The estate battle around late businessman Sunjay Kapur is getting more intense, with his widow Priya Sachdev Kapur and his mother Rani Kapur now at the center of a fresh dispute. And yes, the name of actor Karisma Kapoor is also part of the ongoing legal storm.

Here’s the latest twist in this increasingly dramatic inheritance saga.

New legal twist over the RK family trust

The dispute has now escalated around the RK Family Trust. According to the latest development, Priya, who is both a trustee and beneficiary, has issued a notice removing Rani Kapur as trustee, effective March 25, 2026.

The notice reportedly states that the trust was created in 2017 as a private, irrevocable trust. During his lifetime, Sunjay Kapur was its sole beneficiary. However, after his death in June 2025, the beneficial interests were said to pass on to his children, including Master Azarias Suri Kapur, Ms Samaira Kapur, and Master Kiaan Kapur.

The move has effectively changed the power structure within the trust.

Why was Rani Kapur removed?

The notice reportedly claims that concerns were raised about certain actions attributed to Rani Kapur after Sunjay’s death. It also refers to a cease-and-desist notice that had already been issued in January 2026.

Further, the document mentions that Rani Kapur approached the Delhi High Court challenging the validity of the trust and seeking relief related to its assets.

Priya’s notice states that such steps were inconsistent with the trust deed and the provisions of the Indian Trusts Act, 1882, and were contrary to the interests of the beneficiaries.

Invoking Clause 8.11 of the trust deed, Priya communicated that Rani Kapur stands removed as trustee.

No authority after March 25, 2026

The notice also makes things very clear: from March 25, 2026, Rani Kapur will not have authority to act on behalf of the trust. This includes dealing with its assets, documents, or any affairs.

It further states that any action taken in the name of the trust after this date would be considered invalid. Legal remedies may also be pursued if there is any non-compliance.

Interestingly, this development comes just days after Rani Kapur had issued a formal notice seeking the removal of Priya as a trustee.

Also Read: Ranveer Singh to Karnataka High Court: ‘I will visit Chamundi hills and apologise’ after Kantara deity row

The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill 2026 was introduced in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday, marking a significant move to strengthen oversight of foreign funding received by non-governmental organisations (NGOs). The bill, which received Union Cabinet approval on March 19, was presented by Union Home Minister Amit Shah after being added to the day’s business through a supplementary agenda.

The proposed legislation aims to reinforce the framework established under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010. It introduces stricter rules for the use of foreign funds, enhanced monitoring systems, and a structured mechanism to manage assets acquired through such contributions. A key feature of the bill is the establishment of a designated authority to oversee foreign funds and assets in cases where an organisation’s registration is cancelled, surrendered, or expires.

Under the new provisions, this authority would be empowered to take control of assets created using foreign contributions. It would have the authority to manage, transfer, or dispose of these assets in accordance with prescribed rules. At present, there is no formal system to handle such assets in these situations. The bill also requires prior government approval before any sale of assets funded through foreign contributions.

If an organisation loses its registration, its foreign-funded assets would automatically vest with the designated authority. These could then be transferred or sold, with proceeds directed to the Consolidated Fund of India.

Currently, the 2010 Act governs around 16,000 registered organisations that receive nearly Rs 22,000 crore annually. Officials have pointed out gaps in the existing system, particularly in managing funds and assets when registrations lapse or are revoked, raising concerns about possible misuse.

The Statement of Objects and Reasons accompanying the bill highlights the need for a comprehensive legal framework. It proposes clearer timelines for fund usage, defined processes for handling assets during suspensions, streamlined penalties, and mandatory government approval before initiating investigations.

The bill’s introduction is expected to trigger debate in Parliament. While the government has stressed the importance of transparency and accountability, critics are likely to raise concerns about increased regulatory control over civil society organisations.

For the first time in the history of the Indian Premier League (IPL), all ten franchises will be led by Indian captains, including Ishan Kishan, who is set to lead the Sunrisers Hyderabad in the initial few games in Pat Cummins’ absence. This marks a significant moment for domestic leadership in the tournament.

The season will feature a diverse mix of experienced internationals and rising stars at the helm, reflecting the depth of leadership talent in Indian cricket.

The TEN Captains have assembled in Mumbai

Up Next: #TATAIPL 2026 Captain’s Photo ⏳ pic.twitter.com/X6pt0CmzZu

— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) March 25, 2026

Here’s a look at how the captains have fared since last year’s IPL and what they bring into the new season.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru

Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) will once again be led by Rajat Patidar, whose maiden season as captain turned into a fairytale as he guided the franchise to its first IPL title. Patidar also captained Central Zone to the Duleep Trophy title and took over leadership duties for Madhya Pradesh. However, a knee injury and a dip in form during the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy slowed his momentum. Now fully fit, he will look to rediscover his touch and defend RCB’s crown.

