The Taliban has issued a new penal code in Afghanistan that codifies some of its most restrictive practices, raising alarm among rights groups over its impact on women and children.Signed by supreme leader Hibatullah Akhundzada, the 90-page criminal code permits husbands to physically abuse their wives and children, provided it does not cause “broken bones or open wounds.”

Citing Islamic scripture, the 90-page code prescribes different penalties depending on whether an offender is considered “free” or “a slave,” formalising inequality within the justice system, as cited by the Independent. The code does not explicitly prohibit psychological or sexual violence against women, leaving significant gaps in legal protection. Violators face a maximum penalty of 15 days in prison, and only in cases involving what the code describes as “obscene force,” such as visible fractures or serious injuries.Even when abuse meets that threshold, a conviction depends on the wife proving it in court by presenting her injuries to a judge, a process that is nearly impossible under Taliban restrictions. Women are required to remain fully covered in public and must appear in court with a husband or male guardian, even when the alleged abuser is the husband.The regulations also allow a married woman to be jailed for up to three months if she visits relatives without her husband’s permission, including when she is seeking refuge from violence.A legal adviser in Kabul, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that women face an “extremely lengthy and difficult” process to obtain justice for assault under Taliban law.She cited a recent case in which a woman was beaten by a Taliban guard while visiting her husband in prison. When the woman filed a complaint, authorities told her it would not be considered unless she appeared with a male chaperone, her husband, who was incarcerated.The woman responded that if she had been accompanied by a mahram, the guard would not have assaulted her, the legal adviser said. “She cried and shouted in the public that death is better [than the process she is going through],” she was quoted as saying by The Independent. “It is impossible for women to get any justice for an assault that happens to them.”The law effectively treats wives as the “property” of their husbands and removes earlier legal protections, including the Elimination of Violence Against Women (EVAW) law introduced in 2009 under the former US-backed government. That legislation criminalised practices such as forced marriage, rape and other forms of gender-based abuse.Campaigners from the exiled human rights group Rawadari warned that the new penal code legitimises the “abuse, maltreatment, and punishment” of women and children, exposing them to “continued domestic violence.” The group has called for the “immediate halt of the implementation of the criminal procedure code” in Taliban courts, as cited by The Sun.Women’s lives plagued by restrictionsAlmost five years after the Taliban seized power in Afghanistan for the second time, the country’s de facto authorities have issued dozens of decrees stripping women and girls of fundamental rights, from education and employment to freedom of movement and participation in public life.Education bans and early dropoutsGirls are banned from secondary schools and universities, effectively ending formal education for most Afghan girls after grade six. Nearly 30 per cent of girls never begin primary school due to poverty, safety concerns and restrictive social norms, while child marriage is rising as families grapple with economic hardship.Restrictions on work and public lifeWomen are barred from most jobs and public spaces, including parks, gyms and sports clubs. Taliban decrees have also closed off sectors that once employed women, such as civil service roles, NGOs and beauty salons, contributing to one of the world’s largest gender gaps in workforce participation.Healthcare access under strainAccess to healthcare has become increasingly difficult for women, as mobility restrictions and the ban on treatment by male doctors in some areas coincide with a shortage of female health workers. Fear and systemic discrimination continue to prevent many women and girls from receiving essential medical care.

India heads into the Super 8 stage of the T20 World Cup 2026 with a perfect record after a hard-fought victory over the Netherlands at the Narendra Modi Stadium. While the 17-run win secured their fourth consecutive victory of the tournament, the team management is already looking toward the tactical refinements necessary for the business end of the competition. Following the game, assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate provided a candid assessment of the journey ahead, emphasizing that the team’s ‘best, most complete performance is still to come’ as they prepare for a rematch of the 2024 final against South Africa this Sunday.

T20 World Cup 2026: Ryan ten Doeschate flags major obstacle for unbeaten India before South Africa Super 8 showdown

During the group stage, India faced more off-spin than any other team, often struggling to maintain a high scoring rate during the middle overs on sticky wickets. Assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate noted that while flat pitches allow batters to “hit through the line with more confidence,” the real test lies in adapting to surfaces where the ball holds.

“I think on better wickets, you won’t see it [batters struggling against spin]. You can hit through the line with more confidence. But the point is that we need to have plans where the wickets do hold and the [longer] boundaries are there. We need to be able to have a game plan to deal with that threat. I wouldn’t say [there are struggles against] offspin, I’d say fingerspin [on the whole].” Ten Doeschate was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo.

