South Africa and West Indies cricket team (Agency Image)

Former England captain Michael Vaughan has criticised what he believes is unequal treatment of teams following their exit from the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, pointing out that some sides are still stranded in India while others have already been allowed to leave.England were knocked out of the tournament after losing their semi-final to the India national cricket team on Thursday. According to Vaughan, the English side is set to return home on a charter flight soon after the defeat.However, the situation has been very different for other teams. The West Indies cricket team, who were eliminated last Sunday after a five-wicket loss to India in the Super Eights, are still waiting in Kolkata to travel back. The South Africa national cricket team are also stuck in the same city after their semi-final defeat to the New Zealand national cricket team on March 4.Taking to X, Vaughan questioned the disparity and suggested that influence at the global level of the International Cricket Council should not determine how teams are treated once they exit a tournament.“So England got knocked out on Thurs get a charter home today .. West Indies go out last Sunday and are still in Kolkata .. SA in the same position .. That’s where the power is all wrong .. All teams in this situation should be treated the same .. just because you are more powerful at the ICC table shouldn’t count ..,” Vaughan wrote.

Michael Vaughan post

The travel complications are largely due to charter flights arranged by the ICC being affected by international airspace restrictions linked to security concerns in the Gulf region amid the ongoing tensions between Israel and Iran.Frustration over the delay has also been visible within the West Indies camp. Head coach Daren Sammy recently shared a short but telling message on X that reflected the team’s mood. The former West Indies captain posted, “I just wanna go home.”The tournament is now nearing its conclusion, with defending champions India national cricket team set to face the New Zealand national cricket team in the final on Sunday in Ahmedabad. The competition began on February 7 across venues in India and Sri Lanka.

A week into the US-Israeli war against Iran, US president Donald Trump is facing a growing set of military, economic and political risks that could complicate efforts to convert early battlefield gains into a broader geopolitical victory. Despite major strikes on Iranian forces and the killing of its supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the crisis has rapidly widened into a regional conflict, raising the prospect of a prolonged US military engagement with consequences beyond Washington’s control. Analysts say the unfolding situation contrasts with Trump’s earlier preference for limited operations, such as the January raid in Venezuela and June’s strike on Iran’s nuclear sites.“Iran is a messy and potentially protracted military campaign,” Laura Blumenfeld of the Johns Hopkins School for Advanced International Studies in Washington told Reuters. “Trump is risking the global economy, regional stability and his own Republican party’s performance in the US midterm elections.”

Unclear endgame

Trump has long promised to keep the United States out of what he called “stupid” military interventions. However, analysts say the Iran campaign, dubbed Operation Epic Fury, has become the largest US military operation since the 2003 invasion of Iraq.According to Reuters, critics argue that the administration has yet to clearly outline its end goals or a detailed strategy for what would constitute victory.White House spokesperson Anna Kelly rejected that assessment, saying Trump’s objectives are clear – to “destroy Iran’s ballistic missiles and production capacity, demolish their navy, end their ability to arm proxies, and prevent them from ever obtaining a nuclear weapon.”

Political risks at home

For now, much of Trump’s MAGA base continues to support the war, despite criticism from some supporters opposed to foreign military interventions.But analysts say that support could weaken if the conflict drags on or US casualties increase. Opinion polls increasingly suggest that many voters, including a key bloc of independents, remain wary of another prolonged war in the Middle East. “The American people are not interested in repeating the mistakes of Iraq and Afghanistan,” Republican strategist Brian Darling said, as quoted by Reuters. “The MAGA base is split between those who relied on no-new-war promises and ones who are loyal to Trump’s judgment.” So far, six American service members have been reported killed in the conflict. Asked in a Time magazine interview about the possibility of Iran-inspired attacks in the US, Trump said: “I guess … Like I said, some people will die.” Jonathan Panikoff, a former US national intelligence officer for the Middle East, warned that American casualties could become a turning point. “Nothing is likely to hasten an early end to the war more than American casualties … That’s what Iran is counting on,” he said.

