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Top 5 highest team totals in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup history


The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup has always been a stage for fearless batting and jaw-dropping scorecards. Over the years, teams have pushed the limits of what seemed possible in a 20-over game, turning matches into run-fests and rewriting record books.

5 highest team totals ever recorded in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup history:

1) Sri Lanka’s 260/6 vs Kenya (Johannesburg, 2007) 

More than 19 years after it was set, Sri Lanka’s towering total of 260/6 against Kenya in the inaugural T20 World Cup remains the highest in tournament history . Batting first at the Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg after losing the toss, the Islanders unleashed absolute mayhem on the Kenyan bowling attack.

Sanath Jayasuriya led the carnage with a blistering 88 off just 44 balls, smashing 11 fours and four sixes at a strike rate of 200 . Captain Mahela Jayawardene produced an even more breathtaking innings, scoring 65 off merely 27 deliveries with a strike rate of 240.74 . The brutality reached its peak when Jehan Mubarak remained unbeaten on 46 off just 13 balls, striking at an astonishing 353.84.

Sri Lanka eventually won the match by a colossal margin of 172 runs, bowling Kenya out for just 88 . Jayasuriya was deservedly named Player of the Match for his all-round contribution, which also included a wicket.

2. India’s 256/4 vs Zimbabwe (Chennai, 2026) 

On February 26, 2026, India produced their highest-ever T20 World Cup total, smashing 256/4 against Zimbabwe at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai . The innings, which came in a must-win Super 8 encounter, featured contributions from virtually every batter who walked to the crease.

Openers Sanju Samson (24 off 15) and Abhishek Sharma (55 off 30) provided a thunderous start before Ishan Kishan and skipper Suryakumar Yadav continued the assault . But the real fireworks came from Hardik Pandya and Tilak Varma, whose late blows propelled India past the 250-mark.

The innings saw India hit 17 sixes – their most in a T20 World Cup game – and six batters score 20-plus runs with strike rates exceeding 150.

3. West Indies’ 254/6 vs Zimbabwe (Mumbai, 2026) 

Just three days before India’s heroics, the West Indies had announced their arrival in the Super 8 stage with a breathtaking 254/6 against the same opposition at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium on February 23, 2026.

Shimron Hetmyer was the architect of the Caribbean carnage, smashing 85 off just 34 deliveries in an innings that featured breathtaking strokeplay and raw power . Rovman Powell added 59 off 35 balls, while Jason Holder and Romario Shepherd provided the late impetus that took the total past 250.

The West Indies eventually won the match by 107 runs, bowling Zimbabwe out for 147 in 17.4 overs. Hetmyer’s explosive knock earned him the Player of the Match award.

West Indies: 254/6 vs Zimbabwe (PC: X.com)

4. Ireland’s 235/5 vs Oman (Colombo, 2026) 

Ireland announced their arrival in the 2026 tournament with a commanding 235/5 against Oman at the Colombo SSC on February 14 . Batting first, the Irish showcased aggressive intent throughout their innings, anchored by Lorcan Tucker’s sensational unbeaten 94 off just 51 balls.

Tucker’s innings combined precision with power, as he guided Ireland to a formidable total that ultimately proved far too many for Oman. The associate nation’s bowlers then backed up the total by restricting Oman to 139, sealing a comprehensive 96-run victory.

This innings remains the highest-ever total by an associate nation in T20 World Cup history and demonstrated the growing competitiveness of emerging cricketing nations on the global stage.

5. England’s 230/8 vs South Africa (Mumbai, 2016)

England’s 230/8 against South Africa at the Wankhede Stadium on March 18, 2016, deserves its place in this list not merely for the total itself, but for the context in which it was achieved. Chasing South Africa’s imposing 229/4, England produced what many consider the greatest chase in T20 World Cup history.

Joe Root anchored the innings with a magnificent 83 off 44 balls, striking at 188.63 with exquisite shot selection . Jason Roy provided the explosive start with 43 off 16 balls at a strike rate of 268.75, while Jos Buttler contributed 21 off 14.

The match, which saw 459 runs scored collectively—still the highest match aggregate in T20 World Cup history – ended with England requiring just one run from the final two balls to complete a miraculous two-wicket victory.

