NEW DEHI: “Congress will suffer,” cautioned Community Party of India (Marxist) general secretary MA Baby on the party’s decision to not fight the West Bengal assembly polls in alliance with the Left. The Congress leadership should have explored possibilities with the Left to bolster the fight to keep BJP-RSS out, he said. The Congress and Left Front had contested together in 2021. CPM, which has witnessed a decline in the state, is optimistic of improving its standing as CPI(ML) Liberation has come on board this time to fight the polls with the Left front and some smaller Left groups are expected to join. CPM general secretary felt together they will be able to put up a good fight.“CPM polit bureau has appealed to the people of West Bengal to defeat the authoritarian, anti-women and anti-poor rule of TMC and also the communal BJP by voting for the Left front,” the party said in a statement.Baby also rejected West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee’s statement that Kerala has been renamed as Keralam since there is an alliance growing between BJP and CPM. “The alliance is not unwritten any more after today,” Banerjee had said after the Union cabinet gave its nod to the name change.Baby said CPM and other Left parties were fighting hard in Kerala to keep out BJP. He went on to remind that it was Banerjee who had joined the BJP-led NDA govt in 1999 and had also held the railway minister’s portfolio.His remarks came at a briefing following the CPM polit bureau’s meeting where among various issues it resolved that alliances with INDIA bloc members must be explored wherever possible to defeat BJP. The leadership also reviewed the preparedness for the upcoming elections in Kerala, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Assam and Puducherry.Baby said that in Kerala, where there is a CPM-led govt, the party’s poll campaign will be led by Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan. The party also plans to take a decision on finalising the list of candidates by the end of first week of March. “In Kerala, despite the constant efforts of the BJP-led Union government to strangulate the LDF government, it had put up its best performance by focusing on the elimination of extreme poverty, the first state to do so in the country, improve public health and education, ensure the protection of the rights of the workers and regular supply of essential items through the PDS,” the CPM said in its statement. The Left party alleged that the Congress-led UDF is mobilising huge amounts of money and rallying various kinds of sectarian forces in its support. “It is playing a disruptive role inside the Assembly and outside by coordinating with the BJP. The BJP is also trying to expand in the state by promoting communal divisions. Both these forces have to be defeated,” it said. “We appeal to the people to re-elect the DMK alliance in order to defeat the communal machinations and strengthen the secular traditions of the state,” the party said.On Assam polls, the CPM alleged that the BJP is running a rabidly communal and divisive campaign and is hoping to benefit from it. “Considering the larger interests of the people of Assam, as the largest opposition party, it is upon the Congress to ensure that anti-BJP votes are not split and the BJP is defeated,” the Left party emphasised.

Mumbai: The Bombay high court frowned at Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation Ltd for refusing Rs 50 lakh compensation to the widow of an employee who died due to Covid-19. She was given Rs 5 lakh payable to those not entitled to receive Rs 50 lakh.Justices Makarand Karnik and Shriram Modak on Tuesday allowed Sunita Jagtap’s petition and quashed and set aside MRSTC’s three letters of rejection. They directed MSRTC, after adjusting Rs 5 lakh, to pay her Rs 45 lakh within 8 weeks. If the amount is not paid within this period, MSRTC will pay 6% interest per annum till the date of realisation.

On March 23, 2021, Bapu Jagtap was deputed at BEST depot, Wadala. He joined duty the following day and worked till March 28. As he was unwell, he took 4 days’ leave and returned home to Manmad, Nashik district. On April 3, he was admitted to the sub-district hospital, Yeola. He was diagnosed as Covid-positive and died on April 7, 2021. MSRTC’s reason for rejecting the widow’s Rs 50 lakh compensation claim was that Jagtap “was not assigned essential services and he was not a driver...”His widow relied on MRSTC’s June 1, 2020, circular to pay Rs 50 lakh to drivers, conductors, controllers, security guards coming in direct contact with passengers. It was extended by Sept 30, 2021, circular which also provided for Rs 5 lakh ex-gratia in case of death of an employee not entitled to Rs 50 lakh.The judges noted the state govt’s May 29, 2020, GR clarified its benefits will extend to all employees of local bodies and state govt public undertaking, which includes MSRTC. They said Jagtap, who was supervising traffic, would qualify under MSRTC’s circulars, adding; “Even if the deceased was deputed to control the traffic, it does not mean that he was supposed to do the work by sitting in the office.” He was supposed to interact and came in contact with drivers and conductors “thereby exposing him to the same risk” as them.The judges were constrained to hold that the respondents—chairman, divisional controller and depot manager—”took a narrow view of the circular”. They “have forgotten the precarious situation prevailing during the Covid period when no one was ready to go out of the house for discharging their duties”. “The life of the general public came to a standstill” and public services, including transport, were kept open for limited services. Jagtap did his duty “at the risk of his life.” The respondents “cannot avoid their responsibility,” the court said.

