BHIWANDI: In the run-up to Friday’s mayoral election to the Bhiwandi Nizampur Municipal Corporation (BNMC), BJP appeared to have suffered a setback as a group of 9 councillors led by Narayan Chaudhary distanced itself from the party and moved closer to the Congress-backed ‘Bhiwandi Secular Front’.BNMC has a total of 90 seats, with 46 required for a simple majority. According to sources, Chaudhary’s rebel bloc has aligned with 30 Congress councillors and 12 from NCP (SP), taking the effective strength of the ‘Secular Front’ to 51 — a decisive figure in the contest for mayor’s post.While Congress emerged the single largest party in last month’s civic elections, BJP came in second with 22 seats, Shiv Sena won 12, Samajwadi Party 6, Vilas Patil’s Konark Vikas Aghadi 4 and Bhiwandi Vikas Aghadi 3; one independent candidate also won.Congress politicians have described the development as “an advantage”.Change of mayoral candidate led to rebellion in BJPWith a section of BJP corporators moving closer to the Congress-backed front, the current scenario in Bhiwandi is similar to that in 2017, when a coalition of councillors from different parties had come together to go past the majority mark.Some BJP supporters termed Wednesday’s development a “strategic manoeuvre”, without explaining what they meant. Some political analysts argued that if BJP cannot secure the mayor’s post directly, it may still attempt to influence the outcome indirectly through Chaudhary’s positioning. BJP did not officially comment on the claims.The rift in BJP reportedly began after it changed its mayoral candidate. Narayan Chaudhary was initially projected as the party’s nominee but was later replaced by Sneha Patil. Chaudhary’s camp claimed the move triggered resentment.Speaking to TOI , Chaudhary defended his position. “BJP first named me as its mayoral candidate but later replaced me. Along with eight councillors, I am considering extending support to the Secular Front. A final decision will follow legal consultation,” he said.SP MLA Rais Sheikh told TOI , “I had promised the people of Bhiwandi that a Secular Front mayor would be elected. The present developments suggest we are closer to that goal.” Ganesh Patil, vice-president of Maharashtra Congress, confirmed the move. “The nine BJP corporators will be part of Bhiwandi Secular Front, and we, along with NCP (SP), are discussing other details,” he said. Meanwhile, Congress’ Bhiwandi district president Rashid Tahir Momin expressed unease, saying “this appears a calculated move by BJP.”

AI image of French president Macron with PM Modi (Image shared by Macron on X)

French President Emmanuel Macron on Wednesday shared an AI image with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, as he’s on three-day tour to India. He’s also set to attend the AI impact summit in New Delhi. The image shows the two nations’ leaders making a heart by joining their hands and smiling, with a text on it saying, “Yes, This is AI”. In the image, two white mugs with the flags of India and France can also be seen. Macron shared this image with the caption, “When friends connect, innovation follows. Ready for The AI Impact Summit!”The summit builds on earlier global initiatives, including the 2025 AI Action Summit in Paris, co-chaired by PM Modi and Macron, brings together world leaders and tech executives to discuss the future of artificial intelligence.Earlier in the day, speaking at an event at All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Emmanuel Macron said India and France are aligned on the future of artificial intelligence, stressing the need to avoid overreliance on dominant global models. “I think it is important that this innovation becomes a very important part of our countries. I believe we share the same objective in India and France, and in Europe — that we do not want to be totally dependent on the US and Chinese models. We believe we need our own balanced model, and we want to be part of the solution. We want our players to be part of the solution as well,” he said.Macron described the ongoing India AI Impact Summit 2026 in Delhi as crucial for advancing responsible and development-focused AI. Referring to earlier global discussions, he said the dialogue must continue to ensure innovation benefits societies broadly.India is hosting the summit from February 16 to 20, structured around three pillars — People, Planet, and Progress. The Prime Minister inaugurated the India AI Impact Expo 2026 at Bharat Mandapam earlier this week.Billed as the first major global AI gathering in the Global South, the summit has drawn over 20 Heads of State, dozens of ministers, and hundreds of AI leaders. Bringing together policymakers, industry, innovators, and academia, the event aims to translate global AI discussions into practical development outcomes under the IndiaAI Mission and the Digital India initiative.The Prime Minister is set to deliver the inaugural address on February 19, outlining India’s vision for inclusive, trusted, and development-oriented artificial intelligence.