Punjab Kings

At Punjab Kings, Shreyas Iyer returns with unfinished business. He led PBKS to the final last season, producing one of the standout innings of the playoffs with an unbeaten 87 in Qualifier 2. But injury troubles followed, including a spleen injury in Australia, limiting his appearances. With something to prove after missing out on India’s T20 World Cup squad, Iyer will be keen to lead from the front.

Mumbai Indians

Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya has remained a central figure in India’s white-ball setup, playing key roles in the ICC Champions Trophy, Asia Cup and the T20 World Cup. Known for his finishing ability and versatile bowling, Hardik led MI to the playoffs last year and will now aim to guide the franchise to its first final since 2020.

Gujarat Titans

For Gujarat Titans, Shubman Gill enters the season with a point to prove. After being dropped from India’s T20 World Cup squad despite once being seen as a long-term T20 leader, Gill will hope the familiar batting-friendly surfaces of Ahmedabad help him rediscover his best form.

Delhi Capitals

All-rounder Axar Patel continues as captain of Delhi Capitals after playing a vital role in India’s T20 World Cup triumph. His ability to contribute with both bat and ball has often gone under the radar, but his match-winning spell in T20 World Cup the final showed his value. After DC narrowly missed the playoffs last season, Axar will look to build consistency as a leader.

Sunrisers Hyderabad

At Sunrisers Hyderabad, wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan arrives in top form. Having scored heavily in domestic T20s and led Jharkhand to the SMAT title, Kishan forced his way back into India’s T20I side and even played a key role in the T20 World Cup triumph. With regular captain Pat Cummins missing the early matches, Kishan could shoulder added responsibility.

Lucknow Super Kings

Lucknow Super Giants captain Rishabh Pant will be looking for a fresh start after a difficult IPL last year. Injuries and inconsistent form disrupted his season, though a brilliant century late in the tournament showed glimpses of his best. With fitness returning, Pant will aim to rediscover rhythm and lead LSG’s push for a deeper run.

Kolkata Knight Riders

Veteran batter Ajinkya Rahane takes charge of Kolkata Knight Riders in what could be a crucial season in his career. A strong domestic T20 campaign kept him in contention, but having not played competitive cricket since December, questions remain about match readiness as KKR look to bounce back from a disappointing season.

Rajasthan Royals

At Rajasthan Royals, young all-rounder Riyan Parag steps into full-time leadership. After impressing during a short stint as stand-in captain last year and finishing among RR’s leading run-scorers, Parag endured a slump in domestic T20s. Still only 24, the Royals will hope their long-term investment in him pays off.

Chennai Super Kings

Meanwhile, Chennai Super Kings continue to back Ruturaj Gaikwad as captain after MS Dhoni handed over the reins in 2024. Injury curtailed his IPL campaign last year, but Gaikwad has been in prolific form in domestic cricket, including centuries in the Vijay Hazare Trophy.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi will not travel to Kerala for a scheduled public rally on Wednesday after his mother, Sonia Gandhi, was admitted to hospital in Delhi.

Sonia Gandhi, 79, was taken to Sir Ganga Ram Hospital on Tuesday evening for what party sources described as a routine medical check-up. Earlier reports said she had felt unwell before being admitted.

With his Kerala visit now cancelled, there is no confirmation yet on whether Gandhi will attend the all-party meeting scheduled later in the day.

The development has led to a change in the Congress party’s programme in Kerala, where the campaign push is beginning ahead of the Assembly elections next month.

Kharge to lead rally as Kerala campaign gathers pace

With Rahul Gandhi unavailable, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge will now address the rally in Kozhikode. The event is expected to mark the start of a wider outreach effort across the state.

Kerala is set to vote on April 9 to elect 140 legislators, and political parties are stepping up their campaigns across key regions.

A day earlier, Gandhi had indicated that he would miss the all-party meeting scheduled for Wednesday evening because of his Kerala visit.

All-party meet on West Asia crisis amid sharp political reactions

The Centre has called an all-party meeting on Wednesday evening, to be chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, to brief leaders on the evolving situation in West Asia.

Several ministers, including Home Minister Amit Shah and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, are expected to attend, while Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri will present a detailed briefing. The meeting is scheduled for 5 pm inside the Parliament complex.

The move follows Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s statements in both Houses of Parliament, where he described the situation in West Asia as an “unprecedented crisis” with long-term implications.

The conflict has entered its fourth week and has begun to affect maritime routes, especially through the Strait of Hormuz. This has led to fluctuations in global energy markets and raised concerns over supply chains and inflation.

