NEW DELHI: The mercury rose to 35.7 degrees Celsius, seven degrees above normal, on Saturday. This was the earliest instance of the temperature surpassing 35 degrees Celsius in the first week of March in at least 15 years, IMD data showed. It was 34.4 degrees Celsius a day earlier. The day temperature is predicted to show a gradual rise and may further touch 37 degrees Celsius by March 11.Last year, the mercury crossed the 35-degree mark in the second week of March at 36.2 degrees Celsius on March 14. In 2024, this happened only in the last week of March, while in 2023, the temperature remained below 35 degrees Celsius throughout March. In 2022, this mark was breached in the third week of the month.“In March 2021, the day temperature surpassed 35 degrees Celsius on March 11. This time, it crossed four days earlier,” said RK Jenamani, senior scientist, IMD.
Clear skies and no active western disturbance lead to rise in mercury
Continuous clear skies have pushed the temperatures. Delhi has been largely experiencing dry weather since the last intense rainfall on Jan 28. Feb brought only two spells of very light showers. With no active western disturbance influencing the region, the city consistently has been recording clear skies, contributing to the rise in mercury.“The day temperature is expected to show a gradual increase. However, a western disturbance would impact the region from March 9 and it may cause rain activity only in hills. Though no rain is expected in the plains, the wind direction may change to easterly on March 10, which may cause a dip in the mercury by one to two degrees in Delhi,” said Jenamani.IMD predicted that the mercury is likely to hover between 34 and 36 degrees Celsius from Sunday to Tuesday. It is predicted to rise to around 37 degrees Celsius by Wednesday. “A rise in maximum temperatures by 1 to 2 degrees Celsius is expected during the next 24 hours and no large change is predicted during the subsequent three days. However, it may rise by 1 to 2 degrees Celsius on March 11 and fall by 1 to 2 degrees Celsius thereafter. The maximum temperatures are likely to be markedly above normal (5.1 degrees Celsius or more) during the next seven days,” said IMD in its bulletin.Apart from days, the nights continue to record temperatures above normal. The minimum temperature settled at 17.4 degrees Celsius, three notches above normal. It may touch 19 degrees Celsius by March 11.Meanwhile, Delhi’s air quality worsened to the poor category with an AQI of 246. It was 172 in the ‘moderate’ range the previous day. It is likely to dip to the moderate category on Sunday and Monday and may again deteriorate to poor on Tuesday, according to the Centre’s Air Quality Early Warning System for Delhi.
KOCHI: Days before the sinking of IRIS Dena by a US submarine south of Sri Lanka, India was approached by Iran to take in another Iranian ship, IRIS Lavan, which was also in the region for the International Fleet Review. According to govt sources, India gave permission to the ship to safely dock at the Kochi port on March 1 and accommodated its 183 crew members at the naval facilities there.IRIS Dena, while on its way back from India, was sunk on March 4 in an incident many have described as a challenge to India’s regional influence and its traditional role as a security provider in the region. Iran foreign minister Seyed Araghchi later said that the ship had been a guest of the Indian Navy.
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Iran’s request for IRIS Lavan was received on Feb 28 – the day US and Israel launched their ‘Epic Fury’ offensive in that country – saying that a docking at Kochi be considered urgent as the vessel had developed “technical” issues, according to govt sources.Docking helped Lavan escape IRIS Dena’s fateApproval was accorded for the docking of Iranian ship, IRIS Lavan, on March 1… It docked at Kochi on March 4 and its crew of 183 are currently accommodated at Kochi naval facilities, said a source.New Delhi’s decision perhaps helped IRIS Lavan and its 183-strong crew escape the fate that befell IRIS Dena, which was sunk in international waters by a torpedo fired by a US submarine.The Iranian frigate was returning home after participating in the Milan multilateral naval exercise hosted by India. At least 87 Iranian sailors were killed in the attack.The crew of a third Iranian navy ship, IRIS Bushehr, which perhaps fearing another hit by a US submarine, has found shelter with Sri Lanka, while the ship itself remains anchored in international waters.
