NEW DELHI: The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) on Wednesday speedily moved to drop references of “corruption at various levels of the judiciary” from its new Class VIII social science textbook after drawing fire from the Supreme Court over what a bench led by CJI Surya Kant called a “deep-rooted conspiracy to defame” the judiciary.In a late-night development, the board said it has put on hold the distribution of the newly released textbook after “inappropriate textual material and error of judgement” were noticed in the chapter on the judiciary. It said the issue was flagged both internally and by the Department of School Education and Literacy under the education ministry.“Judges of the constitutional and district courts are perturbed by this. I have taken suo motu cognisance of the issue. I will not allow anyone on earth to defame the institution or taint its integrity. Whosoever and however high it may be, I know how to deal with it,” a visibly upset CJI told senior advocates Kapil Sibal, Abhishek Manu Singhvi and Mukul Rohatgi, who flagged the issue at the commencement of judicial work at 10.30am. The advocates told the bench of CJI Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M Pancholi that teaching students of impressionable mind about corruption in judiciary will bring the institution to disrepute and requested the apex court to take cognisance of the matter.The suo motu case has been listed for hearing on Thursday.

NCERT has called internal meet to review chapter in social science textbook

I have been receiving hundreds of calls and messages from citizens, judges and judicial officers expressing serious concern,” said CJI Surya Kant.Facing fire from the judiciary, sources in govt were contrite. “The controversial section should not have been written,” said one of them, adding that textbooks should focus on “inspirational aspects” rather than highlight institutional shortcomings in isolation. The inclusion was “inappropriate” and should not have found its way into a school curriculum, sources said of the book, which, as per protocol, must have gone through layers of vetting before being cleared for publishing.Justice Bagchi referred to the basic structure doctrine and said “constitutional integrity to the basic structure is missing in the structure of the textbook”.Sibal said the textbook could have devoted the chapter to working of the judiciary, educated children about the challenges faced by it in deciding cases, and narrated how the institution has largely enjoyed public faith and confidence.Flagging what he called selective targeting of the judiciary, Singhvi said there is no mention of corruption elsewhere, in politics, bureaucracy or business in the textbook. “Is it a presumption that there is no corruption there? We know the state of affairs in politics, bureaucracy and business,” he said, leading the CJI to suspect a “deep-rooted conspiracy” to malign the judiciary.NCERT has called an internal meeting to review the chapter in the social science textbook titled ‘Exploring Society: India and Beyond’. The e-version of the book was pulled down from the council’s website, though several copies have been downloaded. NCERT director Dinesh Prasad Saklani did not respond to calls, while another senior official declined to comment, citing the matter as sub judice.

New Delhi: Delhi University has constituted an inquiry committee after a written complaint from residents of Gwyer Hall — DU’s oldest men’s hostel — alleged that private security personnel hired by Dusu president Aryan Maan entered the hostel premises with a gun, threatened students and created a disturbance during a scuffle over mess coupons on Monday night.The five-member panel, comprising the warden of men’s hostels among others, is headed by DU Proctor Manoj Kumar.

