JAISALMER: The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has removed a controversial map from its Class 8 Social Science textbook that showed the princely state of Jaisalmer as part of the Maratha Empire.Taking into account the ongoing controversy and objections raised by various stakeholders, NCERT decided to remove the map for the academic session 2025–26. The updated digital edition of the textbook no longer includes the disputed Map 3.11.

The issue had sparked strong opposition from the former Jaisalmer royal family, Rajput organisations, and several leaders across Rajasthan. Former royal family member Maharawal Chaitanyaraj Singh had raised serious objections, calling the depiction historically misleading, factually incorrect, and a grave error. He had demanded immediate correction from Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.Following Jaisalmer, former royal families from Mewar and Bundi also objected to the depiction of their regions as part of the Maratha Empire. In August 2025, prominent figures, including Vishvaraj Singh Mewar, his wife and Rajsamand MP Mahima Kumari, and former Bundi royal Bhupesh Singh Hada, formally raised the issue and submitted representations to the central government, seeking removal of the incorrect map.Critics argued that there is no historical evidence in official records, archival documents or authentic sources to suggest any Maratha dominance, taxation, invasion or interference in Jaisalmer. On the contrary, historical accounts state that the Marathas never had any control or influence over the region.Responding to the widespread concerns, NCERT removed the map from the revised edition. The latest digital version of the textbook reflects this correction and omits the controversial content.Confirming the development, Maharawal Chaitanyaraj Singh said that objections were initially raised on social media and later formally communicated to NCERT. He welcomed the move, stating that academic institutions are expected to provide accurate and authentic knowledge to students.Devendra Pratap Singh, Director of the Jaisalmer Fort Palace Museum, also termed the move a positive step. However, he added that NCERT should issue an apology, as the earlier depiction had hurt the sentiments of many people.Following the removal of the map, there is a sense of satisfaction among residents of Jaisalmer. Historians and locals emphasised that the region has a rich and glorious history, with events such as the “Dhai Saka” serving as testimony. They said questioning such a legacy without solid historical evidence is unacceptable and welcomed NCERT’s decision as a corrective step.

New Zealand delivered a commanding performance in the second T20I against South Africa at Seddon Park, Hamilton, registering a comprehensive 68-run victory. The standout performer of the match was Devon Conway, whose composed and impactful innings laid the foundation for the hosts’ imposing total of 175/6 in 20 overs.

After South Africa won the toss and elected to bowl first, New Zealand’s innings began steadily but lacked early acceleration. Wicketkeeper-batter Tom Latham scored 11 runs before falling to Keshav Maharaj. Tim Robinson struggled to find rhythm and departed cheaply, leaving the hosts in a slightly cautious position during the powerplay.

However, Conway held firm at one end, displaying remarkable control and shot selection. His 60 off 49 deliveries included five fours and two sixes, striking at an impressive rate of over 122. His ability to rotate strike and build partnerships proved crucial in stabilizing the innings.

Nick Kelly injected some momentum with a quickfire 21 off just 12 balls, while skipper Mitchell Santner added a valuable 20 runs. Though wickets fell at regular intervals, Conway’s presence ensured that New Zealand maintained a steady run rate throughout the innings.

The late flourish came from Josh Clarkson, whose explosive unbeaten 26 off just 9 balls lifted the total significantly. Cole McConchie also played a handy unbeaten knock of 18, helping New Zealand finish strongly at 175/6 – an above-par total on the Hamilton surface.

South African bowlers show promise but lack consistency

South Africa’s bowling attack showed glimpses of control but struggled to maintain consistency, especially in the death overs. Wiaan Mulder and Ottneil Baartman were among the more economical bowlers, each picking up crucial wickets to keep the scoring in check during the middle overs.

Mulder’s disciplined spell yielded two wickets for 14 runs in his two overs, including the key dismissal of Conway. Baartman also impressed with figures of 1/31, applying pressure at key moments. George Linde and Gerald Coetzee chipped in with a wicket each, but their relatively higher economy rates allowed New Zealand to rebuild and accelerate.

