NEW DELHI: On a day Parliament put its stamp of approval on the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Bill 2026 amid demands from opposition MPs that the bill be referred to a standing committee for wider consultation, two National Council for Transgender Persons members from the community sent their resignation to the social justice minister Virendra Kumar to register their strong protest against the bill and lack of consultation. The bill lays out a more precise definition of “transgender persons” making it clear that it will not include persons with “different sexual orientations and self-perceived sexual identities”.“From NCTP, some of us tried to reach out to you as the voice of the community and we felt that we were not heard,” said Rituparna Neog, a member of the council from the northeast region stated in her letter of resignation addressed to Kumar who is the chairperson of the statutory body. The body is supposed to have around 10 members representing the transgender community.The other member to resign, Kalaki Subramaniam, who is the southern region representative, registered a strong protest over lack of consultation with the community that views the bill as “regressive” and as a “step backward for their fundamental rights to self identification and dignity”. “I cannot continue to hold a seat at a table where our collective voice has been silenced,” she added.Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Bill, which was passed in Lok Sabha on Tuesday was passed by a voice vote in Rajya Sabha on Wednesday. Congress party’s Renuka Chowdhury opened the discussion putting forth a stirring question – “If no one asks us – men and women to prove our gender before a medical board, then who are we to question the identity of trans people?”At the end of the discussion, minister Virendra Kumar reiterated that the bill aims to provide protection to only those who face severe social discrimination due to their biological condition. He also tried to counter the opposition to the removal of the clause on self – perceived identity and introduction of a medical board by saying that this was aimed at securing the rights of TG persons by removing scope for any ambiguity and enabling benefits reach genuine persons through administrative clarity. BJP members joined the chorus in support.The amendments, which will now become law after the President of India gives her assent, marks a significant departure from the existing law as it omits the clause that allowed “self-perceived gender identity” to be the basis for self-determination and identification for approval for transgender certificate by the district magistrate.A medical board headed by chief medical officer has been introduced, and the district magistrate will going forward issue a certificate of transgender identity, after examining the recommendation of the medical board cited as “authority” to be constituted by the central or state govts.The bill proposes to create specific offences with graded punishments that reflect the gravity of the harm, the irreversibility of the injury, and the particular vulnerability of child victims.DMK’s Tiruchi Siva who had brought a private member bill “The Rights of Transgender Persons Bill, 2014” reflected on the struggles of the community to get their rights and demanded consultation from stakeholders, legal experts, civil society, transgender community as well as a review by the select committee. Manoj Kumar Jha (RJD), Saket Gokhale (TMC), CPI (M) MP John Brittas, NCP-SCP’s leader Fauzia Khan, Jaya Bachchan (SP), Shiv Sena-UBT’s Priyanka Chaturvedi, Sanjay Singh and Sandeep Pathak form AAP, IUML’s Abdul Wahab among others strongly opposed the bill.Even Golla Babu Rao from YSR Congress Party and Subhasish Khuntia from BJD joined the chorus with other opposition members and demanded that the bill be sent to a parliamentary committee for stakeholders consultation.The first signs of a backlash from the community emerged soon after the Bill was passed in Rajya Sabha as the two NCTP members resigned. Also the community members who have been agitating through press conferences and outreach campaigns since the Bill was introduced, now plan to hit the streets through demonstrations across states. In her resignation letter addressed to the social justice and empowerment minister, Kalki Subramaniam said, “until February 2026, my experience working alongside the ministry officials was one of mutual respect and a shared vision for an inclusive India. However, the recent introduction and passage of the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Bill 2026 has created an untenable position for me.”“As a statutory representative, my primary mandate is to advise the govt on legislation affecting our lives. The decision to move this Bill forward without any formal consultation with myself or other community representatives of the NCTP undermines the very purpose for which this Council was established,” she added. Registering her opposition to the Bill passed by Parliament, in her resignation, Rituparna Neog states, “while I understand my responsibility as an NCTP member to represent the voice of my community to the competent authority, however, looking at the current circumstances, I wish not to continue as a member.”On Saturday, four NCTP members Abhina Aher, Vidya Rajput, Raveena Bareeha and Subramaiam, in a meeting hurriedly called by senior officials of the ministry on Saturday, had strongly reiterated that “self-affirmation of transgender identity, as upheld in the NALSA judgment, must remain the foundation of transgender identification”.After the meeting the members had highlighted the absence of the social justice minister Virendra Kumar who they were told would be chairing the meeting. “We were told that the minister was unable to attend due to ill health and a reported family emergency,” Aher said.According to Aher, at the meeting led by joint secretary Yogita Swaroop, Senior Economic Advisor in the ministry, govt officials raised concerns about identifying “genuine” transgender persons and referred to biological markers such as chromosomal combinations (XX/XY). “NCTP members clarified the concept of gender incongruence/dysphoria, mental health aspects, and the impact of stigma, though they felt that a gap in understanding of transgender issues was observed among the officials,” she added.The TG Council members also emphasised at the meeting that the definition of transgender person in the Bill was not inclusive and must explicitly include transgender men and transgender women; use respectful terminology and recognise diverse regional identities like Nupi Manabi and Nupi Manba (Manipur).On the provision in the Bill introducing screening by a medical board, NCTP members initially called for the removal of the provision. “However, considering the govt’s position, members proposed that any assessment should be limited to mental health support, it must not involve invasive physical examinations, and it should uphold dignity and remain aligned with the NALSA judgment,” Aher said. The need for gender-neutral laws to address violence against transgender persons was also raised vociferously.Now with the Bill having been passed in Parliament without paying heed to any of the suggestions made by the NCTP member representatives, the community has announced protests and demonstrations starting from Thursday.

