The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) on Monday notified changes in the foreign direct investment (FDI) policy to permit overseas companies with Chinese shareholding of up to 10 per cent to invest in India through the automatic route, subject to sectoral limits and conditions, PTI reported.However, the relaxation will not apply to entities incorporated in China, Hong Kong or other countries sharing land borders with India. Earlier, foreign firms with even a single shareholding link to such nations were required to seek mandatory government approval for investments across sectors.A DPIIT notification said, “The expression ‘beneficial owner’ of an investment in India will mean the beneficial owner of the investor entity incorporated or registered in a country other than a country which shares a land border with India”.The term will carry the same meaning as defined under Section 2(1)(fa) of the Prevention of Money-laundering Act (PMLA), 2002. Under PMLA rules, controlling ownership interest refers to entitlement to more than 10 per cent of shares, capital or profits in a company.The revised rules also mandate that investments from entities having any direct or indirect ownership link with citizens or firms from land-bordering nations — and not requiring prior approval — will have to follow additional reporting requirements under the standard operating procedure prescribed by DPIIT.The decision to ease the norms was cleared by the Union Cabinet last week. The government had earlier tightened the FDI policy through Press Note 3 (2020) on April 17, 2020, to prevent opportunistic takeovers of Indian companies during the Covid-19 pandemic.Under that framework, investments from entities in countries sharing land borders with India, or where the beneficial owner was situated in such nations, required prior government approval. This was seen as affecting investment flows, particularly from global private equity and venture capital funds with minority Chinese or Hong Kong shareholding.DPIIT has also indicated that proposals for FDI from these countries in specified sectors will be considered under an expedited approval mechanism with a 60-day timeline.Countries sharing land borders with India include China, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Bhutan, Nepal, Myanmar and Afghanistan.China currently ranks 23rd in FDI equity inflows into India, accounting for 0.32 per cent share, or USD 2.51 billion, between April 2000 and December 2025.

NEW DELHI: Team India’s left-handed batter Ishan Kishan is the frontrunner to lead Sunrisers Hyderabad in the upcoming IPL 2026 season, as there is yet no clarity on when Pat Cummins will link up with the squad. TimesofIndia.com reliably understands that the SRH management has had a discussion in this regard, and Kishan has been identified as the most suitable candidate to have the armband in the Australian fast bowler’s absence.

Ishan’s stocks are on a bull run at the moment. The 27-year-old has had a brilliant T20 World Cup campaign, where he became the toast of the nation for his performances, initially as a top-order batter and then at No. 3 when Sanju Samson returned to the Playing XI.

Ishan Kishan’s performance in last IPL

Kishan has established himself as one of the most explosive wicketkeeper-batters in the IPL. Across 119 matches in the tournament, playing for three franchises including Sunrisers Hyderabad, he has scored 2,998 runs from 112 innings at an average of 29.10 and a strike rate of 137.64. His tally includes one century, 17 half-centuries, 288 fours and 134 sixes, underlining his aggressive batting style. Behind the stumps, Kishan has also contributed with 59 catches and five stumpings. In the 2025 season, his first after being picked for Rs 11.25 crore in the auction, he scored 354 runs in 14 matches at a strike rate of 152.58, including a century and a fifty.

Kishan’s heroics in T20 World Cup 2026

Kishan played a key role for the India national cricket team during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, finishing as India’s second-highest run-scorer with 317 runs in nine innings at an average of 35.22 and a strike rate above 193. His campaign included three half-centuries, including one in the final, helping India clinch the title. Speaking after the victory, he said, “Our team won, obviously, it is a very good thing, not only for us, but for the whole nation. We hope to continue playing cricket like this and keep winning.” He added, “It feels great because I believe the better I perform, the more motivation it will be for the young kids here who want to grow. I always try to ensure as many players as possible emerge from every corner. Now that we’ve played the World Cup, it shows that with hard work, you can succeed from anywhere.” On his future goals, Kishan said, “Nothing much, just keep scoring runs, keep playing, and keep winning.”