A thrilling finale will unfold as India will be challenging New Zealand in the final match of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad, on 8th March at 7:00 PM IST.
Get the best IND vs NZ Dream11 prediction, fantasy cricket tips, probable playing XI, and match insights for the Final match of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026. Expert analysis and more.
History beckons as India prepare to confront New Zealand in the grand final of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 on Sunday, 8 March 2026, at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Moreover, this ultimate championship clash will begin at 7:00 PM IST, where the defending champions will chase a historic third title in front of a massive home crowd. The Ahmedabad pitch usually favors high-scoring contests; however, curators have prepared a mixed red and black soil surface to create a balanced battle between bat and ball. Therefore, the captain who wins the toss may prefer to bat first, since teams setting targets have often gained a psychological advantage in high-pressure finals at this venue.
India arrive in the final with tremendous confidence after defeating England by seven runs in a dramatic semi-final at Wankhede. Furthermore, they defended a formidable 253 for 7, which stands among the highest totals ever recorded in T20 World Cup history. Meanwhile, New Zealand stormed into the final with a dominant nine-wicket victory over South Africa in the other semi-final. Their emphatic performance, completed with 43 balls remaining, demonstrated remarkable authority and ensured that the Black Caps carried powerful momentum into the title clash. Consequently, India shoulder immense expectations at home, whereas New Zealand seek their maiden T20 world crown.
Sanju Samson spearheaded India’s semi-final triumph with a brilliant 89 off 42 deliveries, while Ishan Kishan added a rapid 39 and Shivam Dube contributed 43 to build a commanding total. Later, Jasprit Bumrah delivered crucial control during the death overs to secure the victory. On the other hand, New Zealand produced an extraordinary performance through Finn Allen, who smashed the fastest century in T20 World Cup history with a breathtaking 33-ball hundred. Additionally, Rachin Ravindra played a key role with the ball by claiming three wickets. Historically, India lead the overall T20I rivalry 18-11 across 30 meetings. Nevertheless, New Zealand’s flawless record against India in T20 World Cup encounters adds extra intrigue, ensuring that this final promises a thrilling and memorable conclusion to the 2026 tournament.
Hot Picks for IND vs NZ Dream11 Prediction and Fantasy Cricket Tips:
Captaincy Picks:
Ishan Kishan – The prolific left-handed opening batter representing India has accumulated 263 runs in 8 matches of this tournament, recently contributing a steady 39 in the semi-final and currently leading India’s run-scoring chart.
Sanju Samson – India’s dynamic right-handed wicketkeeper-batter has produced an outstanding campaign with 232 runs in just 4 matches, highlighted by a spectacular 89 off 42 balls in the semi-final while maintaining an exceptional strike rate of 201.73.
Top Picks:
Glenn Phillips – A versatile right-handed batter and off-break bowler for New Zealand, he has compiled 176 runs and claimed 3 wickets in 8 matches so far, showcasing his impact through aggressive batting and useful all-round contributions.
Hardik Pandya – India’s influential right-handed all-rounder has delivered strong all-round performances with 199 runs and 8 wickets in 8 tournament appearances, including an important Powerplay breakthrough in the semi-final and valuable finishing contributions with the bat.
Budget Picks:
Mitchell Santner – New Zealand’s captain and dependable left-arm orthodox spinner has scored 77 runs and picked up 2 wickets in 8 tournament games, guiding the side with calm leadership while maintaining an impressive economy rate of 6.33.
Axar Patel – The skilled left-arm orthodox spinner from India has taken 8 wickets and added 16 runs in 8 matches during this campaign, consistently controlling the middle overs with disciplined and economical bowling.