RAIPUR: Ejaculation without penetration constitutes an attempt to commit rape and not actual rape, the Chhattisgarh high court observed in a significant judgment on February 16. The rape survivor, in one part of her evidence, stated that there was penetration, but in the subsequent line, said that the convict had kept his private part above her vagina for about 10 minutes. This discrepancy, coupled with medical findings of an intact hymen, showed that only an attempt with intent to commit rape had been proved, the court noted.“The survivor was extensively cross-examined, wherein she stated that when the accused caught hold of her hand and removed his pant, he penetrated his private part into her vagina. She further stated that the appellant had kept his private part above her vagina for about 10 minutes and affirmed that he had kept his private part above hers but had not penetrated. She also stated that she could not open her mouth as the appellant had tightened both her hands. She admitted that she remained in the closed room for eight hours and that when her mother entered the room, she untied her hands and mouth,” the court recorded.The prosecution case, in brief, was that on May 21, 2004, the survivor was alone at her house when the accused came and asked whether she would go to the shop. When she asked him for money, the appellant allegedly caught hold of her hand and forcibly dragged her to his house, where he removed his own clothes as well as the survivor’s clothes and committed sexual intercourse without her will. Thereafter, he allegedly locked her inside a room in his house, tied her hands and legs, and stuffed cloth into her mouth. An FIR was lodged at Arjuni police station in Dhamtari district, following which an offence was registered and an investigation conducted. After completion of the investigation, the charge sheet was submitted before the Chief Judicial Magistrate, Dhamtari, and the case was committed to the Sessions Judge, Raipur.The trial court, by judgment dated April 6, 2005, convicted and sentenced the accused to rigorous imprisonment for seven years under Section 376(1) IPC and imposed a fine of Rs 200. He was also sentenced to six months’ rigorous imprisonment under Section 342 IPC.The high court modified the conviction for rape to one for attempt to commit rape, while reiterating that “even the slightest penetration” is sufficient to constitute the offence under Section 375 of the IPC as it stood prior to the 2013 amendment. In the criminal appeal, Justice Narendra Kumar Vyas partly allowed the appeal filed against the conviction by the Additional Sessions Judge, Dhamtari, dated April 6, 2005.Reappreciating the evidence, the high court closely examined the survivor’s testimony. While she initially stated that the accused had penetrated her, she later clarified that he had kept his private part above hers and had not penetrated.Medical evidence revealed that the hymen was intact and that only the tip of one finger could be introduced into the vagina. The examining doctor noted redness in the vulva, complaint of pain, and the presence of white discharge, and opined that there was a possibility of partial penetration but could not give a definite opinion regarding rape.Referring to the Supreme Court’s ruling in State of U.P. v. Babul Nath, the high court reiterated that complete penetration, rupture of the hymen, or emission of semen are not necessary to establish rape. The explanation to Section 375 IPC makes it clear that penetration alone is sufficient and that even slight penetration of the male organ within the labia is enough to constitute the offence.However, the court held that in the present case, the prosecutrix’s own statements created doubt about actual penetration. While there was evidence of sexual assault and possible partial penetration, the ingredients of completed rape were not conclusively established.Drawing from precedents including Madan Lal v. State of Jammu and Kashmir and State of Madhya Pradesh v. Mahendra alias Golu, the court elaborated on the distinction between “preparation” and “attempt”.It observed that an attempt begins where preparation ends and consists of a direct movement towards the commission of the offence with the requisite intent. The acts of forcibly taking the survivor into a room, closing the door, stripping her and himself, and rubbing his genitals against hers went beyond preparation and demonstrated an intention to commit sexual intercourse.Since the evidence did not conclusively establish penetration but did prove acts proximate to its commission, the offence was held to fall within the ambit of attempt to commit rape punishable under Section 376 read with Section 511 IPC, as applicable at the time of the 2004 incident.Accordingly, the court set aside the conviction under Section 376(1) IPC and instead convicted the appellant under Section 376/511 IPC, sentencing him to three years and six months of rigorous imprisonment along with a fine of Rs 200.The conviction and six-month sentence under Section 342 IPC were affirmed, with both sentences directed to run concurrently. The appellant was granted set-off for the period already undergone in custody and directed to surrender before the trial court within two months.Rejecting the defence contention that the survivor was a consenting major, the court held that the school admission register, being a public document under the Evidence Act, could not be brushed aside in the absence of material to doubt its authenticity. The appellant had not raised the plea of consent at the trial stage.While granting partial relief to the appellant, the high court reiterated that the offence of rape hinges on penetration — however slight — but where such penetration is not conclusively proved, yet the acts clearly evince intent and overt steps towards sexual intercourse, the law will punish the attempt.

