NEW DELHI: Aiming to reach women in distress, the National Commission for Women in coordination with state women’s commissions will hold marathon ‘Mahila Jan Sunwais’ (public hearings) across the country starting from Monday to cover 500 districts spread out in 25 states and Union Territories till March 14.Through this nationwide effort, the commission aims to address and resolve nearly 15,000 complaints registered from those areas with the NCW and the state commissions, including both walk-in grievances and registered cases, thereby providing women with timely support and strengthening institutional response mechanisms.This campaign is an extension of the National Commission’s flagship outreach programme – “NCW Aapke Dwar” wherein a 100 public hearings were held across states last year to ensure speedy resolution of complaints registered with the NCW from those areas and also took-up fresh cases on the spot.Making the announcement ahead of International Women’s Day, observed every year on March 8, NCW chief Vijaya Rahatkar said that she will will lead the ‘jansunwais’ in five states that are currently without a state commission chairperson. These include Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand and Telangana.Rahatkar will set off the campaign by steering a hearing in Jaipur on March 9. She will next visit Vadodara on March 10 followed by Bhopal on March 11, Medchal-Malkajgiri on March 12, Deoghar on March 13 and Dumka on March 14.Rahatkar said that in Delhi too the post of chairperson and members are vacant but the districts from here have not been included in the 500 districts to be covered in this week long drive as NCW is headquartered in the capital itself and a week long public hearing was held last year in Delhi dealing with around 2,000 complaints.Meanwhile, Rahatkar said that she has already written to the chief secretaries of all five states to constitute the state commissions at the earliest.The NCW chief highlighted that based on the experience gathered over the 100 public hearings held over last year it has come through that a significantly large number of cases are family disputes including domestic violence.That many women continue to suffer in the confines of their homes is well known and revealed in data trends over the years. Of all the complaints received by the commission’s complaint cell last year domestic violence and dowry harassment alone accounted for over 39% (10,846) of the 27,000 plus complaints registered under various categories of crime against women from across the country till Dec 31.Rahatkar shared that the 500 districts have been selected based on factors such as the number of complaints received and the need to reach remote and hilly areas.From jan sunwais in 75 districts of Uttar Pradesh to Manipur taking the initiative to hold five public hearings reflecting strong engagement by the State Women Commission despite challenging circumstances in the state – the next week will see NCW take the redressal system to the grassroots across regions covering states like Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Kerala, Odisha, Uttarakhand, Tripura and Nagaland.

Sanju Samson‘s dream run in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 continues to grab headlines, not just for his explosive batting but also for his refreshing honesty off the field. After delivering two sensational knocks that powered India into the final, the wicketkeeper-batter produced a humorous yet thoughtful response during the post-match press conference when a reporter asked him about narrowly missing out on two centuries in the tournament.

Sanju Samson’s dazzling knock in the Super 8 clash against West Indies

Samson first lit up the tournament during India’s high-pressure Super 8 encounter against West Indies on March 1 at Eden Gardens. The match was virtually a knockout fixture for both sides, with India chasing a daunting target of 196.

In what many fans have already called one of the finest innings of his career, Samson remained unbeaten on 97 off just 50 balls. His innings was a perfect blend of aggression and control, featuring 12 boundaries and four towering sixes.

The knock not only guided India to a memorable victory but also etched Samson’s name into the record books. His 97 became the highest individual score by an Indian batter in a successful T20 World Cup run chase, surpassing Virat Kohli’s previous record.

While the century remained elusive, the impact of the innings was undeniable as Samson carried India home with calm authority under pressure.

Samson’s match-winning fireworks in the semi-final against England

Just four days later, Samson once again proved why he is enjoying the form of his life. In the semi-final against England on March 5 at the Wankhede Stadium, the right-hander delivered another blistering performance.

Samson smashed 89 off only 42 deliveries, maintaining a staggering strike rate of 211.90. His innings included eight fours and seven sixes as he dominated England’s bowling attack from the outset.