Regional escalation

The war has already expanded beyond Iran and Israel, with Iran launching retaliatory strikes across the region, targeting multiple Middle Eastern nations in wake of attacking US and Israeli military facilities. Lebanon’s Hezbollah militia has resumed hostilities with Israel, opening another front in the conflict and underscoring Tehran’s ability to activate allied groups despite leadership losses.Trump has also sent mixed signals on whether Washington is pursuing regime change in Tehran. While initially suggesting that Iran’s leadership could be overthrown through internal rebellion, he later stopped short of endorsing that goal.However, Trump told Reuters he could play a role in selecting Iran’s next leader and encouraged Iranian Kurdish rebels to attack. He later demanded Iran’s “unconditional surrender” in a social media post.

Oil and economic impact

One of the most immediate concerns for policymakers is the threat to the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow waterway through which about one-fifth of the world’s oil supply passes.Iran has halted tanker traffic amid the conflict, raising fears of broader economic consequences if the disruption continues. Although Tehran later asserted that the critical shipping route will be closed for only American, Israeli and European vessels. “It’s an economic pain point on the US economy that it seems was not fully anticipated,” said Josh Lipsky of the Atlantic Council think tank.A former US military official told Reuters that the economic fallout caught some in the administration off guard because experts on oil markets were not widely consulted before the strikes.

Questions over strategy

Some analysts believe Trump miscalculated that the Iran campaign would unfold similarly to the earlier Venezuela operation, where US special forces captured President Nicolas Maduro and secured influence over the country’s oil resources without prolonged military action.Iran, however, has proved to be a more resilient adversary with a deeply entrenched political and security establishment. Even the joint US-Israeli strike that killed Khamenei and other senior leaders has not prevented Iran from mounting retaliation, raising questions about whether more hardline figures could replace the current leadership.Retired US army lieutenant General Ben Hodges told the agency that while the US military’s tactics have been effective, the broader strategy remains uncertain. “From a political, strategic and diplomatic standpoint, it seems not to have been thought all the way through,” he said.

Gulf allies and regional concerns

The conflict also places pressure on Gulf Arab states, which host US military bases and have pledged significant investment in the United States.While many Gulf governments have aligned with Washington following Iranian missile and drone strikes, concerns remain in the region about the broader consequences of the war.In an open letter to Trump, UAE businessman Khalaf Al Habtoor wrote: “Who gave you the right to turn our region into a battlefield?”With the cost of the campaign rising, by the first week US has already spent close to $3.7 billion according to CSIS, and the duration uncertain, Trump has said the operation could last “four or five weeks” or “whatever it takes,” though he has not detailed what the next phase of the strategy would involve.

Every year on International Women’s Day, celebrated on March 8, people across the world pause, sometimes briefly, sometimes meaningfully, to celebrate women. It’s a day filled with appreciation posts, heartfelt messages, inspiring quotes, and small gestures of gratitude that tries to recognise, appreciate, the countless ways women shape our lives. But beyond the greetings and social media posts, Women’s Day is all about celebrating stories of strength, success, kindness, and inner strength. Is it the mother who gets up early to prepare breakfast for the family before going to work? Is it the woman who leads her team through the challenges of meeting deadlines at work? Is it the woman who is always there for you when you need her, or is it the woman who has big dreams of changing the world? All women have stories that are worth celebrating, and it is precisely this that we are going to look at as we approach Women’s Day 2026 and look for the best ways to show our appreciation for the special woman in our lives.

Canva

Here are some heartfelt and inspirational messages, quotes, and Facebook and WhatsApp status for Women’s Day.

Women’s Day Wishes

Sometimes a simple wish can make someone feel truly valued. These warm greetings are perfect for sharing with the incredible women in your life. Cheers to Women’s Day in 2026! May everyone around you continue to be inspired by your bravery, kindness, and strength. Today, we honor all women who lead with passion and live with purpose. Happy Women’s Day! A very Happy Women’s Day to all the wonderful women in the world who are making this world a better place with their determination and compassion. Here’s to the strong women in the world. May you continue to break barriers and forge new paths towards the future. Happy Women’s Day! May your dreams be big, your accomplishments be celebrated, and your voices be heard. To the women who inspire us every day with their courage and strength, today is your day. May this Women’s Day be a reminder to you of your power, your potential, and your awesomeness. Happy Women’s Day to the women in the world who are making a difference in the lives of all the people around them. The world is a better place because of women like you. Wishing you a wonderful Women’s Day.Celebrate yourself today and every day. Happy International Women’s Day!

