NEW DELHI: For the next phase of network expansion, the railway ministry has started preparation for laying 5th and 6th lines on the High Density Network (HDN) corridors connecting the four major metro cities — Delhi, Howrah, Mumbai and Chennai — so that more passenger and freight trains can run on these corridors.This is significant considering that the 11,051-km HDN forms the backbone of railways, accounting for 16% of the total network, but handling 41% of total rail traffic. Around 8,400-km of this, over 60% of the HDN network operate at 100-150% more than the line capacity.The seven HDN corridors are – Delhi–Howrah (1,422 km), Howrah–Mumbai (2,039 km), Delhi–Mumbai (1,321 km), Delhi–Guwahati (1,875 km), Delhi–Chennai (2,041 km), Howrah–Chennai (1,117 km) and Mumbai–Chennai (1,238 km).TOI has learnt that recently the railway board called a meeting of senior officials from all zones to finalise the planning of doubling, multitracking and 5th and 6th line requirement on HDN routes. The zones have been asked to prepare proposals for their respective sections based on line capacity, traffic requirements and future planning.Responding to questions on the proposed augmentation plan, a senior railway official said, “Based on traffic projections, 5th and 6th lines may be required in some of the HDN corridors. Railways is examining this. This will be based on traffic study, which is yet to be carried out.”On the criteria for finalising the plan, the official said the decisions for laying 5th and 6th lines will be taken considering traffic projections, economic modes to be connected and unconnected areas.

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Sergio Gor (File photo)

India’s role in the global semiconductor supply chain is “essential” as other countries in the neighbourhood seek to dominate legacy chip production, US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor said on Saturday at the inauguration of Micron Technology’s semiconductor facility in Sanand, Gujarat.Speaking at the event where Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the US-based company’s ATMP (Assembly, Testing, Marking and Packaging) plant, Gor said India offers a secure and reliable alternative in a strategically sensitive sector, PTI reported.

“India’s role in the global semiconductor supply chain is not just welcome, it is essential under the leadership of your great PM. As other nations in this neighbourhood aggressively expand production of legacy chips and seek to dominate the sector, India offers the secure and reliable alternative,” the US ambassador said.Describing semiconductors as the backbone of modern technology, Gor said they power everything from smartphones and defence systems to artificial intelligence and autonomous vehicles. Building “resilient supply chains” for such critical components requires semiconductor ecosystems at “multiple trusted locations”, he added.Gor termed Micron’s investment a strategic milestone. “This $2.75 billion investment represents far more than a new factory. It represents the future of American technology leadership, the strength of the US-India partnership, and our shared commitment to building a resilient supply chain that serves both our nations and the world,” he said.The ambassador noted that India currently has 10 semiconductor projects worth $19 billion under development, calling them a “direct testament” to Prime Minister Modi’s vision and ability to “secure the future of India and for global partners including the US.”Referring to growing bilateral cooperation, Gor said that when Modi and President Donald Trump met in Washington last February, they launched the U.S.-India COMPACT (Catalyzing Opportunities for Military Partnership, Accelerated Commerce & Technology). “At the heart of the framework is the TRUST initiative—transforming the relationship utilising strategic technology. Today’s inauguration embodies that vision,” he said.He added that India’s focus on chip design and ATMP operations complements America’s push to manufacture the most advanced chips. The Gujarat government’s incentive policies for semiconductor projects set an example for other states, he said.Gor said the US was “beyond proud” of Micron’s Sanand facility and that other American companies are “watching closely” and exploring opportunities in Gujarat.Under Trump’s leadership, the US is strengthening its semiconductor capacity, he said, citing Micron’s $100 billion multi-fab facility in Clay, New York, the largest in US history. “We are investing in advanced chip manufacturing at home while building trusted partnership abroad. But American leadership isn’t about doing it alone. Its about working with our partners who share common goals and our vision for secure, prosperous future,” Gor said.Earlier, Prime Minister Modi described the Micron plant as a testament to India–US collaboration. He also referred to the Pax Silica agreement between the two countries, saying “our collective efforts will also make the global supply chain of critical minerals more secure and reliable.”On February 20, India officially joined the Pax Silica initiative, a US-led international coalition aimed at securing global supply chains for artificial intelligence, semiconductors and critical minerals.

