Mumbai: Bombay high court on Tuesday partly sustained and partly set aside an arbitral award passed in Aug 2023 in favour of Mumbai Metro One Pvt Ltd (MMOPL), which operates the Versova-Andheri-Ghatkopar Metro line 1, in an over Rs 1,000-crore dispute linked to construction, operation and maintenance.The arbitrators had said MMRDA should pay MMOPL over Rs 990 crore, including Rs 497 crore for cost escalation due to delay, with interest, as well as Rs 1 crore as costs. HC, on a challenge filed by MMRDA against the arbitrators’ decision, upheld MMOPL’s claims over the rise in cost due to delay but reduced the amount awarded for it to Rs 163 crore. It also found no merit in almost Rs 250 crore awarded by the panel to MMOPL and rejected its claims of Rs 100 crore as additional overhead expenses, Rs 125 crore as additional interest and financing expenditure, and Rs 23.5 crore towards loss of profit. HC held that the arbitrators “awarded a huge sum of Rs 100 crore (damages due to delay) to MMOPL in the absence of a scrap of evidence”. Justice Sandeep Marne, who decided MMRDA’s challenge to the arbitral award, accepted some of the state planning authority’s contentions against MMOPL. The dispute stemmed from a March 2007 agreement over Mumbai’s first Metro line. MMRDA was the project implementing agency for the project and MMOPL was the special purpose vehicle, in which MMRDA held a 26% stake. A consortium of Anil Ambani-led Reliance Infrastructure Ltd and Veolia Transport SA was also a stakeholder. In 2014, MMOPL claimed Rs 1,162 crore from MMRDA as cost escalation following litigation over certain land parcels; MMRDA objected. Both then got locked in a legal tussle. In 2024, MMRDA challenged a majority decision of a three-member arbitral panel. The arbitrators upheld a claim made by MMOPL in 2014 of an increase in the project cost from Rs 2,356 crore to Rs 4,026 crore due to a delay, and held MMRDA responsible for delay in execution of work by failing to secure “right of way”. Not only did HC reduce the delay escalation amount over increase in “cost of systems work”, with interest, it also slashed the costs payable by MMRDA from Rs 1 crore to Rs 50 lakh, even as it said it only upheld the award partially. The arbitrators were former Supreme Court judges—Shivraj V Patil, B P Jeevan Reddy and Gyansudha Misra. MMRDA also made huge counter-claims. The arbitrators rejected MMRDA’s counter-claims and by 2:1 majority, they partially allowed MMOPL’s claims. HC noted on Tuesday that the arbitrators, against a final difference of Rs 1,676 crore in project cost, awarded Rs 497 crore with interest to MMOPL and allowed only four of six claims. The costs also rose due to an increase in the cost of purchasing foreign exchange, it noted, finding “no perversity in the assessment of additional expenditure made by the tribunal”. “Can it be said that even if MMRDA is found responsible for delay in completion of project, MMOPL must bear the entire increase in the cost of project? The answer appears, to my mind, to be emphatic in the negative,” Justice Marne said. Justice Marne heard at length senior counsel J P Sen for MMRDA and senior counsel J J Bhatt for MMOPL. Sen argued that the award and the arbitrators’ findings against MMRDA were inconsistent, perverse and patently illegal. Bhatt said the four claims that were allowed were backed with cogent reasons by the arbitrators and MMRDA’s challenge and grounds raised were beyond the scope of Arbitration Act. MMOPL said the delay hiked the project cost from Rs 2,356 crore to Rs 4,026 crore. Last June, when MMRDA sought a stay, HC granted a conditional stay after asking the authority to deposit “the entire award amount with interest up to May 31, 2025” (Rs 1,169 crore). MMRDA, aggrieved, approached Supreme Court, which in July reduced the deposit amount to 50% (Rs 560 crore) and allowed HC to hear and decide the challenge. Justice Marne said after all calculations, “In the event the amount under the modified award is less than the amount deposited in the court together with accrued interest, after transfer of due amount to escrow account, balance amount shall be refunded to MMRDA”, and if it exceeds, the HC registry shall transfer the entire deposited amount to the escrow account.

