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Monday, February 23, 2026 7:49 PM

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India vs. Pakistan T20 World Cup Match at Nassau County International Cricket Stadium

India faces Pakistan in a highly anticipated T20 World Cup match at Nassau County International Cricket Stadium, Eisenhower Park, New York. The pitch conditions and security measures are crucial for the event. When the old rivals square off on Sunday, a confident and well-adjusted India will attempt to exploit Pakistan’s unpredictability and lack of familiarity with the challenging conditions in New York. The flagship match is expected to draw the tournament’s largest crowd at the recently constructed 34,000-seat stadium. The stadium’s 22-yard pitch has been a hot topic due to its unpredictability, which the ICC has acknowledged. In the three games played so far, teams have struggled to score more than 100 runs in six innings. Concerns have been raised about whether the low-scoring format can help promote cricket in the United States. Damian Hough, the Adelaide Oval groundskeeper, oversaw the installation of the venue’s four drop-in pitches in April, but they have not yet fully settled. The uneven bounce of the pitch has raised safety concerns, particularly after Indian captain Rohit Sharma had to stop batting during the opening match against Ireland due to a shoulder injury. “I don’t know what to expect from the pitch, to be honest. We will prepare as if the conditions are going to be like this (for the Pakistan game). This is going to be a game where all XI of us will need to contribute,” Rohit said after the match against Ireland. The ICC issued a statement acknowledging the issues with the pitches: “The ICC recognises that the pitches used so far at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium have not played as consistently as we would have all wanted.” Pakistan has not yet adjusted to the stadium’s conditions. After losing to tournament newcomers USA, they flew into New York and took a rest day. Babar Azam and his team have had little time to adapt, which could be a disadvantage in this crucial match. A loss to India could severely impact their chances of qualifying. India may maintain their strategy of including an additional specialist fast bowler, but they might consider including Kuldeep Yadav due to his recent performance and favorable matchups against Pakistani batters. If included, one of Ravindra Jadeja or Axar Patel might miss out. The batting order is expected to remain with Rohit and Virat Kohli as openers and Rishabh Pant at No. 3. Pakistan will aim to recover from their loss to the USA. Babar Azam will need to improve his performance, as his 43 runs from 44 deliveries were below the expected strike rate for T20 cricket. The team will hope for a strong performance from their bowling attack, led by Shaheen Afridi.  

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EU Initiates Complaints Against Microsoft’s 365 Education Suite Over Privacy Concern

Microsoft is currently facing two complaints in the European Union (EU) regarding its online education software, 365 Education. According to a report by Reuters, the latest charges against the US-based tech giant have been brought to the Austrian privacy watchdog by the privacy advocacy group NOYB. The group has urged the Austrian Data Protection Authority to investigate these complaints and potentially impose a fine on Microsoft. What is Microsoft 365 Education Suite? During the COVID-19 pandemic, online educational programs gained popularity as schools transitioned to remote teaching. Microsoft’s 365 Education suite offers various tools for students, including Word, Excel, Microsoft Teams, PowerPoint, and Outlook. Complaints Against Microsoft’s 365 Education Suite First Complaint: The advocacy group NOYB alleged that Microsoft shifted the burden of complying with EU data privacy laws (GDPR) onto schools. According to NOYB, schools cannot adequately manage student data under these regulations. NOYB lawyer Maartje de Graaf stated: “Under the current system that Microsoft is imposing on schools, your school would have to audit Microsoft or give them instructions on how to process pupils’ data. Everyone knows that such contractual arrangements are out of touch with reality. This is nothing more but an attempt to shift the responsibility for children’s data as far away from Microsoft as possible.” Second Complaint: The second complaint centers around cookies installed in Microsoft’s 365 Education suite that advertisers use to track consumers. NOYB lawyer Felix Mikolasch expressed concerns: “Our analysis of the data flows is very worrying. Microsoft 365 Education appears to track users regardless of their age. This practice is likely to affect hundreds of thousands of pupils and students in the EU and EEA (European Economic Area).” EU’s Previous Warnings to Microsoft Last month, the EU warned Microsoft that it could impose a fine of up to 1% of its global annual revenue if it fails to provide requested information about the risks associated with its generative AI tools in the Bing search engine. In March, the EU asked tech giants, including Microsoft, to provide details on how they manage risks from AI tools. Microsoft has been accused of dodging questions about its “Copilot in Bing” and “Image Creator” features, which the EU fears may violate new laws by spreading misinformation and manipulating voters.  

