A married woman was found hanging in her house, while her four minor daughters were found floating dead in a well in a village in Sagar district of Madhya Pradesh on Thursday. Police suspect that the woman first threw her daughters into the well and then committed suicide.

The incident occurred in village Khamaria in the Kesli area of the district.

According to the police, the deceased woman was identified as Savita Lodhi (31). Her daughters were identified as Anshika (7), Raksha (5), Diksha (3) and five-month-old Manisha.

CSP Lalit Kashyap said prima facie, it appeared that Savita first pushed her daughters into the well before hanging inside the house.

Following the incident, panic spread in the village, and a large number of residents gathered at the scene and informed the police.

Personnel from Kesli Police Station reached the village after receiving information and began an investigation.

The reason behind the extreme step taken by the woman is not yet known.

Police are questioning family members and local residents to ascertain the circumstances leading to the incident, the CSP said.

At least 193 Opposition MPs, including 130 from Lok Sabha and 63 from Rajya Sabha, have signed a notice for a motion seeking the removal of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar.

According to sources, a 10-page notice will be submitted to the Lok Sabha Speaker, requesting the removal of Gyanesh Kumar from his position as CEC. Similarly, a 10-page notice, requesting the removal of the CEC, will also be submitted to the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, C P
Radhakrishnan.

According to the rules, the Opposition needs at least 100 MPs to give a notice seeking CEC’s removal in the Lok Sabha and at least 50 in the Rajya Sabha. The impeachment against the CEC will follow the same procedure as that required for the impeachment of a judge.

Members from all the INDIA bloc parties have reportedly signed the notice. MPs of the Aam Aadmi Party, which has left the Congress-led INDIA alliance, have also signed the notice, the report claimed.

In the notice, the first against a sitting Chief Election Commissioner (CEC), the Opposition members have levelled seven charges against Gyanesh Kumar. They have accused him of “partisan and discriminatory conduct in office,” “deliberate obstruction of investigation of electoral fraud,” and “mass disenfranchisement”.

CEC Kumar and the Opposition parties have been at loggerheads on several occasions, with the issue of Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar, West Bengal, and other poll-bound states being the bone of contention.

The Opposition alleged that the SIR exercise is aimed at helping the BJP win elections. Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, who held several press conferences a few months ago to highlight the alleged “vote chori”, had accused CEC Kumar of protecting the BJP.

Accusing the Election Commission of India (ECI) of “colluding with those in power”, Rahul also warned of “retrospective” action against such poll officers.

Referring to a 2023 law that effectively provides CEC immunity for actions taken while in power, he had said that Congress would change the law retrospectively, and we would come “looking for you.”

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) will host its annual awards ceremony, the BCCI Naman Awards, in New Delhi on March 15.

Former India head coach Rahul Dravid is likely to be honoured with the prestigious Col CK Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award, while India’s Test and ODI captain Shubman Gill could bag the top honour at the ceremony.

The event will also recognise several Indian teams for their recent international success, including the winners of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 champions, the triumphant ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 squad, as well as the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup-winning teams in both men’s and women’s categories.

Dravid, who guided India to the 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup title as head coach, is set to be recognised for his outstanding contribution to Indian cricket over the years.

Gill, meanwhile, is expected to receive the Polly Umrigar Award for Best International Cricketer (Men). Although he was not part of India’s recent T20 World Cup-winning squad, the 26-year-old enjoyed an exceptional year across formats.

In 2025, Gill scored 983 runs in Tests, including 754 runs in India’s 2–2 drawn away series against England at an average of over 70. In ODIs, he accumulated 490 runs, with 188 runs coming during India’s successful Champions Trophy campaign.

However, some members of the Indian women’s teams set to be honoured for their World Cup triumphs may miss the ceremony due to domestic commitments. The Senior Women’s Inter-Zonal One-Day Trophy Final in Bengaluru and the Women’s Under-23 One-Day Trophy Elite pre-quarter-finals in Ranchi are scheduled for the same day.

Meanwhile, the Mumbai Cricket Association is set to be recognised as the best-performing association in domestic cricket for the third consecutive year.

Vidarbha duo Yash Dubey and Yash Rathod are expected to receive the Madhavrao Scindia Award for being the highest wicket-taker and leading run-scorer, respectively, in the Ranji Trophy Elite Group.

