Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday chaired the all-party meeting on the West Asia crisis.

The meeting held inside Parliament building was attended by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar, Petroleum Minister Hardeep Puri and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri.

Leaders from other parties, including Sasmit Patra (BJD), Lallan Singh (JDU), Mukul Wasnik, and Tariq Anwar, Dharmendra Yadav from SP, and John Brittas from CPIM, were also present.

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and the Petroleum Secretary briefed representatives of the Opposition parties present in the meeting.

Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, didn’t attend the meeting. Gandhi had earlier told reporters that he would attend a scheduled programme in Kerala.

Rajya Sabha’s Leader of the Opposition and Congress national president Mallikarjun Kharge is likely to attend the all-party meeting.

Kharge, however, said that instead of the briefing, the government should have debated the issue in the House.

The all-party meeting comes after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s address in both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha over the issue.

During his address, PM Modi told both the Houses that the conflict in the Middle East has posed serious challenges but assured that India is fully prepared to deal with the crisis.

He said the country has sufficient energy stocks and efforts have been made to ensure to overcome the supply disruptions due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

He informed the House that his government has constituted seven empowered groups to evolve strategies on fuel, supply chains and fertilisers, among others, to ensure Indians are the least affected by the war.

PM Modi also cautioned citizens to be prepared for the challenges that lie ahead, adding that the conflict may have long-term effects.

The Bhitarkanika National Park authorities in Odisha’s Kendrapara district have reclaimed around 11 hectares of forest land which was under the unlawful occupation of prawn culturists in an ongoing drive.

As many as 26 prawn dykes (locally called gheries) have so far been demolished during the exercise that got underway on 20 March. Nearly 11 hectares of encroached forest land lying on the fringe of swampy mangrove forest has so far been reclaimed from the squatters. The reclaimed forest land will now be taken up for the mangrove regeneration programme, said Manas Das, Assistant Conservator of Forest.

These plots were under unauthorized occupation of prawn farmers. The erection of prawn dykes was unlawful as these plots had spilled into prohibited Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) areas, said Manas Das, Assistant Conservator of Forest.

“The Forest Department has detected the operation of around 1,000 prawn dykes covering around 200 hectares of forest area within the national park limits. We have set the target to dismantle all the illegal dykes within a fortnight,” he said.

The reclaimed patches are being taken up for the mangrove regeneration programme so that prawn farmers would not reoccupy the encroachment-free areas. The mangrove plantation work would begin on a war-footing once the dyke demolition drive ends. The reclaimed areas are conducive for mangrove regeneration as there is regular inflow of tidal waters, added the officer.

Conceding the fact that similar exercise undertaken in the past has not been entirely successful in checking the mangrove degradation, the forest officials said the eviction drive is being launched in a well-oiled manner this time.

A task force comprising senior and experienced forest protection officials has been constituted. Public awareness is being generated on the mangrove protection and residents of nearby villages are beginning to realize that mangrove is a time-tested natural barrier against tidal surge and cyclones.

Green activists are however of the view that large areas are under unlawful and environmentally-damaging prawn cultivation.

“Provisions of clauses Coastal Regulation Zone, environment protection law, and forest conservation act are being contravened. Besides influential land-grabbers and prawn mafias are infringing Orissa land encroachment act. The revenue department is empowered to evict them and institute criminal cases against the encroachers while the forest officials are also empowered to demolish the gheries. However both the agencies silently watch and allow the environmentally-damaging prawn farming to flourish in eco-sensitive zones close to the Bhitarkanika national park,” alleged environment activist Biswajit Mohanty.

A tragic mystery that sparked debates, rumours, and emotional reactions has finally reached a major turning point. Months after the shocking death of Assam’s beloved singer, new findings from Singapore have brought clarity, but also deepened the contrast between two parallel investigations. (Also Read: ‘Zubeen Garg was intoxicated, refused life jacket’: Singapore court told ‘no foul play’ in singer’s death)

The coroner’s inquiry in Singapore has ruled that the death of Zubeen Garg in September 2025 was an accidental drowning, according to a report by The Straits Times. The decision comes after detailed examination of witness testimonies, video evidence, and official reports.

Below is a clear breakdown of what happened, what the court said, and why the story is still not fully settled.

Coroner rules death was accidental

Singapore State Coroner Adam Nakhoda delivered his findings on Wednesday, concluding that there was no foul play involved in Garg’s death. After reviewing all available evidence, he said there was no reason to disagree with the conclusions already reached by the Police Coast Guard.