Also READ: Top 3 biggest run defeats for India in the T20 World Cup history

The 2026 phenomenon: A new era of batting dominance

The T20 World Cup 2026 has already witnessed three of the top five highest totals in tournament history, reflecting the evolution of batting techniques, improved power-hitting, and the impact of flat pitches during the Indian and Sri Lankan legs.

Meanwhile, Zimbabwe became the first team in men’s T20I history to concede 250-plus totals in successive matches, having endured West Indies’ 254 and India’s 256 within a span of three days. The collective 440 runs scored in the India-Zimbabwe match in Chennai now stands as the second-highest match aggregate in T20 World Cup history, behind only the England-South Africa epic in 2016.

As the tournament progresses toward its March 8 final, the question on every fan’s mind is whether any team can finally surpass Sri Lanka’s 19-year-old record of 260.

Also READ: West Indies umpire Steve Bucknor breaks silence on the infamous Sachin Tendulkar dismissal



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UAE announces petrol and diesel prices for March 2026: Are drivers paying the war tax amid Iran and US–Israel clashes?


UAE announces petrol and diesel prices for March 2026: Are drivers paying the war tax amid Iran and US–Israel clashes?
UAE Announces Petrol and Diesel Prices for March 2026: What Drivers in Emirates Need to Know

The United Arab Emirates Fuel Price Committee has released its official fuel price updates for March 2026, giving motorists a clear picture of how much they will be paying at the pump for petrol and diesel this month. The monthly revision, which takes effect from March 1, 2026, reflects shifts in global crude oil markets and aligns local retail prices with international trends, as part of a pricing regime introduced when the UAE deregulated fuel prices in 2015.

UAE’s new fuel prices for March 2026 amid Iran and US–Israel clashes

Here’s how the UAE petrol and diesel prices stack up for March –

  • Super 98 petrol: Dh 2.59 per litre (up from Dh 2.45 in February)
  • Special 95 petrol: Dh 2.48 per litre (up from Dh 2.33)
  • E-Plus 91 petrol: Dh 2.40 per litre (up from Dh 2.26)
  • Diesel: Dh 2.72 per litre (up from Dh 2.52)

These increases end a brief period of cheaper fuel at the start of 2026, when prices had dipped in January and February following earlier declines. The committee reviews fuel prices monthly to reflect average international oil prices and the costs associated with refining and distribution.

Why fuel prices in the UAE increased: Global oil market context amid Iran and US–Israel clashes

The rise in local pump prices for March comes amid broader global oil price pressures, partly driven by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, especially the recent escalation involving Iran, the United States and Israel, which have pushed crude prices up in recent weeks. These tensions can heighten a geopolitical risk premium in oil markets, meaning traders factor in extra costs due to supply disruption fears, particularly around strategically important chokepoints like the Strait of Hormuz, through which about a fifth of global crude oil passes.

​UAE Fuel Prices March 2026: Petrol and Diesel Costs Rise Amid Global Oil Pressures​

UAE Fuel Prices March 2026: Petrol and Diesel Costs Rise Amid Global Oil Pressures

In addition, crude oil benchmarks such as Brent have been trending higher compared with the months that underpinned February’s fuel prices, nudging the committee toward a modest upward adjustment at the pump.

How UAE’s monthly fuel pricing system works

Since 2015, the UAE has used a market-linked fuel pricing mechanism. Under this system:

  • Oil prices are averaged over the month preceding the pricing decision.
  • The government adds refining, distribution and retail costs to set local prices.
  • These adjusted rates are then announced at the end of each month and apply for the following month.

This approach ensures that UAE petrol and diesel prices reflect actual global supply and demand dynamics rather than being fixed — a policy that both informs consumers and aligns local fuel costs with international benchmarks.

What it means for drivers in the UAE

For everyday motorists and commercial transporters in the UAE, slightly higher fuel costs mean filling up a typical compact car will cost more than last month. Diesel-powered vehicles, widely used in logistics and trucking, will also face marginally increased costs. Monthly budget planning may need to accommodate these shifts, especially if crude prices remain elevated.While the hike in March is not a dramatic leap, it reflects how closely UAE fuel prices are tied to global oil market moves, which in turn respond to factors such as geopolitical events, seasonal demand and production decisions by major oil-producing countries.

