Union minister Piyush Goyal on Saturday said India is well placed to handle any disruption in crude oil and fuel supplies despite the worsening Middle East crisis, asserting that there has been “absolutely no disturbance” in petrol, diesel or aviation fuel availability, while also indicating that the government will unveil a “concrete agenda” next week to support exporters hit by the conflict.Speaking at a CNBC-TV18 India event, Goyal said the government has sufficient stocks and has taken precautionary steps as gas shipments and shipping routes face disruption due to the conflict and the effective closure of key maritime routes.“On crude oil, on fuel, we are pretty well placed. We have good stocks in hand. There’s been absolutely no disturbance of any sort on the crude or the fuel front, petrol, diesel, aviation fuel,” Goyal said, according to news agency PTI.He added that kerosene production has been ramped up to provide an alternative cooking option if LPG supplies are delayed. “Incidentally, we are also covering through imports from diversified sources the requirements of LPG and LNG,” he said.

Government shifts to alternate energy sources

Goyal said India is being forced to move to more distant sources for gas imports as traditional shipping routes become more difficult.“The shipping times were barely three or four days, at best seven days, when these shipments of gas came into India,” he said, adding that India is now looking at “significantly far away” alternative suppliers such as Canada, the US and possibly Russia to meet domestic demand.He described the current geopolitical turmoil as a “wake-up call” for India, but said the country had historically turned crises into opportunities. While acknowledging short-term economic pressure, Goyal remained upbeat.“My own sense is that there will be a certain shortfall in economic activity in the short run, but we’ll make up for that in the months to come. (But) We will continue to be the fastest-growing large economy in the world for at least two more decades,” he said.He also said the rupee is under “stress”, but there is “no reason for anyone to panic”, expressing confidence that it would recover more gradually, possibly after the war ends.

Exporters to get insurance support, action plan

On trade, Goyal said the commerce ministry is in daily touch with export promotion councils and has activated a 24-hour helpline to address issues faced by exporters.“We’ve been engaging with all the export promotion councils on a daily basis. We have a 24-hour helpline ready to resolve any issues,” he said.He added that the ministry has worked out schemes to create insurance cover for export cargo that may be damaged, lost or “inordinately delayed” due to the Red Sea disruption, the Strait of Hormuz crisis or shipping line difficulties.“We are doing the inter-ministerial consultation. Next week we’ll be coming out with some more concrete action agenda to support the exporters,” Goyal said.

Puri had also assured House on fuel, gas supplies

Earlier, petroleum minister Hardeep Singh Puri had told the Lok Sabha on Thursday that India remains prepared for prolonged disruption in global energy supplies caused by the Middle East conflict.Puri said commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a route that typically carries about 20 per cent of the world’s crude oil, natural gas and LPG, has effectively shut, but India has increased non-Hormuz sourcing of crude to around 70 per cent from 55 per cent before the conflict. He also said India now imports oil from 40 countries, up from 27 in 2006-07.“There is no shortage of petrol, diesel, kerosene, ATF or fuel oil,” Puri had said, while also noting that domestic LPG production had been stepped up by 28 per cent and gas supplies were being prioritised for households, transport and agriculture.

