Shares of Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL) fell more than 4% on Friday after the government reintroduced windfall taxes on diesel and aviation turbine fuel (ATF) exports, eroding over Rs 82,000 crore from the company’s market capitalisation in intra-day trade.At 3:30 pm, shares of Reliance Industries Ltd were trading at Rs 1,350.80, down Rs 62.30 or 4.41% for the day, reflecting sharp selling pressure in the stock.The decline in the Mukesh Ambani-led company’s stock also dragged benchmark indices lower, with the Sensex and Nifty slipping nearly 2% during the session.According to an order issued on Thursday, the government reversed its earlier decision to scrap such levies, as it looks to recalibrate revenue from the energy sector amid heightened volatility in global oil markets.Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman said the revised duties –Rs 21.5 per litre on diesel exports and Rs 29.5 per litre on ATF –are aimed at ensuring adequate domestic availability of these fuels.The move was accompanied by a reduction in excise duty on fuels meant for domestic consumption. The government cut the special additional excise duty on petrol to Rs 3 per litre and scrapped it on diesel.The policy shift came a day after Nayara Energy, India’s largest private fuel retailer, increased petrol prices by Rs 5 per litre and diesel by Rs 3 per litre. The company, majority-owned by Russia’s Rosneft, operates over 7,000 fuel outlets across the country.Dealers have flagged concerns over the price hike, warning of potential impact on demand and indicating possible protests. Some also said fuel supplies had been curtailed in recent days.Reliance Industries, India’s most valuable company with a market capitalisation of over Rs 18 lakh crore, is a major exporter of diesel and ATF. Its twin refineries at Jamnagar produce nearly 5 million tonnes of ATF, a significant portion of which is exported, accounting for about one-fourth of India’s total ATF output.Separately, the company on Thursday dismissed media reports claiming it had purchased Iranian crude oil. “These claims are entirely baseless, factually incorrect, and misleading. We urge media outlets to verify facts thoroughly before publication and to refrain from disseminating unsubstantiated reports that can misinform stakeholders and the public,” it said in a statement.RIL shares have declined nearly 4% over the past five trading sessions and about 3% over the last month, adding to pressure on the broader market.(Disclaimer: Recommendations and views on the stock market, other asset classes or personal finance management tips given by experts are their own. These opinions do not represent the views of The Times of India)

The Delhi Subordinate Services Selection Board (DSSSB) has released the Tier-I examination marks for two major recruitment drives — Post Code 802/23 under the Combined Examination Scheme and Assistant Section Officer (ASO) under Post Code 101/23 in SCERT. The announcement brings relief and clarity to thousands of candidates awaiting their results and next-stage eligibility. While candidates under the Combined Examination Scheme have been shortlisted for the Skill Test, those applying for the ASO post will proceed to the Tier-II examination. The board has uploaded the marks of all candidates who appeared in the respective examinations. Candidates can now check their scores by logging into the Online Application Registration System (OARS) on the official website.

Post Code 802/23: 3,050 vacancies, 25,385 shortlisted for Skill Test

The Combined Examination Scheme under Post Code 802/23 covers multiple posts including Lower Division Clerk, Junior Assistant, Stenographer Grade-II, Junior Stenographer (Hindi/English), LDC-cum-Typist, Assistant Grade-I, among others.As per Advertisement No. 05/23 and subsequent corrigenda, the total vacancies have been revised to 3,050, including PwBD (177), Ex-Servicemen (344), and Special Categories (132). Category-wise distribution includes UR (1,356), EWS (284), OBC (810), SC (430), and ST (170).The Tier-I online examination was conducted across multiple dates in October 2025, including October 1, 4, 5, 8–11, 13–17, 21, 22, 27, 29, and 30. A total of 72,609 candidates appeared for the exam.Based on performance, 25,385 candidates who secured marks equal to or above the category-wise cut-offs have been provisionally shortlisted for the Skill Test. DSSSB has stated that the Skill Test schedule will be announced separately.

