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Cabinet approves Rs 6,969 crore four-lane highway project in Uttar Pradesh to improve Barabanki–Bahraich connectivity


Cabinet approves Rs 6,969 crore four-lane highway project in Uttar Pradesh to improve Barabanki–Bahraich connectivity

The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved the construction of a four-lane access-controlled National Highway-927 from Barabanki to Bahraich in Uttar Pradesh at an estimated cost of Rs 6,969.04 crore, aimed at improving connectivity across key economic and logistics centres in the state, according to an official statement.The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) cleared the project to be implemented on the Hybrid Annuity Mode (HAM). The project covers a stretch of 101.515 km and includes a civil construction cost of about Rs 3,485.49 crore, along with Rs 1,574.85 crore earmarked for land acquisition.Officials said the highway development is expected to generate 36.54 lakh person-days of direct employment and 43.04 lakh person-days of indirect employment, providing a boost to local economic activity.The upgradation of the Barabanki–Bahraich corridor is intended to address geometric deficiencies, sharp curves and congestion in built-up areas across both districts. Designed as an access-controlled four-lane highway with continuous service roads, the project will bypass major habitations, increase average travel speeds and reduce travel time between the two locations to around one hour.Authorities said the improved corridor would also enhance road safety, fuel efficiency and vehicle operating costs, while strengthening regional mobility and socio-economic development. The project is expected to provide seamless connectivity to economic, social and logistics nodes across Uttar Pradesh.In addition, the upgraded route will improve multi-modal integration by linking three economic nodes, two social nodes and 12 logistics nodes, besides facilitating connectivity with the Rupaidiha Land Port and nearby airports, enabling faster movement of goods and passengers.Once completed, the corridor is expected to emerge as a key cross-border trade and transit route between India and Nepal through the Nepalganj border, improving access to the Rupaidiha Land Port. The project is also likely to enhance connectivity to remote districts such as Bahraich and Shravasti, support PM GatiShakti economic and logistics initiatives, and promote agri-trade, tourism, cross-border commerce and regional investment, the statement added.



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Elias Pettersson Reaches 200th NHL Goal Milestone In Vancouver Canucks Win Over Florida Panthers | NHL News


Elias Pettersson Reaches 200th NHL Goal Milestone In Vancouver Canucks Win Over Florida Panthers
Vancouver Canucks’ Drew O’Connor (18) reacts to a goal during the second period of an NHL hockey game against the Florida Panthers in Vancouver, Tuesday, March 17, 2026. (Ethan Cairns/The Canadian Press via AP)

Elias Pettersson was the one who was in the spotlight as he carved his name further in the history of the NHL with a historic performance. Not only was the Vancouver Canucks in the hands of the Swedish center but it was also a milestone night in his and his team’s career where he could demonstrate his elite scoring skills.Entering the game in the middle of a dry spell, Pettersson could not have made a better reply. It was his quickness of movement, his accuracy of shooting and his confidence with the puck that led to the victory over the Florida Panthers, making the match a statement and one of the highlights of the recent NHL news roundup.

Elias Pettersson shines as Vancouver Canucks defeat Florida Panthers NHL game

Early scoring was made by Elias Pettersson, who scored on a power-play opportunity to provide the Canucks with instant momentum. It also ended a long scoring streak, which made his contribution significant in today’s NHL game.The second of his goals of the night was even more important as it was the 200th goal in his NHL career. The benchmark makes Pettersson one of a small group of active players and strengthens his position as a building block to the long-term success of Vancouver.Although Pettersson was the driving force, teammates became his support in the whole performance. Marco Rossi provided the goal and assists, and Brock Boeser provided several assists to make the offense moving. The Canucks seized their opportunities and held on to their position during critical periods of the game.On the defensive part, Vancouver held its composure and restricted the Florida Panthers. Goalkeeper Kevin Lankinen provided a stable performance, blocking some of the decisive shots to win the game.The outcome is a good recovery for the Canucks and provides a boost as the season continues. To Pettersson, though, the night will be remembered not only by the scoreline but also as a turning point in what was already a great NHL career.

