Tax officials cannot routinely apply the Black Money Act (BMA) merely because a person has been treated as a ‘resident’ after remaining in India for more than 181 days against their will. (AI image)

Delhi High Court’s recent order has changed the scope of imposing the Black Money law for individuals who have been forced to stay in India. The development has created a complication for Income Tax department as individuals who are prevented from leaving the country – including deported fugitives, defaulters subject to lookout circulars, extradited suspects, or those cooperating with investigative agencies – cannot automatically be compelled to reveal details of their overseas bank accounts, businesses, or assets.According to an ET report, Delhi High Court has stayed the income tax department’s directive requiring Dubai-based businessman Rajiv Saxena, extradited to India in January 2019 in connection with the AgustaWestland case, to furnish information on his foreign assets.

What the Delhi High Court Order Means

As a result, tax officials cannot routinely apply the Black Money Act (BMA) merely because a person has been treated as a ‘resident’ after remaining in India for more than 181 days against their will. Under the Black Money (Undisclosed Foreign Income and Assets) and Imposition of Tax Act, 2015, effective from July 1, 2015, individuals classified as residents are required to disclose overseas assets in their income tax returns.

The income tax department had maintained that the Income Tax Act does not differentiate between voluntary and involuntary residence. It argued that since the petitioner had been living in India from January 30, 2019 onward, he should be regarded as a resident and therefore subject to the provisions of the black money law.The court observed that if, during the course of proceedings, the petitioner is found not to qualify as a resident, action under the BMA cannot be pursued.According to the Income Tax Act, residents are liable to pay tax on income earned both in India and abroad, whereas non-resident Indians are not taxed on their foreign earnings. Although the Income Tax Department had sought information on Saxena’s overseas assets by treating him as a resident, it had not issued a formal order in the matter.This raises the issue of whether the BMA can be invoked if the duration of involuntary stay is excluded. In such a situation, the individual would be regarded as a non-resident, and the provisions of the BMA would not apply to non-residents. Introduced by a government that had prioritised the fight against corruption, the BMA was intended to address limitations in the Income Tax Act and enable taxation of undisclosed wealth held abroad, including funds parked in Swiss and offshore bank accounts, assets held through discretionary trusts in tax havens, and stakes in unlisted companies where the real beneficial owners remain concealed.

What legal experts are saying:

“There can be various reasons for involuntary stay, including passport revocation,” said Ashish Karundia, founder of the CA firm Ashish Karundia & Co. “There seems to be no ambiguity in the department’s intent. This was explicitly recognised in circulars no. 11/2020 and 2/2021 issued in not providing blanket exemptions, permitting limited, case-bycase relaxation even during the Covid-19 pandemic, when movements were restricted, and several non-residents were stuck here.”The tax authorities appear to take the view that granting relief beyond truly exceptional circumstances would undermine the legal framework. Such an approach could leave certain individuals without recognised tax residency in any country, effectively making them tax-stateless – an outcome that the Income Tax Act neither envisages nor intends, he said. Because the department followed a case-by-case policy at the time, many NRIs who were unable to travel abroad during the pandemic had to engage with tax authorities on their residential status.Ashish Mehta, partner at the law firm Khaitan & Co told ET that the Black Money Act does not establish a separate process for deciding residential status. Instead, it relies entirely on the classification determined under the Income Tax Act, 1961. Under these provisions, residency is largely decided by the number of days a person is physically present in India. He noted that this classification forms the basic framework for determining tax liability and disclosure requirements relating to foreign income and assets. He also pointed out that shortly before the BMA came into force, the Delhi High Court, in its 2015 judgment in the Suresh Nanda case, ruled that periods of compulsory or involuntary stay in India should be excluded when calculating the duration of presence for determining residential status.

Indore: In a startling turn of events inside a board examination centre, a class 10 student gave birth to a baby boy in the washroom while her mathematics paper was underway on Tuesday, sending shockwaves across the centre. The incident was reported in Dhar district, where the minor had gone to a private school designated as an examination centre. The minor later told the police that the child’s father is a youth from a nearby town with whom she had been in contact for the past two years, while her parents claimed that they were not aware of the minor’s medical condition.

