National Highaways (File photo- PTI)

Commuters on National Highways may soon have to rely entirely on digital payment modes at toll plazas, as the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is considering phasing out cash transactions nationwide.Post implementation, all toll payments at National Highway fee plazas will be processed exclusively through digital modes using FASTag or Unified Payments Interface (UPI), the highways authority said, reported PTI.The authority said it is contemplating discontinuing cash transactions at National Highway fee plazas across the country from April 1, 2026, with the aim of creating a fully digital tolling ecosystem.The proposed measure is intended to consolidate gains achieved under Electronic Toll Collection and strengthen the efficiency and reliability of fee plaza operations.According to NHAI, the transition will enhance “Ease of Commuting” by improving lane throughput, reducing congestion at toll plazas and ensuring greater consistency and transparency in toll transactions.Over the past few years, FASTag penetration has crossed 98 per cent, significantly transforming toll collection practices. At present, most toll transactions are processed electronically through RFID-enabled FASTags affixed to vehicles, enabling seamless and contactless movement across plazas.UPI payment facilities have also been operationalised at National Highway toll plazas, ensuring instant and accessible digital payment options for commuters nationwide.As per National Highway fee rules, vehicles entering a fee plaza without a valid, functional FASTag are charged twice the applicable user fee if payment is made in cash, while users opting to pay via UPI are charged 1.25 times the applicable fee.These initiatives have collectively reduced dependence on cash transactions and accelerated digitisation of the tolling framework.Plaza-level assessments indicate that cash-based payments contribute to congestion, longer waiting times during peak traffic hours and transaction-related disputes.A complete transition to digital-only payments is expected to improve operational efficiency, strengthen traffic management, minimise delays and enhance user experience across more than 1,150 fee plazas on National Highways and Expressways in the country.

Rajpal Yadav has been granted interim bail by the Delhi High Court and released from Tihar Jail in a case filed against him by businessman Madhav Gopal Aggarwal. His lawyer, Bhaskar Upadhyay, now shared that the case originally started due to an incident connected to actor Amitabh Bachchan.

Rajpal Yadav received loan for ‘Ata Pata Laapata’

According to Bhaskar, businessman Madhav had given Rajpal Yadav a loan of Rs 5 crores to make his film ‘Ata Pata Laapata’. The two had signed a main agreement followed by three additional ones until August 2012. The final deal stated that Rajpal would issue five cheques, to be cleared from December 2012. But the situation took a legal turn after the film’s music launch in September 2012, which eventually led to the ongoing case.

Rajpal Yadav’s lawyer reveals complainant wanted to share stage with Amitabh Bachchan

In conversation with Hindustan Times, Bhaskar shares, “In September, Amitabh Bachchan stepped in for the film’s music launch and the complainant wanted to share the stage with him. Rajpal’s team said no to that as Mr Bachchan wasn’t taking any favours for his presence, and the complainant got annoyed by that. He moved to the Delhi HC in September 2012 on the basis of that agreement, asking for a stay on the film until his dues were cleared. The case was dragged till December 2012 when he deposited the first cheque of Rs 60,60,350 which was honoured”.

Rajpal Yadav and Madhav signed consent agreement in 2013

The lawyer stated that Madhav later submitted an undertaking requesting the removal of the stay on the film, after which both parties signed a consent agreement in 2013, declaring all previous agreements null and void. Bhaskar revealed that a fresh consent decree was passed in 2016 and as per law, it is unchallengeable by either parties. The amount of Rs 10.40 crores was due as per that. The complainant signed an undertaking that previous agreements will not be revived if the said amount is returned to them. The HC also said that the recovery of this money should only be done by way of execution.

Rajpal Yadav’s guarantor offered property worth Rs 15 crores

In 2016, an execution petition was filed, and ₹1.90 crores were paid to the complainant. For the remaining balance, another guarantor, Mr. Anant Dattaram, stepped in — documents confirming this are with HT City. However, the complainant refused to accept the guarantee. Bhaskar shared that he offered his property valued at Rs 15 crores as surety for him, asking for one month’s time to return the amount. Surprisingly, the complainant refused to take this and asked for Rajpal’s imprisonment for the satisfaction of the decree. The execution stated this in writing and added that since no other mode of execution is suggested, the execution was closed.

