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‘Deeply painful mishap’: PM Modi, Bihar CM Nitish Kumar announce compensation after Nalanda stampede | India News
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‘Deeply painful mishap’: PM Modi, Bihar CM Nitish Kumar announce compensation after Nalanda stampede | India News

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‘Deeply painful mishap’: PM Modi, Bihar CM Nitish Kumar announce compensation after Nalanda stampede
Bihar Stampede during puja at Nalanda Temple; injuries reported

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar on Tuesday expressed grief over the loss of lives in a stampede in Nalanda and announced ex gratia compensation for the victims.At least eight women were killed in the incident at the Shitala Mata temple, where a large number of devotees had gathered in the morning, police said.Also Read: At least 8 women killed, 6 injured in stampede at Sheetala Mata temple in Bihar’s Nalanda“The mishap in Nalanda district, Bihar, is deeply painful. I extend my condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. Prayers for the speedy recovery of those injured,” a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office quoted him as saying.“An ex gratia of Rs 2 lakh from PMNRF (Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund) would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be given Rs 50,000,” the statement added.Meanwhile, Kumar announced an ex gratia of Rs 4 lakh from the Disaster Management Department and Rs 2 lakh from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund for the family of each victim.“Chief minister Nitish Kumar has expressed deep condolences over the deaths of devotees in a stampede that occurred at the Sheetla Devi Temple in Bihar Sharif, Nalanda district. Acting on the chief minister’s directives, senior officials have reached the accident site and are actively engaged in relief and rescue operations. The chief minister has wished for the speedy recovery of those injured in the mishap and has issued instructions to ensure they receive appropriate medical treatment,” an official release stated. According to officials, the stampede occurred during a weekly fair due to overcrowding at the site. Devotees present at the scene alleged insufficient deployment of police personnel to manage the rush. In view of the gravity of the situation, shops set up at the fair in the surrounding area have been ordered to close down.

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PrSM missile used to strike Iran: How much the US has spent on its new weapon
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PrSM missile used to strike Iran: How much the US has spent on its new weapon

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PrSM missile used to strike Iran: How much the US has spent on its new weapon
AI-generated image used for representation

The United States’ newly developed missiles marked the opening salvo of the long-anticipated war campaign against Iran, launched under Donald Trump’s Operation Epic Fury on February 28. On the very first day, US-made ballistic missiles struck a sports hall and an adjacent elementary school near a military facility in Lamerd, southern Iran, killing at least 21 people, according to a New York Times report.With the launch of the operation, Washington placed the length and breadth of the Ayatollah Ali Khamenei-led Islamic Republic within its crosshairs, carrying out a sweeping offensive in coordination with close ally Israel.In a separate strike in Minrab, Tomahawk cruise missiles hit a school, leaving 175 people dead. But the Lamerd attack stood out for another reason: it involved a weapon that was neither part of the US military’s traditional arsenal nor previously tested in combat, underscoring a new and uncertain phase in the conflict.

PrSM

The New York Times verified multiple videos capturing two strikes in Lamerd, along with footage of their aftermath. Analysis by its reporters and munitions experts found that the weapon’s features, explosion patterns and resulting damage were consistent with a short-range ballistic missile known as the Precision Strike Missile, or PrSM—pronounced “prism.”The PrSM is estimated to cost between $1.6 million and over $3.5 million per unit, depending on production scale. In its fiscal 2026 budget request, the US army sought funding to procure just 45 of these missiles.

PrSM’s design and impact under scrutiny

The missile is designed to detonate just above its target, dispersing small tungsten pellets over a wide area.One video, filmed in a residential neighbourhood roughly 900 feet from the sports hall and adjacent school, shows the missile in flight. Its distinctive silhouette closely matches that of the PrSM before it erupts into a large midair fireball. Another clip, captured by a security camera positioned directly across from the sports hall, shows the moment of impact—an explosion occurring just above the structure, even though the incoming missile itself is not visible.Images from the aftermath reveal both sites riddled with small holes, likely caused by the tungsten pellets released upon detonation. Notably, an Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) compound is located directly next to the sports hall, though it remains unclear whether it was struck.The PrSM is a relatively new addition to the US arsenal, having completed prototype testing only last year, according to an army release. On March 1, US Central Command shared footage of a PrSM launch from the opening 24 hours of the conflict, and days later, its commander, Adm. Brad Cooper, confirmed the missile had been used in combat for the first time—marking its operational debut.

