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Indore House Fire: EV charging blast, 10 LPG cylinders and electronic locks: Deadly chain behind Indore house fire that killed 7 | Indore News
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Indore House Fire: EV charging blast, 10 LPG cylinders and electronic locks: Deadly chain behind Indore house fire that killed 7 | Indore News


EV charging blast, 10 LPG cylinders and electronic locks: Deadly chain behind Indore house fire that killed 7

INDORE: At least seven members of a family, including a 12-year-old girl, were killed and three others critically injured when a major fire broke out at a three-storey residential building at Brijeshwari Annex near Bengali Square early on Wednesday.Commissioner of police Santosh Singh said the blaze may have been triggered by an explosion in an electric vehicle parked outside the premises at around 4am.

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Centre Urges LPG Users To Shift To PNG While Assuring Uninterrupted Fuel Supply Nationwide

According to initial inputs from the response teams, the fire spread rapidly after a suspected explosion at the vehicle’s charging point. “Around 10 LPG cylinders were also stored in the house, some of which exploded. We witnessed two to three explosions ourselves, which made the situation extremely critical” he said.

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The building had three occupied floors, and rescue operations were complicated by electronic locking systems. Authorities believe a power failure during the incident may have caused these locks to remain engaged, trapping residents inside. “It appears the occupants were unable to exit as the electronic locks did not open,” Singh said.Fire tenders and emergency teams rushed to the spot within minutes. However, the situation escalated as multiple explosions were reported between 4:00 a.m. and 4:30 a.m.Rescue teams accessed the structure through an adjoining building, braving intense flames and thick smoke. Three people were initially brought out safely. However, several others remained trapped, particularly in bedroom areas.Six individuals were later recovered and taken to hospital in an unconscious state, where they were declared dead. Officials said the deaths were caused by smoke inhalation.Firefighters managed to contain the blaze and prevent it from spreading to nearby houses. The middle floor of the building suffered extensive damage, with parts of the structure rendered unsafe.The house belonged to one Manoj Pugalia, a polymer trader. Police believe that some inflammable material other than LPG cylinder might also be present inside the house.The deceased have been identified as Vijay Sethia (65), Chhotu Sethia (22), Suman (60), Manoj Pugalia (65), Simran (30), Rashi Sethia (12), and Tinu (35). Three others—Saurabh Pugalia (30), Ashish (30), and Harshit Pugalia (25)—sustained injuries and are currently undergoing treatment at a local hospital.The fire started a debate on the safety of EV charging points in residential areas with state minister Kailash Vijayvargiya visiting the site and terming the incident an ‘alarming’ wake-up call for the EV era. “As society moves towards electric vehicles, we must ensure safety protocols are foolproof. I have directed the Police Commissioner to form an expert committee to create a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for EV charging to prevent such recurrences,” he stated.



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IPL 2026: Did MS Dhoni change his jersey number? Here’s what we know
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IPL 2026: Did MS Dhoni change his jersey number? Here’s what we know



The cricket world is currently spinning in a vortex of speculation, and at the center of it all is a single digit. For over two decades, the number 7 has been more than just a jersey print for MS Dhoni; it has been a brand, a legacy, and a sentiment for millions. However, a recent social media update from the legendary ‘Thala’ has sent fans into a frenzy ahead of the IPL 2026 season.

Has MS Dhoni opted for a different jersey number for IPL 2026?

On Tuesday, Dhoni took to his official Facebook handle to drop a bombshell that nobody saw coming. The post read: “Some numbers stay with you. 7 has always been one of them. But today, I’m switching to 8. You’ll know why soon.” Accompanying the text was a short, cryptic video showing a dressing room setup where a blue jersey (resembling the Indian team’s training kit or a new promotional color) with the number 7 was swapped for one bearing the number 8. For a player who was born on July 7th and has worn the number since his debut in 2004, this move feels tectonic.

While some fans fear a radical change in his IPL identity, seasoned analysts suggest this could be a masterful marketing campaign. Historically, Dhoni has used his minimal social media presence to launch major brand endorsements or personal projects. Furthermore, the BCCI retired the No. 7 jersey in 2023 to honor his contribution to international cricket. Since Dhoni is still active in the IPL with Chennai Super Kings (CSK), the number 7 remains his signature in yellow. Whether this ‘switch to 8’ refers to a new business venture, a countdown to a final season, or a specific brand partnership remains to be seen, but the hype is undeniably real.

