Breaking News
‘Dhurandhar 2’ actor reacts to the film being called propaganda: ‘Mera naam Mustafa Ahmed hai, aisa hota toh Mukesh ko lete’ |


‘Dhurandhar: The Revenge’, helmed by Aditya Dhar, has been witnessing a stellar run at the box office ever since its release on March 19. Not only has it lived up to the hype created by its predecessor, but it has also pushed the franchise to greater heights and earned immense praise from the industry. Many celebs have reacted to the film and the internet just cannot stop talking about it – be it in the form of fan theories or memes or peak detailing. Despite its success, a section of viewers has criticised the film, calling it ‘propaganda’. Responding to these claims, celebrity trainer-turned-actor Mustafa Ahmed who played Rizwan in the film alongside Ranveer Singh dismissed the allegations in a recent interview.

Watch

Uri to Dhurandhar: Aditya Dhar’s Midas Touch Is Changing Bollywood Forever

Mustafa said in an interview with Bollywood Cut Uncut, “Ek insaan ka propaganda, dusre insaan ka agenda hota hai. Mera naam Mustafa Ahmed hai. Aditya ji ko mere saath kaam karne ki kya zarurat hai? Woh agar kisi propaganda ki taraf ja rahe hain, toh kisi Mukesh ya Mahesh ko bhi le sakte the. Itna koi kisi ke liye kyun karega? Agar kisi ka agenda hai, main sabki respect karta hoon.” He underlined that he was not attempting to play safe and had approached his role with complete sincerity, much like the rest of the team, who gave their performances wholeheartedly.‘Dhurandhar: The Revenge’ box office collection day 7: Ranveer Singh, Rakesh Bedi’s film inches close to Rs 1,000 crore worldwideHe further added, “Maine apna jo kirdaar nibhaya hai, usmein maine kahin compromise nahi kiya hai. Main kahin pe bhi jaakar, jaise log bolte hain ki apne fame ke liye zameer bech diya ya kuch, maine aisa kuch nahi kiya. Main bas apni baat kar sakta hoon, apne tareeke se bol sakta hoon, aur apne liye bol sakta hoon. Is kirdaar ne aisa kuch nahi kiya, na hi maine apne aas-paas aisa kuch dekha jiske liye mujhe laga ho ki yeh sahi nahi hai.Meanwhile, filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma, who has been openly backing the film since its release, also reacted to the ongoing ‘propaganda’ debate. Taking to social media, he suggested that critics from Pakistan create their own version of the narrative. His tweet read, “I have a WONDERFUL IDEA for all those in PAKISTAN who claim #Dhurandhar2 is a PROPAGANDA film full of lies , they can get their own Pakistani @AdityaDharFilms, and make #DhurandharTheTruth.Anupam Kher had also reacted to ‘Dhurandhar’ being called a propaganda film. He said, “People calling it propaganda film, I feel pitty for them. They should be ashamed of themselves. Agar aapse bardaasht nahi hota toh aap bhi aisi film banaa lo. It’s a film which talks about Modern India, apart from how brilliant our agencies are. How meticulously they are doing their job. We are the most fortunate people living in this country.Aditya Dhar kaunsi mitti ke bane ho? Aapko jab main personal life mein milta hu lagta nahi hai but kahin na kahin Kashmiri pandit ka takleef gussa, because... We don’t pick weapons but we give answers with our work, I’m including myself. We give answers with our work. How brilliantly he has demolished the opposite country, tark deke ( with logic and justification). Writing is superb, dialogues are superb, camera work is outstanding. Action is outstanding, last 30 minutes of action is breath-taking.”



Source link

Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2026: Broadcast and Live Streaming details – When & Where to watch in Pakistan, US, UK & other countries



The Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2026, also known as PSL 11, is finally here, and it’s unlike any edition we’ve seen before. This year, the league has officially expanded into a powerhouse of eight franchises with the addition of the Hyderabad Kingsmen and Rawalpindi Pindiz.

Running from March 26 to May 3, 2026, the tournament is set to collide with the Indian Premier League (IPL) window once again, offering a double-dose of T20 action for cricket fans. However, the 11th season comes with a significant twist: a shift in format to a 44-match extravaganza and a major change in how fans will experience the games.

