MUMBAI: The Food Distribution Department conducted a crackdown on a gang involved in the black marketing of domestic and commercial gas cylinders in the Worli area, seizing a significant stock, officials reported on Saturday.The joint operation, carried out by the Controller Food Rationing Office squad along with officers from Office No. 21, focused on the illegal stockpiling and sale of gas cylinders at inflated prices in the ‘Suraj Vallabhdas Chawl’ area on Ganpatrao Kadam Road near Worli Naka, accordint to news agency ANI.

Authorities confiscated 64 filled 4-kg and 19 filled 12-kg cylinders of Super Gas Company, as well as six filled and 58 empty 5-kg cylinders of HP Gas Company. In addition, 25 empty cylinders of various sizes—12 kg, 4 kg, and 2 kg—were seized.This action comes amid a nationwide rise in LPG cylinder prices, largely due to supply chain disruptions resulting from the ongoing West Asia conflict.Meanwhile, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas Sujata Sharma assured on Thursday that the domestic supply of LPG, petrol, diesel, kerosene, and natural gas remains stable. Citizens have been urged to avoid panic booking and conserve fuel.To curb hoarding and black marketing of LPG cylinders amid rising global energy concerns linked to the West Asia conflict, the Central government instructed oil refineries nationwide to increase LPG production and introduced a 25-day inter-booking system on March 10.The additional production will be directed to meet domestic household demand and help stabilize supply in the coming months, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas stated on Monday.In a post on X, the ministry said oil refineries have been instructed to enhance LPG production and prioritise the extra output for household consumption. “In light of current geopolitical disruptions to fuel supply and constraints on the supply of LPG, the Ministry has issued orders to oil refineries for higher LPG production and using such extra production for domestic LPG use. The ministry has prioritised domestic LPG supply to households and introduced a 25 day inter-booking period to avoid hoarding/black marketing,” it said.

Swara Bhasker‘s mother and film scholar Ira Bhaskar has criticised Aditya Dhar’s Dhurandhar while discussing the politics of contemporary Indian cinema during a recent panel conversation hosted by activist-writer Harsh Mander on his YouTube channel Karwan e Mohabbat.The discussion also featured Harish Wankhede, Assistant Professor at the Centre for Political Science at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), and examined how politics, ideology and representation intersect in Indian films today.

‘This is an example of a filmmaker ideologically convinced by Hindutva’

During the conversation, Bhaskar pointed to the commercial success of Dhurandhar while questioning the ideological messaging she believes the film promotes.“Let me give the example of Dhurandhar, which is earning crores at the box office. Since it’s the most recent example of this, also doing very well at the box office. This is an example of a film made by a filmmaker who is ideologically convinced by Hindutva and the ideology of Hindutva,” she said.At the same time, Bhaskar acknowledged Dhar’s filmmaking ability and described him as a competent director, while maintaining that the film reflects a clear ideological position.Bhaskar also questioned whether a film’s technical craft can be separated from the ideas it conveys.“But what is technical, you know, I mean, how is technique to be divorced from and how is form to be divorced from content,” she said, arguing that form and content in cinema cannot be viewed in isolation.

‘You don’t see any normal Muslim there’

The scholar further criticised the way Muslims are portrayed in the film, saying the narrative reinforces certain stereotypes.“It’s extremely violent. And its violence is at the service of a belief structure of an ideology that Muslims are very violent people. Pakistan is a very violent nation. You don’t see any normal Muslim there. Everyone is a terrorist or a gangster,” Bhaskar said.She also argued that films claiming to be inspired by real events often selectively present facts.“It’s a fiction film based on true events, supposedly. And it’s selective as all these films are. It will only selectively choose what to put together in order to serve the ideology,” she added. The discussion also touched upon the portrayal of Dalits and Muslims in Indian cinema and what these depictions reveal about the country’s political and cultural climate. The panel reflected on whether films centred on themes of humanism, secularism and social equality continue to find space in the current landscape of Indian filmmaking.Meanwhile, after the blockbuster success of Dhurandhar, its sequel, Dhurandhar: The Revenge, is set to release in theatres on March 19, with paid previews scheduled for March 18.

Hours after claiming that US forces “totally obliterated” Iran’s key oil hub at Kharg Island, US President Donald Trump on Saturday (local time) shared an aerial video showing bombs being dropped on ground targets.Sharing a post on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump released “unclassified” footage of US strikes on Iran. The black-and-white clip, carried an “unclassified” watermark and showed multiple explosions and thick smoke rising from several locations after bombs were dropped.However, Trump did not provide a caption with the video, making it unclear whether the footage specifically showed the strikes on Kharg Island.According to RT news, the video shared by Trump included footage of the strike on Kharg Island Iran’s main oil export hub located about 30 kilometres off the mainland. The island handles nearly 90% of Iran’s crude exports, according to a recent note by JPMorgan.

