Distribution of commercial LPG cylinders has begun across 29 states and Union Territories, while enforcement agencies have stepped up raids and surprise inspections nationwide to check hoarding and black-marketing amid pressure on cooking gas supplies, a senior oil ministry official said on Saturday.Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas Sujata Sharma said panic booking of LPG refills continues to rise despite adequate stocks being available to meet domestic household demand. She added that India has sufficient crude inventories and that refineries are operating at full capacity, ensuring adequate supply of petrol and diesel.“There are no dry-out reports from any retail outlets. Our refineries are operating at full capacity, and sufficient petrol and diesel are available. Based on our requirements, we produce adequate petrol and diesel domestically and do not need to import,” she said.Sharma said the government is prioritising domestic LPG consumers even as it monitors the evolving geopolitical situation that has affected energy supplies from Gulf countries. India imports 88 per cent of its crude oil, about 50 per cent of its natural gas and around 60 per cent of its LPG demand, PTI reported.Before the conflict escalated following US and Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28 and Tehran’s retaliation, more than half of India’s crude oil needs were met from the Middle East, along with about 30 per cent of gas supplies and 85-90 per cent of LPG. The disruption has effectively blocked the Strait of Hormuz, the main sea route for energy shipments from the region. While India has sourced additional crude from alternative suppliers such as Russia, gas supply disruptions have resulted in cuts for industrial and commercial users including hotels and restaurants.“The situation is a matter of concern for all of us, but we are ensuring that household consumers do not face inconvenience. Domestic consumers have been prioritized, and LPG cylinder supply is being ensured for them,” she said.Refill bookings have surged sharply due to panic buying, she added. “Yesterday, the number of bookings was about 75 lakh, and it has now increased to around 88 lakh. This is nothing but panic booking,” Sharma said, urging consumers to book cylinders only when needed.Before the conflict, daily LPG bookings averaged around 55 lakh and oil marketing companies delivered about 50 lakh cylinders each day. While deliveries have remained unchanged, bookings have risen significantly. Sharma clarified that booking restrictions are linked to the gap between deliveries.“In urban areas, there is a minimum gap of 25 days between the last delivery and the next booking, while in rural areas the gap is 45 days. If consumers try to book before this window, the booking will not take place,” she said.To ease supply pressure, the government has increased domestic LPG output. “The first day we informed you about a 10 per cent increase in domestic production, then 25 per cent, then 28 per cent, and today the increase has reached 31 per cent,” she said.State-run GAIL has also met city gas distribution operators and advised them to provide piped natural gas (PNG) connections to commercial consumers facing LPG shortages. Consumers able to shift from LPG to PNG are being encouraged to do so, she said.Commercial LPG cylinders have been placed at the disposal of state governments to prioritise distribution among consumers, and supplies have already begun in 29 states and Union Territories.As part of supply management measures, the Commission for Air Quality Management has allowed industries and establishments in the National Capital Region to temporarily use biomass and RDF pellets instead of natural gas and LPG for one month. Sharma added that domestic PNG supply and CNG allocation for vehicles will continue at 100 per cent with no cuts.State governments and district administrations have been asked to closely monitor distribution, with review meetings already held in Haryana, Goa, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. Enforcement efforts have also been intensified.Authorities in Maharashtra and Rajasthan have conducted joint inspections, while surprise checks were carried out at around 1,400 locations in Uttar Pradesh. “As many as 20 FIRs have been registered in Uttar Pradesh, and prosecution has been launched against 19 people,” she said, adding that raids have also taken place in Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Odisha and Karnataka.Oil marketing companies have activated inspection teams and conducted around 1,300 surprise checks at LPG distributorships and retail outlets in a single day. The government has also asked companies to promote digital booking of refills and spread awareness to prevent panic buying.Consumers have been urged to use SMS, WhatsApp and mobile apps of oil marketing firms for bookings instead of visiting distributors. “There is no need to stand in queues at distributorships for booking or cylinder delivery. OMCs deliver cylinders to consumers’ homes and will continue to do so,” Sharma said.She added that while the situation remains serious, LPG supplies are continuing. “There is no cause of panic. We urge consumers to rely only on information provided through official channels and resort to unnecessary panic.”