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Vishva Hindu Parishad: VHP hits back at NBCC, says RSS link to Nagaland church row ‘misplaced’ | India News


VHP hits back at NBCC, says RSS link to Nagaland church row ‘misplaced’

NEW DELHI: The Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) on Wednesday criticised the Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) over its statement alleging an Assam Rifles raid on a church in Nagaland, saying the remarks against the RSS and VHP were “misplaced” and could create social divisions.The response comes after the NBCC condemned a late-night operation at Samziuram Baptist Church in Peren district on March 9, terming it a violation of religious sanctity and, in its statement, accusing organisations like RSS and VHP of promoting and justifying violence.VHP international president Alok Kumar said the NBCC’s reference to RSS and VHP was “completely out of context” as neither organisation had any role in the incident. He described the remarks as an attempt to “create enmity between different sections of society”.Kumar also cited local inputs, claiming that the village authorities and pastor had indicated there was no harassment or damage during the security operation.He said RSS and VHP are “law-abiding and patriotic organisations” engaged in social service, particularly among marginalised communities.Calling the NBCC statement “mischievous and dishonest”, the VHP urged restraint and cautioned against turning a security-related incident into a religious or ideological controversy.



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PM Modi talks to Kuwait’s Crown Prince; reiterates India’s stand on regional peace | India News


PM Modi talks to Kuwait's Crown Prince; reiterates India's stand on regional peace

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday held a telephonic exchange with Crown Prince of Kuwait Sheikh Al-Khaled and conveyed his greetings on Eid.During the conversation, PM Modi also condemned the attacks on Kuwait amid the ongoing conflict between joint forces of the US & Israel and Iran.

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PM Modi Calls UAE President As India Moves To Safeguard Oil Lifeline Through Hormuz, Secure Peace

In a social media post on X, PM Modi said, “Spoke with HH Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah, Crown Prince of Kuwait, and conveyed greetings on the upcoming festival of Eid. We exchanged views on the evolving situation in West Asia and shared concerns over recent developments. Reiterated India’s condemnation of attacks on Kuwait’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Ensuring safe and free navigation through the Strait of Hormuz remains our foremost priority.”“We agreed that sustained diplomatic engagement remains essential for regional peace and stability. I thanked him for continued support for the safety and wellbeing of the Indian community in Kuwait,” he added.On Monday, PM Modi also spoke to UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and reiterated India’s strong condemnation of all attacks on the Gulf country that have resulted in the loss of innocent lives and damage to civilian infrastructure.The talks took place amidst reports of fresh attacks on the country’s energy infrastructure by Iranian drones.The PM said in a post on X that the leaders agreed on the importance of ensuring safe and free navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.“We will continue to work together for the early restoration of peace, security, and stability in the region,” said PM Modi, while also conveying Eid greetings to the president. India has a critical energy partnership with the UAE, which, according to the Indian government, is the 4th largest source of crude and the 2nd largest source of LNG and LPG for India.Apart from the safety and security of the Indian diaspora, India’s immediate concern about the conflict is the likely impact on its LPG supplies through the Strait of Hormuz, which is effectively blockaded by Iran.As the government said earlier this week, India has chosen dialogue and diplomacy with Tehran to address its concerns instead of entertaining any thought about joining a US-led military coalition to secure the key waterway.The proposal for sending warships has found few takers among the US’ NATO allies in any case.



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‘Culture erased’: New Hindu temple in Dallas sparks backlash, netizens claim ’18th temple in the DFW area alone’ | World News


The ongoing immigration diatribe aimed at Indian-Americans and Hindus has found a fresh flashpoint online in a recent X post. A self-described nationalist account recently took to the social media app to rant about another ‘massive’ Hindu temple rising in Dallas. They claimed the temple was the ’18th’ temple in the Dallas-Fort Worth area alone and added that the flood ‘never stops’, alleging a growing cultural shift. “Temples everywhere, neighbourhoods transformed, schools completely changed, culture erased. This isn’t random. It’s 100% coordinated,” wrote the account that goes by Info Battle Maiden.

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‘Culture Erased’ Claim Sparks Row Over Hindu Temple In Dallas Fort, Targets Indian Community Online

The video, sourced from the Sri Ganesha Temple’s website featured 3D renders and on-site granite carvings of the 20,000 square foot temple set to open in late 2026 in Plano, a city located in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. The post quickly gained traction online with numerous netizens mocking the Hindu culture and practices.

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What do you think is the primary reason for rising tensions over Hindu temples?

