The R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo is the center of attention as Match 46 of the T20 World Cup 2026 gets underway between New Zealand and Sri Lanka. With the humidity rising and the red-soil pitch looking particularly dry, the toss proved to be a vital moment in this Super 8 clash. Sri Lankan captain Dasun Shanaka won the toss and elected to bowl first, hoping to exploit the early moisture before the lights take effect and the surface potentially settles for the chase.

T20 World Cup 2026: Reason why James Neesham and Kamal Mishara are not playing today’s SL vs NZ Super 8 match

The major talking point at the toss was the strategic reshuffle from both camps. The major talking point at the toss was the strategic reshuffle from both camps. For New Zealand, the explosive all-rounder James Neesham is a surprise omission, making way for Cole McConchie. Captain Mitchell Santner explained that the decision was driven by the need for an extra finger-spinner in the middle overs to exploit the larger ground dimensions. Santner noted:

“We’ve made one change, Cole McConchie comes in for Jimmy Neesham, which gives us a bit more spin in the middle order. It adds balance, but a lot will depend on the ground dimensions. I think whichever side is smarter in using the bigger side of the boundary will have a pretty good day.” Santner said.

On the other side, Sri Lanka has also tinkered with their top order, with youngster Kamil Mishara missing out to accommodate the return of Charith Asalanka. Shanaka emphasized that while Mishara has been stable, the experience of Asalanka was necessary given the pressure of a Super 8 fixture. Shanaka remarked:

“There might be some assistance for the spinners, but you never really know what the surface will offer, so we felt bowling first was the right call. We’ve made one change—Kamal Mishara misses out and Charith Asalanka comes into the side, which adjusts our top order slightly.” Shanaka said.

Sri Lanka vs New Zealand: A high-stakes battle for T20 World Cup 2026 semi-final survival

The road to this Super 8 encounter has been a test of nerves for both the Black Caps and the Lankan Lions. New Zealand enters this match seeking their first “full” Super 8 points after their opening fixture against Pakistan was washed out in Colombo, leaving them in a “must-win” scenario to keep their semi-final destiny in their own hands. Their bowling attack, led by the fiery Lockie Ferguson and the surgical Matt Henry, has been the highlight of their campaign so far.

Sri Lanka, the tournament co-hosts, find themselves in a more precarious position. Following a crushing 51-run defeat to England in Pallekele where they were bowled out for just 95, the Islanders are fighting for survival. Despite a strong group stage where they dominated Oman and Australia, their struggle against high-quality spin has become a recurring theme. With the R. Premadasa crowd behind them, the Lankans know that a loss today would effectively end their World Cup dreams on home soil. The winner of this tactical battle takes a massive leap toward the final four, while the loser faces an early exit from the competition.

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TCS) CEO K Krithivasan (File photo)

IT giant TCS encourages the use of artificial intelligence by its employees even if it affects their revenue streams, said its CEO, explaining the advantages of the firm’s approach. He described the adoption of AI as a ‘civilisational shift’.Speaking at the annual NTLF event in Mumbai, Managing Director and Chief Executive K Krithivasan said, “”We encourage our associates to go out (to the customers and use AI), even if it means cannibalising our revenues,” adding that the younger staff are faster to use than their senior employees.TCS is ensuring that each of its more than six lakh employees becomes “AI fluent,” Chief Executive Officer K Krithivasan said, emphasising that the company is not “afraid” of artificial intelligence impacting jobs.As part of this push, the company has encouraged associates to actively explore the use of AI in client projects, he said. Krithivasan added that employees are showing strong interest in acquiring AI skills, noting that there has been no need to introduce special incentives to drive adoption.Senior employees often consume large amounts of information but may not always translate that knowledge into practical outcomes, K Krithivasan added, highlighting the need for a more hands-on approach to artificial intelligence.He stressed that AI adoption goes beyond merely issuing prompts on generative AI platforms such as OpenAI’s ChatGPT, noting that employees must actively build solutions using AI tools. “It is not about just giving a few prompts,” he said, adding that staffers need to “get their hands dirty.”Krithivasan described AI as a “civilizational shift,” calling it a form of democratised knowledge capable of addressing problems that have remained unsolved for decades.He observed that AI has increasingly become a board-level priority, with chief information officers being tasked to identify and deploy relevant solutions. While AI is expected to drive productivity gains, he said TCS remains equally focused on delivering tangible benefits to customers through the technology.Addressing concerns around AI governance, Krithivasan said the company is also exploring frameworks where AI systems can help regulate and monitor other AI applications through the use of multiple agents.

‘The Kerala Story 2’ has been in the midst of controversy and now The Kerala High Court has ordered the makers to refrain from releasing its rights until the court rules on petitions contesting the movie’s certification.During the proceedings, the bench said that the concerns flagged by the petitioners appeared “probably genuine” and instructed the producers to pause the scheduled release of the film’s rights. “Do not release the rights for the movie tomorrow. Wait for the hearing to conclude and for the court to decide on the petitions,” the bench said, according to India Today.