Dubey, who has been part of the India ‘A’ set-up since mid-2025, is also likely to receive the Lala Amarnath Award for being adjudged the best all-rounder of the Ranji Trophy 2024–25 season, while Ulhas Gandhe is expected to receive the Best Umpire Award.

In the junior categories, Shanthanu Singh and Yashbardhan Singh Chauhan will receive the Jagmohan Dalmiya Trophy for finishing as the highest run-scorer and wicket-taker respectively in the Under-16 Vijay Merchant Trophy.

Meanwhile, Nitya J Pandya and Hemchudeshan J are set to receive the M. A. Chidambaram Trophy for being the highest run-getter and wicket-taker in the Under-19 Cooch Behar Trophy.

India’s pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah expressed his gratitude after playing a decisive role in India’s triumph, saying he has always preferred taking on challenging responsibilities, the very reason he chose to pursue cricket. He added that making a difference for the team gives him immense joy and that there is “no better feeling than that.”

Bumrah was the wrecker-in-chief for Team India in the final of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, producing a sensational four-wicket haul in his four-over spell to help India defend their crown and clinch a second consecutive title.

The fast bowler finished the tournament as the joint-highest wicket-taker alongside teammate Varun Chakaravarthy and was adjudged Player of the Match for his outstanding performance in the summit clash against New Zealand.

“I never want to hide behind; I want to be in the thick of things. I always wanted to do a tough job. I played cricket for that; I started cricket for that. When I am able to make a difference, that gives me so much joy, no better feeling than that. I started my cricket here (Ahmedabad); I played all my cricket here. Came up the ranks through playing for Gujarat over here. Now playing the World Cup here and being the man of the match. Last time we just fell short, this time we went over it, really happy,” Bumrah said in a video shared by the Board of Control for Cricket in India.

“My son came; he was there last time as well. This time, he was there, my mum came, really special. I don’t know about full circles, but I’m really, really happy. Back-to-back World Cups never really happened. Really grateful. God is really kind, and I couldn’t be more thankful,” he added.

The Men in Blue defeated New Zealand by 96 runs to lift the title on Sunday at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

With the victory, India became the first team to successfully defend a T20 World Cup title and also the first to win the tournament on home soil.

The ninth day of the Chhattisgarh Assembly’s Budget Session witnessed heated exchanges and disruptions as legislators locked horns over several governance issues, including road safety concerns, delays in health department payments and the alleged shortage of cooking gas cylinders. The confrontation between the treasury benches and the Opposition intensified during the proceedings, eventually forcing a brief adjournment of the House amid rising commotion.

The session began with Question Hour, during which Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao, Health Minister Shyam Bihari Jaiswal, Forest Minister Kedar Kashyap, replying on behalf of Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma, and Skill Development Minister Guru Khushwant Saheb responded to queries raised by members.

BJP MLA Kiran Singh Deo raised concerns over the execution of works under the Chief Minister Gram Sadak Yojana, alleging that certain projects had been undertaken without proper surveys or the due tendering process. Responding to the issue, Forest Minister Kedar Kashyap informed the House that in some sensitive areas, the works had been sanctioned through the District Mineral Foundation (DMF) fund, assuring members that the projects are expected to be completed within the next year.

Road safety in the Akaltara region was another issue raised during the proceedings. MLA Raghavendra Kumar Singh expressed concern over recurring road accidents and fatalities in the area, urging the government to intervene. Minister Kashyap assured the House that the issue would be closely monitored and appropriate measures taken to prevent further accidents.

The functioning of the health department also came under scrutiny when Kondagaon MLA Lata Usendi questioned delays in payments related to departmental programmes. She said that despite assurances of payment within a month, dues remained pending even after nine months. Senior Congress leader Kawasi Lakhma also voiced dissatisfaction over the matter. Health Minister Shyam Bihari Jaiswal replied that payments would be released only after proper verification following issuance of work orders and warned that officials providing incorrect information would face action.

Tensions escalated further when the Opposition moved an adjournment motion alleging disruption in cooking gas supply and a rise in cylinder prices. Leader of Opposition Charandas Mahant claimed that residents across the state were facing difficulties in obtaining LPG cylinders and described the situation as chaotic. The Chief Minister rejected the allegation and maintained that there was no crisis in gas supply.

Former Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel joined the debate, alleging that black marketing of LPG cylinders had increased and that consumers in several districts were struggling to secure refills. The intense exchange led to sloganeering by Opposition members, prompting the presiding officer to adjourn the House briefly for five minutes.