For more than a decade, Pakistan players have remained absent from the Indian Premier League (IPL). The last cricketer from Pakistan to feature in the tournament was allrounder Azhar Mahmood, who played in the league between 2012 and 2015, although he did so after entering the auction as an English player. His appearance came years after the participation of Pakistan cricketers ended in the IPL following the 2008 Mumbai terror attack.The discussion around Pakistan players and franchise leagues returned recently after mystery spinner Abrar Ahmed was picked by Sunrisers Leeds during the player auction of The Hundred. The franchise, owned by the Chennai-based Sun Group, paid GBP 190000 (Rs 2.34 crore approximately) after a bidding contest with Trent Rockets. With that move, Ahmed became the first Pakistani player to be signed by an Indian-owned franchise in the tournament.His signing also ended speculation that Indian-owned teams in The Hundred would avoid Pakistan players, similar to what has happened in the IPL since 2009 due to strained diplomatic relations between India and Pakistan.

Pakistan players in IPL

The first season of the IPL in 2008 included several Pakistani cricketers, including Shoaib Akhtar, Shahid Afridi, and Sohail Tanvir. The tournament saw players from both countries share dressing rooms and compete in the new T20 league.Shahid Afridi played for Deccan Chargers, while fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar represented Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). Misbah-ul-Haq was part of the squad of Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB).Among them, it was fast bowler Sohail Tanvir who left the biggest mark. Playing for Rajasthan Royals (RR), who won the league in 2008, Tanvir finished the season with 22 wickets and claimed the Purple Cap for the highest number of wickets in the tournament. His best performance came against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) when he returned figures of 6/14.However, the situation changed after the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks. Following the attacks, political ties between India and Pakistan were suspended. Later, Pakistan also barred its players from travelling to India for the IPL, citing security concerns.At the time, several franchises expressed disappointment over the absence of Pakistani players from the league.Joy Bhattacharya, who was the then team leader of the KKR, said the team would miss the players from Pakistan. Akhtar, Umar Gul, Salman Butt and Mohammad Hafeez had all represented the franchise in 2008.“We were like a family. Shoaib and Umar are not only good cricketers but popular among their team-mates as well at the Knight Riders. We will surely miss them a lot,” he had said.Similar views were shared by Amrit Mathur, who was then the chief executive of Delhi Daredevils.“We are going to miss the Pakistani players because they were key members of our team,” Mathur had said.What was initially expected to be a temporary break turned into a long absence. Over time, obtaining No-Objection Certificates from the Pakistan Cricket Board became difficult. At the same time, IPL franchises were hesitant to bid for players who might not receive visas to travel to India.

Azhar Mahmood: Last Pakistan player in IPL

While Pakistan players have largely stayed away from the IPL since 2009, Azhar Mahmood did appear in the league for three seasons between 2012 and 2015.Mahmood played for Punjab Kings (then Kings XI Punjab) in the 2012 and 2013 seasons and later represented KKR in the 2015 season.However, Mahmood did not enter the league as a Pakistani player. After moving to the United Kingdom and obtaining a British passport, he registered for the IPL auction as an English player.A right-arm fast-bowling allrounder, Mahmood played 23 IPL matches across three seasons. He took 29 wickets while conceding runs at an economy rate of 7.82. With the bat, he scored 388 runs at a strike rate of 128.05.Mahmood remains the last Pakistan-born cricketer to feature in the IPL, even though he did so as a British citizen.In 2010, there was a brief moment when Pakistan players returned to the IPL auction list. Several leading players from the country were included in the auction pool. However, no franchise placed a bid on any of them. The episode later came to be described as a “silent snub” and it effectively confirmed that the IPL had moved on from signing Pakistan cricketers.Since then, the absence of Pakistan players from the IPL has continued. Mahmood’s appearance in the tournament remains the final instance of a Pakistan-born cricketer taking the field in the league, marking the end of a short chapter that began in the first season of the IPL in 2008.

The excitement for the Indian Premier League (IPL) is once again building as IPL 2026 is set to get underway on March 28, bringing together the world’s best T20 cricketers for another thrilling season. Fans across the globe are eagerly waiting to see how the franchises shape up with their revamped squads and fresh strategies.

Among the teams aiming to make a strong impact this year are the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), who will kick off their campaign against the Delhi Capitals (DC) on April 01. With several key additions and a new leadership dynamic under captain Rishabh Pant, LSG will be hoping to start the tournament on a positive note and establish themselves as serious contenders for the title.

Aakash Chopra picks his probable LSG playing XI

Former India cricketer and commentator Aakash Chopra has shared his predicted playing XI for Lucknow Super Giants ahead of IPL 2026. Chopra believes the franchise possesses a balanced combination of explosive batting, versatile all-rounders, and a potent bowling attack.