“We can’t allow demon worship in this country. We will pay dearly if we do,” wrote one user on X. “These are immigration conduits for Hindu priests! With this new temple they will import a hundred Hindu priests and their families!” claimed another. “People need to start calling them out on their caste beliefs, a big part of Hinduism. It’s anti-American and anti-Democratic. Buddhism took the good parts and got rid of the bad parts of Hinduism, but don’t tell Indians that!” trolled one. Plano is one of the US’s fastest-growing South Asian hubs. The DFW area has over a dozen major Hindu temples, considering the Indian-American population in the area is more than 235,000, roughly 3 per cent of the total population with larger concentrations in suburbs like Plano, Frisco and Lewisville, where Indian-run businesses, cultural centres and communities have flourished in recent years. However, the post follows the larger rising anti-Indian and anti-Hindu rhetoric in America, where the fear of ‘losing’ their own cultural landscape has made numerous Americans target other communities online. A 2022 research by the Network Contagion Research Institute at Rutgers University documented a pattern where social media was systematically weaponised to target Hindu communities by bots and geopolitical players. It also warned Hindu communities to be cautious since hate online often tends to slip into the physical world. Specifically, in the DFW area, tension has surfaced in multiple instances. From comedian Alex Stein mocking the Hindu culture in a Plano city council meeting to right-wing influencer Kaylee Campbell accusing Indian-Americans of conducting a housing scam in Frisco and Plano, numerous complaints have been raised in the region by the citizens, highlighting a larger unrest regarding the presence and visibility of Indian-Americans.



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SWOT analysis of Sunrisers Hyderabad: SRH’s report card ahead of the IPL 2026



The Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) enter the IPL 2026 season as one of the most unpredictable yet feared franchises in the league. Known for their ‘Orange Fire’ and a legacy of producing world-class bowling attacks, the team’s identity underwent a radical transformation last year. Under the leadership of Pat Cummins and the tactical guidance of head coach Daniel Vettori, SRH pivoted toward an ultra-aggressive, boundary-or-bust batting philosophy. While this approach shattered multiple scoring records, it also led to significant inconsistency, resulting in a sixth-place finish in 2025 and a failure to make the playoffs.

As the 2026 season kicks off on March 28 against defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), the primary question remains: Can SRH temper their raw power with enough tactical maturity to lift their first trophy since 2016? With a squad bolstered by high-profile auction signings like Liam Livingstone and a core of retained stars, the expectations in Hyderabad have never been higher.

SRH’s road to redemption: Fixing the 2025 fragility

The 2025 campaign was a rollercoaster for SRH fans. The team started and ended the season with historic totals, but a mid-season slump exposed a lack of a Plan B. When flat decks weren’t available, the top order’s refusal to drop anchor often led to catastrophic collapses. For 2026, the management has signalled a shift toward a more balanced smarter, not just harder approach.

A significant storyline heading into the opener is the leadership. With Cummins nursing a back injury that may see him miss the initial phase, Ishan Kishan has been tipped to lead the side, with the top-ranked T20I batter Abhishek Sharma as his deputy. This young, Indian leadership core represents a new era for the franchise, one that seeks to combine the fearless nature of the ‘Orange Army’ with the consistency required to navigate a grueling two-month tournament.

SRH’s SWOT analysis for IPL 2026

To understand if SRH is truly a title contender, we must break down the squad’s structural integrity through a detailed SWOT analysis.

Strengths

  • A historic batting engine: SRH possesses arguably the most destructive top four in the competition. The left-right combination of Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma is a nightmare for bowlers in the Powerplay. Following them are Ishan Kishan and Heinrich Klaasen, the latter being widely regarded as the best spin-hitter in world cricket. This quartet can effectively end a game within the first ten overs.
  • Middle-order reinforcements: The acquisition of Liam Livingstone for ₹13 crore is a masterstroke. He provides the “X-factor” that was missing last year, offering both brute force in the death overs and a handy bowling option (both leg-spin and off-spin).
  • Emerging domestic core: Players like Nitish Kumar Reddy and Harsh Dubey have evolved from prospects into pillars. Reddy’s ability to stabilize an innings provides the glue that the all-out-attack unit desperately needs.