Meanwhile, Chhattisgarh Pradesh Congress Committee president Deepak Baij announced that the party would stage a large-scale protest and gherao of the Assembly on 17 March. Addressing a press conference, Baij said the agitation would focus on issues such as alleged illegal opium cultivation, rising LPG prices and the demand to ‘save’ the MGNREGA scheme.

Baij alleged that recent cases of opium cultivation had exposed the state government’s failure to curb narcotics activity. Referring to the Durg district case involving BJP leader Vinayak Tamrakar, he claimed attempts were being made to shield the accused by placing him third in the FIR while naming employees as primary accused. The Congress leader also criticised the recent increase of ₹60 in domestic LPG cylinder prices and ₹115 in commercial cylinder prices, saying the hike had also affected beneficiaries of the Ujjwala scheme.

He further alleged that rural labourers were struggling due to a lack of employment under the MGNREGA programme and warned that the Congress would intensify its agitation if the government failed to address the issues. Baij appealed to party workers across the state to participate in large numbers in the proposed Assembly gherao.

The sharp exchange of political accusations and counter-accusations underscored how the Budget Session has moved beyond routine legislative business to reflect a wider political confrontation in the state. With questions being raised over governance, public welfare programmes and allegations of illegal narcotics activity, the debates inside the Assembly are expected to resonate strongly in Chhattisgarh’s political discourse in the days ahead.

Three girls, including two minor school students, were allegedly sexually assaulted in different incidents across Tamil Nadu. The incidents have sent shock waves in the state, triggering public outrage and strong condemnation from Opposition parties, Thursday.

One of the two minors was found killed, while the third case pertains to an audacious double abduction allegedly of a college student, who had come from Tiruchirappalli to Chennai for a project work. She was abducted the second time to threaten her into silence after sex assault in the first instance.

A 17-year-old girl was sexually assaulted and murdered at Vilathikulam in southern Thoothukudi district last evening, while a 14-year-old school student was allegedly raped by two youths at Madurantakam, about 100 km from Chennai in Chengalpattu district of Tamil Nadu, before being abandoned in a secluded area.

The girl hid in a forested area for the entire night, before mustering up the courage to walk a couple of kilometers to a main road where passersby came to her aid and lodged a complaint with the police.

The third incident involved a college student who had come from Tiruchirappalli to Chennai for a project work. Allegedly a group sent morphed obscene images to her mobile phone and threatened her. The gang then abducted her in a car and subjected her to sexual harassment before abandoning her in the middle of nowhere.

The girl received treatment at a hospital and was returning to the place where she was staying, but was abducted again by the same gang to threaten and desist her from lodging a police complaint.

However, she informed her male friend about the incident and subsequently filed a complaint at the Kotturpuram police station.

In a statement, AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami said the incidents have shocked the state and highlighted serious concerns about law and order under Chief Minister MK Stalin. He also said that crimes against women were rising in Tamil Nadu and blamed the government for failing to ensure the safety of women and girls.

TVK Founder and actor-politician Vijay in a statement, said the incident had shocked the conscience of society. The TVK leader also cited another incident near Maduranthakam, where a 14-year-old girl was allegedly sexually assaulted and left stranded in a forest area overnight before walking nearly 10 km to reach a police station the next morning.

“The Chief Minister, who appears focused only on preserving his alliance, must explain where the safety of women and girl children in Tamil Nadu stands today,” Vijay said.

PMK President and Rajya Sabha MP Anbumani Ramadoss said it is shocking and painful that a student who returned home after writing the 12^th standard public examination near Vilathikulam in Thoothukudi district was brutally raped and murdered.

The Kerala High Court on Thursday ordered removal of Vellappally Natesan as the General Secretary of the Sree Narayana Dharma
Paripalana Yogam (SNDP Yogam) after finding that the organisation failed to submit its financial statements within the stipulated time as per law

The court also ruled that SNDP Yogam President MN Soman, Vice-President Thushar Vellappally and Devaswom Secretary Arayakandi Santhosh are also not entitled to continue in their positions. The court has ordered that all four be removed from their posts and a new board of directors be formed in their place by conducting elections as per the law. The Court also directed the government to nominate directors to manage the administration of the SNDP meeting until the elections are completed

A single bench of Justice TR Ravi while ordering the removal of the SNDP Yogam office-bearers from their posts observed that Section 164(2)(a) of the Companies Act disqualifies a person from being a director if financial statements or annual returns of a company are not filed for a continuous period of three years.

