India’s exports to the US declined 12.88 per cent year-on-year to $6.88 billion in February, weighed down by high tariffs, while the country’s trade deficit with China widened past $100 billion during the April-February period of the current fiscal, according to commerce ministry data released on Monday.Exports had contracted in September, October, December and January, although they registered a 22.61 per cent rise in November. Indian goods were attracting sweeping 50 per cent levies in the US. After the US Supreme Court struck down the Trump tariffs, however, US President Donald Trump imposed a 10 per cent duty on all countries from February 24 for 150 days. The impact of the lower tariffs is expected to be reflected in March trade data to be released in mid-May.Imports from the US rose 36.53 per cent to $4.48 billion in February. During the April-February period, India’s exports to the US increased 3.84 per cent to $79.29 billion, while imports climbed 15.65 per cent to $48.4 billion.Trade with China remained sharply imbalanced. India’s exports to China rose 32.37 per cent to $1.67 billion in February, while imports surged 30.49 per cent to $11.95 billion. For the first 11 months of the fiscal year, exports to China increased 37.66 per cent to $17.54 billion, whereas imports rose 15.21 per cent to $119.55 billion, pushing the trade deficit to $102.01 billion.Exports recorded growth to markets such as Germany, Hong Kong, Italy, Nepal, France, Brazil, Spain, Belgium, Malaysia and Vietnam during February. However, shipments to the UK, the Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, Bangladesh, Singapore, Australia and South Africa declined.On the import side, shipments fell from the UAE, Russia, Germany, Thailand and Qatar, but increased from Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Switzerland, Singapore, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea and Indonesia. Imports from Switzerland– largely gold– surged nearly seven-fold to $2.71 billion during the month.

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Benchmark equity indices rebounded strongly on Monday, rising over 1 per cent each after three consecutive sessions of steep losses, as investors returned to blue-chip banking and domestic-focused stocks amid bargain buying.The 30-share BSE Sensex surged 938.93 points, or 1.26 per cent, to close at 75,502.85. During the session, it touched an intra-day high of 75,805.27 and a low of 73,949.76.The broader NSE Nifty also advanced 257.70 points, or 1.11 per cent, to settle at 23,408.80.

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“The equity market staged a late-session rebound, supported by value buying in domestically oriented sectors such as auto, banking, and FMCG, a relief rally following the recent sell-off.“In the near term, investor sentiment will hinge on developments in the Strait of Hormuz, where any easing of supply chain disruptions could provide further support,” Vinod Nair, Head of Research, Geojit Investments Limited, said, PTI quoted.In Asia, Japan’s Nikkei 225 and Shanghai’s SSE Composite index ended lower, while South Korea’s Kospi and Hong Kong’s Hang Seng closed in positive territory. European markets were trading mostly lower during afternoon deals.The US market had ended in the red on Friday.Meanwhile, Brent crude — the global oil benchmark–rose 1.41 per cent to USD 104.4 per barrel in futures trade.Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) sold equities worth Rs 10,716.64 crore on Friday, according to exchange data, while Domestic Institutional Investors (DIIs) purchased shares worth Rs 9,977.42 crore.On Friday, the Sensex had ended at 74,563.92, down 1,470.50 points, or 1.93 per cent. The Nifty had fallen 488.05 points, or 2.06 per cent, to close at 23,151.10.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Saturday claimed that Russia is supplying Iran with Shahed drones that are being used against the United States and Israel.In an interview with CNN, Zelenskyy told journalist Fareed Zakaria that it was “100% fact” that Iran had used Russian-made Shahed drones in attacks on American bases.

Shahed drones have been linked to several attacks across the Middle East, although the exact manufacturer of some drones used in these strikes has not always been confirmed.Earlier this week, Zelenskyy also made similar claims in a post on the social media platform X stating that “Russia has started supporting the Iranian regime with drones. It will definitely help with missiles, and it is also helping them with air defense.”However, he did not provide specific details about the assistance.Russia has also shared imagery from its satellite network with Iran. It remains unclear what Moscow is receiving in return for its support, CNN reported. However, Moscow has previously denied sharing intelligence with Iran.

