Amid concerns over global oil supply disruptions due to tensions in MIddle East, government sources on Saturday said India’s energy stock position is improving, adding that the situation has strengthened confidence about fuel supply stability in the country.According to government sources, the improvement in energy availability has reinforced the Centre’s position that petrol and diesel prices will not increase.“Energy stock position of India is improving. As the situation is improving, that is giving us greater confidence,” government sources said.

This came after the price of a 14.2-kg domestic LPG cylinder has been raised by Rs 60, while the 19-kg commercial cylinder now costs Rs 115 more, with the revised rates coming into effect from Saturday, March 7.Officials also indicated that India has increased diversification of its crude oil imports to reduce reliance on the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping route that has faced disruptions amid the ongoing conflict in the region.Sources said that India has ramped up about 10 per cent of its crude imports from sources outside the Strait of Hormuz. As a result, the share of crude sourced from alternative routes has increased from around 60 per cent to nearly 70 per cent.The move is aimed at strengthening India’s energy security and ensuring stable supplies despite volatility in global oil markets.Responding to allegations by the Congress regarding a rise in LPG prices, government sources said the claims were misleading.“Their allegation is completely baseless. This was only said for petrol and diesel. It was not in reference to LPG. Today we again assure that prices of Petrol and Diesel will not increase,” the sources said.Officials added that the government continues to closely monitor developments in the global energy market while ensuring adequate domestic fuel supplies.Earlier, Congress leader Pawan Khera attacked the government over the increase in domestic and commercial LPG prices, questioning earlier assurances by petroleum minister Hardeep Singh Puri on fuel affordability.“Yesterday, @HardeepSPuri said: ‘Our priority is to ensure availability of affordable and sustainable fuel for our citizens, and we are doing it comfortably.’ Today, domestic LPG prices have been hiked by Rs 60, and commercial cylinder prices by Rs 115. Never believe a word of what Hardeep Singh Puri says……,” Khera wrote in a post on X.On Friday, Union minister for petroleum and natural gas Hardeep Singh Puri has sought to reassure consumers about energy availability, saying there is “no shortage” of energy in India.Also, US has issued a 30-day waiver allowing India to continue purchasing Russian oil, saying the move is aimed at stabilising global energy supplies.“To enable oil to keep flowing into the global market, the Treasury Department is issuing a temporary 30-day waiver to allow Indian refiners to purchase Russian oil,” US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent posted on X.

T20 WC Final (Agency Image)

The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 is set to reach its climax on Sunday as India national cricket team take on the New Zealand national cricket team in the final in Ahmedabad. After nearly a month of gripping matches and dramatic turnarounds, the tournament will conclude with the much-anticipated title clash at the Narendra Modi Stadium.India, led by Suryakumar Yadav, sealed their place in the final after edging past the England cricket team by seven runs in a tense semi-final held in Mumbai. Meanwhile, New Zealand produced a commanding display in their last-four encounter, defeating the South Africa national cricket team by nine wickets in Kolkata to book their spot in the summit clash.

This will mark India’s fourth appearance in a T20 World Cup final, and the team will be chasing a record-extending third title. For New Zealand, it will be only their second appearance in the final of the competition as they continue their pursuit of a maiden T20 World Cup trophy.India will head into the contest with several factors working in their favour. They are playing at home, carry the confidence of being the defending champions, and have also enjoyed success against New Zealand in recent bilateral series. However, the historical record adds an intriguing twist, as New Zealand have never been beaten by India in tournament meetings.Both teams have had their share of ups and downs during the competition. At different stages, each side looked at risk of an early elimination before recovering strongly to reach the final of the global event.Before the highly anticipated final gets underway, the organisers have planned a special closing ceremony to celebrate the end of the tournament.The closing ceremony of the 2026 T20 World Cup will take place on Sunday, March 8, at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. The event is scheduled to begin at 5:30 PM.The ceremony will feature performances by international pop star Ricky Martin, popular Bollywood and Punjabi singer Sukhbir, and renowned Gujarati folk artist Falguni Pathak, adding a vibrant musical flavour before the final showdown begins.