Dhar ASP Parul Belapurkar said the student wrote her paper for nearly two hours before complaining of acute stomach pain and stepping out to use the washroom. Minutes later, the cries of a newborn alerted teachers, who rushed to the toilet and found that she had delivered a child. School authorities called the 108 ambulance service, and both the girl and the newborn were shifted to a nearby community health centre. Dhar CMHO Dr Anita Singhar said preliminary examination showed that the baby was born at 34 weeks of gestation. “The newborn weighs around 2kg and both mother and child were found stable. Considering the premature birth and low weight, doctors referred them to Dhar district hospital for specialised neonatal care. Pediatricians are monitoring the infant, while the minor remains under medical supervision,” she said. Police said the girl’s family claimed they were unaware of the pregnancy and were shocked by the development. Her mother told investigators that they had no information about her condition. The family also stated that the girl had been engaged and that they were planning her marriage after she turned 18. “A zero FIR has been registered under Sections of rape and relevant provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. Investigation is underway,” Belapurkar said.Legal experts, commenting on whether her parents could face legal action in such cases, said action is possible only if it is established that they were aware of the pregnancy and yet failed to act.“If the minor states that her parents had prior knowledge, it could invite proceedings. However, there have been cases where families remained unaware, particularly when the girl wore loose clothing and did not display visible signs. In the absence of proof of knowledge or negligence, fixing liability on parents could be difficult,” advocate Abhinav Dhanodkar said.Under Section 19(1), 21 of POCSO Act, non-reporting of sexual assault against a minor despite knowledge is a serious crime and more often than not, it is an attempt to shield the offender,” Dhanodkar added.

Colombo’s R. Premadasa Stadium is gearing up for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 clash as England take on New Zealand on February 27.

So far, England have looked sharp in this phase, registering convincing wins over Sri Lanka and Pakistan. Their campaign has been clinical, though questions remain around Jos Buttler’s form with the bat after a string of low scores. The reassuring sign for England has been skipper Harry Brook’s explosive century against Pakistan, which has strengthened the middle order and boosted confidence within the camp.

New Zealand’s journey hasn’t been as straightforward. A rain-hit fixture against Pakistan denied them momentum early on, but they bounced back impressively with a dominant win over Sri Lanka. A win in the upcoming contest will take the Blackcaps to the top in Group 2, along with a guaranteed semifinal spot.

R. Premadasa Stadium Pitch Report

The R. Premadasa Stadium is known for a pitch that changes character as the game unfolds. Early on, the black-soil surface offers reliable bounce, allowing batters to trust the carry and play their shots with confidence. But as the match moves forward, the wicket tends to slow down and grip, bringing spinners firmly into the contest. The middle overs, in particular, often become a testing phase, with turn and occasional variable bounce challenging stroke-makers.

Fast bowlers usually don’t get much help in terms of seam or swing, even under lights. That makes the powerplay crucial for batters, who need to make the most of the harder new ball before conditions get tougher. Once the ball gets older and the surface begins to tire, scoring freely becomes a bigger challenge, especially against quality spin. It’s a venue where smart pacing of an innings can make all the difference.

Also READ: ENG vs NZ, T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 Match Prediction – Who will win today’s game between England and New Zealand?

R. Premadasa Stadium T20I Stats and Records

• Matches played: 65
• Matches won batting first: 28
• Matches won bowling first: 36
• Average 1st innings score: 145
• Average 2nd innings score: 129
• Highest total recorded: 215/5 (19.4 Overs) by Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka
• Lowest total recorded: 80/10 (17.2 Overs) by Afghanistan vs England
• Highest score chased: 215/5 (19.4 Overs) by Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka
• Lowest score defended: 115/6 (20 Overs) by South Africa vs Sri Lanka

Also READ: India’s T20 World Cup 2026 semi-final qualification scenario after thumping win over Zimbabwe

In a small village in Andhra Pradesh, Srikanth Bolla entered the world under circumstances that many around him viewed with sympathy rather than hope. Born visually impaired, his future seemed predetermined in the eyes of society. In rural India at the time, disability was often misunderstood, seen less as a condition requiring support and more as a boundary that defined a person’s entire life. Expectations arrived early, and they were painfully small. Yet within his home, a different belief quietly took root. His parents, despite limited resources, refused to accept that their son’s life should be confined by social assumptions. Education became their act of resistance. They encouraged curiosity, independence, and dignity, planting in Srikanth a conviction that ability could not be measured by sight alone. Scroll down to read more.

When the education system said no

The school itself was not an easy beginning. Classrooms were not designed for students who learned differently. Textbooks were inaccessible, teaching methods rigid, and acceptance conditional. Every academic step required negotiation, convincing institutions that he deserved a place in spaces rarely built with inclusion in mind.

