Main course dishes at the lawyers’ canteen at Delhi high court were taken off the menu for a while on Wednesday; roti became the first casualty at Hyderabad hostels and PGs; and employees at Infosys campuses in Pune, Chennai and Bengaluru were notified that they may have to forgo dosa cravings, as the LPG scarcity created by the war in West Asia threatened to become a full-blown crisis across the country. Several restaurants in Pune city downed their shutters as the second day of the commercial LPG shortage continued. Industry representatives said Maharashtra Natural Gas Ltd (MNGL) company has offered to help eateries switch to piped gas connections to ease the crisis. The popular Modern Cafe in Shivajinagar remained closed on Wednesday after running out of LPG, and its Kharadi branch is also expected to remain shut on Thursday due to lack of supply. With commercial LPG supply virtually drying up, more restaurants and eateries shut for the day, even as contingency measures were being planned by stakeholders to allow the sector to hold on till the situation improves.As war affects LPG supplies, hoteliers explore alternatives like coal, biogas, electric kitchensDelhi HC administration and advocates were informed that the canteen management would offer food items such as sandwiches, salads, fruit chaat and other similar refreshments, but not the main course dishes due to unavailability of cooking gas. Although the services resumed shortly after LPG supply was secured for the day, the management said uncertainty over availability continues.In Chennai, Bengaluru and Hyderabad, dosa, poori and other gas guzzling food items are disappearing from the menus of restaurants, canteens and catering services. In some hostels and PGs along Hyderabad’s IT corridor, certain curries such as rajma and chickpea-based dishes were dropped, much to the discomfort of inmates from north India. Even tea and coffee were being rationed by many eateries.Hotel associations are exploring alternatives, including coal, firewood, biogas and electric kitchens. The railways’ tourism and catering arm, IRCTC, has asked static catering units at stations to switch to alternative modes — microwave and induction plates. Bhubaneswar municipal corporation rolled back its ban on the use of coal and firewood by roadside eateries, hotels and dhabas, imposed in Jan to curb air pollution, much to the relief of these establishments.In Bengaluru, while eateries across the city are a worried lot, a few restaurants in city’s Koramangala area, including the popular Empire restaurant, remain unfazed as their fuel demand is met by a biomethanation plant. Shakir Haq, CEO of Hotel Empire Chain, said, “I regret that we did not push the biogas model across more outlets earlier. Going forward, we are seriously looking at a dual-fuel system so that we are not completely dependent on LPG.”Some of Mumbai’s bakeries, too, said although BMC recently instructed them to shift to LPG gas, their traditional firewood ovens were still intact and could be used to meet demand if authorities permit.In UP, oil marketing companies have begun to evaluate if kerosene — largely phased out over the past few years — could serve as an emergency alternative. In Bihar, Jharkhand and other states, too, businesses such as PG accommodations, hostels and catering services are bearing the brunt of commercial cylinder shortage.K Kundan, who runs a PG accommodation with nearly 45 girls in Patna, said his kitchen staff have shifted to electric cooking arrangements.In states like Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Goa, hoteliers are sweating out at the prospect of a wasted tourist season ahead. In Himachal, the hospitality industry has sounded an alarm as peak tourist season is just days away. In Shimla, Manali, Dharamshala, Kasauli and Kasol, eateries are already feeling the heat. Dharamshala Hotels and Restaurant Association president Ashwani Bamba said: “Tourist rush goes up on weekends, but most hoteliers are not sure whether they should accept advance bookings.”

NEW DELHI: The governing NDA MPs on Wednesday slammed Rahul Gandhi as a “leader of propaganda” who is accustomed to dynastic privilege and cannot accept equal treatment with others, as they kept the leader of opposition in Lok Sabha in their line of fire over the opposition’s resolution for the removal of Speaker Om Birla.“Rahul Gandhi thinks the rules are not for him, but he is the rule. One family thinks that it is above the rules and procedures of the House and above the Constitution,” BJP‘s Anurag Thakur alleged. He likened Birla to a school principal who wants to enforce discipline, Anurag said, adding those who do not like the principal were free to quit the school if they did not like the principal as the Speaker is not going anywhere.He said remarks of several ruling party MPs, including his own, have been expunged in the past by the Speaker. Rahul suffers from “FOMO” (fear of missing out) and makes all sorts of allegations to remain in news, he said, slamming him as a “leader of propaganda”.BJP’s Ravi Shankar Prasad said the motion has been brought to satisfy someone’s ego, a jab at Rahul, and asserted that PM Modi can never be compromised. The LoP should measure his words carefully, especially on issues of national security, he said.“I accuse that opposition, especially Congress and Rahul Gandhi, of having anarchic thoughts and wanting to turn this Parliament into an anarchy,” he said.TDP MP Krishna Prasad Tenneti praised Birla for conduct as the Speaker and said attempts to “erode” the institution’s standing in the name of political disagreement are dangerous. “I am not defending an individual alone; I am defending the integrity of this House. The authority of the Speaker is not a personal privilege. It is an institutional necessity,” he said.BJP’s Tejasvi Surya alleged that the Gandhi family is unable to accept equal treatment before law. “Those accustomed to dynastic privilege often mistake even equal treatment for injustice,” he said, claiming that its members believe themselves to be king who can do no wrong.AIMIM member Asaduddin Owaisi, who is not aligned to any bloc, accused govt of trying to overpower the legislature but also slammed opposition parties for neglecting representatives of smaller parties like him. He is accused of being “B team” of BJP, Owaisi said.

