The T20 World Cup 2026 is reaching its business end, and the excitement is palpable as the Super 8 stage kicks off. Amidst the high-voltage clashes, former Indian head coach and legendary batter Rahul Dravid has shared a refreshing perspective on his ideal scenario for the tournament’s climax. While the world often anticipates a repeat of traditional rivalries, Dravid has voiced his support for a narrative that could reshape the global cricketing landscape.

Rahul Dravid reveals his dream final in T20 World Cup 2026

In an exclusive interview with NDTV, Dravid revealed that his “dream final” involves more than just a win for the Men in Blue. While he admitted he would happily take “India versus anybody,” he expressed a heartfelt desire to see a lesser-fancied nation reach the summit clash alongside India. Dravid specifically highlighted Zimbabwe as a team he would love to see in the final at Ahmedabad on March 8.

“I would take India versus anybody. India versus Zimbabwe? That would be great for Zimbabwe cricket. It would be amazing if Zimbabwe could make it,” Dravid remarked.

Dravid’s comments aren’t just sentimental; they are grounded in the stellar performances of associate and rising nations in this edition. Zimbabwe, led by Sikandar Raza, has been the tournament’s “giant killer,” securing historic group-stage victories over former champions Australia and Sri Lanka.

The former coach praised the “fantastic cricket” played by these teams, noting that the emergence of such talent is the defining story of the 2026 World Cup. Even for teams that didn’t make the Super 8s, Dravid emphasized that their fearlessness has been a major boost for the sport’s global appeal.

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

Dravid on India’s potential in the world event

Switching focus to the defending champions, Dravid expressed immense confidence in the side currently led by Suryakumar Yadav. He pointed out that India’s greatest strength in 2026 is its squad depth, which ensures the team isn’t over-reliant on just one or two star performers.

However, ever the pragmatist, Dravid warned that T20 remains the most “volatile format” of the game. He urged the Indian team to stick to their processes and maintain their focus, reminding fans that in a knockout scenario, a single bad day can change everything.

“They are doing really well. They have been playing some fantastic cricket in the last couple of years. As the tournament goes towards the Super 8s, and you get into the knockout, I think it obviously gets defined by a few critical moments. I think the great advantage that India has is that we are not relying on 1-2 people. We have got great depth in the side. So you would expect that depth to come through. But of course, it is Twenty20 cricket; there is an unknown in Twenty20 cricket. It is the most volatile format of the game, and on any given day, as I have learnt as well as a coach, you can lose. Stick to the process and do what you can and hope for the best,” added Dravid.

Also READ: T20 World Cup 2026: Harbhajan Singh predicts Team India’s playing XI for Super 8 clash against South Africa

The most-wanted cartel boss in Mexico, Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes known as El Mencho, was killed Sunday after a government operation to capture him. The longtime leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel died from injuries during a mission in Tapalpa, a town of about 20,000 in the western coastal state of Jalisco where his gang was based. He passed away while in transport to Mexico City for medical attention. His death incited violence across the country, with armed groups blocking roads and setting fire to supermarkets, banks, and vehicles in one of the most widespread eruptions of turmoil in recent history.The killing set off swift violence, with Jalisco suspending public transportation and warning hotels to keep guests inside, and Nayarit canceling classes Monday.Follow Mexico El Mencho News Live UpdatesOseguera Cervantes, better known as “El Mencho,” was a former police officer and Mexico’s most wanted man. The 59-year-old from Michoacan had ties to organized crime for at least three decades. In 1994, he was tried for trafficking heroin in the US and served three years in prison. Back in Mexico, he rose quickly through the drug underworld. Around 2009, he founded the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, which became Mexico’s fastest-growing criminal organisation. It moved cocaine, methamphetamines, fentanyl, and migrants to the United States.Oseguera faced multiple US indictments, with a $15 million reward for his arrest. The Trump administration designated his cartel and others foreign terrorist organisations a year ago. El Mencho led the cartel for years, controlling everything like a country’s dictator, as one observer noted.Also read | Cartel goes on revenge spree after El Mencho killed — what’s happening in Mexico?

What is the Jalisco New Generation Cartel?