As defending champions India prepare to face New Zealand in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday, an interesting statistical storyline has come to the forefront. While the Men in Blue have generally enjoyed success against the Black Caps in bilateral T20 internationals, their record against New Zealand in the T20 World Cup paints a completely different picture. In fact, history shows that the Kiwis have always managed to get the better of India in this tournament, a trend Mitchell Santner’s side will be eager to maintain when the two teams meet in the grand finale.

New Zealand’s perfect record against India in T20 World Cups

One of the most surprising aspects of this rivalry is that India have never defeated New Zealand in a T20 World Cup match. The two teams have faced each other three times in the tournament’s history – 2007, 2016 and 2021 – and on every occasion, New Zealand have emerged victorious. This unusual record gives the Black Caps a psychological edge going into the final, even though India enter the match as defending champions and strong favourites on home soil.

The first meeting came in the inaugural T20 World Cup in 2007 at Johannesburg during the Super Eight stage. Interestingly, that match turned out to be India’s only defeat in the tournament they eventually went on to win. New Zealand posted an imposing total of 190 after strong contributions from Brendon McCullum, Craig McMillan and Jacob Oram. India began their chase in spectacular fashion with an opening stand of 76 in under six overs. Gautam Gambhir and Virender Sehwag looked in complete control, but New Zealand skipper Daniel Vettori produced a brilliant spell of 4 for 20 that turned the game around. India eventually fell short by 10 runs.

The second clash between the two sides took place during the group stage of the 2016 T20 World Cup in Nagpur, and it remains one of India’s most disappointing batting performances in the tournament’s history. New Zealand, batting first on a spin-friendly surface, managed just 126 runs. It appeared to be a manageable target, but India’s batting lineup struggled badly against New Zealand’s spinners. The hosts collapsed for only 79 runs, their lowest total ever in a T20 World Cup. Only a few players, including MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli, managed to reach double figures as New Zealand secured a convincing 47-run victory.

The most recent encounter came in the 2021 T20 World Cup in Dubai. Both teams entered the match under pressure after losing their opening games to Pakistan. India posted a modest total of 110 for 7, which proved far from enough. New Zealand chased down the target comfortably, losing just two wickets and sealing an eight-wicket win with plenty of overs to spare. The result continued New Zealand’s dominance over India in major ICC tournaments, following their victory in the World Test Championship final earlier that same year.

India’s strong overall record against New Zealand in T20Is

Despite New Zealand’s dominance in the World Cup, the broader T20 international record tells a different story. In overall head-to-head meetings, India have had the upper hand. Out of 30 T20Is played between the two teams, India have won 18 while New Zealand have claimed 11 victories, with one match ending in a tie.

India also enjoyed success against New Zealand in the lead-up to the tournament. In a five-match T20I bilateral series played at home shortly before the World Cup, India secured a comfortable 4-1 series win. That result highlighted India’s strength in familiar conditions and their ability to dominate the Black Caps outside of ICC tournaments.

Also READ: T20 World Cup 2026 Final – India vs New Zealand Ticket Prices and Booking Details

IND vs NZ, T20 World Cup 2026: Preview

Looking ahead to the final, several key matchups could influence the outcome. One of the most anticipated battles will be between India’s pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah and New Zealand’s explosive opener Finn Allen. Allen enters the final in sensational form after smashing the fastest century in T20 World Cup history – a 33-ball hundred against South Africa in the semi-final.

Another area that could shape the contest is India’s approach against spin. Some of India’s left-handed batters, including Abhishek Sharma and Ishan Kishan, have occasionally struggled against off-spin during the tournament. This could bring New Zealand’s Cole McConchie and Glenn Phillips into play during the middle overs.

