In the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, South Africa and Afghanistan engaged in an intense Group D match at the Narendra Modi Stadium. After two thrilling innings, the match was forced into a double super over before the Proteas eventually won.

With the squad aiming for their first victory of the competition, Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan chose to field after winning the toss.

Afghanistan took full advantage of the early morning circumstances, which helped the bowlers somewhat, and held the South African batsmen in check for the opening three overs.

The first goal came from Fazalhaq Farooqi, who cleverly used a slower throw to snare South Africa skipper Aiden Markram in mid-off.

However, Quinton de Kock and Ryan Rickleton’s strong partnership quickly turned the tide of the match in South Africa’s favor. The left-handed duo amassed 116 runs off of just 61 balls, tearing up the Afghan bowling attack.

Rickleton was outstanding, hitting 61 from just 28 balls, including four sixes and five boundaries, while De Kock completed his fifty with a graceful pull shot, ending at 59 off 41 deliveries.

By dismissing both de Kock and Rickleton within three balls, Rashid was able to momentarily stop the run-flow, but cameos from David Miller (20 not out) and Dewald Brevis (23) allowed South Africa to record a respectable 187/6.

Rahmanullah Gurbaz was in full force as Afghanistan got off to a fantastic start in the chase. The squad quickly reached 50 in just four overs thanks to the opener’s two fours and three sixes.

In response, South Africa took three fast wickets, with Kagiso Rabada dismissing Sediqullah Atal and Lungi Ngidi dismissing Ibrahim Zadran and Gulbadin Naib, bringing Afghanistan down from 51/0 to 52/3.

Gurbaz persisted in his assault, striking hard and hitting seven sixes and four fours to reach a fifty off 26 balls. Afghanistan had 93/3 at the 10-over point, maintaining the pressure on the Proteas.

Gurbaz’s devastating blow was finally stopped by George Linde, but Rashid Khan (20) and Azmatullah Omarzai (22) maintained the pace.

Afghanistan needed 13 runs to win the match, which came down to the last over. Afghanistan managed to scrape to 187 after Kagiso Rabada’s over started badly with a no-ball and a wide, but a critical run-out compelled a thrilling super over.

Afghanistan was the first to bat in the first super over. Against Linde and Ngidi of South Africa, Azmatullah and Gurbaz scored an incredible 17 runs together, with Azmat’s long-range six and a deft boundary through backward point serving as highlights.

Tristan Stubbs cleared Nabi’s outstretched hand, leveling the super over and forcing a second one after South Africa’s Brevis responded with a massive six off Farooqi.

With Miller and Stubbs walking out to set up a target for the Afghans, South Africa proceeded confidently in the second super over, thinking they had the match to win.

By hitting a slower-ball off-cutter over deep mid-wicket for six, Stubbs gave South Africa a head start. In order to keep the strike going for Miller, he quickly singled.

Miller then grabbed control, hitting a huge six off a length delivery outside off with a brilliant loft over deep mid-wicket and then another huge six off an off-pace length ball right after. Two more runs were scored after a poorly timed pull, but South Africa’s momentum persisted.

By the last delivery, Miller had swung the balance decisively in the Proteas’ favor by flicking a yorker-length ball between long-on and deep mid-wicket for a well-taken two, bringing South Africa’s second super over total to 23 runs. Afghanistan now had a formidable goal of 24 to chase.

Mohammad Nabi and Rahmanullah Gurbaz were sent out by Rashid to chase the total, but Keshav Maharaj, the spin ace for South Africa, maintained his composure admirably.

Nabi misjudged a lofted shot to Miller at the backward point, causing him to fall early. Gurbaz was left to bear the burden of the pursuit by himself.

The Afghan opener reduced the equation to four needed off the final ball with a stunning exhibition of power hitting, hammering three successive sixes in a display of utter boldness.

However, Maharaj remained calm and trapped Gurbaz on the final delivery, dismissing him and giving South Africa a thrilling win.

The outcome ended an incredible match that had already featured two super overs, valiant efforts by Rahmanullah Gurbaz, David Miller, and Stubbs, and an incredible exhibition of drama, skill, and tension that will go down as one of the best T20 matches in World Cup history.

