At a meeting here with Central observers for the forthcoming Assembly elections, Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar on Friday asked them to ensure that the electoral exercise is held as per the law and the instructions of the Election Commission of India (ECI).

Briefing meetings were held in three batches on Thursday and Friday at the ECI for 1444 officers, including 714 general observers, 233 police observers and 497 expenditure observers for the Assembly polls in Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal.

The observers were briefed on various aspects of preparation of electoral rolls, conduct of elections, and expenditure, information technology and media-related matters. They were also given a demonstration of the EVMs.

CEC Gyanesh Kumar, along with Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi, briefed the third batch of central observers, on the second and final day of the briefing meetings. The ECI also interacted with the observers in a doubt-clearing session.

The CEC reiterated that elections are held as per the law and cautioned there is no scope of deviation. He impressed upon the observers to follow the ECI’s instructions. He also informed that in addition to the new initiatives already taken by the Commission in the past one year, certain new initiatives are being taken for the coming Assembly elections. He called upon the observers to ensure free, fair and transparent elections.

In his address, Election Commissioner Sandhu said that the Central observers have a big responsibility on their shoulders and when they are on the field, the observers are the representatives of ECI. He called upon the officers to observe highest levels of conduct while carrying out their duties and ensure a level playing field for all.

Addressing the observers, Dr. Vivek Joshi called upon them to promptly address the grievances and complaints received by them. This, he said, helps build the trust of the people and the political parties in the electoral process. He also apprised them about the various new initiatives taken by the Commission in the past one year, which, he said were successfully implemented during the Bihar Assembly elections.

The Uttar Pradesh government has taken the problem of stray dogs and the increasing incidents of dog bites in the state very seriously.

Taking concrete steps on this issue related to public safety, the state government has expedited the process of establishing dog shelter homes and Animal Birth Control (ABC) centers in municipal corporations and district headquarters.

Giving priority to this at the government level, the processes of land identification, budget allocation, and project approval are being advanced simultaneously. It is noteworthy that the Supreme Court had issued guidelines in this matter.

The state government’s objective is to resolve the stray dog issue in a humane, scientific, and sustainable manner. It believes that an effective system of dog shelter homes and ABC centers will ensure the safety of the general public on one hand, and strengthen animal welfare on the other.
The dog shelter homes will be developed alongside the ABC centers, already operating or proposed in municipal corporation areas. Each municipal corporation has been directed to provide suitable land and complete the necessary administrative formalities expeditiously. The government has clarified that this entire process is being carried out in accordance with the Supreme Court guidelines and animal welfare standards.

Officials here on Friday said that the UP government has directed the preparation of a separate Detailed Project Report (DPR) for dog shelter homes.

According to the proposals received, the estimated cost per shelter home ranges from ₹470 lakh to ₹531 lakh. The Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) include all important aspects such as the capacity of the shelter home, infrastructure, veterinary facilities, food, sanitation, security arrangements, and deployment of trained staff. These DPRs have been given in-principle approval at the government level, and the next phase of the process has now begun in accordance with the Supreme Court’s directives.

Love is in the air, and if your wallet is feeling light, don’t worry. Delhi is full of hidden gems, quirky cafes, serene gardens, quirky streets perfect for a Valentine’s Day that’s romantic, fun, totally affordable.

Forget the overpriced restaurants and crowded malls. Here is how you can steal a memorable date for under ₹1000.

Coffee, chai & food

If you want a low-key date that still feels special, nothing beats sipping warm drinks with someone you like.

Javed ki Famous Nihari – Okay, hear me out. It’s winter (just about) and nothing says “I care” like sharing a bowl of spicy, soul-warming nihari. Bonus: it’s totally budget-friendly.

Humayunpur Cafes – Go adventurous with Nepali or North Eastern cuisine and sip on boba tea. Cheap, cheerful, and absolutely Instagram-worthy.

AMA Cafe, Majnu Ka Tilla – Himalayan vibes, cozy corners, and cute candids for your social feed. Long chats guaranteed.

Triveni Terrace Cafe – Rooftop feels, low prices, and enough space to talk without feeling rushed.

