BUDGAM: Donations piled high. Emotions ran higher. At an Imambara in Budgam — a town about 15km southwest of Srinagar — cash, gold and heirlooms spilled across a table Monday, as residents turned up in a steady stream to give for Iran.Money in thick stacks lay beside gold earrings, bangles, rings and a gold biscuit. Copper samovars and shawls — items usually stashed away for weddings — added weight to the collection.A youth parted with his motorbike. Another donor handed over a truck. In several Shia-majority pockets across Kashmir valley, children broke open piggy banks on the spot — scenes that moved onlookers. At one donation centre, a girl unable to walk gave her gold earrings.Grief, faith and geopolitics dovetailed in Budgam, central to Kashmir’s Shia population, where support for Iran found resonance after the killing of the Ayatollah in a US-Israel strike —turning donation centres into sites of inspired resolve.Volunteers struggled to keep pace as contributions kept coming through the day. Some donors came quietly, placed what they had, and left. First-year college student Arifa handed over her savings. “I had some cash. I donated it. My friend had gold and she gave it,” she said, rousted by the collective support for Iran. Nearby, a woman arrived with her three-year-old son, donated a gold ring, and slipped away without a word.Volunteer Illyas Hussain said proceeds would be routed to the Iranian embassy in New Delhi after converting jewellery and metal items into cash. Direct bank transfers were also underway, he said, while those unable to do so brought valuables to collection points. “This centre is centrally located. People come and drop their donations,” he said.Iran’s embassy acknowledged the response on X, calling it a gesture blessed with goodwill.National Conference functionary Tanvir Sadiq described the donations as a cross-section of society rising in solidarity. “The response reflected a collective conscience that cut across villages and towns,” he said.Peoples Conference functionary and Shia cleric Imran Reza Ansari said the drive across Kashmir followed an appeal from Iran’s embassy and drew strength from religious duty, stressing the nation’s hardships under sanctions and war. “Humanity must come before everything,” said Budgam legislator Muntazir Mehdi of PDP, who pledged a month’s salary.Yet, a note of caution crept in. Some organisers reported calls from authorities seeking details on funds and contributors, raising questions over oversight as collections swelled. But the flow showed no sign of a fall-off.

The TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 is less than a week away. The teams are taking their final lap of preparation before the rich cash league begins. The Rajasthan Royals (RR) are the first winners of the league in 2008, and since then, they have failed to win the league.

The last time Rajasthan qualified for the finals was back in 2022, when Sanju Samson was the captain. They have let go of their captain in a trade that comprised Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran from Chennai Super Kings (CSK). The Royals have a bunch of talent, with Riyan Parag named as the captain for the franchise.

However, they will have to go through challenges as Sam Curran has been ruled out of the IPL, and Sri Lanka T20I captain Dasun Shanaka is replacing him ahead of the IPL. Here, we will look at the possible players who are RR’s biggest burden in IPL 2026.

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3 players who are RR’s biggest burden in IPL 2026

Riyan Parag

The captain of the Royals did not have the best of seasons last time around, scoring 393 runs, with an average of nearly 33. Riyan Parag has a responsibility in his hands with the new role as a captain. However, it is very difficult to assess whether he would have a good season with the bat.

Riyan Parag in the 2024 season was excellent with the bat, and his team finished in the playoffs as well. He finished as the third leading run getter in the tournament, scoring 573 runs. However, his form dipped in 2025, and his side also finished 9th, losing 10 games.

Dhruv Jurel

Dhruv Jurel has been a mainstay for the India National Cricket Team in Test cricket. He can play spin. Jurel has been one of the findings of the RR in the team. However, his problem has been inconsistency with 333 runs last season; his average still stands near 38, and he scored just two fifties.

The Royals have also failed to use his full ability, as he has been used as a floater in the team. However, he should not be batting below No.5, but on some occasions, he has been sent in later as well. Jurel’s consistency and the position he bats might be a big burden for the Royals in the IPL 2026.

Jofra Archer

Jofra Archer has been back with the franchise he was successful with. The England speedster was picked in IPL 2025 for a whopping INR 12.50 crore. His return to the side after one full injury season was not as expected; he picked up 11 wickets in 12 matches with an economy of 9.47 and an average of 39.18.

