The United States and Israel carried out fresh strikes on Iran’s key uranium enrichment site in Natanz on Saturday, according to Iranian state media reports. The attack targeted the strategically significant nuclear facility; however, no radioactive leaks had been detected following the attack.

Iranian authorities also stated that residents in the surrounding areas were not exposed to any danger. The development comes amid continued military exchanges targeting critical infrastructure and strategic installations in the region.

Natanz targeted again

The Natanz facility has emerged as a recurring flashpoint in the escalating conflict. This marks the second time the site has been hit since the current phase of hostilities between the US, Israel, and Iran began.

Earlier, the International Atomic Energy Agency had confirmed partial damage to entrance structures at the facility based on satellite imagery analysis. It had noted that no radiological consequences were expected and that the core Fuel Enrichment Plant had not suffered additional impact beyond earlier damage.

The Natanz complex was also a primary target during the Israel-Iran 12-day war, when Israeli forces conducted multiple strikes on Iran’s nuclear and military infrastructure. The United States later joined the conflict in support of Israel, further intensifying the situation.

US weighs nuclear strategy

Amid ongoing tensions, media reports suggest that the administration of Donald Trump has been exploring options to secure or neutralise Iran’s nuclear material, signalling a potential escalation in strategic objectives.

Congress, AAP and Left parties on Saturday strongly condemned the manhandling of journalists and other employees at the United News of India (UNI) office at 9 Rafi Marg in New Delhi last evening and called the police action a direct assault on press freedom.

In an unprecedented development in the history of independent India’s media, the premises of the country’s prestigious news agency United News of India were forcibly vacated on Friday evening without any prior notice, with a heavy deployment of Delhi Police and paramilitary forces.

Some government officials entered the premises along with about 300 personnel and officers of Delhi Police and paramilitary forces, as well as some lawyers, and began pressuring employees to immediately vacate the newsroom and leave the premises.

Strongly reacting to the sealing of the news agency’s office, Congress leader Randeep Singh Surjewala in a post on X in Hindi said, “The way the media was treated by the police and paramilitary forces at the UNI (United News of India) premises, one thing is clear that the BJP government has issued a Hitler-like decree for the media fraternity.”

“In 2016, the central government imposed a one-day ban on NDTV Group’s Hindi news channel NDTV India for reporting that was exposing the government,” Surjewala further said.

Former Delhi Minister and AAP leader Saurabh Bhardwaj also condemned the incident.

In a post on X, Bhardwaj said, “This is wrong and unprecedented. This is happening to UNI right here in Delhi. Police cannot use force or threats against the press. The police have no right to abuse anyone.”

The Communist Party of India (Marxist) also strongly condemned the alleged conduct of police forces during an operation at the United News of India (UNI) office on Rafi Marg, with party General Secretary M A Baby terming the incident “shocking” and “unacceptable in a democracy.”

‎In a statement, Baby criticised the role of the Delhi Police and accompanying paramilitary personnel, alleging that journalists were “dragged out and manhandled” during the action. He said the manner in which the operation was conducted reflected “high-handedness” and a disregard for basic rights.

‎“Such high-handedness, denial of advance notice and time to gather personal belongings, and reported mistreatment, including of women staff, is unacceptable in a democracy and cannot be justified under the cover of a court order,” the CPI(M) leader said.

‎The incident took place at UNI’s office on Rafi Marg in the heart of the national capital, a key hub for media organisations and government institutions. Journalists present at the scene have alleged that security personnel entered the premises without prior warning and forcibly evicted staff, leading to chaotic scenes and claims of physical mistreatment.

‎Emphasising the broader implications, Baby warned that such actions threaten the functioning of an independent press. “A free press cannot function under intimidation,” he said, calling on authorities to ensure accountability and safeguard the dignity and rights of journalists.

‎The United News of India, one of India’s oldest news agencies, has historically played a significant role in disseminating news across the country, and incidents involving its staff have drawn sharp attention from media bodies and political groups alike.

‎The statement by the CPI (M) adds to growing criticism from sections of the media and civil society, who have raised concerns over the treatment of journalists and the potential chilling effect on press freedom, with calls mounting for a thorough inquiry and accountability for those responsible.

Meanwhile, Communist Party of India (CPI) MP P Sandosh Kumar said in a statement, “The forcible takeover of the Rafi Marg office of United News of India (UNI)—the oldest news agency in the country—by the Delhi Police is a grave and unprecedented assault on press freedom.”

“Journalists were dragged and manhandled; even women journalists were not spared. The employees were denied the basic opportunity to collect their belongings or hear from the management. The entire operation was carried out with shocking disregard for legality, dignity and democratic norms,” he said in the statement.

The news agency has been operating for several decades from its premises at 9 Rafi Marg, New Delhi.

An Additional District and Sessions Court in Kollam on Saturday sentenced G Sandeep to life imprisonment in the sensational murder case of Dr Vandana Das at the Government Taluk Hospital in Kottarakkara.

In addition to life imprisonment for murder, the court awarded 10 years of rigorous imprisonment for attempt to murder and another 10 years each for assaulting healthcare workers. A fine of ₹1 lakh was also imposed on the convict.

The court had, on March 17, found Sandeep guilty under multiple provisions of the IPC, including Section 302 (murder) and Section 307 (attempt to murder).

