NEW DELHI: Microsoft founder Bill Gates on Thursday pulled out of AI Impact Summit and not be delvering his keynote address.Originally, Gates was supposed to be one of the primary speakers at the event. However, Gates faced flak after his name appeared in portions of Epstein files released by the US justice department.In a post on X, the Gates Foundation said the organisation will be represented by Ankur Vora, who is president of the Africa and India offices.“After careful consideration, and to ensure the focus remains on the AI Summit’s key priorities, Mr. Gates will not be delivering his keynote address. The Gates Foundation will be represented by Ankur Vora, President of Africa and India Offices, who will speak later today at the Summit,” the Gates Foundation said.“The Gates Foundation remains fully committed to our work in India to advance our shared health and development goals,” it added.Gates was featured among the tech moguls, industry leaders, policymakers, founders, and technologists listed as speakers on the official website of the AI Impact Summit, underway in the national capital from February 16–20.The clarification comes against the backdrop of recent online discussions referencing documents linked to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, who died in prison in 2019. Gates’s name appears in portions of documents released by the US Justice Department.In one note cited in the material, Epstein allegedly claimed he had helped Gates obtain drugs “to deal with consequences of sex with Russian girls.” Gates has categorically denied the allegations. In an interview with Nine News, he described them as “absolutely absurd and completely false.”In a separate NPR interview, Melinda French Gates said her former husband’s meetings with Epstein were among the factors that contributed to the end of their 27-year marriage.Earlier, government sources had said that Gates would attend the meeting. However, a spokesperson for his foundation contradicted this, saying, “Bill Gates is attending the AI Impact Summit. He will be delivering his keynote as scheduled.”The summit website on Tuesday, however, did not show his name among the key speakers.

NEW DELHI: India captain Suryakumar Yadav believes his side has “ticked almost all the boxes” in the group stage, signalling confidence and momentum as they march into the Super 8s of the T20 World Cup after a hard-fought 17-run victory over the Netherlands.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!Powered by Shivam Dube’s counter-attacking 66 off 31 balls, India recovered from early trouble to post 193 for six after opting to bat first. The Netherlands responded bravely but fell short at 176 for seven, handing India their fourth straight win and confirming their dominance atop Group A.

“I think we wanted to bat first. We went on to score 190 and then coming out, there was a little bit of dew, a little bit challenging for the bowlers, but all in all, at the end of the day, very happy,” Suryakumar said at the post-match presentation.The skipper stressed that the bigger satisfaction lay in the team’s overall progress. “You can say that we have ticked almost all the boxes, but even if you win, you learn something out of it. We have learned a few areas, we’ll go back, have a chat, and keep improving,” he added.

India’s innings had been wobbling at 69 for three before Dube turned the tide, something Suryakumar said reflected the team’s depth and clarity. “We might be in a similar situation on the next day also. It’s very important for all the batters to understand what the responsibility is and how the wicket is playing. Later on, we have enough firepower… anyone can finish the game nicely.”He reserved special praise for Dube’s composure. “The way he batted in the middle overs, took pressure off everyone, and taking it to 190 on this wicket, I think it was a very good score,” he said.Another major positive, according to the captain, was India’s bowling flexibility. “Sometimes it’s a good headache to have. I have a lot of options in the middle. Whatever the wicket demands, they can chip in with a few overs.”With contributions flowing across departments, Suryakumar made it clear India’s Super 8s entry is not just qualification — it is a warning. “The contribution is almost coming from every single batter. Those small partnerships are what get you to a good score. I’m very happy with the way things are moving.”

Success stories around global business leaders often focus on money, innovation, or intelligence. In the case of Elon Musk, the billionaire behind companies like Tesla and SpaceX, much has been written about his work ethic and ambition. However, one of the most direct insights into how he approaches success came not from Musk himself, but from someone who knew him long before global fame followed. That insight came from Justine Musk, his former wife and a published author.In a widely discussed public talk and later interviews, Justine Musk described a single habit she believes played a crucial role in Elon Musk’s rise. It was not a technical skill, access to capital, or luck. Instead, she spoke about his repeated and deliberate use of one word: “NO.” According to her, this word helped him protect his time, energy, and focus at every stage of his career.

