Two Indian nationals have died while one is missing after merchant vessels came under attack in the ongoing conflict in West Asia, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed on Wednesday.

A few Indians who have suffered injuries in the GCC region are being treated, he said.

‘’There have been reports of some casualties. We have two Indian nationals whom we have lost, and one is missing. These three Indian nationals died or are missing. It happened when they were on merchant vessels which came under attack. A few Indians who have suffered injuries in the GCC region are being treated. Our consulate is in touch with them,’’ the spokesperson said.

He said there have been reports this morning that an Indian National was injured in Dubai. The Indian Consulate is in touch with him. He is also receiving treatment at the hospital, and the authorities are in regular touch with him to ensure his welfare and well-being.

The further spokesperson said, “In MEA, we have started a control which is functioning. We have been receiving a lot of phone calls regarding Indian nationals and their welfare, and we have been guiding the people calling.”

There has been a back-and-forth reaction following the decision by India captain Suryakumar Yadav, head coach Gautam Gambhir, and Jay Shah, chairman of the International Cricket Council, to take the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup trophy to a temple after India’s victory.

Kirti Azad, Trinamool Congress MP and a member of India’s 1983 Cricket World Cup–winning team, on Wednesday responded to remarks made by Gambhir regarding his earlier criticism of the move.

Speaking to reporters, Azad said players should not be disrespected while also stressing the importance of maintaining mutual respect among all religions in a democratic country.

“Yes, definitely, players should not be degraded. Players shouldn’t degrade their situation either. Ours is a democratic country in which people of all religions live, and everyone should be respected,” Azad said.

Earlier, Gambhir had criticised Azad for questioning the leadership group’s decision to take the trophy to a Hanuman temple near the stadium following India’s victory in the T20 World Cup final in Ahmedabad.

Responding to Azad’s comments, Gambhir said the question was not worth answering and argued that such remarks undermine the achievements of the players.

“I think it’s not even worth answering that question. It’s a big moment for the entire country. We should celebrate a World Cup win. Statements like these only dilute the achievement of the players,” Gambhir said in an interview.

India scripted history by clinching a record third T20 World Cup title and becoming the first team to successfully defend the trophy while also winning the tournament as hosts after defeating New Zealand by 96 runs at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday.

Following the win, Suryakumar, Gambhir and Jay Shah visited a Hanuman temple near the stadium to offer prayers and carried the trophy with them.

Azad had earlier questioned the move, saying that sport should remain beyond religious identity.

“140 crore people were excited when Team India, which includes people from all religions, won. A sportsperson or sport does not belong to any religion or caste but only to the sport,” Azad said earlier.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday reviewed plans to establish new J&K Houses in Dwarka in the national capital and Mumbai and to revamp existing government properties across several states and Union Territories to strengthen Jammu and Kashmir’s presence nationwide.

The review meeting was attended by J&K’s Resident Commissioner Ramesh Kumar and senior officers of the Resident Commission and the concerned departments.

The Chief Minister stressed that all upcoming and renovated JK House properties must showcase the rich cultural heritage and distinctive identity of Jammu and Kashmir. “Ensure that the new constructions and restructuring of existing properties carry a local touch of Jammu and Kashmir’s rich cultural legacy so that these government assets reflect a unique blend of heritage and modern functionality,” he said.

The meeting reviewed the status of J&K government properties in Dwarka and 5, Prithviraj Road in New Delhi, Chandigarh, Amritsar and Mumbai and also discussed proposals for expansion and modernisation of facilities meant for officials, students, patients and visitors from Jammu and Kashmir.

The meeting was informed that the government has initiated steps to establish a new J&K House in Dwarka, New Delhi, to augment accommodation and administrative infrastructure for J&K officials and visitors. Similarly, the government is pursuing the development of a J&K House at Kharghar in Navi Mumbai to enhance J&K’s presence in the country’s financial capital.

The Chief Minister emphasised that these government properties should serve as symbols of pride for Jammu and Kashmir and showcase its cultural richness and architectural identity.

The meeting also reviewed the condition of other properties under the Resident Commission’s management in cities such as Chandigarh, Amritsar, Malabar Hill in Mumbai, and Sirsa in Haryana.

