Month: February 2026

The BCCI vice president Rajeev Shukla said the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) board agrees with the ICC’s stance on sportsmanship regarding Pakistan’s boycott of their T20 World Cup 2026 group-stage match against India and will comment only after consulting the ICC.

BCCI vice president and Congress MP Rajeev Shukla said, “ICC has issued a big statement, they have spoken about sportsmanship. We completely agree with the ICC. BCCI won’t make any comments on it until we speak with the ICC.”

Rajeev Shukla’s comments come after Pakistan decided to boycott its group-stage match against India in the ICC World T20 World Cup, scheduled for February 15. The Pakistan government said in a post on X that the Pakistan team “shall not take the field” in the match against India.

In an X post on Sunday, the Government of Pakistan stated, “The Government of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan grants approval to the Pakistan Cricket Team to participate in the ICC World T20 2026; however, the Pakistan Cricket Team shall not take the field in the match scheduled on 15th February 2026 against India.”

The Pakistan government did not give any reason for its decision not to play against India.The Indian team is in terrific form ahead of the World Cup and won the five-match T20I series against New Zealand 4-1.

Hours after Pakistan decided to boycott its T20 World Cup group stage clash against India, the International Cricket Council (ICC) said that “selective participation” is not fair with the “fundamental premise of a global sporting event” and that it expects the PCB to explore a mutually acceptable resolution, which protects the interests of all stakeholders.

ICC said in a release that it has noted the statement that the Government of Pakistan has made regarding the decision to instruct its national team to selectively participate in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.”While the ICC awaits official communication from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), this position of selective participation is difficult to reconcile with the fundamental premise of a global sporting event where all qualified teams are expected to compete on equal terms per the event schedule,” the release said.

It said that ICC tournaments are built on sporting integrity, competitiveness, consistency and fairness, and selective participation undermines the spirit and sanctity of the competitions.

“While the ICC respects the roles of governments in matters of national policy, this decision is not in the interest of the global game or the welfare of fans worldwide, including millions in Pakistan. The ICC hopes that the PCB will consider the significant and long-term implications for cricket in its own country as this is likely to impact the global cricket ecosystem, which it is itself a member and beneficiary of,” the release said.

“It expects the PCB to explore a mutually acceptable resolution, which protects the interests of all stakeholders,” the release said further.

Pakistan have a terrible record against India in the ICC T20 World Cups. The two teams have played eight times, with the record standing at 7-1 in India’s favour. The ICC T20 World Cup will begin on February 7.

The PCB chairman and the country’s interior minister, Mohsin Naqv, met Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif last month to brief him on the International Cricket Council’s decision after Bangladesh refused to send their team to India over purported “security concerns”.

The ICC had last month announced that Scotland will replace Bangladesh in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 after the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) refused to participate in the tournament per the published match schedule.

The announcement came after the ICC, in the absence of any credible or verifiable security threat to the Bangladesh national team in India, rejected the BCB’s demand to move its matches from India to Sri Lanka, in the 20-team tournament to be played from February 7 to March 8.

The decision followed an extensive process undertaken by the ICC to address concerns raised by the BCB about hosting its scheduled matches in India. Over more than three weeks, the ICC engaged with the BCB through multiple rounds of dialogue conducted transparently and constructively, including meetings held both via video conference and in person.

As part of this process, the ICC reviewed the concerns cited by the BCB, commissioned and considered independent security assessments from internal and external experts, and shared detailed security and operational plans covering federal and state arrangements, as well as enhanced and escalating security protocols for the event. These assurances were reiterated at several stages, including during discussions involving the ICC Business Corporation (IBC) Board.

The ICC’s assessments concluded that there was no credible or verifiable security threat to the Bangladesh national team, officials or supporters in India. In light of these findings, and after careful consideration of the broader implications, the ICC determined that it was not appropriate to amend the published event schedule. The ICC also noted the importance of preserving the integrity and sanctity of the tournament schedule, safeguarding the interests of all participating teams and fans, and avoiding the establishment of precedents that could undermine the neutrality and fairness of ICC events.