Also READ: Mohit Sharma reveals his all-time CSK playing XI ahead of IPL 2026

Can Dhoni become the highest run getter for CSK?

As the focus shifts to the upcoming 19th edition of the IPL, a significant statistical milestone is on the horizon. For years, the title of ‘Mr. IPL’ and the highest run-scorer for Chennai Super Kings belonged to Suresh Raina. However, the 2026 season could officially see Dhoni cement his place at the absolute top of the franchise’s batting charts.

According to the latest career trajectories, Dhoni and Raina have been neck-and-neck for the yellow jersey’s scoring crown. Raina concluded his illustrious CSK career with 5529 runs. Following a productive 2025 season where Dhoni added nearly 200 runs to his tally, he has already edged past the southpaw in certain formats. As per recent data, Dhoni’s total for CSK stands at 5314 runs in the IPL alone.

Player Span Matches Runs Average Strike Rate
Suresh Raina 2008-2021 200 5529 33.10 138.91
MS Dhoni 2008-2026* 272 5314 38.23 139.29

With the IPL 2026 season set to begin on March 28, Dhoni is poised to extend this lead further. Despite batting lower in the order, his role as a finisher continues to provide the Yellow Army with crucial cameos. As he gears up for what many believe could be his last dance, every run scored will not only push CSK toward their sixth title but also widen the gap in the record books.

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





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Next Dhoni? No…‘One and only Sanju’ When Gautam Gambhir corrected Shashi Tharoor | Cricket News
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Next Dhoni? No…‘One and only Sanju’ When Gautam Gambhir corrected Shashi Tharoor | Cricket News


Next Dhoni? No…‘One and only Sanju’ When Gautam Gambhir corrected Shashi Tharoor
Sanju Samson, front centre, being congratulated by head coach Gautam Gambhir (PTI Photo)

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has long been an admirer of Sanju Samson, who recently earned the Player of the Tournament award as India clinched a record third T20 World Cup title. Reflecting on the wicketkeeper-batter’s rise, Tharoor recalled telling a young Samson that he could become the next MS Dhoni.“I feel tremendous pride. I first met him when he was 14, a young club cricketer with a big smile and immense talent, already excelling in both wicketkeeping and batting. I had told him, somewhat patronisingly, that he would be the next Dhoni,” Tharoor said.

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Gautam Gambhir reflects on India’s World Cup win and backing Sanju Samson in the tournament

However, former India cricketer Gautam Gambhir later advised Tharoor that Samson did not need to emulate anyone else and would instead forge his own path. Gambhir, even before becoming India’s head coach, had consistently backed Samson. In 2020, he had called him “not just the best wicketkeeper-batsman in India, but the best young batsman in India.”“Years later, Gambhir corrected me, saying he does not need to be the next Dhoni; he will be the one and only Sanju Samson — and that is exactly what he has become,” Tharoor added.Dhoni remains the benchmark for wicketkeeper-batters, arriving at the international stage as a big-hitting top-order batter before becoming one of India’s finest middle-order finishers and captains, winning all three major ICC white-ball trophies.Samson, meanwhile, had struggled with form in the lead-up to the T20 World Cup and was even benched before returning for the crucial Super 8 clash against Zimbabwe. He then followed that performance with three consecutive half-centuries: 97* against West Indies, 89 against England, and 89 against New Zealand in the final, consistently anchoring India’s innings and guiding them to defend the title.“He has been a terrific success — quiet, modest, unpretentious, and an effective leader,” Tharoor said. “He has led Rajasthan Royals very well for years and brought stability to India’s top order. Even during his difficult phases, I always felt that if he composed himself, his core talent would shine through.”Recalling Samson’s semi-final and final displays, Tharoor added, “In both matches, he reached 89 before being dismissed while selflessly playing big shots for the team. He could have played conservatively, but he chose to accelerate, showing the selfless, talented, and dedicated nature of Sanju Samson.”

