MUMBAI: Two months after passenger Terminal 1 was commissioned at the Navi Mumbai International Airport, a ground breaking ceremony for an exclusive, fully automated air cargo hub marked the next phase of development at the greenfield airport. The cargo hub is expected to be completed in two years time. The proposed facility, to be developed as a dedicated cargo hub for FedEx, will come up within the airport premises under a long-term investment plan exceeding Rs 2,500 crore. Spread across 300,000 square feet, the hub is designed as a regional consolidation and redistribution centre that will connect India with Southeast Asia, West Asia, Europe and the United States.The ceremony was attended by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Jeet Adani, Director, Adani Airport Holdings Ltd (AAHL), Raj Subramanian, President and CEO, FedEx Corporation, Richard Smith, CEO, Airline and COO, International, FedEx, and Kami Viswanathan, President, FedEx Middle East, Indian Subcontinent and Africa (MEISA).In his address, Fadnavis said the cargo hub would complement the passenger operations at the airport and reinforce Maharashtra’s position as a logistics and trade gateway. He referred to the airport’s proximity to Jawaharlal Nehru Port, industrial corridors and multimodal transport links, and said the development would generate employment while strengthening export competitiveness.Jeet Adani said the project reflected NMIA’s long-term vision of building integrated infrastructure that strengthens India’s trade competitiveness. “With its proximity to Jawaharlal Nehru Port, industrial corridors and multimodal transport networks, NMIA is uniquely positioned to support high-growth export sectors and enhance Maharashtra’s role as a global logistics gateway,” he said.The cargo hub will leverage the airport’s multimodal connectivity to strengthen Western India’s international trade corridor. Once operational, it is expected to create more than 6,000 direct and indirect jobs across logistics, warehousing, transportation and allied services.Raj Subramanian said the facility would integrate the company’s global network with India’s fastest-growing trade corridor. “Establishing this hub at NMIA allows us to integrate global network strength with India’s fastest-growing trade corridor, providing greater certainty, speed and efficiency to our customers,” he said.According to the company, the hub will be equipped with advanced automated sorting systems, dimensional scanning, high-speed screening technology and dedicated aircraft parking bays. It will enable simultaneous processing of inbound and outbound shipments and is expected to enhance routing flexibility and transit time predictability, particularly for high-value and time-sensitive sectors such as electronics, engineering goods, pharmaceuticals and perishables.Kami Viswanathan said India’s competitiveness in global trade would increasingly depend on the reliability and speed of its logistics infrastructure. She said the development would support trade flows across Southeast Asia, West Asia, Europe and the United States, embedding global network connectivity within India’s primary trade corridor.NMIA’s cargo infrastructure is planned to begin with an initial handling capacity of approximately 0.5 million metric tonnes (MMT) annually, scaling up in phases to around 3.2 MMT in its final development stage. The calibrated expansion aligns with the airport’s strategy of positioning the Mumbai Metropolitan Region as a major air freight and logistics gateway.Building on nearly three decades of operations in India, the new hub expands FedEx’s dedicated presence in the country while reinforcing NMIA’s role as an integrated aviation and multimodal trade platform in global supply chains.

THANE: BJP MLA Sanjay Kelkar has sought a ‘white paper’ from the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) on the functioning of its property department, alleging irregularities in the use and leasing of civic properties in the city. Kelkar raised the issue during a meeting with Thane Municipal Commissioner Saurabh Rao on Tuesday, where several civic concerns were discussed, according to a release issued by his office. The Thane MLA alleged that the TMC’s property department oversees hundreds of civic properties, many of which, he claimed, are either being misused or rented out without adequate transparency. He demanded that such properties be reclaimed, notices be served to the concerned parties, and a detailed ‘white paper’ be published outlining the department’s assets and transactions. The municipal commissioner directed the concerned officials to take appropriate action on the matter. Kelkar also highlighted the condition of contract workers employed by the civic body, alleging that contractors were exploiting them by not paying minimum wages and failing to provide mandatory facilities. He further pointed to the large number of pending inheritance rights (heirship transfer) cases and urged the civic administration to ensure their early disposal. The BJP leader also pressed for expediting the proposed ‘Colour Museum’ project in Thane, stating that a world-class facility could be developed in the city. He said he had been consistently pursuing the project for the past year and called for immediate steps to advance it. Additionally, Kelkar raised the 2017 incident in which a local resident died after a tree fell on him. He said that despite prior assurances, the deceased’s wife had not yet been provided the promised job in the municipal corporation. The commissioner took note of the issue and directed officials to act. Kelkar also sought strict implementation of the hawker policy, claiming that in the absence of proper enforcement, unauthorised hawkers had proliferated, leaving little space on roads and footpaths for pedestrians.