Following its meeting, the ICC Business Corporation (IBC) Board requested the BCB to confirm, within a 24-hour timeframe, whether Bangladesh would participate in the tournament as scheduled. As no confirmation was received within the stipulated deadline, the ICC proceeded in line with its established governance and qualification processes to identify a replacement team.

Scotland are the highest-ranked T20I side not to originally qualify for the tournament. They are currently ranked 14th, ahead of seven teams already in the tournament, Namibia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Nepal, the United States of America (USA), Canada, Oman and Italy.

The defending champions, Team India, are slotted in Group A alongside Namibia, the Netherlands, the USA, and arch-rivals Pakistan. The Men in Blue will play their opening fixture against the USA on February 7, followed by their match against on February 12. (ANI)

Expressing strong criticism of Pakistan’s announcement to boycott the league match against India in the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026, Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) President Sanjay Singh said that the Indian Government, along with players, should also boycott the neighbouring country.

This came after Pakistan decided to boycott its group-stage match against India in the ICC World T20 World Cup, scheduled for February 15. The Pakistan government said in a post on X that the Pakistan team “shall not take the field” in the match against India.

Speaking to ANI, the WFI president said, “The Indian government and our players should also totally boycott Pakistan. There should be a complete boycott.”

Sanjay Singh also hailed the organisation of the Pro Wrestling League (PWL) 2026, which concluded on Sunday.

Speaking about the PWL, the WFI president said the league is progressing as planned, noting that additional preparation time would have helped. He highlighted that motivated wrestlers are producing unexpected results, which he believes will benefit India in international competitions.

“Everything is going as planned. If we had a little more time, it would have been better. The league is going on well… There are unexpected results because our wrestlers are highly motivated. This will benefit us in international tournaments,” Sanjay Singh said.

Coming to the PWL final between Haryana Thunders and Delhi Dangal Warriors on Sunday, Haryana Thunders were crowned champions of the Pro Wrestling League 2026 after a gripping, back-and-forth final that went down to the very last bout against Delhi Dangal Warriors at the Noida Indoor Stadium on Sunday night, according to a release.

With the scores locked at 4-4 after eight bouts, it all came down to the final women’s 62kg clash, where Paris Olympic silver medallist Iryna Koliadenko delivered a masterclass under pressure.

Her emphatic technical superiority sealed a dramatic 5-4 victory and the PWL 2026 title for Haryana Thunders, capping off one of the most intense finals in league history.

Haryana Thunders will take home Rs 1.5 crore prize money along with the PWL 2026 trophy, while the runner-up Delhi Dangal Warriors will receive Rs 75 lakh.

Among the individual awards, Turan Bayramov of Delhi Dangal Warriors received the Player of the Tournament award worth Rs 2.5 lakh for his 7 out of 7 bout wins in the 57 kg men’s category, accumulating a total of 59 points in PWL 2026, while Chandermohan from Punjab Royals was the highest point scorer of the tournament.

Neha Sangwan (Haryana Thunders) won the Player of the Match for keeping the final alive till the last bout, while Ronak (Delhi Dangal Warriors) won Fighter of the Match for his impressive performance in the men’s 125 kg category. Impact player of the match was claimed by Akshay Dhere (Haryana Thunders) for her strong performance in the 57 kg men’s category.

The championship night opened with Delhi drawing first blood through undefeated Turan Bayramov in the 74kg men’s bout, as he raced to an early lead and controlled proceedings for an 8-1 win. Haryana responded immediately in the 76 kg women’s category, where U20 World Champion Kajal Dhochack edged past European Champion Anastasiya Alpyeeva 3-1 to level the tie.

Momentum shifted again in the 65 kg men’s bout when Delhi captain Sujeet Kalkal produced a stunning late surge to defeat World Championships silver medallist Tumur Ochir Tulga 8-6. Haryana answered through their talisman and multiple-time world champion Yui Susaki, who showcased her pedigree with a dominant technical superiority win over Saarika to make it 2-2.

Delhi regained the lead in the 86kg men’s bout as Asian Championship bronze medallist Vafaeipour Hadi Bakhtiar overpowered Ashirov Ashraf 11-0, before Haryana struck back strongly through Akshay Dhere, who overwhelmed Delhi’s Amit Kumar by technical superiority in the 57kg men’s contest.

