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External affairs minister S Jaishankar, in India’s first official response to the US Navy’s sinking of the Iranian warship IRIS Dena, said Tehran had sought permission for another vessel to dock in Kochi due to technical issues. The request was approved on March 1, while the IRIS Dena, near Sri Lanka, was caught “on the wrong side of events.”Read the full story
The US has temporarily allowed India to purchase Russian oil stranded at sea to stabilise global supply amid West Asia tensions. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said, “The Indians had been very good actors. We had asked them to stop buying sanctioned Russian oil this fall. They did. They were going to substitute it with US oil,” he said.He added Washington might consider lifting restrictions on additional Russian oil if market conditions remain strained.Read the full story
Flight operations at Dubai International Airport were suspended after an aerial interception linked to Iranian attacks, with witnesses reporting a loud explosion and smoke near a terminal. Authorities said debris from a successful interception caused only a minor incident and no injuries, but planes were held in the air and Emirates halted all flights to and from Dubai, urging passengers to avoid the airport.Read the full story
Madhu Rai, headmistress of a government primary school in Naya Bazar, Karbi, Chitrakoot, was suspended after a 23‑second video surfaced showing her lying on a classroom floor while a Class V student massaged her feet during school hours. Basic Siksha Adhikari BK Sharma ordered action after students alleged such massages were routine, though Rai, nearing retirement, says the video was AI‑manipulated.Read the full story
With India set to face New Zealand in the T20 World Cup 2026 final in Ahmedabad, Mohammad Kaif has called for a “bold” change, suggesting Abhishek Sharma be rested after a poor tournament. The opener has crossed 50 just once, repeatedly falling to spin, while a pre-tournament stomach infection, weight loss, dropped catches and diminished power have further underlined his struggles.Read the full story
The State Bank of India (SBI) on Saturday announced the launch of a $500 million syndicated social term loan facility focused exclusively on women’s economic empowerment, with a greenshoe option, ahead of International Women’s Day.In a statement, the country’s largest lender said the transaction marks a milestone for both SBI and the global ESG financing landscape, aimed at advancing the cause of women empowerment.The financing initiative is designed to accelerate social impact while reinforcing SBI’s commitment to reducing the gender gap and supporting the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 5 — “Achieve Gender Equality and Empower all Women and Girls.”Speaking on the occasion, SBI Chairman C S Setty said, “On this women’s day, we are happy to announce that as a responsible organisation, we are deeply committed to fostering women empowerment as a cornerstone of sustainable development.”He added that the social loan reflects the bank’s broader focus on Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles, particularly in expanding economic opportunities for women.“This landmark social loan embodies the bank’s dedication to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles, with a sharp focus on creating opportunities for women,” Setty said.“We believe that true progress depends not only on economic growth but also on our ability to drive positive social change, empower women, and build an inclusive society for all stakeholders,” he added.SBI said the transaction is the first of its kind by the bank and is aimed at supporting gender equality and inclusive economic growth.The lender also noted that the facility is expected to become the largest gender-themed loan globally, representing a significant milestone in sustainable finance by an Indian financial institution.
Ever since Deepika Padukone‘s exit from ‘Spirit’ and ‘Kalki 2’, there’s been a debate around the working hours for actors. Reportedly, one of the demands made by the actress was an eight-hour shift. Since then, several celebs have weighed in on it. In a recent interview, Kunal Kemmu and Saif Ali Khan also have spoken about it. The discussion explored the realities of show business and why professionals must understand the expectations attached to the careers they choose.Kunal said in an interview with Soha Ali Khan on her podcast, where he was accompanied by Saif. “As adults, when we grow up, we also choose what we want to become in life. Once you sign up for something, you need to understand that it comes with certain expectations. Sometimes people say they want to work only for a limited number of hours and spend the rest of the time elsewhere, but then you should choose a job that allows that,” he said.
