In the wake of Operation Sindoor and amid a rapidly evolving global security landscape, India is leaving no stone unturned in strengthening its defence preparedness.

In the wake of Operation Sindoor and amid a rapidly evolving global security landscape, India is leaving no stone unturned in strengthening its defence preparedness. Showcasing a range of game-changing weapons capable of decisively neutralising adversaries, the Indian Air Force (IAF) demonstrated the lethal capabilities of its fighter aircraft, helicopters, missiles, laser-guided bombs and other advanced munitions during Exercise Vayu Shakti at the Pokhran Field Firing Range on Friday. Held in the presence of President Droupadi Murmu as the Chief Guest, the day-and-night firepower demonstration reaffirmed India’s status as one of the world’s most formidable air forces.

A Theme of “From Inception to Execution”

Conducted under the theme “From Inception to Execution,” the exercise highlighted the IAF’s ability to translate operational concepts into decisive battlefield outcomes. Fighter jets, attack helicopters and missile systems such as Akash and SPYDER air defence systems struck simulated enemy targets with precision, creating a dramatic battlefield scenario at Pokhran. The sheer intensity of the explosions, dust clouds and coordinated strikes symbolised India’s readiness to counter any challenge across all fronts. Dignitaries present included Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Rajasthan Governor Haribhau Bagade, Chief of Defence Staff Anil Chauhan, and Air Chief Marshal A. P. Singh, along with Members of Parliament and foreign delegates from friendly nations.

Image Credit: TOI

With the international border barely 125 km from Jaisalmer, the display sent a strong strategic message beyond India’s frontiers.

Massive Aerial Participation

A total of 77 aircraft, including fighter jets, combat helicopters and transport aircraft, operated from airbases such as Jaisalmer, Suratgarh, Jodhpur, Phalodi, Nal and Uttarlai. They executed coordinated strikes on simulated targets, including enemy radar sites, troop concentrations, ammunition depots and fuel installations. Frontline aircraft such as the Rafale, Su-30MKI, MiG-29, Mirage 2000 and Jaguar delivered precision-guided munitions and conventional bombs with deadly accuracy. The Rafale generated a precisely timed sonic boom, followed by low-level Jaguar reconnaissance runs capturing high-fidelity imagery.

Image Credit: TOI

Transport and support aircraft such as the C-17, C-130J, IL-76, IL-78, AN-32 and Embraer platforms demonstrated strategic airlift, mid-air refuelling and logistics support capabilities. A C-17 executed a Containerised Delivery System drop, while a C-130J carried out assault landings with the IAF’s Garud Special Forces. The indigenous Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) ‘Prachand’ showcased its air-to-ground missile capabilities, while Mi-17 helicopters launched rocket attacks on ground targets. The Advanced Light Helicopter Mk-IV weaponised variant participated in joint operations with the Indian Army. In a first, Chinook helicopters airlifted M-777 Ultra-Light Howitzers in underslung mode, demonstrating the rapid deployment of combat assets. Indigenous air defence systems Akash and SPYDER successfully neutralised simulated aerial threats, underscoring India’s commitment to Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India).

Image Credit: TOI

As dusk fell, night operations intensified. The Su-30MKI and Jaguar conducted strategic bombing missions, while the C-130J performed flare dispensing. The highlight of Vayu Shakti 2026 was a grand drone show — the first of its kind at the exercise — depicting India’s map, Air Force formations, and historic operations including the 1965 Sargodha strike, Kargil’s Tiger Hill bombing, the Balakot air strike and Operation Sindoor. In just three hours, approximately 120 tonnes of ordnance were delivered over a two-square-kilometre area, reflecting the IAF’s immense destructive capability and pinpoint accuracy.

Image Credit: TOI

Exercise Vayu Shakti 2026 ultimately stood as a resounding testament to the Indian Air Force’s operational preparedness, technological advancement and unwavering resolve to safeguard the nation.