The heavyweight clash then proved pivotal, with Ronak producing a commanding performance to defeat Anirudh Gulia 12-2, putting Delhi 4-3 ahead. Haryana refused to relent, and Neha Sangwan kept the final alive by pinning Anjali in the 57 kg women’s bout to level the scores once more at 4-4.

With the championship hanging in the balance, Iryna Koliadenko rose to the occasion in the decisive 62 kg women’s bout. Using her experience and composure, the Paris Olympic silver medallist took down Anjli through relentless turn-and-exposure sequences, closing out a 16-0 technical superiority victory to clinch the title for Haryana Thunders and spark celebrations from the Haryana camp.

Haryana Thunders’ title triumph brought the curtain down on a memorable PWL 2026 season, defined by drama, depth, and a final that lived up to its billing in every sense. (ANI)

Israel on Sunday (local time) announced the partial reopening of the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt in a limited, pilot capacity, marking the first such move since the crossing was seized by Israeli forces in May last year, Al Jazeera reported.

According to Al Jazeera, citing Israeli authorities, the crossing has been opened on a trial basis for the restricted movement of Gaza residents.

The Israeli military agency responsible for overseeing aid to Gaza, the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT), said preparations are underway for broader operations, with residents expected to begin passing through the crossing from Monday.

“In accordance with the ceasefire agreement and a directive of the political echelon, the Rafah Crossing was opened today for the limited passage of residents only,” COGAT said, as quoted by Al Jazeera.

The Israeli army said it has completed construction of a designated screening facility that will be used to process Palestinians entering and exiting Gaza via Rafah.

The crossing has remained largely closed for months amid Israel’s prolonged military campaign in Gaza.

Gaza’s Government Media Office said thousands of Palestinians displaced during the conflict are awaiting an opportunity to return. Ismail al-Thawabta, director of the media office, told Al Jazeera that around 80,000 Palestinians who left Gaza during the war are seeking to re-enter the territory.

Meanwhile, Israel announced it would terminate the operations of Doctors Without Borders (MSF) in Gaza, citing the organisation’s failure to submit required details of its Palestinian staff, Al Jazeera reported.

Israel’s Ministry of Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism said the requirement applies to all humanitarian organisations operating in the region.

In December, Israeli authorities said they would bar 37 aid groups, including MSF, from operating in Gaza from March 1 for failing to provide staff information, a move that drew criticism from humanitarian organisations and the United Nations.

At the same time, Israeli military operations continued across Gaza. A drone strike on Sunday killed one person in northwest Rafah city in southern Gaza, according to medical sources at the Nasser Medical Complex, Al Jazeera reported.

Palestinian media identified the victim as 63-year-old Khaled Hammad Ahmed Dahleez.

Another Israeli drone attack was reported in central Gaza’s Wadi Gaza area, resulting in the death of one Palestinian.

The strikes followed Israeli air raids on Saturday that reportedly killed at least 31 people across northern and southern Gaza, as reported by Al Jazeera.

According to Al Jazeera, citing Palestinian authorities, at least 511 Palestinians have been killed and more than 1,400 injured since the US-backed ceasefire came into effect on October 10. (ANI)

Dalai Lama has been awarded the Grammy for his Audiobook ‘Meditations: The Reflections of His Holiness The Dalai Lama’ at the prestigious award ceremony on Monday (Local Time).

The Tibetan spiritual leader, Dalai Lama won the Grammy Award after being nominated alongside Elvis, Rocky & Me: The Carol Connors Story by Kathy Garver, Into the Uncut Grass by Trevor Noah, Lovely One: A Memoir by Ketanji Brown Jackson and You Know It’s True: The Real Story of Milli Vanilli by Fab Morvan.

In response to the award the Dalai Lama’s office posted a message from the Spiritual leader saying, “I receive this recognition with gratitude and humility. I don’t see it as something personal, but as a recognition of our shared universal responsibility. I truly believe that peace, compassion, care for our environment, and an understanding of the oneness of humanity are essential for the collective well-being of all eight billion human beings. I’m grateful that this Grammy recognition can help spread these messages more widely.”

Meanwhile, the musician Yungblud took home the 2026 Grammy for Best Rock Performance with his powerful performance on “Changes”, marking a milestone moment in the British rocker’s career.