Cha Bar, Connaught Place – Chai and chatter after a little shopping or park walk.

Street Food Crawl – Chandni Chowk, Old Delhi, or Lajpat Nagar. Momos, chaat, jalebis, kulfi; all under ₹500 for two if you pace yourselves.

And then, share a dessert or two instead of ordering full meals. Cheap, sweet, and intimate. Thank us later.

Walks, gardens & nature

Want romance without spending a fortune? Delhi’s greenery (whatever is left) is your best friend in this AQI.

India Gate at night – Grab a homemade snack picnic, sit by the fountains, enjoy the lights, and maybe sneak a selfie together.

Sunder Nursery – Cheap entry, wander lakesides, hidden paths, and gardens. Take photos, talk, relax. Cheap thrills.

Dilli Haat (INA) – Regional foods, colourful stalls, fun shopping. Expect to spend around ₹700 for two and still have some for chai.

Sarojini Nagar – Shopping for summer clothes or quirky finds. Because nothing says fun like bargaining together.

Garden Hopping – Buddha Jayanti Park, Talkatora, or Kamla Nehru Ridge. Free, quiet, and perfect for sunsets.

Cycling Dates – Rent a bike in Nehru Park or Deer Park. Add a mini picnic mid-ride for extra points.

Also Read: No creams, no filters: Just curd and turmeric | Acharya Balkrishna’s take on hand tanning

Art, street walks & hidden museums

For couples who love culture or Instagram moments:

Street Art in Lodhi Colony – Colourful murals, fun poses, and no entry fee. Follow it with tea at a nearby cafe.

Mini museums – Crafts Museum or Rail Museum. Entry under ₹100 per person. Small but charming and perfect for curious minds.

Craft & DIY Workshops – Pottery, painting, or other fun classes for ₹400-₹700 each. Create something together to remember the day.

Music & performance vibes

Add a little live energy to your Valentine’s Day without emptying your pockets:

Live music at cafes – Find some low-cost acoustic nights in your neighbourhood. Romantic + easy on budget.

Open Mic or Poetry Nights – Entry ~₹200–₹300. Bonus: you can read a poem together (or embarrass each other, up to you).

Interactive & creative fun

Want your date to be memorable, interactive, and full of giggles?

Couple Sketch Challenge – Draw each other in the park or cafe. Supplies ₹100. Memories priceless.

Photo Treasure Hunt – Pick 5 to 6 fun spots around Delhi (murals, monuments, quirky alleys). Take photos at each. Cheap, creative, and Instagram-ready.

Board Games in Cafes – Some cool cafes out there let you play for free or with a small coffee bill. Total fun for ₹300-₹400 for two.

Romantic moments without spending much

Some of the sweetest experiences are free.

Rooftop Sunset Watch – Any safe terrace with drinks (~₹150 each). Instant magic.

Monuments by Night – India Gate, Red Fort, Connaught Place lit up. Walk, talk, soak it all in.

DIY Star Gazing – Qutub Minar lawns or Aravalli Ridge. Bring a blanket, maybe a telescope, and just lie under the sky.

Keep it simple, keep it cozy, and let the memories do the magic.

The Silver Jubilee Maha Milan of Indian Navy Batch 01/2001 was organized recently at Puri temple town with around 450 batch-mates from different parts of the country coming together to mark 25 years of friendship, service, and shared experiences in the Indian Navy.

The first day of the event focused on welcoming all the batch-mates and reconnecting with former instructors of INS Chilka (2001 batch).

It was a deeply emotional occasion as the gathering also paid tribute to the departed batchmates by observing two minutes of silence, honouring their memory and sacrifice.

On the second day, the batchmates visited INS Chilka, where they had undergone their initial naval training. The visit brought back fond memories of their early days in service. The Commanding Officer of INS Chilka hosted a warm welcome and lunch for the group. A memento was presented to INS Chilka by the batch representatives as a mark of respect and gratitude.