Canva

Women’s Day Messages

While wishes are short and sweet, messages can go a little deeper. These thoughtful lines are perfect for sending to friends, family members, or colleagues. On Women’s Day, we are reminded of the enormous contribution that women make in our lives and in our community. Your strength and determination continue to inspire all the people in your life. From building families to building businesses, women are making a contribution to the world that is powerful and meaningful. Today, we celebrate your success and the future that you continue to build.The courage and strength of women have changed the course of history many times over. On this Women’s Day, we celebrate every woman who dares to dream and work towards a better future. A woman’s strength is not in what she accomplishes alone, but also in what she accomplishes through her compassion, wisdom, and determination. Women are creators, leaders, innovators, and caregivers. Today is a day to recognise their endless contributions. Your passion, hard work, and perseverance inspire everyone around you. Thank you for making the world a better place. Women’s Day is not only about celebration—it’s also about appreciation. Today we honour every woman who continues to inspire us with her strength and courage. Behind every successful community and society, there are women who have given their time, energy, and love to make the world a better place.

Canva

Inspirational Women’s Day Quotes

Quotes have the power to embody the essence of women’s empowerment in a few words. These quotes have been inspiring people for years. “There is no limit to what we, as women, can accomplish.” — Michelle Obama “A girl should be two things: who and what she wants.” — Coco Chanel “Think like a queen. A queen is not afraid to fail.” — Oprah Winfrey “Well-behaved women seldom make history.” — Laurel Thatcher Ulrich “I raise up my voice—not so that I can shout, but so that those without a voice can be heard.” — Malala Yousafzai “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” — Eleanor Roosevelt These quotes are perfect for social media captions or messages that inspire empowerment.

Facebook & WhatsApp Status for Women’s Day

Social media is one of the most common ways people celebrate Women’s Day today. If you’re posting a quick tribute online, these short status lines work well. 1. Celebrating strength, courage, and resilience—Happy Women’s Day!2. Empowered women empower the world.3. Here’s to strong women everywhere.4. Celebrating the achievements of women today and every day.5. Happy Women’s Day to the women who inspire us all.6. Strong women create strong communities.7. Today we celebrate the power and potential of women everywhere.8. Cheers to women who break barriers and build brighter futures.9. Celebrating courage, compassion, and confidence.10. Happy Women’s Day 2026 to all the incredible women making a difference.

Canva

Women’s Day Messages for Special Women in Your Life

Women’s Day also gives people a chance to appreciate the women closest to them. For Mother Mom, your strength, love, and guidance have shaped my life in countless ways. Thank you for always believing in me. Happy Women’s Day. For Sister To my sister—your courage and determination inspire me every day. Wishing you a wonderful Women’s Day. For Friend Friendship with a strong woman like you makes life brighter and more meaningful. Happy Women’s Day!For Colleague Everyone around you is motivated by your commitment and leadership. I hope you have more success and joy this Women’s Day. The idea behind International Women’s Day dates back to the early 20th century when women around the world began demanding better working conditions, voting rights, and equality. Over time, this day has been dedicated to celebrate the contributions made by women in different fields, including science, politics, business, arts, sports, among many other fields. Today, International Women’s Day also recognizes that despite all these achievements, there is still so much that needs to be addressed, including gender equality, equal pay, education, and even the safety of women.