NEW DELHI: Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Sunday announced a Rs 500 increase in the monthly honorarium for priests and muezzins in West Bengal, hours before the Election Commission is scheduled to announce the poll dates for assembly elections in four poll bound states and the Union Territory of Puducherry. She also announced the approval of all fresh applications by the AITC led state government.The announcement came ahead of the enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct, which comes into effect once the election schedule is declared and which will bar governments from making new policy announcements or financial commitments that could influence voters.In a post on X, Banerjee said the state government had decided to increase the monthly honorarium for priests (purohits) and muezzins by Rs 500.“I am pleased to announce an increase of Rs 500 in the monthly honorariums extended to our purohits and muezzins, whose service sustains the spiritual and social life of our communities. With this revision, they will now receive Rs 2,000 per month.At the same time, all fresh applications that have been duly submitted by purohits and muezzins have also been approved by the State Government”, the West Bengal CM wrote in a post on X.With the revision, the monthly payment for both groups will increase to Rs 2,000. The chief minister further added that all new applications submitted by priests and muezzins seeking the honorarium have been approved by the state government.Banerjee said the move reflects the government’s commitment to recognising the role played by religious functionaries in society.“We take pride in nurturing an environment where every community and every tradition is valued and strengthened,” she wrote, adding that the government’s endeavour is to ensure that those who safeguard the state’s spiritual traditions receive due recognition and support”, she wrote.Mamata Banerjee also announced in a separate post that the West Bengal government will begin disbursing pending dearness allowance (DA) arrears under ROPA 2009 to employees and pensioners from March 2026. In a post on X, the West Bengal chief minister said the decision fulfils a commitment made by the state government to its employees as well as staff of educational and other grant-in-aid institutions. “I am happy to announce that our Ma-Mati-Manush government has delivered on its promise to all its employees and pensioners, and to lakhs of teachers and non-teaching staff of our educational institutions, as well as employees/pensioners of our other grant-in-aid institutions like panchayats, municipal bodies, other local bodies etc,” she wrote. She added that the payments will begin from next month in line with the modalities notified by the state finance department. “They will start receiving their ROPA 2009 DA arrears from March 2026 onwards as per the modalities detailed out in the Notifications issued by our Finance Department.”The announcements came shortly before the poll panel, led by chief election commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and comprising election commissioners Sukbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi, is expected to announce the schedule for the assembly elections in Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Kerala, Assam and Puducherry at a press conference in New Delhi at 4 pm.

NEW DELHI: Congress MP and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Sunday wrote a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi demanding that the Bharat Ratna be conferred posthumously on Bahujan Samaj Party founder Kanshi Ram.In a post on X, he wrote, “I demand that the Government of India honor the great warrior of social justice and the guiding light of Bahujan consciousness, the esteemed Shri Kanshi Ram Ji, with the Bharat Ratna. This highest national honor will be a tribute to Shri Kanshi Ram Ji and the entire movement that showed millions of Bahujans the path to rights, participation, and self-respect.”In his letter to PM Modi, Gandhi highlighted Kanshi Ram’s transformative role in Indian politics. He also pointed out that calls from Dalit intellectuals and leaders for the Bharat Ratna have been consistent and deeply felt.“Recently, I attended a programme in Lucknow where this demand was reiterated strongly by the leaders and participants present, reflecting a widespread sentiment. Conferring the Bharat Ratna on him posthumously would recognise his immense contribution to our nation. It would honour the aspirations of millions of people who continue to view him as a symbol of empowerment and hope.”

Earlier Congress leader paid tribute to Kanshi Ram on his birth anniversary. In a post on X, he wrote: “On the birth anniversary of the Bahujan hero, the respected Manyavar Kanshi Ram Ji, I pay my humble respects. His tireless struggle and dedication for the rights of the poor, Dalits, and the deprived is an inspiration for all of us.”Kanshi Ram founded BSP in 1984 with the aim of uniting Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Other Backward Classes and religious minorities into a formidable political force. He dedicated his life to the upliftment and empowerment of the marginalised and to carrying forward the ideas of Dr BR Ambedkar.BSP chief Mayawati paying tributes to the founder in a post on X wrote, “On the occasion of the birth anniversary of the founder and architect of the Bahujan Samaj Party (B.S.P.), the revered Shri Kanshi Ram Ji, I, along with my leadership, offer a hundred salutations and boundless tributes of reverence from his followers across Uttar Pradesh and the entire country.”Yesterday, Mayawati questioned the Congress over its proposal to confer the Bharat Ratna on BSP founder Kanshi Ram if it comes to power at the Centre, pointing out that the party never honoured BR Ambedkar while in power. In a post on X, she wrote: “The Congress never gave due honour to Babasaheb Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar — the messiah of Dalits and the principal architect of the Constitution — nor did they ever confer upon him the title of Bharat Ratna… How can the same party now honour Kanshi Ram,” she said in her post.”

Indian exporters and logistics providers are scrambling to limit disruptions from the worsening Middle East conflict by closely tracking shipping carriers, planning consignments earlier and exploring alternate routes, even as freight rates, insurance premiums and transit times rise sharply amid uncertainty around the Strait of Hormuz.The main response from the exporting community has been defensive rather than optimistic, with businesses adjusting inventory, contracts and delivery schedules to build in flexibility as the conflict threatens cargo movement and supply chains.“Things are not improving, but we are trying to manage our exports. Shipping lines should not take undue advantage of this situation,” Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) president SC Ralhan said, as quoted by news agency PTI.

The ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz, are creating uncertainty for India’s exports, with exporters reporting surcharges, longer transit times and higher insurance costs.

Exporters shift routes, brace for delays

According to PTI, shipping lines are increasingly rerouting consignments around the Cape of Good Hope, circling Africa to avoid the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea. These diversions add roughly 3,500 nautical miles to voyages, delay shipments by around 10 to 15 days, and significantly increase fuel and insurance expenses.That, in turn, is likely to make deliveries to key markets such as the US and Europe more expensive. Industry experts also warned that longer voyages could tighten vessel and container availability in the coming weeks, further pushing up freight rates.Council for Leather Exports Chairman Ramesh Kumar Juneja told PTI that shipments to the Persian Gulf have “stopped completely”.“Insurance premiums have increased. On a 20-foot container, it has increased by $1,200 and $2,400 on 40 ft,” he said.

Apparel and manufacturing sectors feel pressure

An apparel industry expert cited by PTI said that export orders to the Middle East may weaken in the coming months as war-hit markets come under stress and consumer demand softens.About 11.8 per cent of India’s apparel exports go to Middle Eastern countries directly affected by the conflict. India’s ready-made garment exports to eight countries — UAE, Saudi Arabia, Israel, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Iraq, Bahrain and Iran — stood at $1.9 billion in 2024-25, up from $1.82 billion in 2023-24. India’s total garment exports rose to $15.97 billion from $14.51 billion in the same period.The expert also warned that textile manufacturers dependent on imported raw materials such as synthetic fabrics, trimmings and embellishments could face shortages or cost escalation if disruptions persist, leading to higher final product costs.

Government weighs support measures

Businesses said regular advisories, engagement with shipping lines on surcharges, ensuring vessel and container availability, flexibility in compliance timelines, and closer coordination between industry bodies and the government would help manage the crisis.The commerce department is working on support measures, including prioritising shipment of perishables, even by air, and examining insurance support for exporters. Officials are also exploring whether goods can be rerouted through alternative ports in Middle East.A senior government official said there will be “some impact”, likely visible in this month’s trade data, but exporters have been asked to look at other markets to fill any gaps. An inter-ministerial group is monitoring the situation daily and coordinating with exporters, while customs, the shipping ministry and DG Shipping have already announced some measures.

Bangladesh vs Pakistan Live Score, 3rd ODI: Pakistan captain Shaheen Afridi won the toss and opted to field against Bangladesh in the ongoing contest, citing conditions and possible weather interruptions as key factors behind the decision.

“We [will] bowl first. Actually, also as a pre-game thing in the team, two players were injured, Shamyl Hussain is injured, Hussain Talaz is injured, last game, that’s why shoulder dislocated. Wasim Jr is resting, so he’s gone again. So that’s why we just decided to like, you know, go for a team and hopefully we bowl well and take a couple of wickets. (did weather impact the decision?) Yeah, that’s why we chose the one because also the condition looks good right now and later on it will rain again and hopefully we take our wicket and restrict them. So the two debutants playing they also are very good batters – Ghazi Gori debut and also Saad Masood debut. So I hope for their performance and support them. Three changes, two new debutants,” Shaheen said at the toss.

Bangladesh captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz said his side was confident about putting up a competitive total and backing their bowling attack to defend it.

“I’m happy because the wicket looks good. I think we are confident. In the last two matches we have bowled well, but still I’m confident that if we get that score, definitely it’s a very good score on this wicket. Yes, definitely. I think we always talk about the best batting unit. You have to take responsibility in the top order and the middle-order batsmen. So if we get the runs, definitely our team will be better. I think everyone has to take responsibility. Yes, definitely. The most important thing is that you have to take responsibility and build partnerships. We should have partnerships with the top order. If you get partnerships, definitely we will be in a good position in the match. Yes, I think 260 is a very good score in these conditions because we have a very good bowling attack – three fast bowlers and two spinners – and definitely we can defend that. No, we don’t have changes. Today it is the same team.”