Rahul Gandhi’s remarks, and his absence from the meeting, drew criticism from BJP leaders.

Union Minister Pralhad Joshi said, “When the government calls for an all-party meeting during such a global crisis, it is the duty of the opposition to work with it unitedly… He simply makes remarks every now and then. Is he the LoP in the Lok Sabha, or to the country itself?… The people have made him the Joker only, let him understand that…”

BJP spokesperson CR Kesavan also criticised Gandhi, saying, “After Rahul Gandhi’s flippant remarks yesterday, we saw how President Trump called PM Modi to seek his counsel about the West Asia conflict… Rahul Gandhi harps in the most hollow fashion about the foreign policy, but is not going to be present in the all-party meeting… This shows his lack of seriousness…”

BJP MP Jagdambika Pal questioned Gandhi’s role as Leader of the Opposition, saying he was not consistently present during parliamentary proceedings and was skipping key discussions.

The Royal Challengers Bengaluru was sold to a consortium led by the Aditya Birla Group and Times Internet Limited for ₹16,660 crore, marking one of the biggest deals in franchise cricket.

With the change in ownership, Aryaman Vikram Birla has been appointed as the new chairman of RCB.

Who is Aryaman Birla?

Aryaman Birla is a former cricketer-turned-business leader who played domestic cricket for Madhya Pradesh. A left-handed batter, he made his Ranji Trophy debut in 2017 and went on to play nine first-class matches, scoring 414 runs, including a century against Bengal at the Eden Gardens. He also featured in List-A cricket before stepping away from the sport.

His cricket journey began with district trials in Madhya Pradesh in 2014, followed by a stint in England where he trained under former Middlesex cricketer Paul Weekes, representing West Hampstead Cricket Club and the London Schools Cricket Association. He later captained the Madhya Pradesh U-23 side, showcasing early leadership credentials.

Aryaman was picked by Rajasthan Royals in the 2018 IPL auction but did not feature in a match and was released ahead of the 2020 season. In 2019, he took an indefinite break from cricket, citing anxiety related to the sport, and has since transitioned fully into business.

Currently, Aryaman is a director at the Aditya Birla Group and holds an MBA with honours from Harvard Business School, a master’s in global finance from Bayes Business School, and a bachelor’s degree in commerce from the University of Mumbai. He plays a key role across the group’s businesses, including fashion, paints, and real estate.

He also serves on the board of the Aditya Birla Management Corporation and companies such as Grasim Industries and Aditya Birla Fashion & Retail. Additionally, he founded Aditya Birla New Age Hospitality and Aditya Birla Ventures, focusing on high-growth startups.

RCB’s new ownership structure

Apart from the Aditya Birla Group and Times Internet, the consortium includes Bolt Ventures and Blackstone’s BXPE strategy. The deal sees the exit of United Spirits Ltd, a subsidiary of Diageo plc, which previously owned the franchise.

RCB remains one of the most prominent teams in the Indian Premier League and, notably, the only franchise to simultaneously hold both IPL and Women’s Premier League titles.

A fresh political row has erupted between the Trinamool Congress and the Election Commission, with the ruling party in West Bengal alleging bias in the appointment of key officials ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections.

The All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) has formally approached the Election Commission of India, objecting to the appointment of Surajit Roy as the Returning Officer for the high-profile Bhabanipur Assembly constituency.

In its complaint, the party claimed that Roy is closely associated with Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari and could act under his influence. Bhabanipur is currently represented by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and is set to witness a direct contest between her and Adhikari, who has been fielded by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Observer appointment in Malda under scrutiny

The controversy has widened with the Trinamool Congress raising objections over the appointment of a police observer in Malda district. Party leaders alleged that an Indian Police Service officer, Jayant Kant, appointed as observer for four Assembly segments, has links to the BJP.

At a press briefing, state minister Bratya Basu and party MP Partha Bhowmik questioned the officer’s neutrality, citing his wife’s alleged association with BJP leaders in Bihar.

According to the party, the officer has been assigned to oversee polling in Mothabari, Baishnabnagar, Manikchak, and Sujapur constituencies in Malda, all located near the Bihar border and considered politically sensitive.

“The four Assembly constituencies for which the said police officer from Bihar had been made the police observer are Mothabari, Baishnabnagar, Manikchak, and Sujapur. All four assembly constituencies are adjacent to Bihar. The wife of the police officer is again a BJP leader from the Jamui area in Bihar, which is very close to the state border with Malda. So our question is how a police officer, whose wife is a BJP leader, will perform in an unbiased manner. The ECI is deliberately deputing such officers as poll observers to give the BJP an advantage in the forthcoming West Bengal assembly polls,” Basu said.