FARIDABAD: A 15-year-old boy was killed and two of his friends were critically injured after their Thar SUV plunged nearly 50 feet into a gorge in Sirohi village of Faridabad on Tuesday afternoon while they were filming a stunt video in the Aravalli hills.The deceased, Vedang Babu alias Sohan (15), a Class 9 student originally from Siwan district in Bihar and currently living in Karnera village of Ballabhgarh, was declared dead at Al-Falah Medical College and hospital. The injured — Vikas Kumar (21), who was driving the vehicle, and Himmat — are stated to be in critical condition. A fourth companion, Vikram, sustained minor injuries.The accident occurred around 2.30pm when the four friends drove a Thar SUV off the main road onto a rough trail in the hills near Sirohi village, around 18–20 km from Faridabad headquarters. Police said the group had reached close to a 50–60 ft deep gorge and were making reels while performing stunts inside the vehicle.During this, the SUV suddenly went into reverse gear and rolled into the gorge, shattering on impact.Locals passing through the trail witnessed the vehicle fall and alerted police and villagers. Residents rushed to the spot, climbed down into the gorge and pulled out the injured youths before police arrived. The three seriously injured were taken to Al-Falah Medical College, where doctors declared Sohan dead.Police shifted the body to the mortuary of BK Hospital for post-mortem and informed the family. A cop at Dhauj police station said statements of the injured will be recorded to ascertain the exact sequence of events.A police officer said Vikas Kumar, a resident of Balaji Colony in Karnera village, was driving the Thar, which is registered in Deoria district of Uttar Pradesh. His family had brought the vehicle to Faridabad about a month ago. Vikas is self-employed, cops said.Sohan’s father, Pramod, works in a private company. The family hails from Bihar’s Siwan district and lives in Ballabhgarh.Police and local authorities remained at the site till late evening, using a crane to retrieve the mangled vehicle from the gorge.Sirohi village, nestled in the Aravalli hills along Ballabhgarh-Sohna Road, is known for its rocky terrain and lakes formed due to past mining activity. One such waterbody, Panikot Lake — also called Sirohi Lake — draws visitors from Delhi-NCR for photography and short trips, earning the area the nickname “Mini Ladakh.”

Navi Mumbai: Union home minister will attend a mass commemorative programme being organised this Sunday in Kharghar, Navi Mumbai, as part of a two-day event to mark the 350th martyrdom year of Guru Tegh Bahadur. PM Narendra Modi will join it virtually.CMs of Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan, MP, UP and Gujarat, three governors, former TN BJP chief K Annamalai, yoga guru Ramdev, and spiritual leader Dhiren Shastri are expected to attend the two-day event, beginning Saturday. CM Devendra Fadnavis and deputy CMs Eknath Shinde and Sunetra Pawar will be present on both days. Over 20 lakh devotees from across the country are expected to turn up, said Vijay Suryavanshi, Konkan divisional commissioner. There will be spiritual discourses, jagrans and kirtans, presentations, community dialogue, an exhibition featuring historical records, books and other literature, and traditional sword-fighting demonstrations. Event coordinator Rameshwar Naik said members of Sikh, Sikligar, Banjara, Labana, Mohyal and Sindhi communities are expected to attend. Healthcare facilities will be available for visitors. The objective of the event is to convey to the younger generation the historical significance of Guru Tegh Bahadur’s martyrdom and its deep connection with constitutional values, religious freedom, equality and justice, said Naik. Navi Mumbai and Panvel civic bodies, along with the Konkan divisional commissionerate, are pulling out all the stops to make the event a success. Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation is installing over 1,000 mobile toilets and making seating arrangements for thousands of devotees. As a prelude to the mega event, a nagar kirtan will be organised on Friday, which is expected to see about 50,000 participants from Belapur to Kharghar. —B B Nayak

A high-voltage T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 clash awaits as two-time champions West Indies take on last edition’s runners-up South Africa at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Thursday, February 26.