The court also raised questions for the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) regarding the classification granted to the film. “You have not even given an ‘A’ certificate to the film. You’ve given U/A,” the bench remarked, expressing surprise at the certification decision. It further observed that the filmmakers themselves did not appear eager to screen the film immediately and pointed out that there was insufficient time to scrutinise the matter thoroughly.Representing the CBFC, counsel argued that the use of names of Indian states and cities in film titles is not unprecedented. To support the argument, examples such as Go Goa Gone, Once Upon a Time in Mumbaai and Delhi Belly were cited to counter objections surrounding the film’s title.On behalf of the producers, counsel maintained that the film focuses on the experiences of women survivors and that the petition ventures beyond the film’s actual content. “The main question is not about the movie, but whether this is a petition filed by an aggrieved party, a public interest petition, or something else,” the counsel submitted.They further contended that the remedy being sought — a writ to nullify the certification — lacks legal basis. “Kerala is also a part of India. We cannot isolate Kerala from India. What is being sought is something unknown to the law,” the counsel argued. Addressing claims about the state’s reputation, the court was told, “There is no question of ‘dignity of Kerala’; it is the dignity of India.”After hearing preliminary arguments from both sides, the bench recorded the assurance given by the filmmakers’ counsel that they would hold off on releasing the film until the court delivers its verdict.With submissions still incomplete, the matter was adjourned and will resume tomorrow.‘The Kerala Story 2’, directed by Kamakhya Narayan Singh and produced by Vipul Amrutlal Shah, has sparked renewed controversy reminiscent of the backlash faced by its predecessor. The film alleges that young Hindu women are enticed into interfaith marriages, subjected to abuse, deprived of their rights, and compelled to convert to Islam.

CJI Surya Kant; Supreme Court

NEW DELHI: The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has pulled its new Class 8 Social Science textbook from sale after it included a section on “corruption in the judiciary,” sources told ANI on Wednesday.The move came hours after the matter was raised in the Supreme Court, with chief Justice of India (CJI), Surya Kant, asserting that no one would be allowed to “defame” the institution of judiciary. The top court also initiated suo moto proceedings regarding the inclusion of the section in the textbook.Also Read | ‘Will not allow anybody to defame SC’: CJI pulls up NCERT over text on judicial corruption“I’m fully aware of it. We will wait for a day. This definitely concerns the entire institution—both bar and bench. I am getting a lot of calls, lots of messages. I’m taking suo moto cognisance of the issue. I will not let anybody, no matter how high up they are, defame the institution,” CJI Kant said.The issue was raised before the CJI-led bench by senior lawyers Kapil Sibal and Abhishek Manu Singhvi. They argued that students were being taught about corruption in the judiciary as if it existed in no other institution. “They have left out bureaucracy, politics, etc. Not a word on other sectors. They are teaching as if it only exists in this institution,” the two senior lawyers remarked.The CJI acknowledged the gravity of the matter, calling it “a calculated and deep-rooted thing,” and added, “We will not say anything more than that. As the head of the institution, I’m aware, I’m already doing something about it.”The inclusion of such a section marked a notable shift from previous editions, which largely focused on the structure and role of courts. The revised chapter, titled “The Role of the Judiciary in Our Society,” goes beyond explaining court hierarchy and access to justice, addressing challenges faced by the judicial system, including corruption and case backlogs.

NEW DELHI: Uttar Pradesh has made substantial strides in strengthening its power sector over the past eight years, expanding generation capacity, boosting electricity supply across regions, and nearly doubling the number of household connections under its ‘Roshan Pradesh’ vision aimed at achieving reliable and inclusive energy access.According to official data, the state’s total installed power generation capacity reached 8,325 megawatts (MW) in 2024–25, compared with 7,159 MW in 2016–17 — an increase of 1,166 MW in just eight years.This addition surpasses the capacity increase of 1,110 MW achieved over the entire 21-year period between 1995–96 and 2016–17.Total electricity generation also rose sharply, from 3,017 crore kilowatt-hours (kWh) in 2016–17 to 3,566 crore kWh in 2024–25 — an addition of 548 crore kWh, exceeding the growth achieved in the 16 years before 2017. Officials said the improvement reflects higher operational efficiency and more effective utilisation of generation assets.

Industrial use doubles, signalling stronger growth

The jump in power availability has supported accelerated industrial activity. Average annual growth in industrial consumption more than doubled to 8.9 per cent between 2021–22 and 2024–25, compared with 4.1 per cent in the 2013–17 period. The government said this surge highlights growing investor confidence supported by stable power supply.Electrification expands to rural hinterlandUttar Pradesh also recorded a major leap in household and rural electrification. The number of electricity connections increased by 102 per cent, rising from 180.13 lakh in 2017 to 363.98 lakh in 2025, with around 184 lakh new connections added in eight years.Similarly, the number of electrified hamlets grew from 1.28 lakh in 2017 to 2.5 lakh by June 2025, doubling rural coverage and extending power access to many previously unserved settlements.

