Calvin Ridley (Image Via Getty)

The 2026 NFL free agency period is already full of surprises. Teams across the league began making official moves on Wednesday after two days of legal tampering. That is when clubs are allowed to talk with players and agree to deals before they can officially sign contracts. Once the league year opened, those agreements started becoming real deals. Several big stories quickly shaped the early days of free agency. One report said the Tennessee Titans plan to keep wide receiver Calvin Ridley on a restructured contract. At the same time, quarterback Trey Lance reportedly reached an agreement with the Los Angeles Chargers. Other deals, trades, and contract changes are also shaking up rosters as teams prepare for the 2026 season. The news comes during a busy offseason around the league. According to Yahoo Sports’ free agency tracker, many teams are changing key positions while new coaches step in across the NFL. The first few days of free agency are already giving fans a clearer idea of how teams may look next season.

Calvin Ridley stays with Tennessee Titans while Trey Lance joins Los Angeles Chargers as NFL free agency reshapes the league

One of the latest updates involves wide receiver Calvin Ridley and the Tennessee Titans. Reports say the team will keep Ridley but adjust his contract. The new deal structure helps the Titans manage their salary cap while still holding on to one of their top pass catchers.Ridley has remained an important part of Tennessee’s offense. Keeping him on the roster suggests the Titans still see him as a key player for the upcoming season.Another notable move involves quarterback Trey Lance. Reports say Lance has agreed to sign with the Los Angeles Chargers. The former first-round pick now gets another chance to rebuild his career in a new system. The Chargers continue adding depth at quarterback while shaping their roster for the future. Free agency has also produced several other major headlines this week.Earlier, the Las Vegas Raiders announced that their planned trade sending Maxx Crosby to the Baltimore Ravens collapsed. The Raiders said the Ravens had “backed out” of the deal. Soon after that news, another report explained what happened next. According to reports, Baltimore reached an agreement with star pass rusher Trey Hendrickson on a four-year contract worth 112 million dollars.Quarterback movement is also drawing attention. Reports say Kyler Murray has signed with the Minnesota Vikings. Murray will now share the quarterback room with J.J. McCarthy as Minnesota reshapes its offense.Several other player moves have also been reported across the league. The Miami Dolphins are expected to release quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, who is reportedly planning to sign a one-year deal with the Atlanta Falcons. The Kansas City Chiefs plan to bring back tight end Travis Kelce for the 2026 football season. The reports suggest that Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III will also join the Kansas City team. The Indianapolis Colts re-signed wide receiver Alec Pierce while the Pittsburgh Steelers added running back Rico Dowdle and veteran receiver Mike Evans left the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to join a Bay Area team. The league experiences rapid roster changes because multiple teams have hired new head coaches. The upcoming weeks will bring additional player transactions as teams work to finalize their rosters for the upcoming season.

RSS backs Centre’s decisions amid Middle East turmoil

Amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) on Sunday called for peace and said the war should end as soon as possible, while also backing the Union government’s response, saying it was acting in the “supreme interest of the nation”.Speaking at a media briefing during the three-day Akhil Bharatiya Pratinidhi Sabha (ABPS) meeting in Panipat, RSS general secretary Dattatreya Hosabale said the Sangh wanted the conflict involving Iran, the US and Israel to end swiftly so that ordinary people could return to normal life.

‘We want peace in the world’

Replying to questions on the Middle East conflict, which has entered its third week, Hosabale said the RSS’s position was rooted in its broader worldview of global peace.“We want peace in the world,” Hosabale said, according to news agency PTI.“Our vision is world peace. Wars arise from a multitude of causes; therefore, in the context of this particular conflict, we too desire that it comes to an end as swiftly as possible, and that the lives of ordinary people return to a state of happiness and peace without delay,” he said.He, however, declined to comment on the reasons behind the war.