The West Indies will take on Italy in Match 37 of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 on Thursday (February 19) at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata. While the two-time champions have already secured their Super 8 berth with a flawless record, Italy’s debut campaign comes to a close regardless of Thursday’s result.

West Indies enter the match with three comprehensive wins  – against Scotland, England and Nepal – sitting atop the group with six points and a formidable net run rate of +1.820 .

Meanwhile, Italy – ranked 27th and the tournament’s lowest-ranked team – have exceeded expectations in their first-ever ICC event. After a heavy loss to Scotland, they bounced back with an emphatic 10-wicket victory over Nepal before pushing England to the brink in a narrow 24-run defeat. For them, this match represents a final opportunity to create memories.

WI vs ITA, T20 World Cup 2026: Match Details

• Date and Time: February 19 (Thursday); 11:00 am IST / 5:30 am GMT
• Venue: Eden Gardens, Kolkata

WI vs ITA, Head-to-Head Record in T20Is

Both team are yet to face other in international cricket.

Eden Gardens Pitch Report

Eden Gardens has largely justified its tag as a run-friendly venue in this tournament, though it hasn’t been one-sided. The pitch usually offers lively pace and carry for the quicks with the new ball, but as it wears, its abrasive surface starts assisting spin. That brings bowlers like West Indies’ Gudakesh Motie and Italy’s Crishan Kalugamage into the game during the middle overs.

The average first-innings total at this venue in the T20 World Cup 2026 has hovered around 175, underlining the scoring potential while still rewarding disciplined bowling. Given the conditions, the captain winning the toss is likely to bat first and aim to post a challenging total on a fresh track before it slows later in the match.

Squads

West Indies: Brandon King, Shai Hope (c & wk), Shimron Hetmyer, Roston Chase, Sherfane Rutherford, Rovman Powell, Jason Holder, Matthew Forde, Akeal Hosein, Gudakesh Motie, Shamar Joseph, Romario Shepherd, Jayden Seales, Quentin Sampson, Johnson Charles

Italy: Justin Mosca, Anthony Mosca, JJ Smuts, Harry Manenti (c), Ben Manenti, Grant Stewart, Marcus Campopiano, Gian Meade (wk), Jaspreet Singh, Crishan Kalugamage, Ali Hasan, Syed Naqvi, Zain Ali, Thomas Draca, Wayne Madsen

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

WI vs ITA, T20 World Cup 2026: Today’s Match Prediction

Case 1:

• West Indies wins the toss and bats first
• West Indies powerplay score: 50-60 (6 overs)
• West Indies total score: 210-220

Case 2:

• Italy wins the toss and bats first
• Italy powerplay score: 40-50 (6 overs)
• Italy total score: 180-190

Match result: West Indies to win the contest.

Also READ: T20 World Cup 2026 – Glenn McGrath questions Cameron Green’s selection over Steve Smith after Australia’s early exit