Namibia: Gerhard Erasmus (c), Jan Balt, Jack Brassell, Alexander Busing-Volschenk, Jan Frylinck, Zane Green (wk), Max Heingo, Malan Kruger, Dylan Leicher, Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton, Willem Myburgh, Bernard Scholtz, JJ Smit, Louren Steenkamp, Ruben Trumpelmann.

Pakistan: Salman Agha (c), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khawaja Nafay, Mohammad Nawaz, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Salman Mirza, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Usman Khan, Usman Tariq.

Tonight, Tuesday, February 17, 2026, marks a pivotal moment for Muslims in Saudi Arabia and across much of the Islamic world with the official crescent moon sighting that will determine the start of Ramadan 1447 AH (2026). Saudi authorities, including the Supreme Court, have publicly urged Muslims throughout the Kingdom to look for the faint lunar crescent after maghrib or sunset and report any sightings to local courts or moon-sighting committees.In the traditional Islamic calendar, the new month (in this case, Ramadan) only begins when the slender new crescent moon (hilal) is observed in the evening sky. If tonight’s sighting is confirmed, the first day of fasting will be declared Wednesday, February 18, 2026. If the crescent is not seen due to weather conditions, low visibility or astronomical factors, the month of Sha’ban will be completed as a full 30 days, pushing the start of Ramadan to Thursday, February 19.This annual ritual is a mix of scientific technique, religious tradition and community participation. Saudi Arabia’s Supreme Court has emphasised that sighting testimonies, whether with the naked eye or aided by simple optics, should be registered and shared promptly so that an official announcement can be made without delay.

Why Ramadan 2026 crescent moon sighting is so anticipated

The announcement from Saudi Arabia comes as millions of Muslims worldwide prepare for Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar and one of the five pillars of Islam. Ramadan is a time dedicated to fasting from dawn to sunset, increased prayer, spiritual reflection, charity and community gatherings.Since the Islamic calendar is lunar i.e. based on the moon phases rather than solar calculations, the exact beginning of Ramadan is not fixed by date alone but depends on the visible crescent moon. This makes the act of moon sighting a deeply symbolic and shared experience; a moment when families, mosques and communities across the Kingdom and beyond raise their eyes to the horizon in collective anticipation.

Saudi Arabia’s call echoes similar announcements from other parts of the Muslim world, where national moon-sighting committees and astronomical observatories are preparing to attempt sightings tonight. On the other hand, India’s moon-sighting committee is scheduled to meet after sunset on Wednesday to examine reports and determine whether the crescent has been observed.Interestingly, while tonight’s sighting will be the official anchor for Ramadan in Saudi Arabia, scientific and astronomical projections suggest that the crescent might be very difficult to see with the naked eye in many locations due to its proximity to the sun at sunset. Some experts have noted that the angular separation between the sun and moon may be below thresholds generally considered necessary for a visible crescent, which means many astronomers expect no sighting tonight and a February 19 start date for fasting.Indeed, preliminary astronomical data from independent observatories, such as the Afaq Organization for Astronomy, has pointed to the possibility that the crescent would become more observable on the evening of February 18, making Thursday, February 19 the likely formal beginning of Ramadan in many countries, including Saudi Arabia and neighbouring states.Across the region, moon-sighting committees in the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Turkey and beyond are likewise preparing for sunset observations, with many media reports and expert forecasts converging on the idea that the first fast will most likely start on the 19th.

Ramadan 2026 crescent moon sighting: Global community in sync or slightly staggered)

The nuances of moon sighting mean that different countries sometimes begin Ramadan on different days, depending on local sky conditions and religious authority decisions. For instance:

These variations are classic features of the lunar calendar tradition: while religious authorities strive for unified declaration, practical visibility conditions often lead to slight differences regionally.

What happens after Ramadan 2026 crescent moon sighting?