The Chief Minister instructed the officers to request the Punjab government to allot a single, consolidated plot so that a properly planned J&K House can be developed in Amritsar.

Regarding the Navi Mumbai project, the officers informed the Chief Minister that a Detailed Project Report (DPR) worth Rs 29.56 crore has been submitted to the administrative department along with a capital expenditure proposal of about Rs 30 crore for the construction of the facility.

Virat Kohli has begun preparations for the upcoming 19th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL), which is scheduled to start on March 28. The India and Royal Challengers Bengaluru stalwart shared a video on social media showing him training in the nets as he gears up for the new season.

The 39-year-old appeared in good touch while practising at an indoor training facility in the United Kingdom, playing a series of powerful shots during the session.

In the video posted on Instagram, Kohli can be seen working hard in the indoor nets and striking the ball cleanly as part of his preparations. He captioned the post, “IPL 2026” along with a sandclock emoticon.

RCB also shared the training clip on their social media handles, praising their long-time star batter. Posting the video, the franchise wrote, “The run machine looks well oiled. Let’s start #IPL2026 already.”

The Bengaluru-based franchise additionally marked a special milestone for Kohli, who completed 18 years with the team on Wednesday and is set to play his 19th IPL season with the side.

Sharing a tribute post, RCB wrote, “19 seasons, 1 team, 1 legendary name. From a promising youngster in 2008 to an irreplaceable icon of the franchise. #OnThisDay 18 years ago, we signed Virat Kohli through the U-19 Player Draft at the first ever #IPLAuction. Years later, the journey continues with the same passion, the same loyalty, and the same King inspiring all the way.”

Kohli played a crucial role in helping RCB end their long wait for an IPL title in 2025. He finished as the franchise’s leading run-scorer in the tournament, amassing 657 runs in 15 innings at a strike rate of 144.71.

In the final, RCB defeated the Punjab Kings by six runs after successfully defending a total of 191. Kohli top-scored for his side in the title clash with a composed 43 off 35 deliveries.

Kohli has since stepped away from two formats of international cricket. The former India captain retired from Test cricket last year and called time on his T20I career after India’s victory in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in 2024, where they defeated the South Africa national cricket team in the final in Barbados.

He is now active internationally only in the ODI format for the Men-in-Blue.

The stock market on Wednesday came under pressure following a strong rebound in the previous session. The Nifty 50 fell below 23,850 during intraday trading amid selling across sectors.

At the close, the Sensex fell 1,342.27 points, or 1.72%, to 76,863.71, while the Nifty dropped 394.75 points, or 1.63%, to 23,866.85.

The Nifty Midcap index fell 1.2%, while the Smallcap index declined 0.36%. The overall market capitalisation of BSE-listed firms fell to over Rs 442 lakh crore from over Rs 447 lakh crore in the previous session.

Among the sectors, auto, FMCG, PSU Bank, consumer durables, private banks, capital goods, IT, and realty were the biggest losers, while oil & gas and pharma indices ended with marginal gains.

On the Nifty, the key gainers were NTPC, Jio Financial, Coal India, Sun Pharma, and Dr Reddy’s Labs, while the major losers included Bajaj Finance, Axis Bank, Bajaj Finserv, Eicher Motors, and M&M.

Around 180 stocks touched their 52-week low on the BSE. These included Aegis Logistics, Hexaware Technologies, Coforge, IRCTC, KPR Mills, Godrej Industries, Emami, Five-Star Business, Jubilant Food, TCS, Tata Technologies, Kotak Mahindra Bank, Jyothy Labs, Relaxo Footwear, and JK Lakshmi Cement, among others.

The key losers in the FMCG stocks were Colgate-Palmolive (India), Marico, Emami, and Tata Consumer Products. In the auto stocks, TVS Motor Company, Ashok Leyland, Mahindra & Mahindra, Hyundai Motor India, and Eicher Motors witnessed losses.

The Bank Nifty, which fell over 2%, witnessed heavy selling in private lenders such as Axis Bank, HDFC Bank, and ICICI Bank. Union Bank declined nearly 2.9%, while IndusInd Bank fell 2.4% and Federal Bank slipped nearly 2.4%.

