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India: Targeting commercial ships unacceptable | India News


India: Targeting commercial ships unacceptable

Targeting of commercial shipping, endangering crew members, impeding free navigation and attacking civilian maritime infrastructure is unacceptable, said the Indian govt, stressing amid the escalating W Asia conflict, India’s energy security and trade are critically dependent on the safe and unimpeded passage through the Strait of Hormuz. Addressing a session of the International Maritime Organisation Council in London, Indian high commissioner to the UK, Vikram Doraiswami, said 24 Indian flag vessels are operating in the Persian Gulf region. “We remain deeply concerned about the safety of all seafarers.”



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‘Virat Kohli was a bit cocky’: AB de Villiers makes honest admission | Cricket News


'Virat Kohli was a bit cocky': AB de Villiers makes honest admission
AB de Villiers and Virat Kohli (Image credit: BCCI/IPL)

NEW DELHI: As the cricket world gears up for IPL 2026, one of the tournament’s most iconic “bromances” is back in the spotlight. AB de Villiers, the legendary South African batter and former Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) stalwart, has made a candid admission regarding his first impression of former captain Virat Kohli.While the duo eventually became the most feared batting pair in T20 history, De Villiers revealed that it wasn’t exactly “friendship at first sight”. Speaking about their early encounters on Mbangwa Media YouTube channel, the man known as Mr. 360 confessed that Kohli’s initial demeanour rubbed him the wrong way.“I didn’t initially like him a lot, to be honest. He was a bit cocky, you know, and I’ve told him that before. I’ve said it in many interviews. We sort of laugh at that now,” De Villiers remarked.

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However, the Proteas legend was quick to clarify that this perceived arrogance was actually a mirror image of his own personality. “Why I say cocky is because I probably saw a similar kind of thing that I have in him; it’s that competitive drive,” he added. “It’s that thing that you’re born with, that I don’t like losing, nothing is going to change that. So I probably saw that in Virat initially when I met him.”The ice began to melt as the two spent more time together on the international circuit. De Villiers noted that beneath the aggressive exterior was a cricketer driven by a profound sense of duty to his team.“Then in the second or third meeting, getting to hear his voice and hear him speak, I’m like, oh okay, he’s also just human, you know, just a nice guy who’s got a deep drive of wanting to perform and win games of cricket for his country,” he added.The foundation of their legendary RCB partnership was actually laid during a tense Test match at the Wanderers after RCB picked Kohli. Despite being in the heat of an international battle, Kohli reached out to his future teammate.“And I remember in that tunnel, he came up to me, he’s like, ‘I’m glad you’re on our team.’ And we sort of vibed, like we’re going to be good friends. In the middle of a Test match, we would hardly ever speak to each other, and he just went like, ‘Yes, I’m so glad we got you.’ I’m like, okay, this guy actually likes me, we can maybe be mates,” De Villiers recalled

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India diversifies LPG supplies, imports 176k tonnes from US


India diversifies LPG supplies, imports 176k tonnes from US

NEW DELHI: India’s weekly LPG imports fell to 265,000 tonnes in the week to March 19, from 322,000 tonnes on March 5. West Asia inflows declined to just 89,000 tonnes in the week to March 19, the lowest share since Jan 2026, according to S&P Commodities At Sea (CAS).The report, however, added that alternative regional supplies increased to 176,000 tonnes, largely from the US, in the week to March 19, up from zero the previous week when West Asia accounted for 100% of imports.The report said Indian oil marketing companies are likely to import 2.2 million tonnes of LPG from the US in 2026. CAS data added that US LPG loadings destined for India are increasing, with volumes now surpassing those from traditional Gulf suppliers. Petroleum ministry officials confirmed that some cargoes from the US had already arrived, but did not specify the number.With officials calling the availability of LPG “worrisome”, India is trying to secure the cooking gas from diversified sources, including Russia and Japan.Officials said some cargoes had already arrived from the US, while oil refineries were deliberating with suppliers across other geographies to bridge the gap created by disruptions in supplies through the Strait of Hormuz. While LPG supplies from West Asia take 7-8 days to reach India, officials said cargoes from the US take about 45 days, while those from Russia and Japan may take 35-40 days.India imports nearly 60% of its LPG requirement and about 90% of it comes from West Asia.