Ten Doeschate pointed out that opponents are intentionally utilizing finger spinners to target India’s left-hand dominant top order, citing the recent clash in Colombo as a prime example:

“Colombo [against Pakistan] was a particularly difficult wicket… I think Pakistan bowled 14 [17] overs of fingerspin in the last game, and off the top of my head, I want to say [they got] something like 4 for 78 or something like that [5 for 125]. So it’s not great numbers [for India]. It’s been a trend in this World Cup… teams are getting a lot more clever now.” Ten Doeschate added.

Also READ: EXPLAINED: Did Abhishek Sharma break ICC rules by wearing Mohammed Siraj’s jersey?

‘Teams are getting cleverer’: India assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate admits

India’s unbeaten run to the Super 8s has been shadowed by a clear vulnerability against finger spin. This trend began against the USA, where spinners squeezed India for three middle-order wickets, and continued against Namibia as Gerhard Erasmus’ four-wicket haul nearly derailed a strong start. Rival captains have clearly identified India’s left-hand heavy top order as a tactical weakness to be exploited on holding surfaces.

The struggle reached a peak in Colombo, where Pakistan deployed 18 overs of spin on a sticky pitch to dismantle the top order, including the prized wickets of Abhishek Sharma and Ishan Kishan. Most recently in Ahmedabad, the Netherlands’ Aryan Dutt used the new ball to remove both openers early, further highlighting the ‘squeeze’ India faces when they cannot hit through the line. Assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate admitted that “teams are getting cleverer,” using finger spin to stifle India’s power hitters on wickets that offer even a hint of grip.

“It’s been a trend in this World Cup. In IPL or bilateral series, the pace of the innings carries through from powerplay. Across all games, particularly across Sri Lanka [at this World Cup], you get off the books quickly, and batting becomes difficult through the middle phase, and teams are getting a lot more clever now,” Ten Doeschate concluded.

Also READ: IND vs NED: Fans express shock as Abhishek Sharma records third consecutive duck in T20 World Cup 2026

Zimbabwe’s Brian Bennett plays a shot during the T20 World Cup cricket match between Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026.

TimesofIndia.com in Colombo: At the end of the first innings, Zimbabwe leg-spinner Graeme Cremer voiced confidence about chasing down Sri Lanka’s 178 in their final group match at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. “We thought it was a good batting wicket. We feel it’s a very chaseable score. If we bat well, we should be able to get it done,” said Cremer.Every word Cremer said proved prophetic. It was once again the 39-year-old warhorse Sikandar Raza who stepped up and played a blistering 26-ball 45 to set the chase. Opener Brian Bennett (60 not out) stayed at the end to take Zimbabwe with three balls to spare. Zimbabwe defeated co-hosts Sri Lanka by six-wickets and finished the group stage unbeaten with three wins, including a statement victory over Australia.

Captain fantastic

On the sidelines of the SA20, where Raza was playing for Paarl Royals, he had told TimesofIndia.com what it means for him to wear the Zimbabwean jersey. “The World Cup is really crucial in every cricketer’s life. And I always think for Zimbabwe to gain more respect in world cricket, World Cups play a huge part. So we have the mindset to go there and try and do really well so that we can come back with our goals set high and so that our people back home can hold their heads high as well,” Raza had said.On a windy Thursday evening in Colombo, he took matters into his own hands. When he walked into the ground, Zimbabwe needed 81 runs off 50 balls and the match was evenly poised, but Raza decided not today.Sikandar Raza’s innings was a masterclass in control, awareness and ruthless finishing. He began in measured fashion, rotating the strike against the spinners. Against Dunith Wellalage and Dasun Shanaka, he was content to work the ball into gaps, nudging singles and ensuring the asking rate never climbed. His early approach was built on soft hands, late cuts and quiet punches square of the wicket, allowing Zimbabwe to consolidate without risk.As Zimbabwe crossed the 100-run mark, Raza subtly shifted gears. Sensing Sri Lanka’s bowlers searching for breakthroughs, he began manipulating the field with ease.Maheesh Theekshana, brought back to stem the flow, missed his lengths ever so slightly and Raza pounced. A wide full toss was sliced through backward point, followed by a towering lofted drive over long-on. In a blink, a tight over turned expensive and Sri Lanka’s grip on the game loosened.The decisive blow came against Dushan Hemantha. Raza read him early, picked the dragged-down wrong’un and dispatched it over mid-wicket. When Hemantha dared to pitch it up, Raza responded with disdain, launching a 101-metre straight hit back over the bowler’s head. Colombo fell silent as the contest tilted decisively Zimbabwe’s way.Dilshan Madushanka’s variations offered brief resistance, with a slower ball beating Raza’s big swing, but the Zimbabwe captain was already locked in. The very next delivery that sat up was punished, rolled wrists, perfect balance and a ferocious pull dumped over square leg for six.When Raza got out, Zimbabwe needed 12 runs off 10 balls and after a slight hiccup, Tony Munyonga’s six off the first ball of the 20th over sealed the win for Zimbabwe. It was fitting that the winning shot came off Brian Bennett’s bat.After the match, Raza said he had wanted to stay till the end. “I wanted to finish the game, but we’ll take it,” Raza said.He also revealed how he kept communicating with opener Brian Bennett in the middle. “I kept saying to Benny that if you find a ball, hit it for a boundary. Otherwise, it’s really important that you bat through. I felt like I’d let you down at the start, but I’m starting to find my rhythm, so just please hang in there. If you stay at one end, we can win the game from the other end. Credit to Benny, he keeps doing that role really well, and I think he’s going to get better and better with every game.“Interestingly, the Zimbabwe team did not over-celebrate and their batters walked off as if it were just another match.Watch out, teams in the Super Eight, including favourites India, will face Zimbabwe exactly a week later at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.