The knock helped India post a massive total of 253/7, the highest score in a T20 World Cup knockout match. England fought valiantly in the chase but eventually fell short as India secured a thrilling seven-run victory to book their place in the final.

Samson’s 89 also equalled Kohli’s record for the highest score by an Indian batter in a T20 World Cup knockout match, previously set against West Indies in the 2016 semi-final. During the innings, Samson also broke Rohit Sharma’s record for the most sixes by an Indian in a single T20 World Cup edition. With 16 sixes in just four innings, he has been one of the most destructive batters of the tournament. For his stunning performance, Samson received his second consecutive Player of the Match award.

Also WATCH: T20 World Cup 2026 – Axar Patel plucks a jaw-dropping catch to dismiss Harry Brook in IND vs ENG semi-final

Samson’s humorous take on the ‘missed centuries’ debate

Despite his heroic performances, fans and analysts pointed out that Samson had narrowly missed two centuries in the tournament. A reporter echoed the same sentiment during the post-match press conference following the win over England. Samson, however, handled the question with a mix of humour and perspective.

“Bhai, I did not miss two centuries. I have made 97 and 89 – it is a very big thing,” Samson said with a smile.

Reflecting on his journey, he also acknowledged how fortune sometimes plays a role in a cricketer’s career.

“I have been unlucky in the past at times, but sometimes luck also works in your favour once in a while. I was very fortunate that I got this opportunity, so let me grasp it now,” he added.

With India now just one step away from the title, Samson’s fearless batting and grounded mindset have made him one of the biggest stories of the T20 World Cup 2026.

Also READ: Fans go wild as Sanju Samson’s blazing knock powers India into T20 World Cup 2026 final after thrilling win over England

Vinnie Hinostroza Trade: Florida Panthers reunite with forward ahead of NHL trade deadline (Image Via Twitter)

The Vinnie Hinostroza trade turned into one of the most captivating events that occurred during the NHL Trade Deadline period. The Florida Panthers executed a roster move that created a spectacle that both fans and analysts found exciting because teams were finalizing their rosters. The trade brings two benefits to the team because it expands their player options while reintroducing a former player who has already played for the team. The Panthers will receive an important advantage through this reunion, which occurs at a time when their team faces its most difficult challenges.

Florida Panthers GM Bill Zito reunites with Vinnie Hinostroza after Minnesota Wild trade deal

The Florida Panthers completed their acquisition of Vinnie Hinostroza from the Minnesota Wild, which Wild President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Bill Guerin confirmed. The trade took place just hours before the NHL Trade Deadline when the teams exchanged players for future considerations. Hinostroza played 48 games with Minnesota during this season, which resulted in him scoring three goals and seven assists to achieve a total of 10 points. He registered 46 shots on goal and delivered 30 hits while maintaining consistent playing time throughout the game. The European hockey player recorded two power-play assists and all his other points during even-strength situations.Hinostroza has maintained his relationship with the Panthers organization for multiple years. Bill Zito, the Panthers’ general manager, signed him as one of his first free-agent additions after joining the organization in 2020. The team used him as a healthy scratch during his time with the Florida Panthers, which included nine appearances and another nine games under their previous coach, Joel Quenneville.

Vinnie Hinostroza returns to Florida Panthers roster during injury-heavy season

The current situation shows how much things have changed since Hinostroza first came back to Florida. The Panthers need to build their roster through the acquisition of a flexible forward because they face multiple player injuries during this season.31-year-old host currently playing on an expiring deal rolling at a $775,000 annual value. The Florida team can use his NHL experience, which he gained from playing with the Chicago Blackhawks, Arizona Coyotes, Buffalo Sabres, Pittsburgh Penguins, Nashville Predators, and Minnesota Wild, to provide them with a flexible player who can fill multiple positions.The Vinnie Hinostroza trade stands as a less important NHL Trade Deadline news story, but it serves as an essential strategic decision for the Florida Panthers. Bill Zito strengthens the team through his decision to re-sign a known player who brings both experience and depth to the roster during this critical period. The Florida Panthers will benefit from Hinostroza’s return as the team enters its final stretch of the season.

