NEW DELHI: The Election Commission is expected to announce the schedule for assembly elections in five states and union territories, West Bengal, Assam, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Puducherry, today according to news agency ANI.The date coincides with the deadline for filing appeals against the final electoral roll for West Bengal, which was published on February 28 and lists over 6.4 crore electors.The window for filing appeals against final rolls in Assam, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Puducherry has already closed. It is indicated that the upcoming elections will likely involve fewer phases than in 2021, when West Bengal went to polls over eight phases, Assam over three, and Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Puducherry in a single phase.To conduct elections over a shorter period, the EC is expected to substantially increase the deployment of central forces, particularly in West Bengal. Reports suggest the total strength of central armed police forces (CAPFs) could surpass the 1,500 companies (around 1.4 lakh personnel) deployed for the 2024 Jammu & Kashmir assembly elections. About 500 companies (45,000 personnel) are already on advance deployment in West Bengal.Multi-phase polling is expected in West Bengal and Assam, while Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Puducherry may vote in a single phase. With the term of the West Bengal assembly expiring on May 7, voting in the state is likely to stretch from April into early May.The EC will also continue the adjudication of around 60 lakh ‘doubtful’ voter cases in West Bengal, handled by judicial officers appointed by the Calcutta High Court, with further appeals possible before tribunals. Supplementary voter lists incorporating approved cases will be published, as directed by the Chief Justice of the Calcutta High Court.Meanwhile, the EC has issued notifications for the appointment of returning officers for all 294 West Bengal constituencies, following the state government’s consent to provide officers of requisite seniority. The commission will closely monitor the deployment and randomisation of CAPF and state police personnel through special observers and CAPF nodal officers.

As the war between the United States, Israel and Iran enters its third week, the use of low-cost drones has emerged as a central feature of the conflict, reflecting how inexpensive unmanned systems are increasingly influencing modern warfare.Bombing has continued across Iran and the region since the conflict escalated, while Tehran has responded by launching swarms of low-cost kamikaze drones across Israel and Gulf states, targeting military facilities and energy infrastructure. The attacks have forced the US and its regional allies to activate air defence systems designed primarily to counter more advanced missiles and aircraft.Against this backdrop, another category of small unmanned systems, first-person-view (FPV) drones, has become the latest tactical weapon to enter the war. A video circulating widely on social media shows a first-person-view (FPV) drone striking a building near Victory Base, close to Baghdad International Airport in Iraq, possibly the first known instance of an Iranian-backed militia using such a munition in the current conflict.The footage shows the FPV drone flying over the area near the base before slamming into a structure, causing an explosion.

What are FPV drones?

FPV drones are small aerial drones equipped with onboard cameras that transmit live video feeds directly to an operator’s goggles, headset or mobile device. The pilot sees exactly what the drone sees and guides it manually toward a target.According to analysis by the Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses, the technology enables highly precise manoeuvring and real-time control, allowing operators to carry out targeted strikes in complex combat environments.Originally developed for recreational flying and drone racing, FPV drones are now often fitted with explosive payloads and used in one-way attack missions, sometimes described as “kamikaze” strikes.

From hobby technology to battlefield weapon

The technology behind FPV drones gained popularity in drone racing during the early 2010s, where pilots controlled aircraft through a live camera feed to navigate obstacle courses at high speed.The same features that made them effective in racing, speed, agility and immersive control, have also made them useful in combat. According to the MP-IDSA, FPV drones allow soldiers to strike targets such as bunkers, trenches or vehicles with high precision. The drones are usually built using commercially available components and consist of four main systems, a carbon-fibre frame, a flight system including motors and controllers, a power system powered by lithium-polymer batteries, and the FPV system that transmits video to the operator.

Why they are attractive for militaries

FPV drones have gained prominence in recent years largely because of their widespread use in the Russia-Ukraine war, where both sides have used them extensively for tactical strikes.Their main advantage is cost. Unlike sophisticated missiles or large military drones, FPV drones can be assembled quickly using off-the-shelf components or 3D-printed parts and fitted with customised explosive payloads.This makes them relatively inexpensive while still offering high precision and manoeuvrability.Analysts say they can function as fast, guided explosives capable of reaching targets that are difficult for traditional weapons to hit, such as soldiers hiding in trenches or bunkers.

