NEW DELHI: The Rouse Avenue court on Friday acquitted former chief minister Arvind Kejriwal and former deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia in 2022 Delhi excise policy case. Special judge Jitendra Singh pronounced the order in the case investigated by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).The court observed that the alleged central conspiratorial role could not be substantiated. The bench also noted that the allegations “failed judicial scrutiny” and found “no criminal intent” on the part of Manish Sisodia. It further stated that the conspiracy theory “cannot survive against one constitutional authority.” The court had earlier reserved its decision on 12 February after hearing detailed arguments from the CBI and the accused, including Kejriwal and Sisodia, along with 21 others.Kejriwal broke down emotionally after being discharged in the Delhi excise policy case by the Rouse Avenue Court.Addressing supporters after the court’s order, Kejriwal said, “I am not corrupt. The court has said that Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia are honest,” asserting that the verdict had vindicated both him and senior party leader Manish Sisodia.In a post on ‘X’, Kejriwal’s wife, Sunita Kejriwal said, “In this world, no matter how powerful one becomes, one cannot rise above Shiva Shakti. Truth always prevails.” At the time the case was registered, Kejriwal was serving as chief minister and Sisodia as his deputy. The CBI filed its first chargesheet in 2022, followed by multiple supplementary chargesheets. The agency has alleged that Rs 100 crore was paid by a “south lobby” to influence the now-scrapped excise policy in its favour. In total, 23 accused were chargesheeted, including Kejriwal, Sisodia, K Kavitha, Kuldeep Singh, Narender Singh, Vijay Nair, Abhishek Boinpally, Arun Ramchandra Pillai, Mootha Goutam, Sameer Mahendru, Amandeep Singh Dhall, Arjun Pandey, Butchibabu Gornatla, Rakesh Joshi, Damodar Prasad Sharma, Prince Kumar, Chanpreet Singh Rayat, Arvind Kumar Singh, Durgesh Pathak, Amit Arora, Vinod Chauhan, Ashish Mathur, and P Sarath Chadra Reddy. During arguments, the CBI maintained that the offence of criminal conspiracy must be viewed in its entirety and that the sufficiency of evidence should be tested during trial.Represented by additional solicitor general D P Singh and advocate Manu Mishra, the agency argued that there is adequate material to frame charges against all the accused. On the other hand, senior advocate N Hariharan, appearing for Kejriwal, contended that there is no incriminating material linking his client to the alleged conspiracy. He argued that the fourth supplementary chargesheet naming Kejriwal merely repackages earlier allegations and that Kejriwal was performing his official duties as chief minister. Hariharan further submitted that Kejriwal was not named in the initial chargesheet or in three earlier supplementary chargesheets, and that his name appeared only in the fourth. The defence also questioned the basis of further investigation and the evidentiary value of statements, including that of approver Raghav Magunta.

Afghanistan on Friday claimed that Pakistan had lost its much-hyped, American-made F-16 fighter jet in action, as the Islamabad-led military carried out overnight strikes targeting multiple cities in Taliban-led Afghanistan.The US-made F-16 jet, considered a key asset of the Pakistan air force, was reportedly used in the airstrikes on the Taliban-led country, which does not have an air force of its own and relies primarily on ground forces.

The reports suggested that debris from the F-16 was seen scattered on the ground.On X, an account claiming to be affiliated with the “Afghanistan Defense” shared a video purportedly showing the wreckage of a destroyed and burning F-16 fighter jet, alleging that it had been shot down by Taliban defence forces.’Pakistan, in retaliation for what it described as “unprovoked firing” by Afghanistan, launched military action against the neighbouring Taliban-led country under Operation Ghazab Lil Haq. The operation included targeted strikes in key Afghan cities, including Kabul and Kandahar.The Islamabad-led military also reportedly destroyed Afghan military bases as part of its retaliatory action.This was not the first time Pakistan’s F-16 jets have been targeted in regional tensions. In May 2025, during heightened hostilities, India launched Operation Sindoor and claimed to have destroyed Pakistan’s F-16 and JF-17 fighter jets.Months earlier, Indian air force chief AP Singh had also stated that India shot down and destroyed US-origin F-16 jets and Chinese-made JF-17s during Operation Sindoor.The UAV hangar in Sukkur, the AEW&C (airborne early warning and control) aircraft hangar in Bholari, and the F-16 hangar in Jacobabad, Pakistan, were also reported to have been damaged in the strikes.“We have indications of one C-130 class aircraft and possibly an AEW&C aircraft, along with at least four to five fighter jets, most likely F-16s, being destroyed,” the IAF chief said.

