Pune: In the aftermath of the Feb 3 incident reported near Adoshi Tunnel on the Mumbai-Pune expressway, in which a tanker carrying propylene gas overturned and resulted in a 32-hour traffic logjam along the route, multiple authorities have said they are now working on long-term measures to handle such emergencies. Officials concerned also said strict enforcement of existing SOPs remains the only immediate step to prevent a recurrence.A senior official of the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) on Monday told TOI they have directed all stakeholders to strictly enforce existing standard operating procedures (SOPs) to deal with emergencies on the expressway.

For a long-term solution, a seven-member committee led by CP Joshi, former president of the Indian Roads Congress (IRC), has been constituted already, following instructions from chief minister Devendra Fadnavis. The committee is co-chaired by S Mohite, former joint commissioner of traffic and inspector general of police (IGP-Konkan region). It also includes two representatives from the transport department, a techno-legal expert, an official from MSRDC, and a member of an NGO.“The committee will undertake a detailed study of the incident and recommend measures to deal with similar situations in the future. The objective is to enhance safety not only on the Mumbai-Pune expressway but also the Samruddhi Expressway. The panel is expected to submit its report within two months,” an MSRDC official said.A senior official of Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), the company that owns the tankers involved both in the Feb 3 incident and a similar one on Feb 23, told TOI that the company has also initiated its own corrective measures to prevent a repeat.“Our drivers are trained well to operate vehicles carrying hazardous gases. They undergo trainings twice every quarter, which ensures that each driver attends at least one mandatory session per quarter,” the official said, adding that driver awareness initiatives are also conducted once every week.According to state disaster management officials, the delay in deploying a recovery van to plug the leakage on Feb 3 was the primary reason it took authorities longer to bring the situation under control. The recovery van was stationed at the Kochi refinery at the time of the accident, posing a major logistical challenge.A senior official of BPCL said the company has also initiated corrective measures like making a ‘mutual aid facility’ to coordinate between various agencies as a long-term solution, which could help prevent a recurrence of the Feb 3 incident. “We have decided to station quick response teams (QRTs) within a 200km radius along routes used for transporting hazardous gases. A similar system is already in place for LPG, and it will now be upgraded to handle gases such as propene and propylene,” a senior BPCL official said, adding that a meeting is scheduled on Feb 26 to expedite these measures.At present, the QRTs are located at depots and refineries of BPCL and Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), he said.Highway police officers said that they recently conducted a joint inspection drive with MSRDC and other stakeholders, during which a series of immediate, short-term measures were discussed.Among these proposals is increasing the number of median openings at intervals of 2-2.5km, particularly in the ghat section, in a bid to facilitate swift diversion of traffic in the event of an accident. A proposal to set up an emergency help centre in the ghat section was also discussed, a highway police officer said.

NEW DELHI: In a stern message, finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Monday asked banks to focus on core banking and said it was an offence to mis-sell insurance products.“I am glad that RBI is coming up with guidance on why mis-selling will not be entertained. The message should go to the banks that you cannot afford to mis-sell. The word mis-sell, instead of offending anybody, seems to be one more word in the lexicon,” Sitharaman said after addressing the central bank’s board.Thousands of bank customers have complained of executives hawking insurance products, which they either did not need or were sold on false projections. RBI has proposed new norms that will kick in from July. It has suggested that banks refund the entire amount paid by the customer for the purchase of the product or service and also compensate the customer for any loss arising due to mis-selling as per an approved policy.“My pet peeve has been that you do your core banking business, you are spending more time on selling insurance, where it is not required, perhaps… Why should he take another insurance when he has life insurance, health insurance, fire insurance?” Sitharaman said, while urging banks to focus on assessing the requirement of customers.In what was seen as a reference to regulatory vacuum, she pointed out that earlier, the insurance regulator didn’t act as banks were involved, while RBI didn’t step in as insurance product was being sold.Keeping an eye on gold FM also said that govt and RBI are keeping an eye on gold imports and there was nothing alarming. She attributed higher imports to an increase in prices, which she said came amid heavy buying by central banks. During April-Dec last year, India’s gold imports in value terms increased by about $1 billion annually to $50 billion. Sitharaman said that gold has always been a favoured investment for households, whether as an asset class or for jewellery, and to meet the domestic requirements, India is a net importer of gold.RBI governor Sanjay Malhotra said during April-Dec 2025, the increase in prices was offset more or less by the decrease in the volumes of imported gold. “It’s only in Jan, we are still analysing those numbers, that there has been a sudden spurt in value as well as in volume, as the finance minister also mentioned, there is a lot of fluctuations, seasonality in that particular demand,” he said, adding that there was no case to be unduly concerned as India’s external sector remained strong.Banks well capitalisedMalhotra also said that banks were well capitalised and the monetary policy committee will take a decision on further policy rate cut, depending on evolving growth and inflation dynamics. Assuring the market about comfortable liquidity, Malhotra said the RBI will take all measures to provide durable liquidity to all market segments. He also played down concerns over slow deposit growth, saying there had been a pick up.

