Manu Bhaker (Getty Images)

Olympic double bronze medallist Manu Bhaker endured a heartbreakingly close finish at the Asian Championship on Monday, settling for silver in the women’s 25m pistol after losing a tense shoot-off, while compatriot Esha Singh added to India’s medal tally with a bronze. The final was one of the tightest contests of the championship, with Manu and Vietnam’s Nguyen Thuy Trang locked in a gripping duel. Both shooters finished regulation with identical scores of 35, forcing a shoot-off in which Trang held her nerve to clinch gold. The medal battle remained on a knife-edge throughout, with Trang, Manu, Esha and fellow Indian Olympian Rhythm Sangwan all in contention for the top spot for much of the final. Esha made a strong start, opening with a perfect five in the first series, while Manu and Trang managed four each. The standings kept shifting after every series, reflecting the intense pressure of the contest. A flawless sixth series gave Trang a crucial two-point cushion, but the door reopened when she faltered in the seventh, hitting just one target. Manu and Esha seized the opportunity to close the gap and reignite the contest. Esha briefly took charge and led with a score of 30 after the eighth series, but a dramatic turn followed in the ninth when she failed to register a hit, ending her gold hopes and consigning her to the bronze medal. In the decisive final series, Manu struck three targets and Trang two, levelling both shooters on 35 and setting up a nail-biting shoot-off. The Vietnamese shooter, however, prevailed in the sudden-death phase, leaving Manu to settle for silver after coming within touching distance of the top step. Earlier in the day, Esha had topped the qualification round, which included the precision and duelling stages, with an impressive 589. Manu followed closely with 584 as three Indian shooters progressed to the eight-athlete final. India also dominated the team event, with Esha, Manu and Sangwan combining for a total of 1,751 to claim gold, ahead of Chinese Taipei (1,735) and Vietnam (1,729). There was further success in the junior category, where Naamya Kapoor clinched gold in the 25m pistol junior final after another tense shoot-off. Kapoor, already the youngest Indian to win a World Championship medal, tied with Indonesia’s Rihadatul Asyifa on 29 in regulation before producing three hits in the shoot-off as her rival missed all. Anjali Bhagwat secured the bronze with a score of 24, while the Indian junior team also finished atop the podium in the team event.

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Monday termed the siphoning of over Rs 54,000 crore through digital arrests as nothing short of “robbery or dacoity” and directed the Centre to formulate a standard operating procedure (SoP) to tackle such offences.A bench led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, along with Justices Joymalya Bagchi and NV Anjaria, noted that the money lost to digital fraud exceeds the annual budgets of several small states.“These offences may occur due to either collusion or negligence on the part of bank officials. This necessitates prompt action by the RBI and banks,” the bench observed, according to PTI.The top court pointed out that the Reserve Bank of India has already framed an SoP requiring banks to temporarily block debit cards to prevent cyber-enabled fraud. It directed the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to examine the RBI’s SoP, along with similar protocols or decisions taken by the Department of Telecom (DoT), and prepare a draft memorandum of understanding (MoU) within four weeks to effectively address such crimes.The bench also instructed the CBI to identify cases involving digital arrests and directed the Gujarat and Delhi governments to grant sanction to the agency to proceed with investigations in these matters.Further, the Supreme Court asked the RBI, DoT, and other stakeholders to hold a joint meeting and develop a framework for compensating victims of digital arrest scams. Emphasising the need for a “pragmatic and liberal approach” in awarding compensation, the court posted the matter for further hearing after four weeks and asked authorities to submit fresh status reports before the next date.Earlier, on December 16 last year, the bench had asked the Centre to consider suggestions made by the amicus curiae on ensuring compensation for victims, while expressing concern over the massive sums siphoned out of the country by cybercriminals. On December 1, it had directed the CBI to conduct a unified pan-India probe into digital arrest cases and questioned the RBI on why artificial intelligence was not being used to trace and freeze bank accounts linked to such crimes.Digital arrest is an emerging form of cybercrime in which fraudsters impersonate law-enforcement officials, court authorities, or government personnel to intimidate victims through audio or video calls, hold them virtually hostage, and coerce them into transferring money.

When exchanges are active and predictable, FPOs can aggregate produce and hedge prices before harvest. (AI image)

By Dr. Arun Raste, MD and CEO, NCDEXIndian agriculture has always had the backing of strong public policy support. Systems like MSP, procurement and buffer stocking have played a stabilising role for decades. They give confidence to farmers and ensure food security for the country. These safeguards remain important. But agriculture today operates in a very different environment. Climate events are more frequent. Global prices move faster. Trade flows shift suddenly. In such a world, income stability for farmers depends not only on post-harvest support, but also on pre-harvest price visibility.Farmers make sowing decisions months before they sell. What they need most is an early signal of where prices may move. This is where commodity derivatives markets play a role. Futures and options markets do not replace existing systems. They complement them. They convert uncertainty into manageable risk.

