Hardeep Singh Puri speaks in Lok Sabha during Budget session of Parliament

Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri told Lok Sabha on Thursday that India remains well prepared to manage disruptions in global energy supplies triggered by the ongoing West Asia conflict, assuring lawmakers that domestic fuel availability and power generation are fully protected, while urging to avoid rumours.Addressing the House amid protests from Opposition members, Puri said the government has ensured adequate production and alternative supply arrangements to sustain energy needs even if the conflict persists. “India has sufficient gas production and supply arrangements to sustain this position even in the event of a prolonged conflict. Power generation for every household and for industry is fully protected,” said Puri.The union minister added that the hostilities have effectively shut commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a key route that typically carries about 20 per cent of the world’s crude oil, natural gas and LPG. Despite the disruption, with around 45 per cent of India’s crude imports earlier passing through the route, the country has managed to stabilise supplies by increasing alternative sourcing. He said that “Non-Hormuz sourcing has risen to approximately 70 per cent of crude imports, up from 55 per cent before the conflict began”.Puri attributed the resilience partly to long-term diversification of crude suppliers, noting that India now imports oil from 40 countries compared with 27 in 2006-07. He assured the House that “There is no shortage of petrol, diesel, kerosene, ATF or fuel oil. The availability of petrol, diesel, aviation turbine fuel, kerosene, and fuel oil is fully assured,” adding that domestic refineries are operating at high capacity utilisation, in some cases “exceeding 100 per cent”.He furtherurged the public and political stakeholders to avoid spreading misinformation during the ongoing energy crisis triggered by the West Asia conflict, stressing that the government’s preparedness and response mechanisms are working effectively. “This is not the moment for rumour-mongering or fake narratives. India is navigating the most severe global energy disruption in recorded history. Fuel supply is flowing, gas is prioritised for homes and farms, and LPG production has been stepped up by 28%. Consumer prices are being held far below what market trends and regional competitors would otherwise dictate. Schools are open and petrol is available at fuel stations… India must stand united behind the energy workers, behind the institutions managing the crisis, and behind the national interest. The record of preparation and the record of response speak for themselves.” he said.On natural gas supplies, the minister said the government has introduced a prioritised allocation system under the Natural Gas Control Order issued on March 9. While a major facility in Qatar has declared force majeure on 30 MMSCMD of gas imports, domestic production remains steady at 90 MMSCMD.“Domestic piped gas to homes and CNG for vehicles receive 100 per cent supply with no cuts. Industrial and manufacturing consumers will receive upto 80 per cent of their previous six-month average. Fertiliser plants will receive upto 70 per cent, protecting the agricultural input chain ahead of the sowing season. Refineries and petrochemical units absorb a managed reduction, with that gas redirected to higher-priority sectors. I am pleased to inform the House that the shortfall has been substantially offset through alternative procurement,” Puri said.The government has also taken steps to safeguard LPG availability for around 33 crore households. According to the minister, domestic LPG output has been ramped up by 28 per cent in the past five days following refinery directives. To curb hoarding and regulate demand, authorities have introduced a minimum 25-day gap between LPG cylinder bookings in urban areas and expanded the Delivery Authentication Code system to cover 90 per cent of consumers.Puri also clarified that the delivery cycle for domestic LPG remains unaffected. “Domestic supply is fully protected, and the delivery cycle is unchanged. The standard time from booking to delivery for domestic LPG cylinders remains 2.5 days, unchanged from pre-crisis norms,” he said.To further reduce pressure on gas supplies, the government has activated alternate fuel options. Kerosene is being made available through public distribution system channels, while the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has “advised State Pollution Control Boards to permit, for the duration of this crisis period, the use of biomass, RDF pellets, and Kerosene/coal as alternate fuels for the hospitality and restaurant segment for 1 month, which would enable a wider range of establishments to switch and free up LPG for priority consumers,” Puri added.

