Jasprit Bumrah during a training session ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 cricket match between India and Namibia, at Arun Jaitley Stadium, in New Delhi. (PTI Photo)

NEW DELHI: Namibia all-rounder Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton said the pressure will be on defending champions India when the two sides meet in their T20 World Cup match on Thursday. He said his team will approach the game with freedom as they have nothing to lose.Namibia head into the contest after losing their opening match to the Netherlands on Tuesday. India, meanwhile, began their campaign with a win over the USA in Mumbai.

“Playing India in India is massive, pressure is on India to be honest, home crowd advantage, home ground advantage as well. We are going in with nothing to lose to be honest. We are going there to showcase our talents and abilities, hopefully it comes up on that day,” Loftie-Eaton was quoted as saying by news agency PTI.“We just gotta back our skills given our day and we have done our homework, lot of tactical talks going around. We just have to back our skills on the given day. T20 is a funny game anything can happen.”The 24-year-old, who has featured in 51 ODIs and 52 T20Is, said the sport is expanding in Namibia.“It’s becoming people’s massive choice. We had a game against South Africa at our newly inaugurated ground where 5000 people came to watch and it was the first time.“It is definitely growing in the right direction. So we just have to carry that momentum forward and keep on going the game and become one of the biggest associate countries in the nation.”Loftie-Eaton said Namibia are aiming to achieve Test status in the future.“We have to set higher goals and highest standards. Definitely the South Africa win has put us on the map, but we have been on the map in the last few years, we have had some pretty good consistent World Cup last few years,” he said.In October 2025, Namibia defeated a South Africa side by four wickets in a T20I in Windhoek, with Loftie-Eaton part of that squad.“It is just about carrying it forward and getting better everyday and every year and that is something we looking to achieve, becoming a Test playing nation and it is any players dream to put on the whites for your country.”

State Bank of India (SBI) has overtaken Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) to become India’s fourth-largest listed company by market capitalisation, supported by a sharp post-results rally and improving sentiment around public sector banks.SBI’s market capitalisation now stands at nearly Rs 10.92 lakh crore, ahead of TCS at about Rs 10.52 lakh crore, according to an ET report. The country’s top three listed companies remain Reliance Industries at Rs 19.87 lakh crore, HDFC Bank at Rs 14.16 lakh crore and Bharti Airtel at Rs 11.47 lakh crore, based on Wednesday’s closing data.The reshuffle comes after SBI shares rallied about 11% over the last three trading sessions following strong third-quarter earnings. In contrast, TCS shares have declined nearly 4% over the past five days amid broader concerns around artificial intelligence-led disruption in the global IT services sector.Weak sentiment around technology stocks has dragged Indian IT counters lower over the past week, indirectly aiding SBI’s rise in market capitalisation rankings. The divergence reflects a broader market rotation, with banks benefiting from strong credit growth and improving balance sheets, while IT stocks face near-term uncertainty linked to AI-driven pricing pressure and global technology spending trends.SBI reported a net profit of Rs 21,030 crore for the third quarter, marking an 18% beat over Street estimates. The performance was supported by higher fee income and lower-than-expected provisions. Net interest income rose 9% year-on-year to Rs 45,190 crore, while margins remained stable at 2.99%, with domestic margins expanding to 3.12%.Management indicated confidence in sustaining margins above 3% in FY26 and over the long term.The bank’s loan book expanded 15.6% year-on-year, outpacing deposit growth of 9%, reflecting healthy credit demand. Asset quality also improved, with slippages moderating and credit costs remaining contained at 29 basis points.Brokerages have turned constructive on SBI following the third-quarter results.Jefferies set a price target of Rs 1,300, citing strong return on equity prospects and value from subsidiaries. The brokerage has revised its earnings estimates upward and expects double-digit core profit growth over the next three years, valuing the bank at 1.5 times its FY28 adjusted book value.Motilal Oswal has also raised earnings forecasts and expects healthy return ratios, factoring in around Rs 354 per share from subsidiaries.Nomura raised its target price to Rs 1,235, reflecting an improved return on equity outlook, while JP Morgan maintained an overweight rating with a target of Rs 1,250, stating that SBI continues to deliver above-system growth with best-in-class asset quality among large public sector lenders.Morgan Stanley maintained an equal weight rating, noting valuations are approaching fair levels unless revenue growth surprises positively. BofA Securities retained a neutral stance with a target of Rs 1,100, stating that at current valuation multiples, the risk-reward profile appears broadly balanced.

