US President Donald Trump (AP photo)

Though he campaigned against the foreign entanglements of past presidents, President Donald Trump has shown little hesitation in deploying American military power during his second term. Since returning to the White House in 2025, Trump has authorised a string of operations stretching from the Middle East and Africa to Latin America.The interventions range from counterterrorism strikes in Somalia and Iraq to a dramatic commando raid that captured Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, and most recently, a major US-Israel military campaign against Iran.While the White House insists its actions align with a narrower definition of national interest, critics argue the growing list of operations suggests a far more interventionist posture.US–Israel war against IranThe most dramatic escalation came on February 28, when the United States and Israel launched coordinated strikes across Iran targeting military installations and senior leadership.One strike hit a compound in Tehran housing the offices of the ayatollah, the Iranian presidency and the national security apparatus. The attack killed Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, sending shockwaves across the region.Iran retaliated swiftly. Missiles were fired at Israeli targets and US military facilities across the Middle East. One strike on a base in Kuwait killed four American service members.Tehran also widened the battlefield by hitting civilian infrastructure in Gulf states, including the Fairmont hotel in Dubai and Kuwait International Airport, signalling an unprecedented expansion of the conflict.

Trump’s foregn military action

Trump has warned the campaign could continue for weeks. According to the president, the operation aims to destroy Iran’s missile arsenal, cripple its naval forces, prevent the country from acquiring nuclear weapons and dismantle its network of regional proxies.Officials in Washington have offered conflicting signals on whether the United States would accept a new Iranian leadership or push for the collapse of the Islamic Republic altogether.Tensions had been rising since January 2026, when the Iranian government violently suppressed widespread protests. Trump initially threatened intervention but later softened his tone while negotiations continued.Talks mediated by Oman in Geneva and Muscat appeared close to a breakthrough on February 26, with mediators claiming Iran was ready to halt uranium enrichment.Just two days later, however, US and Israeli aircraft struck Iran. Trump later said Tehran posed a direct threat to “core [US] national security interests.”Venezuela: The capture of MaduroIn one of the most dramatic episodes of Trump’s second term, US forces launched a daring operation on January 3, 2026, extracting Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro from Caracas.The mission, dubbed Operation Absolute Resolve, involved US special forces and law enforcement officers storming Maduro’s heavily guarded compound.Roughly seventy-five Venezuelan and Cuban guards were killed during the raid. Maduro and his wife were flown to New York, where he now faces narcoterrorism charges.The long-term US military presence in Venezuela remains uncertain. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has outlined a three-phase plan designed to pressure the remaining regime figures, including interim president Delcy Rodríguez, into complying with US demands.Washington is seeking sweeping reforms to Venezuela’s oil sector, the removal of advisers from China, Cuba, Iran and Russia, and the release of political prisoners.Initially, the White House framed the campaign as a counter-narcotics mission. Beginning in September 2025, US forces targeted suspected drug trafficking vessels in the Caribbean before expanding operations into the Pacific.Throughout the buildup, officials insisted the United States was not pursuing regime change. Yet at a press conference announcing Maduro’s capture, Trump openly linked the mission to Venezuela’s vast oil reserves.Iran: Strikes on Nuclear FacilitiesThe war with Iran did not begin in February. It followed an earlier escalation in June 2025.On June 12, the International Atomic Energy Agency declared Iran was breaching its nuclear commitments and could reach weapons-grade uranium enrichment within two weeks.The following day, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu launched a sweeping campaign against Iranian nuclear and military targets.Ten days later, the United States joined the offensive.On June 22, US B-2 stealth bombers dropped bunker-busting munitions on underground nuclear facilities at Fordow and Natanz, while a US submarine fired cruise missiles at Isfahan.Trump later declared that Operation Midnight Hammer had “completely and totally obliterated” Iran’s enrichment infrastructure.A subsequent US intelligence assessment offered a more cautious conclusion, suggesting the strikes delayed Iran’s nuclear programme by only a few months rather than eliminating it entirely.Syria: Retaliation after deadly attackIn December 2025, US Central Command launched Operation Hawkeye Strike after an attack near Palmyra killed two American soldiers and a civilian interpreter.The operation targeted more than seventy ISIS sites across central Syria, including weapons depots and infrastructure.Trump blamed ISIS for the attack and vowed “serious retaliation.”Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth described the campaign as “a declaration of vengeance”, promising the United States would continue to “hunt” and “kill” its enemies.US forces later expanded the campaign on January 10, 2026, striking thirty-five additional ISIS positions.Despite the strikes, the episode highlighted the complex security environment in Syria. Syrian officials later revealed the attacker was a member of their own security forces who had been facing dismissal over extremist views.Nigeria: US bombs ISIS targetsThe United States also expanded its counterterrorism operations in Nigeria, where jihadist violence has plagued the country’s northern regions for years.In October 2025, Trump redesignated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern under the International Religious Freedom Act, citing attacks against Christian communities.Nigeria’s government rejected the characterisation, arguing militant groups routinely target civilians regardless of religion.On December 25, Trump announced that US forces had struck sixteen ISIS-linked targets in Sokoto state using guided missiles.The strikes were conducted in coordination with the Nigerian government, and both sides signalled the possibility of additional operations.Somalia: Intensified counterterrorism campaignAnother major theatre of operations has been Somalia, where the Trump administration significantly expanded US military activity.Beginning in February 2025, American forces intensified strikes against al-Shabaab, an al-Qaeda affiliate, and ISIS-Somalia, a smaller offshoot operating in the country’s north-east.According to the Washington-based think tank New America, the United States conducted 126 operations in Somalia during 2025, killing nearly two hundred militants.The campaign represents a dramatic escalation. In that single year, the US carried out more operations than during the combined administrations of George W. Bush, Barack Obama and Joe Biden.Trump officials say the objective is to eliminate terrorist groups capable of threatening the United States and its allies.Yet the long-term impact remains uncertain. Al-Shabaab continues to gain ground against Somali government forces and has pushed closer to the capital, Mogadishu.Iraq: Precision strike against ISIS leaderThe Trump administration also maintained pressure on ISIS in Iraq.On March 13, 2025, US Central Command conducted a precision air strike in Al Anbar province, killing Abdallah “Abu Khadijah” Makki Muslih al-Rifai, the group’s second-in-command.The militant was widely regarded as one of the most dangerous ISIS leaders, overseeing global operations and financing.General Michael Kurilla, then commander of CENTCOM, said the strike was part of ongoing efforts to dismantle organisations that “threaten our homeland and US, allied, and partner personnel in the region and beyond.”Trump praised the operation on Truth Social, describing it as another example of his “peace through strength” doctrine.The strikes form part of Operation Inherent Resolve, the anti-ISIS campaign launched in 2014 after the group seized large parts of Iraq, including Mosul.Yemen: Escalation against the houthisUS military operations also intensified in Yemen, where Iran-backed Houthi rebels have targeted shipping in the Red Sea and launched attacks against Israel.Following Trump’s return to office, CENTCOM launched Operation Rough Rider in March 2025, dramatically expanding air strikes against Houthi positions.The campaign deployed two US carrier strike groups and large amounts of airpower.While the strikes degraded the Houthis’ drone and missile capabilities, they did not stop the group’s attacks on shipping lanes.The operation also came at a high cost. Houthi retaliation destroyed several US Reaper drones, and two advanced fighter aircraft were lost at sea while operating from a carrier.Congressional estimates place the cost of the campaign at more than $1 billion before the White House abruptly ended it in May 2025.Houthi attacks later subsided after a Gaza ceasefire was announced in October 2025.A narrower doctrine or expanding power?The Trump administration’s 2025 National Security Strategy argues that previous presidents defined US interests too broadly, leading to overextension abroad.The document states that “the affairs of other countries are our concern only if their activities directly threaten our interests.”Yet Trump’s growing list of military interventions suggests a broader interpretation of what constitutes such a threat.For supporters, the approach reflects the president’s belief in decisive force and deterrence.For critics, it signals a presidency increasingly willing to wield military power across the globe.

Suryakumar Yadav and Harry Brook (Image credit: Agencies)

India and England have each lifted the T20 World Cup twice, and their rivalry in the semifinals has been perfectly balanced so far — one win apiece. Interestingly, on both occasions, the team that won the semifinal went on to clinch the title.Now, as the two heavyweights prepare for their third semifinal meeting in three editions at Mumbai’s iconic Wankhede Stadium on Thursday, history beckons. The winner will have a shot at becoming the first nation to claim the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup title three times. Alongside India and England, only the West Indies boast two trophies.

