The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 got off to a flying start as the very first ball of the tournament was sent racing to the boundary, setting the tone for the Netherlands. Put in to bat at the Sinhalese Sports Club on Saturday, the Dutch side raced to 28 without loss in the first three overs before Pakistan clawed their way back into the Group A opening contest during the latter half of the Powerplay.

Both openers were dismissed as Pakistan tightened the screws, reducing the Netherlands to 50 for 2 at the end of six overs. The highlight of the phase was a spectacular boundary catch to dismiss Michael Levitt, who made a brisk 24 off 15 balls. Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi combined brilliantly, with Babar showing superb athleticism to keep the ball in play before completing the dismissal.

Pakistan’s intensity in the field remained high, and regular breakthroughs saw the Dutch slip to 79 for 3 at the halfway stage of the innings. Sustained pressure and sharp fielding eventually restricted the Netherlands to 147 all out with one ball remaining. Skipper Scott Edwards top-scored with a composed 37 off 29 deliveries, giving his side a total to defend.

Pakistan began the chase positively, with Saim Ayub and Sahibzada Farhan putting the Netherlands bowlers under pressure through fluent strokeplay. Saim struck 24 off 13 balls before falling to Aryan Dutt, but Farhan continued to accelerate, keeping Pakistan comfortably ahead of the required rate.

The Netherlands, however, fought back impressively in the middle overs. Paul van Meekeren turned the game on its head with a double strike, removing the dangerous Farhan just short of his half-century. Roelof van der Merwe then claimed the prized wicket of Babar, who was brilliantly caught by Kyle Klein, swinging momentum firmly in the Dutch favour.

A disciplined bowling spell followed as Pakistan lost five wickets for just 16 runs, suddenly turning a straightforward chase into a tense finish. With 29 needed from the final two overs, the contest hung in the balance.

Faheem Ashraf then produced a decisive counter-attack, smashing three sixes in the penultimate over to wrest back control. Needing just five runs from the final over, Ashraf finished the job with a boundary, sealing a dramatic victory for Pakistan with three balls to spare and condemning the Netherlands to a heartbreaking defeat.

Brief Scores: Netherlands 147 in 19.5 overs (Scott Edwards 37, Bas de Leede 30, Salman Mirza 3-24, Abrar Ahmed 2-23) lost to Pakistan 148/7 (Shahibzada Farhan 47, Faheem Ashraf 29; Paul van Meekeren 2-20, Aryan Dutt 2-33) by three wickets.

Tejashwi Yadav received a grand welcome at the RJD state office in Patna on Saturday on his first visit to the party headquarters after being appointed as the RJD National Working President. Supporters and party workers greeted him with drums and flower showers.

The felicitation ceremony marked the leadership transition within the party.

The handing over of the party’s command to Tejashwi Yadav is being viewed as a generational shift. While Lalu Prasad Yadav will continue in the role of the RJD’s ideological guide, the responsibility for organisational affairs and electoral politics will now rest on Tejashwi Yadav’s shoulders.

Political observers believe that the appointment of Tejashwi as National Working President will infuse new energy into the party, and that the RJD will once again enter the arena with an aggressive strategy in the upcoming Assembly and Lok Sabha elections. This decision is expected not only to shape the future direction of the RJD but also to have far-reaching implications for Bihar’s politics.

Addressing the felicitation ceremony, Tejashwi Yadav said, “I will fight and lead movements firmly against communal forces. I am Lalu ji’s son, and no matter how many conspiracies communal forces may hatch, we will not bow before them. Instead, with strong resolve and with the cooperation of all of you, I will carry forward these responsibilities with full determination.”

He cautioned that everyone must remain alert to the conspiracies being carried out against democracy. He alleged that in the Bihar elections 2025, democracy lost to the rule of money power. He also accused the ruling NDA of using fake cases and legal proceedings against the Opposition to win elections.

However, he said that the morale of party workers remains strong and that the party will return with the same strength.