The Hagley Oval bore witness to a clinical display of T20 cricket as South Africa secured a decisive 33-run victory over New Zealand in the fifth and final T20I. With the series on the line, the Proteas showcased their depth and temperament, silencing a partisan Kiwi crowd to lift the trophy. On a surface that offered decent carry, South Africa’s total of 187/4 proved too steep a mountain for the Black Caps, who eventually withered under the pressure of a disciplined South African bowling attack, finishing at 154/8.

Connor Esterhuizen’s blazing knock against New Zealand lights up Hagley Oval

The narrative of the first innings was dominated by one man, Connor Esterhuizen. Coming in at number four with the scoreboard reading 76/2, the wicketkeeper-batter played an innings of pure calculated aggression. While Wiaan Mulder (31 off 29) and Rubin Hermann (39 off 31) provided a steady foundation, it was Esterhuizen who shifted the gears into overdrive.

Esterhuizen’s strike rate of 227.27 told the story of his dominance. He reached his half-century in just 25 deliveries, dismantling the New Zealand pace attack with a mix of traditional power hitting and innovative scoops. By the time he was eventually caught by James Neesham off the bowling of Ben Sears in the final over, he had amassed 75 runs from just 33 balls, decorated with 4 fours and five towering sixes. His 61-run partnership with Dian Forrester (21 off 13) ensured South Africa plundered over 60 runs in the death overs, setting a formidable target of 188.

South African bowlers choke New Zealand chase to seal series win

New Zealand’s pursuit of 188 started on shaky ground and never truly found its rhythm. The Proteas’ bowling unit, led by the tactical acumen of captain Keshav Maharaj, squeezed the life out of the chase through consistent pressure and regular wickets. Katene Clarke fell early for just 2, and while Tim Robinson (25) and Dane Cleaver (22) attempted a recovery, the mounting required run rate forced errors.

The middle order offered a glimmer of hope when Bevon Jacobs played a spirited cameo of 36 from 19 balls, striking two sixes to bring the equation within reach. However, the South African pace duo of Ottneil Baartman and Gerald Coetzee proved too clinical. Baartman’s double strike, removing Cleaver and the dangerous Jacobs, broke the back of the New Zealand resistance.