According to the actor, problems arise when people seek the benefits of a profession but hesitate to meet its requirements. “You can’t say in the middle of it that you want to get paid more and work less because now you feel like doing something else. If you want to be a bigger superstar and work in many films a year, you have to accept the effort that comes with it.”He also spoke about generational expectations and the contradictions that sometimes accompany them. “Even when we talk about Gen Z and say they don’t want to work as much as millennials did, it’s also about expectations. People want the lifestyle, time to relax, go on exploration trips — but then they also complain if someone who works 12 hours earns more. If someone is not going on holidays, that’s also criticised. You want to travel but you also want a higher salary. These things don’t always go together.”Saif Ali Khan agreed that maintaining a work-life balance is achievable, though it often depends on how individuals organise their careers and schedules. “It is possible, and it helps when you are successful. I can name a few colleagues in this industry who have balanced it well. They start work early, maybe at seven and the camera rolls at nine in the morning. You can get a lot of work done and still see your children in the evening,” he said.Kunal Kemmu further pointed out that actors who want more control over their working hours can take on additional responsibilities, such as producing their own films.“You can work for eight hours or even four hours if you want, but then become the producer, put in your own money, and take that decision yourself. If you are the boss and decide to work for two hours a day, you’ll realise that the film won’t finish on time and the project will cost much more. You might end up losing money. It’s very easy to make these choices with someone else’s money.”He added that professionals should aim to reach a position where they can make independent decisions about their work.Kunal said, “Reach a position where you can do exactly what you want. But you can’t say, ‘Give me a job, I’ll decide how much you pay me, when I’ll show up, and how the work will be done.’ Then people will ask why they should suffer the consequences of working with you. I’m saying this in general.” The conversation also touched upon the challenges many actors face when starting families during the peak of their careers. When Soha Ali Khan pointed out that this is often a dilemma for women whose careers are thriving when they choose to become mothers, Kunal said such decisions usually require careful planning and come with certain consequences.Kunal said, “But motherhood is usually something you plan, unless you become an accidental mother. That’s a different story. You have to plan it right, your plan can’t affect the way the world is working.”He clarified that the point should not be seen as a gender-specific issue. “This applies to men as well. If you take a decision in life, there will be repercussions. It’s like training in the gym. If you want to build your body, you have to show up every day. When your muscles hurt, you can’t complain about the pain, that’s how it works.”For Kunal Kemmu, the distinction lies in how people view the effort required to succeed in the industry. He said, “It’s not a sacrifice; it’s a commitment to the job you want to excel at. You can’t sit and complain about the nature of the business. Either you become sellable or you find ways to make yourself sellable so people want to work with you. It’s not a man-versus-woman issue.”
As the Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 heads towards its grand finale, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has unveiled the shortlist for the coveted Player of the Tournament award. Eight outstanding performers from the competition have been nominated for the prestigious honour after delivering remarkable displays throughout the event.
The nominees represent some of the most influential players in the tournament, including explosive batters, impactful all-rounders and match-winning bowlers. Their performances have played a crucial role in shaping the narrative of the competition, with several producing defining moments for their respective teams.
With the final scheduled between India and New Zealand on March 8, the ultimate winner of the Player of the Tournament award will be revealed after the title clash. The final game could still influence the decision, especially for players from the two finalists who have the chance to further strengthen their case on the biggest stage.
Sanju Samson (India)
Samson has been one of India’s biggest success stories in the tournament. Initially not part of the playing XI, the wicketkeeper-batter grabbed his opportunity after Abhishek Sharma struggled for form. Samson made an immediate impact and soon became one of the tournament’s most destructive batters.
His defining moment came in the semi-final against England, where he smashed a breathtaking 89 off just 42 balls, equalling Virat Kohli’s record for the highest score by an Indian in a World Cup knockout match. Overall, Samson has accumulated 232 runs at a stunning strike rate of 201.74, including 16 sixes, the most by an Indian in a single edition of the tournament.
Will Jacks (England)
England’s star all-rounder showcased his versatility throughout the tournament. Playing primarily in the finishing role at No. 6 or No. 7, Jacks delivered several impactful performances with the bat while also contributing with his off-spin.
Jacks scored 226 runs at a strike rate of 176.56, including a crucial unbeaten 53 off 22 balls against Italy. With the ball, he claimed nine wickets, including an impressive 3/22 against Sri Lanka. His four Player of the Match awards in the tournament equal the record previously held by Shane Watson from the 2012 edition.
Sahibzada Farhan (Pakistan)
Pakistan’s campaign may have ended earlier than expected, but Farhan left an unforgettable mark on the tournament. The aggressive opener broke Kohli’s record for the most runs in a single T20 World Cup edition, finishing with 383 runs.
Farhan also created history by becoming the first player to score two centuries in a single T20 World Cup, achieving the feat against Sri Lanka and Namibia. His consistency was equally impressive as he averaged 76.60 across seven matches, often giving Pakistan strong starts at the top.