Weaknesses

  • Vacant leader in pace attack: The trade of Mohammed Shami to Lucknow Super Giants has left a massive void. While Cummins brings authority, the supporting cast of Harshal Patel, Jaydev Unadkat, and Shivam Mavi has been inconsistent. The lack of a genuine, 145km/h+ wicket-taker to partner with Cummins could hurt them on batting-friendly tracks.
  • Inexperienced spin department: Following the release of Adam Zampa, SRH is banking heavily on Zeeshan Ansari and Harsh. While Harsh comes off a stellar domestic season (69 wickets in the Ranji Trophy), the lack of a seasoned, international-level specialist spinner could be a liability during the middle-over squeeze on slowing pitches.

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

Opportunities

  • The Rise of Harsh: Dubey represents the biggest internal opportunity. If he can replicate his domestic form on the IPL stage, he solves two problems at once: providing a reliable left-arm spin option and lengthening the batting order at No. 8.
  • Tactical evolution: IPL 2025 was a learning curve. The opportunity in 2026 lies in innings management. If SRH can learn to grind out 170 on difficult surfaces rather than always swinging for 250, they become a much harder team to beat in the knockout stages.
  • Ishan Kishan’s leadership: This is a golden chance for Kishan to cement his legacy. Leading a star-studded side could propel him back into the national spotlight and provide SRH with a long-term Indian captaincy option.

Threats

  • Structural dependence on form: Because the squad is so heavily skewed toward batting, a simultaneous slump for Head and Abhishek could leave the bowling unit overexposed. SRH lacks the “defensive” bowling depth that teams like GT or RCB currently boast.
  • Injury concerns: With Cummins already managing a back issue and Mavi’s history of setbacks, the fast-bowling resources are thin. One more injury to a key pacer could derail their entire campaign.
  • The ‘one-Dimensional’ trap: Rival teams have spent the off-season studying SRH’s aggression. If teams employ “pace-off” tactics or heavy-duty spin early, SRH must prove they can adapt, or they risk being “solved” just as they were mid-way through last year.

Also READ: IPL 2026: Here’s how to book tickets for Mumbai Indians’ home matches



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IPL 2026: Ishan Kishan to lead SRH, Abhishek Sharma also gets new role | Cricket News


IPL 2026: Ishan Kishan to lead SRH, Abhishek Sharma also gets new role

NEW DELHI: Sunrisers Hyderabad on Wednesday confirmed that Ishan Kishan will lead the franchise, while Abhishek Sharma will be his deputy in the upcoming IPL season until the full-time captain Pat Cummins returns from injury.“Pat Cummins will miss a few games while recovering from injury. Until he recovers, Ishan Kishan will be the captain and Abhishek Sharma will be the vice-captain,” the franchise informed through a post on social media.

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IPL 2026 should be audition for the next India T20I captain

TimesofIndia.com was the first to report that Kishan will lead the side in the absence of Cummins. Kishan has established himself as one of the most explosive wicketkeeper-batters in the IPL. Across 119 matches in the tournament, playing for three franchises, including Sunrisers Hyderabad, he has scored 2,998 runs from 112 innings at an average of 29.10 and a strike rate of 137.64. His tally includes one century, 17 half-centuries, 288 fours and 134 sixes, underlining his aggressive batting style.Behind the stumps, Kishan has also contributed with 59 catches and five stumpings. In the 2025 season, his first after being picked for Rs 11.25 crore in the auction, he scored 354 runs in 14 matches at a strike rate of 152.58, including a century and a fifty.Ishan’s stocks are on a bull run at the moment. The 27-year-old has had a brilliant T20 World Cup campaign, where he became the toast of the nation for his performances, initially as a top-order batter and then at No. 3 when Sanju Samson returned to the Playing XI. Kishan finished as India’s second-highest run-scorer in the T20 World Cup with 317 runs in nine innings at an average of 35.22 and a strike rate above 193.

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IPL 2026 Build-up Live Updates: Virat Kohli lands in Bengaluru; CSK camp in full swing with eyes on Sanju Samson



Rahul batted at No. 4, a position decided before the season started, in most games last season, but a course correction occurred after 11 league matches. The change in position reaped instant rewards as Rahul hit an unbeaten 65-ball 112 against the Gujarat Titans. However, it came in a losing cause as the Shubman Gill-led unit overhauled the 200-run target with ten wickets in hand, and an over to spare.