What are Shahed-136 drones?

The Shahed-136 drone is a loitering munition originally developed by Iran as a cheaper alternative to traditional missiles. Designed with a delta-wing structure, the drone can travel long distances toward a target area before diving into it and detonating its explosive payload.

According to analysts at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, the drone has a range of around 1,000 miles, can reach speeds of about 114 miles per hour and carries a warhead weighing between 66 and 123 pounds.Each unit is estimated to cost between $20,000 and $50,000, making it far cheaper than conventional missile systems while still capable of causing significant damage.The affordability of such drones allows militaries to launch them in large numbers at once, overwhelming air-defence systems and forcing opponents to use far more expensive interceptor missiles.Shahed drones first saw large-scale use during Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, where thousands have been launched by Russian forces since late 2022, according to Ukrainian officials.Although Iran initially supplied the drones to Russia, Moscow has since begun producing its own versions domestically. Similar Shahed-type drones have also been adopted by other militaries, including the United States.Iran has deployed large numbers of drones across the Middle East, targeting sites in countries such as Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates. Regional authorities say hundreds of drones have been intercepted, though some have managed to strike infrastructure including airports, ports, hotels and residential buildings. The growing use of low-cost drones has also pushed the United States to rethink its defence strategy.

In the high-pressure cauldron of the Indian Premier League (IPL), where veteran internationals often lose their nerves, a 14-year-old from Bihar has redefined the meaning of ‘playing with freedom.’ The 2025 season will be remembered for many things, but perhaps nothing captured the imagination of the cricketing world quite like the meteoric rise of Vaibhav Suryavanshi.

During the recent BCCI Naman Awards, Rajasthan Royals’ stalwart Sanju Samson shared a delightful behind-the-scenes anecdote that perfectly encapsulates the shift in Indian cricket’s generational mindset. Samson, known for his own flair and calm demeanour, couldn’t help but chuckle as he mimicked the young prodigy, narrating a pre-debut meeting that left even the legendary Rahul Dravid—the ‘Wall’ of technical precision, momentarily speechless.

Sanju Samson recreates Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s style while narrating his IPL conversation with Rahul Dravid

The story begins in a hotel room in Jaipur, just before the Royals took on Lucknow Super Giants on April 19. Concerned about the immense pressure on a 14-year-old making his global debut, Dravid and Samson called Suryavanshi in for a tactical briefing. They expected a nervous teenager seeking guidance on strike rotation or handling world-class pacers. Instead, they met a boy who viewed the IPL through the lens of a video game.

When Dravid, the epitome of structured batting, asked the youngster about his game plan, Suryavanshi’s response was disarmingly simple. Speaking in his native accent, which Samson mimicked to perfection at the awards ceremony, the teenager reportedly said, “Agar hume pehle mila to hum pehla hi uda denge” (If I get the first ball in my zone, I’m sending it over the ropes). True to his word, Suryavanshi faced Shardul Thakur on his very first ball in the IPL and dispatched it for a massive six, signalling the arrival of a new era of fearless batting.

Here’s the video:

“Agar hume pehla mila, pehle hi uda denge!” 😄

Samson unveils Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s simple yet very effective strategy behind his fearless gameplay! 🙌💪

Watch BCCI Naman awards 👉https://t.co/8W5zMWhfvk pic.twitter.com/0f04IeP6S2

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) March 15, 2026

Also READ: Robin Uthappa explains why IPL 2026 will be a challenging season for Vaibhav Suryavanshi

From Bihar to the record books: Suryavanshi’s impact as the youngest centurion

The sheer audacity of Suryavanshi’s approach isn’t just a charming story; it is backed by historic statistical dominance. After his explosive debut, the left-hander went on to achieve the unthinkable: becoming the youngest player in history to score an IPL century. His 101 off just 38 balls against the Gujarat Titans was a masterclass in clean hitting, effectively rendering tactical field placements obsolete.

