Hit by an unidentified vehicle, three of the four persons, including a minor, riding a motorcycle were killed while the fourth was seriously injured in the Gina district of Madhya Pradesh Friday afternoon.

According to the police, all four persons on the bike were relatives belonging to Semra village in the Fatehgarh area. They were going from Semra village to Guna when the mishap occurred at around 2.30 pm.

On receiving the information about the mishap, a police team from the Jhagar outpost reached the spot.

According to Sub-Inspector Anil Kadam, the three deceased were identified as Mukesh Bhil alias Baddu Bhil (25), Shankar Bhil, son of Ramlal Bhil (45), and Deepak Bhil (7), son of Shankar Bhil.

Another victim, Babulal (28), son of Pritilal, sustained serious injuries and is undergoing treatment, the police said.

International pop superstar Ricky Martin will perform at the closing ceremony of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 ahead of the title clash between defending champions India and New Zealand at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday.

Martin is scheduled to deliver a specially curated live performance beginning at 5:30 PM IST. Known for his powerful vocals, energetic stage presence and globally popular Latin pop hits, the singer is expected to turn the pre-match build-up into a vibrant musical spectacle.

“The #T20WorldCup party just got bigger! We are thrilled to announce Global Icon and Superstar Ricky Martin as the headliner for the Closing Ceremony before the Final at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. This is one celebration you don’t want to miss! Gates Open: 3.30 pm Performances Begin: 5:30 pm,” the International Cricket Council wrote in a post.

After the performance, attention will shift to the tournament final, scheduled to begin at 7:00 PM.

India head into the title clash after edging past England by seven runs in the second semifinal at the Wankhede Stadium on Thursday. The win sealed India’s fourth appearance in a T20 World Cup final, the most by any team in the tournament’s history.

New Zealand, meanwhile, secured their place in the final with a commanding nine-wicket victory over South Africa at Eden Gardens on Wednesday.

India will also be chasing several milestones in Sunday’s summit clash in Ahmedabad. A victory would make them the first host nation to win the T20 World Cup, the first team to successfully defend the title, and the first side to claim three T20 World Cup trophies.

The official draw for the MIC Cup 2026 took place on Wednesday, marking a historic moment for Indian football as Minerva Academy FC became the first club in the country to participate in the prestigious global youth tournament.

Widely regarded as one of the most elite youth competitions in world football, the MIC Cup features top academies from Europe and the Americas. Minerva’s participation represents a significant milestone for Indian grassroots football on the international stage.

The Indian side has been placed in Group B of the Under-15 category as the top-seeded team, alongside BOCA OC (USA), EF Santa Ana (Canada) and Kaptiva Sports Academy (Spain). The U-15 competition will feature 56 teams divided into 14 groups, with the top two sides from each group advancing to the knockout stage while the remaining teams move into the consolidation phase.

The tournament lineup also includes several prominent European academies such as Atlético Madrid, Villarreal CF, Real Sociedad and Liverpool FC.

Minerva’s seeding highlights the academy’s growing international reputation and years of structured youth development. Their participation at the MIC Cup signals a major step forward for Indian football, offering young players invaluable exposure against some of the best academies in the world.

Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Friday said “Education as a service” has significant potential to contribute to India’s export earnings and help take high-quality Indian education to the rest of the world.

“The future growth engines of the world are likely to be less developed or developing countries such as India. Therefore, exposure to India would help students from developed countries in their future careers,” Goyal said.

Goyal further said he sees growing recognition of this trend while negotiating services chapters in Free Trade Agreements (FTAs). He noted that the nine FTAs finalised by the government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi have all been with developed economies. According to him, nearly two-thirds of global trade is now covered by India’s FTAs because the country has engaged with more developed and evolved economies.

He said this reflects a shift in India’s approach to global engagement, noting that the country no longer negotiates from a weak position or a colonial mindset. Instead, India now engages with the world with confidence and from a position of strength.

The Minister said that if India is currently contributing around 20 per cent of global growth and has emerged as an engine of growth, younger generations across the world will increasingly need to work with countries such as India in the future.

Piyush Goyal was addressing the Vice Chancellors’ Conclave on “Reimagining Internationalisation of Higher Education for Viksit Bharat 2047”.

