Mumbai: Given the state’s financial stress—it has a projected debt of Rs 9.3 lakh crore and a host of pre-poll welfare schemes to cater to—the spotlight at the budget session, which begins on Monday, will be on how the Mahayuti govt manages to deliver on its promises.The budget will be presented on March 6 by CM Devendra Fadnavis in the wake of deputy CM and finance minister Ajit Pawar‘s death. This will be the first assembly session attended by Ajit Pawar’s wife, Sunetra Pawar, who has replaced him as deputy CM and holds the state excise and minority affairs portfolios. Given the opposition’s low numbers, taking on govt will be a major challenge for it. However, MVA parties are likely to target assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar, who drew flak in Alibaug over allegedly intervening in a land measurement dispute. Narwekar has denied the charges. The opposition is also likely to question the reported clean chit given to Ajit Pawar’s son, Parth Pawar, in a revenue department inquiry on the transfer of a 40-acre plot in Mundhwa to a company linked to him. The budget session will take place for the first time without a leader of opposition (LoP) in both Houses. The assembly has been without an LoP since the state polls in Nov 2024 after the number of opposition MLAs fell below the long held convention of 10% of the House strength. The party had proposed Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Bhaskar Jadhav for the post, but Narwekar has not granted the request. The post of LoP in the upper House has remained vacant since Sena (UBT)’s Ambadas Danve retired in Aug 2025. Congress, the largest opposition party in the legislative council, had recommended the name of its MLC Satej Patil for the post. The opposition is also likely to raise questions about the trimming of beneficiaries of Mahayuti’s flagship Laadki Bahin scheme. After the introduction of e-KYC, the number of beneficiaries dropped by 86 lakh for Dec 2025. The number of beneficiaries who filed e-KYC details is 55 lakh lower than last year. MVA is likely to confront govt over its pre-poll promises, like raising the Laadki Bahin stipend from Rs 1,500 to Rs 2,000, and loan waivers for farmers. The state has set up a committee to study the waiver and long-term solutions to the farm crisis, which will present its report in June. The opposition could also question the MoUs signed by the state at Davos, especially the Rs 1.3 lakh crore deal signed with Lodha Developers, linked to minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha. Elections to seven Rajya Sabha seats will also be held during the session, with Mahayuti poised to win six seats and MVA expected to win one. It’s not clear whom MVA will back for its lone seat. NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar is said to be willing to contest the election if it is unopposed. However, both Sena (UBT) and Congress have made claims to the seat.

Rashmika Mandanna and Vijay Deverakonda have finally announced their upcoming nuptials on social media.In a heartfelt announcement, Rashmika and Vijay revealed that their wedding will officially be known as “The Wedding of VIROSH.”The lovebirds dropped a personal note on their official handles, explaining that the name “Virosh” wasn’t inspired by planners or family traditions, but by their fans — who years ago lovingly combined their names into “VIROSH.”

They added that long before any wedding plans were made, their fans had already given their bond a meaning. Naming their wedding after this fan-created identity is Vijay and Rashmika’s way of including their supporters in the festivities.Rashmika and Vijay penned on social media,“Our Dearest loves,Before we made any plans,before we chose anything for ourselves—you were already there.With so much love,you gave us a name.You called us ‘VIROSH’.So today — with full hearts,we name our coming together in your honour.We would like to name it —‘The Wedding of VIROSH’.Thank you for holding us with so much love.You are a part of us — always.Biggest hugs and full love! (sic)”

Recently, Rashmika and Vijay’s alleged wedding card was doing rounds on social media.According to this wedding card, the ‘Geetha Govindam’ co-stars are all set to tie the knot on February 26. This will be followed by a grand reception on March 4 in Hyderabad.The text on the speculated wedding card read, “I’m writing to share some special news and to invite you to be part of a huge moment in our lives. With the love and blessings of our families, Rashmika and I will be getting married on 26.02.26 in a small and intimate ceremony.”“As we begin this new chapter—celebrating and creating memories around our union—it would truly mean a lot to us to celebrate with those who have been a part of our journeys. Your presence and blessings would make this occasion even more special for us,” it went on to say.

By retaining mandatory PAN quoting for high-value deals, the government builds a more robust audit trail. (AI image)

Draft income tax rules 2026: The Income Tax Department recently released the draft income tax rules in line with the New Income Tax Act. There are several changes in the draft rules pertaining to the requirement of quoting PAN Card.The draft new income-tax rules have proposed significant change in the scope and threshold for PAN quoting obligations for transactions of purchase or sale of immovable property.Presently, PAN must be furnished in case of purchase or sale of immovable property if its value exceeds Rs 10 lakh. The new rule has raised the threshold to Rs 20 lakh and broadens the compliance net to gifts and joint development agreements.