Role of drones in the current conflict

The ongoing confrontation between Iran, Israel and the US has already highlighted the growing importance of unmanned systems. Tehran has launched large numbers of Shahed drones in retaliation for strikes that it says have killed more than 1,400 people in the country, including former supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.The drone barrages have targeted military installations and energy infrastructure across Israel and Gulf states. The United States says it is gradually degrading Iran’s capacity to launch attacks, but the continued drone strikes have forced Washington and its allies to deploy advanced air defence systems such as THAAD and Patriot interceptors to counter the incoming threats.These systems rely on radar and expensive interceptor missiles to detect and destroy incoming drones and rockets.Military specialists told the Financial Times that Iran has managed to sustain its drone campaign by combining intelligence inputs, satellite imagery and lessons learned from conflicts such as the Russia-Ukraine war.

Cheap weapons, costly defence

One reason drones have become a key tool in the conflict is the imbalance between their cost and the systems used to counter them.Low-cost attack drones can be launched in large numbers, while intercepting them often requires sophisticated and expensive defence systems. According to The Wall Street Journal, the conflict has already consumed large numbers of US interceptor missiles deployed across the region.Analysts say this cost imbalance is pushing militaries worldwide to rethink battlefield strategy.As the MP- IDSA notes, FPV drones and similar systems demonstrate how modern warfare is increasingly shifting toward large numbers of relatively inexpensive platforms that can deliver precise strikes at scale.

Air India cancelled several flights scheduled for Sunday, to the United Arab Emirates, especially Dubai, as the evolving West Asia crisis has led to operational restrictions and schedule changes across the region.In a statement posted on X, Air India said UAE airport authorities had instructed airlines to reduce operations. “In view of the latest instructions from Airport authorities in the UAE, Air India and Air India Express are compelled to curtail their ad‑hoc operations for 15 March 2026,” the airline said.

The airline will operate only one Delhi–Dubai return flight for the day, while four of the five planned Dubai flights have been cancelled. Air India Express will also operate a single Delhi–Dubai return flight, with five out of six scheduled Dubai flights cancelled.

In Abu Dhabi, all five Air India Express flights have been cancelled for the day. However, the airline said it planned to continue flights from Sharjah to Delhi, Kannur, Kochi, Kozhikode, Mumbai and Thiruvananthapuram.Air India Express also said it will operate Ras Al Khaimah–Kozhikode and Ras Al Khaimah–Kochi services, subject to slot availability and prevailing operational conditions.Passengers affected by cancellations have been offered the option to rebook to a future date without additional charges or opt for a full refund.

IndiGo reschedules

Meanwhile, IndiGo also informed passengers that flight operations in Dubai have been further restricted.In a post on X, the airline said, “Due to the evolving situation in the Middle East, flight operations have been further restricted in Dubai, leading to changes in flight schedules. Customers travelling to/from Dubai are requested to check their flight status before leaving for the airport. We are also sending out notifications to keep customers informed of the latest updates.”The developments come amid wider disruptions in the aviation sector caused by the evolving West Asia crisis, which has also pushed up aviation turbine fuel prices.Several airlines, including IndiGo, Air India and Akasa Air, have recently introduced fuel surcharges on domestic and international routes to offset rising operational costs linked to the surge in fuel prices.

Abhishek Sharma (ICC Photo)

NEW DELHI: India’s star opener Sanju Samson praised his opening partner Abhishek Sharma, describing their partnership as effortless and well-balanced. He said their combination is like “fire and fire”, with both players taking turns to lead the attack. Samson also spoke about their natural Kerala-Punjabi bond that strengthens their understanding. He admired Abhishek’s bravery and composure and said he enjoys their camaraderie both on and off the field.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!“We are not ice and fire, we are fire and fire. Sometimes he fires, sometimes I do. We have that kind of combination going. We have done this since 2024; we have a Kerala-Punjabi friendship in the middle. Everything comes pretty naturally to us, so we do not complicate it. He asks me, ‘How is the ball coming?’ I tell him that the ball is coming normally, and hit it for a six. It is really simple with him. Abhishek is very brave and collected. I love his character. I really love the partnership with him on and off the field,” Sanju Samson said at the India Today Conclave.