NEW DELHI: The Indian Air Force targeted terror infrastructure and select military installations in Pakistan during Operation Sindoor, but did not strike nuclear site in Kirana Hills, Vice Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor said on Wednesday.Responding to questions about videos circulating online that purportedly show attacks on Pakistan’s Kirana Hills, Kapoor said the IAF’s operations were limited to identified terror and military targets.

“We attacked terror infrastructure and several of their (Pakistan’s) military installations. This is absolutely true,” Kapoor said.“If you see any video, whether it’s from open sources, or generated by them, or what they’re trying to portray, we don’t know. Whether we did something, or whether the explosion was caused by an insurgency there, or by what weapon, we don’t know about all this,” he added.“But these videos (of Kirana Hills) were presented by their people; they made them; we did nothing. We only struck terror and military installations,” the Vice Air Chief said.The IAF has maintained that its actions were aimed at dismantling terror infrastructure and degrading military capabilities linked to cross-border threats.During a press briefing on the operation last year, Air Marshal AK Bharti, then Director General of Air Operations, had said India had not struck Kirana Hills. Th IAF put out a video on Republic Day showing the Pakistan’s nuclear base in Sargodha getting hit, accompanied by footage of Indian jets — Rafale, Sukhoi, Jaguar and Tejas — and the words “the enforcers of peace”.However, when asked about the video, IAF maintained that it stood by the official version.

New Delhi: Just over a week after FanCode, owned by Dream Sports, secured the broadcast rights for the truncated 2025–26 Indian Super League (ISL) season, it has sub-licensed the linear TV coverage to Culver Max Entertainment, also known as Sony Pictures Network India (SPNI).Sony Sports Network had attended the pre-bid conference but opted against making a final bid. FanCode eventually acquired the broadcast rights for Rs 8.62 crore.

FanCode, which does not have a TV channel of its own, had entered into immediate conversations with multiple providers to showcase India’s top division. Besides Sony Sports Network, Zee, DD Sports and regional providers in Kerala and Kolkata were the other considerations.However, the decision to go with Sony Sports was reached because they have an already established strong market base, while Zee is still finding its footing since re-entering the sports broadcast space last year. DD Sports was also probed as an option.While a verbal deal was reached between FanCode and Sony Sports Network, the paperwork and final agreement is in the closing stages at the time of writing.The contribution from Sony Sports will go to the All India Football Federation (AIFF), who are organising the league this season, and will be shared among the ISL clubs.

Since acquiring the ISL broadcast rights, FanCode has announced separate structures for the fans to watch the ISL. There’s a season pass for Rs 299, a team pass for Rs 149 and a match pass for Rs 25.With FanCode getting the media rights during the bidding process, KPS Studios will handle the world-feed production, acquired at a cost of Rs 5.22 crore.The 14-club league begins on February 14 with defending champions Mohun Bagan Super Giant taking on Kerala Blasters.

Pakistan spinner Usman Tariq once again found himself at the centre of an ‘illegal action’ debate during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 clash against United States of America (USA). However, controversy did little to overshadow his impact with the ball.

Tariq delivered a match-defining performance, claiming three crucial wickets – Milind Kumar, Harmeet Singh and Mohammad Mohsin – while conceding just 27 runs in his four overs. His disciplined off-spin proved decisive as Pakistan successfully defended a total of 190, sealing a 32-run victory.

At a time when pressure was mounting during the middle overs, Tariq’s spell halted USA’s chase and shifted momentum firmly in Pakistan’s favour.

Controversy over Usman Tariq’s bowling action

Despite his impressive figures, attention quickly turned to Tariq’s unconventional bowling style. The spinner has previously been reported twice during the Pakistan Super League (PSL), though he was cleared on both occasions after undergoing testing.

Ahead of the T20 World Cup, during Pakistan’s home series against Australia, Australian all-rounder Cameron Green was seen angrily mimicking Tariq’s action after being dismissed by him. Green later apologised upon reviewing replays, acknowledging that his reaction had been misplaced.

Tariq has consistently maintained that his action complies with ICC regulations, offering medical and technical explanations to clarify doubts.

Medical explanation behind Tariq’s action

In medical terms, Tariq reportedly has double-jointed elbows, which prevent him from fully straightening his arm. This anatomical feature gives his bowling action a unique appearance, often leading to misinterpretation.