The stakes could hardly be higher for both teams. If India win the final, they will become the first team in history to successfully defend a T20 World Cup title and also the first host nation to lift the trophy. It would also give India their third Men’s T20 World Cup title, further cementing their dominance in the format.

For New Zealand, victory would be equally historic. The Black Caps are still searching for their first T20 World Cup crown after finishing as runners-up in 2021. A win in Ahmedabad would not only secure their maiden title but also extend their remarkable unbeaten record against India in T20 World Cups.

The final is scheduled to begin at 7:00 pm IST on Sunday, with the toss taking place at 6:30 pm. With more than 130,000 fans expected to pack the Narendra Modi Stadium, the stage is set for a memorable showdown between two of the world’s strongest T20 sides.

Also READ: India’s win-loss record at the Narendra Modi Stadium ahead of T20 World Cup 2026 final

In a move aimed at improving upkeep in its residential complexes and boosting demand for its housing inventory, the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) has decided to take over day-to-day maintenance of its flats, including those constructed before 2021. The new system will come into force from April 1, 2026, according to a notification reviewed by TOI.Under the decision, DDA will collect quarterly service charges from flat owners and directly manage routine services across housing pockets. These services will include security, sweeping of common areas, cleaning of roof and overhead and underground water tanks, basement upkeep, maintenance of electrical installations and lifts, and cleaning of garbage chute areas.The authority will also undertake minor repairs and maintenance of common spaces such as staircases, lift lobbies and corridors, besides maintaining STP-treated water supply lines used for horticultural purposes.DDA will continue to manage maintenance until occupancy in a housing pocket reaches 80% or until a residents’ welfare association (RWA) is registered with DDA, whichever occurs later. In the case of unsold flats, DDA will pay service charges to the RWA as determined under its bylaws.The mechanism has been formalised through a standard operating procedure (SOP) approved by the competent authority to create a structured system for handling day-to-day maintenance across DDA housing complexes.“The SOP will be operationalised in a time-bound and coordinated manner to ensure efficient delivery of maintenance services, clarity of roles and accountability among the departments concerned,” the notification stated.According to the SOP, the provisions will apply to housing pockets under schemes launched between 2010 and 2021. Flats allotted under schemes introduced in 2023 and thereafter already include maintenance costs for the first year, collected along with capital maintenance charges. As a result, regular service charges for these projects will be levied only after completion of the first year.“Where this period is already completed, bills will be generated with the addition of arrears,” the SOP stated.Officials explained that when DDA sold flats earlier, it collected a one-time capital maintenance charge from buyers for major repair works such as improving sewerage systems, whitewashing and structural repairs.“However, day-to-day maintenance charges were not collected under the schemes introduced till 2021. That is why a decision has now been taken to implement a regular maintenance mechanism,” an official said.Under the new system, monthly service charges will be calculated per square metre of plinth area, based on the flat category and building typology, with GST applicable separately. Initial rates have been derived from estimated inputs provided by engineering zones and averaged to ensure uniformity.From subsequent financial years onward, rates will be determined pocket-wise based on actual expenditure in the previous year, pending liabilities and the cost inflation index notified by the Central Board of Direct Taxes. These revised charges will be approved annually by the competent authority or the chief engineer of the concerned zone.Residents will receive quarterly bills and will have a grace period of 10 calendar days from the date of billing to make payment without interest.“Payments can be made through digital platforms or at cash deposit counters in the complex. If payment is not received within 10 days, simple interest at the rate of 12% per annum will be levied. Interest will be calculated from the date of billing,” the authority stated.In cases of continued non-payment, dues may be recovered as arrears of land revenue under Regulation 17 of the Delhi Development Authority (Management and Disposal of Housing Estates) Regulations, 1968.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth listens during the inaugural Americas Counter Cartel Conference at U.S. Southern Command in Doral, Fla., Thursday, March 5, 2026. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)