In Asian markets, the MSCI Asia Pacific Index rose 0.9%, while the MSCI Emerging Markets Index also gained 0.8%.

Coal production and supply continue to be higher than consumption this year, resulting in record high coal stocks at thermal power plants and coal mines. Further, the supply to the Non-Regulated Sector has been higher than the previous year by almost 14%.

The pithead coal stock at the mines of CIL was 106.78 MT on 1 April, 2025. This has grown to 121.39 MT on 9 March, 2026. Further, there is around 6.07 MT of coal at the mines of SCCL, another 15.12 MT at captive/commercial mines and about 14 MT in transit, totaling to about the first ever high of 156.58 MT.

This coal stock is in addition to the coal which is already available at the power plants, which is around 54.05 MT as on 9 March, adequate for nearly 24 days at the present rate of consumption.

The overall coal stock available in the country is about 210 MT, which would be adequate for about 88 days.

The coal production in the country continues at the same pace, building stocks at the mine end, for maintaining adequate supply to the consumers as per their requirements, with the support of Railways, an official press note said.

The Ministry of Coal remains focused on creating a stable and performance-driven environment through continued policy facilitation, close performance monitoring, and coordinated engagement with stakeholders, with an aim to ensure reliable coal availability, support uninterrupted operations across key sectors, and meet the country’s growing energy needs, thereby contributing to the long-term national objective of building a ‘’Viksit Bharat 2047.’’

The Rajasthan Assembly Speaker Vasudev Devnani has expressed satisfaction over a reasonably smooth and productive Budget Session which, besides passing the state budget for the fiscal year 2026–27, also cleared 10 contentious Bills and conducted the routine business of Question Hour and Zero Hour.

The House accomplished its principal task of finally passing the ₹6,10,956-crore state budget for the fiscal year 2026–27 on February 27. The budget, with a revenue deficit of ₹24,313.93 lakh, was presented by Deputy Chief Minister Diya Kumari on February 11.

The Assembly also passed 10 Bills, including key legislations such as the Disturbed Areas Bill, the Rajasthan Panchayat (Amendment) Bill, 2026, and the Rajasthan Municipalities (Amendment) Bill, 2026, in a reasonably smooth manner marked by balanced and issue-based debates.

The Disturbed Areas Act is intended to address the administration’s concerns regarding communal tensions and demographic imbalance during riot-like situations.

It empowers authorities to declare specific localities as disturbed areas and makes prior permission from the Additional District Magistrate (ADM) mandatory for the sale of properties in such areas to prevent distress sales. The law also provides protection to tenants against forced eviction from rented premises.

Similarly, the Rajasthan Panchayat (Amendment) Act, 2026 and the Rajasthan Municipalities (Amendment) Act, 2026 amend the eligibility criteria for contesting elections in rural and urban local bodies.

The amendments remove the two-child norm and the compulsory minimum educational qualification for candidates. As a result, parents with more than two children and individuals who are merely literate can now contest elections. The ban on cured leprosy patients contesting polls has also been lifted.

Although protests, walkouts and boycotts occurred sporadically during the session, the House nevertheless conducted its business satisfactorily for 184 hours across 24 sittings, Speaker Devnani observed in his closing remarks while adjourning the House sine die on Tuesday evening.

Devnani also expressed gratitude to all MLAs, particularly Leader of the House and Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, Leader of Opposition Tika Ram Jully, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Joga Ram Patel, Government Chief Whip Jogeshwar Garg and Congress Chief Whip Rafeek Khan of the Opposition, for their role in ensuring relatively smooth proceedings of the House.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Wednesday confirmed the final distribution of the USD 11.25 million prize pool for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, with champions India set to receive USD 2,639,423 following their title-winning campaign.

India secured the trophy after defeating New Zealand in the final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, becoming the first team to successfully defend the T20 World Cup title and also the first host nation to win the tournament.

Runners-up New Zealand will receive USD 1,422,692, while the losing semi-finalists, South Africa and England, will take home USD 1,005,577 and USD 974,423, respectively.