Rajpal Yadav convicted and fined Rs 11.5 crores

However, an unusual situation arose during the proceedings. “While the execution case was going on, the complainant revived the cheques from the third supplementary agreement which was to be nulled after the consent agreement. In March 2018, based on that old agreement, the trial court convicted Rajpal ji and issued a fine of ₹11.5 crores. And then in November 2018, the execution court sentenced Rajpal ji to three month imprisonment for the same cause of action. But both can’t go parallel.”

Rajpal Yadav challenges order in revision court

In 2019, Yadav’s team took the matter to the revision court to challenge the earlier ruling. However, when a new lawyer joined the case, things took an unexpected turn. “The new judge said they didn’t find any merit and the counsel for Rajpal ji admitted that then they are ready to pay the amount if given a chance for mediation. And the court wrote this in their observation,” Bhaskar shared. He further mentioned that this development caused the case to remain unresolved, and the team has now requested the court to hear their arguments and decide the matter on its merits.

In a surprising reveal that has touched fans across both nations, Marcus Stoinis, who is currently representing Australia in the T20 World Cup 2026, recently named a legendary Indian player as his ultimate career mentor. Despite the fierce rivalry on the field, Stoinis admitted that his growth as a finisher was deeply influenced by the guidance of this former World Cup winner.

Australia’s Marcus Stoinis picks Indian cricket legend as his ultimate mentor

As per ANI, Stoinis opened up about the profound impact Yuvraj Singh has had on his career, elevating him from a mere teammate to a true life mentor.

Recalling their days playing together in the IPL, Stoinis praised the Indian star’s unique approach to the game, stating, “I played with Yuvraj Singh in the IPL. Although I was playing with him, I describe him more as a mentor. I was quite young, and he was obviously very experienced.”

Stoinis was particularly in awe of Yuvraj’s effortless power, describing it as a ‘relaxed, rhythmical power’ that stood out from the brute force typical of modern hitters. He further emphasized Yuvraj’s character, noting, “Very nice guy, very helpful. I mean, to a young overseas player coming to the IPL, he was very good to me. Nothing but absolute respect.”

Also READ: Former Indian cricketer raises concerns over Abhishek Sharma’s batting approach ahead of the Super 8 clash against South Africa

Stoinis and Australia’s dismal T20 World Cup 2026 campaign

While Stoinis finds solace in his off-field connections, his on-field experience in the T20 World Cup 2026 has been nothing short of a nightmare. Australia have been shockingly eliminated from the group stages, failing to make the Super 8s for the first time in nearly two decades. Despite Stoinis’ individual efforts, including a valiant attempt to anchor the middle order, the ‘Mighty Aussies’ looked like a shadow of their former selves.

Their campaign unraveled after a stunning defeat to Zimbabwe, where the Australian batting lineup collapsed for just 146 runs, followed by a clinical eight-wicket thrashing at the hands of Sri Lanka. The final nail in the coffin was the rain-induced washout between Ireland and Zimbabwe on February 17, which mathematically ended Australia’s journey. Stoinis and his team are now left to play a meaningless final match against Oman at Pallekele, marking a historic low for Australian cricket in a tournament where they were once favourites.

Also READ: Sunil Gavaskar predicts one change in India’s playing XI for the Super 8 clash against South Africa in T20 World Cup 2026

