On the day that the 2026 T20 World Cup schedule was unveiled, Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav was asked his dream match-up for the tournament. The answer came without a flicker of hesitation. “Australia in the final, at the Narendra Modi Stadium.”The Men in Blue have won many matches and tournaments since that heartbreaking loss in the ODI World Cup final in Nov 2023, but the wounds had clearly still not fully healed for Surya — as they hadn’t for so many fans.Surya didn’t get the opponent he craved, but he won’t complain. Nor will the Indian supporters who screamed themselves hoarse — in the stadium and in front of millions of flickering screens, big and small, across the world. On a glorious Sunday night, Team India achieved redemption, and it has rarely tasted sweeter. India didn’t so much win the title as stroll to it. It was a coronation rather than a final.

History, that most stubborn of scorekeepers, was rewritten in bold strokes. No defending champion had ever retained a T20 World Cup. No host nation had survived the suffocating weight of home expectation. No team had lifted the World Cup in this most fickle of formats three times. Check. Check. And emphatically, check.Abhishek Sharma, quiet through much of the tournament, chose the grandest stage to announce himself. He blazed to 50 off 18 balls, the quickest half-century in this tournament and the fastest ever in a T20 WC knockout match. The impetus propelled India to 92/0 in the powerplay, the highest of this WC and the joint-highest in all WCs. New Zealand had put India in, backing themselves to chase on a batting-friendly track. But their gamble — and the strange decision to leave out offspinner Cole McConchie against a line-up packed with left-handers — backfired as India proceeded to bat them out of the match.Sharma fell chasing a wide one, but Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan ensured the scoring rate didn’t slacken. Samson, in the midst of the purplest of patches, became only the third player to score 50s in both the semifinal and final of a T20 WC, following Shahid Afridi in 2009 and Virat Kohli in 2014. He also became only the second player in T20 WCs to score three 80-plus scores in a row, after Mahela Jayawardene in 2010. It’s an elite club, but on his current form, there can be no doubt that Samson truly belongs with these bonafide T20 legends.The player of the tournament award was fitting reward, and completed the fairytale for a player who wasn’t even in India’s first choice XI when the WC began.In the 14th over, he launched Rachin Ravindra for three successive sixes. With that assault, India became the first team to hit 100 sixes in a single edition of a World Cup. Samson fell short of a hundred for the third straight match, but for the third straight match he was India’s lodestar, shaping the contest to his will.Ishan Kishan hammered 54 off 25 balls, making it the first time in a T20 WC knockout that the top 3 had all scored 50s. India surged to 203/1 in 15 overs, and 300 seemed within to beckon.Three quick wickets fell in the 16th over, briefly applying the brakes. But Shivam Dube hit 26 not out from 8 balls to push India to 255/5, the third-highest total in T20 WC history and the highest target ever set in a final. It was 15 more than India had managed in the 2023 ODI final — off 50 overs.England had come close to ascending a similar mountain just three nights ago. NZ, too, bat deep and carry plenty of firepower in their ranks. But this time, there was a feeling that the stars were firmly aligned in India’s favour.Axar Patel and Jasprit Bumrah, playing in front of an adoring home crowd, made sure of it. They tore through the top order as NZ staggered to 47/3. Varun Chakravarthy again copped a hammering, but hit back to dismiss Tim Seifert for 52 off 26 balls .Kiwi captain Mitchell Santner hit some lusty blows to score 43 off 35 balls. But by then, it was just a question of delaying the inevitable — and the celebrations. Santner was finally bowled by Bumrah, who finished the night with a career-best T20I haul of 4/15 and a tournament haul of 14 wickets (joint-highest with Varun). For the record, India won by 96 runs. But the match had ended as a contest long before the last ball was bowled.

