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Ajit Agarkar seeks 2027 extension, will BCCI agree with no clear successor in sight? | Cricket News


Ajit Agarkar knocks BCCI door, makes a huge extension request | World Cup

BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar addresses a press conference. (ANI Photo)

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) extended men’s senior selection committee chairman Ajit Agarkar‘s contract by a year before the 2025 IPL got underway. Agarkar was rewarded for the Indian team’s triumphs in the 2024 T20 World Cup and the 2025 Champions Trophy. A little over a week after India defended their T20 World Cup title at home, the board is understood to have received a request from the former India cricketer to extend his tenure until the 2027 ODI World Cup.TimesofIndia.com has learnt that discussions have already taken place on the matter. It remains to be seen whether the BCCI, lacking a better option for the role, agrees to Agarkar’s request as they approach a crucial phase of the World Test Championship and begin preparations for next year’s 50-over event. BCCI president Mithun Manhas, secretary Devajit Saikia, and Agarkar did not respond to queries. The story will be updated when they do.Strong murmurs within BCCI corridors suggest that another former India cricketer from the West Zone was the front-runner to succeed Agarkar, but there has been no concrete development on that front. Agarkar’s well-timed request, made when the country is riding the euphoria of another ICC title, leaves the ball firmly in the BCCI’s court.

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Whether the board grants Agarkar another extension or initiates discussions with a potential candidate remains to be seen.Agarkar has been chairman of the men’s senior selection committee since June 2023, and India have won three ICC titles, two T20 World Cups and one Champions Trophy, during his tenure. However, Test results have been far from ideal, with India losing back-to-back series at home and suffering an away defeat in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. This has somewhat dulled the sheen of their white-ball success, where India have lost only two of 33 matches and also won the 2023 and 2025 editions of the Asia Cup.During his tenure, India have undergone transitions across Tests, ODIs, and T20Is, while stalwarts like Rohit Sharma, Ravichandran Ashwin, and Virat Kohli have announced retirements in at least one format. While Kohli and Rohit continue to play ODIs, Ashwin has retired from all formats. Whether Kohli and Rohit will feature in the 2027 World Cup remains a key question.Both chairman Agarkar and head coach Gautam Gambhir have maintained a non-committal stance on the issue.“Look, they [Rohit and Kohli] are part of the squad at the moment for Australia,” Agarkar said at the NDTV World Summit 2025. “In two years’ time, we don’t know what the situation is going to be. So why just them two? It could be some other younger players [who might miss out on the tournament].”“It’s still a long way away. We’ll see how the team shapes up, but we have some ideas, and as we go along we’ll probably have a better idea of where the team is progressing,” he added.Both Agarkar and Gambhir have struck a similar note, repeatedly urging everyone to “stay in the present”. Now that the selector appears willing to look ahead to the tournament, it will be interesting to see how the BCCI responds, and what the future holds for two of India’s greatest cricketers.

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Gold, silver price prediction today (March 19, 2026): Will gold reach Rs 1.65 lakh/10 grams & silver touch Rs 2.85 lakh/kg?


Gold, silver price prediction today (March 19, 2026): Will gold reach Rs 1.65 lakh/10 grams & silver touch Rs 2.85 lakh/kg?
Gold price prediction: Rs 150,000 level is expected to act as a crucial support zone. (AI image)

Gold and silver price prediction today: Gold prices may see some upside swing, while silver prices may move up to Rs 285,000, says Abhilash Koikkara, Head – Forex & Commodities, Nuvama Professional Clients Group.