“The song, a cover of Black Sabbath’s original, was praised for its raw energy, emotive vocals, and genre-blurring rock sensibilities. Accepting the award, Yungblud honored the late Ozzy Osbourne who originally sang the track, joined by a tearful Sharon Osbourne,” noted the Grammy’s website.

Rapper Kendrick Lamar has won the Best Rap Album Grammy Award 2026. The singer paid tribute to the “hip hop” in his acceptance speech at the prestigious award ceremony.

At the 68th Grammy Awards, Kendrick Lamar bagged the Best Rap Album for his performance in GNX.

During his acceptance speech, the rapper paid tribute to Hip Hop, saying that the art skill of Hip Hop is ever-present.”It is hip-hop as usual, man. I’m not good at talking about myself, but I express it through the music. It’s an honor to be here. Hip-hop is going to always be right here. We are going to be in these suits looking good, having our folks with us. We are going to be having the culture with us. So I appreciate y’all. God is to glory. Love y’all,” said Kendrick Lamar in his acceptance speech as quoted by Variety.

With this, Kendrick Lamar now holds the title of the most awarded rapper at the Grammys, reported The Hollywood Reporter.

The 2026 Grammys, hosted by Noah in his final year as emcee, is currently broadcasting from Los Angeles’ Crypto.com Arena. (ANI)

Shiv Sena (UBT) mouthpiece Saamana on Monday raised concerns over the “hasty” appointment of Sunetra Pawar as the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra following the demise of her husband Ajit Pawar, and termed it a “second shock” allegedly orchestrated by Home Minister Amit Shah and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

In an editorial, Saamana said that the State did not gain its first woman Deputy CM by “individual administrative merit”, but rather by the political manoeuvres of the higher authorities, just days after the funeral of former Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. It added that the public has mixed reactions to the same.

“Maharashtra had not even recovered from the shock of Ajit Pawar’s demise when Amit Shah and Devendra Fadnavis’s political manoeuvres delivered a second shock. Before the ashes of Ajit Pawar’s funeral pyre could even cool, Sunetra Ajit Pawar took the oath as Deputy Chief Minister. Public sentiment on this has been mixed. Some expressed that Maharashtra has gained its first female Deputy Chief Minister, but this post was not earned through individual administrative merit; thus, the question of who orchestrated this event remains before all of Maharashtra,” the editorial read.

Quoting NCP (SP) Chief Sharad Pawar and MP Supriya Sule, who said they had no information about the decision, Samaana questioned Sunetra Pawar for not informing the family before taking the oath. Calling it a low in politics, Samaana attributed it to the BJP leadership.

“Sharad Pawar responded calmly, stating, “I have no information regarding Sunetra Pawar’s swearing-in. Her party is independent, and after Ajit Pawar, people like Patel and Tatkare are handling the reins.” Supriya Sule gave a similar reaction. This means Sunetra Pawar reached Mumbai with her two sons the very next day and headed to Raj Bhavan to take the oath without letting the family catch a whiff of it. In Ajit Pawar’s own words, “Politics has currently become extremely low,” and the architects of this politics are the current BJP leadership,” Samaana accused.

The editorial said that the swearing-in ceremony “does not fit within the framework of Hindutva”, given that the ceremony was held during the mourning period in the Pawar family. Samaana questioned the haste in making the decision, despite the inevitable leadership vacuum in both the party and the state.

“Whether to make Sunetra Pawar the Deputy Chief Minister or something else is entirely her and her party’s decision. The party belonged to Ajit Pawar, and it was under his leadership that the faction of MLAs joined the government. Therefore, questions about the party’s future and leadership after his death were inevitable. Mushrif claimed that “leadership was handed to Sunetra Pawar in haste so that workers and MLAs wouldn’t go astray after Ajit-dada.” Even if Mushrif’s point is accepted, one fact remains significant: the Nationalist Congress is in an alliance with the ‘Sanatani’ ideology-driven BJP, and holding such a ceremony while the house is in mourning (Sutak) does not fit within the framework of Hindutva,” it noted.