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NEW DELHI: Lok Sabha on Thursday witnessed a fiery showdown after the leader of opposition Rahul Gandhi was cut short during his speech for targeting oil and petroleum minister Hardeep Singh Puri over the alleged appearance of his name in the Epstein files.While speaking on the energy crisis due to the ongoing Middle East conflict, Rahul questioned why New Delhi would allow any external power to influence its energy relationships, particularly regarding purchases from Russia.“The foundation of every single nation is its energy security. Allowing the United States to decide who we buy oil from, who we buy gas from, and whether we can buy oil from Russia or not,” Rahul said.“Our relationship with different oil suppliers can be decided by us. This is what has been bartered. Why would a nation the size of India allow any other nation, the President of another nation, to give us permission to buy Russian oil or to decide who our relationships are with,” he added.During his speech, Rahul also levelled allegations against Puri. Soon, Speaker Om Birla interjected and asked the LoP to stick to the issue on which he had served his notice.“I have a copy of the notice given by the Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi regarding the gas shortage in the country, and I allowed him to speak on that subject. However, despite being a responsible leader of the opposition, discussing other issues without notice is not within the procedures and rules of Parliament,” Birla said.“I am urging you again, and Parliament will not function this way. Parliament will function according to rules and procedures,” he added.This comes days after the opposition accused the Chair of denying speaking time to Rahul in the first part of the Budget session.This led the opposition to move a no-confidence motion against Birla. The move was, however, defeated by a voice vote amid protests and sloganeering by opposition members.

PC: Play Station Official Website

March’s PlayStation Plus Game Catalogue is shaping up to be quite the treat. It seems there’s something for everyone this month, whether you’re into brutal third-person shooters, classic JRPGs, or even arcade fighting. Fans of Warhammer, NFL, and Persona might be especially excited, but there’s plenty more tucked in here. Sony’s latest State of Play announcement teased the full list, and it’s set to go live on March 17. From chaotic galactic warfare to stylish Tokyo heists, the March catalogue seems packed, diverse, and maybe even a little overwhelming for anyone who likes to play it all.There are big names, some under-the-radar gems, and one or two titles you might have forgotten existed.

PlayStation Plus games catalogue 2026 revealed

Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2

Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 drops players into a galaxy under siege. You step into the armour of Space Marine Titus and face off against relentless Tyranid swarms. It’s gory, fast-paced, and reportedly packed with hundreds of enemies on screen. The campaign appears endlessly replayable, with PvE missions supporting up to three players. Six classes to choose from, each with unique skills and cosmetics. And then there’s 6v6 PvP. It seems like a game you’ll either dive into solo or lose hours coordinating with friends.The developers behind World War Z are at it again. Fans of big, messy combat might find themselves glued to the screen.

Madden NFL 26: Gridiron Upgraded

For football lovers, EA Sports Madden NFL 26 is reportedly taking the field with a new AI-driven system. Player movements and tactics are designed to reflect nearly a decade of real NFL plays. Saquon Barkley-style bursts upfield, quarterback strategy adaptations, and traits for individual players all aim to make it feel alive. It seems like a big deal for those who care about realism in sports games. The All-Madden legacy feels alive. If you’ve ever wanted to play like the pros, this might be your chance.

Persona 5 Royal: Stylish Heists

Persona 5 Royal returns with all the flair the series is known for. Tokyo feels alive, the Phantom Thieves are back, and the story is expanded with new characters, confidants, and story arcs. There’s even a grappling hook mechanic now. It seems small, but it changes how you move through dungeons. Persona 5 Royal Ultimate Edition adds extra DLC, costumes, battles, and Personas. For long-time fans, it’s basically a deluxe return trip. For newcomers, it might be a little overwhelming.

Blasphemous 2: Gothic Adventure

Blasphemous 2 takes players on a dark, punishing journey. The Penitent One awakens in a strange land and must face grotesque enemies and titanic bosses. Choices apparently matter, but there’s no “wrong” path, just one filled with brutal encounters. It is designed for those who like a challenge. Expect tight controls, dark art, and an eerie soundtrack. If gothic platforming is your thing, this one reportedly delivers.

PlayStation Plus has something for every taste

Metal Eden is reportedly a sci-fi FPS with cybernetic warfare and a suicide mission vibe. Lord of the Rings: Return to Moria lets you explore procedurally generated dwarven mines, solo or with friends. Astroneer encourages creativity with fully deformable planets, letting players reshape worlds with ease.PlayStation Plus Premium gets a classic throwback with Tekken Dark Resurrection. It seems like a fun way to relive arcade-style 3D fighting, complete with quirky modes like Tekken Bowl and the familiar story battles.

