NEW DELHI: Team India’s road to the T20 World Cup 2026 semi-finals has become significantly tougher after a heavy 76-run defeat to South Africa in their opening Super 8 clash in Ahmedabad on Sunday. Placed in Group 1 alongside South Africa, West Indies and Zimbabwe, India slipped into early trouble in the second phase of the tournament.In the other Group 1 fixture, West Indies registered a dominant 107-run win over Zimbabwe to move to the top of the table. Following that result, South Africa sit second, while India have dropped to third, with their Net Run Rate taking a massive hit.

T20 World Cup Super 8s: How India lost to South Africa

Under the leadership of Suryakumar Yadav, India were outclassed in all departments. After choosing to bat, South Africa piled up an imposing 187/7. David Miller led the charge with a composed 63, while Dewald Brevis injected momentum with a quickfire 45. Jasprit Bumrah stood out with figures of 3/15, but the rest of the attack struggled to contain the flow of runs.India’s response never gathered steam. Regular wickets derailed the chase, and the batting line-up failed to build partnerships. Marco Jansen ripped through the middle order with a four-wicket haul as India were bundled out for 111. The comprehensive defeat not only handed South Africa two crucial points but also left India with a worrying Net Run Rate of -3.800.With two matches remaining, India are now in a must-win situation.

India T20 World Cup Qualification Scenario

Scenario 1 – India win both matchesIf India beat both West Indies and Zimbabwe, they will finish on four points. And if South Africa win all their matches, both India and South Africa will qualify for the semis. If India win both matches and South Africa lose one of their games, three teams could end up tied on four points. In that case, qualification would be decided by Net Run Rate.If India win both their matches and South Africa lose both their games, then India and West Indies will qualify for the semi-final. Scenario 2 – India win one matchIf India pull off only one win, then they will be eliminated irrespective of what happens in other results of the group.India’s campaign now hangs in the balance, with little margin for error.

San Antonio Spurs Victor Wembanyama vs Detroit Pistons (Image via Getty)

San Antonio Spurs and Detroit Pistons face each other on February 23 with both teams near the top of their conferences. It is a strong matchup on paper, but a few absences on both sides could affect rotations and minutes.Neither team is missing multiple starters, but the unavailable players are in positions that matter. That could change how both teams use their bench and manage matchups during the game.

San Antonio Spurs injury report and rotation outlook vs Detroit Pistons (February 23, 2026)

San Antonio Spurs will be without Mason Plumlee, who is out for reconditioning, and David Jones Garcia, who is out for the season after ankle surgery. Lindy Waters III is listed as questionable with a knee issue.Harrison Ingram and Stanley Umude are not part of the regular rotation. The rest of the core group is expected to play, including Victor Wembanyama, De’Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle, Devin Vassell, Keldon Johnson, Harrison Barnes, Julian Champagnie, Kelly Olynyk, and Luke Kornet.The usual starting group includes Fox and Castle in the backcourt, Vassell on the wing, Barnes or Johnson at forward, and Wembanyama at center. With Plumlee out and Waters uncertain, players like Champagnie, Olynyk, Kornet, Dylan Harper, and Jordan McLaughlin should see more minutes.

Detroit Pistons injury report and rotation outlook vs San Antonio Spurs (February 23, 2026)

Detroit will be without Isaiah Stewart due to suspension. Wendell Moore Jr. is not part of the rotation for this game. Isaac Jones is listed as questionable.The main lineup remains unchanged with Cade Cunningham, Ausar Thompson, Tobias Harris, Duncan Robinson, and Jalen Duren. The bench includes Ronald Holland II, Paul Reed, Caris LeVert, Marcus Sasser, Daniss Jenkins, and Javonte Green.With Stewart out, Detroit will rely more on Duren and Reed in the frontcourt. They may also use smaller lineups with Harris or Thompson playing at power forward.