Justine Musk revealed Elon Musk’s secret word for success

Justine Musk spoke about Elon Musk’s approach to success during a TEDx talk titled “The Obsessive Genius”, delivered at TEDxOlympicBlvdWomen. In this talk, she explained how he consistently used the word “no” to protect his goals.As per reports, she said that Elon Musk was very clear about what he wanted to do. He didn’t hesitate to say “no” to requests, distractions, or demands that didn’t fit with those goals. She explained that this behaviour was not about arrogance but about focus.

Why saying “no” mattered so much

According to Justine Musk, the habit of saying “no” allowed Elon Musk to avoid being pulled in too many directions. As his responsibilities grew, so did the number of demands on his attention. She noted that many people fail not because they lack ability, but because they say yes too often.By refusing commitments that did not serve his long-term objectives, Musk was able to concentrate deeply on fewer things. This made him fully commit to hard projects that took a lot of time and effort.This explanation doesn’t say that it’s easy or socially acceptable to say “no.” Instead, it shows how hard choices about time and focus can affect professional results for a long time.

How this insight became public

Justine Musk first talked about this point of view in public during her TEDx talk, which is still available on TED’s official sites. In later interviews and essays about ambition, relationships, and power dynamics, she talked more about similar ideas.There was no advice or instruction in what she said. They were framed as personal observations based on what they had seen and done. Over time, these comments were used in news stories and articles about leadership.

Mumbai: A child raised exclusively by her mother cannot be compelled to carry her father’s name, surname, and caste merely because the format once demanded it, the Bombay high court said in response to a 12-year-old girl’s plea for correction of her name in school records and of the caste entry from ‘Maratha’ to ‘Scheduled Caste’.The HC ruling, made available on Wednesday, stated: “Recognition of a single mother as a complete parent for purposes of a child’s civic identity is not an act of charity; it is constitutional fidelity. It reflects the movement from patriarchal compulsion to constitutional choice, from lineage as fate to dignity as right.” The court further said, “A society that claims to be developing cannot insist that a child’s public identity must be anchored to a father who is absent from the child’s life, while the mother, who bears the entire burden of upbringing, remains administratively secondary. The state’s formats must not become moral judgments; they must become accurate instruments of welfare.”The child’s request was rejected by the school authorities last year, citing Secondary School Code and claiming such correction was impermissible. She then approached HC, which allowed the girl to change her name and caste in school records.“A school record is not a private note; it is a public document that follows a child across years, institutions, and sometimes into the professional domain,” observed Justices Vibha Kankanwadi and H S Venegaonkar from the Aurangabad bench of Bombay high court in a February 2 judgment. “If the lived guardianship is maternal, the record cannot insist on paternal visibility as a matter of routine, and then call it administrative neutrality.”The child’s mother is a single parent and her natural guardian, HC said. The mother had accused the child’s father of sexual assault. Later, they reached a settlement, and it was agreed that the daughter would remain in the permanent custody of the mother.The minor and her mother, both petitioners asserted that continuation of the father’s name and surname in the school record does not merely create an inaccuracy, “it creates an avoidable social vulnerability for a child who must grow up, learn, and form her identity in society that often treat names as identity for family history”. “Administrative registers exist to record facts in aid of welfare and governance; they are not meant to fossilise identity irrespective of changed circumstances…” the judgment authored by Justice Venegaonkar said.In Maharashtra, the state itself has, in recent years, moved decisively towards institutional recognition of the mother’s identity as an essential component of identity in government documentation, the HC noted. It cited a March 14, 2024 government resolution (GR) that mandates mother’s name be mandatorily included in govt records, including school and other documents. The GR also acknowledges that where custody is granted to the mother — for example, upon divorce — she may request that the child’s name be recorded by placing the mother’s name in place of the father’s name, subject to conditions.