According to Chopra, Aiden Markram and Mitchell Marsh could open the innings for LSG, providing a strong and aggressive start at the top. Both players are capable of dominating the powerplay and laying the foundation for a big total.  Nicholas Pooran is expected to slot in at No.3, a position where his attacking style can put pressure on opposition bowlers early in the innings. Captain Pant is likely to follow at No.4, bringing both leadership and match-winning ability to the middle order.

The middle-order responsibilities could then fall on Ayush Badoni and Abdul Samad. Both players are known for their power-hitting abilities and could play crucial roles in accelerating the scoring rate during the latter half of the innings. All-rounder Shahbaz Ahmed may feature at No.7, providing a left-arm spin option along with useful lower-order batting. In the spin department, Chopra suggested that the team could choose between Wanindu Hasaranga and Digvesh Rathi depending on conditions and team balance.

The pace attack is expected to be led by experienced seamer Mohammed Shami, supported by Avesh Khan. The final pace slot could be a choice between the express pace of Mayank Yadav and the left-arm swing of Mohsin Khan, giving LSG flexibility based on pitch conditions.

Aakash Chopra’s probable LSG XI: Aiden Markram, Mitchell Marsh, Nicholas Pooran, Rishabh Pant (c), Ayush Badoni, Abdul Samad, Shahbaz Ahmed, Wanindu Hasaranga/Digvesh Rathi, Mohammed Shami, Avesh Khan, Mayank Yadav/Mohsin Khan

Also READ: Aakash Chopra points out the ‘weakness’ of Gujarat Titans ahead of IPL 2026

LSG squad shaping up with renewed aim for maiden IPL title

LSG enter IPL 2026 with a recalibrated squad led by captain Pant and head coach Justin Langer, determined to bounce back after finishing seventh in the 2025 season. The franchise has made several strategic changes in an attempt to strengthen both their batting depth and bowling attack.

One of the major areas of focus has been the pace department. LSG have brought in experienced Indian fast bowler Shami through a trade and also secured the services of South African speedster Anrich Nortje at the auction. These additions are expected to add firepower and experience to the bowling unit. The franchise has also reshaped its spin department with the signing of Sri Lankan star Wanindu Hasaranga, who replaces Ravi Bishnoi in the setup. Hasaranga’s ability to contribute with both bat and ball makes him a valuable asset in the T20 format.

On the batting front, LSG continue to rely on a powerful core featuring Pooran, Marsh, and Markram. The addition of Australian wicketkeeper-batter Josh Inglis further strengthens the lineup and provides flexibility in the top and middle order. As the team prepares for the new season, expectations remain high among fans and analysts alike. However, LSG’s campaign could heavily depend on the fitness of their pace attack, particularly the high-speed duo of Mayank and Mohsin, both of whom have dealt with injuries in recent seasons.

Also READ: Aakash Chopra picks his ideal playing XI of Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) for IPL 2026

NEW DELHI: A parliamentary committee has recommended strengthening institutional capacity in cybersecurity, data protection and digital infrastructure while examining the government’s spending plans for the ministry of electronics and information technology (MeitY) for 2026-27. The panel also cautioned that inadequate funding could affect the expansion of digital governance systems, cybersecurity capacity and emerging initiatives such as artificial intelligence infrastructure.The observations are part of the “Twenty-Fourth Report of the Standing Committee on Communications and Information Technology” on the ministry’s Demands for Grants, which was presented in Parliament on March 16.The committee said that “allocation of more funds to the Ministry may help promote Digital Governance for empowering citizens, promoting the inclusive and sustainable growth of the Electronics, IT and ITeS industries… and ensuring a secure cyber space.”According to the report, MeitY’s budget estimate for 2026-27 stands at Rs 21,632.96 crore compared with Rs 26,026.25 crore in the 2025-26 budget estimates. The ministry told the committee that part of the reduction reflects the closure of the production linked incentive (PLI) component for large-scale electronics manufacturing, whose tenure ends on March 31, 2026.The committee also noted that variations between budget estimates and revised estimates in 2025-26 were linked to lower expenditure during the first half of the financial year and delays in executing agreements under semiconductor manufacturing projects. The ministry told the panel that semiconductor manufacturing projects are “highly complex, technology-intensive” and approved companies must fulfil stipulated conditions before fiscal support can be released, resulting in delays in agreements.The report also highlighted implementation challenges across several programmes, including interoperability gaps in e-governance systems, cybersecurity and privacy risks, and capacity constraints in digital infrastructure projects. It asked the ministry to address these issues and keep the committee informed of progress.On cybersecurity and digital safety, the committee sought updates on the creation of additional posts in the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) and recommended strengthening the Data Protection Board to improve safeguards for personal data and address incidents of cyber fraud and digital scams.The committee also asked the ministry to ensure that funding shortages do not affect the functioning of the National Informatics Centre (NIC), which provides core digital infrastructure for government platforms. It further recommended expanding digital public services with stronger local-language support to improve digital inclusion.The report also discussed the implementation trajectory of the IndiaAI Mission, noting that variations in allocations partly reflected the programme’s rollout dynamics following its approval in March 2024. According to the ministry, early stages focused on institutional setup, consultations and operational guidelines before scaling up activities across research, ecosystem development and international collaboration.Among future initiatives, the panel suggested using enhanced funding under the National Knowledge Network to establish a blockchain-based National Digital Research Repository aimed at enabling secure knowledge sharing among research institutions.The report further recommended expanding digital literacy programmes in rural and tribal areas and strengthening the IT ecosystem in underperforming states, including in the Northeast, to support more balanced growth in India’s digital economy.