Samaana presented an alternate perspective, which it claimed to be “the reality.” It said that the death of NCP chief Ajit Pawar piqued ambitions among some to claim the position, especially Praful Patel and Sunil Tatkare. Samaana alleged that Sunetra Pawar was thus put in charge in order to “prevent the ‘Pawar-Patil’ party from becoming a ‘Patel’ party.”

“The reality is different. Instability arose in the party after Dada’s death. With the guardian and protector gone, there was a sense of being orphaned. Consequently, the ambitions of some individuals surged, and a race for the Deputy Chief Minister’s post began. There is a conflict between Praful Patel and Sunil Tatkare. To prevent the “Pawar-Patil” party from becoming a “Patel” party, some people rushed to place Sunetra Pawar on the sub-throne,” the editorial stated.

The editorial further described the party as a boat, with CM Fadnavis controlling the engine and Deputy CM Sunetra Pawar steering it, expressing uncertainty about the survival of “captain” Ajit Pawar’s party.

“This does not mean Ajit Pawar’s party will survive or function in the future. The captain of the boat has gone into the open sea, and everyone on board is trying to steer it in their own way. Will placing Sunetra Pawar in the boat help it escape the storm? The fact is, the engine of this boat belongs to Fadnavis, and the ‘remote’ for that engine is also with Fadnavis,” said Samaana.

The editorial further said that the 2029 Assembly Elections will be “Sunetra Pawar’s real test”, alleging that before the elections, many MLAs from the Eknath Shinde and Pawar parties will migrate to the BJP. It said that amid the Patel and Tatkare’s struggling to win elections, Shinde and Pawar factions will “only be able to maintain their existence through the mercy of Fadnavis.”

“It is important to understand the future of the Shinde and Ajit Pawar factions. While there is time for the next Lok Sabha elections, it is certain that the BJP will contest the 2029 Assembly elections “100 percent” on its own strength. Before that, many MLAs from the Shinde camp and Ajit Pawar’s party will migrate to the BJP. That will be Sunetra Pawar’s real test. When Patel and Tatkare struggle to win their own elections, how will they ensure the victory of other party candidates? Therefore, the parties of Shinde and Sunetra Pawar will only be able to maintain their existence through the mercy of Fadnavis,” the editorial noted.

Samaana further underscored late Ajit Pawar’s extensive portfolio, exceptional leadership skills, and independent standing, stating that Sunetra Pawar’s handling of the Chief Ministership is yet to be seen.

“Sunetra Pawar’s Deputy Chief Ministership should not remain a mere showpiece. If she can demonstrate leadership, hard work, extensive public contact, and a refusal to completely bow down to the BJP–much like Ajit Pawar–she might create an independent standing. The post of Deputy Chief Minister has no constitutional recognition, but the portfolios held are what matter. Ajit Pawar held crucial departments like Finance and Planning, which allowed for the open distribution of funds to MLAs and workers. He also spent heavily during elections and managed the various affairs of his followers. How Sunetra Pawar handles this remains to be seen,” Samaana noted.

Criticising what it called ” the agenda of Amit Shah and Fadnavis” — to not allow the merger of the two Nationalist Congress Parties — Samaana said that Sunetra Pawar will have to drive through the challenges and not become a “dumb doll.”

“As soon as a window is opened, toxic insects enter along with the air–Sunetra Pawar will experience this too. It is possible she will not become a “dumb doll” but work effectively. If she does, the difficulties for Patel, Tatkare, and Bhujbal will increase. Sunetra Pawar is not Ajit Pawar. Ajit Pawar had respect and affection for Sharad Pawar, which is why discussions and the process for merging the two Nationalist parties had begun. A final decision was to be made after the Zilla Parishad elections, but Ajit Pawar passed away before that. Patel and Tatkare do not want a merger. This is the ‘agenda’ of Amit Shah and Fadnavis,” the editorial asserted.

Samaana concluded the editorial by congratulating the Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar and raising questions about the political landscape in Maharashtra and the Pawar family amid rapidly shifting dynamics.