The United States military is not yet ready to escort commercial oil tankers through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, as its resources are currently focused on operations against Iran, US energy secretary Chris Wright said on Thursday.Speaking to CNBC, Wright said the US military’s immediate priority is targeting Iran’s offensive capabilities and the industries supporting them.

“It’ll happen relatively soon, but it can’t happen now. We’re simply not ready,” Wright said. “All of our military assets right now are focused on destroying Iran’s offensive capabilities and the manufacturing industry that supplies their offensive capabilities,” he said.

He added that escort operations for commercial vessels could begin “quite likely” by the end of the month.A day earlier, when a reporter asked Trump if he was encouraging the CEOs of oil companies to use the Strait of Hormuz right now, Trump said, “I think they should, I think they should.” When asked if Iran has laid any mines in the Strait of Hormuz, Trump said, “We don’t think so.”Meanwhile, the United States Central Command said earlier this week that US forces had “eliminated” 16 Iranian vessels suspected of laying naval mines near the Strait of Hormuz. The announcement came as Donald Trump warned Tehran that any mines placed in the key maritime corridor must be removed immediately.Trump had warned Iran would face military consequences if mines were deployed in the waterway, a crucial route for global energy shipments. About one-fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas normally passes through the narrow strait.In a post on Truth Social, Trump on Wednesday also said the US was using technologies previously deployed against drug trafficking networks to “permanently eliminate” any vessel attempting to mine the strait.The Pentagon confirmed that US forces had been striking Iranian mine-laying vessels and storage facilities as part of the broader conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran.The fighting has already disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, raising concerns about global energy supplies and pushing oil prices higher.Earlier this week, General Dan Caine said the US military had begun examining options for escorting commercial ships through the strait if ordered to do so.“We’re looking at a range of options there,” Caine had told reporters at the Pentagon.However, sources told Reuters that the US navy has so far declined repeated requests from shipping companies seeking military escorts through the waterway.Confusion briefly emerged on Tuesday after Wright posted on X that the US Navy had escorted an oil tanker through the strait, before later deleting the post.The White House later clarified that the US has not yet escorted any commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that no such escort operation had taken place so far.

NOIDA: A fast-track court has acquitted a Delhi-based HR manager accused of rape after the complainant retracted her allegations during trial, telling the court that the police had drafted the complaint themselves.Additional sessions judge Priyanka Singh also ordered proceedings against the woman under Section 344 of the Code of Criminal Procedure for filing a false case and giving false evidence.An FIR in the case was registered at the Phase III police station in Noida on March 25, last year. In her complaint, the woman alleged that her colleague, HR manager Karan Gujral, had first raped her in 2023 after allegedly mixing an intoxicant in her food and drink. She claimed that he repeatedly called her to a hotel and raped her for more than a year on the promise of marriage.According to the FIR, the two later married at a temple in Feb 2024 and began living together. The woman told police that she became pregnant in Nov but the accused later stopped responding to her calls. When she approached his family, she was allegedly told that he was already married.Police registered a case under IPC Section 376 and recorded her statement before a magistrate under Section 164 of the CrPC. The accused was arrested on April 4, and the chargesheet was filed 10 days later. The case was subsequently transferred to a fast-track court for trial.However, the prosecution’s case weakened when the complainant took the witness stand. During her testimony, she contradicted the claims made in the FIR and said she had been working at the same company where the accused served as HR manager. She told the court that her job had not been regularised and she was upset about the delays in salary payments.The woman said that colleagues had advised her to approach the police. When she went to the station with company officials to complain about the salary dispute, she alleged, the police themselves drafted the FIR. She also told the court that the statements recorded before the magistrate had been made at the police’s behest.During cross-examination, she denied that the accused had called her to hotels or had sexual relations with her. She also admitted that she had never met him alone. The woman acknowledged that she was about six months pregnant when the FIR was filed, but said the child was not fathered by the accused.The prosecution declared her a hostile witness, but the court noted that her testimony substantially undermined the case.Medical evidence also failed to support the allegations. The doctor who examined the complainant testified that there were no visible injuries and no forensic indications of sexual assault. The court said the medical findings did not establish that the accused had forcibly raped the woman or administered any intoxicating substance.Referring to the Supreme Court’s ruling in State of Delhi vs Shriram Lohiya, the judge observed that statements recorded under Section 164 CrPC cannot be treated as substantive evidence unless corroborated by other material.The court therefore acquitted Gujral and directed that a separate case be initiated against the complainant for allegedly misusing legal provisions intended to protect women.