PSL 2026 to be held behind closed doors

In a surprising move, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed that PSL 11 will initially be held behind closed doors. The decision, announced by PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, stems from regional geopolitical tensions in West Asia and a subsequent national fuel crisis.

To support government austerity measures and reduce the logistical strain on resources, the PCB has streamlined the tournament to just two venues: Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium and Karachi’s National Bank Stadium. Originally planned across six cities, the removal of fans and reduction of venues aims to minimize travel and energy consumption. While the lack of the legendary PSL crowd is a blow, the PCB has ensured that the high-quality broadcast will bridge the gap for fans watching at home.

Complete Fixtures of PSL 2026

The 2026 season features a revised group-stage format where the eight teams are split into two groups. Each team plays 10 matches before the top four advance to the playoffs.

Date Match Fixture Venue GMT IST Local (PKT)
Mar 26 1st Lahore Qalandars vs Hyderabad Kingsmen Lahore 2:00 PM 7:30 PM 7:00 PM
Mar 27 2nd Quetta Gladiators vs Karachi Kings Lahore 2:00 PM 7:30 PM 7:00 PM
Mar 28 3rd Peshawar Zalmi vs Rawalpindi Pindiz Lahore 9:30 AM 3:00 PM 2:30 PM
Mar 28 4th Multan Sultans vs Islamabad United Lahore 2:00 PM 7:30 PM 7:00 PM
Mar 29 5th Quetta Gladiators vs Hyderabad Kingsmen Lahore 9:30 AM 3:00 PM 2:30 PM
Mar 29 6th Lahore Qalandars vs Karachi Kings Lahore 2:00 PM 7:30 PM 7:00 PM
Mar 31 7th Islamabad United vs Peshawar Zalmi Lahore 2:00 PM 7:30 PM 7:00 PM
Apr 01 8th Multan Sultans vs Hyderabad Kingsmen Lahore 2:00 PM 7:30 PM 7:00 PM
Apr 02 9th Quetta Gladiators vs Islamabad United Lahore 9:30 AM 3:00 PM 2:30 PM
Apr 02 10th Rawalpindi Pindiz vs Karachi Kings Lahore 2:00 PM 7:30 PM 7:00 PM
Apr 03 11th Lahore Qalandars vs Multan Sultans Lahore 2:00 PM 7:30 PM 7:00 PM
Apr 04 12th Rawalpindi Pindiz vs Islamabad United Lahore 2:00 PM 7:30 PM 7:00 PM
Apr 05 13th Quetta Gladiators vs Multan Sultans Lahore 2:00 PM 7:30 PM 7:00 PM
Apr 06 14th Multan Sultans vs Rawalpindi Pindiz Lahore 2:00 PM 7:30 PM 7:00 PM
Apr 08 15th Hyderabad Kingsmen vs Peshawar Zalmi Karachi 2:00 PM 7:30 PM 7:00 PM
Apr 09 16th Lahore Qalandars vs Islamabad United Karachi 9:30 AM 3:00 PM 2:30 PM
Apr 09 17th Karachi Kings vs Peshawar Zalmi Karachi 2:00 PM 7:30 PM 7:00 PM
Apr 10 18th Quetta Gladiators vs Rawalpindi Pindiz Karachi 2:00 PM 7:30 PM 7:00 PM
Apr 11 19th Peshawar Zalmi vs Lahore Qalandars Karachi 9:30 AM 3:00 PM 2:30 PM
Apr 11 20th Karachi Kings vs Hyderabad Kingsmen Karachi 2:00 PM 7:30 PM 7:00 PM
Apr 12 21st Hyderabad Kingsmen vs Islamabad United Karachi 2:00 PM 7:30 PM 7:00 PM
Apr 13 22nd Peshawar Zalmi vs Multan Sultans Karachi 2:00 PM 7:30 PM 7:00 PM
Apr 15 23rd Peshawar Zalmi vs Quetta Gladiators Karachi 2:00 PM 7:30 PM 7:00 PM
Apr 16 24th Hyderabad Kingsmen vs Rawalpindi Pindiz Karachi 9:30 AM 3:00 PM 2:30 PM
Apr 16 25th Karachi Kings vs Islamabad United Karachi 2:00 PM 7:30 PM 7:00 PM
Apr 17 26th Lahore Qalandars vs Quetta Gladiators Karachi 2:00 PM 7:30 PM 7:00 PM
Apr 18 27th Lahore Qalandars vs Rawalpindi Pindiz Karachi 2:00 PM 7:30 PM 7:00 PM
Apr 19 28th Karachi Kings vs Multan Sultans Lahore 9:30 AM 3:00 PM 2:30 PM
Apr 19 29th Peshawar Zalmi vs Quetta Gladiators Karachi 2:00 PM 7:30 PM 7:00 PM
Apr 21 30th Lahore Qalandars vs Quetta Gladiators Lahore 9:30 AM 3:00 PM 2:30 PM
Apr 21 31st Rawalpindi Pindiz vs Multan Sultans Karachi 2:00 PM 7:30 PM 7:00 PM
Apr 22 32nd Karachi Kings vs Peshawar Zalmi Lahore 9:30 AM 3:00 PM 2:30 PM
Apr 22 33rd Hyderabad Kingsmen vs Multan Sultans Karachi 2:00 PM 7:30 PM 7:00 PM
Apr 23 34th Rawalpindi Pindiz vs Islamabad United Karachi 9:30 AM 3:00 PM 2:30 PM
Apr 23 35th Lahore Qalandars vs Karachi Kings Lahore 2:00 PM 7:30 PM 7:00 PM
Apr 24 36th Hyderabad Kingsmen vs Islamabad United Karachi 2:00 PM 7:30 PM 7:00 PM
Apr 25 37th Quetta Gladiators vs Karachi Kings Lahore 9:30 AM 3:00 PM 2:30 PM
Apr 25 38th Lahore Qalandars vs Peshawar Zalmi Lahore 2:00 PM 7:30 PM 7:00 PM
Apr 26 39th Hyderabad Kingsmen vs Rawalpindi Pindiz Karachi 9:30 AM 3:00 PM 2:30 PM
Apr 26 40th Islamabad United vs Multan Sultans Karachi 2:00 PM 7:30 PM 7:00 PM
Playoffs
Apr 28 Qualifier Karachi 2:00 PM 7:30 PM 7:00 PM
Apr 29 Eliminator 1 Lahore 2:00 PM 7:30 PM 7:00 PM
May 01 Eliminator 2 Lahore 2:00 PM 7:30 PM 7:00 PM
May 03 Final Lahore 2:00 PM 7:30 PM 7:00 PM