San Antonio Spurs vs Detroit Pistons Records, form, and playing styles

San Antonio enters the game at 40–16 overall and 18–10 on the road, sitting second in the West. Detroit is 42–13 with a 21–6 home record and leads the East. They have won five straight games.The Spurs score 118.0 points per game and play at a fast pace. They move the ball well and take a high number of three-point shots. Their defense depends on Wembanyama protecting the rim.Detroit scores 117.4 points per game but plays a more controlled style. They allow 109.3 points per game and rely on defense, rebounding, and forcing turnovers.

San Antonio Spurs vs Detroit Pistons Snapshot table: injuries, records, and stats

San Antonio Spurs vs Detroit Pistons Key players and matchup focus (February 23, 2026)

Wembanyama leads San Antonio with 24.0 points, 10.9 rebounds, and 2.7 blocks per game. Fox adds 16.7 points and 6.8 assists, while Castle and Johnson provide support.For Detroit, Cunningham averages 19.9 points and 8.5 assists. Duren handles the inside, Robinson provides shooting, and Thompson contributes on defense.The key areas in this game are the battle in the paint, three-point shooting, and playmaking. Wembanyama against Duren will be important, especially with Stewart unavailable. Perimeter shooting could decide spacing, and the matchup between Fox and Cunningham will shape the tempo.

Actors Rashmika Mandanna and Vijay Deverakonda are gearing up to kick off their wedding celebrations in the regal city of Udaipur this week. The couple has chosen the opulent ITC Mementos Udaipur as the venue for all their pre-wedding functions and the main ceremony. Rashmika nd Vijay have arrived in Udaipur on Monday morning. ETimes had reported that on Monday night, the couple hosted celebrations for close friends and the family will be joining them from Tuesday onwards. Now according to a report by India today, the festivities will commence with a mehndi ceremony on February 24, attended by close family members and intimate friends. The haldi and sangeet celebrations are scheduled for February 25, 2026, setting the stage for the wedding ceremony on February 26, all hosted at the same picturesque property.The events are expected to be strictly private, with a tightly curated guest list. By choosing Udaipur, famed for its majestic palaces and serene lakes, the couple aims to infuse a royal charm into their celebrations while keeping the atmosphere personal.While specific details about the rituals and celebrity attendees remain undisclosed, preparations are reportedly in full swing at the venue. The wedding is anticipated to beautifully merge traditional customs with an elegant yet intimate ambience.Sources further reveal that the haldi ceremony will unfold in one of the open courtyards of ITC Mementos Udaipur, decorated with vibrant floral installations and rooted in traditional aesthetics. In keeping with customary practice, it will be a daytime function attended by close family and a select circle of friends.The mehndi and sangeet, meanwhile, are expected to be more elaborate yet deeply personal. Skilled artisans have reportedly been brought in specially for the occasion, and the décor and overall vibe will reflect a tasteful blend of South Indian traditions and contemporary styling.The couple has consistently guarded their personal lives. Although speculation about their relationship surfaced from time to time over the years, both chose not to publicly comment on the rumours. However, on Sunday, just days before their big day, the actors took to social media to confirm that they are taking the next step in their relationship.

Former UK ambassador to the United States Peter Mandelson has been arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office as part of an investigation linked to his association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Mandelson was seen being escorted from his home and driven away in an unmarked vehicle, reported The Guardian. The Metropolitan Police confirmed the arrest without naming him.A police spokesperson said: “Officers have arrested a 72-year-old man on suspicion of misconduct in public office. He was arrested at an address in Camden on Monday, February 23 and has been taken to a London police station for interview. This follows search warrants at two addresses in the Wiltshire and Camden areas.”The Met investigation reportedly relates to alleged leaking of Downing Street emails and market-sensitive information to Epstein. A probe was opened after the release of files connected to the late financier.In February, officers searched two properties linked to the 72-year-old in London and Wiltshire. Then Met deputy assistant commissioner Hayley Sewart had said, “The searches are related to an ongoing investigation into misconduct in public office offences, involving a 72-year-old man.” In an earlier statement, she added, “This will be a complex investigation requiring a significant amount of further evidence-gathering and analysis. It will take some time to do this work comprehensively.”Mandelson is understood to believe he has not committed any offence.The development has intensified political scrutiny over Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s decision to appoint Mandelson as US ambassador in December 2024. Starmer had acknowledged he was aware that Mandelson and Epstein were in contact after Epstein was jailed in 2008 for child sex offences, according to the British Daily. .A senior figure in the Labour Party for decades, Mandelson was first elected as MP for Hartlepool in 1992 and was a key architect of the New Labour project under Tony Blair. He later held multiple cabinet roles and played a central role in Labour’s 1997 general election campaign.Following the latest revelations and political fallout, Mandelson quit the Labour Party and resigned from the House of Lords. The police investigation remains ongoing.