Mumbai: In a first for an urban local body in Asia, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) in January approved through its high-rise committee (HRC) for empanelment of geotechnical/foundation experts to scrutinise as independent signatory for the foundations of high-rise buildings and ensure that excavation and construction practices meet stringent safety standards. The new norm states that buildings taller than 180m will have to obtain a mandatory clearance from HRC before key stages of construction can proceed.The move comes as Mumbai’s skyline grows increasingly vertical, with a rising number of super-tall towers being planned on tightly packed urban plots that require deep excavations and complex foundation systems. Palais Royale in Worli is Mumbai’s tallest under-construction building at 320m. Lokhandwala Minerva, Piramal Aranya Arav, Lodha World One, and others shape Mumbai’s skyline, with many other proposals in queue.“This is a big step in ensuring the safety of building foundations. Our high-rise committee examines whether the foundation design is appropriate for the soil/rock conditions, whether excavation is being carried out safely, and whether adequate safeguards are in place to prevent damage to nearby buildings and underground utilities,” said IIT- Bombay’s civil engineering department Deepankar Choudhury, who is a member of BMC’s HRC and a geotechnical/foundation expert. “This includes reviewing soil/rock investigation reports, shoring systems, and other measures deployed during deep digging for basements and foundations.”Until now, these aspects were largely reviewed and signed by structural engineers appointed by developers as part of the building approval process.However, a series of structural failures of foundations or shorings in recent years that pointed to lapses in foundation quality prompted the BMC to consider specialised oversight from geotechnical consultants as independent signatory taking responsibility of foundation/geotechnical design.Choudhury said the committee to empanel geotechnical consultants will include independent senior geotechnical engineers from academia and industry with aligned technical specialisation who will provide the much-needed an additional layer of scrutiny before work proceeds on projects involving deep foundations. “With dense construction often taking place only metres away from existing buildings, excavation can pose significant risks if not carefully monitored,” he added.By bringing in independent expert geotechnical/foundation review at the municipal level, the BMC hopes to reduce such risks and ensure that foundation construction for super-tall buildings follows the highest engineering standards.Choudhury said the initiative could set a precedent for other cities grappling with the challenges of rapid vertical growth.

Mumbai: Bombay high court recently directed the state govt to pay Rs 50 lakh compensation under a May 29, 2020 Govt Resolution (GR) within 16 weeks to the widow of a peon in the Goods and Services Tax Department who died due to Covid-19. Justices Makarand Karnik and Shriram Modak on Feb 23 said that by construing the GR strictly, and by not extending the GR to the peon in this case, who answered the call of duty “despite the risk” in doing so, would amount to “grave injustice” to his widow Sushma Shinde, who is a Panvel resident. Following the lockdown, Jagannath Shinde was required to attend office at Vikrikar Bhavan, Mazgaon, once a week. Shinde was present on June 5 and 12, 2020. On June 26, 2020, he was hospitalised due to Covid-19. He died on July 3, 2020. His widow’s claim was rejected on May 7, 2024.Govt’s advocate Bhupesh Samant said the GR was limited to employees discharging Covid related duties such as survey, tracking, testing, prevention, relief activities, etc, and said that Shinde was not engaged in these duties. The judges said that from the GR’s literal reading, it appeared that it applies to categories exposed to the virus while performing duty of survey, tracking, etc. However, a clause in the GR expanded the scope to the staff of the district administration, including departments, involved in Covid-19 related duties. Therefore, the categories “cannot be regarded as exhaustive.”Agreeing with the widow’s advocate Ramesh Ramamurthy, the judges said Shinde “exposed himself” to the risk of life-threatening Covid-19 and said that “he (the peon) has to be regarded as an employee involved in discharging Covid-19 related duties”. The court noted that in the midst of fear-driven chaos, the frontline and essential service workers emerged as “the pillars of survival, keeping the society from collapsing.” The court said that the GR’s literal reading “would deprive a genuine class of employees who had actually put their lives at grave risk during the pandemic.”

India’s Sanju Samson (ANI Photo)

Sanju Samson capped off a remarkable campaign in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 by winning the Player of the Tournament award after playing a decisive role in India national cricket team’s title triumph.Samson finished the tournament with 321 runs, an extraordinary achievement considering he played only five matches in the competition. The 31 year old was not part of India’s playing eleven at the start of the tournament and was drafted into the side after India’s loss to South Africa national cricket team. From that moment, the wicketkeeper batter produced a string of match winning performances.

