In a powerful show of collective action on World Water Day, as many as 350 volunteers came together at Manori Beach to remove an astonishing 3,000 kilograms of plastic waste, highlighting both the scale of coastal pollution and the urgency to address it. Led by environmentalist Subhajit Mukherjee, popularly known as Mumbai’s “Green Man,” the large-scale cleanup drive was conducted on the morning of March 22, 2026, drawing participation from students, citizens and environmental groups across the city. A MORNING OF IMPACT The initiative began early, around 7:30-8:00 am, and continued till late morning, with volunteers working tirelessly for nearly four hours. By the end of the drive, more than 400 garbage bags had been filled with single-use plastic waste collected from the shoreline. Participants included students from 11 educational institutions, with active involvement from NSS, NCC and Green Clubs, underscoring the growing role of youth in environmental action. TACKLING A MOUNTING CRISIS The waste collected, ranging from plastic bottles and wrappers to other disposable material, was sent for recycling, ensuring that the effort extended beyond collection to responsible disposal. Subhajit, who has built a reputation for sustained environmental work, said the drive is only the beginning of a much larger mission. “This is the beginning of a movement and we will work throughout the year to keep the beach clean because we still have nearly 100 tonnes of plastic that needs to be removed,” he said, urging more citizens to join the effort. A CONTINUING MOVEMENT Known for his extensive work in climate action, including planting over 82,000 trees and organising regular clean-up drives, Subhajit emphasised that consistent community participation is key to restoring Mumbai’s fragile coastal ecosystems. The Manori Beach drive stands as a reminder that while the scale of pollution is daunting, collective civic action can create visible, measurable impact. As the city marked World Water Day, the message from its shores was clear: the fight against plastic pollution must be sustained, inclusive and urgent.

The countdown to the 2026 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) has officially begun, with the tournament scheduled to kick off on March 28. As always, the buzz among fans is at an all-time high, with franchises unveiling new combinations, fresh strategies, and revamped squads. Among the teams generating significant interest this season are the Rajasthan Royals (RR), who appear to be entering a new era.

RR have undergone a major transformation ahead of IPL 2026. The franchise made headlines with the departure of their long-time captain Sanju Samson, who has been traded to Chennai Super Kings. In a bold move, the Royals have handed over leadership duties to young all-rounder Riyan Parag, marking a shift towards a more youthful and dynamic core.

With a mix of experienced international stars and promising Indian talent, Rajasthan Royals are being widely viewed as one of the teams to watch out for this season. Their new-look squad reflects both ambition and a long-term vision, making them one of the most intriguing sides heading into the tournament.

Ravichandran Ashwin picks RR’s probable XI

Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has shared his thoughts on Rajasthan Royals’ strongest playing XI for IPL 2026, offering a balanced lineup that combines firepower with versatility.

Ashwin’s selected XI features young sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi alongside the explosive Yashasvi Jaiswal at the top of the order. The duo is expected to provide aggressive starts, with Suryavanshi coming off a record-breaking season in 2025.

Riyan Parag, the newly appointed captain, slots in at No. 3, where he will not only anchor the innings but also play a key leadership role. The middle order boasts power hitters like Shimron Hetmyer and Dhruv Jurel, both capable of accelerating the scoring rate in crucial phases.

Further strengthening the batting depth are Shubham Dubey and Donovan Ferreira, who add flexibility and finishing ability. In the all-rounder department, Ravindra Jadeja brings immense experience, offering balance with both bat and ball.

The bowling attack looks well-rounded, featuring pace spearhead Jofra Archer, dependable seamer Sandeep Sharma, and leg-spin specialist Ravi Bishnoi. Jadeja’s presence further enhances the spin department, making RR a formidable unit in all conditions.

Also READ: After Harshit Rana, another Indian KKR pacer ruled out of IPL 2026

High expectations under new leadership

Rajasthan Royals’ aggressive approach in the build-up to IPL 2026 has raised expectations significantly. Ahead of the auction, the franchise executed high-profile trades, most notably exchanging Sanju Samson for seasoned all-rounders Jadeja and Sam Curran from Chennai Super Kings. However, in a setback, reports suggest that Curran has been ruled out of the season due to injury.

Despite this, RR made a strong statement at the auction table by securing Indian leg-spinner Bishnoi for ₹7.20 crore, underlining their intent to build a potent bowling attack. With Jadeja complementing Bishnoi in the spin department, the Royals appear well-equipped to dominate in the middle overs.

