India delivered a dominant performance against arch-rivals Pakistan, cruising to a 61-run victory in their high-voltage Group A clash at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 at R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium, Colombo. The comprehensive win not only boosted team morale but also confirmed India’s place in the Super Eight stage of the tournament.

Led by Suryakumar Yadav, India posted a strong total of 175 for 7 after being powered by a blazing knock from Ishan Kishan, who smashed 77 runs at the top. His aggressive approach gave the defending champions early momentum and set the platform for a challenging score. The bowlers then backed it up brilliantly, dismantling Pakistan’s batting line-up and bowling them out for just 114 in 18 overs.

The result once again highlighted India’s dominance over Pakistan in World Cup encounters. Sunday’s loss continued Pakistan’s frustrating run against their neighbours on the global stage, where wins have been hard to come by.

With this triumph, India have now won eight of their nine meetings against Pakistan in T20 World Cups. Their superiority is even more pronounced in the 50-over format, having emerged victorious in all eight of their ODI World Cup clashes. The latest result further strengthens India’s remarkable record in one of cricket’s most intense rivalries.

Also READ: T20 World Cup 2026 – Ishan Kishan joins Virat Kohli and Gautam Gambhir’s elite list after explosive 77 vs Pakistan

Bollywood stars hail India’s dominant win over Pakistan

Actress Janhvi Kapoor wrote, “Proud moment for every Indian. #INDvsPAK.”

“This brilliant team makes winning look like a cakewalk. Kya khela hai,” tweeted Bollywood superstar Ajay Devgn.

This brilliant team makes winning look like a cakewalk
Kya khela hai! 🙌🇮🇳#IndVsPak #T20WorldCup2026

— Ajay Devgn (@ajaydevgn) February 15, 2026

Actor Riteish Deshmukh wrote, “Jaya Jaya Jaya …. Jai Hey !!!! “

“Aath Ek! The most anticipated match of the tournament was ironically the most one-sided one,” Ayushmann Khurrana captioned his post.

Aath Ek! The most anticipated match of the tournament was ironically the most one sided one. #INDvsPAK #worldcup

— Ayushmann Khurrana (@ayushmannk) February 15, 2026

“Ye mauka bhi..….gaya. Absolute mammoth 77 off 40 balls by Ishan Kishan and kickass early wickets by @Jaspritbumrah93 and @hardikpandya7. My ears are ringing from my own screaming throughout the match! More and more power to our men in Blue! #IndvsPak,” tweeted Vivek Oberoi.

Anil Kapoor wrote, “And that’s how it’s done. Super proud, BCCI.”

And that’s how it’s done🇮🇳👊🏻🙌🏻
Super proud @BCCI pic.twitter.com/ko1BSwVCEY

— Anil Kapoor (@AnilKapoor) February 15, 2026

Veteran actor Anupam Kher shared a video as the match was coming to its end. After India’s win, Anupam burst into loud laughter and joyfully chanted the Lord Shiva’s name.

हर हर महादेव! जय भोलेनाथ।😍🕉🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳 #INDvsPAK pic.twitter.com/L7AQd8QnCG

— Anupam Kher (@AnupamPKher) February 15, 2026

Paresh Rawal posted succinctly on X (formerly Twitter), “WHAT RIVALRY !” followed by laughing emojis.

WHAT RIVALRY !🤣!🤣

— Paresh Rawal (@SirPareshRawal) February 15, 2026

Also READ: T20 World Cup 2026 – Fans celebrate Ishan Kishan’s heroics as India hammer Pakistan to secure Super 8 spot