Gold rose and hovered once again around 5,000 driven by renewed geopolitical tensions and a rebound after a sharp fall at the start of this week. Also a dip buying ahead of the Federal Reserve meeting minutes was seen, while mixed economic data kept the fed officials bias also divided. Prices are steady in the early trading session after a prior 2% rally, though thin liquidity during holiday-muted sessions limited follow-through momentum.

Safe-haven demand remained supported by escalating friction between US and Iran, particularly concerns around maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz, alongside stalled nuclear negotiations and persistent uncertainty from the Russia–Ukraine conflict. Silver’s pace of recovery was much faster than that of Gold, as roughly 69moz moved out of COMEX vaults this year, easing spot tightness and signaling stronger physical demand.

However, sentiment softened after Fed minutes revealed policymaker divisions, with some warning further tightening may be needed if inflation stays sticky while others signaled potential easing later in the year. The possibility of higher-for-longer rates lifted the dollar and Treasury yields, capping bullion gains. Markets now await the upcoming PCE inflation data and GDP data for clearer policy direction cues, says Manav Modi Commodities Analyst Motilal Oswal Financial services Ltd.

Govinda’s nephew Vinay Anand, known for his work in both Hindi and Bhojpuri movies, recently spoke about reports linking the actor with a newcomer. Vinay said he personally asked Govinda about these rumours, and the actor replied honestly without hiding anything. He also shared his opinion on Sunita Ahuja’s statements about Govinda, saying he feels it’s good for her to work and be financially independent.

Govinda shares a father-like bond with Vinay Anand

Talking to Hindi Rush, Vinay said, “I wanted to ask about this to Govinda but I didn’t want to give him the impression that I am butting in his personal affair because he is my uncle and it is a father kind of a relationship with him.”

Govinda’s denial after Vinay Anand confronted him

Vinay revealed that after hearing ongoing gossip, he finally gathered the courage to question Govinda about the alleged affair himself. Speaking about the incident, he recalled, “But I asked him once do you have an affair with someone? He told me, ‘No, there is nothing like that.’ When Govinda refused, I accepted it, but when I see mami’s (Sunita) interviews, I feel a bit weird, because we have seen her always respecting Govinda.”

Vinay Anand praises Sunita Ahuja

Speaking about Sunita’s debut in an upcoming untitled film backed by Ektaa Kapoor, Vinay said, “But I am happy that now she is working, she has become a celebrity and she has made a name for herself. We had seen her confined within four walls of the house and now seeing her work makes me feel very happy. I feel every woman should be independent.”

Govinda’s past link-ups

When asked about Sunita’s claim that Govinda was involved with a newcomer named Komal, Vinay responded, “It is not new that Govinda has been linked to an actress. He has been a superstar, he has been linked too many actresses in the past. In the beginning, when he was working a lot with Neelam Kothari, he was linked to her. People also suspected affair between him and Rani Mukerji when he was working a lot with her and when he was working with Karisma Kapoor public said that something is happening between them.”Vinay also mentioned that amid all the ongoing controversies, Govinda is currently concentrating on improving himself. “Jokes apart, aisa kuch bhi nahi hai (This is not right), he’s working very hard. He’s working for two hours and keeping himself fit,” he said.

Govinda responds to Sunita’s claims about Komal

After Sunita claimed that Govinda was having an affair with a newcomer named Komal, the actor spoke about it in an interview with ANI. Govinda said, “The name that she is taking – Komal – I thank her. I am saved because she is not saying a word against anyone. She is quiet, otherwise youngsters don’t shy away from hurling abuses). I especially want to thank Komal for not saying a word wrong despite coming in news because of this thing. She is not the kind of person who wants get fame and attention using this means.”

A classic subcontinental showdown is on the horizon as the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 moves to its final group stage fixtures. Co-hosts Sri Lanka face a resurgent Zimbabwe in a Match 38 clash at the iconic R. Premadasa Stadium.

