NEW DELHI: A Delhi court on Monday granted 11-day police custody to six Ukrainians and a US citizen arrested for illegally entering Myanmar via India and contacting ethnic war groups.This comes after the National Investigation Agency arrested three Ukrainians from Delhi, three from Lucknow, and one US citizen from Kolkata.According to the investigative agency, the accused — namely Matthew Aaron Van Dyke, Hurba Petro, Slyviak Taras, Ivan Sukmanovskyi, Stefankiv Marian, Honcharuk Maksim, and Kaminskyi Viktor — were in direct touch with, and abetted, terrorists carrying AK-47 rifles.The agency also said the accused, linked with ethnic armed groups, were supporting certain proscribed Indian insurgent groups by supplying weapons, terrorist hardware, and training them.How do they reach Myanmar?According to news agency AFP, the group first illegally entered Mizoram without an official permit. The seven then allegedly passed from Mizoram into neighbouring Myanmar.It is also alleged that they brought a huge consignment of drones from Europe via India. However, the type of drones or their countries of origin is not clear yet.Myanmar descended into civil war after a junta seized power in a 2021 coup, with pro-democracy guerrillas and ethnic-minority armed groups fighting for control of large parts of the country.New Delhi has been suspicious of certain Myanmar factions that share ethnicity with populations on the Indian side of the border, fearing a spillover of violence and unrest.Who is Matthew Aaron Van Dyke?Matthew Aaron Van Dyke is not new to controversies. The American adventurer-turned-filmmaker has gained attention for embedding himself in conflict zones and aligning closely with rebel movements.According to The Guardian, Van Dyke first came into the spotlight during the 2011 uprising in Libya, where he fought alongside anti-Gaddafi rebels.During the Libyan conflict, Van Dyke was captured and detained for six months in Tripoli’s Abu Salim prison before escaping after the fall of the regime.Van Dyke describes himself as a “freedom fighter” and documentarian. He later surfaced in Syria during the uprising in Aleppo, where he said he was filming a documentary on the rebel movement.However, he also admitted to advising fighters on weaponry based on his experience in Libya, blurring the line between observer and participant.His activities and self-presentation have drawn criticism from some observers, who accuse him of being a reckless thrill-seeker rather than a neutral storyteller.Critics argue that his involvement in combat situations undermines journalistic integrity and puts others at risk.Van Dyke has actively used social media and crowdfunding platforms to promote his projects, aiming to create viral content that could draw global attention to conflicts like Syria and generate support for rebel groups. Despite setbacks — such as the suspension of his Kickstarter campaign — he has continued pursuing his work in high-risk environments.He maintains that his efforts are driven by a belief that conflicts like Syria’s are underreported and that impactful storytelling can influence public opinion and support on the ground, even as he acknowledges the significant personal risks involved.What the court said?The court noted that the FIR contains serious allegations that the accused travelled to prohibited areas in Mizoram, illegally crossed into Myanmar, and established links with ethnic armed groups and proscribed insurgent organisations. It also took note of allegations that the accused were involved in supplying weapons, imparting training, and assisting in drone-related operations.Observing that these aspects “definitely affect national security and interests of India,” the court held that the matter cannot be treated as routine in nature.The order was passed by Additional Sessions Judge Prashant Sharma at Patiala House Courts on March 16, in a case being investigated by the National Investigation Agency (NIA).Upon perusal of the case diary, the court observed that the investigation is still at a nascent stage but has shown progress in recent days. While reiterating that custody orders should not be passed mechanically, the court found that sufficient material exists to justify further police custody in the present case.Allowing the NIA’s plea, the court held that custodial interrogation is necessary to unearth the larger conspiracy, identify accomplices, trace funding sources, and analyse digital evidence, including mobile phones and social media accounts. It also noted that disclosures made during initial interrogation indicate a wider conspiracy involving cross-border activities and links with insurgent groups.In a significant observation, the court stated that there is “no ground to have suspicion over the manner in which FIR is registered or the manner in which investigation is being done.”The court concluded that, given the gravity of the allegations — particularly those involving national security and cross-border links — continued custodial interrogation is justified at this stage, while rejecting all objections raised by the defence.