He urged party members to unite, carry out struggle and movements together, strengthen Lalu ji’s ideology, and work honestly through the party organisation among the poor, the exploited, and the marginalised. He appealed for collective work without discrimination and emphasised standing firmly with the minority community.

Shiv Sena (UBT) Rajya Sabha MP Priyanka Chaturvedi has launched a strong attack on the central government over the controversial UGC guidelines and the recent tariff deal with the US.

She clarified that the politics of polarisation on campuses in the name of social justice was being done, playing with the future of the coming generations.

Defending her outspoken stance on the UGC guidelines, Priyanka Chaturvedi told reporters here that social justice should be inclusive, not divisive. She said, “The kind of polarisation being created on campuses through these guidelines is against the ‘natural course of justice’. This can create major difficulties in the lives of students.” Chaturvedi demanded that after the stay imposed by the Supreme Court, the government should now completely withdraw these guidelines and bring in a clear framework where there is no discrimination against anyone.

The MP expressed gratitude for the public support on this issue, saying that she was surprised by the strength with which the public supported this voice. She pledged that she would continue to raise the issues and fight for justice for the people in the same way. She argued that instead of dividing society into categories of ‘victims’ and ‘oppressors’, the focus should be on clarity and equality.

Not only on education, but Chaturvedi also criticised the government on the economic front. She termed the tariff deal with the US ‘one-sided’. She alleged that it is not a deal on equal terms but a ‘decree’ from America to India. When deals are made with European countries, negotiations on equal terms continue for decades, but here the terms are being imposed.

With the election round the corner, the interim budget of Tamil Nadu for the financial year 2026-27 will be presented in the assembly session commencing on February 17, Speaker M Appavu announced on Saturday.

“The session will begin in the morning, and Finance Minister Thangam Thennarasu will present the interim budget. He will also present the advance demand for grants for the year 2026-27 as well as additional expenditure for the year 2025-26 for approval,” the Speaker told reporters in Tirunelveli.

Since the assembly election is expected in April-May, this could be the last session of the current Tamil Nadu Assembly. The duration of the session would be decided by the Business Advisory Committee (BAC), he said.

Asked about the live telecast of the entire session as is being done in a few states, he said it would be made possible soon, and the Chief Minister too is in favour of it. Only censored versions are telecast in many states, he pointed out.

“In the Tamil Nadu Assembly, live telecast is there for Question Hour with the Ministers’ replies. Soon it would be extended to demand for grants as well. It would be decided by the BAC,” he said and denied the opposition allegation that their speeches are deliberately interrupted in the live telecast. “Each member is given a designated time to present their views, and it is being telecast without any interruption,” he made it clear.

On the ongoing digitisation of Assembly records, Appavu said they are made available online, and anyone can access them.

Security forces achieved a significant breakthrough against Left Wing Extremism in Jharkhand on Saturday with the recovery of a large cache of arms, ammunition and explosive-related material during a joint operation in the Parasnath hill region of Giridih.

Acting on specific intelligence inputs, Giridih police and the Central Reserve Police Force launched a coordinated search operation in the forested terrain adjoining Khukhra police station limits. The inputs were received by Superintendent of Police Dr Bimal Kumar and the Commandant of CRPF’s 154 Battalion, Sunildutt Tripathi.

According to police officials, a joint operational plan was drawn up under the leadership of Additional Superintendent of Police (Operations) Surjeet Kumar, along with senior CRPF officers of the 154 Battalion. The operation focused on the Bhalki hill area near Kanedih village in the Parasnath foothills, a zone long considered vulnerable to Maoist activity.

During the search, with assistance from a Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad, security personnel unearthed weapons and ammunition that had been concealed underground by suspected Maoist cadres. All recovered materials were seized following due legal procedure.

The seized items include eleven .303 bolt-action single-shot rifles, nine .22 rifles, six grenades, one SLR grenade projector, one ammunition box, thirty charger clips and two bundles of electric copper wire.

