New Delhi: Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge on Monday raised the LPG crisis arising out of the conflict in West Asia, asking why the govt did not do advance planning of LPG imports or make alternative arrangements despite being aware of the regional tensions. “Why did the govt not make alternative arrangements if it was aware of the regional tensions? Why was the Opposition not taken on board for a coordinated response to public anxiety.”Why is the govt not taking any measures to curb hoarding and black marketing in LPG? This crisis not only exposes our mismanagement but also highlights our weak domestic and foreign policy,” he alleged.Kharge’s submission, which extended well beyond the 3 minutes allowed to each member during the zero hour, drew a sharp reaction from Leader of the House J P Nadda who accused the Opposition of spreading anarchy and engaging in politics over LPG shortage, rather than standing with the govt as it manages the situation not of India’s own making but caused purely by international developments. While reminding Kharge of petroleum minister Hardeep Puri’s earlier statement in the LS on the LPG situation, Nadda recalled that Congress MPs had not even heard him. Nadda claimed that a Congress leader was himself caught hoarding LPG. Earlier, Kharge said the LPG crisis has created a panic across the country, given its adverse impact on the poor, middle-class households, besides restaurants, hostels and commercial establishments. Recalling that India imports LPG to meet 60% of its domestic requirements, he added that 90% of these imports come via the Strait of Hormuz. “Both LPG availability and price stability have become issues of serious concern...MSMEs and commercial users are facing problems in securing LPG refills. It is worrisome that some establishments have stopped operations while some are paying up to Rs 5000 per cylinder,” he claimed.Pointing to Puri’s claims that there is no LPG shortage, Kharge alleged that the ground realities were different. “When India was issuing advisories to its citizens in Iran, warning of the deterioration in the situation, it should have also warned of adverse impact on critical maritime routes and energy supplies. We should have accordingly been prepared. Govt knew of the impending situation in the Strait of Hormuz. So had the LPG imports advance planning and alternative arrangements been done, we would not be facing this crisis,” he noted.

The excitement around the upcoming Indian Premier League 2026 continues to grow as teams finalize their combinations for what promises to be another blockbuster season. Five-time champions Chennai Super Kings are entering the tournament with a significantly revamped squad and a fresh tactical direction.

The franchise made headlines with a massive trade for Sanju Samson, signaling a new era built around youth and attacking cricket. Along with captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, the franchise is placing strong faith in a younger core to lead their revival after a disappointing campaign in the previous season.

With discussions around team combinations heating up, former India all-rounder and coach Sanjay Bangar has now shared his thoughts on what he believes could be the ideal batting order for CSK in the upcoming season.

Sanjay Bangar outlines CSK’s probable batting order

Speaking on Star Sports, Bangar emphasized that Gaikwad should continue opening the innings, insisting that the CSK skipper has produced his best performances at the top of the order. According to Bangar, the team experimented in the previous season by splitting the opening partnership of Gaikwad and Devon Conway, hoping to strengthen the middle order. However, he believes that approach did not bring the desired results.

“Ruturaj Gaikwad should bat at the top of the order only. Last year, they tried to separate Devon Conway and Ruturaj Gaikwad so that the entire cream isn’t at the top. However, that thought process didn’t give them success. Ruturaj Gaikwad has played his best cricket at the top of the order,” Bangar said.

The former India batting coach suggested that Gaikwad should open alongside promising youngster Ayush Mhatre, forming an aggressive opening pair capable of setting the tone in the powerplay. Bangar also backed Samson to slot in at No. 3, a role that could allow the dynamic wicketkeeper-batter to stabilize the innings while maintaining a high scoring rate.

Further down the order, Bangar believes the explosive Dewald Brevis should occupy the No. 4 position, providing attacking intent in the middle overs. He added that the No. 5 slot could be filled by either all-rounder Shivam Dube or young batter Kartik Sharma, depending on match conditions and team balance.

Bangar also noted that CSK possess considerable batting depth this season, giving them the flexibility to adopt a more aggressive approach compared to previous campaigns.

“He plays very well there, and Ayush Mhatre plays with him. I see Sanju Samson playing at No. 3. Dewald Brevis will play at No. 4. Either Shivam Dube or Kartik Sharma can come at No. 5. As regards adopting a new approach, I feel this team has a lot of might in the batting department,” Bangar added.

Also READ: Ahead of IPL 2026, Sun TV takes CSK to court – here’s the reason

High expectations from the five-time champions

CSK head into IPL 2026 with a clear redemption narrative after finishing at the bottom of the points table in 2025. The franchise has taken bold steps to rebuild its squad, shifting focus from experienced veterans to a dynamic group of young Indian talents. The blockbuster trade for Samson is expected to play a key role in transforming CSK’s batting lineup. The wicketkeeper-batter is likely to share responsibility with Gaikwad in shaping the team’s top order and guiding the side through high-pressure situations.