Also READ: India or New Zealand? Brad Haddin picks the winner of T20 World Cup 2026
Shadley van Schalkwyk (USA)
USA pacer Van Schalkwyk emerged as one of the most exciting bowling discoveries of the tournament. Despite his team exiting in the group stage, the fast bowler made a strong impression with his pace and control.
He picked up 13 wickets in just four matches while maintaining an economy rate of 6.80. His standout performances included consecutive four-wicket hauls against India and Pakistan, nearly helping the USA pull off major upsets against two cricketing giants.
Aiden Markram (South Africa)
South African captain Markram led from the front with the bat during the tournament. Under his leadership, the Proteas reached the semi-finals, and Markram played a crucial role in the team’s journey.
He scored 286 runs at an average of 53, including three half-centuries. One of his best knocks came against New Zealand in the group stage, where he produced a brilliant 86 not out off 44 balls, the highest score by a South African captain in the competition.
Lungi Ngidi (South Africa)
Fast bowler Ngidi was the spearhead of South Africa’s bowling attack. His ability to deliver breakthroughs at crucial stages helped his team remain competitive throughout the tournament.
Ngidi finished with 12 wickets in seven matches, including a strong performance against West Indies where he claimed three scalps. During the event, he also achieved a significant milestone by becoming South Africa’s leading wicket-taker in T20I history.
Tim Seifert (New Zealand)
New Zealand opener has been one of the driving forces behind the team’s march to the final. Known for his aggressive batting, Seifert provided explosive starts in several matches.
He was involved in a world-record 175-run opening partnership with Finn Allen against the UAE, scoring an unbeaten 89 off 42 balls. Seifert also played a decisive knock of 58 runs in the semi-final against South Africa, helping New Zealand secure their place in the final. In total, he has scored 274 runs at a strike rate of 161.17.
Rachin Ravindra (New Zealand)
Ravindra once again proved his value as a multi-dimensional cricketer. While primarily known for his batting, Ravindra delivered crucial contributions with both bat and ball.
He produced a memorable bowling performance of 4/27 against Sri Lanka, which played a key role in knocking the co-hosts out of the competition. Across the tournament, Ravindra has contributed 128 runs and 11 wickets, showcasing his importance as a genuine all-rounder.
While all eight nominees have made strong cases for the award, Samson and Seifert currently appear to be the frontrunners. Both players will feature in the final between India and New Zealand, giving them one more opportunity to deliver a match-defining performance.
Samson’s explosive batting in the knockout stage has already captured the spotlight, while Seifert’s consistency at the top has been crucial to New Zealand’s success. A standout performance in the final could tip the scales decisively in favour of either player.
With the tournament reaching its climax, the race for the Player of the Tournament award promises to be as thrilling as the final itself.
Also READ: T20 World Cup 2026 Final: India vs New Zealand Ticket Prices and Booking Details
International Women’s Day in Dharavi is being marked with a series of self-defence and health awareness workshops for adolescent girls across local schools. More than 1,500 girls from seven schools have already taken part in the programme, which focuses on helping students understand personal safety, physical well-being and confidence building. The organisers, NMDPL, said the initiative will gradually expand to more schools in the area.The self-defence sessions are being conducted by martial arts trainer Dr Cheetah Yajnesh Shetty. Students are being taught basic techniques that can help them respond to unsafe situations. The training also focuses on situational awareness, quick decision making and simple defensive moves that can be used in emergencies.“Every girl should feel confident, alert and prepared,” Shetty said during one of the workshops. He added that the sessions are meant not only to teach physical techniques but also to help young girls develop mental strength and awareness.Alongside the self-defence training, health awareness sessions are being conducted by counsellors from the Family Planning Association of India (FPAI). These sessions focus on menstrual hygiene, puberty, and awareness around good touch and bad touch. The aim is to help girls better understand their health and encourage them to speak up if they face inappropriate behaviour thereby discerning between ‘good touch and badtouch’.Students said the workshops helped them learn about personal safety as well as everyday health practices. “This workshop was very useful,” said a student from Morning Star English School. “We learnt self-defence, personal hygiene and how to take care of our health. It has made us feel more confident,” the student added. Counsellor Dr Tejasvi Hindalekar of FPAI said many adolescent girls hesitate to talk about their health or personal boundaries. She said such workshops create a safe environment where students can ask questions without being judged and learn how to seek help when needed.The initiative is supported by Navbharat Mega Developers Pvt Ltd (NMDPL), the SPV executing the Dharavi Redevelopment Project. The programme forms part of its broader community engagement efforts in the area.
