Donald Trump indicated that Washington might consider lifting ‘certain oil-related sanctions’ in order to help bring down prices. (AI image)

Even as the world economy reels under the global oil supply shock, the Donald Trump administration has reportedly made it clear to European countries that any easing on Russian crude oil sanctions would be related to supplies to India. On Monday, President Donald Trump indicated that Washington might consider lifting ‘certain oil-related sanctions’ in order to help bring down prices. However, he did not elaborate on the proposal, apart from noting that the matter had come up during a phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin earlier that day. According to a Bloomberg report, the United States has informed its European partners that any additional easing of sanctions on Russian crude would largely be confined to shipments destined for India. Oil prices have been climbing since the start of the US-Israel-Iran war. The message comes at a time when India has stepped up its purchases of Russian crude oil as supplies from the Middle East are stuck due to the Strait of Hormuz closure.

India’s Russian Crude Oil Buys

The US claims it has provided a waiver to India to get Russian oil cargoes that were already in transit. India on its part has said that it never stopped buying Russian crude oil and doesn’t need ‘permission’ from anyone to take decisions related to its energy security.India has continued purchasing crude oil from Russia and has not halted such imports, despite US President Donald Trump linking the removal of a proposed 25 per cent penalty tariff under a potential trade agreement to New Delhi allegedly committing to stop buying Russian crude.Officials told TOI that India has never required approval from any country to procure oil from Russia, noting that Moscow remained the country’s largest supplier of crude in February. They emphasised that India’s decisions regarding energy procurement are guided by the principle of “national interest.” “We source crude from wherever supplies are available, competitively priced and deliverable, and we will continue to do so,” a government source said according to a TOI report.Sources also said that the announcement by senior US officials of a “30-day waiver” allowing India to import Russian oil was primarily intended for their domestic audience.During a conference call held Monday among finance ministers of the Group of Seven nations, the United States underscored that the decision concerning India was strictly limited in both duration and scope, said European Union Economy Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis.“They do not expect substantial impact of this on Russian oil revenues,” Dombrovskis said at a press conference later that evening after participating in the G-7 discussion.People familiar with the deliberations added that US officials stressed any further sanction relief would likely follow the same narrow and carefully defined approach. They also noted that the final decision ultimately rests with Trump.Meanwhile, oil output reductions across the Middle East are intensifying as activity in the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz has slowed almost to a halt. The disruption pushed crude prices close to $120 per barrel on Monday.Trump said the same day that the United States and Israel were making meaningful progress in their military campaign against Iran and that the conflict could conclude “very soon,” a development that helped temper the earlier surge in oil prices.Nevertheless, as hostilities continue, the G-7 countries said on Monday they remain prepared to release oil from their strategic reserves if required. Some member states, however, believe the situation has not yet reached the threshold necessary for such a step, according to people familiar with the matter.

The roar of over 100,000 fans at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad marked a historic moment for Indian cricket on Sunday, March 8, 2026. India etched their name in the record books by defeating New Zealand by 96 runs to retain the T20 World Cup trophy. Amidst the jubilant celebrations and the raining confetti, one figure stood slightly apart, clutching the silverware with a mix of pride and profound sorrow. For Rinku Singh, the explosive middle-order batter, this world championship was the realization of a lifelong dream, one he had shared intimately with his father, Khanchand Singh.

The victory was bittersweet for the Aligarh-born cricketer. Just days before the grand finale, Rinku’s father passed away following a gruelling battle with fourth-stage liver cancer. Having left the camp briefly in late February to perform the last rites, Rinku returned to the squad driven by a singular sense of purpose. On Sunday night, he took to Instagram to share a heart-wrenching tribute that resonated with millions. “You taught me that duty comes before everything else,” Rinku wrote in Hindi. “Now that your dream has been realized… I just wish that you were here with me.”

Rinku Singh pens emotional tribute to late father after India’s T20 World Cup 2026 victory

Rinku’s journey from a humble background, where his father worked delivering LPG cylinders, to becoming a global cricket icon is the stuff of legends. Throughout his career, Khanchand was Rinku’s silent anchor. Even as his father’s health deteriorated due to metastatic liver cancer, Rinku remained committed to his national duties, embodying the “duty first” mantra his father instilled in him.

The emotional void left by his father’s demise was evident in Rinku’s post-match reflections. He confessed that life ahead seemed daunting without the constant guidance of his “Papa.” While the rest of the nation celebrated India becoming the first team to win three T20 World Cup titles and the first to win on home soil, Rinku’s mind was in Aligarh. He noted that every joy, big or small, would now feel incomplete. His story serves as a poignant reminder of the personal sacrifices athletes often make behind the scenes of global glory.