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Monday, calling itself “old-fashioned” questioned how could two people be indulging in a physical relationship before marriage even if it is consensual. The bench comprising Justices B V Nagarathna and Ujjal Bhuyan was hearing the bail application of a man accused of rape on the pretext of marriage. It questioned the complainant about why she had travelled to Dubai, where the two engaged in a physical relationship.“It’s consensual. We may be old-fashioned but a boy and girl before marriage are total strangers. They should be circumspect in indulging in physical relationships before marriage,” PTI quoted the bench observed.“Whatever may be the thick and thin of their relationship, we fail to understand how they can be indulging in physical relationship before marriage. Maybe we are old- fashioned but you must be very careful, nobody should believe anybody before marriage,” Justice Nagarathna said.The woman’s counsel submitted that the two met through a matrimonial website in 2022, and that the accused allegedly entered into a physical relationship with her on several occasions in Delhi and later in Dubai on the false assurance of marriage.“She should not have gone before marriage if she was so strict about it. We will send them to mediation. These are not cases which are to be tried and convicted when there is consensual relationship,” Justice Nagarathna said in response to this.In her complaint, the woman alleged that the man persuaded her to travel to Dubai, where he established physical relations with her on the false promise of marriage, recorded intimate videos without her consent, and threatened to circulate them. She later discovered that he had married another woman in Punjab in January 2024.Both the trial court and the Delhi high court had rejected his bail plea, with the high court observing that the promise of marriage appeared false from the outset, especially since he was already married and remarried in January 2024. The man has now approached the Supreme Court seeking bail.Justice Nagarathna suggested that the accused consider paying compensation to the woman to resolve the matter, while the bench also asked her counsel to explore the possibility of a settlement. The case has been posted for Wednesday to ascertain both sides’ positions.

Gold prices eased by Rs 589 to Rs 1.55 lakh per 10 grams in the futures trade on Monday, tracking weakness in international markets.On the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX), gold contracts for April delivery fell Rs 589, or 0.38 per cent, to Rs 1,55,306 per 10 grams in a business turnover of 7,695 lots.In global markets, Comex gold futures for the April contract slipped USD 24.31, or 0.48 per cent, to USD 5,021.99 per ounce in New York.“Gold slipped to trade around USD 5,000 per ounce after rising more than 2 per cent in the previous session on weaker-than-expected US Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation data,” Jigar Trivedi, Senior Research Analyst at IndusInd Securities, said.Manav Modi, Analyst, Commodities at Motilal Oswal Financial Services Ltd, said that geopolitical risks remain elevated after reports that Washington deployed the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R Ford to the Middle East amid stalled Iran nuclear talks, lending safe-haven support to gold.He added that the markets are weighing the potential inflationary impact of renewed tariff threats from US President Donald Trump, along with concerns over the Federal Reserve’s future policy path.“Gold is trading at a discount for the first time in nearly a month even as Chinese demand remains robust, with Shanghai warehouse stocks crossing 100 tonnes,” Modi said, adding that this underscores firm physical buying interest.US markets remained closed due to the President’s Day holiday, while Chinese markets are shut for a week for the Lunar New Year holidays. Investors are now looking ahead to the upcoming Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) price index data and the minutes of the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting for further direction.Here is how much gold costs in your city today:

Gold prices in Delhi

Gold prices in Delhi are Rs 15,659 per gram for 24K, Rs 14,355 per gram for 22K, and Rs 11,748 per gram for 18K gold. Compared to yesterday, 24K gold is down Rs 131, 22K gold has fallen Rs 120, and 18K gold is lower by Rs 98.

Gold prices in Ahmedabad

In Ahmedabad, 24K gold is priced at Rs 15,649 per gram. The 22K rate stands at Rs 14,345, while 18K gold costs Rs 11,738 per gram. Prices of 24K, 22K and 18K gold have declined by Rs 131, Rs 120 and Rs 98 respectively.

Gold prices in Bangalore

Gold in Bangalore is retailing at Rs 15,644 per gram for 24K. The 22K rate is Rs 14,340 per gram and 18K gold is priced at Rs 11,733. All three categories have declined, with 24K down Rs 131, 22K down Rs 120 and 18K down Rs 98.

Gold prices in Chennai

In Chennai, 24K gold is trading at Rs 15,753 per gram. The 22K rate is Rs 14,440, while 18K gold stands at Rs 12,350 per gram. Compared to the previous day, 24K gold is down Rs 131, 22K is lower by Rs 120 and 18K has fallen Rs 100.