Among the teams that reached the Super 8 stage but fell short of the semi-finals, the West Indies, Pakistan, Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka will receive USD 538,269, USD 522,692, USD 491,538 and USD 475,962, respectively.

Teams including Afghanistan, Australia and the United States were each awarded USD 309,808 for their performances.

Meanwhile, Scotland earned USD 278,654, and Ireland received USD 271,731. Italy, the Netherlands, the United Arab Emirates and Nepal were each awarded USD 256,154.

Teams eliminated in the earlier stages, Canada, Namibia and Oman, will each receive the base participation payment of USD 225,000.

The ICC clarified that the listed amounts represent gross prize money earned across the group stage, Super 8s, semi-finals and final, including participation payments, match-win bonuses and rewards for progression through the tournament stages.

However, the governing body added that the figures are calculated before any applicable tax compliance or deductions.

Amid widespread reactions in Jammu and Kashmir and Kargil (Ladakh) following the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and the ongoing tensions, the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in New Delhi has, in recent days, emerged as a must-visit destination for several political leaders from the region seeking to convey condolences and express solidarity with the people of Iran.

Over the past few days, several prominent leaders from Kashmir and Ladakh, including Members of Parliament, have called on the Iranian mission, signed the condolence book and held meetings with diplomats to pay tribute to the late leader and convey sympathies on behalf of the people of their respective regions. The visits reflect the strong emotional and political resonance that developments in Iran have generated across parts of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.

On Tuesday, Dr Farooq Abdullah, President of the ruling National Conference and former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, visited the Iranian Embassy, where he signed the condolence book and conveyed sympathies on behalf of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

Abdullah was accompanied by Members of Parliament Chowdhary Mohammad Ramzan, Sajjad Ahmed Kichloo and Gurwinder Singh Oberoi. The delegation also met the Deputy Ambassador of Iran to India and expressed solidarity with the Iranian people during what they described as a moment of profound grief.

A day earlier, Mehbooba Mufti, president of the People’s Democratic Party, visited the Iranian Embassy and the Iranian Cultural Centre in New Delhi to pay tributes to Ayatollah Khamenei. She met Iran’s Ambassador to India, Mohammad Fathali, along with Budgam MLA Aga Syed Muntazir Mehdi.

Mufti said she conveyed her condolences to the people of Iran and prayed for peace for the departed leader. She also raised the issue of Kashmiri students currently stranded in Iran and sought assistance from the ambassador in ensuring their safety.

Earlier last week, the Chairman and Chief Executive Councillor of the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC), Kargil, Mohammad Jaffer Akhoon, also visited the Iranian Embassy in New Delhi to sign the condolence book and pay tribute to the Iranian leader. Akhoon described Khamenei as a “towering pillar of the Muslim Ummah” and said the people of Ladakh, particularly Kargil, share the grief of the Iranian nation. He later met Iranian representatives, along with Ladakh MP Haji Hanifa Jan, to convey solidarity with the people of Iran.

The developments come in the backdrop of protests and mourning gatherings across parts of Jammu and Kashmir following the Iranian leader’s killing. Demonstrations were reported in several areas of the Kashmir Valley, including Srinagar, Budgam and Bandipora, where protesters carried portraits of Khamenei and raised slogans condemning the attack. Security forces used tear gas at some locations to disperse crowds, and authorities imposed restrictions and security curbs to maintain law and order.

Reports said dozens of people were detained during the protests, with political leaders calling for restraint and appealing for the release of those arrested.

Over the years, Iran has become a major destination for students from Kashmir and Kargil, especially for medical and religious studies. As such, anxiety is growing among parents and relatives whose wards are stranded in Iran and the neighbouring countries. Kashmir and Ladakh’s Kargil district have significant Shia populations, particularly in Budgam, Srinagar’s old city and Kargil.

IPL Chairman Arun Singh Dhumal has claimed that India’s bench strength is the world’s finest, and it was apparent in the T20 World Cup 2026 victory.

Speaking at HPCA Stadium, Dharamshala, during an informal interaction with the students and faculty of Central University of Himachal Pradesh, Dhumal also credited BCCI and state associations for building dominance from Under-19 to senior levels.