US stock markets traded higher in early deals on Tuesday even as crude oil prices resumed their upward movement, signalling a more stable investor response after sharp volatility linked to the ongoing war with Iran.The S&P 500 rose 0.7 per cent in early trading, coming off its strongest session since the conflict began. The Dow Jones Industrial Average advanced 428 points, or 0.9 per cent, as of 9:35 a.m. Eastern time, while the Nasdaq Composite gained 0.6 per cent, AP reported.Oil prices moved higher again, though still below last week’s closing levels. The price of benchmark US crude increased 1.1 per cent to $94.53 a barrel, while Brent crude, the global benchmark, climbed 1.9 per cent to $102.15. Financial markets have been wary that a prolonged disruption to global oil supplies could push prices sharply higher and weigh on economic growth.Airline stocks provided support to the broader market after Delta Air Lines raised its revenue outlook for the first quarter of 2026, citing accelerating demand from both corporate and leisure travellers into March. The company said that despite higher jet fuel costs, strong bookings could help it deliver profit in line with earlier forecasts.Delta’s shares surged 4.9 per cent, lifting sentiment across the sector. American Airlines gained 4 per cent and United Airlines rose 3.7 per cent.Technology stocks also contributed to gains. Uber Technologies jumped 5.2 per cent after announcing an expansion of its partnership with Nvidia to launch a fleet of autonomous vehicles using the chipmaker’s technology, with services planned initially in Los Angeles and San Francisco next year. Nvidia’s stock edged up 0.4 per cent. A day earlier, chief executive Jensen Huang said he expects demand for artificial intelligence chips to grow to $1 trillion through 2027.Market participants have taken comfort from the historical pattern of US equities recovering relatively quickly from geopolitical conflicts, provided oil prices do not remain elevated for a prolonged period. Despite recent volatility, the S&P 500 remains less than 4 per cent below its record high.In the bond market, the yield on the 10-year US Treasury eased to 4.20 per cent from 4.23 per cent late Monday, though it remains well above the 3.97 per cent level seen before the Iran conflict began. Higher yields have raised expectations that the Federal Reserve may delay interest rate cuts, as rising oil prices could add to inflationary pressures.The Fed is scheduled to announce its next policy decision on Wednesday, and traders see virtually no chance of a rate cut, according to CME Group data.Elsewhere, global markets showed mixed trends. European indices moved higher after a varied close in Asia, where stocks gained 0.8 per cent in London but slipped 0.9 per cent in Shanghai.

US President Donald Trump‘s counterterrorism chief Joe Kent on Tuesday resigned over the ongoing US-Iran conflict, stating that Tehran posed “no imminent threat to our nation.” He claimed that the war was initiated due to pressure from Israel and its lobby in the United States. Kent, who served as Director of the National Counterterrorism Center, announced his decision in a post on X, saying, “after much reflection, I have decided to resign from my position effective today.” “I cannot in good conscience support the ongoing war in Iran. Iran posed no imminent threat to our nation, and it is clear that we started this war due to pressure from Israel and its powerful American lobby,” he added.In a strongly worded message directed at Trump, Kent said he continued to support the President’s earlier foreign policy approach.“I support the values and the foreign policies that you campaigned on in 2016, 2020, 2024, which you enacted in your first term. Until June of 2025, you understood that the wars in the Middle East were a trap that robbed America of the precious lives of our patriots and depleted the wealth and prosperity of our nation.” “In your first administration, you understood better than any modern President how to decisively apply military power without getting us drawn into never-ending wars. You demonstrated this by killing Qasam Solamani and by defeating ISIS,” he added.Kent alleged that the current conflict was driven in part by external pressure and a coordinated misinformation campaign.He claimed that early in the administration, senior Israeli officials and influential members of the American media deployed a misinformation campaign that wholly undermined your America First platform and sowed pro-war sentiments to encourage a war with Iran. “This echo chamber was used to deceive you into believing that Iran posed an imminent threat to the United States, and that should you strike now, there was a clear path to a swift victory. This was a lie and is the same tactic the Israelis used to draw us into the disastrous Iraq war that cost our nation the lives of thousands of our best men and women. We cannot make this mistake again,” he said.Kent further said, “As a veteran who deployed to combat 11 times and as a Gold Star husband who lost my beloved wife Shannon in a war manufactured by Israel, I cannot support sending the next generation off to fight and die in a war that serves no benefit to the American people nor justifies the cost of American lives.” He concluded with an appeal to the President, saying, “I pray that you will reflect upon what we are doing in Iran, and who we are doing it for. The time for bold action is now.”“You can reverse course and chart a new path for our nation, or you can allow us to slip further toward decline and chaos. You hold the cards. It was an honor to serve in your administration and to serve our great nation.”Kent, a former political candidate with links to right-wing extremist circles, was confirmed to his position in July.

