Today, **February 12, 2026**, a massive nationwide **Bharat Bandh** is indeed underway, with an esti
Today, **February 12, 2026**, a massive nationwide **Bharat Bandh** is indeed underway, with an estimated **30 crore (300 million) workers** expected to participate. This general strike is one of the largest industrial actions in recent history, driven by a coalition of trade unions and farmer organizations protesting against current central government policies.
### Key Organizations Involved
The strike is led by a joint forum of **10 Central Trade Unions (CTUs)** and the **Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM)**, representing a broad spectrum of the Indian workforce:
* **Major Unions:** INTUC, AITUC, HMS, CITU, AIUTUC, TUCC, SEWA, AICCTU, LPF, and UTUC. * **Banking Sector:** AIBEA, AIBOA, and BEFI have joined, potentially disrupting public sector bank operations. * **Farmer Groups:** SKM and various agricultural labor unions are mobilizing across rural India.
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### Why are they striking? (Core Demands)
The protesters have identified several "anti-worker" and "anti-farmer" policies they wish to see repealed or amended:
* **Repeal of the Four Labour Codes:** Unions argue these new codes weaken job security and make "hiring and firing" too easy for employers. * **Opposition to the India-US Interim Trade Deal:** Farmers fear this deal will "finish" domestic agriculture by allowing cheap American imports to flood the market. * **Restoration of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS):** A consistent demand across government and public sector employees. * **Withdrawal of New Bills:** Specifically the **Electricity Bill 2025**, the **Seed Bill 2025**, and the **VB-G RAM G Act 2025**. * **MGNREGA:** Demands for the restoration and strengthening of the rural employment guarantee scheme.
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### Expected Impact Across the Country
| Sector | Expected Impact | | --- | --- | | **Banking** | Significant disruptions in public sector banks; digital banking and ATMs remain functional. | | **Transport** | High impact in states like **Odisha, Assam, and Kerala**. Expect "Chakka Jam" (road blockades) in many regions. | | **Education** | No nationwide closure, but schools in **Karnataka, West Bengal, and Odisha** may close due to local support. | | **Essential Services** | Hospitals, ambulances, pharmacies, and milk distribution are **exempt** and should function normally. |
The scale of this strike is notable as it surpasses the participation of the July 2025 strike, which saw roughly 25 crore workers participate.
The Impact: Odisha and Assam are reporting near-total shutdowns. Significant disruptions are also se
It’s a high-stakes day across several states today, **February 12, 2026**. The "near-total shutdowns" and widespread disruptions you’re seeing are the result of a massive **Bharat Bandh** (nationwide strike) called by over 10 central trade unions and various farmer organizations.
Here is the breakdown of why this is happening and how it is affecting the states you mentioned:
### Why is this happening?
The strike is a coordinated protest against several central government policies that unions describe as "anti-worker and anti-farmer." The primary triggers include:
* **The Four New Labour Codes:** Unions are demanding the rollback of these codes, arguing they weaken job security and collective bargaining. * **Agricultural Policies:** Protesters are opposing the **Draft Seed Bill** and the **Electricity Amendment Bill 2025**. * **Employment & Trade:** There is significant pushback against the replacement of MGNREGA with the new **VB-G RAM G Act** and concerns over a proposed **India-US trade deal** that farmers fear will hurt domestic agriculture.
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### Regional Impact Summary
The scale of the "Bandh" varies by state, largely depending on the strength of local unions and political backing:
| State | Impact Level | Key Disruptions | | --- | --- | --- | | **Odisha** | **Near-Total** | Most severe impact. Markets, public transport, and many government offices are shut. Strong support from PSU and industrial workers. | | **Assam** | **Near-Total** | Total closure reported in urban and semi-urban areas. Commercial establishments and local markets are largely closed. | | **Kerala** | **Significant** | Strong trade union culture has led to a major standstill. KSRTC buses, taxis, and many schools/colleges are closed. | | **West Bengal** | **Significant** | Expected disruptions in transport and industrial belts; historical precedent for strong participation in such strikes. | | **Karnataka** | **Moderate-High** | Significant in industrial hubs (like Peenya and Whitefield) and cities like Bengaluru and Mysuru. Banks and some schools are affected. |
### What’s Generally Open vs. Closed
* **Closed/Affected:** Public sector banks (SBI, PNB, etc.), state-run bus services, industrial manufacturing units, and many local wholesale markets. * **Open:** Hospitals, pharmacies, emergency medical services, milk and newspaper distribution, and airports (though expect traffic delays getting there).
