US President Donald Trump claimed that Iran had positioned around 1,200 missiles aimed at several Middle Eastern countries as tensions escalate following fresh threats from Iran’s newly appointed supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei.Speaking in an interview on Fox’s The Brian Kilmeade Show, Trump alleged that Tehran had been preparing to dominate the region militarily.“Iran had thousands of missiles pointed at all these Middle Eastern countries for the last four months,” he said.“They were going to take over the Middle East, they were going to control it all, UAE, Qatar, Oman and Saudi Arabia,” Trump said, adding that Iran had “1,200 missiles pointed at these countries.”

The remarks came shortly after Khamenei issued a statement on Thursday signalling that Iran would not back down from the ongoing conflict with the United States and Israel.“We will not refrain from avenging the blood of your martyrs,” Khamenei said in a message addressed to the Iranian nation.The statement followed reports that Khamenei had been injured and possibly left in a coma after US-Israeli strikes on a compound in Tehran on February 28 that killed his father.Trump also suggested that Khamenei may still be alive despite speculation over his condition.“I think he probably is. I think he is damaged, but I think he’s probably alive in some form, you know,” Trump told Brian Kilmeade in an interview scheduled to air Friday at 10.06 am (local time).Addressing concerns about maritime security in the region, Trump said vessels should continue to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping route.“Go through the strait of Hormuz and show some guts,” he said, adding, “There’s nothing to be afraid of. They have no Navy and we sunk all their ships.”His comments come amid heightened tensions in the region following recent military exchanges and growing uncertainty over Iran’s leadership after the strikes.

The Middle East crisis impact has continued to spill across global oil supply chains, once again pushing crude prices beyond the $100 mark. Brent crude, the global oil benchmark, rose slightly after moving past $100 a barrel on Thursday (local time), gaining 0.20% to trade at $100.66 by 0020 GMT. Meanwhile, US benchmark West Texas Intermediate showed little movement and stood at $95.75 a barrel. Earlier this week, oil briefly approached $120 per barrel, its highest level since 2022.Energy markets have been on edge since the United States and Israel carried out attacks on Iran on February 28. Since then, benchmark oil prices have climbed between 40% and 50%. The surge has been driven by production cuts by Gulf states and oil tankers remaining stranded in the Gulf.

A key concern for global supply remains the disruption of oil flow through the Strait of Hormuz, a major route for crude shipments.Regional tensions intensified further on Friday. Saudi forces intercepted dozens of drones, while Israel faced missile strikes launched by Tehran.

‘Largest supply disruption’

The International Energy Agency has warned that the ongoing conflict in the Middle East could trigger “the largest supply disruption” the oil industry has ever faced. The authority further added that its oil production is down by at least 8.0 million barrels per day.However, even as crude prices continue to soar, US President Donald Trump has said that the priority remains defeating Iran. Writing on social media, he said overcoming Iran’s “evil empire” was more important than oil prices.The escalating conflict has already triggered sharp reactions in global markets. Earlier in the week, oil returned to the $100-per-barrel level, pushing stocks lower across several major exchanges.Oil prices were at the centre of the market movement. In one session, Brent crude jumped 9.2% to close at $100.46, amid concerns that the war could significantly disrupt oil production across the Persian Gulf and trigger a sharp rise in global inflation.Earlier, Iran’s new supreme leader issued his first statement, saying that Iran would continue attacks on Gulf Arab neighbours and would use the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz as leverage against the United States and Israel. The strait is strategically vital with almost one-fifth of the world’s oil passing through it. As disruptions continue and shipments struggle to move, producers in the region have started cutting output.Countries around the world are attempting to offset the disruption. On Wednesday, the International Energy Agency announced that its member nations would release 400 million barrels of oil from emergency stockpiles, the largest such release on record.However, analysts have cautioned that these measures offer only temporary relief. If the Strait of Hormuz remains shut for a prolonged period, oil prices could potentially rise to $150 per barrel.