NEW DELHI: President Droupadi Murmu on Saturday expressed strong displeasure after TMC-ruled West Bengal government changed the venue of an event she was supposed to attend.The President said authorities told her the planned venue was changed as it was congested.Addressing the International Santhal Council, President Murmu said: “Someone doesn’t want Santhal to get united, to progress, to get educated…someone doesn’t want Santhal to become strong. However, I know Santhals have scarifised their lives for the nation.”Later, the President went to the venue where the meeting was originally supposed to happen and highlighted the contradiction in authorities’ claim, saying: “When I came here I found the field was big enough to accommodate 5 lakh people.”The President said she was very sad about the last minute change in the venue and also pointed out how chief minister Mamata Banerjee chose not to meet her, which is against the set norm.Murmu on Saturday said the contributions of the Santals to the country’s freedom struggle have not received due recognition, and asserted that the names of several legends belonging to the community were “not deliberately included in history”.After inaugurating the ninth International Santal Conference at Bidhannagar in Siliguri in West Bengal’s Darjeeling district, she stressed the need for education for Santal children.“I know how much the Santals have contributed to the country’s freedom struggle. But the names of Santal legends have not deliberately been included in history,” she said.Reacting to the President’s displeasure over the incident, ruling BJP’s I-T department chief Amit Malviya targeted the Mamata Banerjee government, saying: “When a state government begins to disregard the dignity of the office of the President of India, it reflects not just administrative failure but a breakdown of constitutional propriety and governance.”
US President Donald Trump on Saturday warned that Iran “will be hit very hard,” adding that because of “Iran’s bad behaviour,” new targets inside the country were being considered for “complete destruction and death.”Trump also claimed credit for Tehran’s apology to its Middle Eastern neighbours following a week of intense conflict in the region triggered by joint US-Israeli strikes on Iran that killed Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, and destroyed multiple strategic infrastructure sites. Tehran responded with retaliatory missile and drone strikes targeting Israel and several Gulf states hosting US military bases, including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait and Bahrain.Posting on Truth Social, Trump said Iran had been “beat to hell” and forced to apologise after what he described as relentless attacks by the United States and Israel. He added that Tehran had pledged to stop firing at neighbouring countries and suggested the shift came because of sustained military pressure.In his post, Trump wrote, “Iran, which is being beat to HELL, has apologized and surrendered to its Middle East neighbors and promised that it will not shoot at them anymore. This promise was only made because of the relentless U.S. and Israeli attack. They were looking to take over and rule the Middle East. It is the first time that Iran has ever lost, in thousands of years, to surrounding Middle Eastern countries.”“They have said, ‘Thank you, President Trump.’ I have said, ‘You’re welcome!’ Iran is no longer the ‘Bully of the Middle East.’ They are, instead, ‘THE LOSER OF THE MIDDLE EAST,’ and will be for many decades until they surrender or, more likely, completely collapse! Today Iran will be hit very hard! Under serious consideration for complete destruction and certain death, because of Iran’s bad behaviour, are areas and groups of people that were not considered for targeting up until this moment in time.” Trump’s remarks came hours after Iran issued a rare apology to neighbouring Gulf states following missile and drone strikes that hit their territories during the escalating conflict. The attacks targeted infrastructure and bases linked to the United States and its regional allies.Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian apologised on Saturday for attacks on regional countries, even as Iranian missiles and drones continued to fly toward Gulf Arab states, signalling that Tehran’s political leadership may not have full control over the country’s armed forces. He also rejected Trump’s repeated demands for surrender.Pezeshkian, one member of a tripartite leadership council overseeing Iran since a February 28 airstrike that killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, delivered the message exactly one week into a conflict that has spread across the region and shaken global markets.Earlier in the day, Iran’s elite Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced the 25th wave of missile and drone attacks targeting Israeli positions and other regional assets, underscoring the continuing escalation.