Gold prices in Hyderabad

Gold prices in Hyderabad are Rs 15,644 per gram for 24K, Rs 14,340 for 22K and Rs 11,733 for 18K gold. The rates have declined by Rs 131, Rs 120 and Rs 98 respectively.

Gold prices in Jaipur

In Jaipur, 24K gold is priced at Rs 15,644 per gram. The 22K variant costs Rs 14,340, while 18K gold is selling at Rs 11,733 per gram. All categories have registered declines of Rs 131, Rs 120 and Rs 98 respectively.

Gold prices in Mumbai

Gold in Mumbai is priced at Rs 15,644 per gram for 24K. The 22K rate stands at Rs 14,340 per gram and 18K gold is priced at Rs 11,733. Compared to yesterday, prices are down Rs 131 for 24K, Rs 120 for 22K and Rs 98 for 18K.

Gold prices in Kolkata

In Kolkata, 24K gold is selling at Rs 15,644 per gram. The 22K rate is Rs 14,340 and 18K gold costs Rs 11,733 per gram. Prices have declined by Rs 131, Rs 120 and Rs 98 respectively.

Gold prices in Kanpur

Gold prices in Kanpur are Rs 15,659 per gram for 24K, Rs 14,355 for 22K and Rs 11,748 for 18K gold. Compared to the previous day, 24K gold is down Rs 131, 22K gold has fallen Rs 120 and 18K gold is lower by Rs 98.

Afghan skipper Rashid Khan (ANI Photo/Jitender Gupta)

Afghanistan kept their Super Eights hopes alive with a five-wicket win over UAE on Monday, but qualification is still out of their hands. After the victory, South Africa moved into the Super Eights from Group D with six points from three matches. New Zealand, who have four points from three games, can seal the second spot if they beat Canada in Chennai on Tuesday. In that case, Afghanistan, currently on two points from three matches, will be knocked out even if they defeat Canada in their final group match on February 19 in Chennai.

Captain Rashid Khan remained hopeful despite the uncertainty. “Hoping for the best. Yes, (we) still have a little bit of hope, we can make it to the next stage and we just need to come up with a positive mindset (against Canada),” Rashid said at the post-match presentation. “Next game, you never know, it’s a T20 game, we’ll have to come up with a good brand of cricket. Even if we don’t make it to the next round, we want to play with the same brand of cricket and make the country and our people proud and happy.” Rashid said he was pleased to get points on the board after the heartbreaking loss to South Africa in a match decided in the second Super Over. “Happy to finish with a win, it’s important to have points in a T20 World Cup. To restrict them (UAE) under 160 was a good effort, we pulled things back, but we didn’t do well in the first 10 overs. That’s been a problem for us in all the games and something we need to work on,” he said. “We know how aggressive he (Rahmanullah Gurbaz) is. He goes out with a positive mindset – it doesn’t always work, but it’s good for the team when he gets going. We’ve quite a lot of experience, Azmat (Azmatullah Omarzai) has played a lot, (Mohammad) Nabi is the most experienced guy in the team. It’s always good to have experience and that’s something most important.” Player of the Match Azmatullah Omarzai, who returned figures of 4/15 from four overs and struck 40 not out off 21 balls, explained his approach. “I was trying to bowl in the hard length and hit the pitch hard. “It was funny, first ball was a wicket, but the ball didn’t didn’t carry. I took four wickets again. That first wicket got the momentum for us. “When I went to bat, I looked at the scoreboard. There were a lot of balls (left) for us. We needed to play straight and rotate the strike and I was speaking to my partner, (to) just play straight and we were waiting for the bad ball. “It was a good game where everyone did really well and everyone did hard work (on the South Africa game), but the result did not work our way, but we came back really well and hope we will do it again in the next match.

BHUBANESWAR: What began as a suspected bomb-making operation on a rooftop in the Airfield area ended in flames, panic and two deaths, with a horrific video of the explosion now surfacing.Sehnawaz Malik (26), a history-sheeter, who suffered critical burn injuries in the Jan 27 crude bomb explosion, succumbed during treatment on February 4. Days later, his mother Lizatun Bibi (51), who was also grievously injured in the blast, died at SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack on February 10.

