The excitement for the Indian Premier League (IPL) is once again building as IPL 2026 is set to get underway on March 28, bringing together the world’s best T20 cricketers for another thrilling season. Fans across the globe are eagerly waiting to see how the franchises shape up with their revamped squads and fresh strategies.

Among the teams aiming to make a strong impact this year are the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), who will kick off their campaign against the Delhi Capitals (DC) on April 01. With several key additions and a new leadership dynamic under captain Rishabh Pant, LSG will be hoping to start the tournament on a positive note and establish themselves as serious contenders for the title.

Aakash Chopra picks his probable LSG playing XI

Former India cricketer and commentator Aakash Chopra has shared his predicted playing XI for Lucknow Super Giants ahead of IPL 2026. Chopra believes the franchise possesses a balanced combination of explosive batting, versatile all-rounders, and a potent bowling attack.

According to Chopra, Aiden Markram and Mitchell Marsh could open the innings for LSG, providing a strong and aggressive start at the top. Both players are capable of dominating the powerplay and laying the foundation for a big total.  Nicholas Pooran is expected to slot in at No.3, a position where his attacking style can put pressure on opposition bowlers early in the innings. Captain Pant is likely to follow at No.4, bringing both leadership and match-winning ability to the middle order.

The middle-order responsibilities could then fall on Ayush Badoni and Abdul Samad. Both players are known for their power-hitting abilities and could play crucial roles in accelerating the scoring rate during the latter half of the innings. All-rounder Shahbaz Ahmed may feature at No.7, providing a left-arm spin option along with useful lower-order batting. In the spin department, Chopra suggested that the team could choose between Wanindu Hasaranga and Digvesh Rathi depending on conditions and team balance.

The pace attack is expected to be led by experienced seamer Mohammed Shami, supported by Avesh Khan. The final pace slot could be a choice between the express pace of Mayank Yadav and the left-arm swing of Mohsin Khan, giving LSG flexibility based on pitch conditions.

Aakash Chopra’s probable LSG XI: Aiden Markram, Mitchell Marsh, Nicholas Pooran, Rishabh Pant (c), Ayush Badoni, Abdul Samad, Shahbaz Ahmed, Wanindu Hasaranga/Digvesh Rathi, Mohammed Shami, Avesh Khan, Mayank Yadav/Mohsin Khan

Also READ: Aakash Chopra points out the ‘weakness’ of Gujarat Titans ahead of IPL 2026

LSG squad shaping up with renewed aim for maiden IPL title

LSG enter IPL 2026 with a recalibrated squad led by captain Pant and head coach Justin Langer, determined to bounce back after finishing seventh in the 2025 season. The franchise has made several strategic changes in an attempt to strengthen both their batting depth and bowling attack.

One of the major areas of focus has been the pace department. LSG have brought in experienced Indian fast bowler Shami through a trade and also secured the services of South African speedster Anrich Nortje at the auction. These additions are expected to add firepower and experience to the bowling unit. The franchise has also reshaped its spin department with the signing of Sri Lankan star Wanindu Hasaranga, who replaces Ravi Bishnoi in the setup. Hasaranga’s ability to contribute with both bat and ball makes him a valuable asset in the T20 format.

On the batting front, LSG continue to rely on a powerful core featuring Pooran, Marsh, and Markram. The addition of Australian wicketkeeper-batter Josh Inglis further strengthens the lineup and provides flexibility in the top and middle order. As the team prepares for the new season, expectations remain high among fans and analysts alike. However, LSG’s campaign could heavily depend on the fitness of their pace attack, particularly the high-speed duo of Mayank and Mohsin, both of whom have dealt with injuries in recent seasons.