Reduced losses, longer supply hours

Enhanced grid management and administrative reforms led to a sharp reduction in transmission and distribution (T&D) losses—from 21.47 per cent in 2017 to 13.77 per cent in 2025. The decline of 7.7 percentage points is viewed as a key indicator of operational efficiency and better infrastructure performance.Power availability has also improved across all regions. Supply hours at district headquarters have increased from 17 hours in 2014–17 to 24 hours at present. Tehsil headquarters now receive over 21 hours of power daily, while rural areas get an average of 18 hours, up from 11 earlier. The improved reliability has been particularly beneficial to small businesses, agriculture, and daily life in rural households.

Energy at the core of development

Officials said these achievements underline Uttar Pradesh’s progress toward its ‘Roshan Pradesh’ target of ensuring round-the-clock, affordable, and quality power. Sustained improvements in generation, coverage, and efficiency have positioned energy as a critical enabler of the state’s broader economic and industrial growth strategy.

Pakistan’s Usman Tariq drops a catch of England’s Jacob Bethell during the T20 World Cup cricket match between England and Pakistan in Pallekele, Sri Lanka, Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026. (AP Photo)

England became the first side to confirm a semi-final berth at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 after defeating Pakistan on Tuesday, whose qualification hopes have suffered a setback.Following a loss to England and a washout against New Zealand, Pakistan no longer control their own path to the last four. With England already through, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and New Zealand are left competing for the remaining semi-final place from group 2.England began their Super 8 campaign with a 51-run win over Sri Lanka in Kandy on Sunday and followed it up with another victory over Pakistan at the same venue on Tuesday. Captain Harry Brook led the effort, scoring his first T20I century to take his team home. He also became the first captain to register a hundred in T20 World Cup history.

Scenarios for Pakistan to enter semifinal

If New Zealand win both their remaining matches against Sri Lanka and England, Pakistan will be eliminated, even if they beat Sri Lanka.If New Zealand lose both games, Pakistan will qualify with a win over Sri Lanka. In case New Zealand lose one match, Pakistan will still have a chance, but qualification could depend on Net Run Rate.Pakistan were denied a Net Run Rate boost after losing to England in the final over. They had reduced England to 58/4 in the eighth over while defending 166, but could not close out the game.Brook, promoted to No. 3, rebuilt the innings with Sam Curran in a 45-run stand and then added 52 runs with Will Jacks, shifting the contest in England’s favour. He reached his maiden T20I hundred with a six over cover followed by a four through mid-off.By the time Brook was out, England were 155/6 and close to the target. However, they lost three wickets for six runs, adding tension late in the chase. Needing three runs in the final over with two wickets in hand, Jofra Archer finished the match by pulling a delivery through mid-wicket for four.

The TOI correspondent from Washington: In an exhaustive State of the Union address lasting nearly two hours on Tuesday night, US president Donald Trump issued a stark warning to America’s trading partners: stick to the existing trade deals and continue negotiations along the established path, or face far harsher terms in any new agreements. “Don’t even think about ripping up what we’ve built,” Trump declared from the House chamber podium, his voice booming with characteristic bravado in remarks aimed at the EU, India, and other nations that have agreed on framework deals. “Those deals are the best you’ll ever get. Try for something new, and it’ll be worse for you.” “The good news is that almost all countries and corporations want to keep the deal they already made. They know the legal power that I have to make a new deal could be far worse for them. They will continue to work along the same successful path we negotiated, or they will find the next chapter far more painful,” he warned.The remarks early in his speech set the tone for an economically charged address that emphasised protectionism as the cornerstone of US prosperity, doubling down on tariffs as a multifaceted economic weapon as he asserted boldly that escalating tariffs on imports could eventually eliminate the need for federal income taxes. “Imagine an America where hardworking folks keep every penny they earn, and we fund our great nation through smart tariffs on foreign goods,” Trump proclaimed, eliciting cheers from Republican lawmakers who gave him multiple standing ovations for all his claims. He painted a vision of a tariff-driven revenue system that would “make America rich again” by shifting the tax burden to overseas competitors. “As time goes by, I believe the tariffs paid for by foreign countries will, like in the past, substantially replace the modern-day system of income tax,” Trump said. He framed the shift as a “liberation of the American worker,” arguing that taxing imports rather than domestic labour would ignite a “Golden Age” of manufacturing. While economists warn that such a shift would require a mathematical leap—tariffs currently provide only a fraction of the revenue generated by income taxes and the jury is still out on the return of manufacturing —the president remained undeterred, claiming a “stunning economic turnaround” and a Dow Jones index that recently cleared the 50,000 mark.The tariff roadmap Trump referred to has been clouded by a landmark 6-3 Supreme Court ruling issued just four days ago, which struck down the administration’s use of emergency powers to bypass Congress on trade levies. There was palpable suspense in the chamber as Trump walked in for his address past four of the Supreme Court justices in attendance, including chief justice John Roberts and justices Amy Coney Barrett, conservatives who ruled against him. The president offered a quick perfunctory handshake to them before labeling the ruling “very unfortunate” and “defective,” early in his speech, signalling that the judiciary would not be the final word on his trade agenda.He confirmed he has already pivoted to Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974 to implement a new 15% global tariff surcharge. “Congressional action will not be necessary,” he added, a line that drew thunderous applause from the Republican side and stone-faced silence from the black-robed jurists and Democrat lawmakers, many of whom boycotted the address.