NEW DELHI: The Union Cabinet has approved infrastructure projects worth over Rs 31,000 crore, including construction of the country’s first road-cum-rail tunnel under the Brahmaputra in Assam. The twin-tube common tunnel with approach roads for movement of vehicles and trains, only the second in the world, would cost Rs 18,662 crore.It will connect Gohpur and Numaligarh in Assam and will cut travel time from about 6 hours to just 20 minutes. The project, to be fully funded by govt, will not just reduce the travel distance from 240 km to roughly 34 km improving connectivity but also has strategic significance, I&B minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said while announcing the Cabinet decision. This four-lane tunnel will ensure high-speed connectivity to Arunachal and provide “strategic resilience” for defence purposes. The minister said the twin tubes would be interconnected at intervals of 500 metres.Officials said the tunnel would be built around 32 metres beneath the Brahmaputra’s lowest bed level. One of the tubes will have provision for a single rail track and no vehicular movement will be allowed when trains run through this tube.

PM Modi called the Brahmaputra tunnel project as a “landmark boost to connectivity in the northeast”.In a post on X, he said, “…This transformative project will enhance connectivity, reduce logistics costs and accelerate growth across Assam and the entire Northeast.”TOI has learnt that originally govt had included the connectivity between Gohpur and Numaligarh as a part of the Special Accelerated Road Development Programme for North East in 2008 by constructing a bridge. But later a proposal was mooted to build a road tunnel beneath the Brahmaputra. Later, it was modified to have a common tunnel for both vehicles and trains.A similar 22-km road-cumrail tunnel passing through Chicken Neck corridor in the northeast is also in planning stage. Besides the tunnel, Cabinet approved three NH projects with a combined cost of over Rs 11,000 crore — a 107.7-km fourlane highway in Gujarat, a 154.6-km highway stretch in Maharashtra and an 80-km corridor of NH-167 in Telangana.In rail sector, three multitracking projects covering 12 districts across Delhi, Haryana, Maharashtra and Karnataka were approved at an estimated cost of Rs 18,509 crore. The approved projects will add 389 km to the existing network of railways. Multitracking works are scheduled for completion by March 2031. These include the laying of third and fourth line between Kasara and Manmad in Maharashtra, which will have the second longest tunnel on the rail network.

Saketh Sreenivasaiah, a 22-year-old Indian student in the US, was found dead, the Consulate General of India, San Francisco said on Sunday. Saketh had been reported missing in Berkeley since the morning of February 12. In a post on X, the consulate said local police had confirmed the recovery of Saketh’s body. It added that consular officers are in direct contact with the family and will support them with all required formalities and services. “The Consulate deeply regrets to inform that local police have confirmed the recovery of the body of the missing Indian student, Saketh Sreenivasaiah. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones during this profoundly difficult time,” the consulate said. “The Consulate stands ready to provide all necessary assistance to the family, including coordination with local authorities and arrangements for the repatriation of the mortal remains to India at the earliest. Our consular officers are in direct contact with the family and will support them with all required formalities and services,” it added. Sreenivasaiah was pursuing a Master’s degree in the Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering department at the University of California, Berkeley. According to his LinkedIn profile, he was enrolled in the MS PDP ’26 programme at UC Berkeley and had completed a BTech in Chemical Engineering from IIT Madras in 2025. “I’m a Master’s student in the Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering department at UC Berkeley, with an undergraduate degree from IIT Madras. I’m passionate about deep-tech innovations in soft and active materials, semiconductors, and advanced materials,” Saketh wrote on his LinkedIn profile. According to reports, police said Sreenivasaiah was last seen near Lake Anza, in the 1700 block of Dwight Way, on Tuesday. He was described as being 6 feet 1 inch tall and weighing about 160 pounds. Police have not disclosed further details about the circumstances surrounding his disappearance but said he was considered at risk.

DIBRUGARH/GUWAHATI: PM Narendra Modi landed on the North-East’s first emergency landing facility, a highway airstrip at Moran in Assam’s Dibrugarh district, and rolled out a package of infrastructure projects worth more than Rs 5,500 crore across the pollbound state, spanning defence preparedness, connectivity, education and digital capacity.Modi flew in from Chabua airfield on Saturday aboard an IAF C-130J, touching down on the 4.2km-long specially reinforced stretch of the Moran bypass built at a cost of Rs 100 crore. Designed for dual civil-military use, the emergency landing facility doubles as a national highway and can serve as a backup to Dibrugarh airport during natural disasters or conflict.