MCX Gold Price Outlook

On the weekly chart, MCX Gold is undergoing a corrective phase after pulling back from its recent high and drifting toward prior lows. The metal currently reflects an intermediate bearish bias, but this decline may present a potential buying opportunity. However, a decisive close below the support level could trigger a deeper correction. Despite this, the broader trend remains bullish as long as prices hold above the recent swing lows.In the upcoming week, the 150,000 level is expected to act as a crucial support zone, coinciding with the previous week’s low and reinforcing its technical importance. Any dip toward this area may invite fresh buying interest, helping to contain near-term downside risks. As long as prices sustain above this level, the broader bullish structure should remain intact. Conversely, a close below this level would invalidate the bullish outlook.Gold looks set to continue its advance toward the 165,000 level in the sessions ahead. This move would indicate a rebound from support and could help maintain near-term bullish momentum. Additionally, the steady price behaviour within the weekly consolidation range reinforces the positive outlook and points to the potential for a continued recovery.In summary, gold currently reflects a sideways-to-bearish bias; however, with the underlying trend remaining positive, there is potential for an upward move. As long as prices hold above the key support level of 150,000, the broader bullish structure is expected to remain intact. Backed by supportive momentum indicators and a favourable sentiment backdrop, the metal is likely to trade within its existing range, maintaining a range-bound trajectory in the sessions ahead.

MCX Gold Trading Strategy

  • CMP: 155,400
  • Target: 165,000
  • Stop Loss: 150,000

MCX Silver Price Outlook

On the weekly chart, silver has declined toward its support zone while holding above the recent weekly swing low. After this pullback, prices are nearing a key support area, suggesting a possible end to the correction in the coming week. With the broader trend still positive, short-term dips may offer buying opportunities, as long as last week’s low remains intact. Traders are encouraged to stay aligned with the prevailing trend while placing stop-losses near the recent weekly lows to manage risk effectively.The week started on a firm note, with prices rebounding from recent lows and reaffirming the ongoing sideways-to-bullish momentum. This positive outlook is likely to continue as long as prices remain above the established weekly support zones. Immediate support is seen near the previous week’s low at 238,000, and a decisive close below this level could undermine the bullish bias. Until then, any dips may draw fresh buying interest, supporting the broader upward trend.On the upside, silver appears ready to revisit the recent swing high near the 285,000 resistance zone over the near to medium term. A sustained move toward this level would further validate the prevailing bullish trend, supported by steady momentum and favourable technical indicators. Overall, as long as prices hold above the 238,000 support area, the broader uptrend is likely to stay intact, potentially paving the way for further gains amid strengthening positive sentiment.

MCX Silver Trading Strategy

  • CMP: 253,300
  • Target: 285,000
  • Stop Loss: 238,000

(Disclaimer: Recommendations and views on the stock market, other asset classes or personal finance management tips given by experts are their own. These opinions do not represent the views of The Times of India)



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Gluten Intolerance Symptoms: How gluten intolerance triggers persistent gastric issues: Gastroenterologist reveals key symptoms to note |


How gluten intolerance triggers persistent gastric issues: Gastroenterologist reveals key symptoms to note

Gluten intolerance is basically when your body doesn’t feel great after you eat gluten. Gluten is a protein found in foods like wheat, barley, and rye, so things like roti, bread, pasta, biscuits, all the usual stuff. For some people, eating these can lead to bloating, stomach pain, gas, or just that heavy, uncomfortable feeling.And the symptoms aren’t always just about the stomach. Some people feel tired all the time, get headaches, or even notice skin issues after eating gluten. It’s easy to miss the connection because it doesn’t always happen instantly.So people often keep eating the same foods, thinking it’s just “normal digestion.”If you keep feeling off after meals, it’s worth paying attention. Not guessing, not cutting everything randomly—but actually getting it checked. Because once you figure it out, small changes in what you eat can make a big difference in how you feel every day.“Patients often come to me complaining about prolonged abdominal discomfort and bloating. Many also report issues with bowel obstruction, especially when they consume anything that has gluten in it, which is a protein found in wheat, barley and rye. While gluten is receiving a lot of attention nowadays as a food component, it is important for us all to know how true gluten intolerance actually works and when their symptoms warrant a visit to a physician,” Dr. Saiprasad Lad, Consultant – Gastroenterologist, Hepatologist and Therapeutic GI Endoscopist, S.L.Raheja Hospital – A Fortis Associate, Mumbai told TOI Health.

Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity (NCGS)

The medical term for gluten intolerance is Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity (NCGS). With NCGS, when individuals ingest gluten-containing foods, they may develop gastrointestinal symptoms. In contrast, Celiac disease causes physical damage to your intestines and is classified as an autoimmune disorder. Although NCGS does not cause damage to the intestines, it’s important to note that just because NCGS does not demonstrate visible damage to your intestines, you shouldn’t assume that the resulting symptoms are of a mild or insignificant nature.“People who have a gluten sensitivity often experience symptoms you may expect from eating gluten-containing foods, such as abdominal bloating, cramped pains, diarrhoea, constipation, excessive flatulence, and nausea. Symptoms can occur as early as within hours of eating gluten and as late as 24 hours later. Most of these people report feeling fatigued or lethargic, which can affect their ability to perform daily tasks, and/or feel “weighed down,” which can affect productivity and overall well-being,” explains the doctor.

What gluten intolerance can do?

Apart from gastrointestinal symptoms, gluten intolerance shows several other symptoms:Extraintestinal effects: Fatigue, headaches, joint pain, anxiety, depression, and skin rashes are frequently reported, though mechanisms are less clear than in celiac disease.Nutritional and metabolic risks: In people who adopt a gluten‑free diet without medical supervision, there is a risk of lower fiber, higher fat intake, hyperglycemia, and even slightly increased cardiovascular risk due to reduced whole‑grain consumption.A Nordic long‑term follow‑up of people with self‑reported gluten intolerance (but no celiac disease) found that after ~25 years they reported more gastrointestinal symptoms and lower quality of life than healthy controls and even than untreated celiac patients.

Gluten sensitivity and Celiac disease: Are they same?

But here’s where it gets a bit confusing. Gluten intolerance isn’t the same as celiac disease. Celiac is more serious—it’s an autoimmune condition where gluten actually damages the small intestine. With intolerance, it’s more about sensitivity. Your body reacts, but not in that same damaging way. Still uncomfortable though, and very real.Dr. Saiprasad Lad says it is essential to differentiate gluten sensitivity from Celiac disease. In Celiac disease, ingesting gluten causes long-term inflammation that damages the lining of the small intestine and makes it less able to absorb nutrients. Over time, the individual can develop anemia due to a lack of iron, a calcium deficiency, and/or osteoporosis. In very rare cases, an individual can develop intestinal cancer after years of having Celiac disease. Before you eliminate gluten from your diet, make sure you get a proper evaluation including blood tests to screen for antibodies specific for Celiac disease and possibly a biopsy of the intestine. If you try a gluten-free diet before you have received an accurate diagnosis, you may affect the accuracy of further investigation.He adds that gluten isn’t the only cause of the symptoms related to gluten. Some people may also be experiencing symptoms from the group of fermentable carbohydrates known as FODMAPs, which are found in most wheat products, and can produce symptoms similar to those produced by gluten. Temporary inflammation or an imbalance of gut bacteria may contribute to gluten sensitivity that only lasts for a short time.Management of these different diagnostic categories will vary, depending on the diagnosis. Individuals who are diagnosed with celiac disease need to be gluten free for life. Individuals with non-celiac gluten sensitivity often only require a reduction of gluten, as opposed to a complete removal. These individuals will typically have a better result from working with a registered dietitian, as gluten-free diets often lack fibre and micronutrients.You should never diagnose yourself when you are experiencing ongoing gastric symptoms. You should always go through an organized system to help identify the cause of your symptoms, who will help you maintain long term digestive health.Medical experts consulted This article includes expert inputs shared with TOI Health by: Dr. Saiprasad Lad, Consultant – Gastroenterologist, Hepatologist and Therapeutic GI Endoscopist, S.L.Raheja Hospital – A Fortis Associate, MumbaiInputs were used to explain what is gluten intolerance, how true gluten intolerance actually works and when their symptoms warrant a visit to a physician.



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Pakistan, China pose biggest nuclear threat to US, says Tulsi Gabbard


US intelligence chief Tulsi Gabbard on Wednesday said that Pakistan is among the countries posing the biggest nuclear threat to the United States.During a briefing, Tulsi Gabbard also named Iran, China, Russia, and North Korea as nations actively developing new missile delivery systems, including both nuclear and conventional warheads, which put the United States within range.