During his reality TV days when he hosted The Apprentice, Donald Trump loved using the phrase: You are fired. It was his catchphrase, synonymous with other Trumpisms: gilded gold designs that look like they belong in the Ottoman Empire, membership of the WWE Hall of Fame, stream-of-consciousness speeches that hint at logorrhoea, taking credit for ceasefires, describing all objects as beautiful, and in general being unhinged Americana on steroids and Diet Coke. However, in his second term as President – after coming back from political exile and dodging a bullet – Trump is quite reluctant to use his catchphrase.In his first term, according to an analysis by the Brookings Institution of Trump’s A-team, when he was still surrounded by old-school Republicans, Trump fired 60 candidates and had a turnover rate of 92%, with only five people remaining in their original posts by the time his tenure at the White House was done.To ensure that there isn’t a repeat this time around, Trump has assembled acolytes who are the living embodiment of Peter’s Principle, whose fealty is to Trump and only Trump, and who all sound like they are auditioning for a parody Hollywood movie, as evidenced by this mashed-up White House video with the Mortal Kombat leitmotif and some of popular culture’s most memorable characters, showing that even the most incomplete, irascible, and irredeemable regimes are capable of fine propaganda.Read: Why Trump’s Washington is St Petersburg The Trump 2.0 Dream Team includes a Director of National Intelligence (DNI) who is so out of the intelligence picture that her aides joke that DNI stands for Do Not Invite; a head of the FBI who is more in the news for partying than doing his job; an education secretary who thinks AI is ‘steak sauce’; a Secretary of War who hit a man with an axe on live TV; and a Secretary of Health who believes in anti-vaccine conspiracy theories. It’s like a cabinet of Sarah Palins, except they all make Sarah Palin look like a member of the Mensa Society. It brings to mind an epic Yes Minister line: “The industry minister is the idlest man in town, the education minister is illiterate, and the employment minister is unemployable.”There are many, many more examples but the space-time constraints dictate we move to the MVP in question: Kristi Noem.As a youngster, Noem famously won the award of South Dakota Snow Queen, foreshadowing the nickname that would be bestowed upon her in recenttimes: ICE Barbie. ICE, for the uninitiated, is the US’ Immigration and Customs Enforcement, which has been waging war with suburban moms while pretending to pick up illegal immigrants.Once talked about as Trump’s running mate, she was out of contention after it emerged that she had shot and killed her dog, which was too much even for Team Trump.

During her tenure as Governor of South Dakota, she ticked every MAGA checkbox: being so vehemently anti-abortion that she even opposes stem-cell research; denying the scientific consensus on climate change; opposing subsidised childcare; threatening a state employee for denying her daughter a real-estate agent’s licence; getting banned from Native American tribal lands for claiming they were hand-in-glove with Mexican cartels; running an anti-drug campaign titled “Meth. We are on it”; and famously bragging that her two-year-old granddaughter had several guns.All of which makes her perfect to be the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, which is responsible for all internal threats in America.Noem immediately burnished her credentials by having her handbag stolen – with $3000 in cash and her government access cards – from a DC restaurant.But what did Noem do to get Trump to become the second person from Trump’s A-team to be fired, the first being former National Security Advisor (NSA) Mike Walz, who added an Atlantic journalist to a Signal war chat to discuss bombings?She wasn’t fired when ICE agents shot dead two Americans in Minnesota.She wasn’t even fired when she called one of those shot dead, a Veterans Affairs nurse, a ‘domestic terrorist’ or lied about him using a gun.She wasn’t fired for calling the FBI ‘corrupt’.She escaped the rope when reports showed that ICE was releasing untrained agents on the streets due to an AI goof-up.She escaped the axe when ICE arrested South Korean citizens working in a Hyundai plant.She didn’t get laid off for buying luxury jets with barely any seating to deport illegal immigrants.She even survived waving a Rolex at an El Salvador prison, an alleged affair with an aide, and not releasing FEMA funds, much to the chagrin of even Republicans.It was all good. Until it wasn’t.Franz Kafka wrote in the Zürau Aphorisms: “There are two cardinal sins from which all others spring: impatience and laziness. Because of impatience we were driven out of Paradise, because of laziness we cannot return.” In Trumpian paradise, there are also two original sins: blaming Trump for something and being caught on camera blaming Trump for something.