Once a confirmed sighting is reported and verified, typically through regional committees and official announcements, mosques will broadcast the news so that the entire Muslim community can synchronise their calendars. If today’s attempt is successful:

Despite modern astronomical calculations and predictive models, many Muslim majority countries continue to rely on visible moon sightings as the definitive marker for the start of Ramadan. This is because crescent sighting is rooted in Prophetic tradition (Sunnah), where early Muslim communities marked months by actual observation rather than purely by calculation. The practice fosters community participation, as families and volunteers scan the evening skies together after sunset. It retains a spiritual and cultural dimension that resonates beyond astronomical data.Whether Ramadan begins tomorrow or the day after, today’s crescent-hunting exercise stands as a reminder of the interplay between tradition, science and communal devotion, a blend that has guided Muslims through centuries of lunar calendar observances. This Tuesday evening, Muslims will be looking for the crescent moon (hilal) that signals the start of Ramadan 1447 AH. If it is seen, Ramadan begins from Wednesday, February 18, 2026. If it is not sighted, Ramadan begins Thursday, February 19, 2026, after Sha’ban completes 30 days. The announcement sets the rhythm for fasting, prayer and community life across the Muslim world.

In the unforgiving arena of T20 World Cup cricket, where momentum swings faster than a yorker at the death, consistency is a rare and priceless currency. Yet, a select group of batters have defied the format’s volatility to produce three consecutive fifty-plus scores on the biggest stage.

The latest name to join this elite club is Sri Lanka’s Kusal Mendis, who etched his place in history with a composed 51 against Australia on February 15, 2026. In doing so, he joined a distinguished list that includes Mahela Jayawardene and Virat Kohli – players who turned consistency into an art form under immense pressure.

The rare feat of three consecutive 50-plus scores in T20 World Cup

Scoring a half-century in T20 cricket demands precision and calculated aggression. Doing it three matches in a row at a T20 World Cup requires something more – mental resilience, tactical awareness and the ability to thrive amid global scrutiny.

Across multiple editions of the tournament, only five batters have achieved this remarkable milestone. Their performances not only influenced match results but also shaped campaigns and defined legacies.

The feat highlights more than just numbers. It showcases adaptability across different pitches, bowling attacks, and match situations. Whether setting totals or chasing steep targets, these batters delivered when it mattered most.

1) Mahela Jayawardene: The pioneer of consistency

Former Sri Lanka captain Mahela Jayawardene was the trailblazer. He became the first player in T20 World Cup history to score three consecutive fifty-plus knocks during the 2010 edition.

At a time when T20 cricket was still evolving and batting approaches were largely experimental, Jayawardene’s elegant strokeplay stood out. His ability to anchor innings while accelerating at key moments made him a dependable pillar for Sri Lanka.

The significance of his achievement cannot be overstated. In an era where teams were still decoding the shortest format, Jayawardene demonstrated that classical technique and temperament could flourish even in high-octane T20 contests. His consistency laid the groundwork for future batters to chase similar milestones.

2) Virat Kohli: The master of big-tournament chases

When discussions turn to consistency in T20 World Cups, Virat Kohli’s name inevitably dominates.

The former India captain joined Jayawardene in this elite list with three consecutive half-centuries spanning the 2016 and 2021 editions. Kohli struck two fifties in India’s knockout matches of the 2016 tournament before adding another in the opening game of the 2021 edition.

His streak reinforced his reputation as one of the most dependable performers in ICC tournaments. Kohli’s ability to pace chases, rotate strike under pressure, and unleash boundaries at decisive moments has defined his T20 World Cup legacy.

Interestingly, Kohli also holds a related distinction – becoming the first player to score three or more fifty-plus knocks in three separate T20 World Cups (2014, 2016 and 2022). That broader consistency cements his standing as arguably the most reliable batter in tournament history.

3) Babar Azam: Pakistan’s run-machine in 2021

Babar Azam added his name to this exclusive club during the 2021 T20 World Cup, delivering three consecutive half-centuries that propelled Pakistan deep into the tournament.

As captain at the time, Babar combined leadership with impeccable batting form. His crisp cover drives, controlled aggression, and calm presence at the crease anchored Pakistan’s innings repeatedly.

Finishing as the highest run-scorer of that edition, Babar’s streak was instrumental in shaping Pakistan’s campaign. His achievement placed him alongside some of the most revered names in world cricket and reinforced his status as one of the modern era’s premier batters.

4) KL Rahul: India’s elegant contributor

KL Rahul became the fourth overall batter – and the second Indian 0 to score three consecutive fifty-plus scores in a T20 World Cup, accomplishing the feat in 2021.

Opening the innings, Rahul provided India with consistent starts during a challenging campaign. His adaptability stood out, whether accelerating during powerplays or stabilizing innings after early setbacks.

Rahul’s achievement highlighted India’s batting depth and underscored his ability to deliver on cricket’s grandest stage. Though often understated, his consistency in that edition earned him a rightful place in this elite company.

Also READ: BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla hails Zimbabwe’s rise after Australia’s dramatic exit from T20 World Cup 2026

5) Kusal Mendis: The newest entrant

The T20 World Cup 2026 welcomed its fifth member into this rare club – Kusal Mendis.

