File photo: US secretary of state Marco Rubio and EAM S Jaishankar (Picture credit: AP, ANI)

US secretary of state Marco Rubio on Saturday said Washington has secured a commitment from India to stop buying additional Russian oil, even as the United States continues to tighten sanctions on Moscow over the Ukraine war.Speaking at the Munich Security Conference, Rubio said the US was pressing ahead with sanctions and diplomatic efforts while testing whether Russia was serious about ending the conflict.“In our conversations with India, we’ve gotten their commitment to stop buying additional Russian oil,” he said, outlining steps being taken alongside Europe to sustain pressure on Moscow.

Sanctions continue as talks tested

Responding to a question about whether Russia was “playing for time” in negotiations over Ukraine, Rubio admitted uncertainty over Moscow’s intent.“We don’t know the Russians are serious about ending the war; they say they are – and under what terms they were willing to do it and whether we can find terms that are acceptable to Ukraine that Russia will always agree to,” he said.However, he stressed that Western measures were continuing in parallel. “The United States has imposed additional sanctions on Russia’s oil… Europe has taken its set of steps moving forward… Nothing has stopped in the interim. So there’s no buying of time here in that regard,” Rubio added.Also read| Russia-Ukraine war: Marco Rubio questions Moscow’s intent to end conflict ahead of Geneva talks; seeks stronger Europe tiesHe said Washington would continue trying to secure “a negotiated settlement… so long as the conditions are just and sustainable”.

India reiterates strategic autonomy

Rubio’s remarks come amid ongoing debate over India’s energy ties with Russia.At the same conference, external affairs minister S Jaishankar underlined that India remains committed to “strategic autonomy”.“We are very much wedded to strategic autonomy because it’s very much a part of our history and our evolution,” Jaishankar said when asked whether a trade understanding with the US would affect India’s oil imports from Russia.On energy sourcing, he described the global oil market as “complex and dynamic”, adding that oil companies make decisions based on “availability, costs, risks and take the decisions that they feel are in their best interest”.“If the bottom line of your question is, would I remain independent-minded and make my decisions? … yes, it can happen,” he said, according to news agency ANI.

‘National interest’ to guide decisions

Earlier this month, foreign secretary Vikram Misri said “national interest” would continue to guide India’s energy-related decisions. He emphasised that procurement choices are made by oil companies after assessing market conditions, risks, logistics and costs.“The key drivers of our energy policy are adequate availability, fair pricing and reliability of supply,” Misri said, noting that India imports crude from dozens of countries and does not depend on a single source.He added that safeguarding the interests of Indian consumers remains a priority, particularly as India is a net importer of oil and gas.

Moscow disputes claim

Meanwhile, Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov on Wednesday had questioned claims that India has agreed to stop buying Russian crude.Lavrov said only US President Donald Trump had made such an assertion. “Except for US President Donald Trump, nobody else has declared that India will stop buying Russian oil,” Lavrov told lawmakers in Moscow.Also read| ‘Except Trump, no one said India will stop buying Russian oil’: Moscow rejects US claimHe added that he had not heard any such confirmation from Indian leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi.Lavrov also accused Washington of using “coercive” measures such as sanctions and tariffs to discourage countries from purchasing Russian energy.

Energy security remains central

Indian officials have consistently maintained that energy security for 1.4 billion people is paramount. While Russian oil imports have moderated from their peak levels, New Delhi has not formally announced any decision to halt purchases entirely.Rubio’s statement in Munich therefore adds a new dimension to the ongoing diplomatic and economic balancing act, as the US intensifies sanctions on Moscow while India continues to stress independent decision-making guided by national interest.