New PAN Rule For Property Transactions

According to Richa Sawhney, Partner – Tax at Grant Thornton Bharat the new proposed rule is in recognition of rising property prices.“This shift in threshold recognizes the increase in property prices and underscores the intent to streamline compliances for small value transactions. Specific reference of gift and joint development agreements also seems to indicate that perhaps need has been felt for increased oversight in these areas,” she tells TOI.Atul Monga, CEO & Co-Founder, BASIC Home Loan the step should provide some relief for small-ticket transactions, considering deals below this limit wouldn’t require PAN quoting at the time of registration.“The draft Income Tax Rules 2026, proposed by the government signals a push towards traceability and transparency in high-value real estate transactions. Larger transactions, however, will remain within the reporting framework, requiring mandatory PAN quoting,” he tells TOI.“From a housing accessibility perspective, increasing the threshold could make entry-level property transactions slightly more frictionless, especially in Tier 2 & 3 markets where property values are lower,” he says.“Traditionally, real estate has been a sector where informal transactions are quite common. By retaining mandatory PAN quoting for high-value deals, the government builds a more robust audit trail and encourages cleaner documentation. For salaried taxpayers and genuine homebuyers, this shouldn’t be an issue. On the contrary, clearly linking transactions to PAN improves credibility in property dealings and reduces the likelihood of tax scrutiny in the future, provided the paperwork is in order.For fintech platforms and lenders, stricter PAN compliance in high-value transactions can improve underwriting accuracy as property dealings can be matched to verified financial records,” Monga says.“Keep in mind that these are still draft proposals and currently under consultation, so the final contours may evolve before implementation. But the intent is clear, to formalise the ecosystem and avoid unnecessary compliance burden on smaller participants in the market,” he adds.

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday used the 131st episode of his monthly radio programme Mann Ki Baat to highlight the power of organ donation, sharing the story of a one-year-old from Kerala whose parents chose to donate her organs after her death.“There can be no greater sorrow than parents losing their child,” he said, referring to Aalin Sherin Abraham. He spoke of the unimaginable grief of losing a child so young, with her entire life ahead of her. Yet, amid that pain, her parents, Arun Abraham and Sherin, decided to donate their daughter’s organs — a decision he described as an act of immense courage and humanity.PM Modi said their choice reflected strength and compassion in the face of personal tragedy. Aalin, he noted, may no longer be among us, but her name has been added to the list of the country’s youngest organ donors.Turning to the broader picture, he said awareness about organ donation is steadily increasing in India, helping patients in need while strengthening medical research. He cited examples of transplant recipients who have gone on to lead active lives.Lakshmi Devi from Delhi completed a 14-kilometre trek to Kedarnath after a heart transplant. Her heart had been functioning at just 15 percent before she received a donor organ. Gaurang Banerjee from West Bengal has visited Nathula, 14,000 feet above sea level, twice after a lung transplant. In Rajasthan, Ramdev Singh from Sikar, who underwent a kidney transplant, is now active in sports.“These inspiring examples show how one noble decision can transform many lives,” the Prime Minister said, urging citizens to view organ donation as a collective responsibility.The appeal, framed through stories of loss and renewal, reinforced a simple message: a single decision can give someone else a second chance at life.

NEW DELHI: The State Names Authority headed by chief minister Rekha Gupta has changed the names of nine metro stations in Delhi.The authority, which considered proposals to change names of 21 metro stations, retained 12, modified seven and renamed two, according to a statement from the chief minister’s Office.Gupta said the names of the metro stations were finalised in line with public sentiments and local identities.The modified station names are: Uttari Pitampura-Prashant Vihar (earlier Prashant Vihar), Jagatpur-Wazirabad (earlier Jagatpur), Nanak Pyau-Derawal Nagar (earlier Derawal Nagar), Khanpur-Vayusainabad (earlier Khanpur), Nanaksar-Sonia Vihar (earlier Sonia Vihar), Shri Ram Mandir Mayur Vihar (earlier Mayur Vihar Pocket 1), and Mangolpur Kalan-West Enclave (earlier West Enclave).Further, North Pitampura was renamed as Haiderpur Village and Pitampura as Madhuban Chowk in accordance with their local identities, the statement said.The names retained as originally proposed in the detailed project reports are: Majlis Park, Bhalaswa, Haiderpur Badli Mor, Deepali Chowk, Yamuna Vihar, Bhajanpura, Khajuri Khas, Soorghat, Jharoda Majra, Burari, Pushpanjali and Maujpur-Babarpur.The chief minister said the metro stations are not merely points of transit, but also reflect the identity and cultural significance of the areas they serve. Therefore, each name was finalised only after careful and considered deliberation.Key factors, including local identity of the areas, their historical, social and cultural significance, and recommendations received from local public representatives and citizens were discussed in finalising the names, she said, adding that such proposals will be considered in future as well, if found reasonable.