What’s Closed: Public sector banks (SBI, Bank of Baroda, etc.) are operating at limited capacity. Ma
It looks like you’re tracking the **Bharat Bandh** happening today, February 12, 2026. You’re spot on about the disruptions, but here is a bit more detail on exactly how these sectors are being affected right now:
### **Banking Services**
While it isn't an official bank holiday declared by the RBI, several public sector banks (PSUs) are indeed struggling with operations due to the strike call by major unions like **AIBEA**, **AIBOA**, and **BEFI**.
* **SBI & Bank of Baroda:** Both have issued notices stating they’ve made "necessary arrangements," but admit that branch-level work is likely being impacted. * **What’s Affected:** You might find longer wait times for cash deposits/withdrawals, delayed cheque clearances, and closed counters at some branches. * **What’s Working:** Digital banking (UPI, Net Banking) and ATMs are expected to function normally. Private banks like HDFC, ICICI, and Axis are largely unaffected.
### **Transport & Mobility**
The "Chakka Jam" (road blockade) is making travel tricky in several states.
* **State-run Buses:** Services are heavily hit in states like **Punjab, Odisha, and Kerala**. In Punjab, the PRTC and Punbus workers have initiated a total shutdown to protest privatization and the arrest of union members. * **Taxis & Autos:** While app-based services (Ola/Uber) had a separate strike on February 7, many drivers today are staying off the roads in solidarity or to avoid potential road blockades. * **Railways & Flights:** These are mostly running on schedule, though getting to the airport or station might take longer than usual due to traffic diversions.
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### **Quick Summary of Today's Impact**
| Sector | Status | Note | | --- | --- | --- | | **PSU Banks** | **Partially Disrupted** | Use digital channels for urgent transfers. | | **Public Transport** | **Severely Hit** | Impact is strongest in Punjab, Odisha, and Kerala. | | **Emergency Services** | **Open** | Hospitals, pharmacies, and milk supply are exempt. | | **Markets** | **Variable** | Local shops in protest hubs may remain shut. |
> **Pro Tip:** If you're planning to head out, it's best to check a local traffic app or news feed, as the intensity of the strike is varying significantly from city to city.
What’s Closed: Public sector banks (SBI, Bank of Baroda, etc.) are operating at limited capacity. Ma
It looks like you’re tracking the **Bharat Bandh** happening today, February 12, 2026. You’re spot on about the disruptions, but here is a bit more detail on exactly how these sectors are being affected right now:
### **Banking Services**
While it isn't an official bank holiday declared by the RBI, several public sector banks (PSUs) are indeed struggling with operations due to the strike call by major unions like **AIBEA**, **AIBOA**, and **BEFI**.
* **SBI & Bank of Baroda:** Both have issued notices stating they’ve made "necessary arrangements," but admit that branch-level work is likely being impacted. * **What’s Affected:** You might find longer wait times for cash deposits/withdrawals, delayed cheque clearances, and closed counters at some branches. * **What’s Working:** Digital banking (UPI, Net Banking) and ATMs are expected to function normally. Private banks like HDFC, ICICI, and Axis are largely unaffected.
### **Transport & Mobility**
The "Chakka Jam" (road blockade) is making travel tricky in several states.
* **State-run Buses:** Services are heavily hit in states like **Punjab, Odisha, and Kerala**. In Punjab, the PRTC and Punbus workers have initiated a total shutdown to protest privatization and the arrest of union members. * **Taxis & Autos:** While app-based services (Ola/Uber) had a separate strike on February 7, many drivers today are staying off the roads in solidarity or to avoid potential road blockades. * **Railways & Flights:** These are mostly running on schedule, though getting to the airport or station might take longer than usual due to traffic diversions.