new missile

Given the weapon’s novelty, it remains difficult to determine whether the Lamerd strikes were intentional, the result of a technical flaw, or due to errors in target selection.There is also no clear evidence linking the school or sports hall to the nearby IRGC compound. Archival satellite imagery suggests the facilities have been separated by walls for at least 15 years.At the time of the strike, the sports hall was reportedly being used by a women’s volleyball team, according to Iran’s UN envoy Amir Saeid Iravani. Social media posts associated with the school indicate it was regularly used by children. The sports hall has also long been identified as a civilian facility on publicly available mapping platforms.Post-strike visuals show the sports hall bearing scorch marks and a partially collapsed roof, while footage from inside the school reveals shattered windows, fire damage and visible bloodstains.The PrSM is designed to target enemy troops and unarmoured vehicles, with a range more than double that of other missiles currently in the US Army’s arsenal—highlighting both its reach and destructive capability.

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Pressure, not peace yet: How Saudi, UAE, Kuwait want the Iran war to go
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Pressure, not peace yet: How Saudi, UAE, Kuwait want the Iran war to go

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Pressure, not peace yet: How Saudi, UAE, Kuwait want the Iran war to go
The US-Israel war on Iran, which has prompted retaliatory strikes on US allies in West Asia, including the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, entered day 32 on March 31

The United States’ Gulf allies, led by Saudi Arabia and the UAE, have reportedly urged US President Donald Trump to continue military action against Iran, arguing that Tehran has not been sufficiently weakened by the monthlong US-led bombing campaign, according to American, Gulf, and Israeli officials.Click here for live updatesThis development represents a stark reversal in the stance of Middle Eastern states. At the outset of the conflict, they privately criticised the lack of advance notice for the US-Israeli strikes and warned that the war could have “catastrophic consequences” across the region. Now, they are pressing the White House to seize what they see as a “historic opportunity” to dismantle Tehran’s clerical regime “once and for all.”

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Iran Missile Hits ‘Israeli-Linked’ Vessel In Gulf; Blaze Erupts As Tensions Spike Near Hormuz

“Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait, and Bahrain have conveyed that they do not want the military operation to end until there are significant changes in Iranian leadership or a dramatic shift in Iran’s behaviour,” one official told the AP.The push from the Gulf nations comes as Trump alternates between suggesting that the Islamic Republic’s “weakened” leadership is ready for a settlement and threatening to further escalate the conflict if a deal is not reached swiftly.Also Read: Willing to end war without re-opening Hormuz, Donald Trump tells aides as Iran refuses to budgeSeveral Middle Eastern countries host US forces and bases used for strikes on Iran, but they have not taken part in the attacks. In retaliation for the February 28 strikes, Iran has targeted these US bases and also hit Israeli territory.Which Gulf ally stands where in war supportWhile regional leaders are now generally supportive of Washington’s efforts, divisions remain, with Saudi Arabia and the UAE leading calls to increase military pressure on Tehran.According to Gulf diplomat, the UAE has emerged as perhaps the “most hawkish” of the Gulf states. The UAE, which claims to have faced more than 2,300 missile and drone attacks from Iran, is pushing for a ground invasion, the diplomat added. Kuwait and Bahrain are also reported to back such a move.Oman and Qatar, historically intermediaries between Iran and the West, continue to advocate for a diplomatic solution.Also Read: Trump shares video of massive explosions in Iran’s Isfahan following US-Israeli strikes; bunker-busters used?Saudi Arabia has told the US that ending the war now would not produce a “good deal” that guarantees security for Iran’s Arab neighbors. Riyadh is demanding that any eventual settlement neutralize Iran’s nuclear programme, destroy its ballistic missile capabilities, end support for proxy groups, and prevent the Islamic Republic from shutting down the Strait of Hormuz, as it has during the current crisis. About 20% of the world’s oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz.Senior Emirati officials have also taken a sharper tone toward Iran. Noura Al Kaabi, a UAE minister of state, wrote in a column for the state-linked English-language newspaper The National: “An Iranian regime that launches ballistic missiles at homes, weaponizes global trade and supports proxies is no longer an acceptable feature of the regional landscape. We want a guarantee that this will never happen again.”Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the kingdom’s de facto leader, has told officials in the Trump administration that further weakening Iran’s military capabilities and its clerical leadership would serve the long‑term interests of the Gulf region and beyond, according to a person briefed on those conversations.Will Gulf allies join the fight?Trump has not called on Middle Eastern nations to join offensive operations.One possible reason is that the administration may have judged it too complicated to add more militaries into the skies alongside Israel. Early in the conflict, friendly fire downed three American F-15E Strike Eagles during an Iranian air assault, though all six crew members ejected safely. On March 12, six American service members were killed when a KC-135 refuelling aircraft crashed in western Iraq.Another factor is that only the UAE and Bahrain among the Gulf states have formal diplomatic relations with Israel, complicating any potential coordination.Meanwhile, Iran has threatened to target its neighbours’ critical infrastructure, including desalination plants, if the US strikes Iranian power plants to force the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz by April 6. Last week, Trump walked back on a 48-hour “ultimatum” for Tehran to reopen the waterway, then later extended it by 10 days.