According to the coroner, the chain of events suggested exhaustion, refusal of safety gear, and eventual loss of consciousness in the water. The ruling officially labels the incident as an accident, a conclusion that differs from allegations made in India.

Testimony: Alcohol, refusal of life vest

Earlier, on January 14, Assistant Superintendent of Police David Lim testified before the court. He stated that Zubeen Garg had consumed alcohol before entering the water and had refused to wear a life vest despite advice.

Lim also clarified that witnesses did not observe any suicidal tendencies. He said there was no sign of duress, coercion, or pressure placed on the singer before he jumped into the sea.

On the same day, the yacht captain’s assistant also testified that nobody forced Garg to drink or swim. The group had reportedly been briefed clearly to wear life jackets before entering the water, but Garg chose not to follow the advice.

Cultural visit turned tragic

Garg was in Singapore as a cultural brand ambassador for the North East India Festival. Before the event began, he joined a yacht outing reportedly organised by members of the Assam Association Singapore.

During the swim, Garg lost consciousness. He was later taken to Singapore General Hospital, where doctors declared him dead. The death certificate issued by Singapore authorities listed drowning as the cause.

The coroner’s report noted that Garg appeared exhausted even before his last swim. He had first jumped into the water wearing a life jacket, but removed it because he found it too big.

After a short swim, he returned to the yacht looking tired. The coroner observed that Garg needed assistance to climb back onto the boat.

“It was apparent he was already exhausted by the short swim,” the coroner was quoted as saying. “He was unable to get onto the yacht himself and required assistance.”

Despite this, Garg later decided to go for another swim.

Second swim without life jacket

Before entering the water again, another person reportedly handed Zubeen Garg a smaller life jacket. However, he refused to wear it.

The coroner noted that the man tried to convince him, but Garg remained firm in his decision. Video evidence reviewed during the inquiry showed that his swimming style appeared weak and tired.

The coroner described his strokes as similar to “doggy paddling,” often seen when someone is fatigued. The movement suggested he was struggling and losing energy.

Moment he slowed down

After some time, Garg turned back toward the yacht. But he began swimming more slowly. The coroner concluded that he likely lost consciousness while returning.

Other swimmers nearby quickly noticed something was wrong. They rushed to help him and tried to assist him back toward the boat.

The report said they did everything “to the best of their abilities” in the circumstances.

No delay in rescue or first aid

Another key point in the ruling was the timeline of rescue efforts. The coroner stated there was no evidence of delay in providing first aid. He also confirmed that there was no delay in bringing Garg back to the mainland for medical treatment.

This finding addressed speculation that emergency response might have been slow.

Meanwhile, murder case continues in India

Even as Singapore’s inquiry ruled accidental drowning, a separate investigation in India is ongoing. The Assam Police have charged four people with murder, claiming that Garg was made to drink heavily and encouraged to swim.

That case is currently being heard in a sessions court in Guwahati. Authorities have also announced a special fast-track court to conduct the trial on a day-to-day basis.

This means two parallel narratives now exist; one calling the death accidental, the other treating it as a criminal case.

India delivered a strong all-round performance at the Asia Cup World Ranking Tournament Stage 1 in Bangkok, securing two bronze medals in team events while also progressing to multiple finals across team and individual categories.

The women’s compound team, Chikitha Taniparthi, Raj Kaur and Tejal Salve, advanced to the final, improving on their bronze from the previous edition. They edged past hosts Thailand 229-226 in a closely fought semifinal and will now take on Kazakhstan for gold.

The men’s compound team, despite dominating qualification by sweeping the top four spots, suffered a narrow 233-234 loss to Vietnam in the semifinal after conceding back-to-back perfect ends.

The trio of Rajat Chauhan, Rishabh Yadav and Uday Kamboj, however, bounced back to defeat Bhutan 234-232 and clinch the bronze medal.

In the recurve team events, India enjoyed a strong outing. The men’s team, Devaang Gupta, Sukhchain Singh and Juyel Sarkar, entered the final with a convincing 5-1 win over Malaysia and will face Kazakhstan for gold.

The women’s recurve team, Ruma Biswas, Kirti and Ridhi Phor, secured bronze with a 5-1 win over Malaysia, returning to the podium after missing out in the previous edition.

India delivered a strong all-round performance at the Asia Cup World Ranking Tournament Stage 1 in Bangkok, securing two #bronzemedals in team events while also progressing to multiple finals across team and individual categories. @india_archery | @worldarchery | #Archery… pic.twitter.com/Ia5UtUYyDE

— The Statesman (@TheStatesmanLtd) March 25, 2026

Strong showing in Individual events as India eyes more medals

India also impressed in the individual competitions. In the women’s recurve, Ridhi Phor advanced to the final, defeating Malaysia’s Xing Lei Joey Tan in the semi-final. She will now face Mongolia’s Oyun-Erdene Baasandorj in the gold medal match. Ruma Biswas and Kirti exited in the third round.