Mumbai: Following directions from Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar, Shiv Sena minister Uday Samant on Friday announced in the Legislative Assembly that all hawkers eligible in the 2014 hawkers survey will be allotted temporary hawking pitches. Samant said 32,415 hawkers were deemed eligible as per the 2014 survey, and the state govt will give directions to the BMC to allot them temporary pitches till a formal Town Vending Committee (TVC) mechanism is set up following High Court decision. Samant said the issue is currently under litigation and the temporary pitches will be allotted as an interim measure. Samant was replying to a calling attention motion moved by MLA Rais Shaikh.

During the survey of hawkers in 2014, 1,28,443 applications were distributed, and 99,435 applications were submitted to the BMC, said Samant. “Of them, 22,055 applicants and 10,360 licensees — a total of 32,415 — were eligible as voters. As per the provisions of the Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihoods and Regulation of Street Vendors) Rules, 2016, and the prescribed guidelines, BMC completed the election process in Aug 2024, for the election of TVCs. However, a petition was filed before the SC by Janwadi Hawkers Sabha Association and others regarding the eligibility criteria for hawkers. Due to the order given by SC in August 2024, the counting of votes could not be done even after completion of the election process. Alternatively, TVCs could not be formed. The petition was later transferred by the SC to the HC. The hearings were completed and the final hearing was held on Feb 11, 2026. The decision of the HC is pending,” Samant said in his reply.Shaikh, however said that the law mandates formation of TVCs, after which a survey must be conducted and pitches allotted to eligible hawkers. “All the rules are already in place. Those who were included in the survey should get justice. I am talking about regulated hawking, not unregulated hawking. Govt must complete the process within a month, create hawking zones and allot pitches to eligible vendors identified in the survey,” he added. Congress MLA Amin Patel said keeping hawkers deemed eligible in 2014, waiting for over 10 years was sheer injustice and the state govt was responsible for the loss of their livelihoods. BJP MLA Ameet Satam said that in case any temporary pitches are allotted, they must not be in residential areas and demanded that local elected representatives and citizen groups or residents associations must be consulted before any allotment is done.