The complaint, signed by the hostel administration and forwarded to the proctor, states: “The Gwyer Hall hostel was illegally occupied by Dusu office-bearers, along with their friends, who have repeatedly caused disturbances.”It said the administration has decided to vacate the rooms “with immediate effect”, failing which they would be sealed and legal action initiated. The occupants were given time till 5.30pm on Feb 24.The complaint added: “We strongly condemn the act of entering the hostel with a gun, threatening and abusing students, and mistreating hostel staff (mess worker and security personnel). We request that a committee be formed with immediate effect to address this issue.”According to residents, three Dusu office-bearers reside at Gwyer Hall — president Aryan Maan, vice-president Rahul Jhansla Yadav and secretary Kunal Choudhary Bidhuri.Residents alleged that some people accompanying Maan, including his security personnel, frequently used the hostel mess without taking coupons. On Monday night, an argument allegedly broke out between a mess worker and some of Maan’s associates over coupons. During the altercation, residents claimed that one of them took away the entire coupon booklet, escalating tensions and triggering protests by hostel students. Videos circulating on social media showed a large crowd raising slogans and demanding action.Maan denied his security personnel were involved in the scuffle or were residing in the hostel. “It was a small issue. We didn’t refuse to take coupons. A slight argument happened when the mess worker said people eat for free using Dusu’s name and refused to give food to my guests. One of them took the coupon booklet in the heat of the moment,” he said.Terming the episode “politically motivated” and denying any unauthorised stay, he said Dusu office-bearers have been allotted rooms at the hostel with the vice-chancellor’s approval. “We stay with due approvals,” he said, adding his security personnel do not stay in the hostel premises and remain in their vehicle when he enters the campus.He further alleged that the hostel administration was attempting to target him and using the incident as a pretext to vacate Dusu office-bearers from the hostel premises. Hostel authorities, however, described the occupation as “unauthorised” in the complaint and warned they would seal the rooms if the vacating order was not complied with. There was no immediate response from the hostel provost.DU proctor Manoj Kumar said the administration intervened and the matter was resolved amicably. “It was a small argument which led to the issue,” he said. On the allegation regarding a firearm, he said he wasn’t aware of any such incident and was looking into the matter. He confirmed Dusu office-bearers have official allotment at Gwyer Hall with special approval from the VC.Maan is the son of Haryana-based liquor businessman Sikandar Maan. Sources said security cover has been provided in view of his safety.

NEW DELHI: It begins innocently. One short video while waiting for a cab. Another before dinner. A few more before sleeping. Somewhere between swipe and scroll, 40 minutes pass.Short-form videos are everywhere – on Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts and similar platforms. But a global review of nearly 98,000 people, published in Psychological Bulletin, suggests that heavy, compulsive use may be affecting how we focus and how we feel.The analysis combined 71 studies across countries and age groups, including teenagers and adults, with the average participant in their early twenties. It does not claim that short videos cause permanent harm. But it finds consistent links between heavier scrolling and weaker attention, poorer impulse control and higher stress and anxiety.

In simple terms, the more compulsive the scrolling, the harder it may be to concentrate on slower tasks – reading, studying or finishing work without checking the phone. Researchers suggest when every swipe delivers something new, the brain begins to expect constant stimulation. When that pace slows, boredom may set in faster.Clinicians say the design of these platforms plays a role. Short bursts of novelty, colour and instant reward repeatedly activate the brain’s reward pathway, reinforcing the urge to keep watching. Most people can step away with conscious effort, but those predisposed to addictive or obsessive traits may find it harder to disengage, says Dr Paramjeet Singh, consultant psychiatrist at PSRI Hospital, who notes that excessive scrolling is increasingly showing up in clinics as fatigue, reduced focus and even strain in relationships.From a psychological standpoint, the concern is not dramatic harm but gradual shifts in how the brain responds to stimulation. Dr Jyoti Mishra, senior consultant – Psychology at Apollo Spectra Hospital, Delhi, says short-form videos are engineered around novelty and instant gratification. Compulsive watching can slowly erode attention span and impulse control. Prolonged exposure to fast, emotionally charged content keeps neural networks in a heightened state of alert, she explains, which may manifest as restlessness, poor concentration and anxiety, particularly in young adults. The good news, she adds, is that practising digital hygiene – limiting screen time, taking breaks and protecting sleep – can reverse many of these effects.The review found that addictive or hard-to-control use had stronger links with these effects than total screen time alone.Importantly, the research shows association, not proof of cause. People already struggling with attention or anxiety may be more drawn to fast-paced content. Still, when dozens of studies point in the same direction, the pattern deserves attention. The scroll is effortless. Sustained attention takes work. And that balance may be worth preserving.

Sikandar Raza out of the World Cup?: The India National Cricket Team will be facing the Zimbabwe National Cricket Team on Thursday at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai. The match is scheduled to start at 7:00 PM IST. It is a must-win game for both sides as they have suffered hefty defeats in their respective Super 8 games against South Africa and the West Indies.