In the men’s recurve, Sukhchain Singh’s campaign ended in the quarterfinals against top seed Kirill Batuev.

The men’s compound individual event saw a dominant Indian presence, with all four archers reaching the quarterfinals. In an all-India semifinal, Prathamesh Samadhan Jawkar edged past Rajat Chauhan 149-148, while Uday Kamboj defeated Thailand’s Peerawat Rattanapongkiat 147-145. Jawkar and Kamboj will now face off in the final, ensuring India both gold and silver, while Chauhan will compete for bronze.

In the women’s compound, Tejal Salve progressed to the bronze medal match after a semifinal loss to top seed Arina Cherkezova and will take on Mariia Dimidiuk.

The mixed team events are scheduled for Thursday, while the finals will take place on March 27, with India set to compete for gold in multiple categories, including the men’s recurve and women’s compound team events against Kazakhstan.

The finals will be streamed live on Archery+, where fans can follow all the action.

Three youths were killed and one was seriously injured after their car rammed into a tractor trolley near Nipaniya village on the outskirts of Bhopal late night Tuesday.

According to the police, the mishap occurred at around 11.30 pm. The four friends were travelling in a car and were going to have tea at a roadside dhaba near their village.

However, the car rammed into a tractor trolley coming from the opposite direction.

The deceased include Harsh Mehar (23), his cousin Satish Mehar (26), and their friend Lakhan Kushwaha (26). Another friend, Yogesh Sen (27) was critically injured.

The car belonged to Harsh, and he was driving it.

Having completed the seat-sharing exercise with its allies in the NDA, the principal opposition AIADMK on Wednesday released its first list of 23 candidates for the April 23 Tamil Nadu Assembly polls, with party general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami (EPS) seeking re-election from his home turf, Edappadi, in Salem district.

Besides EPS, the party is fielding 21 former ministers from their respective strongholds. The lone exception is former Chief Whip S. Rajendran, who has been given a ticket from his native Ariyalur, which he had represented earlier. While party strongman in central Tamil Nadu, C. Ve. Shanmugam, a former minister and sitting Rajya Sabha MP, has shifted from Villupuram, where he lost last time, to nearby Mylam, former minister K.T. Rajenthra Bhalaji has opted for Sivakasi instead of Virudhunagar.

Other prominent faces include D. Jayakumar, re-nominated from Royapuram in north Chennai; S.P. Velumani (Thondamuthur in Coimbatore district); K.P. Munusamy (Veppanahalli in Krishnagiri district); C. Sreenivasan (Dindigul); O.S. Manian (Vedaranyam in Nagapattinam district); and C. Vijayabhaskar (Viralimalai in Pudukkottai district).

Interestingly, the AIADMK has taken the lead in releasing its list ahead of the ruling DMK, despite starting seat-sharing negotiations much later and completing the process only two days ago. Earlier, EPS also released the party manifesto, promising a slew of welfare measures, including an educational loan waiver, free refrigerators, and a one-time ₹10,000 cash dole to help tide over inflationary pressures. EPS is also launching the election campaign from Mylapore in the city this evening.

Unlike in the last Lok Sabha polls, in which party heavyweights shied away from contesting, they are now in the fray in the Assembly election, indicating the AIADMK’s determination to wrest power from its arch rival, the DMK. Even before concluding the seat-sharing pacts with NDA constituents, EPS had completed formal district-wise interviews with ticket aspirants.

Within the NDA, the AIADMK has allotted 27 seats to the BJP, 18 to the Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) led by Anbumani Ramadoss, and 11 to the AMMK of T.T.V. Dhinakaran. The Tamil Maanila Congress (M) led by G.K. Vasan and the Dalit outfit Tamizhaga Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam led by John Pandian, which have been allotted five and one seat respectively, will contest on the BJP’s lotus symbol. John Pandian has been fielded from Rajapalayam, a general constituency.

S&P Global Ratings on Wednesday raised India’s GDP growth forecast for the next fiscal to 7.1%. It said that private consumption, investment and exports will be key drivers, but the conflict in the Middle East could strain the fiscal position due to higher energy prices.

S&P has revised the 2025-26 growth upwards by 0.4 percentage points to 7.6 per cent, and for 2026-27 fiscal by 0.2 percentage points to 7.1 per cent.