NEW DELHI: CBI will file an appeal against the court order acquitting former chief minister Arvind Kejriwal and former deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia, amongst others, in the 2022 Delhi excise policy case.Sources confirmed that the agency was in the process of studying the order and was likely to approach the higher appellate court at the earliest.

On Friday, Special Judge Jitendra Singh pronounced the order in the case investigated by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).The court observed that the alleged central conspiratorial role could not be substantiated. The bench also noted that the allegations “failed judicial scrutiny” and found “no criminal intent”.CBI filed multiple chargesheets in the case. The agency filed an FIR on August 17, 2022, against the then Delhi deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia, excise officials and liquor businessmen on a complaint from the Union Ministry of Home Affairs. The charges included irregularities, including modifications in the excise policy, extending undue favours to the licensees, waiver or reduction in licence fee, and extension of the L-1 licence without approval.Arvind Kejriwal broke down emotionally after being discharged in the Delhi excise policy case by the Rouse Avenue Court on Friday.Addressing supporters after the court’s order, Kejriwal said, “I am not corrupt. The court has said that Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia are honest,” asserting that the verdict had vindicated both him and senior party leader Manish Sisodia.In a post on ‘X’, Kejriwal’s wife, Sunita Kejriwal said, “In this world, no matter how powerful one becomes, one cannot rise above Shiva Shakti. Truth always prevails.”In total, a Delhi court discharged Arvind Kejriwal and 22 others, including Manish Sisodia, K Kavitha, Kuldeep Singh, Narender Singh, Vijay Nair, Abhishek Boinpally, Arun Ramchandra Pillai, Mootha Goutam, Sameer Mahendru, Amandeep Singh Dhall, Arjun Pandey, Butchibabu Gornatla, Rakesh Joshi, Damodar Prasad Sharma, Prince Kumar, Chanpreet Singh Rayat, Arvind Kumar Singh, Durgesh Pathak, Amit Arora, Vinod Chauhan, Ashish Mathur, and P Sarath Chadra Reddy.

Mumbai: Bombay HC dismissed petitions against eviction by residents of unauthorised structures on Western Railway (WR) land at Chincholi Phatak in Malad East.At the same time, Justices Ravindra Ghuge and Abhay Mantri on Thursday said “it is pertinent to note that the fact remains” that the railway authorities do not dispute their occupancy, their identities and measurements of their structures. “Therefore, we have no hesitation in holding that the railways are equally responsible for the situation and for this reason are liable to provide some support to the persons likely to be affected by the removal of their structures”. They directed the petitioners to vacate within 60 days, failing which it will be open to WR “to initiate appropriate action to dispossess them forcibly” and to demolish or remove their structures with local police’s assistance.

The HC verdict was given on 25 petitions against the estate officer’s Jan 2025 order to vacate within 15 days. In Aug 2022, they were issued show-cause notices under Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorised Occupants) Act. In May 2025, the city civil court dismissed their appeals. Their advocate, Aseem Naphade, argued that the estate officer failed to consider a Dec 2000 GR that would qualify them as project affected persons (PAPs) under phase I/II of Mumbai Urban Transport Project (MUTP) and in terms of Corporate Plan 2014-34 for rehabilitation. He said even if they are assumed to be squatters, they have existed since 1980 and are eligible for rehabilitation and resettlement (R&R) benefits. Mumbai Railway Vikas Corporation’s advocate said they are neither PAPs nor are their structures within 10m of the sixth railway line from Mumbai Central to Borivli. The judges noted that the petitioners failed to produce documents to demonstrate their structures are authorised, protected or affected by MUTP, or covered under railways’ scheme, or within 10m of the sixth line. On the contrary, in an undated representation, they stated they were located beyond 10m. The judges said it is “evident” that the structures are unauthorised and not covered by any scheme nor affected by any project. Therefore, the petitioners are “not entitled to get benefits” under the GR, they said. “Consequently, they are ineligible for PAP benefits under R&R policy.” HC said before commencement of eviction and removal of structures, the collector must ensure their personal details are recorded and preserved for considering their eligibility for suitable accommodation. If the state or the railways has a rehabilitation scheme, the petitioners may apply, it said. The authority concerned may provide them with suitable accommodation in lieu of rehabilitation, only if found eligible.