US President Donald Trump

TOI correspondent from Washington: Still miffed with the US Supreme Court striking down his liberation day tariffs, MAGA supremo Donald Trump on Monday cautioned countries not to take advantage of the situation and warned them of higher tariffs if they did so. “Any Country that wants to ‘play games’ with the ridiculous supreme court decision, especially those that have ‘Ripped Off’ the USA for years, and even decades, will be met with a much higher Tariff, and worse, than that which they just recently agreed to. BUYER BEWARE!!!” Trump said in a post, even as several countries, including India, put a hold on framework trade deals with Washington.

Trump did not name any country but an Indian delegation that was scheduled to arrive in Washington DC this week deferred its visit as New Delhi sought to assess the fallout from the SCOTUS ruling, following which the US president announced a worldwide 15 percent tariff on imports under a separate statute (Section 122) that empowers him to do so. Several countries, including India and many others in Asia/East Asia, who clinched interim trade deals with the US with tariffs ranging from 18 percent to 25 percent, will be happy with the new 15 percent announced by Trump (the maximum allowed under Section 122 for a period of 150 days), but the Trump administration has indicated that “a deal is a deal” and countries cannot renegotiate the agreement, even though India is yet to sign on the dotted line of what has been characterised as a “framework for an interim trade deal,” pending conclusion of a final bilateral agreement. Paradoxically, European nations, which concluded deals that set tariffs at 10 percent are chagrined that Trump has bumped it up to 15 percent and they are also insisting “a deal is a deal” and cannot be changed. This has put the administration in as much of a bind as the world at large amid confusion in trade and business circles. Compounding the confusion, the administration has directed the Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) to stop collecting tariffs under IEEPA (in deference to the SCOTUS ruling) starting midnight Tuesday. The new Section 122 tariff of 15 percent announced by Trump is expected to kick in immediately. In a separate post on Monday, Trump continued to rail against the SCOTUS ruling, calling it “their ridiculous, dumb, and very internationally divisive.” He claimed that while the court had ruled against his “liberation day tariffs,” it has in effect “approved all other tariffs, of which there are many, and they can all be used in a much more powerful and obnoxious way, with legal certainty, than the tariffs as initially used.” “Our incompetent supreme court did a great job for the wrong people, and for that they should be ashamed of themselves (but not the Great Three!),” Trump said, continuing to insult the six members of the apex court who voted to strike down the IEEPA tariffs by adding he will be using lower case letters for the Supreme Court “based on a complete lack of respect.”

NEW DELHI: Lok Sabha leader of opposition Rahul Gandhi on Monday stepped up his attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accusing him of presiding over what he described as a series of national “shames”, as he went on to talk about the US trade deal and Epstein files charges. This comes after PM Modi slammed Congress for the ‘shirtless’ protest at AI Summit terming it “gandi aur nangi (dirty and shameless) politics”.“Modi ji, you talk of shame? Let me tell you what shame is. Your name, your minister’s, and your friend’s appearing together in the Epstein files, your name being linked to such a vile criminal—that’s what shame is,” he said in a post on X, along with a video message.