Both sides began the Super 8 phase with commanding wins, and this fixture could go a long way in shaping the semifinal race. With momentum on their side, each team will see this as a chance to underline its title ambitions.

West Indies currently lead Group 1 after a crushing 107-run victory over Zimbabwe, a result that boosted their net run rate significantly. South Africa are close behind, having stunned defending champions India with a convincing 76-run win. Another victory here would almost seal a place in the last four, while defeat would leave everything riding on the final group match.

WI vs SA, T20 World Cup 2026: Match Details

• Date and Time: February 26 (Thursday); 07:00 pm IST / 1:30 am GMT
• Venue: Narendra Modi Stadium, Mumbai

WI vs SA, Head-to-Head Record in T20Is

Matches played: 26| South Africa won: 12 | West Indies won: 14 | No result: 0

Narendra Modi Stadium Pitch Report

The Narendra Modi Stadium surface is likely to offer a fair battle between bat and ball. Early in the innings, stroke-making may not be straightforward, so batters will need to settle in and build their innings carefully rather than going hard from the first ball. Once they get their eye in, though, the pitch tends to play better, allowing them to expand their range and increase the scoring rate.

For bowlers, breakthroughs might not come easily on what is generally a true surface. The large outfield can also limit boundaries, turning well-timed shots into singles. To succeed, bowlers must stay disciplined, vary their pace and lengths, and consistently hit tight lines to create pressure and force mistakes.

Squads

West Indies: Brandon King, Shai Hope (c & wk), Shimron Hetmyer, Roston Chase, Sherfane Rutherford, Rovman Powell, Jason Holder, Matthew Forde, Akeal Hosein, Gudakesh Motie, Shamar Joseph, Romario Shepherd, Jayden Seales, Quentin Sampson, Johnson Charles

South Africa: Aiden Markram (c), Quinton de Kock (wk), Ryan Rickelton, Dewald Brevis, David Miller, Tristan Stubbs, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, George Linde, Kwena Maphaka, Jason Smith

Also READ: T20 World Cup 2026 – Reason behind David Miller-Washington Sundar spat during IND vs SA Super 8 match

WI vs SA, T20 World Cup 2026: Today’s Match Prediction

Case 1:

• West Indies wins the toss and bats first
• West Indies’ powerplay score: 30-40 (6 overs)
• West Indies’ total score: 160-170

Case 2:

• South Africa wins the toss and bats first
• South Africa’s powerplay score: 50-60 (6 overs)
• South Africa’s total score: 190-200

Match result: South Africa to win the contest.

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

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu shared a car ride on Wednesday after delivering speeches at the Knesset, the Israeli parliament. The two leaders were en route to a technology exhibition highlighting advancements and innovation, following their official engagements at the parliament.Israeli PM Netanyahu shared the picture and wrote in Hindi, “हम साथ आगे बढ़ रहे हैं-और तकनीक व नवाचार में भारत-इज़राइल साझेदारी को और मजबूत बना रहे हैं।” (We are moving forward together—and strengthening the India-Israel partnership in technology and innovation.”)Earlier, PM Modi addressed the Knesset and interacted with its members, emphasising the longstanding friendship between India and Israel. He highlighted the strong goodwill shared by the people of India toward the people of Israel.“It’s been an honour to address the Knesset. It was also a delight to interact with distinguished members of the Knesset. My address covered the deep-rooted friendship between our nations and the goodwill of the people of India towards the people of Israel,” PM Modi said through a post on X.The Knesset on Wednesday conferred the “Speaker of the Knesset Medal”, its highest honour, on Prime Minister Narendra Modi.The award was presented in recognition of his “exceptional contribution through his personal leadership” in strengthening strategic relations between India and Israel. It was conferred following his address to the Israeli Parliament.“Long before we related to each other as modern States, we were linked by ties that go back more than two thousand years. The Book of Esther refers to India as Hodu. The Talmud records trade with India in ancient times,” PM Modi said in his speech addressing the parliament. PM Modi said the foundation of the India–Israel partnership lies in the strong bonds between their people.Recalling his 2006 visit to Israel, he noted that yoga had since gained widespread popularity across the country, with centres now common in many neighbourhoods. He also observed growing interest in Ayurveda and encouraged young Israelis to visit India to experience its cultural vibrancy and traditions of holistic wellness.The strongest applause from those present came when Benjamin Netanyahu recalled Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s unequivocal condemnation of the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, and his expression of solidarity with Israel in its aftermath.“There is another reason for the love for you here in Israel: Right after the horrific attack on October 7, you supported Israel so morally. You didn’t flinch or waver, you stood by Israel and stood by the Jews. Thank you”, Netanyahu said.The visit, undertaken at the invitation of Netanyahu, marks Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s second trip to Israel. His first, in 2017, was a landmark occasion as he became the first Indian prime minister to visit the country.