Archer, on his given day, can dismantle any batting line-up, but his problem has been injuries and consistency. Since his return, he has failed to deliver to his full potential and has been leaking runs, though he bowled well in the T20 World Cup 2026, but in the semi-final got smacked all around the park against India.

Also Read: Jasprit Bumrah out of IPL? Star pacer arrives at CoE ahead of IPL 2026

Mumbai: A special court on Monday cleared the path for the extradition of a Ukrainian national from Moldova in the Rs 177-crore money laundering case linked to the Torres Jewellers ponzi scheme.Olena Stoian, an absconding accused, was traced to Moldova by Indian authorities. ED moved a plea for affirmation of an affidavit required for the extradition process, which the court allowed. “Application allowed. Extradition documents counter-signed and handed over to the officer of ED,” said special judge R B Rote. The court had earlier issued non-bailable warrants (NBWs) against Stoian, Indian national Sagar Mehta and two other Ukrainian nationals, Oleksandr Zapichenko and Viktoria Kovalenko. Zapichenko and Stoian were identified as the principal designers of financial structuring and money laundering operations, providing initial funds through unlawful channels and enabling the conversion of undocumented cash into apparently legitimate investments. Torres allegedly conducted a fraudulent operation, marketing synthetic moissanite as precious gems with unrealistic return guarantees. Its strategy included misleading advertisements, artificial bonuses and a referral system typical of ponzi schemes. “[It] is a serious economic offence, affecting the socio-economic condition of society… and many investors have suffered loss because of the act of the accused,” the judge had said when issuing the NBWs. The judge had said the accused were involved in a serious non-bailable offence of money laundering and were evading arrest. “Therefore, in the interest of proper and effective investigation and trial into the serious economic offence, it is necessary to issue a non-bailable warrant.” The court earlier issued a process against all four accused and summoned them. However, they did not appear before it. ED had said the accused have been absconding since the commission of the offence and have failed to cooperate with the investigation or respond to summons. Mehta is alleged to have fled India on Dec 28, 2024, and is accused of assisting in collecting the proceeds of crime. He is currently believed to be holed up in Dubai. Zapichenko is described as one of the “key architects” in the laundering operations of the parent company, Platinum Hern Pvt Ltd, involved in providing illicit capital, converting unaccounted cash into cryptocurrency and reintroducing it as a legitimate investment. He allegedly assisted in laundering about Rs 177 crore collected from customers of Torres’s Dadar showroom through false promises. Zapichenko’s departure on the eve of FIR registration was cited as an attempt to evade the law. Kovalenko is Platinum Hern’s foreign director, holding 99.9% shares and exercising full control over the firm’s operations and finances, establishing direct accountability. She is also alleged to have knowingly assisted in laundering the Rs 177 crore.