Rahul was the Delhi Capitals’ leading run-getter last year, scoring 539 runs in 13 games. Rahul’s strike rate was 149.72, which marked his best since the 2018 edition.

Delhi Capitals have started preparations for the upcoming season, and the multiple preparatory camps featuring Indian players have already happened in Delhi and Hyderabad. The coaching staff, led by head coach Hemang Badani and Director of Cricket Venugopal Rao, has shifted focus to the IPL after fulfilling their commitments for The Hundred. More clarity on roles will emerge when captain Axar Patel links up with the squad.



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Lord’s marks collaboration with CMET to develop AI-based breast cancer detection device | India News


Lord’s marks collaboration with CMET to develop AI-based breast cancer detection device

Lord’s Mark Industries Limited has entered into a Technology Transfer Agreement with the Centre for Materials for Electronic Technology (CMET) to manufacture an AI-powered, radiation-free Breast Screening Wearable Device for early detection of breast cancer.India ranks third globally in new breast cancer incidence after China and the US, with the disease accounting for over 26% of all female cancers in the country. The global breast cancer market was valued at USD 4,882.14 million in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 12,880.85 million by 2035 at a CAGR of 9.22%1 . Grand View Research highlights2 diagnostics as the dominant segment driven by early detection demand, while Future Market Insights estimates the screening and diagnostics market at USD 5.05–5.86 billion in 2025, expected to reach USD 10.5–11.36 billion by 2033–20353.The wearable integrates high-precision thermal sensors with AI-driven temperature mapping to identify early-stage abnormalities in a non-invasive, radiation-free manner. The partnership combines CMET’s R&D expertise with Lord’s Mark’s manufacturing scale and distribution strength, accelerating indigenous med-tech innovation.Key features and advantages

  • Convenient and infrastructure-light: Usable in comfortable settings with minimal setup across hospitals, clinics, community centers, and homes.
  • Non-radiative and painless: Eliminates radiation exposure and discomfort, improving screening compliance.
  • Advanced thermal sensors: High-precision temperature mapping powered by AI-driven analytics for real-time insights
  • Privacy-first design: Discreetly wearable under clothing, ensuring dignity and user comfort.
  • Early abnormality detection: Identifies early-stage thermal irregularities to support timely medical evaluation
  • Portable and scalable: Lightweight, mobile solution enabling deployment across urban and underserved regions alike.

The device represents a significant advancement over traditional mammography by eliminating radiation exposure and discomfort, expanding access beyond hospital settings, and delivering reliable AI-driven detection insights.With this initiative, Lord’s Mark reinforces its long-term commitment to advancing accessible, AI-led healthcare solutions, positioning itself at the forefront of scalable preventive diagnostics in India.Sachidanand Upadhyay, Managing Director, Lord’s Mark Industries Limited, commenting on the partnership with CMET, said: “This collaboration marks a defining step in our journey to build globally competitive, indigenous healthcare technologies. By integrating CMET’s scientific expertise with Lord’s Mark’s manufacturing strength, we are enabling a new paradigm in preventive diagnostics—non-invasive, AI-driven, and truly accessible. Our vision is to reduce barriers to early detection and empower women across India with safer, smarter screening solutions. This is not just a product initiative; it is a commitment to scalable, impact-led healthcare innovation.”With this initiative, Lord’s Mark Industries Limited says it aims to strengthen its focus on technology-led healthcare manufacturing, with an emphasis on intelligent, inclusive and impact-driven solutions designed to make early detection safer, simpler and more accessible. The company plans to commercialise the product for large-scale breast cancer screening in India and, over time, expand its availability to international markets through its growing global network. According to the company, the effort is also positioned as part of a broader ambition to take an India-developed healthcare technology to the world.Lord’s Mark Industries Limited says it aims to make the screening solution affordable so that more women in India and abroad can access regular testing. According to the company, the initiative is also intended to support greater awareness around breast cancer and highlight the role of early detection in improving treatment outcomes. The company adds that it expects the product to be available for commercial use globally by the end of the year.For more information, visit the website.References: Disclaimer – The above content is non-editorial, and TIL hereby disclaims any and all warranties, expressed or implied, relating to it, and does not guarantee, vouch for or necessarily endorse any of the content.



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