Senior Derek O’Brien of the All India Trinamool Congress on Saturday voiced strong support for party chief Mamata Banerjee as her protest entered its second day, sharply criticising the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over rising LPG prices and the alleged removal of women’s names from voter lists.

In a post on his WhatsApp channel, O’Brien described Banerjee’s dharna as “straight talk” and indicated that the protest would continue indefinitely. “Straight talk from Mamata Banerjee on Day 2 of her dharna. Timeline: indefinite,” he wrote, signalling the party’s resolve to continue the agitation.

O’Brien also criticised the BJP-led government over an increase in cooking gas prices announced around International Women’s Day. “International Women’s Day gift from BJP: hike price of LPG,” he said.

Raising concerns over electoral rolls, the Trinamool Congress leader alleged that women’s names had been removed from voter lists. “Women struck off voter lists,” he wrote, echoing the party’s ongoing allegations.

Highlighting the ideological message behind Banerjee’s protest, O’Brien said the party believes in secularism and social harmony. “Yes, you can practice any religion — we believe in the RELIGION OF HUMANITY,” he stated.

Referring to the continuation of the agitation, the Rajya Sabha MP added: “Day Two and counting.”

The dharna, launched by Banerjee as part of the Trinamool Congress’s campaign against the BJP, focuses on governance issues, price rise, and alleged electoral irregularities. The protest comes amid heightened political tensions in West Bengal ahead of upcoming elections.

While the Trinamool Congress has accused the BJP of undermining democratic processes and failing to curb inflation, the BJP has rejected the allegations as politically motivated. Banerjee’s dharna, now in its second day, is expected to remain a key development in the state’s political landscape in the run-up to the polls.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday said that the complete implementation of the revamped Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which replaces the British-era criminal law, will be finalised by 2028. He said BNS aims to complete the justice delivery process — from filing FIR to a final verdict by the Supreme Court — within three years.

Amit Shah appealed to people, particularly members of the legal fraternity, to visit the Uttarakhand government’s exhibition on the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita in Haridwar. He said the 150-year-old British-era law, which was meant to sustain British rule in India, had been abolished under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership.

Shah said the old law had been replaced by the new Nyaya Sanhita to ensure the security and safety of citizens. “By 2028, this law will be fully implemented. Thereafter, the entire justice delivery process — from filing an FIR to the final verdict of the Supreme Court — will be completed within three years,” he said. The Union Home Minister described the BNS as the “world’s most modern and scientific” judicial code.

He made the remarks at a function organised in Haridwar by the Pushkar Singh Dhami government to mark four years of its tenure.

Shah also highlighted several developments he described as historic achievements, including the abrogation of Article 370 from Jammu and Kashmir, the construction of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, the reconstruction of the Badrinath Temple and Kedarnath Temple, and the development of the Mahakal Lok Corridor in Ujjain and the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor in Varanasi.

Shah complimented 1,900 youths who received appointment letters as constables in the Uttarakhand Police, saying that government jobs in the Himalayan state under the BJP government were being awarded without bribes or political influence.

He credited the anti-copying law introduced by the Dhami government for bringing transparency to the recruitment process. He also noted that the 2027 Haridwar Kumbh Mela is set to break all previous records.

Shah also spoke about the Centre’s Vibrant Villages Programme, which aims to develop rural areas along India’s international borders, particularly those adjoining China. He said, “PM Modi has honoured border villages by designating them as the ‘First Villages’ of the country to stop migration, a move he said would benefit Uttarakhand.”

On the eve of the ICC T20 World Cup title clash against New Zealand at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Sunday, India skipper Suryakumar Yadav struck a relaxed and confident tone, while admitting that there would be added pressure on him as he leads the home side to a title defence.

“The mood in the camp is very relaxed. Leading such a wonderful side on home soil. It’s a special feeling, and everyone is excited for the T20 World Cup final,” he added.

The 35-year-old, currently the second-highest run-scorer for India in the tournament, acknowledged the pressure that comes with leading the team in a World Cup final but said he intends to embrace the moment.

“As a leader, there would be pressure; I cannot deny that. Definitely, there would be added pressure, the excitement is there of playing a World Cup final that too in India,” said Suryakumar.