---
### **Quick Summary of Today's Impact**
| Sector | Status | Note | | --- | --- | --- | | **PSU Banks** | **Partially Disrupted** | Use digital channels for urgent transfers. | | **Public Transport** | **Severely Hit** | Impact is strongest in Punjab, Odisha, and Kerala. | | **Emergency Services** | **Open** | Hospitals, pharmacies, and milk supply are exempt. | | **Markets** | **Variable** | Local shops in protest hubs may remain shut. |
> **Pro Tip:** If you're planning to head out, it's best to check a local traffic app or news feed, as the intensity of the strike is varying significantly from city to city.
Demands: Protesters are opposing new labor codes, demanding the restoration of the Old Pension Schem
Today, **February 12, 2026**, marks a significant day of national unrest in India. A massive **Bharat Bandh** (nationwide strike) is underway, led by a coalition of over 10 central trade unions and the **Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM)**. Estimates suggest that up to **30 crore (300 million) workers** across various sectors—including banking, transport, and agriculture—are participating.
Here is a breakdown of the core demands driving these protests:
### 1. Opposition to New Labor Codes
Protesters are demanding the immediate repeal of the **four new labor codes** that consolidated 29 existing laws.
* **The Fear:** Unions argue these codes make it easier for companies to fire workers (contractualization) and weaken collective bargaining rights. * **The Demand:** A return to more protective labor frameworks and the implementation of a national minimum wage of **₹21,000 per month**.
### 2. Restoration of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS)
Government employees and public sector workers are pushing to scrap the National Pension System (NPS) in favor of the **Old Pension Scheme**.
* **The Issue:** The NPS is market-linked, meaning returns are not guaranteed. Under the OPS, retirees received 50% of their last-drawn salary as a fixed pension. * **Context:** While the government recently introduced a **Unified Pension Scheme (UPS)** as a middle ground, protesters argue it doesn’t go far enough to ensure long-term social security.
### 3. The India–US Interim Trade Deal
Farmers are specifically targeting the recently announced trade framework with the United States, fearing it will lead to "economic colonization."
* **Market Flooding:** Farmers fear that cutting import duties on US agricultural products—such as **soybean oil, apples, and Dried Distillers Grains (DDGs)**—will crash domestic prices. * **Subsidies Gap:** There is significant concern that Indian smallholders cannot compete with heavily subsidized US agribusinesses. * **GM Concerns:** Protesters are also sounding the alarm over the potential entry of **Genetically Modified (GM)** seeds and food through this deal.
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### Other Key Demands
* **Repeal of New Bills:** Opposition to the **Electricity Bill 2025** (fear of rising tariffs), the **Seed Bill 2025** (corporate control over seeds), and the **VB-G RAM G Act** (which critics say weakens MGNREGA). * **Legal MSP:** Reiteration of the long-standing demand for a legal guarantee of **Minimum Support Price (MSP)** at (comprehensive cost plus 50% profit).
Key Events Today: Major medal opportunities are on the line in Women's Super-G (Alpine Skiing), Wome
It’s a massive day at the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Games! With the sun up over the Italian Alps, we’re looking at a high-stakes Thursday as several icons of winter sports take center stage.
Here is the breakdown of the major medal events you mentioned for today, **February 12, 2026**:
### **1. Women’s Snowboard Halfpipe (Final)**
* **The Story:** All eyes are on **Chloe Kim (USA)**. After topping yesterday’s qualifiers with a dominant score of 90.25, she is officially on the verge of history. If she wins today, she will become the first person ever to win three consecutive Olympic gold medals in the snowboard halfpipe, matching the total gold count of the legendary Shaun White. * **The Challengers:** Japan’s **Shimizu Sara** and Kim’s teammate **Maddie Mastro** are the primary threats to the "Queen of the Pipe" after strong qualifying runs. * **Time:** The final runs begin at **19:30 CET**.