The celebrations concluded with a colourful and lively Gala Night, adding joy and festivity to the Silver Jubilee reunion. The event was conducted by the Navy veterans of Batch 01/2001 from Odisha. Sujit Giri, Sushil Kar, Taraprasad Behera, Prakash Kumar Swain, Sujit Misra, Debadatta Das, Bibhu Jena, Sukant Behera, Thakur Jena, and Sushil Patra were among the key organisers of the event.

The Allahabad High Court ordered immediate release of builder Abhay Kumar, who was arrested by the police in a case of software engineer Yuvraj Mehta’s death after falling into a pit in Noida.

The decision was delivered by a division bench of Justices Siddharth and Jai Krishna Upadhyay on Friday.

Petitioner builder Abhay Kumar had filed a habeas corpus writ petition in the Allahabad High Court. The court accepted the writ petition.

In compliance with the order of February 3 on the petition filed by the engineer, a counter-affidavit was filed in the High Court by the AGA on behalf of the investigating officer of the case, which the court took on record.

In his petition, Abhay Kumar had requested the court to issue an order or direction to the respondents to produce and release the petitioner from their illegal custody.

The petition stated that the petitioner’s arrest, detention, and remand should be declared illegal, void, and invalid.

His counsel submitted to the court that the requirement of Clause 13 of the arrest memo was not followed in this case, nor was the petitioner informed of it before the arrest.

The court observed that the arrest rules were disregarded in this case.

Considering this, the court directed the concerned authorities to immediately release Abhay Kumar.

The court directed the AGA to immediately inform the concerned authorities about this order to ensure its compliance and not to wait for the certified copy of the order to be issued.

27-year-old software engineer Yuvraj Mehta was drowned in a Noida ditch on January 18 night when he was returning home from his office Guguram.

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini said that the state has played a significant role in the country’s food security. However, with changing times, agriculture and the rural economy are facing several new challenges, including declining groundwater levels, deterioration of soil health, shrinking landholdings, climate change and rising cost of production.

He emphasized that these challenges cannot be addressed through conventional methods alone, but require innovation, technology and strong institutional financial support.

The Chief Minister released the NABARD State Focus Paper for the year 2026-27, in which Haryana’s priority sector credit potential has been assessed at over ₹3.67 lakh crore, reflecting an increase of about 17 percent compared to the previous year. During the event held on Thursday, the Chief Minister also felicitated several committees for their commendable performance.

Speaking on the occasion, he said rural prosperity is not possible without making agriculture profitable. Therefore, there is a need to implement the principles of “more production with less land” and “Per Drop – More Crop” in practice.

He further said that just like credit facilities, infrastructure is equally crucial for rural development. Irrigation, storage, warehousing, rural roads, electricity and digital connectivity form the foundation of development.

Saini informed that special focus would be given to Smart Agriculture Zones in the upcoming budget, and separate clusters are being developed for this purpose. Clusters for kinnow, guava, strawberry, litchi and other horticulture crops are being created to encourage farmers to shift from traditional farming to modern agricultural practices. He also urged farmers to adopt sugarcane cultivation as part of crop diversification.

He said that the state government is making concerted efforts to strengthen the linkage from “soil to machine and farm to market” so that farmers can get better market access for their produce as well as fair and remunerative prices.

The Chief Minister urged banks to ensure that timely, simple and transparent credit facilities reach every eligible farmer so that our food providers can become self-reliant and free themselves from the clutches of middlemen. He said that NABARD is playing a significant role in this direction and is continuously supporting the development of agricultural and rural infrastructure.

The Chief Minister stated that MSMEs, Self-Help Groups, women entrepreneurship and cooperative institutions play a crucial role in strengthening the rural economy. He said 710 PACS are functioning in Haryana and cooperative banks have been computerized. Farmers have complete faith in PACS, but in recent times there have been concerns regarding their functioning.

He emphasized that it is necessary to restore farmers’ trust in PACS as they play a vital role in rural development.

Saini said Haryana is consistently taking several steps to realize Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of “Sahkar se Samriddhi”. He added that through the “Meri Fasal Mera Byora” portal, information regarding farmers’ cultivation has been uploaded. The state government ensured the availability of fertilizers as per farmers’ demand, curbed black marketing of fertilizers and saved approximately ₹700 crore in subsidies.

