DALLAS: The Transportation Security Administration said Sunday that its PreCheck program would remain operational despite an earlier announcement from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security that the airport security service was being suspended during the partial government shutdown. ” As staffing constraints arise, TSA will evaluate on a case-by-case basis and adjust operations accordingly,” the agency said. Airport lines seemed largely unaffected through midday Sunday, with security check line wait times listed as under 15 minutes for most international airports, according to TSA’s mobile app. Amy Wainscott, 42, flew from the Destin-Fort Walton Beach airport in Florida to Dallas Love Field on Sunday and said she didn’t hear about the shutdown until she had already gone through TSA’s PreCheck. “When we got to the airport this morning everything was working like usual,” she said. “It didn’t seem like anything had changed.” Jean Fay, 54, said she had no issues going through TSA PreCheck at the Baltimore airport for her 6 a.m. Sunday flight back home to Texas. She didn’t hear about the shutdown until she was changing planes in Austin, Texas, on her way to Dallas Love Field. “When I landed in Austin I started getting the alerts,” she said. It was not immediately clear whether Global Entry, another airport service, would be affected. PreCheck and Global Entry are designed to help speed registered travelers through security lines, and suspensions would likely cause headaches and delays. Since starting in 2013, more than 20 million Americans are signed up for TSA PreCheck, according to the Department of Homeland Security, and millions of those Americans also have overlapping Global Entry memberships. Global Entry is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection program that allows pre-approved, low-risk travelers to use expedited kiosks when entering the United States from abroad. The turmoil is tied to a partial government shutdown that began Feb. 14 after Democrats and the White House were unable to reach a deal on legislation to fund the Department of Homeland Security. Democrats have been demanding changes to immigration operations that are core to President Donald Trump’s deportation campaign. The security disruptions come at a time where a major winter storm will hit the East Coast from Sunday into Monday. Nine out of 10 flights going out of John F. Kennedy International Airport, LaGuardia Airport and Boston Logan Airport have been canceled for Monday. Homeland Security previously said it was taking “emergency measures to preserve limited funds.” Among the steps listed were “ending Transportation Security Administration (TSA) PreCheck lanes and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Global Entry service, to refocus Department personnel on the majority of travelers.” “We are glad that DHS has decided to keep PreCheck operational and avoid a crisis of its own making,” said Geoff Freeman, president and CEO of the US Travel Association. Before announcing the PreCheck shutdown, Secretary Kristi Noem said in a statement Saturday night that “shutdowns have serious real world consequences.” One group of fliers will definitely be affected, according to TSA. “Courtesy escorts, such as those for Members of Congress, have been suspended to allow officers to focus on the mission of securing America’s skies,” the agency said. Airlines for America, a trade group representing major carriers, said Saturday night that “it’s past time for Congress to get to the table and get a deal done.” It also criticized the announcement by saying it was “issued with extremely short notice to travelers, giving them little time to plan accordingly.” “A4A is deeply concerned that TSA PreCheck and Global Entry programs are being suspended and that the traveling public will be, once again, used as a political football amid another government shutdown,” the organization said. Democrats on the House Committee on Homeland Security criticized Homeland Security handling of airport security after the initial announcement on Saturday night. They accused the administration of “kneecapping the programs that make travel smoother and secure.” Sen. Andy Kim, a New Jersey Democrat, said Noem’s actions are part of an administration strategy to distract from other issues and shift responsibility. “This administration is trying to weaponize our government, trying to make things intentionally more difficult for the American people as a political leverage,” he told CNN on Sunday. “And the American people see that.”

NEW DELHI: Indian Embassy in Iran on Monday issued an urgent advisory directing all Indian nationals to depart from the country amid looming fear of war in the Middle East as tensions between Tehran and Washington grow.In its advisory, the embassy asked all citizens, including students, pilgrims, business persons and tourists, to leave the country by available means of transport, including commercial flights.“In continuation of the advisory issued by the Government of India on 5 January 2026, and in view of the evolving situation in Iran, Indian nationals who are currently in Iran (students, pilgrims, business persons and tourists) are advised to leave Iran by available means of transport, including commercial flights,” the advisory read.“The 14 January 2026 Advisory is hereby reiterated that all Indian citizens and PIOS should exercise due caution, avoid areas of protests or demonstrations, stay in contact with the Indian Embassy in Iran, and monitor local media for any developments,” it added.The embassy also asked Indian nationals to have their travel and immigration documents, including passports and IDs, readily available with them. It also issued a helpline number for assistance.“The emergency contact helplines of the Indian Embassy are provided below: Mobile Numbers: +989128109115; +989128109109; +989128109102; +989932179359. Email: cons.tehran@mea.gov.in,” the advisory read.This comes as students’ protests continued for second day in Iran, as Tehran and Washington remain engaged in talks to strike a nuclear deal. The next round of talks will happen in Geneva later this week, on Thursday, February 26, as confirmed by Oman’s foreign minister Badr Al Busaidi.Earlier, US President Donald Trump also issued a warning to Iran, asking it to come to terms with America within 10-15 days.“We’re either going to get a deal, or it’s going to be unfortunate for them… 10-15 days would be enough time,” Trump had said.

Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Monday explained the reason behind the rise in gold prices and assured that the government is closely monitoring the hikes. After the customary post-Budget meeting with the Central Board of Directors of the Reserve Bank of India, she said, “Most countries today, particularly their central banks, are buying gold and silver and storing them...Now the spike is largely due to central banks also buying and storing.” The FM further noted, “Gold has always been a favoured investment for households…The high-pitched demand for domestic consumption also sees a seasonal spike during festival season…We are watching it, but I’m not sure it has reached such alarming proportions. I think it has not gone beyond a certain limit. But of course, RBI will also be monitoring it.”Meanwhile, the yellow metal has continued to climb, mirroring global trends amid fresh tariff related concerns. Gold prices jumped Rs 2,946 to Rs 1,59,822 per 10 gram in Monday’s futures trade. On the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX), April gold contracts rose by Rs 2,946, or 1.88%, to Rs 1,59,822 per 10 grams, with a business turnover of 7,515 lots. Internationally, gold futures on Comex gained $96.61, or 1.9%, to $5,177.51 per ounce.She also spoke on the India-US trade deal, saying the finance ministry is assessing the possible impact of the Supreme Court of the United States’s ruling that struck down Donald Trump’s tariff framework. “It is early to comment,” she said. The development followed a landmark verdict by the US Supreme Court, which struck down Trump’s emergency tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), declaring them illegal and reshaping the global tariff landscape. She also urged the nation to contribute to the country’s economic growth, “everybody should participate in India’s growth story.The post-Budget meeting was attended by Sitharaman, minister of state for finance Pankaj Chaudhary, and the RBI governor.

US Vice-President JD Vance shared a light-hearted glimpse into his marriage, revealing the “best and worst” dishes he has ever cooked for his wife, Usha Vance — and admitting that his first attempt was “actually inedible”.Speaking in an interview on Fox News with Lara Trump, Vance was asked about his culinary skills after Usha previously suggested he “did not know how to cook much” before they met.

“The worst is very easy,” Vance replied. “Usha’s a vegetarian and I am not. So I’m like thinking to myself, what does a vegetarian eat…So I went to the grocery store. I got those crescent rolls. I rolled them out like into a pizza shape…It was disgusting. Like it was actually inedible.”Reflecting on the early days of their relationship, he added: “It’s amazing that the relationship lasted because that was the first time that I ever cooked for her.”Over the years, however, the Vice-President says he has improved significantly in the kitchen. “The best thing that I’ve ever cooked? I’m pretty good at cooking now. But I can make a pretty good brioche bread.”Usha Vance, who joined the conversation, offered a more recent example of his efforts. “Most recently it’s been Shokupan, which is the Japanese milk bread…he’s been working on it for a while and he does it really well.”The exchange offered a rare personal insight into the couple’s life at home. Married since meeting at Yale Law School in 2010, the pair have three young children — Ewan, Vivek and Mirabel — and are expecting their fourth child, a boy, later this year.Vance has frequently credited his wife as a steady presence throughout his rapid political rise. “I know her most of all as a great mom and a great wife, as a person who supports me, who’s so good to the kids, who makes it possible for them to grow up as normal kids,” he said.He also described her as someone uninterested in public attention. “This is a person who doesn’t really care about the limelight, who’s not trying to sort of get out there in front of the crowds all the time, who just wants to give her kids a good life and who wants to be as good of a public servant as possible.”“I think that’s what we should want out of our public leaders and certainly they have it in our second lady.”

In the aftermath of India’s crushing 76-run defeat against South Africa in the T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 clash at the Narendra Modi Stadium, one question dominated post-match discussions: why was vice-captain Axar Patel left out in favour of Washington Sundar?

India assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate fronted the media to provide a detailed explanation of the tactical thinking behind the controversial selection call that backfired spectacularly.

Axar Patel vs Washington Sundar: Powerplay bowling, match-ups and the Rinku Singh factor

Ten Doeschate revealed that the team management spent considerable time deliberating over the playing XI in the lead-up to the match, with the final decision centered on specific match-up considerations against South Africa’s left-handed batters .