Sanju Samson’s record-breaking T20 World Cup 2026 campaign

Sanju Samson’s stellar campaign in the T20 World Cup 2026 has rewritten the record books. In just five innings, he scored 321 runs, breaking Virat Kohli’s long-standing record of 319 runs in the 2014 T20 World Cup for the most runs by an Indian in a T20 World Cup, and set a new benchmark for the most sixes in a single World Cup with 24.Samson also broke multiple other records, including the most runs for India in consecutive innings, the most runs in T20 World Cup knockout matches, and the highest score for India in a T20 World Cup final and in a chase. His blend of power-hitting, composure under pressure, and match-winning instincts made him the standout performer of the tournament. With these feats, Samson not only helped India clinch their third T20 World Cup title but also elevated himself into the elite echelon of T20 cricket legends.

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Tragic Accident Claims Lives of IIT Bombay Students on Mumbai–Pune Expressway | Mumbai News
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Tragic Accident Claims Lives of IIT Bombay Students on Mumbai–Pune Expressway | Mumbai News


Khandala trip turns fatal: 3 IIT-Bombay students die as SUV overturns on Mumbai-Pune Expressway

NAVI MUMBAI: Three students of Indian Institute of Technology-Bombay (IIT-B) were killed after the SUV in which they were travelling along the Mumbai-Pune expressway while returning from Khandala after watching sunrise to reach IIT-B campus at Powai overturned after losing control reportedly while overtaking a truck ahead near Panvel exit on Thursday around 9.30 am. The victims — Shreyansh Sharma (22) from Jaipur, Omkumar Borse (23) from Nashik and Lay (20) from Nagpur — were part of a group of six students who had left the Powai campus around 5am in three SUVs to watch the sunrise. The accident occurred on their return journey, shortly after crossing the Bhatan tunnel. According to police, the SUV lost control while attempting to overtake a truck near the 10.7 km mark before the Panvel exit. The vehicle reportedly somersaulted multiple times, leaving it mangled and trapping the occupants inside. All three students in the vehicle sustained fatal injuries. However, batchmates travelling in the other two vehicles told investigators that the SUV may have brushed against the truck while changing lanes, causing the driver to lose control. Police are examining both versions. “We are investigating the exact cause of the accident and will register an FIR based on findings,” said a senior officer from Panvel taluka police station. Highway police indicated that overspeeding could have been a factor. “Prima facie, it appears the vehicle was at high speed when it lost control and overturned,” an officer said. Rescue teams were rushed to the spot after an alert was received on the emergency helpline. The bodies were later taken to a hospital in Panvel for postmortem. Two faculty members from IIT Bombay also reached the hospital.



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Maharashtra orders inquiry into ‘Rs 1,000cr scam’ in BMC HSG project | Mumbai News
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Maharashtra orders inquiry into ‘Rs 1,000cr scam’ in BMC HSG project | Mumbai News


The project is to come up behind this hill

MUMBAI: Junior urban development minister Madhuri Misal admitted in the assembly that there was an irregularity in BMC’s agreement for a housing project planned in Malad (E) for project-affected persons (PAPs) as the civic body had not mentioned any date for starting the project but all the money had been given to the developer through credit notes and TDR. She said she has called for a report on all credit notes issued.

Land was reserved for police HSG

Congress MLA Aslam Shaikh, who raised the issue, alleged land classification was illegally changed and ready reckoner rates hiked, increasing cost of each PAP unit and raising project cost by Rs 618 crore. He said the project would not be ready for 10-20 years. Shaikh and BJP MLA Yogesh Sagar demanded the inquiry be conducted by a retired HC judge and not by an ACS rank officer.Shaikh said, “The plot was originally reserved for police staff quarters but was used for PAP housing, and the letter of acceptance was amended after April 2025. The ready reckoner rates were changed from Rs 84,460/m 2 to Rs 1,33,670/m 2 by illegally shifting land classification. This change was made without any fresh physical inspection or independent evaluation, which raises suspicion of collusion. Because of this, the cost per PAP unit increased from Rs 32.2 lakh to Rs 50.9 lakh. Other PAPs from SRA are available for just Rs 15 lakh. This resulted in increase in cost of Rs 618 crore.” He further alleged the contract was given to “someone who is an accused in the 2G scam.”Misal said the developer is to construct 13,347 flats for PAPs. Forty per cent of the plot’s area is reserved for police housing and the remaining 60% is proposed for construction of PAP flats, she said.“Accordingly, the developer has been given a credit note of Rs 470 crore for the first phase. Also, a conveyance deed has been signed on date 27/ 06/2025 to transfer land to BMC, and after including BMC’s name on property card, credit note of Rs 470 crore has been given for the second phase and 100% TDR (97102 sq m) has been given,” Misal said in a written reply.Shaikh said the private plot lay in a no-development zone but it was first reclassified for a police housing society and then converted for the PAPs project in favour of a builder. Shaikh said BMC paid the developer despite no green clearance being obtained.He said, “BMC has spent Rs 200 crore to construct the road to access the plot. Under the PAP scheme it’s supposed to be constructed by the builder at his cost.”