### **2. Women’s Super-G (Alpine Skiing)**
* **The Story:** This is one of the most unpredictable and exciting events in Alpine skiing. The focus is on the return of legend **Lindsey Vonn (USA)**, who has been in incredible form leading up to the Games, and the versatile **Emma Aicher (GER)**. * **The Course:** The race is held at the iconic **Cortina d'Ampezzo**, a course known for its technical speed turns. * **Time:** Scheduled to start at **10:30 CET**.
### **3. Women’s 5000m (Speed Skating)**
* **The Story:** A test of pure endurance at the Milano Speed Skating Stadium. With the retirement of Dutch legend Irene Schouten, the field is wide open. Italy’s own **Francesca Lollobrigida** is a heavy favorite, riding the momentum of her earlier 3000m success. * **Key Names:** Watch for **Ragne Wiklund (NOR)** and **Isabelle Weidemann (CAN)** to push the pace in the later pairings. * **Time:** The action kicks off at **15:30 CET**.
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### **Other Notable Events Today**
* **Men’s Snowboard Cross:** High-contact racing at its finest, with the big final taking place late in the day. * **Men’s Moguls (Freestyle Skiing):** The final round for the bumps-and-jumps specialists. * **Ice Hockey:** A major preliminary clash as the **USA Men’s team** faces **Latvia**.
Ice Hockey: Today marks a big start for Men’s Hockey, with Canada facing off against Czechia
It is a massive day for hockey fans! Today, February 12, 2026, marks the long-awaited return of **NHL players to the Olympic stage** at the Milano Cortina Winter Games.
The matchup between **Canada** and **Czechia** is arguably the highlight of the Group A openers, especially with the legendary **Sidney Crosby** returning as captain and **Connor McDavid** finally making his Olympic debut.
### Game Details: Canada vs. Czechia
* **Time:** 10:40 AM ET / 7:40 AM PT * **Venue:** Santagiulia Arena, Milan * **Stakes:** This is the first "best-on-best" tournament since 2014. Canada is looking to reclaim gold, while Czechia enters with momentum as the 2024 World Champions.
### The Rosters at a Glance
| Team | Key Players | | --- | --- | | **Canada** | Sidney Crosby (C), Connor McDavid (A), Nathan MacKinnon, Cale Makar | | **Czechia** | Roman Cervenka (C), David Pastrnak (A), Martin Necas, Tomas Hertl |
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### Other Men's Action Today
The preliminary round is in full swing with several other key matchups:
* **Switzerland vs. France:** (Early Morning) * **USA vs. Latvia:** 3:10 PM ET * **Denmark vs. Germany:** 3:10 PM ET
It’s definitely going to be a fast-paced tournament, as the preliminary round is short and every win is crucial for seeding in the knockout stages.
Would you like me to look up the live score for the Canada game or provide the full schedule for the rest of the week?
Sovereign AI in Japan: Fujitsu has officially announced the start of production for its "Made in Japan" sovereign AI servers. This move is aimed at enhancing digital sovereignty and securing critical infrastructure against rising global cyber threats.
Sovereign AI in Japan: Fujitsu has officially announced the start of production for its "Made in Jap
On February 12, 2026, Fujitsu officially launched its **"Made in Japan" sovereign AI servers**, marking a major milestone in Japan's push for digital autonomy. This initiative is a direct response to the **Economic Security Promotion Act**, which designates essential infrastructure providers who must now prioritize domestic risk management and data sovereignty.
Here is a breakdown of what this means for the tech landscape and critical infrastructure:
### Core Objectives of the Sovereign Initiative
Fujitsu’s move is designed to solve the "black box" problem of foreign-dependent AI by focusing on four pillars:
* **Data Sovereignty:** Minimizing data leakage by ensuring information never leaves Japanese borders or jurisdiction. * **Autonomous Operation:** Providing systems that can function independently of foreign cloud service outages or policy changes. * **Traceability:** A fully integrated domestic production system—from printed circuit boards to final assembly—ensuring every component's origin is documented. * **Security Transparency:** Compliance with local Japanese laws and "white-box" security that allows for deep auditing.