Goyal said he would like to engage with Vice Chancellors and hear their ideas and thoughts on the future of higher education in India, and expressed happiness that the Ministry of Commerce and the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT) under the Ministry is taking a lead in exploring the potential that education as a service holds for India’s export earnings as well as for expanding the global reach of Indian education.

The Minister further said that a comprehensive effort to reform India’s education system was undertaken through extensive consultations with educationists across the country in drafting the National Education Policy 2020 under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

“The policy was formulated after wide-ranging consultations and inputs from stakeholders across the country and overseas. Nearly three lakh inputs and feedback were received, each of which was given due importance and carefully considered before finalising the policy,” he said.

He said that the policy emerged after years of deliberation and reflects Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s style of working. “The policy has opened India’s thinking to aspire for international standards in education, expand educational institutions to meet India’s growing needs, and attract students from across the world,” he added.

Piyush Goyal said the policy has permitted international campuses to come and set up in India and has enabled universities to collaborate with Indian institutions to offer dual degrees. It has also encouraged cross-border student exchanges so that Indian students can gain exposure to education systems in developed and other countries, while international students can also experience India’s education system.

The India women’s national football team, popularly known as the Blue Tigresses, will play a crucial Group C match against Japan at the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 as they look to keep their knockout hopes alive.

Despite a narrow 1–2 defeat to Vietnam in their opening match in Perth, the game produced a historic moment for India as young forward Sanfida Nongrum scored on her senior international debut.

Coming off the bench at half-time, Nongrum found the net in the 52nd minute at Perth Rectangular Stadium. The goal not only marked her first for the senior national side but also ended a long wait for India at the continental tournament – the country’s first goal in the Women’s Asian Cup since before she was even born.

However, the milestone moment could not prevent defeat as Vietnam responded with a late comeback to seal the win.

Reflecting on the mixed emotions of the occasion, Nongrum said she was proud of the achievement but disappointed with the result.

“Although I’m happy to score my first goal on my debut for India, I feel bad that we lost in the last moments. We will take our learnings and move forward to the Japan match,” she said after the game.

India now face a tough challenge against Japan on March 7 before their final group match against Chinese Taipei on March 10.

Head coach Amelia Valverde had introduced the youngster at half-time to inject energy into the attack, and the substitution paid immediate dividends. The Costa Rican later highlighted Nongrum’s impact during the post-match press conference.

Sanfida Nongrum’s journey began in Shillong

Long before her debut goal in Perth, Nongrum’s football journey began in Shillong, Meghalaya. Growing up in a joint family with her parents, grandmother and cousins, she was introduced to the sport by her cousin brother.

“I started playing with my cousin brother at home first, and then every day we would go to the field to run and play together,” she recalled.

By the age of five or six, football had become part of her daily routine. She soon joined the academy of Royal Wahingdoh FC in Shillong, where she got her first exposure to organised training despite being considered too young initially.

Her development continued through district and state competitions, with regular grassroots training sessions shaping her early career.

At 12, she travelled outside Shillong for the first time to play in the Subroto Cup with her school. Two years later, she represented Meghalaya in the Sub Junior Girls’ National Football Championship in Odisha.

A major turning point came at the age of 15 when she moved to Bengaluru to pursue football more seriously.

“I left home for the first time to play football seriously. I went to Bengaluru, and that was a big moment for me,” she said.

In Bengaluru, Nongrum joined Bangalore United FC, where she trained under former India goalkeeper Chitra Gangadharan and experienced a more professional football environment.

Her career then progressed through the Indian Women’s League, representing Sirvodem Sports Club and later Sports Odisha before moving to Garhwal United FC.

At Garhwal United, she gradually emerged as one of the key figures in the squad and eventually took on leadership responsibilities. The club went on to win the IWL 2 title in the 2024–25 season, with Nongrum serving as captain.

Later that year, she also scored a stunning long-range goal that helped Garhwal United secure their first-ever victory in the Indian Women’s League in December 2025.

Behind her rise has been constant encouragement from her family in Shillong. Her father works as a driver and her mother is a homemaker, but their support has remained unwavering.

“My family always tells me one thing — never give up. In football, you can win, lose, or draw, but the important thing is to keep going and keep working hard,” Nongrum said.

India face tough Japan test

India currently sits third in Group C following the defeat to Vietnam. Japan began their campaign with a 2–0 win over Chinese Taipei and enter the contest as the favourites.