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Mahakumbh Mela girl Monalisa Bhosle, who became a celebrity after her videos had gone viral, got married to the man she was in a relationship with for nearly six months at a temple in Poovar in the city on Wednesday.Monalisa, hailing from Indore, reached Thampanoor police station in the morning, seeking protection to marry Farman Khan, an actor who hails from Maharashtra. She told police that they approached them because her family was opposed to their relationship.Also see: Photos: Mahakumbh viral star Monalisa Bhosle chooses Kerala for wedding with actor Farman KhanThe couple later reached the wedding venue at Arumanoor temple in Poovar under police protection. The wedding was held in Kerala style, with the groom wearing a shirt and white dhoti, while Monalisa wore a red saree.

The duo had earlier arranged the wedding at the temple before approaching police and seeking protection. The police intervened and reminded her father that, as an adult, she had the right to choose her partner.The two had been shooting for a movie at Poovar. The couple decided to get married as they felt a conducive atmosphere in Kerala, unlike in northern states. Monalisa’s father had accompanied her for the shoot. He had opposed the marriage, forcing the couple to reach out to police.Speaking to reporters, Farman said they decided to get married in Kerala because everyone could live in harmony and there were no divisive thoughts. He added that they planned to settle in Kerala and the people in the state were supportive.General education minister V Sivankutty, who attended the marriage ceremony, said, “This is the real Kerala story where people can live freely.”Besides Sivankutty, CPM state secretary M V Govindan, other politicians and fans took part in the wedding.Monalisa had become famous after her videos and photos of her selling garlands and bangles at Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj went viral. She soon appeared on television and received film offers.

Bangladesh and Pakistan will face each other in the 2nd ODI match of the ongoing three-match ODI series in Dhaka. This article covers the BAN vs PAK Match preview, including the pitch report, weather forecast, head-to-head records, probable playing XIs, and live streaming details.

The Bangladesh National Cricket Team has already won the ODI series opener by 8 wickets, so this game will be a must-win for the Pakistan National Cricket Team to keep their winning chances alive.

BANG vs PAK 2nd ODI Preview:

Match Details:

Match Date: The second ODI will be played on Friday, March 13, 2026.

Venue: The match will take place at the Shere Bangla National Stadium, Dhaka.

Time: The match is scheduled to start at 2:15 PM IST.

BAN vs PAK Squads:

Pakistan Squad: Sahibzada Farhan, Maaz Sadaqat, Shamyl Hussain, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Salman Agha, Hussain Talat, Abdul Samad, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi (c), Mohammad Wasim Jr, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Faisal Akram, Ghazi Ghori, Saad Masood

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Bangladesh Squad: Saif Hassan, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Litton Das (wk), Mehidy Hasan Miraz (c), Towhid Hridoy, Afif Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Rishad Hossain, Mustafizur Rahman, Nahid Rana, Shoriful Islam, Tanvir Islam, Mahidul Islam Ankon, Soumya Sarkar

BAN vs PAK Probable XIs:

Pakistan Playing XI: Sahibzada Farhan, Maaz Sadaqat, Shamyl Hussain, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Salman Ali Agha, Hussain Talat, Abdul Samad, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi (C), Mohammad Wasim/Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed

Bangladesh Playing XI: Saif Hassan, Tanzid Hasan, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Litton Das (wk), Mehidy Hasan Miraz (C), Towhid Hridoy, Afif Hossain, Rishad Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Nahid Rana, Mustafizur Rahman

BAN vs PAK 2nd ODI Key Battles:

Mohammad Rizwan vs Nahid Rana

The Bangladesh pacer Nahid Rana produced a brilliant spell in the first ODI, taking 5 wickets for just 24 runs while bowling at speeds above 145 kph and troubling the Pakistan batters with his raw pace.