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USA vs Pakistan Highlights, T20 World Cup 2024: USA Secures Shocking Victory Over Pakistan in Super Over

In a stunning turn of events at the Grand Prairie Stadium in Dallas, the United States defeated Pakistan in a thrilling T20 World Cup match on Thursday. The match, which went into a Super Over after both teams ended with tied scores, saw the USA emerging victorious. Match Summary Pakistan Innings: Total: 159 for 7 in 20 overs Key Performances: Babar Azam: 44 off 43 balls Shadab Khan: Crucial partnership with Babar, contributing significantly to the score Shaheen Afridi: 23 not out off 16 balls Bowling Highlights: Nosthush Kenjige: 3 wickets for 30 runs in 4 overs Pakistan, after being invited to bat first, faced early setbacks and were struggling at 26 for 3 within 4.4 overs. Babar Azam and Shadab Khan stabilized the innings with a 72-run partnership. Shaheen Afridi’s late surge ensured Pakistan reached a competitive total. USA Innings: Total: 159 for 3 in 20 overs Key Moments: Final ball drama: Nitish Kumar hit a four off Haris Rauf’s last delivery to tie the match and push it into a Super Over Chasing a target of 160, the USA kept up with the required run rate but needed 5 runs off the final ball to win. Nitish Kumar’s boundary off the last ball leveled the scores, leading to a Super Over. Super Over: USA Set Target: 19 runs Pakistan’s Reply: 13 runs In the Super Over, the USA set a challenging target of 19 runs. Pakistan, in their response, could only manage 13 runs, handing the USA a shocking and memorable victory. Highlights Venue: Grand Prairie Stadium, Dallas Match Decider: Super Over Player of the Match: Nosthush Kenjige for his impressive bowling performance This victory marks a significant achievement for the USA cricket team, showcasing their growing capabilities in the international cricket arena. The match was filled with intense moments and ended in a dramatic finish, making it a memorable encounter in the T20 World Cup 2024.

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NEET-UG 2024 Results Controversy: Normalization Process and Cut-Off Scores Under Scrutiny

The NEET-UG 2024 results, announced on Tuesday, have stirred significant controversy and concern among students and parents. Objections have been raised regarding the normalization process, the unprecedented number of perfect scores, and the overall admission chances to government medical colleges. Controversial Results Students and parents have expressed shock over the announcement that 67 students achieved a perfect score of 720 out of 720. Notably, six of these students have consecutive seat numbers and are from Haryana, suggesting they may have taken the exam at the same center. This anomaly has led to demands for an investigation into potential discrepancies in the results. Demands for Investigation Parents have written to the National Testing Agency (NTA) seeking a thorough investigation into these alleged discrepancies before the commencement of counseling. Additionally, scorecards of students scoring 718 and 719 have circulated on social media, raising further questions. Parents argue that such scores are technically impossible under the exam’s marking scheme, which awards four marks per correct answer and deducts one mark for incorrect answers. NTA’s Response In response, the NTA stated that it received representations and court cases from candidates concerning lost time during the exam held on May 5. To address this, the NTA applied a normalization formula based on a 2018 Supreme Court judgment, which compensates for lost time with grace marks. This adjustment led to some candidates receiving scores of 718 or 719. Concerns Over High Scores Parent representative Ruiee Kapoor found the NTA’s explanation unsatisfactory, arguing that a score of 718 or 719 is improbable. Kapoor also highlighted the unusual number of perfect scores and the significant increase in cut-off marks, which rose from 137 to 164. This increase has made it more challenging for even top scorers to secure seats in prestigious institutions like AIIMS Delhi. Easier Exam Sections An NTA official explained that more students scored higher marks due to the normalization process and relatively easier physics and chemistry sections aligned with NCERT books. This approach aimed to ensure equity and discourage reliance on coaching institutes. Specific Concerns Some parents questioned the fairness of grace marks for lost time, suggesting this provision should have been specified in the exam brochure. Sachin Bangad, a parent representative, claimed the exam was “managed,” pointing to the unusual concentration of perfect scores at a single exam center in Faridabad, Haryana. The NTA acknowledged that an incorrect distribution of papers at this center led to a 45-minute delay, which was compensated using a court-mandated formula. Calls for Transparency Experts, including faculty doctors, have demanded clarity on the normalization criteria and its application across exam centers. Parents argue that the significantly higher cut-off scores have diminished the chances of many candidates aspiring to join government medical colleges. According to Bangad, students scoring below 660 marks now face slim chances of securing admission to government medical colleges, compared to previous years when students with 600 marks could secure seats. The controversy surrounding the NEET-UG 2024 results underscores the need for transparency and fairness in the exam’s normalization process and scoring criteria. As stakeholders continue to demand explanations and investigations, the NTA faces increasing pressure to address these concerns and ensure a fair admissions process for all candidates.  