Sri Lanka stutters in the middle

Earlier, Sri Lanka capped their innings with a strong late surge to post an above-par 178 for 7, smashing 30 runs off the final two overs to wrest back momentum after a prolonged middle-overs squeeze.Opting to bat first after winning the toss, Sri Lanka wanted to challenge themselves by setting a target on a surface that wasn’t easy for strokeplay. Openers Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Perera made the most of the harder new ball, timing it sweetly and finding gaps with regularity. Their fluent 54-run opening stand laid a solid foundation before Blessing Muzarabani broke through in the fifth over, dismissing Perera for 22. Despite that setback, Sri Lanka closed the powerplay in a commanding position at 61 for 1.The game shifted decisively after the field spread. Zimbabwe’s spinners tightened the screws on a surface that offered grip and turn, choking the boundary flow and forcing Sri Lanka into a period of consolidation. While runs came largely through sharp singles and twos, the lack of boundaries slowed the scoring rate. Nissanka, continuing his rich vein of form after a century in the previous match, held the innings together with another composed knock, raising a well-crafted half-century.Sri Lanka were pegged back further when Ryan Burl removed Kusal Mendis for a laboured 14 off 20 balls. Soon after, Graeme Cremer accounted for Nissanka, dismissing the opener for 62, a blow that drained momentum. From that point on, the innings stagnated, with Sri Lanka managing just 81 runs in the 11 overs following the powerplay.Brief Scores: Sri Lanka: 178 for 7 in 20 overs (Pathum Nissanka 62, Pavan Rathnayake 44; Graeme Cremer 2/27, Blessing Muzarabani 2/38)Zimbabwe: 182 for 4 in 19.3 overs (Brian Bennett 63 not out, Sikandar Raza 45; Dushan Hemantha 2/36)

Foreign institutional investors (FIIs) are sharply reducing exposure to technology sector, amid rising concerns that advances in artificial intelligence could disrupt traditional software services business models that have long powered the country’s IT industry.FIIs pulled out Rs 10,956 crore from Indian IT stocks in the first fortnight of February alone, as the launch of new AI models such as Claude Cowork and tools developed by Palantir intensified fears that highly autonomous systems could reduce dependence on conventional IT services providers.The latest selling adds to sustained outflows from the sector. Foreign investors had already offloaded IT shares worth Rs 74,698 crore through 2025, followed by additional selling of Rs 1,835 crore in January, reflecting growing scepticism about the long-term relevance of legacy outsourcing models.

IT stocks under pressure

The Nifty IT index has declined about 13 per cent so far this calendar year, with several frontline stocks witnessing sharp corrections. Wipro has fallen 19 per cent, LTIMindtree 22 per cent and LTTS 14.5 per cent, while Infosys and other major counters have also registered double-digit losses.The sectoral sell-off contrasts with overall foreign investor behaviour in India. FIIs turned net buyers in equities worth Rs 19,675 crore during the same fortnight following the announcement of an interim US-India trade deal, which also supported the rupee.Capital goods stocks attracted more than Rs 8,000 crore in inflows, while financials saw buying worth Rs 6,175 crore. Oil and gas, metals, power and construction sectors also recorded inflows, ET reported. FMCG and healthcare segments witnessed outflows of over Rs 1,000 crore each, though far smaller than the IT exodus.