IND vs NZ ICC T20 World Cup 2026 Captain and Vice-captain Choices:
File photo: US President Donald Trump with Chinese President Xi Jinping
Chinese analysts and officials do not believe the US would target Xi in the same way it did with Khamenei, given China’s status as a nuclear power. But Trump’s embrace of war as a tool to assert American dominance has nonetheless reaffirmed Beijing’s view that the United States remains China’s most enduring threat. China’s military posted a graphic on social media past week listing five lessons from the strikes on Iran. One of it was the importance of “superior firepower,” which echoes Xi’s mantra.
It also listed the need for “self-reliance,” most likely a reference to China’s bid to reduce its dependence on other countries for critical inputs like energy and defence production. One pointer says China must guard against “the enemy within,” an apparent catchall to describe Beijing’s long-standing fear of foreign spying and any efforts to foment “colour revolutions” to overthrow govt Last month, the CIA released a new video aimed at recruiting spies within China’s military, hoping to exploit a sweeping anti-corruption campaign by Xi that has purged numerous senior commanders. One of the broadest takeaways being discussed in China is to not be lulled into a false sense of security by entering negotiations with Washington. That the first US-Israeli bombs fell on Iran when the parties were still supposed to be in talks struck Beijing as duplicitous and an abuse of US power. nyt
CHANDIGARH: On June 17, 1997, Ravinder Jit Randhawa’s life lay shattered – her husband, Major Sukhwinder Jeet Singh Randhawa (Kirti Chakra, posthumous), had sacrificed his life fighting terrorists in Kashmir. Barely 15 months later, she graduated from Officers Training Academy, Chennai, as a lieutenant, wearing the same olive green as her husband.Lt Col Randhawa (retd) turned out to be India’s first Veer Nari (war widow) to become an officer. She served 24 years and continues to inspire women to join the military.On the eve of Int’l Women’s Day, TOI spoke with her and another trailblazer, Major Priya Jhingan (retd), who has the pride of being Lady Cadet 001. The two rewrote history in the armed forces. Their journeys broke barriers and helped open doors for women across entry streams in the Army.
A promise keptLt Col Randhawa’s decision to join the Army after a deeply personal loss broke institutional barriers, with the Army relaxing age and marital status restrictions: “After a loss like ours, the ground beneath your feet disappears. Becoming a commissioned officer gave me purpose.”She said her upbringing in Punjab, with its deep respect for soldiers, and the desire to honour her husband’s legacy strengthened her resolve. “I draw immense strength from my mother.”She recalled how ex-Army chief Gen VP Malik and his wife Dr Ranjana Malik had a key role in her donning the olive green. It was only after her request to Gen Malik, who wrote to govt, that the Army opened the gates for Veer Naaris. “Indian armed forces became the first in the world to take such a step. It reflects the spirit of women’s representation and empowerment.”Her message to women: “Life can push you to unimaginable extremes. But if you believe in yourself, no challenge is insurmountable.”In letter and spiritMajor Jhingan’s journey into the Army began with a simple yet bold act. As a school student, she wrote to then Chief of Army Staff, Gen Sunith Francis Rodrigues, urging him to allow women to join the forces.“In Class X, I came across an advertisement inviting young men to join the Army. I realised I met every qualification mentioned, except one: I was not a ‘young man’.”Her determination paid off. In 1992, Jhingan joined the first batch of 25 women officers at OTA, Chennai, earning the distinction of Lady Cadet 001. “For me, it was never about being the first. It was about ensuring the doors opened for many more young women who dreamed of wearing the uniform,” she said. “I was not there to compete with men or prove I was better than men. I was there to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with them in serving the nation.“
EC expects the revision exercise to be completed on time, paving the way for the publication of the final electoral roll on April 10
LUCKNOW: Total number of registered voters in UP, India’s most populous state, is set to surpass the 13-crore mark, with a substantial surge in new applications filed during the 2026 SIR of voter rolls.The figure, however, is 2.4 crore less than what it was on Oct 27, 2025, when SIR was announced. In total, 3.26 crore voters were issued notices for verification during the SIR.