What makes Suryavanshi’s 2025 campaign statistically significant is the efficiency of his aggression. Over the course of seven matches, he amassed 252 runs at an average of 36. However, the standout figure remains his strike rate of 206.55. In a league where a strike rate of 150 is considered elite, Suryavanshi operated at a frequency that disrupted the opposition’s bowling rhythm entirely.

The Rajasthan Royals’ decision to secure him for ₹1.10 crore in the auction now looks like one of the greatest bargains in the tournament’s history. His success highlights a broader trend in Indian domestic cricket: the decentralization of talent. Emerging from the cricketing hinterlands of Bihar, Suryavanshi arrived on the big stage without the baggage of traditional technical constraints. As Samson noted, the kid wasn’t playing against a world-class bowling attack; he was simply playing a “video game of his own.”

This “see-ball, hit-ball” mantra, while seemingly simplistic, requires an extraordinary level of hand-eye coordination and mental fortitude. By mimicking Suryavanshi’s carefree attitude, Samson didn’t just provide a moment of levity at an awards show; he highlighted the psychological evolution of the modern Indian cricketer.

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

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MUMBAI: A family property battle that began before the Bombay high court just two weeks after the Indian Constitution came into force has finally been resolved, 76 years later. In a judgment made available on March 11, the HC ordered a five-way partition of the remaining one acre (4,271 sq. m) in Yerawada, Pune, among the heirs of landowner Mia Mohamed Haji Janmohamed Chotani, who had left behind two large prime plots, including one on Deccan College Road. The dispute had dragged on for decades.Justice Farhan Dubash, in his judgment dated February 27, brought closure to the long-standing battle between two sets of heirs of Mia Mohamed Haji Janmohamed Chotani.Background of the CaseEbrahim Mia Mahomed Haji Janmohamed Chotani and other heirs filed a suit on February 8, 1950, before the HC against Osman Mia Mohamed Haji Janmohamed Chotani, one of the other heirs, seeking partition and determination of their respective shares.Plaintiffs’ Claims:The plaintiffs sought a declaration regarding the estate of the deceased and the respective shares of all parties. They also requested partition of the estate among the heirs according to their respective shares, along with consequential reliefs, including sale of properties and rendition of accounts.Defendant’s Position:Osman Mia Chotani later became insolvent, and the official assignee of his estate was substituted as the defendant.The Lands in QuestionOne parcel situated at Deccan College Road, Yerawada, PuneAnother parcel situated in Yerawada, PuneCourt ObservationsJustice Dubash noted that on March 14, 1950, the HC appointed the Court Receiver as Receiver for the two properties, along with all rents, income, and profits, and other legally mandated powers.On March 28, 1950, a preliminary decree for partition was passed by the HC declaring the shares of the heirs and referring the suit to a “Commissioner for Taking Accounts” to effect the partition of the properties according to the heirs’ respective shares. The Commissioner was also empowered to sell any properties as necessary.What Happened NextThe Deccan College Road property was acquired by the government. The compensation received by the Court Receiver, along with sale proceeds of other properties sold by the Commissioner over the years, was distributed among the entitled parties under a 1979 order in proceedings filed in 1978 by the original defendant.This left only a 16-acre plot in Yerawada under the Court Receiver’s possession.During his lifetime, the original owner had appointed a manager for this 16-acre plot. The manager’s heirs later claimed either the property in lieu of certain debts or, alternatively, half the share in the plot based on a writing dated June 22, 1946, executed by the original defendant. Another individual, claiming actual possession, asserted ownership citing adverse possession rights.In 1952, the Court Receiver filed a suit in the Pune Civil Court for possession.By June 1953, the parties settled: the manager’s heirs relinquished their claim in exchange for a one-fourth share of the 16-acre plot. A compromise decree in 1955 granted them this one-fourth share, settling all claims, while the Court Receiver retained three-fourths.Despite this, the property remained unpartitioned for three more decades. In 1984, the HC ordered demarcation of the land, leaving two plots: one of 1 acre and another of 3 acres.In 2006, Bishop’s Education Society intervened, seeking removal of the Court Receiver from the 3-acre plot. Nearly two decades later, in January 2024, the HC discharged the receiver for the three-acre plot. Plaintiffs and one defendant who claimed to have paid for part of the land filed an appeal last year, which remains pending. Justice Dubash stated that its outcome would bind all parties.Over the years, the HC also impleaded individuals and private builders claiming rights over portions of the land through various agreements in 1989, 2018, and 2019.Key TakeawaysPursuant to the preliminary decree of March 28, 1950, the Commissioner for Taking Accounts submitted a report proposing the partition of the remaining one-acre plot in Yerawada. All plaintiffs and defendants, except one, consented to the proposed partition. The objecting defendant opposed a 12-metre wide internal road. The HC referred the matter to an architect, who confirmed that the 12-metre road complies with Maharashtra’s Unified Development Control and Promotion Regulations (UDCPR).The HC rejected the defendant’s objection, noting that the 12-metre road was justified for layout and access requirements.Final OrderThe Commissioner for Taking Accounts is directed to effect partition of the 4,271.50 sq. m property according to the plan dated August 21, 2025, prepared by the architect and annexed to the Commissioner’s report dated December 10, 2025.Demarcation will be carried out through the District Superintendent of Land Records or the concerned City Survey Officer in Pune, with parties allowed to be physically present.Defendants 16 and 17, claiming competing rights, may institute separate proceedings before a competent court. To facilitate this, status quo will be maintained over six sub-plots until June 15, 2026.The 1950 suit is accordingly disposed of.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday posted another video of himself as rumours about his death continue to circulate on social media.In a video shared on his social media account, Netanyahu was seen chatting with people at an outdoor location.“Sticking to the guidelines and winning together,” the post read.