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IPL 2026: 5 players Rajasthan Royals could target as replacements for Sam Curran | Cricket News


Rajasthan Royals have suffered a major setback ahead of IPL 2026, with Sam Curran ruled out of the tournament. The England all-rounder, who was traded to the Royals along with Ravindra Jadeja from Chennai Super Kings in exchange for Sanju Samson, was expected to play a crucial role in the team’s plans this season.Curran’s absence leaves a significant gap, given his value as a multi-skilled player who contributes with both bat and ball. His ability to deliver in the death overs further made him a key component of the Royals’ setup, and replacing him will not be straightforward.As things stand, Rajasthan Royals could look at Donovan Ferreira, who was also brought in via a trade deal from Delhi Capitals in exchange for Nitish Rana. However, the team is likely to explore multiple options to find a suitable replacement.The Royals already have four overseas pacers in their squad apart from Curran — Jofra Archer, Nandre Burger, Kwena Maphaka and Adam Milne — but what they need now is an all-rounder who can fill the void left by Curran.Here are five players Rajasthan Royals could target as replacements:

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Jimmy Neesham (New Zealand)An experienced campaigner with prior IPL exposure, Jimmy Neesham has also represented the Royals during the 2022 season when they reached the final. A capable medium pacer and a handy lower-order batter, Neesham brings valuable international experience that could prove useful in pressure situations.Josh Tongue (England)Rajasthan Royals have historically shown a preference for English players, and Josh Tongue could be an exciting option. He has been in outstanding form in The Hundred, picking up 21 wickets in 11 matches at an average of 13.33, including 14 wickets in the 2025 season alone. His ability to generate bounce and hit the deck hard makes him well-suited to Indian conditions, and with limited IPL exposure, he would arrive eager to make an impact.Gerald Coetzee (South Africa)Gerald Coetzee offers a high-impact but slightly risky option. He was South Africa’s standout bowler at the 2023 ODI World Cup, taking the most wickets by a South African in a single edition. Known for his pace and ability to move the ball, he can be effective both in the powerplay and at the death. However, injuries remain a concern, as he missed the T20 World Cup 2026 and featured in only three matches in SA20 2026. He also has IPL experience with the Mumbai Indians.Ottneil Baartman (South Africa)A strong like-for-like replacement, Ottneil Baartman has earned high praise from Keshav Maharaj, who called him the best death bowler in South Africa. He played a key role in Sunrisers Eastern Cape’s back-to-back SA20 title wins in 2023 and 2024 and was also part of South Africa’s run to the T20 World Cup final in 2024. Baartman’s association with Paarl Royals in SA20 also gives him familiarity with the Royals setup.Daryl Mitchell (New Zealand)Another experienced option, Daryl Mitchell has previously represented Rajasthan Royals. Apart from being a dependable middle-order batter, he can also contribute with the ball when required, making him a flexible option for the side.With Curran ruled out, Rajasthan Royals face a crucial decision in identifying the right balance for their squad, especially with the need for a reliable all-rounder who can contribute across departments.

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International Masters League dates announced


Ahead of one of the biggest cricket festivals—the Indian Premier League 2026 (IPL 2026)—fans have received another big piece of news, as the International Masters League is coming back to India for its second season.

After a hugely successful first season of the International Masters League, the tournament is ready to return with more legendary names and more nostalgic cricket action.

First Indian Premier League season was a hit, India Masters crowned champions

The opening season had already created a lot of buzz, with some of the biggest names in world cricket entertaining the fans again.

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All-time greatest legends like Sachin Tendulkar, Brian Lara, Shane Watson, Yuvraj Singh, Chris Gayle, and Kumar Sangakkara were part of the first edition of the tournament.

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The India Masters won the first season, with the league becoming the second most-watched men’s T20 competition in India and reaching an audience of 246 million across television and digital platforms. That strong response has now paved the way for the second season.

International Masters League set for grand return in 2026

The organizers have announced that the second edition of the International Masters League will be held from October 24 to November 14, with the matches being played across three Indian cities – Mumbai, Vadodara, and Visakhapatnam.

Like the first edition, the upcoming season will also see six franchise teams battling for the trophy. These six teams will be from India, Australia, South Africa, the West Indies, England, and Sri Lanka. So, fans are all set to witness memorable moments on the field.

The complete schedule, team squads, and ticket details are expected to be announced in the coming months. But the return of the IML has already created excitement among the fans.

Sunil Gavaskar promises bigger fun in International Masters League Season 2

Meanwhile, league commissioner Sunil Gavaskar feels the huge success of the first season clearly showed that fans still have massive love for the former legends. The former Indian captain believes that the second season will be even more exciting and entertaining for fans.

Gavaskar mentioned how fans will be able to see their favorite legends once again back in action. The legendary batter has stressed that their main aim is now to make the next edition even better and more memorable than the first one for the fans.