Cricket history has seen similar cases. Sri Lankan legend Muttiah Muralitharan had a congenital deformity that restricted the straightening of his bowling arm, sparking years of controversy before being cleared.

The introduction of the 15-degree flexion rule, implemented during the tenure of former ICC president Jagmohan Dalmiya, provided clearer guidelines and allowed bowlers with natural hyperextension to continue without penalty, provided they remained within permissible limits.

Tariq’s bowling action features a short, zigzag run-up followed by a brief pause before delivery. While the pause and sidearm release appear unusual, they are consistent across all deliveries. Critics argue that such variations could give a bowler an advantage by disrupting a batter’s rhythm.

However, under ICC regulations, consistency and arm extension are the key factors in determining legality – not aesthetics.

Also READ: From Mayanti Langer, Laura McGoldrick to Grace Hayden: Complete list of presenters for T20 World Cup 2026

Umpire Anil Chaudhary’s take on Tariq’s action

Amid the renewed scrutiny, respected Indian umpire Anil Chaudhary offered a clear and decisive opinion. After reviewing footage of Tariq’s bowling, Chaudhary stated that the action is completely legal.

He explained that although Tariq bowls slightly side-on and incorporates a pause, there is no visible bending or straightening of the arm beyond permitted limits. Importantly, he emphasized that the spinner delivers every ball in the same manner, satisfying the requirement for consistency.

“In my opinion, his action is fair, and this is a fair delivery,” Chaudhary said, reinforcing that unusual does not automatically mean illegal.

Also READ: Fans go crazy as Sahibzada Farhan fires Pakistan to a comprehensive victory against USA in T20 World Cup 2026

NEW DELHI: Nearly one in every three faculty positions across India’s premier All India Institutes of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) is vacant, the Centre informed the Rajya Sabha, exposing large staffing gaps across both older and newly established institutes.In a written reply to a question by Shri Golla Baburao, Minister of State for Health Shri Prataprao Jadhav tabled institute-wise details of sanctioned, filled and vacant posts across 20 operational AIIMS.The data show substantial faculty shortages nationwide. At AIIMS New Delhi, the country’s flagship institute, 446 of 1,306 sanctioned faculty posts are vacant. Jodhpur has 184 vacancies, Mangalagiri 138, Nagpur 135, Kalyani 134 and Rishikesh 126.Newer institutes appear particularly strained. AIIMS Madurai has only 70 faculty members against a sanctioned strength of 183, leaving 113 posts vacant. Rajkot has 105 vacancies, Raebareli 98 and Gorakhpur 96 unfilled faculty positions.The shortage is even more pronounced in non-faculty positions, which include nursing staff, technicians, administrative personnel and support services essential for hospital functioning. Across the 20 AIIMS, 17,205 non-faculty posts are vacant.AIIMS New Delhi alone has 2,542 non-faculty vacancies. Rishikesh has 1,144 unfilled posts, Patna 1,132, Raipur 1,069, Bhubaneswar 1,026 and Kalyani 1,050. At AIIMS Madurai, only 40 of 911 sanctioned non-faculty posts are filled, leaving 871 vacancies.The ministry stated that creation of posts and recruitment is a continuous process. Each AIIMS has a Standing Selection Committee constituted under its respective Act to conduct faculty recruitment.To address the gaps, the government has allowed engagement of retired faculty up to 70 years of age on contract in new AIIMS. A Visiting Faculty Scheme has been introduced to bring professors from other institutions for teaching purposes. Recruitment of nursing officers is conducted through the Nursing Officer Recruitment Common Eligibility Test (NORCET), while Group B and C non-faculty posts are filled through a Common Recruitment Examination (CRE). Junior and senior residents are selected twice a year through INI-CET and INI-SS examinations.The disclosure comes at a time when AIIMS institutions are expanding rapidly, increasing patient load, academic seats and super-speciality services. The scale of vacancies raises concerns about whether staffing levels are keeping pace with infrastructure growth and rising demand for tertiary healthcare.