The choke was personified by the final five overs, where New Zealand struggled to find the boundary. Wiaan Mulder capped off a brilliant all-round game by dismissing the set Neesham (24) via a successful DRS review in the 20th over, effectively ending any hopes of a miracle. Coetzee finished with figures of 2/21, while Baartman and Mulder also claimed two scalps apiece. New Zealand ended their 20 overs at 154/8, falling 33 runs short and handing South Africa a memorable series triumph on foreign soil.

Also READ: Lockie Ferguson, Tom Latham sizzle in New Zealand’s commanding win over South Africa in 3rd T20I

Here’s how fans reacted:

Why nobody is talking about Connor Esterhuizen? He is a great replacement prospect & with big potential.

Just today, he scored 75(33) on a pitch where other literally batted run a ball. He had 50 in last game also. He can be great replacement for Duckett! pic.twitter.com/G1Mzjl7Vma

— Rajiv (@Rajiv1841) March 25, 2026

Well-deserved Player of the Series award for Connor Esterhuizen pic.twitter.com/d8ZldTtpr4

— Werner (@Werries_) March 25, 2026

This series will be totally forgotten about by the end of the week but Connor Esterhuizen and, to a lesser extent, Dian Forrester and Mokoena have really shown they have what it takes to succeed at the highest level.

— Dale (@ncakos316) March 25, 2026

Most Runs by a South African in a Bilateral 5-Match T20I Series

255 – Quinton de Kock vs West Indies, 2021

200 – Connor Esterhuizen vs New Zealand, 2026*

No other South African has crossed the 100-run mark in such a series.#NZvSA #NZvsSA

— Vishwesh Gaur (@iumvishwesh) March 25, 2026

Connor Esterhuizen has now completely elevated himself ahead of Tony in the T20I space. When the next T20I series comes along he should make that squad. He’s also coming for that Test Wicketkeeping spot. the guy is on a serious mission.#CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/jV0Kca9cIP

— Lawrence Bailey 🇿🇦 (@LawrenceBailey0) March 25, 2026

SA cricket are blessed with some serious talents.
Bro was called as test players by many crictics but he shut down all by his last 2 innings 🙌🙌.
Bro can open also, bro can play in middle order too.
Connor esterhuizen Remember the name. #NZvsSA pic.twitter.com/8P48B6rwUM

— markram bot (@greekgod2810) March 25, 2026

Proud of you Connor esterhuizen a lot 😍❤️🥰❤️ https://t.co/EX9rKCFKea

— Corbin Bosch (@corbinboschfan) March 25, 2026

Connor Esterhuizen has been SA’s shining light in this series 🌟#NZvSA pic.twitter.com/MDeO7K7Ce0

— ThePoppingCrease (@PoppingCreaseSA) March 25, 2026

Back-to-back fifty for Connor Esterhuizen, this time in just 25 balls 🔥👏#NZvSA #SAvNZ #T20I #T20Iseries #finalmatch pic.twitter.com/90maWMnYB3

— Cric Updates (Bishwas🇳🇵) (@CricUpdate58494) March 25, 2026

South Africa complete a dominant turnaround 💪

From 2-1 down to a 3-2 series triumph — a comeback to remember 🔥🏏#NZvsSA #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/ABx6QcFCkK

— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) March 25, 2026

Also READ: IPL 2026: Who is Aryaman Birla? Meet the new chairman of RCB

FILE – The Instagram logo is seen on a cell phone in Boston. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer, File)