RSS backs Centre’s response

Hosabale also strongly defended the Centre’s handling of the crisis, saying the government was taking all necessary steps in the national interest.“What is in the supreme interest of the nation, they (the Indian government) are doing that. What they are doing is right,” he told reporters.The remarks come as the Indian government continues to monitor the fallout of the Middle East conflict, which has had implications for energy supplies, trade routes, aviation and Indian nationals in the region.

On protests after Khamenei’s killing

Asked about protests reported from some parts of India following the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Hosabale said expressions of grief were natural, but any such response must remain peaceful and should not disturb communal harmony.“If such things happen, they should be done peacefully. It should not be against any sect or community,” he said.He added, “According to Indian tradition, one can be a person’s enemy till he is alive, but after one dies, no one remains an enemy. So, after death, if anyone expresses grief, there is nothing wrong in it. But when this is done, it should be seen that it does not cause disturbance to peace.”

Refuses comment on UGC row, speaks on Muslims and Hindutva

On the controversy surrounding the UGC regulations, which have been stayed by the Supreme Court, Hosabale said it would not be appropriate to comment on a matter that is sub judice.“When a decision comes, after going through it, the Sangh will comment,” he said.Replying to another question, Hosabale said RSS founder Dr Keshav Baliram Hedgewar did not create the organisation to oppose Muslims.“When Dr Keshav Baliram Hedgewar founded the RSS, he did not say that the organisation had been formed to oppose Muslims,” he said, as quoted by PTI.He also referred to a historical debate during British rule in the Central Provinces, saying a Muslim leader had defended the RSS against restrictions, arguing that the organisation and Hedgewar were not communal.Hosabale reiterated a long-held RSS position, saying, “We have said this from the start that the ancestors of all people of India were Hindus.”

Message to Indians abroad

Referring to a recent event in Hyderabad attended by NRIs and people of Indian origin from 71 countries, Hosabale said the Sangh had urged them to work for the welfare of the countries they live in as well.“We conveyed a message to the delegates from 71 different countries… that the country where you live and eat, you should do good for that country. Because it is the vision of Hindutva: Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam — the entire world is one family,” he said.“It is not like you are only with India. You have the duty to be with the society there,” he added.

ABPS meet ends with organisational push

The three-day ABPS meeting, which began in Pattikalyana in Panipat on March 13, was inaugurated by RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat and Hosabale, and concluded on Sunday with a resolve to expand organisational work, strengthen social harmony and encourage participation of “positive forces” in national interest.Hosabale said the number of RSS shakhas had increased by nearly 6,000 over the past year and had now crossed 88,000, while the number of places where shakhas are held had grown to over 55,000, PTI reported.He also said the Sangh’s outreach had expanded into remote areas including Andaman, Arunachal Pradesh, Leh and tribal regions, and that a total of 96 training camps would be organised in the coming year.

Gold and silver prices are likely to remain volatile and could see further corrective moves in the coming week, with investors closely watching developments in the Middle East conflict and a packed calendar of major central bank policy meetings, analysts said.Market participants are expected to remain focused on the evolving geopolitical situation, as any sign of escalation or de-escalation in the Middle East could trigger sharp swings across commodities, currencies and broader financial markets.

Middle East conflict to remain key trigger

Analysts said traders will continue to track the conflict in the Middle East closely, with geopolitical headlines likely to remain the biggest short-term driver for bullion prices.“In the week ahead, focus will remain in the Middle East region as any signs of further escalation or de-escalation may lead to increased volatility in the financial markets,” Pranav Mer, vice president, EBG – commodity & currency research at JM Financial Services Ltd, was quoted as saying by news agency PTI.While gold and silver are traditionally seen as safe-haven assets during times of crisis, recent sessions have shown that broader market stress can also lead to profit-booking and cash-raising, which can weigh on prices even when geopolitical risks remain elevated.