Addressing the media later in the evening, the Superintendent of Police said the recovery had potentially prevented major subversive activities in the region. He added that further investigation was underway to identify those involved in concealing the arms and to trace their operational networks.

Officials said the operation reflects sustained pressure by security forces on Maoist groups in the Parasnath belt, and that area domination and intelligence-based operations would continue in the coming days.

The joint team involved officers and personnel from Giridih district police and CRPF’s 154 Battalion.

A senior BJP leader, Zishan Haider, has appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to amend the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Act, 2019, passed by the Central government to remove serious practical and theological confusion within the Shia Muslim community.

In a letter to the PM on Saturday, Haider said the Act aims to protect the rights of Muslim women and is a commendable initiative. But the implementation of this Act is causing serious practical and theological confusion within the Shia Muslim community as the practice of instant triple talaq (talaq-e-bidat) does not exist among Shia Muslims.

“Despite this, the same provisions of the current law are being applied equally to Shia Muslims, despite the fundamental differences in marital customs within the Shia community. Consequently, Shia members find themselves subject to punishment under a law that, in practice, is inconsistent with their religious practices,” the letter reads.

The BJP leader said, “Prime Minister, this situation is causing mental anxiety within the Shia community. We request that this law be amended or clarified to take into account the plight of Shia Muslims and protect them from unnecessary legal complications.”
“You are kindly requested to consider appropriate amendments on this issue after consulting legal experts and Shia religious scholars, so that the law is not only just but also respects religious characteristics,” he wrote.

India held their nerve to secure a 29-run victory over the USA in their T20 World Cup opener, successfully defending 161 as the USA were bowled out for 132. The win was powered by a captain’s knock from Suryakumar Yadav and a clinical bowling performance led by Mohammed Siraj, who stepped in as a late replacement for the ill Jasprit Bumrah.

India made an excellent start with the ball, keeping the USA under pressure throughout the first half of the chase. Arshdeep Singh struck early, while Siraj rocked the top order with two quick wickets in the powerplay to leave the USA in early trouble. Varun Chakaravarthy then delivered a key breakthrough in the middle overs, dismissing Milind Kumar with a smart stumping by Ishan Kishan.

Despite a few boundaries from Milind Kumar and Sanjay Krishnamurthi, India’s spinners tightened the screws, conceding very few runs between overs 7 and 12. Hardik Pandya leaked some runs, but overall India maintained control, with Axar Patel and Chakaravarthy keeping things tight.

At the end of 15 overs, the USA were 98/4, with Sanjay Krishnamurthi and Shubham Ranjane attempting to rebuild as India remained firmly in control of the chase.

Earlier, India endured a dramatic start with the bat, losing wickets in a heap during the powerplay. Abhishek Sharma was dismissed for a duck early, while Ishan Kishan provided some momentum with 20 off 16 balls before falling in the sixth over. Tilak Varma (25 off 16) and Shivam Dube (duck) also perished in quick succession, leaving India reeling at 46/4 as the USA bowlers dominated the early phase.

Suryakumar Yadav then anchored the recovery alongside Rinku Singh, but Rinku struggled for fluency and was dismissed for 6 off 13. Hardik Pandya made a brief cameo before departing for 5, as India slipped to 94/6 by the 15th over. Axar Patel added valuable late runs with a quick 14 off 10, while Arshdeep Singh chipped in with a boundary before falling late.

SKY carried the innings with a captain’s knock, accelerating in the death overs with a flurry of boundaries and sixes. He smashed 84 off 49 balls, including a blistering final over, to drag India to a competitive 161/9 in 20 overs after they had been reduced to 46/4 in the powerplay.

Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal on Saturday briefed mediapersons on the interim framework of the US-India trade agreement. Goyal reassured that the interests of Indian farmers have been protected in the trade agreement.