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1St Puc Result: Karnataka 1st PUC results 2026 declared at kseab.karnataka.gov.in; KSEAB releases marks memo via official portal
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1St Puc Result: Karnataka 1st PUC results 2026 declared at kseab.karnataka.gov.in; KSEAB releases marks memo via official portal

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Karnataka 1st PUC results 2026 declared at kseab.karnataka.gov.in; KSEAB releases marks memo via official portal
Karnataka 1st PUC result 2026 announced by KSEAB

KSEAB Karnataka 1st PUC result 2026: The Karnataka School Examination and Assessment Board has announced the Karnataka 1st PUC Result 2026 for students who appeared in the Class 11 annual examinations. The results were declared today, March 31, 2026, and are now accessible through the official results portal.Students from affiliated institutions can view and download their digital marks memo online. Officials confirmed that scorecards for all candidates have been uploaded on the website, enabling simultaneous access across the state.How to check marks memo onlineCandidates can obtain their Karnataka 1st PUC marks memo by following a defined process on the official portal. Students must visit result.proed.in and locate the link titled “1st PUC Annual Exam Result 2026”.After selecting the link, they are required to enter specific credentials. These include the SAT or Vismithra registration number, enrolment number, or subject combination, along with the date of birth. Once submitted, the marks memo will appear on the screen.Students are instructed to download and retain a copy of the document. The board has advised candidates to verify all details mentioned in the marks statement, including subject-wise scores and overall result status, and report any discrepancies if found.Re-evaluation process and scrutiny windowThe board will provide an opportunity for students to apply for re-evaluation or answer script scrutiny. This option is intended for those seeking a review of their marks after the initial declaration.Applications for re-evaluation must be submitted within the timeline specified by the board. Further details regarding fees, procedures and deadlines are expected to be issued through official notifications.• Direct link to check and downlaod the KSEAB Karnataka 1st PUC result 2026Supplementary exams expected in coming monthsStudents who do not secure passing marks in one or more subjects will be eligible to appear for supplementary examinations. The Karnataka 1st PUC Supplementary Exam 2026 schedule has not yet been released.However, past academic patterns indicate that such examinations are usually conducted in the months following the main results. In the previous cycle, supplementary exams were held between May 20 and May 31.Candidates are advised to monitor official updates regarding examination dates and application procedures. Meanwhile, students should keep printed copies of their online marks memo until original documents are distributed by their respective colleges.

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THAAD vs ballistic missiles: Inside the high-stakes US–Iran defence battle in the Middle East
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THAAD vs ballistic missiles: Inside the high-stakes US–Iran defence battle in the Middle East

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THAAD vs ballistic missiles: Inside the high-stakes US–Iran defence battle in the Middle East
Iran’s Fatah-III short-range ballistic missile; THAAD missile defence system

The ongoing conflict in the Middle East has seen the principal actors—the United States-Israel on one side and Iran on the other side—deploy a wide range of weapon systems. The conflict entered its 32nd day on Tuesday, having begun on February 28 with coordinated US-Israeli strikes across Iran. The attacks triggered a swift and forceful retaliation from the Islamic Republic, escalating tensions across the region.Click here for live war updatesBallistic missilesBased on their range, ballistic missiles are typically classified into four categories: short-range (less than 1,000 kilometres), medium-range (1,000–3,000 kilometres), intermediate-range (3,000–5,500 kilometres), and long-range or intercontinental (greater than 5,500 kilometres). They are initially powered by one or more rocket stages, after which they follow an unpowered, arcing trajectory that carries them upward before descending toward their targets. These missiles can be equipped with either conventional or nuclear warheads.Also Read: Trump shares video of massive explosions in Iran’s Isfahan following US-Israeli strikes; bunker-busters used?A ballistic missile’s flight consists of three phases: the boost phase (from launch until the rocket burns out and powered flight ends), the midcourse phase (when the missile travels along its highest trajectory before beginning descent), and the terminal phase (starting with the re-entry of warheads into the Earth’s atmosphere and ending in impact or detonation).As per the Arms Control Association, as of August 2023, 31 countries, including India, possess ballistic missile capabilities.THAADWhile Iran has largely relied on its arsenal of short- and medium-range ballistic missiles, the US has sought to counter these threats primarily using systems such as the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD), a missile-based defence shield designed to intercept incoming ballistic missiles in their final phase of flight.As a result, THAAD installations have themselves become prime targets for Iranian strikes, given their critical role in protecting strategic assets and neutralising incoming missile attacks.