NEW DELHI: The Indian Youth Congress (IYC) on Friday defended its shirtless protest at the AI Summit venue at Bharat Mandapam, saying the demonstration was the “voice of millions of angry unemployed youth” aimed at the “compromised” Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The youth wing said that they are “not against the AI Summit, and they “will no longer sit quietly.”“Today, during the AI Summit, Youth Congress comrades raised slogans of ‘PM is Compromised’, clearly conveying the message that the youth of the country will no longer sit quietly,” IYC President Uday Bhanu told ANI.“‘PM is Compromised’ is not just a slogan, but the voice of the anger of millions of unemployed youth. PM Modi’s trade deal with America appears to be against the interests of farmers and the common people, with America gaining more benefit from it,” Bhanu said.“Youth Congress will continue to fight for the rights of the country and will keep speaking the truth on every platform,” he added.In an earlier statement, the organisation said its workers “raised their voice and protested against the compromised Prime Minister who has traded the identity of the country at the AI Summit.”In a series of social media posts, the IYC said that the truth cannot be buried behind the glittering stage of the AI Summit.“When corporate interests are placed above the nation’s welfare and a softness in foreign policy is clearly visible, then protest becomes a duty!”It added that its workers went to Bharat Mandapam “so that a voice can be raised against the ‘Compromised PM’ and the Modi government is forced to answer for the compromises being made on the country’s honour!”The organisation also said, “We’re not against the AI Summit. We’re against the compromises being made with India’s interests.”“If we know how to follow the path shown by Mahatma Gandhi, we also know how to follow the path shown by Sardar Bhagat Singh. We absolutely will not allow the interests of the country’s youth and farmers to be traded away,” it said.These remarks came after around 10 Indian Youth Congress (IYC) workers were detained after they briefly raised slogans against Prime Minister Narendra Modi inside Bharat Mandapam’s Exhibition Hall No. 5, police said.Additional Commissioner of Police Devesh Mahla said the incident took place around 12.30 pm and that the protesters had registered online to attend the summit.The protesters had marched inside the venue wearing or holding white T-shirts bearing images of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump, along with slogans such as “India-US Trade Deal”, “Epstein Files” and “PM is compromised,” leading to heated exchanges with some attendees.Officials said those detained are being identified and appropriate legal action is being taken.The “topless” protest triggered sharp reactions, with BJP leaders accusing the Congress and leader of opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi of orchestrating the disruption.Union commerce minister Piyush Goyal accused Rahul Gandhi of attempting to “humiliate India.” In a post on X, he wrote, “This is CONGRESS ARROGANCE & FRUSTRATION on display! So, Mr. Rahul Gandhi, humiliating India to target the Government is your idea of opposition!”“While you want to CHOKE India’s development by peddling lies about the recent trade deals, your foot soldiers are marching shirtless at the prestigious AI Summit, attempting to embarrass 140 crore Indians globally. This disruption strategy only exposes your and your party’s lack of vision for India,” he added.Union minister Bhupender Yadav termed the protest “Absolute shamelessness from Congress!” and said, “At a time Bharat is taking strides positioning itself as a global technology powerhouse, Congress is going all out to embarrass the country. This is not political opposition, this is an attempt at sabotaging India’s global image. Despicable.”

Here are top 5 news of the day:

SC takes ‘extraordinary’ step in Bengal vs EC case, judicial officers to be part of SIR duty

The Supreme Court issued what it described as an “extraordinary order,” asking the Calcutta high court to designate serving and retired judicial officers in poll-bound West Bengal as Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) to decide claims and objections arising from the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the state’s electoral rolls, according to Live Law. The Court further stated that these judicial officers would be assisted by micro-observers and state government officials, and instructed district collectors and Superintendents of Police to extend logistical assistance and security to them. Read full story

Centre slams Congress after youth wing’s shirtless march at AI Summit, blames Rahul Gandhi

The BJP-led central government criticised the Congress and targeted Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi after members of the party’s youth wing carried out what it called a “despicable” shirtless protest at the ongoing AI Summit. The reaction followed the detention of around 10 Indian Youth Congress workers, who briefly shouted slogans against Prime Minister Narendra Modi inside Exhibition Hall No. 5 at the summit venue, according to the police. Read full story

‘India diversifying oil sourcing,’ says US envoy Sergio Gor

The United States reaffirmed its position that India’s commitments on oil procurement from Russia form part of the recently finalised trade agreement between New Delhi and Washington. US envoy Sergio Gor said Washington has observed India diversifying its oil sources and noted that active talks are underway over the possible sale of Venezuelan oil to India. He added that the final trade deal is expected to be signed soon. Read full story