Sikandar Raza of Zimbabwe (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)

Veteran Zimbabwe all-rounder Sikandar Raza stands on the brink of history as he closes in on a major personal milestone in T20I cricket. The Zimbabwe captain needs just 15 more runs to become the first player from his country to reach 3000 runs in the shortest international format.Raza is expected to target the landmark in Zimbabwe’s must-win Super Eight clash against defending champions India national cricket team at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Thursday in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.

So far, Raza has accumulated 2985 runs in 131 matches and 126 innings, averaging 26.18. His record in T20Is includes 16 half-centuries and one century.If he achieves the feat, Raza will become the 14th batter overall to cross the 3000-run mark in T20Is, joining an elite list featuring Babar Azam, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Jos Buttler, Paul Stirling, Martin Guptill, Mohammad Rizwan, Muhammad Waseem, David Warner, Suryakumar Yadav, Virandeep Singh, Aaron Finch and Quinton de Kock.Meanwhile, Zimbabwe all-rounder Ryan Burl underlined the importance of the upcoming fixture. Zimbabwe were heavily beaten by the West Indies cricket team in their first Super Eight match at the Wankhede Stadium, losing by 107 runs while chasing a daunting 255.With both Zimbabwe and India desperate to keep their semi-final hopes alive, Burl acknowledged the magnitude of the contest.“It is a must-win match for us; it’s also a must-win game for India. There’s obviously a lot at stake here, being a World Cup game, and if we are to progress to the semi-finals, we both want to look at winning tomorrow’s game. So I think we are both excited. Obviously, we don’t get to play India a lot, so it’s something that we really have been looking forward to, and we will grab the opportunity with both hands,” Burl said during the pre-match press conference.

American tech entrepreneur Bill Gates has apologised to staff at the Gates Foundation over his past ties with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, while maintaining that he did “nothing illicit,” according to media reports.The Microsoft co-founder acknowledged in a town hall meeting that his association with Epstein was a “huge mistake” and said it had cast a cloud over the philanthropic organisation’s reputation.

“I did nothing illicit,” Gates tells staff

According to an exclusive report by The Wall Street Journal, Gates told employees during the town hall: “I did nothing illicit. I saw nothing illicit.”“To be clear, I never spent any time with victims, the women around him,” he added, as per the Journal report.Gates said that images in the recently released “Epstein files” showing him with women whose faces are redacted were photographs that Epstein had asked him to take with his assistants after meetings.“I apologise to other people who are drawn into this because of the mistake that I made,” the Journal quoted him as saying.A spokesperson for the Gates Foundation was quoted by Reuters as saying that Gates “spoke candidly, addressing several questions in detail, and took responsibility for his actions.”

