed relief that authorities were taking action, saying people had long known about Epstein’s behavior. The document also documents Trump saying he banned Epstein from his Mar-a-Lago club and left the party after noticing teenagers were present. Trump has previously said he severed ties with Epstein more than 20 years ago.The release of the Epstein documents led investigators to review allegations and tips involving several high-profile figures including Trump, but officials said they found no credible information that would require further investigation into sexual misconduct claims against him. Records also confirm prosecutors issued subpoenas to Mar-a-Lago in 2021 cases against Epstein associates Ghislaine MaxwellHe was sentenced to 20 years in prison for sex trafficking and is currently serving his sentence.

Did the Pawtucket shooter have mental health issues? Gunman’s daughter claims her father is ‘very sick’

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February 17, 2026

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Did the Pawtucket shooter have mental health issues? Gunman’s daughter claims her father is ‘very sick’

Daughter of gunman who shot five people and killed two in a suspected ‘domestic dispute’ rhode island High School Hockey Championship said her father had various “mental health issues.” The woman, who did not give her name, told NewsCenter 5 as she left the Pawtucket Police Department, “My father was the shooter.”

Pawtucket, Rhode Island, February 16, 2026 - Police officers stand outside the cordon they set up around Dennis M. Lynch Stadium where a shooting occurred earlier today. (Photo: Joseph Prezioso/AFP) (AFP) — Pawtucket, Rhode Island, February 16, 2026 – Police officers stand outside the cordon they set up around Dennis M. Lynch Stadium where a shooting occurred earlier today. (Photo: Joseph Prezioso/AFP) (AFP)

“He shot my family and now he’s dead,” she said.

“He had mental health issues,” she further said, adding that her father was “very ill.”

Learn more | Pawtucket Lynch Arena shooting: Video captures chaos amid gunfire at boys hockey game and police response

The woman said she wasn’t sure who was dead and who was injured, but was heading to the hospital to get checked out.

What we know about the shooting

The incident occurred during a youth hockey game at Dennis M. Lynch Arena in Pawtucket, a few miles outside Providence.

Pawtucket Police Chief Tina Goncalves said at a news conference that the shooting was being investigated as a “domestic dispute.” While she did not reveal the shooter’s specific relationship to the victims, local reports said the shooter was a father who shot his wife and three children.

The gunman was found dead inside Lynch Arena with another victim. Police said another person died at the hospital and three others were in critical condition, the New York Post reported.

A little girl may have been among the dead, according to the Pawtucket mayor’s office.

Learn more | ‘Gunman in the stands’: First details emerge about Pawtucket rink shooting suspect

Shocking live broadcast footage exposed The man reportedly opened fire after moving from the back to the front of the stands. When about 11 shots were fired, players and spectators fell to the ground. Athletes on the ice rushed to the edge, seemingly trying to hide behind the guardrail, and rushed toward the locker room.

Others trapped on the benches hurried toward the exits, some of them throwing their skates into the box. From there, some students ran to a nearby Walgreens, where staff cordoned off the building and called authorities.

According to eyewitnesses, the father of one of the players Disarmed the gunman. However, he allegedly got hold of another weapon and fired again.

The arena included students from Coventry, Johnston, North Providence and North Smithfield high schools, as well as others from St. Raphael Academy and Providence Country Day School.

Rafale, AI, trade on the table: French President Emmanuel Macron to meet PM Modi in Mumbai – what’s the agenda? |India News

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February 17, 2026

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Rafale, AI, trade on the table: French President Emmanuel Macron to meet PM Modi in Mumbai – what’s the agenda? |India News

Rafale, AI, trade on the table: French President Emmanuel Macron to meet PM Modi in Mumbai – what’s the agenda?

french president Emmanuel Macron First Lady Brigitte Macron arrived in Mumbai on Tuesday on a three-day visit to India till February 19.Macron plans to meet Prime Minister Modi On Tuesday afternoon, there will be bilateral talks and participation in the Artificial Intelligence Impact Summit.Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Governor Acharya Devvrat and Deputy Ministers Eknath Shinde and Sunetra Pawar welcomed the French leader and his delegation at the airport.Fadnavis posted onBefore setting off, Macron wrote on theThis is Macron’s fourth visit to India and his first visit to Mumbai, reflecting the continued development momentum of the India-France strategic partnership.Prime Minister Modi and Macron will hold bilateral talks at Lok Bhavan on Tuesday afternoon to review cooperation in defence, space, nuclear energy, climate, education and emerging technologies under the Horizon 2047 roadmap. Nearly a dozen agreements are expected to be reached in defence, trade, skills, health and supply chains.The two leaders will jointly launch the “Indo-France Year of Innovation 2026”, an initiative announced by Macron during his earlier meetings with Prime Minister Modi, including the meeting in Paris in 2025 and his previous visit to the G20 Summit in 2023 and Republic Day celebrations in 2024. Later in the evening, they will attend the Indo-France Year of Innovation and Cultural Commemorations at the Gateway of India and interact with business leaders, start-ups, researchers and innovators from both countries.The leaders will also exchange views on regional and global issues such as the Indo-Pacific, the Russia-Ukraine war and Gaza, as well as air and maritime cooperation in line with the agreed defense industry roadmap to 2024.The visit comes as the two sides plan to deepen cooperation in artificial intelligence and emerging technologies. After the event in Mumbai, Macron will travel to New Delhi to attend the India AI Impact Summit 2026 at the Bharat Mandapam from February 16 to 20, the first global AI summit to be held in the southern hemisphere. The summit, which is centered around the three pillars of people, planet and progress, follows the AI Action Summit co-hosted by Prime Minister Modi and Macron in Paris in February 2025.India and France will also advance defense cooperation during the visit, including discussions on India’s plan to procure 114 Rafale fighter jets from France under an intergovernmental framework, as well as the sixth annual defense dialogue in Bengaluru, where the defense cooperation agreement is expected to be extended for another 10 years.The two leaders are expected to review the progress of the Indo-French Artificial Intelligence Roadmap launched during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to France.