AI disruption debate

Analysts remain divided on whether artificial intelligence poses an existential threat to Indian IT services firms.Global brokerage Nomura said fears of rapid displacement may be overstated, arguing that large enterprises are unlikely to replace complex technology ecosystems quickly.“We believe these concerns are oversimplifying the role of IT services companies,” Nomura said, as quoted ET, adding that enterprise buyers prioritise stability and risk reduction over experimentation. “It is easier said than done that a SaaS product and IT vendors can be replaced by vibe-coded apps, given that enterprise IT buyers optimise for career risk — reducing risks of failures — and not costs and innovations necessarily.”Nomura outlined three possible scenarios for the sector. In a pessimistic outcome marked by structural decline, revenue growth could slow to 2–3 per cent or even contract, with valuation multiples falling to 10–12 times earnings as automation erodes routine work.In a middle scenario, companies successfully pivot towards data and AI-led services, allowing growth to recover to high single digits and valuations to stabilise in the early-20 multiples range.The most optimistic case envisions IT firms evolving into AI orchestrators, shifting from billing for effort to delivering outcome-based services. Under such a model, the addressable market could expand from about $1.5 trillion in traditional technology services to nearly $4.5 trillion linked to augmenting or replacing human enterprise labour.“The current sell-off in IT services stocks appears to be a case of front-loading of pains — pricing in extinction of old business models before gains from new business models emerge,” Nomura said, noting valuations have corrected below 12-year averages and now trade at a 12–39 per cent discount to five-year averages.The brokerage identified Infosys and Cognizant among preferred large-cap picks, Coforge among mid-caps and eClerx among small-cap opportunities.Industry players, meanwhile, are positioning themselves to capture emerging AI opportunities. Companies including TCS and Infosys have outlined strategies to expand AI-led consulting, automation and transformation services.Brokerage Emkay Global said IT services firms retain structural advantages despite technological disruption.“IT Services companies have the advantage of contextual understanding of enterprises’ complex environment, domain knowledge, and clients’ trust; hence, they would remain relevant even in the AI era, in our view,” it said.(Disclaimer: Recommendations and views on the stock market, other asset classes or personal finance management tips given by experts are their own. These opinions do not represent the views of The Times of India)

Veteran Pakistan pacer Mohammad Amir has issued a stern warning to India opener Abhishek Sharma after the batter registered three consecutive ducks at the start of the T20 World Cup 2026. Before India’s high-profile clash with Pakistan last Sunday in Colombo, Amir had labelled Abhishek a “slogger,” and the batter’s early struggles have now drawn further scrutiny. In India’s final Group A match against the Netherlands on Wednesday, Abhishek fell on the third ball of the first over to Aryan Dutt. Trying to play a pull shot, he was beaten by the pace as the ball skidded through and hit the stumps. This dismissal marked his third duck in as many games, with just eight deliveries faced across the three matches.

With this, Abhishek equalled the record for the most ducks by an Indian in T20 World Cups, joining Ashish Nehra. Pakistan’s Shahid Afridi and Sri Lanka’s Tillakaratne Dilshan top the overall list with five ducks each. Speaking on the Pakistani show Game on hai, Amir drew parallels between Abhishek’s early struggles and those faced by Pakistan opener Saim Ayub during his initial PSL campaigns. He stressed that young batters are quickly tested by quality bowlers who spot technical flaws. “Saim had the same issue when he came to play the PSL a few years back. He was new and was hitting no-look shots. Nobody knew his weakness because most of his shots were on the leg side. Now, if you bowl at the third or fourth stump line, he struggles to decide. Even in his last two matches, he was dismissed playing on the off side. Unless he improves his off-side game, he cannot progress. Strong bowlers will always test your weakness and push you out of your comfort zone,” Amir said. He added specifically about Abhishek: “Same for Abhishek. He wants every ball in the slot so he can hit. But at the bigger stages, or in ODIs, har ball lapete mein nahi le sakte (you cannot slog every ball in pressure cricket). Salman Agha and Aryan Dutt got him out in similar fashion. International cricket will expose you.” India will be hoping that Abhishek overcomes this poor run of form and regains his rhythm ahead of the Super 8 stage of the tournament.