The equation is familiar for Pakistan: win big, and move on. (Image credit: Agencies)

Pakistan’s road to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 semi-finals has boiled down to one simple equation after England’s dramatic four-wicket victory over New Zealand reshaped the Group 2 table in Colombo.England, led by Harry Brook, finished the Super 8 stage unbeaten with three wins from three, sealing top spot with six points after their triumph at the R. Premadasa Stadium. What once appeared a complicated qualification scenario has now turned into a straight shootout for Pakistan in their final fixture.

New Zealand, despite Friday’s defeat, remain second with three points and a healthy net run rate of +1.390. Pakistan sit third with one point from two games and a net run rate of -0.461.The equation for Pakistan is clear but demanding. If they bat first against Sri Lanka, they must win by at least 64 runs. If chasing, they need to overhaul the target within 13.1 overs to leapfrog New Zealand on net run rate.Saturday’s clash between Pakistan and Sri Lanka at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium effectively serves as a knockout for Pakistan. A massive win sends them into the semi-finals and eliminates New Zealand. Anything less, and New Zealand progress as the second team from Group 2.History offers Pakistan hopePakistan have navigated similar high-pressure scenarios before.In the 1996 KCA Centenary Tournament in Nairobi, they found themselves needing a massive win over Sri Lanka to reach the final. After being asked to bat, Pakistan piled up 371/9 at the Gymkhana Club Ground, powered by a sensational 102 off just 40 balls from a 16-year-old Shahid Afridi and a commanding 115 from Saeed Anwar.To qualify, Pakistan had to restrict Sri Lanka below 290. Their bowlers delivered — Waqar Younis took 5/52, Saqlain Mushtaq grabbed 4/33, and Afridi chipped in with 1/43 as Sri Lanka were dismissed for 289. The 82-run victory secured Pakistan’s place in the final.Nearly three decades later, in Pallekele, Pakistan face another must-win, big-margin challenge.The equation is familiar: win big, and move on.

Could the cricket world be set for another blockbuster India vs Pakistan showdown at the T20 World Cup 2026? The possibility is still alive — but several pieces must fall into place.So far, South Africa national cricket team and England cricket team have confirmed their semi-final berths. That leaves two spots up for grabs, with India national cricket team, West Indies cricket team, Pakistan national cricket team and New Zealand national cricket team still in contention.

England booked their place in the last four after a tense four-wicket win over New Zealand at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, completing the Super Eights stage unbeaten with three wins from three matches to top Group 2.New Zealand sit second with three points. Pakistan, meanwhile, remain mathematically alive — but only just.For Pakistan to qualify, they must beat Sri Lanka in their final Super Eight fixture — and by a massive margin. Their Net Run Rate of -0.461 pales in comparison to New Zealand’s +1.390. That gulf means Pakistan not only need a thumping win but must also hope New Zealand suffer a heavy defeat in their last game. A loss would immediately end Pakistan’s campaign.

India’s T20 World Cup semifinal qualification scenario

India, the defending champions, responded in style with a dominant 72-run victory over Zimbabwe at the MA Chidambaram Stadium.After West Indies’ heavy defeat to South Africa, the equation is simple for the Suryakumar Yadav-led side: defeat West Indies in their final Super Eight clash at Eden Gardens on March 1 and they are through to the semi-finals — irrespective of the margin.However, if rain forces a washout, West Indies would move to three points and seal qualification instead.

Can India and Pakistan meet again in T20 World Cup?

An India-Pakistan clash is possible — but only if both teams make the knockouts.If Pakistan somehow finish in the top two of Group 2 and India qualify from their group, the two sides could face off in:The semi-final — depending on final group positions.The final — if both teams win their respective semi-finals.At present, India’s route appears clear-cut. Pakistan, on the other hand, require a dominant display and favourable results elsewhere to keep alive hopes of another high-voltage encounter between cricket’s fiercest rivals.