The Chief Minister said all of us together have to fulfill the resolve of “Viksit Bharat – 2047.” Banks have a significant role in this mission. He urged all banks to provide easy credit facilities so that farmers can become self-reliant. He stated that the path to “Viksit Bharat” passes through “Viksit Haryana” and that through the collective efforts of NABARD, banks, the State Government and all stakeholders, Haryana will be developed in such a way that prosperity reaches the last person in queue.

NABARD Chief General Manager Nivedita Tiwari informed that NABARD has assessed Haryana’s Priority Sector Lending potential for 2026-27 at ₹3.67 lakh crore, which is 17 percent higher than the previous year. Out of this, ₹1.32 lakh crore has been earmarked for the agriculture sector and ₹2.11 lakh crore for the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector.

She stated that the state government is working in coordination with banking and financial institutions to empower farmers, entrepreneurs and the rural economy so as to achieve the goal of “Viksit Haryana – Viksit Bharat.” She added that NABARD is laying special emphasis on women empowerment.

She further informed that under the Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF), NABARD has so far sanctioned ₹18,393 crore for rural infrastructure development in Haryana, out of which ₹14,066 crore has been released. These funds are being utilized in sectors such as roads, irrigation, renewable energy, grain storage, drinking water, sanitation and electricity.

She said that the State Focus Paper 2026-27 has prioritized areas such as crop diversification, water conservation, micro-irrigation, horticulture, value addition, climate-resilient agriculture, strengthening of Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), promotion of rural MSMEs, renewable energy and social infrastructure in order to realize the vision of “Sahkar Se Samriddhi.”

The Chief Secretary of the Union Territory of Ladakh, Ashish Kundra, on Friday underlined the necessity of providing institutional support for the establishment of an Integrated Command and Control Centre in Leh, aimed at enhancing real-time coordination, communication, and disaster response capabilities.

The chief secretary chaired a meeting of the Ladakh Disaster Management Authority (LDMA) to review disaster preparedness, mitigation measures, and disaster initiatives in the UT.

The meeting was attended by the GOC of Army’s Fire and Fury Corps, Lt General Hitesh Bhalla, Lt General Chhabra, officers from Air Force, BRO, ITBP and Police. Officers from NDMA joined online.

During the meeting, Administrative Secretary, Disaster Management, Shashanka Ala, made a detailed presentation outlining Ladakh’s hazard profile, with special emphasis on earthquake and flash flood risks.

The presentation also included a rainfall and snowfall report of Leh town, along with an overview of the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) Acts and their implementation.

The meeting deliberated on several key agenda items, including the procedure for seeking post-disaster relief, a review of relief and reconstruction works undertaken by DDMA Leh, and the proposal for preparing a shelf of projects under the proposed Disaster Mitigation Fund of UT Ladakh.

The Chief Secretary emphasised the need to further strengthen disaster mitigation and preparedness mechanisms across the UT. He stressed the importance of robust inter-agency coordination and directed that the Army, Air Force, and Border Roads Organisation (BRO) should operate through an integrated control room to ensure a coordinated and effective response during emergencies.

He stressed the need for identification of disaster vulnerable spots and also modalities of mitigation and relief operations. He stressed upon the need for an integrated disaster management plan which would incorporate requirements of the Army, BRO, ITBP and other agencies.

He also urged the police to create a unified disaster mitigation force including civil defence, home guards and ex-servicemen. He underscored the need for identification of helipads and temporary landing grounds for helicopters in the eventuality of disaster.

The meeting further discussed decisions and approvals sought from the State Executive Committee (SEC), with emphasis on timely action and adherence to established disaster management protocols.

Amid the massive operation of the security forces to flush out the hiding Pakistani terrorists from the mountains of the Jammu region, Home Minister Amit Shah arrived late last night here for a two-day visit during which he will visit the border posts and also hold a security review meeting. He will take stock of the security situation at two border posts along the India-Pakistsn border.

