ICC chairman Jay Shah met members of the victorious Jammu & Kashmir team following their historic triumph in the Ranji Trophy, where they defeated eight-time champions Karnataka at the Hubli Cricket Ground on February 28 to clinch their maiden title.

After the victory, the players expressed a desire to meet Shah and acknowledge the role his leadership played in strengthening cricket in the region during his tenure as secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India.

The ICC chairman fulfilled their wish and interacted with the players, sharing words of encouragement as they celebrated their landmark achievement. “The historic triumph of Jammu & Kashmir in the Ranji Trophy will remain a proud milestone for cricket in the region,” the BCCI wrote on social media while sharing photographs from the meeting.

“After their memorable victory, the players expressed a heartfelt desire to meet ICC Chair @JayShah and share this special moment with him, acknowledging the role his leadership played in strengthening cricket in Jammu & Kashmir during his tenure as BCCI Secretary,” the board added.

The BCCI also congratulated the entire Jammu & Kashmir squad and the cricket fraternity for scripting what it described as a remarkable chapter in Indian domestic cricket, while thanking Shah for taking the time to meet the team.

“We sincerely thank Mr Shah for taking the time to meet the team and for sharing his words of encouragement with the players as they celebrate this historic achievement. Congratulations to the entire J&K team and the cricket fraternity for scripting a remarkable chapter in Indian domestic cricket.”

In their maiden appearance in a Ranji final in 67 years, Jammu & Kashmir scripted history by clinching the title on the basis of a massive first-innings lead. After posting a formidable 584 in their first innings, Jammu & Kashmir bowled Karnataka out for 293 to secure a decisive 291-run advantage.

The team further asserted their dominance by declaring their second innings at 342/4, powered by a marathon unbeaten 160 from opener Qamran Iqbal and an unbroken century stand with Sahil Lotra. The match eventually ended in a draw, with the title awarded to J&K on the basis of their first-innings lead.

Adani Total Gas Ltd (ATGL) has issued notices to its industrial and commercial customers that it has raised the price of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Rs 40 per standard cubic metre to Rs 119 per standard cubic metre, citing reduced supply constraints due to the ongoing war in West Asia.

“Due to recent geopolitical developments impacting LNG supply routes, ⁠ATGL ‌has received upstream gas curtailment, leading to operational constraints,” ‌the company stated in a notice on Wednesday issued to its industrial customers whose consumption exceeds contracted usage limits.

The company’s notice stated that gas tanker shipping transit through the Strait of Hormuz between ‌Iran and Oman, which carries around one-fifth of oil consumed globally as well as large quantities of liquefied natural gas (LNG) has ground to a near-halt after some vessels in ⁠the ⁠area were hit by missiles due to the war.

However, ATGL, which also supplies gas to more than 1.2 million households and operates nearly 1,100 CNG stations nationwide through its city gas distribution network, said that it has not hiked prices to its retail customers yet.

Meanwhile, according to ship tracking data available for March 5, 36 Indian-flagged ships are trapped in the Persian Gulf after Iran blockaded the Strait of Hormuz through which approximately 20% of the world’s crude petroleum oil supply transits.

Of these vessels, six are crude petroleum oil tankers, one is a product oil tanker, 10 vessels are liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) carriers, one is a liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier, three are container ships and two vessels are bulk carriers.

Out of these, two Indian-flagged vessels are navigating the Gulf of Aden, whereas none are transiting the highly volatile Red Sea, while seven of these ships belong to the government-run Shipping Corporation of India (SCI) headquartered in Mumbai.

According to ship tracking data, 12 of these ships are positioned east of the Strait of Hormuz and in the Gulf of Oman, while 24 ships are stalled west of the Strait of Hormuz.

“While the US–Israel–Iran conflict raged on, so did the war of words between the two main political parties — the BJP and Congress — over issues related to crude oil, safety, and India’s response to the crisis.”

The BJP on Thursday slammed the Congress for criticising the Narendra Modi government’s response to the US-Israel attack on Iran, saying even China is distancing itself from Tehran while the opposition party is urging India to “blindly side” with Iran despite its “reckless actions across the Gulf, threatening vital oil shipping routes”.

“India’s foreign policy must be guided by national interest and the safety of its citizens, not by the compulsions of Congress’ outdated ideological reflexes,” BJP IT cell chief Amit Malviya said on a day Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge accused the ruling party of “demeaning India’s core national interests and destroying the foreign policy carefully and painstakingly built and followed by successive governments over the years”.