Reacting to reports that Russia is providing intelligence to Iran amid the Middle East conflict, US secretary of war Pete Hegseth stated that the United States has the “best intelligence” in the world and knows “who is talking to who.”Also Read: Russia helping Iran? Moscow providing real time intelligence to Tehran on American military assets“Oh we’re tracking everything. Our commanders are aware of everything. We have the best intelligence in the world. We’re aware of who’s talking to who, why are they talking to them, how accurate that information might be. We know what’s going on,” Hegseth told CBS News’ Major Garett.Praising Donald Trump, he called the US president someone with an “incredible knack for knowing how to mitigate those things.”“The American people can be assured that their commander-in-chief is fully aware of who is talking to who. This shouldn’t be happening, whether in public or through back channels,” the secretary of war added.When asked whether Washington would ask Moscow to stop providing intelligence to Tehran, Hegseth highlighted Trump’s “unique relationship” with world leaders and brought his predecessor Joe Biden into the discussion.Also Read | After Russia’s intel support for Iran, ‘Chinese’ whispers of financial aid to Tehran? What report says“President Trump, as people have seen, has a unique relationship with a lot of world leaders, where he can get things done that other presidents, certainly Joe Biden, never could have. Messages definitely can be delivered,” he said.On whether Russia’s alleged assistance to Iran puts US troops in danger, Hegseth replied that no one is putting the Americans in danger, and it is the Americans who are putting “other guys” in danger, saying “that’s our job.”“The only people who should be worried are the Iranians who think that ‘they’re going to live,’” he concluded.Earlier, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt also downplayed the report that Russia is providing Iran with targeting information about US forces in the Middle East.“It clearly is not making a difference with respect to the military operations in Iran because we are completely decimating them. We are achieving the military objectives of this operation and that is going to continue,” Leavitt told reporters.The Washington Post, citing officials familiar with the intelligence, reported that Russia has provided Iran with the locations of US military assets, including ships and aircraft.Six US service members were killed in a drone attack on a US base in Kuwait on Sunday and the CIA station in Saudi capital Riyadh has also been hit.According to The Post, China did not appear to be aiding Tehran’s defenses.Russia and China have longstanding diplomatic and trade ties with Iran, while Russia has close military links to the Islamic Republic.Both Moscow and Beijing have criticised the US-Israeli war against Iran.(With AFP inputs)