“We project real GDP growth to moderate to 7.1 per cent in the fiscal year ending in March 2027, compared with 7.6 per cent in fiscal 2026. Key drivers are resilient private consumption, a modest recovery in private investment, and solid exports,” the report said.

Further, the S&P expected the inflation to rise to 4.3 per cent in fiscal 2027 as it normalises from low levels.

Ahead of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting, the S&P expected the central bank to hold rates steady and maintain a neutral stance. The ongoing Middle East conflict will weigh on the Asia Pacific region’s economies with many of the nations being major net energy importers relying heavily on Middle East supply, it said. “We would expect one 25 bps rate hike in the second half,” S&P said.

“Higher energy prices erode purchasing power and depress domestic demand. In countries such as India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, and Thailand, higher prices will force greater spending on subsidies and thereby strain fiscal positions,” it added.

In a separate development, Goldman Sachs has pared its growth estimate for India for 2026, while forecasting a 50 basis points hike in policy rates.

Goldman forecasts the Indian economy ‌will grow by 5.9 per cent in calendar year 2026 compared to its pre-Iran war forecast of 7 per cent, it said in a report.

Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development Shivraj Singh Chouhan convened an important review meeting at his residence on Wednesday to consider steps to safeguard the interests of the Indian agricultural sector and the country’s farmers amidst current global instability, while ensuring strategic preparedness for the upcoming Kharif season.

During the meeting, he gave clear instructions to senior officials of the ministry to play a proactive role during times of crisis.

The minister emphasised the need to ensure an equitable and uninterrupted supply of fertilizers. He directed officials to expedite the work on ‘Farmer IDs’ to make the distribution system transparent. He further stated that he would soon hold a meeting with the chief ministers and agriculture ministers of various states for this purpose.

Instructions have been issued to take strict action against those engaging in the black marketing of fertilizers and seeds by taking advantage of the global crisis. Chouhan stated that state governments will also be encouraged to take stringent measures in this direction.

The meeting reviewed the availability of agro-chemicals and the essential gases required for Drying Seed. The minister emphasised that there should be no shortage of packaging materials, particularly for milk and other agricultural products, amidst the global crisis. To ensure this, he also issued directives to coordinate with the Ministry of Petroleum and other relevant departments.

A ‘Special Cell’ has been established for round-the-clock monitoring of the agricultural sector. This cell will submit a weekly report to the Agriculture Minister regarding the availability of fertilizers, seeds and pesticides.

In his closing remarks, Chouhan reaffirmed the government’s unwavering commitment to ensuring the timely delivery of all necessary agricultural resources to the farming community.

The Lok Sabha on Wednesday passed the Finance Bill, 2026 with 32 government amendments by a voice vote after two days of deliberations, bringing to a close the Budget approval process in the Lower House for the financial year starting in April. The legislation gives legal effect to tax proposals, changes in duties and key amendments outlined in the Union Budget for 2026–27.

Replying to the debate, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman asserted that India’s reform path is now guided by conviction rather than compulsion. “India is moving forward with reform not out of compulsion, which is what has happened earlier, but out of conviction, with clarity, confidence and commitment,” she said, adding that the country is “riding on the reform express” under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The Finance Bill operationalises a range of fiscal measures that will directly impact individuals and businesses, including revisions in income tax rates, customs duties and other levies. These changes are expected to shape disposable incomes, influence savings behaviour and guide investment decisions across sectors.

Highlighting the broader economic vision, Sitharaman outlined five key principles driving the government’s approach. She emphasised reforms in taxation, noting that efforts are underway to create a more taxpayer-friendly system. “A trust-based tax administration is being improved, reducing unnecessary hardship for honest taxpayers,” she said, stressing that the focus remains on simplifying compliance while ensuring transparency.

She also reiterated the importance of improving everyday life and the business environment. “Ease of living for common citizens and ease of doing business” continues to be a central priority, she said, pointing to ongoing efforts to eliminate excessive compliances, permits, quotas and licences that hinder legitimate activities. Responding to criticism from some quarters, the minister remarked, “The Finance Bill rests on five clear principles; trust-based tax administration is being improved; members mocking ease of living for common citizens and ease of doing business, we should continue on that process.”

The bill places strong emphasis on supporting key economic drivers such as micro, small and medium enterprises, farmers and cooperatives. Sitharaman said that measures aimed at improving liquidity and reducing compliance burdens for these sectors are essential to boosting employment and production. “Empowering MSMEs, farmers, and cooperatives… through measures that improve liquidity and reduce compliance burden” remains a major thrust area, she added.

