NEW DELHI: Former Assam Congress president Bhupen Borah on Sunday joined the BJP, days after stepping down from the Congress ahead of the upcoming assembly elections in the state.Former Congress worker Sanju Bora also switched sides and entered the saffron party along with him.Borah had resigned earlier this week, but the Congress high command had not accepted his resignation. Senior party leaders visited his residence to persuade him to reconsider, and Rahul Gandhi also spoke to him. Borah had sought time to review his decision, but a day later Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma visited his home and announced that he would formally join the BJP on February 22.After meeting Union home minister Amit Shah, Borah wrote in a post, “32 years vs 32 hours — the difference is visible.”Reacting to the development, Assam PCC president Gaurav Gogoi asserted that Borah’s exit would not dent the party’s prospects. “Congress is like an ocean; we are all just water drops in it. Congress was there long before our fathers and forefathers existed. Bhupen Borah’s leaving will not impact our party’s prospects in the assembly polls,” he said.Assam is set to hold assembly elections later this year, with the BJP, led by chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, aiming to retain power while facing a renewed challenge from the Congress.
Gujarat Titans (GT) young sensationSai Sudharsanrecently turned back the clock during a fascinating conversation with veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin on his YouTube channel. The left-handed opener was tasked with a unique challenge: constructing an IPL Playing XI consisting entirely of cricketers from the pre-T20 era. Following the IPL’s roster rules, Sudharsan had to pick seven Indians and four overseas players, while also naming a substitute. His final team is a formidable blend of vintage aggression and unrivaled bowling pace.
Kapil Dev to captain, Donald Bradman at 4: Sai Sudharsan unveils pre-t20 era IPL dream XI
Sudharsan’s selection featured a ‘who’s who’ of cricketing royalty, led by the greatest of them all, Don Bradman, and captained by India’s first World Cup-winning hero.
The Top Order: He opted for a ‘dash and stability’ opening pair of Kris Srikkanth and Navjot Singh Sidhu, followed by the legendary Farokh Engineer behind the stumps at number three. The legendary Sir Don Bradman was slotted in at number four to anchor the middle order.
The Powerhouse All-Rounders: The engine room of the team features a mix of tactical brilliance and raw power, including former India coach Ravi Shastri, South African ‘finisher’ Lance Klusener and Kapil Dev, who was also named the Captain of the side.
The Bowling Battery: The attack is terrifyingly fast and skillful, featuring the ‘Swing King’ Wasim Akram, the lethal Jeff Thomson, and the accuracy of Venkatesh Prasad, rounded off by the magical spin of Bishan Singh Bedi.
Sai Sudharsan’s pre-T20 IPL XI:
Kris Srikkanth, Navjot Singh Sidhu, Farokh Engineer (WK), Don Bradman, Ravi Shastri, Lance Klusener, Kapil Dev (C), Wasim Akram, Venkatesh Prasad, Bishan Singh Bedi, Jeff Thomson. (Sub: Robin Singh)
Sudharsan’s fitness update for Gujarat Titans ahead of IPL 2026
While the XI was a fun hypothetical, Sai Sudharsan’s own preparation for the IPL 2026 season has been a mix of brilliance and recovery. Despite a right rib fracture sustained during the Vijay Hazare Trophy, the left-hander has officially resumed training.
Domestic Form: He was in scintillating touch during the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, amassing 192 runs at a strike rate of 152.38.
GT Pre-Season Camp: Sudharsan has been spotted back in the nets at the Gujarat Titans camp alongside captain Shubman Gill.
Expectations: After a solid domestic season, the Titans’ management is banking on him to provide explosive starts at the top of the order as they look to reclaim the IPL title in 2026.