Valverde acknowledged the challenge posed by the Asian giants.

“We know Japan are a team that really likes to keep possession, with a lot of dynamism. They like to dominate the game, but we have to prepare our own game. We hope to deliver a strong performance and be competitive again,” she said.

Midfielder Sangita Basfore also emphasised the need to learn from the opening match.

“We made a big effort against Vietnam and have analysed the mistakes from that game. The plan is to improve in the next match against Japan,” she said.

For the Blue Tigresses, the upcoming clash will be a defining test as they attempt to keep their Women’s Asian Cup campaign alive.

With their place in the final secured, India will face New Zealand in the summit clash of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup on March 8 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. With the stakes at their highest, every decision in the playing XI could prove crucial in giving India an edge over the Kiwis.

One of the biggest selection debates ahead of the final revolves around whether India should persist with Abhishek Sharma or bring in Rinku Singh for the all-important contest. The team management faces a dilemma: back the aggressive opener despite his inconsistent run or opt for the reliability and finishing ability of Rinku Singh.

Abhishek has endured a lean patch during the tournament. The left-hander has registered scores of 0, 0, 0, 15, 55, 10 and 9, accumulating just 89 runs at an average of 12.71.

He also missed a league-stage match against Namibia after being hospitalised due to a stomach infection. Although he returned for the clash against Pakistan, he was unable to make a significant impact.

His best outing came against Zimbabwe, where he scored a half-century, but consistency has eluded him throughout the tournament. This has raised questions over whether India can afford to continue with him in the high-pressure final.

Internet pours in with reactions

The debate has also intensified across social media platforms, particularly on X, where fans remain divided over the selection call.

“If India reaches the final, we need to drop him and bring back Rinku Singh,” one fan wrote.

Another supporter suggested that opposition teams may have already worked out a way to dismiss the youngster. “He scores 50 or 100 at a strike rate of 200 and everything gets forgiven for another miserable tournament or bilateral series. I don’t understand the compulsion to keep playing him when Rinku Singh, arguably one of the best finishers, is available,” the fan posted.

“I pity the selectors who keep him in the team and get all the flak for his non-performance but still continue playing him,” another user wrote.

“Seriously! He should work on decision-making abilities. He is a great performer but does not know what to do and when,” another fan added.

However, not everyone believes Abhishek should be dropped. Some supporters feel the young batter could still deliver when it matters the most.

“With one failure the entire world starts teaching you. When he was hitting every ball during his success, everyone said he was fearless and that this is the way one should play,” another fan commented.

For the Indian team management, it presents a classic dilemma: trust the process and back a player through a difficult phase or take a pragmatic decision in pursuit of the title.

Much of the attention will now be on head coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Suryakumar Yadav. Will they stick with the combination that carried India to the final or opt for a last-minute change by drafting in Rinku Singh?

While the chances of a change appear slim, the final decision will reveal whether India prioritises continuity or if the pressure of a World Cup final prompts a rethink.

India vs New Zealand final: Match details

Date & Time: India will face New Zealand in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 final on Sunday, March 8. The match will begin at 7:00 PM (IST).

Venue: Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad

Live Telecast: Star Sports Network

Live Streaming: JioHotstar app

Under the ambitious ‘Tribal Adi Gram Project’ by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India, comprehensive programs are being run in 64 selected villages of Uttarakhand to improve health, education, self-reliance, and social empowerment of tribal communities. The project is being implemented by Patanjali Divya Yog Mandir Trust, Haridwar.

As part of this initiative, a large free yoga camp was organized in the village of Banas Kheda with the support of the Women’s Patanjali Yoga Committee. Many members of the local tribal community especially women, youth, and senior citizens participated with great enthusiasm.

During the camp, participants practiced various yoga asanas, pranayama, meditation, natural health techniques. They were encouraged to adopt healthy and balanced lifestyle. Yoga instructors explained that yoga is not just way to prevent or cure diseases, but a powerful path to live disciplined, balanced, energetic life.

On this occasion, Ramdev said, “Yoga is India’s ancient and divine way of life, which strengthens a person physically, mentally, and spiritually. Patanjali’s mission is to spread the light of yoga to every person in the country.”