(AP photo)

NEW DELHI: India on Sunday strongly condemned Pakistan’s overnight airstrikes on neighbouring Afghanistan during the holy month of Ramadan. The strikes reportedly targeted alleged terror hideouts that Islamabad has blamed for recent suicide bombings in Pakistan.In an official statement, the ministry of external affairs highlighted the casualties of women and children in the attack. “In response to media queries about Pakistan’s airstrikes on Afghanistan, Official Spokesperson Shri Randhir Jaiswal said: India strongly condemns Pakistan’s airstrikes on Afghan territory that have resulted in civilian casualties, including women and children, during the holy month of Ramadan.”

Meanwhile, Kabul has repeatedly denied allegations that armed groups are using Afghan territory to launch attacks against Pakistan.Afghanistan’s ministry of defence said on Sunday that “dozens of innocent civilians, including women and children, were martyred and wounded” after airstrikes hit a school and residential homes in the eastern provinces of Nangarhar and Paktika.Pakistan said it killed 70 terrorists in military strikes targeting at least seven militant hideouts inside Afghanistan, describing the action as retaliation for recent rebel attacks in the country.“Afghanistan has long been exporting terrorism. Pakistan is taking all actions to secure the life and property of its citizens,” Pakistan’s State Minister for Interior, Talal Chaudhry, said while speaking on Geo News.Earlier, Pakistan’s ministry of information and broadcasting confirmed that the strikes were carried out in response to recent suicide bombings in Islamabad, Bajaur and Bannu. Kabul, however, warned that it would deliver a “necessary and measured response” to the attacks.In the latest incident, an army lieutenant colonel and a soldier were killed in a suicide bombing in the Bannu area of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on Saturday.According to a statement from Pakistan’s ministry of information and broadcasting, the government has conclusive evidence that the recent terrorist attacks, including one at a Shiite mosque in Islamabad, as well as attacks in Bajaur and Bannu, followed by another incident in Bannu on Saturday, were allegedly carried out by Khwarij militants acting on the direction of their Afghanistan-based leadership and handlers.The ministry said responsibility for the attacks was claimed by Afghanistan-based Pakistani Taliban belonging to Fitna-al-Khwarij (FAK) and its affiliates, as well as the Islamic State of Khorasan Province (ISKP).Fitna-al-Khwarij is a term used by the Pakistani state to refer to the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).

Mumbai: A dog sitter has been arrested for allegedly hiring a seasoned burglar to steal ornaments and electronic goods worth Rs 50.2 lakh from his former employer’s home in Andheri while the family was away in Jaipur making wedding arrangements earlier this month. Amboli police caught the burglar, who got out of jail just 15 days prior to the crime, after a dramatic half-kilometre chase through a Versova locality on Saturday.Police said the dog sitter, Suraj Pawar (22), worked for a businessman, J C Rodrigues (65), who deals in vintage cars, for seven months and was let go recently after the pet was moved to the home of the couple’s son in Delhi. Another son lives abroad. Only the couple stay in the first floor flat in Teachers Colony in Andheri.

A police officer said Pawar hatched the burglary plan after being fired and continued to work in an adjacent building. “This is the first time we’ve heard of someone hiring a burglar.” Valuables worth Rs 31 lakh have been recovered. Pawar claimed he committed the crime to fund a lavish lifestyle and to pay his bike’s EMIs. On Feb 7, Rodrigues and his wife left for Jaipur to book a palace for their son’s wedding and gave a spare key to their flat to an employee. When the employee arrived three days later, he couldn’t open the door and found it locked from the inside. He alerted Rodrigues and got the door opened with the help of a locksmith. He found that the bedroom was ransacked, the window grille cut, and valuables missing from a cupboard. The police team, supervised by DCP (zone 9) Dikshit Gedam and including senior inspector Pramod Kokate, assistant inspectors Haribhau Biradar and Yogesh Pawar, and SI Sushantkumar Patil, initially hit a wall since the building has no CCTV coverage. It then decided to look into burglars who were recently released from jails and zeroed in on Surya Gounder (22), who has eight cases of house thefts. When police reached Gounder’s hideout in Versova, he jumped off a 10ft roof, snaked through lanes and headed for a thicket of mangroves. The police team nabbed him before he could disappear into the mangroves. He revealed Pawar had befriended him while visiting his brother, Jaswant Pawar (22), in prison and offered him a 20% cut for the job.Jaswant and an aide of Gounder, Mudaliyar, were also nabbed. All four suspects are in police custody till Monday.

