NEW DELHI: Leader of opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday hailed “Babbar Sher comrades” of the Indian Youth Congress (IYC) detained for protesting during the AI Summit at Bharat Mandapam. He praised the youth wing for fearlessly raising their voices, saying “peaceful protest is our right.“His remarks came after Delhi Police arrested IYC National President Uday Bhanu Chib in connection with the protest staged at Bharat Mandapam during the AI Summit on February 20.Sharing a post on X, Rahul Gandhi said, “Peaceful protest is our historic heritage. It is in our blood and is the democratic right of every Indian. I am proud of my Babbar Sher comrades in the Youth Congress, who have fearlessly raised their voices in the nation’s interest against the ‘COMPROMISED PM’.”He alleged that the India-US trade agreement was detrimental to national interests and “will harm our farmers and textile industry.”“The Trade Deal with America has compromised the country’s interests. This agreement will harm our farmers and textile industry and hand over our data to America,” he said.Reaffirming his party’s support for the protesters, he added, “The Congress Party and I stand firmly with our Babbar Sher comrades. Holding a mirror to power with the truth is not a crime, it is patriotism. Do not fear – truth and the Constitution are with us.”Earlier on Friday, around 10 IYC workers were detained for briefly raising slogans against Prime Minister Narendra Modi inside Exhibition Hall No. 5 at Bharat Mandapam during the AI Summit.According to police, the incident occurred around 12.30 pm. Additional Commissioner of Police Devesh Mahla said the protesters had registered online to attend the summit.The group entered the venue wearing or carrying white T-shirts printed with images of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump. The T-shirts also bore slogans such as “India-US Trade Deal,” “Epstein Files,” and “PM is compromised.” The protest reportedly led to heated exchanges with some attendees before security personnel intervened.Officials said those detained are being identified and that appropriate legal action is being initiated.Earlier in the day, Delhi Police sought seven days of police custody for Indian Youth Congress chief Uday Bhanu Chib, who was arrested in connection with the protest. Chib was produced before a judicial magistrate at Patiala House Court following his arrest after questioning.Police alleged that there was a “common intention” behind the demonstration and claimed Chib was the mastermind. According to investigators, he “hatched the conspiracy” and arranged logistics and funding for the protest.The protest case has been transferred to the Delhi Police Crime Branch, who will conduct further investigations into the matter, police sources told ANI.Responding to the arrest, Rahul Gandhi said it proves “dictatorial tendencies and cowardice.”“The arrest of Youth Congress President Uday Bhanu Chib and other IYC comrades for bringing this truth before the nation is proof of dictatorial tendencies and cowardice,” he said in his post on X.The “shirtless” protest triggered a political war of words, with BJP leaders and even rivals accusing the Congress and of orchestrating the disruption and “bring shame to the country on the global platform.”Also read: ‘Provided logistics’ for ‘shirtless’ protest: Why Delhi Police arrested youth Congress chief Uday Bhanu

Suryakumar Yadav (R) with Tilak Varma during a practice session. (Getty Images)

CHENNAI: Normally India don’t care much about the pitch when they are playing T20 cricket at home. But now, following the hammering against South Africa and the recent struggles of the Indian batters right through the T20 World Cup, the 22 yards have become a talking point.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!As the Indian team reached Chennai on Monday afternoon for the must-win game against Zimbabwe on Thursday, the management appeared to have done their homework about the pitch that is going to be on offer.

India’s big-hitters, who love the ball coming on to the bat, have had a rough time in the tournament and Zimbabwe have a lot of ‘pace-off ’ bowlers. The Chepauk pitch, luckily, may come as a bit of a relief for Suryakumar Yadav’s men. Traditionally, it is a slow pitch which would have helped the Zimbabwe bowlers like Sikander Raza and Blessing Muzarabani, but a few things appear to have changed this time around.The ground was dug up before the World Cup and one of the tracks was completely relaid. But the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association authorities ensured that no cricket was played at the MA Chidambaram Stadium (MAC) for more than five months, which kept the pitches fresh.