Fed, ECB, BoE and PBOC decisions in focus

On the macroeconomic front, investors will also monitor a heavy lineup of central bank meetings this week.The US Federal Reserve will announce its policy decision on Wednesday, followed by the European Central Bank and the Bank of England on Thursday, and the People’s Bank of China on Friday.These central banks are widely expected to keep interest rates unchanged, but traders will be closely watching their forward guidance for clues on the path of global monetary policy, especially at a time when higher crude oil prices are complicating inflation expectations.

Bullion under pressure last week

Bullion prices remained under pressure in domestic markets last week. On the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX):

In the international market, Comex silver dropped nearly $3, or 3.52%, during the week, while gold fell $97, or 2%.Mer told PTI that gold broke down from a consolidation range on Friday and ended the week nearly 2 per cent lower, dragged by a stronger US dollar and growing expectations that major central banks may delay interest rate cuts because of the inflationary impact of surging crude oil prices.

Why bullion fell despite safe-haven demand

The fall in bullion prices came even as equities and other risk assets saw broad pressure.According to PTI, Mer said gold prices slipped despite a wider sell-off in risk assets because traders and investors may have chosen to book profits at higher levels or sold holdings to meet margin calls and liquidity needs.Still, he said bullion continues to retain an important support base from safe-haven demand because of the escalating conflict in the Middle East.“Silver prices closed in negative for the second consecutive week, weighed by a stronger dollar and a consolidative/ corrective move in the industrial metals,” Mer told PTI.

Long-term allocation still favoured

Despite near-term volatility, analysts said gold and silver continue to play an important role in portfolio construction.“Gold and silver earn their place not because of what they return in isolation, but because of how they behave relative to everything else,” Vijay Kuppa, CEO of InCred Money, said, as per PTI.He said the two metals remain valuable because of their low correlation with equities and their ability to act as a hedge against currency debasement.Kuppa also cautioned investors against trying to time the market, saying that while broader commodity markets have been disrupted by supply chain issues and changing trade routes amid the conflict, investors should maintain a long-term allocation to bullion rather than chase short-term price swings.

Chandrika Pujari (X -DD News)

India wrapped up its campaign at the World Boxing Futures Cup 2026 in Bangkok with an impressive tally of five medals — one gold, three silver and one bronze, highlighting the continued progress of the nation’s youth boxing programme on the global stage.The standout performance came from Chandrika Pujari, who produced a dominant display in the women’s 51kg final to defeat Uzbekistan’s Mardonova Nazokat by a unanimous decision, as stated in an official release.Competing in the Youth Olympic weight divisions, India’s Under-19 men’s and women’s squads showcased strong form against quality international opponents. The team delivered several composed performances throughout the competition, with half of the Indian contingent finishing on the podium.The event was closely watched by Gennadiy Golovkin, President of World Boxing, and Ajay Singh, President of the Boxing Federation of India. India’s showing in Bangkok reflected the strengthening structure of its youth boxing system, where organised development pathways, consistent international exposure and competitive national events are helping young fighters transition smoothly to the world stage.Three Indian boxers finished with silver medals after reaching the finals in their respective categories. Gunjan (48kg) lost her final bout to an opponent from England by a 5-0 decision, while Joyshree Devi (54kg) put up a determined fight before going down 4-1 to a boxer from the United States. In the men’s 50kg division, L. Ambekar Meetei also settled for silver after losing the final to a competitor from Ukraine.Earlier in the tournament, Radhamani Longjam (57kg) secured bronze after her campaign ended in the semifinals following a closely fought contest against Ukraine’s Yevanhelina Petruk.Held from March 8 to 15 in Bangkok, the World Boxing Futures Cup brought together some of the most promising young fighters across the Youth Olympic weight categories. With the 2026 Summer Youth Olympics in Dakar approaching, the tournament served as an important platform for emerging talent, giving India’s young boxers valuable experience against top international competition as they prepare for one of the biggest events in youth sport.