India’s Super 8 campaign began on the worst possible note as South Africa handed them a crushing 76-run defeat at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Entering the stage as one of the strongest favourites to defend their T20 World Cup crown, the hosts were thoroughly outclassed in every department. The heavy loss not only dented their confidence but also severely damaged their net run rate.Nothing seemed to fall into place for the defending champions. South Africa dominated with bat and ball, putting India under immediate pressure in Group 1. The equation is now simple but daunting. India must win their remaining fixtures against Zimbabwe and the West Indies to keep their semi-final hopes alive. Even consecutive victories may not guarantee qualification, given the substantial blow to their net run rate following the defeat to Aiden Markram’s side.

The result also brought renewed attention to a bold prediction made earlier by former Pakistan pacer Mohammad Amir. He had claimed that India would struggle to reach the semi-finals, arguing that both South Africa and the West Indies had displayed stronger form during the group stage. At the time, Amir faced heavy criticism from Indian fans on social media.After the Ahmedabad encounter, former Pakistan batter Mohammad Yousuf reacted on X, appearing to acknowledge Amir’s foresight while also teasing him.

Mohammad Yousaf post

“Oye @iamamirofficial, you menace! You tormented #India on the field, and now you’re rattling them from the studio. Let them breathe; they’re already under fire. South Africa, the finalists, have picked up right where they left off last #T20WorldCup. A formidable side! Top order stumbled, but the lower order delivered, and the bowling discipline was exceptional,” Yousuf wrote.In the match itself, South Africa won the toss and chose to bat. Despite slipping to 20/3, they recovered brilliantly to post 187/7. David Miller led the charge with 63, while Dewald Brevis made 45 and Tristan Stubbs remained unbeaten on 44. Miller and Brevis stitched together a crucial 97-run partnership for the fourth wicket to shift momentum.India’s reply never gained traction. Marco Jansen claimed four wickets as the hosts were bowled out for 111. Shivam Dube top-scored with 42, preventing an even steeper collapse, but it was far from enough on a night that has left India’s campaign hanging in the balance.

Riding high on their historic T20I series triumph, the reigning ODI World Cup champions India Women are set to take on Australia Women in the first ODI of a three-match series at the Gabba in Brisbane on Tuesday, February 24. The match carries enormous significance as it marks the beginning of Australian captain Alyssa Healy’s farewell tour.

India’s stunning 2-1 T20I series victory marked Australia’s first bilateral series defeat since 2017, adding to their growing belief following last year’s ODI World Cup semi-final triumph over the hosts in Mumbai . The psychological edge clearly belongs to Harmanpreet Kaur’s side as they enter the 50-over format.

For Australia, this series represents a chance to restore order before the T20 World Cup in June, while also giving Healy a fitting farewell. The legendary wicketkeeper-batter, who missed the T20I leg, returns to lead the side in her final ODI appearances before retiring after the one-off Test in Perth.

AUS-W vs IND-W, 2nd ODI: Match Details

• Date and Time: February 24; 09:20 am IST/ 03:50 am GMT/ 1:50 pm Local
• Venue: The Gabba, Brisbane

AUS-W vs IND-W Head-to-Head Record in ODIs

Matches played: 61 | Australia Women won: 49 | India Women won: 12

The Gabba Pitch Report

In ODIs, the Gabba has built a reputation as a venue where batters can truly enjoy their time at the crease, particularly in day-night matches. Under lights, the pitch tends to settle nicely, allowing the ball to come onto the bat with good pace and bounce. Stroke-makers often find value for their shots, and once set, they can score freely. However, there’s a tactical twist.