However, the minister sidestepped the big question on India’s purchase of Russian Federation oil. While announcing the trade deal, Trump had claimed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had agreed to stop purchasing Russian oil.

Subsequently, the White House also stated that New Delhi has committed to stopping the import of Russian oil and buying energy products from the United States.

When asked about White House statement mentioning this claim in its statement, Goyal redirected the question to the Ministry of External Affairs. “MEA will give information about it,” the minister said.

The purchase of Russian oil was among the key sticky points in trade deal negotiations. Despite US sanctions on Russian oil, India’s decision to continue sourcing the energy products from Russia reflected New Delhi’s independent decision-making and its historic ties with Moscow.

India, United States unveil framework for Interim Trade Agreement to enhance economic ties

What did MEA say on stopping the purchase of Russian oil?

Shortly after this, the Ministry of External Affairs addressed the issue, saying that “diversifying our energy sourcing in keeping with objective market conditions and evolving international dynamics is at the core of our strategy to ensure this.”

“Insofar as India’s energy sourcing is concerned, the government has stated publicly on several occasions that ensuring the energy security of 1.4 billion Indians is the supreme priority of the government,” the MEA said.

The statement, however, stopped short of ruling out the purchase of Russian oil. “All of India’s actions are taken and will be taken with this in mind,” it added.

According to the joint statement by the Ministry of Commerce and the White House, the United States will apply a reciprocal tariff rate of 18 per cent on goods originating in India, including textiles and apparel, leather and footwear, plastic and rubber, organic chemicals, home decor, artisanal products, and certain machinery.

Subject to the successful conclusion of the Interim Agreement, the US will remove the reciprocal tariff on a wide range of goods identified in the Potential Tariff Adjustments for Aligned Partners Annex to Executive Order 14346 of September 5, 2025 (Modifying the Scope of Reciprocal Tariffs and Establishing Procedures for Implementing Trade and Security Agreements), as amended, including generic pharmaceuticals, gems and diamonds, and aircraft parts.

Union Minister for Forests, Wildlife and Climate Change Bhupendra Yadav has stressed the need for a comprehensive review of India’s tiger conservation policy.

Addressing the inaugural session of the Conference of Chief Wildlife Wardens of Tiger Range States and Field Directors of Tiger Reserves here Saturday, Yadav said, “India has completed 50 years of tiger conservation; this is an appropriate time for a comprehensive policy review.” All policy decisions taken in the 28 meetings of the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) held so far, to identify decisions that have become outdated, those that could not be implemented and those that have been fully executed,” he noted.

Yadav suggested that the policy decisions taken over the last five decades should be consolidated into a formal policy statement, with the issue placed as the first agenda item in the next NTCA meeting. This, he highlighted, would help Tiger Conservation policy to adapt with the challenges being encountered in present times and ensure efficient implementation of conservation measures on ground.

Yadav further said that issues related to tiger population estimation, rescue, and rehabilitation infrastructure, human-wildlife conflict, utilisation of the Tiger Reserve Fund and the need to strengthen tiger conservation foundations require focused deliberation.

He said under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has floated the International Big Cat Alliance, which has 24 member countries so far, while several others have sought observer status. He said that international agencies such as UNDP, IUCN, FAO, CCF, GTF and GSLEP have also expressed interest in entering in association with IBCA. The Minister said that the Union Budget has announced that the first Global Big Cat Summit will be held in India.

Through IBCA, he said, the three major global challenges – increasing warming, desertification of land and loss of biodiversity – can be addressed.

Rajasthan Forests and Wildlife Minister Sanjay Sharma, senior officials of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, NTCA, Chief Wildlife Wardens of tiger range States, and Field Directors of tiger reserves from across the country attended the session.

Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying and Panchayati Raj Rajiv Ranjan Singh said on Saturday that the Haryana breed of cow has earned worldwide recognition. He stated that Haryana is playing a leading role in milk production and is contributing 36 per cent of the country’s total milk output, amounting to approximately 125.42 million tonnes.