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The first set of notices was issued on Jan 14, and hearings began on Jan 21. “As of March 6, 100% of notices had been generated and 93.8%, about 3.06 crore, had been served. Hearings have been completed for 2.8 crore voters, representing 85.8% of the cases, with the remaining hearings scheduled to conclude by March 27,” said the state’s chief electoral officer (CEO) Navdeep Rinwa.The EC expects the revision exercise to be completed on time, paving the way for the publication of the final electoral roll on April 10.Providing details of deletions, the CEO said that 44,952 names had been removed from the rolls till March 6. Of these, 27,118 deletions were due to voter migration, where voters enrolled in a new constituency and their names were removed from the previous one.Another 10,014 deletions were self-initiated through Form 7, while 7,820 deletions resulted from objections filed by others. Among these, 5,153 names were removed due to voter’s death, 1,728 due to shifting of residence, and 932 because of duplicate enrollment.Rinwa added that 2,73,188 Form 7 applications remain pending at various stages of verification and action.Form 8, used for corrections, shifting of address within a constituency, replacement of voter ID cards, or marking persons with disabilities, also saw high engagement. Between Jan 6 and Mar 6, 16.33 lakh Form 8 applications were filed. When counted from Oct 27, 2025, the total Form 8 applications rose to 22.55 lakh.
India’s Sanju Samson with head coach Gautam Gambhir (PTI Photo/Kunal Patil)
Former Pakistan speedster Shoaib Akhtar has praised India head coach Gautam Gambhir for backing Sanju Samson, whose red-hot form with the bat has become one of the biggest talking points of the ongoing ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.Samson was drafted back into the Indian playing XI after the team lost to South Africa, in what was effectively a knockout clash against the West Indies cricket team. The wicketkeeper-batter seized the opportunity in style, smashing a superb 97 during a tense chase to guide India to victory. He carried that momentum into the semi-final, producing a blistering 89 off just 42 balls as India defeated the England cricket team to book a place in the final against the New Zealand national cricket team.
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Speaking on the ‘Game On Hai’ show on PTV Sports, Akhtar explained that Samson’s return to the side was not a straightforward call. According to the former pacer, Gambhir had to strongly advocate for the batter’s inclusion within the team management setup.“Samson has been in the Indian cricket circuit since 2014. Back in the days when I was working in India, around 2015, there was a lot of hype surrounding him. He had to wait for a long time to get regular chances as India had wicketkeepers like MS Dhoni, Dinesh Karthik and others. Even now, Gambhir has fought with everyone to get him into the team. Basically, his selection has been done forcefully and after a lot scrutiny. He didn’t feature in the tournament initially,” said Akhtar in a video shared by Tapmad.Samson’s numbers in the tournament underline his remarkable run of form. In four matches so far, he has accumulated 232 runs at an impressive average of 77.33 and a strike rate of 201.73, including two half-centuries. His highest score remains the unbeaten 97 against West Indies in the virtual quarter-final in Kolkata.The 31-year-old also etched his name alongside Virat Kohli after his semi-final heroics. Samson’s 89 against England equalled Kohli’s record for the highest score by an Indian in a T20 World Cup knockout match. Kohli had produced an identical 89 not out off 47 balls against the West Indies during the semi-final of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2016 at the same venue.Samson has also dominated the six-hitting charts in this edition of the tournament. With 16 maximums to his name, he has already surpassed the previous Indian record of 15 sixes in a single T20 World Cup campaign, which was set by Rohit Sharma in the 2024 edition.