KATHMANDU: Nepal’s old political order collapsed on Friday as a Balen Shah-led wave powered Rastriya Swatantra Party to either win or establish substantial leads in at least 115 of 165 first-past-the-post (FPTP) seats, turning the parliamentary election after the Sept 2025 Gen Z uprising into a rout of the establishment.Former PMs KP Sharma Oli and Madhav Kumar Nepal were staring at major upsets as results trickled in. Gagan Thapa of the Nepali Congress was trailing despite emerging as the party’s new face after ousting five-time PM Sher Bahadur Deuba to lead the organisation. Only Pushpa Kamal Dahal, or Prachanda, looked set to survive from the old guard. Even there, the verdict carried a sting: his daughter, Renu Dahal, was trailing in Chitwan.With counting still under way in most FPTP seats and the 110 proportional representation seats yet to be tallied, a party or alliance needs 138 seats in the 275-member House to secure a majority. Final tallies were expected only by Saturday afternoon, but the direction of the result had already become unmistakable.The sweep in the Kathmandu Valley was just as striking. In the capital and the adjoining suburbs of Lalitpur and Bhaktapur, RSP was leading in 14 of 15 seats, underlining how decisively the urban electorate had swung behind the new force.If the trend holds, Balen, 35, is set to take over as PM, capping one of the sharpest generational shifts in Nepal’s recent political history. A former rapper and structural engineer who first built his public image through music and later as Kathmandu mayor, Balen became the face of the anti-establishment anger that exploded onto Nepal’s streets last Sept.However, neither Balen nor party leader Rabi Lamichhane issued any statement, made any announcement, or posted on social media on Friday as the scale of RSP’s sweep became clear. Balen’s last public remark came after polling on Thursday, when he praised interim PM Sushila Karki and wrote: “Under your leadership, democracy has triumphed today.”The rejection of those that the Gen Z protests targeted was stark. In Jhapa-5, Oli was trailing so badly that Balen had at least four times the former’s vote tally. Madhav Kumar Nepal, another veteran of Nepal’s coalition era, was also swept aside. Prachanda appeared to have held his ground. But even that survival came wrapped in decline. Contesting yet again from a new constituency after shifting seats across elections, he looked less like a revived force than the last veteran left standing. His daughter’s struggle in Chitwan sharpened the message emerging elsewhere: old networks, family legacies and inherited political capital no longer guaranteed safety.Baburam Bhattarai, the former PM who withdrew from Gorkha-2 at the last moment, had sensed early where the mood was heading. Explaining his exit in Jan, he said he would play “an advisory role beyond party politics” and continue supporting progressive and emerging forces from outside Parliament. He also said Nepal’s democracy would remain incomplete unless it created “dignified, productive jobs at home” and moved faster on economic change. Seen against Friday’s result, his withdrawal looked like an early recognition that the ground had shifted.For many voters, Balen’s rise captured a double break — from the traditional parties and their political style. Born in Kathmandu, he grew up in a lower middle-class household; his father, Ram Narayan Shah, was a govt ayurveda practitioner and his mother, Dhruvadevi Shah, a homemaker. He studied civil engineering at Himalayan WhiteHouse International College in Putalisadak, Kathmandu, and later received an MTech in structural engineering from Visvesvaraya Technological University in Karnataka, India. Balen first entered national consciousness as a rapper whose songs took aim at corruption, political stagnation and inherited power. By this election he had acquired a rockstar-like popularity whose voice drowned everything and everyone else.

England’s Jos Buttler (PTI Photo/Kunal Patil)

Former England fast bowler Steve Harmison has questioned whether Jos Buttler still has the motivation to continue in international cricket after a disappointing campaign in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.England’s run in the tournament came to an end on Thursday when the England cricket team lost a tense semi-final to the India national cricket team by seven runs at the iconic Wankhede Stadium. Led by Harry Brook, England fought hard in the chase but ultimately fell short.

Buttler endured a particularly difficult tournament. Across eight matches, the right-handed opener managed just 87 runs and struggled to find rhythm at the crease. In the semi-final, he attempted to attack his way out of the slump but was eventually dismissed by Varun Chakaravarthy. The England star finished the competition without a single half-century and failed to provide strong starts at the top of the order.Following England’s elimination, Harmison said Buttler now needs to reflect on his future with the national side.“He needs to look at himself in the mirror and say, ‘Do I really want to carry on playing international cricket? If he says, ‘I do’, then he keeps on playing for me. It’s just whether the ups and downs have taken that effect. I think Jos deserves the right to think, ‘Have I got one more cycle in me to get through to another tournament?,” Harmison said on TalkSport.“Only Jos can answer that, and he should be allowed to do that. But I just look at Jos, and I’m not sure he’s enjoying playing cricket for England at the moment,” he added.Harmison also suggested that if the passion for the game is fading, Buttler may need to consider stepping aside and allowing the next generation to take over.“If the candle is just flickering, and it’s not quite there, which doesn’t seem to have been an enjoyment factor for the last year or so, then maybe it is time for Jos to say, ‘I’ve given my time, given everything for England, I’ve been England’s best white-ball player, and it’s now time for someone else to take over,” said Harmison.Despite the recent struggles, Buttler remains one of England’s most decorated white-ball players. He played a crucial role in England’s triumphs at the 2019 Cricket World Cup and the 2022 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.The wicketkeeper-batter is also England’s most capped player across formats with 411 international appearances and is the nation’s highest run-scorer in T20 internationals with 4,037 runs. It remains to be seen whether he chooses to continue his career with an eye on the 2027 Cricket World Cup, scheduled to be hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.