UAE Fuel Prices Surge: Geopolitical Tensions Drive Up Costs for Drivers

UAE Fuel Prices Surge: Geopolitical Tensions Drive Up Costs for Drivers

Fuel prices in the UAE are expected to continue reflecting global crude dynamics in the coming months. If geopolitical tensions ease or global oil supply increases, pump prices might stabilise or even head lower again later in 2026. Conversely, further upward pressure on crude could lead to higher fuel rates in April and beyond.For now, drivers in the Emirates should prepare for a slight increase at the pump but also keep an eye on international news and oil markets, as these will shape future pricing decisions. UAE fuel prices rose in March 2026, with petrol and diesel up across all major grades. Super 98 is Dh 2.59/litre, Special 95 is Dh 2.48, and diesel is Dh 2.72. Price changes reflect global oil market trends, influenced by geopolitical risk and crude cost movement. Fuel pricing in the UAE is reviewed monthly under a market-linked system introduced in 2015.



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‘Heavy and pinpoint bombing will continue’: What Trump wrote as he announced Khamenei’s killing


‘Heavy and pinpoint bombing will continue’: What Trump wrote as he announced Khamenei’s killing

US President Donald Trump has announced that Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei is dead following a joint American and Israeli assault on key Iranian targets, declaring that “the heavy and pinpoint bombing, however, will continue” until Washington achieves what he called lasting peace.In a post on Truth Social, Trump wrote: “Khamenei, one of the most evil people in History, is dead. This is not only Justice for the people of Iran, but for all Great Americans, and those people from many Countries throughout the World, that have been killed or mutilated by Khamenei and his gang of bloodthirsty THUGS.”He added that the Iranian leader “was unable to avoid our Intelligence and Highly Sophisticated Tracking Systems and, working closely with Israel, there was not a thing he, or the other leaders that have been killed along with him, could do.”Explosions were reported early Saturday in central Tehran, with Iranian media citing blasts near the Supreme Leader’s office compound. Smoke was seen rising across parts of the capital, roads were sealed off and airspace closed. While Reuters had earlier cited sources saying the 86-year-old cleric had been moved to a secure location, two Israeli officials later told the Associated Press that Khamenei had been killed. There was no immediate confirmation from Tehran.Trump described the moment as a turning point. “This is the single greatest chance for the Iranian people to take back their Country,” he wrote, claiming elements of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and security forces were seeking immunity. Quoting his own remarks from the previous night, he warned: “Now they can have Immunity, later they only get Death!”He urged Iranian forces to “peacefully merge with the Iranian Patriots” and said the country had been “very much destroyed and, even, obliterated” in a single day of strikes.“The heavy and pinpoint bombing, however, will continue, uninterrupted throughout the week or, as long as necessary to achieve our objective of PEACE THROUGHOUT THE MIDDLE EAST AND, INDEED, THE WORLD!” Trump wrote.The strikes form part of what the White House has described as a major operation to degrade Iran’s military capabilities and halt its nuclear ambitions. US military officials said Revolutionary Guard facilities, air defences, missile launch sites and airfields were targeted.Iran retaliated with missiles and drones aimed at Israel and at US installations in Bahrain, Kuwait and Qatar. Regional airspace closures left thousands of passengers stranded, and global markets braced for disruption, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz, a critical artery for oil exports.If confirmed, Khamenei’s death would mark only the second leadership transition since Iran’s 1979 Islamic Revolution, opening an uncertain chapter for the Islamic Republic amid escalating regional conflict.



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India vs West Indies T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8s: What happens if the IND vs WI match gets washed out? | Cricket News


India vs West Indies T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8s: What happens if the IND vs WI match gets washed out?
Suryakumar Yadav and Shai Hope (Image credit: ICC)

NEW DELHI: The iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata is all set to host a blockbuster clash on Sunday as India take on the West Indies in what has become a virtual quarterfinal of the T20 World Cup 2026. The stakes couldn’t be higher: win this match, and you’re through to the semifinals. Lose, and your campaign ends here.India earned their place in this do-or-die clash with a convincing 72-run win over Zimbabwe at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. With South Africa having already secured a spot in the knockouts, all eyes now turn to Kolkata, where the winner between India and the West Indies will move on to face England in the semifinals.

