Mumbai: Bombay high court on Friday, in an interim order, said prima facie there appeared to be a “failure of intelligence” by the Navy in noticing how a high rise came up in the vicinity of INS Shikra, the premier naval air station in south Mumbai. The HC did not immediately stay construction work on the high rise, Jadhavji Mansion, but said work beyond the 15th floor would be at the developer’s risk.“We are surprised how the petitioner (the Navy’s Local Military Authority in Mumbai) failed to notice a building gradually reaching ground plus 19 floors,” Justices Ravindra Ghuge and Abhay Mantri said. The HC was hearing a naval petition filed through a commanding officer, which sought to stop work on a 20-storey high-rise within 500 metres of the Naval Air Station for want of its no objection certificate (NOC).

The HC, however, noted that its February 16 order to suspend workers’ entry until February 18 at the building site was only because it was informed of the impending VVIP movement, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi due to arrive in Mumbai on February 17. It said it did not wish to continue such an order at this juncture, but in its temporary order pending the final disposal of the petition, it directed the builder “to develop property at own risk and consequences beyond 53 m (or 15th floor, which was originally approved in 2010 before the MOD’s 2011 guidelines provided for its objections over security)”.“If we eventually conclude the NOC was mandatory, we would direct demolition above 15 floors,” the HC said, as Justice Ghuge dictated in open court.The HC added, “If we conclude the BMC was lax or complicit, or if circumstances indicate they conducted a blunder by granting CC without Naval NOC, and if circumstances so indicate, we would not hesitate to direct prosecution of such concerned BMC officials.” For any third-party rights to be created above the 15th floor, the builder will have to disclose the pendency of the Navy’s petition, the HC added.The final hearing of the petition is to begin at the admission stage on March 30. The builder, represented by senior counsel Janak Dwarkadas and Argud Partners, said a reply would be filed in 4 weeks. The HC sought the reply by March 9 and a rejoinder, if any, from the Navy by March 23. The HC sought BMC’s reply too on all counts, including what it said were serious allegations levelled by the Navy of a 7-month delay in handing over documents regarding building permissions it sought last May, and for seeking no NOC.Dwarkadas argued that BMC gave permission for ground plus 15 floors in October 2010, when there was no requirement of any NOC, and even the Defence Ministry’s May 2011 guidelines do not mandate a NOC and permit “objections” to be raised on security grounds, which were not made. Dwarkadas again cited the slums sitting “cheek-by-jowl” to Navy premises and questioned how the slum cluster was not considered a threat, since anyone could walk in there.The Navy, represented by senior counsel RV Govilkar, said there was a 10-ft wall; besides, the high-rise was in the “line of sight” and hence a risk, which was noticed last year when officers went to inspect an adjoining building. Dwarkadas again questioned what the Navy was doing for 15 years when the construction was coming up gradually, and he questioned the “line-of-sight” argument, also citing other high-rises in the vicinity and the lack of the Navy’s objection to them.Govilkar said the other buildings were over 15 years old, pre-dating its guidelines. The Navy said buildings in between were more than 15 years old and “nothing can be done about them”. “We are intrigued by the submission that though these buildings are very close and threat perception would first hover above them, the naval authorities feel they cannot be touched because they are more than 15 years old,” the HC dictated, saying it was getting no answer when it can “see innumerable doors and windows” and some buildings clearly within a stone’s throw distance of the Naval base. The HC added, “What surprised us is the intelligence gathering network of the Navy… if a building as tall as G+19 in line… was completed in 2024, we are prima facie surprised at the lapse in intelligence of the petitioner.”Govilkar said when VVIP movement occurs, precautions are taken in other buildings as well. He said the towers in Badhwar are govt buildings.The HC recorded, “Today, until pleadings are complete, the anxiety of (Navy)” is that the builder constructing the high-rise “is watching over their property.” The HC said the building was at a height of 70 metres (20 floors) since 2024. “The Navy cannot deny several VVIP movements between then and now, and yet if this building went unnoticed, we find it can only be due to naval intelligence,” the Judge dictated, clarifying its observations are prima facie, and posted the matter for final hearing and disposal.