A breakaway gang that split from Mexico’s powerful Sinaloa Cartel around 2009 or 2010, the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, or CJNG, grew to become one of Mexico’s dominant drug trafficking organizations and the strongest, most aggressive competitor to Sinaloa. It expanded rapidly across Mexico, with a presence in at least 21 of 32 states and activity in almost all US states, plus global reach. Based mainly in the west, including the Tierra Caliente region, strongholds in Jalisco, Nayarit, and Colima, its assets exceed $20 billion.Made up of 15,000 to 20,000 members, it takes in billions annually from drug trafficking, extortion, fuel theft, kidnapping, illegal logging, mining, and migrant smuggling. It’s a main distributor of synthetic drugs like cocaine, methamphetamine, and fentanyl on the continent, with key roles in US, Europe, and Asia markets. The cartel innovates in violence using drones and improvised explosive devices. It remains the most aggressive in Mexico, per Stratfor, fueling violence in Tijuana, Juarez, Guanajuato, and Mexico City. Attacks include downing an army helicopter with a rocket-propelled grenade, killing dozens of state officials, hanging victims’ bodies from bridges, public executions publicized on social media, and assassinations of politicians, judges, and law enforcement. Its efforts to expand control drive persistent violence.The group recruited aggressively online and earned a reputation for brazen attacks on security forces, including downing a military helicopter in Jalisco in 2015 and attempting to assassinate Mexico City Police Chief Omar García Harfuch, now Mexico’s federal security secretary.

What’s next?

Under President Claudia Sheinbaum, Mexico launched its most aggressive offensive against cartels in over a decade. El Mencho’s death could ease pressure from US President Donald Trump, who threatened strikes.Turmoil’s spread depends on succession. It’s unclear who will succeed Oseguera or if anyone can hold the 21-state, global organisation together. His absence could slow growth and weaken it against Sinaloa, which faces its own struggles between El Chapo’s sons and Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada’s faction in US custody.If relatives take control, Sunday’s violence could continue, per security analyst David Saucedo. Others might turn the page. The greatest fear is indiscriminate narcoterrorism like Colombia’s 1990s—car bombs, assassinations, and aircraft attacks against the government. Without clear succession, fragmentation could spark new bloodshed, according to Brookings expert Vanda Felbab-Brown, as reported by the New York Times.

ANI file photo

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu highlighted the upcoming visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Israel during a Cabinet meeting on Monday.He described the relationship between the two countries as “an axis of nations committed to stability and progress,” emphasizing their partnership in innovation, security, and shared strategic goals.

“This morning, at the opening of our Cabinet meeting, I spoke about the historic visit of my dear friend, Prime Minister @narendramodi, to Israel this coming Wednesday. 🇮🇱🤝🇮🇳. The bond between Israel and India is a powerful alliance between two global leaders. We are partners in innovation, security, and a shared strategic vision. Together, we are building an axis of nations committed to stability and progress,” Netanyahu said through a post on X.Netanyahu also emphasised that the partnership between Israel and India is expanding, spanning areas from AI to regional cooperation.Earlier on Sunday, the Israeli prime minister praised India’s rising global influence ahead of PM Modi’s visit. Speaking about the close ties between New Delhi and Tel Aviv, Netanyahu tweeted that the visit would “express the special relationship” forged over recent years between Israel and India, and between himself and PM Modi.On the diplomatic front, Netanyahu shared his vision of building a regional network of alliances, describing it as a “hexagon” encompassing India, Arab and African nations, Mediterranean countries like Greece and Cyprus, and select Asian nations. He said he plans to present the framework in a more detailed and organized manner in the future.This will be Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s second visit to Israel, following his landmark 2017 trip that made him the first Indian prime minister to travel to the country.The visit comes amid developments linked to the Board of Peace meeting held on February 19, an initiative that emerged from former US President Donald Trump’s 20-point Gaza ceasefire plan endorsed by the UN Security Council.The initiative has since broadened in scope, with officials saying around 35 countries have committed to join and about 60 invited. Trump has suggested the body could eventually assume some functions currently carried out by the United Nations.