Accusing the PM of selling out the nation to the US via the trade deal, Rahul said, “The trade deal you’ve struck with America, in which you’ve sold out the country—that’s what shame is. You’ve handed over our country’s data. You’ve wiped out the farmers. You’ve ruined the textile industry—that’s what shame is.”He brought up the Gautam Adani indictment case in the US, and alleged that the prime minister was favouring his “friends Anil Ambani, Adani”.“The entire country knows it: the case running against Adani in America has kept you awake at nights—because it’s a case against the BJP and your financial architecture. For 14 months, no action has been taken on it—that’s what shame is. Modi ji, do whatever you deem fit for your friends Anil Ambani, Adani, and yourself,” he said.“I and the lion-hearted warriors of the Congress Party will keep defending the country—we won’t retreat an inch,” he added.Union petroleum minister Hardeep Singh Puri has clarified over his purported links to Epstein. He said that during the eight years he spent in the United States, he met convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein “only three to four times” in a private capacity. He said the interactions occurred when he was associated with the Independent Commission on Multilateralism after retiring from the Indian foreign service, and added that he had just one email exchange with Epstein.Puri maintained that the meetings took place before he joined the Union Cabinet in 2017 and that the details were already in the public domain.

Following the US Supreme Court’s ruling late last week, an Indian delegation has postponed a planned trip to Washington.

India now has more room for negotiations in a trade deal with the US after the American Supreme Court ruled that Donald Trump’s tariffs are illegal. The US Supreme Court’s move to invalidate President Donald Trump’s emergency tariffs has created additional room for India in ongoing trade negotiations, people aware of the discussions told Bloomberg. Reacting to the verdict, Trump has announced a 10% global tariff which he later raised to 15%.Both countries had agreed in February to reduce US tariffs on Indian exports to 18% from 50%. In return, India expressed intent to purchasing $500 billion worth of American goods over a five-year period.

India-US trade deal: More scope for negotiation?

Following the court’s ruling late last week, an Indian delegation has postponed a planned trip to Washington that was intended to finalize the interim trade deal. However, India is not weighing any withdrawal from the bilateral trade arrangement reached with Washington earlier this month, Bloomberg reported. The two sides had been set to formalize the initial phase of their agreement next month, while continuing discussions toward a broader bilateral trade pact.According to people familiar with the discussions, India is expected to push for clauses that protect against similar judicial setbacks in the future. One source noted that the decision has materially weakened Trump’s negotiating leverage.Although India has scaled back its imports of Russian oil in recent months – a key demand from Trump – it has continued to assert that decisions on crude oil purchases will be guided by domestic energy requirements and prevailing market dynamics.Madhavi Arora, an economist at Emkay Global Financial Services Ltd., said India may now revisit elements of its trade understanding with the US, particularly since the risk of penal tariffs linked to Russian oil imports has gone.However, she added that India could still opt to gradually reduce such purchases to preserve ties with Trump. Arora suggested that the reduced pressure may allow India to push for improved terms without making significant concessions.In the aftermath of the verdict, India is proceeding cautiously, seeking to safeguard its commercial interests while minimizing potential tensions with the Trump administration, which has emphasized the importance of adhering to signed agreements. Despite being among the earliest nations to initiate trade discussions with Washington, India ultimately faced some of the steepest tariff rates, even after multiple negotiation rounds and exchanges between leaders previously viewed as close allies.Interestingly, when Donald Trump was asked about the impact of the ruling on the India-US trade deal, he said, “”Nothing changes, they’ll be paying tariffs, and we will not be paying tariffs. So, the deal with India is they pay tariffs. This is a reversal for what it used to be. I think Prime Minister Modi is a great gentleman, a great man, actually, but he was much smarter than the people that he was against in terms of the United States. He was ripping us off, India. So we made a deal with India, it’s a fair deal now, and we are not paying tariffs to them and they are paying tariffs. We did a little flip.”

India, China benefit from US SC ruling

China, India and Brazil are among the countries poised to benefit from reduced tariffs on exports to the United States after the apex court ruled that Donald Trump’s reliance on the International Emergency Economic Powers Act to levy tariffs was unlawful. Although Trump later proposed a uniform global tariff of 15%, Bloomberg Economics estimated that this would translate into an average effective rate of roughly 12% — the lowest level since the “Liberation Day” tariffs were introduced in April.Jayant Dasgupta, India’s former ambassador to the World Trade Organization, said India should remain engaged with Washington to better understand its intentions and any prospective policy moves, and to maintain open dialogue. Speaking to Bloomberg Television’s Haslinda Amin, he remarked that the direction of future developments remains uncertain.Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said it was premature to offer detailed comments on the US SC’s decision, adding that the commerce ministry is currently evaluating the implications.

