Arvind Kejriwal comes home to his family after the court verdict.

NEW DELHI: It was an emotional moment at the Kejriwal household on Friday after the names of former Delhi chief minister Arvind and his deputy CM Manish Sisodia were cleared in the liquor excise policy case.Arvind Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia were welcomed with flowers, tight embraces and emotional scenes after a Delhi court discharged them, refusing to take cognisance of the CBI chargesheet.

The atmosphere at Kejriwal house turned celebratory as Kejriwal and Sisodia was greeted with bouquets and hugs from family members and supporters. Arvind’s wife Sunita Kejriwal and their children embraced him as he arrived, marking an emotional moment after months of legal battles. Sisodia was also surrounded by party colleagues and supporters who congratulated him on the court’s decision.The Rouse Avenue Court discharged both leaders in the excise policy case, observing that the alleged central conspiratorial role could not be substantiated. The court noted that the allegations had “failed judicial scrutiny” and found “no criminal intent” on the part of Sisodia, adding that the conspiracy theory “cannot survive against one constitutional authority.”Reacting to the verdict, Sunita Kejriwal wrote on social media: “In this world, no matter how powerful one becomes, one cannot rise above Shiva Shakti. Truth always prevails.”Visibly emotional after the verdict, Kejriwal said he had full faith in the judicial system and maintained that the case was politically motivated. “Today, the court has discharged all accused in this case. We always said that the truth emerges victorious. We have full faith in the Indian legal system. Amit Shah and Modi ji together hatched the biggest political conspiracy to finish AAP and 5 big leaders of the party were put in jail. The sitting CM was dragged out of his house and put in jail. Kejriwal is not corrupt. I have only earned honesty in my life. Today, the court has said that Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia and AAP are honest,” he said.Kejriwal’s counsel Vivek Jain said the court had closely examined the evidence submitted by the CBI. “The court has said that it meticulously went through all evidence produced by CBI and not a shred of allegation can be said to cross the threshold of charge. The court has discharged them, saying that there is no allegation which can be held to be true in this matter. The court has also said that the framing of the excise policy was done through institutional safeguards, and there cannot be any doubt on the mannerism and the way the policy has been framed,” he said.The CBI had filed its first chargesheet in 2022, followed by multiple supplementary chargesheets, alleging that Rs 100 crore was paid by a “south lobby” to influence the now-scrapped excise policy.A total of 23 people were chargesheeted in the case, including Kejriwal and Sisodia. They have all been cleared by the court.

Goyal said that India’s proposed trade pact with the United States could be adjusted if necessary.

India-US trade deal: Commerce minister Piyush Goyal has said that India will continue to watch out for its interests and in the evolving situation around tariffs, the trade deal with the US may be rebalanced. Highlighting the uncertain global trade environment, Goyal said the situation remains fluid. Goyal’s comments assume significance after the US Supreme Court ruled that Donald Trump administration’s reciprocal tariffs are illegal. Soon after, Trump signed an executive order to impose a 10% global tariff on America’s trading partners, and this may be raised to 15%. Goyal’s comments also come a day after US commerce secretary Howard Lutnick met him in Delhi.

‘Focused on getting best trade deal with US’

Goyal said that India’s proposed trade pact with the United States could be adjusted if necessary, stressing that the country will safeguard its economic interests in view of changing tariff signals from Washington.“It’s an evolving situation. Trump administration has made some comments, they have other tools that they can use, next week they can increase it to 15%. Various dialogues are going on. I had said that if the circumstances change, the deal will be rebalanced,” Goyal reportedly said at a CNN-News 18 event.Referring to the mutual understanding between the two countries, the minister said the possibility of revising the agreement has already been acknowledged. “India-US joint statement says that should circumstances change, the deal will be rebalanced.”Goyal said India continues to remain in discussions with the United States as negotiations move forward. Commenting on potential tariff measures by Washington, he said India would closely monitor developments while ensuring its national interests remain protected.“On US tariffs: will wait and watch and ensure India’s best interests are protected.”He added that the US administration has several policy options at its disposal. “There are many tools that Trump administration can use in this evolving situation; one of them the 10% tariff move,” he said.Responding to concerns raised by the agriculture and dairy sectors, the minister said that key sensitive areas have been safeguarded in the proposed agreement.“No GM foods will come into India,” he said.He also stated that several farm-related sectors have been kept outside the scope of the arrangement. “Dairy, maize, soybean, poultry is exempt from US trade deal. We have preserved interests of farmers, dairy. No GM foods will come into India. The deal preserves our interests.”