Kharge also questioned the Prime Minister over what he described as the absence of “any statement of concern or condolence”, and noted that the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) had said on Wednesday that “some Indian nationals have lost their lives or are missing”. Targeting the Prime Minister, Kharge questioned the government’s energy contingency planning, particularly amid concerns over crude supplies. “You say only 25 days of crude and oil stocks are left. With rising oil prices, what is our energy contingency plan, especially in the wake of the Government of India virtually accepting the demand to stop importing Russian oil? What about the trade of other key commodities with Gulf countries?” Kharge asked.

Amid reports that India’s oil import strategy could undergo a shift due to escalating tensions in West Asia, with renewed focus on crude supplies from Russia, Malviya said that “even China, which spent years diplomatically shielding Iran, overlooking its support for proxy terror groups and buying the bulk of its oil, is now distancing itself from Tehran”.

“Yet the Indian National Congress wants India to blindly side with Iran, even as it continues reckless actions across the Gulf, threatens vital oil shipping routes, and escalates tensions in a region where millions of Indians live and work,” he added.

Following US sanctions under President Donald Trump, New Delhi had reduced Russian crude purchases. But the ongoing US–Israel–Iran conflict has once again made Russian oil an attractive option and according to reports, India is stepping up purchases as disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz threaten crucial oil supplies from the Middle East.

Kharge further alleged that an Iranian naval ship that had attended the International Fleet Review 2026 in India was torpedoed while returning unarmed through the Indian Ocean Region.

“As many as 38 Indian-flagged commercial ships along with 1,100 sailors are stuck in the Gulf of Hormuz. Two Indian sailors, including Captain Ashish Kumar, have reportedly died. Why is there no maritime rescue or relief operation in place?” he asked, calling the government’s response “a surrender at both political and moral levels”.

The MEA on Wednesday said that: “There are almost one crore Indian citizens who live and work in the Gulf region. Their safety and well-being is of utmost priority. We cannot be impervious to any development that negatively affects them. Our trade and energy supply chains also traverse this geography. Any major disruption has serious consequences for the Indian economy. As a country whose nationals are prominent in the global workforce, India is also firmly opposed to attacks on merchant shipping. Already, some Indian nationals have lost their lives or are missing as a result of such attacks in the last few days”.

India head coach Gautam Gambhir attended the wedding of Arjun Tendulkar, son of legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar, and entrepreneur Saaniya Chandhok on Thursday.

Gambhir, dressed in traditional attire, was accompanied by his wife, Natasha Jain. His appearance at the wedding came just hours before India’s crucial semi-final clash against England in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 at the Wankhede Stadium later in the evening.

Cricket family moments. ❤️

Gautam Gambhir with his wife attending the wedding of Arjun Tendulkar, son of Sachin Tendulkar.

From sharing the field…
to celebrating life’s biggest moments together.

Some bonds in cricket last forever. ✨#ArjunTendulkar #SachinTendulkar pic.twitter.com/qIuUnjxKlm

— ND Sport (@SportsByND) March 5, 2026

The ceremony turned into a star-studded gathering from the Indian cricket fraternity, with several former India players, including MS Dhoni, Yuvraj Singh, Harbhajan Singh and Suresh Raina, in attendance.

India coach Gautam Gambhir with his old friends Yuvraj Singh, Ashish Nehra and others at Arjun Tendulkar’s wedding before the semi-final. ❤️

Old friendships, new memories.pic.twitter.com/Q9KkIjSHIJ

— Tapish (@crictapish) March 5, 2026

Gambhir, who shared the dressing room with Sachin Tendulkar during his playing days and was part of India’s victorious 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup campaign, was seen interacting warmly with members of the Tendulkar family during the celebrations.

Arjun, 26, tied the knot with Saaniya after the couple got engaged in a private ceremony in August 2025 attended by close friends and family.

Arjun Tendulkar, son of cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar and Saaniya Chandhok are now officially married. The couple tied the knot in a private ceremony in Mumbai, attended by close family members and friends.#ArjunTendulkar #SachinTendulkar #SaaniyaChandhok #TendulkarWedding… pic.twitter.com/hEQWjjDtZP

— The Statesman (@TheStatesmanLtd) March 5, 2026

After attending the wedding, Gambhir is expected to join the Indian team ahead of their high-stakes semi-final against England.