As the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 gears up for its 19th edition, the air in Mumbai is thick with anticipation. This season promises a record-breaking 84 matches, starting March 28, following a high-octane T20 World Cup cycle. For the ‘Paltan,’ the heartbeat of the city remains the iconic Wankhede Stadium, where the roar of the crowd often acts as the team’s twelfth man.

Under the leadership of Hardik Pandya, and with the seasoned Rohit Sharma returning to the camp in high spirits, the Mumbai Indians (MI) are looking to reclaim their throne. The squad is a mouth-watering blend of legacy and fresh firepower, featuring the world’s top-ranked T20 batter Suryakumar Yadav and the lethal pace duo of Jasprit Bumrah and the returning Trent Boult.

MI vs KKR: A heavyweight showdown at Wankhede Stadium

The first home game for the five-time champions is nothing short of a blockbuster. On March 29, 2026, Mumbai Indians will lock horns with the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). This isn’t just a match; it’s a tactical chess game between two of the league’s most successful franchises.

KKR enters the season with a revamped look after a massive spending spree in the 2026 auction. They made headlines by securing Australian powerhouse Cameron Green for a staggering ₹25.20 crore to their arsenal. With Ajinkya Rahane at the helm and a dangerous opening duo potentially featuring Finn Allen, KKR poses a significant threat to MI’s home fortress. Fans can expect a high-scoring thriller, as the Wankhede pitch traditionally favours stroke-makers but offers just enough bounce for Bumrah to weave his magic.

How to secure the tickets for MI’s home matches?

With the MI vs KKR (March 29) and the massive MI vs RCB (April 12) clashes on the horizon, the rush for tickets is expected to be unprecedented. To ensure you don’t miss out, the franchise has announced a tiered digital sale via BookMyShow.

Key sale phases:

Pro-Tip: To avail of membership benefits, you must have purchased your MI membership before 19th March 2026, 23:59 IST. Ensure you log in to BookMyShow using the exact same mobile number and email ID used for your membership registration.

Also READ: IPL 2026: Here’s why KKR have no replacements for Harshit Rana and Matheesha Pathirana

Step-by-step process to book tickets

Fans hoping to secure tickets can follow this process on official platforms:

1. Open the BookMyShow app or website. If you are an MI Member, you must sign in using the same email ID and phone number linked to your membership on mumbaiindians.com.
2. Search for “IPL 2026” or “Mumbai Indians” and select the specific match (e.g., MI vs KKR).
3. Use the interactive stadium map of Wankhede to choose your preferred stand (e.g., North Stand, Garware, or Sachin Tendulkar Stand).
4. Select the specific seats. Note that there is usually a limit on the number of tickets per user (typically 2 to 4).
5. Proceed to checkout. If you are booking in Phase 1, ensure you use Google Pay. For other phases, standard digital payments (UPI, Cards, Net Banking) are available.
6. Once successful, your M-Ticket (Digital Ticket) will be sent to your registered email and mobile number.

Note: Price details about the seats will be updated as soon as online ticket counter opens for presale on March 19.