India secured a thrilling victory over England on Thursday in the semi-final of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, sealing their place in the final against New Zealand national cricket team this Sunday. The high-stakes match took place at Wankhede Stadium and drew a crowd of more than 30,000 spectators, including several Bollywood celebrities.Among those present was Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya’s girlfriend, actor Mahieka Sharma, who attended the game with his young son Agastya Pandya. However, what ended up going viral online wasn’t just their presence in the stands, but Agastya’s animated reaction after his father was dismissed during India’s innings.

Batting first after England skipper Harry Brook chose to field, India got off to a strong start thanks to an impressive 89-run knock by Sanju Samson. Pandya walked in later and initially took time to settle at the crease, but eventually found his rhythm, smashing two sixes to push India’s score beyond 250.His innings, however, ended dramatically in the final over when he attempted to steal an additional run and was caught outside the crease, resulting in a run-out. Commentators questioned his shot selection, and it seemed his son Agastya felt the same way.As Pandya headed back to the pavilion, Agastya called out to him several times before Mahieka managed to draw his attention. The youngster then appeared to scold his father for attempting a flick shot, gesturing animatedly and questioning his choice of stroke. Standing beside him, Mahieka looked visibly puzzled by the outburst. The moment was captured during the live broadcast and soon spread across social media platforms. “When Hardik Pandya got out his son was angry on him,” one person quipped on Twitter.Pandya later made amends during England’s chase. In a crucial 19th over, he delivered a tight spell and dismissed Sam Curran, helping India clinch a memorable win.Agastya is the son of Hardik Pandya and his former wife, actor Natasa Stankovic. The couple married in 2020 but separated in 2024, with their divorce finalised later that year. Despite the split, they continue to co-parent their son.Pandya began dating Mahieka, a 25-year-old model and actor, in 2025. Earlier this year, he made their relationship public with a heartfelt birthday post for her on Instagram. Mahieka has frequently been spotted cheering him on during matches throughout the ongoing World Cup.India will now face New Zealand in the tournament’s final at Narendra Modi Stadium on Sunday.

The stage is set for a thrilling finale in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 as India and New Zealand prepare to battle for the coveted title on March 8 at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Both teams have fought hard throughout the tournament and now stand just one step away from lifting the trophy.

India booked their place in the summit clash after edging past England in a nail-biting semifinal at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. The high-scoring encounter saw the hosts hold their nerve in the closing stages to secure a narrow victory and keep their title hopes alive in front of a passionate home crowd.

New Zealand, meanwhile, have showcased their trademark discipline and composure to reach the final. The Black Caps once again demonstrated why they are regarded as one of the most consistent teams in global tournaments, producing a string of spirited performances against South Africa in the first semi-final to earn a spot in the championship match.

With the final set to be played in front of a packed crowd in Ahmedabad, fans can expect an electrifying contest between two well-balanced sides determined to etch their name in T20 World Cup history.

Brad Haddin picks the winner of T20 World Cup 2026 final

Former Australia wicketkeeper Brad Haddin believes New Zealand have the ability to upset India in the final despite the hosts enjoying home advantage. Speaking on the Willow Talk Cricket Podcast, Haddin pointed out that the Black Caps possess the mindset and fearless approach required to handle the pressure of a big occasion in India.

Haddin highlighted the threat posed by New Zealand opener Finn Allen, who has the ability to single-handedly change the course of a match with his aggressive batting at the top of the order.

“If he (Finn Allen) gets going in the final, he is one player who can ruin India’s party on their home soil. If I was India coming into the tournament, the one team I wouldn’t have wanted to play in the final is New Zealand,” Haddin said.

The former Australian cricketer also stressed that New Zealand’s previous success in India could give them the confidence to challenge the hosts in the final.

“New Zealand don’t fear India in home conditions. They’ve beaten them in a Test series here. So if they can go in with that mindset and Finn Allen can play with that freedom as he has, they can put some real pressure on India. I am going with New Zealand,” he added.