Pune: The state govt on Friday said a new IT park would be set up near the proposed greenfield international airport in Purandar taluka.The IT sector welcomed the move, after state industries minister Uday Samant made the announcement in the assembly. Experts cautioned the govt against repeating the infrastructure mistakes of Hinjewadi IT park in Purandar facility, though.The new IT park in Purandar was in discussions for the past couple of years. Samant announced the project in the assembly after the finalisation of its land.He said, “The land for the project is yet to be transferred from the revenue department to the MIDC, but we are announcing that the IT park will be indeed set up in Purandar. The land transfer process would be expedited following the next cabinet meeting.”The first meeting to discuss the feasibility of an IT park in Purandar was held on July 24, 2024, when Eknath Shinde was the chief minister. The district administration was told to survey the area to identify land for the project. Another meeting chaired by the industries minister was held on October 3, 2025. The land belonging to the revenue department was proposed for the project then.Minister of state for industries Indranil Naik said in the assembly the proposal for requirement of the land had been sent to the revenue department. “We have written to the revenue department on Feb 27 about our requirement. Since the land belongs to the revenue department, it will save the govt’s funds usually required for land acquisition. The revenue department will have to submit a proposal in the cabinet meeting for the transfer of the land. After the cabinet’s nod, the work for the project can start,” he said.Purandar’s Shiv Sena MLA Vijay Shivtare had raised the IT park issue in the assembly. He said, “Some IT companies are moving out of Hinjewadi IT park because of traffic and other infrastructure issues. If an IT park is developed in Purandar, these companies may prefer to move to a new location within the district. The proposed site is only 3-4km away from the proposed international airport. Once it is ready, the IT park will have good connectivity and can generate nearly one lakh jobs.“IT experts welcomed the decision and stressed on world-class infrastructure at Purandar IT park. Pavanjit Mane, the head of the state Forum for IT Employees, said, “While developing the infrastructureat the new site, the govt will have to outsmart the other states in competition with Maharashtra to attract IT companies. The govt should ensure that they rectify the mistakes they made while setting up the Hinjewadi IT park. Along with the industrial infrastructure, the govt will have to ensure civic amenities in and around the new IT park.”Experts stressed that instead of looking to shift some IT companies from the existing IT parks to the proposed one, the govt should try to attract new companies to Purandar IT park for more investment and job opportunities in the state.

AAP’s Kejriwal, Sisodia move Supreme Court after Delhi HC rejects plea to transfer excise policy case

NEW DELHI: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) convener Arvind Kejriwal and senior party leader Manish Sisodia have approached the Supreme Court after the Chief Justice of the Delhi high court rejected their request to transfer the CBI’s plea against their discharge in the excise policy case from the bench of Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma to another judge, the party said on Sunday.The development comes a day before the CBI’s petition challenging the discharge order is scheduled to come up for hearing before Justice Sharma.

Delhi HC Chief Justice declines transfer request

As per news agency PTI, Delhi high court Chief Justice D K Upadhyaya declined the request made by former chief minister Kejriwal and other accused to transfer the matter on the administrative side.According to sources cited by PTI, the Chief Justice took the view that Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma was hearing the CBI’s petition in line with the roster allocation, and that there was no reason to pass an order of transfer.Following that rejection, the AAP said Kejriwal and Sisodia have challenged the decision in the Supreme Court.

Why did Kejriwal seek transfer?

On March 11, Kejriwal, Sisodia and other accused in the excise policy case submitted a representation to the Delhi high court Chief Justice seeking transfer of the CBI’s plea from Justice Sharma to another “impartial” judge.Kejriwal said in his representation that he had a “grave, bona fide, and reasonable apprehension” that the hearing in the matter would not be impartial and neutral.The CBI has moved the Delhi high court against the order of the trial court that discharged Kejriwal and other accused in the excise policy case.

What happened in the high court?