Row over transfer of Returning Officers

The dispute comes after the Election Commission’s decision to replace 73 returning officers across West Bengal earlier this week. TMC attacked the Commission on this issue and claimed that it is to be seen whether BJP-confident officers had been sent as replacements.

The developments have intensified the political confrontation between the Trinamool Congress and the BJP ahead of the crucial state polls.

High-stake election ahead

West Bengal is scheduled to vote in a two-phase Assembly election on April 23 and April 29, with counting set for May 4. The Bhabanipur contest, in particular, is being closely watched as it pits two of the state’s most prominent political figures against each other.

With both sides trading charges, the spotlight is now on the Election Commission’s response to the allegations and the conduct of the polls in one of the country’s most politically charged states.

Rinku Singh has been appointed as a regional sports officer by the government of Uttar Pradesh, a move that was praised by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

Highlighting the state’s efforts to support athletes, Adityanath said Uttar Pradesh is the first state in the country to prioritise sportspersons in government jobs.

“UP is the first state in the country to give athletes priority in government service. So far, we have provided appointment letters to over 500 athletes for various police positions. For his performance in cricket and the Asian Games, Rinku Singh has been given an appointment letter as a regional sports officer. He is currently part of an IPL camp, so he has gone there,” he said.

Rinku’s coach, Masooduzzafar Amin, also welcomed the decision, stating that it would inspire young cricketers and strengthen the sporting ecosystem in the state.

“The UP government has given him the job, and I thank them for this. The decision will motivate young players to take up the sport. We have high expectations from Rinku as an officer, and he will contribute to strengthening sports,” he told IANS.

The Uttar Pradesh government is also set to provide employment to six international medallists. These include hockey player Rajkumar Pal, part of India’s bronze medal-winning team at the 2024 Summer Olympics. Javelin thrower Ajit Singh and sprinter Simran will be appointed as District Panchayat Raj Officers, while Paralympic gold medallist Praveen Kumar will take up the role of Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP).

Rinku, 28, is currently part of the three-time IPL champions Kolkata Knight Riders, where he will serve as vice-captain in the upcoming Indian Premier League 2026. Known for his explosive batting and sharp fielding, he has been a key performer for the franchise and brings valuable leadership experience from domestic and IPL cricket.

Led by Ajinkya Rahane, KKR will begin their IPL 2026 campaign against Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium on March 29. Their first home game will be against Sunrisers Hyderabad at Eden Gardens on April 2, followed by fixtures against Punjab Kings and Lucknow Super Giants on April 6 and 9, respectively.

Rinku recently returned from international duty, having been part of India’s World Cup-winning squad that defeated New Zealand in the final in Ahmedabad. However, the tournament was personally challenging for him, as he lost his father during the competition.

As tensions rise in West Asia and key energy routes face disruption, the Indian Navy has stepped in with a carefully planned operation to ensure that oil shipments continue to reach India without interruption.

In the strategically sensitive Strait of Hormuz, Indian-flagged vessels are being guided through risky waters under a mission called Operation Urja Suraksha, with naval forces providing both direction and protection at every stage.

The move comes at a time when Iran’s restrictions have begun to impact the global energy movement. India, however, has managed to keep its supply lines open after securing permission from Tehran for its ships to pass through the Strait, which is a critical chokepoint for global oil trade.

Unlike standard escort missions, the Navy’s role here is more hands-on, as per news agency IANS. Officials said naval teams remain in continuous communication with ships preparing to exit the Persian Gulf, offering route-specific instructions to help them navigate safely through the narrow passage.

More than five warships have been deployed in the region as part of the operation. Once vessels move past the Strait, destroyers and frigates accompany them further along their journey, creating a layered security cover.

Support for this effort extends into the Gulf of Oman, where additional warships and logistics are in place to ensure that operations run without breaks.

Why navigation is risky in the Strait of Hormuz

For tanker crews, this route is anything but routine. Navigation in such waters depends heavily on hydrographic charts.

The risks are real. Media reports citing US intelligence have claimed that Iran has placed underwater mines in parts of the Strait. All of this means every journey through the Strait carries real risk.

That’s where the Indian Navy steps in. It’s not just about sailing alongside these ships. The Navy is, in a way, walking them through the route, pointing out where to go, what to avoid, especially in waters where the real risks lie hidden below.

Much of this relies on hydrographic charts. These are detailed maps of the seabed, created by specialised survey vessels, showing how the ocean floor shifts over time and where it’s safest to pass.

And this expertise isn’t limited to Indian waters. India has been extending this work beyond its own shores, too. It has helped several friendly countries map their waters too, making sea routes safer across the wider Indian Ocean Region. These charts are widely trusted and used by navies as well as commercial shipping operators around the world.