NEW DELHI/PANAJI: A day after Goa Police identified 19-year-old BBA student Shaurya Goyal as the driver of the Mahindra Thar involved in the fatal Assagao crash, neighbours and friends in south Delhi’s Hauz Khas described him as a reserved youngster “focused on academics” and someone who “rarely drove”. Police said Goyal, a resident of south Delhi and a second-year BBA student at a private university near the capital, was behind the wheel when the Thar allegedly lost control and collided with a Hyundai i20 on Monday evening. The accident claimed the life of 65-year-old Bhopal tourist Bhagat Ram Sharma. An FIR was registered by Anjuna Police for causing death by negligence and rash driving. Goyal was arrested and later released on bail.

‘Mostly kept to himself’

At Y Block in Hauz Khas, residents recalled Goyal as a “quiet teenager” who largely kept to himself. “He was serious about his studies and usually came home on weekends,” said a neighbour. Another resident added, “I’ve seen him drive occasionally, but generally he took a cab for commuting.” Goyal is the elder of two siblings. His family is engaged in the jewellery business, while his younger sister is a school student.

Friends reject ‘seat-switching’ claims

A childhood friend said the 19-year-old was “extremely disturbed” by the developments following the crash. “We studied in the same school and grew up together. He has always been academically inclined. Many things circulating online — especially claims about seat-switching — are not true,” the friend said.

Police dismiss ‘woman driving’ speculation

While some eyewitnesses initially claimed a young woman was driving the Thar, Goa Police denied the assertion. “No witness told us that a girl was driving. CCTV footage clearly shows Shaurya Goyal at the wheel,” Anjuna Police Inspector Suraj Gawas said, adding that anyone with contrary information could approach investigators.

Crash details

According to police, the collision occurred around 5.50 pm near a junction in Assagao when the Thar, travelling from Mapusa towards Anjuna, allegedly went out of control and rammed into Sharma’s Hyundai i20 coming from the opposite direction. Sharma was rushed to the District Hospital in Mapusa and declared brought dead. His wife, Leela Sharma (59), sustained a leg fracture, while a three-month-old infant in the vehicle suffered minor injuries. Goyal’s medical examination ruled out alcohol consumption at the time of the accident. The investigation is being handled by PSI Saish Kinlekar.

Shock in Bhopal

Back in Bhopal’s Sundar Nagar, neighbours of Sharma expressed disbelief. “He and his wife had visited just days ago. We still can’t believe this,” said a long-time acquaintance. Sharma, who ran a TV repair business, is survived by his wife and three children, all IT professionals based in Delhi. With the legal proceedings underway in Goa, police said further investigation into the circumstances of the crash is continuing.

The second ODI between India Women and Australia Women at the Blundstone Arena in Hobart took a dramatic and disappointing turn for the visitors on Friday. After a promising start in their quest to level the series, the Women in Blue were left reeling following a disastrous brain fade involving set batter Pratika Rawal and skipper Harmanpreet Kaur. What should have been a foundation-building knock ended in a chaotic run-out that shifted the momentum entirely in favour of the clinical Australians.

Pratika Rawal’s costly mix-up ends in her run-out dismissal in 2nd ODI

The defining moment of the Indian innings occurred in the 23rd over. Rawal, who had been the backbone of the top order, had just reached a well-constructed half-century. She looked comfortable against the spin of Alana King, but the pressure of the Australian fielding eventually forced a fatal error in judgment.