New GDP series: FAQs answered

The Gross Domestic Product or GDP data for the third quarter of the current financial year 2025-26 is set to be released later in the day today. This will be the first GDP data based on the new series that the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation has adopted. India is the world’s fastest growing major economy, on its way to become the third largest economy in nominal GDP terms in the coming years. The new series of data not only revises the base year for calculation purposes to 2022-23, it also incorporates several vital changes with an aim to give a more accurate measurement of the size of the Indian economy and its real and nominal GDP growth. What changes in the new GDP data series? Below is a list of FAQs shares by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation:

New GDP Series: Frequently Asked Questions Answered

1. What is Gross Domestic Product? Gross Domestic Product, which is commonly known as GDP, is the value of final goods and services produced in the domestic economy in an accounting period. In order to assess the change in economy from one period to another in a meaningful manner, it is important to ensure that same measurement methods and data sources have been used for both the periods.2. What is a base year with reference to National Accounts? What is rebasing exercise? What is the importance of this rebasing exercise carried out by MoSPI?The base year in National Accounts Statistics is the reference year whose prices are used to calculate real growth.Rebasing refers to a process of updating base-period benchmarks with new updated statistics to arrive at a new economic structure that will serve as the basis for estimating gross domestic product and its components, consumer price index and index of industrial production, moving forward. Methodology and data sources used in compilation of GDP and other macro-economic indicators for a particular series are finalized at the time of base year revision and continue for all subsequent years till the base year is revised again.The base year is updated from time to time to reflect the changes that have happened in the economy over the years. This helps make economic data more accurate. It also allows the use of new data sources and better methods for calculating estimates. 3. What is the frequency of base year revisions undertaken by MoSPI? Under normal conditions, it has been MoSPI’s endeavor to revise the base year periodically in five years, as per international recommendation. 4. Why is the GDP base year being revised to FY 2022-23?The base year of the national accounts is being revised from 2011-12 to 2022-23. MoSPI’s endeavour has been to revise the base year every five years. However, year between FY 2017-18 to FY 2021-22 were not suitable as base year: ● FY 2017-18:There was major change introduced namely, GST. This required time for consolidation. ● FY 2019-20 and FY 2020-21 were impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. ● FY 2021-22 witnessed sharp GDP growth largely due to the base effect of post-COVID recovery, making it unsuitable. After detailed discussions, the Advisory Committee on National Accounts Statistics recommended 2022-23 as the new base year. The Committee includes members from various Central Ministries and Departments, State Governments, Academia and Research Institutions. The Committee found FY 2022-23 to be a normal economic year, and important survey data needed for estimating national income was also available for this year. 5. In the new GDP series, for how many years will the back-series data be provided for? By when can we expect it? On 27 February, 2026, both the annual and quarterly estimates for the year 2022-23 to 2025-26 will be released. Back series data is expected to be released by December 2026. As per the practice, in India, back-series estimates are recalculated using revised methodology of the new GDP series up to the previous base year. After that, the data is linked at a disaggregated level and extended back to 1950-51. However, the final method for preparing the back-series will be decided in consultation with the Advisory Committee set up to guide MoSPI. 6. How comparable will the revised GDP series be with international statistical standards such as the UN System of National Accounts? India prepares its GDP estimates according to the 2008 System of National of Accounts (SNA 2008), which is a globally accepted standard. The United Nations Statistical Division (UNSD) is now moving from SNA 2008 to SNA 2025. Countries are expected to adopt a new standard during 2029-30. India plans to shift to SNA 2025 in its next base year revision. Besides, India is also a subscriber of IMF’s Special Data Dissemination Standard (SDDS), which indicates that the country meets all the tests of good statistical citizenship. The revised series is in sync with the international statistical standards.7. Is MoSPI planning to release a detailed document on methodology and data sources used in the new series? Yes. Methodology and data sources used in compilation of estimates will be presented comprehensively in MoSPI’s publication ‘Sources and Methods’. The publication is scheduled to be released in the next few months.8. What new data are being incorporated in the new GDP series?Several new and improved data sources are being used in the new GDP series to make the estimates more accurate and reliable.Measurement of the Household Sector:Earlier, the household sector was estimated using growth rates between surveys or proxy indicators. In the new series, actual level estimates are being prepared using regular annual surveys such as Annual Survey of Unincorporated Sector Enterprise (ASUSE) and Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS). These surveys will measure the dynamism in the household sector more accurately and regularly. GST data will also be used to cross-check the estimates obtained from other data sources.