The Court passed the order in a series of petitions, including one filed by noted writer professor late MK Sanu challenging the
continuation of SNDP Yogam office bearers in their positions on the
ground that financial filings had not been made for several years.

The petitioners, in their plea, filed in 2020, contended that SNDP Yogam, which is governed by the Companies Act of 2013, had failed to submit its audited financial statements to the authorities within the prescribed time, violating statutory requirements relating to financial transparency and accountability.

It was pointed out that the Companies Act provides for disqualification of directors where a company failed to file its financial statements or annual returns for a continuous period of three years.

The petitioners further stated that such failure made the directors ineligible to continue in office under the relevant provisions of company law.

Hence, the petitioners sought disqualification of Natesan and other office bearers, including Yogam president Dr MN Soman, vice president
Tushar Vellappally and Devaswom secretary Arayakkandil Santhosh.

The Court’s orders on Thursday marked a significant shift in the administrative landscape of the SNDP Yogam, one of Kerala’s most influential social organisations representing the state’s Ezhava community.

“The era of fake saints will end,” said Samajwadi Party (SP) national president and former Uttar Pradesh chief minister Akhilesh Yadav Thursday in a thinly veiled allusion to Yogi Adityanath.

Yadav’s remarks came in the wake of his meeting with embattled Shankaracharya Avimukteshwarananda, who is currently embroiled in a bitter face off with CM Adityanath.

For the entire meeting that lasted close to an hour, Akhilesh Yadav was seen sitting on the floor. “I have met Shankaracharya and with his blessings, the era of fake saints will end. Now, those who mislead people in the name of religion will also be exposed. Everyone’s truth will be revealed.”

“Akhilesh Yadav came for darshan,” said Avimukteshwarananda, adding, “We discussed several things. We also talked about the times of Mulayam Singh Yadav and told him about my meeting with the latter.”

“So far, no government representative has come to us on our demand to declare Cow as Mother of the state. They say that the BJP is a party of Hindus. When we talk about Hindus, only Akhilesh comes,” Avimukteshwarananda said.

The SP chief was accompanied by the party chief spokesperson Rajendra Choudhury and former MP Annu Tandon. In a rather change of tack, Yadav attacked the BJP over Avimukteshwarananda’s demand to declare the cow as the Mother of the State.

“BJP opposes every good thing. When our government was in power, we built a dairy to benefit the poor and take care of cows, but the BJP people opposed it. The first cow milk plant was established during the SP government, but the BJP government shut it down.”

“We have been working for the welfare of cows in the past and will continue to do so in the future,” said Yadav.

Yadav, responding to a question about the state’s deputy CMs, claimed that both were reprimanded and thrown out of a BJP meeting. He said they might not win wherever they contest from.

Referring to the LPG crisis owing to the Iran war, Yadav said, “Due to the Indian government’s wrong decisions, people are facing an LPG crisis. People are forced to use stoves and furnaces in their homes. The situation is such that there is a fight over LPG in the chief minister’s own district. People are fighting for gas.”

The year-on-year inflation based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for February 2026 over February 2025 is 3.21%, according to data released by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI). Corresponding inflation rates for rural and urban areas are 3.37% and 3.02%, respectively.

CPI inflation increased by 47 basis points from 2.74% recorded in January 2026.

The year-on-year inflation rate based on the All India Consumer Food Price Index (CFPI) for February 2026 over February 2025 is 3.47%. Corresponding inflation rates for rural and urban areas are 3.46% and 3.48%, respectively.

A month-on-month decrease of over 10% was observed in the indices of tomato, peas and cauliflower in February 2026 compared with January 2026, according to the data.

In terms of housing inflation, the year-on-year rate for February 2026 stood at 2.12%. The corresponding inflation rates for rural and urban areas were 2.43% and 2.00%, respectively.

The data showed that inflationary pressures remained uneven across consumption categories, with essential goods such as food and beverages registering a 3.35% increase, while education services saw prices rise by 3.33%.

Among other key categories, paan, tobacco and intoxicants recorded inflation of 3.49%, while clothing and footwear prices rose by 2.81%.

The restaurants and accommodation services segment reported an inflation rate of 2.73%, reflecting moderate price pressures in hospitality services.

Inflation in recreation, sports and culture stood at 2.21%, while healthcare costs rose 1.90% during the period under review.