The winner of the India–England clash will travel to Ahmedabad to face New Zealand in the final of the T20 World Cup 2026 on Sunday, March 8.

India have enjoyed a strong campaign in the tournament, winning six of their seven matches, with their only defeat coming against South Africa in the Super 8 stage. The defending champions secured their semi-final spot after defeating West Indies in their final Super 8 match.

England, meanwhile, have also impressed in the tournament. The two-time champions topped their Super 8 group with three wins in three matches, and the side led by Harry Brook will look to carry that momentum into the semi-final clash.

Samajwadi Party (SP) national president Akhilesh Yadav has targeted the central government over the US-Israel attacks on Iran and the evolving international situation.

He said that the impact of these attacks reaching the Indian Ocean and close to India’s borders is a matter of concern for the countrymen, but the BJP government at the Centre has maintained unprecedented silence on this serious issue.

Akhilesh Yadav on Thursday demanded clarification via social media on whether this should be considered “silence” or “shyness” due to some specific fear. What compulsion has the BJP government faced that has sealed its lips? “Which card is it holding? he asked, adding that the public was raising these questions.”

He said that being an international issue, it is the joint responsibility of the government, the Ministry of External Affairs, and the Defence Ministry to clarify their position. However, after several days of waiting, the government has not spoken out, forcing the opposition to speak out on this global issue.

He said that in this time of crisis, the government should step forward and ensure the protection of the country’s maritime, land, and air borders. The BJP government, which is not even saying anything, is worried about what it will do. The BJP has lost the public’s trust. It seems as if there is no such thing as a government in the country, he alleged.

Akhilesh Yadav said that the BJP government is seeking ways to divert public attention from its failures by adopting vague policies, leaving people confused. BJP leaders will surely raise a controversial issue in the upcoming Parliament session, preventing discussion of the BJP government’s failures. He said that this is a period of “government vacuum” for the country.

Senior Congress leader and former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has questioned “India’s strategic silence” on the sinking of an Iranian warship in the Indian Ocean despite the nation’s track record of independent stance and prominent position in the international arena.

Recalling the glorious past of our nation’s autonomous (sovereign) credentials and the independent voice, the 3-timer ex-CM stated in an ‘X’ post on Thursday: “Right from the era of NehruJi’s Non-Aligned Movement to the times of fearless diplomacy of IndiraJi, India has never been succumbed to the pressure from any superpower.”

Also in the 2013 case of Devyani Khobragade an IFS, the then Indian Consul in the US, the erstwhile Dr Manmohan led Government at the Centre responded (to the US diplomats) in a befitting,”tit for tat” way”, Gehlot wrote.

India has never compromised over the matters of her sovereignty and the policies under pressure from any other country.

However, “Our strategic silence in the matter of sinking-in our sea-neighbourhood (by the US)-, of the Iranian warship #IRISDena which was our guest in the annual naval exercise #MILAN2026, raises questions on India’s goodwill. This is contrary to our values and tenets of “Atithi Devo Bhav” and also against the decorum of glory and traditions of our armed forces”.

“We are called the Net Security Providers in the Indian Ocean. Does India’s silence in the matter indicate diplomatic pressure? An emerging superpower (India) can not act as mute spectators to such violent incidents, in its territory(deep waters). If we are the real guards (net security providers) of the Indian Ocean, we should ensure full security and safety of our guests and keep our sovereignty intact”, he said.

Gehlot has also shared his party colleague and Leader of Opposition (LoP) Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi’s concerns- quoting from the latter’s another tweet post that underlined possible threat to India’s oil supply and accusing Prime Minister Narendra Modi of surrendering our strategic autonomy.

He quoted from Gandhi’s post “The world has entered a volatile phase. Stormy seas lie ahead.

India’s oil supplies are under threat, with more than 40 percent of our imports transiting the Strait of Hormuz. The situation is even worse for LPG and LNG. The conflict has reached our backyard, with an Iranian warship sunk in the Indian Ocean. Yet, the Prime Minister has said nothing”, the two leaders shared.

“At a moment like this, we need a steady hand at the wheel. Instead, India has a compromised PM who has surrendered our strategic autonomy,” they wrote in the shared tweet.

Despite global concerns over crude oil and gas supply due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and Iran’s warning to shoot any ship passing through the key Strait of Hormuz, India is in a very comfortable position on energy security, and the country’s stock is being replenished every day, government sources said on Thursday.