NEW DELHI: Days after publicly hoping for Pinarayi Vijayan’s victory in the upcoming Kerala elections, veteran Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar claimed West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee is central to the survival of the opposition INDIA bloc.While talking to news agency IANS, Aiyar suggested that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi should allow leaders of smaller parties to steer the INDIA bloc.“Without Mamata di, the ‘I’, ‘N’, ‘D’, ‘I’, ‘A’ of the INDIA alliance will all be gone. Because Mamata Banerjee is the leader of this alliance,” Aiyar said.“I hope that instead of trying to remain in this position, which belongs to smaller parties — be it MK Stalin, Mamata Didi, Akhilesh Yadav, Tejashwi Yadav, or someone else — Rahul Gandhi should let them handle it,” he added.Recalling his early political association with Mamata Banerjee, Aiyar said he briefly joined the Trinamool Congress in 1997 and served as its first National Secretary but left within weeks, concluding that the party was rooted in Bengali identity.Responding to whether he is still in Congress, Aiyar said he still considers himself in the party but suggested possible disciplinary action against him.“I consider myself to be in Congress, but it seems they may have decided to expel me. However, I have not received any formal letter,” Aiyar said.He added that although reports suggested he had been expelled, he had received no official communication.“If you want the Congress’ view, ask a Congressman,” Aiyar remarked, while also saying that he believed many within the Congress support Mamata Banerjee.Earlier, Aiyar praised the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government in Kerala, led by chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan.Things escalated rapidly when Aiyar, speaking to ANI, dismissed the authority of the current Congress leadership and declared: “I am a Gandhian, I am a Nehruvian, I am a Rajivian, but I am not a Rahulian.”Invoking BR Ambedkar’s description of dissent as being “a part but apart,” Aiyar positioned himself as an ideological insider with the right to rebel. The tone, however, soon turned confrontational.Targeting Congress spokesperson **Pawan Khera**, Aiyar said: “I have absolutely no respect and complete contempt for Pawan Khera… He is not a spokesperson, he is a parrot.”Within hours, Congress distanced itself from the remarks and publicly severed any association with Aiyar.Khera issued a statement on X distancing the party from Aiyar’s comments: “Mr Mani Shankar Aiyar has had no connection whatsoever with the Congress for the past few years. He speaks and writes purely in his personal capacity.”

Axar Patel, right, during a net session at the Narendra Modi Stadium, in Ahmedabad. (PTI Photo)

NEW DELHI: India’s decision to leave out vice-captain Axar Patel triggered a major selection controversy after a crushing 76-run defeat to South Africa exposed the gamble in their Super 8 clash of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. Assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate admitted the management had spent days debating the combination before opting for Washington Sundar instead — a call that backfired badly as India collapsed to 111 in pursuit of 188.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!The loss marked India’s biggest defeat in T20 World Cup history and ended their remarkable 18-match unbeaten run across ICC white-ball events. But the spotlight quickly shifted from the result to the explosive team selection, with Axar’s omission raising serious questions.

Breaking his silence, ten Doeschate revealed just how agonising the decision had been.“Yeah, we spent so much time deliberating about the XI, the last couple of days,” he said. “And I guess the only way that it sort of didn’t play into our hands is if we did have the ideal start like we did today with getting Quinton and Rickelton out so early.”He explained that the call was driven purely by tactical considerations, not a reflection of Axar’s value.“We were kind of looking at matchups more in the middle. And then obviously, someone has to give way. So, do we leave a batter out and get another bowler in? In hindsight, that looks like the right decision. But playing it forward and making decisions at the time, we felt we needed Rinku as an eighth batsman, so to speak. And the decision was based around there.”

India ultimately chose Sundar for his powerplay bowling ability and batting flexibility, even though Axar is widely regarded as one of the side’s most dependable all-rounders.“Certainly, it’s not to take anything away from Axar and his leadership and how important he is to the team,” ten Doeschate stressed. “We face it almost every week, trying to squeeze 11 places into 15. We’re finding it tricky, and we need to make sure we get that spot on for the next two games.”He also dismissed concerns over Sundar’s limited IPL opportunities.“I don’t think that’s necessarily relevant. We know what Washi’s done while he’s been with India, and we judge him on that,” he said. “A big part of the strategy today was how well he bowled in the power play. Winning that power play was going to be super important.”The assistant coach admitted the plan was built around countering South Africa’s left-hand heavy middle order.“Given the fact that we thought the majority of the threat was going to come from the left-handers, and we wanted to play the extra batter, it left us with one choice between Washington and Axar, and today we chose to go with Washi.”He acknowledged the optics looked worse because Sundar didn’t bowl in the powerplay as intended.“He obviously didn’t bowl in the power play tonight, so it looks like we’ve purely gone on who’s going to bowl through the middle, in which case you would choose Axar. But the strategy was around that.”Despite the backlash, ten Doeschate expressed hope Axar would understand the decision.“In a tournament like this, you expect all players to understand that the best intentions are trying to pick the best 11 to win the game, and I hope Axar takes it in the same spirit.”