Meanwhile, prices in the housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels category increased by 1.52%, while furnishings and household equipment registered inflation of 1.40%.

The information and communication category saw marginal price growth of 0.25%, indicating relatively stable costs in digital and telecom services.

Notably, the transport segment recorded a slight decline in prices, with inflation at (-) 0.05%, suggesting easing fuel or mobility-related costs during the period.

The Supreme Court on Thursday refused to entertain a petition filed by Ashish Ray, grandnephew of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, seeking
directions to bring Netaji’s mortal remains to India. The court said that instead of a grandnephew, Netaji’s daughter and sole heir should
approach the court.

When Senior Advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, appearing for Ashish Ray, informed the Court that Netaji’s daughter Anita Bose Pfaff was virtually present online and supported the petition, a Bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi and
Justice Vipul M. Pancholi said that she should file the petition in her capacity as the heir instead of supporting it from behind the curtain.

“Eighty-four-year-old Anita Bose Pfaff lives in Austria.”

At the outset, Chief Justice Surya Kant told Singhvi that similar petitions had been filed earlier and all had been dismissed. He pointed out that the last such petition was filed in 2024 and was also dismissed.

Singhvi, however, sought to distinguish the present plea from the earlier ones. He submitted that previous petitions sought declarations
that Netaji was still alive and demanded inquiries into his whereabouts. In contrast, the present petition only sought the return of Netaji’s mortal remains to India.

To this, Chief Justice Surya Kant asked, “First of all, where are the ashes.”

The senior advocate also pointed out that several Indian leaders had visited the Renkoji Temple in Tokyo, Japan, to pay homage to the ashes
of Netaji, which are preserved there. A memorial to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose is located within the temple complex.

Describing Netaji as one of the country’s greatest national heroes, the Chief Justice said the Court bows before his memory. He, however,
asked Singhvi how many members of the Bose family supported the petition. Singhvi replied that Netaji had only one heir — his daughter
— and that she supported the plea and was present online during the hearing.

Justice Bagchi observed that she should come forward herself to pursue the matter. He also indicated that there were disputes within the
Bose family on the issue.

Justice Bagchi observed, “But the heir is not the petitioner. Heir must come before us. She cannot fight behind the curtains. We respect
their sentiments; we would ensure her sentiments are translated into legal action. But she must come forward. As far as we understand, there are disputes within the family.”

When Singhvi again submitted that Anita Bose Pfaff was ready to address the Court online, the Bench declined to hear her, noting that she was not a petitioner before the court. Singhvi then sought permission to withdraw the petition, stating that Netaji’s daughter would approach the Court herself.

The Court allowed the request and dismissed the plea as withdrawn.

On September 1, 2014, the Supreme Court dismissed a public interest litigation filed by advocate M.L. Singh (since deceased) seeking directions to the government to disclose details relating to the mysterious disappearance of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. The petitioner had sought directions to the government to produce correspondence and documents relating to Netaji held by the British government and to
declare a purported treaty between India and the United Kingdom concerning Bose as illegal.

Terming the petition frivolous, a Bench comprising Chief Justice R.M. Lodha, Justice Kurian Joseph and Rohinton Fali Nariman (all since retired) dismissed it and imposed costs of ₹50,000.

Later, on November 14, 2022, the Supreme Court dismissed another PIL seeking directions to declare Netaji’s birth anniversary a national holiday. A Bench led by Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud (since retired) and comprising Justice J.B. Pardiwala observed that the best way to honour Netaji’s contribution was by working with the same dedication that he showed in the struggle for independence.

Kolkata Knight Riders allrounder Ramandeep Singh believes the presence of two accomplished cricketers in the support staff will be a major boost for the side ahead of the Indian Premier League 2026 season. The franchise has brought in former Australia star Shane
Watson as Assistant Coach and West Indies allrounder Andre Russell as Power Coach, a move that has already excited players within the camp.

Ramandeep, who joined Kolkata Knight Riders in 2024 and was part of the squad that secured the franchise’s third IPL title, has steadily
grown into a key utility player. Across his time with the team so far, the 28-year-old has scored 172 runs at an impressive strike rate of 167.9 and also claimed six wickets.

The Punjab allrounder arrives for the new season in strong form following an excellent outing in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy in 2025. Ramandeep scored 209 runs at a remarkable strike rate of 195 while also picking up nine wickets in 10 matches, showcasing his value as a genuine allround option.