The home minister was received at the airport by Lt. Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. “Arrived in Jammu for a two-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir. Here, along with reviewing security and development works, I will inspect the Gurnam and Bobia BOPs on the border and inaugurate several welfare schemes for the soldiers,” he wrote on X.

“I will also have the privilege of meeting families of martyrs who made the supreme sacrifice for national security and handing them appointment letters”, he added.

‎The Trinamool Congress (TMC) on Friday accused the Election Commission of India (ECI) of overseeing “massive deletions” from the voter list in West Bengal, alleging that the removals were the result of a “mysterious faulty software” deployed by the poll authority.

‎In a statement, TMC Rajya Sabha MP Saket Gokhale said ECI officials had now acknowledged that software-related errors were responsible for the deletion of names of legitimate voters from the electoral rolls. He asserted that the issue had been repeatedly raised over the past several months by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and TMC national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee.

‎“Finally, even ECI officials accept that massive deletions in the Bengal voter list happened due to a mysterious faulty software,” Gokhale said. “This has been pointed out by our leaders for months, and yet Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar has remained silent.”

Questioning the functioning of the alleged software, Gokhale sought clarity on its origin and continued use. “Who made this mysterious software for ECI that deletes legitimate voters? Why has ECI not stopped using this software despite knowing that it’s faulty,” he asked.

‎The TMC MP further alleged political interference in the functioning of the poll body, accusing the BJP of influencing the Election Commission. “After failing in their attempts to manipulate the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) on the ground, BJP-controlled ECI is using a software to delete voters while sitting in Delhi by bypassing election officials,” Gokhale said, describing the alleged actions as “dirty tricks of the highest level.”

‎The allegations came amid heightened scrutiny of the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls, a routine exercise undertaken by the Election Commission to update voter lists by removing duplicate, shifted or deceased voters and enrolling newly eligible electors. The process often draws close attention from political parties, particularly ahead of elections, amid concerns that errors could lead to voter disenfranchisement.

‎The Election Commission has not issued a detailed response to Gokhale’s claims so far. In earlier instances, the ECI has maintained that electoral roll revisions are conducted strictly in accordance with established procedures, with multiple layers of verification involving booth-level officers and representatives of political parties.

‎The TMC has called for greater transparency from the Election Commission and demanded that the use of the alleged software be halted until a full explanation is provided.

The tragic death of a biker in the national capital due to an “open pit” has caught the attention of the Congress party, and its Delhi unit has demanded “impartial investigation.”

“Kamal was returning home from his office in Delhi. An open pit on the way became the cause of his death. This pit had been dug by the Delhi Jal Board but was neither covered nor barricaded, nor was any warning sign put up,” said the Delhi Congress on Friday.

“A few days ago, a 27-year-old engineer, Yuvraj, had also died after falling into a water-filled pit in Noida. These are not accidents, but gross negligence by the system. Strict action should be taken against the guilty officials, and the entire matter should be impartially investigated,” the party said.

Delhi Congress also questioned the “Smart City” claim of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

“Amid claims of ‘Smart City,’ the BJP’s incompetent system is taking the lives of ordinary people,” it added.

Meanwhile, on Friday, Delhi Minister Parvesh Verma visited the site in west Delhi’s Janakpuri where the biker lost his life after falling into a pit at the Line Rehabilitation Project area on Thursday.

“Visited the Janakpuri accident site where sewer line work was underway. The tragedy is deeply regretted and our thoughts are with the grieving family. Executive Engineer, AE and JE have been suspended with immediate effect. Strict action is being taken against the responsible agency. Delhi Jal Board has constituted a high-level Inquiry Committee to fix responsibility,” the minister said.

Nearly a month after software engineer Yuvraj Mehta drowned when his car fell into a water-filled pit in Sector 150, Noida, Kamal died on Thursday night after his bike fell into a pit reportedly dug for construction work linked to the Delhi Jal Board and left open without guardrails, barricades, or warning signs.

