Thailand’s Bhumjaithai Party, led by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, has taken the lead in the country’s general election, delivering a surprise boost to conservative politics and opening the door to coalition negotiations to form the next government.

According to near-final results from the Election Commission, Bhumjaithai has secured around 190–195 seats in the 500-member House of Representatives. While this makes it the single largest party, it remains short of the 251 seats required for a clear majority, making alliances with smaller parties essential.

Anutin welcomed the outcome, saying the vote reflected the public’s preference for political stability, security and continuity. He said formal coalition talks would begin once the results are officially certified, stressing the need for a strong and workable government to steer the country forward.

The election was held amid heightened nationalist sentiment, following recent border tensions with Cambodia and ongoing economic pressures. Analysts say Bhumjaithai’s message of stability and firm leadership appears to have resonated with voters, particularly outside major urban centres.

The People’s Party, which finished second, performed strongly in cities and among younger voters but has ruled out joining a Bhumjaithai-led government. Party leaders said they would sit in opposition and continue pushing for political and constitutional reforms.

The once-dominant Pheu Thai Party placed third, marking another setback for the political movement linked to former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra. While Pheu Thai has not formally committed to joining any coalition, its stance could prove crucial in determining the shape of the next government.

Smaller parties are also expected to play a key role in coalition arithmetic, and negotiations in the coming weeks are likely to be complex. Political observers say the final arrangement will determine how stable the next administration will be.

Alongside the parliamentary election, voters also backed a referendum supporting steps toward drafting a new constitution, signalling continued public interest in long-term political reform, even as conservative forces gain ground.

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The Income Tax Department has released draft rules and forms for the upcoming Income Tax Act, 2025, and has invited feedback from taxpayers, professionals and other stakeholders. The new law is scheduled to come into force from April 1, 2026, replacing the existing Income Tax Act, 1961.

According to the department, the draft rules aim to make India’s tax system simpler, clearer and easier to comply with. The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) said the exercise is part of a consultative approach so that practical concerns can be addressed before the rules are finalised.

One of the biggest changes proposed is a sharp reduction in complexity. The current framework has over 500 rules and nearly 400 forms. Under the draft rules, this has been cut down significantly to around 330 rules and fewer than 200 forms. Many outdated and repetitive provisions have been removed to make tax compliance less burdensome.

The draft also proposes clearer definitions and updated thresholds in several areas. These include rules related to perquisites, allowances, reporting requirements, and certifications by professionals such as accountants. The intention is to reduce confusion, improve consistency and lower the chances of disputes between taxpayers and the department.

To ensure wider participation, the Income Tax Department has opened an online feedback window on the income tax e-filing portal. Taxpayers and stakeholders can submit their suggestions after OTP-based verification. Feedback must clearly mention the relevant rule, sub-rule or form number. The consultation process will remain open until February 22, 2026.

Officials said the feedback received will be carefully examined and may lead to changes in the final version of the rules. The department believes that involving taxpayers at this stage will help create a more transparent and user-friendly tax system.

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Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said India’s oil import decisions are guided solely by national interest, including energy security and affordability. He did not directly refute US President Donald Trump’s claim on Russian oil, stressing India’s right to choose suppliers.

The Opposition in the Lok Sabha has formally submitted a no-confidence motion against Speaker Om Birla, accusing him of bias and unfair handling of proceedings. The notice, handed to the Lok Sabha Secretary-General, includes signatures from around 118–119 MPs from Congress, DMK, Samajwadi Party, and other parties.

Opposition leaders allege that Birla acted in a partisan manner during the President’s address debate, denying time to Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and other MPs, and suspending eight Opposition members, limiting their voice in the House.

Speaker Birla did not reject the motion. Instead, he directed the Lok Sabha Secretariat to examine it and take appropriate action as per parliamentary rules, while emphasizing the need to expedite the process. Experts say the notice must be carefully verified before it can be debated in the House.

While most Opposition parties signed the notice, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) chose to withhold its signature, citing the need for discussions with the Speaker first. This points to some differences within the Opposition bloc. Reports also indicate that Rahul Gandhi’s name does not appear on the notice, reflecting strategic decisions within Congress.

According to parliamentary rules, once the notice is verified, a minimum waiting period of 14 days is observed before the motion can be debated and voted on. Removing the Speaker requires a majority vote, making it unlikely the motion will succeed given the ruling alliance’s strength.

The move comes amid a tense budget session marked by frequent disruptions and mutual accusations between the ruling alliance and opposition over parliamentary conduct. The opposition had also sent a letter denying claims by Birla that women MPs planned to disrupt proceedings, calling the allegations “false and baseless.”

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Google has raised concerns that over a billion Android phones are now exposed to cyber risks after security support ended for older software versions. The development puts millions of users at risk of hacking, online fraud and data breaches, especially those using phones that still appear to work perfectly but no longer receive protection behind the scenes.

According to Google’s Android distribution figures, a large share of users are still on Android 12 or earlier, versions that no longer get security patches. This means any new loophole discovered by security researchers can be exploited by hackers without a fix being rolled out.

For users, the danger is largely invisible. Phones may continue to run smoothly, apps may open as usual, and performance may not drop. However, in the background, these devices become easier targets for cybercriminals looking to steal personal data, banking details, messages or even take control of the device remotely.