India and New Zealand are familiar rivals, having faced each other in a five-match T20I series before the tournament, which India won 4-1. While both teams are well aware of each other’s strengths and weaknesses, Suryakumar said he has not followed New Zealand’s World Cup matches closely.

“I haven’t watched their T20 World Cup matches on television. We played them recently; the team is similar to the one we faced in the bilateral series. They have been playing some good cricket. We are also playing good cricket so that it will be a good match,” said the right-handed batter.

Responding to New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner’s comments on “breaking a few hearts”, Suryakumar dismissed the chatter, saying it has become a pattern for opposition teams to repeat the same narrative about India.

“Sab he same line chipka rahe hai. Kuch to naya bolo (Everyone is now saying the same thing. Come up with something new),” Suryakumar said. Backing India’s bowling unit, Suryakumar also threw his support behind Varun Chakravarthy despite a difficult outing in the previous game.

“There is nothing to worry about. We won the match. It’s a team sport, and we focus on collective performances. We don’t think about individual performances when we win or lose.

“There are 11 players in the team. Everybody can’t have their best days together. One or two of them will have tough days. We look to cover for them on those days.

“But, we are not worried about him at all. He is the World No. 1 bowler. He knows what to do when, how to bowl against which opposition. He knows how to step forward and win matches for us. I am sure he will do it,” the Mumbai batter said.

Asked about possible changes to the playing XI for the final, the India skipper remained tight-lipped.“Changes, please, you will know tomorrow. You can’t know everything today, right?”

Suryakumar also spoke about drawing inspiration from his predecessor Rohit Sharma and the influence of head coach Gautam Gambhir. “It’s my shoes, but his footsteps. I got to learn a lot from him when playing under him. I also followed the same strategy. The experience of Gauti bhai is also important. I tried to implement similar things, with a few thoughts of mine also.

“It’s been going well. It’s been going really well. I hope it goes on for many more years. We have been preparing for this stage really well. We started two years back. Hopefully, play good cricket. Be courageous in tough situations,” he added.

Responding to a query on whether the final can be started earlier to negate the impact of dew, Suryakumar came up with a humorous reply while stressing that players must adapt to conditions.

“When I get into such a position at the ICC, I will tell you whether the final should start at 3pm. But, you need to get used to it. During bowling, there is no other option. You have played a lot of games under heavy dew while playing the IPL and domestic matches. So, you have to rely on your practice and experience and do it for India,” he commented.

Reaffirming its commitment to responsive, transparent, and citizen-focused governance, the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) organised a Suvidha Camp at the NDCC Convention Centre, Jai Singh Road, offering residents and service users of the NDMC area a single-window platform for facilitation, information dissemination and expeditious redressal of public grievances.

“The Suvidha Camp witnessed enthusiastic public participation, during which 70 grievances were formally received and taken up for redressal by the concerned NDMC departments,” the civic body said on Saturday.

The complaints mainly related to the personnel, civil engineering, horticulture, public health, enforcement, commercial, tax, and estate departments.

In addition, hundreds of residents and service users visited the camp to seek guidance and information on a wide range of NDMC civic services.

A key feature of the camp was the direct, face-to-face interaction between citizens and departmental officials, which promoted transparency and enabled quicker decision-making. Grievances were examined across the table, allowing for on-the-spot resolution wherever feasible.

Issues requiring policy-level intervention were explained to complainants along with the expected timelines for redressal, helping ensure clarity and realistic expectations.

To ensure effective grievance handling, more than 100 officers and officials from over 30 NDMC departments were deployed at the camp. Dedicated help desks were supervised by their respective Heads of Departments, underscoring NDMC’s focus on timely and accountable civic service delivery.

Complementing such on-ground initiatives, NDMC has also strengthened its digital outreach through the launch of the Jan Suvidha Portal, a contactless grievance redressal platform available on the NDMC website.

The portal allows citizens to lodge complaints, track their status in real time, and provide feedback on the redressal mechanism, thereby enhancing accessibility and transparency.

The civic body has also expanded grievance redressal through social media platforms such as X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, and Instagram, where complaints are monitored by departmental heads and addressed promptly.