The Raja Saab OTT Release Date and Platform: Prabhas’ latest Telugu film, ‘The Raja Saab’, which had a rollercoaster ride at the theatres earlier this year, is now streaming on OTT. And yes, fans, it comes with juicy bonus footage that you couldn’t see in cinemas!

When and where to watch The Raja Saab on OTT

JioHotstar has grabbed the digital rights, and the film officially hits the platform on February 6. The OTT giant teased the release on X (formerly Twitter) multiple times, giving fans a glimpse of what’s coming.

What’s more, this is not just a simple upload. the online version is an extended cut, featuring extra sequences that didn’t make it to the big screen.

The RajaSaab Aagamanam!

Welcoming India’s Biggest Superstar Home!

– https://t.co/PBGGisyaDg#TheRajaSaabOnJioHotstar #TheRajaSaab #StreamingNow #JioHotstar pic.twitter.com/TyOdJFSXq1

— JioHotstar Telugu (@JioHotstarTel_) February 5, 2026

Also Read: The Raja Saab leaked online: Prabhas-starrer appears on 5movierulz, 1tamilmv; police hunt mystery operator Naveen

According to the streaming service, these scenes were left out of theatres because of last-minute technical hurdles.

Now, fans can finally enjoy the “full” ‘Raja Saab’ experience, including moments that were impossible to show earlier.

Why the hype is real: Fans crash JioHotstar servers

Despite a mixed box office response, the OTT premiere has created waves. So much so that JioHotstar reportedly had to upgrade its servers to handle the surge in viewers. A report by Onmanorama mentioned that a four-minute sequence showing Prabhas’ older look, one of the hot talking points during the trailer drop, is included in the streaming cut.

Filmmaker TG Vishwa Prasad, who produced the film, revealed that this scene was initially cut due to technical glitches, preventing last-minute corrections before the theatrical release. Now, fans finally get the full spectacle, complete with a look at Prabhas fans have been buzzing about for months.

The Raja Saab cast

‘The Raja Saab’ isn’t just about Prabhas; it’s a full-on star parade. He is joined by three female leads: Malavika Mohanan, Riddhi Kumar, and Nidhhi Agerwal. Bollywood heavyweight Sanjay Dutt plays the menacing main villain, while veteran actors Boman Irani, Zarina Wahab, and comedian Brahmanandam add extra punch.

Even with the OTT release, the film continues its theatre run. This racks up worldwide earnings of over Rs 208.39 crore, according to Sacnilk.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on Friday announced a series of measures aimed at strengthening customer protection, enhancing digital payment safety and curbing mis-selling of financial products, alongside its latest monetary policy decision.

Mis-selling financial products and services by any Regulated Entity (RE) has significant consequences for both customers as well as the RE. There is a felt need to ensure that third-party products and services that are being sold at the bank counters are suitable for customer needs and are commensurate with the risk appetite of individual clients, RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra said.

“It has therefore been decided to issue comprehensive instructions to REs on advertising, marketing and sales of financial products and services. The draft instructions in this regard shall be issued shortly for public consultation,” he said.

Further, the Governor also talked about the review of the framework of Limiting Customer Liability in digital transactions.

The extant instructions on limiting the liability of customers in unauthorised electronic banking transactions were issued in 2017, which deal with scenarios and timelines for zero / limited liability of a customer, he said.

“In view of the rapid adoption of technology in the banking sector and payments systems, since the issuance of these instructions, the existing instructions have been reviewed. Accordingly, the draft revised instructions, including a framework for compensation in case of small value fraudulent transactions, shall be issued shortly for public consultation,” the Governor added.

He also highlighted that over the past decade, digital payments in India have expanded at an unprecedented pace, reflecting a structural shift in the way individuals and businesses conduct financial transactions.

However, it has been accompanied by the growing sophistication of fraudulent activities targeting innocent customers.

In alignment with the objective of promoting digital payments in a safe and secure manner, it is proposed to issue a Discussion Paper exploring the introduction of calibrated safeguards in digital payments, such as the introduction of lagged credits, additional authentication for a specific class of users, like senior citizens, etc, the governor said.

The proposed measures are intended to mitigate fraud and strengthen customer protection.