Captain Suryakumar Yadav, right, head coach Gautam Gambhir, second left, with the team. (PTI Photo)
India’s formidable depth has become both their greatest strength and their only selection headache as the defending champions march unbeaten into the Super Eight stage of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. A win over the Netherlands extended their winning streak in the tournament to 12 matches and reinforced the impression of a side with few weaknesses — but according to former coach Ravi Shastri, one crucial dilemma remains.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!Shastri believes India are unlikely to tinker with a winning combination when they face South Africa in a blockbuster clash on Sunday, insisting the current XI ticks nearly every box.“I think it will be pretty much the same side because you’ve got depth, you’ve got all bases covered, you’ve got options, you need options,” Shastri told ICC Review.
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He stressed the importance of flexibility, particularly in conditions where dew could influence team balance.“When there’s dew around, you need that extra bowling option. Whether it’s a Shivam Dube, whether it’s Hardik bowling his full quota of overs, whether it’s Tilak Varma who might roll his arm for an over or two, you need those options. I don’t think they’ll tinker with the side. I think the team that played in the last game was a good side,” he said.India’s campaign so far has been defined by collective contributions rather than reliance on individuals, something Shastri views as a major positive.
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Should India change their winning combination for the upcoming match against South Africa?
“In every game there’s been someone who stood up. It has been Ishan Kishan, sometimes Surya in the first game. Tilak Varma has played his part… I still think the best of him is still to come,” he noted. “I look at it as a positive that Abhishek Sharma has got three zeros. So, save your best for the important periods in the tournament. Teams will be a little worried that he’s not got runs.”However, Shastri identified one key selection call: whether to play Axar Patel or Washington Sundar. Both offer spin and batting depth, but only one spot is available.Beyond selection, Shastri expects a high-quality contest between two in-form sides at the Narendra Modi Stadium.“There’s a lot of self-belief and it’s going to be a cracking contest because South Africa are no pushovers,” he said. “They’ve got depth in batting. India have got depth in batting. These are two of the strongest teams.”Familiarity with conditions could play a role, but Shastri warned dew may ultimately decide the outcome.“When you’re familiar with the ground… you know what lengths to bowl. The thing to see is the amount of dew. Toss can play a crucial role.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate the Meerut Metro and the Namo Bharat RRTS, on Sunday, during his visit to Shatabdi Nagar in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, while also dedicating development works worth around Rs 12,930 crore to the city. Following the inauguration, the Prime Minister is set to take a metro ride to Meerut South station and is scheduled to address a public gathering on the occasion.The programme will mark the full operationalisation of the 82-km Delhi–Meerut Namo Bharat corridor alongside the launch of the Meerut Metro. Both services will run on shared infrastructure, a first-of-its-kind initiative in the country. The integrated network is expected to enable faster intercity and intra-city travel, help decongest roads and reduce vehicular carbon dioxide emissions.
How will Namo Bharat RRTS benefit commuters?
The inauguration of the Namo Bharat RRTS is expected to boost daily life across the NCR by sharply reducing travel time between Meerut, Ghaziabad and Delhi. Improved connectivity will allow professionals to live farther from the capital while continuing to work in major urban hubs, helping enhance work-life balance and lower commuting costs. At the same time, students, entrepreneurs and families are also set to benefit from easier travel for education, business and personal needs.
Since its launch in October 2023 and the phased opening of the 82-km Delhi–Meerut corridor, the Namo Bharat system has already enhanced transportation in the region, enabling many to remain based in Meerut and parts of Ghaziabad while pursuing careers in Delhi and Noida. With the entire corridor becoming operational, this integration is expected to deepen further.Cutting travel time: The Delhi–Meerut RRTS enables travel from Sarai Kale Khan to Modipuram in 58 minutes, to Begumpul in 54 minutes, and to Shatabdi Nagar in 50 minutes — all within an hour. By comparison, the same journey by road takes about one and a half hours, depending on traffic conditions.
Route: The 82 km Delhi-Meerut Namo Bharat Corridor also includes the 5-km stretch between Sarai Kale Khan and New Ashok Nagar in Delhi and 21-km stretch between Meerut South and Modipuram in Uttar Pradesh.Speed: Designed for a top speed of 180 kmph and an operational speed of 160 kmph, Namo Bharat is India’s first regional rapid transit system intended to transform high-speed intercity travel.
