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T20 World Cup: India’s Top Bowler Harshit Rana Ruled Out With Knee Injury, Replaced By Siraj

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India seam bowler Harshit Rana has been ruled out of the Twenty20 World Cup with a knee injury, India’s cricket board (BCCI) announced on Friday, with Mohammed Siraj named as a replacement.

Rana, who has also developed into a handy lower-order batter, sustained the injury during a warm-up match against South Africa on Wednesday when he bowled just one over before leaving the field.

Skipper Suryakumar Yadav had said that Rana’s injury did not look good but that they had enough depth in the squad to deal with it.

Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh are likely to share the new-ball duty, while India also have seam-bowling all-rounders in Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube.

“It’s a big blow obviously because you make a squad of 15 players with a lot of combinations in mind,” Suryakumar said ahead of Saturday’s Group A contest against the United States.

“If he is not available for us going forward, then we will set other combinations. We have enough players…”

The International Cricket Council said they had approved Siraj as a replacement for Rana.

India are bidding to be the first team in the tournament’s history to successfully defend their title and also be the first host to win a T20 World Cup.

INDIA SQUAD

Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wicketkeeper), Ishan Kishan (wicketkeeper), Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel (vice-captain), Rinku Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy, Washington Sundar, Mohammed Siraj

Cricket: India Clinch U19 Cricket World Cup Title For Record Sixth Time

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India have clinched the U19 Cricket World Cup title for a record sixth time, beating England by 100 runs in the final of the U-19 World Cup 2026 in Harare, Zimbabwe, last evening.

After winning the toss and opting to bat first, India were propelled by a stunning, record-breaking masterclass from Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who scored 175 off just 80 balls. Skipper Ayush Mhatre contributed a crucial 53, while Abhigyan Kundu added 40, guiding India to a massive total of 411 for nine in the stipulated 50 overs.

Vaibhav Suryavanshi was named both Player of the Match and Player of the Series. For England, James Minto claimed three wickets, while Sebastian Morgan and Alex Green took two wickets each, and Manny Lumsden picked up one.

Chasing India’s imposing target of 412, England were bowled out for 311 in 40.2 overs. Caleb Falconer top-scored for England with 115, supported by Ben Dawkins’ 66. India’s bowlers then sealed the victory, with RS Ambrish taking three wickets, Deepesh Devendran and Kanishk Chouhan two wickets each, and Khilan Patel and Ayush Mhatre picking up a wicket apiece.

It is a historic win for the Ayush Mhatre-led India side, marking the largest margin of victory in terms of runs in a U19 World Cup final.

President Droupadi Murmu, Vice President C P Radhakrishnan and Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Indian Cricket Team for winning the Under-19 ICC Men’s World Cup 2026. In a social media post, President Murmu congratulated the team for winning the title record sixth time and remaining undefeated throughout the tournament.

The President noted that the team made the country proud with its dominant performance. President Murmu also wished the talented young players a very bright future ahead.

Meanwhile, the Vice President congratulated the team on winning the cup. He appreciated Vaibhav Sooryavanshi for his record breaking innings in the World Cup Final. Mr Radhakrishnan also extended his wishes to Captain Ayush Mhatre and the entire team on this proud moment for the country.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also extended his best wishes to the Under-19 Indian Cricket Team on winning the World Cup. Mr Modi commended players for showcasing their exceptional skills throughout the tournament.

The Prime Minister wished the players for their upcoming endeavours and said that this win will inspire several young sportspersons.

Centre Releases Over Rs. 1100 Cr to Strengthen Panchayati Raj in Telangana, Madhya Pradesh and Punjab

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The Central Government has released more than 11 hundred crore rupees as Fifteenth Finance Commission grants to strengthen Panchayati Raj Institutions, Rural Local Bodies in Madhya Pradesh, Punjab and Telangana during this financial year.

The Ministry informed that for Madhya Pradesh, over 652 crores rupees have been released as the second instalment of United Grants for the financial year 2024-25. The funds will benefit all 52 eligible District Panchayats, 312 eligible Block Panchayats and over 23 thousand eligible Gram Panchayats in the State.

A Fund amounting to 222 crores rupees for Punjab has also been released as the first instalment of United Grants for the current financial year. These funds will support over 13 thousand eligible Gram Panchayats, 150 eligible Block Panchayats and 22 eligible District Panchayats across the State.

In addition, for Telangana, more than 256 crores rupees have been released as the first instalment of United Grants for the financial year 2024-25, benefiting over 12 thousand eligible Gram Panchayats.

Telangana: Senior IFS Officer PCCF Vinay Kumar appoints as Chief Wildlife Warden

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The Telangana state government today, (February 6, 2026), issued orders appointing PCCF Mr. Vinay Kumar, a 1992 batch IFS officer, as the Chief Wildlife Warden of Telangana state. He will be assuming his new responsibilities shortly.