Delhi Capitals head coach Jonathan Batty felt gutted after her team suffered its fourth straight final loss as Royal Challengers Bengaluru put on a spectacular show to chase down 204 runs to clinch their second title in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 title clash played at BCA Stadium (Kotambi).

Batty felt the batters did their job well, carrying the momentum from the eliminator to record the highest first-innings score at Vadodara, but it was disappointing to end on the losing side once again.

“It’s really tough to take. Having played so well in the Eliminator earlier in the week, and coming into this game with momentum, putting a really good score on the board, I was proud of the way we went about our business with the bat. Twenty overs in, you think, ‘Okay, it’s a good score; if we bowl well here, we’ve got a very good chance.’ It’s really disappointing to come out on the wrong end of it again. But full credit to RCB; obviously, those two batters, Georgia Voll and Smriti, played absolutely fantastically,” Batty said in a post-match presser.

Despite the loss, Batty heaped praise on the team’s fightback at the end and taking the match to the last over, where RCB needed ten runs to win the match.

“I’m really proud of our team’s effort to still be in the game there, where it looked like it was drifting for a period of time, to still be in that last over and lose with only two balls to go – I think we showed a lot of fight, a lot of heart. But I think the game kind of summed up our season, that we did certain bits really well and other bits kind of fell away at times as well.”

The head coach also lauded Jemimah Rodrigues for the way she led the team throughout the tournament, leaving a mark in her captaincy debut. “Hugely proud of Jemi. I think, particularly losing the first couple of games of the tournament, she was probably under quite a bit of pressure there. She brought her energy and her experience to the table. Obviously, batting-wise, she contributed a lot of runs as well through the tournament. I thought she made outstanding decisions as captain throughout the whole tournament.”

“Her leadership grew and grew as we went through it as well. So, I’m really proud of the effort she’s put in. She’s thrown her heart and soul into this season. So, I’m looking forward to seeing where she takes that over the next few years as well,” Batty added.

India’s teen batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi on Friday smashed the second-fastest century in the U19 World Cup when he smashed the 55-ball hundred in the final against England here at the Harare Sports Club.

His century was laced with six boundaries and as many maximums, making him the second-fastest centurion in U19 World Cup history, beating Qasim Akram of Pakistan, who brought up his ton in 63 balls against Sri Lanka in 2022. Will Malajczuk of Australia currently hold the record of the fastest U19 World Cup century with his 51-ball 100 against Japan in 2026.

Moreover, Suryavanshi became the fastest Indian player to score a century in U19 World Cup history. He broke the previous record held by Raj Angad Bawa, who had reached a hundred in 69 balls against Uganda in 2022. The 14-year-old batter also became the third Indian to score a century in the U19 World Cup final.

Sooryavanshi also has the most sixes for anyone in a Youth ODI innings and U19 World Cup innings (15), surpassing his own 14 against UAE U19 at ICCA Dubai in December.

The batter from Bihar notched up his 150 off just 171 balls, the fastest in U19 cricket, bettering the 98 balls taken by Ben Mayes (ENG) vs SCOT at the same venue earlier in the competition.

Suryavanshi stitched the 142-run second partnership with captain Ayush Mhatre (53) and established a 89-run stand with Vedant Trivedi before his dominating knock (175 off 80) in the history of the U19 World Cup came to an end in the 26th over.

While writing this report, India are comfortably placed at 275-3 in 29 overs with Vihaan Malhotra (10*) and Vedant Trivedi (22*) batting.

Suryavanshi is currently India’s leading scorer in the U19 World Cup, having amassed 264 runs at an average of 44 and a strike rate of 147.49. In January, he had captained the Indian U19 side to a commanding 3-0 away Youth ODI series win over South Africa in Benoni, leading from the front in his maiden assignment as junior national team captain.

At least thirty-one people were killed and more than 160 injured in a deadly blast at an imambargah in Pakistan’s capital Islamabad, said reports. The blast was reported at Imambargah Khadijah al-Kubra located in southeastern Islamabad’s Tarlai Kalan area, during Friday prayers today.