THAAD

THAAD

The Lockheed Martin-developed THAAD is described as a “key element” of America’s ballistic missile defence architecture. The system uses interceptor missiles equipped with “hit-to-kill” technology and can engage incoming threats at ranges of around 150–200 kilometres.A single THAAD battery is operated by roughly 90 personnel and includes six truck-mounted launchers carrying a total of 48 interceptor missiles (eight per launcher). It is also supported by an Army/Navy Transportable Radar Surveillance and Control Mode 2 (AN/TPY-2) radar, along with a Tactical Fire Control and Communications unit.The US Army currently operates eight THAAD batteries. The system has also been deployed overseas, including in West Asia, where the ongoing conflict has underscored its strategic importance, with missiles moved from other theatres such as the Korean peninsula.THAAD vs Iran’s ballistic missilesTHAAD is designed to counter short, medium, and intermediate-range ballistic missiles. During the ongoing Operation Fury, the system has worked in tandem with other missile defence platforms, such as the Patriot, reportedly achieving interception rates of over 90% against Iranian missiles and drones, particularly in the UAE.However, Tehran has claimed that it has damaged or destroyed several THAAD batteries, reducing the system’s overall effectiveness. Another concern is that the high rate of interceptor use during Operation Fury may have significantly depleted the stockpiles.

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Trump shares video of massive explosions in Iran’s Isfahan following US-Israeli strikes; bunker-busters used?
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Trump shares video of massive explosions in Iran’s Isfahan following US-Israeli strikes; bunker-busters used?

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Trump shares video of massive explosions in Iran's Isfahan following US-Israeli strikes; bunker-busters used?

US President Donald Trump early Tuesday escalated his rhetoric and messaging around America’s military campaign against Iran, highlighting the scale of strikes carried out under Operation Epic Fury reportedly by B2 bunker busters. He shared a social media post showing Iran’s Isfahan site engulfed in flames.Earlier, Trump had warned that Iran’s energy infrastructure could be “obliterated” if a deal was not reached soon.The post, shared on Truth Social without a caption, showed massive explosions lighting up the night sky over Isfahan, a city of around 2.3 million people and home to the Badr military airbase.According to a US official cited by The Wall Street Journal, American forces struck a large ammunition depot in Isfahan using 2,000-pound bunker-buster bombs. A significant number of penetrator munitions were reportedly used in the operation.Isfahan is also known to house enriched uranium linked to Iran’s nuclear programme. The city had previously been targeted during a US strike last year in summer under Operation Midnight Hammer, which focused on its nuclear facilities.

What are B2 Bombers?

B-2 bombers are capable of carrying the GBU-57 bunker-buster, a weapon designed to penetrate deep underground before exploding. It was developed specifically to destroy hardened nuclear facilities and deeply buried command centres.The B-2 is among the most advanced aircraft ever built. Its flying-wing design and specialised materials significantly reduce its radar signature, allowing it to evade detection and operate in heavily defended airspace. This makes it particularly suited for striking fortified underground targets. Notably, it remains the only aircraft capable of deploying the GBU-57.

b2 bombers

During Operation Midnight Hammer last June, seven B-2 bombers reportedly dropped fourteen of these bombs on Iranian nuclear sites at Fordo, Natanz and Isfahan. The operation marked the first known combat use of the weapon, showcasing the United States’ ability to target and destroy deeply buried and reinforced infrastructure.