England triumphed in the 2022 semifinal, crushing India by 10 wickets before defeating Pakistan in the final. India returned the favour in 2024, overcoming England in the last four and then edging South Africa in a tense summit clash to secure their second crown.Who prevails this time? While conditions and numbers may slightly favour India, England’s big-match temperament makes them equally formidable.Overall, the two sides have met 29 times in T20Is, with India winning 17 and England 12. India are chasing further milestones — becoming the first team to defend a T20 World Cup title and the first host nation to lift the trophy.Their contests have rarely lacked intensity, and Thursday promises to be no different, with both teams expected to go all out.The journeys to the semifinals have been contrasting. England were the first to qualify, finishing unbeaten in Group 2 of the Super 8s with five consecutive wins. India, meanwhile, suffered a defeat to South Africa and only sealed their spot with a dramatic must-win victory over the West Indies.Earlier in the league stage, India topped Group A with a flawless record, while England finished second in Pool C after a loss to the Caribbean side.Though the semifinal will write a fresh script, memories at Wankhede add emotional weight for the hosts — from MS Dhoni’s iconic six to seal the 2011 ODI World Cup to Sachin Tendulkar’s teammates carrying him on their shoulders in celebration.India’s campaign has been defined by different match-winners stepping up at crucial moments. Abhishek Sharma struck his maiden fifty of the tournament in the Super 8s, while Sanju Samson’s unbeaten 97 in the must-win clash against West Indies proved decisive. Skipper Suryakumar Yadav set the tone early with a brilliant 84 against USA, and contributions from Tilak Varma, Ishan Kishan and Hardik Pandya have strengthened the batting unit. Suryakumar leads the scoring charts for India with 231 runs, followed by Ishan with 217.The bowling attack has been equally collective. Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakravarthy, Axar Patel, Hardik and Kuldeep Yadav have all chipped in with key breakthroughs, with Chakravarthy leading the wicket tally with 12 scalps. No single player has dominated consistently — but that shared responsibility has powered India’s run.England’s story mirrors that pattern. They too have relied on collective effort rather than individual brilliance. Phil Salt, Jacob Bethell, Will Jacks and captain Harry Brook have delivered vital contributions, even as Jos Buttler searches for top form. Brook tops their scoring list with 228 runs. With the ball, Adil Rashid has been their standout performer, claiming 11 wickets so far.The Wankhede pitch is expected to assist seamers early before settling into a batting-friendly surface. With hot and sunny conditions forecast and dew likely later in the evening, the toss could play a role, tempting captains to bowl first.Both teams appear settled after seven matches and are unlikely to tinker with their combinations. For India, that means another opportunity for Sanju Samson to build on his momentum.With over 35,000 fans expected to pack the stands, Wankhede will be a cauldron of noise. Under the lights, in front of a roaring home crowd, the side that holds its nerve will march into the final in Ahmedabad.Probable playing XIs:India: Sanju Samson (wk), Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Jasprit BumrahEngland: Phil Salt, Jos Buttler (wk), Harry Brook (c), Jacob Bethell, Tom Banton, Sam Curran, Will Jacks, Liam Dawson, Rehan Ahmed, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid.

All eyes will be on Mumbai as defending champions India gear up to take on England in the second semifinal of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 at the iconic Wankhede Stadium on Thursday, March 5. With a coveted spot in the final at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium up for grabs, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Naturally, much of the attention has shifted to the pitch – the crucial 22-yard strip that could ultimately shape the outcome of this blockbuster knockout encounter between two cricketing powerhouses.

Wankhede pitch raising eyebrows

There is already a sense of curiosity surrounding the Wankhede surface. During India’s fielding session under the floodlights on Tuesday evening, the pitch remained covered, leaving players and observers guessing about what conditions might unfold on match day. According to reports, the strip currently appears greener than what is typically seen at Wankhede – even by first-class standards, let alone a T20 International.

The unusual grass cover is largely due to the rising temperatures Mumbai has experienced over the past couple of weeks. Groundstaff have deliberately retained more grass to prevent the surface from drying out too quickly or breaking up. The key question now is how much of that grass will be trimmed before Thursday’s game begins.

Interestingly, while India head coach Gautam Gambhir took a brief look at the pitch before it was covered, none of the Indian players inspected it closely. That might indicate the team is content to assess the conditions on match day itself, perhaps drawing lessons from the two matches already played on this very surface earlier in the tournament.

This red-soil wicket previously hosted England’s clash against West Indies on February 11 and the Italy versus Nepal match the following day. On both occasions, the pitch appeared to offer some assistance to spinners, particularly as the games progressed and the surface began to slow slightly.