India land in Kolkata for do-or-die WI clash | Semi-final spot on the line

India vs West Indies T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8s: NET RUN RATE COULD DECIDE FATE

While India’s victory over Zimbabwe keeps them alive, their net run rate (NRR) is currently a concern. India’s NRR stands at -0.100, whereas West Indies, boosted by a massive 101-run win over Zimbabwe earlier in the Super 8s, have a strong +1.791. This means that in the unlikely event of rain washing out the match, both teams would get one point each, leaving them tied on points at 3 each after three Super 8 matches. However, the West Indies would advance to the semifinals thanks to their superior net run rate, while India would be eliminated despite their earlier win.

India vs West Indies T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8s: WEATHER FORECAST IN KOLKATA

For now, the forecast is encouraging for cricket fans. Kolkata is expected to see sunny and clear conditions on Sunday. Daytime temperatures will hover around 34°C, cooling to 25–26°C by evening when the match is set to begin.The match is scheduled to start at 7 PM, with the toss taking place at 6:30 PM. Currently, there is no chance of rain, meaning fans can expect a full match at the iconic Eden Gardens.

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India vs West Indies T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8s: WHAT IF IT RAINS?

Both India and West Indies have one win from two matches in the Super 8s, making this encounter effectively a knockout. But if rain intervenes:Both teams earn one point each.Points tally: 3 points for India and West Indies.West Indies advance to the semifinals due to a higher NRR of +1.791, while India’s -0.100 NRR would leave them eliminated.This makes Sunday’s clash must-win for India, as there is no margin for error, and even weather interruptions could prove costly.



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Khamenei killed in US strike: Who are his potential successors?


Khamenei killed in US strike: Who are his potential successors?

US President Donald Trump announced on social media that Iran’s supreme leader was dead following joint American and Israeli air strikes, calling his death “the single greatest chance for the Iranian people to take back their Country”. He described Khamenei as “one of the most evil people in history” and said the cleric “was unable to avoid our Intelligence and Highly Sophisticated Tracking Systems”. Trump added that “heavy and pinpoint bombing” would continue “uninterrupted”.Two Israeli officials, speaking to the Associated Press on condition of anonymity, said Israel had confirmed Khamenei’s death after strikes hit near his compound in Tehran. Iranian state media reported explosions across the capital, with smoke rising from downtown districts and roads leading to the supreme leader’s offices sealed off. Iran’s airspace was closed and mobile networks disrupted. There was no immediate confirmation from Tehran.Khamenei, 86, had ruled since 1989, making him the Middle East’s longest-serving head of state. His death would mark only the second leadership transition since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, when Ruhollah Khomeini established the Islamic Republic. In 1989, Khamenei himself was elevated from the presidency to the supreme leadership after Khomeini’s death.Under Iran’s constitution, the 88-member Assembly of Experts selects and oversees the supreme leader. Candidates for the body are vetted by the Guardian Council, whose members are appointed directly or indirectly by the supreme leader. The process is tightly controlled, and succession planning has long been confined to the regime’s inner circle.The US-based Council on Foreign Relations has identified several clerics as possible successors.Among them is Ayatollah Alireza Arafi, a senior religious figure who leads Iran’s nationwide seminary system and sits on both the Guardian Council and the Assembly of Experts. His promotion would signal continuity within the existing clerical order.Hojjat-ol-Eslam Mohsen Qomi, a key adviser within Khamenei’s office, is viewed as a trusted insider with close proximity to the late leader. Ayatollah Mohsen Araki, a longstanding member of the Assembly of Experts, also possesses the religious credentials and institutional experience often seen as prerequisites for the role.Ayatollah Gholam Hossein Mohseni Ejei, Iran’s judiciary chief, stands out for his national security background and senior state positions. His administrative experience could appeal to those seeking stability during a volatile transition. Ayatollah Hashem Hosseini Bushehri, Friday prayer leader in Qom and Assembly member, is another senior cleric frequently mentioned.Yet most of the potential contenders are in their mid-to-late sixties and lack Khamenei’s decades-long consolidation of authority. Analysts warn that elevating a favoured insider may preserve the current balance of power but could expose underlying rivalries within Iran’s political and security establishment.With Iran already exchanging missile and drone fire with Israel and targeting US bases in the Gulf, any leadership change would carry far-reaching consequences. The succession battle now unfolding behind closed doors could determine not only Iran’s internal stability but also the future direction of its regional posture and nuclear policy.