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Union Health Ministry Assesses Preparedness for Heat Wave Conditions with States/UTs

Atul Goel, Director General of Health Services (DGHS), led a virtual meeting with representatives from various States and Union Territories to evaluate the preparedness for heat wave conditions and the implementation of fire and electrical safety measures in healthcare facilities across India. This meeting comes in response to the long-range forecast by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), issued on May 27, 2024, predicting above-normal temperatures for most of India in June 2024. The forecast particularly highlights an increased likelihood of heat wave days in Northwest and Central India, while parts of southern peninsular India may experience normal to below-normal temperatures. Key Highlights from the Meeting Heat Wave Preparedness: The Union Health Ministry emphasized the need for robust heat wave action plans in healthcare facilities. States/UTs were instructed to ensure the availability of essential medical supplies and to implement measures to prevent heat-related illnesses. Fire and Electrical Safety: Discussions included the current status of fire safety measures and electrical systems in hospitals. The need for regular safety drills and compliance with fire safety norms was reiterated.  

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Investmint Halts Trading Operations to Focus on Merger and Acquisition Strategy

Investmint, a signal-based trading app, has ceased its trading services to concentrate on merger and acquisition (M&A) opportunities, as reported by Entrackr. The company is actively exploring acquisitions with wealth management firms after withdrawing Investmint as a product due to the inability to develop a reliable business model. A spokesperson for Investmint confirmed to Entrackr, “We’re in late-stage talks with a few big players for M&A.” Should these talks fail, the company may return the remaining capital to its investors. Despite achieving significant traction and retaining funds from its previous fundraising, Investmint struggled to convert these resources into revenue. In October 2022, Investmint secured $2 million in seed funding, led by Nexus Venture Partners. Founded in February 2022 by Aakash Goel and Mohit Chitlangia, Investmint aimed to simplify stock market operations for regular investors through data-driven and scientifically-backed trading and investment products. The decision to halt operations follows a pattern seen among start-ups unable to achieve a sustainable business model or product-market fit. For instance, fashion start-ups Fashinza and Virgio returned investor capital in March after altering their business models. Similarly, digital health start-up Nintee shut down in April, with founder Paras Chopra announcing the return of most raised funds to investors.

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Congress Reaches Out to Naidu, Nitish as NDA Attempts to Form Alliance Government

In a strategic move to counter the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) from forming a coalition government, the Congress party has reached out to Telugu Desam Party (TDP) chief Chandrababu Naidu and Janata Dal United (JDU) chief Nitish Kumar. Sources indicate that the outreach has been conducted through multiple channels, including Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, a former TDP member. While immediate action from the TDP or JDU is not anticipated, Congress views maintaining communication lines as crucial, given the potential for these NDA allies to reconsider their positions in the coming months. A Congress leader mentioned that if a move happens, Nitish and Naidu would likely act together as a ‘package’ within a few months. This development comes as the BJP, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, faces an unexpected challenge. With the BJP securing 240 seats, significantly short of their anticipated 400, Modi now navigates the complex path of coalition politics for the first time in his 23-year political career. Political analysts question Modi’s ability to manage allies like Nitish and Naidu, both of whom have previously exited the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA). Sources suggest that Naidu may leverage this opportunity to demand a special financial package for Andhra Pradesh. Meanwhile, the INDIA bloc, a coalition of opposition parties led by Congress, plans to engage with Nitish and Naidu either immediately or within the next six months, potentially leading to a significant political shift. Modi’s post-election speech highlighted the BJP’s historic win in Odisha and notable gains in Telangana. The NDA also made inroads into Andhra Pradesh with the help of its allies TDP and Jana Sena. The BJP celebrated opening its account in Kerala for the first time with actor-turned-politician Suresh Gopi’s win in Thrissur. However, setbacks in key states like Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, and Rajasthan loom large. In Uttar Pradesh, the BJP’s dominance waned as the Samajwadi Party claimed 37 out of 80 seats, a stark contrast to the BJP’s previous tally. West Bengal also delivered a blow, with the Trinamool Congress retaining 29 out of 42 seats, reducing BJP’s count to 12 from 18. Similarly, in Rajasthan and Karnataka, Congress made significant inroads, capturing several seats from the BJP.