Sunil Gavaskar said in an official statement: “Season 1 of the IML reaffirmed that the magic of cricket’s greatest icons continues to resonate deeply with fans. As we return for Season 2, the focus is on elevating that experience, with greater competition, more unforgettable moments, and the same enduring passion for the game. Fans can look forward to seeing their heroes back in action, and I am confident it will be another truly memorable edition of the tournament.”

Before this event, several legends will be seen in the commentary duty in the upcoming Indian Premier League 2026 (IPL 2026), starting on March 28 in Bengaluru.

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Premium petrol up Rs 2 per litre amid global oil spike


NEW DELHI: Feeling the pinch of a surge in global crude prices, oil marketing companies on Friday increased the retail price of 95-octane premium petrol by nearly Rs 2 a litre and jacked up the rates of industrial diesel by Rs 22 a litre.At the same time, IndianOil, the country’s largest fuel retailer vowed to adopt a “responsible pricing” strategy in an indication that pump prices for normal petrol and diesel may not be raised immediately. In a social media post, IndianOil said there is no automatic fuel price revision in India despite a surge in global fuel prices. “A limited revision applies only to premium petrol XP-95, with minimal impact on overall consumption. Through evolving global conditions, the focus remains clear: consistent supply, responsible pricing, and service you can rely on.”

Premium petrol up 2_L amid global oil spike

The retail price of normal petrol and diesel, and aviation turbine fuel, remain unchanged. Officials said less than 5% of people use the premium category of petrol in their vehicles.“Some increase is reported in the premium category, which hardly makes up 2-4% of the entire petrol sold in the country,” said Sujata Sharma, joint secretary in the petroleum ministry. Sharma added that the prices of petrol and diesel were deregulated in 2010 and 2014, respectively, and are decided independently by oil companies.The cost of crude for Indian refiners has soared 120% since the conflict in the Gulf broke out on Feb 28, hitting $156.29 a barrel on Friday, wiping out the profits for domestic oil marketing companies. The price of global benchmark Brent crude also reached close to $110 a barrel, nearly 50% higher than the pre-conflict price of $72.87.Officials said the OMCs make profits when rates are low, absorbing losses when crude prices are high.According to oil companies, high-speed diesel for industrial users in Delhi is now available at Rs 109.59 per litre. Officials in oil marketing companies said prices of this category of diesel are linked to international prices and are automatically revised every fortnight.A litre of normal petrol – with an octane rating of 91 and suitable for standard engines – in Delhi continues to cost Rs 94.77, while the same grade of diesel costs Rs 87.67 per litre. The retail prices of normal petrol and diesel were last revised in April 2022.India imports nearly 90% of its crude oil needs and roughly half of its natural gas requirement, which has been disrupted due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.



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PM takes to Insta to amplify message to cut down on sugar | India News


PM takes to Insta to amplify message to cut down on sugar

NEW DELHI: PM Narendra Modi on Friday used Instagram to amplify a simple public health message – cut down on sugar and prioritise fitness.Sharing a short reel posted by Yuvraj Dua, in which he had urged the PM to advise his father to reduce sugar intake, Modi said he would echo the appeal not just to Dua’s parents in the video but to “everyone else out there.” Dua’s post framed the message in personal terms, linking everyday choices at home to long-term health.In a follow-up slide, the PM underlined the risks of excessive sugar consumption, noting its association with multiple diseases and the growing burden of obesity. He also encouraged people to incorporate yoga into their daily routine, calling it an effective way to stay fit.The message aligns with govt’s broader push on preventive healthcare involving lifestyle changes such as diet control and physical activity to tackle non-communicable diseases. With obesity and diabetes rising steadily in India, the PM’s social media outreach places renewed emphasis on small, actionable steps.The tone of the posts remained informal but direct – eat well, eat healthy, stay active, and be mindful of sugar.”



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‘CSK don’t benefit from MS Dhoni’: Controversial take from ex-India teammate goes viral | Cricket News


'CSK don’t benefit from MS Dhoni': Controversial take from ex-India teammate goes viral
MS Dhoni (Image credit: BCCI/IPL)

NEW DELHI: Former India cricketer Irfan Pathan has stirred debate ahead of IPL 2026 by leaving MS Dhoni out of his preferred Chennai Super Kings (CSK) playing XI. He feels Dhoni’s current role as a lower-order batter, who faces very few balls, doesn’t add enough value to the team unless he takes on more responsibility.Pathan explained that while Dhoni remains a legend, his limited time at the crease doesn’t always help the team. He suggested that a more active batter like Sarfaraz Khan should take that spot instead.