Also READ: Suresh Raina suggests the perfect batting slot for Rinku Singh at Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) ahead of IPL 2026

Former Haryana chief minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda, with Karamvir Singh Boudh, who was elected as Rajya Sabha MP from Haryana

NEW DELHI: The Congress on Tuesday accused the BJP of attempting “vote chori” and “murdering democracy” in the Haryana Rajya Sabha elections, even as the party asserted that it would take the “strictest possible action” against its own MLAs who allegedly cross-voted.The sharp attack came hours after a dramatic and closely watched Rajya Sabha contest in Haryana ended past midnight, with the BJP and Congress winning one seat each after allegations of violation of vote secrecy, invalidation of ballots and cross-voting roiled the election.

One seat each for BJP and Congress after tense overnight count

BJP’s Sanjay Bhatia and Congress’s Karamvir Singh Boudh were elected to the Rajya Sabha from Haryana.Bhatia, a former Lok Sabha MP from Karnal, won the first seat comfortably with 39 first-preference votes. Boudh, a retired Haryana government employee and a prominent Dalit activist currently serving as the coordinator of the Congress’s National Scheduled Castes Department, secured the second seat with 28 votes.Independent candidate Satish Nandal polled 16 votes, making it a narrow contest for the second seat after cross-voting dented what had otherwise been a comfortable arithmetic for the Congress.Under the Rajya Sabha election formula, the quota required to win one seat was 2,767 vote value, and both Bhatia and Boudh crossed that mark, leaving no room for further transfer of votes.

Deepender Hooda alleges ‘vote chori’, says BJP tried to ‘murder democracy’

Addressing a press conference in Delhi, Congress MP Deepender Singh Hooda congratulated the party leadership and hailed Boudh’s win, but launched a blistering attack on the BJP over the manner in which the poll was conducted.“In Haryana, under the cover of darkness at night, the BJP tried to murder democracy and indulge in vote chori,” Hooda alleged, according to PTI.He claimed the BJP had “no faith in democracy” and only wanted to “seize power”, but said Congress MLAs and workers stayed vigilant and ensured victory for Boudh, whom he described as someone who works for social justice.As quoted by news agency ANI, Hooda said that the BJP resorted to “every possible tactic” and that “such unethical politics for just one Rajya Sabha seat would never have been seen anywhere in the entire country before today.”

Congress alleges horse-trading, bias by returning officer

Hooda alleged that the BJP tried “all sorts of tactics”, including encouraging cross-voting and attempting to win the seat through horse-trading.He further claimed that when this did not succeed, the BJP “activated its B-team INLD”, alleging that the Indian National Lok Dal did not clarify its stand until polling day.“When more than 30 votes had already been cast in favour of the Congress, INLD fled from voting,” Hooda alleged.He then accused the BJP of influencing the Election Commission and alleged bias by the Returning Officer.“The Returning Officer showed bias and cancelled our four votes, even though all of them were valid. This was done after another election official had already placed the same votes in the valid tray. This shows that the BJP was indulging in ‘vote chori’ in the Rajya Sabha elections,” Hooda said.Further, Hooda added, “The 4 votes that were declared invalid during our counting are all valid… This is the victory of democracy.”

Congress admits cross-voting, says ‘strictest action’ coming

Even while attacking the BJP, the Congress acknowledged that some of its MLAs had cross-voted.Hooda said some Congress legislators in Haryana had engaged in cross-voting and warned that action would follow.“Those of our MLAs who have sold their conscience and integrity—not just them, but even their next generations will be held accountable by the people of Haryana. The Congress Party is going to take the strictest possible action against those MLAs,” he said.Hooda also said the public would not forgive those MLAs, while those who remained loyal to the party despite “temptations and pressures” had earned greater respect among the people.

Five votes invalid, INLD abstains

The election saw several twists.Two legislators of the Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) abstained from voting, reducing the number of valid votes to 88 in the 90-member Haryana Assembly at the beginning of polling.INLD leaders Abhay Singh Chautala and Aditya Devi Lal said the party had decided to abstain “keeping people’s sentiments in view”.Later, five votes were declared invalid — four of the Congress and one of the BJP, officials said.After both the Congress and the BJP approached the Election Commission alleging violation of vote secrecy, the poll body declared Congress MLA Paramvir Singh’s vote invalid.The invalidation of ballots became a major flashpoint, with Congress alleging selective targeting and procedural bias.