Samson also revealed that Indian players were once ‘jealous’ of Abhishek because of his early stardom.“Earlier, the boys used to get jealous because of the cheers for Abhishek. It was Abhishek, Abhishek everywhere. We were like, do people only see him or what? But yes, he is the superstar of the team now. Get married soon, bhai,” he added.Samson and Abhishek tore into the New Zealand bowlers in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup final, putting on a 98-run opening partnership to give India a flying start in the powerplay. Their explosive beginning helped India post a massive total of 255 in the final.India created history by securing a record third T20 World Cup title and becoming the first team to successfully defend the trophy and win it on home soil, following a dominant 96-run victory over New Zealand at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday.Samson scripted a remarkable comeback during the T20 World Cup, overcoming inconsistency and time on the bench to finish as India’s leading run-scorer in the tournament. He delivered crucial performances, including a string of half-centuries from the virtual quarterfinal against West Indies to the title clash against New Zealand.Samson scored 321 runs in five innings at an average of 80.25 and a strike rate of 199.37. He smashed 27 fours and 24 sixes and finished as the third-highest run-scorer of the T20 World Cup.

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The ongoing Middle East crisis has triggered concerns over the supply of several essential commodities, including fertilisers. Addressing these worries, the government on Saturday said the country’s fertiliser availability remains stable, assuring that existing stocks of urea and other key crop nutrients are “more than adequate”.Speaking at an inter-ministerial media briefing on the situation related to the conflict, external affairs ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India currently has sufficient fertiliser reserves, particularly as preparations begin for the upcoming Kharif season.“What I can tell you is that India has more than adequate stocks of fertilisers at this point of time, especially for the upcoming Kharif season,” he said.Jaiswal noted that the country’s urea reserves are currently higher than the levels recorded at the same time last year. “Our stocks of urea are more than what they were at this point last year,” he said.The spokesperson also highlighted a stronger stock position for other fertilisers. According to him, reserves of DAP (Diammonium phosphate) are now double the levels seen in 2025, while stocks of NPK (Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium) are also significantly higher compared with last year.He urged commentators to rely on verified information when discussing supply concerns. “Observers and commentators would do well to look at the factual situation and not induce panic through uninformed speculation,” he said.DAP is the most widely used phosphorus fertiliser, while NPK is suitable for all stages of plant growth.Jaiswal said domestic urea production is currently expected to exceed nominal consumption levels, especially as the Rabi season is nearing its end. “In so far as our domestic production of urea is concerned, our current production will be more than our nominal consumption, especially since the Rabi season is coming to an end,” he said. He also pointed out that the government had advanced annual maintenance schedules at certain fertiliser plants in order to maximise output.“In addition, we had taken care to advance the scheduled annual maintenance of some our plants, which means that we are able to maximise production with available gas,” he said. The Department of Fertilisers (DoF), he added, had already issued global tenders in anticipation of potential disruptions linked to the current geopolitical situation.“These have received a very good response and we expect to receive the bulk of the quantities ordered from a variety of sources by end of March. The DoF has also decided to procure spot gas on a competitive basis and the first phase purchase will be by Tuesday,” he said.Jaiswal said India’s international partners have reassured New Delhi that fertiliser shipments will continue without interruption. “All our partners have assured us of uninterrupted supplies and we hope to attain and maintain comfortable fertiliser stocks by the time Kharif demand peaks by May 15,” he said. He added that the department of fertilisers is closely monitoring both domestic and global trends and taking the necessary steps to ensure adequate availability.