New Delhi: After hosting French President Emmanuel Macron in Mumbai, PM Modi held bilateral meetings on Wednesday with leaders of Spain, Finland, Estonia, Croatia and Serbia, looking to further deepen cooperation in technology, innovation, security and defence with Europe, which is participating in strength in the ongoing AI Impact Summit. With 26 countries officially represented, this is the largest-ever presence of European countries at a technology-based event in India, according to official sources.In the official talks, EU leaders/members conveyed their unanimous support for early implementation of the India-EU FTA. They are also learned to have pledged support for its early ratification in the European Council and European Parliament.“They are all keen to enhance trading ties with India taking advantage of the FTA, creating new opportunities and jobs for people,” said a govt source.At Modi’s meeting with Spainish PM Pedro Sanchez, the two endorsed ongoing defence cooperation, welcoming progress in Tata-Airbus collaboration for C-295 transport aircraft final assembly line in Vadodara and stressing the importance of defence industrial collaboration based on co-development and co-production. Sanchez highlighted the importance of the AI Summit and expressed confidence that its outcomes would contribute meaningfully to shaping global AI governance, while backing closer India-Spain cooperation to leverage AI’s potential for inclusive development and societal benefit.“They reiterated their strong condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and emphasised the need for strengthened international cooperation to combat terrorism,” said a govt readout, adding that both PMs hailed the India-EU FTA as a major milestone that would help unlock immense trade and investment potential.Modiis expected to meet leaders from the Netherlands, Switzerland, Greece, Slovak Republic and Liechtenstein over the next two days.For India, a solid European presence was the essential ingredient for a successful AI summit, as Europe remains a hub of cutting-edge AI innovation, digital governance and responsible AI frameworks.Govt officials pointed out that EU plays a prominent role in setting global norms, including for AI, and is also the first bloc globally to enact comprehensive AI legislation. While France is playing a key role in AI governance and applications and UK had organised the first AI summit in 2023, the Netherlands and Belgium host critical companies in the semiconductor supply chain like ASML and IMEC, respectively.India working closely with European nations to expand AI-led growth: Official | page 14While Germany is Europe’s leading semiconductor hub, the sources said Estonia, too, is a global leader in artificial intelligence, ranking sixth worldwide for AI startups. “India is working closely with several European countries to learn from one another and expand AI-led growth and development,” said an official.Modi and Finland Prime Minister Petteri Orpo called for doubling bilateral trade and greater technology collaboration, including in co-development of quantum and 6G, renewables, circular economy and defence, as they agreed that India-EU FTA will serve as a catalyst for shared progress and prosperity. In his meeting with Modi, Croatian PM Andrej Plenkovic, too, called for early implementation of India-FTA to boost bilateral trade.“In recent diplomatic engagements, Europe has expressed an unambiguous vote of confidence in the vitality of India-Europe Strategic Partnership, anchored in AI, digital innovation, strategic cooperation, economic growth and shared global priorities,” said an official.India working closely with European nations to expand AI-led growth: Official While Germany is Europe’s leading semiconductor hub, the sources said Estonia, too, is a global leader in artificial intelligence, ranking sixth worldwide for AI startups. “India is working closely with several European countries to learn from one another and expand AI-led growth and development,” said an official. Modi and Finland Prime Minister Petteri Orpo called for doubling bilateral trade and greater technology collaboration, including in co-development of quantum and 6G, renewables, circular economy and defence, as they agreed that India-EU FTA will serve as a catalyst for shared progress and prosperity. In his meeting with Modi, Croatian PM Andrej Plenkovic, too, called for early implementation of India-FTA to boost bilateral trade. “In recent diplomatic engagements, Europe has expressed an unambiguous vote of confidence in the vitality of India-Europe Strategic Partnership, anchored in AI, digital innovation, strategic cooperation, economic growth and shared global priorities,” said an official.

BofA maintained its buy recommendation on Infosys with the target price at Rs 1,840. Analysts said there were several positives on positioning and net opportunity could be bigger but the path is still evolving. They also said that enterprise AI isn’t plug and play. Currently revenue from AI-first offerings stands at 5.5%, which is not too different from others that have disclosed the metric. Analysts also warned that the key risk with AI, as per the company, is less about opportunity and more about strategy and execution. They also believe the Anthropic partnerships signify the role of a services company in enterprise AI shift.UBS has a buy on ITC with the target price cut to Rs 395 from Rs 420. Analysts said their distributor checks indicated a range of imminent price hikes, which is now arriving. ITC’s 84mm cigarettes are expected to be priced at Rs 24 per stick, up from Rs 17 earlier. This segment has seen the steepest tax increase. While on the other extreme, 64mm is expected to be priced Rs 7 per stick, from Rs 5.9 earlier. The pricing of 69mm Goldflake (a large volume driver, currently at Rs 9.5 per stick) is yet to be known. They expect it to be priced around Rs 12. It is clear that price hikes have been fully passed on in the premium cigarettes, while it is kept minimal in price sensitive segments of 69mm and 64mm. This pricing approach is likely to keep ITC’s volume and earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) impact to minimum.Goldman Sachs has initiated its coverage of LG Electronics with the target price at Rs 1,750. Analysts said the company is well-placed to grow faster than the industry in the near to medium term. This could come due to shifting income cohort mix and rising penetration leading to faster industry growth in the mid and premium products. Also due to the company’s consistent track record of innovation enabling it to sustain its premiumization trends. A third reason could be LG Electronics Inc’s ‘Global South’ strategy, which should enable it to improve exports while expanding its manufacturing in India. However, analysts warned that the rising competitive intensity in an increasing commodity price environment should keep margin expansion potential limited.Morgan Stanley has an underweight rating on Dabur with the target price at Rs 400. Analysts said Mohit Malhotra (currently Whole Time Director & CEO) has been re-designated as Whole Time Director & Global CEO, effective Feb 17, 2026. Herjit S Bhalla has been appointed as CEO – India Business, effective April 15, 2026 or such other date as may be mutually agreed. They said that Bhalla brings more than 25 years of experience across sales, marketing and general management roles.HSBC has a buy on Aurobindo Pharma with the target price raised to Rs 1,415. Analysts said the company received US FDA approval for Adquey (difamilast 1%), a non-steroid topical treatment for atopic dermatitis. They feel Adquey has potential to become a $250-300-million brand but Aurobindo Pharma needs to invest for specialist sales hires. Analysts also feel marketing execution will be the key for Adquey’s success in the US.(Disclaimer: Recommendations and views on the stock market, other asset classes or personal finance management tips given by experts are their own. These opinions do not represent the views of The Times of India)