### Technical Specifications & Roadmap
Production is slated to begin in **March 2026** at the **Fujitsu Kasashima Plant** (the same facility that birthed the world-renowned *Fugaku* supercomputer).
| Feature | Details | | --- | --- | | **GPU Accelerators** | Equipped with **NVIDIA HGX B300** and **RTX PRO 6000** (Blackwell edition). | | **Proprietary CPU** | Future models (FY2026) will feature the **FUJITSU-MONAKA**, a 2nm energy-efficient processor. | | **Security Tech** | Integration of **Confidential Computing** to protect data even while it's being processed. | | **Software Stack** | Includes the **Kozuchi** AI platform and **Takane** (a specialized Japanese LLM). |
### Why This Matters Now
The timing is critical. As global cyber threats become more sophisticated and geopolitical shifts threaten supply chains, Japan is positioning itself to be self-sufficient. By partnering with companies like **Supermicro** for manufacturing expertise while keeping the assembly on home soil, Fujitsu is creating a template for "Sovereign AI" that they eventually plan to export to the **European market**, where similar sovereignty concerns (like GDPR and the EU AI Act) are prevalent.
> **Key takeaway:** This isn't just about faster chips; it's about **trust**. By owning the hardware, the software, and the supply chain, Fujitsu is offering a "safe harbor" for government, finance, and healthcare data.
Would you like me to look into the specific security certifications these servers are aiming for, or perhaps explore how the **FUJITSU-MONAKA** processor compares to current industry standards?
Bangladesh Elections: High-stakes national elections are taking place today, 18 months after the 202
Today, **Thursday, February 12, 2026**, Bangladesh is holding its first general election since the 2024 "Monsoon Revolution." This landmark vote marks the end of an 18-month transition under the interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus.
### The Landscape of the 2026 Election
The 13th Parliamentary elections are being held for **299 out of 300** directly elected seats (voting in one constituency was postponed due to a candidate's death).
* **Bipolar Contest:** With the Awami League suspended from participating, the race has effectively become a showdown between the **Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP)**, led by Tarique Rahman, and a powerful **11-party alliance** led by **Jamaat-e-Islami** and the **National Citizen Party (NCP)**. * **The Referendum:** Uniquely, voters are also casting ballots in a simultaneous constitutional referendum on the "July Charter," a set of 84 reforms aimed at dismantling the previous autocratic structures. * **Front-runners:** Opinion polls suggest an incredibly tight race. One major survey projected the BNP alliance at **44.1%** and the Jamaat-led bloc at **43.9%**.
### Security & Logistics
The Election Commission has implemented the most technologically advanced and heavily guarded voting process in the country's history.
* **Record Deployment:** Nearly **958,000 security personnel** are on duty, including over 100,000 army troops. * **High-Tech Surveillance:** For the first time, the EC is using **drones (UAVs)**, 25,000 body-worn cameras on officers, and CCTV in over 90% of the 42,000+ polling stations. * **Voter Turnout:** Approximately **127 million** people are eligible to vote. Early reports show high excitement among the "Gen Z" demographic, who are voting for the first time after leading the 2024 protests.
### Key Issues at Stake
Beyond the political rivalry, the election is being decided on bread-and-butter issues:
1. **Corruption:** Both major blocs have made anti-graft pledges the center of their campaigns. 2. **Economy:** With inflation at roughly **8.58%**, voters are demanding relief from rising food and fuel costs. 3. **Governance:** A primary campaign promise from the BNP includes a **10-year cap** on how long any individual can serve as Prime Minister.
### What’s Next?
* **Polling Hours:** Voting began at 7:30 AM and is scheduled to close at **4:30 PM local time**. * **Results:** Counting begins immediately after polls close. While early trends are expected by midnight, the official final results are anticipated on the morning of **Friday, February 13**.
Bangladesh Elections: High-stakes national elections are taking place today, 18 months after the 2024 student uprising. Security is tight across the country as the BNP and other major parties vie for power
Bangladesh Elections: High-stakes national elections are taking place today, 18 months after the 202
Today, **Thursday, February 12, 2026**, Bangladesh is holding its first general election since the 2024 "Monsoon Revolution." This landmark vote marks the end of an 18-month transition under the interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus.