With over three decades of experience in forest administration, he has previously served in various key positions in the Forest Department, Rural Development, and Irrigation departments.

He served as the Project Director of the Adilabad DPAP project and as Conservator of Forests, and also held the position of Commissioner – Irrigation and Command Area Development in the undivided Andhra Pradesh government.

He served as the Field Director of the Amrabad Tiger Reserve in Telangana and also acted as the State Project Director for projects implemented with the support of the World Bank and JICA. For his contributions to the sustainable management of water resources, he was honored as the first runner-up for the United Nations ‘Water for Life’ award in 2014.

On this occasion, Vinay Kumar said, “We will fulfill the responsibilities entrusted by the government with commitment, prioritizing wildlife conservation and public safety, and further strengthening forest conservation measures.”

India Energy Stack (IES) Taskforce releases version 0.3 Strategy and Architecture Documents

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The Ministry of Power today announced the release of Version 0.3 of the India Energy Stack (IES) Architecture and Strategy documents, marking another step in the development of a digital public infrastructure for India’s power sector.

The India Energy Stack aims to create a common digital framework that helps different stakeholders — including utilities, system operators, market participants, innovators, and consumers — securely exchange data and interact using shared standards and protocols. This approach is intended to improve coordination, transparency, and efficiency across the energy ecosystem.

The updated Version 0.3 documents reflect ongoing work to design, test, and refine the framework through phased development and consultation. The IES initiative is being advanced through ecosystem collaboration, pilot implementation, and eventual national rollout to support a more reliable, flexible, and future-ready power system.

Importantly, the India Energy Stack is expected to benefit consumers and prosumers by giving them greater control and participation in the energy ecosystem. Through consent-based data sharing and interoperable digital services, consumers can access improved energy services, compare offerings, and participate in programmes such as demand response or EV charging. Prosumers — who both produce and consume electricity — can more easily monetise surplus energy, verify transactions, and engage in energy markets. By enabling trusted measurement, verification, and settlement at scale, the framework can help households, businesses, and community groups participate confidently and benefit economically from their energy choices.

The meeting reviewing Version 0.3 was attended by Taskforce Chairman Dr. Ram Sewak Sharma (Former Director General, UIDAI; Former CEO, National Health Authority; Former Chairman, TRAI); Sh. Pradeep Kumar Pujari (Vice Chair, Distinguished Fellow, FSR Global; Former Chairman, CERC; Former Secretary, Power); Sh. Pramod Verma (Co-founder, FIDE; Former Chief Architect, Aadhaar); Shri Abhishek Ranjan (CEO, BRPL); Shri Vikram Gandotra (President-Elect, IEEMA); Shri Vikram Dhaka (Representative, MNRE); Shri Swetha Ravi Kumar (Executive Director, FSR Global); Dr. Rahul Tongia (Senior Fellow, CSEP); Shri Reji Pillai (President, ISGF); and Shri Pranav Tayal (Director, Ministry of Power), among other dignitaries.

The initiative is steered by REC Limited as the Nodal Agency, working closely with the Ministry of Power and supported by FSR Global as the Knowledge Partner.

The India Energy Stack (IES) project is scheduled to be completed by July 2026.

Telangana Forest Dept issues key guidelines for movement of tiger

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The Forest Department has issued several important advisories regarding the movements of a tiger roaming in the border areas of Siddipet, Yadadri Bhuvanagiri, and Jangaon districts.

This tiger, which came from the Pandavakhara division of Maharashtra, entered Telangana in late November 2025, spent a few days in the Kawal Tiger Reserve, and is now moving to other areas.

This morning, tiger footprints were found on the outskirts of Mandelagudem village in Raghunathapalli mandal, prompting authorities to issue warnings in the villages. Officials advised residents not to go out alone at night and to travel only in groups if necessary.

The Forest Department requested farmers not to use live electric fences and to keep their livestock in sheds. They also stated that compensation would be provided to those who suffer livestock losses, as per the rules. Residents were advised to immediately inform forest or police officials if they spot the tiger.

U19 World Cup Final: Vaibhav Suryavanshi Smashes Second-Fastest Ton In History: India set England target of 412 runs

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India’s teen batting sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi on Friday smashed the second-fastest century in Under-19 World Cup history, bringing up his hundred off just 55 balls in the final against England at the Harare Sports Club.

His knock was laced with six boundaries and as many sixes, making him the second-fastest centurion in U19 World Cup history. He surpassed Pakistan’s Qasim Akram, who had reached his century in 63 balls against Sri Lanka in 2022. Australia’s Will Malajczuk currently holds the record for the fastest U19 World Cup century, having scored a 51-ball hundred against Japan in 2026.

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

The Bihar-born batter also holds the record for the most sixes in a Youth ODI innings and in a U19 World Cup innings, smashing 15 maximums to surpass his own previous record of 14 against UAE U19 at ICCA Dubai in December.