Gil Kerlikowske, a former commissioner of Customs and Border Protection, told the NYT: “The loyalty is absolutely the key. It’s a good rule of thumb to never throw your boss under the bus and with him in particular I think it’s the cardinal sin and she certainly violated that.”Noem’s cardinal sins occurred during a Senate hearing.When asked if Trump approved of the $200 million-plus advertising spots that had been given to her political consultants, Noem answered in the affirmative.

A report in the NYT states that when Trump was shown the clips of her answers, Trump got angry, which is quite something given he has a lot on his mind including a literal war.So, what now for Kristi Noem?Trump has announced that she will be Special Envoy for the Shield of the Americas – which sounds as made-up as the FIFA Peace Prize – and makes one wonder if someone came up with it while watching a Marvel Cinematic Universe rerun.One half expects the job description to include assembling the Avengers.Now it’s hard not to feel a little sympathetic for Noem. Being a woman in MAGA is as hard as being an Indian in MAGA, perhaps even more so given one has to not only debate oneself by celebrating constant misogyny but also contour one’s looks for a particular aesthetic. Noem did almost everything that Trump asked her to do and was still cast out.

Earlier in December 2025, protesters had interrupted Noem’s hearing in Congress by shouting a line from the cult classic The Exorcist at her: “Stop ICE. The power of Christ compels you.” It wasn’t Christ that finally exorcised her from Trumpland. Just disagreeing with Trump.

NEW DELHI: In the first response from a senior government minister on the sinking of the Iranian warship IRIS Dena by the United States Navy in the Indian Ocean, external affairs minister S Jaishankar said on Saturday that one Iranian vessel had sought and received permission to dock in India, while another – IRIS Dena – was caught on the “wrong side of events” near Sri Lanka.Also Read | India gave safe harbour to another Iranian ship days before IRIS Dena was sunk by USJaishankar made the remarks during the Raisina Dialogue 2026 being held in New Delhi.

“I too support UNCLOS (UN Convention on the Law of the Sea) and international law… We got a message from the Iranian side that one of the ships, which presumably was closest to our borders at that point of time, wanted to come into our port. They were reporting that they were having problems… On the 1st March, we said you can come in and it took them a few days to sail in and then they docked in Kochi… There were a lot of young cadets and they disembarked,” the external affairs minister stated.He added that there were two other ships as well, and the situation changed between them coming to India for fleet review and leaving after the exercise.

“This ship, or these ships, there were two other ships…When they set out and came here the situation was totally different. They were coming in for a fleet review and then they got caught on the wrong side of events. So for us, when this ship wanted to come in and that too in difficulties, I think it was the humane thing to do…We were guided by that principle. In a sense of the other ships, one obviously had a similar situation in Sri Lanka and they took the decision that they did, and one unfortunately didn’t make it,” he explained.The Iranian frigates had participated in the MILAN-2026 exercise hosted by India in Visakhapatnam last month. IRIS Dena was on its way back in international waters when it was struck by a torpedo fired by a US Navy submarine early Wednesday, described by secretary of war, Pete Hegseth, as “quiet death.”The fact that the vessel that was sunk was returning from India and was struck in the Indian Ocean led the opposition to criticise the government.Also Read | IRIS Dena sinks: Blaming India for US strike on Iran frigate illogical, says BJPAddressing this aspect, Jaishankar pointed to how foreign militaries already have a presence in the region.“There are a lot of social media debates going on over this…. Please understand the reality of the Indian Ocean. Diego Garcia has been in the Indian Ocean for the last five decades…The fact that there are foreign forces based in Djibouti happened in the early first decade of this century. Hambantota Port (in Sri Lanka) came up during this period,” he stated.Diego Garcia is a joint US-UK military base located on the island of the same name in the Chagos archipelago in the Indian Ocean.Also Read | Iran warns US will ‘regret’ sub attack on IRIS Dena; 2nd warship seeks refuge in Sri LankaIRIS Dena was sunk by the United States under its Operation Epic Fury against Iran, launched on February 28 along with Israel, which calls its campaign Operation Roaring Lion. More than 80 sailors aboard the frigate were killed, while 32 were rescued by the Sri Lankan Navy.Tehran has responded by launching Operation True Promise 4, under which it has targeted Israel as well as American military bases in Gulf states. The strikes have also targeted civilian infrastructure in the Gulf countries, drawing them into the conflict.