Also Read: Call for world peace: Grand ‘Vasanti Navassayeshti Holikotsav Yagna’ held at Patanjali University

Acharya Balkrishna added, “The tribal community is an important part of our rich cultural heritage. This yoga camp in Banas Kheda is an important step toward bringing positive change and promoting a healthy lifestyle in tribal society.”

Under the project, regular free yoga camps, health awareness programs, natural medicine consultations, lifestyle improvement campaigns are being held in villages, directly benefiting the tribal communities.

Yoga camp in Banas Kheda has increased health awareness among villagers and inspired them to adopt yoga and a natural lifestyle. Patanjali Divya Yog Mandir Trust hopes that such programs will pave the way for building a healthy, aware, and self-reliant society in tribal areas.

Samajwadi Party (SP) national president Akhilesh Yadav on Friday launched a scathing attack on the BJP government over the state’s law and order situation.

He said the BJP government has pushed Uttar Pradesh towards ruin, with incidents like murder, robbery, and rape on the rise. He alleged that the government’s claims of “zero tolerance” towards law and order and corruption have been proven completely false.

In a statement here on Friday, Akhilesh Yadav said the people of the state are upset with the BJP government’s functioning. The government and the Chief Minister are trying to mislead the public with false statistics, while the reality is that no one is safe in the state. He alleged that criminal elements have become unbridled under the protection of power and are committing crimes openly.

Referring to several recent incidents, Akhilesh Yadav said that Lalai Yadav, a driver of a contracted Transport Corporation bus, was beaten to death in the Line Bazaar police station area of Jaunpur. He said the main accused pressed Lalai Yadav’s neck with his foot on the street.

The SP chief said that criminals have no fear of the law and the police. He alleged that the BJP government has become inactive and that various mafias are operating in the state and looting the public.

Akhilesh Yadav said the people of the state are fed up with the BJP government and have decided to remove it in the 2027 Assembly elections.

Former Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai on Friday criticised the state budget presented by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, calling it a “directionless” and “zero-progress” plan. Speaking to reporters in Haveri, Bommai warned that the budget could push the state toward heavy debt and harm its long-term finances.

Also Read: MK Stalin slams Modi government over US 30-day Russian oil waiver, calls IRIS Dena tragedy a blow to India’s sovereignty

“This budget has no vision. It will take the state back ten to fifteen years,” Bommai said. He expressed disappointment, noting that he did not expect such a budget from a Chief Minister who has presented the budget 17 times.

Concerns over taxes and deficit

Bommai highlighted that the budget introduces new taxes and has a deficit of ₹22,000 crore. He argued this approach would create financial stress and have far-reaching effects on Karnataka’s economy.

Irrigation and development funding shortfall

The former CM pointed out specific funding gaps. According to him, only ₹22,000 crore was allocated for irrigation, whereas ₹25,000 crore should have been allotted for the Krishna Upper River Project, which received no funds. Bommai also criticised allocations for health and rural development, calling them insufficient and questioning the government’s priorities.

Internal reservation controversy

Bommai addressed the confusion over internal reservation in Karnataka. He noted that the law was approved during the Belagavi session and received the Governor’s approval. “How can it be said that the reservation rate of 17% will not be implemented?” he asked, adding that even the Advocate General had filed an affidavit confirming it.

He emphasised that no court order has blocked the reservation and accused the government of using this as an excuse, which he claimed is causing injustice to the Dalit community, who are strongly opposing the decision.

Bommai warned that if the government delays implementing internal reservation, the BJP will continue to fight vigorously for its immediate enforcement.

India opener Sanju Samson credited patience and clarity after producing a match-winning knock in a high-scoring semi-final that secured India’s place in the final of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.

The wicketkeeper-batter struck a fluent 89 off 42 balls to propel India to a formidable 253/7 in a game where nearly 500 runs were scored across both innings.

Reflecting on the innings, the 31-year-old said the performance felt like the reward for years of persistence while waiting for opportunities with the national side. “I have been trying for a few years to do something like this for my country. I just waited with patience, worked on my game and stayed ready for the moment.

“I definitely wanted to come and do what I am trying to do now for the country, contribute, and win games in the World Cup.”

Samson’s knock followed his unbeaten 97 against the West Indies, as back-to-back scores of 97 and 89 at the top helped India defeat the West Indies and England to reach the final. The opener credited his vast experience in the shortest format for the control he showed in both innings.