What Wankhede surface usually offers?

Historically, the Wankhede Stadium has been synonymous with thrilling T20 contests. Its proximity to the Arabian Sea means that the sea breeze often becomes a factor, influencing both swing and dew conditions during evening matches.

The pitch typically offers a balanced contest between bat and ball. Batters enjoy the true bounce and pace that allows them to play their shots freely once they settle in. The relatively short square boundaries – measuring around 62 and 64 meters – also encourage aggressive stroke play, making high-scoring encounters quite common.

Fast bowlers often get some assistance early on, especially with the new ball, which can move both in the air and off the surface. As the match progresses, spinners tend to come into the picture during the middle overs, with the pitch occasionally offering a bit of grip and turn.

Statistics also reflect Wankhede’s reputation as a batting-friendly venue. The average first-innings total here stands at around 197. Interestingly, teams chasing have enjoyed slightly more success, winning five of the nine T20 Internationals played at the venue – suggesting that bowling first could offer a small tactical advantage.

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India holds an emphatic record at Wankhede

Team India has enjoyed considerable success at Wankhede over the years. In seven T20Is played at the venue, the hosts have recorded five wins and just two defeats.

One of the most memorable games here came on February 2, 2025, when India posted a massive 247 for 9 against England. That match witnessed a breathtaking innings from Abhishek Sharma, who hammered 135 runs off just 54 balls – the highest individual score ever recorded at the ground.

England, in reply, crumbled under pressure and were bowled out for just 97, marking their lowest T20I total at Wankhede. Mohammed Shami starred with the ball, picking up 3 wickets for 25 runs as India secured a crushing 150-run victory. Notably, fast bowlers claimed 12 of the 19 wickets that fell in that match, highlighting the early help available for pacers at this venue.

Among Indian players, Virat Kohli holds the record for the most runs at Wankhede in T20Is, scoring 197 runs in just three matches. Meanwhile, Shami leads the wicket charts with five scalps from two appearances.

As India and England prepare for another high-voltage encounter at this historic venue, the pitch – and how it behaves under pressure – could well play a decisive role in determining who advances to the T20 World Cup 2026 final.

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Former Pakistan skipper Sarfaraz Ahmed is on the verge of taking charge as the head coach of Pakistan’s Test side, with the role lying unoccupied for nearly five months. In the interim, Azhar Mahmood oversaw the team during the recent Test tour of South Africa.As reported by Geo News, Sarfaraz is expected to assume the position ahead of Pakistan’s upcoming two-match Test series against Bangladesh in May. He is currently with the Pakistan Shaheens in the UAE, where they are engaged in T20 and one-day fixtures against the England Lions. An official confirmation from the board is anticipated shortly.

Sarfaraz’s growing credentials as a coach were strengthened after he guided Pakistan’s Under-19 side to an Asia Cup title. During that campaign, several supporters reportedly approached PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi, urging him to entrust the senior red-ball team to the former captain.Pakistan presently sit fifth in the World Test Championship standings, following their drawn home series against South Africa in October. Their next assignment in the cycle begins on May 8, when they host Bangladesh for a two-Test contest.In his playing days, Sarfaraz featured in 54 Tests, amassing 3,031 runs with four centuries and 21 half-centuries. He led Pakistan in 13 of those matches, securing four victories, including a famous win at Lord’s against England in 2018. His most recent Test appearance came against Australia in Perth in 2023.Across white-ball formats, he represented Pakistan in 117 ODIs, scoring 2,315 runs with two hundreds and 11 fifties, and played 61 T20Is, compiling 818 runs. As captain, he achieved notable success, most prominently steering Pakistan to the 2017 Champions Trophy title. He also led the side at the 2019 ODI World Cup, where Pakistan narrowly missed out on a semi-final berth despite winning five of their nine league matches. In T20 internationals, he maintained an impressive win rate of 78.37 per cent as skipper.