Mumbai: Bombay high court on Monday directed the BMC to permit 99,435 hawkers across Mumbai, already found to be eligible, to hawk and to list others who are eligible from the balance 29,000. “No other hawkers” apart from these can be permitted, ruled Justices A S Gadkari and Kamal Khata, while also directing Mumbai civic administration and Mumbai police to verify identities of all persons, including those alleged to be Bangladeshis or other foreign nationals, who are hawking or work as helpers at stalls and to initiate legal steps to repatriate those found to be illegal immigrants.As reported, 3,26,604 hawkers are operating in the city, leading to widespread congestion and civic disorder, the HC said. The HC judgment said: “Viewed from a broader perspective, it is imperative that the statutory scheme be brought to its logical conclusion. Nearly 12 years have elapsed since the enactment of the Street Vendors Act… Any further delay in implementation of the Act would prove detrimental to hawkers and citizens alike. Citizens continue to endure persistent and daily hardship due to its non-implementation.”The HC also directed the BMC to undertake a comprehensive inspection and scrutiny of all temporary stalls, mobile or stationary, and all permanent stalls, whether on roads or footpaths, and check if they obstruct vehicular movement or pedestrians in the city.The HC, calling for action against those found to be illegal immigrants, said any failure to act would result in “personal liability” on all civic and other officers responsible.In 2014, the Street Vendors Act was enacted to regulate hawking. The law mandated formation of a town vending committee (TVC) for the Act’s smooth functioning, including a survey. The TVC would also comprise vendors to be elected.The petitions before the HC by hawkers’ unions dealt with several issues concerning illegal hawkers operating in Mumbai and the voters list prepared for the TVC polls. The HC is also separately hearing a pending suo motu public interest litigation (PIL) of 2023 to deal with and monitor state, police and civic action following various complaints of the risk that hawkers pose to the city, where the HC appointed advocate Jamshed Mistry as an amicus curiae (friend of court) to assist in the matter. In its judgment, the HC upheld as valid a voters list of eligible hawkers for polls held on Aug 29, 2024, for TVC in Mumbai.The hawkers’ association had questioned the voters list as being incomplete and in violation of a 2009 policy, but the HC held it was prepared in compliance with procedures and orders of the court. The HC directed results of the 2024 polls be announced immediately.Petitions were filed in 2024 also by Janwadi Hawkers Sabha, Hawkers Joint Action Committee, which wanted all surveyed street vendors to be included in the voters list. The HC said the elections were held validly and merited no judicial interference.State govt pleader Purnima Kantharia said despite the process taking three years, 280 TVCs stand notified across Maharashtra, with Nagpur having emerged as a pioneer in effective implementation of the hawking scheme. The SC had stayed TVC poll results. The HC declined a stay on its order, observing the long litigation already delayed implementation of the Act.

Horoscope Today: Read daily horoscope predictions for March 24, 2026. Know all about the astrological events and influences that will be affecting each of the 12 zodiac signs. Our astrologer has analyzed the movements of the planets and the alignment of the stars to bring you the most accurate and up-to-date horoscope predictions for the day ahead. Get ready to discover what the stars have in store for you today.Aries:Today, you may feel impatient, which could reflect in your work. There may be some minor mistakes that could leave tasks incomplete. It is advised to postpone investments in fixed assets for a few days. However, with the blessings of your elders, you may overcome difficult situations. By evening, you will regain focus on your work.Taurus:Today, you are blessed by the Moon, and your destiny is likely to support you. You may feel energetic and focused on your work. Your hard work may bring success, and your subordinates will support you. You may go on a short work-related trip. Some good news may come from your siblings. You may also plan to renovate your home or office, where your creativity will shine.Gemini:Today, you may be able to control your expenditure on unnecessary items, which will help increase your savings. You may feel more creative and use this creativity at work or home, enhancing your social status. Love birds may receive support from family and friends regarding marriage.Cancer:Today, previously messy situations are now under control, bringing peace of mind. You may be able to maintain a good balance between income and expenses, leading to better savings. Avoid excessive travel or overworking, as it may affect your health. Students can start planning for higher studies. Love birds may enjoy happy moments.Leo:Today, you may face some health issues, which could make you impatient. You are advised to control your short temper. Avoid spending your hard-earned money on unnecessary items, as it may affect your savings. Love birds should avoid arguments on trivial matters, as they may lead to misunderstandings.Virgo:Today, you may meet an influential person who could help in your professional growth. Your network will strengthen with their support. You may prepare to implement new ideas in your work or business. You may plan to invest more capital into your business, which could bring financial gains in the near future. In domestic life, you may be busy with family gatherings and social events.Libra:Today, your mother’s health is likely to improve. You may enjoy your work and receive rewards for your efforts. Your social reputation may increase. However, mental overwork may make you feel tired, and due to workload, you may miss a family event.Scorpio:Today, you may feel satisfied with your work. You may plan a short work-related trip. You may also visit a religious place to maintain inner peace. Your mentors or gurus may guide you in the right direction, helping you gain clarity about your goals.Sagittarius:Today, you may feel low, so it is advised to stay calm and think twice before taking any action. You may need to travel to recover your money; otherwise, there could be losses. Avoid adventurous activities. Students are advised to focus on in-depth studies to achieve success.Capricorn:Today, you may plan to renovate your home. You may buy artefacts or creative items that enhance your social status. You may also invest in property or other assets. You are likely to enjoy romantic moments with your spouse, strengthening your emotional bond. Singles may find a soulmate, and love birds may take important decisions regarding marriage.Aquarius:Today, you may feel happy. Chronic health issues of family members may start to improve. Stuck money may be recovered, improving business liquidity. Job holders may receive incentives, boosting their financial health. Job seekers may find opportunities through references from relatives or friends. Students may take help from friends in academics.Pisces:Today is important for your domestic life. You may be busy with your children and may receive good news regarding their education. You may buy creative items for your home or office to enhance your social status. You are advised to use wisdom while purchasing household items or jewelry.