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Aravind Srinivas: Perplexity AI CEO Aravind Srinivas, who once made $30 billion-plus offer to buy Google Chrome browser, now says: Google search does a much better job than anyone else in the world |
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Aravind Srinivas: Perplexity AI CEO Aravind Srinivas, who once made $30 billion-plus offer to buy Google Chrome browser, now says: Google search does a much better job than anyone else in the world |


Perplexity AI CEO Aravind Srinivas, who once made $30 billion-plus offer to buy Google Chrome browser, now says: Google search does a much better job than anyone else in the world
Perplexity CEO Aravind Srinivas, who once offered $34.5 billion for Google Chrome, now defaults Google search on his company’s Comet iOS browser. He acknowledges Google’s superiority for everyday navigational queries, while Comet aims to enhance answer quality and multimodal capabilities. This pragmatic approach positions Comet as a complementary tool, not a direct competitor, to Google.

Last August, Perplexity CEO Aravind Srinivas wrote a letter to Sundar Pichai offering $34.5 billion for Google‘s Chrome browser—a figure that was nearly double Perplexity’s own valuation at the time. Seven months later, on the same day his company launched the iPhone version of its Comet browser, Srinivas posted something that cuts right against the narrative of an all-out war with Google: on Comet iOS, Google is the default search engine. And he’s not apologetic about it.“Google does a much better job here than anyone else in the world, including Perplexity,” Srinivas wrote on X, specifically calling out navigational searches—think finding a restaurant nearby, checking a sports score, or hunting for a hotel deal. These are the everyday, quick-hit queries that make up the bulk of mobile browsing, and Srinivas is openly conceding that Google has them wrapped up.

Comet on iPhone keeps Google search, layers Perplexity on top

The Comet iOS app—now free, after the desktop version debuted last summer at $200 a month—takes a different approach from the PC version, which does not default to Google. Srinivas explained the thinking: the browser blends Google’s “navigational speed and breadth of verticals” with Perplexity’s answer quality and multimodal capabilities. The Comet Assistant sits on top of any webpage, including Google’s own results page, ready to jump in when a navigational answer isn’t what you need. Voice mode access is baked in too.Technically, Comet is still built on Chromium—the same open-source engine that powers Chrome, Edge, and a stack of other browsers—but Srinivas says the UI and interactions are all native, putting it closer to Safari-level polish on iOS. Native ad blocking and background video playback round out the feature set.

A $34.5 billion bid that went nowhere—and a browser that launched anyway

The Chrome acquisition saga ended quietly in September 2025 when US District Judge Amit Mehta ruled that Google does not need to divest either Chrome or Android. Perplexity, meanwhile, kept building. The Comet browser is now available across iPhone, Android, Windows, and Mac, with no native iPad app yet.What makes Srinivas’s latest comments interesting isn’t the praise for Google—it’s the pragmatism. Rather than positioning Comet as a Google killer, he’s framing it as the browser that knows when to hand off to Google and when to step in itself. That’s a harder pitch to make, but probably an honest one.



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Assam assembly elections 2026: After joining BJP, Pradyut Bordoloi slams Congress, calls Imran Masood ‘communal’ | Guwahati News
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Assam assembly elections 2026: After joining BJP, Pradyut Bordoloi slams Congress, calls Imran Masood ‘communal’ | Guwahati News


Nagaon MP Pradyut Bordoloi interacts with journalists in Delhi after joining the BJP.

NEW DELHI: After officially joining the BJP on Wednesday following his resignation from the Congress, Nagaon Lok Sabha MP Pradyut Bordoloi said his decision was driven by persistent internal humiliation and a lack of support from the party leadership.“There is not just one reason. I was feeling suffocated, and I was being humiliated,” news agency ANI quoted Bordoloi as saying.