India was handed a 76-run defeat by the Proteas last Sunday, while the Chevrons had a humiliating loss by 107 against the Windies. During the West Indies vs Zimbabwe game, Sikandar Raza, the captain of the Zimbabwe National Cricket Team, was hit by a ball struck by Rovman Powell. The incident occurred in the 16th over of the Caribbean innings.

Sikandar Raza to miss the game against India?

Rovman Powell’s shot hit Sikandar Raza’s left hand as he bowled short to the batter. Fortunately, it struck on the left-hand of Raza, which is also his non-bowling arm. Raza groaned in pain, and the game was paused. During this time, Powell, who was batting, approached him and touched his back to check on him before hugging him and kissing him on the forehead.

There were reports of the Zimbabwe skipper missing out on the important clash against Suryakumar Yadav’s side mid-week. Dismissing the rumours, all-rounder Ryan Burl, who attended Zimbabwe’s pre-match press conference, gave an update about Sikandar Raza’s injury and his participation tomorrow.

Ryan Burl said, “It’s a must win game for us but a must win game for India as well. Sikandar Raza is 100% playing against India. Good luck telling him that he’s not playing.”

Zimbabwe would like to forget the game against West Indies

With primarily Raza being an off-spinner, keeping in mind that the India batters have struggled against the off-spinners in this edition of the World Cup. Sikander Raza went for 52 runs in three overs. The Windies posted a massive total of 254/6 in their first Super 8 game, and they never came back in the run chase and were bowled out for 147 runs.

Zimbabwe had a dream group stage as they defeated Australia and Sri Lanka and topped the group, qualifying for the Super 8s. But their lack of experience has made them struggle in the knockout stages. Sikandar Raza and his men would like to upset the Men in Blue tomorrow.

India’s struggle against pace-off balls continues

Until the South Africa match, there were some batters in the Men in Blue side who were stepping up one or the other day and saving the collapse and winning games for the side. However, against a quality bowling attack of the Proteas, they could not come back after the setback they suffered with 5/2 in the first two overs.

The India batters’ strike rate against the “pace-off” or slower ball deliveries has gone down, for example, in the South Africa game, it was 135 against slower balls, compared to 167 against pace on. In that case, more than half of the deliveries were below 120 kph, which effectively reduced the scoring rate, and the batters gave away the wickets.

Also Read: India Playing XI vs Zimbabwe Playing XI – Match 48, Super 8 Group 1 | ICC T20 World Cup 2026

Mumbai: Bombay HC has held that ED’s Jan 5 arrest of the founder of a private company, The Green Billions Limited (TGBL), in a money laundering case “was illegal”.Chief Justice Shree Chandrashekhar and Justice Gautam Ankhad on Tuesday set aside the Prevention of Money Laundering Act court’s Jan 6 and Jan 9 remand orders and directed that the founder, Prateek Kanakia, “shall be released forthwith” on filing an undertaking in PMLA court, including not to tamper with evidence or influence witnesses, remain within HC jurisdiction and not to leave the country without HC permission. In Sept 2024, CBI-ACB registered an FIR under IPC and Prevention of Corruption Act against six, including Kanakia and unknown others. Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Limited had sanctioned a Rs 80-crore loan to Broadcast Engineering Consultants India Limited (BECIL), a govt undertaking, for a Pune waste management project. BECIL and TGBL entered into a contract. It was alleged that Rs 50 crore was diverted and utilised by Kanakia for his personal use. Kanakia was arrested in March 2025 by CBI and released on bail that Aug by a CBI court. Kanakia was shown by ED in Oct 2024 as a money launderer. The judges said Section 19 (power of arrest) provides that if the arresting officer forms a reason to believe a person is guilty, he may arrest him after informing him of the grounds of arrest as soon as possible. The investigating officer (IO), in the grounds for arrest, stated there existed sufficient reasons to believe Kanakia’s arrest was necessary to prevent destruction of evidence, trace diverted funds, preventing influencing of witnesses and identify persons involved. HC said ED’s case of fund diversion through bank transactions pertains to documentary evidence, which is in its possession. Even without arresting Kanakia, he could be confronted with statements of others allegedly involved, it said. ED did not allege Kanakia failed to cooperate or attempted to influence witnesses, it said. The CBI court had recorded that nothing was recovered and no money seized from Kanakia to establish the money trail. It was also noted that he did not pose a flight risk or a threat to witnesses. ED did not challenge that order.“In the background of these facts, we have formed an opinion the investigating officer exercised the powers of arrest in an illegal manner,” HC said. There seemed to be “no justifiable reason” for arresting Kanakia, particularly in reference to the IO’s “reasons to believe”, it said. In fact, the IO “attempted to provide false reasons to believe,” it said.