The franchise has also retained faith in its young Indian core. Jaiswal continues to be a key figure at the top, while Suryavanshi’s emergence as a batting sensation has added a new dimension to their lineup. Wicketkeeper-batter Jurel remains a crucial component in the middle order.

Also READ: Kevin Pietersen picks his dream IPL XI, names MS Dhoni as captain

Foreign investors have turned cautious on Indian equities this month, pulling out Rs 88,180 crore so far as rising global tensions, a weakening rupee and high oil prices dent sentiment. The sharp outflow comes just weeks after a strong February, when foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) had pumped in Rs 22,615 crore, the highest in 17 months. With the latest selling, total FPI outflows for 2026 have now crossed Rs 1 lakh crore. So far in March (till March 20), FPIs have been net sellers on every trading day, steadily exiting the market. While the pace of selling is significant, it is still below the record outflow seen in October 2024. Market participants say a mix of global and domestic factors is behind the shift. Tensions in West Asia have pushed crude oil prices above $100 per barrel, raising concerns about inflation and growth, and prompting a more cautious, risk-off approach among investors. Vaqarjaved Khan, Senior Fundamental Analyst at Angel One, said fears of a prolonged conflict and possible disruption in the Strait of Hormuz have played a key role. He added that the pressure has been worsened by the rupee hovering near Rs 92 against the US dollar, rising US bond yields and profit booking after February’s rally. There are also concerns around corporate earnings, with expectations of margin pressure in several sectors adding to the unease. Himanshu Srivastava, Principal Manager Research at Morningstar Investment Research India, said higher US Treasury yields are making dollar assets more attractive, drawing funds away from emerging markets like India. This is also strengthening the dollar and tightening global liquidity, further affecting sentiment. V K Vijayakumar, Chief Investment Strategist at Geojit Investments, highlighted similar concerns, saying the ongoing conflict, weak global markets and a depreciating rupee have all contributed to the sustained selling. Financial stocks have been hit the hardest, with FPIs offloading shares worth Rs 31,831 crore in the fortnight ended March 15. Looking ahead, analysts expect markets to remain volatile in the near term. Continued tensions or high oil prices could keep investors cautious, while any easing of geopolitical risks, support from domestic investors or better-than-expected earnings may help stabilise flows. For now, a clear turnaround in foreign investor sentiment is likely only when global uncertainties begin to ease.

A luminous exploration of material, texture and inner expression is set to unfold in the city next month, as eight artists come together for a unique exhibition titled ‘Alchemy of Light’. Scheduled from April 12 to May 11, 2026, the show will be held in Worli and promises to be a first-of-its-kind showcase centred on the intricate technique of metal leafing. Curated by artist Bina Aziz, the exhibition brings together a diverse roster of creators including Arzan Khambatta, Venkatesh Pate, Sharvari Luth, Archana Srivastava, Laila Khan, Jaya Lamba and Shola Carletti, each interpreting the theme through their own visual language. A SHARED LANGUAGE OF LIGHT AND METAL At the heart of ‘Alchemy of Light’ lies the transformative quality of metal leafing, using gold, silver, copper and champagne finishes to create works that respond dynamically to light. “Each artist brings their own aura, their own creativity and their own colour to the canvas and the art that glitters here is, in essence, gold,” says curator Bina Aziz, describing the conceptual core of the show. “The materials, provided by Shehzad Khan, have enabled artists to experiment with a wide spectrum of tones and textures. The use of gold, silver, copper and champagne leafing brings a sense of opulence while allowing the works to remain fluid and alive, shifting with perspective and light itself,” Bina adds. EXPERIMENTATION ACROSS MEDIUMS For sculptor Arzan Khambatta, the exhibition marks yet another step in an ongoing journey of creative exploration. “Every creative show like this is a starting point for me… if you have done something and you love it, it becomes the beginning of many more works,” he says. His pieces for the show combine wood, resin, metal and leafing, resulting in layered, tactile forms. Meanwhile, artist Laila Khan approaches the theme from a more introspective space. “A painting or sculpture represents the inner being of an artist over many days. I am working towards an inner flame where materials like gold leaf reflect light. Through meditation and quiet depth, I am trying to bring that luminosity into my work,” she explains, adding that gold leafing lends a sense of sacredness to Indian art traditions. TEXTURE, FRAGILITY AND RENEWALHosting the exhibition at Les Trésors Art Gallery, artist Archana Srivastava, has spent months developing the concept alongside Bina. “We both have discussed the concept for the last few months. This is the first exhibition using gold leafing in my gallery, and I am excited about it,” she says. Her own series, titled ‘Broken Yet Blossoming’, explores contrasts, juxtaposing the rough texture of jute with the smooth sheen of gold. “We are all broken in some way, yet there is immense potential to blossom,” she reflects. ART THAT SHIFTS WITH LIGHT What sets ‘Alchemy of Light’ apart is not just its material focus but its interaction with the viewer. As light falls on each piece, surfaces shimmer, shift and transform, making the experience fluid and ever-changing. With its blend of introspection, experimentation and visual opulence, the exhibition aims to offer audiences more than just a viewing, it invites them into a dialogue with light itself. As Mumbai’s art calendar gears up for the summer, ‘Alchemy of Light’ promises to stand out as a radiant confluence of creativity, material innovation and spiritual depth.