“The passing of Ajit Pawar has increased the confusion in the Pawar family and state politics. Many people have a vested interest in ensuring this confusion remains unresolved. What happens next remains to be seen. Maharashtra has gained its first female Deputy Chief Minister–congratulations to her! As for the mourning period, it comes and goes. How can politics be stopped? Politics has truly become extremely low-level,” the editorial noted. (ANI)

Gold prices witnessed a sharp crash of around 20 per cent over the last two days, as extreme volatility gripped the commodity markets, according to data from the Multi-Commodity Exchange.

Gold prices continued their decline on Sunday, the budget day, with 24-carat gold on the MCX falling to Rs 1,36,185 per 10 grams. The precious metal had opened the session at Rs 1,46,800 per 10 grams, reflecting sustained selling pressure and sharp intraday swings.

Gold prices have become highly volatile, with sharp price swings in recent sessions. On Saturday, gold had already seen heavy pressure, closing lower by around 5.4 per cent at Rs 1,69,470 per 10 grams for 24-carat gold in the domestic commodity market.

The weakness was also visible in global markets, where international gold prices declined by over 9 per cent to USD 4,887 per ounce, adding to the pressure on domestic prices.

Selling pressure extended to the silver market as well. Silver prices on the MCX declined to Rs 2,65,900, marking a fall of around 9 per cent in a single-day session on Sunday. The sharp correction came after strong weekly gains seen over the past two months.

Market experts said a large number of investors had entered gold and silver trades over the last two months, attracted by the sharp and consistent price rises. These gains were partly driven by leveraged positions, which benefited from weekly increases in gold and silver prices.

Ajay Bagga, Banking and Market Expert, told ANI, “The meltdown of Jan 29th/30th would have hurt these positions. Long-term investors, who are Indian households, will continue to hold. But let us keep the discourse measured and avoid the leverage. “I told you so” tones of talking down to those who were caught in levered trades and are sitting on unsustainable losses.”Underlying long-term factors such as central bank buying, debasement of fiat currencies, government fiscal deficits, and rising demand for silver from the EV, AI, and renewable energy sectors remain intact.

Bagga cautioned that no one can accurately forecast short-term price movements, adding that the recent fall wiped out nearly two months of gains in just two days, an outcome few had anticipated.

While speculation exists around large institutional activity triggering the fall, experts said such theories remain unverified.

Investors were advised to maintain a measured approach, remain polite towards those facing losses, and reassess their asset allocation.

Bagga suggested that investors with a 10-15 per cent portfolio allocation to gold and silver may continue to hold, while those uncomfortable with volatility could consider liquidating their positions.

Commodity market downturns can be prolonged, but holding over a reasonable period may still deliver satisfactory returns, and short-term noise should not distract investors from long-term financial goals. (ANI)

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) vice-president Rajeev Shukla hailed the Kerala Cricket Association (KCA) for the organisation of the India vs New Zealand 5th T20I on Saturday. He also noted that Team India’s form against New Zealand bodes well for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 Cricket World Cup.

India defeated New Zealand by 46 runs in a high-scoring affair in the fifth and final T20I of the five-match T20I series. Ishan Kishan (103 runs off 43 balls) and Suryakumar Yadav (63 off 30 balls) stood out for the hosts.

Speaking to ANI, BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla praised the KCA and the Greenfield International Stadium, and lauded India’s strong performance against New Zealand, highlighting Ishan Kishan’s form. Rajeev Shukla also noted Sanju Samson’s technical skill despite his poor series, and expressed optimism about India’s chances in the World Cup.

“The Kerala Cricket Association has done a good job and I think it’s a very good stadium to host international matches. Winning this series means that our boys are in form and our performance in the World Cup is going to be really good,” the BCCI VP told ANI.

“Ishan Kishan performed very well. Sanju Samson is a very good batsman. Unfortunately, in this series, he can’t do much, but he is very good, but technically, he is very sound…The Indian team’s performance against New Zealand was really good, and it shows that their performance in the World Cup is also going to be really good. I’m very optimistic that we are going to win the World Cup,” Rajeev Shukla added.

Coming to the match, a 43-ball 103 by Ishan Kishan, strong support from skipper Suryakumar Yadav (63 runs off 30 balls) and a five-wicket haul by Arshdeep Singh (5/51 in 4 overs) powered India to a dominant 46-run win over New Zealand in the fifth T20I. India posted a massive 271/5 after opting to bat, with Ishan Kishan sharing a 137-run partnership with Suryakumar.