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“Sarfaraz Khan has a place in this team at number six,” Pathan said on his YouTube channel. “But if MS Dhoni says he’ll play regularly… because at some time, even the world’s best batter has to retire. Will he play all games? Will he not? I have been saying this for a long time, him being out there for two overs are certainly pleasing for Dhoni’s fans, but CSK don’t benefit from it. “If Dhoni has to play, it has to be four overs, only then does it benefit the team. If he doesn’t play, then does he think ‘Let’s make a team where batters get the best chance?’ because it’s Dhoni’s team,” he added.Irfan Pathan’s Playing XI for CSK: Sanju Samson, Ayush Mhare, Ruturaj Gaikwad (C), Shivam Dube, Dewald Brevis, Sarfaraz Khan, Kartik Sharma, Prashant Veer, Akeal Hosein, Matt Henry, Noor Ahmad and Impact player: Khaleel Ahmed.Pathan picked a playing eleven that included new faces like Prashant Veer and Kartik Sharma, leaving out Dhoni for now. He also hinted that this decision could change depending on Dhoni’s role in the batting order.With CSK struggling in recent seasons, including finishing last in 2025, the franchise is looking to rebuild. The addition of players like Sanju Samson shows a shift towards the future, and IPL 2026 could be a crucial season in deciding the team’s direction and Dhoni’s role going forward.

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Refusing household chores not cruelty: SC | India News


Refusing household chores not cruelty: SC

NEW DELHI: Emphasising that household chores should be shared between husband and wife, Supreme Court on Friday observed that times have changed and a husband must share the burden of work. “You’re not marrying a maid, you’re marrying a life partner,” said a bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta to a man seeking divorce on grounds of “cruelty”.“You have to contribute in cooking, washing, etc. Today’s times are different,” the SC bench said and asked the man and his wife to appear in person.SC’s observations came while hearing a petition filed by the man challenging a Karnataka high court order. The HC had set aside a trial court order granting divorce to the man on the ground of cruelty.During the hearing before SC, the man’s counsel said mediation between the man and the woman – who got married in 2017 and have an eight-year old boy – had failed, and since 2019, the couple is separated.“He wants divorce. The trial court granted divorce on the ground of cruelty,” the counsel said. The SC bench asked what cruelty was alleged in the matter. The counsel said the woman had indulged in “improper behaviour and was not cooking food”.To this, Justice Nath said, “You have to equally participate in all these. Cooking, cleaning, washing, everything”, adding the HC was right that it might not be a ground for cruelty.



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UP govt teacher falls victim to ‘pig-butchering romance’ scam, Rs 49 lakh siphoned via ‘trading platform’ | Lucknow News


UP teacher falls victim to ‘pig-butchering’ romance scam

LUCKNOW: A govt school teacher from Lucknow fell prey to a ‘pig butchering romance’ scam, an insidious blend of romance, deception, and financial fraud—losing a staggering Rs 49 lakh to a woman he met on a matrimonial platform. Police officials said it was the first such scam in the city. According to the FIR filed with the cyber police, a resident of Jankipuram and an employee of the basic education department came in contact with a woman identifying herself as Isha Desai on June 20, 2025, via the app m4marry. Claiming to be a Mumbai-based textile business owner, she cultivated a relationship with the victim, gradually building emotional trust. Police, on the basis of the FIR, said this emotional manipulation was the first step in what experts describe as a ‘long con’. Thereafter, the accused introduced the teacher to a trading platform—gomarketsuma.com.Initial investments yielded fake profits. Drawn deeper into the scheme, the teacher transferred Rs49 lakh to various bank accounts provided by the accused in six months. A dummy credit of Rs 10 lakh was also reflected in his trading account. The scam took a dramatic turn when the victim attempted to withdraw Rs2.5 lakh. The platform showed a sudden spike in profits—Rs 1 crore — and demanded Rs Rs33 lakh as “tax” to release the funds. “When the teacher refused to give more money and demanded his Rs 49 lakh back, he was allegedly threatened with legal action, including proceedings by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), a tactic aimed at inducing fear and compliance,” police said.Realizing the fraud, the teacher approached cyber crime police, who confirmed that the entire operation was part of a coordinated cyber fraud network. Investigators have been provided with key digital evidence, including transaction records, chat logs, the mobile number of the accused, and screenshots of the fake trading platform. Officials said a detailed probe has been initiated. “No genuine platform demands upfront tax for withdrawals,” an officer noted. What is ‘pig-butchering’A cybercrime expert and former IPS officer, Triveni said that this is a textbook ‘pig-butchering’ romance scam, where fraudsters ‘fatten’ the victim emotionally and financially over time like a ‘pig’, and then take away all his wealth, ‘slaughtering’ him financially. “They build trust, show fake gains, and then extract large sums before disappearing. These scams are psychologically engineered and often run by organised international syndicates,” he said.



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