Hence, the ball is coming on to the bat way better on both the red and black soil pitches than it has been over the past few years. In the first match — a day-game between Afghanistan and New Zealand — Afghan coach Jonathan Trott decided to keep left-arm wrist spinner and Chennai Super Kings star Noor Ahmad out of the XI. The Afghans couldn’t defend 182 with New Zealand getting the runs in 17.5 overs, quite a stark departure from earlier day-games at the venue, where an asking rate of eight used to be par.Now let’s look at some of the other scores at the Chepauk in this World Cup. NZ chased down 175 in 15.2 overs against UAE while Canada’s Yuvraj Samra hit a fluent 65-ball 110 against the Black Caps. The ball didn’t turn or stop much and NZ chased down the target of 176 in 15.1 overs.While captain Mitchell Santner said it was a “pretty flat wicket in the end”, New Zealand pacer Lockie Ferguson said “the pitch was exceptional”. “I’ve played a bit in Chennai, it can turn… (pacers) Matt Henry and Jacob Duffy got quite a bit out of the pitch,” Ferguson said.In the two night-games that have been played so far here, the teams batting first have won quite easily, defending 196 and 200. The dew factor, which has often played a big role in games at the venue, hasn’t played havoc this time around. In such a situation, captain ‘SKY’ may well look to bat first.For Zimbabwe a 180-game (batting or fielding first) would be ideal. But the conditions at MAC suggest it should not be enough.

NEW DELHI: Delhi Police on Tuesday sought a 7-day police custody of Indian Youth Congress chief Udhay Bhanu Chiba following his arrest in connection to shirtless protest at Bharat Mandapam during AI Summit.Bhanu was brought to the court of judicial magistrate at Patiala House court after he was arrested following interrogation.

Police said that there was a common intention behind the protest and claimed that Chib was the mastermind. It added that the Youth Congress chief hatched the conspiracy and provided logistics as well as fund to the protestors.Delhi police added that the other accused are in other states of Jammu, UP, Himachal Pradesh, therefore the remand is required. Meanwhile, Indian Youth Congress termed Bhanu’s arrest as “anarchy and undeclared emergency” and called for his immediate release. Taking to X, Youth Congress said, “This is anarchy — an undeclared Emergency! A government that fears peaceful protests in a democracy cannot intimidate Youth Congress workers. The BJP is trading away the nation’s interests. Congress will not remain silent over this incompetence,” it said.“Release Uday Bhanu ji and all workers immediately,” it added.Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera also weighed in and said that it is a matter of shame if the government has a problem with someone staging a protest peacefully.“This is a matter of shame that they have a problem with someone staging a protest peacefully. The dictator will put those in jail who show him the mirror. Have all the terrorists behind the Pulwama, Pahalgam attack, Red Fort blast been arrested,” Khera said.“You are not able to arrest those behind the terrorist attacks, but get scared if someone removes their shirt. This is the reality of the government,” he added.This comes moments after Bhanu was arrested by Delhi Police after questioning. With this arrest, the total number of people held in the case has risen to eight.On Monday, three others were arrested and identified as Jitendra Yadav, Raja Gujar and Vimal Ajay Kumar. Yadav, a resident of Gwalior, serves as the national coordinator of the IYC.Gujar is the IYC’s Gwalior district president, while Kumar is an office-bearer from Bhind. Four other accused had been arrested earlier.According to police, the protesters had completed the mandatory online registration process and gained entry to the venue using QR codes. They were dressed casually, wearing sweaters and jackets over their T-shirts.Addressing the issue at the AI Summit, Bhanu had said that the youth of the country “will no longer remain silent”.“The Indian Youth Congress made it clear that the youth of the country will no longer remain silent. ‘PM is compromised’ is not just a slogan, but the anger of millions of unemployed youth. This trade deal with the US is a betrayal of the interests of our farmers and the public, which will only benefit the US. Peaceful protest is our right in a democracy, and we will continue to raise the voice of the youth,” he said.Police said the group allegedly staged a shirtless protest inside the exhibition hall, raised slogans and displayed politically charged messages on their T-shirts, including slogans directed against the Prime Minister.A video of the incident shows the protesters removing their outer layers after entering the venue and revealing T-shirts bearing anti-PM messages. They were later seen carrying the T-shirts and chanting slogans before being escorted out.Videos circulating online show security personnel and some attendees pushing the protesters out of the hall.