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Congress MP Pradyut Bordoloi Joins BJP, Assam Politics Sees Major Shake-Up Ahead of Assembly Elections

Referring to an Assam Central Election Committee (CEC) meeting, Bordoloi said he was deeply hurt after Congress leader Imran Masood dismissed his allegations against a candidate, whom he had accused of running a criminal nexus, as “fabricated”.Masood, the Lok Sabha MP from Saharanpur, is a member of the Congress screening committee for the upcoming Assam elections.“I came to know that a communal leader like Imraan Masood said that everything I was talking about and saying about a candidate against whom I had given evidence of a criminal nexus was false and fabricated. Imran Masood, in the presence of the party’s top leadership, had the audacity to say that all that Pradyut Bordoloi said was fabricated. The APCC president present there remained silent. This hurt me a lot,” said Bordoloi.Bordoloi joined the BJP in the presence of Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and state BJP President Dilip Saikia.Earlier, Bordoloi had accused the Congress leadership of sidelining him, saying that internal mistreatment had brought his long association with the party to an end.He said his resignation was the result of “multiple issues” and not solely linked to ticket allocation for the Assam Assembly elections.“For me, getting a ticket was not a question of life and death. There were multiple issues. What was important for me was to hold my head high. The Congress party has given me a lot,” he told the media.“I want to make it very clear that I am in my second term in Lok Sabha, and there are another three years to go. I could have accepted the humiliation if I wanted to remain as an MP. But I decided to leave and work,” he added.Following Bordoloi’s resignation, the Congress has fielded his son from the Margherita assembly constituency for the upcoming Assembly polls.Bordoloi’s resignation comes a month after former Assam Congress chief Bhupen Kumar Borah joined the BJP after serving in the Congress for three decades.Meanwhile, Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said, “Vichaar-dhara bhi kuch hoti hai”, stressing that political ideology should also be taken into account while making such decisions.Elections for all 126 Assembly constituencies in Assam will be held in a single phase on April 9, while counting of votes is scheduled for May 4, according to the Election Commission of India.Assam is set to witness a contest between the ruling BJP-led NDA and the Congress for the 126-seat Assembly. The BJP, led by Himanta Biswa Sarma, will seek a third consecutive term, while the Congress will aim to unseat the ruling party. (With agency inputs)



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Dinesh Karthik and Dipika Pallikal welcome baby girl, share name in adorable post
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Dinesh Karthik and Dipika Pallikal welcome baby girl, share name in adorable post



Indian cricket star Dinesh Karthik and squash champion Dipika Pallikal have entered a beautiful new phase in their lives, as they welcome their baby girl into the family. The couple shared the joyful news on social media, introducing their daughter to the world and revealing her name.

Dinesh Karthik and Dipika Pallikal share joyful news with their fans

The announcement instantly struck an emotional chord with fans, fellow athletes and well-wishers, who flooded their post with love and congratulatory messages. Known as one of India’s most admired sports couples, Karthik and Dipika’s growing family has become a source of happiness not just for them, but also for their followers who have closely followed their journey over the years.

What made the announcement even more special was the heartfelt message they shared, giving fans a glimpse into their emotions during this moment.

“With blessings in our hearts and gratitude beyond words, we joyfully welcome our precious girl into this world. Kabir and Zian are thrilled to introduce their baby sister, Raaha Pallikal Karthik. Love, Dipika & Dinesh.”

The message beautifully captured the warmth of the occasion, especially highlighting the excitement of their twin sons, Kabir and Zian, who are now stepping into their new roles as elder brothers. For the couple, this moment isn’t just about adding another member to the family – it’s about creating new memories and strengthening the bond they share.

Also WATCH: Kuldeep Yadav touches Ravindra Jadeja and wife’s feet in respect at wedding reception

From power couple to family of five: A journey of love and legacy

Dinesh and Dipika have always been more than just celebrated athletes – they represent a perfect blend of passion, dedication, and balance between personal and professional lives. Their journey together began when they tied the knot on August 25, 2015, in ceremonies that beautifully combined both Hindu and Christian traditions.

Their lives changed in a big way in October 2021, when they welcomed twin boys, Kabir and Zian. Since then, their home has been filled with laughter, energy, and the joyful chaos that comes with raising young children. Now, with the arrival of baby Raaha, the family has grown from four to five, adding another layer of happiness to their lives.

Both Kabir and Zian, now four years old, are said to be overjoyed with their baby sister’s arrival. The couple’s post reflects this excitement, making the moment even more relatable and heartwarming for fans who admire their family life.