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“The intelligence community assesses that Russia, China, North Korea, Iran, and Pakistan have been researching and developing an array of novel, advanced, or traditional missile delivery systems, with nuclear and conventional payloads, that put our homeland within range,” Gabbard said.During the briefing, the US intelligence chief also said that North Korea is strengthening its partnership with Russia and China.Gabbard said the US “obliterated” Iran’s nuclear enrichment programme in June last year. She added that the US has, since then, seen no effort to rebuild Iran’s enrichment capabilities.(This is a developing story)



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IPL 2026: RCB comes up with heartwarming post as Virat Kohli joins camp for title defence



Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) fans finally got the moment they had been waiting for – Virat Kohli is back. The star batter arrived in Bengaluru ahead of IPL 2026 and joined the RCB camp, officially kickstarting the franchise’s title defence. For the fans, it wasn’t just another arrival; it felt like the return of a king to his kingdom.

RCB welcomes King Kohli

RCB, known for its creative social media presence, made sure Kohli’s comeback was anything but ordinary. Teasing his arrival, the franchise posted: “You don’t have to see him… to know he’s coming! Check the calendar. There will be signs… #PlayBold RCB #IPL2026.”

And almost instantly, those “signs” began appearing across the city. From traffic signals flashing the number 18 – Kohli’s iconic jersey – to fans gathering outside key locations hoping for a glimpse, Bengaluru buzzed with excitement. It was a reminder of the deep bond between Kohli and the city, built over nearly two decades of loyalty and passion.

This return carries even more emotion because, for the first time, Kohli steps back into the Chinnaswamy Stadium as an IPL champion. After years of near-misses and heartbreaks, the long wait ended in 2025, and now he returns not just as a legend – but as a title winner aiming for more.

Kohli hits the nets, eyes milestones and another big IPL season

It didn’t take long for Kohli to get into the groove. Soon after arriving, he was seen training at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in a session that lasted nearly two hours before rain brought it to a close. Sharing the nets with Devdutt Padikkal, Kohli looked sharp, confident and in control.

Also READ: Big setback for RCB – How many matches will Josh Hazlewood miss in IPL 2026?

Interestingly, RCB opted for an in-house training setup, using their own bowlers like Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Venkatesh Iyer instead of external net bowlers. It added a more match-like intensity to the session, allowing players to prepare in realistic scenarios.

Kohli comes into IPL 2026 on the back of a stellar previous season, where he scored 657 runs in 15 innings, finishing as RCB’s top run-scorer. His composed knock in the final played a crucial role in guiding the team to their historic title win.

Now, as he gears up for another campaign, several milestones are within reach. Already the highest run-scorer in IPL history, Kohli is closing in on the 9,000-run mark – an achievement no player has reached before. Beyond that, he is also inching closer to becoming the first cricketer to score 10,000 T20 runs for a single franchise, a testament to his unmatched loyalty to RCB.

There’s also a bigger global milestone on the horizon. With over 13,500 runs in T20 cricket, Kohli is not far from joining the elite 14,000-run club – placing him among the all-time greats of the format.

As RCB prepare to open their campaign against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on March 28, the focus will firmly be on Kohli – not just for his runs, but for the energy and belief he brings to the side.

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PM Modi writes to citizens across four states; extends greetings on Navratri, New Year, Gudi Padwa | India News


PM Modi writes to citizens across four states; extends greetings on Navratri, New Year, Gudi Padwa