During that spell, Rana dismissed Mohammad Rizwan for just 10 runs after forcing an edge that was caught behind. Now Rizwan, the most experienced batter in the lineup, will need to find a way to handle Rana’s speed and help Pakistan level the ODI series.

Shaheen Afridi vs Tanzid Hasan

Tanzid Hasan was the hero during Bangladesh’s dominant win over Pakistan in the first ODI. The young opener hit a stunning knock of 67* runs from just 42 balls, hitting 7 fours and 5 big sixes. His fearless batting put Pakistan under huge pressure and helped Bangladesh win the match.

Shaheen Afridi could not stop Tanzid’s attacking shots. As Pakistan’s captain and main strike bowler, the left-arm pacer now needs to bring back his dangerous early swing in the powerplay to break Tanzid’s rhythm in the second ODI on Friday.

Salman Ali Agha vs Mehidy Hasan Miraz

The second ODI will also see an interesting battle between two all-rounders. Mehidy Hasan Miraz played a key role in the first ODI with the ball. The Bangladesh skipper bowled a tight spell and took 3 wickets for 29 runs in his 10 overs.

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During that spell, Miraz also removed Salman Ali Agha for just 5 runs. Salman is usually one of Pakistan’s most dependable middle-order batters, so he will aim to attack the spinners in the middle overs and prevent another batting collapse in Dhaka.

Sahibzada Farhan vs Taskin Ahmed

Taskin Ahmed has a strong record against Sahibzada Farhan. In the first ODI, Farhan faltered against Bangladesh’s pace attack and managed to score 27 runs. Taskin bowled a disciplined spell, taking 1 wicket for 29 runs in 7 overs. Their battle will influence the result of the match.

BAN vs PAK 2nd ODI Key Players:

Pakistan – Sahibzada Farhan, Mohammad Rizwan, Salman Ali Agha, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed, Shahid Afridi

Bangladesh – Tanzid Hasan, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Litton Das, Taskin Ahmed, Nahid Rana, Mustafizur Rahman

Free Live Streaming in India, Live Telecast

TV Rights in India: The BAN vs PAK match will not be live on TV, as there are no broadcasting rights acquired.

Live Streaming Platform in India: Fans can watch the match on mobile and laptops through OTTs via the Fancode app and website. Free live streaming will be available for users watching on mobile devices.

When will the match take place?

The 1st ODI fixture is set to be played on Wednesday, March 11, 2026.

Where will the match be played?

The BAN vs PAK will be played at the Sher-e-Bangla Stadium in Dhaka.

How to live stream the match between BAN and PAK on mobile online?

The matches of the series will be live-streamed on the Fancode app or website.

BAN vs PAK, 2nd ODI Weather Report, Pitch Report of Sher-e-Bangla Stadium

BAN vs PAK: Weather Report in Dhaka

Weather in Dhaka on March 13 could affect the second ODI match between Bangladesh and Pakistan. Forecasts show around a 55% to 67% chance of rain in the afternoon.

The morning is expected to be partly cloudy, but the chances of rain may increase close to the 2:15 PM local match start time. If showers arrive, there could be delays or interruptions during the game.

BAN vs PAK Pitch Report of Dhaka:

The pitch at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium assisted the fast bowlers a lot in the first ODI. The surface had good bounce and movement, which made it difficult for batters to score.

If the pitch behaves the same way on Friday, Pakistan’s pacers would make Bangladesh batters’ lives tough. A strong performance from their fast attack may help Pakistan to level the series.

BAN vs PAK Head-to-Head Records: Key Statistics

Pakistan has dominated the ODI head-to-head record against Bangladesh. The Men in Green have won 34 of 40 matches, while Bangladesh has won only six ODIs so far.

BAN vs PAK Head-to-Head Records: Last Five Matches

In the last five matches, Pakistan have dominated the Bangla Tigers. They have won three out of the last five games. On the other hand, Bangladesh has won two games.