On the professional front, both Karthik and Dipika have achieved remarkable success in their respective sports. Karthik, a veteran of Indian cricket, enjoyed a long and impactful career before transitioning into mentoring and commentary roles. He remains closely associated with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) setup, playing a key role behind the scenes as the team prepares to defend their IPL title in 2026.

Dipika, on the other hand, has been a trailblazer in Indian squash. As the first Indian woman to break into the world’s top 10 rankings, she has inspired countless young athletes. With multiple medals at international events and a Padma Shri to her name, her achievements speak volumes about her dedication and excellence.

Also READ: Dinesh Karthik lists RCB’s top 5 IPL moments, 2024 thriller vs CSK among best



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Rupee weakens in NDF, set to slip past 93 as oil surges; RBI steps up key tool
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Rupee weakens in NDF, set to slip past 93 as oil surges; RBI steps up key tool


Rupee weakens in NDF, set to slip past 93 as oil surges; RBI steps up key tool

The rupee fell 49 paise to hit a record low of 92.89 against the US dollar in early trade on Thursday, amid sustained pressure from a strong dollar and global market volatility.As the currency weakened, the Reserve Bank of India has significantly increased its market intervention using forward contracts, Bloomberg reported citing people familiar with the matter. The central bank’s net-short dollar position, a gauge of its forward dollar sales, is nearing $100 billion across offshore and onshore markets.The figure has risen sharply from $67.8 billion in January, according to official data, and was last at a record $88.8 billion in February 2025, according to Bloomberg.The stepped-up intervention comes as emerging market currencies face renewed pressure from a strengthening US dollar. Even before the ongoing geopolitical tensions, the RBI had been actively intervening in forex markets to stabilise the rupee amid heavy equity outflows triggered by higher US tariffs.“Letting the rupee freely absorb shocks is not an option in times of stress, when speculative dominance in FX markets can quickly put the currency on a slippery slope, one that we can ill-afford,” said Madhavi Arora, chief economist at Emkay Global Financial Services Ltd told Bloomberg. The RBI has focused much of its intervention in offshore markets, particularly through non-deliverable forwards (NDFs), which allow it to influence the exchange rate without immediately drawing down foreign exchange reserves. The central bank has also used short-term dollar contracts and supplemented them with buy-sell swaps in the domestic market to manage liquidity.India’s foreign exchange reserves stood at $717 billion in the week ended March 6, close to record highs.However, analysts caution that the growing derivatives position could pose challenges. As these contracts mature, they may generate recurring demand for dollars, potentially limiting any sustained recovery in the rupee, strategists at Barclays Plc noted.The rupee has hit successive record lows in March, breaching the key 92-per-dollar level, reflecting continued pressure on the currency despite central bank efforts.



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China to invade Taiwan? Beijing says ‘US should stop hyping threat theory’
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China to invade Taiwan? Beijing says ‘US should stop hyping threat theory’


China to invade Taiwan? Beijing says 'US should stop hyping threat theory'
Beijing tells US to ‘stop hyping’ theory China threatens Taiwan (AP photo)

China on Thursday urged the United States to “stop hyping” the narrative of a China threat, after a US intelligence report said Beijing was unlikely to invade Taiwan next year.Responding to the report, foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian said Washington should “speak and act cautiously” on Taiwan, correct its understanding of China, and avoid amplifying threat perceptions. “The US should… speak and act cautiously on the Taiwan issue”, should “correct their understanding of China, and stop hyping up the China threat theory,” he told a press conference, when asked about the report. In a separate statement, Beijing also condemned the killing of senior Iranian leader Ali Larijani in an Israeli air strike, calling the attack “unacceptable”.China, a close partner of Iran, has nonetheless criticised Tehran’s strikes on Gulf states hosting US military bases, reflecting its attempt to balance ties across the region.“We have always opposed the use of force in international relations. The killing of Iranian state leaders and attacks on civilian targets are even more unacceptable,” Lin said, urging all sides to immediately halt military operations and prevent further escalation.Beijing has stepped up diplomatic outreach in recent weeks, with its Middle East envoy Zhai Jun holding talks with regional officials. During these engagements, China has stressed that civilian infrastructure must not be targeted and that key shipping routes should remain secure.The foreign ministry also said earlier this week that China would provide humanitarian assistance to countries affected by the conflict, including Iran, Lebanon, Jordan and Iraq, as it positions itself as a mediator calling for restraint.



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