“A key part of today’s strategy was how well he (Washington) has bowled in the powerplay in T20 cricket,” ten Doeschate explained at the post-match press conference. “The idea was to go in with three frontline bowlers plus Washington, with two others sharing the fifth-bowler’s role. Winning the powerplay was going to be crucial. We had envisaged Washington bowling two overs up front, not necessarily being 30 for 3. That early position then gives you flexibility with the bat as well.” 

The coaching staff identified Quinton de Kock, Ryan Rickelton and David Miller as the primary threats, leading them to prefer an off-spinner over left-arm spinner Axar Patel for better match-ups against the left-handers.

Ten Doeschate emphasized that the decision was also influenced by the desire to maintain batting depth. “In hindsight, you could argue that leaving out a batter and playing an extra frontline bowler looks like the right decision. But, making decisions at that time, we felt we needed Rinku as an eighth batsman, so to speak. And the decision was based on that.” 

He stressed that Axar’s omission was in no way a reflection on his abilities or importance to the team. “It’s certainly not a reflection on Axar – his leadership and importance to the team are unquestioned. But this is the challenge we face almost every week: fitting 11 players into a squad of 15. It’s not easy, and we have to make sure we get it right for the next two Super Eight games.” 

“In hindsight, it looked like the wrong decision”: Ryan ten Doeschate

Perhaps most significantly, ten Doeschate candidly admitted that the selection call had not paid off. “We spent so much time in deliberating. We were looking at match-ups. Hindsight, it looked like the wrong decision. Take nothing away from Axar. Very disappointed,” he told reporters .

He elaborated on the thought process: “On balance, given that we expected most of the threat to come from left-handers, and that we wanted the extra batter, it came down to a straight choice between Washington and Axar. And we went with Washington.” 

Despite the clear tactical reasoning, the plan fell apart in execution. Sundar bowled just two overs, conceding 17 runs without taking a wicket, and was never utilized during the powerplay – the very phase for which he was supposedly selected .

With the bat, Sundar was promoted to No. 5 during India’s collapse but managed only 11 runs off 11 balls, failing to stabilize the innings . Ten Doeschate defended the promotion, explaining that Axar would have faced the same situation had he played. “If Axar had played in that team today, he would have walked in the same position at whatever we were, 20 for 3.”

India’s heavy left-handed batting order an area of concern

The defeat exposed deeper structural issues in India’s batting approach. Ten Doeschate acknowledged that teams have consistently exploited India’s left-handed heavy top order by opening with part-time off-spin.

Also READ: Fans react as South Africa crush India in the Super 8 clash at T20 World Cup 2026

“Four times now teams have opened with part-time spin against us and taken a wicket… that’s obviously something we have to look at,” he said. This has led to discussions about potentially bringing in Sanju Samson as a right-handed option at the top. “Do you stick with the guys who have performed over the last 18 months and are just short of runs now, or do you twist and bring in a right-hander at the top? That’s a discussion we’ll have over the next few days.”

Gautam Gambhir faces scrutiny

Head coach Gautam Gambhir faced significant criticism from fans and experts following the failed experiment. With India now needing to win both remaining Super 8 matches against Zimbabwe and the West Indies to keep their semifinal hopes alive, the team management must quickly resolve the selection dilemmas that contributed to their biggest-ever T20 World Cup defeat.

Also READ: Top 3 biggest run defeats for India in the T20 World Cup history

Kuldeep Yadav (R) and skipper Suryakumar Yadav. (ANI Photo)

NEW DELHI: India’s heavy defeat to South Africa in the Super Eight stage of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup has triggered a blunt reality check, with former batter Sanjay Manjrekar urging the side to “be humble” and quickly address key flaws to stay in title contention.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!A dominant South Africa piled up 187/7 before bundling India out for just 111. The crushing loss not only dented India’s momentum but also exposed glaring tactical and technical weaknesses.

Reflecting on the defeat, Manjrekar said on his Instagram post, “A big defeat to India against South Africa. So, the first strong team that India has played, and they have not really coped well against that team. But the good news is that India is not out of the tournament.”He added that the loss could serve as a blessing in disguise if India respond correctly.“So what South Africa have done – and we have to be humble and respect the opposition and in a way thank them – is that they have shown us three areas of improvement that we can still work on and end up getting into the final rounds and hopefully win the title,” he said.Manjrekar identified India’s struggles against spin as the most pressing concern and called for a batting order reshuffle.“The first area of concern is an obvious one: India is struggling against spin. So how do you solve that? Try to rearrange the batting order in a way that naturally good players of spin are batting up the order, and people like Tilak Varma, who is struggling a little bit, can come down the order,” he said. He also flagged the team’s vulnerability against pace-off deliveries, including from captain Suryakumar Yadav.“The other thing which was glaring in this game against South Africa was even the pace bowlers, when they take the pace off, Indian batters are struggling. The captain seemed like the one who struggled most now when the pace is taken off.”Manjrekar further stressed the need to strengthen the bowling attack rather than adding extra batting depth.“The third is an easily solvable problem. When the batting is uncertain, not firing, very often you try and get more batting depth. There’s another way to cover that weakness, and that is by having a stronger bowling attack. So get Kuldeep Yadav in.”“So yes, try and make a change that is possible and immediately effective, and then work on the more complex problems… If done quickly, India still have a great chance of getting into the final rounds,” he concluded.