“I think I’ve been playing this format for a very long time. I have played around 300 or 400 T20s. I have played from top 1 to 6. I have captained a franchise.

“I kind of have the experience of knowing what a team demands at the moment and what is the exact role of myself in this 11. I think that clarity definitely helps you to score runs the way you want to.”

Despite India’s imposing total, the contest remained tense as England launched a strong counterattack in the chase before India’s bowlers sealed a narrow victory. Youngster Jacob Bethell scored a stunning 105 off 48 balls to keep England in the hunt throughout.

Samson praised Bethell for his effort while also crediting the Indian pace attack for regaining control when it mattered most. “The way Bethell batted and the partnership that they had, I kind of felt here, no, it’s still possible. They needed 13 runs per over. They were getting two boundaries every over. It was very easy for them at the middle stage.

“But the way our bowlers came back, I think the quality which we have in Arshdeep Singh, in Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah – he is a once in a generation bowler which we are very lucky to have.

“I think the way he bowled those six yorkers in line, I think then you have kind of a confidence that no – Bumrah has one over left and Arshdeep has one over left, he will bowl.

“So there was confidence, but at the same time you have to give credit to the England batters also, the way they came up, the way they actually studied the conditions, and I think we had a great game,” he mentioned.

Speaking about facing Jofra Archer, Samson said he had prepared carefully for the challenge posed by the England quick.

“I think it was definitely playing in my mind. Last time when we played them in home conditions, five games we played England, I think Jofra was definitely a very effective bowler at that time. So I had to do some preparation.

“I had to be a bit more clear in my head how I’m going to face it. And then I think I tried to apply today. So he is definitely a world-class bowler.”

“You need to respect what he does, and at the same time, you need to be confident as well. I think I was a bit more confident that I just played a really good innings couple of days ago.

“So I think I need to take that confidence forward, and that kind of helped me to tackle the bowlers today.”

India will now shift their focus to the final against New Zealand, with Samson eager to complete the job after helping his side take a crucial step towards the title.

“One more match, then I’ll feel very light.”

The final will be played at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday, where India will defend the crown they won at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has openly criticised the central government over two major international issues: the United States granting India a 30-day waiver to buy Russian oil and the sinking of the unarmed Iranian warship IRIS Dena, which killed nearly 87 sailors. Stalin accused the Narendra Modi-led government of appearing “totally compromised” on India’s strategic autonomy and independent foreign policy.

Posting on X, Stalin questioned, “When the United States decides to allow India to purchase Russian oil for just 30 days, it raises a fundamental question. Why should India need another country’s approval to secure its own energy needs?”

When the United States decides to allow India to purchase Russian oil for just 30 days, it raises a fundamental question. Why should India need another country’s approval to secure its own energy needs?

Equally troubling is the sinking of the unarmed Iranian warship IRIS Dena by…

— M.K.Stalin – தமிழ்நாட்டை தலைகுனிய விடமாட்டேன் (@mkstalin) March 6, 2026

Concerns over IRIS Dena incident

The Tamil Nadu Chief Minister expressed serious concern over the IRIS Dena tragedy. The Iranian warship had visited Visakhapatnam to take part in the International Fleet Review 2026, a multinational naval exercise hosted by India. Soon after, the unarmed vessel sank in what Stalin described as a troubling event, implying the US’ involvement.

Also Read: Maha Budget: CM Fadnavis announces loan waiver for farmers, infrastructure projects

MK Stalin emphasised that India “cannot appear silent or passive” when a ship participating in exercises in Indian waters meets such a fate. He added, “India’s dignity in the international arena needs to be protected, and the nation’s sovereignty and interests need to be defended.”

US 30-day oil waiver

The 30-day waiver was announced by US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Thursday, aimed at allowing India to continue purchasing Russian oil while also managing global oil flows amid the West Asia conflict. Bessent framed the short-term measure as a way to counter Iran’s influence, especially after tensions in the Gulf region disrupted crude oil supplies.

India imports almost 40% of its oil from the Middle East, much of it passing through the strategically crucial Strait of Hormuz. Experts and politicians have flagged the waiver as a worrying sign of India’s dependency on foreign approval for energy security.