Globally, this approach is normal practice.Price Risk Systems Across the WorldDuring the COVID period, global crude oil prices briefly turned negative. Many oil-exporting countries faced extreme volatility. Yet their economies did not collapse. One reason was structured hedging by producers, institutions and governments. Risk was transferred through exchanges instead of being absorbed suddenly by public finances.China offers another example. The Dalian Commodity Exchange has grown manifold over the past two decades. Agricultural contracts there guide production, trade and processing decisions. Government-linked and institutional entities participate in these markets within defined frameworks. Their presence adds liquidity, credibility and continuity. Farmers and cooperatives trust the system because it does not disappear during volatility.Several countries follow similar models where public institutions hedge commercial exposures transparently. This does not mean speculation. It means professional risk management. When credible institutions participate, markets become deeper, price signals improve and confidence rises across the value chain.India’s farmers and FPOs can benefit from the same ecosystemWhen exchanges are active and predictable, FPOs can aggregate produce and hedge prices before harvest. This helps them negotiate better with buyers. It improves access to credit because revenues become more predictable. It reduces distress selling. Over time, it builds a culture of planned farming instead of reactive selling.This becomes even more important in the context of expanding global trade.India on the Global PlatformThe recent India–US trade engagement signals deeper agricultural trade integration ahead. As markets open further, Indian farmers will be more exposed to global price movements — both opportunities and risks. Export-oriented crops, oilseeds and pulses can see sharper swings based on international supply conditions. Domestic commodity exchanges help manage this transition. They allow Indian producers to benchmark prices, hedge risks and stay competitive in global value chains.Tariff structures also influence farmer incomes. For example, India’s tariff policy on US pulses is designed to balance domestic farmer interests with consumer needs. When global supplies change or trade terms evolve, price movements can be swift. Without hedging tools, farmers bear this volatility directly. With exchange-based risk management, part of this uncertainty can be smoothed.Stronger domestic exchanges therefore act as economic shock absorbers. They improve price discovery. They align expectations between farmers, traders, processors and exporters. They reduce sudden market surprises. They also help policymakers because forward prices reflect real-time supply and demand signals.Institutional participation can further strengthen this system. When government-linked agencies hedge commercial exposures in a transparent and well-governed manner, it builds market depth and long-term trust. It reassures farmers that markets will remain functional across crop cycles. It supports smoother procurement planning and reduces extreme financial swings.This is not about replacing existing farmer support structures. It is about strengthening them with modern risk-management tools. MSP provides a floor. Markets provide foresight. Together, they create resilience.Stronger Markets, Stronger FarmersAs Indian agriculture integrates more deeply with global trade, the question is no longer whether price volatility will rise. It is how well farmers are equipped to handle it. Reliable commodity exchanges, active institutional participation and accessible hedging tools can give farmers and FPOs greater control over their incomes.Stronger markets ultimately mean stronger farmers — and a more stable agricultural economy for the country.

KALYAN: Malang Gad hill, popularly known as Haji Malang, has witnessed a major transformation since the launch of India’s longest funicular railway last month. The new railway has resulted in a four- to five-fold increase in the number of devotees visiting the historic shrine as well as tourists exploring the scenic hill, giving a strong boost to religious tourism and the local economy.The sharp rise in footfall has benefited 2,500 to 3,000 residents living on the hill. Most locals earn their livelihood by selling flower garlands to devotees, running hotels, shops, and operating guest houses near the shrine. Around 72,000 passengers have used the funicular railway in the last three weeks. On average, 3,500 passengers use the service every day. On peak days, the number crosses 8,000. Officials from the company operating the railway have said that considering the growing public demand, plans are underway to increase the frequency of trips as they have capacity to carry up to 16,000 passengers aday.

The shrine, located at an altitude of 2,590 ft, holds immense religious importance. Muslims believe it to be the dargah of Sufi saint Haji Malang Baba, while Hindus regard it as the samadhi of Baba Machindranath. Although the matter is currently under legal consideration, devotees from both communities continue to visit the site in large numbers. In addition to pilgrimage, Malang Gad is also a well-known trekking destination, attracting adventure enthusiasts to nearby Balekilla (fort on top of hill), situated at a height of 3,200 ft.With the funicular railway now in operation, a journey that earlier took nearly two and a half hours on foot can be completed in just seven minutes. Despite this convenience, many tourists and trekkers still prefer the traditional route, climbing 2,600 steps to enjoy the trekking experience during a two-and-ahalf-hour ascent.The funicular railway project was implemented through the Public Works Department (PWD) and constructed by Supreme Infrastructure India Limited. Company Director Pankaj Sharma said the railway is 1,174 meters long, making it the longest funicular railway in India.Supreme Infrastructure’s Chief Operating Officer, Zaheer Sheikh Ahmed, who has been associated with the project for the past 13 years, said construction on the hill posed several challenges. The work had to strictly follow guidelines of the Forest Department, Matheran EcoSensitive Zone, Ministry of Environment and Forests, and the Central Empowered Committee. Construction materials were manually transported using local labour, often under difficult weather conditions.