Also READ: Aakash Chopra picks his ideal playing XI of Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) for IPL 2026

NEW DELHI: A parliamentary committee has recommended strengthening institutional capacity in cybersecurity, data protection and digital infrastructure while examining the government’s spending plans for the ministry of electronics and information technology (MeitY) for 2026-27. The panel also cautioned that inadequate funding could affect the expansion of digital governance systems, cybersecurity capacity and emerging initiatives such as artificial intelligence infrastructure.The observations are part of the “Twenty-Fourth Report of the Standing Committee on Communications and Information Technology” on the ministry’s Demands for Grants, which was presented in Parliament on March 16.The committee said that “allocation of more funds to the Ministry may help promote Digital Governance for empowering citizens, promoting the inclusive and sustainable growth of the Electronics, IT and ITeS industries… and ensuring a secure cyber space.”According to the report, MeitY’s budget estimate for 2026-27 stands at Rs 21,632.96 crore compared with Rs 26,026.25 crore in the 2025-26 budget estimates. The ministry told the committee that part of the reduction reflects the closure of the production linked incentive (PLI) component for large-scale electronics manufacturing, whose tenure ends on March 31, 2026.The committee also noted that variations between budget estimates and revised estimates in 2025-26 were linked to lower expenditure during the first half of the financial year and delays in executing agreements under semiconductor manufacturing projects. The ministry told the panel that semiconductor manufacturing projects are “highly complex, technology-intensive” and approved companies must fulfil stipulated conditions before fiscal support can be released, resulting in delays in agreements.The report also highlighted implementation challenges across several programmes, including interoperability gaps in e-governance systems, cybersecurity and privacy risks, and capacity constraints in digital infrastructure projects. It asked the ministry to address these issues and keep the committee informed of progress.On cybersecurity and digital safety, the committee sought updates on the creation of additional posts in the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) and recommended strengthening the Data Protection Board to improve safeguards for personal data and address incidents of cyber fraud and digital scams.The committee also asked the ministry to ensure that funding shortages do not affect the functioning of the National Informatics Centre (NIC), which provides core digital infrastructure for government platforms. It further recommended expanding digital public services with stronger local-language support to improve digital inclusion.The report also discussed the implementation trajectory of the IndiaAI Mission, noting that variations in allocations partly reflected the programme’s rollout dynamics following its approval in March 2024. According to the ministry, early stages focused on institutional setup, consultations and operational guidelines before scaling up activities across research, ecosystem development and international collaboration.Among future initiatives, the panel suggested using enhanced funding under the National Knowledge Network to establish a blockchain-based National Digital Research Repository aimed at enabling secure knowledge sharing among research institutions.The report further recommended expanding digital literacy programmes in rural and tribal areas and strengthening the IT ecosystem in underperforming states, including in the Northeast, to support more balanced growth in India’s digital economy.

Chaitra Navratri is one of the most significant Hindu festivals and marks the beginning of the Hindu lunar New Year in many parts of India. The nine-day celebration is dedicated to Goddess Durga and her nine divine forms, collectively known as Navadurga. During this time, devotees across the country observe fasts, offer prayers, perform rituals, and decorate homes and temples to welcome the divine feminine energy.In 2026, families and societies will be celebrating Chaitra Navratri with great zeal and enthusiasm by worshipping the goddess as well as seeking the blessings of prosperity, health and happiness. The festival also represents the triumph of good over evil and the reinvigorating of faith, hope and positivity.

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During these nine auspicious days, devotees worship the nine incarnations of Goddess Durga—Shailputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skandamata, Katyayani, Kalaratri and Mahagauri along with Siddhidatri. Each day of the festival is devoted to one of these forms with special prayers, rituals and offerings made to each. Besides religious rituals, people also greet and wish their family, friends and colleagues during Navratri. Harbingers of festive cheer and strengthening ties, messages of goodwill and devotion are shared on social media, through messaging apps and exchanged via greeting cards. We bring to you 50 of them, wishes messages quotes that you can share with your loved ones to mark the occasion.

Chaitra Navratri wishes

Wishing you strength, wisdom and prosperity this Chaitra Navratri — may Goddess Durga bless you abundantly. Happy Navratri 2026. Happy and blessed Chaitra Navratri for you and your family with happiness and devotion. Wishing you a Dussehra that brings with it the goodness of Maa Durga, peace and prosperity into your life. Happy Navratri. May the nine nights of Navratri fill your life with positivity, happiness and new beginnings!

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May all the obstacles in your path be overturned by Goddess Durga and you succeed in life. Happy Chaitra Navratri. Wishing you nine days of devotion, happiness and spiritual growth. Happy Navratri 2026. May the blessings of Maa Durga be always with you in your life, may all joys, health and wealth surround you. Wish this festival of Navratri introduces new hope and opportunities in your life. May Goddess Durga bless you and your family with divine energy forever. May your home be filled with happiness and divine blessings this Navratri.