The government also aims to position India as a stronger global business hub by providing greater clarity in taxation and supporting strategic sectors, including digital infrastructure, electronics manufacturing, marine products, leather, critical minerals and nuclear energy. “Making India a stronger global business hub” is central to the reform agenda, the minister said.

Trade facilitation and customs reforms form another key pillar of the bill. Sitharaman underlined the need for streamlined processes, stating that the legislation focuses on “enabling seamless trade facilitation and bringing in customs reforms to simplify processes and improve efficiency.”

The Finance Bill is a critical part of the annual budgetary framework, translating policy announcements into enforceable law. With its passage in the Lok Sabha, the government has taken a major step toward implementing its fiscal roadmap for 2026–27, which prioritises economic growth, job creation and inclusive development, while seeking to boost investor confidence and enhance India’s competitiveness in the global economy.

Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh on Wednesday accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of making a “sudden U-turn” on the implementation of the Nari Vandan Adhiniyam, 2023, alleging that the move is intended to divert attention from pressing national concerns.

In a post on X, Ramesh recalled that the new Parliament House, inaugurated in September 2023, coincided with the passage of the landmark legislation.

The Act amended the Constitution to provide one-third reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies, including one-third reservation within seats earmarked for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.

He emphasised that the implementation of these provisions was clearly tied to the completion of delimitation and census exercises. “Both these reservations were to become operational only after the delimitation and census exercises were completed,” Ramesh said.

The Congress leader noted that during the parliamentary debate, the Indian National Congress had demanded that the reservation be implemented from the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

“The Modi government had then argued that this was not possible without completing delimitation and the census first,” he said.

Accusing the Prime Minister of reversing that stance, Ramesh remarked, “Now the ‘U-turn Ustad’ has, after 30 months, suddenly changed his mind and wants to implement the reservations without completing the delimitation and census operations.”

He further alleged that the timing of the move was politically driven. “The PM is unmatched in unleashing WMDs—Weapons of Mass Diversion. Desperate to change the narrative from his foreign policy failures and from the LPG and energy crisis facing the country, he has come up with this new initiative,” Ramesh said.

According to him, the government is planning to convene a special two-day session of Parliament in the coming fortnight to amend the Act and operationalise the reservation provisions. “Wanting to take full political advantage of it, he has let it be known that such a session will be called,” he added.

Ramesh said opposition parties have jointly written to the government seeking an all-party meeting after April 29, when the current round of assembly elections concludes. “Such crucial amendments require detailed discussion and consensus,” he stressed.

He also flagged reports suggesting that the government is considering increasing the strength of the Lok Sabha and state assemblies by 50 per cent, calling for “careful deliberation” on the proposal.

Expressing concern over the timing of the proposed session, Ramesh criticised what he described as the erosion of the Election Commission’s Model Code of Conduct. “The Model Code of Conduct has been reduced to being the Modi Code of Campaigning. Calling a special session in April would violate one MCC while aligning with another,” he said.

The Congress leader also questioned the government’s commitment to conducting a caste census, announced in April 2025. He noted that the demand had earlier been dismissed by the ruling establishment, which had accused Congress leaders of promoting an “urban naxal mindset” during the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra and the 2024 Lok Sabha election campaign.

The Supreme Court on Wednesday refused to order a CBI investigation into the death of a 27-year-old in Delhi’s Uttam Nagar allegedly over a dispute for throwing a water balloon on Holi.

Hearing the plea filed by the family members of Tarun Butolia, who was beaten to death by a group of people over a minor dispute, a bench led by the Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant said that the directions sought by the petitioner fall within the “administrative” domain.

“We find that some directions sought are administrative issues related to the safety and security of victims’ families. These aspects can be well examined by the Delhi Police, for which we grant liberty to the petitioners to submit a representation,” the bench noted.

In the plea, the petitioner had sought several directions, including compensation and protection for Butolia’s family, and implementation of the court’s guidelines on preventing mob violence.

The court suggested that the petitioner should first approach the Commissioner of Police with a representation.

The court also refused to order a CBI investigation into the incident, saying that the Delhi Police is a professional force and should not be demoralised.

“Everyday CBI people come here and raise their hands and say their plate is full. The Delhi Police is a professional force. Why demoralise them? Yes, if police need to be sensitised etc, you can approach the commissioner of police first,” the Bench said.

The apex court also told the petitioner that if their “grievances are not considered they may approach the Delhi High Court.”

Tarun Butolia’s death

Butolia was beaten to death by members of a particular community over a minor dispute arising from an 11-year-old child’s playful act of throwing a water balloon.