The real turning point came after Class 10, when Srikanth expressed a desire to study science. Authorities rejected his request, arguing that a visually impaired student could not manage scientific subjects. The decision reflected a broader mindset: ambition, for someone like him, was expected to remain modest. For Srikanth, however, the refusal felt less like an end and more like a challenge.

Fighting for the right to learn science

Instead of accepting the decision, he fought it legally, an extraordinary step for a teenager facing institutional resistance. The case was not simply about choosing a subject; it questioned whether opportunity itself could be restricted by disability. When he won, becoming one of the first visually impaired students in India allowed to pursue science at the higher secondary level, the victory carried symbolic weight. It proved that barriers often exist not because something is impossible, but because systems have never been forced to adapt.Studying science required immense effort. Diagrams had to be explained verbally, lessons converted into audio formats, and concepts memorised through repetition and imagination. Yet the struggle strengthened his confidence. Achievement felt earned, not granted.

A door closes in India; another opens at MIT

Despite academic success, another setback followed. India’s top engineering institutions declined admission, once again citing his disability. Years of hard work seemed overshadowed by familiar doubt. But rejection, as Srikanth would later realise, sometimes redirects rather than stops a journey.He was accepted into the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), becoming the first international blind student to study there. At MIT, the environment felt different. Accessibility was seen as innovation, not inconvenience. For the first time, he experienced a system that focused on possibility rather than limitation. Exposure to global ideas reshaped his ambitions. Education was no longer just personal progress; it could become a means to change how society itself functioned.

Discovering purpose beyond personal success

At MIT, entrepreneurship began to feel like a powerful language of change. Srikanth recognised that businesses could challenge social inequalities more effectively than charity alone. Instead of waiting for opportunities to be created for people with disabilities, he imagined building platforms that generated those opportunities directly.

Srikanth Bolla is a distinguished Indian entrepreneur, serving as the Chief Executive Officer, co-founder, and Chairman of Bollant Industries Private Limited.

This idea stayed with him as he prepared to return to India. Many expected him to pursue a comfortable career abroad, but Srikanth chose a more uncertain path, one rooted in purpose rather than security.

Returning home to build something meaningful

Back in India, he founded Bollant Industries, a company focused on manufacturing eco-friendly packaging products. The business model combined sustainability with social inclusion, employing people with disabilities and individuals from marginalised communities.The concept was ambitious and unconventional. Investors were hesitant, unsure whether a socially driven enterprise could remain commercially viable. Srikanth faced scepticism repeatedly, not only about the business but also about his ability to lead it. Yet persistence slowly replaced doubt. With mentorship and determination, the company began producing areca leaf packaging and recycled products, aligning environmental responsibility with economic empowerment.

Entrepreneurship with inclusion at its core

What made Bollant Industries unique was its philosophy. Employees were not hired out of sympathy but for their capability. Workspaces were adapted to ensure accessibility, allowing individuals long excluded from employment to contribute meaningfully.For many workers, the job represented more than income. It restored dignity, the simple but powerful recognition of being valued for skill rather than limitation. Srikanth often emphasised that inclusion should never be mistaken for charity; it is an investment in human potential.

Turning opportunity into dignity for others

As the company grew, so did its impact. Recognition arrived from national and international platforms, and investments helped expand operations. Yet Srikanth’s focus remained consistent: building systems where opportunity became normal rather than exceptional.His journey challenged deeply rooted assumptions about disability in the workplace. By demonstrating that inclusive businesses could thrive financially, he reframed inclusion as smart entrepreneurship rather than social obligation.

Redefining what success looks like

In interviews and public talks, Srikanth often repeats a line that has come to define his philosophy: “I lack eyesight, but not vision.” The statement captures more than resilience. It reflects clarity, the understanding that vision is not physical sight but the ability to imagine change and pursue it relentlessly. His success does not rest solely on personal achievement but on reshaping conversations around ability, education, and employment in India. Through his journey, many began to realise that barriers often exist in perception long before they exist in reality.

Vision beyond sight

Here’s all you need to know about Srikanth’s OTT release. From platform to date, know when you can watch Srikanth Bolla biopic starring Rajkummar Rao online.