Dhumal was in the HPCA stadium to inspect the ground pitch and outfield preparations ahead of much anticipated IPL 2026 tournament.
After he reviewed the preparations, Dhumal was invited by the students and faculty of CUHP to join their podcast Dhauldhar Dialogues-CUHP Sanwad, which was being recorded in the premises of the HPCA stadium.

When asked to comment on the future prospects of aspiring and budding cricketers in Himachal, Dhumal, who also helms the Women’s Premier League(WPL) said more avenues and facilities are giving a big boost to the young talent from the hill state.

“ IPL camps are proving to be a boon for Himachal youth. Net sessions with stars like Pat Cummins and Jos Buttler boost confidence, technique, mental balance under pressure, and international fitness—elevating domestic performance.”

Satisfied with the pitch quality, he highlighted IPL’s role in boosting the local economy and tourism.

When asked to comment on the future prospects of aspiring and budding cricketers and state youth’s contribution to international cricket, he said.

“Talents like Renuka Singh Thakur, Rishi Dhawan, Vaibhav Arora, Sushma Verma, and Mayank Dagar have shone internationally,”, he said.
Himachal has begun to contribute significantly to Cricket and other sports, and our young talent has a promising future, he said.

Later, Arun Dhumal congratulated the students of journalism and the faculty for their unique initiative of launching Dhauladhar Dialogues, being produced by the department.

Dhauladhar Dialogues-CUHP Sanwad is a fortnightly interactive programme being produced by the CUHP in collaboration with Doordarshan Himachal.

The programme, which talks about burning issues and career opportunities for youngsters in Himachal on Doordarshan Himachal has evoked a warm response all over the state.

Chennai Super Kings CEO Kasi Viswanathan confirmed that veteran wicketkeeper-batter MS Dhoni is expected to play the full season of the Indian Premier League in 2026, while adding that the final decision regarding his role will be taken by the team’s coaching staff.

The 19th edition of the IPL is scheduled to begin on March 28, with franchises already starting their training camps. CSK began their preparations in Chennai earlier this month under the leadership of captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, with former skipper Dhoni joining the squad and training alongside his teammates.

Speculation about the five-time IPL-winning captain’s future had intensified after CSK traded Sanju Samson from Rajasthan Royals. The move had led to suggestions that the veteran could reduce his on-field involvement this season.

However, Dhoni arrived in Chennai during the first week of March and has been actively training with the squad. The 44-year-old also began preparations earlier in Ranchi with light net sessions before joining the team camp.

Speaking to reporters in Chennai, Kasi made it clear that the legendary cricketer is likely to feature throughout the season.

“He will play the matches, all matches,” Kasi Viswanathan told reporters in Chennai.

When asked whether Dhoni could be used as an Impact Player during the tournament, he said the decision would rest entirely with the cricketing staff.

“I can’t say. That’s a cricketing decision which will be taken by the cricketing staff, not by the administrative staff. They will decide whether he is going to play as a batter, or a wicketkeeper-batter or as an Impact Player.”

Dhoni has played the full season in the previous two editions of the IPL despite ongoing speculation about his retirement and a persistent knee issue that he managed during those campaigns. In IPL 2025, he also took over the captaincy midway through the tournament after Gaikwad suffered an injury.

Kasi reiterated that Dhoni is expected to feature in every match of the upcoming season.

“He will play all the matches, according to me,” he said.

Asked about the role the veteran could take in the team, especially with Samson now part of the squad, he repeated that the final decision would be taken by the coaching group.

“That I cannot say. That is a cricketing decision which will be taken by the cricketing staff. Not by the administrative staff. So they will decide whether he is going to play as a batsman or as a wicketkeeper-batter, or as an impact player.”

The CSK CEO also said the franchise is awaiting the official announcement of the tournament schedule, which is expected soon.

“We are supposed to play in Tamil Nadu only. So we are waiting for the schedule to be announced by the BCCI,” he said.

Kasi further expressed satisfaction with the performances of CSK players Samson and Shivam Dube during India’s successful campaign at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.

“We are very happy that India has won the World Cup, that too they’ve won it back-to-back. We are delighted because two of the CSK players, Sanju and Shivam Dube, have performed extremely well. It gives us a lot of confidence in the team doing well for CSK here also.”