History suggests that teams choosing to bowl first and successfully keeping the opposition below the 230-run mark usually gain a strong upper hand. The reason is simple: chasing at the Gabba under lights can become more comfortable, with the conditions aiding cleaner ball-striking and better timing.

Squads

Australia: Alyssa Healy (c), Sophie Molineux (vc), Darcie Brown, Nicola Carey, Ashleigh Gardner, Kim Garth, Alana King, Phoebe Litchfield, Beth Mooney, Tahlia McGrath, Ellyse Perry, Annabel Sutherland, Georgia Voll, Georgia Wareham

India: Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Smriti Mandhana (vc), Shafali Verma, Renuka Thakur, Sree Charani, Vaishnavi Sharma, Kranti Gaud, Sneh Rana, Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh, Kashvee Gautam, Amanjot Kaur, Jemimah Rodrigues, Uma Chetry, Harleen Deol, Pratika Rawal

Also READ: Clinical India thrash Bangladesh to win Women’s Asia Cup Rising Stars 2026

AUS-W vs IND-W: Today’s Match Prediction

Case 1:

• Australia Women wins the toss and bowls first
• India powerplay score: 60-70 (10 overs)
• India Women’s total score: 250-260

Case 2:

• India Women wins the toss and bowls first
• Australia Women’s powerplay score: 65-75
• Australia Women’s total score: 260-270

Match result: Australia Women’s to win the contest.

Also READ: Fans erupt as Smriti Mandhana powers India to series-clinching win over Australia in 3rd Women’s T20I

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

San Antonio Spurs Victor Wembanyama vs Detroit Pistons (Image via Getty)

San Antonio Spurs and Detroit Pistons face each other on February 23 with both teams near the top of their conferences. It is a strong matchup on paper, but a few absences on both sides could affect rotations and minutes.Neither team is missing multiple starters, but the unavailable players are in positions that matter. That could change how both teams use their bench and manage matchups during the game.

San Antonio Spurs injury report and rotation outlook vs Detroit Pistons (February 23, 2026)

San Antonio Spurs will be without Mason Plumlee, who is out for reconditioning, and David Jones Garcia, who is out for the season after ankle surgery. Lindy Waters III is listed as questionable with a knee issue.Harrison Ingram and Stanley Umude are not part of the regular rotation. The rest of the core group is expected to play, including Victor Wembanyama, De’Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle, Devin Vassell, Keldon Johnson, Harrison Barnes, Julian Champagnie, Kelly Olynyk, and Luke Kornet.The usual starting group includes Fox and Castle in the backcourt, Vassell on the wing, Barnes or Johnson at forward, and Wembanyama at center. With Plumlee out and Waters uncertain, players like Champagnie, Olynyk, Kornet, Dylan Harper, and Jordan McLaughlin should see more minutes.

Detroit Pistons injury report and rotation outlook vs San Antonio Spurs (February 23, 2026)

Detroit will be without Isaiah Stewart due to suspension. Wendell Moore Jr. is not part of the rotation for this game. Isaac Jones is listed as questionable.The main lineup remains unchanged with Cade Cunningham, Ausar Thompson, Tobias Harris, Duncan Robinson, and Jalen Duren. The bench includes Ronald Holland II, Paul Reed, Caris LeVert, Marcus Sasser, Daniss Jenkins, and Javonte Green.With Stewart out, Detroit will rely more on Duren and Reed in the frontcourt. They may also use smaller lineups with Harris or Thompson playing at power forward.

San Antonio Spurs vs Detroit Pistons Records, form, and playing styles

San Antonio enters the game at 40–16 overall and 18–10 on the road, sitting second in the West. Detroit is 42–13 with a 21–6 home record and leads the East. They have won five straight games.The Spurs score 118.0 points per game and play at a fast pace. They move the ball well and take a high number of three-point shots. Their defense depends on Wembanyama protecting the rim.Detroit scores 117.4 points per game but plays a more controlled style. They allow 109.3 points per game and rely on defense, rebounding, and forcing turnovers.