Trump claims major bombing raid

Earlier, Trump announced the attack in a post on Truth Social saying US forces had carried out a major operation against Iranian targets.“Moments ago, at my direction, the United States Central Command executed one of the most powerful bombing raids in the History of the Middle East, and totally obliterated every MILITARY target in Iran’s crown jewel, Kharg Island,” he wrote.However, Trump said the United States had deliberately avoided striking the island’s oil infrastructure. “Our Weapons are the most powerful and sophisticated that the World has ever known but, for reasons of decency, I have chosen NOT to wipe out the Oil Infrastructure on the Island. However, should Iran, or anyone else, do anything to interfere with the Free and Safe Passage of Ships through the Strait of Hormuz, I will immediately reconsider this decision,” he said.

Trump also warned Iran against escalating the conflict stating, “Iran has NO ability to defend anything that we want to attack . There is nothing they can do about it! Iran will NEVER have a nuclear weapon, nor will it have the ability to threaten the United States of America, the Middle East or, for that matter, the World! Iran’s Military, and all others involved with this Terrorist Regime, would be wise to lay down their arms, and save what’s left of their country, which isn’t much! Thank you for your attention to this matter.“Trump had even earlier threatened to target Kharg Island’s oil infrastructure if Iran blocked shipping through the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a key global energy route through which about a fifth of the world’s crude oil and liquefied natural gas normally passes.

Iran confirms strikes but denies oil damage

Iranian media also confirmed that Kharg Island had been targeted in airstrikes earlier on Friday. Local sources said more than 15 explosions were heard across the island, with thick smoke rising from several areas.However, Iranian reports said that “despite the intensity of the blasts, none of the island’s oil infrastructure was damaged.” No further details about casualties or additional damage were released.Earlier, US defence secretary Pete Hegseth said the scale of strikes carried out since the war began had been significant. He said more than 15,000 enemy targets had been hit so far, averaging over 1,000 strikes per day.Hegseth also downplayed concerns about potential disruptions to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz saying that, “We have been dealing with it and don’t need to worry about it.”

Iran’s foreign minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi on Sunday sharply criticised the United States over its stance on Russian crude oil, claiming Washington was now “begging” countries, including India, to buy Russian oil after earlier pressuring them to halt such imports.In a post on X, Araghchi said, “The US spent months on bullying India into ending oil imports from Russia. After two weeks of war with Iran, White House is now begging the world–including India–to buy Russian crude.”He also criticised Europe’s position on the conflict, writing, “Europe thought backing illegal war on Iran would win US support against Russia.”

Ending the post with a blunt remark, he added, “pathetic,” while sharing a report highlighting how the US war with Iran could end up benefiting Russia,a country Donald Trump has remained at odds with on several geopolitical issues.Araghchi’s comments came a day after he spoke with his counterpart in New Delhi S Jaishankar. The call marked the fourth interaction between the two ministers since tensions escalated in the Middle East.Meanwhile, Iran has allowed two India-flagged liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) carriers to transit through the Strait of Hormuz despite the ongoing conflict in the region, according to a Reuters report citing sources with direct knowledge of the matter.Reuters also reported, citing shipping data from Lloyd’s List Intelligence, that a crude oil tanker carrying Saudi Arabian oil is expected to arrive in India after transiting the Strait of Hormuz earlier this month.Also read: Five US refuelling planes struck by Iran strikes at Saudi Arabia’s Prince Sultan Air BaseEarlier, Iran’s ambassador to India Mohammad Fathali confirmed that Tehran would ensure safe passage for vessels headed to India through the Strait of Hormuz.Responding to a question on whether Indian-bound ships would be allowed safe transit through the key energy route, Fathali said, “Yes. Because India and I are friends. You can see the future, and I think that after two or three hours. Because we believe that. We believe that Iran and India are friends. We have common interests; we have a common fate.”He added, “Suffering of the people of India is our suffering and vice versa. And for this reason, the government of India help us, and we should help the government of India because we have a common fate and common interest.”

As the countdown to the 19th edition of the Indian Premier League begins, the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) are leaving no stone unturned to erase the memories of a lacklustre 2025 campaign. Under the seasoned leadership of Rishabh Pant, the franchise has officially kicked off its pre-season preparations with a clear focus on synergy and tactical clarity. After finishing seventh in the previous season, the team management has orchestrated a strategic overhaul, blending high-octane international talent with seasoned Indian veterans to build a squad capable of securing its maiden IPL title.