Political backlash in India

Stalin’s criticism has been echoed by several leaders from the Congress party.

Manish Tewari, Congress MP, condemned the US’ “neo-imperial arrogance” in a post on X, questioning whether India has become a “banana republic” that needs permission from another country for its energy security. He added, “The silence of an otherwise overly loquacious government is deafening. Does it not understand what sovereignty means?”

Jairam Ramesh, senior Congress leader, described the US move as “American blackmail” and urged the Indian government to defend national interests.

Randeep Singh Surjewala accused the BJP-led central government of compromising India’s sovereignty.

The Communist Party of India (Marxist) issued a scathing critique of the Union government on Friday, denouncing what it termed a “deplorable attitude” toward the military actions launched by the United States and Israel against Iran.

In a formal statement from its Polit Bureau, the party accused the Centre of undermining India’s independent foreign policy and abandoning the nation’s historic anti-imperialist and non-aligned legacy. The CPI(M) argued that the government’s “silence and inaction” in the face of the escalating conflict represents a compromise of India’s strategic autonomy.
‎
Highlighting the geographical spread of the war, the party pointed to the reported sinking of the Iranian naval vessel IRIS Dena in the Indian Ocean by a US submarine torpedo. The party described it as “shameful” that India failed to provide security cover for the vessel as it departed from a joint naval exercise in Visakhapatnam. This perceived negligence was contrasted with the actions of Sri Lanka, which rescued 208 crew members from another Iranian ship, the IRIS Bushehr, and provided safe berthing at Trincomalee. According to the CPI(M), Sri Lanka’s adherence to international maritime law highlights India’s “squandering” of its leadership status in South Asia.

‎Furthermore, the party alleged that the Prime Minister’s diplomatic engagements, specifically his meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, signaled a “complete capitulation” to Washington and stripped away any appearance of neutrality. The statement also condemned the government’s failure to denounce the targeted killings of senior Iranian leaders, including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, noting that such silence contradicts India’s traditional stance on national sovereignty.

‎Beyond diplomatic concerns, the CPI(M) warned of severe economic fallout following Iran’s reported closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a move that threatens India’s energy security. The party also took aim at the US administration’s “magnanimity” regarding oil trade, noting that India was granted only a 30-day reprieve to purchase Russian oil and would not receive the same concessions as China. Labeling the situation a “grave national embarrassment,” the CPI(M) demanded that the Modi government immediately call for a cessation of hostilities to retrieve national self-respect and urged swift measures to ensure the safety of the nearly one crore Indian migrant workers currently in West Asia.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, presenting Maharashtra Budget 2026 on Friday, announced that farmers’ loans of up to Rs 2 lakh will be waived off under the Punyashlok Ahilyabai Holkar Shetkari Karj Maafi Yojana scheme. The loan waiver scheme will be applicable to farmers with outstanding debts of up to Rs 2 lakh and whose crop loans have arrears till September 30, 2025.

Fadnavis also announced an incentive of up to Rs 50,000 to farmers who repay their loans regularly. He announced that the popular election winning Majhi Laadki Bahin scheme will continue, though there will be no increase in the monthly payout from the current Rs 1,500 to Rs 2,100, as announced earlier. “Adequate funding has been allocated for it. A new policy for the welfare of single women will be introduced soon, with a target to benefit 25 lakh women,” he said.

With the announcement of the politically sensitive farmers’ loan waiver as well as the Laadki Bahin scheme, Fadnavis seems to have attempted to keep rural voters satisfied.

For this year’s Maharashtra Budget, Rs 7,69,467 crore has been allocated for expenditure provisions. The state faces a a revenue deficit of Rs 40,552 crore and a fiscal deficit of Rs 1,50,491 crore in the current Budget, but the government has successfully kept the state’s fiscal deficit below 3 per cent and its revenue deficit under 1 per cent, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced.

Fadnavis said, “Maharashtra is the country’s financial engine, and our share will be the biggest. The state aims to achieve an economy of USD $5 trillion by 2047”.

To highlight his resolve and ambition, Fadnavis also recited an Urdu couplet, “Jab irada bana liya hai unchi udaan ka, fir dekhna fizul hai sar asmaan ka,” which means that once a high-flying goal is set, no sky is too high to reach.