Providing an update on the team’s preparations, Kasi added that the training camp has been progressing smoothly.

“Practice is going on well, no problems so far,” he said.

Strengthening its commitment to digital inclusion and technology-driven education, Reliance Jio has announced that the AI Classroom experience on JioPC is now available in Odia, making advanced digital learning more accessible to users across Odisha.

The AI Classroom, powered by JioPC and designed by the Jio Institute, enables students, educators and learners to access artificial intelligence tools, interactive learning resources, and cloud-based computing in a simple and affordable manner. With the addition of Odia language support, users can now interact with AI tools, explore learning content, and carry out digital tasks more comfortably in their native language.

JioPC is a cloud-based personal computing solution that lets users access a full desktop environment on a television or monitor without requiring expensive hardware. By combining cloud technology with AI-powered applications, JioPC is helping bridge the digital divide and enabling more people to benefit from modern computing.

The introduction of Odia language support for AI Classroom reflects Jio’s continued focus on local language empowerment and inclusive digital growth, ensuring that technology becomes more relevant and user-friendly for communities across the state.

Through initiatives like these, Reliance Jio continues to play a key role in expanding digital opportunities, empowering students and learners, and supporting the growth of technology-driven education in Odisha.

The sleepy town of Karaikudi in the Sivaganga district woke up to a molotov cocktail attack on the office of Congress MP Karti Chidambaram in the small hours on Wednesday, rattling the public.

Only in the morning the incident came to light and police launched an investigation. Since the office at Subramaniyapuram locality in the town remained locked at night, none was injured and the building did not suffer any major damage, police added. The MP was also not present in the locality.

After visiting the place, Sivaganga Police SP R Shiva Prasad has formed special teams to nab the culprits.

Karaikudi is the business hub of the district and the attack on the local MP’s office ahead of the assembly election has raised an alarm. According to police the exact time of the miscreants hurling the petrol bombs could not be ascertained immediately since there was no CCTV camera in the building or close by.

On learning about the incident, Congress legislator S Mangudi, a loyalist of Chidambaram, rushed to the spot. Condemning the incident as dastardly, Tamil Nadu Congress Committee (TNCC) president K Selvaperunthagai said “In a democracy, ideas have to be countered with ideas and not through violence, which is unacceptable. Such incidents, besides being a grave threat to law and order, would pose a challenge to democratic ideals.”

Expressing shock and registering his strong condemnation, Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) president Anbumani Ramadoss, an NDA ally, described the petrol bomb attack as yet another instance of lawlessness under the DMK government. “This incident shows that the DMK government has completely failed in Tamil Nadu. Both Chidambaram and Karti Chidambaram are MPs as well as leaders of the DMK-led alliance and their residences and offices should have been provided police security.

Another NDA constituent, AMMK, has also condemned the incident with party general secretary TTV Dhinakaran saying that under the DMK government, incapable of providing security to the leaders of its alliance parties, law and order has deteriorated.

The Indian Railways is all set to run the Iconic “Shri Ramayana Yatra” tour by Bharat Gaurav Deluxe AC Tourists train to promote pilgrimage tourism. The specially designed pilgrimage tour aims to offer devotees a unique opportunity to visit prominent destinations associated with the life and journey of Lord Rama as described in the sacred epic Ramayana.

The tour will start from Delhi Safdarjung Railway Station on 30th March, 2026, and cover prominent places associated with the life of Lord Shri Rama. The proposed train tour is going to be operated in Bharat Gaurav Deluxe AC tourist train, having modern amenities.

The State of Art Deluxe AC Tourist Train has a host of amazing features, including two restaurants, a modern kitchen, shower cubicles in coaches, sensor-based washroom functions, foot massager. The fully air-conditioned train provides three types of accommodation, viz. 1st AC, 2nd AC and 3rd AC. The train has enhanced security features of CCTV cameras and Security Guards for each coach.