While playing Holi on her terrace, the girl accidentally splashed a water balloon on a woman from another community. Though the family immediately apologised to the woman, she still called her relatives to the spot, who then thrashed the girl’s family members.

The accused also reportedly called Tarun and informed him that his family was under attack. Hearing this, Tarun rushed to the house where the accused were already waiting.

They brutally assaulted him and allegedly threw a large stone on his chest even after he had collapsed. He was immediately rushed to the hospital by his family members, but unfortunately succumbed to his injuries during treatment on March 5.

The government on Wednesday dismissed reports suggesting changes in LPG refill booking timelines, calling them “misleading and unfounded,” and assured consumers that there is no disruption in supply.

The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG) clarified that no revisions have been made to the existing booking norms for LPG connections. The statement comes amid circulating media reports and social media claims about altered timelines for different categories of consumers.

According to the ministry, some reports had suggested that refill booking timelines were revised to 45 days for Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) beneficiaries, 25 days for non-PMUY single-cylinder users, and 35 days for non-PMUY double-cylinder consumers.

“No such changes have been made,” the Ministry said, reiterating that the current system remains in place.

As per existing norms, LPG refills can be booked after 25 days in urban areas and 45 days in rural areas, irrespective of the type of connection.

Clarification: LPG Refill Booking Timings

Reports circulating in sections of the news and on social media about changes in LPG refill booking norms are incorrect.

There is no change in LPG refill booking norms.

• Minimum gap between two refill bookings remains:
– 25 days in… pic.twitter.com/QqTlQYPaHp

— Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas #MoPNG (@PetroleumMin) March 25, 2026

Supply remains stable

The government also urged citizens not to believe or circulate misinformation, cautioning against panic booking of cylinders. It assured that LPG stocks are adequate across the country and there is no reason for concern.

According to the government, all domestic refineries are operating at high capacity with adequate crude inventories. Domestic LPG production has increased, and petrol and diesel stocks remain sufficient.

It added that shipments carrying crude oil and LPG have arrived from multiple countries, and contingency measures are in place to ensure an uninterrupted supply nationwide.

Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya on Wednesday felicitated India’s men’s and women’s lacrosse teams following their historic gold medal wins at the Asian Lacrosse Games in Riyadh, urging them to aim for qualification at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.

Addressing the athletes, Mandaviya emphasised the importance of determination, exposure and consistency in developing emerging sports like lacrosse.

“Lacrosse is an upcoming big sport for India. This was your first major international exposure and you have already brought home medals. The focus now should be on working harder, gaining more exposure and making the country proud by aiming for LA 2028 qualification,” he said.

Sharing a video of the interaction on X, Mandaviya wrote that India’s rise in emerging sports reflects the growing strength of the country’s sporting ecosystem under the leadership of Narendra Modi.

Felicitated our lacrosse teams for their commendable performance at the Asian Lacrosse Games 2026 in Riyadh.

Under the leadership of PM Shri @narendramodi Ji, Bharat’s steady rise in emerging sports is a matter of immense pride, reflecting the expanding depth and strength of our… pic.twitter.com/Z9nQUTNlDH

— Dr Mansukh Mandaviya (@mansukhmandviya) March 25, 2026

He added that the government will continue supporting athletes through initiatives like Khelo India, while stressing that passion and perseverance remain key to long-term success.

India delivered a dominant performance at the Asian Lacrosse Games in Riyadh earlier this February, clinching gold in both the men’s and women’s Sixes events. The men’s team defeated Iraq in the final, while the women’s team triumphed over Pakistan.

The achievement is particularly significant given the short international journey of both teams. The Indian women’s side made its debut in 2024, followed by the men’s team in 2025.

Another standout aspect of India’s success was the wide regional representation, with players coming from across the country, including Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Haryana, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, Assam, Jammu & Kashmir, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Uttar Pradesh.

The Asian Lacrosse Games, organised by the Asia-Pacific Lacrosse Union, form part of the build-up to lacrosse’s inclusion at the LA 2028 Olympics.

Looking ahead, India will compete in the 3rd Asian Lacrosse Games in Chengdu this April and the Asia-Pacific Sixes Lacrosse Championships in Australia in October, both key qualification events for LA 2028.

Iran has turned back a vessel headed for Karachi at the Strait of Hormuz, delivering a sharp blow to Pakistan’s projection of itself as a mediator in the ongoing Iran-US conflict.

The move comes even as Islamabad has been positioning itself as a potential host for talks between Washington and Tehran, a claim now facing serious credibility questions.