Meetings continued after Epstein’s conviction

Gates first met Epstein in 2011, three years after Epstein pleaded guilty in 2008 to soliciting a minor for prostitution and continued meeting him through 2014, as per the Journal report.He acknowledged that he did not “properly check” Epstein’s background, even though he was aware of an “18-month thing” that had limited Epstein’s travel.Gates also said he continued meeting Epstein even after concerns were raised in 2013 by his then-wife, Melinda French Gates.“To give her credit, she was always kind of sceptical about the Epstein thing,” he said.The Wall Street Journal reported that Gates flew on a private jet with Epstein and spent time with him in Germany, France, New York and Washington, though he said, “I never stayed overnight,” nor did he visit Epstein’s island.Epstein died by suicide in a New York jail cell in August 2019, a month after being indicted on federal sex trafficking charges, as per US media reports.

Affairs with Russian women acknowledged

In the town hall, Gates also admitted that he had two affairs with Russian women during his marriage.“I did have affairs, one with a Russian bridge player who met me at bridge events, and one with a Russian nuclear physicist who I met through business activities,” he said.He clarified that the affairs did not involve Epstein’s victims.As per The New York Post, Epstein had previously referenced Gates’ alleged relationships in emails, including one in July 2013 to Boris Nikolic, Gates’ former science and technology adviser, though Nikolic denied authoring or requesting certain emails attributed to him.

Foundation reputation and DOJ files

The controversy resurfaced after the US Department of Justice released tens of thousands of documents, collectively referred to as the “Epstein files”, last month. The documents include emails, interview transcripts, photographs and call logs showing connections between Epstein and various public figures.According to Reuters, DOJ documents indicated that Gates and Epstein met repeatedly after Epstein’s prison term to discuss expanding the Microsoft founder’s philanthropic efforts.The Gates Foundation earlier this month said it did not make any financial payments to Epstein nor employ him at any time.Gates acknowledged that his ties with Epstein and the newly disclosed emails had negatively impacted the foundation.“It definitely is the opposite of the values of the Foundation and the goals of the Foundation,” he said. “And our work is very reputational sensitive. I mean, people can choose to work with us or not work with us.”Founded in 2000 by Gates and his then-wife, the Gates Foundation is one of the world’s largest funders of global health initiatives.While reiterating that he did not participate in any crimes, Gates admitted that his association with Epstein had helped the financier “burnish his reputation”.

New Zealand beat Sri Lanka by 61 runs in the Super 8 game on Tuesday at the R Premedasa Stadium, Colombo. In a must-win game for both sides, the Kiwis came in to win this match after a washout in their first game, against Pakistan, and the co-hosts came with a hefty loss against England, respectively. The loss knocked Sri Lanka out of the 2026 T20 World Cup.

New Zealand keeps its hope alive for the semi-final race, as it currently sits in second place on the table with three points, with one win and one washout. With a game to be played against the group leaders, England. The Kiwis have a fantastic run rate of +3.050, which is more than the three lions as well.

New Zealand and Pakistan’s semi-final scenario explained

Even if the Kiwis lose, they have to lose by a big margin in order to match Pakistan’s negative run rate of -0.461. Pakistan’s net run rate has been affected by a big margin after their loss against England last night.

Your daily dose of cricket!

Sri Lanka is totally out of the semi-final scenario. Pakistan will face the co-hosts in their final Super 8 game if New Zealand loses by a big margin against the Three Lions; then Pakistan will have to win by a big margin against the Island nation in order to surpass the net run rate of the Kiwis.

If New Zealand wins against England, then they will qualify alongside Harry Brooks’ side, who have already booked the semi-final spot. New Zealand will face England on Friday, 27th February. Sri Lanka will host Pakistan on Saturday, 28th February. It is going to be an exciting end to the week.

Sri Lanka could not capitalise on chances

Coming to the match Sri Lanka captain Dasun Shanaka won the toss and elected to field first. Finn Allen gave an explosive start to the Black Caps on the night, scoring 23 off 13 deliveries, before being dismissed by Maheesh Theekshana. Tim Seifert was more of an anchorer who played run-and-gun. The latter could not score much with 8 off 9 balls.