“Agricultural produce should reach international markets. An integrated supply chain will be created for around 15 crops,” he said, adding that Artificial Intelligence (AI ) will be leveraged for agriculture through the Mahavistar AI platform, which will also integrate tribal languages.

He announced the implementation of an Agristack scheme, with over 1 crore agriculture cards prepared for farmers, including tribals and launch of the Maharashtra Organic Farming Scheme and the inclusion of farm labourers under the Gopinath Munde Accident scheme.

Rs 33,410 crore has been spent for the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Gramin) under which rooftop solar systems will be provided to beneficiaries, to promote sustainable and affordable housing. Rooftop solar panels will be installed on houses constructed under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY). “3.57 lakh houses will be completed under the scheme.

The chief minister said 1.31 crore farmer digital IDs have been created as of February and more that 30 lakh farmers receive timely information on weather and market prices. All four agricultural universities are using artificial intelligence (AI) support to assist farmers, helping to boost their income through the Agristack scheme. During the next four years, capital investment will be increased, and infrastructure will be developed to further support agriculture, he said.

The Special National Investigation Agency (NIA) Court in New Delhi has extended the custody of Zamir Ahmed Ahangar and Tufail Ahmad Shah for five more days. Both were arrested in connection with the Red Fort blast that shook the national capital on November 10, 2025.

The accused were brought before the court after completing ten days of remand. Special NIA Judge Pitambar Dutt, presiding over the case in a closed courtroom, approved the extension. However, the NIA had requested a longer 15-day custody to continue its investigation.

Investigation period extended for others

The court has also extended the investigation period by 45 days for Bilal Nasir Malla and Yasir Ahmad Dar, who are linked to the case. Earlier, on February 25, the same court had remanded Zamir and Tufail to 10 days of NIA custody.

Both accused were brought to Delhi from Jammu and Kashmir by the state police under a production warrant, after which custody was handed over to the NIA. Legal Aid Counsel Piyush Sachdeva represented them in court.

Alleged links to arms and terror network

Authorities allege that Zamir and Tufail were collecting arms and ammunition. Zamir reportedly received a rifle, pistol, and live rounds from Umar, Irfan, and Adil. Both accused are believed to have ties with the Ansar Ghazawat Ul Hind group.

Previously, NIA arrested several others in connection with the case. That includes Dr Shaheen Saeed, Dr Muzammil Shakeel, Adeel Ahmed, Jasir Bilal Wani, Nasir Bilal Malla, Yasir Ahmad Dar, Mufti Irfan Ahmed, Amir Rashid. These individuals remain in judicial custody after initial interrogations.

Background of the Red Fort blast

The investigation revolves around the deadly blast near the Red Fort in New Delhi on November 10, 2025. Umar Un Nabi, allegedly driving the car involved in explosion, died in the blast. The incident triggered nationwide investigation into a network of militants and weapons supply.

The Orissa High Court has directed government authorities to ensure that no trade licence or business permission is granted to buildings that do not comply with legal requirements.

If the structure is claimed to be an old residential house, it cannot be used for commercial activity without proper approval. If any part of the building is unauthorised or deviates from the approved plan, the authorities must take action in accordance with the law. This may include demolition of the unauthorised portion or compounding where legally permissible, the Court ordered while taking cognisance of a writ petition.

The writ petition, seeking judicial intervention, alleged that commercial buildings were operating without proper infrastructure and approvals in Hemraj Lane at Nayasadak in Cuttack city, a narrow 13-foot road located in a dense commercial and residential locality.

The building contains around 50-60 shops but does not have proper parking space, fire safety clearance, or environmental approvals. Because of this, vehicles of customers and shop owners are parked on the narrow road, creating severe traffic congestion and blocking the entry and exit of nearby residents. The obstruction also affects emergency services such as ambulances and fire vehicles, the petition pointed out.

The narrow public roads should not be rendered dysfunctional by unchecked commercial activity. The obligation of the State is to secure orderly urban governance and prevent obstruction of public streets, the Single Bench of Justice Dr. Sanjeeb K Panigrahi noted in the order.

When a private commercial establishment uses public roads for parking, loading, and customer movement because it has no internal facilities, it is effectively using public property for private business. This amounts to misuse of public space, stated the order.

The Court held that commercial establishments must be self-sufficient and cannot shift their operational burden onto public roads.