Today, Srikanth Bolla stands as both an entrepreneur and changemaker, representing a new narrative of possibility. His life demonstrates that resilience is rarely dramatic; it is built quietly through repeated decisions to continue despite rejection. What began as a struggle for education evolved into a broader mission, creating spaces that symbolise opportunity, where others would not have to fight the same battles alone but instead find pathways opening before them. His extraordinary journey has also reached popular culture, inspiring a biographical film Srikanth, starring Rajkummar Rao, which brought his story of determination and inclusion to a wider audience, introducing many to the vision behind his success.

A story larger than one individual

Ultimately, Srikanth’s journey is not just about overcoming blindness. It is about refusing to inherit a smaller future defined by others. Through determination, innovation, and empathy, he transformed rejection into purpose and entrepreneurship into social change. His story reminds us that true vision begins not with what we see, but with what we believe is possible and the courage to build it, even when the world cannot yet imagine it alongside us.

NEW DELHI: Former Delhi chief minister and AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal was on Friday acquitted of all charges by the Rouse Avenue court. Hailing the verdict as “truth always wins,” Kejriwal became visibly emotional while speaking to reporters outside the court premises.Kejriwal’s long-time deputy Manish Sisodia was also discharged by the court.Special judge Jitendra Singh delivered the verdict in the case investigated by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).Reacting to the prolonged case against him, Kejriwal said, “mud was thrown at us.”“I am not corrupt. The court has said that Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia are honest. Today, the court has discharged all the accused in this case. We have always said that truth emerges victorious. We have full faith in the Indian legal system. Amit Shah and Modi ji together hatched the biggest political conspiracy to finish AAP, and five senior leaders of the party were put in jail. The sitting chief minister was dragged out of his house and sent to jail. Kejriwal is not corrupt. I have only earned honesty in my life. Today, the court has said that Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia and AAP are honest,” Kejriwal said.Manish Sisodia also welcomed the court’s decision, saying that the truth had prevailed.“Satyamev Jayate. Today, once again, I feel proud of Baba Saheb Ambedkar Ji’s visionary thinking and the Constitution he crafted. Despite all attempts by Modi Ji’s entire party and its agencies to prove us dishonest, it has been established that Arvind Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia are steadfastly honest (kattar imaandaar),” he said.Both AAP leaders had served time in Tihar Jail during the course of the investigation. Kejriwal had also submitted his resignation to the Delhi lieutenant governor over the corruption charges linked to the Delhi excise policy case. His government, which was later succeeded by the BJP under Rekha Gupta, had faced serious allegations, and bigwigs in the AAP government were sent to jail.

Abhishek Sharma (Pic credit: BCCI)

CHENNAI: It was a day everything went according to plan for India, starting with South Africa’s easy win against West Indies in Ahmedabad earlier in the day. That result smoothed out the rough edges of this Super 8 Group 1 and meant India would just have to win their remaining games to safely book a semis berth. And against a team like Zimbabwe, which is not quite ready for a stage as big as this, Suryakumar’s boys did the needful. As thousands of mobiles flickered in the MA Chidambaram Stadium stands, India got their campaign back on track, winning by 72 runs and setting up a direct ‘quarterfinal’ against the West Indies at Eden Gardens on Sunday.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!With a pleasant evening breeze blowing across the Chepauk, the fans never stopped partying. They had their reasons. The much-loved Abhishek Sharma came back to some sort of form with a 30-ball 55, new CSK signing Sanju Samson punched a quickfire 24 and the entire middle order got some good hits on a batting beauty. Zimbabwe, though, did make things easier for India. From choosing to bowl after winning the toss to bowling pedestrian pacers in the Powerplay to dropping catches at crucial junctures, the African minnows were just the team India would have liked at this stage of the tournament.

Towards the back end, they kept delivering lollipops in trying for the yorker and were thrashed for 17 sixes in the process. A total of 256/4 was comfortably India’s highest in the T20 World Cup, going past their previous best of 218. It was way beyond Zimbabwe’s reach and they didn’t seem too interested in the chase. Zimbabwe instead chose to bat out the 20 overs and get some big-stage experience against top quality bowlers. Right-handed opener Brian Bennett (97 not out off 54 balls) played an innings of great quality that may stand him in good stead against some other opposition on some other day. But for now it’s the end of the road for Zimbabwe.The quality of opposition notwithstanding, India had to get the runs and all eyes were on the recycled opening partnership of Sanju and Abhishek.The left-hander, woefully out of form till now, wasn’t tested with off-spin, his nemesis so far in the tournament, in the Powerplay and he cashed in on it.