Through initiatives such as the Suvidha Camp and the Jan Suvidha Portal, NDMC aims to place citizens at the centre of governance while ensuring efficient, accessible, and citizen-friendly civic services.

As the conflict in the Middle East triggered a severe global energy crisis with key supply route blocked, Qatar has assured India it will start supllying crude oil the very minute the route is opened, government sources said on Saturday.

“We are assured by Qatar that they will start supplying to India on the very first minute once the route is open,” the sources stated

The assurance from Qatar came days after Government said that it has comfortable stock of crude oil and LNG. Indian government sources earlier stated that India has recieved offer of LNG supply from a large number of countries.

The US and Israeli attacks on Iran and the latter’s retaliation paralysed the energy supply route from Qatar as the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping corridor, has been severely impacted.

Iran had warned that it will target any ships that passes through the Strait of Hormuz.

However, with Iranian President apologising to Gulf nations for attacks on their territory, the sources said that the “cargo movement near the Strait of Hormuz may start soon.”

“This comes after Iran pledges not to target neighbours unless attacked from their territory,” they added.

India imports 195 MMSCMD of gas, out of which Qatar supplies only 60 MMSCMD.

However, QatarEnergy stopped LNG production earlier this week after an Iranian drone strike, prompting India to look for alternative markets to buy gas.

After the conflict in the Middle East, Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri briefed the media about the country’s position on energy security, saying that the country is well stocked with crude oil and has adequate inventories of key petroleum products, including petrol, diesel, and ATF, to deal with short-term disruptions arising from tensions in the Middle East.

“The country is well stocked with crude oil and inventories of key petroleum products, including petrol, diesel, and ATF, to deal with short-term disruptions arising from the Middle East,” he said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday congratulated the people and government of Nepal for the peaceful and successful completion of their elections, calling it a “historic milestone” in the country’s democratic journey.

In a post on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), the Prime Minister praised Nepali citizens for their active participation in the electoral process.

“I warmly congratulate the people and Government of Nepal on the successful and peaceful conduct of elections. It is heartening to see my Nepali sisters and brothers exercise their democratic rights so vibrantly,” Modi wrote.

Describing the elections as a significant step in strengthening Nepal’s democracy, he added, “This historic milestone is a proud moment in Nepal’s democratic journey.”

Modi also reaffirmed India’s commitment to working closely with Nepal’s new government.

“As a close friend and neighbour, India remains steadfast in its commitment to working closely with the people of Nepal and their new Government to scale new heights of shared peace, progress and prosperity,” he said.

India and Nepal share deep-rooted cultural, civilizational, and economic ties, along with an open border that facilitates extensive people-to-people interaction. The two countries maintain close diplomatic engagement and cooperation across sectors such as trade, infrastructure, energy, and connectivity.

Nepal’s democratic evolution has undergone major transformations over the past decades, including the abolition of the monarchy in 2008 and the adoption of a new constitution in 2015, which established the country as a federal democratic republic. Elections are widely seen as a key mechanism for strengthening democratic institutions and ensuring political stability.

Modi’s message underscores New Delhi’s continued interest in supporting Nepal’s democratic processes and deepening bilateral relations as the Himalayan nation charts its course under a newly elected government.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday greeted the people of the Harauti region on the occasion of the foundation-laying ceremony of a modern Kota-Bundi Greenfield Airport, saying, “This mega project will act as a catalyst in the economic and industrial growth of Rajasthan, which is progressing at an unprecedented pace.

PM Modi formally laid the foundation stone, through video conferencing, for a modern airport project worth over Rs 1,500 crore at Shambhupura between Kota and Bundi. Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma, Lok Sabha Speaker and local MP Om Birla, and Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu attended the ceremony.

Addressing the gathering, Modi recalled his recent visit to Ajmer, where development projects worth thousands of crores were inaugurated, and appointment letters were handed to over 21,000 youths.

He said these back-to-back programmes within a week send a powerful message about the state’s development trajectory, noting that “they tell us at what speed Rajasthan is moving forward today.”

The Prime Minister observed that today is a day of new hope for Kota, Bundi, Baran, and Jhalawar as the modern airport, being built at a cost of approximately Rs 1,500 crore, begins to take shape.