England registered a crucial four-wicket victory over New Zealand in the Super 8 Group 2 clash of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 at the R.Premadasa Stadium, Khettarama. In a tightly fought contest, England chased down 160 in 19.3 overs, overcoming early blows to secure two valuable points. England’s win has also helped Pakistan to keep their hopes alive for the semi-final of the multi-team event.

Solid start for New Zealand

After winning the toss, New Zealand chose to bat first and started aggressively. Tim Seifert looked fluent at the top, scoring 35 off 25 balls with three fours and two sixes. Finn Allen complemented him with a quickfire 29 off 19 deliveries, smashing three sixes during the powerplay. The opening pair ensured New Zealand got off to a promising start.

However, England’s bowlers pulled things back in the middle overs. Rachin Ravindra struggled to accelerate and fell for 11, while Daryl Mitchell managed just 3 runs. Glenn Phillips held the innings together with a well-compiled 39 off 28 balls, striking four boundaries and a six. Mark Chapman added a brisk 15 off 9, and late contributions from Mitchell Santner and Cole McConchie pushed New Zealand to 159 for 7 in their 20 overs.

England spinners apply the brakes

England’s spin trio played a key role in restricting the total. Adil Rashid delivered an impactful spell, finishing with 2 for 28 in his four overs. Will Jacks was equally impressive, claiming 2 for 23 and breaking important partnerships. Rehan Ahmed also picked up two wickets, maintaining pressure in the middle phase. Liam Dawson chipped in with one wicket, ensuring New Zealand never truly broke free after the powerplay.

Early jolts rock England’s chase

Chasing 160, England endured a nightmare start. Phil Salt fell for 2, and captain Jos Buttler departed for a duck, leaving the side under immediate pressure. The responsibility then fell on the middle order to rebuild.

Harry Brook steadied the innings with 26 off 24 balls, while Jacob Bethell contributed 21 off 16 deliveries, striking four boundaries. Tom Banton added a valuable 33 off 24 balls, keeping England in the hunt as the required rate crept up.

Also WATCH: Brian Bennett’s Beckham-style reflexes deny Jasprit Bumrah a stunning yorker dismissal during T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 clash

Will Jacks and Rehan Ahmed seal the deal

New Zealand spinner Rachin Ravindra produced a superb spell of 3 for 19, briefly swinging momentum back in his team’s favor. Lockie Ferguson and Matt Henry also claimed a wicket each, tightening the contest heading into the final overs. However, Jacks turned the tide with a decisive knock of 32 off 18 balls, smashing four fours and a six at a crucial juncture. With the equation narrowing, Ahmed provided the finishing flourish, scoring 19 off just 7 balls, including two massive sixes that sealed the game.

England eventually reached 161 for 6 in 19.3 overs, completing a tense chase with four wickets in hand. The win strengthens England’s campaign in the Super 8 stage, while New Zealand are left to reflect on missed opportunities in a match that remained finely balanced until the very end.

Here’s how fans reacted:

England bag a thrilling win over New Zealand 💪#T20WorldCup2026 #ENGvsNZ
Scorecard 👉 https://t.co/QlnBI0A4Tr #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/Cby5ZYwUI0

— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) February 27, 2026

A hero with bat and ball for England against New Zealand, Will Jacks wins the @aramco POTM 🏅 pic.twitter.com/SQwRzorKbS

— T20 World Cup (@T20WorldCup) February 27, 2026

Most Player of the Match Awards in a T20 World Cup edition:

Will Jacks – 4* in 2026.