Women’s groups seek action against Rajasthan MLA for ‘son vs daughter’ quip

Women’s rights organisations have written to Rajasthan assembly Speaker Vasudev Devnani seeking action against Bharatpur BJP MLA Bahadur Singh Koli for remarks in the House likening the BJP government’s budgets to “giving birth to a son” and Congress-era budgets to “giving birth to a daughter.” Koli claimed that “son” budgets were productive, while “daughter” budgets led to Congress losing power. Calling the analogy patriarchal and deeply regressive, the groups said it reflected an anti-women mindset. Read full story

BLA releases video claiming Pakistani army personnel in custody amid prisoner swap deadline

The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) has reportedly released a video allegedly showing Pakistani Army personnel in its custody as the deadline for a proposed prisoner exchange approaches. The footage, circulated on social media and shared by the Balochistan Post citing the group’s official channel, appears to show several men presenting service cards and national identity documents while identifying themselves as detained servicemen. In the video, they appeal to Pakistani authorities, saying they were formally recruited and assigned postings, and question why the authorities are allegedly not acknowledging them. Read full story

FILE – Britain’s Prince Andrew, center, and his daughters Princess Eugenie, left, and Princess Beatrice leave Westminster Abbey after the wedding of Prince William to Catherine Middleton, in London, April 29, 2011. (AP Photo/Gero Breloer, File)

The latest release of Jeffrey Epstein–related documents has begun to reshape careers across politics, business, and public life by laying out, in detail, the extent of his relationships with some of the world’s most powerful figures. In Britain, Labour veteran Peter Mandelson stepped down from the House of Lords after financial links and correspondence surfaced. In the United States, former senator George Mitchell withdrew from leadership roles as records showed sustained contact over several years. Norway saw a senior diplomat resign and corruption probes open after revelations of financial ties connected to Epstein’s will. And in one of the most consequential developments, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, widely known as Prince Andrew, was arrested in 2026 on suspicion of misconduct in public office following disclosures that he may have shared official information with Epstein during his tenure as the UK’s trade envoy.

Together, the files have shifted the focus from Epstein himself to the wider network of influential individuals who remained in his orbit long after his past convictions were public, turning a long-closed criminal case into an ongoing reckoning for global public life.Peter AttiaA physician, author, and high-profile longevity expert, Attia appeared in the files through informal email exchanges that showed a friendly and sometimes crude tone of communication with Epstein. The correspondence indicated a personal relationship rather than professional interaction. After the disclosures became public, companies with which he was associated moved quickly to distance themselves, leading Attia to step down from advisory roles amid reputational scrutiny.Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem

Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem (right)

An Emirati business executive and former chairman of one of the world’s largest logistics firms, bin Sulayem was portrayed in the documents as maintaining a close personal friendship with Epstein through regular correspondence. Although no misconduct was alleged, investor pressure escalated rapidly following the revelations, prompting his resignation to shield the company from reputational fallout.Bill Gates

Bill Gates

Microsoft co-founder and global philanthropist Bill Gates has not faced any investigation or institutional sanction arising from the Epstein files, but the renewed scrutiny of his past association has begun to affect his public engagements. Gates withdrew from delivering a scheduled keynote address at the AI Impact Summit 2026 in India just hours before the event. His foundation said the decision was taken after “careful consideration” to ensure that attention remained on the summit’s priorities rather than the controversy surrounding his earlier interactions with Epstein.Thorbjørn JaglandA former Norwegian prime minister and senior European political figure, Jagland appeared in emails suggesting Epstein attempted to use his diplomatic access to arrange meetings with global leaders. The disclosures led Norwegian authorities to open corruption investigations to examine whether Epstein sought improper influence through those connections.Mona JuulA Norwegian diplomat who served as ambassador, Juul was drawn into scrutiny after reports indicated Epstein had left substantial funds to her and her husband, fellow diplomat Terje Rød-Larsen, in his will. The financial link triggered corruption investigations, and Juul resigned from her diplomatic post as the inquiry began.Brad KarpThe chairman of a major international law firm, Karp appeared in the files through emails showing Epstein had hosted him at private gatherings and maintained ongoing social contact. The visibility of this relationship created reputational risk for the firm, leading Karp to step down from his leadership role.Jack Lang