His third consecutive fifty-plus score came against Australia at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on February 15. Chasing a competitive 181, Sri Lanka needed composure at the top, and Mendis delivered.

Scoring 51 off 38 balls, he reached his half-century in just 35 deliveries, striking six boundaries and one six. More importantly, he forged a pivotal 97-run partnership for the second wicket with Pathum Nissanka, setting the tone for Sri Lanka’s chase.

Mendis now stands as only the second Sri Lankan, after Jayawardene, to achieve three consecutive half-centuries in T20 World Cup history. His performances have been central to Sri Lanka’s strong showing in the 2026 edition and signal his growing stature in international cricket.

Also READ – IPL 2026: 3 players Lucknow Super Giants can sign to replace Wanindu Hasaranga if he misses out

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NEW DELHI: Cracks within the INDIA bloc appeared to widen on Wednesday after Shiv Sena (UBT) asked the opposition alliance to “wake up” and hold discussions ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections in several states.In an editorial, the party’s mouthpiece Saamana said the coalition must not wait until polls are announced to coordinate its strategy. The piece, titled “Confusion of inner voices, Mamata, Stalin or someone else?”, stressed that multiple inner voices are emerging within the grand old party.

“Once elections are announced, the INDIA bloc must certainly wake up and hold discussions. But more than that, wisdom lies in taking alert, collective decisions together,” the article titled “Confusion of inner voices, Mamata, Stalin or someone else?” read.“Mahatma Gandhi was the supreme leader of both the Congress and the nation. Gandhi had an inner voice that guided his decisions, sharpened by spirituality, patriotism, and selflessness. Today, many ‘inner voices’ are emerging within the Congress, creating confusion. This is not a healthy sign for the country. With Assembly elections approaching in five states, these internal voices have added to the disorder. Statements by Mani Shankar Aiyar, Sanjaya Baru, Bhupen Bora, and others have surfaced at inconvenient times, complicating matters for the Congress,” it added.The article also cited a recent opinion piece written by Sanjaya Baru, in which he proposed that leadership of the INDIA bloc be handed to West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee.“Aiyar remarked that Congress’s victory in Kerala would be difficult, citing factionalism, and suggested that Pinarayi Vijayan may return as Chief Minister. His comments left the Congress uneasy. Though Aiyar remains a Gandhian, Nehruvian, and Rajiv loyalist, he made it clear he is ‘not Rahulvadi.’ Amid this, Sanjaya Baru proposed that leadership of the INDIA alliance be handed to Mamata Banerjee, arguing that she is better positioned to lead opposition forces,” it said.“Around the same time, Aiyar suggested Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Stalin for the role, citing his strong advocacy for regional parties. Whatever the case, the leadership question within the INDIA alliance has resurfaced. After the Lok Sabha elections, what exactly became of the alliance? This remains a delicate question,” the article read further.Earlier, Sanjaya Baru, who served as media adviser to then prime minister Manmohan Singh, said that “new ideas should” lead or manage the INDIA bloc.He argued that “as the only woman to presently head both a political party and a government”, Mamata Banerjee stands apart from the current generation of leaders at the national and regional levels.In 2026, Assembly elections are scheduled in four states and one Union Territory — West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Assam, Kerala, and Puducherry.The Election Commission of India (ECI) is expected to announce the official schedule soon.

NEW DELHI: Calling Himanta Biswa Sarma “Assam’s Jinnah”, Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi played down the exit of former state Congress chief Bhupen Borah from the party ahead of the assembly polls.Speaking at a press conference in Guwahati on Wednesday, Gogoi questioned Borah’s decision to quit the Congress and join the BJP on February 22.