Fans are also eager to see how uncapped prospects such as Prashant Veer and Kartik Sharma perform in the absence of long-time stalwarts like Ravindra Jadeja. Their emergence could define the success of CSK’s youth-driven rebuild. Meanwhile, the presence of veteran icon MS Dhoni continues to provide invaluable leadership within the squad. Although Dhoni is expected to operate primarily as a finisher or tactical Impact Player, his experience remains a crucial asset as CSK chase a record sixth IPL title.

CSK’s campaign will begin on March 30 with a high-profile clash against Rajasthan Royals, a match that could offer the first glimpse of how their new-look lineup performs under pressure.

Also READ: Mohit Sharma reveals his all-time CSK playing XI ahead of IPL 2026

Wholesale price inflation accelerated to 2.13 per cent in February–the highest level in 11 months–as firming prices of food and non-food articles kept cost pressures elevated despite some easing in vegetable inflation, official data released on Monday showed.The WPI-based inflation rate has now risen for the fourth consecutive month. It stood at 1.81 per cent in January and was 2.45 per cent in February last year.Inflation in food articles increased to 2.19 per cent in February from 1.55 per cent a month earlier. Although vegetable inflation moderated to 4.73 per cent from 6.78 per cent, prices of pulses, potato and egg, meat and fish registered higher inflation during the period.“Positive rate of inflation in February 2026 is primarily due to an increase in prices of other manufacturing, manufacture of basic metals, non-food articles, food articles and textiles, etc.,” the industry ministry said in a statement.Deflation in the fuel and power category narrowed to 3.78 per cent in February from 4.01 per cent in January. Global crude prices averaged USD 68 per barrel during the month compared with USD 63 per barrel in January.Economists said wholesale inflation could gather further momentum if crude oil prices remain elevated and spill over to sectors such as fertilisers and aluminium, given that WPI is more closely aligned with international price trends than the retail inflation basket.Barclays said in a research note that the pass-through of higher crude prices due to the Middle East conflict would be more visible in wholesale inflation.“With a sharp jump in crude oil prices crossing USD 100/bbl as of 16 March, the corresponding WPI will likely reflect this in the March print,” the note said, PTI quoted.India Ratings and Research also cautioned that rising crude prices since the US-Iran war could push wholesale inflation higher from March until supply-side pressures ease. The average price of the Indian crude basket for March 2026 (up to March 12) has touched a 44-month high of USD 101.25 per barrel.Ind-Ra Chief Economist Devendra Pant said wholesale inflation may remain elevated amid geopolitical tensions and a favourable base effect.“The retail prices of petroleum products might remain the same for some time, which may negate any sharp jump in retail inflation. However, the increase in crude oil prices will push wholesale inflation higher. Ind-Ra expects wholesale inflation in March to jump to 3.7 per cent,” he said.According to WPI data, inflation in manufactured products rose marginally to 2.92 per cent in February from 2.86 per cent in January, while non-food articles inflation surged to 8.80 per cent from 7.58 per cent.PHDCCI President Rajeev Juneja said continued policy attention to supply-chain efficiency, logistics cost reduction and domestic manufacturing support would be crucial to contain cost-push pressures amid global uncertainty.Separate data released earlier showed retail inflation rose to 3.2 per cent in February from 2.75 per cent in January. The Reserve Bank of India, which primarily tracks retail inflation while setting policy rates, has reduced benchmark interest rates by 1.25 percentage points in the current fiscal year as price pressures remained contained

Paris: India’s HS Prannoy (PTI Photo/Ravi Choudhary)

NEW DELHI: HS Prannoy has withdrawn from the Orleans Masters Super 300 badminton tournament after suffering a shoulder injury during last week’s Swiss Open in Basel. The experienced Indian shuttler was originally scheduled to face top seed Chou Tien Chen of Chinese Taipei in the opening round.Prannoy first felt discomfort while travelling to the Swiss Open and decided to withdraw from his match against Koki Watanabe to avoid worsening the injury. After returning, scans revealed a minor tear in his shoulder.

“The shoulder pain developed after travelling to the Swiss Open. We didn’t know the reason then, so I decided to withdraw and fly back,” Prannoy told PTI.“After a scan it showed a slight tear. It is a minor thing and hopefully I should be okay soon,” he added. The Indian star is now aiming to recover in time for the upcoming Asian Championships scheduled in Ningbo, China.

Young Indian players lead the challenge

With Prannoy out, younger players will lead India’s campaign at the tournament. Rising star Ayush Shetty, seeded eighth and currently ranked world No. 25, will be one of the main contenders after winning the US Open Super 300 last year. He begins his campaign against Lee Chia Hao.Former world No. 1 Kidambi Srikanth will also be in action against Magnus Johannesen of Denmark. Other Indian players in the men’s singles include Tharun Mannepalli, who recently reached the quarterfinals at the Swiss Open, and Kiran George, who stunned former world champion Loh Kean Yew in Basel.

Focus on women’s and doubles events

In women’s singles, young talent Tanvi Sharma, silver medallist at the BWF World Junior Championships, will face Supanida Katethong. Malvika Bansod also returns after recovering from a long knee injury and will take on Sung Shuo Yun.India will also compete in doubles events. Pairs such as Hariharan Amsakarunan and M R Arjun in men’s doubles, and Dhruv Kapila with Tanisha Crasto in mixed doubles, will look to make strong runs and keep India’s hopes alive in the tournament.