FILE – IMA president Jack Lang arrive before visiting the exhibition “Treasures rescued from Gaza” Monday, April 14, 2025 at the Arab World Institute (IMA) in Paris. (AP Photo/Michel Euler, Pool, File)

A former French cultural minister and prominent public figure, Lang became the subject of financial investigations after the documents linked him to transactions connected to Epstein. Although he denies wrongdoing, the scrutiny prompted him to resign from leadership of a major cultural institution while inquiries continue.Miroslav LajčákThe Slovak diplomat and former president of the UN General Assembly appeared in the files through private exchanges that showed informal and friendly communication with Epstein. While the messages contained no evidence of illegal conduct, their tone and timing raised concerns about judgment, leading Lajčák to resign from his role as national security adviser.Peter Mandelson

UK PM fires Ambassador to US Peter Mandelson over Epstein links

One of Britain’s most influential political strategists and a former ambassador to the United States, Mandelson appeared in the files through financial records and correspondence suggesting a closer personal relationship with Epstein than previously acknowledged. The disclosures triggered investigations and police searches, leading Mandelson to resign from the Labour Party and step down from the House of Lords.George J. MitchellA former US senator and internationally respected peace negotiator, Mitchell appeared repeatedly across Epstein communication logs, indicating sustained contact over several years. Though no wrongdoing was alleged, institutions bearing his name moved quickly to distance themselves, prompting Mitchell to resign from honorary leadership roles.David RossAn influential figure in the contemporary art world and academic leadership, Ross appeared in the documents through correspondence showing he maintained contact with Epstein even after the latter’s conviction. The disclosures led to his resignation from an academic leadership role due to reputational concerns.Joanna RubinsteinA senior humanitarian leader associated with a UN-linked foundation, Rubinstein appeared in records confirming she had visited Epstein’s private island. Although no criminal allegation was made, the timeline of the visit led to intense public scrutiny, prompting her resignation.Kathy RuemmlerA former White House counsel and later chief legal officer of Goldman Sachs, Ruemmler appeared in the files through emails showing friendly correspondence with Epstein and evidence that she had received gifts from him after leaving government service. She resigned from her corporate role as reputational concerns mounted.Sarah Ferguson

Sarah Ferguson, 64, also attended the Easter service alongside her former husband, Prince Andrew. However, the former couple’s daughters — Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie — did not appear.

The former Duchess of York appeared in the documents through emails indicating she maintained contact with Epstein years after his conviction. Renewed scrutiny led to the closure of a charity linked to her after institutional support diminished.Steve TischA film producer and co-owner of an NFL franchise, Tisch appeared in emails indicating Epstein introduced him to women and maintained communication. He remains in position but faces an ongoing review by the league.Casey WassermanA prominent entertainment executive and head of a major talent agency, Wasserman appeared in the files through emails exchanged with Ghislaine Maxwell that revealed personal interactions and social planning. The fallout led to client departures, prompting him to sell the agency to limit further reputational damage.Andrew Mountbatten-WindsorThe former prince Andrew, the younger brother of King Charles III and formerly the UK’s trade envoy, has long been one of the most high-profile figures linked to Jeffrey Epstein. The latest Epstein document release included additional photographs and correspondence that reinforced the depth of their association, showing continued contact even after Epstein’s 2008 conviction. In February 2026, British police arrested Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor on suspicion of misconduct in public office as part of an investigation tied directly to material emerging from the Epstein files. Authorities are examining allegations that, during his tenure as trade envoy, he may have shared potentially confidential government documents or official information with Epstein. The arrest is separate from earlier sexual-assault allegations brought in a US civil lawsuit by Virginia Giuffre, which Andrew denied and settled out of court in 2022 without admitting liability. The current investigation centres instead on possible misuse of official position and breach of trust arising from his documented relationship with Epstein.Those who have faced no formal sanctionA defining feature of the latest Epstein fallout is its unevenness. Many individuals named in the documents remain in their positions without investigation or legal consequence. Their involvement typically consists of correspondence, meetings, or social contact rather than evidence of criminal conduct. The documents have therefore reshaped careers not through courts of law, but through public scrutiny, demonstrating how reputational accountability now operates alongside, and often independently of, formal legal processes.