Recalling his November 2023 visit, the Prime Minister expressed satisfaction that the promise made to the people regarding the airport is now being fulfilled.

Referring to the earlier inconvenience of additional journeys to Jodhpur or Jaipur to catch flights, Modi said, “When this airport becomes operational, travel will be easier and shorter, and trade will grow rapidly across the entire Harauti region, including Kota.”

The Prime Minister described Kota as a unique centre of both education and energy, generating electricity from nuclear, coal, gas and water sources. He praised the global identity of Kota Doria sarees, Kota stone, and local agricultural produce like Bundi’s Basmati rice, asserting that “this new airport in Kota will help multiply the prospects for marketing local brands of global fame.

Highlighting the region’s tourism potential, the PM mentioned the spiritual significance of Shri Mathuradhish Ji and Garadia Mahadev, alongside wildlife destinations such as Mukundara Hills.

The Prime Minister also touched upon the broader connectivity revolution in Kota, including the modernisation of railway stations under the Amrit Bharat scheme and the impact of the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway.

Acknowledging the efforts of local leadership, the Prime Minister lauded Kota MP and Lok Sabha Speaker Birla for his dedication to the region’s progress.

Praising Birla’s role as the Speaker, Modi remarked that “he is a teacher who handles the entire class well, even when facing unruly students from certain big families.”

Reflecting on the national aviation landscape, the Prime Minister noted that the number of airports has increased from 70 in 2014 to over 160 today.

“You can’t put a price on passion.” These were the words of BJP leader Davesh Moudgil, the former mayor of Chandigarh, who paid a whopping Rs 53.8 lakh for VIP number CH01-DD-0001.

This was more than the cost of his Toyota Fortuner Legender, for which roughly laid around Rs 50 lakh.

He secured the fancy vehicle registration number after paying the sum in an e-auction held by the Registering and Licensing Authority (RLA) on Friday.

According to the details shared by the RLA, CH01-DD-0001 fetched the highest bid, while CH01-DD-0003 emerged the second most expensive VIP number (32.32 lakh).

CH01-DD-0005 attracted the third highest bid of Rs 17.5 lakh followed by 0009 (Rs 14.4 lakh) and 0007 (Rs 14.2 lakh).

Speaking to HT, Moudgil said that he has always been this crazy for fancy numbers and his previous vehicles also had VIP numbers.

He served as Chandigarh Mayor in 2018. He currently practices as a senior lawyer at the Punjab and Haryana High Court.

The India women’s hockey team will look to seal a place in the FIH World Cup 2026 when they begin their campaign in the World Cup Qualifiers 2026 in Hyderabad on Sunday.

The eight-team tournament features hosts India alongside England, Scotland, South Korea, Italy, Uruguay, Wales and Austria. The competition will offer three direct qualification spots for the upcoming global showpiece.

The teams finishing first, second and third in the tournament will earn direct berths at the 2026 World Cup. The upcoming edition of the tournament will feature 16 teams in both the men’s and women’s competitions, with nine teams in each category having already secured qualification.

The qualifiers will see the eight participating teams divided into two pools of four, with the top two sides from each pool advancing to the semifinals. The winners of the semifinals, along with the winner of the bronze medal match, will secure automatic qualification for the World Cup. Additionally, the highest-ranked team finishing fourth in Hyderabad will also qualify for the tournament.

The teams have been split into two pools, with England, Korea, Italy and Austria placed in Pool A, while hosts India, Scotland, Uruguay and Wales make up Pool B. With the tournament serving as the final pathway to the World Cup, intense competition is expected among the participating nations.

India will aim to capitalise on home support as they look to deliver strong performances in Hyderabad. The team will also be playing under the guidance of newly appointed chief coach Sjoerd Marijne, who returned to take charge of the side earlier this year.

Currently ranked ninth in the world, India are the second-highest ranked team in the tournament behind England, who are placed seventh in the global rankings. With a competitive squad and the advantage of playing at home, the hosts will be keen to make the most of the opportunity and book their place at the World Cup.

India will begin their campaign against Uruguay on Sunday before facing Scotland on Monday and Wales on Wednesday in their remaining pool matches.

