SRINAGAR: Ulfat Bano collects around 25 letters from the district post office in south Kashmir’s Shopian every morning and sets out on foot. There is no postal van to hop onto or a bicycle she can use if weariness strikes.The 55-year-old trudges through her native village of Hirapora, past stone walls and wooden barns with corrugated tin roofs – and when winter arrives, through knee-deep snow — to put each envelope in the right hands.Ulfat’s routine hasn’t changed in over three decades, yet she treats the job with the enthusiasm and energy of a recent recruit. For Hirapora, Kashmir’s first postwoman remains the lone postal link with the outside world.The terrain Ulfat negotiates in the line of duty does not make allowances. Hirapora sits at an altitude where snowfall buries walking tracks for weeks.Whenever it snows, which is often during winter in these parts, Hirapora goes to sleep in more ways than one. But the postal department can count on Ulfat to be out on her route, as usual, with an umbrella in one hand and a bundle of mail in the other, her pheran the only spot of colour against the white hillside.She refuses to take a break. Sun, rain or snow, the mail goes out.In a profession dominated by men, Ulfat earns Rs 22,000 a month, working the same hours and covering equal ground as her male counterparts elsewhere in J&K. She doesn’t see a distinction. Neither does she seek any concession.At her age, with barely five years to go for retirement, the work takes a toll Ulfat didn’t feel at 25. “It gets difficult at times,” she tells TOI. “But my passion for this job does not allow me to quit.”What keeps her going are the intangible rewards of her profession. Over the past 30 years, Ulfat has witnessed hundreds of families break into celebration whenever she has been the bearer of good news – a long-awaited letter, a job offer or a parcel from someone far away.“I see my work as a good deed,” says Ulfat. “It connects people across geographies.”Outside the Hirapora post office, a small brick building with the familiar India Post sign above a green curtain, Ulfat sits on the wooden steps, hands folded on her lap. It’s a typically bright spring morning, which should make the grind less taxing than it is when the weather isn’t her ally.Inside the building, the next batch of letters and parcels is getting packed.

SRINAGAR: J&K Police’s investigative wing, Counter Intelligence Kashmir (CIK), Thursday raided 10 locations in three districts of Kashmir Valley and busted a “terrorist recruitment module” allegedly linked to handlers across the Line of Control (LoC) and a network based in Bangladesh, a CIK statement claimed.The raids were carried out in Srinagar, Ganderbal and Shopian districts on warrants issued by the special NIA judge in Srinagar. The seizure included “incriminating materials, including digital devices, SIM cards, mobile phones, laptops, and other documents” pertinent to the investigation, the statement said. An FIR under Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act was registered at CIK police station.A Bangladesh-based Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorist, Shabir Ahmad Lone, had been handling the module, CIK stated. Lone, a native of Kangan in Ganderbal, operated under multiple aliases, including Raju and Zafar Saddique. A “highly radicalised and trained” handler, Lone underwent “structured arms training in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir” and initially worked as an overground worker for a terror outfit in the late 1990s before joining LeT in the early 2000s, the statement said.“He later infiltrated India via the Bangladesh border and remained actively involved in terror-related activities, including conspiracy in high-profile attacks,” CIK stated, adding that Lone later exfiltrated to Bangladesh, from where he has been “operating and coordinating terrorist recruitment and network expansion”.Investigation further revealed that Lone was in close touch with the senior leadership of proscribed terrorist organisations and played a key role in reviving cross-border terror modules, CIK stated. He currently continues direct operations from Bangladesh “through a network of associates and overground workers” and is the “most wanted terrorist operating from a foreign land,” the statement said.CIK had earlier stated that it arrested one of Lone’s close associates, Irfan Ahmad Wani (45) from Shopian’s Heerpura. Wani had been in continuous contact with Lone and other terrorists based in Pakistan and Afghanistan through encrypted messaging platforms. “He was actively engaged in facilitating recruitment, radicalisation, and logistical support at the local level,” CIK had stated.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) has always been as much about the vibes as it is about the yorkers, and the 2026 pre-season captains’ meet proved exactly that. While the official photoshoot is usually a formal affair of blazers and stern expressions, the 2026 edition took a hilarious turn when Delhi Capitals (DC) skipper Axar Patel crossed paths with the newly-minted Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) captain Rajat Patidar.

Axar Patel can’t take eyes off Rajat Patidar’s ‘Dhurandhar’ hairstyle at IPL 2026 captains’ event

The highlight of the evening wasn’t the gleaming silver trophy, but rather Patidar’s dramatic aesthetic transformation. Sporting flowing, long locks, Patidar looked less like a middle-order batter and more like a Bollywood protagonist. Axar, known for his dry wit, couldn’t help but pause the shoot to christen Patidar the “Dhurandhar Boy,” a cheeky nod to Ranveer Singh’s rugged, high-octane look in the cinematic hit Dhurandhar: The Revenge.

The exchange, captured in a behind-the-scenes clip that has since shattered social media engagement records, shows Axar circling Patidar with a look of genuine disbelief. “Ye hairstyle ka raaz kya hai?” (What’s the secret behind this hairstyle?), Axar was heard quipping, while Patidar, usually the most soft-spoken man in the room, laughed off the comparison to the silver screen’s fiercest warrior.