The sources further added that India is in touch with other suppliers, asserting that there is no shortage of LPG, LNG, and crude oil in the world.

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.

According to the sources, Australia and Canada have offered to sell gas to India, with New Delhi also looking for other alternatives. India recently signed a new contract with the UAE and the US.

India is in talks with major oil producers and traders to buy crude and LPG. Talks are also being held with the International Energy Agency (IEA) and Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC),” the sources added.

Another Iranian warship heading towards Sri Lankan waters, makes ‘urgent port call’ after Iris Dena torpedoed by US military

New Delhi is also in talks with the US to get insurance for ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz, the key shipping route that has been disrupted by Iran in response to the US and Israeli attacks.

Earlier this week, 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.

Foreign Secy Vikram Misri expresses condolences on Khamenei’s death, visits Iranian Embassy in Delhi

“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.

The Ministry has established a 24×7 Control Room to continuously monitor the supply and stock position of petroleum products across the country. The situation is being monitored twice a day.

An unnamed Pakistani player has reportedly been fined for misbehaving with a female hotel staff member during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in Sri Lanka, according to a report by Telecom Asia Sport on Thursday.

The incident allegedly took place at the Golden Crown Hotel in Kandy before Pakistan’s final Super 8 match against hosts Sri Lanka. The report, citing team sources, said the player misbehaved with a female housekeeping staff member, prompting her to shout for help. Hotel staff intervened, and the matter was subsequently reported to Pakistan team manager Navaid Cheema.

According to the report, the hotel management initially sought strong action over the incident. However, Cheema apologised on behalf of the player and imposed a fine for the misconduct.

Despite defeating Sri Lanka by five runs in the match, Pakistan failed to qualify for the semifinals after losing out on net run rate. The team returned home in batches on Sunday and Monday following their elimination from the tournament.

The report added that the player could also be summoned by the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) disciplinary committee, where further action may be considered.

Telecom Asia Sport also noted that Pakistani teams have faced misconduct-related controversies during overseas tours in the past. The report cited previous incidents involving players and support staff that had attracted disciplinary attention during international assignments.

The Congress on Thursday described the recent political developments in Bihar as a “leadership coup” and betrayal of the people’s mandate, intensifying its criticism of the changing political dynamics in the state. Congress general secretary and communications chief Jairam Ramesh stated that the party had repeatedly warned about such a scenario during the election campaign.

In a post on X, Ramesh blamed what he called “G2” for engineering a regime change. He wrote, “What the Indian National Congress had been saying often during the Bihar election campaign has now come to pass. A leadership coup and regime change orchestrated by G2 has taken place. It is, in many ways, a huge betrayal of the mandate of the people.”

Though Ramesh did not clarify the meaning of “G2,” his comments come amid political upheaval in Bihar, fuelled by reports that Chief Minister Nitish Kumar wishes to seek election to the Rajya Sabha, sparking speculation about future state leadership. This situation reportedly reveals tensions between the ruling allies, the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Janata Dal (United).

The Congress, part of the opposition alliance in Bihar, has frequently criticised opportunistic political realignments that ignore voter verdicts, arguing that such moves weaken democratic principles and coalition mandates. Bihar’s political landscape has experienced numerous coalition changes over the past decade, with parties shifting allegiances between the National Democratic Alliance and opposition groups, reshaping the government and provoking strong reactions from rival factions.

Chennaiyin FC aims to secure their first win of the Indian Super League 2026 season in a crucial derby against Kerala Blasters FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium, Kochi, on Saturday.

After earning their first point of the season in the previous match, the Marina Machans aim to build momentum in their final away game of a challenging four-match opening run. Meanwhile, Kerala, still without any points in ISL 2026, will pose a tough challenge before starting a five-game home streak, according to head coach Clifford Miranda.

“They were a little unlucky to come away with nothing from those matches. They had possession, territorial dominance, and created chances. In some games, they missed opportunities until the 93rd or 94th minute, and they were also unlucky to concede a deflected goal. So they are playing well—it’s just that luck hasn’t been on their side. But we are under no illusion, it’s going to be a very, very difficult game,” analysed Miranda in the pre-match press conference on Thursday.