NEW DELHI: Riding high on a historic triumph in Ahmedabad, India’s T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav unveiled an ambitious blueprint: lead India at the 2028 LA Olympics, win gold, and defend the T20 World Cup title later that year in Australia and New Zealand.“The next goal is Olympic gold and also the T20 World Cup that year,” a jubilant Surya told reporters after India trounced New Zealand by 96 runs to become the first team to win back-to-back T20 World Cups.

Surya is not wrong to set a lofty standard for the current India team, which has produced unreal consistency in this format since he took over the captaincy from Rohit Sharma in 2024.Surya has impressive numbers as captain. Since taking reins after the 2024 World Cup, India have been the team to beat in the shortest format. Under Surya, India have played 52 matches, won 42 (including two in Super Overs) and lost only eight games, with two matches ending in no result.

The record under Surya is enviable, but with talent waiting in the wings, age not on his side, a poor run of form, and a cloud over his injured wrist, he may not be the right man to lead India into the future.Before the T20 World Cup, Surya’s form had nosedived. He had gone 23 innings without a fifty. In that period, his strike rate was below 120. But he bounced back in style at the right time just before the T20 World Cup, slamming three fifties in a five-match T20I series against New Zealand. He carried that form into the T20 World Cup, scoring a magnificent 84 off 49 balls in India’s opening match against the USA.After that, Surya again struggled with his form. In the tournament, he scored 242 runs in nine innings at an average of 30.25 and a strike rate of 136.72. He crossed 30 thrice – against Pakistan, the Netherlands and Zimbabwe – and looked shaky against quality spin in the middle overs.

In Delhi against Namibia, he was undone by 35-year-old left-arm spinner Bernard Scholtz. On a double-paced surface at the R. Premadasa Stadium, Surya looked all at sea against Pakistan’s spin trio of Saim Ayub, Usman Tariq and Mohammad Nawaz. Surya’s 29-ball 32 took the momentum away after a fiery start by Ishan Kishan.In the next fixture against the Netherlands, he again halted things with a 28-ball 34. If not for Shivam Dube’s 31-ball 66 and lusty blows from Hardik Pandya, India could have been in danger as the margin of victory was only 17 runs.Against South Africa, Surya scored 18 off 22 balls during a painstaking stay at the crease. The Indian captain found his groove against Zimbabwe in Chennai with a fiery 33 off 13 balls. It was his second impactful knock of the tournament.

In a virtual quarter-final against the West Indies at the Eden Gardens, he again faltered. His 16-ball 18 sucked the momentum out of a high-scoring chase.In the semi-final, on a belter at the Wankhede where balls were flying, Surya was stumped off Adil Rashid. This was the second time in the tournament that he was caught fishing outside the crease.In the final, when India were cruising at 200 in the 15th over, he decided to come out to bat instead of sending in an in-form Tilak Varma or Shivam Dube. However, his stay lasted just one ball as he went for a golden duck.

Despite his batting failures, he became the third Indian captain to lead the side to a T20 World Cup crown, following in the footsteps of MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma.With Jasprit Bumrah’s golden four overs, India will again go to LA 2028 and the next T20 World Cup as favourites, and that is a no-brainer. But Surya certainly may not be the right person to lead India at the Olympics and in the next T20 World Cup. India should thank Surya for his service and start preparing a blueprint under a new captain.

