MUMBAI: Transporters across Maharashtra staged a statewide “chakka jam” on Thursday to protest against what they called “arbitrary and excessive” e-challans and other issues affecting the sector. They also warned of an indefinite strike starting at midnight.The Transport Commissioner’s office has directed all Regional Transport Offices (RTOs) to set up separate control rooms to monitor the protests and report any incidents that may affect law and order, an official said.After talks at the Maharashtra Transport Commissioner’s office on Wednesday evening failed to reach an agreement, the Maharashtra Transport Action Committee (M-TAC) announced that the strike would proceed as planned.According to M-TAC, protests will be held at Azad Maidan in Mumbai and outside RTO offices across the state before the indefinite strike begins.M-TAC stated that school buses, contract carriage buses, private buses, and commercial vehicles, including trucks, taxis, tempos, and tankers, would stay off the roads during the agitation. The transporters also threatened to bring vehicles to protest sites.Anil Garg, leader of the School Bus Owners Association, said on Wednesday that school buses across the state would not operate from Friday if the strike goes ahead, though services would continue on Thursday.Earlier this week, the Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik held a meeting with transporters at the MSRTC headquarters, but M-TAC described the talks as unfruitful due to what they called “hollow assurances” from the government.The minister Pratap Sarnaik had urged transporters to withdraw the agitation, saying the government was positive about cancelling “unjust” e-challans for parked vehicles and would take a favourable decision on the issue.A senior official said all RTOs have been instructed to keep control rooms active and alert authorities to any incidents that could affect law and order. RTOs must also submit daily reports by 5 pm detailing the strike’s impact on their jurisdiction, including passenger movement, essential commodities, preventive measures, and problems faced during the protest.M-TAC said the protest is aimed at stopping “arbitrary and excessive” electronic traffic enforcement and addressing the growing financial burden on transporters.The committee’s charter of demands, submitted earlier this year, seeks major reforms to the e-challan system, a waiver of pending fines, and reductions in taxes and toll charges on commercial vehicles.M-TAC leaders claimed that the e-challan system has caused difficulties not only for transport operators but also for regular vehicle owners.The committee has also requested the withdrawal or relaxation of a rule introduced in January 2026, which requires clearing e-challan penalties within 45 days, or else transporters face restrictions on essential services such as permit renewal, fitness certification, and other approvals.“As per Rule 468 and amended Rule 514 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, all time-barred e-challans should be cancelled if cases are not filed in court,” the charter of demands stated.The transporters have also asked for closure of highway check posts, the establishment of rest houses for drivers, and the provision of emergency services, fire tenders, parking lots, bus stops, and cargo loading and unloading facilities on highways.They have further demanded a review of repeated retrofitting of devices such as panic buttons, vehicle tracking systems, high-security registration plates, fire detection and suppression systems, and CCTV cameras, which they say are mandated under the pretext of safety.M-TAC also called for the suspension of abrupt “no entry” restrictions that create operational difficulties and urged the government to adopt a more consultative approach with the transport sector.

Israel warned on Wednesday that whoever Iran selects as its next supreme leader will be “a target for elimination.”Israeli defence minister Israel Katz wrote on X, “Every leader appointed by the Iranian terror regime to continue and lead the plan to destroy Israel, to threaten the United States and the free world and the countries of the region, and to suppress the Iranian people—will be an unequivocal target for elimination.”

“It does not matter what his name is or the place where he hides. The Prime Minister and I have instructed the IDF to prepare and act by all means to carry out the mission as an integral part of the objectives of Operation ‘Lion’s Roar’. We will continue to act with full force, together with our American partners, to crush the regime’s capabilities and create the conditions for the Iranian people to overthrow it and replace it,” he added.The warning comes amid a major escalation in the region. On Saturday, a full-scale operation was launched targeting the Khamenei-led political establishment in Iran, with Israel joining under the codename Operation Lion’s Roar. The operation followed the killing of 86-year-old Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, which intensified the conflict.Follow US-Israel-Iran War Live UpdatesIsraeli media reported that Mojtaba Khamenei, son of the late Supreme Leader, has been chosen as his father’s successor. Senior Israeli officials told Ynet news that Iran’s Assembly of Experts is expected to formally announce Mojtaba Khamenei in the coming hours, though Iran state media has not confirmed the development.Mojtaba Khamenei reportedly played a key role in running his late father’s office and maintains close ties with the top leadership of the IRGC and the Quds Force. Israeli media described him as more hard-line than his father and involved in violent crackdowns on protesters in Iran. In November 2019, the US Treasury Department sanctioned Mojtaba, noting that he represented the Supreme Leader in an official capacity and worked closely with the IRGC-QF and Basij Resistance Force to advance regional and domestic objectives.Meanwhile, the IDF said a new wave of airstrikes is underway against Hezbollah sites in Beirut. Civilians near two buildings linked to the group were instructed to keep at least 300 meters away. Earlier strikes in Tehran targeted command centres of Iran’s Basij paramilitary force and internal security forces, as well as Iranian army logistics sites, missile launchers, and air defence systems.Israel had previously targeted a building associated with Iran’s Assembly of Experts, the body responsible for selecting the new supreme leader, signaling the intensifying nature of the conflict.