The tour will be completed in 17 days. The first destination is Ayodhya, where tourists will visit Shri Ram Janmabhoomi temple, Hanuman Garhi, and Ram Ki Paidi (Saryu ghat). Bharat Mandir at Nandigram follows next. The subsequent destination is Sitamarhi in Bihar wherefrom tourists shall be visiting Sita Ji’s birth place and Ram Janki Temple in Janakpur (Nepal), which will be covered by road. Post Sitamarhi, the train proceeds to Buxar, where the sightseeing would include Ramrekha ghat and Rameshwarnath temple.

The next destination is Varanasi, where the tourists will visit the Kashi Vishwanath temple and corridor, Tulsi Mandir, Sankat Mochan Hanuman Mandir temples, and will also witness the Ganga aarti. In the next couple of days, the passengers would be taken to Prayag, Shringverpur and Chitrakoot by road, where night stay will also be provided.

Further, the next halt of the train is at Nasik, wherein the Trimbakeshwar temple and the Panchvati area will be covered. Hampi, believed to be the ancient city of Krishkindha, is the next destination. Here, Anjaneya Hill, regarded as the birthplace of Lord Hanuman, will be covered along with other heritage sites like Vitthala and Virupaksha temple. Rameshwaram is the last city of this train tour. Ramanathaswamy temple and Dhanuskodi are a part of the visit. The train returns back to Delhi on the 17th day of its journey. Guests will be travelling roughly 7560 kms in this entire tour.

IRCTC has launched this special tourist train in line with the Government of India initiative “Dekho Apna Desh” and “Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat” to promote domestic tourism, at an exciting price of Rs. 1, 14,100/- per person for 3 AC, Rs. 1, 51,225/- per person for 2 AC and Rs. 1, 64,940/- for 1 AC class. Package price is inclusive of train journey in respective classes, accommodation in 3-star hotels for 1 AC, 2 AC, and 3 AC, all meals (vegetarian only), all transfers & sightseeing in AC Coaches, travel insurance, and services of IRCTC Tour Managers, etc.

All necessary health precaution measures will be taken care of by providing safe and healthy travel during the tour.

Daughter of Madhya Pradesh BJP President Hemant Khandelwal, Surbhi (34), died of a possible cardiac arrest at her family home in Betul on Wednesday afternoon.

According to reports, Surbhi was struggling with health issues for a long time. The family was taking care of her at home while she was undergoing regular treatment. Today morning, she took her routine physiotherapy session at around 11.30 am. However, she suffered a heart attack soon after, and passed away at around 12 noon.

Hemant Khandelwal rushed to Betul from Bhopal on receiving the sad news.

After days of uncertainty caused by travel disruptions linked to the West Asia crisis, players and support staff from the West Indies and South Africa have gradually begun leaving India on commercial flights after repeated delays to an ICC-arranged charter flight following their exit from the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.

Cricket West Indies (CWI) confirmed that it had begun arranging commercial travel for players and support staff after uncertainty surrounding the chartered flight continued. “As is customary for both men’s and women’s ICC World Cups, all travel and accommodation arrangements for participating teams are coordinated and managed by the ICC,” a CWI statement said.

“The charter flight, intended to transport both the West Indies and South Africa teams, was repeatedly delayed. After completing play, the West Indies squad remained in India for nine (9) days awaiting travel. However, ongoing uncertainty surrounding the ICC-organized charter, as a result of global tensions and aviation regulations, made the situation increasingly distressing.

“In the interest of the well-being and safety of its players and support staff, Cricket West Indies advised the ICC that it was no longer prudent to continue waiting on the charter arrangements, which remain uncertain. Multiple approaches have since been made through CWI, players, and other partners, in coordination with the ICC, to secure commercial travel to facilitate the squad’s safe return. It is important to note that some players and staff have already departed, with the remaining members scheduled to depart today, (Tuesday, 10th March), and tomorrow, (Wednesday, 11th March 2026).

According to the International Cricket Council (ICC), nine members of the West Indies contingent had already begun their journey back to the Caribbean, while the remaining 16 were scheduled to depart India within the next 24 hours. “We will provide updates on further departures as confirmed arrangements are in place,” the ICC said.

“We understand that players, coaches, support staff and their families who have completed their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 campaigns are anxious to return home. That they have not yet been able to do so is a source of genuine frustration, and the ICC shares that frustration,” the ICC added.