PM Narendra Modi (Image/PTI)

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday became the longest-serving head of a government, completing 8,931 days in office. He surpassed the previous record held by Pawan Kumar Chamling who served as Sikkim’s chief minister for over 24 years, remaining 8930 days in office.PM Modi served as the chief minister of Gujarat for over 13 years from October 7, 2001 to May 21, 2014. During this period, he became the longest-serving chief minister of the state, winning four consecutive terms in 2001, 2002, 2007 and 2012.He later assumed office as the Prime Minister of India in 2014 and has since been re-elected in 2019 and 2024, making him a three-term PM.Defence minister Rajnath Singh congratulated PM Modi for achieving a significant milestone in his long public service.“Prime Minister Narendra Modi is now the longest-serving head of a government in India. Pure devotion to the nation and its people defines PM Modi Ji. From his unwavering commitment as the Chief Minister of Gujarat to his dedicated leadership as the Prime Minister, his life has been a continuous journey of service,” Singh wrote in a post on X.Home minister Amit Shah called PM Modi’s service in governance as ‘hard work and unwavering commitment.’In a post on X, Shah wrote: “A milestone rooted in service, hard work and unwavering commitment. Today, PM Narendra Modi ji surpasses the 8,930-day record of former Sikkim CM Pawan Kumar Chamling, becoming the longest-serving head of a government in India. PM Modi Ji’s 8,931 days in public life, first as Gujarat CM and now as Prime Minister reflect a deep dedication to nation-first governance, integrity in action, and tireless service to every citizen. A rare legacy built on unprecedented trust and unparalleled Seva.”The milestone comes alongside PM Modi’s growing global digital presence. Earlier, he became the first world leader to cross 100 million followers on Instagram. He has more than double the followers of US President Donald Trump, who has over 43 million followers.

KKR’s predicted playing XI (ANI)