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Most people are aware that sparrows have seen a sharp decline in population across India. The reasons are many — rapid urbanisation, loss of nesting spaces, pollution, and changing food habits. But have we ever thought of doing anything about it? Panna Lal Mahto who lives in a small village in Jharkhand’s Ramgarh district is quietly building homes for sparrows and helping in their nesting.“Last year, I made nests for sparrows in every home in my village, and we saw nearly 80% habitation. Today, I’ve just finished installing nests in the last house for this year. This time, we expanded to other villages as well. You won’t believe it — by the time we completed the work, sparrows had already started settling in three to four houses,” he says with pride.

His enthusiasm and love for birds are truly infectious.His nephew, Om Prakash Mahto who lives in Delhi and is preparing for the UPSC examination, manages Pannalal’s Instagram account and often accompanies him on birding expeditions. He says that Pannalal has dedicated his life to birds. “Whatever time he finds in between work, he spends it improving the lives of these fellow creatures. He knows them, and they seem to know him,” Om Prakash says.There is no official support or funding from anywhere — Panna Lal manages all these initiatives from his own pocket, driven purely by passion and commitment. He is popularly known as “Birdman” in the region. He is not just a lover of birds, but a naturalist at heart. He can mimic the calls of almost every bird you have ever heard. His knowledge of different species is deep and impressive, and his talent is so remarkable that he can accurately reproduce the distinct calls of doves, sparrows, and many other birds.

When he demonstrates his skill, it feels as if the sounds of the forest come alive — like a travelling minstrel of nature, blending human voice with the music of the wild.“In my village one can spot at least 100 varieties of birds. My love for birds goes a long way back. It was around 1995-96 that my uncle rescued two birds- a grey partridge and a parakeet. I used to feed these two birds. When I would go to them with their food, they would show their love and gratitude by flapping their wings, and it filled my heart with love. These are very expressive creatures, and they communicate with us if we are ready to listen,” says Panna Lal.Panna Lal can mimic the voice of almost any bird. He has the ability to summon 50-60 crows with ease. He knows the names and behaviors of hundreds of birds by simply observing and reading about them. He has not gone to fancy schools or taken expensive degrees in ornithology; he is completely self-taught and has debunked several myths around birds by sheer observation and experience.

In addition to his work, he also runs awareness programs in schools and colleges to teach kids how important it is to protect birds and their natural habitats. His mission is not about making money; it’s about following his heart. As Om says, “We don’t charge anything; we do it for free. Being an ornithologist is an expensive affair. You need to have a high quality camera and an expensive lense. Our Birdman is self taught and has been managing it all with whatever little income he has” Their dedication shows that they really want to raise awareness and get other people to care about the environment.

Panna Lal says that birds are very smart and have interesting ways of staying alive. “You might not believe it, but birds can even act,” he says. For instance, the Ashy-crowned Sparrow-Lark acts like a helpless baby bird to keep predators or people away from its nest and chicks. It flaps its wings and flies in a clumsy way, like a young bird, to get your mind off of its little ones. This smart behavior shows that birds have an instinctive intelligence that helps them keep their families safe.The Birdman’s expertise goes far beyond ordinary observation. While most naturalists can identify a bird by spotting it and describing its features, he has developed an extraordinary skill. “Most naturalists will see a bird and then tell you about it,” he says with confidence. “But I can simply hear a bird’s call and tell you everything about it.” His remarkable ability to recognize birds by their sounds alone demonstrates years of dedication, careful listening, and a deep connection with nature.Birdman’s love for birds isn’t just a hobby; it’s something he’ll do for the rest of his life. He is happy to spend any free time he has, and even the little money he makes, to make their lives easier. He is fully committed to their health and well-being, whether that means getting them food and water, keeping their nesting areas safe, or saving injured birds.The birds seem to know and appreciate his kindness in return. They talk to him in their special way. When he is there, they gather around him, flap their wings, and chirp softly, as if they are saying thank you. Some hover close by, while others fly around him in a playful way. It seems like they know he’s there and completely trust him. Birdman and the birds have a beautiful connection. They understand that he cares, and he knows that they care too. Their relationship is a beautiful example of how man and nature can coexist together and create a better and more symbiotic world.