Ahead of the new IPL campaign, Ramandeep revealed that his preparations have been centred around improving his ability to read match situations and adapt to different playing conditions.

“My approach for this year is very situation-oriented. I am working on my understanding of potential scenarios every time I step in to bat, I
am also trying to understand how the pitch is evolving and playing the right shots accordingly,” he said.

While his batting has often grabbed attention, Ramandeep is equally eager to make an impact with the ball if given the opportunity.

“If given the opportunity, I want to deliver as a bowler too, because I believe I have the capability to be an all-rounder. I am going to give my best on the field, and I am hopeful the results will follow,” he added.

The addition of Watson and Russell to the coaching staff has been one of the most talked-about changes in the KKR setup this season, and Ramandeep is keen to take full advantage of the experience they bring.

“Having them in the dugout is a blessing. I want to make the most of it and absorb as much as I can from them. I also hope I can emulate their success in the crucial, match-defining moments for the team,” he expressed.

Known for his ability to finish games under pressure, the right-handed batter said he has spent considerable time over the past year improving the mental side of his game.

“This is something I have been working on over the past year. I want to play the situation, not just entertain. My goal is to be a match-winner, and for that, it does not matter what people are saying on social media or elsewhere. My only focus is on improving my skills every day,” he said.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has confirmed that the final travelling groups from South Africa and the West Indies have safely departed from India after being stranded following the end of their campaigns at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.

“Within the past 24 hours, South Africa’s remaining 29 members and the West Indies’ final 16 members have departed on flights to their respective homelands, bringing to a close a complex operation that has taken place under exceptionally challenging global travel conditions,”
the ICC said.

Over the course of the past few days, the ICC’s operations and logistics teams worked closely with multiple stakeholders, including government authorities, airlines, charter operators, airport officials, and the respective cricket boards, to address disruptions caused by the difficult global travel situation.

According to the ICC, their top priority during this period was to ensure the safe return of all players and support staff. This required constant coordination and adjustments as the travel situation continued to evolve.

“We thank Cricket South Africa, Cricket West Indies and their entire squads for their support throughout this process, and also the ICC
staff who worked tirelessly to ensure that all players, staff and their families were able to make safe journeys home,” the ICC added.

Earlier on Wednesday, the governing body had confirmed that four South African players along with five family members had already begun their journey home on commercial flights, while the remaining 29 members of the contingent were expected to depart within the next 24 hours.

Similarly, nine members of the West Indies contingent had already returned to the Caribbean, while travel arrangements had been finalised for the remaining 16 individuals to leave India within the following 12 hours.

The delays were attributed to the ongoing crisis in the Gulf region, which has severely disrupted international aviation. The situation has
led to airspace closures, missile alerts, rerouted flight paths, and the abrupt cancellation or rescheduling of both commercial and chartered flights.

“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 ICC had stated earlier while addressing the issue.

Dispelling widespread apprehensions among the masses about the “looming LPG supply crisis” in the country, Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma has assured people of a normal supply of gas cylinders in the state.

“There is no shortage of gas and petroleum products in Rajasthan, and we will ensure that the supply is not affected,” CM Sharma said in a communique after presiding over an emergency meeting of senior officials from the industries, tourism, home, and transport departments and representatives of various oil companies last evening.

The CM said, “Rajasthan has adequate reserves of these products, and consumers will not face any crisis or difficult situation. We are making arrangements to ensure that the domestic supply remains uninterrupted under all circumstances.”

“For this, an extra alert has been sounded for personnel of the Food and Civil Supply Department. Leave of all department employees has also been cancelled. All concerned officials have been asked to take strict action against hoarders and black marketeers,” the CM added.

In the meeting, the Chief Minister also directed district and state-level control rooms to monitor the situation and address any issues that may arise affecting the supply. Officers were also instructed to hold regular, periodical reviews of the status of gas supply and stock availability.

In a follow-up to the CM’s review meeting last evening, Chief Secretary V Srinivas held an online meeting with district collectors and superintendents of police on Thursday afternoon.

However, reports from some districts indicate that people are facing difficulties in booking gas cylinders due to either a shortage of stock or technical issues with the booking servers.

A major Borosil plant near Chomu town in Jaipur district has reportedly suspended its operations due to a shortage of gas supply. The management has advised around 3,000 workers and over 400 other staff not to report for duty for the time being.

Despite arrangements and assurances by the state government, Leader of the Opposition Tika Ram Jully and Congress state president Govind Singh Dotasra held a press conference here this afternoon to highlight shortages of LPG and CNG.