The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), three-time IPL champions, are gearing up for the 2026 season amid serious concerns in their pace bowling department. With Indian pacers Harshit Rana and Akash Deep ruled out due to injuries, and Sri Lankan speedster Matheesha Pathirana expected to miss the initial phase, the team management has been forced to rework their strategy significantly.KKR underwent a major rebuild at the IPL 2026 auction, entering with a massive purse of Rs 64.30 crore. The franchise made headlines by signing Australian all-rounder Cameron Green for a record Rs 25.20 crore, making him the most expensive player of the season. They also secured Matheesha Pathirana for Rs 18 crore to strengthen their pace attack. Despite the overhaul, KKR retained a strong core featuring: Rinku Singh, Sunil Narine, Varun Chakravarthy, Captain Ajinkya RahaneHere is the KKR’s strongest predicted playing XI for IPL 2026Finn Allen (WK): New Zealand’s explosive opener Finn Allen is expected to take charge at the top. He recently smashed one of the fastest centuries in the T20 World Cup 2026 semifinal against South Africa which helped New Zealand reach into the finals.Ajinkya Rahane (C): Captain Ajinkya Rahane is likely to partner Allen at the top. While his strike rate in T20s remains under scrutiny, the management continues to back his experience and leadership.Angkrish Raghuvanshi: In IPL 2025, Angkrish Raghuvanshi was a key middle-order batter for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), scoring 300 runs in 12 matches with a strike rate of 139.53. He is expected to anchor the No. 3 position.Cameron Green: Australian all-rounder Cameron Green was signed by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for Rs 25.20 crore in the IPL 2026 auction, making him the most expensive player this season. Expected to be a crucial all-round replacement for Andre Russell.Rinku Singh: At No. 5 is the crowd favorite, Rinku Singh, who has been the backbone of KKR in the last few IPL seasons. With Andre Russell gone, Rinku is no longer just the “finisher” – he is the senior batter of the lower order.Ramandeep Singh: In early 2025 tournament appearances, he maintained a high strike rate, exemplified by an early-season performance of 22* runs from 9 balls against Mumbai Indians (MI). Ramandeep Singh offers balance as a reliable all-rounder, contributing in both departments.Sunil Narine: No. 7 come the Veteran Sunil Narine who has remained a match-winner for KKR for more than a decade, providing mystery spin in the middle overs and valuable depth with the bat.Varun Chakravarthy: Varun Chakravarthy forms a deadly spin duo with Narine. Although he had a mix 2026 T20 World Cup, finishing as a joint-highest wicket-taker with 14 scalps, but facing criticism for inconsistency. After a dominant start (9 wickets, 4 matches) in the group stages, he was expensive and less effective from the Super 8s onwards. He is expected bounce back in IPL for Kolkata.Vaibhav Arora: Vaibhav Arora steps into a bigger role following injuries to key pacers Harshit Rana and Akashdeep. He has the best IPL campaign 2025, claiming 17 wickets in 12 matches.Kartik Tyagi: Kartik Tyagi is the young gun pacer in the team and is likely to make debut for Kolkata will be assisting Vaibhav Arora in the team as an fast Indian pacer along side Blessing Muzarabani. Blessing Muzarabani: Zimbabwean speedster Blessing Muzarabani has joined KKR as a replacement for Mustafizur Rahman. Standing at 6’8”, he brings steep bounce and valuable T20 experience, he left PSL and joined IPL as replacement.Impact Sub (Umran Malik): Sri Lanka pacer Matheesha Pathirana was likely to be an Impact Player option for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the upcoming IPL 2026 season. However, his injury has created trouble for KKR ahead of the upcoming season. In absence of Pathirana, bringing in Umran Malik as an Impact Sub during the bowling innings is the most likely move for the side in the upcoming IPL 2026 season. Umran Malik finds himself in a critical “redemption” role for the KKR. After being signed for Rs 75 lakhs in the 2025 mega-auction but missing that season due to injury, KKR has shown faith by retaining him for this year’s campaign.KKR’s potential playing XI for IPL 2026: Finn Allen (WK), Ajinkya Rahane (C), Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Cameron Green, Rinku Singh, Ramandeep Singh, Sunil Narine, Varun Chakravarthy, Vaibhav Arora, Kartik Tyagi, Blessing Muzarabani, Umran Malik (Imp)

The Middle East crisis has entered its fourth week and the impact might spill across some Indian industries too. Smartphone market is beginning to feel the strain, with analysts cutting shipment forecasts again as the conflict starts to impact both demand and supply. Research firms have lowered their projections for 2026, pointing to a tougher road ahead. Counterpoint Research now sees shipments at 139 million units, down from 142 million earlier, while Omdia has revised its estimate to 142–145 million from 148 million. Analysts say these numbers could be revised further if the situation does not improve. IDC has taken a more cautious view, expecting shipments to fall to 132 million units in 2026 from 152 million in 2025. The downgrade also reflects ongoing shortages of key components like memory and storage, adding to the pressure on the industry. These are the sharpest cuts in outlook since the Covid-19 pandemic. The Middle East tensions are adding to the uncertainty. With prices of essential goods rising, consumers are likely to cut back on discretionary spending, including smartphones. Industry players say the real impact could be felt more strongly in the second half of the year. “The current market scenario is a bloodbath and the second half of the year will be even worse,” Upasana Joshi, research manager, IDC India told ET. There are already signs of demand slowing, especially in the mass-market segment. “The Iran-Israel conflict is creating a layer of uncertainty, and in such environments, consumers tend to delay discretionary purchases like smartphones,” Tarun Pathak, research director, Counterpoint Research told the financial daily. Companies, in turn, are becoming more careful, tightening inventory, working closely with retailers and offering targeted incentives to keep sales moving in a weaker market. Omdia analyst Sanyam Chaurasia said the second half of 2026 could be particularly challenging, as higher oil and logistics costs are expected to affect rural incomes and agricultural output. Rural markets are likely to be hit harder, while retailers are also pushing back against stocking extra inventory amid weak demand. The sector is also dealing with supply-side challenges. Earlier this year, most brands had already raised prices after memory and storage costs surged 40–50% due to strong demand from AI data centres, forcing suppliers to shift production. Now, disruptions in West Asia are expected to make things worse. Trade routes have been affected, and there are concerns over the supply of helium, a key input for semiconductor manufacturing. Qatar, a major supplier, has halted gas shipments, possibly due to damage at its facilities. All of this is likely to push up production costs further, which could eventually be passed on to consumers, putting even more pressure on demand.