The government on Friday announced seven measures, including credit assistance for e-commerce exporters and support for alternative trade finance instruments, aimed at boosting India’s outbound shipments and strengthening export competitiveness.The initiatives form part of the Rs 25,060 crore export promotion mission, under which three of the 10 proposed components had already been rolled out in January, reported PTI. To support exporters using digital channels, the commerce ministry introduced credit facilities backed by interest subvention and partial credit guarantees. The Direct E-Commerce Credit Facility will provide support of up to Rs 50 lakh with 90 per cent guarantee coverage.The Overseas Inventory Credit Facility will offer support of up to Rs 5 crore with 75 per cent guarantee coverage, along with an interest subvention of 2.75 per cent, subject to an annual ceiling of Rs 15 lakh per applicant, the ministry said.In a bid to promote export factoring as an affordable working capital solution for MSMEs, an interest subvention of 2.75 per cent will be provided on factoring costs for eligible transactions undertaken through RBI or IFSCA-recognised entities. Assistance will be capped at Rs 50 lakh per MSME annually and processed through a digital claim mechanism to ensure transparency and timely disbursal.To help exporters access new or high-risk markets, the government will support alternative trade instruments through shared-risk and credit enhancement mechanisms such as Letters of Credit confirmation and negotiation.Under Trade Regulations, Accreditation and Compliance Enablement (TRACE), exporters will receive support in meeting international testing, inspection, certification and conformity requirements. Partial reimbursement of 60 per cent under the Positive List and 75 per cent under the Priority Positive List will be provided for eligible expenses, subject to an annual ceiling of Rs 25 lakh per import export code (IEC).The ministry also announced Facilitating Logistics, Overseas Warehousing and Fulfilment (FLOW), which will enable exporters to access overseas warehousing and fulfilment infrastructure, including e-commerce export hubs integrated with global distribution networks. Assistance of up to 30 per cent of approved project cost will be provided for a maximum of three years, subject to prescribed ceilings and MSME participation norms.For exporters from northeastern and hilly regions, Logistics Interventions for Freight and Transport (LIFT) was introduced to mitigate geographical disadvantages. The scheme provides partial reimbursement of up to 30 per cent of eligible freight expenditure, capped at Rs 20 lakh per IEC per financial year.Financial assistance will also be extended under Support for Trade Intelligence and Facilitation (INSIGHT), generally limited to 50 per cent of project cost, with up to 100 per cent support for proposals from central and state government institutions and Indian missions abroad, subject to notified ceilings.Through these coordinated financial and ecosystem interventions, the government aims to reduce the cost of capital, diversify trade finance instruments, improve compliance readiness, address logistics challenges and strengthen overseas market integration for MSMEs.Launching the measures, commerce and industry minister Piyush Goyal said they are aimed at empowering Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) for global markets.He said India’s expanding network of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) has significantly improved market access for exporters, noting that nearly 70 per cent of global GDP and two-thirds of global trade are now accessible to India through nine concluded FTAs, including the first tranche of the Bilateral Trade Agreement with the United States.These agreements provide preferential access across sectors in 38 developed and emerging economies.Emphasising that the benefits of global trade must reach every MSME, startup and entrepreneur, Goyal said the mission seeks to promote new products, services and exporters while enabling Indian businesses to access new markets.He added that India has recorded double-digit growth in merchandise exports in the first half of February.Commerce secretary Rajesh Agarwal said the interventions would help exporters access new markets and promote exports of new products. He also urged export promotion councils to prepare communication packages to leverage the free trade agreements finalised by India.During April–January of the 2025–26 fiscal year, India’s exports rose 2.22 per cent to $366.63 billion, while imports grew 7.21 per cent to $649.86 billion, resulting in a trade deficit of $283.23 billion during the nine-month period, according to official data.