While issuing notice to all 23 accused, including Kejriwal, Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma had observed that certain findings and observations made by the trial court at the stage of framing of charges prima facie appeared erroneous and required consideration.That observation appears to have triggered the apprehension raised by the AAP leaders.Earlier, Kejriwal’s representation argued that the high court, at the very first short hearing on March 9, not only issued notice but also, ex parte and without hearing the discharged accused, recorded a prima facie view that the trial court’s detailed order was “erroneous”.Representation also objected to the high court staying the trial court’s directions and observations against the investigating officer, including proposed departmental action, without spelling out the specific perversity that justified such interim interference.According to the representation, such relief at the threshold stage and without hearing the discharged accused strengthened the apprehension that the revision plea may not be heard with the required judicial detachment.

Trial court had discharged Kejriwal, Sisodia and others

Arguments on charges in the excise policy case began in December 2025, and on February 27, the special CBI court passed a detailed order discharging Kejriwal, Sisodia, AAP Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh and all other accused in the matter.Kejriwal had been arrested in June 2024 in connection with the case and chargesheeted in July 2024.The CBI’s petition challenging the discharge is now listed for hearing before Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma on Monday.

Former India and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) pacer Mohit Sharma has unveiled his all-time playing XI for the franchise ahead of the IPL 2026 season, sparking discussion among fans with a few notable selections and omissions. The experienced seamer shared his choices during a conversation on Cricbuzz, putting together a star-studded lineup dominated by players who played crucial roles in CSK’s most successful years.

Interestingly, Mohit chose to leave out former CSK opener Murali Vijay, despite the batter’s strong record for the franchise. Vijay scored 1708 runs in 70 innings for Chennai and was part of several memorable campaigns, but Mohit opted for a different opening combination to start his all-time side.

Mohit Sharma’s all-time CSK playing XI

A solid opening pair

Mohit picked former Australian stalwart Michael Hussey and current CSK skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad as his opening duo. Hussey was one of the most dependable batters in the early years of the franchise and played 50 matches for CSK, amassing 1768 runs that included 13 half-centuries and a century. Known for his calm presence and consistency, Hussey played a key role in strengthening the top order during Chennai’s dominant phase.

Joining him at the top is Gaikwad, one of the modern pillars of the franchise. Since making his debut in 2020, the elegant right-hander has become a central figure in CSK’s batting lineup. Gaikwad has scored 2502 runs in 70 innings for the team, registering 20 fifties and two centuries while leading the side in the current era.

Star power in the middle order

At number three, Mohit selected former South Africa captain Faf du Plessis, who was instrumental in multiple successful campaigns for Chennai. Du Plessis scored 2721 runs for the franchise and played a key role in two title-winning seasons with his aggressive yet composed batting style.

The middle order continues with CSK legend Suresh Raina, widely regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of the franchise. Raina remains CSK’s second-highest run-scorer with 4687 runs in 171 innings and was a vital figure in their dominance across several IPL seasons.

Former India batter Ambati Rayudu was chosen at number five. Rayudu played a significant role in Chennai’s success during his stint with the franchise, scoring 1932 runs in 80 innings and helping the team secure three IPL titles.

MS Dhoni leads a powerful all round core

No CSK lineup would be complete without MS Dhoni, and Mohit appointed the legendary wicketkeeper as captain of his all-time XI. Under Dhoni’s leadership, Chennai Super Kings lifted five IPL titles and established themselves as one of the most consistent teams in the league. Dhoni also remains the franchise’s highest run-scorer with 4865 runs in 215 innings, including 22 half-centuries.

The all-round strength of the side begins with Ravindra Jadeja at number seven. Jadeja played 186 matches for CSK, contributing 2198 runs and taking 143 wickets while providing exceptional fielding and balance to the side.

Also WATCH: MS Dhoni repairs his bat using an electric sander during IPL 2026 practice session

A bowling attack packed with match winners

In the bowling department, Mohit included veteran off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, who picked up 97 wickets in 106 matches during his time with the Super Kings.

West Indies all-rounder Dwayne Bravo also made the cut. Bravo was one of the most impactful players in CSK’s history, scoring 1004 runs and claiming 140 wickets in 116 matches while helping the franchise win three IPL titles.