At 22.2 overs, King tossed one up on off-stump. Rawal drove the ball firmly toward mid-on and immediately called for a single, sprinting down the pitch with conviction. However, at the non-striker’s end, Harmanpreet remained rooted to her crease, turning her back on the play after deciding the run was too risky.

By the time Rawal realized the lack of communication, she was three-quarters of the way down the track. With no hope of returning, Rawal didn’t even attempt a desperate dive; she simply watched as Annabel Sutherland gathered the ball cleanly and fired it to Beth Mooney, who whipped off the bails. Rawal departed for 52 off 81 balls, an innings decorated with six boundaries that deserved a much more dignified end.

Here’s the video:

The stuff of nightmares!

Pratika Rawal was set on 52 before this horror run out. #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/SyWsDmXFS0

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) February 27, 2026

Also READ: Here’s why Australian skipper Sophie Molineux is not playing today’s AUS-W vs IND-W 2nd ODI

Middle-order collapse leaves India scrambling for a fighting total against Australia

Rawal’s dismissal was the catalyst for a significant batting collapse. India had started steadily, with Rawal and Smriti Mandhana (31) putting on a 78-run opening stand. However, once Mandhana was cleaned up by Ashleigh Gardner, the floodgates opened.

By the 43rd over, India found themselves at 191/6. While Harmanpreet remained unbeaten on 35, the lack of support and the psychological blow of the Rawal run-out meant India struggled to reach a competitive total on a Hobart surface that demanded more. The brainfade didn’t just cost a wicket; it cost India the chance to put the world champions under genuine scoreboard pressure.

Also READ: ICC confirms fixtures of Women’s T20 World Cup 2026; India and Pakistan to face off in Edgbaston

This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.

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Shivam Dube, left, captain Suryakumar Yadav and Hardik Pandya (AP Photo)

NEW DELHI: The uncertainty surrounding India’s campaign at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 has finally cleared. After a dramatic round of Super 8 matches, the defending champions now have a straightforward path to the knockouts.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!South Africa’s commanding nine-wicket win over West Indies in Ahmedabad confirmed the Proteas’ place in the semi-finals from Group 1. Later in the day, India strengthened their position with a resounding 72-run victory over Zimbabwe in Chennai.With Zimbabwe eliminated and South Africa already through, the final Group 1 clash between India and West Indies at Eden Gardens on Sunday has effectively turned into a virtual quarterfinal.

India Semifinal Qualification Scenario

The equation is simple: India must beat the West Indies to qualify for the semi-finals.Both teams currently sit on two points from two matches. The winner of Sunday’s encounter will join South Africa in the last four.There is, however, one small caveat. If the match is washed out due to rain — and there is no reserve day — West Indies would advance on the basis of a superior net run rate, knocking India out of the tournament. At present, though, there is no forecast suggesting weather disruption in Kolkata.In short, the calculators are back in the bag. For India, it is purely a win-and-progress scenario.

India’s qualification push gathered serious momentum after a batting masterclass against Zimbabwe. Posting 256/4 — the second-highest total in men’s T20 World Cup history — India entertained home fans with a barrage of sixes.Abhishek Sharma returned to form with a blistering half-century, while Hardik Pandya and Tilak Varma provided a thunderous finish. Zimbabwe fought back through Brian Bennett’s unbeaten 97, but India’s bowlers ensured a comfortable victory.Earlier, South Africa’s clinical chase of 177 against West Indies reshaped the group. A rapid opening partnership between Aiden Markram and Quinton de Kock made light work of the target, underlining why the Proteas remain unbeaten in the tournament.