The Pakistan government has overturned the two-year ban imposed on national hockey team captain Ammad Shakeel Butt, calling the action taken by the country’s hockey federation “illegal and unconstitutional”.The ban had been announced by Tariq Bugti shortly before he stepped down as president of the Pakistan Hockey Federation. Butt had criticised the federation over mismanagement during the team’s recent tour of Australia.But the federation’s patron-in-chief, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, appointed interim PHF president Muhuydin Ahmed Wani, who reversed the decision and described it as an “illegal and unconstitutional step” by Bugti.Bugti resigned following a major fallout after the national team returned from Australia, where players faced logistical problems and stayed in Airbnb accommodation despite the Pakistan Sports Board releasing 10 million rupees to the PHF for five-star hotel arrangements during their FIH Pro League matches in Canberra.A senior official from the Inter-Provincial Coordination Ministry confirmed that Prime Minister Sharif accepted Bugti’s resignation and appointed Wani as ad-hoc PHF president along with Brig Musratullah as Director-General.“Both will manage hockey affairs on ad-hoc basis and try to repair the damage done,” the official said, as cited by news agency PTI.After the team returned home early Wednesday, Butt and several senior players told reporters they could no longer work with the existing PHF and team management. Butt said players were misled and warned against speaking to the media about their problems in Australia. He was then banned by Bugti for bringing Pakistan hockey into disrepute.Butt had also accused the PHF of forcing players “to clean the kitchen and wash dishes” before matches during the tour, in which the team lost all its Pro League games against the home side and Germany. Players were also left travelling for hours after a hotel refused them entry due to lack of advance payment by the PHF, despite funds from the PSB.He further alleged that most players had not received daily allowances from the PSB and PHF for the past year.Bugti blamed the PSB for the episode, saying the Board handled tour arrangements and was “responsible for whatever happened there”.Pakistan have lost all eight of their Pro League matches so far against Netherlands, Argentina, Australia and Germany, and are last among nine teams.They are scheduled to travel to Egypt in four months for the final qualifying tournament for the World Cup.

Arshiya Das (Special Arrangements)

NEW DELHI: In a region where borders blur into mountains and valleys fold into one another, India’s Northeast has never lacked talent. What it has lacked, for decades, is attention. Its athletes have long defined a culture of discipline that rarely seeks validation from the mainland.And today, riding on India’s unequivocal chess boom, the Northeast has found its latest sensation.At 15, Tripura’s chess prodigy Arshiya Das recently became the first Woman International Master (WIM) from Northeast India. Playing in Serbia, she not only won the 42nd Rudar IM Round Robin tournament with a score of 6.5/9 but also completed her final WIM norm.

For India, it is another prodigy proving her worth in the world of chess. For the Northeast, it is a tectonic shift.“We are very happy because we know she is actually very dedicated to chess. It was her dream for a long time to become national champion. She became Under-15 National Champion in November last year. Then, in the Senior National Women’s Championships 2025, which is a big tournament, she got a bronze medal. We saw that she is at her peak. So we planned to send her to Europe because all the norms come from there,” Arshiya’s father Purnendu Das told TimesofIndia.com during an exclusive interaction.

Arshiya Das (Special Arrangements)

“Also, next year, she has 10th board exams, so things are getting tight. Before that, we planned this and sent her. She completed two norms, one in the first week of January, and this was the final norm.”Arshiya’s story began at the breakfast tableLike a plethora of Indian prodigies, Arshiya, born in March 2010, did not start in an academy or under a master coach. Rather, it began with her parents trying to get their child to eat breakfast and get ready for school.“This was around 2015. You know, when you have to make the children eat breakfast before sending them to school, you need to give them something in their hands, like a laptop or a mobile phone. So we used to give her a laptop so that she would eat her breakfast properly,” her father recalled.