BAN vs PAK Head-to-Head Records- Result of the last five games:

• Bangladesh won by 37 runs in Abu Dhabi on March 26, 2018
• Pakistan won by 94 runs in Lord’s on July 5, 2019
• Pakistan won by 7 wickets in Lahore on September 6, 2024
• Pakistan won by 7 wickets in Kolkata on October 31, 2023
• Bangladesh won by 8 wickets in Dhaka on March 11, 2026

BAN vs PAK- Conclusion:

The second ODI between Pakistan and Bangladesh is set to be a high-pressure clash, with Shahid Afridi and his team facing a do-or-die situation in the series. After losing the first ODI match, Pakistan now has no choice but to beat the Tigers.

Another defeat will hand the series to Bangladesh, making this game extremely important for the touring side. On the other hand, Bangladesh will enter the match full of confidence and eager to finish the series with a strong performance after missing the T20 World Cup 2026.

With both teams carrying big expectations, the contest is expected to be intense in Dhaka.

Former England captain Michael Vaughan has stirred debate after the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 by suggesting that the South Africa national cricket team made a tactical mistake by defeating the West Indies cricket team in their Super 8 clash.The encounter, played at the Narendra Modi Stadium, ended with South Africa securing a comfortable nine-wicket victory. The result had a major impact on the tournament equation because it allowed the India national cricket team to remain in contention for the semi-finals. Later the same day, India beat the Zimbabwe national cricket team to keep their campaign alive.

Speaking on the ‘Stick to Cricket’ podcast, Vaughan remarked that South Africa may have inadvertently helped India stay in the race by winning that particular game.“I tell you, who I think is the stupidest team of the tournament? South Africa. Because if South Africa had allowed the West Indies to beat them in the Super 8s, India would have been knocked out. I’m just saying – if they had cleared them out, the juggernaut that was coming would have stopped.”“By winning that game, they allowed the juggernaut to go on. India then beat Zimbabwe, then the West Indies in a kind of quarter-final, and then England. South Africa had to play Zimbabwe next, and they even rested three players for that match,” Vaughan said on the ‘Stick to Cricket’ podcast.According to Vaughan, teams looking to win a World Cup sometimes benefit from eliminating the strongest side early in the competition rather than allowing them to gather momentum.“Look, these things shouldn’t happen and usually don’t happen. I’m just saying that if you want to win a World Cup, the best way is to eliminate the best team early,” Vaughan added.Following their victory over Zimbabwe, India’s next match against the West Indies effectively turned into a knockout contest. In that high-pressure game, Sanju Samson produced a match-winning unbeaten 97 to guide India to a five-wicket win and seal a place in the semi-finals while ending the West Indies’ campaign.Meanwhile, South Africa travelled to Kolkata for the first semi-final, where they faced the New Zealand national cricket team. Led by Mitchell Santner, the Black Caps dominated the contest and sealed a nine-wicket victory. The highlight of the chase was a sensational 33-ball century from Finn Allen, which helped New Zealand cruise into the final. India ultimately won the T20 World Cup 2026.

In a landmark ruling that revisits one of medicine’s most difficult ethical questions, the Supreme Court on Wednesday allowed the withdrawal of artificial life support — or passive euthanasia as it is commonly referred to — for a 31-year-old man who had been comatose for over 13 years. The decision in the Harish Rana case marks the first time the court has directly permitted passive euthanasia for a patient in a permanent vegetative state. Dr Sushma Bhatnagar , former chief of AIIMS and professor of onco-anaesthesia and palliative medicine, tells TOI what this mean in medical practice, and how doctors decide when life support should be withdrawn.What does passive euthanasia mean in medical practice?In simple terms, it involves withdrawal of life support, stopping certain forms of artificial support that prolong life without improving the patient’s condition. For instance, doctors may stop artificial feeding, fluids, or other lifesustaining interventions when they are no longer beneficial. The aim is not to actively end life, but to stop treatments that only prolong suffering, and allow the illness to run its course when recovery is not possible.In what situations do doctors consider withdrawing life support?Doctors consider it when treatments are no longer helping the patient and are only increasing suffering. In such cases, continuing aggressive medical support may not be in the patient’s best interest. Situations may include a permanent vegetative state, severe and irreversible brain injury, terminal cancer, end-stage kidney failure where dialysis is no longer effective, or advanced heart disease where treatment options have been exhausted. It may involve withdrawing ventilatory support, stopping medicines that artificially maintain blood pressure, dialysis, artificial feeding through tubes, or other interventions that sustain bodily functions without improving the patient’s condition.