Documents reveal Naomi Campbell’s relationship with Jeffrey Epstein

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February 17, 2026

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Documents reveal Naomi Campbell’s relationship with Jeffrey Epstein

Naomi Campbell (file photo)

Among the millions of documents released by the U.S. Department of Justice related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, one of the most recognizable names in fashion appears time and time again: Naomi Campbell. Email exchanges show Campbell, 55, asked to be flown on his private jet and said she would meet with Epstein at his New York mansion. He was invited to attend lavish events around the world on her behalf. The schemes were largely coordinated through Epstein’s longtime associate Lesley Groff. In interviews with federal investigators, the unnamed victims said Epstein introduced them to the British supermodel at social events and saw the model at his mansion. Documents show Campbell remained in Epstein’s orbit long after he was convicted of soliciting prostitution in Florida in 2008. Their interactions provide another example of how Epstein used and influenced a large and powerful social network to attract girls and young women into his life. Campbell’s relationship with Epstein has been made public through legal proceedings involving his long-term partner Ghislaine MaxwellPeople serving time in federal prison on sex trafficking charges, among others. Campbell’s attorney, Martin Singer, said in a lengthy emailed statement that his client “did not learn of Epstein’s heinous criminal behavior until after his arrest in 2019” and had no contact with him since. “If my client encountered any young woman she believed to be a victim of Epstein, she would personally take immediate action to help her.” Campbell has not been accused of any wrongdoing. FBI interviews with victims did not contain any corroborating evidence linking Campbell. When recruiting young women, Epstein appeared to flaunt his relationship with Campbell to convince them a modeling career was within their reach, according to FBI interview transcripts. In 2020, an unnamed victim who met Epstein when she was 15 said he promised to get her a job at Victoria’s Secret and told her he knew Campbell. After Epstein was released from prison in 2009 and became a registered sex offender, he maintained contact with Campbell and appeared to provide her with access to his network. In 2010, Epstein was invited to Campbell’s birthday party in Cannes, which was described in an email as a “private event.” Campbell was not on the guest list and Epstein did not attend the party, according to her attorney.

SC 9 judges revisit definition of ‘industry’ | India News

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February 17, 2026

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SC 9 judges revisit definition of ‘industry’ | India News

SC 9 judge revisits definition of 'industry'

NEW DELHI: A nine-judge bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant will hear on March 17-18 on the correctness of a broad definition of “industrial”, which was framed by a seven-judge bench nearly 50 years ago to bring universities, hospitals, government agencies and welfare organizations under the ambit of the Industrial Disputes (ID) Act that regulates relations between workers and employers.The petition has been pending since 2002 and on January 2, 2017, the seven-judge Supreme Court bench had referred the issue – whether the triple test laid down by Justice Krishna Iyer in the seven-judge bench verdict in the 1978 Bangalore Water Supply case was correct – to a nine-judge bench.A bench of CJI, Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice Vipul M Pancholi on Monday said that besides testing the correctness of the seven-judge bench’s ruling, the nine-judge bench will also consider the interpretation of “industry” in Section 2(j) of the Identity Card Act.Section 2(j) provides that “industry” means any business, trade, undertaking, manufacture or calling of the employer and includes any calling service, employment, craft or industrial occupation or side occupation of the worker.It lays down a triple test – systematic activity; organization of cooperation between employer and employee; production/distribution of goods and services to satisfy human needs – which actually includes every activity under the Identity Card Act. The court excluded sovereign functions – defence, law and order – from the ambit of “industry”.The bench asked the lawyers to strictly adhere to the hearing schedule (nine hours over two days) and said the nine-judge bench will consider which state activities do not fall within the definition of Section 2(j). It was said that Solicitor General Tushar Mehta and other law enforcement officers will get four hours of jail time, while others who opposed the Union government will also get four hours of jail time.