Brief Scores
South Africa 187/6 in 20 overs (Ryan Rickleton 61, Quinton de Kock 59; Azmatullah Omarzai 3-41, Rashid Khan 2-28)
Afghanistan 187/10 in 19.4 overs (Rahmanullah Gurbaz 84, Azmatullah Omarzai 22; Lungi Ngidi 3-26, Keshav Maharaj 1-27)

1st Super Over

Afghanistan 17/0 (Azmatullah Omarzai 16*, Rahmanullah Gurbaz 1*; Lungi Ngidi 0-17)
South Africa 17/1 (Tristan Stubbs 10*, Dewald Brevis 6; Fazalhaq Farooqi 1-17)

2nd Super Over

South Africa 23/0 (David Miller 16*, Tristan Stubbs 7*)
Afghanistan 19/2 (Rahmanullah Gurbaz 18, Keshav Maharaj 2-19)

‘Mayilaa‘, a Tamil film directed by Semmalar Annam, had its global debut earlier this month and is currently nominated for the NETPAC Award at the 2026 International Film Festival of Rotterdam (IFFR).

The Network for the Promotion of Asian Cinema presents the NETPAC Award, which honors exceptional Asian films that exhibit artistic merit, cultural nuance, and cinematic brilliance.

Recall that the film, which depicts a young working woman’s path to independence and dignity in a personal and realistic manner, was well appreciated by festivalgoers at its Rotterdam showing.

An major turning point in the movie’s international festival journey has been reached with the nomination.

Filmmaker Pa introduces ‘Mayilaa’ to the uninitiated. Anto Chittilappally formed Newton Cinema, which produced Ranjith.

V. Shudar Kodi plays a key supporting part in the movie, while P. Melody Dorcas plays the lead.

The technical team consists of sound designer Anand Krishnamoorthi, music composer Nandhan Kalaivanan, sync sound recordist Amrith Shankar, editor A. Sreekar Prasad, and cinematographer Vinoth Janakiraman.

“This NETPAC nomination is a meaningful recognition for our entire team,” director Semmalar Annam said in response to the nomination. ‘Mayilaa’ was made with great care and honesty, and it is heartening to see the picture receiving recognition at IFFR.

“The journey of ‘Mayilaa’ has been very rewarding, from the world premiere at Rotterdam to this nomination,” stated Anto Chittilappally, founder of Newton Cinema. We are proud, as is everyone who contributed to the movie.

“Mayilaa is a socially rooted and emotionally sincere film,” stated filmmaker Pa. Ranjith, who is also the film’s presenter. Such views should have access to global platforms, and this nomination is well-earned.

“We are thankful and inspired by the NETPAC nomination. We are all very touched by the response during the global premiere and by this honor,” the cast and crew said.

According to people close to the unit, Mayilaa will continue its festival run with other overseas screenings in the upcoming months.

President Donald Trump claimed that in order to fulfill the enormous demand for electricity brought on by artificial intelligence, the US is permitting private corporations to construct their own power facilities.

In a Larry Kudlow interview on Fox Business, Trump claimed that AI infrastructure demands previously unheard-of energy capacity.

“Anyway, AI requires a lot of electricity, don’t you think? twice the amount of electricity already produced nationwide,” he stated.

Trump stated that rebuilding the nation’s grid to meet such demand would take time. He stated his administration is allowing businesses to build massive facilities to produce their own electricity as a result.

He declared, “I’m allowing anyone who constructs a plant to construct their own electric plant.” “They will eventually resemble a utility.”

According to him, developers are building expansive facilities and will run separate production systems. They are constructing their own power plant. According to Trump, they are generating their own electricity.

Any extra electricity would be sold to the system again. He went on to say, “They’ll sell anything they have left over to the grid.”

According to Trump, energy sources may change based on the requirements of the project. “Some are coal as a backup, some are oil and gas, and some are nuclear,” he stated.

Additionally, he maintained that the US is leading the world in artificial intelligence. Trump declared, “We are controlling everyone in the AI.”

Trump said that enormous building was taking place all throughout the nation and connected the AI drive to more general industrial growth. “We have invested $18 trillion in this nation. It’s unlike anything anyone has ever experienced,” he remarked.

He stated that the creation of factories and plants was a key component of his economic agenda.

“We’re setting a new historical record. Nothing like that has ever existed,” Trump remarked.

In his economic rhetoric, Trump has continuously linked technology advancement, energy generation, and manufacturing, claiming that home manufacturing lessens reliance on international supply chains.

It is generally anticipated that in the upcoming ten years, the need for energy would rise dramatically due to artificial intelligence infrastructure, which includes data centers and semiconductor plants. Governments across major economies are weighing grid upgrades, nuclear expansion, and renewable deployment to support AI-driven growth.

With policymakers closely observing international models for powering massive data infrastructure while striking a balance between energy security, climate commitments, and industrial competitiveness, India is likewise growing its AI and semiconductor ecosystem.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has not made any significant concessions to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) in exchange for refraining from boycotting the match against India in the current ICC T20 World Cup, which is set to take place in Colombo on February 15.