Matches between Chennaiyin and Kerala have a special intensity, often delivering drama and fireworks over the years. The Marina Machans are one point behind in the head-to-head record and are eager to improve it in this vital early-season match. Miranda recognized the importance of this fixture and emphasized the need to stay focused on the team’s continuous development.

“Every game is important, especially at this stage when the season is very short, so every game and every point matters. Of course, the Derby makes it even more interesting, but even if it were any other match, it would still be just as important,” Miranda said.

“In terms of performances, we are in a process. We are getting certain things right, but the final phase is always the most important and also the most difficult. We are trying to get there step by step. As I’ve said before, this is a new way, a different way of playing compared to what the team has been used to over the last two years. It will take time, but the sooner we adapt, the better it will be for us, for the club, and for everyone associated with us—the fans and everyone involved.”

Mohammad Nawaz, a steady presence between the sticks, joined Miranda at the press conference and highlighted that consistent team selection has helped him perform at his best in the early matches. So far, Chennaiyin has used the same back four in all three of their ISL 2026 games.

“The four defenders in front of me are all senior players and have more experience than I, so that helps a lot. Even on the bench, we have good players as well. In the end, what we need to do is defend well. Having consistency over the last few matches has also helped me communicate better with them and play together more consistently. There are small things we need to improve, and we are working on that. Hopefully, in the upcoming matches, we can correct those small details and do better,” the custodian reflected.

Regarding team news, Miranda stated that a late decision will be made on Irfan Yadwad’s availability due to an injury. Aside from Irfan and Daniel Chima Chukwu, the head coach is anticipated to have a full squad for the match.

CFC vs KBFC Head-to-Head

Matches (All Competitions): 24

CFC Won: 7

KBFC Won: 8

Draws: 9

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has approved a series of corporate combinations involving the banking, consumer goods and real estate sectors, including stake acquisitions in insurance joint ventures, packaged food company Balaji Wafers, and commercial real estate assets.

The regulator cleared the acquisition of additional shareholding in Generali Central Insurance Company Limited (GCICL) and Generali Central Life Insurance Company Limited (GCLICL) by Central Bank of India. The proposed transaction involves the bank acquiring an additional 1.09 per cent equity in GCICL and 0.82 per cent equity in GCLICL. Central Bank of India provides a range of banking services in the country, including deposit-taking, lending and other financial services. GCICL operates in the general insurance segment, while GCLICL offers life insurance products in India.

In a separate approval, the CCI cleared the acquisition of a stake in Balaji Wafers Private Limited by General Atlantic Singapore BWP Pte. Ltd. (GASBWP) from the existing shareholders of the company. GASBWP, an investment holding company incorporated in Singapore, is affiliated with global investment firm General Atlantic and invests in businesses across sectors such as technology, healthcare, financial services, consumer, climate and infrastructure.

Balaji Wafers is an Indian snack food manufacturer engaged in producing and selling packaged food products, including salted and non-salted snacks, biscuits, ready-to-eat foods and condiments. The company distributes its products through an extensive network of distributors and retailers, with a strong presence in western and central India.

The CCI also approved a proposed transaction involving Bagmane Prime Office REIT, which includes the direct acquisition of Bagmane Developers Private Limited (BDPL) and its wholly owned subsidiary Bagmane Green Power LLP (BGPL). The deal also involves the indirect acquisition of Bagmane Rio Private Limited (BRPL) and the property Luxor @ Bagmane Capital Tech Park from Bagmane Constructions Private Limited.

Under the arrangement, the sponsor group of the REIT and certain third-party shareholders of the target entities will receive units of the REIT in exchange for transferring their shareholding. The target entities are engaged in the development and leasing of commercial real estate, hospitality operations and renewable power generation.

Bagmane Prime Office REIT was registered with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) as a real estate investment trust on July 15, 2025.

At a time when water scarcity is emerging as one of the most pressing climate challenges, the Korea district in Chhattisgarh has demonstrated how powerful solutions can begin not with large dams or heavy machinery, but with community participation, the Ministry of Jal Shakti said on Thursday.

According to officials, the district transformed a vulnerable landscape into a model of resilience under the spirit of Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari by asking a simple yet transformative question: what if every farmer voluntarily dedicated just 5 per cent of their land to water conservation?

Through the Aawa Paani Jhoki movement, farmers set aside a small portion of their agricultural land to construct recharge ponds and terraced pits. These structures capture rainwater directly within fields, ensuring that monsoon rainfall is retained, absorbed and reused.