The Iranian Embassy in Kabul confirmed the action, stating, “The container ship SELEN was turned back by the IRGC Navy due to failure to comply with legal protocols and lack of permission to pass through the #Hormuz Strait.”

بازگرداندن یک کشتی در تنگهٔ هرمز توسط نیروی دریایی سپاه
کانتینربر SELEN به‌دلیل عدم رعایت پروتکل‌های قانونی و نداشتن مجوز عبور از ⁧تنگهٔ #هرمز⁩، توسط نیروی دریایی سپاه به عقب بازگردانده شد.
عبور هرگونه شناور از این آبراهه مستلزم هماهنگی کامل با حاکمیت دریایی ج.ا.ایران است. pic.twitter.com/qarbqp7WVo

— Embassy of the I.R. Iran in Kabul, Afghanistan (@IRANinKabul) March 24, 2026

Authorities reiterated that all vessels must secure clearance and coordinate with Iran’s maritime system before passing through the strategic waterway.

Tehran’s message cuts through mediation narrative

The development follows a blunt warning from Iran’s military establishment, signalling that there is no immediate path to a negotiated settlement on terms favourable to the US.

A spokesperson of the Central Khatam al-Anbia Headquarters said: “Do not call your defeat an agreement. There will be no news of your investments in the region, nor will you see the previous prices for energy and oil. Until the time of our will, no situation will return to its former state.”

The twin signals, a hardline statement and the Hormuz action, suggest Tehran is calling the shots on the ground, even as diplomatic chatter around mediation continues.

Opposition criticism vs ground reality

The development has also fed into the political discourse in India.

In recent days, sections of the Opposition had targeted the government after US President Donald Trump amplified Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s offer to host talks between Washington and Tehran, calling it a diplomatic setback for India.

However, Iran’s decision to stop a Karachi-bound vessel appears to contradict the perception of Pakistan as a credible or central intermediary in the crisis.

BJP IT Cell head Amit Malviya reacted on X, saying: “So much for the ‘Pakistan is brokering peace’ narrative peddled by the usual suspects in India.”

So much for the “Pakistan is brokering peace” narrative peddled by the usual suspects in India.

Iran has reportedly turned back a vessel bound for Karachi after it failed to secure approval to pass through the Strait of Hormuz. https://t.co/3HDdeHdxWt

— Amit Malviya (@amitmalviya) March 25, 2026

Pakistan faces risks as crisis deepens

Meanwhile, concerns are rising within Pakistan over the economic fallout of a prolonged conflict.

Speaking to ANI, Karachi-based journalist Shams Kerio warned that any collapse in negotiations could further strain the country’s already fragile economy.

He pointed out that Pakistan’s dependence on regional trade and oil imports makes it vulnerable to disruptions, which could trigger inflation and instability.

“War is not a solution. Issues can only be resolved through dialogue, not conflict,” Kerio said, stressing the need for credible assurances in the negotiation process.

He said any spike in fuel prices would hit daily wage workers first and hardest, making it tougher to afford basic food and pushing more people out of work. Farms and factories, already struggling with rising costs, would come under even more pressure.

Kerio said if the fighting goes on for too long, it could spill beyond the region and pull in others. There is a real risk of bigger players like Russia and China getting pulled in.

“If the war continues, Pakistan’s economy could collapse due to lack of reserves and weak financial accountability,” he said, adding that recovery depends on a peaceful resolution.

The magic is real… but the wait might be even more magical, and a little frustrating. Fans dreaming of yearly trips back to Hogwarts may need to slow down, because the upcoming TV reboot of the Wizarding World is already hinting at long gaps between seasons. And yes, it’s official, this spell is going to take time.

The new TV adaptation of the beloved books is being developed by HBO, and it’s shaping up to be one of the most ambitious fantasy shows ever. Season 1 will adapt ‘Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone’, with each season covering one book. Production began in 2025, filming is still underway, and the first episodes are expected in 2027, but there’s still no exact release date.

That alone sounded like a long wait. But now comes the bigger twist: the show will not release new seasons every year.

Why it won’t be annual

In an interview, Casey Bloys, Chairman and CEO of HBO and Max content, explained that annual releases are simply not possible for massive fantasy shows. According to him, big productions like Harry Potter require complex world-building, visual effects, long production timelines.

He compared the show to other major HBO hits like ‘House of the Dragon’ and ‘The Last of Us’, both of which have already followed a pattern of releasing new seasons every two years. Bloys made it clear that it’s not about delays or people “taking their time.” These productions are just too complicated to rush.