In its discussions with the ICC, the PCB has asked for a larger portion of the ICC’s earnings and has requested that the sport’s governing body invite the BCCI to approach the Indian government in order to resume bilateral cricket relations between the two nations.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) replaced the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) with Scotland for the jointly-hosted India-Sri Lanka ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 after the BCB avoided financial penalties or suspension for refusing to send its men’s cricket team to India.

Following a tri-partite meeting between the ICC, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) in Lahore on Sunday, the ICC decided not to impose financial sanctions on the BCB.

It has been decided that the Bangladesh Cricket Board would not face any financial, athletic, or administrative sanctions in connection with the current issue. It is understood that BCB has the option to contact the Dispute Resolution Committee (DRC) if it so desires. The ICC said in a statement on Monday that this right is still in place and exists under current ICC laws.

The Indian players’ “no handshake” policy with Pakistani players, which was instituted during the 2025 Asia Cup, has also been urged to be lifted by the PCB and the ICC. The ICC stated that it will keep assisting in the development of the sport in Bangladesh.

“The dialogue between ICC and PCB took place as part of a broader engagement with both parties recognising the need for constructive dealings and being united, committed and purposeful in their aspirations to serve the best interests of the game with integrity, neutrality and cooperation,” the International Cricket Council stated in an official statement.

Shortly after the Pakistani government made a statement in Islamabad authorizing their squad to play India on February 15, the ICC announcement was released.

“In that prevailing spirit, it was agreed that all members will respect their commitments as per the terms of participation for ICC events and do all that is necessary to ensure that the ongoing edition of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup is a success,” the International Cricket Council added.

In order to guarantee that the national team’s exclusion from the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 has no lasting consequences for cricket in Bangladesh, the ICC reaffirmed its commitment to supporting growth in one of cricket’s most active markets, with over 200 million ardent supporters,” the ICC statement read.

“It is unfortunate that Bangladesh will not be participating in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, but this does not change the ICC’s longstanding commitment to Bangladesh as a core cricketing nation,” stated ICC Chief Executive Sanjog Gupta. Our focus remains on collaborating closely with BCB and other important stakeholders to make sure the sport develops sustainably in the nation and that players’ and fans’ possibilities for the future are enhanced. Bangladesh’s cricket ecosystem is still a top priority that merits sustained investment in order to grow, compete, and integrate globally. It is not characterized by temporary disturbances.

In a meeting with US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor on Tuesday, Union Minister of Electronics and IT Ashwini Vaishnaw expressed his expectation that the US would be heavily represented in the next “AI Impact Summit 2026.”

The world has responded incredibly well to the February 16–20 “India AI Impact Summit 2026,” which is expected to be the largest AI summit to date.

“Good meeting with U.S. Ambassador to India Sergio Gor.” In an X post, Vaishnaw stated, “We talked about deepening our strategic partnerships, with an emphasis on semiconductors, electronics manufacturing, and supply chain resilience.”

“Anticipate significant U.S. participation in the AI Impact Summit 2026,” he continued.

According to Vaishnaw, top IT firms have created over 200 targeted, industry-specific AI models, which are expected to be unveiled during the AI Impact Summit.

He added that by expanding AI infrastructure and industry-finalized curricula to 500 universities, the sector will have a robust talent pipeline. Currently, investments totaling almost $70 billion are going into the AI infrastructure layer, and by the end of the Summit, this amount could double.

Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi‘s recent meetings with industry leaders, developers, and innovators working across the AI value chain—which includes models, applications, and infrastructure—the minister said that these meetings demonstrated the methodical advancement of India’s AI ecosystem and a strong emphasis on deployment-led solutions.

From February 16–20, 2026, India is getting ready to hold the first-ever global AI summit in the Global South at Bharat Mandapam.

Over 500 carefully planned events will take place at Bharat Mandapam and Sushma Swaraj Bhawan over the Summit week, allowing for concurrent leader-level discussions, exhibits, and outcome-focused meetings.

More than 840 exhibitors, including State Governments, Industry, Startups, Research Institutions, Ministries, and Country Pavilions, will be present at the AI Impact Expo to showcase AI technologies that have demonstrated practical applications.

Additionally, IndiaAI will showcase advancements in the country’s core AI models.

The Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) stated that the completion of the first tranche of the India-US trade agreement has increased business prospects for India’s Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector in the US market.

The MSME sector benefits greatly from this trade agreement, which was made possible by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visionary and resolute leadership. It also represents a significant turning point in India’s development as a global economic powerhouse.