Amid rising tensions and uncertainty, this combination of precision, coordination, and naval presence is helping ensure that critical shipments continue to move, steadily and safely, through one of the world’s most vital sea lanes.

New Zealand sealed the five-match T20I series against South Africa with a commanding 92-run win at Hagley Oval, taking the series 4-1. The hosts were powered by a sensational all-round performance from Amelia Kerr, who scored 105 off just 55 balls and picked up 2 crucial wickets.

Sent in to bat, New Zealand posted 194/6 in 20 overs, their fourth-highest T20I total. Kerr’s blistering innings, featuring 19 fours and a six, anchored the innings, while Georgia Plimmer (27) and Brooke Halliday (26) provided solid support. Late contributions from Maddy Green and others helped push the total near the 200-run mark. Despite taking three wickets, Ayabonga Khaka couldn’t halt New Zealand’s momentum.

South Africa’s chase never got going as wickets fell at regular intervals. Reduced to 40/4 in the powerplay, the visitors were under constant pressure. Annerie Dercksen top-scored with 23, but Sune Luus (13) and Laura Wolvaardt (9) failed to build meaningful partnerships, leaving South Africa struggling against a disciplined New Zealand attack.

Kerr returned with the ball, picking up 2 wickets, while Sophie Devine struck twice to dismantle the middle order. Lea Tahuhu and Flora Devonshire also made crucial breakthroughs, keeping South Africa on the back foot throughout.

The visitors were eventually bowled out for 102/9 in 20 overs, handing New Zealand a comprehensive 92-run victory, marking South Africa’s third-worst loss by runs in T20Is.

Brief Scores:

New Zealand 194/6 in 20 overs – Amelia Kerr 105, Georgia Plimmer 27, Brooke Halliday 26; Ayabonga Khaka 3-32, Tumi Sekhukhune 3-32
South Africa 102/9 in 20 overs – Annerie Dercksen 23, Sune Luus 13, Laura Wolvaardt 9; Lea Tahuhu 3-26, Amelia Kerr 2-6

Several Opposition MPs staged a protest in the Parliament House complex on Wednesday over the alleged shortage of LPG cylinders, accusing the Centre of failing to address supply issues faced by households. The demonstration was held near the Makar Dwar, where leaders gathered with banners reading “Empty Cylinders, Empty Promises” and raised slogans against the government.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, NCP (SP) MP Supriya Sule, Samajwadi Party leader Dharmendra Yadav, CPI-ML’s Sudama Prasad, DMK’s T Sumathy and JMM’s Mahua Maji were among those who participated in the protest. The MPs said the protest was aimed at highlighting difficulties faced by citizens due to the alleged supply crunch.

| Opposition MPs hold protest over LPG supply issue in Parliament premises.#LPGSortage #LPG #protest #Parliament #WestAsiaCrisis #TheStatesman pic.twitter.com/Py89ktVyxM

— The Statesman (@TheStatesmanLtd) March 25, 2026

Protest ahead of key all-party meet

The protest comes hours before a scheduled all-party meeting on the West Asia situation. Union Home Minister Amit Shah is set to chair the meeting with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and other senior ministers in attendance.

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri is expected to brief leaders on the latest developments in the region.

Opposition alleges widespread shortage

Congress MP Pramod Tiwari accused the government of downplaying the issue, claiming shortages were being reported across both rural and urban areas. He said the problem had become particularly visible during recent festive periods, affecting households that depend on LPG for cooking.

Trinamool Congress MP Saugata Roy said the government had failed to effectively manage the situation, adding that people were facing significant inconvenience and calling for urgent resolution.

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut said the Opposition wanted to place its suggestions before the government and asked the Prime Minister to engage with Opposition leaders on pressing national issues.

Opposition parties said they would continue to raise the LPG supply issue both inside and outside Parliament, pressing the government for immediate corrective measures to ensure uninterrupted access to cooking gas for consumers.

State-run oil marketing companies on Wednesday moved to calm fears over fuel availability, saying there is no shortage of petrol, diesel or LPG anywhere in the country and urging people to ignore rumours.

The reassurance comes at a time when concerns over global energy supplies have been rising due to tensions in West Asia, which have disrupted markets and triggered anxiety about possible shortages.

In a public advisory, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) said reports of fuel scarcity in some areas were baseless. “Important Information for All Citizens. Rumours about petrol and diesel shortages in certain areas are completely unfounded. There is no shortage of fuel across the nation. India is a net exporter of petrol and diesel. We have adequate stocks of crude oil, petrol, diesel, and ATF. Supply chains are operating smoothly without any disruption. Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited is fully operational and committed to ensuring uninterrupted fuel supply. Citizens are advised not to panic or engage in unnecessary buying. Fuel availability remains stable and sufficient,” the company said.

Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) also issued a similar statement, asking customers not to fall for misinformation or stock up unnecessarily. “Dear Customers, There is no shortage of petrol, diesel, or LPG across the country. Fuel supplies remain stable, and adequate stocks are available. Customers are advised not to be misled by rumours or resort to panic buying. Please continue with normal consumption patterns. HPCL remains committed to ensuring an uninterrupted and seamless fuel supply across its network,” HPCL said.

Real-time updates from outlets show normal operations

Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) shared on-ground updates to underline that retail operations remain unaffected. It cited the situation at its COCO outlet in Maradu, Kochi, where there was no unusual rush. “Our Retail Outlet COCO Maradu, Kochi at 09:30 AM Today. No Rush! No Panic! Everything is operating smoothly. We remain fully committed and available to serve you at all times,” IOCL said.

Together, the three major Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) stressed that supply chains are functioning normally and stocks are sufficient to meet demand across the country.

Amid the West Asia crisis, the Indian government is leaving no stone unturned when it comes to the safety of Indians in conflict zone, gas and fuel availability, long-term energy security measures and push for self-reliance across sectors.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi informed the Rajya Sabha that the government’s first concern is safeguarding citizens and more than 3.75 lakh Indians have been repatriated from the conflict zone (including over 700 medical students from Iran) and all necessary assistance and medical care is being provided to affected families.

Moreover, Prime Minister has personally held two rounds of calls with leaders of most West Asian nations and India remains in continuous contact with Gulf countries as well as Iran, Israel and the United States to restore peace. These discussions include de-escalation and reopening the Strait of Hormuz.

India has also categorically opposed attacks on civilians, civil infrastructure and energy/transport systems, declaring them unacceptable, and has urged all parties to seek a peaceful resolution.

Notably, all Indian refineries are operating at high capacity with adequate crude inventories, domestic LPG production has increased, and petrol/diesel stocks are sufficient; panic buying in some areas is being driven by rumours that the government has debunked.

The government has ensured that ships carrying crude oil and LPG have arrived from many countries, and it continues to work on contingency plans to keep supplies uninterrupted.

In the meantime, India has diversified its crude/LNG/LPG imports from 27 to 41 countries, built strategic petroleum reserves exceeding 53 lakh tonnes (with work underway to reach 65 lakh tonnes) and enhanced refining capacity. The government is also promoting piped natural gas (PNG) alongside LPG and boosting domestic LPG production.

Further, to reduce dependence on foreign shipping and imports, the government has launched a Rs 70,000-crore ‘Made-in-India’ shipbuilding mission and is expanding shipbuilding, ship-breaking and maintenance capacity; it has similarly strengthened the defence sector to manufacture most weaponry domestically.

PM Modi also assured that adequate fertiliser supplies are prepared, and the government will ensure that farmers do not bear the burden of the crisis. States have been urged to keep benefits like the PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana flowing to the poor, labourers and migrant workers, and to act against hoarders.

Prioritising gas supply to restaurants, dhabas, canteens and migrant labourers, the Centre restored 20 per cent commercial LPG supply and subsequently increased allocations so that overall commercial LPG supply to States/UTs is up to 50 per cent.

Priority sectors continue to receive 100 per cent domestic PNG and CNG supplies, while industrial/commercial consumers are receiving about 80 per cent of normal gas use. Over 7,500 PNG connections were issued/activated in one day.

In strict action against hoarding and black marketing, states are empowered under the Essential Commodities Act and LPG Control Order to crack down on malpractices; 32 States/UTs have set up control rooms and 33 have district monitoring committees.

Enforcement agencies have conducted about 3,400 raids and seized around 1,000 cylinders, registered 642 FIRs and arrested 155 people, while PSU Oil Marketing Companies have carried out over 1,500 surprise inspections.

When it comes to maritime and shipping safety, all Indian seafarers in the Persian Gulf are safe, with no incidents involving Indian-flagged vessels. Two Indian LPG ships — Pine Gas and Jag Vasant — have crossed the Strait of Hormuz and are en route to Indian ports.

The Directorate General of Shipping is monitoring 20 Indian-flagged vessels carrying about 540 seafarers, operates a 24×7 control room and has already repatriated more than 585 seafarers. Ports across India have added storage space and continue cargo operations smoothly.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of External Affairs and Indian missions are operating 24×7 helplines, engaging with community organisations and facilitating visas. Since February 28, about 4.02 lakh passengers have returned to India.

Flights continue from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman and Qatar, while alternative routes via Saudi Arabia and Armenia/Azerbaijan/Jordan are assisting Indians in Kuwait, Bahrain, Iran and Israel.