DSSSB ASO (101/23): 13 posts, candidates shortlisted for Tier-II

For Assistant Section Officer (Post Code 101/23) in SCERT, DSSSB had notified 13 vacancies under Advertisement No. 03/23, including UR (8), OBC (3), SC (1), and EWS (1).The Tier-I Computer-Based Test (CBT) was conducted between August 18 and 22, and August 27, 2025, with 17,014 candidates appearing. The board has released normalized marks for all candidates.Those securing marks equal to or above the prescribed cut-offs have been provisionally shortlisted for the Tier-II examination, subject to verification of details provided in their application forms.

How to check DSSSB Tier-I marks

Here is how candidates can check the results online:

Candidates from both recruitments can check their marks by logging into the OARS module at www.dsssbonline.nic.in. DSSSB has emphasized that all shortlisting is provisional and subject to verification of eligibility and documents.

Pakistan pacer Naseem Shah has sparked controversy even before stepping onto the field in PSL 2026, where he is set to represent Rawalpindi Pindiz. The fast bowler triggered a debate on the opening day of the tournament after posting a sarcastic remark about Maryam Nawaz, the Chief Minister of Punjab, on X.Maryam Nawaz daughter of former prime minister Nawaz Shareef, was the guest of honour at the opening match of the 2026 Pakistan Super League (PSL) at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. The newly made team Hyderabad Kingsmen faced the defending champions Pakistan Qalandars in the opening match of PSL 2026. Ahead of the match, Maryam, was warmly welcomed by the PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi who introduced her to the franchise owners participating in the tournament.After the PCB shared a video of Naqvi greeting Maryam on X, Naseem reshared the clip with a controversial comment that quickly went viral on social media.“Why is she being treat like the queen at Lords?” the Pakistan pacer had asked on X. The tweet was soon deleted but it had already went viral on social media triggering fans of Pakistan.

Shortly the post was deleted, Naseem issued a clarification on X, stating: “This account of Naseem was recently hacked but has now been recovered successfully.”

Despite the controversy, no legal action has been taken so far, and Naseem Shah is expected to continue playing for Rawalpindi Pindiz, who are making their PSL debut this season.The PSL season was opened with a bizarre incident where color from the Hyderabad Kingsmen’s jerseys turned the white ball pink and red during their match against the Lahore Qalandars. Hyderabad Kingsmen captain Marnus Labuschagne reported the issue to umpires, subsequently joking on social media about the “pink-ball contest.”“I did say to the umpires after the second over, ‘What’s going on? The ball is red.’ It must be from the clothes or something like that. I haven’t seen anything like this before, I’ve seen occasions where something on a bat comes onto the ball, or when it hits the pad and takes a bit of paint off. But I’ve never seen this happen with clothing. I’m sure they’ll sort it out in the next few games,” a baffled Labuschagne told reporters at the post-match press conference.