Chaitra Navratri is one of the most significant Hindu festivals and marks the beginning of the Hindu lunar New Year in many parts of India. The nine-day celebration is dedicated to Goddess Durga and her nine divine forms, collectively known as Navadurga. During this time, devotees across the country observe fasts, offer prayers, perform rituals, and decorate homes and temples to welcome the divine feminine energy.In 2026, families and societies will be celebrating Chaitra Navratri with great zeal and enthusiasm by worshipping the goddess as well as seeking the blessings of prosperity, health and happiness. The festival also represents the triumph of good over evil and the reinvigorating of faith, hope and positivity.

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During these nine auspicious days, devotees worship the nine incarnations of Goddess Durga—Shailputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skandamata, Katyayani, Kalaratri and Mahagauri along with Siddhidatri. Each day of the festival is devoted to one of these forms with special prayers, rituals and offerings made to each. Besides religious rituals, people also greet and wish their family, friends and colleagues during Navratri. Harbingers of festive cheer and strengthening ties, messages of goodwill and devotion are shared on social media, through messaging apps and exchanged via greeting cards. We bring to you 50 of them, wishes messages quotes that you can share with your loved ones to mark the occasion.

Chaitra Navratri wishes

Wishing you strength, wisdom and prosperity this Chaitra Navratri — may Goddess Durga bless you abundantly. Happy Navratri 2026. Happy and blessed Chaitra Navratri for you and your family with happiness and devotion. Wishing you a Dussehra that brings with it the goodness of Maa Durga, peace and prosperity into your life. Happy Navratri. May the nine nights of Navratri fill your life with positivity, happiness and new beginnings!

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May all the obstacles in your path be overturned by Goddess Durga and you succeed in life. Happy Chaitra Navratri. Wishing you nine days of devotion, happiness and spiritual growth. Happy Navratri 2026. May the blessings of Maa Durga be always with you in your life, may all joys, health and wealth surround you. Wish this festival of Navratri introduces new hope and opportunities in your life. May Goddess Durga bless you and your family with divine energy forever. May your home be filled with happiness and divine blessings this Navratri.

Chaitra Navratri messages

May Maa Durga shower you with courage, strength and wisdom to overcome every hurdle in your life on this auspicious day of Chaitra Navratri! May your Navratri be filled with devotion, positivity and the divine grace of Goddess Durga. May the nine forms of Maa Durga bless you with all nine in your life—health, happiness, peace, prosperity, wisdom, strength success harmony and love.

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This is the time for celebration of the supreme divine power; lets pray to Maa Durga to give us a bright future ahead. Happy Navratri. May Maa Durga’s divine blessings are with you on every aspect of life leading to success and happiness. May your heart be full of devotions and your life be filled with wealth on this holy festival. Navratri is a festival celebrating faith, devotion and the triumph of good over evil. Wishing you a blessed festival. Let this Navratri enter your home with peace and into your life with success. May Goddess Durga bless you on these nine nights of Navratri. Wishing your family good health this Chaitra Navratri, may Maa Durga shower love happiness and prosperity.

Chaitra Navratri wishes for family and friends

Have a happy and spiritually fulfilling Chaitra Navratri to you and your family. Wishing you and your family happiness, success and good health this Navratri. Hope this nine holy days bring all positivity and prosperity to your home by the grace of Maa Durga. Warm wishes from the bottom of my heart to you & your family at a festive occasion like Chaitra Navratri. May the happiness of Navratri fill your soul with hope and happiness. Navratri symbolizes the victory of good over evil and may this festival increases your beliefs and bring you closer to divine.