Keshav Maharaj, leading the side, had a difficult outing with the ball, conceding 45 runs in his three overs despite taking one wicket. The lack of breakthroughs during critical partnerships allowed New Zealand to post a challenging total.

Despite restricting the hosts early, South Africa failed to capitalize fully, especially as Clarkson’s late assault added crucial runs that ultimately made a significant difference.

New Zealand bowlers dominate as South Africa collapse

Chasing 176 for victory, South Africa’s batting lineup faltered under pressure from a disciplined and aggressive New Zealand bowling attack. The visitors were bowled out for just 107 in 15.3 overs, falling well short of the target.

Outstanding bowling performance from New Zealand to win the 2nd T20I 👏

– The series is now level 1-1#cricket #NZvSA #T20I #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/DtQ9KZYHgD

— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) March 17, 2026

The innings started on a shaky note, with both Wiaan Mulder and Connor Esterhuizen dismissed early, leaving South Africa struggling at 29/2. Tony de Zorzi’s early departure compounded their troubles, as the top order failed to build any meaningful partnerships.

Rubin Hermann provided a brief spark with a quick 19 off 12 balls, but his dismissal triggered a middle-order collapse. Jason Smith and Dian Forrester were unable to anchor the innings, while George Linde’s aggressive 33 off 12 balls came too late to change the course of the match.

New Zealand’s bowlers were relentless. Lockie Ferguson led the charge with an outstanding spell, picking up three wickets and maintaining tight control. Ben Sears matched his impact with three wickets of his own, dismantling the lower order efficiently.

Captain Mitchell Santner also played a key role, claiming two wickets and applying pressure through the middle overs. Cole McConchie and James Neesham contributed with a wicket each, ensuring there was no respite for the South African batters.

For his gritty knock at the top, Devon Conway was adjudged Player of the Match.

A composed 60 (49) to set up a winning total for the Blackcaps 🌟#cricket #NZvSA #devonconway #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/mTKPkcLy2K

— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) March 17, 2026

TOI correspondent from London: Fugitive jeweller Nirav Modi appeared at the high court here on Tuesday in a bid to get the court to “reopen” its decision to dismiss his appeal against extradition to India, claiming he had compelling new evidence.Nirav’s barrister, Edward Fitzgerald, said the HC judgment in the case of defence middleman Sanjay Bhandari, in Feb 2025, which said he was at real risk of torture by the investigating agencies in India, and thus rejected his extradition on human rights grounds, was the “supervening event”. Nirav was also at risk of torture as he too would be interrogated by investigating agencies in India if extradited, Fitzgerald said. Extradition cases may only be reopened if significant new evidence emerges.Three CBI officers, who flew over for the hearing, watched the proceedings, as did Nirav, who appeared via video link from Pentonville prison.In the Bhandari case, the judges had ruled that the use of torture to obtain confessions in India was “commonplace and endemic”.Fitzgerald claimed the investigating agencies in India had a “predisposition to torture”.In a complete reverse of arguments used in the Vijay Mallya extradition case, when the CBI was referred to as a “caged parrot”, Fitzgerald, in this case, relying on evidence from Nirav’s former counsel in India, Ashul Agarwal, said, “The central govt cannot tell the CBI, ED and other independent agencies whether to interrogate or not — they are not parrots in cages like the Supreme Court said.”Fitzgerald also relied on evidence from Justice Verma, a retired Supreme Court judge, who said that Delhi “cannot provide enforceable assurances on behalf of these agencies”.Helen Malcolm KC, representing India, said New Delhi had provided a sovereign assurance that neither the CBI nor ED nor any other investigating agency would interrogate Nirav once extradited. She said the documentary evidence against him was good enough and this was another example of Nirav “manipulating the judicial process”, citing how he had once threatened to kill witnesses and destroyed evidence.Lord Justice Stuart-Smith said if the sovereign assurance was breached the “remedy would be a breakdown of trust between UK and India”, a recipe for diplomatic mayhem.“When it comes to interrogation and torture, India routinely disregards the rule of law,” Fitzgerald alleged. “The interior ministry cannot stop this endemic continuing as there is effective monitoring,” Fitzgerald added. “The prison officers at Arthur Road Jail dare not stand up to the CBI.”Judgment was reserved.