Why is today’s match between Zimbabwe and Ireland a do-or-die clash at the T20 World Cup? cricket news

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February 17, 2026

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Why is today’s match between Zimbabwe and Ireland a do-or-die clash at the T20 World Cup? cricket news

Why today’s match between Zimbabwe and Ireland is a do-or-die match at the T20 World Cup

Zimbabwe vs Ireland (PTI)

The upcoming T20 World Cup Group B match between Zimbabwe and Ireland is not just another league match – it could decide Australia’s fate and shape the Super 8 line-up.Sri Lanka beat Australia by eight wickets to reach the Super 8s on Monday. Pathum NissankaA stunning unbeaten 100 off 52 balls provided impetus to the chase of 182, while Sri Lanka spinners derailed Australia after an opening stand of 104 between Mitchell Marsh (54) and Travis Head (56). The result left Australia reeling.Sri Lanka won three out of three matches and secured qualification. Zimbabwe are in second place with two wins from two matches and a healthy Net Run Rate (NRR) of +1.984. Australia are currently in serious danger of being in third place with one win from three games and an NRR of +0.414. The Irish are still mathematically in fourth place with three games and one win (NRR +0.150). Oman was eliminated.This equation is both simple and dramatic.If Zimbabwe beat Ireland, they would qualify for the Super Eights, while Australia would be eliminated. However, a win for Ireland would see their place in the group stages significantly increased. Then the net run rate will come into play and Australia will need a strong win against Oman and hope the NRR turns in their favour.Zimbabwe had already shown their pedigree by beating Australia earlier in the tournament. But Ireland, fighting for its survival, will see this as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.At its core, Zimbabwe’s clash with Ireland is effectively a knockout match – not just for themselves, but for Australia as well.

Other fixtures – Tuesday 17 February

match	team	Time (standard time)	site
Game 1	new zealand vs canada	11:00 am	MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai
Game 2	Zimbabwe vs Ireland	3:00 pm	Sri Lanka Palleke International Cricket Stadium
Game 3	Scotland vs Nepal	7:00 pm	Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai

AOC mocked for being ‘unprepared’ after ‘Venezuela is below the equator’ geography gaffe on world stage

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February 17, 2026

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AOC mocked for being ‘unprepared’ after ‘Venezuela is below the equator’ geography gaffe on world stage

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-CortezOak) faced a backlash on social media after Germany criticized Donald Trump for incorrectly stating that Venezuela was “below the equator” during a foreign policy discussion.

AOC faced backlash for incorrectly stating during a discussion in Germany that Venezuela was below the equator. Alex Krause/Bloomberg (Bloomberg)

‘This is not a comment on Maduro as a leader’

AOC made the remarks while attending a Munich Security Conference panel at the Technical University of Berlin on Sunday.

She argued that while Venezuela is north of the equator, the government is not allowed to commit what it calls “acts of war” because it is south of the equator.

She said: “Let’s see what happens Venezuela For example, it did not comment on who Maduro is as a leader. He canceled the election, he is an anti-democratic leader, that does not mean we can kidnap the head of state. “

She further added, “We cannot engage in acts of war simply because the country is located below the equator.”

Ocasio-Cortez also made fun of the Secretary of State Marco Rubio During the event, he did assert that the current cowboy culture in the Americas was influenced by Spanish settlers.

In a special operation called Operation Absolute Resolve, the United States arrested Maduro on January 3 and charged him in Manhattan with conspiring to import cocaine and narco-terrorism, violating gun laws and corruption.

Conservatives criticize AOC

She canceled the rest of her planned media appearances after receiving harsh criticism from conservatives online, The Huddle’s Dan Turrentine reports. He added that with not a single political backer supporting her, she was not ready to take on the world stage.

Users of X. Marvel, wrote”, “AOC’s declaration that Venezuela is “below the equator” is as disqualifying as a serious presidential candidate as Dan Quayle’s spelling potato with an “e” or Rick Perry’s inability to name three cabinet departments.

Another user, Brady Sneath, praised Rubio’s “gravity.” wrote”, “ Someone as gravitas as Rubio is a stark contrast to someone like AOC or Newsome.

Sneath further wrote, “For some reason, Democratic elites have failed to produce serious, legitimate candidates. They can still win electoral popularity contests, but if they do, pity the country.”

NYC_Cowsheep, another user on

Campaigns across Nepal officially launch for March 5 elections

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February 17, 2026

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Campaigns across Nepal officially launch for March 5 elections

Communist Party of Nepal (UML) candidate Rameshwor Phuyal goes to the election office with supporters to register for the March 5 general election in Kathmandu, Nepal, Tuesday, January 20, 2026. (AP Photo/Niranjan Shrestha)

Political parties in Nepal officially started campaigning for the March 5 general election on Monday. Candidates began door-to-door visits, public meetings and rallies as electoral commission restrictions on campaign launches ended late Sunday. The Election Commission designated February 16 to March 2 as official campaign days, including public meetings, rallies, marches, street corner meetings and the use of loudspeakers.All types of campaigning must stop starting at midnight on March 2, 48 hours before the election. Compared with the last parliamentary election in 2022, there are 18,903,689 eligible voters, including 915,119 newly registered voters.There are 275 members in the lower house of parliament, 165 of whom are elected through the first-past-the-post system (FPTP) or direct vote, and 110 who are elected through proportional voting.