In what can be termed as a landmark verdict that could reshape the legal landscape for the tech industry, a California jury has found Meta and YouTube liable for harms suffered by a young user. After more than 40 hours of deliberation, jurors determined the social media giants — Meta and Google — were negligent in the design and operation of their platforms, ruling that this negligence was a substantial factor in the mental health struggles and addiction of a 20-year-old woman identified as KGM. The jury found the companies’ negligence was a substantial factor in harms like the mental health issues sustained by Kaley GM, who used Instagram and YouTube.Throughout the month-long trial, lawyers for the plaintiff, led by Mark Lanier, argued that features like infinite scrolls, autoplay, and constant notifications were specifically engineered to “hook” young users. The plaintiff Kaley testified that she began using YouTube at age 6 and Instagram at age 9, eventually spending nearly all her time on the apps. Kaley and her therapist testified about her struggles with body dysmorphia and compulsive use of the platforms. This decision marks a historic first, as it is the first case of its kind to hold such platforms directly responsible for the impact of their technology on children. The jury’s decision indicates that both Meta and Google-owned YouTube were aware that their platform designs were dangerous for minors yet failed to provide adequate warnings. The jury deliberated for nine days after a five-week trial at Los Angeles Superior Court that featured testimony from company executives including Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg and ex-employee whistleblowers. The 12 jurors also found that both companies knew or should have known their services posed a danger to minors, that they failed to adequately warn users of that danger, and that a reasonable platform operator would have done so. In closing arguments, plaintiff attorney Mark Lanier cast the case as a story of corporate greed.

Jury calls Instagram ‘much bigger’ culprit than YouTube

Responsibility was not split equally, with the panel heartbeat assigning 70% of the liability to Meta and 30% to YouTube.

What Google and Meta said in their defence

The defense argued that Kaley’s mental health issues stemmed from a turbulent home life and pre-existing conditions, the jury ultimately sided with the argument that the platforms were a “substantial factor” in her decline. “We respectfully disagree with the verdict and are evaluating our legal options,” Meta spokesperson Andy Stone said in a statement.

What makes this ruling ‘historic’

This case serves as a bellwether for thousands of similar lawsuits mounting against tech companies. Despite legal shields like Section 230, which protects platforms from liability regarding user-posted content, this verdict focused strictly on the “defective” nature of the apps’ underlying code and features. As the industry faces comparisons to past litigation against big tobacco and opioid manufacturers, the outcome signals a growing legal reckoning over how digital products are built for and marketed to children.While the initial award stands at $3 million, that figure is expected to rise significantly; because the jury found the companies acted with malice, oppression, or fraud, the trial will now move into a phase to determine punitive damages.In a separate case this week, New Mexico jury found Meta liable for endangering children by making them vulnerable to predators on its platforms and other dangers. The state had sought the maximum $2.2 billion in damages, but the jury awarded a lesser amount of $375 million. Meta said it would appeal the verdict.

SRINAGAR: The J&K administration has defended its order to ban 25 Kashmir-related books in a reply filed in high court Wednesday on a set of petitions challenging the order.Senior additional advocate general (AAG) Mohsin Qadri told TOI, “We have defended the decision to ban the books on grounds of state security and public order. They (the petitioners) have now been given time to file their rejoinder,” he said.Qadri said the government has also defended the legal provision under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) invoked to impose the ban, as the petitioners have challenged its applicability in the case. “We are defending both the ban and legal provision,” he said.The court said the matter will be heard on a date to be fixed after the petitioners’ counsels — Vrinda Grover, Sanjay Hegde and Rakesh Shakdher and others —indicate their availability. The three advocates were present online.The UT administration, under the Lieutenant Governor, is defending the ban while the elected government led by CM Omar Abdullah is not a party to the case as it did not issue the ban order.The HC has constituted a three-judge full bench to hear petitions challenging the move banning books, including Azadi by Booker Prize winner Arundhati Roy.On Aug 5 last year, on the sixth anniversary of abrogation of Article 370, the order by the J&K home department, which functions under Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, banned the publication and circulation of 25 books on Kashmir, saying they promote a “false narrative” and “secessionism” in the Union Territory.The books include Kashmir: The Case for Freedom by Tariq Ali, Pankaj Mishra; Confronting Terrorism, edited by Maroof Raza and written by Stephen P. Cohen, Independent Kashmir by Christopher Snedden, Between Democracy and Nation by Seema Kazi, Contested Lands by Sumantra Bose, In Search of a Future by journalist and author David Devdas, A Dismantled State: The Untold Story of Kashmir After Article 370 by Anuradha Bhasin, Colonizing Kashmir by Hafsa Kanjwal.The order stated that the govt has “credible intelligence which indicate that a significant driver behind youth participation violence and terrorism has been the systematic dissemination of false narratives and secessionist literature by its persistent internal circulation, often disguised as historical or political commentary, while playing a critical role in misguiding the youth, glorifying terrorism and inciting violence against Indian State”.Following the notice, police raided book shops across Kashmir and seized several books.