NEW DELHI: Delhi chief minister Rekha Gupta on Saturday inaugurated a statue of RSS founder K B Hedgewar in east Delhi, and said it would be a continuing source of inspiration embodying service, dedication and the spirit of ‘nation first’.The unveiling was organised at the Hedgewar Arogya Sansthan Hospital in Shahdara area, marking the 100th anniversary year of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).“Installation of the statue of such a tall personality on the completion of 100 years of the RSS by the Delhi government is an immense source of inspiration for us,” the chief minister said.The RSS was founded on September 27, 1925, in Nagpur by Keshav Baliram Hedgewar, a physician from Maharashtra. The outfit started small with one ‘shakha’ (branch) and evolved over the years to become a vast organisation in the country.Gupta said the vision and mission initiated by Hedgewar have today evolved into a “strong and expansive” organisation dedicated to the service of the nation.His approach of organising society through character-building has laid a “firm foundation” for India’s cultural awakening, she said, adding that the statue installed at the institute is not merely a memorial but a continuing source of inspiration embodying service, dedication and the spirit of ‘nation first’.The chief minister said the Hedgewar Hospital has been dedicated to serving the people of the trans-Yamuna area for decades. The government will work towards the extension of the hospital by adding another floor to its building and equipping it with the latest machines in the coming days, Gupta further said.Health minister Pankaj Kumar Singh and several BJP legislators, including Shahdara MLA Sanjay Goyal, along with other public representatives, doctors, paramedical staff and citizens, were present at the event.The chief minister further informed that all Delhi government hospitals have now been fully digitised. Each patient has a digital health record, online OPD appointment facilities have been introduced, and complete treatment histories can be accessed at the click of a button at any hospital, according to her.She expressed confidence that the statue of Dr Hedgewar will serve as inspiration for doctors and staff at the hospital, motivating them each day to work with renewed energy and a spirit of service.

In a significant development in the Rs 10 crore defamation case filed by music composer and singer Palaash Muchhal, the Bombay High Court has restrained Marathi actor Vidnyan Mane from making defamatory remarks against the composer.The interim relief comes after Muchhal moved the court alleging that Mane made “false” and “outrageous” accusations in the media, which he claimed damaged his reputation.Welcoming the court’s order, Muchhal’s advocate Shreyansh Mithare described it as a “relief” and said the matter now requires proper legal scrutiny.

‘This is a personal attack on Palaash’

Speaking about the controversy, Mithare told ANI, “There has been a lot of controversy about Palaash Muchhal, especially surrounding his marriage. But now both the families have chosen their own paths, and Palaash is trying to move on with his life. This controversy is not about the two parties but from a third party. A man named Vidnyan Mane from Mumbai’s Sangli has claimed to have given Rs 40 lakhs to Palaash for making a film. He also claimed that the money has not been returned.”He further stated that Mane’s remarks went beyond a commercial disagreement and entered the realm of personal allegations.“Vidnyan Mane has made some defamatory statements in the media. He has also made some allegations about Palaash’s marriage. This is a personal attack on Palaash. We had sent him a defamation notice of Rs 10 crores. After he didn’t stop making such statements, we reached out to the High Court, which has now issued a restraining order. The court has restrained Mane from talking about Palaash and his family to the media until the case is decided,” Mithare said.Mane has been directed to present his statement with supporting evidence before the court on March 11.“I think that the third person, Vidnyan Mane, must be investigated on the basis of what he is saying and why he is doing it. Palaash is a strong boy and is mentally prepared to fight the matter legally,” the advocate added.

What the complaint states

According to the complaint, Muchhal met Mane in Sangli on December 5, 2023, after the latter showed interest in investing in film production. Muchhal allegedly suggested that Mane could invest in his upcoming project Nazaria as a producer. He is said to have informed Mane that after the film’s release on OTT platforms, he could earn a profit of Rs 12 lakh on an investment of Rs 25 lakh and also offered him a role in the film.The two reportedly met twice thereafter, and by March 2025, Mane allegedly paid a total of Rs 40 lakh. The project, however, did not materialise, following which Mane demanded a refund but allegedly received no response. He subsequently approached the Sangli police and also levelled allegations concerning Muchhal’s personal life. Muchhal’s legal team, including advocates Siddesh Bhole and Shreyansh Mithare, submitted before the court that while there may have been a commercial dispute, the public statements made by Mane — including references to an alleged incident dated November 23, 2025 — harmed not only the composer’s reputation but also that of his family members.With the High Court’s restraining order now in place, the matter will proceed in court, where Mane is expected to present his defence backed by evidence.

Former England all-rounder Moeen Ali has warned Pakistan about India’s spin attack ahead of their big T20 World Cup clash on Sunday. He believes Indian spinners, especially Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakravarthy, could cause major trouble for Pakistan’s batters. “For India, I’d definitely want Kuldeep Yadav to play. He’ll be the bigger threat than any other Indian bowler for Pakistan,” Ali said in a podcast with Anis Sajan.