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday greeted people on the start of Navratri and the traditional Indian New Year, celebrated across the country in different forms.Extending wishes for Nav Samvatsar, Navratri, Gudi Padwa, Ugadi, Cheti Chand, Navreh and Sajibu Cheiraoba, the prime minister said these occasions mark the arrival of a new year, bringing renewal, hope and fresh possibilities.“Greetings to everyone on the very special occasion of Nav Samvatsar. May everyone be blessed with infinite happiness, success and good health,” he said in a message.“I pray that this coming new year further strengthens the spirit of courage, self-confidence and service in everyone’s lives. May it also add renewed momentum to our collective efforts towards nation-building,” Modi said.Nav Samvatsar, the Hindu New Year (Vikram Samvat 2083), begins on Thursday, marking the start of Chaitra Shukla Pratipada.The prime minister also extended greetings on Navratri, a festival dedicated to Goddess Durga.“Heartfelt best wishes for Navratri to all my family members across the nation. May this divine occasion of worshipping the Supreme Power bring happiness, good fortune, prosperity, and excellent health to everyone,” he said in Hindi.PM Modi said by the boundless grace of Maa Durga, the embodiment of Shakti, may there be welfare for all, providing new energy to the resolve for a ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India). “Jai Ambe Jagdambe Maa!” he said. “On the holy occasion of Navratri, I pray to the Goddess to bless everyone with her affection and compassion. Jai Mata Di!” he said.He also greeted people on the occasion of Gudi Padwa.“Warm greetings to everyone on the vibrant occasion of Gudi Padwa! This beautiful festival marks the arrival of a new year, bringing with it a sense of renewal, hope and fresh possibilities,” he said.The prime minister hoped the year ahead brings joy, success and good health for all.“May it encourage each one of us to move forward with determination, nurture our aspirations and make meaningful contributions,” he said.Modi also wished people on Ugadi, celebrated in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Karnataka, noting that it symbolises new energy and beginnings.“Ugadi marks the start of a new year and I pray that the coming year is full of happiness, success and wonderful health. May this year inspire everyone to pursue their aspirations with sincerity and contribute positively to society,” he said.He conveyed greetings on Cheti Chand, marking the Sindhi New Year.“Best wishes on Cheti Chand! Praying for a very good year. May this sacred festival bring joy, fulfil hopes and aspirations and strengthen the spirit of togetherness in society. May the divine blessings of Lord Jhulelal guide us all towards peace and prosperity,” he said.The prime minister also extended wishes on Navreh, celebrated by Kashmiri Pandits.“Navreh Poshte! Have a great year ahead. Warm greetings on the joyous occasion of Navreh!” he said.Modi said as people welcome the new year, it should usher in fresh hopes, renewed energy and opportunities.“Let this new year inspire us to move forward with confidence, embrace new possibilities and work towards a brighter, healthier and more fulfilling future,” he said.He also greeted people on Sajibu Cheiraoba, celebrated by the Meitei community of Manipur.“Sajibu Cheiraoba greetings. Wishing everyone a wonderful year. May the new year usher in abundant joy, prosperity and success in all your endeavours. Praying that the spirit of hope and positivity prevails everywhere,” he said.



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Opposition MPs question MEA over govt stand on Iran war | India News


Opposition MPs question MEA over govt stand on Iran war

NEW DELHI: Opposition MPs at a parliamentary committee meeting on Wednesday questioned PM Narendra Modi’s visit to Israel days before its, along with the US, attack on Iran and govt’s “silence” on the killing of the Islamic country’s supreme leader as the ministry of external affairs briefed the panel on safety and security of the Indian diaspora in West Asia.While several members of the committee on external affairs headed by Shashi Tharoor of Congress flagged India’s diplomatic choices and wondered if it has changed its traditional stand on issues concerning West Asia, the ministry said it will reply later to their queries in writing, people in the know said. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, who generally briefs the committee, was could not attend the meeting.

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Tharoor told reporters that every MP had questions and concerns about the overall situation, the impact, and the safety and security of Indians there besides the oil and gas supplies. “We got some answers but didn’t get all, as the foreign secretary was unavailable,” he added.He said about 9,000 Indians remain in Iran but noted that not all of them necessarily wish to leave. It is fairly easy to travel in and out by commercial means from Gulf countries, especially the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Oman, he said.Tharoor said questions were raised about Modi’s visit to Israel but declined to give details on internal discussion within the committee. “MPs would naturally raise every issue that is on their mind,” he said.