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Weakened Modi Government Faces Challenges in Fiscal Consolidation

Can a weakened Narendra Modi government continue its work of narrowing the fiscal gap, which it has been able to do in recent years? Economists say it is doable, but perhaps not at the pace the government would have preferred. Following exit polls, analysts were optimistic about the Indian economy’s fiscal deficit coming down to its target of 4.5 percent by FY26. This optimism was based on the prediction of a landslide victory for the BJP-led NDA. However, the actual election results were different: the NDA has enough numbers to form a government at the Centre, but the BJP on its own falls short of the majority of 272 seats needed in the 543-seat Lok Sabha. The narrower margin of victory for Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s alliance in elections will forestall reforms that could have potentially facilitated aggressive fiscal consolidation, an analyst at Moody’s Ratings told Reuters in an interview. “If the BJP, like it did in 2014 and 2019, had won over 273 seats on its own, it could have pushed on with curbing the gap at a much more aggressive speed,” said Christian de Guzman, senior vice president of the sovereign risk group at Moody’s. “It looks like the prospects for even more aggressive consolidation are not as bright as they were before the election results. However, I still think that the prospects for consolidation will remain intact, and they will retain a level of fiscal discipline.” India’s Fiscal Deficit Plans India aims to narrow its fiscal deficit to 4.5 percent of GDP by the end of FY26, down from the 5.1 percent projected for the current year ending in March 2025. Some reports indicate that India is now likely to bring down its FY25 fiscal deficit target to 4.9 percent. The smaller mandate for Modi raises the risk of more populist spending to consolidate political support, Guzman said. Although the BJP’s manifesto and the Interim Budget announced by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman did not hint at much populist spending, the full budget due in July will be more telling. This budget will account for the government’s plans, including the Reserve Bank of India’s record Rs 2.11 lakh crore surplus transfer. The government could use this surplus to further consolidate the fiscal position or to garner political support, Guzman added. “A shaky political outcome perhaps suggests higher odds for the latter.” Challenges to Ambitious Reforms Fitch Ratings noted that the weakened majority for Modi’s alliance could pose challenges for the more ambitious elements of the government’s reform agenda. Guzman acknowledged India’s high growth and robust economic prospects over the medium-term are already factored into their ratings, as is the progress made on macroeconomic and financial stability. However, to upgrade India’s sovereign outlook or rating, Moody’s would need to see a “much more material improvement on the fiscal side,” Guzman explained. This includes a significant reduction in government debt and an improvement in debt affordability, such as a reduction in the proportion of revenue accounted for by interest payments or debt servicing.

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Silver Lake Resources Shareholders Approve Merger with Red 5

In a significant development, shareholders of Australian gold producer Silver Lake Resources have given the green light to a merger with domestic peer Red 5. This approval brings the companies closer to completing the deal through a scheme of arrangement, which involves Red 5 acquiring all shares of Silver Lake. The next step involves seeking the court’s endorsement, with a hearing scheduled for June 6, 2024. If the court gives its approval at this second hearing, Silver Lake plans to make the scheme legally binding by registering the court’s orders with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission the following day. Trading of Silver Lake shares on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) is expected to be suspended from the close of business on June 7, 2024, assuming the scheme receives court approval. This merger is a significant development in the Australian mining sector and is expected to have a significant impact on the companies involved.  

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Andhra Pradesh Assembly Election Results 2024: Key Insights and Analysis

The counting of votes for the Assembly elections in Andhra Pradesh and Odisha, along with the counting of the Lok Sabha Elections 2024, is taking place today (June 4). The Assembly elections in Andhra Pradesh were held on May 13. There are 175 Assembly constituencies in the Andhra Pradesh Assembly with 29 seats reserved for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and another 7 for Scheduled Tribes (STs). The term of the present Andhra Pradesh Assembly is from June 12, 2019 to June 11, 2024. The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) of Chandrababu Naidu and the Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party (YSRCP) of Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy are the two main political parties in Andhra Pradesh. Pawan Kalyan-led Jana Sena Party (JSP), the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and the Congress are the other important parties in the state.Key candidates in Andhra Pradesh include Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy (YSRCP), N Chandrababu Naidu (TDP), Pawan Kalyan (JSP), Killi Kruparani (Congress), Dharmana Prasada Rao (YSRCP), and others.Key constituencies in Andhra Pradesh include Pulivendula, Kuppam, Pithapuram, Mangalagiri, Hindupur, Vijayawada West, Narasannapeta, Srikakulam, Tekkali, Gajuwaka, Undi, Gannavaram (Krishna), Atmakur, Proddatur, and Jammalamadugu. Andhra Pradesh recorded 80.66 per cent of voting in the Assembly Election 2024, which was 80.39 per cent in the Assembly Election 2019.In the 2019 Andhra Pradesh Assembly Election, the YSRCP emerged victorious with a massive 151 seats and YS Jagan Mohan Reddy became the Chief Minister. The incumbent TDP managed to win just 23 seats. The JSP won a single seat while neither the BJP nor the Congress couldn’t open their account. To form the government in Andhra Pradesh, every party or coalition must reach the majority mark in the Legislative Assembly. The majority mark in each state Assembly depends upon the total number of seats in the Legislative Assembly of a particular state. The majority mark in any state is half of the number of total Assembly seats plus one more seat. The Andhra Pradesh Assembly has 175 seats and the majority mark is 88.

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