Rinku took to Instagram and wrote: “Aapse baat kiye bina itne din kabhi nahi nikale. Mujhe nahi pata aage ki zindagi aapke bina kaise chalegi… par mujhe har kadam par aapki zaroorat padegi. Aapne sikhaya tha ki farz sabse aage hai.. toh field par bas aapka sapna poora karne ki koshish kar raha tha. Ab aapka sapna pura ho gaya hai…. toh bas yahi lagta hai ki kash aap mere paas hote. Har chhoti badi khushi mein aapki kami khalegi. Bohot miss karunga aapko Papa… bohot zyada.”

Also WATCH: Sanju Samson receives grand welcome at Thiruvananthapuram airport after stellar T20 World Cup 2026 show

Rinku’s immaculate fielding and India’s dominant 2026 campaign

While Rinku’s opportunities with the bat were limited during the 2026 T20 World Cup scoring 24 runs across five innings as his contribution on the field remained immaculate. Known for his lightning-quick reflexes and safe hands, Rinku’s presence at the boundary was a tactical masterstroke by captain Suryakumar Yadav. In the high-stakes final against the Black Caps, India posted a mammoth 255/5, the highest-ever total in a T20 World Cup final, powered by Sanju Samson’s 89 and Abhishek Sharma’s record-breaking 18-ball fifty.

Defending such a total required precision, and Rinku delivered in the deep. His ability to cut off certain boundaries and his composure under high-pressure catches ensured that New Zealand never found momentum, eventually folding for 159. Alongside Jasprit Bumrah’s lethal 4/15 and Axar Patel’s spin masterclass, Rinku’s athletic fielding played a vital role in India’s undefeated streak at the tournament. As the team looks ahead, Rinku remains a symbol of resilience, proving that even in the face of immense personal tragedy, a world champion is defined as much by his character as by his trophies.

Also READ: Abhishek Sharma shares the story behind using Shivam Dube’s bat in the T20 World Cup 2026 Final

Cabinet on Tuesday approved two railway multitracking projects worth Rs 4,474 crore in West Bengal and Jharkhand, aimed at easing congestion and strengthening freight and passenger movement across key routes in eastern India.The projects, Sainthia–Pakur 4th line and Santragachi–Kharagpur 4th line, were cleared by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Together, they will expand the Indian Railways network by about 192 km and are scheduled for completion by 2030-31, according to an official statement.The projects will cover five districts across the two states and are expected to improve rail connectivity for around 5,652 villages with a population of about 1.47 crore.Officials said the additional lines will significantly enhance line capacity, improving operational efficiency and service reliability while reducing congestion on these busy routes.Planned under the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, the projects aim to strengthen multimodal connectivity and logistics efficiency by integrating infrastructure planning across sectors.The expanded capacity will also support movement of key commodities such as coal, stone, dolomite, cement, slag, gypsum, iron and steel, foodgrains, petroleum products and containers, with the upgrades expected to handle additional freight traffic of about 31 million tonnes per annum (MTPA).The improved rail connectivity will also benefit tourism to destinations such as Bolpur-Shantiniketan, Nandikeshwari Temple, Tarapith, Patachitra Gram, Dhadika Forest, Bhimbandh Wildlife Sanctuary and Rameshwar Kund.According to the government, the projects are expected to reduce logistics costs, cut oil imports by around 6 crore litres, and lower carbon dioxide emissions by about 28 crore kg, equivalent to planting around one crore trees.

Iran warns Trump, slaps down ’empty’ threats

A senior Iranian security official issued a sharp warning to US President Donald Trump on Tuesday, dismissing his threats against Iran and cautioning him to “be careful not to get eliminated yourself”.Ali Larijani posted the message on X after Trump warned that the United States would hit Iran “twenty times harder” if Tehran disrupted oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz.“The sacrificial nation of Iran doesn’t fear your empty threats. Even those bigger than you couldn’t eliminate Iran. Be careful not to get eliminated yourself,” Larijani wrote.“Iran is not afraid of your empty threats. Even those greater than you could not eliminate the Iranian nation,” he added in a separate message.In another post, he wrote, “Strait of Hormuz will either be a Strait of peace and prosperity for all or will be a Strait of defeat and suffering for warmongers.”The exchange marks the latest escalation in the war that erupted after the United States and Israel launched strikes on Iran on February 28, killing the country’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and triggering a wider regional conflict.