The stage is set for a thrilling contest as India take on England in the second semi final of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 at the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. With a place in the final at stake, the clash between the two cricketing powerhouses has generated massive excitement among fans and experts alike. Both teams have shown impressive form throughout the tournament and possess match winners capable of turning the game in a matter of overs.

India have relied on a balanced combination of explosive batting and disciplined bowling to reach the knockout stage, while England have once again displayed their aggressive brand of T20 cricket. Given the quality of players on both sides, the encounter promises to be a high intensity battle under the lights at one of India’s most famous venues.

Amid the growing anticipation, former England captain Michael Vaughan has weighed in with a tactical suggestion for the Indian team management ahead of the crucial knockout fixture.

Michael Vaughan picks one change in India’s XI for the semi final

Speaking on Cricbuzz, Vaughan suggested that India should consider bringing left arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav into the playing XI for the semi final against England. According to the former England skipper, Kuldeep’s track record against England batters makes him a potentially dangerous weapon in the high pressure game.

“I would play Kuldeep Yadav. Kuldeep, over the years, has had England on toast in any format. He has always been a bowler England have struggled to pick,” Vaughan said while discussing India’s possible combination.

Vaughan questioned whether India necessarily need additional batting depth in the lower middle order, suggesting that a specialist spinner could offer greater value against England’s attacking lineup.

“Do you need Tilak Varma or Shivam Dube down the order? Instead, I would be playing the left arm leg spinner against this England batting lineup. We don’t know if Kuldeep is in form as he hasn’t played. But him against the England batters will be a good matchup for India,” he added.

The former England captain also acknowledged that India’s current team strategy under head coach Gautam Gambhir appears to favour batting depth, which might make Kuldeep’s inclusion less likely.

“But Gautam Gambhir’s history is to generally pack the batting. He sets up T20 teams where you’ve got a real powerful insurance at 7, 8, and 9. So what I am saying potentially won’t happen, but it would be worthwhile to play Kuldeep against this England batting lineup,” Vaughan further explained.

Kuldeep has historically troubled several England batters with his variations, particularly his deceptive googlies and flight, making him a strong tactical option in high pressure matches.

Also READ: Top 5 fastest centuries in T20 World Cup history ft. Finn Allen

Expectation high from a cracker of a game

The excitement surrounding the second semi final has increased even further after New Zealand sealed their place in the final earlier. The Black Caps booked their spot in the title clash after crushing South Africa in the first semi final of the tournament.

As a result, the winner of the India vs England encounter will face New Zealand in the final, raising the stakes for both sides. Fans and analysts expect the Wankhede clash to deliver a thrilling contest, with both teams boasting explosive batters and world class bowlers.

With tactical decisions, team combinations, and matchups likely to play a crucial role, the semi final promises to be a fascinating battle between two modern day T20 giants.

Also READ: T20 World Cup 2026: India vs England 2nd Semi-Final Ticket Prices and Sitting Details

NEW DELHI: Explosive opener Finn Allen credited New Zealand’s recent tour of India as a key factor behind their clinical run in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 after smashing a record-breaking century to power the Kiwis into the final.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!Allen produced one of the most destructive knocks in World Cup history, blasting an unbeaten 100 off just 33 balls as New Zealand chased down a tricky 170 against South Africa in only 12.5 overs at Eden Gardens on Wednesday. The nine-wicket victory sealed New Zealand’s place in the final in emphatic fashion.