### The Landscape of the 2026 Election
The 13th Parliamentary elections are being held for **299 out of 300** directly elected seats (voting in one constituency was postponed due to a candidate's death).
* **Bipolar Contest:** With the Awami League suspended from participating, the race has effectively become a showdown between the **Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP)**, led by Tarique Rahman, and a powerful **11-party alliance** led by **Jamaat-e-Islami** and the **National Citizen Party (NCP)**. * **The Referendum:** Uniquely, voters are also casting ballots in a simultaneous constitutional referendum on the "July Charter," a set of 84 reforms aimed at dismantling the previous autocratic structures. * **Front-runners:** Opinion polls suggest an incredibly tight race. One major survey projected the BNP alliance at **44.1%** and the Jamaat-led bloc at **43.9%**.
### Security & Logistics
The Election Commission has implemented the most technologically advanced and heavily guarded voting process in the country's history.
* **Record Deployment:** Nearly **958,000 security personnel** are on duty, including over 100,000 army troops. * **High-Tech Surveillance:** For the first time, the EC is using **drones (UAVs)**, 25,000 body-worn cameras on officers, and CCTV in over 90% of the 42,000+ polling stations. * **Voter Turnout:** Approximately **127 million** people are eligible to vote. Early reports show high excitement among the "Gen Z" demographic, who are voting for the first time after leading the 2024 protests.
### Key Issues at Stake
Beyond the political rivalry, the election is being decided on bread-and-butter issues:
1. **Corruption:** Both major blocs have made anti-graft pledges the center of their campaigns. 2. **Economy:** With inflation at roughly **8.58%**, voters are demanding relief from rising food and fuel costs. 3. **Governance:** A primary campaign promise from the BNP includes a **10-year cap** on how long any individual can serve as Prime Minister.
### What’s Next?
* **Polling Hours:** Voting began at 7:30 AM and is scheduled to close at **4:30 PM local time**. * **Results:** Counting begins immediately after polls close. While early trends are expected by midnight, the official final results are anticipated on the morning of **Friday, February 13**.
Would you like me to keep an eye on the results as they trickle in later tonight?
Space Update: Skywatchers are preparing for the Annular Solar Eclipse (the "Ring of Fire") expected
Today is a significant day for astronomers as we are exactly five days away from the first major celestial event of the year. The **Annular Solar Eclipse**—the "Ring of Fire"—is set to occur on **Tuesday, February 17, 2026**.
While the event is generating massive excitement globally, the "prime viewing locations" for the full effect are some of the most remote places on Earth.
### 📍 Where to See the "Ring of Fire"
The path of annularity (where the moon perfectly centers itself within the sun) is quite narrow and located almost exclusively in **Antarctica**.
* **Prime Inhabited Locations:** The French-Italian **Concordia Station** and the Russian **Mirny Station** are the only permanent research bases directly in the path. * **Duration:** At peak, the "Ring of Fire" will last for approximately **2 minutes and 20 seconds**. * **Visibility:** Because the path skims the Davis Sea and crosses the frozen continent, most viewers will likely be scientists or hardy tourists on late-season Antarctic cruises.
### 🌍 Partial Viewing Locations
If you aren't planning a trip to the South Pole, many other regions will see a **partial solar eclipse**, where the moon appears to take a "bite" out of the sun:
* **Southern Africa:** Residents in Cape Town, Durban, and Johannesburg will see between 5% and 16% coverage. * **South America:** The southern tips of Argentina (Ushuaia) and Chile will catch a glimpse of the partial phase during sunrise. * **Other Regions:** Parts of Madagascar, Mauritius, and Australia (Heard and McDonald Islands) will also see varying degrees of partiality.
Even though the moon covers most of the sun, the remaining "ring" is incredibly bright. **Standard sunglasses are not enough.** To avoid permanent eye damage, you must use ISO-certified **solar eclipse glasses**.
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**Looking Ahead:** If you miss this one, the next major event is a **Total Solar Eclipse** on **August 12, 2026**, which will be much more accessible, crossing through Greenland, Iceland, and Spain.