The blitz, though, was started by Samson, who punched a six off the back-foot over mid-off off left-arm pacer Richard Ngarava. Sanju was tested with short balls — he hit a few too — but fell to a similar delivery. However, with the score reading 48 off 3.4 overs, he had already done his job.Thereafter, it was Abhishek’s turn to show that the hard work put in by him at the nets on Tuesday would pay dividends. The southpaw kept his head still and didn’t try to pre-meditate his shots. He also didn’t show the pacers his stumps and didn’t look to charge down the track. Instead he held his shape, stayed in his crease and looked to play the ball straight. Of course, there was nothing in the Zimbabwe attack that was really challenging but the Punjab cricketer kept his side of the bargain.The crowd erupted in joy, the “Abhishek, Abhi-shek” chants grew louder as his beautifully crisp shots kept the scoreboard galloping. Even though India raced away to 80 in the Powerplay, Abhishek’s half-century, coming off 28 balls, was his second slowest in T20Is. Instead of looking for over-boundaries and power all the time, Abhishek didn’t mind the occasional boundary (4×4, 4×6). He played the field with great dexterity as India heaved a sigh of relief.

For reasons better known to Zimbabwe, skipper Sikandar Raza bowled only six overs of spin. He himself didn’t complete his quota despite dismissing Ishan Kishan while the other two shared three. They conceded 56 — a little over nine — while the pacers went anywhere between 10 to 20.Hardik (50* off 23 balls) and Tilak (44* off 16 balls), batting at No. 6, found themselves back in the flow. But things may get tougher going forward.

NEW DELHI: The Rouse Avenue court on Friday acquitted former chief minister Arvind Kejriwal and former deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia in 2022 Delhi excise policy case. Special judge Jitendra Singh pronounced the order in the case investigated by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).The court observed that the alleged central conspiratorial role could not be substantiated. The bench also noted that the allegations “failed judicial scrutiny” and found “no criminal intent” on the part of Manish Sisodia. It further stated that the conspiracy theory “cannot survive against one constitutional authority.” The court had earlier reserved its decision on 12 February after hearing detailed arguments from the CBI and the accused, including Kejriwal and Sisodia, along with 21 others.Kejriwal broke down emotionally after being discharged in the Delhi excise policy case by the Rouse Avenue Court.Addressing supporters after the court’s order, Kejriwal said, “I am not corrupt. The court has said that Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia are honest,” asserting that the verdict had vindicated both him and senior party leader Manish Sisodia.In a post on ‘X’, Kejriwal’s wife, Sunita Kejriwal said, “In this world, no matter how powerful one becomes, one cannot rise above Shiva Shakti. Truth always prevails.” At the time the case was registered, Kejriwal was serving as chief minister and Sisodia as his deputy. The CBI filed its first chargesheet in 2022, followed by multiple supplementary chargesheets. The agency has alleged that Rs 100 crore was paid by a “south lobby” to influence the now-scrapped excise policy in its favour. In total, 23 accused were chargesheeted, including Kejriwal, Sisodia, K Kavitha, Kuldeep Singh, Narender Singh, Vijay Nair, Abhishek Boinpally, Arun Ramchandra Pillai, Mootha Goutam, Sameer Mahendru, Amandeep Singh Dhall, Arjun Pandey, Butchibabu Gornatla, Rakesh Joshi, Damodar Prasad Sharma, Prince Kumar, Chanpreet Singh Rayat, Arvind Kumar Singh, Durgesh Pathak, Amit Arora, Vinod Chauhan, Ashish Mathur, and P Sarath Chadra Reddy. During arguments, the CBI maintained that the offence of criminal conspiracy must be viewed in its entirety and that the sufficiency of evidence should be tested during trial.Represented by additional solicitor general D P Singh and advocate Manu Mishra, the agency argued that there is adequate material to frame charges against all the accused. On the other hand, senior advocate N Hariharan, appearing for Kejriwal, contended that there is no incriminating material linking his client to the alleged conspiracy. He argued that the fourth supplementary chargesheet naming Kejriwal merely repackages earlier allegations and that Kejriwal was performing his official duties as chief minister. Hariharan further submitted that Kejriwal was not named in the initial chargesheet or in three earlier supplementary chargesheets, and that his name appeared only in the fourth. The defence also questioned the basis of further investigation and the evidentiary value of statements, including that of approver Raghav Magunta.