The Union Minister urged the Haryana Government to establish cooperative societies in every village to benefit livestock farmers, noting that cooperatives can play a crucial role in increasing milk exports.

Rajiv Ranjan Singh was speaking as the Chief Guest on the second day of the 41st State-Level Livestock Exhibition, held in Kurukshetra on Saturday.

He said that livestock farmers from across the state have brought high-quality animals to the fair being organised on the holy land of Kurukshetra, and their deep affection for animals is clearly evident. He pointed out that the livelihoods of nearly 10 crore people in the country depend on the livestock sector, which has also played a significant role in promoting women’s empowerment.

The Union Minister said that the Central Government has launched several schemes for the development of the dairy sector and that more such initiatives will be introduced in the future. At present, the livestock and dairy sector represent a market worth ₹19 lakh crore.

Referring to past progress, he said that in 2014, the country’s total milk production stood at 146.3 million tonnes. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi recognised the concerns of livestock farmers and gave focused attention to this sector. As a result, Animal Husbandry was separated from the Agriculture Department and established as an independent ministry to accelerate growth.

Due to the Prime Minister’s efforts, India’s milk production has now increased to 248 million tonnes, making the country the largest milk producer in the world. He added that livestock farmers will play a vital role in achieving the goal of Atmanirbhar Bharat.

The Union Minister said that for breed improvement, the Animal Husbandry Department is installing genomic chips in selected animals. These chips provide timely information about diseases and physiological changes and assist scientists in research.

He further stated that under the National Digital Livestock Mission (NDLM), the Central Government is administering Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) vaccines to animals. These vaccines are being provided free of cost in Haryana. Additionally, around 70 mobile veterinary clinics are currently operational across the state.

Samajwadi Party (SP) national president Akhilesh Yadav has levelled serious allegations against the BJP, stating that the party has consistently conspired to misuse certain individuals from a community against that very community.

He said the BJP indulges in politics of targeting, humiliating, and falsely accusing specific communities. The SP president was commenting on the controversy surrounding an OTT series, without naming the film, here on Saturday.

Akhilesh Yadav alleged that the BJP promotes such conspiracies through inflammatory statements, issuing notices related to meetings, and using its financial power to produce advertisements, promotional material, or films.

When controversies arise from these activities, he said, the BJP changes its stance like a chameleon and pretends to take action while shedding crocodile tears. In reality, he added, the party secretly rejoices at the humiliation and oppression of the targeted community.

He said it is not even possible to name the film currently embroiled in controversy, as its title is not only objectionable but also extremely insulting. Writing the name of the film, he asserted, would further serve the BJP’s objective of showing contempt for that community. He clarified that even releasing such a film under a changed name should not be acceptable.

The SP president said that unless the producers involved in such acts suffer financial losses, such films will continue to be made. Those who promote the BJP’s agenda out of greed for money, he said, are—like the BJP itself—loyal only to money and nothing else. He maintained that this issue is not about a violation of “creative freedom” or “creative liberty,” but rather about “creative understanding” and “creative prudence.”

Akhilesh Yadav further said that a film which hurts the sentiments of a particular community or group due to prejudice and as part of a pre-planned conspiracy cannot be termed entertainment. If the objective is not entertainment, he argued, then the hidden agenda behind defaming a community must be exposed, along with the identities of those funding and supporting such destructive activities that damage social harmony.

He said that if “creative freedom” deliberately infringes upon someone’s dignity and reputation, then imposing a complete ban on such malicious creativity cannot be considered a violation of creativity itself. Freedom of expression, he added, is acceptable only so long as it does not harm the honour and human dignity of others.

Yadav said that cinema is considered a mirror of society, but this mirror should not be tarnished or sullied.