MUMBAI: Residents of several high-rise residential complexes in Sewri have announced a silent march this weekend to protest what they describe as years of civic apathy and unchecked illegal activity in the area. The protest focuses on unauthorised hawking, encroached footpaths, illegal parking and persistent noise pollution—issues residents say have made daily life increasingly unsafe and unliveable. The agitation follows repeated complaints to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), police and elected representatives. Residents allege that enforcement has been sporadic and largely cosmetic. Locals claim the situation has worsened to the point that confrontations between residents and hawkers have begun. Residents of Dosti Flamingo, a large housing complex with around 2,500 residents across multiple towers, say they have been most affected. Rajendra Ghag, secretary of the society, said the problems have continued for nearly a decade despite repeated follow-ups. “For the past 10 years, we have raised complaints. There is no proper footpath, roads are taken over by hawkers, and unauthorised parking leaves no space even to walk. On top of this, loudspeakers blare throughout the year at the BMC ground during kabaddi matches, cricket tournaments and community events. It has become impossible to live peacefully,” Ghag said. He added that the issues affect at least 15,000 people living in eight to ten high-rise buildings, including Ashoka Gardens, Celestia Spaces, Lodha Aria, Rishabh Garden, Crimpton Tower and Girnar Tower. Residents also flagged the unauthorised Ram Tekdi fish market and hawker clusters near Sewri market and along T J Road, alleging that these operate with local political patronage. “There is a perception that high-rise residents do not face civic problems. This protest is meant to break that myth,” Ghag said. Another resident, Minitha Saxena, said temporary action was not a solution. “Hawkers are removed for a few days and then return. We do not want token action. Either relocate them to a suitable place or enforce the law consistently,” she said. Saarthi Mukherjee, a local resident, said pedestrian safety had been severely compromised. “It has become impossible to walk on this road. Vehicles are forced to brush past pedestrians. Children cannot cross safely,” he said, adding, “We are peace-loving, tax-paying citizens. Hundreds of voters here have been deprived of basic civic rights.” Residents said they have submitted memorandums and met candidates across party lines, but enforcement has remained inconsistent. The silent march, scheduled for February 14, will be conducted in accordance with police guidelines. Ghag said that if authorities take firm and permanent action before then, residents are willing to publicly felicitate officials from the BMC, police and RTO as a gesture of appreciation. “This is not political. This is about basic civic order. Enough is enough,” he said.

Kritika Kamra and Gaurav Kapur made their relationship Instagram official in December last year. And now, according to the latest development, the couple is set to take their relationship to the next level. Reportedly, the duo will get married very soon. Let’s learn more about it.

Kriti Kamra and Gaurav Kapur to tie the knot

According to the Hindustan Times, Kritika Kamra and Gaurav Kapur will probably tie the knot in the next two months. A source told the publication, “Kritika and Gaurav are in a happy space together and ready to take their relationship to the next level. They are planning to tie the knot in March end or in the first week of April.”As per the report, the couple will get married in Mumbai in the presence of their family and friends. Reportedly, the duo is finalizing the wedding festivities. The insider further told the website that Kritika and Gaurav will be hosting a reception for their industry friends in Mumbai.

Kritika Kamra makes their relationship official

Back in December 2025, Kritika Kamra took to her Instagram account to share pictures of them having breakfast together. She captioned the post “Breakfast with” and decided to leave it incomplete. Soon, fans figured out the message and congratulated her in the comment section of the post.Celebs like Angad Bedi, Pooja Gor, Anup Soni, Nakuul Mehta, Drashti Dhami, and more commented on the post congratulating the duo.

More about the couple

Kritika Kamra and Gaurav Kapur celebrated their New Year’s Eve together in Jaisalmer. The actress posted pictures from their short vacation with a caption that read, “Fell into ‘26 nicely.”On the work front, the actress was last seen in an OTT film, ‘The Great Shamsuddin Family’. It was premiered in the year 2025. She will next feature in the movie titled ‘Matka King’, The release date of the project is yet to be announced.

In a moment that reflected calm leadership and old-school bonding, Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir opened the doors of his Delhi residence to the entire Team India squad on Sunday evening, hosting a team dinner ahead of their T20 World Cup 2026 group-stage clash against Namibia. With expectations soaring and the tournament intensity gradually building, the gathering offered players and support staff a welcome pause away from floodlights, nets, and strategy boards.