Grammy-winning composer Ricky Kej joined Emmanuel Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron in Mumbai on Tuesday as part of the official French delegation for the India-France Year of Innovation 2026, launched jointly by Macron and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In an exclusive chat with us, the composer described it as an honour and a privilege to be a part of this. “I’m really fortunate and honoured to be part of the French delegation to India,” Kej said. “It’s amazing to be in the presence of such an incredible world leader like President Macron and of course Madam Brigitte.” The visit turned memorable even before landing in India. Kej happened to be in Paris at the time and travelled aboard the presidential aircraft with Macron. “We ended up having dinner together on the plane and had beautiful conversations on India and France, on culture and the impact that culture has, and how important soft power is in today’s world,” he shared. A casual photograph taken on the flight has since captured public attention. The delegation landed in Mumbai close to midnight and headed straight to the Taj Mahal Palace hotel before a packed schedule began the next day. One of the highlights was a lunch interaction with members of the Hindi film industry, including filmmaker Neeraj Ghaywan, actors Anil Kapoor and Manoj Bajpayee, director Zoya Akhtar and veteran actor Shabana Azmi, alongside the French delegation. “It was a beautiful discussion on how India and France can cooperate in getting stories of France out in India and Indian stories out in France,” said Kej. “We spoke about uplifting arthouse cinema in both countries, and about meaningful cooperation, financially and creatively, and cross-cultural collaborations within the movie industry.” Kej’s association with Macron goes back a few years. He first met the French President during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s State visit to France in 2023, where they dined at the Louvre Museum. The two reconnected in December 2024 in Riyadh at the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) conference. “Both him and his wife Brigitte are absolutely generous people, very good human beings,” Kej said and added, “President Macron is a great leader, someone who brings people together. It’s been wonderful spending time with him.”

The delegation’s India itinerary continues with multiple engagements in Mumbai and Delhi, including the upcoming AI Summit, before Kej returns to France, once again aboard the presidential flight, marking yet another chapter in a cultural dialogue he believes is only growing stronger.

BJP youth wing protesting outside Rahul Gandhi’s house. (Screengrab)

NEW DELHI: The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) youth wing on Friday staged a protest outside Congress leader Rahul Gandhi‘s Delhi house, hours after the members from the rival camp tricked their way into Bharat Mandapam and tried to disrupt the government’s ambitious ongoing AI summit.The incident opened a new front of contention between the political nemeses, with the BJP accusing the Congress of tarnishing the nation’s reputation.

Calling Rahul Gandhi a “traitor,” a protesting BJP Yuva Morcha leader, who was being bundled into a van, said, “This shows their ideology against the country. If you want to protest, protest the policies. They have protested against their own country.”“The way Rahul Gandhi and the Congress Party tarnished India’s reputation by storming the AI Summit…Rahul Gandhi continues to try to tarnish India’s reputation on the international stage. Traitor Rahul Gandhi,” a BJP Yuva Morcha leader told news agency ANI.The demonstration followed after the members of the Indian Youth Congress (IYC) staged a protest at the Bharat Mandapam venue of the Al Impact India Summit by removing their shirts with slogans that read, “Compromised PM”.In a statement, the Indian Youth Congress said its workers were protesting against a “compromised Prime Minister who has traded the identity of the country at the Al Summit”.“Indian Youth Congress workers raised their voice and protested against the compromised Prime Minister who has traded the identity of the country at the AI Summit,” the organisation said in an official post.“Instead of leveraging India’s talent and data, the AI summit is a disorganised PR spectacle – Indian data up for sale, Chinese products showcased,” it added.“The truth cannot be hidden behind the glittering stage of the AI Summit. When corporate interests are placed above the nation’s welfare and there is visible softness in foreign policy, protest becomes a duty,” the organisation said in a separate post.Meanwhile, Delhi Police have detained four IYC workers during a protest at the convention centre in the national capital.Also, Delhi BJP chief Virendra Sachdeva announced a protest outside the Congress headquarters on Saturday to condemn Youth Congress workers’ “hooliganism” at the “AI Impact Summit”.Sachdeva said he will lead the protest march from Man Singh Road roundabout to the Congress office at 24 Akbar Road to expose the negative mindset of the Congress and its attempt to malign the country.The Delhi BJP chief said the 10 people detained by police for their “shirtless” protest at the Summit venue on Friday were not Congress workers but hired goons.“At a time when India’s youth are showcasing their innovations at the AI Summit and saluting the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, these individuals created disruption,” said Sachdeva.“If they believe that such actions will damage the nation’s image, they should dispel this misconception. These people claim to be workers of the Congress party led by Rahul Gandhi, who goes abroad and speaks in a manner that harms India’s image,” he said.

Brian Bennett has been in sensational form for Zimbabwe in the T20 World Cup 2026, emerging as the backbone of their historic campaign. The 22-year-old opener has displayed a level of unshakable composure that has left seasoned veterans in awe. He has now left behind legends like Virat Kohli and Jos Buttler to achieve a massive milestone in the tournament’s history.

Zimbabwe’s Brian Bennett leaves Virat Kohli and Jos Buttler behind with record-breaking feat

Bennett has officially set a new world record for the most runs scored in consecutive not-out innings in T20 World Cup history, reaching a staggering 175 runs without being dismissed. He surpassed Buttler’s 172 runs (2021) and Kohli’s 171 runs (2014-16) after playing a match-winning knock of 63 off 48 balls* against Sri Lanka on February 19.