Indian-origin restaurateur Harman Singh Kapoor has been arrested days after he announced that he is shutting down his 16-year-old restaurant Rangrez in the UK because of threats by Pakistanis and a lack of support from the police.Replying to one of the tweets, Kapoor confirmed his arrest. Without telling the exact reason behind his arrest, Kapoor said, “All I did was protect my family, yet I was the one arrested. Instead of protecting us, the police targeted my religion — my Sikh faith and my beliefs. This is deeply troubling.”Earlier, Kapoor disclosed that Muslims targeted his restaurant because, from day one, he chose not to sell halal meat, and for that reason, Pakistanis gave bad reviews. Kapoor said he does not care that his business failed, as he chose to close his restaurant and will now pursue activism full-time.In a series of tweets, Kapoor called Muslims inbreds and said: “Proudly we don’t sell Halal. We don’t cater inbreds.”“Proudly, I don’t sell halal, and because of this many individuals from the inbred community are unhappy and posting fake reviews. Rangrez restaurant will not cater to inbreds at the cost of tortured animals. Inbreds are not my customers,” he wrote in another post calling for the banning of halal in the UK.Who is Harman Singh Kapoor? Harman Singh Kapoor is a Sikh activist known for speaking out against Khalistani extremism. In 2023, he claimed his car was shot at and vandalised after he criticised the Khalistan movement. In recent months, Kapoor and his wife have also become increasingly vocal against Muslims. Shortly before announcing the closure of their restaurant, the couple shared a video warning parents about alleged “Love Jihad” cases in the UK and Australia. Kapoor claimed that many girls were being “brainwashed by Pakistani and Bangladeshi boys” and losing contact with their families, adding that he had been looking into several such cases. Kapoor has also faced criticism online. Some social media users alleged that he had been planning to enter politics alongside far-right activist Tommy Robinson. Others accused him of adopting anti-immigrant rhetoric despite being an immigrant himself, claiming he sought asylum in the UK as an Afghan Sikh refugee even though he was originally from India.

The international T20 calendar turns its attention to the picturesque Bay Oval as New Zealand and South Africa lock horns in the opening match of their 2026 series. With both teams eager to seize early momentum on the tour, the contest is expected to showcase a compelling contrast between the Black Caps’ tactical flexibility and the Proteas’ trademark pace and power.

New Zealand head into the series led by Mitchell Santner, boasting a well-rounded squad that blends the experience of Devon Conway and Tom Latham with the attacking promise of emerging talent Tim Robinson. Their bowling attack offers impressive variety, featuring the raw pace of Lockie Ferguson, the bounce and height of Kyle Jamieson, and the experienced spin pairing of Santner and Ish Sodhi. Among the batters, Conway remains a crucial figure thanks to his rare ability to stabilize an innings while keeping the scoreboard ticking at a healthy rate, an attribute that could prove decisive at Bay Oval, a venue that often favours stroke play.

South Africa, meanwhile, arrive under the leadership of Keshav Maharaj with a determined group keen to demonstrate its depth on the international stage. Despite the absence of some senior names, the pace duo of Gerald Coetzee and Ottneil Baartman ensures the Proteas still possess a potent, high-speed bowling attack. Their batting strength lies in a dynamic middle order, where versatile all-rounders such as Wiaan Mulder and George Linde provide the ability to launch big hits while also contributing with the ball. Coetzee, in particular, stands out as the player to watch; on New Zealand surfaces that often offer extra bounce, his aggressive hit-the-deck approach could trouble the Kiwi top order and set the tone early in the contest.

NZ vs SA, 1st T20I: Match details

• Date and Time: March 15; 11:45 am IST / 6:15 am GMT / 7:15 pm Local
• Venue: Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui

NZ vs SA, Head-to-Head Record in T20Is

Matches played: 20 | South Africa won: 12 | New Zealand won: 8 | No result: 0

Bay Oval Pitch Report

The pitch at Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui has traditionally been known as a batting-friendly surface, offering reliable bounce and even pace throughout the match. In the T20 format, the venue regularly produces high-scoring contests, with the average first-innings total usually ranging between 155 and 165. However, when the top order settles in and accelerates, totals well beyond 190 are certainly achievable. The relatively short square boundaries further enhance scoring opportunities, allowing power hitters to clear the ropes with greater ease.

That said, bowlers can still make an impact under the right conditions. Fast bowlers may get a hint of early movement and added pace off the surface, particularly if cloud cover is present. Evening games can also assist seamers, as the new ball tends to behave a bit more under the floodlights. Spinners, on the other hand, often find the conditions less helpful because of the flat track, forcing them to rely more on variations, flight, and subtle deception rather than sharp turn. Overall, the surface rewards batters who can time the ball cleanly and take advantage of the quick outfield.