According to a CAIT statement, “This agreement reflects India’s growing stature as a confident, competitive, and reliable trade partner on the world stage.”

The trade agreement will greatly benefit a number of important Indian industries, including textiles and clothing, leather and footwear, gems and jewelry, generic pharmaceuticals, automotive and aircraft components, chemicals, plastics and rubber products, home décor, handicrafts, and a few engineering goods, according to CAIT Secretary General Praveen Khandelwal.

He noted that India’s export competitiveness in the largest economy in the world will be improved by improved market access and tariff rationalization.

The MSME sector, which is the foundation of India’s economy, will receive a significant and timely boost from the deal, he added.

The agreement will allow MSMEs to increase production, grow internationally, and create significant jobs, particularly for women and young people, by creating more export prospects.

By further integrating Indian businesses into global value chains, it will also support the “Make in India” campaign, Khandelwal continued. The deal also protects India’s fundamental national interests, especially in delicate agricultural and rural areas, highlighting the Indian government’s fair and farmer-focused trade strategy,” the CAIT Secretary General stated.

All things considered, the India-US trade agreement is a progressive move that will boost exports, encourage entrepreneurship, and strengthen India’s progress toward “Atmanirbhar Bharat” and “Viksit Bharat,” Khandelwal continued.

In India’s non-corporate sector, CAIT is the premier national organization that represents over 40,000 trade associations and over nine crore traders.

Founded in 1998, it promotes fair trade practices, technology adoption, and regulatory improvements on behalf of small businesses and merchants.

In order to promote, assist, and maintain the expansion of small and medium-sized businesses, CAIT serves as a liaison between the government and the business community.

The government is looking for feedback from a range of stakeholders regarding the guidelines and forms in the Income-tax Act, 2025, which will take effect on April 1, 2026.

According to the Finance Ministry on Sunday, the proposed Income Tax Rules and Forms have been posted on the official website in order to promote broader stakeholder input prior to the final notification of the Income Tax Rules and Forms.

Following extensive deliberation, the relevant Income-tax Rules and associated Forms were created to conform to the guidelines of the Income-tax Act of 2025. In its notification, CBDT urged stakeholders to analyze the information and offer ideas, which would then be collated and reviewed before the final announcement.

The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) is seeking feedback and recommendations from interested parties in four areas as part of a broader consultation process: identifying redundant or obsolete rules and forms; reducing litigation; simplifying language; and lowering the burden of compliance.

After providing their name and mobile number, stakeholders can submit their inputs, and an OTP-based validation process will be conducted.

Under the four previously indicated categories, the ministry has been advised that all recommendations must explicitly state the pertinent provision of the proposed Income-tax Rules or the proposed Form Number (with the exact rule, sub-rule, or form number) to which the recommendation relates.

On Budget Day, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced that the Income Tax Act 2025 will take effect on April 1, 2026, and that the I-T forms have been changed to make it easier for regular people to comply.

The extension of the ITR filing date for non-audit cases to August 31 and exemptions from insurance interest awards and nil deduction certificates for small taxpayers are among the new measures.

“I launched a thorough study of the Income Tax Act 1961 in July 2024, and it was finished in record time. The Income Tax Act 2025 will take effect on April 1, 2026. The forms have been revised for ease of use and compliance by regular folks,” she stated.

The Parliament was told on Friday that India is now a global leader in digital payments, with the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) operational in more than eight nations, including the United Arab Emirates, Singapore, Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, France, Mauritius, and Qatar.

Remittances are increasing, financial inclusion is being promoted, and India’s standing in the global fintech scene is being reinforced by UPI’s expanding worldwide adoption.

Additionally, Minister of State for Electronics and IT Jitin Prasada told the Rajya Sabha that the government has signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) or agreements with 23 nations for the sharing or cooperation of India Stack/Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), mainly for the replication and adoption of India’s digital governance platforms.

In line with India’s larger DPI diplomacy under the India Stack framework, these Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) concentrate on collaboration in areas like digital identification, digital payments, data exchange, and service delivery platforms, the minister said.

MoUs for Digilocker have been signed with the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (LPDR), Cuba, Kenya, and the United Arab Emirates.

In addition, the government has taken action to spread the word about India’s Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) success throughout the world.

India Stack Global promotes India’s DPI and helps friendly nations adopt it. 18 important digital platforms are accessible through the gateway.

“India has contributed the most DPI solutions to the Global DPI Repository, which was established during India’s G20 Presidency in 2023 and functions as a global knowledge platform,” the minister stated.