NEW DELHI: With Rastriya Swatantra Party, led by 35-year-old rapper turned politician Balendra Shah, set to win Nepal polls by a landslide, PM Narendra Modi warmly congratulated the people and govt of Nepal on the successful and peaceful conduct of elections.“It is heartening to see my Nepali sisters and brothers exercise their democratic rights so vibrantly,” said Modi in a post on X. With counting still in progress, the PM didn’t name Shah, the likely new leader whose party RSP is dominating the count in the elections that were held six months after the violent, so-called Gen-Z protests that toppled Nepal’s govt and left 77 dead.“This historic milestone is a proud moment in Nepal’s democratic journey,” said Modi in a post on X.“As a close friend and neighbour, India remains steadfast in its commitment to working closely with the people of Nepal and their new govt to scale new heights of shared peace, progress and prosperity,” added the PM.A former mayor of Kathmandu, Shah hasn’t given much away in terms of what his foreign policy is going to be like, except that it will most likely be driven by his Nepal First hyper-nationalism. He has projected himself as someone who won’t succumb to foreign influence – unlike the established political parties – when it comes to ties with countries like India, China and the US.Shah lashed out at all three countries in a Facebook post last year but later deleted it. In 2023, in his mayoral office, Shah placed a map of “Greater Nepal” – that showed Indian territory as part of Nepal – apparently as a counter to a mural in Parliament depicting the geographical spread of the ancient Ashoka empire.Shah has cultivated the image of an outsider who views all three major powers (India, China, and the US) with equal skepticism and believes in neutrality. His party maintains that it will pursue balanced relationships with major powers.
NEW DELHI: Government is planning to hire 1,000 young professionals to engage with businesses and exporters across the country to push greater utilisation of benefits under FTAs and help India diversify its product basket and export markets.While recently implemented agreements such as those with Australia and UAE have seen high utilisation of preferences, those with Asean, Japan and South Korea have recorded relatively low use, which govt has argued is partly due to poorly drafted agreements.With businesses in India focusing more on growing domestic market, the government wants an additional push for goods moving out of the country using lower duties under FTAs so that manufacturing gets a boost.The professionals are proposed to fan across India, interacting with business chambers and exporters to help them tap the overseas markets and identify potential exporters.
LUCKNOW: Lucknow boy Piyush Kapoor , 32, who secured 402nd rank in Civil Services exam on Friday, had one foot each in two continents for years. While he worked for Google in Mountain View, California, during the day, he prepared for India’s most prestigious exam at night.Preparing from abroad can be isolating, especially after setbacks, but Piyush’s family became his anchor through multiple attempts. “I’m extremely proud of Piyush’s feat,” said Arun Kapoor, 66, a retired banker. “We turned the odds into his assets and kept pursuing the goal. It was his fifth attempt, but he never let a setback define him.”
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A computer science grad from IIT-BHU, Piyush joined Google as a software engineer, where he contributed to Gmail’s spam and phishing protection mechanisms.Preparing for the exam while handling a leadership role at Google required a strategy rooted in realism. “My mantra was simple: consistency over intensity. Instead of chasing unsustainable 12-hour study sessions, I focused on two to three hours of deeply concentrated preparation every day,” said Piyush, who spent his free time in the gym.Interestingly, the 13-hour time difference between the United States and India became an unexpected advantage. “When newspapers, current affairs updates, and coaching materials were published in India each morning, it was evening in California. This allowed me to access the latest information almost in real time without disrupting his work schedule. By the time my American workday began, I had already completed my focused study session, staying aligned with developments back home,” said Piyush, who had opted Maths as an optional subject in the UPSC exam.Asked why the shift, Piyush said he felt a growing desire to apply his skills closer home. “I wanted to move from building products to building the nation,” he said. The idea was not about abandoning technology but about expanding its impact from digital platforms to administrative systems that shape everyday lives, he added.Piyush approached the vast UPSC syllabus like a system-design problem. “I relied heavily on digital notemaking tools and online resources, ensuring that the physical distance of 10,000 miles did not hinder my preparation,” added Piyush, who misses Lakhnavi food and wants to return home soon.