NEW DELHI: The Delhi government will implement the Centre’s ‘Rah-Veer’ scheme to motivate citizens to assist seriously injured road accident victims, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said on Monday. Under the financial scheme, any person who provides immediate assistance to a seriously injured road accident victim and ensures their transport to a hospital or trauma centre within the golden hour will be rewarded Rs 25,000 along with a certificate of appreciation. “People often hesitate to help due to fear of legal complications or police procedures. However, this scheme will remove such apprehensions and encourage citizens to step forward,” the chief minister said. The scheme aims not only to save the lives of seriously injured road accident victims but also to foster a culture of compassion in society. Delhi government believes that greater public participation can substantially reduce mortality arising from road accidents, she added. According to the chief minister, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has issued detailed guidelines to states and Union territories for effective implementation, and following these guidelines, the Delhi government has decided to adopt the scheme. She added that the initiative has been framed in accordance with the Good Samaritan Rules notified under Section 134A of the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019. For effective implementation, a District Level Evaluation Committee will be constituted, comprising the District Magistrate, a senior police officer, the Chief Medical Officer and the Regional Transport Officer. “The reward amount will be transferred directly to the beneficiary’s bank account through an online process. A separate bank account will be maintained for this purpose, and the entire procedure will be recorded on a digital platform. The Ministry will also provide an initial grant to the states,” the chief minister added. Ten of the most outstanding Rah-Veers selected annually will receive a special national award of Rs 1 lakh each, Gupta added.

NEW DELHI: India’s crushing defeat to South Africa in the Super Eight opener of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup has triggered serious questions about the underperforming batting unit, with assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate admitting that changes — including the possible inclusion of Sanju Samson — are firmly on the table.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!India’s left-hand heavy top order once again crumbled under pressure during the chase of 188, eventually collapsing to 111. The spotlight fell heavily on out-of-form opener Abhishek Sharma, who managed just 15 — his first runs of the tournament after three consecutive ducks — and Tilak Varma, whose struggles have compounded India’s fragile starts.

Addressing the selection dilemma, ten Doeschate acknowledged that bringing in a right-hand option like Samson is under serious consideration.“Yeah, of course, we have looked at the five outings we have had now, four teams have opened with part-time off spin, and it has got a wicket every time, apart from the USA game where we lost Abhi without score in any case (to pacer Ali Khan),” he said.“So to start every inning zero for one, I think it has literally been zero or a couple of runs for one every time is obviously putting pressure on the link players. Tilak and SKY (Surya), their role is to link up with the guys at the back end, and it has not gone that way,” he added.

India now face a tough call between backing struggling players and making bold changes.“You stick with the guys who we feel have performed really well over the last 18 months and who are maybe shy of a few runs now? Or do we twist and bring Sanju, who is also a fantastic player and obviously helps tactically with having a right-hander at the top of the order, and I am sure that will be a talking point over the next few days, going into these two very important games,” he said.Ten Doeschate also revealed that Abhishek’s poor run has been compounded by illness.“You want him to be up and running and sort of confident in his swing and confident in his game plan (on Abhishek), and when you score three zeroes, that is going to start weighing on you. I saw some really good signs on Friday night in the nets. I think I mentioned it in the presser then. But he looks a little bit short, and our job as the coaching staff is to pull that right. We have got four days to do that,” he added.He also defended Rinku Singh, whose returns as finisher have been modest.“There is no point talking about rhythm in nets or how guys are feeling or what they are not feeling. It is time to pull our sleeves up and get performance out of all the players, and like I just said there, that is the challenge for the staff, along with the players now, to regroup and put in a big effort leading up to the next game against Zimbabwe,” he concluded.

Cricket South Africa (CSA) has unveiled what can only be described as a defining home season for 2026-27 — a schedule packed with heavyweight opponents, iconic venues and the promise of high-octane Test cricket. After facing criticism for a lean home red-ball calendar in 2025-26, CSA has responded in emphatic fashion.

High-profile teams to tour South Africa

Eight home Tests, multiple white-ball series and three major cricketing nations — Australia, Bangladesh and England — will tour South Africa in a summer that feels like a throwback to the country’s golden era of Test dominance. More importantly, this season carries emotional weight. South Africa enter it as reigning World Test Champions, having lifted the mace at Lord’s last year, and now face the challenge of defending that crown on home soil.

The return of Aussies in the rainbow nation

The early spotlight falls firmly on Australia, whose return to South African shores will stir memories of intense contests and dramatic chapters. It will be their first Test series in the country since the explosive 2018 tour — and tensions have only deepened since South Africa defeated Australia in the 2025 World Test Championship Final.