Also READ: PSL 2026 to be held behind closed doors amid Pakistan’s oil crisis

Broadcast and Live Streaming Details

  • Pakistan: A Sports HD, PTV Sports HD, Tapmad, Tamasha, Daraz, MYCO, Begin
  • UK: ARY Digital, ARY Plus, Tapmad
  • MENA Region: Cricbuzz (also available on Cricbuzz TV on ELIFE, Switch TV and StarPlay)
  • Bangladesh: Tapmad, T Sports
  • USA and Canada: Sling TV – Willow TV (sign up here)
  • Sri Lanka: Dialog Television
  • Rest of the World: Tapmad
  • Australia and New Zealand: ESPN
  • Nepal: Tapmad

Also READ: PCB considers legal action against players opting out of PSL for IPL



Source link

Video: Bus falls off ferry into Padma River in Bangladesh; 23 dead


Video: Bus falls off ferry into Padma River in Bangladesh; 23 dead

At least 23 people died after a passenger bus fell into the Padma River in Bangladesh’s Rajbari district on Wednesday, officials said, as rescue teams continued searching for survivors and those still missing.A video shared online shows the bus tipping over the edge and plunging into the river. A few passengers are seen managing to swim and being pulled by the shore.The bodies had been recovered so far, but more people could still be trapped. “We have recovered 23 dead bodies so far. There may be some still missing, and a few people survived. Since it is night, the rescue operation is somewhat paused, but a combined rescue operation is ongoing,” Police inspector Russel Mollah had said, as quoted by news agency ANI.The accident took place around 5 pm near ferry terminal number 3 in Daulatdia. The bus, which was travelling from Rajbari to Dhaka, was on a ferry when it fell into the river.Officials said it was carrying around 40 passengers, though witnesses claimed the number could be higher as the bus had picked up travellers along the way.Rescue teams, including fire service personnel and divers, launched an operation soon after the incident. According to reports, the rescue ship Hamza managed to pull the submerged bus out of the river nearly six hours later. Around 11.15 pm, part of the vehicle became visible, and by 11.30 pm, the entire bus was lifted using a crane.