Spiritual leader Sadhguru on Friday urged business leaders to ensure that “Made in Bharat” becomes synonymous with quality, saying a strong national brand benefits not just companies but every citizen.Addressing over 100 brand managers, business owners and C-suite executives at the Brand ‘INSIGHT’ programme at the Isha Foundation’s centre in Coimbatore, Sadhguru said, “You must make sure ‘Made in Bharat’ means it’s the best. You must build a brand like that. We must make sure the nation’s brand is built because when the nation’s brand is built, every citizen’s brand, not only business, every citizen’s brand is better.”The three-day leadership programme, underway from February 27 to March 1, is designed for professionals in branding and marketing.Highlighting what he described as India’s improving global perception, Sadhguru said, “Many of you travel outside the country. Have you noticed in the last five to eight years’ time, suddenly you present the Indian passport, people are looking at you little more respectfully than they used to ten years ago? That’s brand building. India has built its brand consciously. And it’s good. Is it enough? No. They have to build the brand much bigger. If the brand of Bharat is built to a certain level, then all the other brands, the doors will open very easily for all the other brands. That must happen.”He also spoke about branding in the context of yoga, saying, “Branding is a part of impactfulness…. Well, yoga is a grand example of that – for what it is, the spectacular level of impact that it has on people and the efficacy of how it works. Literally everybody in the world should be on it. But bad branding for a long time! We are trying to change the branding for which I am accused of in various ways. Because something that has that level of efficacy and such a spectacular impact on human life, most human beings don’t even know what it is.”The Brand INSIGHT programme, launched in 2023 and currently in its sixth edition, focuses on branding strategies, positioning and creative excellence through workshops and case studies. This edition is being facilitated by industry professionals.

Photo credit- PTI

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated Micron Technology’s semiconductor facility at Sanand in Gujarat, asserting that India is now expanding its global identity beyond software into hardware manufacturing as it seeks a larger role in the global semiconductor value chain.The US-based company’s ATMP (Assembly, Testing, Marking and Packaging) plant, the first such facility of its kind in the country, reflects deepening India–US technology cooperation, the Prime Minister said while addressing the gathering.

“The message has reached the world loud and clear: India is capable, India is competitive and India is committed,” Modi said, adding that the country is positioning itself as a reliable destination for global investors, PTI reported.“India, long known for its software strength, is now firmly establishing its identity in the hardware sector as well,” he said.

Photo credit-PTI

The Prime Minister described semiconductors as central to the emerging technological era, linking industrial transformation with artificial intelligence-led growth. “If oil was the regulator of the last century, the microchip will be the regulator of this century,” he said, stressing that India had moved decisively into the semiconductor sector even during the COVID pandemic.He said India’s Semiconductor Mission was launched at a time of global uncertainty but the early investments are now beginning to deliver results. “During the pandemic, everything felt like it was falling apart, but the seeds we planted with conviction are now growing and bearing fruits,” Modi said.

Highlighting strategic cooperation with the United States, the Prime Minister said both democracies are working closely in AI and chip technologies to build resilient and secure supply chains. He added that global demand for secure semiconductor and critical mineral supply chains is creating new opportunities for India.Modi noted that 10 projects have so far been approved under the Semicon India programme, with three additional facilities expected to begin production soon. The semiconductor ecosystem being developed is “pan-India”, he said, with projects underway in Noida, Assam, Odisha and Punjab.“The semiconductor ecosystem we are building is not limited to any one region,” he said, adding that India Semiconductor Mission 2.0 announced in the Budget aims to deepen domestic manufacturing by boosting demand for materials, components and services.

The Prime Minister also highlighted India’s expanding electronics market, driven by rising domestic consumption. “India has a large population that is becoming first-time users of gadgets. Whether it is electronics, automobiles, or other technologies, demand in India is constantly growing,” he said.He added that growing electronics production and exports over the past decade would further strengthen semiconductor demand in the country.The Micron facility is expected to anchor a new industrial ecosystem in Sanand. Drawing a parallel with earlier industrial development in the region, Modi said, “When a major automotive company arrived here, an entire ecosystem developed with it… this pioneering facility is also poised to spawn a new ecosystem.”According to a government release, the ATMP plant will manufacture SSD storage devices along with RAM-type DRAM and NAND products. Micron has invested Rs 22,516 crore in setting up the Sanand facility.The project is expected to strengthen India’s semiconductor manufacturing ambitions while reinforcing technology collaboration between India and the US, the release added.

n a high-stakes Super 8 encounter at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, Pakistan’s dynamic opener Sahibzada Farhan delivered a performance that will be remembered for years. With Pakistan fighting to keep their semifinal hopes alive, Farhan rose to the occasion with a breathtaking century against Sri Lanka, sending fans into a frenzy both inside the stadium and across social media.