How do doctors determine that a patient has no chance of recovery, and what safeguards must be followed before life support can be withdrawn in India?There are established medical criteria and tests. For instance, specific tools are used to confirm conditions such as coma or a vegetative state. In terminal illnesses like advanced cancer, prognosis and chances of recovery are assessed using evidencebased medical guidelines. In India, decisions typically involve a review by a primary and a secondary medical board before any decision is taken. In some cases, hospital ethics committees may also be involved to ensure that the process adheres to medical ethics and legal guidelines laid down by the Supreme Court. These measures ensure that the decision is medically justified and ethically sound.How important are living wills or advance directives?They are extremely important. If a patient has clearly stated in advance what kind of treatment they would or would not want in such circumstances, doctors and families can follow those wishes. Respecting patient autonomy is a fundamental principle of medical ethics.How often do doctors get requests to withdraw life support in India?It is still relatively rare in India.Awareness about advance directives is limited. Culturally, many families find it difficult to accept death as a natural part of life.What is the difference between active and passive euthanasia, and how is the latter different from assisted suicide or assisted dying?Active euthanasia involves deliberately administering drugs to cause death. Passive euthanasia refers to withdrawing or withholding treatments that artificially sustain life and involves stopping medical interventions that are no longer beneficial. Assisted suicide involves actively helping a person end their life, usually by providing medication that the person takes themselves.What are some common misconceptions about passive euthanasia?Many people believe it means doctors are actively trying to end a patient’s life. In reality, it usually involves stopping medical interventions that are no longer useful, and focusing on comfort, care and dignity at the end of life.From a medical ethics perspective, why are these practices treated differently?Medical ethics emphasises not causing harm and avoiding treatments that offer no benefit. When treatment only prolongs suffering without any realistic chance of recovery, withdrawing it can be considered ethically appropriate.

New research highlights how children in India exceed global screen time guidelines, with lasting impact on health and cognitive abilitiesMultiple screens have become an integral part of children’s lives. But is it safe for young adolescents to be spending so much time on screen? Findings from existing research suggest that while devices like smartphones, laptops, tablets and TVs can aid learning, their excessive use is linked to adverse health and developmental outcomes.A recent study*, published in Indian Journal of Psychiatry, examined children and adolescents with mental disorders to assess their screen use habits. The findings are striking: Average daily screen time was 3.1 hours. Importantly, two-thirds of the 212 study participants (average age 13 years) exceeded the recommended screen time limits set by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and World Health Organization (WHO). These guidelines recommend no screen exposure for children under two years (except video calls), less than one hour per day for ages two to four, and a maximum of two hours daily for those five years and older.