Tax officials cannot routinely apply the Black Money Act (BMA) merely because a person has been treated as a ‘resident’ after remaining in India for more than 181 days against their will. (AI image)

Delhi High Court’s recent order has changed the scope of imposing the Black Money law for individuals who have been forced to stay in India. The development has created a complication for Income Tax department as individuals who are prevented from leaving the country – including deported fugitives, defaulters subject to lookout circulars, extradited suspects, or those cooperating with investigative agencies – cannot automatically be compelled to reveal details of their overseas bank accounts, businesses, or assets.According to an ET report, Delhi High Court has stayed the income tax department’s directive requiring Dubai-based businessman Rajiv Saxena, extradited to India in January 2019 in connection with the AgustaWestland case, to furnish information on his foreign assets.

What the Delhi High Court Order Means

As a result, tax officials cannot routinely apply the Black Money Act (BMA) merely because a person has been treated as a ‘resident’ after remaining in India for more than 181 days against their will. Under the Black Money (Undisclosed Foreign Income and Assets) and Imposition of Tax Act, 2015, effective from July 1, 2015, individuals classified as residents are required to disclose overseas assets in their income tax returns.

The income tax department had maintained that the Income Tax Act does not differentiate between voluntary and involuntary residence. It argued that since the petitioner had been living in India from January 30, 2019 onward, he should be regarded as a resident and therefore subject to the provisions of the black money law.The court observed that if, during the course of proceedings, the petitioner is found not to qualify as a resident, action under the BMA cannot be pursued.According to the Income Tax Act, residents are liable to pay tax on income earned both in India and abroad, whereas non-resident Indians are not taxed on their foreign earnings. Although the Income Tax Department had sought information on Saxena’s overseas assets by treating him as a resident, it had not issued a formal order in the matter.This raises the issue of whether the BMA can be invoked if the duration of involuntary stay is excluded. In such a situation, the individual would be regarded as a non-resident, and the provisions of the BMA would not apply to non-residents. Introduced by a government that had prioritised the fight against corruption, the BMA was intended to address limitations in the Income Tax Act and enable taxation of undisclosed wealth held abroad, including funds parked in Swiss and offshore bank accounts, assets held through discretionary trusts in tax havens, and stakes in unlisted companies where the real beneficial owners remain concealed.

What legal experts are saying:

“There can be various reasons for involuntary stay, including passport revocation,” said Ashish Karundia, founder of the CA firm Ashish Karundia & Co. “There seems to be no ambiguity in the department’s intent. This was explicitly recognised in circulars no. 11/2020 and 2/2021 issued in not providing blanket exemptions, permitting limited, case-bycase relaxation even during the Covid-19 pandemic, when movements were restricted, and several non-residents were stuck here.”The tax authorities appear to take the view that granting relief beyond truly exceptional circumstances would undermine the legal framework. Such an approach could leave certain individuals without recognised tax residency in any country, effectively making them tax-stateless – an outcome that the Income Tax Act neither envisages nor intends, he said. Because the department followed a case-by-case policy at the time, many NRIs who were unable to travel abroad during the pandemic had to engage with tax authorities on their residential status.Ashish Mehta, partner at the law firm Khaitan & Co told ET that the Black Money Act does not establish a separate process for deciding residential status. Instead, it relies entirely on the classification determined under the Income Tax Act, 1961. Under these provisions, residency is largely decided by the number of days a person is physically present in India. He noted that this classification forms the basic framework for determining tax liability and disclosure requirements relating to foreign income and assets. He also pointed out that shortly before the BMA came into force, the Delhi High Court, in its 2015 judgment in the Suresh Nanda case, ruled that periods of compulsory or involuntary stay in India should be excluded when calculating the duration of presence for determining residential status.

Indore: In a startling turn of events inside a board examination centre, a class 10 student gave birth to a baby boy in the washroom while her mathematics paper was underway on Tuesday, sending shockwaves across the centre. The incident was reported in Dhar district, where the minor had gone to a private school designated as an examination centre. The minor later told the police that the child’s father is a youth from a nearby town with whom she had been in contact for the past two years, while her parents claimed that they were not aware of the minor’s medical condition.