The right-hander smashed 100 off just 60 deliveries, peppering the boundary with nine fours and five towering sixes. His strike rate, soaring above 166, reflected not just aggression but calculated dominance. It was not merely another hundred — it was a knock that rewrote record books and reaffirmed Pakistan’s belief in crunch moments.

Surpassing legends and setting new milestones for Sahibzada Farhan

Farhan’s remarkable innings saw him surpass Virat Kohli’s long-standing record of 319 runs in a single T20 World Cup edition, set in 2014. With 383 runs in seven matches at an astonishing average of 76.60 and a strike rate of 160.25, Farhan has emerged as the standout batter of the tournament.

This was his second century of the competition, making him the first player in T20 World Cup history to score two hundreds in the same edition. He now shares the overall record of most centuries in T20 World Cup history with West Indies icon Chris Gayle, though Gayle’s tons came in different tournaments.

Among Australians and Pakistan greats, Farhan now stands alongside Matthew Hayden, Kohli, and Babar Azam in recording four 50-plus scores in a single edition — a mark of consistency at the highest level. Notably, only Babar has scored more T20I centuries for Pakistan, with three to his name.

A monumental opening stand

Farhan’s brilliance was perfectly complemented by Fakhar Zaman, who unleashed 84 runs from just 42 balls. The duo stitched together a record 176-run partnership for the first wicket — now the highest opening stand in T20 World Cup history.

In doing so, they eclipsed the 175-run stand between Tim Seifert and Finn Allen earlier in the tournament. For nearly 15 overs, Sri Lanka’s bowlers were left searching for answers as the Pakistani openers dictated terms with fearless strokeplay.

Sri Lanka’s fightback and the semifinal equation

Despite the massive opening stand, Sri Lanka clawed their way back into the contest. Dilshan Madushanka impressed with figures of 3 for 33, while skipper Dasun Shanaka and pacer Dushmantha Chameera chipped in with crucial breakthroughs. Pakistan eventually finished at 212 for 8 — a strong total, though slightly short of what once looked possible.

With qualification scenarios hanging in the balance, Pakistan must restrict Sri Lanka to 147 or fewer to edge past New Zealand on net run rate and book a semifinal berth. The equation adds another layer of drama to what has already been an unforgettable evening.

Also READ: T20 World Cup 2026: Here’s why Kusal Mendis and Babar Azam are not playing today’s PAK vs SL Super 8 match

Here’s how fans reacted:

𝐀 𝐡𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐜 𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐧𝐞 🔓

Sahibzada Farhan surpasses Virat Kohli for most runs at a #T20WorldCup 🙌

Tune in to watch him LIVE, tournament broadcast details ➡️ https://t.co/NPykWM7qqY pic.twitter.com/SAeBWpLgaR

— ICC (@ICC) February 28, 2026

What a performance 🔥👏
Sahibzada Farhan brings up his second hundred of #T20WorldCup2026 #SahibzadaFarhan pic.twitter.com/B29yAd8dVL

— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) February 28, 2026

WHAT A WORLD CLASS KNOCK BY SAHIBZADA FARHAN. 100 OFF 60 BALLS 💚💚💚 #T20WorldCup #tapmad pic.twitter.com/B2hJBIpBcz

— Cricket Queen (@yusraamjad56) February 28, 2026

What a performance by Sahibzada Farhan
Magnificent century
100 off 59 balls.#T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/5MgATsnayE

— Jalal Ahmad Khan (@jalalahmadkh01) February 28, 2026

Two magnificent hundreds — pure class, composure, and dominance.
Now the highest individual scorer in a single World Cup ,that’s elite territory.
When Pakistan needed a hero, Farhan stood tall.
The backbone, the belief, the heartbeat of the innings. #Sahibzada#T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/gmfmL26fpQ

— Mansoor Rana (@mansoorrana205) February 28, 2026

Most Runs in a T20WC Tournament

383 – 𝗦𝗮𝗵𝗶𝗯𝘇𝗮𝗱𝗮 𝗙𝗮𝗿𝗵𝗮𝗻 in 2026
47 v NED (Chasing)
73 v USA
0 v IND (Chasing)
100* v NAM
63 v ENG
100 v SL

319 – 𝗩𝗶𝗿𝗮𝘁 𝗞𝗼𝗵𝗹𝗶 in 2014
36* v PAK (Chasing)
54 v WI (Chasing)
57* v BAN (Chasing)
23 v AUS
72* v SA (Chasing in… pic.twitter.com/vxyAZkPStk