9. What are the major methodological changes in the new GDP series? The major methodological improvements include:

10. From where details of improvements listed above can be accessed? Advisory Committee on National Accounts Statistics (ACNAS) was constituted in 2024 to suggest MoSPI, among other things, on issues such as methodological improvements, incorporation of new data sources etc. Five sub-committees were constituted under ACNAS to simultaneously deliberate on specific subjects. 56 experts who were members of these committees deliberated in 40 meetings during the past two years on these issues. The details of above-mentioned improvements are available in the reports of three sub-committees dealing with all-India estimates, which are available on the website of the Ministry. Report of the Sub-committee on Regional Accounts and Sub-committee on SNA Update will be released later. 11. What measures have been taken in the new series to capture India’s household sector more comprehensively?In the old series, the household sector was estimated for the base year using the Survey on Unincorporated Sector Enterprises and the Employment Survey. For later years, estimates were made by extrapolating the base year using growth between surveys or proxy indicators.In the new series, however, actual level estimates of the household sector are being prepared each year using regular surveys such as Annual Survey of Unincorporated Sector Enterprise (ASUSE) and Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS). This approach allows the household sector to be measured more accurately and dynamically, eliminating the need for extrapolation from the base year. 12. Is the contribution of the hired domestic workers (like cooks, drivers, persons cleaning households, etc.) by the households included in the estimation of GDP? Yes, such activities are termed as the “activities of households as employers of domestic personnel” and their contribution is included in the estimation of the GDP. The estimation is based on the number of such workers and their wages as available from the annual PLFS data. 13. How will the revised base year improve measurement of newer sectors like digital services, platform economy, gig workers etc.? All economic activities, including digital services and intermediary platforms etc. were already covered through MCA-21 data for the corporate sector.In the 2022-23 series, with availability of two annual surveys namely, ASUSE and PLFS, the contribution of GDP of these sectors in the household sector (like unincorporated small businesses, self-employed people, informal economic work, etc.) is being more accurately captured annually through these survey-based estimates. ASUSE has dedicated economic activity codes to capture gig workers, such as drivers operating under aggregators (like Ola, Uber, etc.) and delivery service activities (like Zomato, Swiggy, etc.). All economic activities is being captured more comprehensively in the new series.14. Does the new series comprehensively resolve the persistent concerns regarding the accuracy of the GDP deflator?Yes. An advisory Committee was set up to guide the base revision of GDP. A sub-committee specifically examined issues related to deflators. As per the recommendation of the Committee, in the new series, single deflation has been completely eliminated. In fact, double deflation is being applied in sectors like manufacturing and agriculture. In other sectors, single extrapolation is being used. Deflators are being applied at a more detailed, granular level. These changes are expected to improve the accuracy and reliability of GDP deflators in the new series.15. Is MoSPI still using the WPI with 2011-12 base year in calculating GDP estimates in the new series? Will the ministry use the PPI prepared by DPIIT in the new GDP series?The base year revision of WPI is still in progress. Until the updated WPI becomes available, the existing WPI will continue to be used as a deflator. However, it is important to note that the method of use of WPI has undergone change in new series compared to the old series. In the new series, WPI is used at granular level. Separate item-level WPI for output and intermediate consumption are used in Manufacturing sector. Adoption of double deflation in manufacturing sector will enable improved measurement of its GVA estimates compared to old series where same WPI was used for both output and input items. Using WPI at the item level also avoids distortions caused by changes in weights when aggregating across items and sub-categories. Additionally, the Ministry plans to incorporate the PPI in the near future once it is officially released by the DPIIT.16. What is Supply and Use Table Framework?The supply and use tables describe how products (goods and services) are brought into an economy (either as a result of domestic production or imports from other countries), and how those same products are used (as intermediate consumption or as final consumption by households, nonprofit institutions serving households (NPISHs), general government or as gross capital formation or as exports). The supply and use tables provide a powerful framework to balance and integrate all the components of the production, income and expenditure approaches to measuring GDP. 17. What is Supply and Use Table Framework?The supply and use tables describe how products (goods and services) are brought into an economy (either as a result of domestic production or imports from other countries), and how those same products are used (as intermediate consumption or as final consumption by households, nonprofit institutions serving households (NPISHs), general government or as gross capital formation or as exports). The supply and use tables provide a powerful framework to balance and integrate all the components of the production, income and expenditure approaches to measuring GDP. 18. Why does this discrepancy arise in data? Discrepancies occur because of differences in data coverage across sources, time lags in when information becomes available, use of proxy data for advance estimates, and different estimation methods. 19. What are the SNA recommendations to handle this discrepancy?As per the System of National Accounts 2008 (SNA 2008) and continued in System of National Accounts 2025 (SNA 2025), the following recommendations are made for handling statistical discrepancy in GDP estimates: i) The statistical discrepancy may be explicitly shown and published alongside official GDP estimates. This enhances transparency enabling users to clearly understand the statistical difference instead of adjusting the estimates to force equality. ii) Another approach is to reconcile the Production/Income and Production side estimates by borrowing strength from Supply and Use Table (SUT) framework. 20. How will the discrepancy be adjusted in the new GDP series?In the new GDP series, the Supply and Use Tables (SUT) framework is being used to reconcile differences between production and expenditure estimates. The SUT framework applies the product-balancing principle, providing a robust way to align divergent data and ensure consistency across all sectors. By integrating SUT framework into GDP compilation, discrepancies in the Final Estimates is being resolved, resulting in internally consistent GDP estimates. 21. Are institutional sector wise estimates compiled and what are the data sources used in compilation of institutional sector wise estimates?Following SNA 2008, the economy has been divided in the following institutional sectors: i. Non-Financial Private Corporations Sector: by using the data on their annual profit & loss account and balance sheet etc. from Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) ii. Financial Corporations Sector: by using the data of the financial companies, regulators (SEBI, RBI, IRDAI etc.) on the profit & loss account and balance sheet etc. iii. General Government Sector: by using the budget documents of Central and State Governments and PFMS data on the expenditure. iv. Household Sector: for agriculture, using the data on production of crops from the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers welfare and the price data of the crops from the State/UT Governments, the animal husbandry and fisheries related data from the respective Ministries, for construction sector using the data on different commodities used in the industry from different sources and for the remaining sectors by using the annual surveys conducted by NSO, MoSPI, namely, ASUSE and PLFS. v. Non-Profit Institutions Serving Household (NPISH) Sector: Presently, in India, the estimates for NPISH are included in the Household Sector using the survey data. Estimates for each industry are prepared by institutional sector. For the Household Sector, industries such as Agriculture, Construction, and Ownership of Dwellings use a different methodology than other industries. Detailed explanations of these methods are available in the relevant discussion papers and sub-committee reports. 22. What are the major data sources to compile the estimates of General Government Sector? How the estimates of General Government sector are compiled?The main data sources for the General Government sector include: Central and state governments budget documents (e.g., receipt budget, detailed demands for grants of all Ministries/Departments), annual accounts of local bodies and autonomous institutions. As government provides services on non-market basis, output of this sector is valued by the sum of the costs incurred in their production, namely, as the sum of Compensation of Employees (CE), Intermediate Consumption (IC) and Consumption of Fixed Capital (CFC). The basic identities in this case are:

23. What major changes have been incorporated in the estimation of General Government Sector in the new series? Some of the major improvements incorporated in estimation of General Government in the new series are as follows:

24. What methodological improvements have been introduced in quarterly GDP estimation under the new base year 2022–23? Under the revised base year (2022–23), the quarterly GDP estimation framework has been strengthened through important methodological improvements, most notably the shift from the earlier Pro-Rata benchmarking method to the Proportional Denton method. The new benchmarking method will remove artificial discontinuities, commonly known as the “step problem,” and ensures smoother and more consistent quarterly series that better reflect underlying short-term movements in economic activity.25. What new or expanded data sources are being used in quarterly GDP compilation?The new series makes wider and more systematic use of GST data across manufacturing and non-financial services sectors. Outward taxable supply made in the course of business, are comprehensively covered in GST data. Growth in Outward taxable supply for concerned institutional sector of various economic activities is being used as high frequency indicator in compilation of quarterly estimates. FISIM-based approach has been adopted for Financial Services at the quarterly level. Estimation methods for Product Taxes and Subsidies have been strengthened using improved volume indicators, and method for estimating Gross Fixed Capital Formation and Trade in Services at quarterly level are more aligned to the annual approach. In addition, deflation practices have been improved by moving from aggregate deflators to item-level and sector-specific price indices, with greater use of appropriate indices such as CPI, WPI, Unit Value Indices, and service-specific deflators depending on sectoral characteristics.26. How has alignment between quarterly estimates and Annual National Accounts been strengthened?The revised quarterly compilation framework has been aligned more closely with the Annual National Accounts methodology in terms of sectoral classification, deflation strategies, and estimation practices. This harmonisation ensures greater consistency between quarterly and annual GDP and GVA estimates. Also, new benchmarking method adopted in quarterly series will strengthen consistency with annual national accounts series. 27. What sector-specific refinements and improvements in deflation practices have been introduced in Quarterly National Accounts? Several sector-specific refinements have been introduced in deflation method. Double deflation is adopted for Manufacturing sector against the previous practice of single deflation. Under this approach, outputs and inputs are deflated separately using their respective price indices leading to more accurate measurement of real growth of manufacturing sector. Further, deflators such as CPI, WPI, Unit Value Index, etc is being used at more granular level by moving from aggregate level in old series to item-group level in new series. Further, new series of CPI is considered and new series of WPI/PPI is being adopted whenever released in near future. 28. How are the quarterly GDP estimates calculated? NSO, MoSPI calculates the quarterly GDP estimates using Benchmark-Indicator and this is astandard method used worldwide following the SNA 2008 and IMF’s Quarterly National Accounts Manual 2017. The method works as follows:

Benchmarking to annual estimates ensures temporal consistency. High frequency indicators are applied on the benchmark estimates to derive the estimates. Due to divergence of data sources of indicators and the annual estimates in terms of definition and coverage, quarterly estimates are inherently prone to revision. In the new series, adoption of proportional Denton benchmarking enhances, incorporation new data sources and increased granularity and better deflation strategy is likely to institute more stability and robustness of estimates. 29. Whether previously released estimates and quarterly growth rates in the new series will undergo change?Yes. As the base year is being changed and the method of calculation is being updated like adding new indicators, using more detailed data, and better ways to adjust for inflation, etc. The annual and quarterly estimates for the years 2022-23 to 2025-26 as per base year 2022-23 will be released on 27 February 2026. 30. What is the role of MoSPI in Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) Estimation? NSO, MoSPI issues the guidelines for estimating the GSDP estimates and helps the States and the Union Territories (UT) to estimate their own Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) in a consistent way by providing the guidance and advice following uniform definition, concepts and methodology. The Directorates of Economics and Statistics (DES) of the States/UTs compiles their GSDP using their State/UT-specific data from the same data sources mostly. 31. When the GSDP series with new base is expected? When the national GDP base year is updated by NSO, MoSPI, the State/UTs also update their GSDP base year to match. This keeps the State/UTs’ GSDP estimates consistent with the national estimate. After the GDP with the updated base year 2022-23 is released, NSO, MoSPI will inform the States/UTs about the methodological changes or improvements in the way GSDP is calculated. 32. What major methodological improvements are made in estimation of GSDP during a new Base Year revision?Major methodological improvements include: (i) reduction in allocation-based methods in favour of direct estimation for some sectors or sub-sectors, (ii) reduction in reliance on fixed ratios and proxies, (iii) improved use of State-wise information of economic activity, (iv) greater methodological consistency across States. 33. How the GDP estimates impact the lives of the common citizens? GDP estimate is not only a macro-economic indicator, it is a significant part of the human development at national level. GDP provides contribution of various sectors in the economy and helps formulate appropriate policies, which helps people including farmers, small businesses, manufacturers and service enterprises. For example, earlier, in agriculture, more emphasis was on production of crops like paddy, wheat etc. GDP estimates provide crop wise production figures. Now enhanced focus is being provided for growing of fruits, oilseeds, pulses, fisheries sector etc. Similarly, enhanced emphasis is being provided to the manufacturing sector by the Government. In addition to this, the investment decisions, capacity to take loan etc. are also influenced by the GDP estimates. Thus, it plays a very important role in every citizen’s lives.

The AI battle: Defence secretary Pete Hegseth and Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei.

Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei on Thursday said the artificial intelligence company “cannot in good conscience accede” to Pentagon demands for unrestricted use of its technology, escalating an unusually public standoff with the Donald Trump administration that could cost the firm its government contract as early as Friday.The company behind the AI chatbot Claude said it remains open to negotiations, reported AP, but warned that revised contract language from the defense department “made virtually no progress on preventing Claude’s use for mass surveillance of Americans or in fully autonomous weapons.”Pentagon chief spokesman Sean Parnell pushed back on those concerns, writing on social media that the military “has no interest in using AI to conduct mass surveillance of Americans (which is illegal) nor do we want to use AI to develop autonomous weapons that operate without human involvement.”Anthropic’s internal policies prohibit such uses. The company is currently the only major AI developer — alongside firms such as Google, OpenAI and Elon Musk’s xAI — that has not agreed to supply its technology to a new internal U.S. military network.“It is the Department’s prerogative to select contractors most aligned with their vision,” Amodei said in a statement. “But given the substantial value that Anthropic’s technology provides to our armed forces, we hope they reconsider.”The dispute intensified after defense secretary Pete Hegseth issued an ultimatum on Tuesday following a meeting with Amodei: allow unrestricted military use of Anthropic’s AI technology by Friday or risk losing the Pentagon contract. Officials also warned that the company could be designated a supply-chain risk or that the Defense Production Act — a Cold War-era law — could be invoked to grant the military broader authority over its products.Amodei criticised the threats as inconsistent, saying that “those latter two threats are inherently contradictory: one labels us a security risk; the other labels Claude as essential to national security.”Parnell reiterated that the Pentagon seeks to “use Anthropic’s model for all lawful purposes,” without specifying what those uses would include. He argued that wider access to the technology is necessary to avoid “jeopardizing critical military operations.”“We will not let ANY company dictate the terms regarding how we make operational decisions,” he said.Negotiations between the two sides have been ongoing for months. Amodei said that if the Pentagon does not revise its position, Anthropic “will work to enable a smooth transition to another provider.”The public nature of the dispute has drawn criticism on Capitol Hill.Republican Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina said the Pentagon had handled the issue unprofessionally and suggested Anthropic was “trying to do their best to help us from ourselves.”“Why in the hell are we having this discussion in public?” Tillis told reporters. “This is not the way you deal with a strategic vendor that has contracts.”He added, “When a company is resisting a market opportunity for fear of negative consequences, you should listen to them and then behind closed doors figure out what they’re really trying to solve.”Sen. Mark Warner of Virginia, the top Democrat on the Senate Intelligence Committee, said he was “deeply disturbed” by reports that the Pentagon was “working to bully a leading U.S. company.”“Unfortunately, this is further indication that the Department of Defense seeks to completely ignore AI governance,” Warner said. It “further underscores the need for Congress to enact strong, binding AI governance mechanisms for national security contexts.”Pentagon officials maintain that AI systems will be used in accordance with the law, even as the department has sought to reshape its internal legal culture.Hegseth told Fox News last February that the military wants lawyers who provide constitutional advice but do not serve as “roadblocks.” The same month, he dismissed the Army and Air Force’s top legal officers without explanation. The Navy’s top lawyer had resigned shortly after the 2024 election.

Suryakumar Yadav (PTI Photo)

NEW DELHI: It was a must-win game for India to stay alive in the T20 World Cup semifinal race, and they delivered in emphatic fashion. Defending champions India crushed Zimbabwe by 72 runs in their Super Eights clash at Chennai’s MA Chidambaram Stadium, keeping their hopes alive while giving their net run rate a much-needed boost.Batting first, India posted a mammoth 256 for four, thanks to a blazing 55 from opener Abhishek Sharma and an unbeaten 50 from Hardik Pandya. Zimbabwe, who had stunned Australia and Sri Lanka to reach the Super Eights, could only manage 184 for six in reply, leaving India in complete control and setting up a winner-takes-all clash against the West Indies on Sunday.

“We wanted to leave everything behind. We didn’t think too much about what we did in the league stage or in the last game in Ahmedabad. Our video analyst had prepared a slide for all the batters and bowlers, highlighting what we’ve done well over the past year. We looked at that, took a lot of positivity from it, and came here with clarity,” Suryakumar Yadav said after the match.“With contributions from the top order right down to number seven, I think there was hardly anything missing in our performance. To be very honest, we could have been a little more clinical with the ball. But at the end of the day, a win is a win, and we’ll take it as we move forward.”The victory also confirmed South Africa’s place in the semifinals after their nine-wicket win over West Indies.“We’ll definitely tighten a few screws when we go and play the West Indies cricket team. I don’t want to take any credit away from the Zimbabwean batters. I think they batted beautifully. Yes, the wicket was good, but the way they approached the innings — taking their time in the powerplay and then accelerating smartly — was impressive,” Suryakumar added.India’s left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh starred with the ball, returning 3 for 24 from his four overs. Zimbabwe’s Brian Bennett was left with the consolation of an unbeaten 97, the highest individual score by a Zimbabwean in T20 World Cup history, as his side bowed out of semifinal contention despite a promising start.“Credit goes to them as well. From a bowling point of view, though, we could have been a little smarter with certain options at key moments. In situations like this, we need to be courageous with our decisions. There’s no option other than taking the positive route. Once we reach Kolkata, we’ll sit down and plan properly for that game. For now, it’s about taking a day off, travelling, and relaxing,” Surya concluded.

NEW DELHI: Supreme Court on Thursday banned the Class 8 social science textbook that had a section on corruption in judiciary, prohibited its circulation in all forms and asked the school education secretary and NCERT chairperson to show cause why contempt proceedings not be initiated against them despite the Centre tendering an unconditional and unqualified apology for the fiasco.The second day of hearing in the case saw solicitor general Tushar Mehta, right at the outset, apoologising for “the unpardonable mistake” committed by two persons who authored the book and said the govt has taken a decision to permanently bar them from involvement in preparation of any textbook.