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Rashmika Mandanna and Vijay Deverakonda’s wedding pic DETHRONES Virat Kohli’s World Cup pic as MOST LIKED Instagram post in Asia |


Rashmika Mandanna and Vijay Deverakonda‘s wedding post won over the internet, and the proof’s in the new record set on Saturday. The actress’ post, announcing her wedding to actor Vijay, dubbed the “Virosh” wedding, has officially become the Most Liked Instagram post in Asia.

Rashmika Mandanna’s post becomes most-liked post in Asia

Rashmika’s wedding post alone has amassed a staggering 23.2 million likes as of Saturday morning. When combined with Vijay’s post, which has crossed 18.4 million likes, the couple’s total engagement stands at an impressive 41.6 million likes across both handles.

Rashmika Mandanna And Vijay Deverakonda Marry In Udaipur Ceremony After Years Of Dating Rumours

The love shown to the couple has officially dethroned Virat Kohli’s iconic 2024 T20 World Cup victory post, which raked in an estimated 22.8 million likes and has long been regarded as the most liked pic.

Rashmika’s post becomes most liked celeb wedding post

Rashmika, who commands over 50 million followers on Instagram, has not only broken regional records but has also surpassed records set by previous celebrity wedding posts like Kiara Advani and Sidharth Malhotra, Katrina Kaif and Vicky Kaushal and Alia Bhatt and Ranbir Kapoor.

Rashmika introduces husband Vijay to fans

In her post, the actress introduced her husband to all her fans in a personalised note that read:“The man who taught me what true love feels like,The man who showed me what being in peace feels like! The man who told me everyday that dreaming big was absolutely ok and constantly telling me I was capable of achieving something much more than what I could possibly think I ever could! The man who’s never stopped me from dancing like no one’s watching..the man who showed me travelling with friends is the best thing ever, and trust me I could write a book on this man! I’ve become the woman I have always dreamt of being, because you made her who she is today!I’ve truly been blessed! Vijju I am always short of words to describe the feelings I have for you!! I’ve always told you that!!But you know suddenly all of my achievements, struggles, happiness, sadness, joy, life – everything just makes a lot more sense now – it is because I have you – witnessing it all.. being the biggest part of it all! I am so so so so soooo excited to becoming your wife! to be your wife! To be called your wife!! it’s full party time now!!Let’s have the bestestest life ever together!I love you!”

Rashmika Mandanna’s post enters Top 20 most like posts in the world

Rashmika’s wedding announcement has also earned her a spot among the top 20 most liked Instagram posts of all time (excluding football-related content). The post currently ranks 18th on the list, after taking down pop superstars Justin Bieber’s first photo of his son Jack Blues Bieber and Selena Gomez’s engagement post to Benny Blanco.



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



The stage is set at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium for a high-stakes encounter as Pakistan take on Sri Lanka in their final Super 8 fixture of the T20 World Cup 2026. While Sri Lanka have already been eliminated from the race following consecutive defeats, this match is a do-or-die “virtual quarter-final” for the Men in Green. Thanks to England’s victory over New Zealand earlier, Pakistan have been handed a narrow lifeline. However, to snatch the semi-final spot from the Kiwis, Salman Agha’s side must not only win but do so by a massive margin to overhaul their Net Run Rate (NRR).

Why Babar Azam and Kusal Mendis are not playing today’s game

Sri Lankan captain Dasun Shanaka confirmed that star wicketkeeper-batter Kusal Mendis has been ruled out of the clash. Mendis reportedly pulled out due to an injury, later identified as hamstring stiffness sustained during their previous outing. With Sri Lanka already out of the tournament, the team management opted not to risk their premier opener, bringing in Kamil Mishara as his replacement. Additionally, Janith Liyanage has replaced Dushan Hemantha to bolster the middle order.

In a tactical move that has sparked intense debate, Pakistan captain Agha confirmed that Babar Azam is not part of the playing XI today. While no specific injury was cited, reports suggest Babar has been dropped following a string of underwhelming performances, having managed only 91 runs across the tournament. Joining him on the sidelines are Saim Ayub and Salman Mirza. To inject fresh energy into a must-win game, Pakistan has roped in the explosive Khawaja Nafay, along with pace spearhead Naseem Shah and mystery spinner Abrar Ahmed.