The governing body attributed the delays to the ongoing crisis in West Asia, which it said had caused “widespread and continuing disruption to international air travel,” including airspace closures, missile warnings and sudden flight cancellations.

“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 said.

The charter flight that had originally been arranged to carry both teams from Kolkata was scheduled to depart at 2.30am on March 10, with a stop in Johannesburg before proceeding to Antigua. However, the teams were informed that the flight had been cancelled, and a subsequent attempt to schedule another departure was also scrapped.

In an email to the teams, the ICC explained that airports at the intended destinations had “issued a notice to all charter operators that any ad-hoc charter flight will not be permitted to refuel until further notice. As a result charter is currently unable to take off until this matter is resolved.”

South Africa, who were knocked out of the tournament on March 4, are also expected to leave India beginning Wednesday night. The ICC confirmed that four South African players and five family members had already departed, with the remaining 29 members of the contingent scheduled to leave within the next 24 hours.

The update comes after several players publicly expressed frustration over the delays. South Africa’s Quinton de Kock and David Miller had earlier questioned why England were able to depart earlier while the West Indies and South Africa squads remained stranded in Kolkata awaiting clarity on their travel arrangements.

Responding to the criticism, the ICC said the situations involving different teams were unrelated.

“There is no link between arrangements made in the cases of South Africa and the West Indies and those made previously for England or any other nation, which arose from separate circumstances, routing options and different travel conditions,” the ICC said.

The ICC added that it continues to manage accommodation and other logistical arrangements for the affected contingents while the travel disruptions are resolved.

In a major escalation amid the ongoing US-Iran war, a Thailand-flagged cargo ship came under attack while sailing through the choked Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday. The vessel Mayruree Naree, which the Bangkok-based Precious Shipping owns, was struck by Iran approximately 11 nautical miles off the coast of Oman, the Royal Thai Navy said in a statement.

In a statement carried by the IRNA news agency, the IRGC said that the Thai-flagged ship, along with the Israel-owned ‘Express Room’ were fired upon after they ignored the warnings.

“Express Room” owned by Israel and flying the Liberian flag, as well as the container ship “Mayuree Naree,” were fired upon and stopped by Iranian fighters after ignoring warnings and alerts from the IRGC Navy and illegally insisting on passing through the Strait of Hormuz,” the IRGC said.

There were 23 Thai crew members aboard the ship when it was attacked. The Royal Navy of Oman rescued 20 members, and efforts were underway to extract the remaining three. The Royal Thai Navy said that it received an initial report of the incident at approximately 11:00 am. The ship, according to the navy, was attacked hours after departing from Khalifa Port in the United Arab Emirates.

“The Maritime Traffic Control Centre under the Navy Operations Centre received an initial report at about 11 am on March 11, 2026, that the Thai-flagged bulk carrier Mayuree Naree had come under attack shortly after leaving Khalifa Port in the United Arab Emirates at 3 am,” Rear Admiral Parach Rattanachaiyan, spokesman for the Royal Thai Navy, said, according to Thai media.

The 20 rescued crew members have been taken safely ashore in Khasab, Oman.

Admiral Thadawut Thatpitakkul, Chief of Staff of the Royal Thai Navy, said the commercial vessel was fired upon in the Strait of Hormuz, in waters off Oman. Thai naval personnel stationed in Bahrain swiftly coordinated with the Omani authorities to assist the crew.

UKMTO claims three ships were attacked in Strait of Hormuz

According to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), a total of three commercial ships were attacked in the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday, with the Thai-registered ship catching fire.

Another vessel, the Japan-flagged ONE Majesty, also sustained damage after being struck 25 nautical miles off Ras Al Khaimah. Owned by Mitsui OSK Lines (MOL), the ship was proceeding to a safe anchorage with all crew members reporting safe.

The third vessel was struck 50 nautical miles northwest of Dubai, and fortunately, all the crew members escaped the attack unhurt.

The Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route, is choked amid the ongoing war between the United States and Iran. Tehran has warned that it will target any ship sailing through the Strait of Hormuz. Amid the warning, the US Navy has begun escorting some ships.