A consortium led by the Aditya Birla Group and Times Internet Limited has acquired the defending Indian Premier League (IPL) and Women’s Premier League (WPL) champions, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), for INR 16,660 crore, the franchise’s owners disclosed on Tuesday.

The sale was confirmed in mandatory filings by United Spirits Ltd (USL) with the Bombay Stock Exchange and National Stock Exchange of India. Other members of the consortium include Bolt Ventures and Blackstone’s perpetual private equity strategy (BXPE, Blackstone). Together, they have acquired RCB, one of the eight original IPL franchises formed ahead of the inaugural 2008 edition.

USL, a subsidiary of UK-based Diageo plc, approved the sale of its 100% stake in Royal Challengers Sports Private Limited (RCSPL) during a board meeting on Tuesday. The company’s statement read:

“The board of directors of United Spirits Limited at its meeting held today, i.e., March 24, 2026, has approved the sale of 14,690 equity shares of RCSPL, a wholly owned subsidiary of USL, for an aggregate consideration of INR 166.6 billion, subject to adjustments and other conditions set out in the Share Purchase Agreement (SPA) executed on March 24, 2026, by USL, RCSPL, and the consortium parties.”

Also Read: Rajasthan Royals sold to Kal Somani-Led Consortium for $1.63 billion: Report

The transaction, pending regulatory approvals, including from the Competition Commission of India and Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), will see USL cease to hold any stake in RCSPL, which will no longer be a USL subsidiary.

Under the new ownership, Aryaman Vikram Birla, director at the Aditya Birla Group, will serve as chairman, while Satyan Gajwani of Times Internet Limited will take on the role of vice chairman. The consortium also includes David Blitzer, founder of Bolt Ventures, and Viral Patel, CEO of BXPE.

Diageo had decided to sell RCB in November 2025, attracting interest from several potential buyers, including Adar Poonawalla of Serum Institute of India. Ultimately, the company entered into one-to-one negotiations with the consortium, leading to the current deal.

RCB holds a unique distinction as the only franchise to simultaneously hold both IPL and WPL titles. The men’s team won their maiden IPL title in 2025, while the women’s team secured their second WPL title in February 2026.

The franchise was originally acquired by United Spirits Limited in the inaugural IPL auction, when it was controlled by the erstwhile liquor baron Vijay Mallya. Diageo plc inherited the RCB franchise when it acquired USL.

The family of Harish Rana, the first person in India to be granted passive euthanasia through a legal process, donated his corneas and heart valves following his death at AIIMS Delhi on Tuesday. Rana’s last rites were performed at the Green Park cremation ground in the national capital earlier today, marking the end of a long medical and legal journey that had drawn national attention.

He passed away at 4:10 pm under the care of a specialised team in the Palliative Oncology Unit at the Institute Rotary Cancer Hospital (IRCH). He had been undergoing long-term treatment under a team led by Prof. Seema Mishra, head of Onco-Anaesthesia. The institute expressed condolences to the family.

Passive euthanasia involves withdrawing or withholding medical treatment that keeps a patient alive, allowing natural death in cases where recovery is not possible.

Organ donation after prolonged illness

Family members chose to donate Rana’s corneas and heart valves, turning a deeply personal loss into a contribution that could help save lives.

Speaking after paying his respects, Uttar Pradesh Congress president Ajay Rai noted that despite years of struggle to keep their son alive, the family chose to donate his organs, setting an example for the country. He said, “The family dedicated their entire life and tried to save their child. The family has donated five organs of their child, giving inspiration to the country that a child who was ill for so many years, dedicated himself completely to the country.”

Delhi: The mortal remains of Harish Rana, the first person in India permitted passive euthanasia, were cremated by his brother Ashish Rana and sister Bhavna pic.twitter.com/PFBc5WH97C

— IANS (@ians_india) March 25, 2026

Landmark Supreme Court ruling

Earlier this month, the Supreme Court allowed passive euthanasia for Rana, a 31-year-old from Ghaziabad who had remained in a persistent vegetative state since 2013 following a fall from a building.

A bench of Justices J B Pardiwala and K V Vishwanathan permitted the withdrawal of clinically assisted nutrition and hydration, noting that continuing life-sustaining treatment would not serve the patient’s best interests.

The court observed that the family and medical boards were in agreement on the decision, and expressed concern over the absence of a comprehensive legal framework governing end-of-life care.

BJP candidate for the Siliguri Assembly constituency, Sankar Ghosh, on Tuesday suspended all public campaigning and began an indefinite sit-in demonstration demanding the immediate arrest of an accused, Amir Ali, in connection with the unnatural death of a 16-year-old school girl in the city.

The girl was found hanging at her residence in Durga Nagar, Gurung Busty, under the Siliguri Municipal Corporation area on Monday. Police have registered a case of unnatural death and initiated an investigation.