Chaitra Navratri messages

May Maa Durga shower you with courage, strength and wisdom to overcome every hurdle in your life on this auspicious day of Chaitra Navratri! May your Navratri be filled with devotion, positivity and the divine grace of Goddess Durga. May the nine forms of Maa Durga bless you with all nine in your life—health, happiness, peace, prosperity, wisdom, strength success harmony and love.

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This is the time for celebration of the supreme divine power; lets pray to Maa Durga to give us a bright future ahead. Happy Navratri. May Maa Durga’s divine blessings are with you on every aspect of life leading to success and happiness. May your heart be full of devotions and your life be filled with wealth on this holy festival. Navratri is a festival celebrating faith, devotion and the triumph of good over evil. Wishing you a blessed festival. Let this Navratri enter your home with peace and into your life with success. May Goddess Durga bless you on these nine nights of Navratri. Wishing your family good health this Chaitra Navratri, may Maa Durga shower love happiness and prosperity.

Chaitra Navratri wishes for family and friends

Have a happy and spiritually fulfilling Chaitra Navratri to you and your family. Wishing you and your family happiness, success and good health this Navratri. Hope this nine holy days bring all positivity and prosperity to your home by the grace of Maa Durga. Warm wishes from the bottom of my heart to you & your family at a festive occasion like Chaitra Navratri. May the happiness of Navratri fill your soul with hope and happiness. Navratri symbolizes the victory of good over evil and may this festival increases your beliefs and bring you closer to divine.

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May the nine nights of your devotion leads you to eternal happiness. Happy Navratri. The grace of Maa Durga may simmer your space, a blissful and prosperous life. May Goddess Durga bless you and lead you to success forever.

Inspirational Chaitra Navratri quotes

“May Goddess Durga’s divine power gives you strength to fight all obstacles in life.” “Navratri teaches us that faith and dedication always guide us towards light and positivity.” “The power of Maa Durga is courage, compassion and wisdom.” “May nine nights of Navratri bring devotion in heart and happiness in life.” “Divine mother’s blessings, may it take you the way of success and peace.” “Navratri embodies the victory of virtue over vice and the strength of faith.” “The blessings of Maa Durga fill us with strength, courage and positivity.” “May this Navratri encourage you to face positivity and defeat negativity.” “May Navratri inspire you to achieve greatness.” “The true spirit of Navratri is faith, devotion and positivity.”

Navratri wishes for social media

Happy Chaitra Navratri. Happy Durga Puja | May Maa Shakti shower you with joy and prosperity. May you have nine days of worship and blessings this Navratri. Let the blessings of Maa Durga fill your life with peace and prosperous. Happy Navratri.

Happy Navratri, rest on your devotion and love to the divine spirit.May your life be gratified with positivity from the nine forms of Goddess Durga. Wishing you and your family warm Navratri wishes. May the blessings of Maa Durga be always with you. Happy Navratri 2026.This Chaitra Navratri, may you be blessed with joy, peace and prosperity.Wishing you a Happy Navratri, may it spread happiness and devotion in your life.Happy Chaitra Navratri. Wishing you success, health and prosperity in your life.Devotees across India observe these nine holy days by praying, following rituals and celebrating this auspicious time period; exchanging Navratri greetings is a great way to show devotion and goodwill. These wishes encapsulate the spirit of Chaitra Navratri, shared via messages, social media posts or personal greetings filled with faith and well-wishes.

The Raiders gave Tyler Linderbaum a record deal, then left the rest of the league to deal with the fallout.

The Las Vegas Raiders did not tiptoe into free agency. They kicked the door in. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that Las Vegas agreed to a three-year, $81 million deal with former Baltimore Ravens center Tyler Linderbaum, a contract NFL.com’s free agency tracker also listed at that number. ESPN reported the deal includes $60 million guaranteed and makes Linderbaum the highest-paid interior offensive lineman in NFL history.That is the headline. The subtext is even louder. This was not just a line move. It was a quarterback move. Dan Wilkins of theScore wrote Monday, March 16, that the Raiders’ signing of Linderbaum helps set up Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza as Las Vegas’ projected pick in his updated 2026 mock draft. That does not make Mendoza a Raider yet, but it does show how quickly this signing changed the conversation around the No. 1 pick.