Also READ: Sunil Gavaskar excludes India from his list of T20 World Cup 2026 trophy favourites

The road to the semi-finals: How Pakistan can qualify

Pakistan’s equation is mathematically simple but physically daunting. To surpass New Zealand’s NRR of +1.390, they must achieve one of the following scenarios:

If Pakistan bats first: They must win by a margin of at least 64 to 65 runs (assuming a baseline score of 160).

If Pakistan bowls first: Should Sri Lanka set a target (e.g., 161), Pakistan must chase it down in 12.4 overs or fewer to secure their passage to the knockouts.

While Pakistan previously recorded a 102-run victory against Namibia in the group stages, replicating such dominance against a wounded Sri Lankan side on a tricky Pallekele surface remains a monumental task. If they fail to meet these margins, New Zealand will officially join England as the second semi-finalist from Group 2.

Also READ: Top 5 highest team totals in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup history



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Bombay high court quashes CBI FIRs on 2 telecom group companies over bank loans | Mumbai News


Mumbai: In 2 separate judgments, the Bombay high court on Friday quashed 2 FIRs filed by the CBI. One was against GTL Infrastructure Ltd (GTLIL) and others, including unknown public servants, in a cheating and criminal conspiracy case over Rs 11,000 crore loans from a consortium of 19 banks and financial institutions. The other was an FIR against GTL Ltd, a telecom company, for an alleged cheating case for Rs 4,700 crore loans. GTLIL is a sister concern of GTL.Chief Justice Shree Chandrasekar-led bench said, “The machinery of the criminal justice system cannot be put in motion for making a roving inquiry. The CBI cannot be permitted to continue with the investigation in this matter in a hope that some day it may identify the offender where no offence is disclosed.” The order, available on Saturday, said it has a “wholesome power and seeks to achieve a public purpose that a criminal proceeding ought not to be permitted where it shall amount to miscarriage of justice”. In the GTLIL judgment, after hearing CBI counsel Kuldeep Patil, the HC also disbanded the plea that banks colluded. The CJ and Justice Gautam Ankhad reasoned, “The preliminary enquiry continued for 24 months but no specific allegation of conspiracy between the bank officials and GTLIL is stated in the first information report… This is unimaginable that 18 private/public sector banks joined hands and hatched a conspiracy with GTLIL to cover up siphoning of funds. On the basis of July 14, 2021, information, a preliminary enquiry was initiated by the CBI into alleged financial impropriety by GTLIL in availing credit facilities. The enquiry said GTLIL was referred for corporate debt restructuring after it claimed an inability to raise equity. The CBI said GTLIL diverted loan funds through vendors which were not repaid, and goods were not supplied but written off. GTLIL, represented by senior counsel D P Singh and advocate Sajal Yadav, argued it was incorporated in 2004 and acted within legal bounds. The order said, “Whole case of the CBI seems to have been built on the forensic audit report which did not confirm any diversion of funds. The vendor-companies were registered…and…supplied goods. The income tax settlement commission recorded a categoric finding that the purchases were genuine… there was no fabrication of documents.”In the GTL case, an FIR was filed in Jan 2023 alleging it generated Rs 1,400 crore from capital non-convertible debentures and availed credit facilities from a consortium of 24 banks to the tune of Rs 4,760 crore… for business activities”. The CBI alleged the company cheated banks. GTL senior counsel Aabad Ponda said the CBI FIR was based on incomplete information as all vendor advances were repaid before the FIR was lodged.