As India gear up to face New Zealand in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, team management faces a crucial selection decision. Head coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Suryakumar Yadav must decide whether to persist with Varun Chakravarthy, who has struggled for wicket in this tournament, or bring back Kuldeep Yadav for the all-important final.

T20 World Cup 2026 Final: Three reasons why India should drop Varun Chakravarthy for Kuldeep Yadav

1. Varun Chakravarthy’s dip in form

Varun Chakravarthy’s form has noticeably declined since the tournament entered the Super Eight stage. His struggles were most evident during the semi-final against England at Wankhede Stadium, where the mystery spinner endured a difficult outing. Varun conceded 64 runs in his four overs and managed just one wicket, making it one of the most expensive spells ever recorded in T20 World Cup history.

While a single bad match can happen to any bowler, the bigger concern is the overall trend. During the group stage, Varun was in excellent form, picking up nine wickets while maintaining an impressive economy rate. However, in the Super Eight matches, his effectiveness dropped significantly. He took only a few wickets while conceded runs at a much higher rate. Batters from teams like South Africa, Zimbabwe West Indies and England were able to read his variations more comfortably, reducing the impact of his mystery spin. In a high-pressure final, India may not want to take the risk of continuing with a bowler who appears to be struggling for rhythm.

2. Kuldeep Yadav’s proven record in big matches

Kuldeep Yadav presents a strong alternative for India. The left-arm wrist spinner has consistently delivered impressive performances in recent years and has built a reputation as a wicket-taking option in the middle overs. Since making his comeback to the national side, Kuldeep has taken a remarkable number of wickets in T20 internationals while maintaining excellent control over his economy rate.

More importantly, Kuldeep has a proven record in high-pressure matches. He played a crucial role in India’s successful T20 World Cup campaign in 2024. In the semi-final of that tournament against England, Kuldeep produced a brilliant spell, taking three wickets while conceding very few runs and helping India defend a modest total. Performances like that highlight his ability to deliver when the stakes are highest.

In the current tournament, Kuldeep has had limited opportunities but looked sharp in the match against Pakistan, where he kept the runs down and bowled with control. Having a bowler with such experience and composure could be invaluable in a World Cup final where pressure often decides the outcome.

3. Pitch conditions could suit Kuldeep better

Another factor that could influence India’s selection is the nature of the pitch in Ahmedabad. Reports suggest that the surface for the final will feature a mix of red and black soil, with a greater proportion of red soil. Typically, red-soil pitches offer good bounce and pace but provide limited turn for spinners early in the game.

On such surfaces, bowlers who rely heavily on sharp turn may struggle if the ball does not grip as expected. Varun’s style often depends on deceiving batters through variations and turn. If the pitch offers minimal assistance, his effectiveness could be reduced.

Kuldeep, however, brings a slightly different approach. His quicker trajectory, ability to vary pace, and skill in hitting consistent lengths could make him more suited to a flatter surface. Even when the pitch offers little turn, Kuldeep has shown that he can still create chances through flight and subtle variations.

Also READ: T20 World Cup 2026 – Team India’s road to the final under Suryakumar Yadav

A tough decision for Team India

India, therefore, faces a classic selection dilemma. Varun Chakravarthy has been one of the standout bowlers earlier in the tournament, but his recent performances have raised doubts. Kuldeep Yadav, on the other hand, offers strong statistics, experience in knockout games, and a style that could be better suited to the conditions in Ahmedabad.

Ultimately, the decision will come down to what the team management values more – backing a bowler who has already delivered in the tournament or making a bold call to bring in a proven match-winner for the biggest match of the competition.

With the T20 World Cup trophy at stake, every decision could prove decisive. If India want to lift the title once again, the selection of their bowling attack for the final may well be one of the most important choices they make.