Independent MP from Bihar’s Purnea Pappu Yadav’s arrest late Friday night from his Patna residence, after a high-voltage drama, in a 31-year-old case has triggered political outrage, with Opposition leaders alleging political vendetta over his raising of the alleged rape and murder of a NEET aspirant in Patna.

On Saturday, Pappu Yadav was produced before the MP-MLA Court in Patna, where he sought bail citing poor health. The court remanded him to judicial custody and directed that he be provided proper medical care. Later, he was admitted to Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH) for two days.

The next hearing in the case is scheduled for Monday.

Reacting to Pappu Yadav’s arrest, Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi launched a sharp attack on the Nitish Kumar government. In a post on X, he alleged that the Bihar Police arrested Pappu Yadav to intimidate and suppress every voice that demands accountability.

He wrote on X, “The suspicious death of a NEET aspirant in Patna and the subsequent actions have once again exposed the deep rot in the system. When the victim’s family demanded an impartial investigation and justice, the same old BJP-NDA model came into play, diverting the case, harassing the family, and providing protection to the culprits. Fellow MP Pappu Yadav stood firmly as the voice of justice for his daughter. His arrest today is clearly an act of political revenge, meant to intimidate and silence every voice that seeks accountability.”

Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi also came out in support of Pappu Yadav. Writing on X, she said, “From Hathras and Unnao to Ankita Bhandari and now Patna, wherever atrocities against women occur, BJP governments stand with the accused instead of delivering justice to the victim. The arrest of MP Pappu Yadav, who raised his voice in this case, is yet another link in this insensitive approach. The agenda of the BJP and its allies is clear, they stand with injustice and oppression.”

CPI (ML) Bihar state secretary Kunal said that the arrest of Pappu Yadav proves that the state government is using the law not as an instrument of justice but as a weapon of political revenge.

He said, “Since the alleged rape-murder case of the NEET aspirant came to light, Pappu Yadav has continuously stood with the victim’s family, raised the demand for justice on public platforms, and exposed the government’s inaction. Instead of arresting the culprits, bringing out the truth, and ensuring justice for the victim’s family, the government is targeting the Opposition. This arrest sends a dangerous message.”

Australia’s power-hitter Tim David has hinted that he may be eased into action at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, with the team management prioritising his fitness for the business end of the tournament.

David, who missed Australia’s tour of Pakistan due to a hamstring injury that cut short his Big Bash League season, has been cleared to return after a successful rehabilitation. However, the middle-order batter suggested he could miss parts of the group stage as Australia carefully managed his workload.

During a training session at the Colombo Cricket Ground, David was in ominous touch, launching several sixes, including one onto the roof of the Gymkhana Club lounge behind the sightscreen. Despite feeling strong, he acknowledged that caution remains part of the plan.

“I wanted to bat a bit longer, but they just said, ‘Hold your horses for a bit’. There are some management thoughts going around with the (medical staff), but it’s pretty strong, and I’m looking forward to the back end of this tournament,” David told cricket.com.au.

Set to play a key role in the middle order, David also addressed Australia’s struggles against spin during the Pakistan tour and the need to tackle that challenge head-on during the World Cup.

“It obviously comes with responsibility that in this tournament I’ll be batting through the middle, and it’s important that we keep going with the same intent against the spin bowling that we’re most likely going to face,” he said.

David has been a vital cog in Australia’s T20 setup, scoring 1,596 runs in 58 matches, including nine half-centuries and a century. Known for his power, he has already struck 101 sixes and 126 fours in international T20 cricket.

Australia, the 2021 T20 World Cup champions, will open their 2026 campaign against Ireland on February 11, followed by group matches against Zimbabwe (February 13), Sri Lanka (February 16) and Oman (February 20). The top two teams from the group will advance to the Super Eight stage.

The Indian Space Research Organisation’s (ISRO) mobile science exhibition, Space on Wheels, has emerged as a major attraction at the Industry-Institute Interaction–2026 (III–2026), being held from 6 to 8 February at IIT (ISM) Dhanbad. The exhibition has been organised under a special initiative of Vigyan Bharati, Jharkhand.