Key centers: Sarai Kale Khan, the starting point of the corridor, is one of the four Namo Bharat stations being commissioned as part of this inauguration. It has been strategically developed as a major multi-modal hub, offering seamless connectivity with Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway Station, Delhi Metro’s Pink Line, Veer Haqeeqat Rai ISBT and Ring Road. The remaining three stations—Shatabdi Nagar, Begumpul and Modipuram—aee situated in Meerut.
Highlights of Meerut Metro
Alongside the RRTS rollout, PM Modi is also scheduled to inaugurate the Meerut Metro services between Meerut South and Modipuram. In a first-of-its-kind move in the country, the Meerut Metro will run on the same infrastructure as the Namo Bharat corridor. Here are the key features of the Meerut metro that will enhance the journey for commuters:First of its kind initiative: Meerut Metro will operate on the same tracks and infrastructure as the Namo Bharat system in a first-of-its-kind initiative in India. This integrated model aims to enable high-speed intercity travel alongside swift intra-city movement. It is also expected to help decongest road traffic and significantly reduce vehicular carbon dioxide emissions.Travel time: The metro will cover the 21-km Meerut South–Modipuram corridor in about 30 minutes, including all scheduled stoppages.Speed: Meerut Metro will be India’s fastest metro system, with a maximum operational speed of around 120 kmph.Features: The service will run on a 21-km corridor with 12 stations. The fully air-conditioned three-coach trains feature modern stainless-steel, lightweight trainsets in a fluorescent green, blue and orange colour scheme. They are energy-efficient, equipped with regenerative braking systems, and compatible with Automatic Train Protection and Automatic Train Operation technologies. Facilities also include luggage racks, CCTV cameras and USB charging ports.Seating: Each train has a capacity of over 700 passengers, including 173 seated commuters, and offers a mix of transverse and longitudinal cushioned seating. Reserved seating has been provided for women, senior citizens and passengers with disabilities.
MUMBAI: Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) has announced the launch of DigiYatra at its facility, nearly two months after the start of commercial operations.In a statement issued on Friday, the private airport operator said NMIA has joined the Civil Aviation Ministry’s nationwide DigiYatra rollout along with five other airports across the country.The inauguration was held remotely, with the event streamed live inside the terminal for passengers.
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To mark the occasion, three passengers ceremonially used the DigiYatra e-gates and cut a ribbon at the biometric entry points.According to NMIA, DigiYatra uses facial recognition technology to facilitate contactless and paperless processing at airport checkpoints, helping reduce waiting time while ensuring strong data privacy and security safeguards.(With agency inputs)
NAGPUR: Nagpur police have launched an investigation following reports that a Class 12 Chemistry question paper was circulated on social media before the Maharashtra board exam, officials said on Saturday. The suspected exam malpractice came to light on Wednesday at a local high school when invigilators noticed a female student making frequent trips to the washroom, which raised suspicions.
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The authorities took the student’s phone and found that the question paper had been sent in a WhatsApp group before the exam began.Officials also said that potential answers were exchanged in the group. Following the student’s statement, police are questioning another pupil. Preliminary findings indicate that an individual associated with a private coaching centre may have shared the paper in return for money. A case has been registered at Sadar police station.
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A 19-year-old BSc Biotechnology student from Tripura is battling severe injuries at Delhi’s Safdarjung Hospital after her live-in partner allegedly poured sanitiser on her private parts and set them on fire at their rented accommodation in Sector 69.