Here’s the video:

What caught Axar Patel’s eye in Rajat Patidar’s new hairstyle? 👀#CaptainsDay | #TATAIPL 2026 👉 Starts SAT, 28th MAR, 5:30 PM pic.twitter.com/Or3OFSddIc

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) March 26, 2026

Also READ: IPL 2026: Ananya Birla addresses speculation around renaming RCB after massive ₹16,700 crore sale

Patidar’s bold vision for RCB’s title defense in IPL 2026

While the “Dhurandhar” comparison provided the laughs, Patidar revealed there is a strategic—and perhaps superstitious, method to his makeover. In a recent segment of RCB Bold Diaries, the skipper addressed the viral sensation surrounding his hair with a remark that has sent the RCB ‘12th Man Army’ into a frenzy.

“I want a photo with this hairstyle holding the trophy, it’s a new look for a new challenge. We are here to keep the cup in Bengaluru,” Patidar joked, though his eyes carried the intensity of a defending champion.

Having led RCB to their historic maiden title the previous year, Patidar is under immense pressure to deliver a double. In the world of professional sports, a change in appearance often signals a shift in mindset. For Patidar, the long hair represents a warrior mode as RCB prepare to fend off nine other hungry franchises.

As the DC and RCB captains shared a hug after their playful exchange, the moment served as a reminder of the unique camaraderie within the IPL. While they will be fierce rivals on the pitch, the Dhurandhar banter humanizes these superstars, proving that even under the crushing weight of captaincy, there’s always room for a well-timed joke about a haircut.

Also READ: Vijay Mallya reflects on RCB’s historic ₹16,700 sale ahead of IPL 2026

Difficult and sensitive issues in the relationship ought to be addressed forthright in all sincerity and candour, be in trade, security or sharing natural resources, said Bangladesh high commissioner Riaz Hamidullah on Thursday. Speaking on Bangladesh’s 56th independence and national day, Hamidullah said that the future of the 2 countries rests firmly on the people’s shared belief in democracy and common developmental aspirations. “Such should be our shared future, where none would prosper as others around lag behind or stay constrained. Our shared values should call for appreciating others’ needs, endowment and expectations.” said Hamidullah, adding it’s possible for the 2 sides to chart a pathway towards inter-dependent relations for generations, beyond all differences. The national day event was attended by MoS (MEA) Kirti Vardhan Singh and foreign secretary Vikram Misri.The high commissioner said PM Tarique Rahman had reiterated commitment to maintaining a pragmatic, mutually respectful and beneficial partnership with India, for shared prosperity. “As we speak, both our countries navigate complexities and uncertainties in the global order. While we foresee tumultuous times ahead, Bangladesh looks forward to walk and work together to preserve the values and principles of open regionalism and multilateralism, for both as responsive and responsible nations,” he said. Recalling the 1971 War of Liberation, Hamidullah said Bangladesh remembers the women and men who withstood a “genocide, for standing against the Pakistani occupying forces, merely to uphold their identity and dignity, their yearning for freedom and sovereignty”. “We remember so many across India who stood by us – emotionally, physically, materially – in West Bengal, Tripura, other parts of the North-East, and beyond. We remember so much of support and succour provided to the young Mukti Bahini Force Commanders in India,” said Hamidullah. Rahman had on Wednesday called for the establishment of the Liberation War’s spirit of “equality, human dignity and social justice”, as the nation observed Genocide Day on Wednesday. The Pakistani army had launched Operation Searchlight on the same day to suppress the Bengali people’s calls for self-determination in erstwhile East Pakistan, killing over 20,000 people in Dhaka alone.

India defeat Pakistan in SAFF U20 C’ship opener to secure semi-final spot

India delivered a dominant performance to defeat Pakistan 3-0 in their opening Group B clash of the SAFF U20 Championship on Thursday, sealing a place in the semi-finals with a game to spare. Forward Omang Dodum starred with a second-half brace, finding the net in the 64th and 88th minutes, after Vishal Yadav had put India ahead as early as the third minute. The victory ensured a perfect start for India and confirmed their progression to the knockout stage. Pakistan, meanwhile, were knocked out of the tournament after suffering their second straight defeat, having earlier lost to Bangladesh. India will now take on Bangladesh on Saturday in a match that will determine the Group B toppers. India started aggressively and nearly opened the scoring within two minutes. Vishal Yadav broke down the right flank and sent in a threatening cross for Dodum, but the chance went begging. The opening goal arrived soon after. Gurnaj Singh Grewal spotted Yadav’s run and delivered a lofted ball over the defence. Yadav controlled it well and saw his initial effort blocked, but reacted quickly to slot the rebound home with his left foot at the near post. The early breakthrough boosted India’s confidence, although Pakistan grew into the game and began testing the defence. They came close to levelling the score on two occasions, only to be denied by goalkeeper Suraj Singh Aheibam, who made two crucial saves. India capitalised on those missed chances in the second half, doubling their lead through a swift counter-attack. Samson Ahongshangbam carried the ball forward from defence before switching play to Rishi Singh Ninthoukhongjam. Rishi then set up Dodum, who beat goalkeeper Zulqurnain to the ball and headed it in. With a two-goal advantage, India controlled proceedings while Pakistan searched for a response. The Indian backline remained organised, restricting further threats. In the closing stages, Muhammad Junaid fouled Prashan Jajo inside the box, leading referee Virendha Rai to award a penalty. Dodum stepped up and converted emphatically in the 88th minute to complete his brace and seal the result. The convincing win gives India strong momentum heading into their final group match against Bangladesh.

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