More than 1,260 farmers adopted the 5 per cent recharge system on their own land, while over 2,000 soak pits were created across the district. Beneficiaries of rural housing schemes also voluntarily constructed soak pits beside their homes, integrating water recharge into daily life, they said.

The environmental and social gains have been significant and measurable. Groundwater levels have risen by 3 to 4 metres in many villages, while springs have revived in 17 remote tribal hamlets. Improved soil moisture has enhanced agricultural productivity, and seasonal migration has reduced by an estimated 25 per cent as livelihoods have stabilised.

Rainwater that once flowed away now recharges the soil and aquifers. Soil erosion has declined, crop moisture levels have improved during dry spells, and groundwater recharge has become steady and sustainable.

Officials say the campaign drew strength from widespread community participation. Women emerged as Neer Nayikas, guiding households and leading soak pit construction while spreading awareness through traditional folk songs. Youth volunteers, known as Jal Doots, supported the initiative by mapping trenches, desilting canals, and organising street plays and wall art to promote water conservation.

Collective shramdaan also helped revive more than 440 traditional ponds, restoring them as natural recharge sources. Inspired by the movement, over 500 beneficiaries of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana constructed soak pits beside their homes, turning water conservation into a shared community responsibility.

“Korea “5% Model” shows that climate adaptation can be decentralised, affordable and participatory. By dedicating just a small portion of land, communities have secured their water future, demonstrating how collective action can transform water conservation from a government initiative into a people’s movement,” the statement issued by the ministry said.

Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya on Thursday chaired a high-level review meeting at the Sports Authority of India (SAI) headquarters to assess India’s preparations for the 2026 Asian Games in Japan.

The continental multi-sport event is scheduled to be held from September 19 to October 4 in Aichi-Nagoya, with more than 700 Indian athletes expected to compete across over 40 sports disciplines.

During the meeting, Mandaviya reaffirmed the government’s commitment to athlete welfare and performance, stressing that athletes would receive comprehensive support to help them focus solely on their preparation.

“Our athletes are our top priority. Every possible support, from training and sports science to logistics, kit support, food support and medical care, will be provided so that they can prepare without distractions and deliver their best at the Asian Games,” he said.

“Our aim is not to make them suffer at any cost and ensure they remain focused on increasing our medal tally at the competition,” Mandaviya added.

Senior officials from the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, SAI and other stakeholders briefed the minister on the country’s readiness ahead of the Games.

A 15-member committee constituted to oversee preparations has already held four meetings since December 2025 to streamline planning across training, logistics, athlete welfare and competition readiness. The panel includes Hari Ranjan Rao, Secretary of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports; P. T. Usha, President of the Indian Olympic Association; Sahdev Yadav, Asian Games Chef de Mission; and Sharath Kamal, Deputy Chef de Mission.

The next committee meeting is scheduled for March 20, where final discussions on the size of the contingent, travel plans and operational readiness will be taken up as India enters the decisive phase of preparations.

Mandaviya also emphasised the importance of coordination among stakeholders, noting that structured planning and strong support systems would be crucial in helping India achieve new milestones at the Games.

As part of the preparation process, each National Sports Federation has appointed a nodal officer to study the Asian Games Technical Handbook and brief athletes, coaches and support staff on discipline-specific requirements.

Teams will be finalised well in advance to allow athletes sufficient time for focused preparation. Efforts are also underway to strengthen support staff capacity, particularly medical teams, while coordination with Indian embassies abroad will be enhanced to facilitate logistics.

Sports federations have been given flexibility to plan exposure tours and competition schedules. For disciplines requiring complex operational planning, support will be organised across multiple locations with dedicated staff deployed at each venue.

Officials are also paying special attention to acclimatisation factors such as food and environmental conditions. Measures are being explored to simulate competition environments in India ahead of the Games.

India’s target is to surpass the historic 106-medal haul achieved at the 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou through strategic preparation and coordinated efforts.

The Aichi–Nagoya Asian Games will follow a unique five-cluster competition model, with events spread across multiple prefectures rather than a single Olympic village-style setup. Venues will be located across clusters, including Aichi, Gifu, Shizuoka and the Airport-Expo zone, requiring detailed planning for travel, logistics, medical support and athlete recovery.