Dhar ASP Parul Belapurkar said the student wrote her paper for nearly two hours before complaining of acute stomach pain and stepping out to use the washroom. Minutes later, the cries of a newborn alerted teachers, who rushed to the toilet and found that she had delivered a child. School authorities called the 108 ambulance service, and both the girl and the newborn were shifted to a nearby community health centre. Dhar CMHO Dr Anita Singhar said preliminary examination showed that the baby was born at 34 weeks of gestation. “The newborn weighs around 2kg and both mother and child were found stable. Considering the premature birth and low weight, doctors referred them to Dhar district hospital for specialised neonatal care. Pediatricians are monitoring the infant, while the minor remains under medical supervision,” she said. Police said the girl’s family claimed they were unaware of the pregnancy and were shocked by the development. Her mother told investigators that they had no information about her condition. The family also stated that the girl had been engaged and that they were planning her marriage after she turned 18. “A zero FIR has been registered under Sections of rape and relevant provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. Investigation is underway,” Belapurkar said.Legal experts, commenting on whether her parents could face legal action in such cases, said action is possible only if it is established that they were aware of the pregnancy and yet failed to act.“If the minor states that her parents had prior knowledge, it could invite proceedings. However, there have been cases where families remained unaware, particularly when the girl wore loose clothing and did not display visible signs. In the absence of proof of knowledge or negligence, fixing liability on parents could be difficult,” advocate Abhinav Dhanodkar said.Under Section 19(1), 21 of POCSO Act, non-reporting of sexual assault against a minor despite knowledge is a serious crime and more often than not, it is an attempt to shield the offender,” Dhanodkar added.

Colombo’s R. Premadasa Stadium is gearing up for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 clash as England take on New Zealand on February 27.

So far, England have looked sharp in this phase, registering convincing wins over Sri Lanka and Pakistan. Their campaign has been clinical, though questions remain around Jos Buttler’s form with the bat after a string of low scores. The reassuring sign for England has been skipper Harry Brook’s explosive century against Pakistan, which has strengthened the middle order and boosted confidence within the camp.

New Zealand’s journey hasn’t been as straightforward. A rain-hit fixture against Pakistan denied them momentum early on, but they bounced back impressively with a dominant win over Sri Lanka. A win in the upcoming contest will take the Blackcaps to the top in Group 2, along with a guaranteed semifinal spot.

R. Premadasa Stadium Pitch Report

The R. Premadasa Stadium is known for a pitch that changes character as the game unfolds. Early on, the black-soil surface offers reliable bounce, allowing batters to trust the carry and play their shots with confidence. But as the match moves forward, the wicket tends to slow down and grip, bringing spinners firmly into the contest. The middle overs, in particular, often become a testing phase, with turn and occasional variable bounce challenging stroke-makers.

Fast bowlers usually don’t get much help in terms of seam or swing, even under lights. That makes the powerplay crucial for batters, who need to make the most of the harder new ball before conditions get tougher. Once the ball gets older and the surface begins to tire, scoring freely becomes a bigger challenge, especially against quality spin. It’s a venue where smart pacing of an innings can make all the difference.

Also READ: ENG vs NZ, T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 Match Prediction – Who will win today’s game between England and New Zealand?

R. Premadasa Stadium T20I Stats and Records

• Matches played: 65
• Matches won batting first: 28
• Matches won bowling first: 36
• Average 1st innings score: 145
• Average 2nd innings score: 129
• Highest total recorded: 215/5 (19.4 Overs) by Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka
• Lowest total recorded: 80/10 (17.2 Overs) by Afghanistan vs England
• Highest score chased: 215/5 (19.4 Overs) by Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka
• Lowest score defended: 115/6 (20 Overs) by South Africa vs Sri Lanka

Also READ: India’s T20 World Cup 2026 semi-final qualification scenario after thumping win over Zimbabwe