Officials said the strip can handle fighter aircraft up to 40 tonnes and transport planes up to 74 tonnes maximum take-off weight, strengthening rapid de-ployment and relief operations in a sensitive region close to the Chinese border.The Prime Minister’s landing was followed by a 40-minute IAF aerial display underscoring the strip’s operational readiness. Sukhoi Su-30MKI and Rafale fighters conducted takeoffs and landings, An-32 transports showcased short-field operations, and advanced light helicopters simulated humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions. Garud Commandos rappelled onto the strip in a demonstration.Later in Guwahati, Modi inaugurated the Kumar Bhaskar Varma Setu, a six-lane, 7.75km concrete bridge over the Brahmaputra built at a cost of Rs 3,030 crore. The bridge, the first of its kind in the North-east, cuts travel time between Guwahati and North Guwahati to about seven minutes from roughly 30 minutes via the Saraighat bridge. Designed for high seismicity, it uses friction pendulum bearings and a real-time bridge health monitoring system. Modi had laid the foundation stone in Feb 2019.At Lachit Ghat, the PM unveiled the temporary campus of IIM Guwahati, the region’s second IIM and India’s 22nd. The Rs 555-crore permanent campus will be built at Palasbari near Guwahati, with classes beginning from a transit campus at Tech City, Bongora, under mentorship of IIM Ahmedabad.He also inaugurated NE’s National Data Centre at Amingaon in Kamrup, a Rs 348-crore facility with an 8.5-MW sanctioned load and advanced rack capacity to host mission-critical govt applications and serve as a disaster recovery hub under Digital India. A fleet of electric buses and other connectivity projects were also launched.

Vijay Varma created a huge stir on the internet with his Valentine’s day story. People thought he’s now in a new relationship after break up with Tamannaah Bhatia and the actor made it official on social media. But no, here’s the twist in the tale. On February 14, Vijay uploaded an Instagram story that instantly grabbed attention. The photo featured him holding a woman’s hand, though her face was deliberately kept out of the frame. He added a caption that fueled speculation. He wrote, “Happy Valentine’s Day to my forever,” followed by a red heart and rainbow emoji.

To make matters more intriguing, he tagged an Instagram handle, @khushi_ahuja, sending fans into full investigative mode. Social media was quick to react, with many assuming the actor had quietly moved on and was ready to go public with a new romance.But the mystery unraveled just as quickly as it began.

A deeper dive into the tagged account revealed that it wasn’t a genuine personal profile at all. Instead, it appeared to be a randomly created account, seemingly part of an elaborate joke. One of its posts even cheekily declared, “Ch*tiya banaya tumko,” making it clear that the Valentine’s Day tease was nothing more than a prank. Vijay and Tamannaah were reportedly first linked in 2022 after collaborating on Lust Stories 2. While dating rumours circulated for a while, the duo acknowledged their relationship publicly in 2023, frequently appearing together at events and offering glimpses of their bond online.Earlier this year, reports claimed the couple had parted ways after more than two years together. However, neither Vijay nor Tamannaah has officially addressed the breakup speculation.Interestingly, despite the chatter around their split, the two still follow each other on Instagram and continue to have shared pictures up on their profiles, suggesting that if they have indeed gone their separate ways, it may have been on amicable terms.On work front, Vijay was last seen in ‘Gustakh Ishq’ along with Fatima Sana Shaikh and Naseeruddin Shah.

Mumbai: Vasai resident Dhruv (name changed) has been battling a brain tumour since 2018 and underwent surgery in 2022. But looking at the class II student, no one can guess he is still on anti-cancer medication. “He is more energetic than his classmates,” said his father.When 12-year-old Nikhil (name changed) went shopping for vegetables, only his parents and doctor knew he just finished a chemotherapy session. The wannabe chef wanted to cook dinner for his family. Dhruv and Nikhil’s experiences, said doctors on International Childhood Cancer Day on Sunday, underline the availability of newer medicines that are “more efficient, with lower toxicity” and don’t compromise the quality of life of children. Targeted therapy (that targets unique proteins or gene mutations and spares healthy cells), monoclonal antibody-based immunotherapy, and proton radiation therapy are the drivers here.Dr Girish Chinnaswamy, head of paediatric oncology at Tata Memorial Centre, Parel, said treatment of paediatric cancer, which affects over 50,000 children across India annually, doesn’t “mess up childhood” in most cases. “It’s no longer about ‘just cure them at all cost’, but about offering cure with the least long-term damage.” The centre treated 4,000 new paediatric cancer cases across its 8 centres in 2025-26. Treatment is more home-based than hospital-centric and doesn’t impair kidneys, cause infertility, or cognitive problems.Consider the TMH statistics. Over 350 children with brain tumours, head and neck tumours, and retinoblastoma underwent proton beam radiotherapy at TMC’s ACTREC centre in Kharghar instead of regular radiation.“We used targeted therapy for over 150 children and also offer immunotherapy (which boosts the body’s own immune system to destroy cancer cells) for difficult-to-treat acute leukaemias, Hodgkin’s lymphomas, high-grade brain tumours, and neuroblastomas,” said Dr Chinnaswamy.Dr Shweta Bansal from H N Reliance Hospital, Girgaum, concurred that tremendous improvement was made in the last 5 years in India. While paediatric cancer cure rates are 80%-90% in the West, they are lower in India. “But our cure rates are improving,” she said, tracing it to awareness not only among the doctors, but also among the parents. This resulted in children coming in early stages to oncologists.There also are better diagnostics and more paediatric oncologists. “Previously, whether a patient was 10 or over 18, all were treated by oncologists. It makes a difference when children are treated by paediatric oncologists who are trained on the right doses, how to talk to the child, and how to take care of their nutrition and psychosocial growth,” said Dr Bansal.