His campaign was highlighted by three consecutive half centuries at the most crucial stages of the tournament. Samson first delivered a brilliant unbeaten 97 against the West Indies cricket team in a virtual quarter final, guiding India to victory in a tense chase. He followed it up with 89 in the semi final against England national cricket team and then struck another 89 in the final against New Zealand national cricket team.The Indian batter also rewrote several records during the tournament. Samson smashed 24 sixes, the most by any player in a single T20 World Cup edition. His 89 in the final is now the highest individual score in a T20 World Cup final, surpassing the previous best of 85 not out by Marlon Samuels in 2016 and 85 by Kane Williamson in 2021.Samson’s tally of 321 runs is also the highest by an Indian batter in a single T20 World Cup, overtaking Virat Kohli’s record of 319 runs set during the 2014 tournament.His consistency also placed him in an elite group of players who have scored half centuries in both the semi final and the final of a T20 World Cup. Before Samson, only Shahid Afridi in 2009 and Virat Kohli in 2014 had achieved that feat.Speaking after receiving the award, Samson reflected on the journey that led to the defining tournament of his career.“Feels like a dream. Very happy and grateful. Out of words, out of emotions. [On his three fifties, thought process] To be honest, it started one-two years before. When I was in the 2024 World Cup team where I didn’t play, I kept visualising, kept on working and this was exactly what I wanted to do. After the NZ series I was broken, my dreams were completely shattered. And I was thinking what can I do. But God had different plans. And I was rewarded for being brave enough to dream. A lot of former players have reached out to me and tried to help me out.”“For the last couple of months, I have been in constant contact with Sachin sir. I reached out to him and had big big conversations with him. Getting a guidance from someone like him, what more can you ask for? I am very grateful for everyone who supported me. [What more does he want to achieve?] This itself is very big for me, I want to enjoy it right now and then after a few day will figure out what more to do.”

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THANE: Thane Rural Crime Branch team have arrested a 21-year-old engineering student for the alleged murder of a cab driver whose body was found in a remote area of Ahilyanagar district after he had gone missing for four days.The accused, identified as Adarsh Chandrakant Bhalerao, was apprehended from Titwala following an investigation by the Thane Rural Crime Branch.

The deceased, Nasir Ahmed, a resident of Navi Mumbai, had been reported missing earlier this week. A complaint regarding his disappearance had been registered at Rabale Police Station.According to police, Ahmed’s body was discovered on Saturday in the jurisdiction of Otur Police Station near Malshej Ghat. His car was later found abandoned in a forested area at Govili village along the Kalyan–Murbad road under the limits of Kalyan Taluka Police Station. Police said the vehicle had several blood stains inside, indicating a violent assault.Investigators said the accused, originally from Ghansoli and currently residing in Titwala, is a second-year electrical engineering student.On March 5, he had allegedly booked a cab through a ride-hailing app to travel to Junnar in Ahilyanagar district, from where he planned to take a bus to Pune to meet a friend.Assistant police inspector Bhausaheb Gaikwad said that during questioning, the accused claimed that when the car reached near Otur, the driver allegedly threatened him with a knife and attempted to rob him. The accused told police that he attacked Ahmed in self-defence during the scuffle, and by mistake it led to the driver’s death.Police said that after the incident, the accused allegedly dumped the body near the spot and drove the vehicle to Titwala before abandoning it and fleeing.During the investigation, police examined CCTV footage along the vehicle’s route as well as footage from petrol pumps. Investigators were able to identify a passenger seen travelling in the vehicle. Using the images, police traced the suspect and arrested him Saturday late night.Meanwhile, Ahmed’s family has expressed anger over the incident and demanded strict action against those responsible for his death. According to Ahmed’s brother, Ahmed had called mother on March 5 informing her that he was heading to Pune with a passenger. When the family lost contact with him afterwards, they approached the police and filed a missing person complaint.Police said further investigation is underway to establish the exact sequence of events and verify the accused’s claims.

Stranded UAE Workers: What Happens to Your Job and Salary Amidst Regional Instability?

Thousands of residents across the United Arab Emirates have recently found themselves unexpectedly stranded outside the country due to flight disruptions, airspace closures and regional instability amid Iran vs US-Israel war. For many employees working in the UAE, the sudden inability to return to work has raised urgent questions: Will salaries continue? Can employers terminate contracts? Is remote work allowed?Legal experts say that under UAE labour law, employees who are unable to return because of circumstances beyond their control, such as travel restrictions or conflict-related disruptions, may still have certain protections. However, the situation depends on several factors, including employment contracts, company policies, and communication between employers and workers.Understanding how the law applies in such cases is becoming increasingly important as regional events continue to affect travel and work arrangements across the Gulf.

Why many UAE workers are stranded abroad amid Iran vs US-Israel war

The issue gained attention after travel disruptions across the Middle East forced many residents to remain overseas longer than expected. Flight cancellations, airspace closures and safety concerns have prevented some employees from returning to their workplaces in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and other emirates.For expatriate workers, who make up the majority of the UAE workforce, being stranded abroad can create serious uncertainty. Many worry about whether their absence could affect their salary, leave balance or even their employment status.