Panaji: The All India Football Federation’s ethics and dispute resolution committee has been left with just two members, prompting a pause into the Churchill Brothers versus Inter Kashi hearings on account of alleged conflict of interest.Following an appeal by Churchill Brothers, Delhi High Court had observed that committee chairperson RK Pachnanda should not preside over the matter on account of his earlier role of investigator as AIFF’s integrity officer.He later recused himself, and while three members remained, Sudarshan Kumar Agarwal has now resigned from the panel after Churchill general manager Aditya Barros pointed at his previous role as counsel for AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey and flagged a direct conflict of interest, as defined under Article 83.2.1 of the AIFF Disciplinary Code, 2024, and provisions of the AIFF Code of Ethics, 2017.The club said Agarwal had previously acted as the “personal lawyer of Chaubey and even “issued a legal notice for defamation on behalf of the AIFF president.”“Before I could decide the application on merits, Sudarshan Kumar Agarwal has resigned vide email dated March 22, as a member from the AIFF ethics and dispute resolution committee,” deputy chairperson Ashok Tripathi said in his order on Thursday. “In view of the above, application filed by Churchill Brothers has become infructuous and it is disposed accordingly.”The deputy chairman has now directed AIFF secretary to take steps to fill the vacancy arising due to Agarwal’s resignation since, “for the purpose of quorum, the presence of three members is mandatory under the regulations. Pachnanda, chairman of the committee, has already sought recusal in this case and Agarwal has now resigned.”Churchill wanted an independent chairperson to ensure “impartial adjudication” of their grievances.“The fundamental principles of natural justice require that a person who has previously been involved in the investigation or preliminary examination of a matter ought not to subsequently sit in adjudication over the same dispute,” the club wrote in its appeal.Churchill are locked in an acrimonious battle with Inter Kashi over last season’s I-League title. The Goan club has called for suspension/revocation of the Varanasi-based club’s entry in the I-League under the AIFF’s Request for Proposal (RFP).The complaint states that although Inter Kashi got entry in the I-League under the Tier-II city category by declaring its home ground in Varanasi, it played all its matches in 2023-24 and 2024-25 (except one), at Kalyani Stadium, a tier-1 city, and in “breach of its terms and commitments under the RFP.”The former I-League champions have initiated contempt of court proceedings against AIFF for “wilful and deliberate non-compliance” to follow court’s directives dated Jan 8, where the federation was directed to take Churchill’s complaints to their logical conclusion through a “speaking order” within four weeks after conclusion of hearings.

Mumbai Indians (MI) head into IPL 2026 with a well-balanced schedule that mixes high-profile clashes, strong home advantage, and a challenging away stretch. One of the biggest highlights of their campaign will be the iconic rivalry with Chennai Super Kings (CSK), often dubbed the IPL’s  El Clasico. The two teams will face off twice—first at the Wankhede Stadium on April 23 and then at Chepauk on May 2. Both fixtures are evening games, setting the stage for electrifying contests between two of the league’s most successful franchises.

MIs will enjoy significant home comfort this season, playing seven matches at their fortress, the Wankhede Stadium. They begin their campaign against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on March 29 and then host a string of important games, including clashes against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Punjab Kings (PBKS). Their league-stage journey will also conclude at home against Rajasthan Royals (RR) on May 24. This extended home run in April gives MI a golden opportunity to build momentum and strengthen their position on the points table.

However, the real test begins in May, when MI hit a tough away phase. They travel to Raipur to face RCB on May 10, followed by a trip to Dharamshala to take on PBKS on May 14. The challenge continues with another away fixture against KKR on May 20. This demanding travel schedule, combined with high-pressure matches, will test the squad’s depth and fitness. Managing player workload and maintaining consistency during this phase could be crucial in determining whether MI make it to the playoffs.

With a strong squad led by Hardik Pandya, MI look well-equipped for another title push. Their batting lineup features stars like Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav and Tilak Varma, while the bowling attack boasts the likes of Jasprit Bumrah, Trent Boult and Deepak Chahar. If they can capitalize on their home advantage and navigate the tough away stretch smartly, MI will once again be strong contenders for the IPL crown.

Also READ: Wasim Jaffer outlines his Mumbai Indians playing XII prediction for IPL 2026

MI IPL 2026 Full Schedule

• March 29 – Mumbai Indians vs Kolkata Knight Riders – Mumbai – 7:30PM IST
• April 4 – Delhi Capitals vs Mumbai Indians – Delhi – 3:30PM IST
• April 7 – Rajasthan Royals vs Mumbai Indians – Guwahati – 7:30PM IST
• April 12 – Mumbai Indians vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru – Mumbai – 7:30PM IST
• April 16 – Mumbai Indians vs Punjab Kings – Mumbai – 7:30PM IST
• April 20 – Gujarat Titans vs Mumbai Indians – Ahmedabad – 7:30PM IST
• April 23 – Mumbai Indians vs Chennai Super Kings – Mumbai – 7:30PM IST
• April 29 – Mumbai Indians vs Sunrisers Hyderabad – Mumbai – 7:30PM IST
• May 2 – Chennai Super Kings vs Mumbai Indians – Chennai – 7:30PM IST
• May 4 – Mumbai Indians vs Lucknow Super Giants – Mumbai – 7:30PM IST
• May 10 – Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Mumbai Indians – Raipur – 7:30PM IST
• May 14 – Punjab Kings vs Mumbai Indians – Dharamshala – 7:30PM IST
• May 20 – Kolkata Knight Riders vs Mumbai Indians – Kolkata – 7:30PM IST
• May 24 – Mumbai Indians vs Rajasthan Royals – Mumbai – 3:30PM IST