The Indian women’s team have featured in eight editions of the World Cup so far and are aiming for their ninth appearance. Their best performance came in the inaugural edition in 1974, when they finished fourth.

Speaking ahead of the tournament, India captain Salima Tete said, “We are really excited to play the qualifiers at home in front of our fans. The team has been preparing very hard for this tournament because we know what is at stake. Every team here is competing for a place in the World Cup, so we expect tough matches from the start.”

She added, “Playing in Hyderabad will be very special for us. The support from the home crowd always gives us extra motivation. Our focus is on taking one match at a time, staying disciplined, and giving our best so that we can deliver strong performances and secure our place in the World Cup.”

New Zealand skipper Mitchell Santner says he would not mind “breaking a few hearts” if it means finally ending his side’s long wait for a white-ball world title when they take on defending champions India in the final of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 here on Sunday.

New Zealand head into the summit clash hoping to shed the tag of being the “good guys who finish second”. Over the last 11 years, the Black Caps have reached the final of four ICC white-ball world events but have finished runners-up each time — in the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup, 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup, 2021 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup and the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy.

“I wouldn’t mind winning a trophy,” Santner said in the press conference on Saturday.

“We are pretty consistent in these tournaments because we try and not get overawed by the situation or opponents. We just go out there and do our thing. It’s been no different this time.

“Everyone knows we are not the favourites, but we don’t mind. We know if we do the small things well and put in a strong team performance, then we will be in a pretty good position. I wouldn’t mind breaking a few hearts to lift the trophy for once,” he added.

The title clash will be staged at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, the world’s largest cricket venue, where more than 90,000 spectators are expected to be in attendance.

India and New Zealand have taken contrasting routes to the final but both arrive with momentum after impressive batting performances in the semifinals. New Zealand suffered defeats to South Africa in the group stage and England in the Super Eights but produced a commanding display in the knockout stage.

After restricting the Proteas to 169 for 8 in the semifinal, the Black Caps chased down the target in just 12.5 overs, powered by Finn Allen’s explosive 33-ball century, the fastest hundred in T20 World Cup history.

India, meanwhile, were flawless in the group stage, with their only setback coming against South Africa in the opening Super Eight match. In the semifinal, they prevailed in a high-scoring thriller against England, posting 253 for 7 before restricting their opponents to a total just seven runs short.

“Momentum’s a massive part. We are taking a lot of confidence from the last game. India will do the same,” said Santner.

“England were very close to chasing it down the other night, South Africa playing very good cricket throughout and had a little hiccup against us. For us, it’s taking confidence from that. If we go about our business in the same way, we can upset another big team. (For India) There is obviously a lot of pressure to win a World Cup at home.”

India enter the final chasing several milestones — becoming the first team to successfully defend a Men’s T20 World Cup title, the first host nation to win the tournament and the first side to claim three T20 World Cup crowns.

For New Zealand, containing India’s powerful batting line-up and tackling the threat posed by Jasprit Bumrah will be key.

“He (Bumrah) should be in everyone’s conversation,” Santner said. “He was the game changer for India the other night. But not just him, the way everyone is going with bat and all, everyone has stepped up at some time.”

“The way to slow any team down is to take wickets and try and squeeze a few overs in the middle. If the wicket is flat, like it was the other night (against England in Mumbai), then it might be to restrict India to 220 instead of 250, that might give you a good chance. We know how deep India bat, they are going to put us under pressure from the first over, to the seventh over, to the 12th over, all the way through.”

India’s semifinal against England also raised a few questions about the form of mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy, who conceded 64 runs in his spell. However, Santner believes the bowler remains a potent threat. But Santner does not think it is an enduring problem for India and the bowler was only, “one game away from turning the tide.”

While the occasion will inevitably bring intense attention, Santner insisted his team must remain focused on their own processes if they are to finally end their long wait for a white-ball world title.

“The mindset’s the same,” he said. “It’s easy to say it’s just another game, but everyone knows it’s probably not. But the way to go about it has to be the same, the preparation has to be the same. It always comes down to a couple of moments, especially in T20 cricket.”

History in T20 World Cups may favour New Zealand with the Black Caps having beaten India in all three of their meetings in the tournament in 2007, 2016 and 2021. But with India in strong form and the stakes higher than ever, the question now is whether Santner’s men can finally turn consistency into silverware or will they once again be left wondering how close they came?