Chasing 272, New Zealand fought back through Finn Allen’s explosive 80 off 38 balls, but lost momentum as Arshdeep and Axar Patel (3/33 in 4 overs) struck at regular intervals. Arshdeep claimed his maiden T20I five-for as New Zealand were bowled out for 225 in 19.4 overs. The win helped India clinch the five-match T20I series 4-1. (ANI)

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday chose to wear a handwoven Kancheevaram silk saree from Tamil Nadu ahead of her presentation of the Union Budget 2026 in Parliament.

For her record ninth consecutive budget presentation, Sitharaman’s sartorial choice reaffirmed a tradition that has quietly evolved into a cultural statement.

The Finance Minister’s saree featured a purple kattam (checked) body with light golden-brown checks, a coffee-brown border with thread work, and a mustard-gold pallu panel accented by violet and gold borders. She teamed the drape with a wollen shawl

Known for their lustrous silk and intricate craftsmanship, Kancheevaram sarees are among India’s most celebrated handlooms.

A native of Tamil Nadu, Sitharaman chose to pay homage to her home state, which is holding Assembly elections this year. The Union Minister has kept with tradition in continuing to emphasise handwoven fabrics and artisan-made crafts in her Budget Day saree choices.

Since her first budget in 2019, when she wore a bright pink Mangalagiri saree, Sitharaman has showcased handlooms from across the country.

These include a yellow-gold silk saree in 2020, a Pochampally Ikat in 2021, Odisha’s Bomkai in 2022, Karnataka’s Ilkal in 2023, and two distinct weaves in 2024- Mangalagiri silk for the full budget and a blue Tussar silk saree with Kantha embroidery for the interim session.

In 2025, she wore an ivory Madhubani hand-painted saree gifted by Padma Shri awardee Dulari Devi.

On Sunday morning, Sitharaman was seen leaving Kartavya Bhavan for Rashtrapati Bhavan carrying her trademark red bahi-khata, introduced in 2019, before presenting the Union Budget for 2026-27 at 11 am, accompanied by senior finance ministry officials.

Sitharaman is set to present her record ninth consecutive budget today at 11 am in the Lok Sabha. (ANI)

US President Donald Trump said that China is “welcome” to buy Venezuelan oil and India already “made” a deal to buy the oil.

Addressing reporters aboard Air Force One, he said, “China is welcome to come in and make a great deal on oil. We’ve already made a deal. India is coming in, and they’re going to be buying Venezuelan oil as opposed to buying it from Iran. So, we’ve already made the concept of the deal.”

“We’ve already made a deal. India is coming in and they’re going to be buying Venezuelan oil as opposed to buying it from Iran. We’ve already made a deal. India is coming in and they’re going, we’ve already made that deal, the concept of the deal. But China’s welcome to come in and buy oil,” he added.

The Indian government has not yet responded to Trump’s comments yet.

Earlier, US President Donald Trump said that Venezuela has offered Washington “50 million barrels of oil” worth USD 5.2 billion, and he has agreed to that deal.

Addressing the press on the renaming of Southern Boulevard to Donald Trump Boulevard, Trump said, “We’re dealing with the new President. We’re dealing with a lot of the people who are running the country…They said, we have 50 million barrels of oil, and we have to get it processed immediately because we have no room. Will you take it? I said, we’ll take it. It’s equivalent to USD 5.2 billion.”

Trump further commended the “great relationship” with the Venezuelan interim government, formed after the US captured former Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in a military operation.

“We’ve had a great relationship with the people who are currently the Interim President and everybody else. A lot of pressure has been released,” he said.

After Maduro’s capture, Trump had made it clear that Washington would “run” Venezuela during a transition and needs “total access to the oil and to other things in their country.”

Trump’s comments also confirms recent report of New York-based news outlet Semafor that the US has made its first sale of Venezuelan oil valued at USD 500 million.

According to the Semafor report, revenue from the oil sales is currently being held in bank accounts controlled by the US government, as indicated in Friday’s order, according to the administration official. The main account, according to a second senior administration official, is located in Qatar. (ANI)