Bennett’s journey in the tournament has been a masterclass in risk management; he started with a steady 48* against Oman, followed by a brilliant 64* in the shock upset over Australia and capped it off with the unbeaten fifty against the co-hosts. Remarkably, Bennett has achieved this feat without hitting a single six in the tournament so far, relying instead on 24 boundaries and elite strike rotation. This ‘invincible’ run has not only rewritten the record books but has established him as the gold standard for consistency in the shortest format.

Also READ: ‘I had to resign because of this’: Former Pakistan legend makes explosive Babar Azam allegation amidst T20 World Cup 2026

Sikandar Raza’s Zimbabwe: Ultimate ‘surprise package’ of the T20 World Cup 2026

Zimbabwe have been the ultimate ‘surprise package’ of the T20 World Cup 2026, storming into the Super 8s as the undefeated leaders of Group B. Under the fearless leadership of Sikandar Raza, the Chevrons have orchestrated two of the biggest upsets in the tournament’s history by defeating giants Australia and Sri Lanka.

Their victory over the Lankans in Colombo was particularly impressive, as they successfully chased down a challenging 179-run target with three balls to spare. The team’s success is built on a perfect blend of youthful energy from Bennett and Tadiwanashe Marumani, combined with the clutch finishing of Raza and Ryan Burl. By finishing above three Test-playing nations with 7 points (three wins and one washout), Zimbabwe have fired a warning shot to the rest of the world. As they head into the next round, this resurgent African side is no longer just a participant, they are genuine contenders for a semi-final spot.

Also READ: Pakistan to lift T20 World Cup 2026? Here’s how Australia’s group stage exit benefits Salman Ali Agha’s side

A Carnegie survey found that 71 percent of Indian Americans disapproved of how Donald Trump handled his overall job as President in his second term.The 2026 Indian American Attitudes Survey (IAAS), conducted in partnership with YouGov, found that only 29 percent of the 1,000 Indian American adults surveyed strongly or somewhat approved of how Trump handled his job as President, New India Abroad reported.

The findings, when compared to data from a nationwide YouGov poll from Dec. 2025, revealed that Indian Americans were substantially more critical of Trump than the overall US population.The report came one year into President Donald Trump’s second term and found that the community was reassessing its political and social position amid tensions in US-India relations, domestic policy shifts, and rising reports of online hate speech targeting the community.Large majorities also disapproved of Trump’s handling of key policy areas. The survey found that 64 percent disapproved of his immigration policy, 68 percent disapproved of his handling of the domestic economy, and 70 percent disapproved of his international economic policy, including trade and tariffs. In many cases, respondents expressed strong disapproval rather than mild opposition.Evaluations of his management of US-India relations were also negative. Fifty-five percent disapproved of Trump’s approach to relations with India, 20 percent approved, and roughly one-quarter reported no opinion, suggesting limited foreign policy salience in electoral decision-making.Indian Americans continued to identify disproportionately with the Democratic Party, but attachment weakened since 2020. Democratic identification declined to 46 percent, while Republican affiliation increased modestly to 19 percent. Independents accounted for 29 percent of respondents. Ideologically, 32 percent identified as moderates, the largest single bloc, placing the community largely at the centre of the political spectrum.Economic issues dominated policy priorities. Twenty-one percent cited inflation and prices as their most important issue, followed by jobs and the economy at 17 percent. Health care and immigration were the only other issues registering in double digits, while foreign policy concerns remained comparatively low.Experiences of bias remained widespread. Twenty-seven percent believed Indian Americans faced “a lot” of discrimination in the United States. About half reported having personally experienced discrimination in recent years, most commonly based on skin colour, country of origin, or religion. Since the start of 2025, one in four respondents reported being called a slur.Respondents also reported frequent exposure to online racism, with nearly half saying they encountered anti-Indian content on social media regularly. Nearly one-third said discrimination concerns led them to avoid political discussions online, and roughly one-fifth reported modifying travel, public expression, or civic participation out of fear of harassment. However, the share reporting direct, personal experiences of discrimination did not significantly change compared to prior survey waves.Many respondents said discrimination altered how they spoke, lived, or participated in public life, though most did not plan to leave the United States. While 14 percent said they frequently considered relocating abroad, a majority continued to recommend the country for employment, reflecting continued belief in economic opportunity.The survey also found that reactions to symbolic political events reflected ideological divides more than identity-based solidarity. Sixty-eight percent expressed enthusiasm for New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s election, largely on ideological grounds. Public remarks by Vice President JD Vance regarding religion and marriage drew negative responses linked to concerns about religious inclusion and representation.Collectively, the findings indicated that one year into Trump’s second term, anxieties about discrimination and the shifting political environment coexisted with continued belief in opportunity in the United States.The full study was fielded between Nov. 25, 2025, and Jan. 6, 2026, and had a margin of error of ±3.6 percent.The report, authored by Sumitra Badrinathan of American University, Devesh Kapur of Johns Hopkins-SAIS, Andy Robaina of Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, and Milan Vaishnav of Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, built on earlier IAAS waves conducted in 2020 and 2024 and examined partisan identity, vote preferences, policy priorities, evaluations of political leaders, and experiences with discrimination.