NEW DELHI: Indian Youth Congress president Uday Bhanu Chib was granted bail on Saturday after he was arrested in connection to shirtless protest at Bharat Mandapam during the AI summit.Advocate Sulaiman Mohammad Khan said that a Duty Magistrate granted bail to Chib after Delhi Crime Branch was unable to produce any solid reasons to seek the police custody of the IYC National President.“We have also moved an application praying for the grant of bail to the National President, Uday Bhanu Chib. The Duty Magistrate was pleased enough to grant bail to Uday Bhanu Chib and has explained in the bail order we have just read that the Police Crime Branch has not been able to explain the reasons for seeking extension of PC remand to Uday Bhanu Chib,” Khan said.“Delhi Police Crime Branch has moved an application for extension of PC remand of National President of Youth Congress, Uday Bhanu Chib. They have sought a seven-day extension of the PC remand, and also moved two applications for remand of one of the accused for five days and the other for two days…” he added.Khan also added that certain conditions have been imposed that he has to surrender his passport and electronic gadgets before the Court, and he has to produce one surety of Rs 50,000 before the court.Advocate Roopesh Singh Bhadauria highlighted that Chib was in the police custody for four days. He was initially expected to be produced before the Duty Magistrate at 6 am, but the hearing was held earlier, at 1:30 am.“This was not a fresh arrest of Uday Bhanu Chib. He had already been in the PC for four days. We received a message at 12 midnight stating that he would be produced before the Duty Magistrate around 6 am. Thankfully, we at least received a message for him, because we didn’t even receive a message about the others. Then, at 12:30, we received a call saying he would be produced at 1 am. We arrived in a panic. His hearing began at 1:30...” he said.According to Delhi Police, Chib was the “main conspirator and mastermind” behind the February 20 protest at Bharat Mandapam. They say anti-national slogans were raised and an attempt was made to create a riot-like situation. Police claimed that, in conspiracy with Shree Krishna Hari, Kundan Yadav, Narsimha Yadav, Ajay Kumar Yadav, and others, he obstructed and assaulted police officials on duty.At the AI Impact Summit on Feb 20, several men allegedly entered the venue wearing T-shirts bearing images of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump, along with slogans against the government and the India-US trade deal.

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Friday rapped the West Bengal govt for rushing to court every now and then with “vague and irrelevant” reasons to delay the completion of the Special Intensive Revision of state electoral rolls, to expedite which the SC has deployed judicial officers from Jharkhand and Odisha.“Please do not come to the court with vague reasons and try to delay the process. Every day there cannot be an irrelevant reason here and there. There must be an end to it. We went beyond our mandate (by using exclusive powers under Article 142 to direct deployment of judicial officers to carry out a task which is essentially in the EC domain). You are making unnecessary complaints,” CJI Surya Kant said.The remark came after Kapil Sibal levelled the serious charge before the CJI and Justice Joymalya Bagchi that “strange things have happened. EC officials are giving training to judicial officers, who were deployed by the Calcutta HC CJ, on which documents submitted with claims of voters are to be accepted.”Sibal said it marked a violation of the SC’s direction that the modalities would be decided by the chief justice of Calcutta HC. The bench, however, disliked the issues relating to SIR being raked up every now and then by the Bengal govt for one or the other reason.“When we said the HC CJ will decide the modalities, we meant he would decide which judicial officer is to be deployed where and what facilities were to be provided to him. The judicial officer alone will decide the pending claims and validity of documents submitted by the voters,” said the bench, disagreeing with Sibal’s charge about the EC disregarding the SC. Justice Bagchi said, “If the EC officials will not give training to judicial officers, who else will. Our order is as clear as daylight. We gave an alien responsibility to the judicial officers to expedite SIR. Both the state govt and the EC must provide and create a congenial atmosphere for them to work.”Finding the state at the receiving end, Sibal said “the state chief secretary is here as unfortunately her voting rights are being put to question by the EC”. The bench said, “Ask your chief secretary to work in tandem with the EC and judicial officers for expeditious completion of SIR.”Sibal turned to another aspect and said the EC must publish the supplementary voter lists after the publication of the final voter list on Feb 28, as and when a cluster of voters’ names were decided by the judicial officers for inclusion in the voter list.The bench said SIR would be carried out strictly in accordance with court’s orders, which also specify which documents to be accepted for scrutiny of claims.