With both teams already having secured their spots in the Super 8s after a dramatic turn of events in Group B, most notably Zimbabwe’s stunning upset of Australia earlier in the tournament, this match is a battle for momentum and group supremacy

Sri Lankans have been clinical throughout their home campaign, looking every bit like title contenders as they maintain a perfect winning streak. Led by the experienced Dasun Shanaka, who reclaimed the captaincy just before the tournament, Sri Lanka have utilized familiar conditions to dominate their opponents. Pathum Nissanka has acted as the side’s anchor, notably coming off a brilliant century against Australia, while the bowling duo of Maheesh Theekshana and Matheesha Pathirana has proven lethal on the Colombo tracks.

Zimbabwe, meanwhile, has emerged as the genuine giant-killers of the tournament, scripting a fairy tale with a statement 23-run victory over Australia at this very venue. Despite captain Sikandar Raza battling fitness issues and cramping during high-pressure moments, the Chevrons have displayed incredible unity to remain undefeated, barring a washout against Ireland. The heartbeat of the side remains the evergreen Raza, who continues to contribute with both bat and ball, supported by Blessing Muzarabani, who has been a revelation with his pace and bounce using the new ball.

SL vs ZIM, T20 World Cup 2026: Match details

• Date and Time: February 19; 3:00 pm IST / 9:30 am GMT
• Venue: R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo

SL vs ZIM, Head-to-Head Record in T20Is

Matches played: 09 | Sri Lanka won: 07 | Zimbabwe won: 02 | No result: 0

R. Premadasa Stadium Pitch Report

The R. Premadasa Stadium surface is expected to be a traditional subcontinental black soil wicket, playing slow and two-paced as the match progresses. While a thin layer of grass might offer some early carry and bounce for seamers, the pitch will likely deteriorate quickly, offering significant grip for finger and wrist spinners. With large boundary dimensions making power-hitting difficult, batters will need to capitalize on the powerplay before the middle overs become a tactical grind. Consequently, the toss remains crucial; winning captains may prefer bowling first to avoid a difficult start on a grippy, used surface.

Squads

Sri Lanka: Dasun Shanaka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis, Kamindu Mendis, Kusal Janith Perera, Charith Asalanka, Janith Liyanage, Pavan Rathnayake, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Matheesha Pathirana, Pramod Madushan

Zimbabwe: Brian Bennett, Tadiwanashe Marumani(w), Ryan Burl, Sikandar Raza(c), Dion Myers, Tony Munyonga, Tashinga Musekiwa, Brad Evans, Wellington Masakadza, Graeme Cremer, Blessing Muzarabani, Richard Ngarava, Ben Curran, Clive Madande, Tinotenda Maposa

Also READ: Corbin Bosch sizzles as South Africa thrash UAE in T20 World Cup 2026

SL vs ZIM, T20 World Cup 2026: Today’s Match Prediction

Case 1:

• Sri Lanka wins the toss and bowl first
• Zimbabwe’s powerplay score: 40-50
• Zimbabwe’s total score: 160-170

Case 2:

• Zimbabwe wins the toss and bowl first
• Sri Lanka’s powerplay score: 50-60
• Sri Lanka’s total score: 170-180

Match result: Team bowling first to win the contest.

Also WATCH: Sikandar Raza leads joyful celebrations after Zimbabwe’s Super 8 qualification at T20 World Cup 2026

The United States has deployed the most substantial military force to the Middle East since the 2003 invasion of Iraq, raising fears of imminent strikes against Iran as President Donald Trump weighs his options. Sources familiar with the matter told CNN that the US military could be ready to launch attacks as early as this weekend, although Trump has yet to make a final decision. The president has reportedly polled advisers and foreign leaders, weighing both the risks of military action and the potential gains of further diplomacy.White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt emphasised on Wednesday that while diplomacy remains Trump’s “first option,” military action remains firmly on the table. “There’s many reasons and arguments that one could make for a strike against Iran,” she said, adding that the president relies heavily on counsel from his national security team. Negotiations continue: US and Iranian officials met in Geneva this week for indirect talks, agreeing on a “set of guiding principles,” though key details remain unresolved, CBS reported.