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‘Fabricated’: Pentagon rejects report that Pete Hegseth attempted defence investments before US-Israel attacked Iran
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‘Fabricated’: Pentagon rejects report that Pete Hegseth attempted defence investments before US-Israel attacked Iran

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'Fabricated': Pentagon rejects report that Pete Hegseth attempted defence investments before US-Israel attacked Iran

US war secretary Pete Hegseth’s assistant Sean Parnell on Tuesday dismissed the report claiming that his broker explored options to invest in defence-linked assets shortly before the US-Israeli military action against Iran. He demanded “immediate retraction” of the report.“This allegation is entirely false and fabricated. Neither Secretary Hegseth nor any of his representatives approached BlackRock about any such investment. This is yet another baseless, dishonest smear designed to mislead the public,” he said.“We demand an immediate retraction. Secretary Hegseth and the Department of War remain unwavering in their commitment to the highest standards of ethics and strict adherence to all applicable laws and regulations,” he added.The report published in Financial Times had said that a broker linked to Morgan Stanley contacted BlackRock in February about investing a multimillion-dollar amount in a defence-focused exchange-traded fund, just weeks before the US joined Israel in carrying out strikes on Tehran. The investment never went through because the fund, launched last year, was not yet accessible on Morgan Stanley’s platform. The report did not specify the broker’s level of independent authority or whether Hegseth knew about the proposed move. BlackRock declined to comment, while Morgan Stanley and the United States Department of Defense did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

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E-commerce turns deal breaker at WTO meet
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E-commerce turns deal breaker at WTO meet

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E-commerce turns deal breaker at WTO meet

NEW DELHI: WTO member nations failed to agree to any meaningful outcome at the second ministerial meeting in Africa, including their inability to extend the 28-year moratorium on e-commerce, opening the doors for possible tariffs on digital downloads and streaming services.It also resulted in a public health concern as the freeze on “non-violation complaints” (NVCs) under the TRIPS Agreement also expired for the first time since 1995. This opens the doors for countries to move WTO in case treaty provisions are violated, including in cases, such as the use of compulsory licensing norms to waive patent rights in case of a health emergency.Besides, the issue of reforming the multilateral agency was not agreed upon, although the WTO leadership led by DG Ngozi OkonjoIweala suggested that decisions would now be taken in Geneva, but did not disclose any timeframe.The collapse of talks exposes how countries have stuck to their stance, putting the multilateral trading architecture at risk and opens the doors wider for bilateral deals to take precedence. Talks collapsed early Monday (India time) after the US and Brazil could not agree to the timeline of an extension in the moratorium, with Washington seeking a fouryear freeze, compared with the two years that were on offer. Besides, Brazil wanted to leverage the e-commerce moratorium to push for liberalisation of global trade rules, something that the US was unwilling to offer given its current position.While India has been seeking formalisation of the proposals on e-commerce, it managed to block the inclusion of China-driven investment facilitation for development, despite having no other country backing it.“India constructively engaged in all agenda items and in areas where India had strong concerns, we took a position based on the principles of openness, fairness, non-discrimination and inclusivity, which are the cornerstones of WTO engagement… Going forward, India will continue to engage with WTO members on issues of critical importance for the global trade landscape, transparently, constructively and in good faith!” commerce & industry minister Piyush Goyal said in a social media post.

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Dhurandhar 2 Full Movie Collection: ‘Dhurandhar: The Revenge’ box office collection day 12: Ranveer Singh, Rakesh Bedi’s film inches close to Rs 1,400 crore globally |
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Dhurandhar 2 Full Movie Collection: ‘Dhurandhar: The Revenge’ box office collection day 12: Ranveer Singh, Rakesh Bedi’s film inches close to Rs 1,400 crore globally |

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‘Dhurandhar: The Revenge’ box office collection day 12: Ranveer Singh, Rakesh Bedi's film inches close to Rs 1,400 crore globally

The Ranveer Singh starrer ‘Dhurandhar: The Revenge’ has brought the actor immense love and huge box office success. Surpassing the record of its earlier release ‘Dhurandhar’ (part 1, released in 2025), this spy thriller sequel has become his highest-grossing movie ever. After the initial buzz and box office-shattering performance over the opening weekend, the movie saw a drop in business during the weekdays. However, it picked up the pace in the last weekend, taking the tally over Rs 800 net in India and Rs 1300 gross worldwide. On its second Monday, the movie again witnessed a huge drop in the numbers, yet the box office collection of ‘Dhurandhar: The Revenge’ is only a whisker away from touching the Rs 1400 crore mark worldwide.Dhurandhar 2 Movie ReviewFor a detailed account of ‘Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge’ box office performance in India and worldwide, scroll down

‘Dhurandhar: The Revenge’ box office collection day 12 update

According to the trade report by Sacnilk, on its second Monday, March 30, 2026, ‘Dhurandhar: The Revenge’ earned Rs 25.30 crores from 17,614 shows. The movie suffered a 62.8% drop from yesterday’s net collection of Rs 68.10 crores. Now the India net collection of ‘Dhurandhar 2’ stands at Rs 872.17 crore. Coming to the worldwide collection, the Aditya Dhar-directed espionage thriller made Rs 1,392.23 crore globally. This includes India’s gross collection of Rs 1,042.23 crore and the overseas business of Rs.350.00 crore.