Iran intensifies regional attacks

Iran continued its military pressure across the Middle East on Tuesday, launching missile and drone attacks against Israel and several Gulf countries, reported news agency AP.Sirens warning of incoming missiles were heard in Dubai, while authorities in Bahrain said an Iranian strike hit a residential building in the capital, killing a 29-year-old woman and injuring eight others.Saudi Arabia said it intercepted two drones over its oil-rich eastern region, while Kuwait’s National Guard reported shooting down six drones.In Israel, air-raid sirens sounded in Jerusalem and explosions were heard in Tel Aviv as Israeli defence systems attempted to intercept incoming missiles, AP reported.Iran’s parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf signalled that Tehran was not seeking to end the conflict.“We are definitely not looking for a ceasefire,” Qalibaf wrote on X. “We believe that the aggressor should be punched in the mouth so that he learns a lesson so that he will never think of attacking our beloved Iran again.”

Strait of Hormuz disruption fuels oil fears

The conflict has also triggered major disruptions to global energy supplies.Iran has targeted shipping and energy infrastructure around the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway linking the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman through which about 20 per cent of the world’s traded oil normally passes.Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard said it would not allow “the export of even a single liter of oil from the region to the hostile side and its partners until further notice,” according to AP.Attacks on merchant vessels near the strait have killed at least seven sailors, the International Maritime Organization said.The disruption has already pushed oil prices sharply higher. Brent crude surged to nearly $120 a barrel earlier this week before easing to around $90 on Tuesday, still about 24 per cent higher than before the war began on February 28, AP reported.

Trump warns of harsher US retaliation

Trump earlier warned that the United States would retaliate strongly if Iran attempted to block oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz.“If Iran does anything that stops the flow of Oil within the Strait of Hormuz, they will be hit by the United States of America TWENTY TIMES HARDER than they have been hit thus far,” he wrote on Truth Social.Despite the growing tensions, Trump sought to play down fears that the war could drag on.The US president said the conflict would likely be “a short-term excursion,” although he has previously suggested it could last for a month or longer.Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed that Israel’s military campaign against Iran would continue.“Our aim is to bring the Iranian people to cast off the yoke of tyranny,” Netanyahu said during a meeting with Israeli health leaders. “There is no doubt that with the actions taken so far, we are breaking their bones,” he said, according to AP.

Conflict spreads across the region

The war has rapidly spread across the Middle East, drawing in multiple countries and armed groups.Israel has carried out attacks on the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah in Lebanon, while militias aligned with Tehran have targeted US military bases in Iraq.On Tuesday, an airstrike hit the 40th Brigade of Iraq’s Popular Mobilisation Forces in the city of Kirkuk, killing at least five fighters and injuring four, according to officials cited by AP.Elsewhere, five members of Iran’s women’s national football team who were in Australia for a tournament when the war began have been granted asylum, Australia’s Home Affairs Minister said.Since the conflict began, at least 1,230 people have been killed in Iran, 397 in Lebanon and 11 in Israel, while seven US service members have also died, according to AP.

Here are the top 5 updates of the day:

How much has US-Iran war hit India’s oil, LPG, LNG supply?

India meets 90 per cent of its oil requirements through imports, which also constitutes 60 per cent of LPG/LNG production. The escalating West Asia tensions and closure of the Strait of Hormuz might affect this import, but officials vow no petrol/diesel hikes as India has boosted its Russian oil imports. India has also refused the IEA’s call on strategic reserve and has prioritised domestic production.Read the full story

Middle East heat reaches Pakistan: PM Shehbaz Sharif announces crisis measures

Amid the Middle East crisis and Iran war fallout pushing crude prices higher, Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif has announced emergency austerity measures. Fuel use for official vehicles will be cut by 50%, with 60% of government cars grounded. Cabinet members and lawmakers will forgo 25% of their salaries for two months, while non-essential spending and foreign travel are banned until June 2026. The government will shift to a four-day workweek with 50% work-from-home.Read the full story

‘Don’t get eliminated yourself’: Iran warns Trump, slaps down ’empty’ threats

In escalating Israel-Iran war, Iran’s security chief Ali Larijani slapped down President Trump’s threats to strike “20 times harder” and destroy Iran if it blocks Strait of Hormuz oil flows, posting on X.“Iran unafraid of empty threats—even greater powers failed to eliminate us. Take care not to be eliminated yourself!” he said.Trump had warned of “death, fire, fury” amid disruptions to 20% global oil, as US-Israel strikes pound Tehran while Iran eyes retaliation.Read the full story

CJI blasts petitioners for doubting integrity of judicial officers

Amid a TMC–ECI trust deficit over West Bengal’s electoral roll revision, the Supreme Court bench led by CJI Surya Kant rebuked pleas questioning cases before deputed judicial officers from Bengal, Odisha and Jharkhand, saying it would “not tolerate” doubts on the judiciary. The court asked the Calcutta HC Chief Justice to form an appellate bench for claims appeals, with the ECI bearing costs. Over 10 lakh claims are decided, 63 lakh pending.Read the full story

Arshdeep Singh penalised by ICC following India’s T20 World Cup triumph

India pacer Arshdeep Singh was fined 15% of his match fee and handed one demerit point for breaching ICC Code of Conduct Article 2.9 during the T20 World Cup 2026 final against New Zealand in Ahmedabad. Fielding off his follow-through in the 11th over, he aggressively threw the ball, which struck batter Daryl Mitchell on the pads. The ICC deemed the act inappropriate and potentially dangerous, marking Arshdeep’s first demerit point in 24 months.Read the full story

Kajol recently opened up about her upcoming projects and also shared her views on taking a sabbatical during the peak of her career. The actress expressed she has been exploring several ideas and scripts; however, nothing is finalized as of now. Let’s take a look at what she had to say.