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May the nine nights of your devotion leads you to eternal happiness. Happy Navratri. The grace of Maa Durga may simmer your space, a blissful and prosperous life. May Goddess Durga bless you and lead you to success forever.

Inspirational Chaitra Navratri quotes

“May Goddess Durga’s divine power gives you strength to fight all obstacles in life.” “Navratri teaches us that faith and dedication always guide us towards light and positivity.” “The power of Maa Durga is courage, compassion and wisdom.” “May nine nights of Navratri bring devotion in heart and happiness in life.” “Divine mother’s blessings, may it take you the way of success and peace.” “Navratri embodies the victory of virtue over vice and the strength of faith.” “The blessings of Maa Durga fill us with strength, courage and positivity.” “May this Navratri encourage you to face positivity and defeat negativity.” “May Navratri inspire you to achieve greatness.” “The true spirit of Navratri is faith, devotion and positivity.”

Navratri wishes for social media

Happy Chaitra Navratri. Happy Durga Puja | May Maa Shakti shower you with joy and prosperity. May you have nine days of worship and blessings this Navratri. Let the blessings of Maa Durga fill your life with peace and prosperous. Happy Navratri.

Happy Navratri, rest on your devotion and love to the divine spirit.May your life be gratified with positivity from the nine forms of Goddess Durga. Wishing you and your family warm Navratri wishes. May the blessings of Maa Durga be always with you. Happy Navratri 2026.This Chaitra Navratri, may you be blessed with joy, peace and prosperity.Wishing you a Happy Navratri, may it spread happiness and devotion in your life.Happy Chaitra Navratri. Wishing you success, health and prosperity in your life.Devotees across India observe these nine holy days by praying, following rituals and celebrating this auspicious time period; exchanging Navratri greetings is a great way to show devotion and goodwill. These wishes encapsulate the spirit of Chaitra Navratri, shared via messages, social media posts or personal greetings filled with faith and well-wishes.

The Raiders gave Tyler Linderbaum a record deal, then left the rest of the league to deal with the fallout.

The Las Vegas Raiders did not tiptoe into free agency. They kicked the door in. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that Las Vegas agreed to a three-year, $81 million deal with former Baltimore Ravens center Tyler Linderbaum, a contract NFL.com’s free agency tracker also listed at that number. ESPN reported the deal includes $60 million guaranteed and makes Linderbaum the highest-paid interior offensive lineman in NFL history.That is the headline. The subtext is even louder. This was not just a line move. It was a quarterback move. Dan Wilkins of theScore wrote Monday, March 16, that the Raiders’ signing of Linderbaum helps set up Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza as Las Vegas’ projected pick in his updated 2026 mock draft. That does not make Mendoza a Raider yet, but it does show how quickly this signing changed the conversation around the No. 1 pick.

Tyler Linderbaum’s deal did not just help the Raiders, it boxed the Ravens into a new reality

Baltimore now has a hole in the middle of its offensive line, and the draft chatter changed almost immediately. Wilkins connected the Ravens to Utah lineman Spencer Fano after Linderbaum’s exit, while another Ravens-focused mock from Kyle Crabbs on March 16 also floated Fano as a possible answer at center. That is what happens when a player this good walks out the door. You do not replace him with a press release. You start rewriting the draft board.The contract also shoved the rest of the market into an awkward spot. A Browns analysis published March 16 called Linderbaum’s deal a number Cleveland was smart to avoid, noting that Elgton Jenkins at $12 million per year was easier to stomach than paying the Raiders’ price. Yahoo Sports also described Linderbaum’s contract as a reset at the position. So this was not just a Raiders-Ravens story. It landed on every front office desk in the league.

If the Raiders draft Fernando Mendoza, this signing will look even less subtle

The most interesting part of this move is not the money. It is the timing. The Raiders made Linderbaum one of the faces of free agency before the draft even arrived. Then, hours later, a major mock tied that move directly to Mendoza. That is not accidental framing. That is the league reading the room.A team picking first overall does not spend like this unless it believes a young quarterback is coming and needs help right away. Linderbaum gives Las Vegas a proven answer at one of the most important spots on the field. He also gives the Raiders something they have not had enough of lately: a real plan that makes sense from March to April. If Mendoza is the pick, this signing will not look aggressive. It will look obvious.