India, who are co-hosting the global event, arrived in the national capital after edging past the USA in a tricky opening Group A encounter. Before shifting full focus to the February 12 contest at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Gambhir’s gesture brought a homely touch to an otherwise demanding schedule.

Viral visuals capture warm reception at Gautam Gambhir’s home

A short video clip from the evening has since gone viral across social media platforms, showing Indian players arriving at the coach’s residence and being personally greeted by Gambhir and his family. The smiles, handshakes, and relaxed body language painted a picture far removed from match-day nerves.

Among those present were captain Suryakumar Yadav, all-rounder Hardik Pandya, and young opener Abhishek Sharma, alongside the rest of the playing group and support staff. The informal setting underlined Gambhir’s belief in fostering personal connections, especially during long tournaments where mental freshness can be as vital as physical fitness.

Here’s the video:

कोच @GautamGambhir के घर भारतीय टीम… pic.twitter.com/dxH9JQ4N7z

— Abhishek Tripathi / अभिषेक त्रिपाठी (@abhishereporter) February 8, 2026

Not a one-off gesture from the head coach

This dinner wasn’t an isolated act. During his coaching tenure, Gambhir has often leaned on familiarity and comfort to strengthen team culture. A similar gathering was organised last year during the home Test series against the West Indies, an initiative that was well received within the dressing room. Such moments, though away from the spotlight, often play a quiet role in shaping team unity.

Also WATCH: Suryakumar Yadav pokes fun at Arshdeep Singh after India’s thrilling win over USA in T20 World Cup 2026

India eye momentum against Namibia

On the cricketing front, India will be keen to carry momentum into their second Group A fixture against Namibia on February 12 at Arun Jaitley Stadium. The Men in Blue began their campaign with a 29-run win over the USA, though the performance came with a few concerns.

India’s batting struggled for fluency, with wickets falling at regular intervals. The standout, however, was skipper Suryakumar, whose commanding 84 off 49 balls anchored the innings and lifted India to a defendable total. The bowlers then stepped up collectively to seal the win.

Against Namibia, fans will expect a more complete display, especially from the batting unit. With home conditions and crowd support on their side, India will look to stamp their authority early and reinforce their status as tournament favourites.

Also READ: ICC–PCB talks in Lahore as Pakistan rethinks India match boycott at T20 World Cup 2026

The Afghanistan fans added to the colour at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Sunday.

CHENNAI: On the eve of their T20 World Cup campaign opener against New Zealand, Afghanistan skipper Rashid Khan said his biggest dream is to see international cricket being played on Afghan soil.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!“To play international cricket back home is bigger than the World Cup. For me, for the team, and for every individual, that’s something more than a dream,” Rashid had said.

And for the Afghan fans who travel with the team whenever they can, it will be a moment that they have cherished all their lives. On Sunday morning here, when TOI caught up with a few passionate Afghan fans from Kabul at the MA Chidambaram Stadium gallery, they spoke about the dream that they share with their skipper. Draped in either their national attire or Afghan team jersey, they never lost their voices even though New Zealand closed in on the chase of 183.“Inshallah, ek din (one day)…It will be really great. It’s a massive dream for every cricket fan back home. We want to host India for our first international match in Afghanistan because India and we are like brothers. It’s our second favourite team in the World Cup,” Jawad Ahmadi, one of the young Afghan fans, said.Afghanistan as a country has endured a lot. But their undying love for cricket is something that helps them deal with the difficulties of life. And now, with every passing day, the Afghanistan team is looking a stronger unit — their run to the semifinals of the last T20 World Cup being a case in point. “The sport back home is growing day by day. But it will take quite some time to reach the level of India. But let me tell you, we are as crazy about cricket as you guys are. We know how to celebrate, you can take a cue from us,” Ahmadi said with a smile. “But yes, overall, small steps are being taken to develop the sport and we hope to be a big and strong team in the future.”While Rashid is the current face of Afghan cricket, former skipper Mohammad Nabi is widely regarded as its torchbearer. For the fans, it’s a healthy debate, ‘who means more for Afghan cricket’?“Rashid is our hero. Back home, everyone loves Rashid Khan and the way he keeps taking the Afghanistan flag higher in cricket is great. He has helped improve facilities and has inspired so many youngsters to take up the sport, which is just wonderful,” said Jawad.His friend Abdul, a club-level cricketer, had a different view. “I took up cricket because of Nabi. Nabi is the real hero for us; he has been there from the beginning, so we admire him a lot. The way Nabi and his generation started out without many facilities and still kept going…that’s just amazing.”