SC, however, said that it would not accept the apology at this stage and would inquire whether there was a deliberate and calculated design to denigrate the institution and harm its reputation. SC: Ensure all copies, hard or soft, are seized, removed from public access A shot has been fired mindlessly and the judiciary is bleeding. The design was to defame the judiciary by telling students, their parents and teachers, the entire society, about corruption. As the head of the institution, it is my duty to protect the institution from such macabre and baseless insinuations,” CJI Kant said.The bench of Chief Justice Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M Pancholi ordered, “The NCERT in coordination with the Union and state education depts is directed to ensure that all copies of the book (hard or soft) currently in circulation, whether held in storage, retail outlets, or educational institutions, are seized and removed from public access. Compliance be filed.” Further, it said, “It shall be personal responsibility of NCERT director and the principal of every school where the book has reached to effectuate immediate seizure and sealing of all copies of the book in their premises and submit a compliance report. Ensure that no instruction is imparted based on the subject book. Principal secretaries of all states are to comply.” It asked the NCERT to file compliance within two weeks.“As an abundant precaution, a complete blanket ban is hereby imposed on any further publication, reprinting or digital dissemination of the book. Any attempt to circumvent this order through electronic means or altered titles shall be seen as direct interference, wilful breach and defiance of directions,” it said.The CJI-headed bench directed NCERT to reveal the name of persons who were entrusted with preparing the textbook, their credentials and submit the minutes of the meetings where the contents of the book were deliberated upon and finalised. The court posted the matter for further hearing on March 11.The bench said the manner in which corruption in judiciary is portrayed in the book by imputing several complaints against judges, a deliberate impression was given that the judiciary has not acted upon those complaints. The solicitor general said the way pendency figures are quoted to mention in the book that ‘justice delayed is justice denied’ appears to teach the children that justice is denied in India. Nothing could be farther from truth, he said.Senior advocates Kapil Sibal, A M Singhvi and Vikas Singh termed the portion in the textbook scandalous, calculated and designed to selectively target judiciary to denigrate its image. CJI Kant said politicians, bureaucrats and other professionals are being regularly convicted for various offences and yet judiciary has been blatantly targeted. He said, “The authors forgot that judiciary has played a stellar role in protecting the Constitution, the fundamental rights of citizens and passed series of orders over the last 75 years to protect democracy, not to mention its stellar role in making it possible to provide free legal aid to poor and marginalised sections of the society.” The CJI said on the day the news report was published, the SC secretary general had sought a clarification from the NCERT director.

NEW DELHI: Almost all states have reaped a bounty after implementation of Goods and Services Tax (GST) with their own tax revenue efforts getting a major boost.A decadal study by the comptroller and auditor general (CAG) on the implementation of GST and its impact on the own tax revenue of states showed that the average growth in the three years prior to introduction of GST, from 2013-14 to 2016-17, was 10%, which accelerated to 11.7% during the post-GST phase of 2018-19 to 2023-24, reports Pradeep Thakur.This included the Covid period when economic activity and tax collections were hit hard. Gujarat saw the steepest acceleration.Arunachal saw record high SGST growth during FY19-FY24Despite that, between 2018-19 and 2023-24, the average annual growth of state GST was over 13%. The contribution of GST in states’ revenue kitty ranged from 35-47%. Apart from GST, the constituents of states’ own tax revenue (SOTR) includes excise collection on liquor, tax on auto fuel, electricity, registration of properties and royalties. States have a poor track record in boosting SOTR, something 16th Finance Commission pointed out and RBI flags every year.The recently released CAG report studied the tax trends in states, starting from 2013-14 and up to the period after the introduction of GST from July 2017. Gujarat saw the steepest acceleration — 4.6% to 12.4% — while deceleration was seen in at least five states — Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Kerala.“Since 2018-19, the average annual growth of revenues from SGST outpaced the average annual growth of SOTR in almost all states, except Assam, Chhattisgarh, Goa, Jharkhand, Kerala, Telangana and Tripura,” CAG said. The study said that in 5 of 8 eight northeastern states and Madhya Pradesh, average annual SGST growth was over 17% from 2018-19 to 2023-24. Arunachal Pradesh recorded an exceptionally high average annual growth of 27% in SGST during this period.

Rashmika Mandanna and Vijay Deverakonda’s wedding photos are finally here, and they do far more than capture a ceremony. The images tell a story — one of friendship, faith, tradition and a love that feels deeply rooted and unfiltered.