India’s men’s and women’s hockey teams have learned their group-stage opponents for the upcoming FIH Hockey World Cup, with both sides placed in Pool D of their respective categories for the tournament to be co-hosted by the Netherlands and Belgium later this year.The Indian men’s team has been grouped with Pakistan, England and Wales. The draw ceremony took place at the Wagener Stadium in Amsterdam on Tuesday.The Indian women’s team will face China, England and South Africa in their group. The tournament is scheduled to be held from August 15 to 30.According to the International Hockey Federation, both Indian teams will play their matches in the Netherlands. The full match schedule is expected to be released on Wednesday.Reigning men’s champions Germany, who won their third World Cup title in 2023 in Bhubaneswar by beating Belgium, have been placed in Pool B along with Belgium, France and Malaysia.“The draw was done by hockey legends Naomie van As, Barbara Neelen and Teun de Nooijer, as well as DJ La Fuente, who was announced as Dutch Ambassador for the World Cup during the ceremony,” the FIH said in a release.The Pools:Men:Pool A: Netherlands, Argentina, New Zealand, Japan (playing in the Netherlands)Pool B: Belgium, Germany, France, Malaysia (playing in Belgium)Pool C: Australia, Spain, Ireland, South Africa (playing in Belgium)Pool D: England, India, Pakistan, Wales (playing in the Netherlands)Women:Pool A: Netherlands, Australia, Chile, Japan (playing in the Netherlands)Pool B: Argentina, Germany, USA, Scotland (playing in Belgium)Pool C: Belgium, Spain, New Zealand, Ireland (playing in Belgium)Pool D: China, England, India, South Africa (playing in the Netherlands).

Mumbai: Even as the BMC pushes ahead with its ambitious Rs 12,000-crore plan to turn the city pothole-free, it is already lining up the next phase of road concretisation.Civic sources said the next phase of works is approximately pegged at an additional Rs 2,500 crore, triggering sharp political pushback over timing and execution.Officials said estimates for the new phase are still being worked out, but the expansion comes at a time when parts of the ongoing works are still incomplete. The mega project, initiated under directions from former chief minister and existing deputy CM Eknath Shinde, aims to replace Mumbai’s entire 2,050-km road network of asphalt and paver blocks with durable concrete surfaces. “We have been asked to work on preparing the estimates; however, none of these works will begin so soon as we are still in the process of identifying the roads that need to be concretised,” said a civic official.So far, the project has been rolled out in two phases. Phase I saw 698 roads (324km) being taken up in Jan 2023, while Phase II proposes 1,420 roads spanning 377km. Civic officials maintain all works are on track for completion before next monsoon.On the ground, however, the picture is more complicated. Opposition leaders argue that the rush to expand the project is premature and risks compounding existing coordination failures. Samajwadi Party MLA Rais Shaikh flagged repeated instances of freshly concretised roads being dug up within days. “Inter-departmental clearances are not being properly coordinated. Roads are being concretised and then reopened for other works almost immediately,” he said, pointing to a recent case where a part of St Andrew’s Road outside Bandra Gymkhana in Bandra West was dug up once again, much to the dismay of local residents. This road was recently concretised and a portion was dug up again for upgradation of the Chimbai pumping station, involving micro-tunnelling, and the dug-up section is meant for the construction of a chamber.Over 1,333km of roads have been concretised so far, including major arteries such as Aarey Road, Andheri-Kurla Link Road, Narayan Dabholkar Marg, and stretches connecting Navy Nagar to Shahid Bhagat Singh Marg.The project has also run into controversy over alleged irregularities in upcoming tenders. BJP party executive member Vivekanand Gupta, in a post on X, claimed that a Rs 3,200-crore tender for roads in western suburbs could favour a specific contractor, calling it a “big scam”.