Aadhaar, UPI, CoWIN, API Setu, DigiLocker, Aarogya Setu, GeM, UMANG, DIKSHA, e-Sanjeevani, and PM GatiShakti are a few of the most important DPI and digital solutions.

According to current data from the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), the UPI saw a 28% increase in transaction volume (year-over-year) in January, reaching 21.70 billion, and a 21% increase in transaction value, reaching Rs 28.33 lakh crore.

India won a record-tying sixth U19 World Cup title on Friday at the Harare Sports Club in Harare after defeating England by 100 runs in the ICC Under-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup final.

India decided to bat first after winning the toss, however they were quickly defeated when Aaron George was out for nine. However, Vaibhav Suryavanshi and Ayush Mhatre spearheaded a robust reconstruction effort.

Before Mhatre unintentionally pulled a ball and was out for 53 off 51 balls, the pair added 142 runs in 15 overs for the second wicket. From then on, Vaibhav owned the stage.

With a spectacular attack, Suryavanshi reached his century in 55 balls and reached 150 in 71 deliveries. He finished with an outstanding 175 off 80 balls, which featured 15 fours and 15 sixes, after adding 25 more runs off the following nine balls. India was scoring almost 10 runs per over when he was dismissed, demonstrating the significance of his innings.

Following Vaibhav’s departure, India’s scoring pace momentarily decreased, but significant contributions kept the trend rolling. Vihaan Malhotra contributed 30, Vedant Trivedi scored 32, and RS Ambrish added 18. Kanishk Chouhan’s late burst of 37 off 20 balls was crucial in helping India surpass 400 runs and end at 411/9.

With 3 for 63, James Minto was England’s most impressive bowler, while Alex Green and Sebastian Morgan each claimed two wickets. Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s valuable wicket was taken by Manny Lumsden.

In this high-stress knockout encounter, England had a difficult challenge as they chased an overwhelming 412. Joseph Moores left them early, but the “Ben duo” fiercely retaliated. They began hitting boundaries after completing the first phase, scoring 74 runs for the second wicket in 49 balls until Mayes was dismissed for 45 off 28.

Thomas Rew, the captain, then joined Ben Dawkins and came out firing, scoring 31 off 18 balls. After reaching fifty and confidently moving up to 66 off 56 balls, Dawkins emerged as England’s greatest threat.

Ayush Mhatre’s decision to join the attack and become India’s golden arm marked a sea change. As soon as he got rid of Dawkins, Ralphie Albert tired himself out, and India struck again.

After Farhan Ahmed and Sebastian Morgan were removed by Deepesh Devendran in the following over, England fell precipitously to 177/7.

When Manny Lumsden fell, Falconer took over with the tail for backup and carried on the battle. After hitting a few more boundaries and reaching an incredible century in 63 balls, he was well caught by Khilan Patel for 115 off 67 balls. Despite a strong comeback from 177/7, England finished with 311.

The bowlers from India distributed the spoils well. Kanishk Chouhan and Deepesh Devendran each claimed two wickets, while RS Ambrish finished with 3 for 56. Khilan Patel and Ayush Mhatre each took one wicket to ensure a resounding win.

BCCI President Mithun Manhas stated, “We are so proud of our India U-19 team for winning the ICC Under-19 World Cup.”

Months of dedication, outstanding collaboration, and the gutsy style of cricket these young champions play have all contributed to this victory. The guys shown incredible maturity and character on the international scene, from stressful situations to game-winning performances.

Sincere congrats to the players, coaches, and support staff for fostering talent and preserving India’s illustrious cricketing history. Indian cricket’s future is in capable and secure hands.

BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla, who declared, “World Champions again! The India U19 team deserves our sincere congratulations for winning the U19 World Cup. A dominant run during the competition, highlighted by Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s incredible knock in the championship match. Congratulations to the players and support crew on this historic victory.

Gautam Gambhir, head coach of the Indian men’s team, wrote on social media, “I’m proud of you guys! The future is bright! #IndiaU19.

“Congratulations on winning the World Cup once more, Indian U-19 team. We continue to dominate cricket at all age groups and beyond. Virat Kohli wrote on X, “Congratulations to the entire team and the support crew.

“India’s U19 team didn’t just show up with a galaxy of stars to rest on their laurels,” remarked Ian Rachel Bishop, a former cricket player for the West Indies. When they arrived, they flexed and turned on the electricity. They deserve this victory since they put in a lot of effort and played well. Congratulations.”

Devajit Saikia, the board’s secretary, told that the BCCI had declared a total financial award of Rs 7.5 crore for the selection committee, technical personnel, and the victorious U20 Men’s Cricket World Cup squad.