India and the European Union are preparing to grant each other Most Favoured Nation (MFN) status once their landmark free trade agreement comes into force. The move, embedded within the draft text of the agreement, will bind both sides to World Trade Organization (WTO) disciplines and ensure they do not impose new import or export restrictions beyond agreed global rules, as per a report by Reuters.The pact, concluded after nearly 18 years of negotiations, is expected to take effect within a year following legal vetting and ratification by the European Parliament and India’s authorities. It will progressively eliminate or reduce tariffs on 96.6% of traded goods by value. Brussels estimates the deal could double EU exports to India by 2032 and save European companies around €4 billion annually in duties.Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the agreement as “a new blueprint for shared prosperity”, while European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said it would create “a free trade zone of two billion people”, strengthening economic security in an increasingly volatile world.Under the agreement, India will ultimately remove duties on 96% of goods by trade value, with phased reductions over up to ten years. The EU, in turn, will open 99.5% of its market by trade value, with most tariff lines falling to zero immediately or within seven years. Sensitive agricultural sectors including dairy, rice, sugar and beef have been excluded.Beyond tariffs, the draft text locks in WTO-aligned food safety and plant health standards, streamlined customs procedures and binding appeal mechanisms. Both sides have also committed to deeper digital trade cooperation, recognising privacy as a fundamental right while retaining authority over personal data protection and cross-border data flows.Indian exporters in textiles, leather, gems and seafood are expected to gain immediate zero-duty access to the EU market, while European carmakers and alcohol producers will benefit from steep tariff cuts in India. The agreement also opens wide-ranging services sectors and includes provisions on intellectual property, labour and sustainable development.

Horoscope Today: Read daily horoscope predictions for February 28, 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 advised to control your straightforwardness, as careless speech may affect people around you. You may spend your hard-earned money on unnecessary items. Your mind may work very fast today, so it is advisable to make important decisions with patience.Taurus:Today, you are blessed by the Moon. The disappointment of the past couple of days may now turn into happiness. You may enjoy both your professional and personal life. Your network may help you complete postponed projects. You may start a new venture with the help of your siblings, and your network may support you at every step.Gemini:Today, you may be busy at work. Your focus on your goals may be tested multiple times. Your patience may help you achieve your targets on time. Your dedication to work may also be tested, but you are likely to receive rewards for your hard work. You may also consider investing in fixed assets.Cancer:Today, your destiny may help you achieve success easily. You may visit a religious place to seek peace of mind. You may spend time gaining intellectual or occult knowledge. Students are likely to perform better. Singles may find a good match. Love birds may take important decisions regarding marriage.Leo:Today, you may be busy at work. With the help of your strong network, you may successfully implement your plans. Your wisdom may help you gain profits from past investments. You may enjoy romantic moments with your spouse, increasing harmony in domestic life. Love birds may enjoy happy times together.Virgo:Today, you are blessed by the Moon, which may make you happy. Last week’s difficulties are now over. With blessings, you may receive the rewards of your hard work. With the support of subordinates, you may initiate postponed tasks. Business gains may improve your financial condition.Libra:Today, you may feel dull and experience some health issues. You are advised to postpone business investments and avoid starting new ventures. There are chances of facing losses in business. Gains may turn into losses if you are not careful.Scorpio:Today, you may feel happy and peaceful. Your focus on your goals may be strong. You are likely to enjoy romantic moments with your spouse, and your bond may grow stronger. You may also stay busy with domestic matters.Sagittarius:Today, you may feel enthusiastic. Your performance at work may be impressive, improving you relationship with seniors. You may receive new responsibilities, possibly leading to a promotion. In legal matters, you may hear good news. Opponents and hidden enemies may remain under control.Capricorn:Today, you may complete difficult tasks with ease, boosting your confidence. Past investments may bring good returns. You are advised to avoid arguments over trivial matters, as they may waste your precious time.Aquarius:Today may not be favorable. You may feel unhappy and dissatisfied with your current situation. It is advisable to remain patient and avoid making decisions in haste. Take care of your parents’ health.Pisces:Today, you may take quick decisions that could benefit your daily life. With the help of colleagues, you may make important decisions and achieve success easily. Property-related disputes between siblings are likely to be resolved. You may also plan short trips.