India’s services sector growth eased marginally in February as new business expansion slowed to a 13-month low, reflecting softer demand conditions and a rise in inflation, according to a monthly survey released on Wednesday. The seasonally adjusted HSBC India Services PMI Business Activity Index edged down to 58.1 in February from 58.5 in January. In PMI terminology, readings above 50 denote expansion, while those below 50 indicate contraction. “India’s Services PMI registered 58.1 in February, largely unchanged from January’s 58.5, signalling another month of robust expansion in the sector.” “While new order growth slowed to a 13-month low amid rising competition, service providers saw a notable pick-up in international sales and responded with increased hiring to meet operational needs,” said Pranjul Bhandari, Chief India Economist at HSBC. According to respondents, some firms benefited from stronger client enquiries and targeted marketing efforts, which supported sales. However, others reported that an increasingly competitive landscape limited the pace of growth. External demand stood out during the month. Services companies recorded improved business from several overseas markets, including Canada, Germany, mainland China, Singapore, the UAE, the UK and the US. Overall, international sales rose at the quickest pace since last August. Cost pressures intensified for service providers in February. Operating expenses increased at the sharpest rate in two-and-a-half years, prompting firms to raise their selling prices at the fastest pace in six months. “Input and output price inflation accelerated, with firms passing higher expenses — particularly for food and labour — on to customers, yet business confidence climbed to its highest level in a year as companies looked to broaden their market presence,” Bhandari said. At the combined level, private sector activity strengthened further. Total business output across manufacturing and services expanded at the fastest rate in three months, supported by improved demand and higher new business inflows. The HSBC India Composite PMI Output Index climbed to 58.9 in February from 58.4 in January. “Overall, the composite PMI rose to 58.9, reflecting the fastest pace of private sector activity growth in three months, buoyed by strong momentum in manufacturing,” Bhandari said. Composite PMI figures represent weighted averages of manufacturing and services indicators, with the weights reflecting their respective shares in official GDP data. While the pace of new order growth at the composite level was broadly similar to that seen around the start of the year, hiring activity strengthened to its highest level since last October. Inflationary trends were also evident in the broader private sector, with both input costs and output charges rising at quicker rates. These increases reached nine-month and six-month highs, respectively.

MUMBAI: A new nationwide survey of 1,200 doctors claims that India’s medical workforce is under mounting strain. 91% of doctors would discourage their children from choosing medicine as a profession in the current climate. Nearly half, 47%, said they had actively considered leaving the profession.The study reports that 67% doctors have faced medico-legal complaints and 84% fear assault. Doctors report burnout, legal exposure and career doubt. This raises concerns about long-term doctor-patient ratio gap and workforce sustainability.Patients, of course, would hold a different viewpoint from the study given the rampant commercialisation of healthcare in India, which was once affordable and benevolent. Doctors were looked upon as extended family, but that trust has severely eroded with the advent of corporatisation.The nationwide study in question was conducted by the Debabrata Mitalee Auro Foundation (DAF) between January and June 2025. 91.4% doctors surveyed said they would not encourage their children to pursue medicine as a career.The foundation claims this reflects concern about present working conditions and systemic pressures rather than a loss of faith in medicine as a vocation.With India facing challenges in maintaining the doctor-to-patient ratio, the study raises concerns that this gap may widen if fewer high-performing students choose medicine or if more doctors consider early exit.The study surveyed 1,208 doctors across Tier 1, Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities in both private and govt practice. Of the respondents, 63% were male and 37% female. 78% were from the private sector and 22% from govt hospitals. The respondents specialised in general medicine, surgery, paediatrics, gynaecology, dermatology, orthopaedics, ENT, etc.The findings indicate strain and disillusionment. 78% respondents reported high levels of burnout in the past year. 56% said they experienced symptoms consistent with anxiety or depression.84% said they feel more likely than the general population to face physical or verbal assault by patients or their families. And 67% reported having been named in some form of medico-legal complaint, which is a shocking statistic.61% believe public perception of doctors has worsened over the past five years. In fact nearly half, 47%, said they had actively considered leaving the profession. Prof. Dr Debraj Shome, founder of the Debabrata Mitalee Auro Foundation, commented on the findings, “When 91.4% of doctors say they would not want their children to enter medicine, it signals something deeper than routine burnout. This study shows that 78% are experiencing high burnout, and 56% report symptoms of anxiety or depression. Add to that the fact that 84% express concern about physical or verbal assault, and you begin to see how the practice environment has altered.““Clinical decisions are increasingly made with an awareness of potential litigation, public scrutiny, and personal vulnerability, factors that did not shape everyday practice to the same extent in previous decades. That sustained pressure inevitably influences behaviour, be it communication patterns or risk-taking, and it raises important questions about long-term workforce stability.”He said that viewed against global benchmarks, the contrast is notable. A 2022 study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that 29% of doctors worldwide report symptoms of depression. In the United Kingdom, one in four doctors has considered quitting due to stress, according to the British Medical Association (2023). The Indian data signals deeper levels of stress and attrition.The foundation says that “the report aims to initiate dialogue on systemic reform, including structured mental health support for doctors, stronger legal and institutional protections against violence and harassment, public sensitisation efforts to rebuild trust, and healthcare workplace policies that enable recovery and respite”.This study has been released alongside a book titled ‘Doctors Are Not Murderers’, authored by Dr Shome and Dr Aarti Heda. It compiles 23 essays by well known medical practitioners from India and abroad including Dr Nikhil Datar, Dr Kuldeep Raizada, Dr Rajan Bhonsle, Dr John Adler and Dr Pankaj Singh.“The book reflects how medical practice is increasingly shaped by fear — fear of litigation, fear of violence and fear of public misjudgment. Several essays address the rise of defensive medicine, the psychological toll of litigation and media scrutiny, and the moral injury experienced by practitioners who operate in high-stakes environments where uncertainty is inherent. Other essays explore violence against doctors, the pressures of regulatory oversight, and the widening gap between public expectation and clinical reality. Rather than arguing for immunity from accountability, the book calls for proportionality, context and due process in assessing medical error,” a press release said Wednesday.