The tour begins in late September with three ODIs, including the much-loved Pink Day fixture at the Wanderers — an event that blends cricket with social awareness and often draws a sea of pink-clad supporters.

The red-ball leg promises to be even more gripping. Three Tests will be played at coastal venues — Durban, Gqeberha and Cape Town — settings known for pace, bounce and vocal crowds. For the Proteas, this series is personal. For Australia, it is about redemption. For neutrals, it is unmissable theatre.

Bangladesh’s all-format challenge

As November arrives, attention shifts to Bangladesh, who embark on a demanding all-format tour. The two-Test series in Johannesburg and Centurion will be crucial for South Africa’s WTC campaign, particularly in pace-friendly conditions that traditionally test visiting batters.

But this tour goes beyond the red ball. Three ODIs across East London, Gqeberha and Cape Town will offer Bangladesh an opportunity to showcase their white-ball evolution, while the T20I leg takes international cricket to Kimberley and Benoni — a refreshing move that spreads the game beyond traditional metropolitan centres. For CSA, this is about inclusivity and reach. For Bangladesh, it is about growth and resilience. For South Africa, it is about maintaining dominance at home.

Also READ: Fans go wild as South Africa crush India in Super 8 clash at T20 World Cup 2026

England’s festive arrival promises packed stadiums

The heartbeat of the South African summer has long belonged to England’s festive tours — and 2026-27 will be no different. England arrive in mid-December for a three-Test series that blends tradition with anticipation.

The Boxing Day Test at Centurion and the New Year’s Test at Cape Town remain sacred fixtures in the cricket calendar. Few experiences match the atmosphere of a packed SuperSport Park on December 26 or the postcard backdrop of Newlands as the new year dawns.

Interestingly, CSA has postponed a planned T20I series to avoid clashing with the SA20 league window. Instead, the tour concludes with three ODIs in Paarl and Bloemfontein — valuable preparation ahead of the 2027 Cricket World Cup.

Australia’s tour of South Africa (Fixtures)

Bangladesh’s Tour of South Africa (Fixtures)

England’s Tour of South Africa (Fixtures)

Also READ: T20 World Cup 2026: Sunil Gavaskar slams star India batter following humiliating defeat against South Africa

Former Nato commander Admiral James Stavridis described the recent US military buildup near Iran as “Dante’s Inferno.” The heavy American presence comes amid President Donald Trump’s fury toward Tehran’s Khamenei regime and escalating tensions between the two nations. Speaking to CNN, Stavridis said, “It’s like 1990 Persian Gulf War I. This is a huge amount of US firepower. And let’s kind of do it from the outside in, if you will, and concentric rings descending like Dante’s inferno.”He described the layered military structure. “On the outer rings are big strategic bombers. They can come all the way from the United States. They can operate from other bases but at a distance,” he said. Moving further inward, the admiral pointed towards “two aircraft carriers… It’s in the northern part of the Indian Ocean. The other one is going to park right against Israel,” he said, adding that this creates “two axes.”According to Stavridis, each carrier group carries significant air power. “These are 80 combat aircraft each with F-35s. our most advanced jets as well as plenty of FNA18 Hornets.” He continued outlining additional capabilities, “And when you go inside that, you’ve got the capacity to launch tomahawk missiles. Uh you can send drones in, you can use cyber, and of course there’s landbased aircraft, air force aircraft at many of those bases you show there.”And at the focus of the whole presence is Iran “so again, think of it like Dante’s Inferno descending. Right in the center of it at the very bottom is Ayatollah Khamenei. I agree with President Trump. He would be wise to negotiate.”His comments come as tensions between Tehran and Washington have escalated. The United States has ordered the departure of nonessential diplomatic staff and family members from Lebanon, citing rising regional tensions linked to the threat of military strikes on Iran, according to a State Department official quoted by AP. The official further added that the move followed an ongoing security review and was intended as a precautionary measure. US President Donald Trump has reportedly weighed the possibility of a limited military strike against Iran, even as another round of negotiations between the two sides is scheduled to take place in Geneva on Thursday.Iran, meanwhile, warned on Monday it would retaliate “ferociously” against any US attack and repeated its warning of a possible regional conflagration following Trump’s latest threat of strikes.