Note: IST= GMT+ 5:30 hrs

Also READ: SWOT Analysis of Mumbai Indians – MI’s report card ahead of IPL 2026

Jitesh Sharma (Video grab)

NEW DELHI: India wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma has sparked a stir with his candid remarks on Pakistan, delivering a blunt assessment of the arch-rivals while discussing the mental side of high-pressure clashes ahead of IPL 2026.Speaking on a podcast with Ranveer Allahbadia, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru finisher addressed whether Indian players get emotional when facing Pakistan. “Wahi control karne ki baat hai (That’s what we have to control),” he said, underlining the importance of composure in marquee encounters.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!However, it was his unfiltered take on how India now views Pakistan that grabbed attention. “Nahi, itna dete hi nahi importance unko. Itna dil pe aur dimaag pe lagate hi nahi hai (We don’t give them so much importance),” Jitesh said, drawing laughter during the conversation.He went a step further while comparing opposition sides, stating that teams like Australia and South Africa pose a bigger challenge. “South Africa, Australia are challenging teams because they play good cricket. Yeh log [Pakistan] cricket nahi khel rahe hai achcha,” he added.Playing without emotionJitesh also revealed the approach instilled by head coach Gautam Gambhir before big games against Pakistan. “We don’t have to play with emotion. Emotion se khelenge toh we might lose too. So, let’s win the game and phir uske baat jo expression karna hai karenge,” he said.The emphasis, he explained, is on staying level-headed during the game and letting performances do the talking before any celebrations.On-field moments and reactionsReflecting on an on-field moment, Jitesh spoke about mimicking Pakistan spinner Abrar Ahmed’s celebration alongside teammates Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana after an Asia Cup clash. “Isne Sanju bhai ko out karke aisa kiya. Toh woh cheez hum logon ko pasand nahi aayi toh, humne woh kiya (He did that after dismissing Sanju Samson, and we didn’t like it, so we gave it back),” he explained.As IPL 2026 begins, with Royal Challengers Bengaluru set to face Sunrisers Hyderabad in the opener, Jitesh’s remarks have already added spice to the build-up — offering a rare glimpse into how modern Indian players approach one of cricket’s most intense rivalries.