Source link

BCCI warns IPL captains on catch rules, provides update on impact player rule | Cricket News


BCCI warns IPL captains on catch rules, provides update on impact player rule
IPL captains warned for catch rules in captain’s meeting (PTI Photo/ BCCI)

IPL team captains have been warned about fielder movement during catches and the officials of BCCI have shared an important update regarding impact player rule ahead of the 2026 season. Teams have been clearly instructed that a catch will only be considered valid if the fielder has complete control of both the ball and their body before any celebration begins. As per Clause 33.3 of the playing conditions, “The act of making a catch shall start from the time when the ball first comes into contact with a fielder’s person and shall end when a fielder obtains complete control over both the ball and his own movement.While this rule is not new, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) emphasized its importance during a captains’ meeting held on Wednesday. Officials presented several video clips, including examples from the recent T20 World Cup, where catches were deemed invalid due to lack of full control.The message was clear: this rule will now be strictly enforced. Former India pacer Javagal Srinath and elite umpire Nitin Menon addressed this segment during the 90-minute session.

Impact Player Rule to Stay

The meeting also confirmed that the Impact Player rule will remain in place for at least another season, with no immediate plans for review. Despite concerns raised by some players, the BCCI and IPL officials made it clear that the rule will continue until at least the 2027 season.Delhi Capitals captain Axar Patel openly criticised the rule, stating: “I don’t like this rule, honestly, because I am an all-rounder. Earlier, you would pick an all-rounder for both batting and bowling. Because of this rule, teams now prefer specialists.”There is a growing belief within the cricketing community that the rule could hinder the development of all-rounders. However, officials indicated that any formal review of the rule will only be considered after the 2027 season.A franchise representative who attended the meeting confirmed: “It was discussed, and it was made clear to all of us that the Impact Player rule is here to stay for at least two more seasons.”



Source link

Missiles & layering mines: How Iran is preparing to foil potential US bid to capture Kharg Island


Missiles & layering mines: How Iran is preparing to foil potential US bid to capture Kharg Island

Iran is reportedly setting up traps and deploying additional military personnel and air defences on Kharg Island in anticipation of a potential US operation to seize the island, according to several sources familiar with US intelligence.Click here for live updates on Middle East warTehran’s defences include both anti-armour and anti-personnel mines, positioned around the island and along the shoreline—areas where American forces could conduct an amphibious landing if President Donald Trump were to authorise a ground operation, CNN reported.Two Marine Expeditionary Units, which specialise in rapid-response amphibious landings, raids, and assaults from Navy amphibious ships, have recently deployed to the Middle East. These units include several thousand Marines, along with amphibious warships, aircraft, and landing craft, making them the forces most likely to execute a likely attack to seize Kharg. Additionally, around 1,000 soldiers from the Army’s 82nd Airborne Division are expected to deploy to the region in the coming days.Also Read | US deploys 2,000 paratroopers from ‘Immediate Response Force’ to Middle East amid escalation: ReportUS officials and military experts, however, have cautioned that a ground operation carries “significant risks,” including possibly high American casualties. Kharg Island’s layered defences, combined with the recent deployment of shoulder-fired surface-to-air missiles (MANPADs) by Iran, make any assault particularly dangerous.