Rishabh Pant sends first message to Lucknow Super Giants’ new recruits ahead of IPL 2026

The air at the LSG camp was thick with anticipation as captain Pant addressed the young lot and new arrivals in a powerful introductory session. Pant, who recently underwent specialized training with legendary all-rounder Yuvraj Singh to sharpen his white-ball skills, emphasized that the current phase is more than just physical practice, it is about emotional and professional integration.

” A lot of people are from last year. A few new faces for sure. Welcome, everyone. Let’s look to build the relationships. If we don’t talk about cricket, we’re not going to improve. As an individual, let’s take whatever we can from all these gentlemen here and try to build something for this season to look forward to, we’re not going to improve,” Pant stated in a video released by the franchise. His message was a direct call for open communication, urging the newcomers to absorb the collective wisdom of the gentlemen in the room.

Pant’s emphasis on clarity defining what each individual wants to achieve for the team, highlights a shift toward a more structured psychological approach. With the full squad expected to congregate by March 16, this early camp serves as a vital foundation for the gruelling season ahead, which begins for LSG on April 1 against the Delhi Capitals at the Ekana Stadium.

Here’s the video:

LSG Brigade, this is your captain speaking ❤️💙 pic.twitter.com/EMM7ysTz63

— Lucknow Super Giants (@LucknowIPL) March 13, 2026

Also READ: Lakshmipathy Balaji names his strongest Lucknow Super Giants XI ahead of IPL 2026

Mohammed Shami and Wanindu Hasaranga lead the new look bowling attack of LSG

The LSG roster for 2026 features a formidable array of new faces acquired through savvy trades and a focused mini-auction in December. The headline acquisition is undoubtedly veteran Indian pacer Mohammed Shami, who was traded in from Sunrisers Hyderabad. Shami’s ability to extract seam movement under the lights at Lucknow is expected to be the linchpin of an attack that also features the lightning-fast Mayank Yadav and Avesh Khan. Adding to the bowling firepower is South African speedster Anrich Nortje, providing a terrifying pace battery for any opposition.

Complementing the pace is the “Sri Lankan sensation” Wanindu Hasaranga, who joined the squad for a bargain price of 2 crore. Hasaranga replaces Ravi Bishnoi as the primary spin option, bringing a deceptive googly and lower-order hitting capability that LSG lacked last year. The squad depth is further bolstered by Australian wicketkeeper-batter Josh Inglis, whose versatility in the middle order offers a safety net for the explosive top order of Aiden Markram and Mitchell Marsh. With local talents like Naman Tiwari and Akshat Raghuwanshi also in the mix, Pant’s revamped brigade appears significantly more balanced and ready to challenge the league’s heavyweights.

Also READ: Suresh Raina picks the batting position of LSG captain Rishabh Pant for IPL 2026

MUMBAI: A 54-year-old Indian seafarer from Mumbai has died after the oil tanker he was serving on came under attack near Iraq’s southern port city of Basra.India’s Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways confirmed in a statement on 12 March that one Indian crew member had died in the incident.

Deonandan Prasad Singh was residing in Kandivli, Mumbai and was working as an additional chief engineer aboard the Marshall Islands-flagged tanker MT Safesea Vishnu when it was struck near Khor Al Zubair Port on Wednesday, according to India’s Directorate General of Shipping. Officials said Singh suffered severe injuries during the attack and later died. “Singh sustained severe injuries during the incident and later succumbed to them. Authorities and relevant maritime agencies have been informed, and an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the attack is underway,” a ministry official said. Following the incident, the tanker’s crew abandoned the vessel and entered the water. They were later rescued by an STS tug. The Iraqi Coast Guard evacuated all 28 crew members — including 16 Indians and 12 Filipinos — and brought them safely to the port of Basra.

25 years of experience in marine engineering

Singh, who had nearly 25 years of experience in marine engineering, had reportedly not been sailing for several years and was working in a shore-based role before he returned to sea. His family said he had moved to a desk job more than seven years ago but was asked to rejoin ship duty shortly before the conflict in the region escalated. “Despite having stopped sailing and having taken a shore desk job, he was sent to join the ship as per a contract clause,” a family member said. “He joined the vessel in Iraq just three days before the war began when the US and Israel attacked Iran on 28 February.” The family said Singh died less than two weeks after boarding the vessel. Relatives also said Singh originally hailed from Rani Bamia village in Sonhaula block of Bihar’s Bhagalpur district.“A company official called us around 5 am and informed us about the attack and my brother’s death,” His brother Krishnanandan Prasad Singh said.