The accused, identified as Abdul Rehman Sharif

BENGALURU: What began as a bizarre classroom episode has now escalated into a serious criminal case, with police arresting a medical college professor for allegedly proposing to a student during a lecture—an act that sparked outrage, protests, and violence on campus. The accused, identified as Abdul Rehman Sharif, attached to the Department of Microbiology, was arrested late Thursday night. A senior police officer confirmed the arrest, adding that further investigation is underway. The principal of the college, Divakar SV, filed a complaint with the Nelamangala Rural Police Station on Thursday afternoon. The controversy erupted at Sri Siddhartha Institute of Medical Sciences & Research Centre in T Begur near Nelamangala, in Bengaluru Rural district, after videos of the incident—recorded by students—went viral on Thursday. The college is governed by a trust chaired by state home minister G. Parameshwara, according to its website. The complaint states that, following earlier allegations of inappropriate behaviour, the professor had been issued a notice directing him to appear for questioning and was specifically instructed not to enter the college premises. However, in violation of these directions, he allegedly entered the campus on March 23. During his presence on campus, the professor is accused of forcibly holding the hand of a student and behaving in an indecent manner in both the afternoon and evening. The incident reportedly caused panic and confusion among students, disrupted the academic environment, and raised serious concerns about safety on campus. The principal further alleged that the professor’s actions not only amounted to harassment but also trespass, as he ignored explicit instructions to stay away from the institution. Copies of complaints submitted by students have also been attached to the police complaint as supporting evidence. TOI had earlier reported that three videos recorded on students’ mobile phones were widely circulated. In the footage, the professor is seen addressing a classroom from the podium around 12 pm on March 25, as indicated by the timestamp, claiming he “couldn’t resist the immense love” from the batch and announcing that he wished to propose to “one of the most important girls” in the class. He then said “I love you” to the student and arranged for chocolates to be distributed among classmates. The student immediately objected, asking him to take the matter to the principal. What followed was a heated exchange, with the professor insisting that she had earlier confessed her feelings and even claiming there was CCTV footage to prove it. The student demanded that he produce the footage. The professor then walked out, saying he would speak to her the next day. However, tensions escalated rapidly. Within minutes, the confrontation spilled onto the campus, where an agitated group of students allegedly chased and assaulted him. The girl reportedly struck him with her slipper, while others joined in, verbally abusing and physically attacking him. The professor eventually fled the scene. Based on the complaint filed by the principal, a case has been registered under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) Sections 74 (assault or use of criminal force against a woman with intent to outrage her modesty), 75(1) (sexual harassment), and 329 (criminal trespass and house-trespass).

Earth’s internal structure continues to reveal details that reshape established scientific explanations about the planet’s formation. One such development concerns the origin and distribution of water. For decades, the dominant explanation suggested that water was delivered to Earth by icy comets during its early history. Geological and seismic research, however, presents a more intricate picture. Current evidence suggests that a considerable amount of water may be located deep within the Earth’s mantle, far below the Earth’s crust. Situated about 700 kilometres below the Earth’s crust, this body of water is not in a liquid state but is instead locked in within minerals, according to Brookhaven National Laboratory. Its potential volume is considerable, even surpassing that of all the oceans on the Earth’s crust, thus reinvigorating research on the Earth’s water cycle.

Why Earth’s ‘hidden ocean’ isn’t liquid: Water trapped in ringwoodite explained

The term ocean is often used informally to describe this reservoir, although it differs entirely from surface bodies of water. According to the BNL reports, the water exists within a high-pressure mineral known as ringwoodite, which forms under extreme conditions in the mantle. In this state, water is chemically bound within the mineral’s crystal structure rather than existing as a free-flowing liquid.Laboratory experiments simulating mantle conditions have confirmed that ringwoodite can incorporate significant amounts of water. When extrapolated across, the total volume becomes considerable. This form of storage represents a stable and long-term component of Earth’s internal system.

Revisiting the origin of Earth’s water

The presence of water in the deep mantle supports the theory that Earth has kept its water since it was formed. The theory implies that instead of getting water from external sources such as comets, it has been part of the planet since it was formed. The internal water could have moved towards the surface over time through volcanic activities. The theory is consistent with observations that the volume of water in the oceans has remained constant over time.

Seismic evidence revealing water in Earth’s mantle

Direct exploration of depths approaching 700 kilometres remains beyond current technological capabilities. As a result, scientists rely on indirect methods, particularly seismic analysis. Earthquake-generated waves travel through the planet and change speed depending on the materials they encounter. In certain areas, seismic waves have been observed to slow down, a characteristic often associated with the presence of water within minerals. These observations, gathered through extensive seismometer networks, provided initial evidence for water in the mantle.According to Schmandt and Jacobsen’s findings, which build on a discovery reported in the journal Nature, further support comes from laboratory experiments and the analysis of ringwoodite samples found within diamonds brought to the surface by volcanic eruptions. These samples contained measurable amounts of water, confirming theoretical predictions.