Kajol talks about her unconventional choices across 34 years in cinema

In an interview with Mid-Day, Kajol opened up about unconventional choices she made in her journey. She had played a negative role in the film ‘Gupt: The Hidden Truth’. Later, she stepped away from movies during the peak of her career. Talking about the same, Kajol said, “I feel I was very stubborn and foolish, and I was proved right, fortunately. But I see so many women doing this all the time without being given any awards for it. I have made my own decisions, and I stand by them. I am grateful that all my eccentricities have been loved.”

Kajol reveals if she has signed any project

In the same conversation, Kajol talked about her next projects. She revealed that she has not signed anything yet. The actress said, “I’m listening to a lot of scripts. I have two or three things that I’m working on. But I have nothing concrete to tell you.”The actress also opened up about choosing a project wisely. Apart from the story, the actress also gives importance to seeing who she is working with while signing a film. She said, “It’s important to me that I work with people whom I can relate to and talk to. You spend 50 days with people (on the set), and if you don’t like them, those 50 days can feel like 500!”

More about Kajol

The actress was last seen in the film ‘Sarzameen’, directed by Kayoze Irani. The movie also featured Prithviraj Sukumaran and Ibrahim Ali Khan in key roles.Kajol will feature in ‘Maharagni: Queen of Queens’, directed by Charan Tej Uppalapati. The film also stars Prabhu Deva, Naseeruddin Shah, Samyuktha, Jisshu Sengupta, Aditya Seal, Pramod Pathak, and Chhaya Kadam.

Pakistan white-ball coach Mike Hesson has addressed the growing debate surrounding Babar Azam’s absence from the ODI squad for the upcoming Bangladesh tour, starting March 11 in Dhaka. Pakistan’s squad announcement for the three-match ODI series created considerable buzz, largely because former captain Babar was not included in the lineup. The omission comes shortly after Pakistan’s disappointing campaign in the T20 World Cup 2026, prompting speculation that the team management could be moving in a new direction.

Mike Hesson opens up on Babar Azam’s absence in the ODI squad

Hesson has attempted to calm the conversation, emphasizing that the selections are more about experimentation and building depth than sidelining experienced cricketers. Speaking ahead of the Bangladesh tour, Hesson made it clear that the management does not view the squad changes as players being dropped. Instead, he described the series as an opportunity to assess emerging cricketers in the 50-over format, which Pakistan have played sparingly in recent months. According to Hesson, the intention is to create room for promising talents to showcase their abilities on the international stage.

“I wouldn’t say anyone was dropped. We just see this series as an opportunity to give these promising players a chance to prove themselves,” Hesson said during the pre-series press conference.

Several senior players miss out on the tour

Notably, Babar is not the only established name missing from the ODI squad. Pakistan have also left out Fakhar Zaman, who is currently dealing with an injury, along with Mohammad Nawaz and Naseem Shah.

The absence of these experienced players has paved the way for a number of fresh faces to enter the national setup. The selectors have handed opportunities to Abdul Samad, Maaz Sadaqat, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori, Saad Masood, and Shamyl Hussain, all of whom have impressed in domestic or junior-level cricket.

Their inclusion indicates that the management is eager to evaluate the next generation of Pakistani cricketers and build a stronger pool for the future.

Also READ: Pakistan name 6 uncapped players in ODI squad for Bangladesh tour, no place for Babar Azam

Sahibzada Farhan rewarded for strong performances

Among the players who have benefited from the shake-up is Sahibzada Farhan, who has been rewarded for his impressive performances in the recently concluded T20 World Cup 2026.

Farhan’s aggressive batting and consistency appear to have caught the attention of the selectors, earning him a place in the ODI squad. Hesson acknowledged that Farhan’s recent form made it difficult to ignore him when finalizing the team.

“Sahibzada Farhan has forced himself into the ODI squad because of his exceptional performances in T20s,” Hesson explained.

The coach also highlighted that players like Hussain and Sadaqat have been performing well in domestic competitions and youth-level cricket, making them worthy of a chance at the international level.

Also READ: Bangladesh name strong squad for the ODI series against Pakistan, Atif Hossain returns