— 𝑺𝒉𝒆𝒃𝒂𝒔 (@Shebas_10dulkar) February 28, 2026

Superb batting by Sahibzada Farhan (100) and Fakhar Zaman (84) to get @TheRealPCB to 212 v @OfficialSLC in Pallekele.
Responsibility on the bowlers now to deliver.@cricketworldcup #PAKvSL

— Alan Wilkins (@alanwilkins22) February 28, 2026

Sahibzada Farhan scores a 60-ball 100 when pakistan needed 230+ and celebrates like it sealed a semifinal spot.
Regardless of qualification, the Instagram story is guaranteed just like last time.
Pakistan can’t defend 148 on this pitch, unless Sri Lanka has different plans

— Bhavesh Bafana (@fantasy11circle) February 28, 2026

Sahibzada Farhan just broke
Virat Kohli’s 10-year-old record.

100 off 60 balls in a must-win game.

No Babar Azam. No pressure.
Just pure batting. 🏏🔥

— Kirtesh (@AKirtesh) February 28, 2026

Sahibzada Farhan in this World Cup -:

47, 73, 100, 63, 100,
Against India – 0(4)

All thanks to Hardik Pandya ❤️🐐 pic.twitter.com/trFRFpsBvN

— RISHAV (@iamrishav108) February 28, 2026

Most Runs in a T20WC Tournament

383 – 𝗦𝗮𝗵𝗶𝗯𝘇𝗮𝗱𝗮 𝗙𝗮𝗿𝗵𝗮𝗻 in 2026
47 v NED
73 v USA
0 v IND
100* v NAM
63 v ENG
100 v SL

319 – 𝗩𝗶𝗿𝗮𝘁 𝗞𝗼𝗵𝗹𝗶 in 2014
36* v PAK
54 v WI
57* v BAN
23 v AUS
72* v SA
77 v SL#ViratKohli #sahibzadafarhan #PAKvsSL pic.twitter.com/1vwVlXNXF7

— anurag (@imAnuragkarnal) February 28, 2026

Also READ: Shahid Afridi names next Pakistan captain amid Salman Agha’s struggle in T20 World Cup 2026

Openers Fakhar Zaman and Sahibzada Farhan put Pakistan in control with a record opening stand against Sri Lanka in a must-win Super 8 match of the T20 World Cup at Pallekele International Stadium on Saturday.Batting first, Pakistan built a 176-run partnership for the opening wicket, their highest stand for any wicket in T20 World Cup history. It is also the third-highest partnership for Pakistan in all T20Is.Sri Lanka did not help their cause in the field. Dunith Wellalage dropped Farhan when he was on 75. Kamindu Mendis Liyanage appeared to have caught him on 76 but stepped on the boundary cushion.The breakthrough came through Dushmantha Chameera. He bowled wide outside off to Fakhar, who had been moving across the crease through the innings. This time, Fakhar got an inside edge that deflected onto the stumps.The opening stand of 176 is now a T20 World Cup record, going past the unbroken 175-run stand between Finn Allen and Tim Seifert against UAE earlier in the tournament.Highest partnerships in T20 World Cup (any wicket)176 – Sahibzada Farhan & Fakhar Zaman (PAK) vs SL, Pallekele, 2026*175* – Tim Seifert & Finn Allen (NZ) vs UAE, Chennai, 2026170* – Jos Buttler & Alex Hales (ENG) vs IND, Adelaide, 2022168 – Quinton de Kock & Rilee Rossouw (SA) vs BAN, Sydney, 2022166 – Mahela Jayawardene & Kumar Sangakkara (SL) vs WI, Barbados, 2010154 – Ibrahim Zadran & Rahmanullah Gurbaz (AFG) vs UGA, Providence, 2024

Pakistan post 212

Sahibzada Farhan and Fakhar Zaman powered Pakistan to 212 in the first innings. Pakistan bowlers need to stop Sri Lanka at 147 or less to to go past New Zealand on net run rate and qualify for the semi-finals.Earlier, Sri Lanka won the toss and chose to bowl in their final Super 8 match at Pallekele in Kandy.Pakistan made changes to their playing XI. Former captain Babar Azam was left out after a run of low scores. Saim Ayub was also not included.Pakistan entered the match after a narrow loss to two-time champions England on Tuesday. Sri Lanka were already out of the tournament following defeats to England and New Zealand in their first two Super 8 matches.