NEW DELHI: Is the BJP converting Raj Bhavans into “war rooms”? Mamata Banerjee’s Trinamool Congress thinks so, especially after the Centre’s move to shift Tamil Nadu governor RN Ravi from Tamil Nadu to West Bengal. Appointment and transfer of governors is a routine administrative decision, but when the change involves poll-bound states, allegations of political motives driving the decision is a given. Ironically, the ruling BJP has high stakes in both Tamil Nadu and West Bengal, states which go to polls in some months. In West Bengal, the BJP is going all out to oust Mamata-led Trinamool Congress government, while in Tamil Nadu, the saffron party has played a key role in stitching anti-DMK coalition alongwith its ally the AIADMK.Why has R N Ravi’s transfer evoked strong reactions?RN Ravi’s tenure in Tamil Nadu has been eventful. As the governor of the state, Ravi, a former deputy national security adviser, was frequently locked in public battles with the M K Stalin-led DMK government over different issues. Little wonder the ruling Trinamool Congress in West Bengal has reacted to this change with alarm. DMK MP P Wilson’s reaction sums it all up: “I am sad on two counts-firstly that DMK is losing a star campaigner in the upcoming elections. R N Ravi was a constant reminder of the BJP’s intentions with Tamil Nadu. Secondly, I am sad for the people of West Bengal and my good friends at the All India Trinamool Congress. Wherever he (R N Ravi) goes, the casualty is the Constitution, federal structure and parliamentary democracy,” the DMK’s Rajya Sabha member wrote on X.Senior political analyst R Kannan welcomed the transfer of R N Ravi. “He was on a stiff confrontational course with the state government and some things that he insisted on like playing the national anthem at the beginning of the assembly session were completely off. Some things like the inadequacy of college teachers were apt. A mixed performance but welcome departure,” he said.The Trinamool leaders have been quick to attack the BJP for this “unilateral decision.” TMC’s deputy leader in Rajya Sabha Sagarika Ghose alleged: “By unilaterally appointing a new governor for Bengal, the Modi government again displays its contempt for constitutional federalism. Raj Bhavans becoming BJP war rooms.” Why DMK MP called RN Ravi party’s star campaignerR N Ravi, who took charge as the 26th governor of Tamil Nadu in 2021, a few months after the DMK govt led by M K Stalin assumed office, had a tumultuous tenure in the state marked by recurrent confrontations with the state govt. Ravi walked out of the assembly without delivering the customary address for the fourth consecutive time this year, alleging disrespect for the national anthem. The governor sat on several bills passed by the assembly prompting the state government to move the Supreme Court. There were differences over the appointment of vice-chancellors leading to a situation where 14 out of 22 universities in the state were without a head for periods ranging from one to three years.Then there were policy-driven fights like over the National Education Policy.And while all these issues impacted the ruling DMK, what the BJP and its ally the AIADMK perhaps would have been worried about is the many confrontations that RN Ravi had with the state government over his remarks on Dravidian ideology and its icons. That perhaps explains why MP P Wilson said that DMK had lost a star campaigner. Perhaps, not just the DMK, but also the AIADMK would be relieved with this change.Why is the Trinamool worriedFor the Trinamool Congress in West Bengal, confrontation with governors has been a part of its politics for long. It started with Jagdeep Dhankar, who as governor of West Bengal had frequent run-ins with the Mamata government. Then came C V Ananda Bose. After a brief period of bonhomie, his tenure was also filled with confrontations over various issues. Now, with R N Ravi and his track record of confrontations with the DMK government, the Trinamool Congress would be ready for another round of turbulence. The BJP, as expected, has welcomed Ravi’s appointment. Senior West Bengal BJP leader Dilip Ghosh made an interesting remark when he said that the change in Governor should not automatically be interpreted as a step towards the imposition of President’s Rule even while suggesting that the situation in the state could lead to such an outcome if conditions worsen.“New Governor is coming, and we welcome him. We are happy that an IPS officer is taking the position of Governor. The law and order situation in Bengal is in a very poor state, and we hope it will improve under his supervision,” Ghosh told news agency IANS.“If President’s Rule is to be imposed in West Bengal, Mamata Banerjee cannot stop it. But if the Governor is changed, it does not necessarily mean that President’s Rule has been imposed. However, because of their attitude, President’s Rule could happen. The way the SIR process has been disturbed and delayed, and the lack of cooperation from their employees has led to violence,” he said.The remarks partially explain why the Trinamool has reacted aggressively to the new appointment. Already, chief minister Mamata Banerjee has claimed that outgoing governor Bose may have been pressured by Union home minister Amit Shah to “serve certain political interests” ahead of the assembly polls.Can governor act independently of elected state governmentThe Constitution grants dual roles to the governor. The governor is the executive head of a state (Article 154) and also the constitutional representative of the Centre. They act as the nominal head, normally acting on the advice of the chief minister and the council of ministers (Article 163), but they possess discretionary powers.Article 163 reads: “There shall be a Council of Ministers with the Chief Minister at the head to aid and advise the Governor in the exercise of his functions, except in so far as he is by or under this Constitution required to exercise his functions or any of them in his discretion.” Clearly, the governor has discretionary powers. Supreme Court lawyer and constitutional expert Gyanant Singh says “There is no doubt that the governor has powers to act independently of the state government under certain circumstances. However, this power should not be misused as is happening in recent times.”“If you look at the text of the oath of office which a governor takes, it is different from that of the political executive or even judges, including the Chief Justice of India, in so far it says the governor will act to “preserve, protect and defend the Constitution and the law,” Gyanant Singh says.The oath is similar to that of the President. Whereas for the political executive and judges of the Supreme Court, the oath talks of bearing “true faith and allegiance to the Constitution of India” and not “preserve, protect and defend the Consitution.” The Consitution bestows this special responsibility on the Governor but problem arises when his actions are politically motivated and against the spirit of the Constitution.The oath of office of Union ministers reads: “That I will uphold the sovereignty and integrity of India, that I will faithfully and conscientiously discharge my duties as a Minister for the Union and that I will do right to all manner of people in accordance with the Constitution and the law, without fear or favour, affection or ill-will.”Clearly, the Constitution gives the governor discretionary powers. But when this discretion appears to favour the party ruling at the Centre, it leads to political controversy and allegations of misuse of the post. The state governments have always demanded a say in the appointment of governors. The Sarkaria and Punchhi Commissions have made recommendations to this effect. But clearly no political party has the will to implement these recommendations. So, this political tussle is unlikely to end any time soon.