The government on Monday said India’s fuel supply situation remains stable, with adequate crude oil availability and refineries operating at peak capacity even as geopolitical tensions in Middle East continue to disrupt regional energy flows.Addressing concerns over possible shortages, Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary (Marketing & Oil Refinery) in the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, said the domestic petroleum supply chain is functioning smoothly and retail fuel outlets are operating without disruption.“Crude is available in sufficient quantity. All refineries are operating at the highest capacity. Our petrol pumps are operating normally. No dry out has been reported anywhere,” Sharma said, ANI quoted.Officials noted that oil marketing companies are closely monitoring stock levels and logistics to ensure uninterrupted distribution of petrol and diesel across the country.The assurance comes as Indian-flagged vessels carrying energy cargo continue to transit the conflict-affected Strait of Hormuz. Shipping Ministry Special Secretary Rajesh Kumar Sinha said an LPG carrier is set to dock at Mundra port shortly, with priority arrangements made to facilitate swift unloading.“Shivalik LPG carrier, which sailed from the Persian Gulf, crossed the Strait of Hormuz and headed towards India, will be reaching today around 5 pm, maybe after an hour or so. And before its arrival, documentation, priority berthing, and everything have been arranged at the port so that there is no delay in the discharge of cargo by this vessel. All Indian seafarers in the Persian Gulf area are safe.” He said. “No incident has been reported in the last 24 hours, and we are keeping a continuous watch on the situation. We are in touch with each vessel and its crew. 22 vessels, as was reported on Saturday, also. 22 Indian flag vessels with 611 Indian seafarers remain in the west of the Strait of Hormuz in the Persian Gulf…” Sinha added.He added that another Indian vessel carrying crude oil from the UAE is also safely headed to India.“Indian-flag vessel ‘Jag Laadki’, which sailed from the UAE on 14th of March, is carrying about 81,000 tonnes of Murban crude oil, is safely en route to India. The vessel and all Indian seafarers on board are safe. They’ll be reaching tomorrow at Mundra Port,” Sinha said.External affairs minister S Jaishankar earlier indicated that India is engaging with Iran to facilitate the reopening of the key maritime route. In an interview with the Financial Times, he said diplomatic coordination was beginning to yield results.“Certainly, from India’s perspective, it is better that we reason and we coordinate and we get a solution than we don’t. While this is a welcome development, there is continuing conversation because there is continued work on that,” Jaishankar said.He noted that while recent vessel movements demonstrate progress, passage for Indian ships is currently being managed on a “case-by-case basis.”

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The rupee weakened by 10 paise to settle at a fresh record low of Rs 92.40 (provisional) against the US dollar on Monday amid surging crude oil prices and incessant withdrawal of foreign funds triggered by geopolitical uncertainties, PTI reported.The local currency, however, resisted a sharper fall as domestic equity markets staged a significant recovery on hopes of a reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, forex traders said.At the interbank foreign exchange market, the local unit opened at Rs 92.44 and touched its lowest-ever intra-day level of Rs 92.47 against the greenback during the session. It finally ended at Rs 92.40 (provisional), down 10 paise from the previous close.In the preceding session, the rupee had hit its lowest intra-day level of Rs 92.47 before settling at Rs 92.30 against the dollar, which was then its weakest closing level.Anuj Choudhary, Research Analyst at Mirae Asset Sharekhan, said that some softness in the US dollar index and hopes of the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz cushioned the downside.According to Jigar Trivedi, Senior Research Analyst at IndusInd Securities, the rupee hovered near record lows, pressured by elevated crude prices and sustained foreign equity outflows.“Persistently high oil prices are forcing importers to purchase more dollars, widening India’s trade deficit and creating a material terms-of-trade shock,” he said, adding, “The Reserve Bank of India has intervened in FX markets to stabilise the currency and prevent excessive volatility.”Meanwhile, the dollar index, which gauges the greenback’s strength against a basket of six currencies, was trading 0.13 per cent lower at 99.97.Brent crude, the global oil benchmark, was trading higher by 1.46 per cent at USD 104.69 per barrel in futures trade.On the domestic equity market front, the Sensex surged 938.93 points, or 1.26 per cent, to settle at 75,502.85, while the Nifty climbed 257.70 points, or 1.11 per cent, to 23,408.80.Government data released on Monday showed that the country’s trade deficit narrowed to USD 27.1 billion in February compared to January. Merchandise exports dipped marginally by 0.81 per cent to USD 36.61 billion, while imports rose 24.11 per cent to USD 63.71 billion from USD 51.33 billion a year earlier.Foreign institutional investors sold equities worth Rs 10,716.64 crore on a net basis on Friday, according to exchange data.“Traders may take cues from the Empire State manufacturing index and industrial production data from the US. Investors will also watch out for the FOMC, ECB, Bank of Japan and Bank of England’s monetary policy this week,” Choudhary said, projecting the USD-INR spot price to trade in the range of Rs 92.10 to Rs 92.75.