Tyler Linderbaum’s deal did not just help the Raiders, it boxed the Ravens into a new reality

Baltimore now has a hole in the middle of its offensive line, and the draft chatter changed almost immediately. Wilkins connected the Ravens to Utah lineman Spencer Fano after Linderbaum’s exit, while another Ravens-focused mock from Kyle Crabbs on March 16 also floated Fano as a possible answer at center. That is what happens when a player this good walks out the door. You do not replace him with a press release. You start rewriting the draft board.The contract also shoved the rest of the market into an awkward spot. A Browns analysis published March 16 called Linderbaum’s deal a number Cleveland was smart to avoid, noting that Elgton Jenkins at $12 million per year was easier to stomach than paying the Raiders’ price. Yahoo Sports also described Linderbaum’s contract as a reset at the position. So this was not just a Raiders-Ravens story. It landed on every front office desk in the league.

If the Raiders draft Fernando Mendoza, this signing will look even less subtle

The most interesting part of this move is not the money. It is the timing. The Raiders made Linderbaum one of the faces of free agency before the draft even arrived. Then, hours later, a major mock tied that move directly to Mendoza. That is not accidental framing. That is the league reading the room.A team picking first overall does not spend like this unless it believes a young quarterback is coming and needs help right away. Linderbaum gives Las Vegas a proven answer at one of the most important spots on the field. He also gives the Raiders something they have not had enough of lately: a real plan that makes sense from March to April. If Mendoza is the pick, this signing will not look aggressive. It will look obvious.

The BCCI Naman Awards 2026, held this past Sunday, was intended to be a grand celebration of a golden era in Indian cricket. Following a historic season where India secured an unprecedented five ICC trophies, the stars descended upon the red carpet to honour the architects of these victories. However, what should have been a night of seamless tribute quickly turned into a social media firestorm. A significant technical oversight during the live broadcast has left fans of Rohit Sharma disillusioned, overshadowing the prestigious ceremony with a heated debate over captaincy credits.

Rohit Sharma fans fume over Graphic blunder involving Shubman Gill at Naman Awards 2026

While the evening honoured legends like Roger Binny, Rahul Dravid, and Mithali Raj with the Col. C. K. Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award, the atmosphere shifted when the on-screen graphics flashed during a segment featuring Shubman Gill. As Gill, the current Indian ODI and Test captain, appeared on screen, the broadcast banner labeled him as the “Winning Captain, Champions Trophy 2025.”

The error was immediately flagged by eagle-eyed supporters of Rohit. In reality, it was Rohit who led the Men in Blue to their Champions Trophy glory in 2025, culminating in a tactical masterclass against New Zealand in the final. While Gill was undoubtedly a cornerstone of that victory, entering the tournament as the world’s No. 1 ranked ODI batter and delivering a vital unbeaten century against Bangladesh, he was not the man at the helm during that specific tournament.

Rohit fans took to X (formerly Twitter) to slam the BCCI for what they perceived as ‘disrespectful erasure’ of the veteran opener’s leadership legacy. Though Gill has since taken over the captaincy reins and led India with distinction, including a dominant five-Test series win in England, the mix-up touched a nerve regarding how the contributions of transitional captains are documented.

Here’s how fans reacted:

Really???? pic.twitter.com/R0w8hrjFZq

— Rohan💫 (@rohann__45) March 15, 2026

?? pic.twitter.com/8Pg01eVp7H

— ` (@justrohit45) March 15, 2026

Shubman Gill :- Winning captain icc Champions trophy 2025 🤔 @BCCI we thought Rohit Sharma was the captain. pic.twitter.com/jAo2PSe5wt

— अभि 🇮🇳 (@abhi7781_) March 15, 2026

according to them Shubman Gill was the champions trophy winning captain and not Rohit Sharma, unreal daylight robbery.@BCCI kuch toh sharm karo🤣🤣🤣🤣 pic.twitter.com/2cHKQPMJSx

— Arnav. (@TheDrArnav) March 15, 2026

NAMAN Awards 2025–26 by BCCI:

🤡 ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Winning Captain Shubman Gill.🤡

Seriously, @BCCI, have some shame. It was Rohit Sharma who led Team India to the Champions Trophy as captain, not Fraud Shubman Gill and not shameless Coach Gautam Gambhir. pic.twitter.com/0b7dwCxy3N

— MAMU (@ElevateUrMind4) March 15, 2026

On social media, Shubman Gill is being touted as the winning captain of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

However, the truth is that India won this trophy under the captaincy of Rohit Sharma.