Ahmedabad: Kajal, a worker, sprinkles water while cleaning seats at the Narendra Modi Stadium (PTI Photo/Gurinder Osan)

NEW DELHI: India will face New Zealand in the T20 World Cup 2026 final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday, with Suryakumar Yadav’s side aiming to create history by defending their title. India reached the summit clash after beating England in the semifinal and became the third team after Pakistan and Sri Lanka to make back-to-back T20 World Cup finals.

However, New Zealand remain a tough opponent and have never lost to India in their previous T20 World Cup meetings.With such a big match ahead, fans are also curious about what happens if weather or other situations affect the final.

According to ICC rules, the organisers will first try to complete the match on the scheduled day, even if the game has to be shortened due to rain.If the match cannot be completed that day, a reserve day is in place.The game will continue from the same point where it stopped rather than starting again. However, if rain prevents any result even after the reserve day, both teams will be declared joint winners of the tournament.Another possibility is the match ending in a tie. In that case, the winner will be decided through a Super Over, where both teams get one extra over to bat and bowl.If the Super Over also ends in a tie, another one will be played.This rule was introduced after the controversial finish of the 2019 ODI World Cup final. Earlier, only one Super Over was played and if it was tied, the team that hit more boundaries won. Now, Super Overs will continue until a clear winner emerges.

Pensioners covered under the Employees’ Pension Scheme 1995 (EPS-95) will hold a three-day protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi from March 9, pressing for an increase in the minimum monthly pension to Rs 7,500 from the current Rs 1,000, PTI reported.The protest has been called by the EPS 95 National Agitation Committee, led by its National President Commander Ashok Raut.According to a statement, around 8.1 million pensioners from central and state government public sector undertakings, cooperative and private sectors, mills and media establishments have been raising their demands for the past nine years.“Appeals have been made to the Prime Minister, all Union Ministers, and MPs from all parties. But the government is ignoring the cries of elderly pensioners and making hollow claims of “Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas”, the committee said.The pensioners said that despite contributing to the EPFO for 30 to 35 years of service, many retirees receive an average monthly pension of only Rs 1,171.However, the committee alleged that under various government schemes, pensions are being distributed without any contribution.It also claimed that due to very low pensions and the absence of free medical care, an average of 200-250 pensioners across the country are dying prematurely every day.“Enraged by the government’s inhumane behaviour and continued neglect of the interests of elderly pensioners, pensioners will hold a “do or die” protest at Jantar Mantar in Delhi on March 9, 10, and 11, at the start of the second phase of the Budget Session of Parliament,” the statement said.The protest is expected to see participation from pensioners across states, while Members of Parliament from various political parties are also likely to attend.Among the key demands raised by the pensioners are a minimum monthly pension of Rs 7,500 along with dearness allowance, and free medical care for pensioners and their spouses.They have also demanded that the benefits of higher pension be extended equally to all eligible pensioners, in line with the Supreme Court’s November 4, 2022 decision.Additionally, pensioners who were excluded from the EPS-95 scheme have sought a monthly pension of Rs 5,000, the statement added.