Malik, Bibi, Malik’s fiancée Truptimayee Mahal (23), and associate Amiya Mallick (27) were critically injured when one or more crude bombs allegedly being assembled on the rooftop of Malik’s residence exploded. Mahal and Mallick remain under treatment at a private hospital in Bhubaneswar.Police said Malik had sustained severe burns. “He had suffered serious burn injuries. He died in the afternoon,” an officer of the Airfield police station said.Investigators suspect the explosion occurred while bombs were being prepared. Malik, who had seven prior criminal cases, including attempted murder and offences under the Arms Act, had been released on bail around six months ago following a political clash in Nayapalli and was under police watch.The intensity of the blast prompted a preliminary inquiry by the National Investigation Agency. The agency later ruled out any terror or radicalisation links, though officials said they examined whether the case involved a larger conspiracy.Forensic sources indicated that highly explosive materials may have been used. “Preliminary findings suggest the possible use of hexahydro trinitro triazine, a compound associated with high explosives. Further analysis is underway,” a forensic official said.Soon after the explosion, bomb disposal squads, fire personnel and forensic teams rushed to the site, collecting remnants and seizing raw materials suspected to have been used in bomb-making.Residents of the rented three-storey building said they were unaware of the alleged illegal activity. “We had no idea. Everyone’s lives were endangered,” a tenant said.Police are continuing to probe whether Malik acted alone or had accomplices, and whether the bombs were intended for criminal or political violence. Authorities said vigilance has been stepped up in sensitive areas of the city following the incident.Meanwhile, a video purportedly capturing the moments of the blast has surfaced, showing flames and chaos on the rooftop. Police said the footage is being verified as part of the investigation.

Pakistan’s crushing 61-run defeat to India in Colombo on Sunday has sparked fierce criticism back home, with former spinner launching a pointed attack following yet another one-sided chapter in the historic rivalry. The loss not only dented Pakistan’s T20 World Cup 2026 campaign but also reignited debates over the team’s repeated failures against their arch-rivals on the global stage.

The contest at the R Premadasa Stadium saw India dominate comprehensively, leaving Pakistan’s Super 8 hopes hanging by a thread. As frustration grew among supporters, the ex-Pakistan star took to social media with cutting remarks that quickly gained traction.

Ex-spinner mocks Pakistan after India crush Men in Green at T20 World Cup 2026

Just minutes before the high-voltage clash began, a Pakistani social media account announced that the match would be screened publicly across all tehsils of Dera Ghazi Khan in southwestern Punjab. The post was intended to reflect the nationwide excitement surrounding the marquee encounter.

Kaneria, however, responded with biting sarcasm. He suggested that the public screenings merely ensured fans could witness the reality in high definition, a remark widely interpreted as a dig at Pakistan’s underwhelming performance.

It really helped everyone witness the reality in high definition. https://t.co/N0mzBkpAvE

— Danish Kaneria (@DanishKaneria61) February 15, 2026

The former leg-spinner went a step further, claiming that Pakistan’s earlier rhetoric about boycotting the India fixture might have been less humiliating than the manner in which the game unfolded. His comments underscored the embarrassment many felt after the heavy defeat.

“Honestly, a boycott might have been less embarrassing. #INDvsPAK,” Kaneria wrote on X.

Honestly, a boycott might have been less embarrassing. #INDvsPAK

— Danish Kaneria (@DanishKaneria61) February 15, 2026

Also WATCH: Hardik Pandya, Suryakumar Yadav lose cool at Kuldeep Yadav during IND vs PAK T20 World Cup 2026 showdown

Ishan Kishan powers India to massive total before bowlers thrash Pakistan

On the field, India seized control early, thanks to a blistering knock from Ishan Kishan. The left-handed opener hammered 77 off just 40 balls, attacking Pakistan’s bowling with confidence and precision. His explosive innings laid the foundation for India’s strong total of 175. Pakistan’s bowlers struggled to find consistency, conceding crucial boundaries at key moments. Despite brief attempts to pull things back, they failed to halt India’s momentum as partnerships flourished.