US Troops To Storm Iran’s Kharg Island Amid Hormuz Crisis? How Trump Takeover Could Badly Backfire

Washington’s Gulf allies have also privately urged the Trump administration against prolonging the conflict by sending ground forces to occupy Kharg. They worry that such an occupation could result in heavy casualties and provoke Iranian retaliation against critical infrastructure in the Gulf.Iran, in response to the joint US-Israeli strikes across its territory on February 28 that sparked the conflict, has carried out attacks in Gulf countries hosting American military bases and has also targeted Israeli territory.Why Kharg Island mattersThe Trump administration has been considering using troops to seize Kharg, a small island in the northeastern Persian Gulf that serves as a critical economic lifeline for Iran, handling roughly 90% of the country’s crude exports. Officials view a potential operation as a way to pressure Tehran into reopening the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.Also Read | Kharg Island: Trump’s mercy shot on Iran’s oil lifeline could reshape the warAt roughly a third the size of Manhattan, Kharg would require a substantial landing force to secure the island. Though it lies at the northern end of the Persian Gulf—away from the strait itself—it sits near key Iranian oil facilities, making it a highly sensitive target.

Iran's oil and gas facilities

Iran’s oil and gas facilities

The United States has already struck Kharg. On March 13, Central Command (CENTCOM) reported hitting 90 targets, including naval mine storage facilities, missile bunkers, and other military sites. Trump announced the strikes, noting that CENTCOM had deliberately avoided hitting the island’s oil infrastructure “for reasons of decency.”

Kharg Island in numbers

Kharg Island in numbers

Iran’s parliament speaker, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, issued a stark warning on Wednesday against any attempt to occupy Iranian islands. Posting on X, he said, “Based on some data, Iran’s enemies, with the support of one of the regional countries, are preparing to occupy one of the Iranian islands. All enemy movements are under the full surveillance of our armed forces. If they step out of line, all the vital infrastructure of that regional country will, without restriction, become the target of relentless attacks.Also Read | ‘Will ⁠attack ⁠infrastructure’: Iran on reports that ‘enemies’ preparing to occupy island with help from ‘regional’ countryEarlier in the day, Ghalibaf added, “We are closely monitoring all US movements in the region, especially troop deployments.”On Monday, Trump announced a five-day “ceasefire,” claiming Washington and Tehran were in talks via negotiators to end the war. The claim was, however, rejected by Iran.



Source link

‘Friendly nations’ only: Iran allows India, Pakistan, 3 other countries to use Strait of Hormuz amid war


Iran Denies Permission To Pakistan-Bound Ship Trying To Cross Hormuz As Indian Ships Sail Through

Strait of Hormuz (AP photo)

Iran on Thursday said that, despite ongoing military escalation in the Middle East, it has allowed transit through the Strait of Hormuz for “friendly nations,” including India.Access to the conflict-hit Strait of Hormuz for India comes as New Delhi, according to a Bloomberg report, has purchased its first LPG cargo from Iran since 2018. Imports had come to a halt in 2019 after the West imposed sanctions on Iran.

Watch

Iran Denies Permission To Pakistan-Bound Ship Trying To Cross Hormuz As Indian Ships Sail Through

Also read – Why India is facing an LPG crisis — explained in chartsThe reported purchase follows a 30-day waiver granted by the Donald Trump administration to help keep global oil and gas prices in check.The consulate general of Iran in Mumbai shared a statement from Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi, saying: “We have permitted passage through the Strait of #Hormuz for friendly nations, including China, Russia, India, Iraq, and Pakistan.”Araghchi’s remarks came after UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres called for the Strait of Hormuz to remain open.In a post on X, Guterres said, “The prolonged closure of the Strait of Hormuz is choking the movement of oil, gas, and fertilizer at a critical moment in the global planting season. Across the region and beyond, civilians are enduring serious harm and living under profound insecurity. The UN is working to minimise the consequences of the war. And the best way to minimise those consequences is clear: end the war immediately.The UN chief also urged US-Israel and Iran to end the ongoing military escalation.“My message to the US & Israel is that it’s high time to end the war – as human suffering deepens, civilian casualties mount & the global economic impact is increasingly devastating. My message to Iran is to stop attacking their neighbours that are not parties to the conflict,” he said.“My message to the US and Israel is that it is high time to end the war, as human suffering deepens, civilian casualties mount, and the global economic impact becomes increasingly devastating. My message to Iran is to stop attacking neighbours that are not parties to the conflict,” he said.However, for Western powers, the key oil lifeline remains the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint now increasingly volatile amid the US-Israel offensive on Iran. The strong retaliatory action by Tehran regime included the choking of key waterway in the Gulf, with fears that any disruption could effectively choke global energy flows.