Team India players at Shree Siddhivinayak Ganapati Temple. (Video grab)

Hours before stepping into a high-pressure T20 World Cup semifinal against England, members of the Indian team sought divine intervention at Mumbai’s iconic Shree Siddhivinayak Ganapati Temple on Wednesday.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!In a video that quickly went viral on social media, Axar Patel, Ishan Kishan and Abhishek Sharma were seen offering prayers and taking darshan at the revered temple, a day before India’s knockout clash at the Wankhede Stadium.WATCH:The spiritual visit comes at a crucial juncture for India, who have not exactly cruised into the semifinals. Overwhelming favourites at the start of the tournament, they have struggled to piece together a flawless performance against stronger opponents. However, the side showed resilience after a heavy defeat to South Africa in their Super 8 opener.The reintroduction of Sanju Samson proved a masterstroke. More than a decade after his India debut, the 31-year-old delivered a career-defining unbeaten 97 in a virtual quarterfinal against West Indies, reigniting India’s campaign. His confidence will be key, especially for opening partner Abhishek Sharma, who is still searching for his explosive best despite a Super 8 fifty against Zimbabwe.

England, riding on five straight wins, will pose a stern test. Jofra Archer’s pace, Will Jacks’ off-spin in the powerplay and Adil Rashid’s middle-overs craft could challenge India’s top order. Harry Brook and Sam Curran have been pivotal for England, while questions remain over Jos Buttler’s form heading into the big clash.India’s core group, including Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya and Tilak Varma, put in extended hours at training earlier this week. With spin twins Axar Patel and Varun Chakaravarthy expected to play a major role on a potentially tricky surface, execution will be crucial.

NEW DELHI: In a major relief, the removal of hypothecation from vehicles will now happen automatically through an online system once loan is fully repaid, saving people from the hassle of multiple visits to transport offices and reaching out to banks. The road transport ministry has rolled out this new system, starting March 1 (Monday), initially with one nationalised bank and five Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFC). More will be roped in soon.The move is aimed at eliminating procedural delays, and reducing inconvenience faced by borrowers in getting their vehicle records updated after clearing their loans and visiting regional transport offices to initiate removal of hypothecation from vehicle registration certificate. The process often involved multiple visits and significant paperwork.Officials said the system operates using RBI’s Unified Lending Interface (ULI), which enables secure and real-time data exchange between lenders and govt platforms. “The online interface interacts among banks, ULI and the Vahan system. So, the entire process, including the verification, happens without any human intervention. Once the process is complete, the owner gets an SMS from Vahan informing him/ her about the removal of hypothecation. This is part of govt’s initiative to improve ease of living,” said an official.Separately, after the vehicle owner repays the loan, the bank will send the ‘No Objection Certificate (NOC)’ to the owner.At present, SBI and five NBFCs, including Cholamandalam, Shriram Finance and Sundaram Finance, have started implementing this system. Officials said more banks and financial institutions will be onboarded onto the system in phases to ensure wider coverage and seamless implementation nationwide. They added that initiative will significantly reduce processing time and improve transparency.Welcoming the initiative, transport services expert Anil Chhikara said while banks and financing institutions take care of all hypothecation issue when one takes a loan to buy a vehicle, these institutions don’t help customers in the process when they repay the loans.