Horoscope Today: Read daily horoscope predictions for March 26, 2026. Know all about the astrological events and influences that will be affecting each of the 12 zodiac signs. Our astrologer has analyzed the movements of the planets and the alignment of the stars to bring you the most accurate and up-to-date horoscope predictions for the day ahead. Get ready to discover what the stars have in store for you today.Aries:Today, you are blessed by the Moon, which may boost your confidence. You will be able to make important decisions with clarity and decisiveness, allowing you to seize opportunities without hesitation. You may spend money on family and friends. Love birds may enjoy happy moments together. Job seekers may find suitable opportunities with the help of friends.Taurus:Today, you may feel low and may not fully enjoy your day. You could be influenced by arrogance, which may affect both your professional and domestic life. You may also experience a lack of confidence, which could prevent you from expressing creativity at work.Gemini:Today, you are advised to control your straightforward nature, as careless words may affect people around you. You may spend your hard-earned money on unnecessary items. Your mind may work very quickly, so it is important to make decisions with patience.Cancer:Today, you may take quick and effective decisions that bring benefits in your daily life. With the help of colleagues, you may handle difficult situations successfully. Property-related disputes with siblings are likely to be resolved. You may also plan short trips.Leo:Today, you are advised to control your straightforwardness, as careless speech may affect those aroundyou. You may spend money on unnecessary items. Your mind may be very active, so it is important tomake important decisions with patience.Virgo:Today, you may not feel well, and old health issues may resurface, causing discomfort. You may make hasty decisions due to impatience, so it is important to think carefully before acting. Avoid carrying loose money, as it may lead to unnecessary spending.Libra:Today, you may experience peace of mind. You may plan to invest capital into your business, which could improve liquidity. Your earnings may strengthen your financial position. You may enjoy romantic moments with your spouse, enhancing family harmony. Singles may find a suitable match, and love birds may decide to take their relationship to the next level. Students are likely to benefit from positive karma.Scorpio:Today, you may feel very happy as losses may turn into profits. Your seniors may appreciate your work, and you may experience changes in your role, position, or responsibilities, possibly leading to promotion. Your opponents and hidden enemies will be under control. Singles and couples may make important decisions regarding marriage with the support of family and friends.Sagittarius:Today, you are blessed by the Moon, bringing happiness. Last week’s challenges are now over. With these blessings, you may receive rewards for your hard work. With the support of your subordinates, you may restart postponed tasks. Business gains are likely, which will improve your financial condition.Capricorn:Today, you may feel low and may experience some health issues. It is advised to postpone business investments and avoid starting new ventures. There are chances of losses in business, and expected gains may turn into setbacks.Aquarius:Today, you are blessed by the Moon, enabling you to make quick decisions on the professional front. You may receive new business opportunities, which will boost your confidence. You may also start new innovations with the help of your partner, leading to future business growth.Pisces:Today, you are blessed by the Moon, which may help you perform well at work. You may expect a promotion or transfer that brings benefits. You may also consider changing your current job. Your relationship with your boss may improve. Chronic health issues in the family may be resolved, bringing happiness at home.

Gujarat Titans’ Kulwant Khejroliya (PTI Photo/Arun Sharma)

NEW DELHI: Gujarat Titans have made a key change ahead of IPL 2026, bringing in left-arm pacer Kulwant Khejroliya as a replacement for the injured Prithviraj Yarra. As the new season approaches, the team is focusing on stability and building on its strong past performances.On Tuesday, captain Shubman Gill stressed the importance of staying composed and trusting the team. “I think I’m just being myself, and the calmness comes from a sense of belief and security that I have within my group and in my own game,” Gill said.