Chasing 176, Pakistan never looked settled. The Indian bowling unit applied relentless pressure, tightening the screws with disciplined lines and clever variations. Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik Pandya, Varun Chakravarthy and Axar Patel claimed two wickets each, dismantling Pakistan’s batting line-up. Eventually, Pakistan were bundled out for just 114, handing India a comprehensive 61-run victory.

The result further extended India’s dominance in T20 World Cup encounters between the two sides, with the head-to-head record now standing at an emphatic 8-1.

Also READ: T20 World Cup 2026: Fans celebrate Ishan Kishan’s heroics as India hammer Pakistan to secure Super 8 spot

Ishan Kishan and Aditi Hundia (Insta)

India’s commanding 61-run win over Pakistan in the 2026 T20 World Cup made headlines for all the right cricketing reasons. But by the end of the evening, the spotlight had gently shifted from Colombo’s turning pitch to a heartwarming development off it. Opener Ishan Kishan is now making news not just for his bat, but for his blossoming relationship with Jaipur-based model Aditi Hundia.During a visit to his ancestral village in Bihar’s Aurangabad, Kishan’s grandfather, Anurag Pandey, spoke candidly about the cricketer’s personal life, effectively putting years of speculation to rest.“Whoever Ishan chooses to marry, I fully accept- his decision is mine. We are ready to accept whoever Ishan Kishan wants to marry. Aditi is his girlfriend. She is a model. One should accept what makes children happy,” Pandey told ANI.The remarks have fuelled talk that wedding bells may not be far away, although neither Ishan nor Aditi has made any formal announcement. Reports suggest that if anything is planned, it is likely to take place after the conclusion of the World Cup.

Who is Aditi Hundia?

Aditi Hundia (Insta)

Aditi, daughter of a Jaipur businessman, rose to prominence after winning Miss Diva 2018 and later finishing as a finalist at Femina Miss India. She first grabbed public attention among cricket fans during the 2019 IPL season, when cameras frequently caught her cheering from the stands. Social media exchanges between the two only strengthened rumours over time. According to Pandey, she shares a warm bond with the family and once even praised him for looking youthful and energetic after watching one of his interviews.Meanwhile, on the field, Kishan delivered a performance to remember. On a tricky Colombo surface, he smashed 77 off 41 balls, striking at 193. Pakistan attempted to choke India with spin early, but Kishan countered with authority. He slog-swept, reverse-swept and pierced gaps with confidence, scoring 77 of India’s first 88 runs before falling in the ninth over. India finished on 175 for 7, before bundling Pakistan out for 114 to seal a comprehensive 61-run victory.

NEW DELHI: Congress leader Akhilesh Prasad Singh made a stark remark against Om Birla‘s Bangladesh visit calling it a reward from the Centre for not letting the Leader of Opposition, Rahul Gandhi, speak in the Lok Sabha. Om Birla will be visiting Dhaka for the swearing-in ceremony of Bangladesh PM-elect Tarique Rahman.Speaking to ANI, Singh said, “Om Birla must have been rewarded by the government for not allowing the LoP to speak in the Lok Sabha. At the same time, now that a new government has been formed (in Bangladesh), the Indian government should go there and strongly raise the issue of the atrocities being committed against minority Hindus and end the tension there.”The Congress leader also endorsed remarks made earlier by Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge, who questioned the legal and financial status of the RSS. Kharge had described the BJP as a “devil’s shadow” and raised concerns about the RSS’s registration, funding sources and tax compliance.“His question is valid because the RSS hasn’t been registered for a long time. Regarding the money issue, it’s true that when electoral bonds were introduced, there was some kind of fraud. It evolved a certain party in such a way that a level playing field no longer existed,” he said.Earlier, Priyank Kharge asked why the RSS had not registered itself despite operating extensively in India and abroad.“They’re unregistered. They don’t want to register. All I’m asking is to follow the law of the land. If you’re an individual, that does not mean that you should not be registered. Which law says that? You should be registered. I’m asking how you’re getting the donations? Where are you getting the donations from? Who is donating? How come you’re running such large operations domestically and internationally, and you’re still not paying taxes?” he said.Citing media reports, Kharge claimed that over 2,500 organisations were responsible for funding the RSS and called for greater transparency. “This is a question the government should be asking,” he said.He also referred to statements by RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat about the organisation functioning on “Guru Dakshina”, traditionally offered to a guru. Kharge questioned whether collecting funds in the name of the RSS’s symbolic saffron flag — which the organisation considers its “guru” — exempted it from financial scrutiny. Drawing a comparison with religious institutions, he argued that even temple donations are subject to audits and asked whether the RSS considered itself “above the law.”Kharge further cited Bhagwat’s past remarks linking the BJP’s political success to the RSS’s support, reiterating his claim that the BJP functioned as the “shadow” of the RSS.

