Bill Gates to Headline India AI Summit 2026

Rwanda has adjusted its 2025/26 national budget to Frw 6,952.1 billion (USD 4.79 billion), trimming Frw 80.4 billion from recurrent spending while boosting development expenditure by Frw 253.2 billion. 

The revision reflects a strategic shift toward long-term growth, with funds directed to infrastructure projects such as the New Kigali International Airport. Additionally, rescheduling of a RwandAir loan repayment reduced borrowing needs by Frw 645.4 billion, strengthening fiscal stability. 

Finance Minister Yusuf Murangwa emphasized that the changes highlight prudent financial management, prioritizing development goals over short-term costs. 

Union Budget clarifies tax changes, inflation returns to RBI target band, and India-Pakistan T20 clash confirmed for February 15. 

India is navigating a busy February with major developments across economics, governance, and sports. 

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Union Budget 2026, extending deadlines for revised tax filings and clarifying a hike in the Securities Transaction Tax to discourage speculative trading. 

Meanwhile, retail inflation eased to 2.75% in January, returning to the Reserve Bank of India’s target band for the first time since August, offering relief to policymakers. 

In Parliament, Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia revealed that authorities thwarted a potential ₹1,400 crore telecom fraud, underscoring the government’s focus on financial safeguards. 

On the sporting front, Pakistan confirmed it will face India in the T20 World Cup clash on February 15 in Colombo, setting the stage for one of cricket’s most anticipated rivalries. 

Tehran rejects missile talks, faces new U.S. sanctions, and prepares for nuclear negotiations as regional conflict fears intensify. 

Iran commemorated the anniversary of the 1979 Islamic Revolution with large state-organized rallies, but analysts note growing public discontent. 

Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei warned that any U.S. military strike could spark a wider regional conflict, underscoring heightened tensions. 

At the same time, Tehran signaled openness to “fair and just” nuclear talks, though it firmly rejected proposals to include its ballistic missile program, calling it a non-negotiable defense priority. 

Recent explosions in Bandar Abbas have added to security concerns, while Washington imposed new sanctions targeting Iran’s oil “shadow fleet” and entities accused of funding terrorism. 

Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi is preparing for negotiations in Turkey under President Masoud Pezeshkian’s directive, as both sides weigh the possibility of renewed dialogue amid escalating pressures. 

China has announced a new list of systemically important banks, reinforcing financial stability and oversight in its domestic market. 

Regulators also urged major travel platforms to improve transparency in loan disclosures, aiming to protect consumers and curb risky lending practices. 

At the same time, Chinese officials emphasized the country’s strong economic partnership with Germany, highlighting mutual benefits in trade and investment. 

Together, these moves reflect Beijing’s dual strategy of tightening internal financial controls while deepening global economic ties. 

Lawmakers approve massive funding bill to reopen government, though Homeland Security remains unfunded, raising fears of another lapse. 

Congress has ended the recent government shutdown by approving a $1.2 trillion spending package, reopening most federal agencies. 

However, funding for the Department of Homeland Security was left unresolved, raising concerns that another shutdown could occur if lawmakers fail to reach an agreement. 

Right-wing populist win signals a sharp political shift as voters embrace promises of reform.

Laura Fernández, a right-wing populist candidate, has claimed victory in Costa Rica’s presidential race, marking a significant turning point in the nation’s political trajectory. 

Her campaign, built on pledges to strengthen national security, overhaul economic policies, and challenge traditional party dominance, resonated with voters seeking change amid rising concerns over crime and economic stagnation.

The result signals a broader shift in Costa Rica’s political landscape, long known for its centrist and progressive governance. 

Analysts suggest Fernández’s win could reshape the country’s role in regional diplomacy and domestic policy, with expectations of more hardline stances on immigration and law enforcement. 

While official certification of results is pending, her declaration of victory has already sparked debate about the future direction of Costa Rican democracy.