To help athletes adapt to the Games’ accommodation conditions, makeshift container-style housing units will be installed at SAI regional centres in Patiala and Bengaluru. Officials said the initiative would allow athletes to familiarise themselves with the living arrangements expected during the Games.

Mandaviya also reviewed the findings of a four-day recce visit by an Indian Olympic Association delegation in January, which inspected key competition venues, athlete facilities and logistics infrastructure in Japan.

Based on the assessment, cluster-wise planning is now being implemented with dedicated logistics officers, medical teams and support staff assigned to each competition zone to ensure seamless operations for Indian athletes.

Historic unloading of the Food Corporation of India (FCI) cargo train at Sairang has boosted operational capabilities and strengthened Mizoram’s logistics and food distribution network.

With the introduction of passenger and freight train services, Mizoram has experienced a significant transformation in both passenger transportation and the movement of goods across the state.

This development has not only improved connectivity but has also contributed to economic growth and further strengthened tourism in the region.

In a significant historic milestone, the first-ever FCI food grain cargo train arrived at Sairang Railway Station on March 3. The cargo train comprised 42 wagons carrying around 25,900 quintals of rice from Punjab.

This marks an important step in strengthening rail-based freight connectivity in the state and improving the supply chain of essential commodities.

“The successful unloading of the inward FCI food grain rake at Sairang signifies the growing operational capability of the station and highlights the expanding role of railway infrastructure in supporting Mizoram’s logistics and food distribution network,” the Ministry of Railways said on Thursday.

The inauguration of the 51.38 km Bairabi-Sairang railway line on 13th September, 2025 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, marked a historic milestone for the people of Mizoram.

This major infrastructure project has brought Aizawl onto India’s railway map by directly linking the state to the national railway network. Beyond improving transportation, the new rail line is expected to create significant opportunities for economic growth and promote tourism development across the region.

Freight operations on the Bairabi-Sairang section have gained significant momentum since its commissioning. It may be noted that the first freight rake comprising 21 cement wagons was successfully moved to Sairang shortly after inauguration, marking the beginning of regular freight movement to the state.

From April 2025 to March 2026, Sairang Terminal handled more than 30 freight rakes, indicating the gradual development of rail-based cargo movement in Mizoram. During this period, 3.5 rakes of cement were unloaded at the terminal.

In addition to cement, other commodities handled through rail include automobiles (2 rakes), fertilizers (0.5 rake), stone chips (20.5 rakes) and
sand (4 rakes).

The handling of these diverse commodities demonstrates the growing utilisation of Sairang as an emerging freight hub, supporting infrastructure development and improving the supply of construction materials and essential goods in the state.

Notably, the first inward automobile rake carrying 119 passenger vehicles was received at Sairang in December 2025, demonstrating the line’s capability to handle high-value bulk consignments.

Indian Railways has also initiated measures to strengthen parcel logistics, including the introduction of refrigerated parcel van services to facilitate transportation of horticultural and perishable produce, thereby expanding market access for local farmers and traders.

While most voters stood in long queues outside schools and community halls across Nepal, a very different kind of polling station quietly did its job behind high walls and locked gates. Inside prisons across the country, inmates too lined up; not for roll call, but for democracy. And the turnout? Surprisingly impressive.

From Dhankuta to Birgunj, from Taplejung to Gorkha, prisoners turned out in large numbers to cast their votes in the proportional representation system. In several prisons, the turnout even touched a perfect 100 percent.

Here’s a look at how voting unfolded inside Nepal’s prisons.

Also Read: Nepal Election Day Reflection: KP Sharma Oli says March 6 marks two moments when he returned from ‘mouth of death’

Dhankuta prison sees 97% voting

The temporary polling station set up inside Dhankuta prison wrapped up its voting process with an impressive turnout of about 97 percent.

A total of 76 people voted at the centre. Among them were 74 inmates and two staff members deployed at the polling station. All of them cast votes under the proportional representation system.

Originally, the voter list at the prison included 78 inmates. However, two prisoners were released a few days before voting day, leaving 76 eligible voters who eventually participated in the process.

Half the district votes by afternoon in Sunsari

Elsewhere in Sunsari district, voting continued peacefully throughout the day.

By around 3 pm, more than 50 percent of the voters across all four parliamentary constituencies in Sunsari had already cast their ballots.

One of the temporary polling centres in the district was set up inside Jhumka Prison in Ramdhuni Municipality-5. Voting there has already been completed.

