Times of India

South Africa, unbeaten in the T20 World Cup, faces New Zealand in the first semi-final at Eden Gardens. With a reserve day in place, a washout would see South Africa advance due to their superior Super Eight performance. Sunny conditions are forecast, making a full game likely.

Holi 2026 is approaching. Avoid generic messages this year. The article provides over 75 unique Holi wishes for family, friends, and colleagues.

President Donald Trump's recent neck rash has reignited health concerns. His doctor stated it is from a common skin treatment. Previously, Trump was seen with makeup and bruises on his hands. He also experienced leg swelling diagnosed as chronic venous insufficiency. Trump himself claimed his health is perfect despite taking more aspirin than advised.

The Sensex plunged by more than 1,000 points, slipping below the 81,000 mark for the first time in over a month. The Nifty 50 also dropped sharply, losing upwards of 300 points and falling beneath the crucial 25,000 support level.

The Bombay High Court ruled that the right to dignity under Article 21 extends beyond death, allowing exhumation for religious rites. The court quashed administrative refusals, emphasizing that denying custody of mortal remains infringes upon constitutional rights, including freedom of religion. This decision reinforces dignified treatment of the deceased and mandates reasoned decisions from authorities.

Poonch observed a complete shutdown as the Shia Muslim community mourned Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and protested against the US and Israel. Security forces were on high alert across the district. Similar demonstrations occurred in Srinagar, with protesters condemning alleged US and Israel-led strikes. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation.

Airlines are cautiously resuming limited flights to the Middle East to evacuate thousands stranded by escalating Gulf conflict. Following US-Iran strikes and retaliatory attacks, widespread airspace closures caused major disruptions. Indian carriers are stepping in to repatriate citizens, though some flight cancellations persist amid ongoing tensions.

The geopolitical strain has pushed up global oil and gas prices. For India, which relies heavily on imports, this surge translates into a higher import bill and adds to inflationary pressures. India depends on overseas purchases for almost 90 per cent of its crude oil needs.

Tragedy struck Perumpathu village as a brutal attack left two dead, including a guest worker, and five injured. A gang reportedly hacked seven individuals outside a tea shop late Monday night. The victims, identified as Trinath Kata and John Mark, died instantly. Villagers protested, demanding swift arrests. Police have secured six individuals as investigations continue amidst a tense atmosphere.

OpenAI has amended its Pentagon deal following public backlash over AI surveillance concerns. CEO Sam Altman stated he would refuse unconstitutional orders, and the updated contract now explicitly prohibits intentional domestic surveillance of US persons. The Pentagon also confirmed OpenAI services won't be used by intelligence agencies like the NSA without further contract changes.

Netflix's Ted Sarandos revealed the company bowed out of the Warner Bros. Discovery bidding war, deeming Paramount's debt-laden offer too risky. He warned of significant layoffs and reduced production at the rival studio. Despite the loss, Netflix will invest its saved funds into its core business and expand its theatrical presence.

Sanju Samson's match-winning 97 against the West Indies fulfilled a promise made by captain Rohit Sharma, who encouraged him not to be disheartened when initially left out of the T20 World Cup playing XI. Samson's resilient knock, his highest in T20 World Cups, secured India's highest successful chase and propelled them to the semifinals.

India and England renew their T20 World Cup semi-final rivalry at Wankhede, marking their third consecutive clash in the last four. Both previous encounters saw the winner go on to lift the trophy, adding significant intrigue to this high-stakes encounter. The teams hold a balanced record in World Cup semi-finals, with one win each.

Bizarre polling station names like 'Singapore', 'For Pakistan', and 'Slingshot' are causing confusion in Telangana's 2002 electoral rolls. Residents struggle to locate their names on the list, which is being used for mapping, due to these nonsensical entries. Officials admit the errors and promise to investigate, while the Election Commission states data was hosted as received.

A 48-year-old Delhi businessman, Anroop Gupta, missing since February 18, was found murdered and his body dismembered in a Mathura canal. Police arrested four individuals, including a woman, who allegedly abducted and killed Gupta for money after he refused to pay them and threatened to report them.