On Friday, Team India received a grand and colourful welcome when they arrived in Colombo. Local musicians and dancers greeted the players at the airport with traditional drums, creating a festive atmosphere. Arshdeep Singh stole the spotlight by dancing to the drum beats, and the moment is expected to go viral on social media. Head coach Gautam Gambhir looked serious and focused, while Hardik Pandya arrived in style with his girlfriend, Mahieka Sharma.On the field, India will aim to dominate Pakistan. The team is expected to rely on a strong batting lineup that includes Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, and either Abhishek Sharma or Sanju Samson. Abhishek is recovering from a stomach infection and will be looking to bounce back after a poor start to the tournament.Arshdeep Singh and Hardik Pandya have good past records against Pakistan, and Ishan Kishan is also in good form. Tilak Varma has performed well against Pakistan before and will try to repeat that in the big match.Since Sri Lanka is known for spin-friendly pitches, Varun Chakravarthy could play an important role, as India’s spin attack is expected to be a key factor in the high-voltage clash.

Australia’s T20 World Cup 2026 campaign suffered a major jolt after a stunning 23-run defeat to Zimbabwe at the R. Premadasa Stadium. What was expected to be a routine Group B fixture turned into one of the biggest upsets of the tournament, leaving the five-time world champions with plenty to ponder.

Chasing a modest target, Australia faltered under pressure and were eventually bowled out for 146. Despite a fighting 65 off 44 balls from Matt Renshaw, the innings never truly gathered momentum. The Zimbabwe bowlers kept things tight, exploited the sluggish surface smartly, and forced Australia into mistakes at regular intervals.

The defeat not only dented Australia’s confidence but also complicated their qualification hopes in a tightly contested group. For a side known for its adaptability and big-match temperament, the loss was both unexpected and sobering.

Matt Renshaw opens up after Zimbabwe stun the Aussies

While many pointed towards the slow nature of the Colombo surface as a contributing factor, Renshaw chose not to hide behind conditions. Speaking candidly at the post-match press conference, the left-hander emphasized that adapting to varying pitches is part and parcel of international cricket.

“I think that’s just the nature of cricket. You get a sub-continent team come to Australia and you don’t get them complaining about the bounce or the pace. It’s just the way that cricket is nowadays. You’ve got to be able to go through different surfaces,” said Renshaw.

Renshaw’s knock was one of the few positives for Australia. He tried to anchor the innings while wickets tumbled around him, mixing calculated aggression with strike rotation. However, the lack of partnerships ultimately hurt the side. Addressing suggestions that switching from the hard, bouncy tracks of the Big Bash League to slower Asian surfaces posed a challenge, Renshaw dismissed the notion.

“Yes, the wickets in Australia during Big Bash are quite true — they get a lot of bounce. You go to India, and in other parts of tournaments there are different wickets, sometimes higher scores, shorter boundaries. The boundaries here are quite big, so it’s just cricket,” added Renshaw.

His remarks reflected a sense of accountability within the Australian camp. Rather than blaming external factors, Renshaw stressed the importance of preparation and clarity in game plans.

“It’s probably just trying to adjust the conditions as well as we can so that when we get to these conditions we know what the game plan is, we know how we’re best suited,” he added further.

Also READ: Fans erupt as Blessing Muzarabani’s bowling brilliance propel Zimbabwe to historic win over Australia in T20 World Cup 2026

Qualification Scenarios for Australia

Following the defeat at the R. Premadasa Stadium, Australia’s path to the Super 8s has become increasingly complicated. Currently placed third in Group B with one win (against Ireland) and one loss, they no longer control their destiny outright.

Australia now face two crucial fixtures — first against a strong Sri Lanka side on February 16, followed by Oman on February 20. Realistically, these have become must-win encounters. Victories in both matches would take them to six points, but even that may not guarantee qualification.

If Sri Lanka defeat Zimbabwe and Zimbabwe overcome Ireland, a three-way tie on six points could emerge. In that case, Net Run Rate (NRR) would determine the qualifiers, making a dominant performance against Oman essential to repair the damage inflicted by the Zimbabwe defeat.

However, if Australia lose to Sri Lanka, their hopes would hang by a thread. They would then require Zimbabwe to lose both of their remaining matches, potentially leading to a multi-team tie on four points — again to be decided by NRR.