Shane Watson – 4 in 2012. pic.twitter.com/q6fydGSZPC

— Tanuj (@ImTanujSingh) February 27, 2026

4th Man of the Match Award for Will Jacks in T20 WORLD CUP 2026.

Player of the tournament award we are coming for you 🥁😎 pic.twitter.com/M4k1nTHWUz

— Mumbai Indians FC (@MIPaltanFamily) February 27, 2026

Playing Will Jacks at no.7 is turning out to be a masterstroke throughout the tournament. We never were expecting him to have these type of finishing skills with the bat pic.twitter.com/E34WDrzYqV

— Gaz (@crictologist) February 27, 2026

Will Jacks again outstanding performance.. Rehan too 😍😍

— Azeem Rafiq (@AzeemRafiq30) February 27, 2026

Will Jacks has 4 player of the match awards…. Watson 2012 esque tournament for him

— JSK (@imjsk27) February 27, 2026

It’s a Will Jacks winter 🥶🔥

2/23 with the ball and a vital 32 not out at the end to take England to a remarkable four-wicket victory over New Zealand 👏

England finish 3/3 in the Super Eights 📈

🤎 | #SurreyCricket pic.twitter.com/OmlTYayrjM

— Surrey Cricket (@surreycricket) February 27, 2026

Will Jacks ne to kamal kar diya 10 match se 4 main Man OF The Match. 🤯

Will Jacks – 4* (10 matches).

Kevin Pieterson – 3 (15).

Luke Wright – 3 (22).

England team se sab se jada Man OF The Match banane vale player bane crazy.👀 pic.twitter.com/a8CKiZBFse

— Abhishek Vision (@AbhishekVisionX) February 27, 2026

Wow innings by Rehan Ahmad. And of course, where there’s Will (Jacks), there’s always a Way. The best English player in this World Cup. #EngvNZ

— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) February 27, 2026

Wasn’t that long ago that Will Jacks was being derided during the Ashes. He might not be a test spinner but he’s some cricketer. Player of the tournament so far. Certainly for England. #T20WorldCup

— Dan Ogunshakin (@DanOgunshakin) February 27, 2026

🚨 HISTORY FOR WILL JACKS 🚨

– Will Jacks now has Joint Most POTM Awards in an T20 World Cup edition! 🫡#ENGvsNZ #ICCT20WORLDCUP pic.twitter.com/NyIaV3yWNn

— PANKAJ DAUNAWAT (@pankajmeen75939) February 27, 2026

England wins ✅,

Pakistan still alive ✅

Need one good day with bat and ball against sirlanka

see you in the semis! 🇵🇰🔥 pic.twitter.com/atl819j5k8

— Humais khan (@Humireacts) February 27, 2026

Rehan Ahmed kept Pakistan’s hopes alive. Great Cameo of the tournament so far. #ENGvsNZ pic.twitter.com/VEyKsi2zAo

— Shrikant (@shrikantd31) February 27, 2026

🚨 PAKISTAN STAYS ALIVE IN THE T20 WORLD CUP 2026. 🚨

– England beat New Zealand. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/QG4FiMZcy9

— Sheri. (@CallMeSheri1_) February 27, 2026

🚨 PAKISTAN ALIVE IN THE T20 WC 🚨

– Pakistan needs to beat Sri Lanka by 65 runs or chase the target in 11 overs to qualify for the Semi-Finals of the T20 World Cup 2026. 🇵🇰🔥 pic.twitter.com/DfiglHqGh0

— Rayham (@RayhamUnplugged) February 27, 2026

Also READ: Sunil Gavaskar highlights silver lining of South Africa defeat following India’s T20 World Cup Super 8 triumph vs Zimbabwe