‘The suicidal ship’

Family members told news agency PTI, the vessel carrying Singh was allegedly targeted by an Iranian “suicidal ship” during the hostilities in the region. In an attempt to save his life, Singh jumped into the sea, they said. “Rescue teams tried their best to save him, but they could not succeed,” Singh said. Singh and other family members left for Delhi after receiving the information. Singh is survived by a son and a daughter. His son, who lives in the United States, has also left for India after learning about the incident, relatives said. The Directorate General of Shipping office in Mumbai did not comment on the matter. The shipping company managing the vessel — Executive Management or Bravo Shipping Management — did not respond to requests for comment. The management of MT Safesea Vishnu and associated stakeholders expressed condolences to Singh’s family. A condolence message was also posted by the alumni association of BIT Sindri, where Singh had studied.

Union minister of commerce and industry Piyush Goyal on Friday held talks with Yeo Han-Koo, trade minister of South Korea, to explore ways to strengthen economic ties, boost bilateral investments and deepen supply-chain collaboration between the two countries. The meeting focused on expanding trade engagement and reinforcing the broader economic partnership between India and South Korea.Sharing details of the meeting in a post on social media platform X, Goyal said “Held a meeting with Mr Yeo Han-Koo, Trade Minister, Republic of Korea. We had constructive discussions on strengthening the India-Korea economic partnership. Also discussed ways to deepen trade, encourage greater manufacturing and exports from India, and unlock new opportunities for our businesses.”He further noted that both sides reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing investment flows, expanding supply-chain collaboration and working towards a more mutually beneficial trade relationship. “Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing investment, expanding supply-chain collaboration, and working towards a more mutually beneficial trade relationship,” he wrote. India and South Korea share longstanding historical and cultural connections that span more than two millennia. The two countries formally established diplomatic relations in 1973 and have steadily expanded their economic engagement since then.South Korea also remains an important investor in India. The Republic of Korea ranks as India’s 13th largest foreign direct investment (FDI) investor between April 2000 and March 2025, with total investments amounting to $6.69 billion.Key sectors attracting Korean investments include metallurgy, automobiles, electronics, prime movers, machine tools, as well as hospitals and diagnostic centres. According to data from the department of commerce under the ministry of commerce and industry, bilateral trade between India and South Korea stood at $26.89 billion in FY25. Economic cooperation between the two countries continues to grow, with bilateral figures expected to reach $50 billion by 2030.During FY25, India’s exports to South Korea stood at $5.82 billion, with about 3,200 commodities shipped to the Korean market. Major exports from India to South Korea included engineering goods valued at $2.6 billion, petroleum products worth $964 million, organic and inorganic chemicals valued at $730 million, other items worth $205 million, and drugs and pharmaceuticals amounting to $187 million in FY25.

NEW DELHI: India’s star opener Abhishek Sharma found himself at the centre of heavy criticism during the T20 World Cup 2026. The left-hander endured a disastrous start to the tournament, failing to open his account in the first three matches as he registered three consecutive ducks.In the lead-up to the final, Abhishek managed just 89 runs in seven matches, including those three ducks in the group stage. He briefly returned among the runs but scored only 15 against South Africa in the fourth match. He then rediscovered his touch with a quickfire 55 against Zimbabwe in the fifth game. However, his form dipped again as he could only manage 10 against West Indies and nine in the semifinal against England.

Despite the inconsistent run, the team management continued to back him, with coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Suryakumar Yadav showing full faith in the young opener.In the final, Abhishek turned the heat on the New Zealand bowlers, smashing an 18-ball fifty as India piled up a massive 255/5. India then restricted New Zealand to 159 to successfully defend their T20 World Cup title.Former Australia wicketkeeper Brad Haddin was full of praise for Abhishek, playfully calling him a “rascal”.“I’m a huge fan of Abhishek, and there was a lot of talk about his position throughout the tournament. Got a few ducks in a row in the pool games, and all of a sudden, you think he is under pressure, but there are the guys you want in the big moments, because they are rascals and they walk into the fire. That is what Abhishek does, he puts pressure on the opposition, and the way that he went out in that final set up the game,” the former wicketkeeper said on the Willow Talk Cricket Podcast.Haddin also praised New Zealand for reaching yet another final but pointed out their repeated struggles at the last hurdle.“New Zealand have done a good job again to get to a final. I thought New Zealand were really red hot for the final. The way Finn Allen and Tim Seifert were batting. I thought they were in one of those tournament modes where everything is going their way. But the last hurdle [they failed to cross]. The classier team won, didn’t it?” he added.Abhishek finished the tournament with 141 runs at a strike rate of 158.42.