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta today travelled on a DTC bus using the Saheli Pink NCMC Card to personally experience how the facility is working at the ground level.

As soon as one boards the bus, the card only needs to be tapped on the machine, and the journey is instantly recorded. The entire process is fast, simple, and transparent.

This is a highly convenient facility for the mothers, sisters, and daughters of Delhi. The card is being issued free of cost at various centres across the city. Women can register with just their Aadhaar number and mobile number to obtain the card and avail free travel on DTC buses.

All women are encouraged to get the Saheli Pink NCMC Card made and take full advantage of this facility.

Senior Congress leader and AICC general secretary KC Venugopal is likely to contest the upcoming Kerala Assembly elections, signalling a shift from national to state politics as the party seeks to strengthen its position in the state.

According to party sources, the Indian National Congress high command is considering fielding Venugopal from the Alappuzha Assembly constituency.

Recent internal surveys reportedly suggest that his candidature could significantly boost the prospects of the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF), particularly in his home turf. Venugopal currently represents Alappuzha in the Lok Sabha.

Some Congress sources indicated that if the UDF secures a majority in the Assembly elections, Venugopal,considered one of the most senior organisational leaders of the party in the state, could also emerge as a contender for the post of Chief Minister.

Venugopal has been actively touring Alappuzha and nearby areas for nearly a month, which is being seen by party insiders as a sign that he may contest from the constituency in the Assembly polls.

A seasoned politician in Alappuzha, Venugopal previously won the Assembly seat in 1996, 2001 and 2006. He was later elected to the Lok Sabha in 2009, 2014, 2019 and again in 2024.

Meanwhile, speaking to reporters in Alappuzha on Saturday, Venugopal expressed confidence that the Congress-led UDF would register a resounding victory in the upcoming Assembly elections.

“The current political situation in Kerala indicates that the UDF will win more than 100 seats in the Assembly,” he said.

Venugopal added that the party would soon announce its candidates for the elections, stressing that the primary criterion for ticket distribution would be the winnability of candidates.

He also said that the party has not yet taken a decision on whether sitting MPs would be fielded in the Assembly polls.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday said that every intruder from Kedarnath to Kanyakumari will be picked and ousted from the country. Shah said Hindu, Sikh, Jain and Buddhist refugees in India have as much right to citizenship as Prime Minister Narendra Modi, but it was blocked due to the politics of appeasement.

Addressing a massive gathering in Haridwar to mark the completion of nine years of the BJP and four years of the Pushkar Singh Dhami government in Uttarakhand, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said the government is resolutely working to oust every single infiltrator from India in the coming years.

“Wherever the intruders are, every one of them from Kedarnath to Kanyakumari will be picked and ousted from the country. They will not be allowed to stay here,” Shah said.

He also claimed that non-Muslim refugees in India have the same right to citizenship as any other Indian citizen.

“Today, nearly 200 refugees who came from Pakistan and Afghanistan were granted citizenship. I clearly remember that when the CAA law was brought, political parties like the Samajwadi Party, BSP, Mamta Banerjee’s TMC and the DMK created chaos in Parliament. I want to reiterate that our Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist and Jain refugees from Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan have the same right over this country as Narendra Modi,” Shah said.

He further said these refugees were deprived of their rightful citizenship since Independence due to appeasement politics. “They came to India after facing massive atrocities. They came here to save their religion and the honour of their women. Will this nation not offer them citizenship?” he asked.

The Union Home Minister also took a dig at Congress MP Rahul Gandhi over the pre-2014 Union governments not granting citizenship to non-Muslim refugees and said that no matter how much he opposes it, the Modi government will not shy away from making them Indian citizens.

Shah praised the nine-year tenure of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and his predecessor Trivendra Singh Rawat, and said that the BJP rule in Uttarakhand has done away with various ills, including the removal of encroachments from nearly 10,000 acres of government land.

Praising the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), Shah said it would prevent “inorganic demographic change.” Referring to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls by the Election Commission of India (ECI), Shah emphasised that non-citizens must be removed from the voters’ list to protect democracy.