Jully and Dotasra claimed that the supply of commercial LPG cylinders and CNG has been halted, while the booking of domestic gas cylinders is paralysed, either due to shortages or technical issues with the booking servers.

They said the emerging situation is reminiscent of the traumatic phases of demonitisation and the COVID-19 pandemic, when people queued at bank branches, later at health centres for COVID vaccination, and at cremation grounds for the funerals of their loved ones. Now, people are queuing to get gas cylinders.

Jully and Dotasra said the prevailing situation is the result of the Modi government’s failure to anticipate and assess the overall scenario arising from the Middle East conflict.

The Opposition Congress has already announced demonstrations and dharnas at district headquarters on March 12 and 13 to protest the “emerging crisis”.

Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Hardeep Singh Puri, on Thursday, assured the nation that there is no shortage of fuel and that India’s crude supply position is secure despite the closure of the Strait of Hormuz shipping route due to the conflict in the Middle East.

Addressing the Parliament, Puri said that the energy crisis is unprecedented as the world has not faced a moment like this in modern energy history. However, he asserted, India’s crude supply position is secure, and the volume secured exceeds what the Hormuz would have delivered.

“Before the crisis, approximately 45% of India’s crude imports transited through the Strait of Hormuz route. Thanks to the Prime Minister’s outstanding diplomatic outreach and goodwill, India has secured crude volumes that exceed what the disrupted Strait of Hormuz could have delivered in the same period,” he said.

The minister informed the House that the refineries are operating at high-capacity utilization and reiterated that there is no shortage of petrol, diesel, kerosene, ATF, or fuel oil. “The availability of petrol, diesel, aviation, turbine fuel, kerosene and fuel oil is fully assured…,” he added.

Puri said that following the crisis, India managed to increase non-Hormuz sourcing to approximately 70  per cent of all crude imports, up from 55 per cent before the conflict began. He said that India now sources its energy products from 40 countries, as against 27 in 2006 and 2007.

“This structural diversification built through sustained policy over successive years has given us options that other nations find themselves without…Retail outlets across the country are stocked, and supply chains for these products are functioning normally…,” he stated.

“Sufficient gas production and supply to sustain even if conflict drags on”

He also addressed the issue of LPG shortage and told the House that Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) cargoes are arriving on an almost daily basis through alternative routes. He said that India has sufficient gas production and supply arrangements to sustain this position even in the event of a prolonged conflict.

“Power generation for every household and for industry is fully protected…Procurement has now been actively diversified with cargoes being secured from the United States, Norway, Canada, Algeria, and Russia,” he added.

In an apparent response to Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi’s warning that the fuel crisis may get even bigger and that the government needs to prepare for it, the energy minister said that the country is navigating the most severe global energy disruption, and this is not the moment for rumour mongering.

“This is not the moment for rumour mongering or fake narratives. India is navigating the most severe global energy disruption in recorded history. Fruit supply is flowing, gas is prioritised for homes and farms, LPG production has been stepped up by 28 per cent…India must stand united behind the energy warriors, behind the institution managing the crisis, and behind the national interests,” he added.

Amid anticipation over the announcement of election dates for the upcoming Assembly polls in West Bengal, three other states and a Union
Territory, the BJP’s state unit is said to be rooting for a single-phase or, at most, a two-phase election, instead of a prolonged schedule that many believe amplified the ruling Trinamool Congress’s (TMC) advantages in 2021.

During a meeting with Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar earlier this week, majority of players, including the BJP, Congress and CPI(M), reportedly demanded that the polls be held in one or two phases.

Apparently in 2021 the BJP had favoured a prolonged schedule.

In fact, the eight-phase elections in West Bengal between March 27 and April 29, 2021 were among the longest election schedules in the history assembly elections in the country.

Held amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the EC opted for staggered voting to manage logistics and health risks, it was said.

However, while West Bengal had an eight-phase schedule, elections in the other states were completed much more quickly. Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Puducherry voted in a single phase on April 6, 2021. Assam had three phases but they were completed in about 12 days.

Officials say the ECI determines the number of polling phases for each state based on a specific set of administrative and security considerations. West Bengal required more phases due to its size, security deployment needs and logistical complexities.

Political observers believe the extended schedule in 2021 favoured the incumbent TMC’s strong grassroots mobilisation to the disadvantage of the BJP. Led by Mamata Banerjee, the party won by a landslide, restricting the BJP, and for the first time in West Bengal’s political history, the Congress and the Left failed to win a single seat.