Rachin Ravindra took some control in the middle overs, scoring 32 off 22 balls, and was back in the pavilion, with Theekshana picking his second wicket of the game. New Zealand was reduced from 83/4 to 84/6, losing three wickets in the span of one run.

At one stage, 120 runs looked impossible for the Kiwis. However, Captain Mitchell Santner took charge into his own hands and scored 47 off 26 deliveries, smashing four sixes and two fours in his explosive innings. He was supported by Cole McConchie, who remained unbeaten with 31 off 23 balls, posting 168/7 in 20 overs.

Rachin Ravindra’s all-round show seals the match

Coming out to chase, Sri Lanka lost in-form Pathum Nissanka in the very first ball of the second innings. They were reduced to 46/5 inside the 10 overs and ekpt on losing wickets at regular intervals. Kamindu Mendis was the highest scorer with 31 runs for the co-hosts.

Sri Lanka finished off with the score of 107/8 in their 20 overs. Rachin Ravindra was the pick of the bowlers for the Black Caps, as the all-rounder picked 4/27 in his four-over spell. He was adjudged as the Player of the Match for his all-round performance.

Also Read: Watch: Matt Heney cleans up Pathum Nissanka with unplayable delivery

LUCKNOW : A licensed rifle. A close-range shot to his father’s head. A plastic drum. Knives, saws, kerosene. And six days later, a soft apology — “Sorry Papa… galti se ho gaya .”The 19-year-old son of a Lucknow pathologist showed fleeting remorse when presented before the media at Aashiana police station in Lucknow on Wednesday, after allegedly shooting his father and dismembering the body. “I made a mistake.” He repeated the line later while being taken for a medical examination at Lokbandhu Hospital, lowering his gaze when pressed on motive.Police said the teen shot his 49-year-old father following an argument over pressure to prepare for NEET, though a parallel family rift — linked to the victim’s alleged plans for a second marriage — is also under investigation. The accused stayed silent when asked whether pressure to clear the medical college admission test, instead of pursuing a career as a restaurateur, pushed him over the edge.The pathologist was cremated at Baikunth Dham on Wednesday. His nephew performed the last rites as the victim’s father was unwell.Police said his minor daughter — the accused’s sister — is the sole witness. A Class XI student, she saw the argument, the firing and what followed, officers said. She was allegedly threatened into silence. Her statement is being recorded under procedures for minors and, if corroborated by forensics, could prove decisive at trial.SHO Chhtarpal Singh said the teen shot his father with the latter’s licensed .315 bore rifle at their home in the early hours of Feb 20. He allegedly bought a blue drum that morning via an online delivery platform, procured knives and saws through e-commerce, and dismembered the body.Investigators said he packed his father’s severed limbs in plastic and dumped them near a canal on the city outskirts in Nadarganj. The torso was concealed inside the drum at home. To deflect suspicion, the accused filed a missing complaint at Aashiana police station on Feb 23.The plan unravelled a day later. Sub-inspector Agrachari Yadav spotted the teen throwing a bag, grew wary of his body language and questioned him. Police said the accused faltered, grew nervous, then broke down, allegedly confessing and detailing how he disposed of the body parts.A police team took him into custody on Feb 24 evening. Recoveries followed: the remaining body parts from the drum, severed limbs from the canal in Nadarganj. Two knives and two saws from near railway tracks in Transport Nagar. A burnt woollen blanket and ashes from a forested patch in Sarojini Nagar. The rifle and cartridges. Twenty litres of kerosene, suspected to have been used in disposal.Doctors said the cause of death was a point-blank gunshot to the head. A large, irregular wound extended from the nose to the back of the head. Dismemberment occurred after death — cuts consistent with heavy, sharp tools.A private university in Lucknow where the teen is pursuing a BBA degree issued a statement distancing itself from the crime, calling the case a personal family matter and expressing condolences.