NEW DELHI: Congress neta Rahul Gandhi Wednesday alleged “PM Narendra Modi is compromised”, saying he was stopped from speaking during the motion of thanks debate because he wanted to raise issues critical to the people. This was the first time a leader of opposition was thwarted from addressing Lok Sabha, Rahul claimed.Rahul, along with MP KC Venugopal, touched upon several controversial issues that dominated the first half of the Budget session and led to the opposition moving a notice to remove Speaker Om Birla.In brief remarks, Rahul said, “Last time (Feb 2-3), I raised the issue of the PM being compromised, of former Army chief MM Naravane, Epstein, Adani. I was silenced. These issues are fundamental to the people of India. Our PM has been compromised. Everybody knows the result of the compromise.” He said he has been stopped multiple times from speaking.Rahul intervened as BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad spoke critically about him in Lok Sabha, complaining that “vile” things were being said about him by BJP members.Leading the opposition’s charge, Venugopal targeted Birla and the PM’s failure to come to the House to reply to the motion of thanks to the President’s address on Feb 4. He alleged Modi did not want to come to Lok Sabha and the govt used the speaker to create an escape route – referring to Birla’s statement that he had asked the PM to stay away because Congress women MPs were blocking his seat and “some bad thing” might happen. “It was the most irresponsible statement by Birla,” he said.Venugopal asked why Modi was not defending Birla when former PMs Jawaharlal Nehru and Rajiv Gandhi had spoken in debates involving removal notices against speakers.Slamming Prasad for ridiculing Rahul’s remarks, Venugopal recalled Modi’s controversial comment during the Balakot planning that “clouds” would help Indian planes avoid Pakistan’s radars. He alleged that when Chinese troops entered Indian territory, the PM’s response was “jo uchit samjho wo karo”, as purportedly claimed in an unpublished book by Naravane.He said Rahul was stopped from raising key issues, asking whether the US giving India 30-day permission to buy Russian oil amounts to “surrender of sovereignty”, and whether a cabinet minister’s name in the Epstein files should not be debated. Venugopal also alleged Rahul’s mic was often switched off and said LoPs earlier were allowed to intervene freely.

For thousands of expatriates living and working in the Gulf, the dream of striking it rich often begins with a simple raffle ticket. For one Indian resident in the UAE, that dream has just become reality after winning $1 million (about Dh3.67 million) in the iconic Dubai Duty Free Millennium Millionaire draw, one of the region’s most famous life-changing promotions.Mahendihasanj Jamani emerged as the latest winner in the Millennium Millionaire Series 538, after his ticket number 1324 was selected in the draw. He had purchased the lucky ticket online on February 26. Jamani has yet to comment on the win, and organisers say he is likely to be pleasantly surprised once he learns about his newfound million-dollar fortune.Jamani is now the 273rd Indian national to win the coveted $1 million prize since the Millennium Millionaire promotion was launched in 1999. Organisers note that Indians remain the largest group of participants in the long-running raffle, which has produced hundreds of millionaires over the years. The latest win once again highlights a long-running trend that Indian expatriates continue to dominate the list of millionaires created by the Dubai Duty Free lottery, turning ordinary workers, business owners and professionals into overnight dollar millionaires.

A life-changing win at Dubai Duty Free draw

The announcement came during the Dubai Duty Free Millennium Millionaire draw, held at held at the Dubai Duty Free head office in Ramool, where organisers revealed the newest winners of the coveted $1-million prize. The event was conducted by Dubai Duty Free managing director Ramesh Cidambi along with senior executives including Dr Bernard Creed, senior vice president for finance; Sinead El Sibai, senior vice president for marketing; Michael Schmidt, senior vice president for retail; Sharon Beecham, senior vice president for purchasing; Mona Al Ali, senior vice president for human resources and Zayed Al Shebli, senior vice president for asset protection.The Indian expatriate was declared one of the latest winners in the draw, a programme that has been transforming the lives of participants since its launch in 1999. The Millennium Millionaire promotion is structured as a limited raffle system. Only 5,000 tickets are issued per series, and each ticket costs AED 1,000, giving buyers a chance to win the grand prize of $1 million. With such limited ticket numbers, the odds are significantly better than many traditional lotteries, one reason the draw has built a massive following among travellers and expatriates across the Gulf.

Indians dominate the winners’ list of Dubai Duty Free draw

Indian nationals have consistently formed the largest group of winners in the Dubai Duty Free promotion. In fact, statistics from the programme show that hundreds of Indian participants have won the $1-million prize since the promotion began, reflecting the large number of Indian residents in the UAE who regularly participate.From mechanics and sales assistants to bankers and entrepreneurs, Indian expatriates have repeatedly struck gold in the draw. Over the past few months alone, several similar stories have made headlines:

These repeated victories have reinforced the idea that the draw continues to favour participants who buy tickets regularly over long periods. One striking feature of many Dubai Duty Free winners is that they participate for years, sometimes decades, before finally winning. Stories abound of long-time participants finally hitting the jackpot after countless attempts. Some participants buy tickets in groups with colleagues or friends to increase their chances.For instance, earlier winners have revealed that they often share the ticket cost among multiple people, meaning that when the winning number is drawn, the prize is split among the group. This collaborative approach has become particularly popular among expatriate workers, who pool their money together in hopes of transforming their fortunes overnight.