Islamabad Capital Territory Police Spokesperson Taqi Jawad said that it was too soon to ascertain the nature of the blast. However, he said that the indications pointed to the attack being carried out by a suicide bomber. Also, some sources to Pakistan local media suggest the attacker was linked to Fitna al-Khawarij. Reportedly, the attacker blew himself up after being stopped at the Imambargah gate.

As of now, the site of explosion has been sealed off completely by security personnel, confirmed the district administration spokesperson. Also, Pakistan Army troops and Rangers have started security operations in and around the site of the blast.

Injured shifted to nearby hospitals

Multiple emergency teams have been rushed to the site of explosion to carry out rescue operations. The injured are being shifted to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS).

To ensure proper medical treatment is proided to the injured, several assistant commissioners have been rushed to the nearby hospitals where the victims are being shifted to supervise the medical care of the injured.

Follwoing the explosion, an emergency has been imposed at the federal capital’s Polyclinic, Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (Pims), and CDA Hospital on the directives of the executive director (ED) Pims, as per local media reports. Due to the sudden increase in the number of admissions at the hospitals in the federal capital, the victims are also being taken to hospitals in other parts of Islamabad and Rawalpindi.

Pak Prez calls it ‘crime against humanity’

President of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari has expressed deep grief over the loss of lives in the explosion, and extended condolences to the families of the deaceased. In a statement posted by the PPP on social media platform X, the President said, “Targeting innocent civilians is a crime against humanity”. He also wished for the fast recovery of those injured in the incident and directed that all possible medical facilities be provided to them.

Also, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry expressed sorrow over the loss of lives and called the attack a “cowardly act”. He wrote on scoail media: “Such acts of terrorism cannot dampen the morale of the nation. The need of the hour is that we all stand united for peace, tolerance, and stability, and express solidarity with law enforcement agencies.”

Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan said that Pakistan can make a “U-turn” any time regarding their decision to boycott their ICC T20 World Cup 2026 group-stage match against India, scheduled for February 15 at Colombo.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Irfan Pathan said Pakistan may reverse their decision to boycott the India match, but questioned their ability to challenge India. Pathan noted India’s recent dominance over the arch-rivals, including three wins over Pakistan in the 2025 Asia Cup.

“In the group stages, you won’t see any challenges. Pakistan has decided to boycott the match against India, but that U-turn can happen anytime now. Even if they make a U-turn, will they be able to give us a challenge? If you look at the previous World Cup or previous matches between India and Pakistan, it does not look like Pakistan can challenge India. Not once or twice, India have beaten Pakistan thrice in the 2025 Asia Cup. India have total dominance over them” Irfan Pathan said on his YouTube channel.

Pathan’s comments come amidst uncertainty over the India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup 2026 match, scheduled for February 15, at Colombo’s R Premadasa Stadium.

Notably, Pakistan decided to boycott its group-stage match against India in the T20 World Cup after the Pakistan government posted on X that the Pakistan Team “shall not take the field” in the match against India without providing any reason. Following the Pakistan Government’s decision, the International Cricket Council (ICC) issued a statement saying that “selective participation” is not fair to the “fundamental premise of a global sporting event” and that it expects the PCB to explore a mutually acceptable resolution that protects the interests of all stakeholders.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Thursday strongly condemned Pakistan’s decision to boycott their February 15 ICC T20 World Cup 2026 group-stage clash against India, terming it “against the sportsmanship of any sport.”

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 final at the BCA Stadium in Vadodara, Joint Secretary of BCCI, Prabhtej Singh Bhatia, called the decision “very wrong” and expressed confidence that the International Cricket Council (ICC) would take strict action.

“This is against the sportsmanship of any sport. This is a very wrong decision by Pakistan. I am sure the ICC will take very strict action, and we will wait for the ICC’s decision,” Bhatia said.

Earlier on Thursday, India T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav said that the Indian team is fully prepared for the anticipated clash against arch-rivals Pakistan. Speaking during the Captains’ media briefing in Colombo, Suryakumar stressed that India’s approach remains unchanged despite Pakistan’s boycott.