Rashmika Mandanna and Vijay Deverakonda’s wedding photos are finally here, and they do far more than capture a ceremony. The images tell a story — one of friendship, faith, tradition and a love that feels deeply rooted and unfiltered.

A bride glowing in tradition and confidence

In one striking frame, Rashmika Mandanna walks forward holding a ceremonial coconut, her smile radiant and completely unguarded. Dressed in a rust-orange silk saree adorned with intricate gold embroidery, she embodies the grace of a traditional South Indian bride.

Her elaborate temple jewellery — layered necklaces, ornate maang tikka, stacked bangles and statement jhumkas — doesn’t overshadow her presence; instead, it enhances her natural glow. There is poise in her posture, joy in her expression, and a quiet confidence that makes the moment feel authentic rather than staged.

Intimate emotions over grand spectacle

Another close-up shot captures something deeper — anticipation and emotional surrender. There’s laughter dancing in her eyes and softness in her expression. It isn’t a carefully constructed bridal portrait; it feels candid, almost spontaneous.

The sindoor, the nose ring, the intricate gold detailing — every element adds to the ritual’s authenticity. But what truly stands out is Rashmika’s emotion. It’s the look of someone fully present, absorbing every second of a life-altering moment.

A celebration wrapped in culture and chaos

In a wide frame bursting with colour and movement, Rashmika and Vijay Deverakonda walk hand-in-hand under a canopy of flowers as petals shower down on them. Vijay, dressed in a traditional veshti and angavastram paired with layered gold ornaments, appears proud yet playful.

Rashmika mirrors that energy effortlessly. They don’t look like stiff newlyweds posing for the perfect shot — they look like best friends reveling in their big day. The crowd around them, smiling and cheering, amplifies the warmth and celebratory chaos.

Love in the quiet in-between moments

Perhaps the most powerful image is the black-and-white embrace. Stripped of colour and grandeur, it leaves behind only emotion. Rashmika rests her face gently against Vijay’s shoulder, eyes closed, holding him close.

It’s tender. It’s private. It feels almost cinematic.

Two equals, one journey

These photos capture balance — Vijay and Rashmika looking into each other’s eyes, garlands resting against their coordinated ensembles. There’s admiration, laughter and ease in the way they stand together.

Neither outshines the other. They glow in harmony.

Rashmika and Vijay’s wedding photos prove this wasn’t merely a star-studded event. It was a celebration of companionship — of two individuals who look completely at home with each other, whether in the midst of rituals, laughter, or the quiet silence in between.

Pakistan has launched Operation Ghazab Lil Haq against the Afghan Taliban regime after Kabul claimed its forces killed 55 Pakistani soldiers in cross-border strikes, sharply escalating tensions along the volatile Durand Line.State broadcaster PTV News said the operation was initiated in response to what it called “unprovoked aggression” from Afghanistan. According to the channel, 58 “Afghan kharjis” have been killed so far, more than 100 injured, and 12 Afghan posts completely destroyed. It also reported that over 30 Afghan tanks, artillery guns and armoured personnel carriers were destroyed during the operation.Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said the armed forces were delivering a “crushing response” to aggression from the Afghan Taliban. He urged the PTI-led Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government to stand “shoulder to shoulder” with the federal authorities and other provinces in defending the country.The escalation follows claims by the Taliban-led Afghan government that it had seized 19 Pakistani military outposts and captured a major headquarters at Anzar Sar in Khost province. Afghanistan’s Deputy Spokesperson Hamdullah Fitrat wrote on X that “heavy retaliatory offensive operations” were launched along the so-called Durand Line by the 203 Mansouri Corps and the 201 Khalid bin Walid Corps.“To date, one headquarters and nineteen outposts have been captured,” he said, adding that “up to fifty-five Pakistani soldiers have been killed,” with 23 bodies recovered and others taken alive. He claimed dozens of weapons were seized and that operations were continuing across several eastern provinces, including Paktia, Paktika and Nangarhar, as well as at the Torkham Gate crossing.Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said the offensive was in response to repeated Pakistani assaults. “Extensive offensive operations have begun against Pakistani army centers and military facilities along the Durand Line,” he posted.Islamabad has rejected Kabul’s casualty figures. Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said two Pakistani soldiers were killed and three wounded, while 36 Afghan fighters had died. He described Afghanistan’s actions as unprovoked and said Pakistan was giving a “strong and effective response”.The clashes follow Pakistani airstrikes earlier this week that Islamabad said targeted militant training camps near the border. Afghanistan said the strikes killed civilians, including women and children, and called them a violation of its sovereignty.With both sides trading heavy fire and evacuations reported near the Torkham crossing, fears are mounting of a wider confrontation between the two neighbours.