Source link

Delhi Arms Racket News: Delhi Crime Branch busts transnational arms racket linked to Pakistan, Bangladesh; 10 arrested, 21 military-grade firearms seized | Delhi News


Delhi Police Crime Branch has busted an international arms trafficking network, arresting ten operatives and seizing 21 sophisticated firearms, including a Czech submachine gun and high-end pistols

NEW DELHI: In a major breakthrough, the Delhi Police Crime Branch has busted an international arms trafficking network operating from the Walled City, arresting ten operatives and seizing 21 sophisticated firearms along with 200 live cartridges. The haul includes a Czech-made submachine gun and several semi-automatic pistols from global manufacturers such as Beretta, Walther, Taurus, and CZ. Investigators also recovered a PX-5.7 pistol, a high-end weapon typically associated with elite forces, raising concerns about the network’s reach and intent. The operation, led by DCP Sanjeev Yadav, exposed a well-organised smuggling route spanning Pakistan, Nepal, and Bangladesh. According to police, weapons were trafficked from Pakistan, routed through the porous Indo-Nepal border, and brought into Delhi’s Walled City, which served as the central distribution hub. From here, the network supplied arms to criminal gangs across Delhi-NCR and other states, effectively acting as a bridge between international suppliers and domestic organised crime groups. Officials said the crackdown has dealt a significant blow to organised crime in northern India by disrupting a key supply chain of high-grade weapons. Investigators are now probing the financial links of the arrested accused to identify the masterminds behind the operation and trace the end-users of the smuggled arms. Authorities are also on alert for possible sleeper cells connected to the network. The arrested accused are currently being interrogated to map the full extent of the racket.



Source link

Aakash Chopra picks the ideal playing XI of RCB for IPL 2026


As the defending champions head into the new season, former India opener and popular commentator Aakash Chopra has shared his take on the playing XI of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) for IPL 2026.

In his latest YouTube video, Chopra analysed the retained core of RCB and built a balanced side that focuses on experience, firepower and spin options, while leaving out one of the team’s young overseas talents.

Aakash Chopra’s probable playing 11 for RCB:

  1. Phil Salt
  2. Virat Kohli
  3. Devdutt Padikkal
  4. Rajat Patidar (c)
  5. Tim David
  6. Jitesh Sharma (wk)
  7. Romario Shepherd
  8. Krunal Pandya
  9. Bhuvneshwar Kumar
  10. Jacob Duffy
  11. Mangesh Yadav

Impact player options: Rasikh Salam Dar or Suyash Sharma

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

Why Jacob Bethell misses out?

Jacob Bethell (Pic Source: X.com)

Despite Jacob Bethell’s explosive form, including a blazing 48-ball 105 in the T20 World Cup 2026 semi-final against India, Chopra decided not to include the young England all-rounder in his final XI. Bethell was one of the 17 players retained by RCB, but Chopra prioritised team balance and combination over individual brilliance.

With four overseas slots already taken by explosive opener Phil Salt, middle-order hitter Tim David, all-rounder Romario Shepherd and pacer Jacob Duffy, there was simply no room left for Bethell in this setup.

Chopra’s key observations

Phil Salt and Virat Kohli
Phil Salt and Virat Kohli (Pic Source: X.com)

Opening punch: Salt and Kohli form a strong, aggressive opening pair that can give RCB quick starts.

Middle-order stability: Devdutt Padikkal gets the nod at No. 3 ahead of other options like Venkatesh Iyer for better left-right balance. Rajat Patidar anchors at No. 4 as captain.

Finishing power: Tim David and Jitesh Sharma provide the explosive lower-order batting RCB needs.

All-round depth: Romario Shepherd and Krunal Pandya add crucial balance with both bat and ball.

Bowling concerns: Chopra noted that RCB’s attack might have to work harder this season, especially with Yash Dayal unavailable and Josh Hazlewood likely missing early games. He expects Bhuvneshwar and Krunal to step up with their wicket-taking ability. Young pacer Mangesh completes the pace attack alongside Duffy.

Chopra also made a couple of bold predictions: Kohli as the highest run-scorer for RCB and Bhuvneshwar as the team’s leading wicket-taker.