GURGAON: Haryana has cleared the alignment of Gurgaon–Faridabad–Noida Namo Bharat corridor, with NCRTC proposing six metro stations and two integrated RRTS-cum-metro hubs in the city. Speaking in the Assembly on Wednesday, chief minister Nayab Singh Saini said govt took “an important step in the direction of urban transport” by approving the alignment of RRTS corridor in the region.

On Tuesday, the proposal was discussed at a meeting chaired by Saini, where NCRTC presented a plan to run both Namo Bharat and metro services on the same alignment within the city. Under the plan, IFFCO Chowk and Sector 61 will serve as integrated RRTS-cum-metro hubs. Six other stations will be built at Sector 29, Millennium City Centre, Sector 52, Wazirabad, Sector 57 and Sector 58/61 as metro-only stops to support daily intra-city travel. An NCRTC official said the model would allow high-speed RRTS trains to handle intercity movement, while metro services would cater to shorter trips within the city using the same corridor. They said the plan mirrors the Delhi–Meerut corridor, where metro services operate within Meerut on the RRTS route. In Dec last year, Haryana Mass Rapid Transport Corporation (HMRTC) asked NCRTC to assess the feasibility of planning a metro system along the RRTS alignment to improve local connectivity and avoid duplicating infrastructure. The proposed corridor is 64km long, with 52km in Haryana, covering Gurgaon and Faridabad. The route will begin at IFFCO Chowk and proceed towards Gwalpahari via Sector 29, Millennium City Centre, and sectors 52, 57, and 61 along Golf Course Road Extension. NCRTC officials said the alignment was planned because it serves existing and upcoming sectors while avoiding ecologically sensitive areas, including Tau Devi Lal Biodiversity Park. For integration, Rapid Metro line may need an extension of around 1km at Sector 61. The alignment is designed to connect with DMRC’s Yellow Line at Millennium City Centre, Rapid Metro at Sector 61, and the proposed metro corridor between Sector 56 and Pachgaon. The corridor is expected to provide long-term connectivity between IGI Airport and upcoming Noida International Airport in Jewar. The project is estimated to cost around Rs 15,000 crore. Saini said the detailed project report (DPR) will be prepared soon. “The corridor will link Delhi Metro, Rapid Metro, and the upcoming Gurgaon Metro network, and will support investment and employment in line with PM Narendra Modi’s vision of a Viksit Bharat,” he said. Union minister Rao Inderjit Singh had earlier raised concerns about congestion at IFFCO Chowk, noting that the location already will get an RRTS station under Delhi–Gurgaon–Bawal corridor and an operational Yellow Line metro station. Earlier, Gurgaon Metro Rail Limited (GMRL) proposed that Gurgaon–Faridabad–Noida Namo Bharat corridor be built underground in the city rather than elevated. It also recommended starting the underground stretch from Rajiv Chowk instead of IFFCO Chowk, arguing that Rajiv Chowk serves denser residential and commercial areas in Old Gurgaon and could generate higher all-day ridership. GMRL said this option would integrate better with the planned Delhi–Gurgaon–Manesar–Bawal RRTS corridor, create a stronger multimodal hub, and deliver a more balanced network connecting Old and New Gurgaon while enabling future expansion towards Manesar and the railway station. In Faridabad, an integrated section of around 16km from Sainik Colony to Badshapur has been approved. The stretch will cover key areas, including NIT, Bata Chowk, Sectors 12 to 15, and parts of New Faridabad. It will connect with Delhi Metro’s Violet Line. In Faridabad area, two integrated RRTS-cum-metro stations and eight only-metro stations have been proposed.The CM said the corridor will offer seamless and high-speed travel to lakhs of commuters, reduce traffic congestion, and contribute positively to environmental sustainability.He also said he corridor will open new avenues for investment, employment generation, and balanced urban growth in Haryana. Considering the rising population and increasing traffic pressure in cities like Gurugram and Faridabad, the project is being designed to meet future mobility demands. With close coordination between the central and state govts, the administration is committed to ensuring timely execution, said Saini.

In a heartbreaking turn of events during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, Indian cricketer Rinku Singh lost his father, casting a shadow over the national team’s campaign. As India battles for a place in the knockout stages, the emotional blow has deeply affected both the dressing room and fans across the country.

Indian camp shaken by tragic news Rinku Singh’s father demise

Khanchand Singh passed away on February 27 at Yatharth Hospital in Greater Noida, where he had been undergoing treatment for stage 4 liver cancer. The tragic news arrived in the middle of India’s high-pressure World Cup journey, leaving teammates and supporters stunned.