NEW DELHI: Iran on Saturday expressed gratitude to India for providing a safe harbour to its naval vessel IRIS Lavan, which docked at Kochi port for technical and logistical arrangements following an incident involving another Iranian vessel, IRIS Dena, in the Indian Ocean amid the Islamic Republic’s rapidly escalating conflict with the United States and Israel.Also Read | Before Dena, India let another Iran ship with 183 crew dock in Kochi In the early hours of Wednesday, a US Navy submarine fired a torpedo at IRIS Dena near Sri Lanka, sinking the frigate. Of the estimated 180 crew members, around 87 are reported dead, while about 32 survivors were rescued by the Sri Lanka Navy. “Following the tragic incident involving IRIS Dena, the Islamic Republic of Iran is continuing to follow up on the situation of the crew members and to examine the different aspects of this incident,” Iranian ambassador to India, Mohammad Fathali, told news agency ANI. He added, “In this context, another Iranian naval vessel, IRIS Lavan, has docked at the port of Kochi to carry out technical and logistical arrangements. I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank the Government of India and the local authorities for their cooperation and humanitarian approach in facilitating the docking of this vessel and supporting its crew.”Also Read | ‘Will bitterly regret’: Iran warns US after IRIS Dena, ‘Indian Navy’s guest’, sunk by torpedo Highlighting the coordination between the two countries, the envoy noted that the assistance provided by Indian authorities during the situation reflects the longstanding friendly relations between them. He further voiced confidence that the historic and constructive ties between Tehran and New Delhi would continue to strengthen in the future. According to government officials, IRIS Lavan had participated in the International Fleet Review 2026 and was present in the region as part of the Iranian naval deployment for the multinational naval exercise MILAN 2026, held between February 15 and 25 in Visakhapatnam.Also Read | ‘Wanted to come into our port’: EAM Jaishankar on India’s rescue of Iranian shipsThey added that New Delhi had been approached by Tehran days before the sinking of IRIS Dena, requesting urgent docking support due to technical issues. The request, received on February 28, indicated that Kochi was necessary as the ship faced mechanical problems. Approval came on March 1, and IRIS Lavan subsequently docked on Wednesday. Its crew members, reportedly totalling 183 personnel, are currently staying at naval facilities in the Keralam city. The developments come amid escalating tensions in West Asia following a joint US-Israel military strike on February 28 that killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and other senior figures. In response, Tehran launched waves of drone and missile attacks across multiple Arab countries, targeting American military bases and assets, and Israel.
India has never depended on permission from any country to purchase Russian oil, and the recent US sanctions waiver merely removes friction rather than shaping India’s energy policy, a senior government functionary said, according to PTI.The remarks came after the United States announced a temporary 30-day waiver allowing Indian refiners to buy Russian oil cargoes amid the ongoing geopolitical tensions linked to the conflict with Iran.
“The US waiver of sanctions removes friction. It does not define India’s policy, which is governed by the energy trilemma, affordability, availability and sustainability, for every Indian household,” the government functionary said.Rejecting opposition criticism over the waiver, the official said India’s energy purchases are guided by national interest. “India will buy oil from wherever it is available. Our oil purchases will not be governed by any hollow slogans. India has never depended on permission from any country to buy Russian oil,” another senior government official said, as quoted by the agency. The functionary also stressed that India’s fuel supply remains secure. “The message from the Centre to every Indian household is clear that the country’s fuel supply is fully secure. The government is continuously monitoring the situation and will act, as it always has, in the interest of every citizen,” the official said.India currently holds more than 250 million barrels of crude oil and refined products, equivalent to seven to eight weeks of buffer stocks, stored across strategic reserves, storage tanks, pipelines, terminal facilities and vessels already in transit to Indian ports, the official said. India now sources oil from around 40 countries, and domestic refineries continue to operate normally.“No petrol pump has run dry in 12 years. What certain voices are calling a crisis is, in fact, the proof of preparation. India’s energy governance has given us the insulation we need,” the functionary said.Responding to opposition criticism, the official said the allegations lacked substance and suggested critics were focusing on selective language. “Clearly shows the opposition is unaware of how countries frame statements and use bombast keeping their domestic audiences and politics in mind.”The official also pointed to a precedent during the previous Congress-led government, noting that India had adjusted crude imports under US sanctions earlier. In 2013, the US state department said India had reduced purchases of Iranian crude to qualify for sanctions exemptions under Section 1245 of the US national defense authorization act (NDAA).Quoting then US secretary of state John Kerry, the official cited the statement: “I am pleased to announce that China, India, Malaysia, Republic of Korea, Singapore, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Turkey, and Taiwan have again qualified for an exception to sanctions outlined in section 1245 of the national defense authorization act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2012…”Officials said India’s supplier base has expanded from 27 countries to 40 over the past decade, which they said has helped maintain stable energy supplies even during global disruptions.