The uncertainty surrounding global travel due to the ongoing West Asia conflict has sparked discussions about whether the Indian Premier League (IPL) could face disruption this year. Regarding the same, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Vice-President Rajeev Shukla has provided the much-needed update.

Rajeev Shukla opens up on Iran war impacting IPL 2026

Speaking about the situation, Mr Shukla stated that the tournament will go ahead according to the existing plan. Notably, the BCCI has already released the schedule for the opening phase of the season, while the remaining fixtures will be finalized once the Election Commission of India announces polling dates for the states heading into assembly elections.

Mr Shukla explained that the board has adopted a phased approach to scheduling in order to accommodate potential logistical challenges arising from the election process. According to him, only the first set of matches has been released for now, while the rest of the tournament schedule will follow after clarity on election dates.

“IPL will be held as per schedule. We have released the schedule for 20 matches. The schedule for remaining matches will be released after the Election Commission announces the dates for states going to the election,” Mr Shukla said as quoted by NDTV.

West Asia conflict raises travel concerns for international players

While the IPL schedule itself remains unaffected, the ongoing conflict in West Asia has created some challenges related to international travel. Flight disruptions in the region have already impacted cricket teams recently, highlighting how geopolitical developments can indirectly influence the sport.

One such example occurred after the T20 World Cup held in India, when the West Indies team reportedly faced delays in departing the country due to cancelled flights connected to the conflict zone. Situations like these have raised concerns about the travel arrangements of overseas players participating in IPL 2026.

Despite these complications, the BCCI remains confident that the tournament’s operations will proceed smoothly. The board is expected to closely monitor the situation and coordinate with airlines and government authorities to ensure that players and support staff can travel safely.

Also READ: Anil Kumble names 2 greatest teams in the Indian Premier League (IPL)

RCB to take on MI in the opening clash of IPL 2026

Earlier, the BCCI released the fixtures for the opening phase of IPL 2026, which will run from March 28 to April 12. A total of 20 matches will be played during this period across multiple venues.

The season will begin with defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) taking on Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. The clash is expected to set the tone for another highly anticipated season of the world’s most popular franchise-based T20 league.

Also READ: Faf du Plessis picks a player who will be ‘under most pressure’ in IPL 2026

Haris Rauf (Agency Photo)

Several Pakistani cricketers experienced a disappointing outcome around the 2026 Hundred auction across men and women’s categories, with fast bowler Haris Rauf going unsold and ODI captain Shaheen Shah Afridi withdrawing just before the bidding began. Teams were already expected to be cautious with their overseas slots, which limited opportunities for international players during the auction.Pakistan’s Afridi was originally listed in the Tier 1 fast bowlers category and had previously represented Welsh Fire in the tournament. However, he was among five overseas players who pulled out shortly before the auction. The ECB confirmed that Quinton de Kock, Sunil Narine, AM Ghazanfar, and Peter Siddle also withdrew.

The likely reasons included clashes with the Caribbean Premier League and other international commitments. Afridi’s withdrawal still left 13 Pakistani players available in the men’s auction pool.The withdrawals came at a time when there had been scrutiny about Pakistani participation in the tournament. In response, the ECB and the eight franchises released a joint clarification, stressing that all selections would be based on “performance, availability, and the needs of each team.”Meanwhile, the situation had already been difficult for Pakistan in the women’s auction held a day earlier. None of the Pakistani women’s players managed to secure a contract. Left-handed batter Muneeba Ali, fast bowler Diana Baig, left-arm spinner Sadia Iqbal, and national captain Fatima Sana had all entered the auction with a base price of £15,000, but none received bids.With several withdrawals and unsold players, Pakistan’s presence in this year’s Hundred has been noticeably reduced, highlighting how scheduling conflicts and limited overseas spots can strongly influence franchise selections in the competition.

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