According to hospital sources, Rinku’s father had been on ventilator support in recent days as his condition worsened. Doctors were also administering continuous renal therapy in an effort to stabilise him. Despite receiving intensive care and close monitoring, his health declined rapidly, and he eventually succumbed to complications arising from advanced liver cancer.

Rimku leaves team camp to be with family

The devastating development came at a time when Rinku was with the Indian squad for the T20 World Cup. Earlier this week, when his father’s condition deteriorated ahead of India’s Super 8 clash against Zimbabwe, the left-handed batter had briefly travelled home to be by his side. After spending time with his family, he rejoined the team in Chennai as preparations intensified for the crucial fixture.

However, following confirmation of his father’s demise, the 28-year-old reportedly once again departed from the team camp and travelled to Aligarh to be with his grieving family. For Rinku, who has often spoken about his humble upbringing and the sacrifices made by his parents, the loss is deeply personal.

As news of his father’s passing spread, fans across social media platforms expressed heartfelt condolences. Many recalled Rinku’s inspiring journey from modest beginnings to representing India on the global stage. Supporters posted messages of strength and solidarity, urging him to stay strong during this difficult period.

Also READ: Team India shatter multiple batting records vs Zimbabwe in T20 World Cup 2026 clash

Here’s how fans reacted:

Deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Rinku Singh’s father. My heartfelt condolences to Rinku and his family in this difficult time. May lord Shiva give him the strength to stay strong ,
Aum Shanti 🙏🙏

— MithunManhas5 (@MithunManhas) February 27, 2026

Pained to learn about the demise of Shri Khanchand Singh Ji, father of Rinku Singh. This must be an especially difficult time for Rinku and his family, even as he remains committed to his responsibilities during the T20 World Cup.
My heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with him…

— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) February 27, 2026

Rinku Singh’s father passed away. 💔 🙏

– Condolences to his whole family. pic.twitter.com/OGz44Sekdr

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) February 27, 2026

A heartbreaking day as Rinku Singh’s father has passed away 😭
He sacrificed so much in poverty to shape his son’s cricket career and never stopped working, even when his son became famous.

Om Shanti🙏

#RinkuSingh #INDvsZIM pic.twitter.com/Mlt6ux7zJ8

— Daphi (@Dafi_syiemz) February 27, 2026

Indian cricketer Rinku Singh’s father has passed away. Heartfelt condolences to his family and kin.#T20WC2026 #RinkuSingh pic.twitter.com/hbgCfdb516

— Arshy (@imArshit) February 27, 2026

Rinku Singh’s father, who delivered gas cylinders door-to-door to support his family, played a silent but powerful role in shaping a son who would one day wear the Indian jersey. From carrying heavy loads on his shoulders to carrying big dreams for his child ,this is what a… pic.twitter.com/SLsMUeZx8H

— Mr GK (@hinduAforce) February 27, 2026

Rinku Singh’s father has passed away.
– Condolences to his family and friends! pic.twitter.com/o0ZkaPWPCa

— Shamsher Alam (@imshamsheralam) February 27, 2026

Rinku Singh’s father, Khanchand Singh, died on Friday after a year-long battle with Stage 4 cancer. The update was provide former India spinner Harbhajan Singh भारतीय टीम के विस्‍फोटक बल्‍लेबाज रिंकू सिंह के पिता खानचंद सिंह का निधन हो गया है।#RinkusinghFather pic.twitter.com/UyAAE9WJNU

— Ravi Kumar (@RaviKumar218461) February 27, 2026

Rinku Singh’s father passes away after battling stage-four cancer pic.twitter.com/2GLvgWtHsB

— BCCI Updates (@realbcciupdates) February 27, 2026

Sad news , Rinku Singh father passed away.

Let his souls rest in peace.

God give him and his family all the strength

— Praveen Kumar G (@PraveenKum44266) February 27, 2026

Cricketer Rinku Singh’s father, Khanchand Singh, has passed away after battling cancer.

A father’s silent sacrifices are the foundation of every success story.

Heartfelt condolences to Rinku and his family.

Om Shanti 🙏#RinkuSingh#RinkuSinghFatherDemise @rinkusingh235 pic.twitter.com/JZlZerpx9D

— Dr Vikas kumar Modi (@vikaskumarmodi) February 27, 2026

Rinku Singh’s father passed away. 💔 🙏
– Condolences to his whole family.#रिंकू सिंह pic.twitter.com/99OImcJc7e

— khalid khan (@khanlid44) February 27, 2026

Rinku Singh’s father is no more after battling stage 4 Cancer.