NEW DELHI: Describing BSNL’s lavish arrangements for director Vivek Banzal’s now called-off trip to Prayagraj “improper and absurd”, communications minister Jyotiraditya Scindia Wednesday said that “appropriate action” will be taken against the senior executive of the state-run company. “I have made it very clear that this is improper and a violation of all the established rules and traditions. It is completely unacceptable in 21st century. It is completely absurd and shocking. A show-cause notice has already been issued to the director with a seven-day response period,” the minister told reporters. The lavish, four-page instructions detailing snan kits, personal toiletries, undergarments and other comforts, including a retinue of nearly 50 officials to attend to to Banzal and a chief general manager, had sparked concern over misuse of official resources. We will take strictest possible action, says BSNL official Showcause notices have been issued to Banzal, a telecom service officer, and two executives – Brijendra Singh, principal GM, and Jogeshwar Verma, DGM, – who were posted in Prayagraj have been transferred. Verma, who was part of Singh’s office, had issued the instructions.“We will take strictest possible action. We don’t want any distraction from BSNL’s focus on improving customer service and network improvement,” said an official.Banzal had planned a two-day trip to Prayagraj, starting Wednesday, and BSNL had deputed a posse of executives to receive him and take care of arrangements, which included a bath in Ganga. The instructions, running into four pages, asked the PSU staff to arrange for eight sets of “snan” or bath kits for men and women, including towels, undergarments, slippers, combs, mirrors, soap, shampoo, and oil, along with a bed sheet.The office order, which went viral on social media, also asked officials to make arrangements at a hotel and circuit house, which included dry fruits, fruit bowls, towels, toiletries, and shaving kits for the director, and other guests. Nearly 50 officials were to be deployed to attend to Banzal and a chief general manager.Following uproar, the telecom service officer called off the trip, which also included visits to temples and some meetings.According to the BSNL website, Banzal’s “never say rest” attitude and constant innovation have helped drive growth in the fixed-line business. Since 2016, he has been promoting and managing Bharat Fiber, BSNL IT framework and other services. “His vision has led to the digitization of processes and the introduction of innovative solutions for customers,” the website said about the executive who holds a master’s degree in computer science apart from an MBA degree.