Kuldeep Yadav ties know with Vanshika Chadha (ANI Photo)

Indian spinner Kuldeep Yadav has tied the knot with longtime partner Vanshika Chadha in a grand ceremony held in the scenic hill town of Mussoorie, Uttarakhand. The wedding comes shortly after Kuldeep was part of India’s victorious campaign in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, making it a particularly special time in his life.The ceremony took place at The Savoy Hotel Mussoorie, where family members, close friends and several personalities from the cricketing world gathered to celebrate the occasion.

In the days leading up to the wedding, traditional pre-wedding ceremonies such as haldi, mehendi and sangeet were held, with pictures and videos from the celebrations quickly circulating on social media.After the wedding ceremony in Mussoorie, the couple is expected to host a grand reception in Lucknow on March 17. The reception is likely to be attended by several prominent names from cricket, politics and business.Here are a few viral clips and photos from the event:Many current and former members of the India national cricket team were invited to the celebrations. According to reports, the guest list included stars like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, Suryakumar Yadav, Sunil Gavaskar, Rinku Singh, Tilak Varma, Suresh Raina, Mohammad Kaif and Piyush Chawla.Close friend and fellow spinner Yuzvendra Chahal, who arrived in Dehradun for the wedding, shared his excitement about the celebrations.“I am very excited for my brother’s marriage. I will dance a lot and enjoy,” Chahal had earlier said.Meanwhile, Tilak Varma had mentioned that he had the plans to enjoy the wedding before turning his attention to cricket again.“We’re going to Kuldeep’s wedding to have fun. After that, we’ll prepare for IPL,” Tilak had shared.

Former India captain Anil Kumble believes Kolkata Knight Riders made a significant mistake by releasing key players Shreyas Iyer and Phil Salt after their title-winning campaign in the Indian Premier League 2024 season. Kumble warned that unless KKR learn the importance of retaining their core players, the three-time champions may struggle to remain serious contenders for the IPL title.

KKR lost key pillars of their title-winning side

KKR lifted their third IPL trophy in 2024 with Iyer leading the side and Salt playing a crucial role at the top of the order. However, both players moved to new franchises soon after. Iyer joined Punjab Kings and guided them to their first IPL final in nearly a decade in his very first season. Meanwhile, Salt moved to Royal Challengers Bengaluru, where he played a key role in their maiden IPL title win.

Speaking on JioHotstar, Kumble questioned KKR’s decision to release both players.“Two years ago, KKR won the IPL and lifted their third trophy. Two important cogs in that wheel were Shreyas Iyer and Phil Salt. Both played crucial roles in helping them win but KKR let both of them go,” Kumble noted in a JioHotstar release.

“There is no consistency from them in terms of player retention. KKR took the wrong decision by letting Shreyas Iyer and Phil Salt leave (and) that has left them without an IPL-winning captain.” KKR have since appointed Ajinkya Rahane as their captain. While Kumble acknowledged Rahane’s experience, he noted that the veteran batter has yet to win the IPL as a captain.“Yes, Ajinkya Rahane is an experienced campaigner. He has led Mumbai in domestic cricket and Rajasthan Royals in the IPL. But he has not lifted the IPL title as (a) captain (yet),” Kumble said.“Having a skipper who has won the trophy gives you an advantage. KKR let go of that advantage. They need to learn how to keep hold of their key players. Otherwise, they will keep struggling and cannot be considered favourites to win the trophy,” the legendary spinner added.

Kumble praises Iyer’s leadership

The legendary spinner also praised Iyer’s leadership, calling him an underrated captain.“Shreyas Iyer is certainly an underrated skipper. It is not easy to win a trophy with one franchise and then go to another. There is a different management, atmosphere and a team. The pressure is also different,” he noted.“…the new franchise he joined had not played in the final in the last 10 years and in just his first season with the Punjab Kings, he took them to the final. I was not just impressed by his captaincy, but (also with) the way he led the team from the front.”“There are some players who have to prove themselves every time. Shreyas is like that. Even after performing, questions still come up. I think he is underrated, but is an exceptional leader.”