Speaking after the match, Allen highlighted how a five-match series against India before the tournament helped the visitors adapt to the demanding black-soil surfaces used during the World Cup.“It just shows the importance of that India series the boys played before the World Cup. Five games on black soil… you can’t replicate that kind of preparation,” Allen said. “We learnt a lot as a group. As a team, we get up for the fight. In those important games we’re prepared to scrap and stay in it till the end.”Allen also praised the New Zealand bowlers for setting up the victory after early breakthroughs dented South Africa’s momentum. “It was an extremely impressive start from our bowlers — they set the game up for us, for sure. On a surface like that, if you can take wickets up front and build pressure, it makes life a lot easier for the batters.”The right-hander added that the recent experience of playing in India gave him a better understanding of the conditions. “Having had that last game against India on black soil gave me a proper look at what to expect. That was really helpful coming into this one,” he said.Allen also reserved special praise for opening partner Tim Seifert, who hammered a 33-ball 58 in a blistering stand that effectively ended the contest inside the powerplay.“He just kept dealing in boundaries… he’s been doing that all tournament. He’s in incredible form. It’s good fun batting with Timmy when he’s in that mood,” Allen said.Looking ahead to the final, Allen urged fans back home to rally behind the team. “Finals are special… you don’t get too many chances at them. Hopefully everyone gets behind us for Sunday.”

NEW DELHI: Union home minister Amit Shah on Thursday soft-launched four digital tools and unveiled the mascots for Census 2027, “Pragati” (female) and “Vikas” (male).The mascots are meant to symbolise the equal participation of women and men in India’s journey toward becoming a developed nation by 2047.Developed by the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC), the new digital platforms are designed to support the enumeration process for what will be the world’s largest census exercise.Scheduled to begin on April 1, 2026, Census 2027 will be conducted in two phases. The first phase, the house-listing and housing census, will run from April to September 2026, followed by the population enumeration phase in February 2027.For the first time, the national headcount will be conducted entirely through digital means. Citizens will also be able to self-enumerate online in 16 languages before enumerators begin door-to-door surveys.At the centre of the exercise will be the Census Management and Monitoring System (CMMS), a dedicated digital portal designed to coordinate one of the largest administrative operations in the world.The system will mark a major shift from traditional paper-based enumeration. Instead of clipboards and paper forms, field staff will use handheld devices, geotagged mapping tools and a centralised web-based monitoring platform.More than 3.2 million enumerators, supervisors and other field officials will be involved in the exercise across the country. Using handheld devices, they will collect detailed demographic, social and economic data from hundreds of millions of households.The data collected will be transmitted and processed through the CMMS platform, allowing it to be aggregated, validated and monitored in near real time, significantly reducing the time required for compilation and error correction.Census 2027 will be the 16th national census since Independence and the first to be conducted as a fully digital exercise with a self-enumeration option for citizens.The decadal census was originally scheduled for 2021, but was postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.According to the Registrar General of India (RGI), citizens will be asked 33 questions during the first phase of the exercise, which focuses on house-listing and housing details.

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JALANDHAR: Mother of Punjabi social media influencer Nancy Grewal, 45, who was murdered in LaSalle, Ontario, Canada, alleged that three persons could be involved in her murder, and named them. Speaking to the media at her Deol Nagar residence in Jalandhar, her mother, Shinderpal Kaur, said that she regularly received threats and she informed the police there. She said that her house also burnt a few months back.Nancy regularly spoke on different issues, often using acrimonious language. While she spoke against Khalistanis, both living in India and in other countries, and political leaders, she often commented on current issues. In recent weeks, she posted videos against Radha Soami Satsang Beas chief Baba Gurinder Singh Dhillon, after he called on Akali leader Bikram Singh Majithia in Nabha jail a few weeks back. Like other videos, she used some strong epithets against the dera chief as well. Some time back, she also spoke against Akal Takht jathedar.Shinderpal alleged that the main conspirator, an old man, was involved in a local gurdwara in Windsor, Ontario. She alleged that one of the three came to her house earlier with his face covered for the purpose of recce. “She had CCTV cameras in and outside her house. Once Nancy spotted him, he was badly frightened. If there were no CCTV cameras, she could have been killed on that day also,” she alleged.“Lately, she was raising an issue of gold belonging to a man who died there and hailed from Phagwara. She was threatened that she should stop raising the issue, but she remained firm on helping that man’s family. She also insisted that the particular gurdwara there should have CCTV cameras, to which some people objected,” Shinderpal alleged.She said that Nancy worked as a caregiver, with two shifts a day, with 2 companies. “She shared with me everything, from her experience with patients to the threats she faced and complaints she made to the police. That is the reason I am fully aware of those who nursed grudges against her,” she said.“She was keen to speak the truth on different issues and often tried to help the poor or those seeking justice. I said that if she got satisfaction from speaking the truth, she should carry on,” she said.“When I got up, I checked her CCTV cameras to see if she was back. She did not take my calls on March 3, and then we contacted the police there and came to know what happened to her. She was stabbed repeatedly and very badly. The woman, to whose house she went, spotted that she was being attacked and she informed the police,” Shinderpal said.She said that Nancy went to Canada after her marriage to a singer who lived there. She wanted a career in singing but could not make it and anchored stage shows. “Though it was the boy who sought her hand in marriage, after reaching there they fell out after some time and she had to fend for herself,” she said.LaSalle Police service had on Wednesday evening posted, “Shortly before 9:30 p.m. on March 3, 2026, emergency services responded to the 2400 block of Todd Lane for a report of a stabbing. A 45-year-old female was located with injuries. She was transported by Essex-Windsor Emergency Medical Services to the hospital where she later succumbed to her injuries. Her identity is being withheld pending next-of-kin notification.”On Thursday morning, the police confirmed her identity. “To ease public concern, we are sharing that investigators are viewing this as an isolated incident,” the police said while urging people for tips, information and video survelliance.