As he became the first Indian PM to address the Israeli Knesset, Narendra Modi solidly backed Israel on the issue of terrorism, strongly condemning the Oct 7, 2023, attacks and naming Hamas for the “barbaric” act, while also asserting that India stood with Israel and with full conviction “in this moment, and beyond”.Modi did not mention India’s long-standing support for a two-state solution, but said the Gaza peace initiative endorsed by UNSC held the promise of a just and durable peace for all people of the region, including by addressing the Palestine issue. “We feel your pain, share your grief. No cause can justify the murder of civilians. Nothing can justify terrorism,” said Modi, drawing applause. Recalling the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, which counted Israeli citizens, too, as victims, Modi said that India, like Israel, follows a consistent and uncompromising zero-tolerance policy against terrorism with no double standards. “Terrorism aims to destabilise societies, to block development, and to erode trust. Countering terrorism requires sustained and coordinated global action, because terror anywhere threatens peace everywhere,” said the PM. India with Israel & world for dialogue, peace, stability: PM Modi While on the Gaza issue, PM Modi said the road to peace is not always easy, but India is with Israel and the world for dialogue, peace and stability in this region. “Let all our efforts be guided by wisdom, courage, and humanity,” said the PM, while endorsing the UNSC-backed peace initiative that he said offered a path.In his 30-minute speech, Modi also mentioned the Abraham Accords, which had been strongly backed by India.“Some years ago, when you concluded the Abraham Accords, we applauded your courage and vision. It was a moment of new hope for a long-troubled region. Since then, the situation has changed significantly. The path is even more challenging. Yet it is important to sustain that hope,” said the PM.The PM said a strong partnership between India and Israel not only serves national interests but also contributes to global stability and prosperity. “Let us ensure that the friendship between India and Israel remains a source of strength in an uncertain world,” said Modi. He said that with India likely to be among the top three economies globally, and Israel a powerhouse of innovation and technological leadership, there was a natural foundation for a forward-looking partnership. He backed ongoing talks for a free trade agreement, saying India is committed to expanding trade, strengthening investment flows and promoting joint infrastructure development.“Our bilateral goods trade has grown manifold in recent years. But it does not reflect the full scope of opportunity. That is why our teams are working hard to negotiate an ambitious free trade agreement. It will unlock the vast untapped potential in our trade relationship,” said the PM. He described defence and security as another important pillar of the partnership, saying in today’s uncertain world, a strong defence partnership between trusted partners is of vital importance.Modi called for deeper interaction between the two countries in India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor and I2U2 frameworks.

TimesofIndia.com in Kandy: As Pakistan’s T20 World Cup campaign teetered on the edge, one moment captured both the pain of defeat and the spirit of the game. When Shaheen Shah Afridi finally dismissed Harry Brook for a sublime century, the Pakistan fast bowler walked across, shook hands with the England captain, and offered a gesture of genuine respect.“He deserved it because he had the world class innings in his life,” Shaheen said later. “I think it’s the best innings. Anyone who plays like that, you should appreciate it.”“Harry and me had a very good friendship,” he said. “We played together in PSL. Anyone who plays an innings like that, you should appreciate it,” he added.

Brook’s hundred at Pallekele was not merely a match-winning knock. It was a captain’s innings played under pressure on a difficult surface, and it came at the direct expense of Pakistan’s semi-final ambitions. England’s victory has sealed their place in the last-four, while Pakistan now need results elsewhere to keep their campaign alive.“These things happen in cricket,” Shaheen said, who picked up 4 for 30 against England. “But we are still in the tournament, anything can happen. We are thinking that we get this one opportunity. Firstly, we should win this match. I hope New Zealand loses their match.”The reality, however, is harsh. Pakistan’s margin for error has evaporated, and Shaheen acknowledged that their own shortcomings played a role in the defeat, particularly with the bat.

“I feel on a wicket like this you need a partnership and you need somebody like a set batsman who can bat through the middle overs,” he said. “But unfortunately we lost wickets back to back, which is why we did not go for that 180 to 190 score.”That contrast was evident in Brook’s innings. While Pakistan struggled to stitch partnerships together, Brook anchored England’s chase with clarity and control.“If you see one side, Harry Brook, the way he went, wickets were falling, but he was still in the crease,” Shaheen said. “He was rotating the strike and building the partnership. I think we missed that opportunity.”Shaheen reserved special praise for Brook’s preparation and shot selection, noting that the England captain succeeded where others struggled.

“I never see a batsman (batter) like him,” he said. “Today he was properly ready for every ball to hit it. He was well prepared for us.”The admiration was not born overnight. Shaheen and Brook share a bond forged during their time together in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) with the Lahore Qalandars. Shaheen recalled watching Brook long before he became a mainstay for England.“When we picked him in PSL Lahore, I don’t think he played for England at that time,” Shaheen said. “He was just playing county cricket. But he played on Asian wickets and improved a lot. Today he came at number three. You need a leader who can take responsibility in big games.”Brook’s promotion up the order did not surprise Shaheen, but the manner in which he embraced the responsibility stood out.“Not surprised actually, but the way he took that responsibility as a captain, that was the best innings he played,” Shaheen said. “It was a captain’s innings.”