Also READ: Fans go wild as Sanju Samson’s blazing knock powers India into T20 World Cup 2026 final after thrilling win over England

Star-studded sides ready to light up Ahmedabad

Both India and New Zealand boast squads packed with match-winners, setting the stage for a fascinating battle in Ahmedabad.

India will rely on the explosive batting of Sanju Samson, captain Suryakumar Yadav, and Ishan Kishan to provide a strong foundation at the top of the order. The middle order also carries significant firepower with Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube capable of accelerating the scoring in the death overs.

Young talents like Tilak Varma and all-rounder Axar Patel further strengthen India’s lineup, while pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah remains a key figure with the ball, particularly in pressure situations.

New Zealand, on the other hand, have their own set of game-changers. Allen’s attacking approach in the powerplay can put bowlers under immediate pressure, while Rachin Ravindra and Daryl Mitchell provide stability and versatility in the batting unit.

The Black Caps also possess dynamic finishers like Glenn Phillips and experienced campaigners such as Mitchell Santner, who bring balance with both bat and ball.

Also WATCH: T20 World Cup 2026 – MS Dhoni’s priceless reaction to wife Sakshi’s early celebration during IND vs ENG semi-final goes viral

The United States has said its decision to grant India a temporary waiver to purchase certain Russian oil supplies is a short-term move aimed at stabilising global crude prices amid supply disruptions linked to tensions in the Middle East.US energy secretary Chris Wright said the measure is intended to quickly bring oil stored in floating reserves into the global market and ease immediate supply constraints.Speaking to ABC News Live, Wright said large volumes of Russian crude are currently stored in tankers around southern Asia and that Washington had encouraged India to buy these cargoes.“We need to get oil on the market in the short term. In the long term, supplies are abundant. There’s no worry there,” Wright said, adding that the temporary step was necessary as oil prices were rising due to constraints in shipments passing through the Strait of Hormuz.“As oil gets bid up a little bit because of those constraints coming out of the Straits of Hormuz, we’re taking a short-term action to say all this floating Russian oil storage that’s around southern Asia,” he said.Wright said the US had asked India to absorb those cargoes. “We’ve reached out to our friends in India and said, ‘Buy that oil. Bring it into your refineries.’ That pulls stored oil immediately into Indian refineries and releases the pressure on other refineries around the world,” he added.He stressed that the waiver does not represent a shift in Washington’s stance toward Moscow. “This is no change in policy towards Russia. This is a very brief change in policy just to keep oil prices down a little bit better than we could otherwise,” Wright said.Earlier in the day, US treasury secretary Scott Bessent announced a 30-day waiver allowing Indian refiners to purchase Russian oil cargoes stranded at sea.“To enable oil to keep flowing into the global market, the treasury department is issuing a temporary 30-day waiver to allow Indian refiners to purchase Russian oil,” Bessent said in a post on X.

Indian refiners step up purchases

Following the waiver, Indian refiners have begun purchasing large volumes of Russian oil floating in Asian waters, reported news agency PTI, citing sources.The companies have snapped up around 20 million barrels of crude, mostly from non-sanctioned entities, though they are seeking legal clarity on whether the exemption also allows purchases from sanctioned firms.The US Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control has issued a licence permitting the delivery and offloading of Russian crude loaded on vessels before March 5, 2026, with transactions allowed until April 4, 2026.The move comes as the widening West Asia conflict disrupts energy shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, through which nearly 40–50 per cent of India’s crude imports typically pass.India, which holds reserves covering roughly 25 days of crude demand, has turned to Russian cargoes at sea to ensure domestic fuel supplies remain stable. Indian refiners had already been importing about one million barrels of Russian oil per day in recent months.Industry estimates cited by PTI suggest around 15 million barrels of Russian crude are currently floating in the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal, while additional cargoes are waiting near Singapore and other routes that could reach Indian ports within weeks.Analysts say the waiver provides short-term relief for India’s energy security, though competition from other buyers, particularly China, may limit the volume of additional Russian oil available.