GURGAON: A 19-year-old university student has alleged that her live-in partner poured sanitiser on her private parts and set them on fire at their rented accommodation in Sector 69. Police have registered an FIR against the accused, identified as Shivam, a resident of Narela in Delhi, under Sections 115, 118(1), 118(2), 127(2), 69 and 351(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The case was registered at Badshahpur police station on February 19 at 8.35pm based on the survivor’s statement. According to the complaint, the woman met Shivam through an online app in September 2025. The two began interacting and later started meeting. She alleged that he established physical relations with her on the pretext of marriage. Subsequently, they began living together in Gurgaon. Over time, Shivam allegedly began doubting her and subjected her to repeated physical assault. According to the complaint, he brutally thrashed her, hitting her on the head with a steel bottle, smashing her head against a wall and furniture, and striking her with an earthen pot. It was further alleged that he poured sanitiser on her private parts and attempted to set them on fire. The accused also attacked her legs with a knife and threatened to beat her so badly that she would never be able to walk or become a mother. He also allegedly recorded nude videos of her during the assault. On the night of February 18, the woman managed to access the accused’s phone and informed her mother about the ordeal in Bengali, a language he did not understand. Her mother immediately dialled the emergency helpline 112, following which a police team reached the spot and rescued her. She was first taken to the Sector 10 government hospital, where doctors declared her unfit to give a statement. She was later referred to Safdarjung Hospital in Delhi. After doctors declared her fit, police recorded her detailed statement and initiated further investigation. Police said efforts are underway to collect medical evidence and digital proof, including the alleged videos.
The Moon is about to get its own brain. For the first time, real-time artificial intelligence and edge computing have been installed on a lunar rover. The milestone might not make headlines like a rocket launch, but it is huge. 384,400 kilometres from Earth, machines will soon process data instantly, analysing sensor readings, images, and commands without waiting for signals to travel across the void.Astrolab, a California-based startup, confirmed in February 2026 that Hewlett Packard Enterprise’s Spaceborne Computer has been mechanically integrated on its FLIP rover. This is the first step in creating a smarter, faster, more autonomous lunar mission. Experts say the move could revolutionise how astronauts and robots operate on the Moon, particularly at the South Pole, where Artemis missions are targeting permanent outposts.
FLIP and FLEX: Inside Astrolab’s two rovers built for the Moon
FLIP, or FLEX Lunar Innovation Platform, is Astrolab’s smaller test rover. It weighs about half a ton and carries 30–50 kilograms of payload. Its purpose is simple: test key subsystems under real lunar conditions. That includes hyper-deformable Venturi wheels, batteries, avionics, sensors, and software. FLIP is scheduled to land on Astrobotic’s Griffin Mission-1 lander in summer 2026.FLEX is the big sibling. It’s the flagship rover, designed to carry two suited astronauts, transport cargo, deploy infrastructure, and perform construction tasks. It can carry up to 1,600 kilograms and store three cubic metres of equipment. FLEX uses bendable wheels for soft regolith, articulating limbs to adapt to terrain, deployable solar arrays, a six-degree-of-freedom robotic arm, and semi-autonomous navigation sensors. Experts say it might be the most capable rover ever planned for the lunar surface.
Source: LinkedIn
FLIP gets a brain: Smart AI for instant lunar decisions
With HPE’s Spaceborne Computer onboard, FLIP can analyse data immediately. No more sending massive files back to Earth and waiting hours or even days for answers. Images, sensor readings, and mission commands can be processed in real-time.For astronauts, this is a game-changer. They could instantly map water ice, detect Helium-3 deposits, interpret medical images, and control experiments without lag. Navigation becomes safer. And for future lunar bases, mining operations, and communication networks, having smart, autonomous machines on the Moon could make operations far more efficient.Some experts even see benefits beyond the Moon. Edge computing systems like this could improve operations in remote Earth locations like deep oceans, polar regions, and disaster zones where immediate data processing is essential.
AI meets the Moon: FLIP arrives this summer
FLIP is first in line, expected to land at the lunar South Pole in summer 2026 aboard Astrobotic’s Griffin-1 lander. FLEX missions will follow later that year or beyond, possibly using SpaceX vehicles. The Moon’s vacuum, polar sunlight, and radio-quiet zones make it ideal for AI-powered, edge-computing rovers.
Former Indian cricketer Shikhar Dhawan has begun a new chapter in his life, marrying his Irish girlfriend Sophie Shine in an intimate wedding ceremony in the Delhi NCR region on Saturday, February 21. The couple’s heartwarming pictures have since taken social media by storm, with fans and celebrities alike showering blessings on the newlyweds .