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Until these regulations take effect and prove their worth through actual enforcement, your best defence is radical simplicity.

For years, I have been writing about how the personal finance system is designed to extract money from ordinary savers rather than serve them. Just a few weeks ago, I discussed a book by John Campbell and Tarun Ramadorai that makes this case with rigorous academic evidence. They argue that the financial industry does not profit despite your mistakes–it profits because of them. In fact, they deliberately induce these mistakes. Shortly after, I wrote about how our regulations, however well-drafted, remain toothless because the consequences of violating them are trivial compared to the profits to be gained.Now comes news that the Reserve Bank of India has issued draft norms that, if (a huge if) rigorously implemented, could fundamentally change this calculus. The proposed rules would require banks not merely to obtain customer consent before selling third-party products such as insurance and mutual funds, but also to ensure that these products are appropriate for the customer. More significantly, if mis-selling is established, banks would have to refund the entire amount paid by the customer and provide additional compensation for any financial loss suffered.This last provision is what makes these draft norms potentially revolutionary. For the first time, the regulator is proposing consequences that might actually hurt. According to data compiled from annual reports, the share of insurance income in other income for the top five private sector banks rose to 10 per cent in FY25, up from 8.2 per cent in FY19. Income from insurance products sold by the top ten banks increased two-and-a-half times to Rs 16,747 crore in FY25 from Rs 6,381 crore six years earlier. These are not trivial sums. Banks have linked employee incentives and sales targets to the sale of these products precisely because they are so profitable.The question that matters now is whether this draft becomes a serious rule with genuine enforcement, or another addition to our impressive collection of regulations that exist mainly on paper. The difference between a law that works and one that does not lies entirely in the certainty of consequences. A little bit of a fine, a warning, some paperwork by your legal team–banks take these merely as costs of doing business. What actually deters misconduct is the prospect of genuine damage.What the RBI is proposing goes in the right direction. Requiring full refunds plus compensation changes the mathematics of mis-selling entirely. If every fraudulent sale carries the risk of being returned not just the premium but also additional damages, the expected value of cheating could become negative. This is exactly what I meant when I wrote that we need enforcement that genuinely hurts.Of course, I’ve seen many failed revolutions like this, so I have a good deal of scepticism. A draft norm is not a final rule. Final rules require implementation. Implementation requires investigation of complaints. The investigation requires proof of what was said during sales conversations, which typically leave no paper trail. At each stage, the system offers opportunities for dilution. Banks will lobby for softening. Insurance companies that depend on bank distribution will press their case. The machinery of business has many ways of grinding down well-intentioned regulations.The very fact that banking industry sources are already expressing concern about these norms suggests they recognise the threat as genuine. When an industry complains that regulations will hurt their business, it is usually a sign that the regulations might actually work. The head of retail banking at a private bank quoted in news reports acknowledged that the new rules will make banks “cautious” about selling third-party products.For ordinary investors, the lesson is unchanged from what I have long maintained: complexity is not your friend. Until these regulations take effect and prove their worth through actual enforcement, your best defence is radical simplicity–term insurance for protection, a few well-chosen mutual funds for investment, and the discipline to ignore everything else. But it would be wonderful if, for once, words grew some teeth.(Dhirendra Kumar is Founder and CEO of Value Research)If you have any queries for Dhirendra Kumar you can drop us an email at: toi.business@timesinternet.in