The United States has struck an Iranian missile manufacturing facility in Karaj as part of its ongoing military campaign, “Operation Epic Fury,” with satellite imagery indicating extensive damage to the site.In a post on X, US centcom said: “Prior to Operation Epic Fury, the Iranian regime used the Karaj Surface-to-Surface Missile Plant to assemble ballistic missiles that threatened Americans, neighboring countries, and commercial shipping. The photo dated March 1, 2026, shows the plant prior to U.S. strikes. The image dated March 11, 2026, shows the same location after U.S. forces struck the facility with precision munitions.”Satellite images released alongside the statement show that structures visible on March 1, including long assembly halls and support buildings at the Karaj plant, were reduced to rubble by March 11, with several buildings collapsing entirely.

The extent of the damage suggests the facility is no longer operational. The strikes appeared to be precisely targeted, with no visible impact beyond the site in the available frames.

The development comes amid a broader US campaign against Iran that includes counter-proliferation strikes, maritime security operations, and cyber and electronic warfare efforts, along with coordination with allies to dismantle Iran’s fighting capabilities. As part of these operations, the US has also deployed B-1 bombers, using 5,000-pound munitions to target threats to commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.The strategic waterway, which handles around 20% of global oil shipments, has been affected by the ongoing conflict. Several countries, including the UK, France, the Netherlands, Italy and Japan, have indicated their willingness to support efforts aimed at ensuring freedom of navigation in the region.Military assessments based on open-source data suggest Iran’s missile launch capacity has declined significantly since late February. Estimates indicate cumulative launches of around 1,100 to 1,700 missiles, with an initial surge of over 400 on the first day, followed by a drop of 86–94% by early March to low daily figures, according to Gulf news. Analysts say the reduction points to a “harassment-level” capability, with sporadic missile launches likely constrained by a reduced number of operational launchers and degraded production capacity. Continued US and Israeli air operations are seen as contributing to this decline.However, risks remain. Iran is believed to retain a dispersed network of facilities and capabilities, including proxy forces and cyber tools, which could be used in response below the level of conventional warfare.Meanwhile, Israel launched fresh strikes on Tehran early Friday following overnight missile fire from Iran. The Israeli military said its forces had “begun a wave of strikes targeting infrastructure of the Iranian terror regime across Tehran,” without providing further details, reported AFP.Officials caution that these assessments are based on publicly available information and may be affected by the “fog of war,” meaning actual figures could vary. Nonetheless, current trends indicate a continued degradation in Iran’s missile capabilities unless there is a pause in hostilities.

Panaji: The All India Football Federation’s own football academy has been barred from participation in the U-18 Elite League due to age manipulation.Minerva Academy FC had complained that the AIFF FIFA Talent Academy based in Odisha – famously launched by Arsenal’s legendary manager Arsene Wenger — fielded more than five players who failed the U-16 TW3 or bone density test, “contrary to the eligibility framework that has otherwise been enforced upon all the other participating clubs.”The Chandigarh-based club argued through counsels Shivam Singh and Yoshit Jain that the guideline issued by AIFF clearly provides that a maximum of five players who do not fall in the bone density category can be moved from Junior League to play in the Elite League, provided that the team is participating in both the leagues.AIFF FIFA Talent Academy had a team only in the Elite League.AIFF fielded players who are below the restricted age group category of those born between Jan 1, 2008, and Dec 31, 2009, in violation of Article 9.1.(a) of the AIFF Elite Youth League 2025-26 Regulations. There were 18 players below the age of 16 on the premise that such players failed the bone density test and possess a bone age rating above 16.2.“While AIFF guidelines permit a maximum of five players who fall outside the age category but meet the 16.2 bone age criteria, this exception is strictly contingent upon the team participating in both relevant categories (Junior League and Elite League). As AIFF FIFA Talent Academy participates only in the Elite League, the said relaxation is not applicable or available to the team,” the disciplinary committee said in its order.The four-member committee chaired by Justice (Retd) Vineet Saran said Minerva Punjab’s complaint has “merit” and the AIFF was “legally bound by the age specifications set forth in the tournament regulations, which apply to all the participants equally.”In a statement late on Thursday, AIFF said the academy fielded a younger squad (primarily U-16 players) in an U-18 competition, as part of a deliberate high-performance development pathway designed to expose talented young players to stronger and old competition“This developmental approach has already demonstrated positive results,” said AIFF. “During the previous season, when the academy’s younger team competed against older players in the AIFF Elite Youth League, and won the majority of its matches, progressing deep into the competition despite the age disadvantage. The same developmental philosophy had continued this season, with young players competing against older age groups to accelerate their growth.”

Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc will miss the beginning of the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season. The premier left-arm pacer informed the Delhi Capitals (DC) management regarding his unavailability for the first few matches of the tournament, which is set to begin on March 28.

According to a recent report published by cricket.com.au, Cricket Australia (CA) is taking a cautious approach with their bowlers. The Australia cricket board wants to manage Starc before a busy upcoming international calendar featuring major bilateral series against the South Africa cricket team and others.

The veteran fast bowler will arrive at the Delhi Capitals camp feeling relatively fresh compared to his peers. Starc retired from T20 Internationals late last year and got a break during the recent T20 World Cup 2026 to prioritize his workload.

Starc last played competitive cricket during the recent Big Bash League season, where he took 10 wickets in just five matches. The experienced pacer remains lethal in white-ball cricket despite stepping away from T20 internationals.

Mitchell Starc’s IPL 2025 Performance and Delhi Capitals’ Bittersweet Campaign

The Delhi Capitals secured Mitchell Starc during the IPL 2025 auction for INR 11.75 crore. The high-profile acquisition translated into a relatively successful individual campaign, as the Australian pacer contributed well to the bowling department.

Starc picked up 14 wickets in 11 matches at a strike rate of 15.40, though he was slightly on the expensive side. The left-arm fast bowler recorded his best figures of five wickets for just 35 runs and finished as the second-highest wicket-taker for the Delhi-based franchise in the competition.

The Delhi Capitals endured a bittersweet IPL 2025 campaign. After starting the tournament on a positive note, the franchise suffered three crucial defeats in their final five league-stage matches. They finished fifth in the standings with 15 points, narrowly missing out on a playoff spot.

Australian Pacers Set to Miss Start of IPL 2026 Season

Alongside Mitchell Starc, several other prominent Australian fast bowlers will miss the opening weekend of the tournament. Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) captain Pat Cummins and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) pacer Josh Hazlewood will also remain unavailable for their respective franchises.

Meanwhile, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) fast bowler Nathan Ellis looks set to miss the entire IPL season. It is worth mentioning that CSK retained Ellis after releasing Matheesha Pathirana ahead of the IPL 2025 auction.

Cricket Tasmania recently confirmed that the 31-year-old pacer unfortunately re-aggravated a severe right hamstring injury while playing in the recent One-Day Cup domestic final in Hobart last week, forcing his withdrawal.

Also read: Riyan Parag breaks silence on Sanju Samson’s trade; compares him to Virat Kohli

Stock market today: Benchmark indices Nifty50 and BSE Sensex opened in green on Friday after a big selloff on Thursday that saw markets tank over 3%. While Nifty50 opened above 23,200, BSE Sensex rose over 700 points, just shy of 75,000. At 9:16 AM, Nifty50 was trading at 23,229.15, up 227 points or 0.99%. BSE Sensex was at 74,945.45, up 738 points or 0.99%.Dr. VK Vijayakumar, Chief Investment Strategist, Geojit Investments Limited says, “Market has been oscillating between some hope and fear during the last four days. The gains which Nifty accumulated in the previous three days have been completely wiped out with the 775 point loss yesterday. This oscillation between hope and fear is likely to continue in the near-term.Today there is potential for the market to move up since hope of de-escalation is back. Israel PM’s remarks yesterday indicate that there won’t be further attacks on Iran’s oil and gas infrastructure. This has cooled the Brent crude to $ 106 from the peak of $118 yesterday. The HDFC issue impacted Nifty Bank significantly yesterday and it also contributed to the crash in Nifty. This is likely to be a storm in a tea cup. Even though the uncertainty continues, the market construct is ripe for a bounce back today. Beaten down financials and autos are set for a bounce back.”Indian equity markets tumbled sharply on Thursday, breaking a three-day gaining streak, as escalating tensions in West Asia sparked a global risk-off sentiment. Analysts said the market is entering a phase of heightened vulnerability, with investor confidence increasingly influenced by fast-moving geopolitical developments and a surge in crude oil prices.Asian markets opened higher on Friday after US equities recovered from their intraday lows and oil prices eased. However, Wall Street had closed lower on Thursday, dragged down by declines in Micron Technology and Tesla, as rising oil prices stoked inflation worries and dampened expectations of future interest rate cuts.Gold prices edged up on Friday but were still set for a third straight weekly decline, pressured by a strong dollar and the US Federal Reserve’s hawkish stance, which has reduced hopes of near-term monetary easing. Oil prices, meanwhile, fell on Friday after major European countries and Japan signalled their willingness to support measures to ensure safe passage for vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, while the US outlined steps to boost supply.Foreign portfolio investors remained net sellers, offloading equities worth Rs 7,558 crore on Thursday, while domestic institutional investors provided some support, purchasing shares worth Rs 3,864 crore.(Disclaimer: Recommendations and views on the stock market, other asset classes or personal finance management tips given by experts are their own. These opinions do not represent the views of The Times of India)