So, why is Shubman Gill’s name being associated with it?

What is your opinion? pic.twitter.com/cEjkwc6H6T

— Mukesh Kumar yadav (@mukesh4official) March 16, 2026

🚨 BCCI’S BIG MISTAKE AT NAMAN AWARDS 🚨

At the BCCI Naman Awards, Shubman Gill was shown as the Champions Trophy 2025 winning captain, even though Rohit led India to the title.

Rohit fans said – “This disrespects Rohit Sharma and rewrites history!” 🤯pic.twitter.com/qLhBQJ0NF6

— Sam (@Cricsam01) March 16, 2026

A graphics error at the BCCI Awards credits Shubman Gill as Champions Trophy 2025 captain instead of Rohit Sharma.

The mistake reveals how quickly cricket’s institutional memory can blur — even when the tournament happened months ago.

Fans calling it “rewriting history” aren’t… pic.twitter.com/zBhp7sids3

— Gully Point (@gullypoint_) March 16, 2026

I thought Rohit Sharma was leading the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Winning Indian Team

But BCCI Event is saying that Shubman Gill was leading Indian Team for CT2025 ?!?!

Was I in Delulu ??????? pic.twitter.com/Kc2exJTObx

— Its_Me_Maxeyyy 💛 (@maxeyyy_tweets) March 16, 2026

🚨 BREAKING 🚨

BCCI deleted this post showing Shubman Gill as Champions Trophy captain instead of Rohit Sharma after backlash. https://t.co/YMJyIBWDl6 pic.twitter.com/QWfracPoaf

— Mention Cricket (@MentionCricket) March 15, 2026

Big blunder by the richest cricket board in the world, @BCCI

For the U19 Women’s championship win, they showed the senior team’s picture, and for the 2025 Champions Trophy, where Rohit Sharma was the winning captain, they somehow made Shubman Gill the captain.

Richest board,… pic.twitter.com/cAKeINb613

— Uma shankar (@JustShankar_) March 15, 2026

Also READ: From Rahul Dravid to Shubman Gill: BCCI unveils list of winners for Naman Awards

Shubman clinches Polly Umrigar Award amidst historic season

Despite the digital drama, the night remained a professional milestone for Gill, who was named the Best International Cricketer (Men). By bagging the prestigious Polly Umrigar Award, Gill solidified his status as the heir apparent to India’s batting throne. This marks his second “Cricketer of the Year” title, following his first win in 2023, reflecting a 2025 season where he amassed 754 runs in the Test series against England alone, averaging a staggering 75.40.

“Many greats and legends of Indian cricket have received this award before, so it is a huge honour,” Gill stated during his acceptance speech. He was quick to deflect individual praise toward the collective achievement of the squad, noting that winning five ICC trophies in a single cycle was a feat likely never to be repeated.

The ceremony also celebrated the phenomenal Smriti Mandhana, who secured the Best International Cricketer (Women) award for a record fifth time. Mandhana’s 2025 was nothing short of legendary, as she became the first woman in history to score over 1,000 ODI runs in a single calendar year. As the BCCI honored the five trophy-winning sides, the event served as a reminder of India’s current global dominance, even if a temporary graphic glitch briefly stole the headlines.