Arshiya Das (Special Arrangements)

“When she would open the laptop, in Windows, there was a default chess game. She got used to sit with it. Then, one day, in a mall, she saw a chessboard and said, ‘This is the thing I saw on the laptop, I need this.’ So, I bought her a board. From there, her interest grew slowly.”From under-7 nationals to global exposureAt six, she finished in the top 10 in the Under-7 nationals. However, with an aim to better the scores, she participated again in the same tournament next year in 2017 and won bronze. The progress over a year was indeed noticeable, and it prompted the Das family to look at Arshiya’s potential with a sharper, more deliberate lens.“From Tripura, this was the first time someone got bronze and got selected for the World Cadet and Asian Youths to represent India,” her father added with palpable pride.International exposure followed as gold and bronze medals in Uzbekistan and a representation in the World Cadet Championship in Spain ensured her steady climb through India’s age-group hierarchy.

Arshiya Das (Special Arrangements)

When COVID shut down the circuit, Arshiya started playing online with unforeseen obsession.“During COVID, she played around 400-500 online tournaments and became champion in many of them. She utilised COVID very well,” Purnendu said.Training across IndiaFor a chess player in the Northeast, geography is the first opponent, not the one sitting at the other end of the board. For elite training, one must travel to Chennai, Kolkata, or Delhi. Agartala is an afterthought.“From the Northeast, coaching was always a problem. We had to go to Kolkata, Chennai, or Delhi,” her father admitted.And that is perhaps why her coaching journey spans local mentors Ramesh Koloi and Pradip Chaudhary, Apollosana Rajkumar in Manipur, FM Prasenjit Dutta, GM Saptarshi Roy Chowdhury in Kolkata, and the Gurukul system under GM RB Ramesh and WGM Aarthi in Chennai.Today, she trains with IM Kaustav Kundu and GM Swayams Mishra, attends Chola Chess Academy camps, and logs online hours with GM Jacob Aagaard’s Killer Chess Training.A family with purposeArshiya’s story is inseparable from her family’s sacrifices. Her father is an engineer. Her mother, Arnesha Das, stepped away from her own ambitions to aid the ambitions of their only child.“She wanted to join the Tripura Civil Service but sacrificed to support Arshiya,” her father told this website.

Family of Arshiya Das (Special Arrangements)

They live in government quarters in Agartala.“She studies in Holy Cross School, ICSE board, very tough. But school is very supportive with special notes and special classes. She missed the Class 9 exam due to Under-15 Nationals, but school promoted her and asked her to focus on board exams next year,” Mr Das revealed.Amid the hardships…The Das family is well aware of the financial burden that comes with steady improvement in ratings.“We depend on a government job. Flights from Agartala to Chennai are very expensive. She’s been playing since 2015, 11 years now. So it has already been a huge expenditure,” he added.“She once had a laptop problem. Sagar Shah (from ChessBase India) helped and got her a specially designed laptop for chess players. After that, her performance increased 50–60%. Before that, she used a Rs 35,000 laptop since 2016, but the battery changed four times.”But even amid the hardships, people have always come forward to help their cause.Dipa Karmakar, her coach, and many moreDipa Karmakar, the Olympic gymnast who put the city on the global sports map, is now the state’s sports director. She and her coach Bishweshwar Nandi personally trained Arshiya physically.In 2021, Arshiya received the Prime Minister’s Rashtriya Bal Puraskar for becoming the first and only girl chess player from the Northeast to receive an international gold medal.

PM Modi interacting with Arshiya Das (Special Arrangements)

But the latest WIM title is not the end of the road, as her current European tour is stitched together like a budget airline itinerary.“We planned five tournaments in one trip to save costs, and her mother is with her. After playing all five, she will return to Agartala on March 2,” Purnendu added.“We are definitely very happy, and in our state also, people associated with us, the sports minister sir, everyone is very happy that among girls from the Northeast, she is the first.”ALSO READ: No ecosystem in India, no problem: How 9-year-old Arshi Gupta became the youngest ever to join F1 Academy’s programmeBefore concluding, Arshiya’s father circled back to a recurring concern: “The Northeast lacks big companies for sponsorship. We request companies to support girl children in Northeast chess. Out of 91 Indian GMs, only 4 are women. We need to boost girls. PM schemes are coming. If companies support, Arshiya can become the first female GM from the Northeast.”