“Prince Andrew will now be known as Andrew Mountbatten Windsor,” Buckingham Palace said last year. His elder brother King Charles III’s decision to strip him off the royal titles came in the wake of scandal surrounding his ties to Jeffrey Epstein. It began with a photograph. In March 2001, he was pictured in London with Virginia Giuffre — then known as Virginia Roberts — and Ghislaine Maxwell, in an image allegedly taken by convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. At the time, the photo drew little public attention. That would change years later, as Epstein’s criminal history resurfaced and allegations against powerful associates intensified.

Image credit: Nina (@ShakeLS X account) Scrutiny deepened in December 2010 when Andrew was photographed walking with Epstein in New York’s Central Park, shortly after Epstein’s release from prison following a sexual offence conviction. The image triggered backlash in Britain. In 2011, the Daily Mail published an interview with Giuffre alongside the 2001 photograph. Although the article stopped short of directly accusing Andrew of misconduct, it propelled allegations into mainstream. Days later, Andrew allegedly emailed Epstein saying “we’re in this together” and “we’ll play some more soon,” referencing the negative press — messages that would later resurface in court filings, ABC news reported. The controversy escalated in January 2015, when allegations that Andrew had sex with a minor were made public as part of a US lawsuit involving Epstein. That same month, the Daily Mail identified Giuffre as the alleged victim and detailed the claims. Andrew repeatedly denied wrongdoing. Matters intensified again in July 2019 when Epstein was arrested on sex trafficking charges. After Epstein was found dead in his jail cell in August 2019, attention shifted sharply to his high-profile connections.

Andrew decides to step back from public duties

In November 2019, Andrew sought to quell the storm with a lengthy television interview on the BBC, denying the sexual abuse allegations, questioning the authenticity of the 2001 photograph and asserting that he had cut ties with Epstein in December 2010. The interview was widely criticized. Within days, Andrew announced he would step back from public duties “for the foreseeable future,” acknowledging that his association with Epstein had become “a major disruption” to the royal family.

Ex-prince stripped off military titles, royal patronages

Legal pressure mounted in September 2021 when Giuffre filed a civil sexual assault lawsuit against Andrew in the United States. Although British police said in October 2021 they would take no further action after reviewing available evidence, a US judge in January 2022 rejected Andrew’s attempt to dismiss the civil case. Shortly afterward, he was stripped of his honorary military titles and royal patronages, though he retained his status as a prince and the Duke of York.In 2022 he agreed to pay Giuffre millions of dollars to settle her civil sexual assault lawsuit against him. The fallout continued in subsequent years. In 2024, reports emerged that Andrew would have to personally fund the upkeep of the 30-room Royal Lodge if he wished to remain there. Later disclosures in 2025 of court documents revealing an email stating “we’re in this together” — believed by British media to have been sent by Andrew — reignited scrutiny.

Giuffre dies

The death of Virginia Giuffre in April 2025, described by her family as a “fierce warrior in the fight against sexual abuse and sex trafficking,” closed a tragic chapter but did little to quiet debate over Andrew’s conduct and the monarchy’s handling of the scandal. Taken together, the sequence of allegations, legal battles and public missteps gradually eroded Andrew’s official role within the royal family.Andrew was arrested on Thursday, his 66th birthday, on suspicion of misconduct in public office as part of an investigation linked to his association with Jeffrey Epstein. He is believed to be the first senior member of the modern British royal family to be taken into police custody. Born in 1960, Andrew was the second son of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, while his older brother Charles was heir to the throne. Like many younger royal sons before him, Andrew followed a traditional path into military service, only to be stripped off those titles later. While he remains a prince by birth, the Epstein saga effectively ended his public career — a dramatic fall precipitated not by a single event, but by years of mounting controversy.The ongoing police inquiry comes after newly released files connected to Jeffrey Epstein indicating that Andrew may have shared official government documents with the financier during his time as a trade envoy. He has not been charged with any offence and has consistently denied any wrongdoing in relation to his ties to Epstein.