San Antonio Spurs vs Detroit Pistons Snapshot table: injuries, records, and stats

San Antonio Spurs vs Detroit Pistons Key players and matchup focus (February 23, 2026)

Wembanyama leads San Antonio with 24.0 points, 10.9 rebounds, and 2.7 blocks per game. Fox adds 16.7 points and 6.8 assists, while Castle and Johnson provide support.For Detroit, Cunningham averages 19.9 points and 8.5 assists. Duren handles the inside, Robinson provides shooting, and Thompson contributes on defense.The key areas in this game are the battle in the paint, three-point shooting, and playmaking. Wembanyama against Duren will be important, especially with Stewart unavailable. Perimeter shooting could decide spacing, and the matchup between Fox and Cunningham will shape the tempo.

Sahibzada Farhan could eclipse Virat Kohli’s record of being the top scorer in a single T20 World Cup edition. (AP)

TimesofIndia.com in Kandy: In a T20 World Cup where Pakistan’s campaign has lurched between frustration and uncertainty, Sahibzada Farhan has quietly become their most reliable presence. With 220 runs to his name and at least two matches still to come, Farhan finds himself in rare territory, one that inevitably invites comparisons, records, and pressure.At the pre-match press conference, he was asked a million dollar question on whether he is aiming to take down Virat Kohli‘s 12-year-old record as leading run-getter in the T20 World Cup. Kohli amassed 319 runs in the 2014 edition and 296 runs in 2022. His 319-run tally is still the highest by any batter in a single T20 World Cup.

“I don’t look at stats. Even when I perform, people tell me how many runs I’ve scored,” he told reporters. “If you start thinking about records, it becomes an added burden. I want to finish well. I want Pakistan to be proud.”That philosophy has shaped Farhan’s T20 World Cup so far. In a tournament where rain washed away momentum and Pakistan’s batting order repeatedly collapsed under pressure, Farhan has provided something invaluable: time at the crease. While critics have questioned strike rates and tempo, a conversation that has followed Pakistan’s top order for years, Farhan pushed back gently but firmly. “This is international cricket. You can’t start hitting from ball one every time. You have to read the pitch,” he explained. “If the ball is in my range, I attack. Once I get momentum, I try to take it long so the team can benefit.”Those words also reflect Pakistan’s broader dilemma. The bowlers, especially the spinners, have largely delivered. The batting, however, has struggled to keep pace, particularly against top opposition. Farhan did not shy away from acknowledging that reality. “Yes, we have collapsed in batting,” he admitted. “In T20 cricket, your top three or four have to score runs. We haven’t done that consistently. But the boys are working hard, and they are focused.”

Pakistan’s Sahibzada Farhan plays a shot during the T20 World Cup cricket match between Namibia and Pakistan in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026. (AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena)

Despite the scrutiny, Farhan spoke with notable calm about the pressure surrounding senior players and teammates. Whether it was Saim Ayub’s lean run or the criticism aimed at experienced campaigners, Farhan stressed belief and roles over panic. “Not every player can perform in every match. Everyone has their own role,” he said. “Saim is an impact player. He believes in himself, and that belief matters in T20 cricket.”Attention also turned to upcoming challenges, including facing elite pacers. Asked about squaring up against England’s Jofra Archer, Farhan was refreshingly blunt. “It’s not a big deal,” he shrugged. “We’ve faced him before. He will plan for me, but I have planned for him too. That’s international cricket.”

A large screen announces a delay in the start of T20 World Cup cricket match between New Zealand and Pakistan due to rain in Colombo. (AP)

What perhaps stood out most was Farhan’s clarity amid chaos. Rain delays, points-table permutations, decisions at the toss, none seemed to interest him. “Those calls are for the captain and coach,” he said. “Our job is to prepare and play according to the conditions.”As Pakistan head deeper into the Super Eight phase, Farhan’s runs carry added weight. Each innings inches him closer to Kohli’s historic World Cup tally, even if he insists that the numbers mean little. Yet records means a lot to the players, especially in the subcontinent. Whether he reaches the mark or not, one thing is clear. In a T20 World Cup filled with noise around Pakistan’s batting, Sahibzada Farhan has chosen the quietest route, scoring runs, absorbing pressure, and letting his bat talk.