Everyone remember this video for his father, where he was supplying gas cylinders even after Rinku Singh made debut for team India.!!

Om Shanti Om, Rest in Peace, Rip 🙏 😭

pic.twitter.com/fraGwIHurE

— MANU. (@IMManu_18) February 27, 2026

Rinku Singh’s father passed away. 🙏
ॐ शांति pic.twitter.com/WMGpqT9ur7

— Baburao (@Baburao14577361) February 27, 2026

Heartbreaking news. 💔
Rinku Singh’s father has passed away.
Sending my deepest condolences to Rinku and his family during this incredibly difficult time. May his soul rest in peace. 🕊️ pic.twitter.com/cS8jFSGBxZ

— Manas Dubey (@MANASDU06413436) February 27, 2026

लीवर कैंसर से पीड़ित Rinku Singh के पिता का देहांत हो गया।

कल रिंकू सिंह इंडियन क्रिकेट टीम के साथ दिखे थे , रिंकू के पिता बहुत मेहनत करते रहते थे

एक पॉडकास्ट में रिंकू सिंह ने इसका जिक्र करते हुए बताया था कि अगर मेरे पास पैसा नही होता तो पापा का इलाज कैसे करवाता…..See more pic.twitter.com/T4yKJdMGku

— Anvi Yadav (@Anviyadavsocial) February 27, 2026

Bahut dukhad news..
May God give strength to #Rinku Singh
His father..a real man🙏
Rip

— Joker (@Shukfromlanka) February 27, 2026

The strongest finisher (Rinku Singh) now faces his toughest innings without dad. Om Shanti. 💔#RinkuSingh pic.twitter.com/tVcbOXoBkQ

— Kongutte Siddharoodh (@KSidOnCricket) February 27, 2026

Stay strong rinku singh 🥺
RIP

— vivek (@vivekbatter) February 27, 2026

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BENGALURU: The Indian Army has completed the installation of Thermal Imaging Fire Control Systems (TIFCS) — an Indo-Israeli technology developed in Bengaluru — on 96 of its T-72 tanks, with the systems clearing firing validation trials before induction.The T-72 remains one of the mainstays of the Army’s armoured fleet. Upgrades such as thermal imaging and automatic target tracking are aimed at extending operational relevance, particularly in low-visibility and night operations where older optical systems have limitations.The upgrade has been executed by Alpha-Elsec Defence & Aerospace Systems Pvt Ltd, a joint venture between Bengaluru-based Alpha Design and Israel’s Elbit Systems. A contract for the supply and installation of 96 TIFCS units was signed with the Army in 2023.While India and Israel are expected to finalise a framework allowing companies from both nations to deepen cooperation during PM Modi’s visit, the Alpha-Elbit collaboration was a result of an earlier agreement between the two nations.Confirming the development, Alpha Design representatives told TOI: “Earlier, similar systems were supplied directly by the Israeli partner. Under the current arrangement, the systems have been manufactured in India with technical support from Elbit Systems, aligning with the government’s Make-in-India programme and the push for defence indigenisation.”The TIFCS is designed to strengthen the T-72’s night-fighting capability. It automatically acquires inputs from external sensors, carries out ballistic corrections and feeds corrected target data into the fire control system. An integrated automatic target tracker (ATT) enables continuous tracking of moving targets, allowing engagement in dynamic conditions, including at night.Alpha said firing validation trials of the indigenously manufactured systems were conducted by the Army during Nov–Dec 2025, after which the installations were completed.Alpha-Elsec CEO Nataraj Krishnappa told TOI: “Alpha-Elsec, as an MSME with a workforce of around 120 highly skilled professionals, has been making steady and significant progress in the manufacture of advanced opto-electronic equipment for the Indian Armed Forces. A substantial number of our products are also exported to our JV partner, which further supplies them to customers worldwide.”Following the completion of this order, Alpha-Elsec said it has seen an increase in its order book for indigenous defence supplies, with additional orders from Indian defence forces in the pipeline.The firm focuses on the manufacture, integration and lifecycle support of electro-optic and fire control systems for defence applications. Beyond Army platforms, its electro-optic products are also used by paramilitary forces and in select civilian sectors.