Shipments of Russian oil to China are projected at about 2.07 million barrels per day for February delivery. (AI image)

Even as US President Donald Trump wants the world to stop buying crude oil from Russia, China’s purchases of Russian crude are set to hit a new record in February. China’s procurement of Russian crude is expected to rise for a third consecutive month in February, reaching a fresh record as independent refiners increase buying of heavily discounted cargoes. Shipments of Russian oil to China are projected at about 2.07 million barrels per day for February delivery. This is more than January’s estimated 1.7 million barrels per day, based on preliminary assessments by Vortexa Analytics. Separate provisional figures from Kpler indicate imports of roughly 2.083 million barrels per day in February, compared with 1.718 million barrels per day a month earlier.

This comes amidst India reducing its intake, according to traders and vessel-tracking data quoted by Reuters.

China Buys More Russian Crude As India Steps Back

Data from Kpler shows India’s imports of Russian crude are likely to decline further to around 1.159 million barrels per day in February. The reduced demand has pushed Russian crude prices lower, with cargoes for January and February delivery to China trading at discounts of $9 to $11 per barrel to benchmark ICE Brent. These discounts are among the deepest seen in recent years for the Urals grade, which is shipped from European ports and had typically been directed to India because of shorter shipping distances compared with China.Since November, China has overtaken India as Russia’s largest buyer of seaborne crude. Western sanctions linked to the war in Ukraine, along with pressure on New Delhi to advance a trade agreement with the United States, prompted India to scale back Russian oil purchases to a two-year low in December, the Reuters report said.Also Read | Trump removes 25% penal tariff: What happens if India stops buying Russian crude oil?Supplies of Urals, along with other export grades such as Sokol and Varandey, have added to regular shipments of Russia’s flagship ESPO blend exported from the Far East port of Kozmino, which is geographically closer to China. This has intensified competition with rival crude supplies from Iran.Concerns over potential US military action against Iran have unsettled China’s independent refiners, commonly referred to as teapots, which are among the largest buyers globally of oil subject to US sanctions from Russia, Iran and Venezuela.According to a senior Chinese trader who frequently supplies these refiners, Russian crude has recently gained a competitive edge over Iranian oil in terms of processing quality relative to price. The trader noted that the ESPO blend was last traded at discounts of about $8 to $9 per barrel to ICE Brent for March deliveries, while Iranian Light — a comparable grade — was assessed at roughly $10 to $11 below the same benchmark.Market uncertainty since January regarding the possibility of US strikes on Iran, in the event that nuclear negotiations fail to meet Washington’s expectations, has made Chinese teapots and traders more cautious about purchasing Iranian cargoes, said Emma Li, China analyst at Vortexa.She explained that concerns over potential disruptions to Iranian oil loadings in the event of military tensions have made Russian supplies appear more dependable to buyers. Li also indicated that part of the recent increase in Russian crude purchases has come from larger independent refiners located outside Shandong, the main hub for teapot refiners.Vortexa estimated that Iranian oil shipments to China, often labelled as Malaysian by traders to bypass US sanctions, declined to around 1.03 million barrels per day this month, compared with approximately 1.25 million barrels per day in January.