‘Mr. & Mrs. Dhawan’: The official announcement
The 40-year-old former opener made the official announcement through a romantic Instagram post, sharing glimpses of their special day with the simple yet elegant caption, “Mr. & Mrs. Dhawan” . The photographs captured the couple’s unbridled joy – dancing together in celebration, sharing intimate moments, and participating in traditional wedding rituals including the solemn moment of Dhawan applying sindoor to Sophie’s forehead.
Both looked resplendent in designer Manish Malhotra creations. Dhawan opted for a sophisticated white-on-white sherwani with delicate tonal embroidery, accessorized with a layered emerald necklace that created a striking contrast against the ivory fabric. A classic white turban with a jewelled kalgi completed his regal Maharaja-inspired aesthetic.
Sophie, meanwhile, broke from tradition by choosing an ivory lehenga over the classic red, reflecting the rising popularity of pastel bridal palettes in modern Indian weddings. Her ensemble featured soft coral, peach, and sage green floral motifs against the ivory silk base, creating a romantic “blooming garden” effect. The high-neck blouse with cascading pearl strands doubled as jewellery, showcasing a couture trend where garment detailing replaces heavy accessories.
Who is Sophie Shine? The Irish woman who won Shikhar Dhawan’s heart
Sophie Shine is an Irish-born professional who currently serves as Second Vice President at Northern Trust Corporation in Abu Dhabi. She holds a degree in Marketing and Management from the Lumbrick Institute of Technology and has built an impressive corporate career.
Beyond her corporate role, Sophie is also the Chief Operating Officer of Da One Sports, Dhawan’s sports education initiative focused on grassroots training, and heads the Shikhar Dhawan Foundation . The couple reportedly first met in Dubai several years ago, and Sophie has been a constant presence in Dhawan’s life since.
Their relationship became public knowledge in May 2025 when Dhawan confirmed it with a social media post captioned “My love” accompanied by a red heart emoji. They announced their engagement on January 12, 2026, with a dreamy picture and heartfelt caption that read: “From shared smiles to shared dreams. Grateful for the love, the blessings and every good wish for our engagement as we choose togetherness forever.”
The couple has built a strong social media following, with their light-hearted and humorous reels widely appreciated by fans.
Dhawan’s pre and post-wedding festivities: Sangeet, haldi and reception
Before the wedding, the couple celebrated traditional pre-wedding ceremonies. Dhawan shared pictures from their sangeet night on Instagram with the caption “Sangeet Night, almost the Dhawans,” hinting at their impending marriage. He wore a white Indo-western ensemble while Sophie shimmered in a golden lehenga.
Sophie also offered fans a glimpse of the haldi ceremony, posting photos that showed the couple covered in turmeric paste, embracing the pre-wedding ritual with joy and enthusiasm.
Dhawan’s post-wedding celebration, the reception, turned into a star-studded affair with several familiar faces from Indian cricket in attendance. Former India teammates Rohit Sharma, Suresh Raina, Irfan Pathan and Yuzvendra Chahal were among those who joined the celebrations, adding warmth and camaraderie to the evening.
Rohit Sharma and Suresh Raina at Shikhar Dhawan’s wedding reception | Instagram
The occasion was further elevated by the attendance of BCCI officials, who also came to bless the couple and be part of the special moment.
A new chapter in Shikhar’s life after past heartbreak
This is Shikhar’s second marriage. He was previously married to Ayesha Mukherjee, with whom he shares a son named Zoravar. The couple parted ways in October 2023 after eight years of marriage, with the Delhi family court granting Dhawan a divorce decree.
Dhawan had earlier opened up about the emotional pain of being separated from his son. During an interview with ANI, he said, “It’s been two years since I saw my son. It’s been a year since we talked. Because I’m blocked from everywhere. Of course, it’s difficult. But… You learn to live with it and I miss him.”