Also READ: India vs New Zealand T20 World Cup 2026 final – Reserve day, overs rule and who lifts the trophy if it rains

NEW DELHI: The row over venue change in President Droupadi Murmu‘s Santal event escalated with Prime Minister Narendra Modi slamming the TMC government in the state, claiming that they were against tribal communities. Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee targeted the BJP for “using” the President to “malign” the state, advising Murmu to “not indulge in politics”. Earlier, Murmu had flagged concerns over venue change accusing the state administration of choosing a place where “Santal people can’t go”.“This is shameful and unprecedented. Everyone who believes in democracy and the empowerment of tribal communities is disheartened. The pain and anguish expressed by Rashtrapati Ji, who herself hails from a tribal community, has caused immense sadness in the minds of the people of India. The TMC Government of West Bengal has truly crossed all limits. Their administration is responsible for this insult to the President,” PM Modi said in a post on X.“It is equally unfortunate that a subject as important as Santal culture is treated so casually by the West Bengal Government. The office of the President is above politics and the sanctity of this office should always be respected. One hopes better sense prevails among the West Bengal Government and TMC,” he added.

‘Don’t play politics on BJP’s advice’: Mamata hits back at Murmu

Mamata Banerjee questioned Murmu’s concern for tribals saying, “Why don’t you protest when atrocities are committed against tribals. Why don’t you protest when it happens in Madhya Pradesh or Chhattisgarh?… First do something for them, then say anything.”“Don’t play politics at the time of the election, as per the BJP’s advice,” she added.She further accused the BJP of using Murmu to malign West Bengal. “BJP has stooped so low that it is using President Droupadi Murmu to malign West Bengal,” she said.

What had Murmu said

Murmu had expressed strong displeasure over the last-minute change of venue for an event she was scheduled to attend in West Bengal, saying authorities told her the original location was too congested.“Today was the International Santal Conference. When I came here after attending it, I realised it would have been better if it had been held here, because the area is so vast… I don’t know what went through the administration’s mind… They said no, the place is congested. But I think five lakh people could gather here easily. But I don’t know why they took us there… I don’t know what went through the administration’s mind that they chose a place for the conference where the Santal people couldn’t go... I am very sad that the people here were unable to reach the conference because it was held so far away,” she said.She said the last-minute change had left her saddened and also noted that chief minister Mamata Banerjee did not meet her during the visit, which she described as a departure from usual protocol.“Perhaps the administration had hoped that no one would be able to attend, and the President would simply turn around and leave… If the President visits a place, the Chief Minister and the Ministers should also come. But she did not… I am also a daughter of Bengal… Mamata Didi is also my sister, my younger sister. I don’t know if she was angry with me, that’s why this happened,” she said.

On the eve of International Women’s Day, India’s growing push towards women’s financial empowerment is drawing attention to the changing role of women in the country’s economy. From gaining access to skill training, and hands on support to run small enterprises to operating agricultural drones, women are increasingly stepping into new financial roles and becoming active participants in India’s development story. Backed by a series of government initiatives over the past decade, more women across rural and urban India are gaining access to savings, credit, skills and markets, helping them build independent livelihoods and support their families. From savings schemes for the girl child to credit support, self-help groups (SHGs), entrepreneurship programmes and technology-driven livelihoods, policy efforts have focused on bringing more women into the economic mainstream and ensuring inclusive growth where no woman is left behind.One of the key initiatives supporting financial security for girls is the Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY), launched in 2015 under the Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao campaign. The savings scheme allows families to invest for a girl child’s education and future, offering an interest rate of 8.2% per annum along with tax benefits. According to government data, deposits under the scheme have crossed Rs 3.33 lakh crore as of December 2025. In rural areas, the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana–National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM) has brought together more than 10 crore women into self-help groups (SHGs), providing access to credit, skill training and livelihood opportunities. The network has become one of the world’s largest women-led community platforms, with repayment rates above 98%. Technology is also being introduced to expand income opportunities. Under the NaMo Drone Didi initiative, women from SHGs are being trained to operate agricultural drones used for spraying fertilisers and pesticides, enabling them to earn through drone rental services while promoting precision farming. Entrepreneurship initiatives are also gaining ground. Programmes such as the Lakhpati Didi campaign aim to help women SHG members achieve annual household incomes exceeding Rs 1 lakh through sustainable enterprises. Meanwhile, the Government e-Marketplace’s Womaniya initiative is enabling women-led businesses to supply goods and services directly to government buyers. Complementing these efforts are financial inclusion schemes such as the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana, and Stand-Up India, which provide banking access and collateral-free loans for women entrepreneurs.