The international T20 circuit shifts its focus to the scenic Bay Oval as New Zealand hosts South Africa in the opening encounter of their 2026 series. With both sides looking to establish dominance early in the tour, this clash promises a fascinating battle between the Black Caps’ tactical versatility and the Proteas’ raw pace and power.

New Zealand enter the series under the leadership of Mitchell Santner, fielding a balanced squad that expertly blends the veteran stability of Devon Conway and Tom Latham with the explosive potential of rising talents like Tim Robinson. Their primary strength lies in their bowling variety; with Lockie Ferguson’s express pace, Kyle Jamieson’s height and bounce, and the seasoned spin duo of Santner and Ish Sodhi, the Black Caps possess the necessary tools to exploit any surface conditions. The key player to watch will be Devon Conway, whose rare ability to anchor an innings while maintaining a high strike rate will be crucial for setting or chasing a target at the Bay Oval, a ground that generally favours batters.

On the other side, South Africa arrives under the captaincy of the crafty Keshav Maharaj, bringing a hungry squad eager to prove its depth on the international stage. While some familiar veterans are absent from this tour, the inclusion of Gerald Coetzee and Ottneil Baartman ensures their pace attack remains a formidable, high-velocity threat. The Proteas’ greatest asset in this matchup is their aggressive middle-order hitting, with ‘3D’ players like Wiaan Mulder and George Linde capable of clearing the ropes and contributing vital overs with the ball. Gerald Coetzee stands out as their player to watch; on a New Zealand surface that often offers extra zip, his aggressive ‘hit-the-deck’ style has the potential to seriously unsettle the Kiwi top order early in the innings.

Bay Oval Pitch Report

The surface at the Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui is historically a batter’s paradise, characterized by its true bounce and consistent pace. In the shortest format, this venue often sees high-scoring encounters, with an average first-innings total typically hovering between 155 and 165, though scores well above 190 are not uncommon when the top order finds its rhythm. The square boundaries are relatively short, making it easier for power hitters to find the fence.

However, bowlers are not entirely out of the equation; seamers can expect some early lateral movement and extra zip if there is any cloud cover, while the lights during an evening match can provide a bit of assistance for the new ball. Spinners generally find it more challenging here due to the flat nature of the deck, relying heavily on flight and deception rather than significant turn. Overall, the pitch favours those who can time the ball well and exploit the quick outfield.

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

Bay Oval T20I Stats and Records

• Total matches played: 24
• Matches won batting first: 15
• Matches won bowling first: 5
• Average 1st innings score: 155
• Average 2nd innings score: 137
• Highest total recorded: 243/5 (20 Overs) by New Zealand vs West Indies
• Lowest total recorded: 90/10 (19.4 Overs) by West Indies vs New Zealand
• Highest score chased: 185/4 (16.3 Overs) by Australia vs New Zealand
• Lowest score defended: 16/1 (2.1 Overs) by Australia vs New Zealand

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

Union Coal and Mines Minister G Kishan Reddy on Saturday said coal demand could rise further in the coming weeks with temperatures climbing, but asserted that the government is prepared to manage the situation through higher domestic production, PTI reported.He said coal companies are stepping up output and the Centre is in constant coordination with them to ensure that any spike in demand is addressed.“All coal requirements we produce domestically. In the coming days, rising heat could push coal demand even higher, but we are ready to fulfil the demand. Demand for coal increases in summer. Similarly, in winter, increased use of heaters boosts electricity needs, particularly in hilly areas where power demand spikes sharply,” he told PTI.The minister was in Chandrapur to inaugurate the sustainable and scientific closure and repurposing of Western Coalfields Limited’s Murpar underground coal mine at Chimur. He also reviewed the progress of closure activities at the mine, which began production in 2003 and was shut in 2022 after the area was notified as part of the Eco-Sensitive Zone of Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve.Addressing the event, Reddy said mine closure should be seen as an opportunity for sustainable development rather than an endpoint. He emphasised that the process must be carried out in a scientific and systematic manner to restore ecological balance and conserve natural resources once mining operations cease.He added that the interests of local communities must remain central to mine closure plans and said the Union government is working to transform closed mines into socially, economically and environmentally useful assets through various initiatives.Responding to queries on Western Coalfields Limited’s discovery of eight significant strategic minerals across six mines in Maharashtra, Reddy said demand for such resources is rising sharply amid the current geopolitical situation.“Accordingly, the Union government has launched the National Critical Minerals Mission, with a programme offering incentives worth around Rs 32,000 crore. The mission’s objectives include exploring critical minerals, boosting mining activities, and advancing the development of these resources from abroad as well,” he said.