According to the pitch report, the match is being played on the surface that hosted the first international at the venue. The pitch has noticeably less grass, though recent thunderstorms have left a few darker patches which could make it slightly tacky early on. With a strong breeze expected to dry the surface, bowlers could find assistance in the first 10 overs before it settles into a good batting track.

“The move to the pitch which was used in the first international. If you look at the surface itself, it’s much less grass. There isn’t a whole lot of grass covering, but since there was a thunderstorm the other night, you see a little bit dark patches here. It might be just a little bit tacky, you know, sometimes, it’s still very strong in breeze, so it will dry up. But initially, the first 10 overs or so, I think there will be something for the bowlers. We already know that Shaheen Shah Afrifi has decided to bowl first on this surface. No surprises here, so you’outside the leg-stump be looking to bowl on the stumps. I think this is, during the series, it’s turning out to be a really good sporting wicket. I love the way the curators have worked on, especially on the surface. You’ve got about runs, 275 is Pakistan’s score. You’ve got about 3 50s already being scored in this series. What about the wickets taken by the seamers? 19 compared to 11 from a spinner. So if there is a sporting wicket, I love when there is something available for everyone, not a one-sided affair. Yes, this looks once again a very good surface for batters and bowlers, and I reckon if a team can score 250 or more, then I think they’outside the leg-stump have to be challenged,” reckons Athar Ali Khan.

Teams

Pakistan (Playing XI): Sahibzada Farhan, Maaz Sadaqat, Ghazi Ghori, Mohammad Rizwan(w), Salman Agha, Abdul Samad, Faheem Ashraf, Saad Masood, Shaheen Afridi(c), Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed

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

YouTuber and podcaster Ranveer Allahbadia recently addressed the India’s Got Latent (IGL) controversy. Recently, he confessed that he is yet to move past the fallout from the contentious IGL episode, which ignited widespread debate.

Ranveer Allahbadia says he is still not fully okay

“Whatever happened last year with me, I won’t say I am good, but I am a strong person,” he said during a chat with Farah Khan on his YouTube channel. To this, Farah Khan added, “It is a traumatic thing to happen for a young person to almost get cancelled. I hate cancel culture.”

Ranveer Allahbadia talks about emotional struggles

Allahbadia held back nothing in his chat, admitting the IGL saga’s scars run deep. Though Farah shared her disdain for moral policing, he confessed to staying silent on the full ordeal. “A lot more happened, I haven’t really spoken about it ever,” he said. “I am still battling my own thing internally. Meeting you was like a healing for me as a professional,” Ranveer continued.

Ranveer Allahbadia reveals his mother was deeply affected

Ranveer revealed how the controversy hit his mother hard, saying, “One day, publicly, I want to talk about everything that happened. It is not the right time. But I can say that my mother is very hurt and tense. She got physically attacked on one of the days. I am not making this up. This has actually happened and she has been traumatised. She is also a very strong lady.” To this, Farah added, “Strong people get affected the most when it happens to their children.“

Ranveer Allahbadia recalls what happened during the IGL episode

For context, Ranveer sparked a massive 2025 controversy on India’s Got Latent by asking a contestant an offensive question that drew widespread outrage. While panelists like Apoorva Mukhija and Ashish Chanchlani laughed it off, the remark ignited online fury, prompting FIRs against Ranveer and the show’s producers.

The dramatic second ODI between Bangladesh and Pakistan in Dhaka has continued to generate headlines even after the final ball was bowled. Pakistan all-rounder and stand-in captain Salman Ali Agha has now been officially reprimanded by the International Cricket Council (ICC) for his furious reaction following a controversial run-out during the match at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium.

The governing body also handed Agha one demerit point after determining that his actions breached the ICC Code of Conduct. The punishment came after the Pakistan captain threw his gloves and helmet to the ground in frustration while walking back to the pavilion, moments after his dismissal.

ICC issues reprimand and demerit point

The disciplinary action was confirmed by match referee Neeyamur Rashid, who found Agha guilty of a Level 1 offence under Article 2.2 of the ICC Code of Conduct. The specific article deals with the abuse of cricket equipment, clothing, or ground facilities during an international match.

The charge was formally laid by the officiating team that included on-field umpires Adrian Holdstock and Tanvir Ahmed, third umpire Kumar Dharmasena and fourth umpire Masudur Rahman Mukul.