A state-of-the-art travelling exhibition, Space on Wheels, showcases ISRO’s journey, major scientific milestones, and India’s achievements in space science and technology. The exhibition features key missions such as Chandrayaan and Mangalyaan, satellite launch vehicles, and rocket technologies, along with applications of space-based systems in disaster management, weather forecasting, agriculture, water resources, communication, navigation, and education.

Organisers said that around 8,000 school students from across Jharkhand have visited the exhibition so far. Students actively interacted with models, posters, and audio-visual displays, gaining a clearer understanding of space science and its relevance to everyday life.

During the programme, ISRO Group Director Dr. Shashi Reddy interacted with students and spoke about ISRO’s work culture, upcoming missions, and career opportunities in the space sector.

The students were also addressed by Prof. Sukumar Mishra, Director, IIT (ISM) Dhanbad, Naresh Chafekar, Praveen Ramdas, National Joint Organising Secretary of Vigyan Bharati, and Dr. N. P. Shukla. The speakers encouraged students to develop scientific temper, innovation-oriented thinking, and a commitment to indigenous technological advancement.

Dr. Chandra Shekhar Dwivedi, Secretary, Vigyan Bharati Jharkhand Prant, said that including Space on Wheels in III–2026 was aimed at taking science closer to society. He said such initiatives help spark curiosity among students and inspire them to contribute to nation-building.

The exhibition has drawn interest not only from students but also from teachers and the general public, serving as a link between science, society, and industry, while reinforcing the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat.

Sharad Pawar-led NCP leader Rohit Pawar said on Saturday that he will talk about doubts and suspicions regarding the tragic air crash that killed late Ajit Pawar on February 10, adding that he will also speak about Ajit Pawar’s views on the merger of the two NCPs on February 12.

Rohit Pawar has said that he will speak on the doubts about the accident on the 10th, and also on the 12th, about what Ajit Dada wanted regarding the merger. He also said that he will hold a press conference and talk about Ajit Dada’s wishes, adding that he will also talk about what exactly happened regarding the merger of the two NCPs.

“On February 10, I will present the doubts we have about the air crash to people through a presentation or a press conference in Mumbai. About what Ajit Dada wanted to do about the merger, I will hold a separate press conference in Mumbai on February 12, because it is on that date Ajit Dada had planned to officially announce the merger of the two NCPs,” Rohit Pawar said.

“Everyone has doubts about the air crash. We have some questions in our minds. I will talk in detail about why it happened and how it happened on February 10. I will present some things at a press conference on February 10,” Rohit Pawar said.

“Ajit Dada’s wish was that everyone should come together as a family, and he was also trying to achieve that. Be it Supriya Tai or Pawar Saheb, we were all trying to do the same thing. Our family is coming together once again,” Rohit Pawar said.

Later on Saturday, Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut told media persons, “Rohit Pawar is Ajit Pawar’s nephew and a member of the Pawar family. He has expressed doubts about Ajit Pawar’s air crash. Sharad Pawar-led NCP Lok Sabha MP representing Beed district, Bajrang Sonawane, has even asked if someone planted a bomb on Ajit Dada’s aircraft”.

“Ajit Pawar-led NCP leader Amol Mitkari has also expressed his doubts. Even Ajit Pawar-led NCP leader Chhagan Bhujbal has raised questions about the air crash. But Devendra Fadnavis has begun attacking MLAs from his own Mahayuti alliance and is telling them to keep quiet, saying that it is not right to ask questions. Why is Fadnavis threatening them? If his friends and colleagues have any doubts in their minds, then why are Fadnavis and the BJP in pain?” Sanjay Raut said.

“If Narendra Modi, who is the Prime Minister of the country, sits in Parliament, and people from the opposition party protest inside, Om Birla and the BJP claim that there was a conspiracy to kill him. Is that not politics? If anyone has doubts about Ajit Pawar’s air crash, why are you so upset? Do you have any hand in it?” Sanjay Raut said.

Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi on Saturday visited the forward areas in Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch district and reviewed the operational preparedness of troops deployed there, as well as interacted with personnel at forward locations.

He commended the troops for their high morale and operational readiness.

During the visit, the Army chief also stopped at Kamsar village in Poonch, where he met Subedar (Honorary Captain) Parvez Ahmed (Retired) of 18 Jammu and Kashmir Rifles.

General Dwivedi and the veteran JCO had served together on multiple occasions, including when the Army chief commanded the battalion between 2002 and 2005.

Subedar Parvez Ahmed joined the Indian Army in March 1991 and retired in March 2019 after 25 years of service. Over the course of his career, he served extensively in operational and instructional roles, including tenures as an instructor at training establishments. He also excelled in various specialised courses and was awarded for his service.

Following his retirement, Subedar Parvez Ahmed remained actively engaged with the local community. During Operation Sindoor, he played a significant role in supporting deployed troops by assisting with logistics and local coordination, drawing on his familiarity with the area and long association with the unit. His efforts, carried out at personal risk during periods of heightened tension, earned him recognition from the Army.

In recognition of his continued contribution to society and his support during Operation Sindoor, the Army chief felicitated him with the Veteran Achiever Award during the visit. Family members, ex-servicemen and local residents were present on the occasion.

Several other veterans and civilians, including women and children from the region, also met the Army chief during the visit. The exchanges were informal, reflecting the close bond between serving personnel, former soldiers and civilians in the border districts of Jammu and Kashmir.

For residents of the region, where military service is closely interwoven with everyday life, the visit highlighted the continuing connection between the Indian Army, its veterans and the communities they come from.

Reliance Consumer Products Limited (RCPL) has officially announced that it has acquired a majority stake in Australia-based beverage company Goodness Group Global, marking its entry into the Australian consumer goods market.

As part of the partnership, Reliance Consumer plans to expand the reach of Goodness Group’s brands to new markets, including India. The move strengthens Reliance Consumer’s push into health-led beverages such as low-sugar, functional and hydration drinks.

However, the percentage of the stake and the financial details of the acquisition have not been disclosed.

The partnership further strengthens RCPL’s efforts in developing a health-based beverages portfolio and solidifies its position as a rapidly emerging global FMCG player from India.

RCPL, which has a strong portfolio of healthy beverages like RasKik & Sun Crush juices, zero-sugar carbonated soft drinks, and herbal-natural beverage brand Shunya, has already forayed into key global markets like the UAE, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, Nepal and Sri Lanka. The company is also in the process of expanding its soft drinks brand Campa in several markets.

The Goodness Group, headquartered in Sydney, sells its products across Australia and more than 20 international markets. Its flagship brand Nexba, focuses on gut-health beverages made using plant-based, zero-calorie sweeteners.

“With our strong supply chain and distribution capabilities, RCPL will ensure expansion of GGG’s brands across newer markets and wide availability in India. This move will further help RCPL meet its promise of making the global quality accessible to everyone,” RCPL Director T Krishnakumar said.

“In RCPL, we have found an incredibly strong and sophisticated partner as part of our evolution as we become a global player in up to 50 Western markets over the next five years. This partnership will provide an opportunity for the business to become the global leader in the ‘Better-For-You’ category,” Troy Douglas, Founder of Goodness Group, said.

The acquisition gives Reliance Consumer control of Goodness Group’s portfolio of health-focused beverage brands, including Nexba and PACE. PACE is a hydration drink co-created with Australian cricket captain Pat Cummins, the company said.

Reliance Consumer has been steadily expanding its FMCG footprint beyond India, with operations in markets such as the UAE, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, Nepal and Sri Lanka. The Australia deal adds another overseas market as the company builds a broader global presence in packaged foods and beverages.