He also jokingly noted that shows without dragons, zombies, or heavy visual effects, like ‘The Pitt’ are much easier to bring back annually. Hogwarts, unfortunately, comes with spells, creatures, magical chaos that take longer to build.

The two-year pattern is already clear

The pattern is already visible in HBO’s recent blockbuster shows. ‘House of the Dragon’ premiered in 2022, followed by seasons in 2024 and 2026. Meanwhile, ‘The Last of Us’ launched in 2023, returned in 2025, and its third season is already confirmed for 2027.

Here’s where things get really interesting. The plan is one season per book, and there are seven books. If each season takes around two years, the entire series could stretch beyond a decade.

That would make this adaptation longer than many major franchises, including ‘Game of Thrones’. HBO clearly sees this as a long-term investment in the Wizarding World.

Also Read: Daniel Radcliffe slams absurd Harry Potter ‘Wizard of Oz’ concept that should never have been made

BJP National President Nitin Nabin on Wednesday accused the West Bengal government of following “double standards” in granting permissions for religious activities, claiming that while namaz can be offered freely, organisers of pujas are required to seek court approval.

Speaking to reporters after offering prayers at the Dakshineswar Kali Temple, Nabin termed the alleged disparity between permissions for Durga Puja and other religious activities as “unfortunate.”

The BJP leader reiterated his allegations of a dual policy, stating that citizens often have to approach the High Court for organising pujas or setting up pandals, particularly during major festivals like Durga Puja.

“I received blessings here in Maa’s darbar. I also prayed before Maa Kali because in this state, one has to seek permission from the High Court to set up puja pandal while permission is given for offering namaz. This is unfortunate. We have sought Maa’s blessings to make the state ‘Sonar Bangla’ and Viksit Bengal,” he said.

Nabin’s remarks came during his two-day organisational visit to West Bengal, which began with prayers at the historic Dakshineswar temple. The visit is part of the BJP’s intensified preparations for the upcoming Assembly elections in the state.

The visit is being seen as a crucial step in the BJP’s efforts to consolidate its position in West Bengal ahead of what is expected to be a high-stakes electoral contest.

Tamil Nadu’s political stage suddenly looks like a blockbuster film set; dramatic exits, bold debuts, and sharp dialogues flying from every side. With the state assembly elections scheduled for April 23, the political temperature is rising fast. But this time, the spotlight isn’t just on parties. It’s firmly on two big names from the silver screen: Kamal Haasan and Vijay. And not everyone is clapping. Some are throwing serious shade.

Kamal Haasan’s surprise exit before polls

About a month before voting day, actor and Rajya Sabha MP Kamal Haasan made a surprising announcement. His party, Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM), would not contest the Tamil Nadu assembly elections. Instead, the party decided to support the DMK-led alliance from outside.

The decision triggered instant reactions. For some, it looked like a strategic move. For others, it raised questions.

Vijay’s big political debut

While Kamal stepped aside, another superstar is stepping in. This will be the first time actor Vijay will contest elections with his newly formed Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) party. Fans are excited, supporters are hopeful, and political rivals are watching closely.

AIADMK spokesperson Kovai Sathyan didn’t hold back. In a video he released, he sharply criticised Kamal Haasan’s decision to stay out of the contest.

He said the move was not a “sacrifice” but a sign of “incompetence.” According to him, actors often assume that what works on camera will work in public life, but politics demands more.

Sathyan stressed that leadership requires political understanding, experience, and the ability to deliver for people. He argued that many film personalities entering politics lack these qualities.

He also took a direct dig at Vijay’s political debut. He said that several film heroes had launched parties in the past but eventually shut them down.

He even added that Vijay might follow the same path and hinted that the TVK party could fade away within months after the elections.

DMK calls Kamal’s move ‘selfless’

Meanwhile, the DMK offered a completely different take. Party spokesperson Saravanan Annadurai praised Kamal Haasan’s decision to support the alliance.

He said the move was a “historic and selfless sacrifice” made in the interest of Tamil Nadu. He added that DMK leader MK Stalin welcomed the decision and appreciated Kamal for prioritising the state’s welfare over electoral ambition.

Kamal responds with confidence

On Tuesday, Kamal Haasan addressed reporters and made his stance clear. He said his party would support the DMK alliance strongly from outside and expressed confidence in victory.

He also mentioned that his party workers understand and follow his vision. Calling his party “centrist,” Kamal said they would not lean too far in any direction.

When asked about Vijay contesting elections, Kamal kept it brief, but pointed. He said, “Why do I care? I have my own work to focus on.”

Also Read: Jana Nayagan postponed until May, says Canada distributor; is Vijay’s release being timed after Tamil Nadu elections?