MUMBAI: Sahar police arrested two cab drivers for allegedly cheating a Wadala couple of 1,000 Thai baht (about Rs 3,300) after they landed at Mumbai International Airport from Thailand on Feb 8 and hired a cab to go home. The accused, Imtiyaz Ahmad (34) and Riyasat Ali Khan (48), were arrested after an FIR was registered the next day. Police said they are checking how many other passengers may have been similarly duped. According to police, the couple — Darshan Sawant (29), a fitness trainer, and his wife Monica — was approached outside the terminal by a man who offered a cab to Wadala Fire Station in Antop Hill and quoted Rs 550, later agreeing to Rs 400. Khan allegedly made the couple sit in a taxi driven by Ahmad and rode along. After the taxi moved a short distance, he asked the driver to stop and demanded Rs 400 immediately, claiming he had to maintain accounts for multiple cars. The complainant, Darshan Sawant (29), said they did not have Indian currency and offered to pay via Google Pay, but Khan insisted on cash. When the couple said they had Thai currency, Khan allegedly said it would do and asked for 200 Thai baht, promising to return Rs 200. Police said Sawant’s wife had 1,100 Thai baht in hand, but Khan took the money and, in a quick gesture, allegedly pocketed 1,000 Thai baht, paid the driver Rs 400, and left. After reaching home, the couple noticed the missing currency and filed a complaint the next day. Police said the taxis were seized, and an application has been made to the RTO to cancel the drivers’ licences and permits. Last month, two other cab drivers were arrested for allegedly taking $200 from a US national for a 400-metre ride; police also initiated permit and licence cancellations in that case.

India and Pakistan are set to resume their rivalry in a high-stakes Group A clash of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Sunday, February 15. The match will be crucial for both sides as they look to secure the top spot in the group and build momentum for the Super 8 stage.

Defending champions India defeated the USA and Namibia in their last two matches. They recorded a 93-run win over Namibia at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi on February 12. Pakistan secured a convincing victory over the USA in Colombo after narrowly avoiding defeat against the Netherlands.

This article provides details on the probable playing XIs of India and Pakistan for this marquee encounter, offering insight into team selections, tactical changes, and key players to watch in the biggest game of the tournament.

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India Playing XI vs Pakistan:

Suryakumar Yadav will lead a confident Indian side. They have their full-strength squad available, with the medical team clearing all key players for this clash. Abhishek Sharma, who missed the game against Namibia, is likely to return for the clash against Pakistan.

Openers: Abhishek Sharma and Ishan Kishan

The Men in Blue are expected to field Abhishek Sharma and Ishan Kishan at the top of the order. Abhishek can provide India with explosive starts, while Kishan will don the gloves and offer left-handed stability against Pakistan’s new-ball attack.

Abhishek was dismissed for a golden duck during the match against the USA. Kishan, however, has scored 81 runs in two matches at an average of 40.50 and an outstanding strike rate of 202.50. He smashed 61 off 24 balls, including six fours and five sixes, against Namibia.

Middle-Order Batters and All-Rounders: Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel

Suryakumar Yadav, with 3,114 T20I runs, remains one of the most dangerous batters in the format. Tilak Varma is expected to play an anchoring role and rotate the strike in the middle overs.

Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube provide fast-bowling all-rounder options. Performances from Pandya, Dube, and Rinku Singh will be crucial for the team to finish strongly with the bat. Axar Patel offers control with his left-arm spin, which will be vital on the turning Colombo track.

Bowlers: Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakravarthy

Jasprit Bumrah will lead the bowling attack. Varun Chakravarthy is expected to play as the specialist spinner ahead of Kuldeep Yadav, given his mystery element and recent success in subcontinental conditions. Arshdeep Singh will partner with Bumrah to add left-arm variety to the attack.

Probable XI: Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan (wk), Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Varun Chakravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh.

Pakistan Playing XI vs India:

Pakistan will enter this contest with a point to prove against their arch-rivals. While they have the talent to beat any side, their consistency remains the biggest question.