Top stocks to buy (AI image)

Stock market recommendations: Max Financial, and Delhivery are stocks recommended for buying by Motilal Oswal Financial Services Ltd for the trading week starting February 23, 2026. Below is a detailed analysis:

Max FinancialMax Financial Services continues to deliver industry-leading growth supported by strong expansion in Annualized Premium Equivalent (APE) and sustained Value of New Business (VNB) margin improvement. The company reported robust double-digit growth in APE and VNB, with margins expanding to above 24%, driven by a favorable product mix shift toward higher-margin protection and non-participating savings products, alongside moderation in unit-linked contribution. Protection, annuity, and rider segments recorded strong traction, while group credit life witnessed recovery, reinforcing diversified growth drivers. Distribution momentum remains healthy across proprietary, bancassurance, and digital channels, with improving agency productivity and strong growth in non-Axis bank partnerships. Persistency trends have strengthened across long-term cohorts, solvency remains comfortable above regulatory requirements, and assets under management continue to expand steadily. With disciplined margin management, improving operating leverage, and a balanced product strategy, Max Financial Services is well positioned to sustain superior growth within the life insurance sector.DelhiveryThe acquisition of Ecom Express has significantly strengthened Delhivery’s network reach and accelerated consolidation within the logistics sector, enabling the company to gain share as smaller players face margin stress. In 3QFY26, performance remained robust, with EBITDA margins expanding to 7.4%, supported by strong volume traction in the Express Parcel and Part Truck Load segments. Segment-level margin improvement to 18.1% and 11%, respectively, highlights the benefits of operating leverage and improved realizations. With the heavy investment phase largely complete and capital intensity moderating, free cash flow generation is set to improve. Management continues to target steady-state margins of 16–18% in core transportation, with additional upside from Supply Chain Services and newer offerings such as Delhivery Direct and Rapid, positioning the company for structurally stronger profitability ahead.(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)

Mexico cartel fury unleashes after El Mencho killed.

Within hours of the killing of Nemesio Oseguera, the feared cartel boss known as El Mencho, Mexico was gripped by a coordinated wave of retaliation that shut highways, grounded flights and sent residents scrambling for cover.Gunmen believed to be loyal to the slain leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) blocked major roads across several states with burning vehicles and torched businesses in what security sources described as an orchestrated show of force. In some towns, authorities urged tourists and residents to remain indoors, while trucking groups advised drivers to avoid key routes or return to their depots until conditions stabilized.The violence followed a high-profile operation by Mexican special forces in Tapalpa, in Jalisco state, carried out with US intelligence support, according to officials. Oseguera, 60, died in custody after being injured during the raid. His body was transported to Mexico City in a heavily guarded convoy.Air travel was disrupted as Air Canada, United Airlines and Aeromexico canceled flights to Puerto Vallarta, the Pacific beach resort where stunned visitors filmed thick plumes of smoke rising over the bay. Video shared with Reuters showed beachgoers on a pier capturing images of dark clouds blotting out the ocean skyline.The violence, spanning more than half a dozen states, evoked scenes that have become grimly familiar over two decades of Mexico’s war against drug cartels — swift reprisals, paralyzed transport corridors and cities on edge.A CJNG member told Reuters the fires and sporadic gunfire were acts of revenge for Oseguera’s killing during Sunday’s military raid in Tapalpa, Jalisco, and warned the unrest could escalate as factions maneuver to seize control of the cartel.“The attacks were carried out in revenge for the leader’s death, at first against the government and out of discontent,” the person said, speaking on condition of anonymity. “But later the internal killings are coming, by the groups moving in to take over.”In Jalisco state, authorities said gunmen attacked a National Guard base and recommended hotel guests stay inside as public transport was suspended. Elsewhere, videos shared by security sources showed a military tank rolling through a residential neighborhood in Aguascalientes, roadblocks choking the busy Mexico-Puebla highway, and armed men in pickup trucks halting traffic in Colima.The state of Guanajuato — long a CJNG stronghold — reported 55 separate incidents across 23 municipalities and 18 arrests, though officials said by evening the situation was under control.Residents described an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty. Carlo Gutierrez, who lives in Guadalajara, said WhatsApp groups buzzed with warnings to remain indoors. “There is fear and a lot of caution,” he said of the city, one of Mexico’s host venues for this summer’s World Cup matches.Authorities have reported no civilian deaths linked to the backlash, beyond cartel members and security personnel killed during the operation that brought down Oseguera.Past high-profile arrests and killings of cartel leaders had triggered similar waves of violence. The 2019 detention — and swift release — of Ovidio Guzman, son of Sinaloa Cartel boss Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman, led to gun battles that rocked Culiacán. His re-arrest in 2023 again set off unrest. The 2024 capture of Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada plunged the Sinaloa Cartel into a bloody internal struggle that continues.Reacting to the latest violence, US deputy secretary of state Christopher Landau said on social media: “It’s not surprising that the bad guys are responding with terror. But we must never lose our nerve.”The turmoil presents an immediate challenge for President Claudia Sheinbaum, who has been under pressure from Washington to intensify operations against cartels blamed for trafficking fentanyl into the United States. While she stressed that daily life was proceeding normally in most of the country, the scale of the backlash underscored the risks of taking down a figure whose organization has embedded itself across vast swathes of Mexico.In Washington, President Donald Trump’s administration praised the killing as a major blow to organized crime. But on the ground in Mexico, the immediate aftermath was defined less by celebration than by roadblocks, flames and the specter of further bloodshed.