The Chief Minister of Delhi, Rekha Gupta, on Saturday participated in the National Conference of Women Thinkers on the theme ‘Bharati – Nari Se Narayani’ organised at Vigyan Bhawan, where she shared her views on various dimensions of women’s empowerment and leadership.

Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, women’s power in India is emerging as a force of national strength, and empowering women is a collective responsibility of society.

She said that the two-day national conference organised on the theme ‘Bharati – Nari Se Narayani’ is highly meaningful and inspiring. In Indian culture, women have always been regarded as symbols of strength, creation and values. In the Vedas, Puranas and Indian traditions, women have been revered and honoured as manifestations of the divine.

The Chief Minister stated that the journey of women’s empowerment in India has progressed from ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao’ to ‘Beti Badhao’. She emphasised that women are not only carriers of tradition but also powerful agents of change in society.

She further said that today’s women are not merely the pillars of family and society, but are emerging as a decisive force shaping the direction of nation-building through their ideas, leadership and decision-making. The true prosperity and progress of any nation is reflected in the advancement, education and empowerment of its women.

Highlighting the initiatives of the Delhi Government, the Chief Minister said that several important steps are being taken to make women economically, socially and professionally self-reliant. Efforts are being made to secure the future of daughters through the ‘Lakhpati Bitiya Yojana’, while the ‘Saheli Pink Smart Card’ aims to provide women with safe and accessible public transport.

She said that collateral-free loans are being provided to encourage working women so that they can expand their enterprises and businesses. In addition, important decisions such as permitting women to work in night shift have been taken to enhance women’s participation in economic activities and enable them to progress in every field according to their abilities and aspirations.

The Chief Minister said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, women’s empowerment in India has become not merely a policy but a broad movement for nation-building. Today, women in India are achieving remarkable success in fields such as science, education, entrepreneurship, administration, sports and defence, and are playing a leading role in the country’s development.

She expressed confidence that such platforms for dialogue and deliberation would further strengthen women’s leadership and participation, and contribute significantly towards bringing positive change in society.

Among those present on the occasion were Ms V. Shanta Kumari, Chief Executive of Rashtra Sevika Samiti; Ms Vijaya Sharma, All India Taruni Head of the organisation; Prof. Shivani V., Executive Officer of Bharatiya Vidvat Parishad; along with several other distinguished guests.

The Chief Minister of Delhi, Rekha Gupta, said that the continuous expansion of the Delhi Metro network is ushering the capital’s transport system into a new phase. She said that the Metro projects to be inaugurated and the new corridors for which the foundation stone will be laid by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on 8 March will mark a significant step towards a faster, smoother and environmentally friendly public transport system in Delhi.

The Chief Minister added that these projects will not only provide improved convenience for commuters but will also help reduce the pressure of private vehicles on roads and strengthen efforts to control pollution.

Inauguration of Two Corridors

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta informed that Prime Minister  Narendra Modi will inaugurate two new Metro corridors, including the Majlis Park–Maujpur-Babarpur section (Pink Line) and the Deepali Chowk–Majlis Park section (Magenta Line). With the commencement of the Majlis Park–Maujpur-Babarpur corridor, the total length of the Pink Line will reach approximately 71.56 kilometres, giving Delhi the country’s first fully operational ‘Ring Metro’. This will make travel between various parts of the capital faster and more convenient, while providing improved connectivity to areas in North-East and North-West Delhi.

The Chief Minister further stated that the corridor from Deepali Chowk to Majlis Park is an extension of the Magenta Line, and with its commencement the total length of this line will reach approximately 49 kilometres. Through this corridor, several residential and commercial areas will be better integrated with the Metro network, ensuring seamless and timely travel for commuters.

Foundation Stone to be Laid for Three New Corridors

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta also informed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lay the foundation stone for three new corridors under Phase-V (A) of the Metro network. These include the Central Vista Corridor from Ramakrishna Ashram Marg to Indraprastha, the corridor from Aerocity to Indira Gandhi Airport Terminal-1, and the corridor from Tughlakabad to Kalindi Kunj.

Upon completion, these projects will significantly enhance connectivity between Delhi’s administrative, commercial and residential areas, while also ensuring faster and more direct Metro access to the airport.