Also READ: Captain Shubman Gill reveals Team India’s ultimate goal

NEW DELHI: The Left front on Monday released its first list of candidates for the upcoming assembly elections, fielding leaders like outgoing Rajya Sabha MP Bikash Ranjan Bhattacharya and CPI(M) central committee member Minakshi Mukherjee .Out of 192 seats, CPI(M) will contest 142, the Forward Bloc (21), RSP (13), CPI (14), RCPI (1) and MCP (1).Bhattacharya will contest from Jadavpur constituency in south Kolkata, while Mukherjee, a youth face of the Left Front, will fight from Uttarpara in Hooghly district.Mukherjee was fielded from Nandigram in the 2021 elections and came third after BJP’s Suvendu Adhikari and Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee.The Left Front has also fielded Sabina Yasmin from Kaliganj.Yasmin’s six-year-old daughter Tamanna was killed in a crude bomb blast allegedly from a victory rally during bypoll counting in June last year, which was won by the TMC.Left Front chairman Biman Bose said the candidates for the remaining seats will be finalised and announced within three to four days.“The fight this time is against the neo-Fascist forces in the country, the autocratic activities in our state, and the hardships faced by the people owing to these,” Bose said while announcing the 192 nominees at a press conference here.“We will also be fighting to revive Leftist politics and strengthen Left forces in the state,” he added.Stating that women candidates have been fielded in 28 constituencies, Bose said, more women will be named for the remaining seats.Bose said CPI(ML)-Liberation and the Indian Secular Front (ISF) will field candidates as associates, adding that apart from these, some independents and important names will also feature on the Left Front’s list.The ISF, which contested the 2021 assembly polls in a seat-sharing arrangement with the Left Front, won a single seat – Bhangar in South 24 Parganas. PTIThe upcoming election is seen as a battle for survival for the CPI(M)-led front in West Bengal, which ruled the state uninterruptedly for 34 years until 2011 and failed to win a single seat in the 2021 assembly polls.The assembly polls will be held in the state on April 23 and 29, and votes will be counted on May 4.

NEW DELHI: The ministry of external affairs on Monday rejected the annual report of the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom for 2026, which recommended targeted sanctions on the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh and Research and Analysis Wing for violations of religious freedom.MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, in a statement, said that the commission has persisted in presenting a distorted, selective picture of India by relying on questionable sources and ideological narratives rather than objective facts.

“We have taken note of the latest report of the US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF). We categorically reject its motivated and biased characterization of India. For several years now, USCIRF has persisted in presenting a distorted and selective picture of India, relying on questionable sources and ideological narratives rather than objective facts. Such repeated misrepresentations only undermine the credibility of the Commission itself,” Jaiswal said.“Instead of persisting with selective criticism of India, USCIRF would do well to reflect on the disturbing incidents of vandalism and attacks on Hindu temples in the United States, selective targeting of India, and growing intolerance and intimidation of members of the Indian diaspora in the United States, which merit serious attention,” he added.This comes after USCIRF designated India as a “country of particular concern” and asked United States to link arms sales and trade policies to religious freedom.USCIRF said its report, Systematic Religious Persecution in India, provides an overview of India’s social, political, and criminal justice systems as they relate to issues regarding freedom of religion or belief (FoRB).“It also examines the relationship between Hindu nationalist groups like the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and the implications of this dynamic for FoRB. Despite offering some constitutional protections for FoRB, India’s political system facilitates a climate of discrimination toward religious minority communities,” the report alleged.USCIRF also argued that conditions for religious freedom in India have “continued to deteriorate” and accused the Indian government of “targeting” religious minorities and houses of worship.“Several states undertook efforts to introduce or strengthen anti-conversion laws to include harsher prison sentences. Indian authorities also facilitated widespread detention and illegal expulsion of citizens and religious refugees and tolerated vigilante attacks against religious minority communities,” the report said.Created in 1998 by an act of the United States Congress, the USCIRF “monitors the universal right to freedom of religion or belief (FoRB) abroad” and makes recommendations to the President of the United States, the United States Department of State, and Congress.The agency says it acts independently, but the US President and senior political leaders in the House of Representatives and the Senate appoint its nine commissioners.In its 2025 Annual Report, USCIRF had recommended that the US Department of State designate India as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) “for engaging in systematic, ongoing, and egregious religious freedom violations”.Jaiswal noted in March this year that India is home to 1.4 billion people who are adherents of all religions known to mankind.He had said that USCIRF should be designated as an entity of concern.“We have no expectation that the USCIRF will engage with the reality of India’s pluralistic framework or acknowledge the harmonious coexistence of its diverse communities. Such efforts to undermine India’s standing as a beacon of democracy and tolerance will not succeed. In fact, it is the USCIRF that should be designated as an entity of concern,” he said.MEA had earlier termed USCIRF “a biased organisation with a political agenda” and said it continues to misrepresent facts and peddle a motivated narrative about India.