Squads:

South Africa: Tony de Zorzi, Jason Smith, Jordan Hermann, George Linde, Wiaan Mulder, Connor Esterhuizen (wk), Prenelan Subrayen, Dian Forrester, Gerald Coetzee, Ottneil Baartman, Keshav Maharaj (c), Lutho Sipamla, Rubin Hermann, Andile Simelane, Nqobani Mokoena

New Zealand: Devon Conway (wk), Tim Robinson, Tom Latham, James Neesham, Josh Clarkson, Mitchell Santner (c), Bevon Jacobs, Nathan Smith, Kyle Jamieson, Lockie Ferguson, Ish Sodhi, Cole McConchie, Dane Cleaver, Nick Kelly, Ben Sears, Katene D Clarke, Jayden Lennox, Zakary Foulkes

Also READ: South Africa unveil 15-member squad for the T20I series against New Zealand, Keshav Maharaj to lead

NZ vs SA, 1st T20I: Today’s Match Prediction

Case 1:

• South Africa wins the toss and bats first
• South Africa’ powerplay score: 50-60
• South Africa’ total score: 180-190

Case 2:

• New Zealand wins the toss and bats first
• New Zealand’s powerplay score: 50-60
• New Zealand’s total score: 200-210

Match result: Team batting first to win the contest.

Also READ: New Zealand unveil squad for home T20I series against South Africa, Mitchell Santner and Tom Latham to share captaincy

In this photo provided by the North Korean government, its leader Kim Jong Un, center right, and his daughter, center left, attend a live-fire test of multiple rocket launch systems, at an undisclosed place in North Korea Saturday, March 14. (Korean Central News Agency/Korea News Service via AP)

North Korea tested nuclear-capable rocket launchers, state media reported on Sunday, a day after neighbour and rival South Korea detected the launch of around 10 ballistic missiles from the secretive state.Also Read | North Korea fires around 10 ballistic missiles toward Sea of Japan amid military drill tensions According to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), North Korean leader Kim Jong Un oversaw Saturday’s test of the multiple rocket launcher system (MRLS). He described the MRLS as a “very deadly yet attractive weapon.” The exercise involved a dozen 600 mm-caliberultra-precision multiple rocket launchers and two artillery companies. KCNA reported that the drill gave Pyongyang’s enemies—within the 420-kilometer (around 260-mile)striking range—a sense of “uneasiness” and “a deep understanding of the destructive power of tactical nuclear weapons.” The rockets struck an island target in the East Sea of Korea more than 360 km away.Daughter and potential successor accompanies Kim Photos released by state media showed several rockets blasting into the air from large vehicles. Another image showed Kim and his daughter, Ju Ae, watching the launch from a distance alongside a military official.Ju Ae has long been viewed as a possible successor, a perception reinforced by a series of recent high-profile appearances.South Korea condemns launch South Korea condemned the launches as a “provocation that violates United Nations Security Council resolutions” and urged Pyongyang to halt such actions immediately. The launches came hours after South Korean Prime Minister Kim Min-seok stated that US President Donald Trump believes a meeting with Kim would be “good.” In recent months, the Trump administration has pushed to revive high-level talks with Pyongyang, aiming for a possible summit with Kim this year—potentially during Trump’s visit to Beijing scheduled for late March. After largely ignoring these overtures, Kim recently indicated that the two countries could “get along” if Washington accepted Pyongyang’s nuclear status.South Korea-US joint drills The test followed the start of South Korea and US spring military drills, which are scheduled to run until March 19. Known as “Freedom Shield,” the exercises involve about 18,000 South Korean troops. Earlier this week, Kim Yo Jong—Kim’s sister and a powerful confidante—warned that the drills “may cause unimaginably terrible consequences.” She also noted that the exercises were taking place “at a critical time when global security structure is collapsing rapidly and wars are breakingout in different parts of the world.” Pyongyang has also condemned the US–Israeli attack on Iran as an “illegal act of aggression,” describing it as evidence of the United States’ “rogue” behaviour.(With AFP inputs)