CHANDIGARH: As the countdown to the new IPL season begins, Yuzvendra Chahal has struck a candid note, both about his team Punjab Kings’ ambitions and his own resurgence. After what he admits was a tough previous year marked by injuries and illness, the leg-spinner is entering the season with renewed purpose. Having battled health setbacks, Chahal revealed that the time away from cricket tested him both mentally and physically.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!“Last year wasn’t easy,” Chahal said during the team’s jersey launch event in Mohali. “With the support of my family, friends and the Punjab management, I’ve come through it. I’m feeling much healthier now.”In a conscious effort to rebuild himself, Chahal has made lifestyle changes that underline his commitment to peak performance. He has given up alcohol, focused on better sleep, improved his diet and committed himself to consistent gym work. “I want to keep improving every year,” he added. “I may not promise specific results but I’ll give everything I have, on and off the field.”This phase also represents a mental reset for Chahal. “This is about being better than yesterday,” he said. “Helping youngsters, supporting teammates and giving my best. That’s what matters.” For Punjab Kings, last season was one of promise that fell just short. Chahal echoed that sentiment. “We played great cricket but missed it in the final moments,” he said. “This year, we’re more confident. The core group is intact, the atmosphere is positive and everyone is coming in with good form.”The team has already begun preparations with a 12-day camp in the coming days, aiming to finetune strategies and adapt to unpredictable home conditions.Despite being regarded as the lead spinner, Chahal was quick to emphasise collective strength over individual roles. “There’s no ‘main’ spinner. Wickets come through teamwork. Everyone contributes.”

MUMBAI: Malabar Court, an over 70-year-old Art Deco building in tony Malabar Hill, will soon give way to a boutique luxury residential tower.JSW Realty, the real estate arm of JSW Group, has signed a development agreement with the Patel family to redevelop the five-storey property. “Malabar Court has been home to the Patel family for over seven decades and holds a distinctive place in the neighbourhood’s residential fabric,” said a JSW spokesperson.Malabar Court was built by Salina Sassoon, from the family of merchant-philanthropist David Sassoon, and designed by eminent architect David William Ditchburn, who came to Mumbai after World War I, according to Art Deco Mumbai, which chronicles and documents Art Deco neighbourhoods.Ditchburn later merged his practice with Mistri & Bhedwar after the demise of the last surviving partner to form the architectural firm Ditchburn, Mistri & Bhedwar.Redevpt project ‘to draw from the Art Deco legacy’Sprawling across just under an acre, the plot is located adjacent to the Malabar Hill Club. The project draws from its Art Deco legacy while adopting a contemporary design approach.“Planned as a boutique luxury residential tower, the development is expected to generate a top line of over Rs 2,000 crore. It will offer exclusive residences, including single floor homes, duplexes and a signature penthouse,” said JSW Realty. “The project is also expected to feature a curated suite of wellness and lifestyle amenities designed to offer residents a private and tranquil retreat within the city,” it said.Sujal Shroff, CEO, JSW Realty, said, “Malabar Court is envisioned as a rare offering shaped by continuity rather than reinvention. Over the last five years, we have meticulously built a portfolio that prioritizes quality and architectural integrity. With Malabar Court, we strengthen our commitment to developments that honour legacy of the neighbourhood while delivering enduring institutional value.”Bombay adopted the Art Deco style after it emerged in the 1925 Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes in Paris. Since the 1930s, Mumbai has perhaps the world’s largest collection of Art Deco buildings (1,528), though many have been demolished. Atul Kumar, founder trustee of Art Deco Mumbai, said, “Malabar Hill is being reimagined. Malabar Court, a magnificent Art Deco building in fine condition, is the latest to fall under pressure of redevelopment. Low-rise neighbourhoods are giving way to ultra-high rises. The sense of dismay and loss is palpable.”

Mumbai Indians (MI) are not just a cricket team, they are a global sporting phenomenon. From their humble beginnings in 2008 to becoming the first franchise to clinch five IPL titles, the ‘Men in Blue and Gold’ have defined the gold standard of T20 excellence. Historically, the Wankhede Stadium has been their fortress, and the ‘One Family’ philosophy has been their heartbeat. However, the last few seasons have tested the resolve of the Paltan. After a turbulent 2024 and a transitional 2025, MI enter the IPL 2026 season with a point to prove.