For Shaheen himself, the match was also personal. After being left out of two games earlier in the tournament, he returned with a fiery opening spell that gave Pakistan early hope.“Yes, you said I was dropped,” Shaheen said. “But my focus was to work on my bowling, how to come back, and maintain my normal things so that I can give good results.”He dismissed any talk of having something to prove.“I don’t need to prove to anyone,” he said. “My job is whenever I have an opportunity, I will go and give 100 percent for my team.”Shaheen hits out at Hesson

Shaheen, who is Pakistan’s ODI captain also took a jibe at coach Mike Hesson’s obsession with having more all-rounders in the team. “Look, he has a mindset, he is a head coach. I think he knows better than us how to run a team. And he is responsible for that,” he said.Shaheen explained that his emphasis on bowling a consistent length was a conscious decision based on conditions.“If the wicket depends on length, why not go for length balls?” he said. “They were struggling and I was just trying to bowl the same length.”His early success, including a first-over wicket, helped him settle quickly. “Whenever I play, my job is to take wickets early,” he said. “That’s why I bowl the first over. Today I was just planning how I can take wickets.”Despite Shaheen’s burst and Pakistan’s promising start, Brook ensured that the game drifted away. His innings exposed the fine margins that now define Pakistan’s campaign. Missed partnerships, soft dismissals, and an inability to control the middle overs have left them relying on permutations rather than performances.Pakistan’s World Cup fate now rests partly in others’ hands. For England, and for Harry Brook, the night at Pallekele may be remembered as the moment a leader truly announced himself, even to those he left behind.

NEW DELHI: The Indian Army is engaged in a slew of military exercises with the US and Japanese defence forces simultaneously to enhance interoperability, jointness and mutual exchange of special operations tactics.A US army contingent is currently in India to participate in 16th edition of the India-US Joint Special Forces Exercise Vajra Prahar, being conducted at the Special Forces Training School, Bakloh, Himachal Pradesh. The Indian Army contingent, represented by Special Forces units, comprises 45 personnel, while the US will be represented by 12 personnel from the Green Berets of the US Special Forces.The previous edition of the exercise was held at the Orchard Combat Training Centre in Idaho, US, in Nov 2024.

The aim of Vajra Prahar is to promote military cooperation between India and the US through enhanced interoperability, jointness and mutual exchange of special operations tactics. The exercise is designed to strengthen combined capabilities for conducting joint Special Forces operations in mountainous terrain. The training will focus on a high degree of physical conditioning, joint mission planning and the execution of joint tactical drills.The 7th edition of the annual Joint Military Exercise ‘Dharma Guardian’ between the Indian Army and the Japan Ground Self-Defence Force (JGSDF) commenced on Tuesday at the Foreign Training Node, Chaubattia in Uttarakhand. The exercise will be conducted from Feb 24 to March 9. This edition brings together a 120-member contingent from each side, with the JGSDF represented by troops from the 32nd Infantry Regiment and the Indian Army contingent drawn from the Ladakh Scouts.In another military drill, the Indian Army conducted Exercise Agni Varsha at the Pokhran field firing ranges on Tuesday to validate operational preparedness and integrated combat capabilities in the desert sector. The exercise integrated advanced technologies, including unmanned aerial systems, counter-drone capabilities, precision strike rockets, modern artillery platforms and networked surveillance systems. The Integrated Manoeuvre Force comprised Main Battle Tanks (T-90), Infantry Combat Vehicles, K-9 Vajra, Sharang and Bofors artillery systems, rocket platforms, indigenous ALH Weapon System Integrated helicopters, Apache attack helicopters and a range of surveillance and strike drones, the release noted.