Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 03:34pm on 26 Feb 2026,Thursday India Global
Indian-origin paediatrician Dr Neha Gupta, 37, from Oklahoma, has been charged with murdering her four-year-old daughter Aria Talathi in Florida in June 2025. US authorities released her chilling 911 call, in which she claimed her daughter fell into a pool at a short-term rental home while they slept. Gupta told dispatchers she couldn't swim and was unable to rescue the child. However, autopsy results proved Aria was already dead before being placed in the pool as no water was found in her lungs or stomach. Investigators believe she was smothered. Aria's father, who was seeking full custody and had concerns about Gupta's mental state, was unaware his daughter had been taken to Florida. Gupta's next court appearance is in May.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 02:48pm on 26 Feb 2026,Thursday Sports
Abhishek Sharma departed for a brilliant 55 off 30 balls, caught by Maposa off Sikandar Raza's bowling, as India reached 161/3 after 14 overs against Zimbabwe in the T20 World Cup Super 8 clash at Chennai. Sharma's explosive innings had set a strong platform before Raza finally provided Zimbabwe a much-needed breakthrough. Hardik Pandya walked in to consolidate India's position. India, desperate to bounce back after their Super 8 loss to South Africa, needed a commanding total to boost their Net Run Rate and semifinal prospects. Zimbabwe, similarly under pressure after being hammered by West Indies, briefly found joy through skipper Raza's timely intervention to peg India back momentarily. (PC: PTI)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 02:45pm on 26 Feb 2026,Thursday India Global
India delivered a sharp rebuttal to Pakistan at the 61st Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva, asserting that Jammu and Kashmir's development budget is more than double Pakistan's recent IMF bailout package. India's representative Anupama Singh categorically rejected allegations by Pakistan and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, accusing them of running an "echo chamber." Singh reaffirmed J&K as an integral part of India, calling its 1947 accession legally irrevocable. She cited the Chenab Rail Bridge, the world's highest railway bridge as proof of J&K's progress, mocking Pakistan's denials as "La-la-land" thinking. She also dismissed Pakistan's democracy lectures, highlighting its history of incomplete civilian government terms.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 02:17pm on 26 Feb 2026,Thursday Sports
India posted a dominant 80/1 in the powerplay against Zimbabwe in the T20 World Cup Super 8 clash at Chennai. Sanju Samson blazed an explosive start before throwing his wicket away, picking out deep square-leg. Abhishek Sharma then took charge, finishing the powerplay on a high with a stunning six, racing to 33 off just 13 balls. India, reeling after a heavy loss to South Africa, desperately needed a strong batting performance. The opening stand delivered before Samson's dismissal opened a brief window for Zimbabwe. With Group 1 qualification at stake, India need not just a win but a commanding statement against rivals England, South Africa, and New Zealand watching closely. (PC: HT)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 02:12pm on 26 Feb 2026,Thursday India Global
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's two-day Israel visit yielded landmark outcomes, elevating India-Israel ties to a "Special Strategic Partnership for Peace, Innovation, and Prosperity." A major highlight was the agreement to introduce UPI digital payments in Israel, alongside progress on a mutually beneficial Free Trade Agreement. Both nations signed multiple agreements covering trade, agriculture, energy, cyberspace, and defence, including joint development and production of military hardware. Modi strongly backed the Gaza Peace Initiative, asserting humanity must never fall victim to conflict. India and Israel also announced a critical and emerging technologies partnership spanning AI, quantum computing, and critical minerals. Discussions also covered the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor and I2U2 framework cooperation.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 02:02pm on 26 Feb 2026,Thursday Sports
India are cruising in the T20 World Cup Super 8 clash against Zimbabwe at Chennai, reaching a stunning 46/0 in just 3 overs. Sanju Samson set the tone early, smashing 9 runs off the first over against Richard Ngarava, including a six. In the second over, Samson hit Blessing Muzarabani for another six to long-on, racing to 18 off 11 balls. The third over proved catastrophic for Zimbabwe as Tinotenda Maposa conceded 23 runs marking the most expensive over of the innings with Abhishek Sharma clubbing two fours and a six. Sunil Gavaskar praised Abhishek's sensible approach early on. Zimbabwe's bowling attack has offered little resistance so far. (PC: X)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 01:48pm on 26 Feb 2026,Thursday Sports
India face Zimbabwe in the T20 World Cup Super 8 clash at MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai. Zimbabwe won the toss and elected to bowl first. The marquee update: Sanju Samson replaces Rinku Singh and opens the batting alongside Abhishek Sharma, while Axar Patel comes in for Washington Sundar. Samson wasted no time, smashing a six off Richard Ngarava in the very first delivery before India posted 13/0 in the opening over. Suryakumar Yadav confirmed Samson will also keep wickets. A passionate Chepauk crowd erupted at Samson's inclusion. India have won all three previous T20Is at this venue, making conditions historically favorable for the hosts. (PC: India Today)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 01:45pm on 26 Feb 2026,Thursday India Global
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during a joint press briefing with Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem, reaffirmed India's strong stance against terrorism and full support for Gaza peace efforts. Modi declared that "humanity must never become a victim of conflict," endorsing the US-led Gaza Peace Plan endorsed by the UN Security Council as a pathway to "just and durable peace." He emphasized India's commitment to continued dialogue with all nations for regional stability, including addressing the Palestine issue. Modi and Netanyahu jointly condemned terrorism in all forms. This marks Modi's second visit to Israel as Prime Minister, his first being in 2017, further cementing the newly announced Special Strategic Partnership between both nations.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 12:30pm on 26 Feb 2026,Thursday Sports
India face Zimbabwe in a must-win Super Eight match at Chepauk in the T20 World Cup 2026. The team must win both remaining games to stay in the semi-final race. Weather remains a concern ahead of the match. Former batter Virender Sehwag said India should pick players on form. “India have to pick their best playing XI on the basis of form,” he said. He suggested giving Abhishek Sharma a break. Anil Kumble warned against taking Zimbabwe lightly. “They must be respected,” he said. He added that India should play their “natural, aggressive brand of cricket”. Both teams lost their opening Super Eight matches. (PC: X)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 12:10pm on 26 Feb 2026,Thursday International
US and Iranian officials met in Geneva for a third round of indirect talks aimed at preventing conflict. The talks are mediated by Oman's Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi. He said both sides showed “unprecedented openness to new and creative ideas and solutions”. US President Donald Trump has warned of a possible strike if no nuclear deal is reached. He said Iran must say it will “never have a nuclear weapon”. Iran has rejected calls to stop uranium enrichment but says it will “under no circumstances ever develop a nuclear weapon”. The US has increased its military presence in the region. It has sent troops, warships, and aircraft in recent weeks. (PC: BBC)