The incident came to light after the victim’s family lodged a complaint alleging that a private tutor, identified as Amir Ali, had been repeatedly sexually harassing and blackmailing her after allegedly recording objectionable videos and photographs. The family claimed that the sustained mental trauma drove her to take the extreme step out of fear of social stigma.

Soon after the death, local residents and neighbours staged protests demanding strict action against the accused. Tension escalated on Monday when an agitated crowd initially refused to allow police to remove the body for post-mortem examination. After hours of negotiation, a large police contingent recovered the body, conducted post-mortem and brought her at home after 5 p.m. Demonstrations continued late into the night until the cremation was completed.

Amid the escalating protests, sitting MLA Sankar Ghosh cut short his election outreach programme and launched an indefinite dharna, demanding the immediate arrest of the accused.

“The police were requested to arrest Amir Ali by 10 a.m. on Tuesday for his alleged misconduct with the victim. As the arrest was not made within the stipulated time, I have decided to suspend my campaign and continue this protest until he is apprehended,” Ghosh told reporters.

Police officials said efforts are underway to trace the accused. “We are searching for the suspect and hope to arrest him soon,” a senior officer said.

Siliguri Mayor Goutam Deb on Tuesday evening met the family of the minor who allegedly died by suicide, amid the ongoing Assembly election campaign in which the BJP has sought to raise the issue. Mr Deb, who is a TMC candidate for Siliguri, assured the bereaved parents that he would personally look into the matter to ensure that justice is delivered.

The Election Commission of India on Monday released the supplementary first list of voters under adjudication just minutes before Monday midnight.

However, the poll body did not disclose how many names have been resolved in this phase, nor did it specify how many voters have been excluded.

The commission only confirmed the publication of the list.

According to officials, the list has been published booth-wise in two separate categories.

A distinct list has also been issued for voters whose names have been deleted.

Sources indicated that voters can download the booth-wise additional list to check whether their names are included.

The revision of the electoral roll in West Bengal has been a significant exercise.

Before the commencement of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR), the total number of voters in the state stood at 76,637,529.

In the draft electoral roll, as many as 5,820,899 names were removed, bringing the total number of voters in the draft list to 70,816,630.

On 28 February, the first phase of the final electoral roll was published, where an additional 546,053 names were excluded. This took the total number of deletions to 6,366,952 up to that date.

Out of the 70,816,630 voters in the draft list, nearly 1.52 crores were marked for hearings.

Among them, 3,168,426 were classified as “no-mapping” voters, as they could not establish linkage with the last SIR conducted in 2002.

The remaining 1.2 crore voters were summoned for hearings due to logical discrepancies in their records.

Of the 1.42 crore voters called for hearing, the ECI agreed with Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) and Assistant Electoral Registration Officers (AEROs) in 82 lakh cases.

Following scrutiny, more than 5 lakh names were removed after the hearings, leading to the publication of the first phase of the final electoral roll.

As per the first final list, the total number of voters in the state stands at 70,459,284.

The West Bengal government has stepped up preparations to ensure a free, fair and peaceful voting process for the upcoming assembly polls in the state.

In an effort to make the election violence and threat-free, the chief secretary has issued a comprehensive set of directives for all government departments and officials, making it clear that any form of violence or irregularity will not be tolerated.

In the notification dated 22 March, the state secretariat at Nabanna has issued guidelines with focus on six key areas to maintain transparency and order during the elections.

Primarly, the state administration has given utmost priority to ensuring a violence-free environment, with strict action promised against any disturbances.

The state government has also instructed the authorities to prevent intimidation of voters and also ensure that no individual is threatened or coerced while exercising their franchise.

The directive further emphasised that elections must remain inducement-free, prohibiting any attempt to influence voters through money or gifts.

The state government has made it clear that there will be zero-tolerance against any kind of bogus voting, commonly referred to as ‘booth capturing’ or ‘chappa’ voting.

Strict measures have also been outlined to prevent booth jamming and any unlawful gathering at polling stations. Additionally, any attempt to restrict voters’ movement, often termed as ‘source jamming’, will invite legal action.

The notification also stressed the need for heightened vigilance among government employees to ensure that the Model Code of Conduct is not violated under any circumstances.

Officials at all levels have been directed to remain alert and accountable.

Nabanna has instructed that the guidelines be circulated across all government departments, public sector units, autonomous bodies, as well as municipal and panchayat-level institutions.

Departments must also confirm compliance by sending a report to a designated email ID by 5.30 p.m. on 25 March.

Administrative sources indicate that the move reflects lessons learned from previous elections, with the government aiming to act proactively this time.

The notification also makes it clear that strict action will be taken against any official found violating the guidelines or the MCC.