He gave RCB a realistic 30 percent chance of retaining the title while feeling they should comfortably make the playoffs if the batting clicks and the bowling holds up under pressure.

With the IPL 2026 season just days away, RCB fans will be keenly watching whether the actual playing XI matches Chopra’s vision or if captain Rajat Patidar brings in a few surprises, possibly including the talented Bethell.

Also READ: Consortium led by Aditya Birla Group acquires RCB in record-breaking deal ahead of IPL 2026



Source link

Strait of Hormuz disruptions: India buys first LPG cargo from Iran in years; tanker was initially bound for China


Strait of Hormuz disruptions: India buys first LPG cargo from Iran in years; tanker was initially bound for China
India has faced significant disruption to energy supplies routed through the Strait of Hormuz. (AI image)

For the first time in several years, India has reportedly purchased liquified petroleum gas (LPG) from Iran after the Donald Trump administration granted a 30-day sanctions waiver to keep oil and gas prices in check. India had stopped energy imports from Iran in 2019 amid Western sanctions. Data from LSEG indicated that the tanker carrying the cargo was originally headed for China.India has faced significant disruption to energy supplies routed through the Strait of Hormuz due to the ongoing US-Israeli conflict with Iran.

Iran LPG headed to India

The sanctioned vessel Aurora, transporting Iranian LPG, is expected to arrive today at the west coast port of Mangalore, sources told Reuters. Sources said the cargo was procured through a trader, with payment to be made in rupees. They added that India is also considering additional purchases of Iranian LPG cargoes.Also Read | US-Iran war: Why India is facing an LPG crisis — explained in chartsThe LPG shipment will be distributed among three state-run fuel retailers: Indian Oil Corporation, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited.However, an official said he was not aware of any purchases of Iranian cargoes. “(There are) no loaded cargoes from Iran, we have not heard of that,” Rajesh Kumar Sinha, Special Secretary in the federal shipping ministry, said at a press conference on Wednesday.India, the world’s second-largest importer of LPG, is grappling with its most severe gas supply crunch in decades, prompting the government to cut allocations to industries in order to safeguard household cooking fuel needs.The country consumed 33.15 million metric tonnes of LPG last year, with imports meeting roughly 60% of the demand. A significant majority of these imports originated from the Middle East.India is also working to clear LPG cargoes stranded in the Strait of Hormuz, with four tankers — Shivalik, Nanda Devi, Pine Gas and Jag Vasant — already moved. In addition, the country has begun loading LPG onto empty vessels that had been stuck in the Persian Gulf.



Source link

NMC boards lie vacant as it directs states to deal with teacher vacancies | India News


NMC boards lie vacant as it directs states to deal with teacher vacancies

In a case of sheer irony, the National Medical Commission (NMC) has been asked to direct state govts to fill up huge numbers of vacant posts in the medical teaching service in a time bound manner, when three quarters of posts in NMC’s four autonomous boards are lying vacant.The undergraduate medical education board, the post graduate medical education board and the ethics and medical registration boards have just one part-time member each. They ought to have five members each including the president of each board. The medical assessment and rating board alone has a president and one part-time member, while the remaining three posts are vacant.When contacted, NMC chairperson Dr Abhijat Sheth while confirming that the process of filling the vacancies in the boards was currently under consideration by the government, told TOI that the NMC was fully functional, with 28 out of 33 members currently in position. “All statutory requirements, including quorum, are being duly met, and the functioning of the commission and its boards remains unaffected,” he said.“Policy-level decisions continue to be taken at the Commission level. For matters pertaining to Autonomous Boards, the Chairperson is empowered under the Act to constitute expert committees, and all functions are being carried out through these duly constituted mechanisms,” said Dr Sheth.Even as NMC boards are riddled with vacancies, the commission has been asked by the Patna high court to direct states to fill up teaching vacancies within six months. The court asked NMC “to take appropriate action in directing the State Government(s) to initiate an appointment/recruitment drive to fill up a huge number of vacant posts in the medical teaching service within a time-bound period.” The court was hearing a petition challenging the Aadhar-enabled biometric attendance system in medical colleges.In keeping with the order, NMC has directed all states and union territories to take the necessary steps.



Source link