Undated photo, released and redacted by the US DoJ as part of Epstein files. Andrew leaning over an unidentified person (Image credit: AP)

Here are the top five news:

Former royal prince Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor arrested amid Epstein row

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, brother of King Charles III, was arrested by Thames Valley Police on suspicion of misconduct in public office, becoming the first senior British royal to be detained in modern history. The arrest came days after the release of files linked to the Jeffrey Epstein case by the US Justice Department, prompting searches at properties in Berkshire and at the Sandringham estate in Norfolk.UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said that “nobody is above the law” as officers carried out raids on Andrew’s 66th birthday. The development marks a dramatic escalation in scrutiny over his alleged links to the Epstein files. Read full story here

Stock market crash: Sensex falls over 1,200 points, Nifty below 25,500

Indian equity markets witnessed a sharp sell-off on Thursday, with the BSE Sensex plunging 1,236 points to close at 82,498.14 and the Nifty50 falling 365 points to end below 25,500. The decline came after three straight sessions of gains, with heavy intraday losses reflecting broad-based selling pressure.The market downturn wiped out nearly Rs 7.55 lakh crore in investor wealth, dragging the overall market capitalisation of the Bombay Stock Exchange to around Rs 464 lakh crore. The sharp fall raised fresh concerns about volatility in the near term. Read full story here

Supreme Court flags ‘freebies culture,’ warns states on fiscal strain

The Supreme Court expressed concern over the growing culture of distributing freebies, cautioning that extending benefits to all without targeting the needy could harm state finances and long-term development.Hearing a plea by Tamil Nadu Power Distribution Ltd, which plans to provide free electricity to all consumers regardless of their financial status, the court said welfare measures are justified for the poor, but extending them to everyone may turn into an “appeasing policy” and weaken economic discipline. It urged states to strike a balance between social support and fiscal responsibility. Read full story here

35 students found with wrist cuts in Chhattisgarh school; probe ordered

At least 35 students from classes 6 to 8 at a government middle school in Chhattisgarh’s Dhamtari district were found with healed cut marks on their wrists, sparking concern among parents and authorities. The injuries, believed to be 20–25 days old, came to light after a parent raised the issue with the school principal.Following the discovery of similar marks on several students, the education department ordered a probe to determine the cause and circumstances. Officials are now investigating how so many students sustained comparable injuries without earlier detection. Read full story here

Shivam Dube credits MS Dhoni after match-winning performance against the Netherlands

Shivam Dube credited former India captain MS Dhoni for guiding him after he scored a match-winning 67 against the Netherlands in the T20 World Cup. Dube said Dhoni’s advice helped him refine his approach, especially against pace bowling.He revealed that Dhoni emphasised strike rotation and smart shot selection over constant big hitting, which improved his confidence and performance under pressure. The guidance, Dube said, played a key role in shaping his maturity as a batter. Read full story here

Britain’s King Charles III on Thursday said “the law must take its course” following the arrest of his younger brother, former prince Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, on suspicion of misconduct in public office amid the mounting heat over his links with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The monarch expressed his “deepest concern” but stressed that the investigation would follow “the full, fair and proper process” by the appropriate authorities. “I have learned with the deepest concern the news about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and suspicion of misconduct in public office. What now follows is the full, fair and proper process by which this issue is investigated in the appropriate manner and by the appropriate authorities,” Charles said in a statement, according to BBC, adding, “In this, as I have said before, they have our full and wholehearted support and co-operation. Let me state clearly: the law must take its course.” He also noted that it would not be right to comment further as the process continues.

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, who turned 66 on Thursday, was arrested by Thames Valley police at his residence on the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk, eastern England.According to The Guardian neither King Charles or Buckingham Palace was informed in advance of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s arrest.The former prince, stripped of his royal titles in 2022 over his links to Epstein, remains in police custody. The force confirmed it had opened an investigation into the alleged offence but did not name the suspect in line with standard UK procedures.Thames Valley police previously said they were “assessing” reports that Mountbatten-Windsor, during his tenure as Britain’s special envoy for international trade, sent confidential trade documents to Epstein in 2010. These reports were among millions of pages of documents released last month by the US justice department as part of its investigation into Epstein, according to AP.Mountbatten-Windsor’s links to Epstein have long shadowed the royal family. He was forced by the late Queen Elizabeth II to give up royal duties and charitable work in 2019 after a controversial BBC interview attempted to address the relationship. Last year, further revelations in a book and the release of court documents prompted King Charles to strip him of the title “prince” and ask him to leave his Windsor home.Assistant chief constable Oliver Wright of Thames Valley police said, “Following a thorough assessment, we have now opened an investigation into this allegation of misconduct in public office. We understand the significant public interest in this case, and we will provide updates at the appropriate time.”Unmarked police vehicles and plainclothes officers were reportedly seen outside Andrew’s Norfolk residence earlier this week. Buckingham Palace confirmed its readiness to cooperate fully with authorities investigating Mountbatten-Windsor’s links to Epstein.