Boudh calls it a win despite ‘illegal cancellation of votes’

Congress winner Karamvir Singh Boudh also questioned the cancellation of votes after his victory.ANI quoted Boudh as saying, “Votes were illegally cancelled, but I received the blessings of the Congress party and the people. I received love from the Congress’s top leadership.”Congress leaders projected his win as politically significant, especially after BJP leaders had dismissed him as a “weak candidate”.Hooda said those who called a social worker weak had been given a “befitting response” and described the result as a “victory of the Constitution”.Congress Scheduled Castes Department chief Rajendra Pal Gautam, who accompanied Hooda at the press conference, said he was “absolutely delighted” that the party had nominated “a true Ambedkarite” for the Rajya Sabha, PTI reported.

Fresh assembly flashpoint

The Rajya Sabha result also spilled into the Haryana Assembly on Tuesday.In a separate development, Congress MLAs staged a walkout from the Assembly, alleging that democratic values were being undermined.Congress MLA Geeta Bhukkal claimed the House had turned into a “market where things are bought and sold” and alleged that ministers had openly admitted to “buying” MLAs.“The Constitution has been strangled, and that is why we are boycotting,” she said, as quoted by ANI.

BJP hits back

The BJP, however, rejected the Congress’s allegations and turned the cross-voting issue back on the opposition.BJP winner Sanjay Bhatia said the Congress was upset because its own legislators had not stayed united.“Congress’s responsibility was to unite its workers and MLAs, now they are putting allegations on us for the cross-votes of their own workers, which is not right,” Bhatia said.Haryana minister Mahipal Dhanda also dismissed the Congress charge, saying the Independent candidate had every right to seek votes and alleging that the Congress had “held their workers hostage”.

A narrow escape for Congress

With five Congress MLAs allegedly cross-voting, Independent candidate Satish Nandal could have potentially matched Boudh’s tally if he had also secured BJP candidate Bhatia’s 11 second-preference votes and if one more Congress MLA had cross-voted in his favour.That arithmetic underlined just how close the Congress came to losing a seat it was expected to win comfortably.In the end, despite cross-voting, invalid ballots and bitter allegations of horse-trading, the Congress managed to secure one of the two seats — but the result has opened a fresh internal crisis over dissident MLAs even as it fuels a new political battle with the BJP over the conduct of the poll.

RCB’s Josh Hazlewood (PTI Photo/Kamal Kishore)

NEW DELHI: Australian star pacer Josh Hazlewood is set to miss the start of IPL 2026, extending what has already been a long break from cricket due to injury. According to a report from Codesports.com, the Aussie hasn’t played in months, and fans will have to wait a bit longer to see him back in action.

At the same time, several Australian players are facing tough decisions about playing in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) amid security concerns.

Hazlewood and Cummins still recovering

Josh Hazlewood has been dealing with hamstring and Achilles issues, and his return keeps getting delayed. He is now expected to miss at least the first two matches for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, meaning he may not play until mid-April. By then, it would have been nearly five months since his last game.A report from TimesofIndia.com understands that fellow Australian pacer Pat Cummins is also recovering from a back injury. And there is still no definitive date as to when he will be joining Sunrisers Hyderabad in the tournament. Both players missed most of the home season and were unavailable for Australia’s T20 World Cup campaign. Officials insist their absence was about fitness timing, not choosing IPL over international duty.Cricket Australia is being extra careful with both players, especially with a packed schedule ahead that includes many Test matches and a World Cup.

Aussie players weigh PSL risks

While some Australians are preparing for the IPL, others like Steve Smith, David Warner, and Glenn Maxwell are expected to feature in the PSL. However, rising tensions in the region are causing concern.Players are being warned about safety issues, including ongoing conflicts and travel risks. One match in Peshawar is particularly worrying, as the area is currently labelled “do not travel” by the Australian government. To ease fears, the Pakistan Cricket Board has even suggested using a private jet to evacuate players if necessary.