The study revealed that television (66%) and mobile phones (70.3%) were the most commonly used devices, among 212 children and adolescents who were part of the study. Alarmingly, 22.2% of children met the criteria for screen media addiction, based on DSM-5 standards for Internet Gaming Disorder. DSM-5 is Diagnostics and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition, a guide used by researchers to diagnose, classify and treat mental health disorders.Addiction was more prevalent among boys, those from joint or extended families, and children diagnosed with neurodevelopmental or disruptive disorders.Excessive screen use contributes to obesity, sedentary behaviour, poor dietary habits, and disrupted sleep. Cognitively, prolonged exposure can impair language development, executive functioning and emergent literacy skills. Research even suggests structural brain changes in preschool children with high screen exposure, particularly affecting white matter tracts (which act as brain’s communication networks), critical for learning and communication.Psychosocially, children addicted to screen media often display deception (sneaking or lying to use devices), preoccupation, withdrawal symptoms and conflicts within families. Screen use also interferes with friendships and family activities, while increasing vulnerability to cyberbullying, unsafe online content and negative emotional states.The study underscores the urgent need for parental awareness and regulation. Parents often allow children with neurodevelopmental disorders extra screen time as a coping mechanism, but this leads to more problems. In joint family settings, inconsistent parenting rules can further exacerbate the issue.In conclusion, screen media use among children is not inherently harmful, but its excessive and unregulated use poses significant risks to physical health, cognitive development and emotional well-being. With nearly one-fourth of children in psychiatric care showing signs of addiction, routine evaluation of screen habits and strict adherence to recommended guidelines are essential steps toward safeguarding the next generation.(* Problematic screen media use in children and adolescents attending child and adolescent psychiatric services in a tertiary care center in North India, by Venkatesh Raju, Akhilesh Sharma, Ruchita Shah, Ravikanth Tangella, Sana Devi Yumnam, Jyoti Singh, Jaivinder Yadav, and Sandeep Grover)

Former India cricketer Saba Karim chose former India captain Rohit Sharma as the best batsman in Twenty20 cricket. In a blindfold test with ESPNcricinfo, the ex-cricketer had to go through the tough challenge, which he faced with ease.

For the challenge, there were a total of 6 batters, all of whom were monsters in their days in T20 cricket. From the Caribbean islands, there were Chris Gayle, Kieron Pollard, England’s Jos Buttler, Australia’s David Warner, and Indian batting maestro Virat Kohli, all of whom were part of the blindfold test.

Former India keeper-batter Saba Karim faced a blindfold test

According to the rule of the blindfold test, one by one, the nominee’s name will be popped, without revealing all of the names. The participant, who is facing the challenge, will have to rank the players based on the credibility of the player and assumptions. Because the person who is in front of the camera has no idea which player’s name is going to pop up next.

The challenge Saba Karim faced started with the West Indies cricket legend Chris Gayle, followed by his compatriot Kieron Pollard. Karim placed Gayle in the 4th spot and ranked Pollard in the sixth position. David Warner and Jos Buttler are in fifth and fourth place, respectively.

For the first two places, it was Virat Kohli vs Rohit Sharma

There were only two spots left after placing Gayle, Pollard, Warner, and Buttler. For the first and second place, the competition was between Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.

Saba Karim kept Kohli in the second place and Sharma at the top of the rankings. According to the former Indian keeper-batter, Rohit Sharma is the best batter in the format. And he is happy with the rankings he made through the blindfold test.

Karim described why he was happy with Rohit Sharma at the top of the list over Virat Kohli. Notably, among all the mentioned names, Jos Buttler, England keeper-batter, who played in the recently concluded T20 World Cup 2026, was the only cricketer who is still active in the format.

Saba Karim explained why he chose Sharma for the top spot

Saba Karim, who played 1 Test and 34 ODIs for India, said that he is happy with his picks as he ranked those who bettered according to consistency, performance, and the impact they made.

“Based on consistency and performances in a franchisee league as well as T20 internationals. It’s not about numbers, it’s about the impact”, the former cricketer explained.

Who do you think is the best T20 batter of all time? 👀 pic.twitter.com/v1yef4Yvsf

— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) March 12, 2026

Rohit Sharma was the first captain after MS Dhoni to lead India to a T20 World Cup trophy. The right-handed batter retired from the T20 Internationals right after winning the 2024 T20 World Cup title.

Rohit Sharma’s T20I record

Before taking retirement, ‘Hitman’ scored 4,231 runs in 159 T20Is. He smashed five centuries and 32 half-centuries in this particular format, while his batting average reads 32.50 with a strike rate of 140.89.

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