HYDERABAD: An in-depth investigation into biryani restaurant chains in Hyderabad has blown the lid of a larger tax evasion scam in the food and beverages industry that runs into thousands of crores.By analysing 60 terabytes of transactional data of a pan-India billing software used by more than one lakh restaurants, the Income Tax department‘s Hyderabad investigation unit has revealed that these eateries suppressed sales turnover worth at least Rs 70,000 crore since the 2019-20 financial year.Officials are yet to calculate the tax with penalty on the suppressed income. They added the software they tracked controls about 10% of the total restaurant billing software market.Investigators used big data analysis and AI tools, including Generative AI, to crunch the data spanning 1.77 lakh restaurant IDs. Across India, the software provider recorded post-billing deletions totalling Rs 13,317 crore out of the Rs 70,000 crore. In Andhra Pradesh and Telangana alone, the suppression of sales reached Rs 5,141 crore.Also read: The great billing heist: How powerful ‘delete’ software feature helped restaurants hide crores from tax net; invoice of Rs 2,784 ‘altered’ to Rs 27Detailed physical and digital inquiries in a sample of 40 restaurants in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana detected suppression of about Rs 400 crore.

The top five states where evasion was detected were Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Telangana, Maharashtra and Gujarat.Karnataka logged the highest instances of deletion at roughly Rs 2,000 crore, followed by Telangana (Rs 1,500 crore) and Tamil Nadu (Rs 1,200 crore). Officials said, some restaurants did not even bother to delete their records even as they under-reported sales in their income tax returns. Based on a sample estimate, officials have concluded that 27% of total sales were suppressed.Working from data accessed at the billing software provider company’s centre in Ahmedabad, officials analysed transactions at the department’s digital forensic and analytics lab in Ayakar Bhavan, Hyderabad.Inside the playbook: deletion, edits, and under-reportingInvestigators said restaurants typically enter all sales – card, UPI, and cash – into the software to prevent internal manipulation by servers, cashiers, and managers.Documents accessed by TOI revealed that one pattern flagged was the selective deletion of cash invoices, where restaurants allegedly retained only a portion of cash entries and deleted the rest to reduce income tax and GST exposure.Another pattern was bulk deletion, wiping bills clean for a chosen date range, including up to 30 days of billing, followed by filing returns that reflected only a fraction of the actual sales.Across six financial years from 2019–20 to 2025–26, the dataset covered billing of about Rs 2.43 lakh crore.The probe used high-capacity systems, while AI tools, including Generative AI, were used to quickly map GST numbers to restaurants using open-source information and publicly available online material.Initially, searches were conducted in Hyderabad, Visakhapatnam, and other towns in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, which revealed that the software was being used for suppressing sales. The Central Board of Direct Taxes then decided to expand the probe to the rest of India. Officials believe their current findings are only the tip of the iceberg, noting multiple billing platforms operate in the sector and could face similar backend scrutiny.

The Manuka Oval in Canberra bore witness to a masterclass in modern T20 power-hitting on February 19, 2026, as Australia Women secured a commanding 19-run victory over India Women. With the series hanging in the balance, the hosts turned up the heat, led by a sensational performance from young sensation Georgia Voll. The win gives Australia a 1-1 equaliser in the series, further cementing their status as the team to beat in international cricket.

Georgia Voll’s stunning assault headlines Australia’s innings against India

After being put into bat, Australia’s intentions were clear from the first delivery. The opening duo of Georgia Voll and Beth Mooney dismantled the Indian bowling attack with clinical precision. Voll, in particular, was in a league of her own, playing the role of the aggressor while Mooney anchored the other end with a steady 46 off 39 balls.

Australia raced to 50 runs within the Powerplay, reaching the milestone in just 6.1 overs. Voll’s dominance was evident as she brought up her half-century in just 31 deliveries, laced with eight boundaries. The pair put on a massive 128-run opening partnership, leaving the Indian captain, Harmanpreet Kaur, searching for answers.

Voll’s innings finally ended at 88 off 57 balls, featuring seven fours and a towering six, falling to Arundhati Reddy in the 17th over. Despite a late flurry of wickets, including two run-outs in the final over, Australia finished at a formidable 163/5. While Reddy claimed 2/30, the Indian bowlers struggled to contain the run flow during the middle overs, setting a steep target of 164 for their batters.