Also READ: The ‘Zimbabwe Prophecy’: Why history says Suryakumar Yadav’s India will lift the T20 World Cup 2026?

The Centre has given the green light to a series of highway projects worth over Rs 11,000 crore spanning Maharashtra, Gujarat and Telangana, according to official statements.The approvals were granted by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) and cover road widening, rehabilitation and new four-lane stretches aimed at boosting freight movement and regional connectivity.

Major upgrade for NH-160A in Maharashtra

In Maharashtra, the CCEA has approved the rehabilitation and upgradation of the Ghoti–Trimbak (Mokhada)–Jawhar–Manor–Palghar stretch of National Highway-160A. The 154.635-km project will be taken up at a total capital cost of Rs 3,320.38 crore.The ministry of road transport and highways (MoRTH) said the work will be executed under the Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) mode.The ministry highlighted that the area west of Nashik — particularly Ambad and Satpur — houses a dense cluster of industrial units set up by the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation. This industrial concentration leads to significant freight traffic in the region.The project has been designed in line with PM GatiShakti principles and is expected to connect six PM GatiShakti Economic Nodes, one Social Node and eight Logistics Nodes in Maharashtra. According to MoRTH, this is likely to have a positive impact on the country’s Logistics Performance Index (LPI).

Rs 4,583 crore four-laning project in Gujarat

In Gujarat, the CCEA has approved the construction of four-lane sections between Dhamasiya-Bitada/Movi and Nasarpore-Malotha at a cost of Rs 4,583.64 crore, as per news agency PTI.The 107.67-km stretch forms part of National Highway-56. The highway originates at Nimbahera in Rajasthan, passes through Dahod district in Gujarat, Alirajpur district in Madhya Pradesh, re-enters Gujarat near Chhota Udepur district and ends at its junction with NH-48 near Vapi.The project has been designed for a speed of 100 km per hour, with an expected average travel speed of 70 km per hour. This is projected to cut travel time by 40 per cent — reducing the journey from 2.5 hours to 1.5 hours, MoRTH said in a separate release.

NH-167 widening cleared in Telangana

The government has also approved widening of National Highway-167 in Telangana at a total capital cost of Rs 3,175.08 crore, reported PTI.The 80.01-km project will cover the Gudebellur to Mahabubnagar stretch on the Hyderabad–Panaji Economic Corridor. It will be upgraded to a four-lane standard and executed under the Hybrid Annuity Mode (HAM) through the National Highways (Original) [NH(O)] scheme.According to MoRTH, the upgrade aims to address existing infrastructure challenges and is expected to significantly benefit Narayanpet and Mahabubnagar districts in Telangana.Together, the three projects are intended to strengthen industrial connectivity, improve logistics efficiency and reduce travel time across key economic corridors in the three states.

England’s Jos Buttler (AP Photo)

Jos Buttler etched his name into the record books on Saturday, becoming the first wicketkeeper-batter in history — and the quickest overall in terms of balls faced — to reach 4,000 runs in T20 Internationals. The England star achieved the landmark in just 2,670 deliveries, surpassing the previous benchmark held by Rohit Sharma.The milestone came during England’s Group C clash against Scotland in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 in Kolkata. Needing only three runs to get to the mark while chasing 153, Buttler reached 4,000 on the fourth ball of the second over. The occasion was doubly special as it also marked his 150th T20I appearance for England, making him the only English player — and one of just five worldwide — to feature in 150 or more matches in the format.His stay, however, was brief. Soon after reaching the landmark, Buttler was dismissed for three off four balls, chipping a catch to Brandon McMullen off Brad Currie.Buttler is only the fourth cricketer to breach the 4,000-run barrier in T20Is, joining Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Babar Azam. Kohli was the first to achieve the feat, getting there during the 2022 T20 World Cup semi-final against England at the Adelaide Oval.Since making his T20I debut against India in 2011, Buttler has amassed over 4,000 runs at an average above 35 and a strike rate of 148. His tally includes 28 fifties and a highest score of 101. Notably, he remains the only designated wicketkeeper in T20I history to cross the 4,000-run mark.A former England captain, Buttler stands comfortably as his nation’s leading run-scorer in T20Is, well ahead of Eoin Morgan, who accumulated 2,458 runs in 115 matches. Widely regarded as one of England’s finest white-ball players, Buttler is also a prized asset in T20 leagues around the world.