Pointing to TMC’s deeply rooted grassroots force with extensive booth-level networks, analysts say now there are additional concerns due to the prevailing geopolitical situation that has led to disruptions in essentials such as LPG , triggering anxiety among consumers and businesses, sharpening and shaping political narratives.

And amid the current geopolitical uncertainty, what happens in weeks is anyone’s guess. Apart from significantly increasing financial costs and added strain on security forces, extended campaigns also tend to intensify political rhetoric, as parties devise new ways to mobilise voters, often leading to sharper social or religious polarisation. Long schedules also cause voter fatigue, potentially lowering turnout in the final phases, in turn often favouring the party in power.

The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has called upon all affiliated State and Union Territory Olympic Associations to organise a nationwide tree plantation drive, planting 2036 trees each as part of this year’s Olympic Day celebrations.

Olympic Day is observed globally on June 23 every year to commemorate the founding of the International Olympic Committee in 1894, marking the birth of the modern Olympic Games. The first Olympic Day celebration was held in 1948.

In a communication issued by IOA President P. T. Usha, the association emphasised that the initiative aims to highlight the Olympic Movement’s commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility while encouraging communities across India to celebrate Olympic Day through meaningful environmental action.

“The nationwide plantation drive aligns with the International Olympic Committee’s Olympic Forest initiative and reflects India’s growing commitment to environmental stewardship through sport. The symbolic plantation of 2036 trees represents the Olympic Movement’s aspiration to build a greener and more sustainable future,” the IOA said in a statement.

The IOA has encouraged State and UT Olympic Associations to collaborate with local sports bodies, educational institutions, athletes, youth organisations and government agencies to ensure broad participation and long-term impact.

Plantation activities may be organised at sports facilities, schools, parks and other public spaces to maximise community engagement and raise awareness about sustainability through sport.

The IOA has also requested affiliated units to document their activities and share brief reports and photographs so the nationwide effort can be showcased as part of India’s Olympic Day celebrations.

The initiative reinforces the Olympic Movement’s broader vision of building a healthier and better world through sport while promoting environmental sustainability for future generations.

Political stalwart and former chief minister Dr. Farooq Abdullah survived an assassination attempt when a man tried to open fire at him from close range at a marriage function here last evening.

Acting swiftly, NSG men, accompanying Dr. Abdullah, pinned down the man, who is seen in a video of the scene, putting his pistol close to his neck before opening fire. However, the gun shot missed him and the NSG personnel snatched the revolver after overpowering him.

Dr. Abdullah was attending the marriage ceremony of the kin of a leader of the legal cell of the ruling National Conference. Deputy CM Surinder Chaudhary and CM’s advisor Nasir Aslam were with him at the time of the incident.

Chaudhary questioned lack of security measures at the marriage venue where Dr. Abdullah was present.

In a press release early this morning, the Jammu Police said, “An attempt was made on the life of Dr. Farooq Abdullah, former CM/President of J&K National Conference, when he was attending a marriage ceremony at Royal Park Greater Kailash, Jammu”.

“The security personnel of JKP and NSG, who were deployed with the protectee, immediately swung into action and thwarted the attempt. Further, the accused was taken into custody, who was later identified as Kamal Singh S/o Ajit Singh R/o Purani Mandi, Jammu. The firearm, used in the crime, has also been recovered from the possession of then accused”, Police said.

“Cognizance has been taken and further investigation is going on”, Police added.

Reacting to the incident, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah wrote on X; “Allah is kind. My father had a very close shave. The details are sketchy at the moment but what is known is that a man with a loaded pistol was able to get within point blank range & discharge a shot. It
was only the close protection team that deflected the shot & ensured that the assassination attempt failed. There are more questions than answers at the moment including but not limited to how someone was able to get this close to a Z+ NSG protected former CM”.

“Thankfully both the DCM & @nasirsogami who were accompanying my father at the time are also safe and sound. The almighty shielded them”, Omar wrote.

An eyewitness Rakesh Singh said, “I was at the wedding of the daughter of the president of our legal cell. We were all sitting and enjoying ourselves. Then Doctor Sahib said that he has to go. Then a man came and put a revolver behind Doctor Sahib’s back. However, he missed the shot. Doctor Sahib survived. There was no security or police here. The deputy CM was with him, the advisor was with him”.