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Lionel Messi scripts history, betters Ronaldo to become fastest ever to 900 goals | Football News


Lionel Messi scripts history, betters Ronaldo to become fastest ever to 900 goals

Lionel Messi added yet another historic chapter to his legendary career on Wednesday, becoming only the second men’s footballer to score 900 goals in official matches. The landmark moment came during Inter Miami CF’s 1-1 draw against Nashville SC in the second leg of the CONCACAF Champions Cup.Despite Messi’s early strike, Inter Miami were knocked out of the competition on the away goals rule after Cristian Espinoza equalised to send Nashville through.The goal, however, was a significant personal milestone for Messi, placing him in an exclusive club alongside Cristiano Ronaldo as the only men’s players to reach 900 official goals. Ronaldo had achieved the feat earlier, in September 2024, and currently leads the charts with 965 goals. The Portuguese star has also expressed his ambition to become the first to reach 1,000 goals.Messi reached the 900-goal mark in 1,142 matches, quicker than Ronaldo, who took 1,236 games. In the all-time scoring list, Pelé remains third with 765 goals, while active players like Robert Lewandowski trail behind with 690.A majority of Messi’s goals came during his iconic spell with FC Barcelona, where he netted 672 times after making his debut in 2004. He later scored 32 goals for Paris Saint-Germain before continuing his prolific run in the United States with 81 goals for Inter Miami.On the international stage, the Argentina national football team captain has scored 115 goals, further cementing his legacy as one of the game’s greatest players. His most remarkable year remains 2012, when he scored an astonishing 91 goals for club and country, a record that still stands as one of football’s greatest individual feats.

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Israel bombs South Pars: Why does this gas field matter so much to Iran — and the world?


Israel bombs South Pars: Why does this gas field matter so much to Iran — and the world?
South Pars natural gas field (Agencies)

The already tense situation in the Middle East escalated sharply on Wednesday after Israel struck an Iranian production facility at the South Pars gas field, which Iran shares with Qatar across the Gulf. The attack comes amid a widening regional crisis triggered by a joint US-Israel military operation at the end of February that killed Iran’s long-serving leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.South Pars, the world’s largest gas field, is a key source of domestic energy for Iran, which already struggles with frequent gas and electricity shortages.

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US President Donald Trump expressed surprise over the strike, saying, “The United States knew nothing about this,” and denied any involvement. However, according to AP reports, Washington had been informed in advance of Israel’s plans to target the offshore gas facility but did not take part in the operation.

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“The ‌United States knew nothing ⁠about this particular attack, and the country of Qatar was in no way, shape, or form, involved with ‌it, nor did it have any ⁠idea that it was going to happen,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.

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Should the international community intervene in the conflict between Israel and Iran?

Since the launch of the large-scale military campaign on February 28, Iran has expanded its retaliation beyond military targets to include oil and gas infrastructure across the region, raising global concerns given the Gulf’s importance in energy supply.Watch: Iran missile hits Qatar’s Ras Laffan, world’s largest LNG hubThe strike on South Pars marks the first time in the conflict that a major fossil fuel production facility has been directly targeted.

What has been targeted in recent days?

On Tuesday, an Iranian drone attack forced the suspension of operations at the Shah gas field in Abu Dhabi. The site produces around 1.28 billion standard cubic feet of gas per day and supplies about 20 percent of the UAE’s gas and 5 percent of the world’s granulated sulphur used in fertilisers.On Wednesday, Israel struck Iran’s South Pars gas field. The field is the largest in the world and a backbone of Iran’s energy system.

Why the South Pars strike matters

The South Pars gas field, the largest known in the world, spans around 9,700 square kilometres in the Persian Gulf.The damage to South Pars could worsen Iran’s already severe energy shortages. The field accounts for up to 70 percent of Iran’s gas production. Initial reports suggest that sections contributing nearly 12 percent of total output may have been affected.The strike has also raised fears of a wider escalation, with both sides now targeting critical energy infrastructure. Experts warn that such attacks could have long-term consequences for global energy markets.Oil prices have already risen after the strike, driven by concerns of supply disruptions. Analysts say that if production facilities suffer major damage, recovery could take years.It is estimated to hold about 51 trillion cubic metres of gas, according to the Guinness World Records.Oil prices have already surged following news of the strike, with Brent crude rising more than 5 percent to over $110 per barrel.The field is shared by Iran and Qatar, with the Qatari side discovered first in 1971.The strike also marks the first reported attack on Iran’s core energy infrastructure.