The burning question on every fan’s heart is: Can Mumbai Indians get back on track to their winning ways and lift the IPL 2026 title? The answer lies in their rejuvenated squad and a tactical reset. With Mahela Jayawardene back at the helm as Head Coach and a roster that blends nostalgia with modern-day power, the 2026 campaign feels like a redemption tour. The management has doubled down on their core with the likes of Hardik Pandya, Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah and Suryakumar Yadav, while making strategic acquisitions like the return of Quinton de Kock. If they can harmonize the leadership of international captains within one XI, a record-breaking sixth title is not just a dream, but a very distinct possibility.

Will Mumbai Indians bounce back to championship form in IPL 2026?

Mumbai Indians’ strategy for 2026 revolves around reclaiming their identity as ‘Powerplay bullies’ and ‘Death-over specialists.’ By securing the services of Trent Boult and Deepak Chahar to partner with Jasprit Bumrah, MI have assembled arguably the most lethal pace attack in the tournament’s history. This three-headed monster is designed to swing the ball early and stifle runs late, addressing the bowling inconsistencies that plagued them in previous years.

Furthermore, the return of Quinton de Kock at the top of the order provides the perfect foil for Rohit. Their partnership was the cornerstone of the 2019 and 2020 championship runs, and their reunion signals a return to a settled, aggressive opening pair. In the middle order, the rise of Tilak Varma and the raw power of Will Jacks and Sherfane Rutherford ensure that the team has the finishing nous required to chase down daunting totals. The 2026 version of MI looks less like a team in transition and more like a finished product ready for the big stage.

Also READ: SWOT analysis of Royal Challengers Bengaluru: RCB’s report card ahead of the IPL 2026

MI’s SWOT analysis for IPL 2026

To understand MI’s chances, we must look at the internal and external factors that will define their season. Here is a deep dive into the 2026 SWOT report card.

Strengths

• Elite Indian core: No other franchise boasts a domestic core quite like MI. Having the one of world’s best T20 bowler and batter and a legendary opener provides a foundation that is peerless.
• Powerplay dominance: The trio of Bumrah, Boult, and Chahar is a nightmare for any top order. With Chahar and Boult’s ability to swing the new ball and Bumrah’s relentless accuracy, MI can effectively win matches in the first six overs.
• Versatile all-rounders: With Pandya, Mitchell Santner, and Jacks, MI have multiple players who can contribute effectively with both bat and ball, providing immense tactical flexibility for the ‘impact player’ rule.

Weaknesses

• Spin department depth: While Santner is a world-class operator, the Indian spin contingent lacks a mystery element. Relying heavily on Mayank Markande and young recruits like Atharva Ankolekar might be risky on slow, turning tracks like Chennai or Lucknow.
• Leadership Dynamics: Managing a dressing room with three high-profile leaders like Hardik as captain, Rohit as the former captain, SKY as India’s T20 captain and Santner as New Zealand’s captain requires delicate man-management. Any friction in the hierarchy could translate to on-field hesitation.

Opportunities

• Rohit Sharma’s “full version”: With Coach Jayawardene confirming that Rohit will likely move away from the ‘Impact Player’ role and be more active on the field, MI have the opportunity to utilize his tactical brain and fielding presence throughout the 20 overs.
• Nurturing new talent: The acquisition of promising youngsters like Danish Malewar and Robin Minz allows MI to do what they do best, scout and develop the next generation of superstars, much like they did with Hardik and Bumrah years ago.
• Wankhede’s advantage: After a few years of mixed results at home, the 2026 schedule favours MI’s high-pace, high-power style, allowing them to turn their home ground back into an invincible territory.

Threats

• Fitness concerns: The injury bug” has historically bitten MI’s key assets. The workload management of Bumrah and Pandya remains a critical factor; an injury to either could derail the entire campaign.
• Evolution of competition: With teams like KKR and CSK also undergoing massive rebuilds and boasting balanced squads, the margin for error in 2026 is slimmer than ever. MI cannot afford the slow starts that have characterized their recent seasons.

Also READ: SWOT analysis of Sunrisers Hyderabad: SRH’s report card ahead of the IPL 2026 

Gold, Silver Price Today Live: Gold, silver prices under pressure

Gold and silver extended their decline on Thursday, pressured by mounting concerns over global inflation, according to Gaurav Garg, Research Analyst at Lemonn Markets Desk. He noted that escalating geopolitical tensions linked to the ongoing US-Iran conflict have heightened fears of disruptions to oil supplies, which could further intensify inflationary pressures.