Thousands of people in Iran reportedly received anonymous text messages on Monday, warning of possible US action asserting American president as “man of action”, according to Iran International English citing Iranian state media.The alerts come amid rising tensions between Iran and Donald Trump, as the US president has increased rhetorical attacks on Tehran and has increased the deployment of military assets in the Middle East for a possible strike.In a post on X Iran International said, “Iranian state media reported that an anonymous text message was sent to people across the country on Monday saying: ‘The US president is a man of action. Wait and see.'”Trump has reportedly considered a “limited military strike” against Iran, even as the next round of talks between the two countries is scheduled in Geneva on Thursday. Reports from Reuters and The Wall Street Journal note that military options could range from targeted strikes on regime figures to a broader campaign, should Tehran refuse US demands.Earlier, on Thursday Trump while speaking at Board of Peace meeting warned that US could take the next step in its standoff with Iran within the next 10 days, warning that “bad things will happen” if a “meaningful deal” is not reached.Speaking on CBS, Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi said there is still a “good chance” for a diplomatic solution, while reiterating that Tehran would not be pressured by the US military buildup.Meanwhile, anti-regime protests have resurfaced across Iran, with demonstrations reported at five universities in Tehran and one in Mashhad over the weekend, according to NBC News, and more protests continued on Monday. Former deputy commander of US central command vice admiral (ret) Bob Harward, told the Jerusalem Post that the US military assets amassed in the region could potentially dismantle Iran’s power structure in hours if a broader campaign were ordered.The anonymous texts, combined with the US military buildup and renewed protests, have escalated fears of a potential confrontation between the two countries.

Diplomats asked to leave

A state department official on Monday said the US has asked its nonessential diplomats and their family members to leave Lebanon as tensions over Iran rise with the threat of a potentially imminent military strike, reported AP.An official, speaking anonymously, said that a continuous evaluation of the regional security situation made it “prudent” to reduce the US embassy’s presence, leaving only essential staff on site. The official added that the move is temporary and that the embassy remained fully operational on Monday.

Across various aspects of modern life, women frequently report feeling exhausted, attributing it to their hectic schedules. Nevertheless, healthcare providers indicate that overlooked low iron levels may be a significant contributor. This silent deficiency disproportionately impacts women, particularly during menstrual cycles and pregnancy.

A large number of women live with constant tiredness and assume it is simply part of modern life. Work pressure, family duties, irregular meals, and poor sleep often take the blame. Yet doctors continue to see a quieter, more common cause behind this exhaustion: low iron levels.Dr Manjula Anagani, Padmashree Awardee and Clinical Director at CARE Hospitals, observes this pattern repeatedly. “A surprising number of young women walk into hospitals complaining of one thing: constant tiredness. Not dramatic illness, not severe pain — just a lingering lack of energy that refuses to improve despite rest. Many assume it is stress, poor sleep, or a demanding schedule. Often, the real reason is far simpler and far more common: low iron levels.”Iron deficiency rarely creates alarm. It settles in quietly. And that is exactly why so many women miss it.

The silent slide into deficiency

Iron deficiency does not strike suddenly. It develops over months, sometimes years. The body adapts slowly as iron stores drop, so symptoms do not appear dramatically.“Iron deficiency continues to be one of the most widespread nutritional concerns among women, particularly during the reproductive years. What makes it tricky is how quietly it develops. The body adjusts slowly as iron stores decline, so symptoms rarely appear all at once,” explains Dr Anagani.This slow adjustment becomes dangerous. When changes are gradual, they feel normal. Slight fatigue blends into daily routine. Reduced stamina is blamed on age. Decreased focus is blamed on stress.By the time haemoglobin levels fall significantly, the body has already been compensating for months.

Iron deficiency does not strike suddenly. It develops over months, sometimes years.