NEW DELHI: The Super 8 stage of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup has barely begun, but the tournament’s pre-seeding format has triggered a storm — and batting legend Sunil Gavaskar has firmly questioned the timing of the outrage.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!Fans have taken to social media to criticise the system that placed all group winners — including India, South Africa, Zimbabwe and the West Indies — into the same Super 8 group, raising fears that some of the best-performing sides could be eliminated before the semi-finals. The other group features second-placed finishers England, Sri Lanka, Pakistan and New Zealand.

But Gavaskar believes the criticism has come far too late.“Why bring this up now? Why was this not brought up before the start of the tournament?” Gavaskar told India Today. “Those are the questions that need to be asked of the people who are raising these points now.”The former captain suggested the International Cricket Council had valid logistical reasons for fixing the groups in advance, especially given the tournament is being held across multiple countries.

“The reason that I can think of, maybe the ICC can explain it better, is the logistics. The tournament is being played in two countries,” he said.Gavaskar pointed out that international travel and team management complexities make last-minute changes extremely difficult.“There’s international travel, there’s immigration, and there’s customs, all those things to be taken care of. There is still the question of airline and hotel bookings,” he explained.Highlighting the varying sizes of touring parties, he added: “Not every team travels with the same number of people. Some teams travel with a support staff team of 15, so maybe they need 35-40 rooms. Some teams may travel with 20-22 people altogether, so they may need fewer rooms. All these things need to be taken into account, and perhaps this is the reason why the pre-seeding took place.”The ICC had assigned Super 8 slots even before the tournament began, based on T20I rankings, a move designed to streamline scheduling but now under heavy scrutiny.

India’s premier fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah added another glorious chapter to his illustrious career during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 clash against South Africa at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Sunday, equaling Ravichandran Ashwin’s record to become India’s all-time highest wicket-taker in T20 World Cup history.

The record-breaking moment: Jasprit Bumrah’s double strike

Bumrah entered the match needing three wickets to break Ashwin’s tally of 32 scalps in T20 World Cups. He didn’t have to wait long to achieve the feat. In the second over of South Africa’s innings, Bumrah produced a moment of pure magic to clean bowl Quinton de Kock with a peach of a delivery .

The wicket was quintessential Bumrah – a 137 kmph delivery angled across from wide of the crease that nipped back sharply to take de Kock’s leg stump. The South African opener, attempting to slog across the line, had no foot movement and missed completely, leaving his stumps in disarray. De Kock departed for just 6 runs off 7 balls, giving India the breakthrough they desperately needed.

But Bumrah wasn’t finished. In his next over, he returned to claim his second wicket of the innings – and his 32nd in T20 World Cups – dismissing Ryan Rickelton, who mistimed a slower delivery to Shivam Dube at mid-off. With those two wickets, Bumrah drew level with Ashwin before returning to surpass the latter’s tally with the dismissal of Corbin Bosh for 5.

Also READ: T20 World Cup 2026 – Dinesh Karthik picks his semifinalists; includes India and three other powerhouses

Bumrah’s spell shakes South Africa

South Africa captain Aiden Markram won the toss and elected to bat first, hoping to put pressure on the Indian bowling attack. However, Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh had other ideas.

After Arshdeep bowled a tight first over, Bumrah struck in his very first over to remove de Kock. He followed up with the wicket of Rickelton in his next over, leaving South Africa reeling at 20/3 inside the powerplay. The Proteas’ top order was in shambles, and Bumrah’s figures at that stage read 2 overs, 2 wickets for just 6 runs – a testament to his precision and control.

The early breakthroughs put India firmly in control, with the defending champions looking to assert their dominance in the Super 8 clash. For Bumrah, the three wickets were not just about personal milestones but about giving his team the edge in a match widely seen as a dress rehearsal for a potential final showdown.

Also READ: Fans react as Will Jacks’ spin masterclass powers England to dominant Super 8 win over Sri Lanka in T20 World Cup 2026