Horoscope Today: Read daily horoscope predictions for February 28, 2026. Know all about the astrological events and influences that will be affecting each of the 12 zodiac signs. Our astrologer has analyzed the movements of the planets and the alignment of the stars to bring you the most accurate and up-to-date horoscope predictions for the day ahead. Get ready to discover what the stars have in store for you today.Aries:Today, you are advised to control your straightforwardness, as careless speech may affect people around you. You may spend your hard-earned money on unnecessary items. Your mind may work very fast today, so it is advisable to make important decisions with patience.Taurus:Today, you are blessed by the Moon. The disappointment of the past couple of days may now turn into happiness. You may enjoy both your professional and personal life. Your network may help you complete postponed projects. You may start a new venture with the help of your siblings, and your network may support you at every step.Gemini:Today, you may be busy at work. Your focus on your goals may be tested multiple times. Your patience may help you achieve your targets on time. Your dedication to work may also be tested, but you are likely to receive rewards for your hard work. You may also consider investing in fixed assets.Cancer:Today, your destiny may help you achieve success easily. You may visit a religious place to seek peace of mind. You may spend time gaining intellectual or occult knowledge. Students are likely to perform better. Singles may find a good match. Love birds may take important decisions regarding marriage.Leo:Today, you may be busy at work. With the help of your strong network, you may successfully implement your plans. Your wisdom may help you gain profits from past investments. You may enjoy romantic moments with your spouse, increasing harmony in domestic life. Love birds may enjoy happy times together.Virgo:Today, you are blessed by the Moon, which may make you happy. Last week’s difficulties are now over. With blessings, you may receive the rewards of your hard work. With the support of subordinates, you may initiate postponed tasks. Business gains may improve your financial condition.Libra:Today, you may feel dull and experience some health issues. You are advised to postpone business investments and avoid starting new ventures. There are chances of facing losses in business. Gains may turn into losses if you are not careful.Scorpio:Today, you may feel happy and peaceful. Your focus on your goals may be strong. You are likely to enjoy romantic moments with your spouse, and your bond may grow stronger. You may also stay busy with domestic matters.Sagittarius:Today, you may feel enthusiastic. Your performance at work may be impressive, improving you relationship with seniors. You may receive new responsibilities, possibly leading to a promotion. In legal matters, you may hear good news. Opponents and hidden enemies may remain under control.Capricorn:Today, you may complete difficult tasks with ease, boosting your confidence. Past investments may bring good returns. You are advised to avoid arguments over trivial matters, as they may waste your precious time.Aquarius:Today may not be favorable. You may feel unhappy and dissatisfied with your current situation. It is advisable to remain patient and avoid making decisions in haste. Take care of your parents’ health.Pisces:Today, you may take quick decisions that could benefit your daily life. With the help of colleagues, you may make important decisions and achieve success easily. Property-related disputes between siblings are likely to be resolved. You may also plan short trips.

England’s Will Jacks, left, and Rehan Ahmed (Photo by AP)

England pull off an exciting four-wicket win over New Zealand in the T20 World Cup Super Eights, thanks to a brilliant late fightback by Will Jacks and Rehan Ahmed. The victory keeps Pakistan’s semifinal hopes alive, while England finish top of Group 2 with three wins from three matches.

England pulled off an exciting four-wicket win over New Zealand in the T20 World Cup Super Eights, thanks to a brilliant late fightback by Will Jacks and Rehan Ahmed. The victory kept Pakistan’s semifinal hopes alive, while England finished top of Group 2 with three wins from three matches. New Zealand batted first and posted 159 for seven in 20 overs. Their batters got good starts but failed to convert them into big scores. Glenn Phillips scored 39, Tim Seifert made 35, and Finn Allen added 29. England’s spinners played a key role in controlling the innings, with Jacks, Adil Rashid and Rehan Ahmed picking up two wickets each to slow the scoring in the middle overs. England’s chase began poorly as they lost two early wickets and struggled at 58 for four. Harry Brook attempted to steady the innings, but New Zealand kept striking at regular intervals. Tom Banton and Sam Curran added valuable runs, yet England slipped to 117 for six in 17 overs, still needing 43 runs from 18 balls. At that stage, New Zealand appeared firmly in control. However, Jacks and Rehan had other plans. They attacked Glenn Phillips in the 18th over, smashing 22 runs to shift the momentum. The duo then collected 16 runs off Mitchell Santner in the next over, putting England on course for victory. With confidence high, they calmly guided the team home with three balls to spare. Earlier, there had been a brief moment of drama when Seifert was wrongly given out, only for TV replays to overturn the decision. In the end, England held their nerve to complete a thrilling comeback win.