On Borah’s resignation, Gogoi said, “There were many rumours regarding the close relationship between Himanta Biswa Sarma and Bhupen Bora. We tried our best not to believe these rumours and speculation. We always wondered as to how the information relating to confidential meetings was known to a particular journalist close to Himanta Biswa Sarma. These rumours have come out to be true…A day after resigning from Congress, Bhupen Borah had no qualms about joining the BJP and surrendering to Himanta Biswa Sarma.”He added, “It also shows Himanta Biswa Sarma’s desperation that today the entire state is wondering as to how 4000 acres of land belong to one family. Congress party, through its various programs, has been successful in uncovering the real estate empire of Himanta Biswa Sarma. This is why they have been forced to take this decision to distract the public. This will not affect the Congress party’s campaign. We will go on and continue the fight and remove Himanta Biswa Sarma from the seat of power…”Gogoi also pointed to what he called the chief minister’s shifting stance. “A few days ago, Himanta Biswa Sarma criticised Bhupen Bora for his vulgar actions in public when he was interacting with a leader of the Mahila Congress. There is an inquiry against Bhupen Bora by the Women’s Commission. Now, Himanta Biswa Sarma feels Bhupen Bora is the most upright Hindu neta…”Earlier, Borah, who served as Assam Congress president from 2021 to 2025, defended his decision, saying, “I gave 32 years to Congress… I suffered nose injury, bleeding took place infront of Rahul Gandhi. I wrote a letter to Gaurav Gogoi a month ago, saying that I will address a press meet against you because I can’t tolerate such humiliation.”He continued, “The high command spoke to me. Rahul Gandhi reminded me of our relation since 2007, how he helped me, but no one spoke about the issues I mentioned in my resignation letter. Gaurav Gogoi has no control over the party, he is the face of the party as APCC president. Rakibul Hussain, who is MP from Dhubri. is the sole and base of the party.”Sarma, who met Borah at his Guwahati residence, claimed the Congress was “not a place for Hindus” and described Borah as the “last recognised Hindu leader” in the party without family antecedents. He said Borah’s move would have a “psychological impact” on Congress workers.

NEW DELHI: Australia’s disastrous group-stage exit from the T20 World Cup 2026 has triggered sharp criticism from former great Glenn McGrath, who openly questioned the selectors’ decision to back Cameron Green over veteran batter Steve Smith.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!Green, picked for his all-round abilities, endured a miserable campaign with the bat, scoring just 24 runs in three matches. His returns included 21 in the opener but disappointing scores of zero and three in the team’s biggest games. More significantly, he bowled only seven deliveries across the tournament, raising serious doubts about his role and value in the XI.

“If he’s not bowling, then what the selectors are saying is that he’s a better player than Steve Smith. If he’s not bowling, I just can’t see how he justifies a spot in that side,” McGrath told the Sunday Morning Herald.Australia entered the tournament among the favourites but never lived up to expectations. After opening with a win over Ireland, they slumped to consecutive defeats against Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka, ultimately crashing out of the T20 World Cup 2026 in humiliating fashion.McGrath said the result reflected a deeper decline in Australia’s dominance. “We said at the start of this World Cup that we were concerned about Australia. All of a sudden, the aura of that Australian team is no longer there when other teams play it. Unfortunately, it’s not surprising,” he said.Former pacer Jason Gillespie also criticised the continued backing of underperforming youngsters, including Cooper Connolly.“Cooper Connolly, and I think to a lesser extent Cameron Green, they’re just not repaying the absolute faith that has been given,” Gillespie said.Australia will now look to salvage some pride when they face Oman in their final fixture at the Pallekele International Stadium on Friday.

Pakistan hockey captain criticises federation after troubled Australia tour during which his side didn’t just have to roam the streets for lack of accommodation but also “wash dishes before going to play a match”.Pakistan hockey captain Shakeel Ammad Butt has strongly criticised the Pakistan Hockey Federation after the team’s difficult tour of Australia.

Speaking to reporters at Lahore Airport, early this morning that the Pakistan Hockey Federation had been telling them lies and “enough was enough”.“We can’t work with this current management of the federation. When players have to clean the kitchen and wash dishes before going to play a match what result do you expect from us?” a livid Butt asked angrily.Butt said the players faced serious problems during the trip. He claimed the federation did not properly arrange accommodation for the team. According to him, the players had to wait 13 to 14 hours at Sydney Airport before flying to Canberra.When the team arrived at their hotel, they were told that no advance payment had been made, so there were no confirmed bookings. The players had to wait for hours and even walk around the streets before a place to stay was arranged. Pakistan lost 2-3 to Australia in their first FIH Pro League match and went on to lose all their matches during the Australia leg, including games against Australia and Germany.Butt said the situation was embarrassing and affected the team’s performance. “What was pathetic was that even the Airbnb accommodation was arranged for 10 days when we had to stay for 13 days. We had to move into a cheaper residence after 10-days,” Butt said.The Pakistan Sports Board said it had given more than 10 million rupees to the federation for hotel arrangements. Its Director-General, Noor us Sabah, said a detailed report is being prepared for Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who has ordered an inquiry into the matter.The Sharif is the patron-in-chief of the PHF.Butt also revealed that players were warned not to speak to the media. “I am speaking up because of what we have been through in Australia,” he said.“We need a foreign coach if we have to move forward. We have a good combination of players but we need a foreign coach and good management,” he added.