Fact check: Did a former employee expose Candace Owens behavior? as allegations bring fresh attention to her workplace style (Image via Getty)

A former employee who once worked in a network linked to Candace Owens has made serious claims about her behavior. The person described her as “narcissistic” and said the work environment felt controlling at times. These claims are now spreading online and getting attention. But here’s the key point, there is no proof yet. No documents, no second person backing it, and no official confirmation. Right now, this is just one person’s account. Because of that, the claims cannot be treated as facts.Some believe the claims raise concerns, while others say there is no reason to trust them without evidence. Candace Owens has not made any public statements about the allegations she faces.

Former associate raises claims about Candace Owens, Turning Point USA, and Blexit but no evidence supports allegations

The allegations come from a single former associate who spoke about their experience working in a system connected to Candace Owens. In their own words, they felt that communication inside the organization was “restrictive” and decision-making was tightly controlled.They also mentioned groups like Turning Point USA and Blexit, which Candace Owens has worked with in the past. According to the person, some internal rules limited how members or volunteers could speak to media or outsiders.However, it is important to understand this clearly—these rules can also exist in many organizations for legal or safety reasons. There is no proof that these policies were unusual or harmful. The claims are only one person’s interpretation.No independent media outlet has confirmed these statements. There is also no official comment from Turning Point USA, Blexit, or Candace Owens addressing these specific claims.Candace Owens is a well-known political commentator in the United States. She has built a strong following through her speeches, social media, and work with conservative groups. Because of her public profile, any claim about her quickly gets attention.After the allegations spread, social media reactions were mixed. Some users asked for an investigation, while others pointed out the lack of proof. Many people clearly said that serious claims should not be believed without solid evidence.At this point, there are no legal cases, no investigation reports, and no confirmed facts linked to these allegations. The situation remains unclear.

England’s head coach Brendon McCullum with captain Ben Stokes. (File photo/PTI)

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) on Monday decided not to make any changes to its leadership group after England’s 4-1 Ashes defeat in Australia, following a review of the tour.Firing people would “be the easy thing to do,” Gould said but he insisted, “This is not the time to throw everything out.”Managing director Rob Key, head coach Brendon McCullum and captain Ben Stokes will continue in their roles. England, described as their strongest side to tour Australia in 14 years, lost the Ashes within 11 days, with two Tests still to be played.“Moving people on can sometimes be the easy thing to do. That’s not the route that we’re going to take,” Gould said, as cited by news agency Associated Press. “I’ve seen the driving ambition and determination that we’re lucky enough to have within our leadership group to take the lessons from the Ashes and move forward.”Gould, who previously served as chief executive of Bristol City football club, said cricket operates differently from football and does not follow a hire-and-fire approach.“Cricket is a very unique sport in that it takes a team of leadership … it’s not like football where there’s a single point of failure or success with a manager,” he said. He added the ECB would not “select or deselect management based on a popularity campaign.”The review identified issues around preparation, player behaviour and selection decisions during the tour.At a press conference at Lord’s, Gould and Key said there had been no “bust up” between McCullum and Stokes. They added that McCullum is not expected to “completely change” but “to evolve,” while acknowledging that some player behaviour was “unprofessional.” They also pointed to stricter consequences for underperformance and a focus on “better long-term planning” ahead of major Test series.Some adjustments were already made during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, where England reached the semifinals. Gould suggested that performance played a role in McCullum retaining his position.Key accepted that supporters may have expected stronger action.“I know people want punishment and that people then should be sacked for that,” Key said. “That doesn’t mean we don’t feel like we’ve gone through some serious pain: Brendon, myself, Ben. It’s been as tough a time as I think I’ve had.”