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Sr citizen under ‘digital arrest’ sells 2.5cr flat at half price | Mumbai News


Mumbai: A 78-year-old man, PM Mathai (name changed), from Mulund (West) was kept under “digital arrest” for two months, during which fraudsters compelled him to sell his flat for Rs 1.16 crore, though its actual market value was over Rs 2.5 crore, said police.The scamsters warned Mathai not to inform anyone and threatened him with arrest and death, claiming his name surfaced in a money laundering case involving Jet Airways Naresh Goyal, which is being probed by the Enforcement Directorate. Realising he was duped, Mathai approached the East Region Cyber police and filed an FIR against unknown persons for impersonating officers from CBI, Cyber, ED, the Telecom department, RBI and others. One of the five letters, including the arrest warrant that he received on his WhatsApp, showed signatures and a stamp of retired ACP Daya Nayak, who was shown as DCP-cyber probing his case, and assistant director Niraj Kumar.The threat calls started on Dec 26 when Mathai, who was at home, received a WhatsApp call from an unknown mobile number. The caller identified himself as CBI police Vijay Khanna. “The person claimed my name came up in a money laundering case committed by Jet Airways’s Naresh Goyal. He said an account has been been opened in my name in a nationalised bank and money laundering of about Rs 2 crore has been committed. Khanna told me I will be arrested,” said Mathai in the FIR.Mathai and his wife kept the matter hidden from their two daughters after the fraudsters threatened to kill both of them if they did not transfer money for verification purpose.Mathai finally informed his friend Prakash Padikkal, a member of Hillside Residents’ Welfare Association (HIRWA), on Wednesday after the matter worsened. “Mathai’s daughters, who work abroad, were unaware of the fraud or that he had lost his flat after being forced to sell it for half the market price. He decided to inform me only this week, when he started fearing for his family members’ life,” Padikkal told TOI.The elderly couple and their daughters, who flew down to the city from abroad, are still worried that they will be harmed even though a police complaint has been registered.The East Region cyber police have managed to freeze a few bank accounts and blocked around Rs 17 lakh. “The team has got in touch with the bank’s nodal officers to freeze all the accounts to which the money was transferred. Meanwhile, the team is tracking the person involved in the case,” said the cyber officer.State Cyber Cell data revealed digital arrest fraud victims in Maharashtra have lost Rs 313 crore in 2025, while police have managed to save Rs 19 crore. DIG (State-Cyber) Sanjay Shintre said, “No real officer will ever ask for money or threaten you on a video call. Your silence helps the criminal — your action protects others.” Former Mumbai Police Commissioner D Sivanandhan said advisories from the RBI and govt are not heeded by victims of advanced age.



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US, Israel Attack Iran: Top Khamenei adviser among seven security chiefs killed in Israeli strike


US, Israel Attack Iran: Top Khamenei adviser among seven security chiefs killed in Israeli strike

Israel has confirmed it killed seven senior figures in Iran’s security leadership in a series of coordinated strikes on Tehran, including a top aide to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said the operation began with a “surprise attack” after military intelligence identified two locations in the Iranian capital where leading security officials had gathered. According to the IDF, the targets formed part of what it described as Iran’s senior command structure overseeing military operations and strategic weapons programmes.Among those confirmed dead is Ali Shamkhani, a former IRGC Navy chief and army commander who served as a senior adviser to Khamenei. Israel had previously targeted him during last June’s hostilities and initially believed he had been killed then.The IDF also confirmed the death of Mohammad Pakpour, commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), accusing him of leading what it called a “plan to destroy Israel”, overseeing missile and drone attacks and backing proxy groups across the region. Salah Asadi, identified as chief of intelligence at Iran’s military emergency headquarters, was also killed, along with Mohammad Shirazi, head of Khamenei’s military bureau since 1989.Israel said Aziz Nasirzadeh, Iran’s defence minister and a former air force chief, died in the strikes. It alleged he was responsible for long-range missile production and weapons transfers to allied groups, as well as oversight of SPND, an organisation linked by Israel to advanced weapons development. Hossein Jabal-Amelian and Reza Mozafari-Nia, both associated with SPND, were also named among the dead.The strikes formed part of a wider joint operation by Israel and the United States. US President Donald Trump described it as a “massive” campaign aimed at crippling Iran’s military capabilities and halting any potential move towards nuclear weapons. In a video message, he urged Iranians to “take over your government” once operations conclude.Iran responded with waves of drones and missiles targeting Israel and US military facilities in Bahrain, Kuwait and Qatar. The US military reported no American casualties and minimal damage to its bases. Israeli emergency services said dozens of missiles were fired, with many intercepted.Reports in Israeli media suggested Khamenei himself may have been killed, with claims his compound was among the first sites hit. However, Iranian officials have denied those reports, insisting he remains alive. Tehran has yet to confirm the deaths of the senior figures named by Israel.



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