How the region is reacting

Iran has warned of further retaliation and listed major oil and gas sites in Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Qatar as potential targets. Explosions were later reported in Riyadh.Qatar blamed Israel for the attack, calling it a “dangerous and irresponsible” escalation that threatens global energy security. The UAE also warned that the strike poses risks to both regional stability and global energy supplies.

Why repairs may not be quick

Once the damage is done, repair is never straightforward and the aftermath can be long and devastating. Despite its scale and significance, the key question remains: can the South Pars gas field be repaired quickly?

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Past experience suggests recovery may take far longer than expected. After the 2003 invasion of Iraq that toppled Saddam Hussein, rebuilding damaged energy infrastructure proved to be a slow and complex process.The Bush administration had pledged that reconstruction would be funded through oil revenues. However, even with access to facilities and nearly $2 billion spent on oil projects, it took more than two years for production to return to pre-war levels.More recently, efforts to repair Ukraine’s power infrastructure following Russian strikes have also faced major delays, with equipment shortages and logistical bottlenecks slowing progress.These examples highlight that restoring large-scale energy systems after conflict is a difficult and time-consuming task, raising concerns about how quickly South Pars can recover.

Bigger impact beyond energy

Energy production in the Gulf is not just about economics—it plays a key role in political stability and regional relations. Countries depend on energy revenues to support their economies and maintain social balance.The South Pars field has also acted as a bridge between Iran and Qatar in the past. The latest attack has raised concerns about how deeper conflict could disrupt not just energy supplies, but also fragile regional ties.With both sides continuing strikes and counterattacks, the situation risks spiralling further, putting critical global energy infrastructure under increasing threat.



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SC ex-judge gives evidence in favour of Nirav Modi’s bid to reopen extradition case in London


TOI Correspondent from London: Former SC judge Justice (retired) Deepak Verma gave evidence in favour of wanted jeweller Nirav Modi at the high court on Tuesday when Nirav sought to “reopen” his extradition appeal.Despite a sovereign assurance from the Indian govt that Nirav will not be interrogated by the CBI, ED, or any other investigating agency if extradited to India, both Verma and Nirav’s former counsel in India, Ashul Agarwal, disputed this, saying Nirav was highly likely to be interrogated by these agencies as “these are independent agencies not bound by direction from central govt”.Nirav, who lost his appeal against extradition in Nov 2022, filed an application to reopen his appeal based on the judgment handed down to defence middleman Sanjay Bhandari in Feb 2025, which prevented Bhandari’s extradition to India on grounds that he would be at risk of torture when interrogated by the investigating agencies in India. Nirav claimed he would face the same risk of torture and that this was compelling new evidence.Verma and Agarwal said Nirav was at risk of being interrogated by the DRI, the income-tax authorities, the SFIO, as well as CBI and ED, once in India.“India claims its sovereign assurance is binding on all agencies, but Agarwal and Verma deny that,” Edward Fitzgerald KC, representing Nirav, told the court.He also claimed that any assurances from the CBI and ED were not reliable because of their “history and track record, and they had repeatedly been found to be practitioners of torture by every international body that has looked at this issue”.In 2018 the customs department registered a case in Surat against Nirav, accused of defrauding Punjab National Bank of Rs 13,000 crore, for evasion of customs duty.Graeme Hall, also representing Nirav, said: “Warrants from the Gujarat court remain in force. Nirav has to be arrested under those warrants and produced before this court, and that can’t be overridden by assurances. Verma and Agarwal both state that once in Gujarat, it is highly likely Nirav will be interrogated by the DRI and so there is a real risk of ill treatment.”Verma said in court that the sovereign assurances “cannot override judicial warrants or the discretion of Indian courts”.Helen Malcolm KC, representing India, reaffirmed there was no prospect of Nirav being interrogated by any investigative agency in India. She said Agarwal is a “very inexperienced” lawyer and Verma “pretends to be expert on Indian extradition but there is no evidence he has ever dealt with extradition”.Judgment was reserved.



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