Sam Billings of Oval Invincibles lifts The Hundred 2025 trophy (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

MUMBAI: More than 50 Pakistan players (men and women) have registered for The Hundred auction, which will be held at Piccadilly Lights in London on March 11 (women’s competition) and March 12 (men’s competition). “The auction list includes more than 50 players from Pakistan,” a source tracking developments told TOI.

As per the ICC Future Tours Programme (FTP), Pakistan are scheduled to have an away Test series against West Indies in August. A full list of players registered for The Hundred auction will be released at 1 PM UK time (6.30 PM India time) on Friday.Last season, only two Pakistan players, Mohammad Amir and Mohammad Wasim, featured in the tournament (for Northern Superchargers), while Pakistan-born Zafar Gohar was part of the Oval Invincibles squad.Six of the eight franchises, London Spirit (owned by US-based tech investors), MI Oval (Reliance Industries), Manchester SuperGiants (RPSG Group), Southern Brave (GMR Group), Sunrisers Leeds (Sun TV) and Welsh Fire (US-based Sanjay Govil), have Indian owners. Of these six, four teams are owned by Indian IPL franchises Mumbai Indians, Delhi Capitals, Lucknow SuperGiants and Sunrisers Hyderabad.“The Hundred Auction will see over 200 players go under the hammer, with the sixteen men’s and women’s teams picking up to 14 players each as they take a big step towards filling their squads ahead of the sixth edition of The Hundred this summer,” the England & Wales Cricket Board stated in a media release on Thursday.The women’s auction register includes India’s swashbuckling opener Shafali Verma, Beth Mooney, Nadine de Klerk, Amy Jones and Davina Perrin.The men’s teams will bid for players with Joe Root, Quinton de Kock, Jason Holder, Haris Rauf and Adil Rashid potentially among the early contenders. Auctioneer Richard Madley will run proceedings across both days.The men’s teams have a salary pot of £2.05m, while the women’s teams have a salary pot of £880,000. Each team has already spent a portion of their pot on pre-auction direct signings and retentions.Teams are allowed up to four pre-auction signings from mid-November to the end of January. A maximum of three can be direct signings and must be overseas or England centrally contracted players. A minimum of one will be a retention, which can be any player — England centrally contracted, overseas or domestic.Across the auction, teams will compete to sign players across three phases: Hero Players, Ranked Players and Nominated Players. Teams will each provide a long-list of players they are most interested in signing ahead of the auction, with the phases reflecting aggregated interest in each player.

Abhishek Sharma (ANI Photo)

NEW DELHI: India opener Abhishek Sharma has had a rough start in the T20 World Cup 2026, getting out for three ducks in a row in the group stage. His poor run has raised concerns, but the Indian team management is still backing him strongly.Team India bowling coach Morne Morkel dismissed any talk of dropping him and said, “Absolutely no discussion on Abhishek Sharma in the group. He is going to deliver, for the team and viewers. He is entertaining. He is hitting the ball well in the nets.”

Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar feels pressure is affecting the 25-year-old batter. He believes Abhishek is trying too hard to hit big shots from the first ball instead of settling in. “Abhishek Sharma is a lovely guy, but expectations seem to be weighing on him. If he had started well against the USA, it would have been different. Now, the pressure of being the big six-hitter and top batter is showing,” Gavaskar said.“With his shot range, he needs to spend time in the middle. He cannot try to hit a boundary or six on the first ball of his innings. If the big shots come, fine. But he shouldn’t force himself to play the big shots across the line,” he added.He also advised Abhishek to start slowly and build his innings. “Take a single and get off the mark. Even four dot balls don’t matter. He can make up for them later. He needs to play smart. Spend an hour or two settling in, then play his natural game. First, just get off the mark. Every batter wants that first run. Once he gets it, everything will fall into place,” he added.Assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate also backed Abhishek and said he showed good form in training after recovering from illness. He said Abhishek batted well in the nets and should be fine in the next phase.With India reaching the Super 8s, the team hopes Abhishek will regain confidence and perform when it matters most.