‘Dhurandhar: The Revenge’ – Breaking down the net box office collection day-wise:

Day 0 (Wednesday): Rs 43.00 CrDay 1 (1st Thursday): Rs102.5 CrDay 2 (1st Friday): Rs 80.72 CrDay 3 (1st Saturday): Rs 113.00 CrDay 4 (1st Sunday): Rs 114.85 CrDay 5 (1st Monday): Rs 65.00 CrDay 6 (1st Tuesday): Rs 56.60 CrDay 7 (1st Wednesday): Rs 48.75 CrWeek 1 Collection: Rs 624.47 CrDay 8 (2nd Thursday): Rs 49.70 CrDay 9 (2nd Friday): Rs 41.55 CrDay 10 (2nd Saturday): Rs 62.85 CrDay 11 (2nd Sunday): Rs 68.10 CrDay 12 (2nd Monday): Rs 25.30 CrTotal: Rs 872.17 Cr

‘Dhurandhar: The Revenge’

Divided into different chapters, ‘Dhurandhar: The Revenge’ carries forward Hamza Ali Mazari’s journey after he assassinates Rehman Dakait. It shows the ropes he climbed to become the king of Lyari. At the same time, it gives the audience the backstory, showcasing how an aspiring young boy from Punjab, Jaskirat Singh, becomes one of India’s top undercover agents, Hamza Ali Mazari.DISCLAIMER: The box office numbers and data in this article are compiled from diverse public and industry sources. All figures are approximate unless explicitly mentioned, offering a fair representation of the movie’s box office performance. These totals may change as official studio data is updated or as additional international market reports are finalized. This data is provided by us for informational and entertainment purposes only.

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Urea output drops to 18L tonnes from 24L due to West Asia conflict | India News
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Urea output drops to 18L tonnes from 24L due to West Asia conflict | India News

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Urea output drops to 18L tonnes from 24L due to West Asia conflict

NEW DELHI: Domestic urea manufacturing has been hit due to the West Asia crisis, with production falling to 18 lakh tonnes this month from the earlier average of 24 lakh tonnes. But the output is set to increase with greater availability of LNG, procured through “spot buying” every fortnight, officials have said.The govt has maintained that there is an adequate stock of fertilisers and is tapping alternative sources to boost supplies, even as urea units that had taken annual maintenance shutdowns this month begin resuming production. Centre has also asked states to monitor any abnormal spike in sales of fertilisers in the “lean season” to prevent any stockpiling and black marketing, people aware of the development said. They said any such activity would attract stringent action, while adding that farmers need not panic as the availability of soil nutrients is adequate and these will be available at current prices.Briefing the media on Monday, Aparna Sharma, additional secretary in the fertilisers department, said the current stock of soil nutrients at 180 lakh tonnes is 22 per cent higher than that of last year. On diversification of sources, she said a global tender for 13.1 lakh tonnes of urea has been floated, and long-term arrangements have been tied up with countries such as Saudi Arabia and Oman. In addition, the focus is on sourcing from other countries, including Russia, Morocco, Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Jordan, Canada, Algeria and Egypt.On the impact of the conflict on the fertiliser sector, Sharma said the Gulf region accounted for about 20-30 per cent of India’s urea imports, 30 per cent of Diammonium Phosphate and 50% of LNG needs. The conflict has pushed up the cost of inputs such as LNG, ammonia and sulphur, besides raising freight expenses.She added that notifications regarding gas supply allocation had impacted domestic urea production, resulting in a temporary output reduction of 30,000-35,000 tonnes per day. Following the notifications, the annual maintenance of some units was advanced.Sharma said that at present, 27 urea plants are receiving gas supply, and the units that were under maintenance are now ready to resume operations. The government has procured “spot gas” to support domestic production, with LNG availability now at 75–80 per cent. Of the 52 million standard cubic metres per day of gas requirements of fertiliser plants, about 15 mmscd was being procured from the spot market.Spot purchases have been made for $19.5-19.6 per million British thermal unit, as compared to a $11-12 per mmBtu rate in the pre-war period.All these factors will push up the subsidy burden substantially, officials said.

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