The Court further directed the Commissioner of Police, Cuttack, to strictly regulate traffic in Hemraj Lane, stating that no vehicles should be allowed to park or stop on the road.

Vehicles parked illegally must be immediately removed, towed, or impounded. Proper “No Parking/No Stopping” signboards must be installed. Police must ensure free movement for residents, ambulances, and fire services. A compliance report must be submitted to the Court within 8 weeks.

The Cuttack Municipal Corporation (CMC) and the Housing & Urban Development Department must conduct a complete inspection of the building.

They must verify whether the building has a sanctioned building plan, a completion or occupancy certificate, a valid fire safety No Objection Certificate, and the required environmental approvals, the order concluded.

The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Dr Mohan Bhagwat exhorted people to maintain unity among all communities, but in a peculiar philosophical and spiritual manner.

Participating in the “Chadar Mahotsav” of the Jain Spiritual head first Dadaguru Acharya Shri Jindutta Suri (of 11 century) in Jaisalmer on Friday, he said all religions and cultures preach us to realise and follow the ultimate truth of “unity in diversity” in human beings (across all races, creeds and communities).

The Sangh Parivar head said Shraman tradition (of Jainism, Buddhism, and others) as well as Brahman tradition (Vedic culture and religion) both have prevailed and duly followed by people in India for ages. These are two different streams of knowledge (philosophies), though, these give the same message and mantra that is “we all are one ; there is unity in diversity among us.

This mantra holds good not only for human beings but for all genera as they say “Paramatma is one -though in different forms- hence, basically we are all equal ones”, Bhagwat said.

This depends on the people to realise this universal truth, all the creatures are not capable of realising it, though we human beings are blessed with this capability, he added.

Elaborating on his point, Bhagwat said, “Just see, dogs can differentiate only two colours — white and black –, likewise, hens can see 3 colours whereas human beings can differentiate all seven colours. “It is plenty clear that the three creatures were seeing one and the same thing (object) differently. Human beings can see the best picture”, he quipped.

“This also happens with us and our society (samaj),” he observed, saying “when plurality gets too enhanced in the society it takes no time in giving rise to a sense of separation. So, we should always focus on maintaining (communal) unity, because our unity is rooted into diversity only”.

The Mukesh Ambani-led Reliance Consumer Products Limited (RCPL) officially announced here on Friday that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Finland’s leading foods company Fazer to establish a long-term strategic partnership in India to produce, market and distribute branded premium chocolates using Fazer’s recipes.

Fazer is a leading FMCG company in Northern Europe, renowned for its high-quality chocolates, confectionery, bakery and plant-based products. In 2025, the Fazer Group had net sales of 1,200 million Euros.

The partnership with RCPL is expected to combine Fazer’s iconic heritage brands, innovative product portfolio, and world’s finest chocolates, with RCPL’s substantial scale and access to nearly 3 million retail outlets across India, as well as deep expertise in the Indian market.

Commenting on the development, Reliance Consumer Products (RCPL) Director T Krishnakumar said, “Partnering with Fazer is a strategic step towards introducing one of the world’s finest chocolates to Indian consumers. This will also accelerate RCPL’s growth in chocolates and confectionery markets. By combining Fazer’s globally trusted brands and manufacturing excellence with RCPL’s local production capabilities, robust distribution network and deep consumer insights, we are well-positioned to bring world-class products to Indian consumers and elevate the overall category experience.”

Elaborating on the deal, Fazer President & CEO Christoph Vitzthum said, “This partnership would be a great opportunity for Fazer to offer our unique products to the fast-growing Indian market. With RCPL handling commercialisation and distribution in India, we could establish a premium position in the chocolate market and lay the foundation for a broader scale nationwide roll-out with a leading and highly capable local partner. Entering the sizeable Indian chocolate market through this strategic partnership could significantly accelerate our international growth.”

Fazer has a focused growth strategy, with continuous expansion and significant international growth targets at its core. With operations in the Nordics and Baltics, Poland, and China, as well as with exports to more than 40 countries worldwide, Fazer already has an established global presence.

Fazer has been actively pursuing opportunities to expand not only organically but also through mergers and acquisitions (M&A), and remains committed to exploring all avenues that enable the company to strengthen its position in both existing and new markets.