The issue affects both budget and premium smartphones. Many well-known models have already completed their update life cycle, leaving users unaware that their phones are technically unsafe. Experts warn that continuing to use such devices for online payments or sensitive communication carries growing risks.

Google’s Play Protect still scans apps for malware, but specialists stress that it cannot replace full system security updates. Without regular patches, even careful users can fall victim to attacks through messaging apps, malicious links or compromised websites.

The wider concern lies in Android’s update system, where manufacturers decide how long devices receive support. This often results in phones being abandoned after just a few years, despite remaining functional.

Google advises users to check their phone’s software version and upgrade where possible. If updates are no longer available, moving to a newer device with guaranteed long-term security support is considered the safest choice.

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The Northern Lights, with their shimmering greens, purples, and reds, have long mesmerized stargazers. But behind the beauty lies a complex web of electric currents, invisible to the eye and NASA is finally going to map them. In early February 2026, two sounding rockets from Alaska’s Poker Flat Research Range will fly straight through the auroras, collecting data to create a three‑dimensional “CT scan” of these cosmic light shows.

The mission, called GNEISS (Geophysical Non‑Equilibrium Ionospheric System Science), aims to uncover how charged particles from the Sun interact with Earth’s atmosphere to create the auroras’ glowing patterns. The rockets carry advanced sensors that send signals back to Earth, allowing scientists to trace the hidden electric circuits that power the Northern Lights. Understanding these currents is more than just science curiosity, it could help predict space weather events that can disrupt satellites, GPS, and communications.

Experts also say that the auroras are for sure spectacular and pretty, they’re a giant electrical system connecting Earth and space. Our rockets will help us see exactly how this system works.

Meanwhile, a separate study has explained why some auroras form striking, wave-like patterns. Researchers discovered that Alfvén waves, a type of plasma wave moving along Earth’s magnetic field, energize electrons that collide with atmospheric gases, producing the tall, structured arcs often captured in breathtaking photos. These findings show that the auroras’ mesmerizing shapes aren’t random but guided by invisible forces in space.

By combining the rocket scans with plasma studies, scientists are beginning to understand both the beauty and the science of auroras. The research promises not only to satisfy human curiosity but also to improve forecasts for solar storms that can affect Earth’s technology.

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Ahead of India’s T20 World Cup 2026 Group A match against Namibia, Indian cricket head coach Gautam Gambhir hosted a special dinner for the national squad at his residence on Sunday evening. The gathering, attended by players, support staff, and coaching members, was aimed at fostering team bonding and boosting morale ahead of a crucial fixture in the tournament.

The relaxed dinner offered a rare opportunity for the team to unwind amid the pressure of the World Cup. BCCI vice-president Rajiv Shukla also joined the gathering, highlighting the support from the board for the team’s well-being and preparation. Gambhir, who has emphasized team unity since taking over as head coach, has previously hosted similar events to help players connect off the field and strengthen camaraderie.

India began their World Cup campaign with a 29-run victory over the USA, though the team faced some early challenges in batting. Captain Suryakumar Yadav played a pivotal role, remaining unbeaten on 84 and steering India to a comfortable win. The bowling unit also impressed, keeping the opposition under control throughout the match.

The dinner at Gambhir’s residence allowed players to relax, bond with teammates, and discuss strategies in a more informal setting, reflecting the coach’s philosophy of balancing performance with team spirit. Players were seen sharing lighter moments, indicating a healthy team atmosphere ahead of the Namibia clash on February 12 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium.

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The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has stepped into a tense debate surrounding the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 by seeking compensation for Bangladesh after the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) was removed from the tournament. The situation has escalated as Pakistan has threatened to boycott its high-profile match against India on February 15 in Colombo.

On Sunday, a four-hour meeting at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium brought together ICC officials, PCB representatives, and the BCB, but ended without a clear resolution. PCB sources said any final statements would require government approval. Pakistan argued that Bangladesh’s exclusion, which came after its request to shift matches out of India was denied, was unfair and deserved financial redress.

The PCB has reportedly requested full compensation for Bangladesh, assurance of its participation fee, and future ICC hosting rights to balance the situation. But the ICC reportedly told Pakistan it could not offer additional compensation, beyond ensuring Bangladesh receives its share of ICC revenues. Officials suggested the PCB could pursue the matter through formal ICC channels like arbitration or the board.

Bangladesh had asked to move its World Cup matches out of India due to player safety concerns, but the ICC rejected this. Scotland has now replaced Bangladesh in the tournament. Pakistan’s boycott threat is closely tied to this issue, and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has publicly supported the stance, emphasizing solidarity with Bangladesh.

The looming boycott could have serious repercussions. The ICC has warned of financial and sporting consequences, including potential legal claims under its Members Participation Agreement. Cricket authorities, including Sri Lanka Cricket, have appealed to Pakistan to reconsider to protect the tournament’s integrity and commercial interests.

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Rouble Nagi. a teacher from Mumbai, received the 2026 Global Teacher Prize at Dubai’s World Government Summit. She established 800+ learning centres, using murals and creative teaching methods to educate and uplift over one million children in slums and underserved communities.

Iran has sentenced Nobel Peace laureate Narges Mohammadi to six years in prison for “collusion” and propaganda. She also faces a travel ban and internal exile. Mohammadi is known for her human rights activism and criticism of the regime.