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Delhi high court (File photo)

NEW DELHI: In a significant ruling, the Delhi high court has granted bail to an accused charged under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA), citing a violation of his fundamental constitutional rights regarding the timing of his production before a magistrate. The appellant, Harsh Pal Singh alias Rubal, was allegedly involved in an organized crime syndicate and faced charges under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, and the Arms Act. Justice Chandrasekharan Sudha delivered the judgment on February 10, 2026, setting aside a previous trial court order that had denied him bail.The core of the legal dispute centered on the timeline of the appellant’s arrest and subsequent production in court. Singh was detained at Amritsar Airport on the night of September 25, 2025, while attempting to travel to Bangkok. He was subsequently handed over to the Delhi Police Special Cell and produced before a Special Court on September 27, 2025. The defense team led by, Advocate Rajani and Nishant Rana, argued that the total time he spent in custody before being presented to a magistrate exceeded the 24-hour limit mandated by Article 22 (2) of the Constitution and the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita. While the prosecution claimed Singh had been briefly interrogated and released on a notice to join the investigation the next day, the high court found these claims “quite doubtful”. General Diary entries indicated that Singh’s belongings, including his passport and bag, were handed over to the Delhi team, who then left with him in a government vehicle, making a formal release unlikely.The court emphasized that the right to be produced before a magistrate within 24 hours is a peremptory constitutional mandate. Citing Supreme Court precedents, the court noted that any detention beyond this period without judicial authority renders the custody illegal. Despite the prosecution’s concerns regarding the gravity of the offences and Singh’s perceived attempt to abscond by booking a flight shortly after receiving a police notice, the court maintained that procedural law must be strictly followed. Consequently, bail was granted on stringent conditions, including a personal bond of Rs two lakhs.

Pawan Khera

NEW DELHI: The Congress on Wednesday sharpened its attack on union minister Hardeep Singh Puri over his remarks on alleged links to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein.Party leader Pawan Khera raised six-pointed questions and accused the minister of downplaying the seriousness of Epstein’s crimes.

The row escalated after Puri, responding to Lok Sabha leader of opposition Rahul Gandhi, said that he had met Epstein “three or four times” over eight years in a “professional capacity” and that the details were already in the public domain following the release of “three million emails”.Giving context to his attack, Khera referred to an alleged October 4, 2014, email exchange that is part of documents released by the US Department of Justice.Referring to how the interaction allegedly began, he wrote in a post on X, “Today, Hardeep Singh Puri said that his ‘contacts’ introduced him to Reid Hoffman. But what he didn’t say matters more. On October 4, 2014, Epstein emailed Hardeep: ‘Did Reid meeting happen?’ Hardeep replied within hours: ‘I am in SF for meeting this afternoon. You, my friend, make things happen. Any advice?’ Epstein responded: ‘Tell him you will organize his trip to India, to meet with science and tech people and social networking gurus.’”Khera then raised six questions:

He also added a post-script which read, “Almost surreal watching Hardeep lose his composure and stutter in anger. Hard to believe this is the same man who once represented India as a diplomat – what a dramatic fall in stature!”In a separate post, Khera accused Puri of trivialising Epstein’s conviction.“Did he just attempt to trivialise Epstein’s crimes? He says that in 2008 Epstein pleaded guilty to ‘soliciting favours of a woman who was underage. That’s it? An ‘underage woman’ is a minor. Basically, a child. And you reduce sexual exploitation of a child to ‘that’s it’? Epstein didn’t just face rumours. He pleaded guilty in a Florida court and was convicted. The crime was established in law. Yet you say ‘many of you had doubts.’ Doubts about what – his own confession?” he wrote.The Congress leader strongly criticised what he described as an attempt to downplay the seriousness of Epstein’s conviction and questioned the minister’s remarks on the issue.He wrote, “Must God descend from the heavens personally to confirm Epstein’s crime to you? It is deeply disturbing to hear an Indian Union Minister speak about sexual crimes against minors with such casual detachment. Public office demands moral clarity, not minimisation of abuse. Do us a favour, keep this monstrosity at home, and don’t ever come out justifying crimes against women and children like this!”At a press conference at the BJP headquarters, Puri accused Gandhi of making “baseless allegations” and said that his remarks in Parliament had “elements of buffoonery” and “entertainment value”.Clarifying his position, Puri said, “There are references to possibly three or four meetings in eight years… Any contact I had with him has no connection to the serious allegations of sexual abuse filed by victims.” He added, “My interaction had nothing to do with that,” stressing that the meetings were linked to his work as India’s Ambassador to the United Nations and later engagements with the International Peace Institute.The controversy began after Rahul Gandhi claimed he had “verified information” and alleged that “there are Department of Justice files on Epstein naming Hardeep Puri.” The exchange has since triggered a sharp political face-off between the ruling BJP and the Congress.