NEW DELHI: Indian long jumper Lokesh Sathyanathan achieved a major breakthrough by winning the men’s long jump gold at the NCAA Division I Indoor Track and Field Championships in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The young athlete, who studies at Tarleton State University, secured victory with a jump of 8.21m, setting a new Indian indoor record. The effort also placed him third on India’s all-time long jump list behind Jeswin Aldrin and Murali Sreeshankar.Lokesh produced the winning leap on his fourth attempt in the final. He narrowly edged past De’Aundre Ward of the University of Southern Mississippi, who jumped 8.20m, while Tafadzwa Chikomba from Kansas State University finished third with 8.15m. The victory made Lokesh only the fourth Indian athlete after Mohinder Singh Gill, Vikas Gowda and Tejaswin Shankar to win this prestigious NCAA indoor title.Speaking after the win, Lokesh credited his faith, family and coach for the achievement. “I’m grateful and thankful to God because I know nothing is possible without Him and of course my family back home (in Bengaluru) and my coach, who is my family here,” he said, as quoted by PTI.Reflecting on the competition, he explained how his winning jump came at the perfect moment. “I think 26’11” was the leading jump until the fourth (attempt) and then I got 26’11-1/2″, which is like 8.21m — which is my personal best as well… so that is it,” he said.The win also carried deep personal meaning for him. Lokesh dedicated the achievement to his mother, who passed away from COVID-19 in 2021. He added, “It’s got to be a very special moment because I always dedicate everything for my mom up there… My mom would be proud; I’m know she is proud up there.”Recalling her encouragement before he left to pursue athletics abroad, he said: “go follow your dreams” and prove what he could achieve. Now, with a national title and record jump, Lokesh believes even bigger achievements are ahead.

Ricky Ponting speaks about Team India’s T20 World Cup-winning campaign

NEW DELHI: Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting has praised India’s decision to back Sanju Samson as an opener during their victorious campaign in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. According to Ponting, the trust shown in Samson by captain Suryakumar Yadav and the coaching staff played a major role in India’s success.Samson’s tournament did not start smoothly. Before the World Cup, he had scored only 46 runs in five T20Is against New Zealand national cricket team. He initially got a chance in the league match against Namibia national cricket team in New Delhi after Abhishek Sharma fell ill. Later, he was brought back for a key Super Eight game against Zimbabwe national cricket team and turned his tournament around with a series of brilliant performances.

Samson played some crucial knocks as India advanced in the competition. He scored an unbeaten 97 against West Indies national cricket team in Kolkata, followed by 89 in the semifinal against England national cricket team in Mumbai and another 89 in the final against New Zealand national cricket team in Ahmedabad. His total of 321 runs in five innings became the most by an Indian batter in a single T20 World Cup edition and earned him the Player of the Tournament award.“For India to stick with him at the top there, that was a big call to make. A big decision, but one that worked out really well in the end. If you get the backing of the coaching staff and the captain, then that’s all you need,” Ponting said on The ICC Review show.“Just a pat on the back or an arm around the shoulder to say, ‘we’re sticking with you, we believe in you.’ When you’ve got the quality that Sanju’s got, and the confidence of the captain and coach behind you, that’s when great things can happen.”Ponting also praised Suryakumar’s leadership and how he managed his players during the tournament. “It would have been really interesting to see how Surya has interacted with Abhishek (Sharam) and Sanju (Samson) over the last few weeks. That’s where the real stories will come out on true leadership.”Despite not scoring heavily himself apart from an unbeaten 84 against the United States national cricket team, Suryakumar guided India to the title. Ponting concluded, “It’s about a lot more than what they do off the field, the things that people don’t see and how they interact with their players. He didn’t have a great time himself as a player, but still, he’s standing at the end holding up a World Cup trophy.”