Suryavanshi brought up his 150 off just 71 balls, the fastest in U19 cricket, bettering the 98 balls taken by England’s Ben Mayes against Scotland at the same venue earlier in the competition.

He stitched together a 142-run second-wicket partnership with captain Ayush Mhatre (53) and later added 89 runs with Vedant Trivedi before his dominant knock of 175 off 80 balls came to an end in the 26th over.

At the time of writing, India were comfortably placed at 275 for 3 in 29 overs, with Vihaan Malhotra (10 not out) and Vedant Trivedi (22 not out) at the crease.

Suryavanshi is currently India’s leading run-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.

Lok Sabha adjourned amidst protests from the opposition parties over various issues

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Lok Sabha has been adjourned for the day following opposition protests on various issues. When the House met after the first adjournment at 12 noon, the opposition members, including those from Congress, TMC and DMK again trooped into the well and shouted slogans against the government.

The Presiding Officer requested members not to disrupt the proceedings of the House and they should go back to their seat and allow the House to function. Amidst the opposition’s uproar, the concerned Ministers laid the papers of their Ministries.

Despite repeated appeals of the chair, the opposition members continued with their protest, following which the House was adjourned for the day.

The Discussion on the Union Budget 2026-27 was listed in the business of the House but could not be taken up. The House will now meet on Monday at 11:00 AM.

Earlier, when the Lok Sabha assembled for the day, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla tried to take up Question Hour but the opposition members started sloganeering.

Mr Birla expressed concern over the behaviour of the opposition members and appealed to them to allow the House to function. He said that more than 19 hours of the House were wasted so far due to disruptions in the proceedings of the House.

The Lok Sabha Speaker accused the opposition of deliberately creating disruptions in the House. He urged members to maintain the dignity and decorum of the House and other members should be allowed to speak during Question Hour.

Mr Birla said, the people of the country have elected the members for meaningful discussion in the House but the opposition members are disturbing the House by shouting slogans and displaying placards.

The opposition members continued with their protest, leading to the adjournment of the House till 12 noon.

New Delhi: RBI Keeps Policy Repo Rate Unchanged At 5.25 Percent

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The Reserve Bank of India has decided to keep the repo rate unchanged at 5.25 per cent. Announcing the sixth and final bi-monthly monetary policy for the current fiscal, RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra said the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) has unanimously decided to keep the policy repo rate unchanged at 5.25 per cent.

Consequently, other rates will also be unchanged. RBI had reduced Repo rate by 25 basis points in December 2025.

RBI has revised outlook for CPI inflation in first Quarter of 2026-27 to 4 percent and second Quarter to 4.2 per cent. In December, the Central bank projected it at 3.9 per cent and 4.0 per cent, respectively.

The governor said that the slight upward revision in the inflation outlook is primarily due to an increase in prices of precious metals, which contribute about 60-70 basis points. RBI has also revised real GDP growth projections for first Quarter of 2026-27 to 6.9 per cent and second Quarter to 7.0 per cent.

After the last meeting of the Monetary Policy Committee, RBI has projected real GDP growth for first Quarter at 6.7 per cent and the second Quarter at 6.8 per cent. RBI has proposed to issue draft guidelines on limiting liability of customers in unauthorised electronic banking transactions.

The Governor said that, under these guidelines, the RBI is planning to introduce a framework to compensate customers up to an amount of 25000 rupees for loss incurred in small-value fraudulent transactions.

The Governor added that, Bank will also publish a discussion paper on possible measures to enhance the safety of digital payments which may include lagged credits and additional authentication for specific classes of users like senior citizens.

The Reserve Bank is also planning to issue draft guidelines relating to mis-selling and regarding the recovery of loans and engagement of recovery agents. Under this, the RBI will issue comprehensive instructions to regulated entities on advertising, marketing and sales of financial products and services.

RBI has also decided to review and harmonise all the extant conduct-related instructions on engagement of recovery agents and other aspects related to recovery of loans.

RBI will also announce revised draft guidelines for Lead Bank Scheme, Kisan Credit Card Scheme and the Business Correspondent Model.

Govt Sanctions Rs 573.77 Cr For 6-Lane External Port Connectivity Road In Andhra Pradesh

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The Central Government has approved 573.77 crore rupees for the construction of a six-lane external port connectivity road to Machilipatnam Port in Andhra Pradesh. Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari made the announcement about the decision on the social media platform X.

The project will link the NH-65 and NH-216 junction to Machilipatnam Port via the Machilipatnam bypass of NH-216. It will provide seamless access to the national highway network.

The road will cut freight turnaround time, ease traffic congestion, and improve logistics efficiency. The approved works include a six-lane main carriageway, service roads, three flyovers, and an overpass-cum-railway overbridge.

Reacting to the decision, Deputy Chief Minister K. Pawan Kalyan thanked the Central Government and said the project would boost logistics, reduce freight time, and strengthen Andhra Pradesh’s economy.