Former South Africa all-rounder Albie Morkel was placed at number ten. Morkel was known for his explosive hitting and useful medium pace, scoring 827 runs and taking 76 wickets in 78 matches for Chennai. The lineup is completed by swing specialist Deepak Chahar, who represented CSK between 2018 and 2024 and claimed 76 wickets in 76 innings with his new-ball brilliance.

Mohit Sharma’s all time CSK XI: Michael Hussey, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Faf du Plessis, Suresh Raina, Ambati Rayudu, MS Dhoni (c/wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Dwayne Bravo, Albie Morkel, Deepak Chahar.

Also READ: Ahead of IPL 2026, Sun TV takes CSK to court – here’s the reason

Aviation safety regulator DGCA has granted temporary relaxations in flight duty norms for Air India’s long-haul flights as the carrier takes longer routes because of airspace restrictions in the Middle East amid the ongoing Iran conflict, sources cited by news agency PTI said on Sunday.With Iranian and Iraqi airspace restrictions in place, Air India is routing many of its European and North American flights via Egypt, leading to longer flying hours and extended duty periods for pilots.As per PTI, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has allowed certain exemptions in Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) norms for these long-haul operations until April 30.There was no immediate comment from either Air India or the DGCA on the temporary relaxations.

What relaxations has DGCA allowed?

According to PTI, the relaxations apply to long-haul flights operated with two pilots.Under the temporary exemption, the DGCA has:

For a single landing, the normal maximum FT and FDP are 10 hours and 13 hours, respectively.Flight Time refers to the period from when an aircraft first moves for take-off until it comes to rest at the end of the flight, while Flight Duty Period begins when a crew member reports for duty and ends when the engines are shut down after the final flight.

Allegation of breach in Jeddah flight planning

Even as the regulator has offered temporary relief, sources told PTI that Air India may be stretching the exemption beyond the permitted limit in at least one case.According to a source quoted by PTI, Air India has been scheduling its Jeddah flight with an FDP of 11 hours 55 minutes, which is 10 minutes beyond the extended ceiling of 11 hours 45 minutes allowed under the relaxation.“While flight duty period (FDP) has been extended by 1.45 hours, Air India is forcing its pilots to operate Jeddah flight, which has an FDP of 11.55 hours, thus exceeding the allowed relaxations by 10-minutes,” a source told PTI.

Why are Air India flights taking longer routes?

The change comes as the escalating US-Israel-Iran conflict, which began on February 28, has led to significant airspace curbs across parts of the Middle East, disrupting airline operations globally.Air India is now flying to Europe and North America via Oman, the southern part of Saudi Arabia and Egypt instead of using more direct routes through restricted airspace.For some ultra-long-haul services, the airline is also making technical stops in Rome.It was not immediately clear whether IndiGo has received similar temporary exemptions for its own long-haul operations.

Wider disruption in UAE operations

The temporary duty norm relaxation comes against the backdrop of broader disruption to Indian carriers in the region.Air India cancelled several flights on Sunday to the UAE, including services to Dubai, Ras Al Khaimah, Sharjah and Abu Dhabi, after airport authorities there directed airlines to reduce operations amid the evolving West Asia crisis.In a statement on X, Air India said: “In view of the latest instructions from Airport authorities in the UAE, Air India and Air India Express are compelled to curtail their ad-hoc operations for 15 March 2026.”Air India operated only one Delhi–Dubai return flight for the day, while four of five planned Dubai flights were cancelled. Air India Express also operated just one Delhi–Dubai return service, with five of six scheduled Dubai flights cancelled, while all five Abu Dhabi flights by the budget carrier were cancelled.Passengers affected by cancellations were offered free rebooking or full refunds.

Conflict continues to hit aviation

The wider aviation sector has been under pressure as the West Asia crisis disrupts air corridors and pushes up aviation turbine fuel (ATF) costs.IndiGo also warned of further restrictions in Dubai operations and asked passengers to check flight status before heading to the airport.