Why the Dubai Duty Free draw is so popular

The Dubai Duty Free Millennium Millionaire draw has become one of the most recognisable raffle promotions in the Middle East. Several factors explain its enduring popularity:

These factors combine to make the draw one of the most attractive raffles globally.

The UAE’s culture of big lottery wins

Dubai Duty Free is not the only platform creating overnight millionaires in the UAE. Several other high-profile raffles have become extremely popular across the region, including:

These draws have collectively produced thousands of winners, often capturing the imagination of residents across the Gulf. Just recently, an Indian expatriate in Sharjah also became a millionaire overnight after winning Dh15 million in the Abu Dhabi Big Ticket draw, showing how frequently such life-changing wins occur in the UAE. The possibility of sudden wealth has made raffles a common topic of conversation among expatriate communities.

Why expatriates are drawn to these lotteries

For many expatriates working in the Gulf, particularly those supporting families back home, lottery wins represent far more than just financial gain. A jackpot can mean:

Due to this, many participants see buying a ticket not as gambling but as a hopeful investment in a better future. The emotional appeal of such stories cannot be underestimated. Across social media, the announcement of each new Dubai Duty Free winner sparks a wave of excitement among residents who imagine themselves as the next lucky participant.For many workers earning modest salaries, the possibility of becoming a millionaire overnight provides a rare moment of optimism and for the latest Indian winner, the moment of hearing their name announced likely marks the beginning of a completely new chapter in life. The latest $1-million win in the Dubai Duty Free draw once again reinforces why the promotion continues to captivate expatriates across the UAE.With limited tickets, regular draws and tax-free prizes, the Millennium Millionaire promotion has turned ordinary airport purchases into life-changing fortunes for hundreds of winners, many of them Indian expatriates and as long as hopeful participants continue buying tickets, the dream remains alive that the next time the winning number is announced, it could be theirs.

NEW DELHI: The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Wednesday addressed the travel disruption affecting several teams after the conclusion of the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, saying the delays were caused by a major crisis in the Gulf region that has severely affected international air travel.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!In a detailed statement, the ICC acknowledged the frustration among players and support staff who have been unable to return home after completing their campaigns in the tournament co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.“We understand that players, coaches, support staff and their families who have completed their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 campaigns are anxious to return home,” the ICC said.“That they have not yet been able to do so is a source of genuine frustration, and the International Cricket Council shares that frustration.”

According to the global governing body, the delays stem from ongoing instability across the Gulf region that has led to widespread disruption of international aviation.The crisis has resulted in airspace closures, missile warnings, flight rerouting restrictions and last-minute cancellations of both commercial and charter flights. These developments have significantly complicated travel arrangements for teams leaving the subcontinent after the tournament.

“These are conditions entirely outside the ICC’s control, and they have made each travel solution significantly more complex and time-consuming than under normal circumstances,” the statement said.ALSO READ: Reset or continuity? Gambhir & Agarkar face big calls after T20 World Cup triumphThe ICC confirmed it has been working continuously with airlines, charter operators, airport authorities, ground handlers and government agencies across several jurisdictions to secure safe travel arrangements for all affected teams.Among those impacted are the contingents from South Africa and West Indies. The ICC said members of the South African group will begin departing for South Africa on Wednesday night, with all expected to leave within the next 36 hours.Meanwhile, nine members of the West Indies contingent are already travelling back to the Caribbean, while the remaining 16 are scheduled to depart from India within the next 24 hours.The ICC also rejected suggestions circulating on social media that the travel decisions were influenced by factors other than safety and logistics.“The ICC rejects any suggestion that these decisions have been driven by anything other than safety, feasibility and welfare. Suggestions otherwise across a variety of media platforms from people uninformed of the situation are as unhelpful as they are incorrect,” the statement said.It further clarified that the arrangements made for South Africa and West Indies had no connection with travel arrangements earlier made for England or other nations, noting that each situation involved different routes, travel conditions and logistical challenges.Reiterating its stance, the ICC said the safety of players and their families remains the top priority.“Throughout this period, the ICC’s overriding priority has been the safety and welfare of everyone affected, including players travelling with spouses and young children. We will not move people until we are satisfied that the travel solution in place is safe.”The governing body thanked players, boards and partners for their patience and said teams remain in constant communication with officials as efforts continue to bring everyone home safely.