Major Benefit for NCR

The Chief Minister stated that these projects will greatly benefit not only Delhi but also cities across the NCR. Residents of Faridabad and Ballabhgarh will be able to reach Tughlakabad via the Violet Line and then travel directly to Indira Gandhi Airport Terminal-1 through the Golden Line. Similarly, commuters from Noida will be able to reach Kalindi Kunj through the Magenta Line and then travel conveniently to the airport and various areas of South Delhi through the Golden Line.

Historic Increase in Public Transport Budget

The Chief Minister highlighted that the Delhi Government has prioritised public transport in the 2025–26 Budget by making a historic increase in the allocation for the Transport Department. A provision of ₹9,110 crore has been made for the department in the current budget, nearly 60 per cent higher than last year’s allocation of ₹5,702 crore. She added that ₹2,929 crore has been allocated in this year’s budget specifically to accelerate Delhi Metro projects.

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta stated that the Prime Minister has consistently emphasised the development of a modern and integrated transport system across the country. His vision is to create a public transport network that is shared, accessible, convenient, congestion-free, clean and technologically advanced. In line with this vision, the Metro network in Delhi is being continuously expanded so that the capital receives a modern, efficient and environmentally friendly transport system, thereby strengthening the resolve of a ‘Viksit Bharat’.

The Chief Minister further said that the Delhi Government aims to make the Metro network so extensive and robust that citizens across the capital have access to reliable public transport up to the last mile. She noted that improved public transport will reduce people’s dependence on private vehicles, thereby helping to ease traffic congestion and curb pollution. She added that the Delhi Government is working in close coordination with the Central Government to further strengthen the public transport network in line with the vision of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.

The Kerala Police have registered a case against a man for allegedly posting a comment on social media describing Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a “traitor”.

The Sreekandapuram police in Kannur district registered the case against Rajan C. Kottoor, a resident of Kottoor near Irikkur, on Friday following a complaint lodged by Sanju Krishnakumar, president of the Bharatiya Janata Party Irikkur Assembly constituency unit.

According to the complaint, Rajan C. Kottoor allegedly defamed the Prime Minister by describing him as a “traitor” in a Facebook post on March 3.

The case has been registered under Section 192 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and Section 120(o) of the Kerala Police Act. These provisions relate to giving provocation with intent to cause a riot and causing public nuisance, respectively.

Police officials said the investigation began on Friday evening after receiving the complaint from the BJP activist. Authorities are expected to interrogate Rajan C. Kottoor and trace the electronic device used to post the comment.

The long wait for the West Indies team to leave India after their exit from the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 is finally set to end, with the Caribbean side scheduled to depart over the weekend on a special charter flight arranged by the International Cricket Council (ICC) amid ongoing travel disruptions in the Middle East.

According to a report by ESPNcricinfo, two-time champions England are departing from Mumbai on Saturday evening, while West Indies — champions in 2012 and 2016 — will leave on a separate charter flight from Kolkata along with the South African team.

West Indies had remained in Kolkata for a week following their final Super Eight match on March 1, where they lost to India by five wickets. Their departure was delayed due to airspace restrictions across parts of the Middle East following strikes on Iran by the United States and Israel.

South Africa, who were beaten by New Zealand in the semifinal on Wednesday, have also been stranded in Kolkata, while England have been staying in Mumbai after their defeat to India in the second semifinal on Thursday.

“England will fly direct to London. West Indies, along with South Africa, will go to Johannesburg first and then to Antigua; both teams are still awaiting confirmation on when exactly they will depart, but the understanding is that it will be on Sunday,” the report added.

The prolonged stay has also drawn attention on social media. On Saturday, West Indies head coach Daren Sammy posted “Day 6” on his social media handle, referring to the number of days the team had been stuck in Kolkata after their final match.

Meanwhile, West Indies spinner Akeal Hosein jokingly appealed for help from football star Cristiano Ronaldo. “At this point, I’m better off asking Cristiano to send the jet and come rescue me, yes,” he wrote on social media on Friday.

Earlier, the Zimbabwe team had also been stranded in the national capital for the same reason but managed to depart on Thursday after the ICC arranged alternative travel for them to return to Harare via Addis Ababa.