Naval and air power surge

The military buildup includes 13 US warships already stationed in the Middle East, including the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln, nine destroyers, and three littoral combat ships. A second carrier, the USS Gerald R. Ford—the world’s largest—has been ordered from the Caribbean and is expected to arrive within weeks, accompanied by three destroyers.Air power is also surging. Advanced F-22 and F-35 fighter jets, F-15 and F-16 warplanes, and KC-135 aerial refuelling aircraft have been repositioned closer to Iran, with command-and-control planes arriving to coordinate a potential sustained air campaign. Flight-tracking data shows E-3 Sentry airborne warning and control aircraft and other support planes operating in the region, laying the foundation for operations that could extend for weeks, rather than a single strike.“This presence of so much firepower in the region creates a momentum of its own,” said Susan Ziadeh, senior advisor at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. “Sometimes that momentum is a little hard to just put the brakes on and say, that’s it, we’re not doing anything.”

Iran fortifies key facilities

Meanwhile, Iran has intensified defensive preparations. Satellite imagery analysed by the Institute for Science and International Security (ISIS) and reported by Reuters shows the construction of concrete shields over sensitive facilities, including the Taleghan 2 site near Parchin. Tunnel entrances at the Isfahan nuclear complex have been buried in soil, while sites near Natanz are being hardened. Iranian missile bases in Shiraz South and Qom are also being rebuilt after last year’s strikes by Israel.Experts warn that these measures could complicate any US air campaign. “Backfilling the tunnel entrances would help dampen potential airstrikes and make ground access difficult,” said William Goodhind, a forensic imagery analyst with Contested Ground, as reported by Reuters. ISIS founder David Albright noted that Iran’s recent activity “may soon become a fully unrecognisable bunker, providing significant protection from aerial strikes.”

Strategic stakes and regional impact

US officials told The Wall Street Journal that President Trump has been briefed on options ranging from limited strikes on nuclear and missile facilities to broader operations targeting regime leaders and regional proxies. Long-range bombers, including B-2s, could be deployed directly from the US or from Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean, as Trump has hinted on social media.Iran, heavily reliant on its missile arsenal and lacking a significant air force, could respond by targeting US bases and allies or attempting to close the Strait of Hormuz. Analysts, including retired Air Force General David Deptula, suggest that the military buildup might itself push Tehran toward concessions: “The dramatic increase in deployed forces may be significant enough that Trump is not messing around with the use of force,” he said.

Although qualification permutations are no longer in play with the Super Eights line-up already confirmed, there is still plenty at stake when Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe face off in Colombo. Both sides remain unbeaten in the group stage, and this fixture offers a timely dress rehearsal before the next phase of the tournament.For context, one of these teams failed to progress to the Super Eights in the 2024 edition, while the other did not even make it to that tournament. By that measure alone, this campaign marks clear progress for both outfits. However, Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza made it clear after the washed-out clash against Ireland that merely reaching the Super Eights will not satisfy his team.Zimbabwe have already made headlines by knocking Australia out early and will aim to carry that momentum forward when they travel to India for the next round. With two strong victories built on collective performances across batting, bowling and fielding, another win — especially against the co-hosts — would significantly boost their confidence and potentially secure a top finish in Group B.Standing in their way is a Sri Lankan side brimming with form. They are coming off one of their most dominant T20 World Cup victories in recent memory. Pathum Nissanka delivered what many consider the innings of the tournament so far, Kusal Mendis has been in outstanding touch, and Pavan Rathnayake has emerged as an unexpected but effective presence at No. 4.Injuries, however, have tested Sri Lanka’s depth. Matheesha Pathirana has been ruled out of the competition, adding to the earlier loss of Wanindu Hasaranga. As co-hosts, they will be eager to avoid further setbacks while maintaining their rhythm heading into the Super Eights.

Today T20 World Cup matches – Thursday, 19 February