The opening One day contest between Bahrain and Malaysia will unfold at Bayuemas Oval in Kuala Lumpur on 12^th March at 7:00 AM IST.

Get the best MAL vs BAH Dream11 prediction, fantasy cricket tips, probable playing XI, and match insights for the 1st OD match of the Bahrain Tour of Malaysia 2026. Expert analysis and more.

MAL vs BAH Match Preview:

Malaysia will face Bahrain in the first One-Day match of the Bahrain tour of Malaysia 2026 on 12 March 2026 at the Bayuemas Oval in Kuala Lumpur. The match is scheduled to begin at 07:00 AM IST. This fixture will open the ODI series between the two teams, and both sides will aim to start the competition with a positive performance.

Meanwhile, Malaysia and Bahrain have met several times in limited-overs cricket in recent years. In the ODI format, Malaysia currently hold the advantage in the head-to-head record, having secured more victories against Bahrain in their previous meetings. Bahrain, however, will aim to challenge that record and register an important win in this opening match of the series.

Malaysia will rely on their familiarity with home conditions at Bayuemas Oval. The team features key players such as Virandeep Singh, Syed Aziz, and Ahmad Faiz, who provide strength in the batting and all-round departments. Moreover, bowlers like Pavandeep Singh and Khizar Hayat add variety to the bowling attack. Malaysia will therefore look to use their balanced squad and home advantage to gain an early lead in the series.

Bahrain, however, will enter the contest with determination to produce a strong performance away from home. Players such as Sarfaraz Ali, Imran Anwar, and Sohail Ahmed have been important contributors for the team in recent matches. Additionally, Bahrain will aim to deliver a disciplined effort with both bat and ball to challenge the hosts in the series opener.

Therefore, the first ODI promises to be an interesting contest between the two emerging sides in Asian cricket. Malaysia will look to capitalize on home conditions and secure the opening victory, while Bahrain will aim to produce a competitive display and take an early advantage in the series.

Also Read: Jasprit Bumrah offered English citizenship to help England win World Cup

MAL vs BAH Head-to-Head Record:

MAL vs BAH Weather & Pitch Report:

Record of chasing teams:

MAL vs BAH Playing 11s (Predicted):

Malaysia Playing 11:

1) Ahmad Faiz ©

2) Virandeep Singh

3) Syed Aziz

4) Sharvin Muniandy

5) Ainool Hafizs

6) Zubaidi Zulkifle

7) Pavandeep Singh

8) Khizar Hayat

9) Vijay Unni

10) Syazrul Idrus

11) Rizwan Haider

Bahrain Playing 11:

1) Sarfaraz Ali ©

2) Imran Anwar

3) Sohail Ahmed

4) Haider Ali Butt

5) Shahbaz Badar (wk)

6) Sathaiya Veerapathiran

7) Junaid Aziz

8) Rizwan Butt

9) Imran Khan IV

10) Abdul Majid Abbasi

11) Sachin Kumar

Hot Picks for MAL vs BAH Dream11 Prediction and Fantasy Cricket Tips:

Captaincy Picks:

Top Picks:

Budget Picks:

MAL vs BAH Bahrain Tour of Malaysia 2026 Captain and Vice-captain Choices:

MAL vs BAH Dream11 Prediction Team 1:

• Keeper – Prashant Kurup
• Batters – Ahmad Faiz, Faiz Ahmed
• All-rounders – Virandeep Singh ©, Muhamad Syahadat Aziz, Sharvin Muniandy, Syed Aziz, Asif Ali (vc)
• Bowlers – Abdul Majid Abbasi, Ali Dawood, Muhammad Rizwan Butt

MAL vs BAH Dream11 Prediction Team 2:

• Keeper – Prashant Kurup
• Batters – Ahmad Faiz, Ahmer Bin Nasir
• All-rounders – Virandeep Singh, Muhamad Syahadat Aziz, Sharvin Muniandy (vc), Syed Aziz ©, Asif Ali
• Bowlers – Ali Dawood, Imran Khan, Muhammad Rizwan Butt

MAL vs BAH Dream11 Prediction Today Match 1st OD Bahrain Tour of Malaysia 2026 Players to Avoid:

MAL vs BAH Dream11 Prediction Today Match 1st OD Bahrain Tour of Malaysia 2026 Expert Advice:

MAL vs BAH Match Winner Prediction:

Evaluating the team composition, Malaysia will be expected to emerge victorious in this match.