Agha accepted the charge and the punishment proposed by the match referee, which meant that a formal disciplinary hearing was not required. The incident will also go on his record as his first disciplinary offence in the last 24 months.

“The specific incident involved abusing cricket equipment on the ground while leaving the field. Regarding Salman Agha, he has no previous history of such behaviour. We have to maintain neutrality when we judge. Consequently, we have issued a reprimand and a demerit point,” Rashid told The Daily Star.

Rashid also clarified that no further action would be taken regarding Agha’s heated verbal exchange with Bangladesh wicketkeeper Litton Das. According to the match referee, the situation was ultimately considered a “miscommunication” between the players rather than misconduct deserving additional penalties.

The run-out that triggered the outburst

The controversy unfolded in the 39th over of Pakistan’s innings, when Agha was well set on 64 runs from 62 balls and involved in a crucial 109-run partnership with Mohammad Rizwan. The pair had helped Pakistan recover from an early collapse and looked poised to guide their team to a strong total.

Bangladesh captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz delivered a ball that Rizwan gently pushed back toward the bowler. As Miraz followed through, he moved across the pitch and stopped the ball with his boot near the non-striker’s end.

At that moment, Agha appeared to believe the ball was effectively dead. In what looked like a gesture of sportsmanship, he bent down and attempted to pick up the ball to hand it back to Miraz.

Also READ: BAN vs PAK, 3rd ODI Match Prediction – Who will win today’s game between Bangladesh and Pakistan?

However, the Bangladesh skipper reacted instantly. Seeing Agha outside his crease, Miraz quickly grabbed the ball and underarmed it at the stumps at the non-striker’s end. He then appealed for a run-out.

After reviewing the footage, the third umpire confirmed that the ball had remained in play and that Agha had not grounded his bat inside the crease in time. The decision resulted in his dismissal.

The ruling sparked immediate frustration from the Pakistan batter. Television replays showed Agha throwing his gloves and helmet onto the ground in anger while exchanging words with both Miraz and wicketkeeper Litton Das.

Even after crossing the boundary rope, Agha continued to show his displeasure, repeating the gesture as he walked toward the dressing room.

The unusual dismissal quickly became one of the most talked-about moments of the match, reigniting discussions about the balance between the laws of the game and the ‘Spirit of Cricket.

Also READ: BAN vs PAK – Mohammad Kaif shares his verdict on Salman Agha’s controversial run-out

 

NEW DELHI: Union home minister Amit Shah on Sunday accused the Congress of “defaming” India, as he lashed out at the opposition party over its youth wing’s shirtless protest at the AI Impact Summit in New Delhi last month. Shah claimed that Rahul Gandhi, Congress MP and Lok Sabha leader of opposition, has “started opposing India” in his opposition to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP. “Congress has tried to defame the country by removing clothes at the AI Summit. We were also in opposition, but there’s a place for it. You made the summit a platform for personal politics, while the whole world gathered to see India and invest in India,” he said at a rally in Guwahati. He added that instead of apologising, Gandhi called the protesting In Youth Congress workers “lion-hearted,” a stance he described as “irresponsible.” Shah further challenged the Congress to oppose the BJP vigorously but criticised their demonstration for “narrowing the possibilities of Indian youth on a global platform.” “He (Gandhi) is defaming India and its democracy in front of the world. You can oppose us with all your might, but you run away in Parliament. When the world comes to see India’s youth strength, you are narrowing their possibilities. India’s public will not forgive you,” the senior BJP leader remarked.Shah praised Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma for making the state “self-sufficient” in healthcare. “He (Sarma) wants Assam to be a state where no patient has to go outside for treatment. Patients who previously travelled to Chennai, Mumbai, Karnataka, and Delhi for cancer treatment will now receive care closer to home,” the home minister stated. Shah inaugurated the newly constructed Pragjyotishpur Medical College & Hospital and the Golaghat and Tinsukia cancer centres in Guwahati. He also virtually laid the foundation stones for super-speciality hospitals at Diphu, Jorhat, and Barpeta Medical College & Hospitals, as well as the Swasthya Bhawan and the Abhayapuri District Hospital. The Election Commission of India willannounce the schedule for the Assam assembly elections at 4 pm. The BJP has been in power here since 2016, when it first came to power in the state.