Mumbai: Drawing a clear line ahead of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR), the BJP has directed its just one-month-old corporators in Mumbai to scrutinise voter rolls at the micro level and ensure none of its supporters is left out, signalling an aggressive build-up to the exercise. A meeting was held at the BMC headquarters on Monday afternoon to discuss the matter, which was addressed by former MP Kirit Somaiya.Somaiya, who has been appointed by the state unit as chairman of a nine-member committee to oversee the SIR, briefed corporators on their role in closely scrutinising voter lists at the ward level, ensuring inclusion of all eligible voters and flagging discrepancies.According to the corporators present, the session focused on the mechanics of the SIR process and the party’s role in it. “We were told to closely scrutinise the lists, ensure all genuine voters are included, and raise objections wherever required or in case we notice that someone is not eligible to be added to the list,” a corporator said, adding that party workers would also reach out to residents in housing societies, especially the secretary and chairman, to facilitate corrections and registrations.The BJP, which has the largest number of elected corporators in the civic house, has been actively raising concerns over alleged illegalities in the issuance of birth certificates since coming to power. Party leaders, including Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde of the BJP and Somaiya, have flagged issues such as the alleged issuance of birth certificates to illegal Bangladeshi immigrants, which they claim could enable them to obtain legal status. They have also raised concerns over the growing presence of unauthorised hawkers occupying public spaces across the city.Party leaders said the exercise, conducted by the Election Commission of India, is being treated with urgency, with instructions to engage with residents, facilitate corrections and registrations, and strengthen booth-level coordination. BJP party leader in BMC Ganesh Khankar said the organisation has been fully mobilised under Somaiya’s leadership. “We are taking this very seriously. We were thoroughly explained how we, as corporators, can participate in this activity,” he said.The SIR, a comprehensive door-to-door verification of electoral rolls, aims to remove duplicate, deceased or shifted voters while adding missing eligible names, making it a critical process ahead of upcoming elections.

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami-led Uttarakhand government on completing four years in office, lauding its efforts in driving development, ensuring good governance, and promoting public welfare across the state.Responding to the Prime Minister’s message, Dhami expressed gratitude and reaffirmed his government’s commitment to development. In a post on X, he said, “Honourable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji, heartfelt thanks from the core of my heart for your affectionate words and best wishes towards the development, good governance, and public welfare of Uttarakhand.”Dhami added that the state’s progress over the past four years reflects the trust and collective resolve of its people under Modi’s leadership. “Our government, working with the core mantra of public service, transparency, and inclusive development, is fulfilling the resolve to build a strong and self-reliant Uttarakhand,” he said.He further emphasised that Uttarakhand will continue contributing to the vision of ‘Developed India-2047,’ adding that with the Centre’s support, the state will keep achieving new milestones.According to an official statement, PM Modi, in his message, highlighted that under CM Dhami’s “dynamic leadership,” Uttarakhand has made rapid progress across sectors. He also underscored the state’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage, describing it as “Devbhoomi,” a land known for its faith, traditions, and diversity.The Prime Minister noted that Uttarakhand has been steadily advancing in line with the vision of a “Developed India.” He pointed to key infrastructure initiatives, including the Char Dham All-Weather Road Project, which aims to make the pilgrimage safer and more accessible, and the Rishikesh-Karnaprayag Railway Line that is expected to significantly boost rail connectivity in the region.Modi further appreciated the government’s focus on improving connectivity in border areas and promoting winter tourism, stating that such efforts have strengthened the local economy and helped curb migration. He also commended initiatives aimed at promoting local products, empowering women, generating employment opportunities for youth, supporting startups, and advancing digital and green development.Emphasising the importance of preparedness, the Prime Minister highlighted the role of robust disaster management systems and sustainable development in ensuring long-term progress in the hill state.Expressing confidence in Uttarakhand’s future, PM Modi said the state’s contribution towards building a “Developed India” during the ongoing “Amrit Kaal” will continue to grow stronger. He stressed that active participation from citizens will be key to building a self-reliant and prosperous Uttarakhand.The Prime Minister also extended his best wishes to the people of the state, expressing hope that Uttarakhand will achieve new milestones across sectors in the coming years.