India’s chase falters despite strong start against disciplined Australian bowling

India’s pursuit of 164 began with a spark, as Shafali Verma (29) and Smriti Mandhana (31) utilized the Powerplay effectively, guiding the visitors to 54/0 after six overs. However, the momentum shifted dramatically when Sophie Molineux trapped Verma LBW in the seventh over, a decision that stood even after a desperate DRS review from the batter.

The Australian bowling unit, known for its discipline, tightened the screws immediately. Ashleigh Gardner turned the game on its head with a brilliant spell of 3/22, removing the dangerous Jemimah Rodrigues and later cleaning up the lower order. While Harmanpreet fought a lonely battle with a valiant 36 off 30 balls, the required run rate climbed steadily.

The middle-order collapse proved fatal for India. From a comfortable position, they slumped as Gardner and Annabel Sutherland (2/18) struck at regular intervals. India managed to cross the 100-run mark in the 14th over, but the loss of Harmanpreet and Richa Ghosh in quick succession ended any hopes of a comeback. India eventually finished at 144/9, falling 19 runs short. Voll was rightfully named Player of the Match for her 88-run blitz, a knock that effectively took the game away from the Women in Blue.

Also READ: Beth Mooney breaks Meg Lanning’s all-time record to reach pinnacle of Australia Women’s T20I cricket in Canberra vs India

Here’s how fans reacted:

– 79(54) in WPL 2026 Final.
– 88(57) in 2nd T20I Vs India.

GEORGIA VOLL – THE FUTURE OF AUSTRALIA & RCB. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/nvXD8SSZYe

— RCBian (@EhDiya) February 19, 2026

Georgia Voll vs India this T20I series:

18(10) in the first T20I

88(57) in the 2nd T20i
11 fours & 1 six pic.twitter.com/AillBZj8d2

— RCB Xtra (@Rcb_Xtra) February 19, 2026

GEORGIA VOLL WON THE PLAYER OF THE MATCH IN 2ND T20IS #INDvsAUS pic.twitter.com/OzflQORZUT

— Somesh Jangra (@CelebrityGalax) February 19, 2026

India were 6 runs ahead in comparison after 6 powerplay overs but finished their 20 overs 19 runs in arrears.

Georgia Voll 88 PotM

Crowd announced as 6,362@footyindustryAU pic.twitter.com/SNgpBPVknH

— John C Moriarty (@JohnCMoriarty) February 19, 2026

– 79(54) in WPL 2026 Final.
– 88(57) in 2nd T20I Vs India.

GEORGIA VOLL – THE FUTURE OF AUSTRALIA & RCB. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/XT7Ul9k3hG

— Praveen kumar (@Naninaidu98) February 19, 2026

– 79(54) in WPL 2026 Final.
– 88(57) in 2nd T20I Vs India.

GEORGIA VOLL – THE FUTURE OF AUSTRALIA & RCB. 🔥❤️ pic.twitter.com/YcRMAjAEHW

— PANKAJ DAUNAWAT (@pankajmeen75939) February 19, 2026

Australian openers Georgia Voll and Beth Mooney are the standout batters from the first innings! 🇦🇺#AUSWvINDW #T20Is pic.twitter.com/aUkaTPmGm2

— KooL07 (@KooL077) February 19, 2026

Absolute top-class knock from Georgia Voll! 👏🇦🇺

Beth Mooney solid as always at the other end. That opening partnership set the perfect platform for Australia. 💥

Tough chase ahead for India, but never impossible! 🇮🇳✨ pic.twitter.com/RrIxlSlytn

— Kanak Kumari (@KanakKu64995524) February 19, 2026

Georgia Voll. 88(57). Pure class. 🇦🇺🏏🔥
An absolute masterclass at a strike rate of 154.4! She came, she conquered, and she left the crowd wanting more. What a knock! 👏✨🌟 pic.twitter.com/o7y4voSDqh

— Puneet Awasthi (@PuneetA77622712) February 19, 2026

– 79(54) in WPL 2026 Final.
– 88(57) in 2nd T20I Vs India.

GEORGIA VOLL – THE FUTURE OF AUSTRALIA & RCB. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/MEpdJ2BegC

— Tanuj (@ImTanujSingh) February 19, 2026

Georgia Voll is unstoppable ❤️ pic.twitter.com/AxoEHMiUa1

— 𝐊𝐨𝐡𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐭!𝟎𝐧_👑🚩 (@bholination) February 19, 2026

Also READ: Arundhati Reddy’s fiery bowling powers India to emphatic win over Australia in rain-hit first Women’s T20I

This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.