Piyush Goyal (File photo)

Commerce and industry minister Piyush Goyal on Saturday said India has secured the best trade deal with the United States among competing nations, highlighting the strength of the economic and strategic partnership between the two countries, reported PTI.Speaking at the Raisina Dialogue 2026 in New Delhi, Goyal said India and the US share a “very powerful” relationship, adding that the world’s largest economy remains an important partner for New Delhi.

“It has been a fantastic journey. We have the best of relations. You would have observed that through the last year, President Donald Trump has always had the best things to say about India as a country, and about Prime Minister (Narendra) Modi. We have fantastic relations with our counterparts there.“Even within your family, sometimes you can have one or two misunderstandings. It’s a part of the course. I think it’s a very, very powerful relationship that the US and India share. And we got the best deal amongst all the nations with whom we compete,” Goyal said.He added that the two countries are strategic partners and the largest democracies in the world, noting that the US, with a $30 trillion economy, remains central to global trade.“We have a large responsibility cast on both our nations. They are the world’s largest economy, USD 30 trillion economy, nobody can wish them away,” he said.Explaining the significance of trade agreements, Goyal said such deals are meant to secure preferential access for a country’s goods and services compared to competitors.“What’s a trade deal? You are trying to get a preference or a preferential access for yourself, your goods, your services, compared to your competitor. And we got the best deal amongst all the competing nations. I mean whether it’s in our neighbourhood Pakistan or Bangladesh. If we look at the Asian region, we got the best deal amongst all of the competitors…” he said.The minister added that the India-US partnership extends beyond trade, encompassing technology cooperation, critical minerals, defence ties and investments.“There’s a huge technology overlay on it. There’s a huge critical minerals partnership, there’s a defense partnership, there’s a huge amount of investments that flow into India from the US. So it’s a partnership of two countries which is going to define the future,” he said.His remarks come as India and the US have finalised the framework for the first phase of a bilateral trade agreement, under which Washington had announced it would reduce reciprocal tariffs on India to 18 per cent.However, after the US Supreme Court struck down the tariffs, President Donald Trump imposed a 10 per cent tariff on all countries from February 24 for 150 days.A meeting between the chief negotiators of the two countries to finalise the legal text of the agreement has also been postponed.Under the proposed deal, India will eliminate or reduce tariffs on US industrial goods and a range of American agricultural products, including dried distillers’ grains (DDGs), red sorghum for animal feed, tree nuts, fresh and processed fruits, soybean oil, wine and spirits, among others.India has also indicated that it plans to purchase $500 billion worth of US energy products, aircraft and aircraft parts, precious metals, technology products and coking coal over the next five years.Goyal also referred to the nine free trade agreements finalised by the Modi government, saying they were negotiated while safeguarding domestic interests.“These nine free trade agreements, I can say on record with all the courage that I have on my command with all the responsibility that in not a single trade deal, has India compromised on any sensitivity of any of our stakeholders,” he said.Opposition parties, however, have alleged that the government has compromised the interests of farmers in the India-US trade pact.Goyal said opening the auto sector under certain FTAs would expand consumer choice and create employment opportunities.“Demand for this industry is growing at an average of 8 per cent. So you can imagine how much more scope we have to create jobs,” he said.He added that while companies from FTA partner countries may initially export cars to test the Indian market, they would eventually need to manufacture locally once demand is established.“Initially they can sell, say, 5,000 cars or 10,000 cars, to test the market, find the distraction — and then come and manufacture here,” he said.He added that the government’s broader objective is to build a global network of trade partnerships through multiple FTAs.