A 21-year-old man identified as Austin Tucker Martin was shot and killed on Sunday after entering the secure perimeter of Mar-a-Lago, the Florida estate and private club owned by US President Donald Trump. The United States Secret Service and local law enforcement confirmed the shooting after the man was found armed on the property.The incident happened at around 1.30 a.m. local time on February 22, 2026, according to authorities. Martin was a man from North Carolina who was reported missing by his family a few days before the event. Investigators believe he travelled south and obtained a shotgun along the way, with the weapon’s box later found inside his vehicle, reports Local 10. The shotgun-wielding man wa ID’d as a North Carolina golf course artist, reports the New York Post. MAGA commentator Laura Loomer also claimed that Martin was missing, according to Facebook posts she found on the suspect’s family’s accounts.In a post on X, she said: “It appears a man named Austin Tucker Martin was also reported missing by his family in North Carolina yesterday according to posts I found on Facebook. His aunt said on Facebook his family contacted the FBI to report him missing….”She added: “Source told me the name of the man USSS shot and killed who tried to break into Mar a Lago with a shotgun and gas canister is named Austin Tucker Martin.”Officials said Martin entered through the north gate of Mar-a-Lago’s secure perimeter carrying two items that attracted immediate attention. A spokesman for the Secret Service said he was observed holding a shotgun and a fuel can. Agents and a deputy from the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office confronted him once he breached the security area.Law enforcement ordered Martin to drop both items to eliminate the perceived threat. According to Sheriff Ric Bradshaw, Martin set down the fuel can but then raised the shotgun in a threatening posture toward the officers. In response, the agents and the deputy opened fire, and Martin was pronounced dead at the scene. No law enforcement personnel were injured during the encounter.Martin’s exact motive for approaching the highly secured estate remains unknown. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has taken the lead in investigating the incident, collecting evidence, and trying to determine what led him to Mar-a-Lago. Authorities have also asked nearby residents to share any security camera footage that might help with the inquiry.In a post on X, Bureau director Kash Patel said: “FBI is dedicating all necessary resources in the investigation of this morning’s incident at President Trump’s Mar-A-Lago – where an armed individual was shot and killed after unlawfully entering the perimeter. We will continue working closely with Secret Service as well our state and federal partners and will provide updates as we are able.”At the time of the incident, Trump and first lady Melania Trump were at the White House in Washington, DC, as they were attending an official event and not present at the Palm Beach estate.

The stage is set for a high-octane T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 at the iconic Wankhede Stadium. Both Zimbabwe and the West Indies arrive in Mumbai carrying the momentum of unbeaten runs in the group stages, but as the tournament enters the business end, the margin for error has evaporated.