UAE Workers Stranded Abroad: Your Rights and Salary Amidst Regional Conflict

Legal analysts note that such scenarios are not entirely new. Similar questions arose during the Covid-19 pandemic, when border closures left many UAE residents unable to return to the country for months but while every case is unique, UAE labour law provides a framework for how employers and employees should handle such disruptions.

Is your absence due to Iran vs US-Israel war considered legal in the UAE?

The key issue under UAE labour law is whether the employee’s absence from work is considered justified. Experts say that if a worker is unable to return to the UAE due to external circumstances such as government travel restrictions, flight suspensions, or security concerns, the absence may be treated as legitimate. In such cases, employers are expected to assess the situation reasonably rather than automatically treating the absence as misconduct.Legal specialists emphasise that employers should verify the circumstances before taking disciplinary action. However, the employee is still responsible for maintaining communication with their employer and providing proof, such as cancelled flight bookings or official travel advisories, if requested. Failure to communicate with the employer could complicate the situation.

What happens to your salary in the UAE, amid leave due to Iran vs US-Israel war?

Salary is one of the biggest concerns for employees stranded outside the UAE. Under the law, whether workers continue receiving their salary depends largely on whether they are able to work remotely or whether their absence is counted as leave. If an employee continues working remotely with the employer’s approval, they are generally entitled to their full salary as per the employment contract.However, if the employee cannot perform their duties remotely, several other possibilities may apply:

The final decision often depends on the company’s internal policies and operational needs.

Can UAE employers terminate a stranded employee?

Another major concern is whether an employer can terminate an employee who is unable to return to the UAE. According to legal experts, termination in such cases is not automatic. Under UAE labour law, termination without notice is typically allowed only in specific circumstances, such as serious misconduct or prolonged absence without a valid reason.

Iran-US-Israel War Leaves UAE Workers Stranded: Are Employers Exploiting the Crisis?

If an employee is stranded due to force-majeure circumstances, such as war, airspace closures or government restrictions, the absence may be considered justified. In such situations, terminating the employee could potentially be challenged as arbitrary dismissal, especially if the worker has clearly communicated the situation and attempted to return.However, if an employee fails to return for more than seven consecutive days without a valid excuse, the employer may have the legal right to terminate the contract after conducting a formal investigation. This is why maintaining documentation and communication is crucial.

The role of remote work for UAE employer amid Iran vs US-Israel war

Remote work has become one of the most common solutions for employees stranded abroad. During recent travel disruptions, many companies in the UAE have temporarily allowed staff to continue their work from overseas until they can return.Legal experts say remote work arrangements are permitted if both the employer and employee agree. However, there are several factors companies must consider:

For office-based roles such as technology, marketing, finance and consulting, remote work may be feasible. But employees working in sectors like hospitality, construction, retail, or healthcare may find it more difficult to continue working from abroad.

Employer responsibilities under UAE Labour Law

While employers have operational challenges during crises, UAE labour law still requires them to follow certain obligations. These include:

Experts emphasise that labour laws are designed to balance the interests of both employers and employees, particularly during unexpected disruptions. Companies are encouraged to work collaboratively with staff to find practical solutions rather than immediately resorting to disciplinary measures.

What UAE employees should do if they are stranded amid Iran vs US-Israel war

Legal specialists recommend several steps for employees who find themselves unable to return to the UAE:

These steps can help protect employees if any disputes arise later. The issue of employees stranded abroad reflects a broader shift in the modern workplace. Global mobility, remote work technology and geopolitical events are increasingly shaping employment relationships in ways that traditional labour systems were not originally designed for.The UAE has been updating its labour regulations in recent years to make the workforce more flexible and resilient. The Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 introduced new rules governing employment contracts, leave, termination procedures and worker protections. These reforms aim to create a balanced labour market that supports both businesses and employees.As travel disruptions continue to affect some residents, labour experts expect more companies to adopt temporary remote work policies or flexible leave arrangements. Authorities may also issue additional guidance if large numbers of employees remain stranded abroad for extended periods. For now, the key message from legal specialists is clear: communication and cooperation between employers and employees are essential.While unexpected travel disruptions can create uncertainty, UAE labour law provides mechanisms to ensure that workers are treated fairly while businesses maintain operational stability.