Out of 149 inmates staying at the prison, 77 prisoners participated in the voting process, according to the district administration.

Gorkha prison records perfect turnout

If there was a place where voter enthusiasm reached absolute perfection, it was Gorkha prison.

The temporary polling station inside the district jail recorded 100 percent voter turnout among inmates.

All 27 inmates whose names appeared on the voter roll cast their votes. Two staff members also participated in the vote.

Although the voter list had a total of 40 names, the remaining names belonged to staff members who did not vote at that particular centre.

Baglung prison: Over 96% participation

Baglung prison also witnessed strong participation.

Out of 55 inmates listed as voters, 53 cast their ballots, resulting in a turnout of 96.36 percent.

Baglung district has a total of 230 polling centres and 193,381 registered voters.

Voting continues at Central Jail Complex in Kathmandu

Meanwhile, voting was still ongoing at temporary polling stations inside the Central Jail complex in Jagannathdeval, Kathmandu.

The complex includes the Central Jail, the Women’s Correctional Home and the Correctional Facility.

Arrangements were made for 154 inmates from the Central Jail, five inmates from the women’s correctional facility and 48 inmates from the Bhadra correctional centre to vote.

The voter list at the temporary polling centre includes 207 inmates, including five women along with 24 prison staff members.

Taplejung prison also sees 100% voting

In Taplejung district, every single inmate listed as a voter participated in the election.

All 42 prisoners whose names were included on the voter list cast their ballots.

The voting process at the prison has already concluded smoothly.

Birgunj and Saptari prisons show high participation

Birgunj prison also recorded a perfect turnout among inmate voters. All 32 inmates listed as voters cast their ballots under the proportional representation system.

The prison has 67 registered voters in total including inmates and staff members. However, security personnel assigned to other polling centres voted at their respective polling stations outside the prison.

In Saptari Prison, voting began at 7 am and concluded by late morning.

By around 11 am, 66 inmates and two staff members, including a presiding officer and an assistant presiding officer, had cast their votes.

Although the prison houses 391 inmates including women, men, children and elderly people, only 69 inmates were originally listed as eligible voters. One had been transferred and two had already been released, leaving the remaining inmates to cast their votes.

Samajwadi Party National President and former UP Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav has said his party strongly condemns both the attack on Ayatollah Khamenei and the deadliest Israeli-American attacks on a school in Meenab, in which 165 girl students were killed.

He said, “The Geneva Conventions and international law, which are designed to protect human life even in times of conflict, are seriously threatened by such acts.”

In a statement here on Thursday, Akhilesh Yadav said, “We pay homage to the martyrdom of Ayatollah Khamenei and express our deepest condolences to all those who are saddened and bereaved by this loss.”

The Congress on Thursday said India should not draw comfort from indications of slowing economic growth in China, noting that the Chinese economy remains several times larger than that of India despite a reduced growth target for the coming years.
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In a statement, Congress general secretary in charge of communications Jairam Ramesh referred to China’s newly-announced gross domestic product growth target for 2026–2030, which has been set between 4.5 and 5 per cent. “China has just announced its GDP growth target for 2026-30 at 4.5%-5%, the first time in almost four decades that it has dropped below 5%,” he said.

According to him, Beijing is now placing greater emphasis on the quality of economic expansion rather than purely high growth numbers, particularly by focusing on technological innovation. “It is now stressing ‘quality’ of growth anchored in technological innovation. There is, however, no room for celebration here since the Chinese economy is almost four and a half to five times larger than India’s,” he said.

‎Ramesh said the lower growth projections reflected structural challenges facing the Chinese economy, though its export sector continued to perform strongly and remained central to its economic strategy. ‎“There are clearly downward pressures on China’s GDP growth that are now structural in nature. But at the same time China’s trade surplus is at record levels that shows that exports continue to be a key pillar of its economic strategy,” he elaborated.

The Congress leader also flagged India’s trade relationship with China, saying the widening deficit was a matter of concern. “India’s trade deficit with China, for example, reached new highs in 2025,” he added.

‎Economists have observed that although China’s growth has slowed compared with the rapid expansion seen over previous decades, it continues to be one of the world’s largest economies and a dominant force in global manufacturing and exports. Trade between India and China remains substantial, particularly in sectors such as electronics, machinery, chemicals and pharmaceutical ingredients, even as New Delhi seeks to strengthen domestic manufacturing and reduce import dependence.