Openers: Saim Ayub and Sahibzada Farhan

Saim Ayub brings flair and unconventional strokeplay, while Sahibzada Farhan offers a more measured approach. The pair will look to negotiate the first four overs against Jasprit Bumrah without losing early wickets.

Middle-Order Batters and All-Rounders: Babar Azam, Salman Ali Agha (c), Usman Khan, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf

Babar Azam is expected to bat in the middle order at number four. Captain Salman Ali Agha provides leadership and stability, while Usman Khan is the designated finisher.

The all-round duo of Shadab Khan and Mohammad Nawaz will be Pakistan’s biggest assets on this surface. Shadab’s leg-spin and Nawaz’s accurate left-arm orthodox bowling are designed to slow India’s scoring rate during the middle overs.

Bowlers: Shaheen Afridi, Abrar Ahmed, Usman Tariq

Pakistan are likely to field two specialist spinners alongside Shaheen Afridi. Abrar Ahmed brings traditional leg-spin mystery, but the real X-factor is Usman Tariq. Tariq has troubled batters with his unique action, and Indian batters have not faced him before, which gives Pakistan an advantage.

Probable XI: Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, Babar Azam, Salman Agha (c), Usman Khan, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi, Abrar Ahmed, Usman Tariq.

NEW DELHI: External affairs minister S Jaishankar on Saturday said India remains firmly committed to strategic autonomy, even as the global energy markets evolve and partnerships shift. He was responding to a question at the Munich Security Conference whether a recent trade agreement with the US would affect New Delhi’s energy ties with Russia and if India was finding it difficult to exercise its strategic autonomy in the current circumstances.India maintains its energy policy is driven by national interests and the actual crude sourcing is done by oil companies taking into account pricing, reliability and other market conditions.“We are very much wedded to strategic autonomy because it’s a part of our history and our evolution. It’s something which is very deep, and something which cuts across the political spectrum as well,” he said.Addressing concerns over energy sourcing, the EAM described the global oil market as complex and dynamic, stressing that commercial considerations guide procurement decisions.“As for energy issues, this is a complex market today. Oil companies in India, as in Europe, as probably in other parts of the world, look at availability, look at costs, look at risks and take the decisions that they feel are in their best interest,” he noted.Jaishankar said that in a rapidly changing global environment, countries continuously reassess their calculations and partnerships.“So many things are changing, and so many of us are doing our calculations and recalculations,” he said, adding while India may not agree with all partners on every issue, dialogue and a willingness to find common ground remain important.“We would not necessarily agree on everything but I do believe that by doing that, and if there is an inclination to find common ground and overlaps, that would happen,” he said.Noting India’s independent decision-making, he said, “If the bottom line of your question is would I remain independent-minded and make my decisions? And would I make choices which sometimes may not agree with your thinking or somebody else’s thinking, yes, it can happen.”He met with G7 foreign ministers and their global counterparts at the Munich Security Conference 2026, reiterating India’s support for the UN80 agenda and underscoring New Delhi’s role in safeguarding global security.Jaishankar also stressed on India’s role in safeguarding sea lines of communication, acting as a first responder in crises, strengthening port security and contributing to resilient submarine cable infrastructure.

Pakistan’s Usman Tariq bowls a delivery during the T20 World Cup cricket match between Pakistan and the United States in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2026. (AP)

NEW DELHI: Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha said on Saturday that spinner Usman Tariq has been cleared by the International Cricket Council (ICC) and is not affected by the debate around his bowling action, ahead of the India-Pakistan T20 World Cup match on Sunday.Usman, 28, has taken 11 wickets in four T20Is at an average of 7.90, including a four-wicket haul. His sidearm action, which includes a brief pause before release, has led to questions over its legality, with some alleging that he is throwing.Usman played against the USA and returned figures of 3 for 27 in four overs.Speaking at the pre-match press conference before the India game, Agha said the spinner remains focused and described him as a key option for the team.

“You all have made Usman Tariq a big name. For us, all 15 players are important. He has been bowling well. You can definitely say that he is a trump card for us. He has been cleared by the ICC, so I don’t understand why everyone is discussing him. Usman doesn’t get affected by these things. He is fine. He doesn’t care about these things,” Agha said.Agha also referred to Pakistan’s record against India in T20 World Cups, saying past results cannot be changed.“Definitely, we do not have a good record against the Indians, but we can’t change history, and every day is a new day.”India and Pakistan have faced each other eight times in T20 World Cup history. India have won seven of those matches, while Pakistan have one victory.The match between India and Pakistan will be played at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Sunday.Both teams have played two matches each in the tournament and won both. India has beaten USA and Namibia, while Pakistan has defeated the Netherlands and USA.India, led by Suryakumar Yadav, are at the top of Group A with four points and a net run rate of +3.050. Pakistan are second with four points and a net run rate of +0.932.