Why women are more vulnerable than men

The biology of menstruation plays a central role. Monthly blood loss slowly reduces iron reserves. Women with heavy periods are at even higher risk.“Menstruation remains a major reason women are more vulnerable to iron deficiency than men. Monthly blood loss gradually reduces iron reserves, especially in those with heavier cycles. Over time, even a balanced diet may struggle to compensate if intake does not match loss,” says Dr Anagani.Pregnancy increases the demand further. The body must produce more blood to support the growing baby. Without adequate iron intake, reserves deplete quickly.The scale of the issue is significant. According to a study published in the BMC Public Health, over 67% of women aged 15–49 years are anaemic. These are not small numbers. They represent millions of women functioning below their full physical capacity.

Diet patterns that look fine, but aren’t

Many women eat enough calories but still lack iron.Dr Anagani notes, “Meals are frequently irregular — breakfast gets skipped, lunch happens in a hurry, and snacks from packets quietly replace proper food. Over time, iron intake simply doesn’t keep up with the body’s needs.”In many Indian households, vegetarian diets are common and often nutritious. However, the iron in plant foods (non-heme iron) is absorbed less efficiently than iron from animal sources.“Unless meals are thoughtfully planned — for example, combining iron-rich foods with ingredients that improve absorption — iron stores can slowly decline even when overall food intake seems adequate,” she explains.Tea and coffee immediately after meals further reduce absorption. Crash dieting and intense fitness routines without nutritional planning add another layer of risk.Iron deficiency, in this sense, is not always about poverty or food scarcity. It is often about absorption, timing, and balance.

The symptoms that hide in plain sight

Iron’s main job is to help produce haemoglobin, which carries oxygen in the blood. When iron levels fall, oxygen delivery drops.“Iron is essential for producing haemoglobin, the substance in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body. When iron levels drop, tissues receive less oxygen than they need. The change is subtle at first. Daily tasks begin to feel slightly more exhausting. Climbing stairs feels harder than usual. Concentration slips,” says Dr Anagani.

Iron deficiency rarely creates alarm. It settles in quietly. And that is exactly why so many women miss it.

Common signs include:

These symptoms develop gradually. Many women dismiss them as routine stress. That dismissal delays testing.

When iron deficiency becomes anaemia

If untreated, deficiency progresses to iron-deficiency anaemia.Dr Anagani cautions, “If iron deficiency progresses into anaemia, the effects extend beyond tiredness. Immunity may weaken, mood changes can occur, and productivity suffers. During pregnancy, untreated anaemia increases health risks for both mother and baby, making early detection especially important.”Research from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has repeatedly highlighted the link between maternal anaemia and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Anaemia does not only affect physical health. It affects work performance, emotional wellbeing, and cognitive function. The body runs, but not efficiently.

Why so many women don’t realise it

There is a cultural layer to this problem.Many women prioritise family health before their own. Routine fatigue is accepted as part of responsibility. Regular blood testing is postponed unless symptoms become severe.Dr Anagani emphasises early screening: “Routine blood tests remain the simplest way to identify the problem. Checking haemoglobin levels — and doing iron tests when required — can identify a problem well before symptoms start affecting daily life. Regular screening is especially useful for adolescents, women with heavy menstrual cycles, and those preparing for pregnancy, instead of waiting until fatigue becomes difficult to ignore.”Fatigue should not feel permanent. When it does, it deserves investigation.

Small corrections, real impact

Correction rarely requires extreme measures. It begins with steady, practical adjustments.“Including iron-rich foods such as lentils, green leafy vegetables, dates, jaggery, nuts, seeds, and fortified cereals helps rebuild stores gradually. Pairing these foods with vitamin C sources — lemon juice, citrus fruits, or tomatoes — improves absorption significantly. Spacing tea or coffee away from meals can make an unexpected difference,” advises Dr Anagani.In moderate to severe cases, doctors may recommend iron supplements after testing. Self-medication is not advised, as excess iron can also cause harm.Restoring iron levels restores clarity, stamina, and mood. Many women describe feeling “like themselves again” after treatment.Florence Nightingale once said, “The very first requirement in a hospital is that it should do the sick no harm.” In the context of iron deficiency, harm comes from silence and delay rather than disease itself.Iron deficiency is common. But common does not mean harmless. Persistent fatigue should not be accepted as normal life.