Saad Bin Zafar has had an inspiring journey (Photos from Instagram)

NEW DELHI: In 2004, T20 cricket was still an idea waiting to happen. The shortest format, which today commands prime-time slots, billions in franchise cricket, biennial World Cup events, and the ICC’s most-reliable route to globalise the game, had not yet been played at the international level.That same year, a 17-year-old Saad Bin Zafar moved from Gujranwala in Pakistan to Canada. Cricket was not the reason for the move. Education was.“When we moved to Canada in the beginning, the sole reason was for me to get a good education,” Saad told TimesofIndia.com during an exclusive interaction. “My parents, especially my dad, used to tell me to focus on my studies, ‘play cricket but don’t let your studies affect you. That’s the sole reason we decided to move you to Canada.’ So, there was some pressure from my family.”

Two decades later, Saad is Canada’s most experienced campaigner in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026 and their leading wicket-taker with four wickets.And as his team prepares to play Afghanistan in their final match of the tournament on Thursday at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, the 39-year-old has just one ambition: “To give our best and show our potential.”A late start to ‘serious’ cricketFor the 1989-born, cricket was a pastime in Pakistan, rather than a serious pursuit.“I didn’t play a lot of club cricket in Pakistan. I played school cricket. I didn’t have in mind that I would take up cricket as a career,” he said.After moving to Canada, he joined the University of Toronto and completed a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration there.

Canada’s Saad Bin Zafar, left, celebrates the wicket of New Zealand’s Tim Seifert (AP Photo/Mahesh Kumar A.)

Cricket initially fit around his studies. He would play club cricket in Toronto’s Super 9 league before making his debut for Canada in 2008.However, the early years were filled with inconsistency.“From 2008 to 2015, I was on and off in the team. I used to be picked and then dropped,” he added. “I was a youngster. I was new in the team. I was trying to make my place.”That changed in 2015. He gradually made his mark as a regular in the national side and became one of the team’s most trusted assets.A leader in the roomSaad played an integral part in leading Canada through the qualifiers into the T20 World Cup, later becoming the country’s first captain in the tournament’s history. Under his leadership, Canada regained ODI status in 2023.Although he doesn’t hold the captain’s armband anymore, the responsibilities have only got bigger.“I play my role as a bowling all-rounder, left-arm spinner, left-hand batsman, lower-middle order. I want to win matches for Canada through good performances. And I want to share my experience with the youngsters and groom them,” he said.

Canada’s Saad Bin Zafar, smiling, and Shreyas Movva celebrate the wicket of United Arab Emirates’ Mayank Kumar (AP Photo/Manish Swarup)

He has also had experience of playing foreign franchise cricket, including the Caribbean Premier League for St Lucia Zouks.In November 2021, he recorded a rare feat in T20Is: becoming the first man to concede no runs in a four-over spell and finishing with figures of 4-4-0-2 against Panama.Cricket became full-time over timeFor most of his career, cricket was not a full-time profession in Canada. Saad worked as a procurement analyst in an insurance company while playing international cricket.“It was very difficult at the start. After all, cricket was not a full-time profession in Canada,” he revealed. “Even when you play for Canada, you have to work together.”He negotiated leave for tours and sometimes worked remotely while travelling. But employers were not always welcoming. “There was a point when they said that we can’t accommodate you that much. So, you have to either work or play cricket,” he recalled.“When a company would start bothering me, I used to find another job. But I didn’t leave cricket.”In 2018, after becoming Player of the Match in the GT20 final and receiving opportunities in other franchise leagues, he made the decision to quit his job and focus fully on cricket.‘My parents started believing that I am talented’Saad moved to Canada with his family as the eldest son. The move was primarily for his university education. After three years, his family returned to Pakistan while he stayed back to complete his studies. However, eventually, his other four siblings also moved to Canada. Also, his father’s stance changed.ALSO READ: From ice hockey to T20 World Cup 2026’s youngest talents: Ajayveer Hundal finds ‘great feeling’ in Delhi“Eventually, when I got a call-up in the national team and started playing for Canada, my parents started believing that I am talented enough to represent Canada. After that, my dad started supporting me,” he added with a smile.“He then stopped telling me to give up cricket and focus on my studies. They now feel proud.”