This comes a day after the Israeli prime minister mocked rumours about his death and the “six fingers” claim.In the video posted on his personal X handle, Netanyahu can be heard saying, “Great (he tells the seller giving him coffee), Thanks.”“What did you ask me?” he is seen asking the videographer.When told that channels were saying he is dead, Netanyahu mocks, “I am dying for coffee.”The speculation surfaced during a period of heightened regional tensions that began on February 28, when Israel and the United States carried out coordinated strikes on targets in Iran.The “six fingers” rumour gathered pace after the Israeli prime minister shared a video of a press conference on Friday, addressing the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran.Some social media users claimed the footage was AI-generated, alleging that the prime minister appeared to have six fingers on his right hand.In particular, users pointed to a moment around the 0:35 mark when Benjamin Netanyahu raises his hands. They argued that what looked like extra flesh near his little finger was a “classic AI finger glitch,” suggesting the video had been artificially generated.Responding to queries about the claims, the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office said the reports were completely false.“These are fake news; the prime minister is fine,” the office told Anadolu News when asked about posts claiming Netanyahu had been killed in retaliation for recent Israeli and US strikes on Iran.Earlier in the day, Israeli Ambassador to India Reuven Azar also scotched rumours about Netanyahu, saying “PM Netanyahu is alive”.Interacting with reporters in Delhi, he also said a video of Netanyahu’s visit to a cafe in Israel was not “AI-fabricated”, dismissing the claim as spreading of “disinformation”.“PM Netanyahu is alive. I saw him when I was in Israel more than once. The video at the cafe is not AI-fabricated. A lot of disinformation is being spread,” Azar said.He also accused Iran and its “accomplices” of spreading disinformation.