Zimbabwe have been the team of 2026 so far, upsetting giants like Australia and Sri Lanka to claim their spot here. Meanwhile, the Windies have been clinical, dismantling opposition with a blend of Caribbean flair and calculated aggression.

The Men in Maroon are playing with a point to prove energy. Shai Hope has been the anchor, while Shimron Hetmyer is striking the ball at a frightening rate (SR 174.76). Their depth is their greatest weapon; even if the top order fails, they have finishers like Rovman Powell and Romario Shepherd who can clear the Wankhede ropes with ease.

Under Sikandar Raza, Zimbabwe have found a new level of tactical maturity. They don’t just rely on individual brilliance; they build pressure through disciplined bowling and clever field placements. Brian Bennett has been a revelation at the top, and in Blessing Muzarabani, they have a world-class pacer who can use the Wankhede bounce to extract steep climb.

ZIM vs WI, T20 World Cup 2026: Match Details

• Date and Time: February 23 (Monday); 07:00 pm IST / 1:30 am GMT
• Venue: Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai

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

Matches played: 04| Zimbabwe won: 01 | West Indies won: 03 | No result: 0

Wankhede Stadium Pitch Report

The Wankhede Stadium is set to be a “belter” for the night clash. True to its reputation, the pitch features a hard, flat surface with even bounce that allows batters to play through the line. Short square boundaries and a lightning-fast outfield make scores above 185 the minimum target.

While pacers may find early swing from the Arabian Sea breeze, the primary challenge for bowlers will be the heavy dew expected in the second innings. This makes the ball difficult for spinners to grip and hands a massive advantage to the chasing team.

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

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

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

Case 1:

• Zimbabwe wins the toss and bowls first
• West Indies powerplay score: 50-60 (6 overs)
• West Indies total score: 200-210

Case 2:

• West Indies wins the toss and bowls first
• Zimbabwe powerplay score: 60-70 (6 overs)
• Zimbabwe total score: 210-220

Match result: Zimbabwe to win the contest.

Also READ: Ex-BCB official unveils how Bangladesh cricket chief fell into Mohsin Naqvi’s trap over T20 World Cup withdrawal

NEW DELHI: In a bid to tighten the noose on regulatory compliance in medical education, the National Medical Commission (NMC) has proposed making a dedicated corpus fund mandatory for new and recently operational medical colleges, while warning that incomplete applications will be rejected outright.Under draft amendments issued this week to the 2023 regulations governing establishment and expansion of medical institutions, any entity seeking to open a new medical college will have to submit an undertaking confirming that it will maintain a dedicated corpus fund exclusively for the functioning of the institution. The amount will be determined later by the Medical Assessment and Rating Board (MARB) and may be revised from time to time. The provision also refers to already operational colleges.Dr MK Ramesh, president of the MARB told TOI that the earlier regulation had mentioned a corpus fund but did not specify any amount, making it difficult to enforce. Instead of deleting the clause, the Commission chose to retain it by seeking an undertaking from colleges, with the exact amount to be fixed after due deliberation. While the wording includes existing institutions, the intent is largely to ensure financial safeguards for new and recently opened colleges. Once decided, the corpus amount will be uniform.The draft also marks a clear shift toward stricter scrutiny of applications. It clarifies that under the NMC Act, a “scheme” is valid only when an application is complete with all mandatory documents. In the past, some applicants submitted incomplete proposals and later sought additional time — or court intervention — to furnish missing documents. The amendment aims to end that practice by stating that incomplete applications will be rejected at the outset, without further opportunity.Mandatory documents include a valid Essentiality Certificate from the concerned state or Union Territory government, a valid Consent of Affiliation from a recognised university, and a solvency certificate issued by a chartered accountant within 90 days prior to the application deadline.The regulator has also empowered itself to withhold processing or reject applications for new schemes or seat increases for specific academic years. In a strong compliance warning, the draft states that any attempt to pressurize MARB or the NMC through individuals or agencies could lead to immediate halt or rejection of the application.India has witnessed rapid expansion in medical colleges and seats over the past decade. While the growth has improved access to medical education, concerns about infrastructure gaps, faculty shortages and financial sustainability have persisted. By mandating a corpus fund and eliminating room for incomplete proposals, the NMC appears to be signalling that future expansion must be backed by financial preparedness and full regulatory compliance.The draft amendments have been opened for public consultation for 30 days, after which the Commission will decide on finalising the revised rules.