While pronouncing the sentence, the court observed that the prosecution had established the case through consistent eyewitness accounts, medical evidence, and material records. It rejected the defence argument that the accused suffered from a mental disorder.

Reacting to the verdict, Vandana Das’s parents said they would approach the High Court seeking further legal recourse.

Dr Vandana Das was fatally stabbed by a police detainee who had been brought for medical examination at the Government Taluk Hospital in Kottarakkara in Kerala’s Kollam district in the early hours of May 10, 2023.

The accused attacked her at around 4 am, and she later succumbed to her injuries at a private hospital in Thiruvananthapuram.

The 42-year-old accused, a school teacher, had also assaulted four others at the hospital, including police personnel who had brought him for treatment. He had been taken into custody on the night of May 9, 2023, after allegedly attacking his family members.

According to reports, the police had taken him to the hospital for a mandatory medical examination after he sustained a minor injury. However, he turned violent without provocation and carried out the fatal attack.

Dr Vandana Das had completed her MBBS from a medical institute in Kollam and was undergoing her house surgency at the Kottarakkara Taluk Hospital at the time of the incident. She hailed from Kaduthuruthy in Kottayam district.

The case had sparked widespread outrage across the state and raised serious concerns over the safety of healthcare professionals on duty.

A day after Pushkar Singh Dhami expanded his Cabinet by inducting five new faces, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh described him as a “Dhurandhar” of politics, expressing confidence that he would steer the Bharatiya Janata Party to victory in the 2027 Assembly elections.

Rajnath Singh made the remarks while addressing a rally in Haldwani on Saturday. He said Dhami has emerged as a “Dhurandhar” in politics and evolved into a seasoned and formidable leader in the state.

He recalled that he had earlier referred to Dhami as “Dhaakad” ahead of the 2022 Uttarakhand Assembly elections, in which the BJP created history by returning to power for a second consecutive term.

At the rally, Singh again described Dhami as both “Dhaakad” and “Dhurandhar,” saying he is poised to “hit a six” in the 2027 Assembly polls.

Praising the work done under Dhami’s leadership, he said Uttarakhand is steadily progressing towards becoming a model state in all respects.

“In his first four years in office, Pushkar Singh Dhami has already hit a solid four. By the 2027 Assembly elections, his tenure will enter its sixth year, and he is poised to hit a ‘six,’ leading the BJP to form the government for a third consecutive term,” Singh said.

The Defence Minister lauded the state government’s performance across sectors, including women’s empowerment, soldiers’ welfare, and economic and infrastructure development.

He also said that the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) has set an example in women’s empowerment, while action against illegal infiltrators has helped preserve the identity of Uttarakhand.

Notably, Singh’s remarks came a day after Dhami expanded his Cabinet amid questions raised by some senior BJP leaders in the state regarding governance. Uttarakhand is scheduled to go to the Assembly polls in early 2027.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have begun preparations for the new season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) as the defending champions returned to the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium with renewed focus ahead of the 2026 campaign.

Addressing the squad during the first training session, star batter Virat Kohli stressed the importance of maintaining the standards that helped the franchise secure last year’s title.

“We worked really hard over the last two to three seasons to achieve what we did last year, and it’s only going to get tougher because other teams are going to come hard at us.”

Emphasising the need to make the most of the preparation period, Kohli added, “We don’t waste these days. We stay ahead. So switch on now. Let’s not waste even a minute of any session that we are a part of. We must give our 120 per cent for these two and a half months.”

The opening session also saw the integration of several new members into the squad. Head coach Andy Flower welcomed the latest additions, including Venkatesh Iyer, Mangesh Yadav, Jordan Cox, Vicky Ostwal and Satvik Deswal. He also made special mention of Under-19 World Cup winners Kanishk Chouhan and Vihaan Malhotra.

“We had an interesting auction, and I think we’ve improved our squad, to be quite frank. We’ve brought in some great new additions. Integrating them into the RCB way alongside established players led by Virat and Rajat is an exciting part of building this team,” Flower said.

“There is one difference this year, we’ve got a star on our shirt. That’s a very proud feeling for all RCB fans. But that season is gone. Now we have a new challenge ahead, and it’s an exciting one. We’re here to win this year’s IPL,” he continued.

New recruit and wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma also expressed his enthusiasm about joining the setup. “Everyone was very excited to meet each other. I was excited to get more batting time. I got a chance to meet all the coaches and train again.”

Flower also highlighted the advantage of beginning the campaign at home.

“Our first game is here at Chinnaswamy, which is a fantastic opportunity for us to build momentum early and be welcomed by our home fans. The outfield is looking superb, lush, green and beautiful.”

RCB will begin their title defence against Sunrisers Hyderabad on March 28 at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.

Former Pakistan head coach Gary Kirsten has spoken about his brief tenure with the side, revealing that extensive involvement from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) played a significant role in his premature departure.

Kirsten, who was appointed in April 2024 on a two-year contract, stepped down as head coach of Pakistan’s ODI and T20I teams after just six months, leaving only days before the team’s scheduled ODI tour of Australia.

The former South Africa opener said the level of external influence in team matters was unlike anything he had encountered before.

“The thing that surprised me more than anything was the level of interference. I don’t think I have ever seen it at that level before. Did it surprise me? I don’t know, but it was significant,” Kirsten told talkSPORT Cricket.

Following his resignation, the PCB appointed Test coach Jason Gillespie as interim coach of the white-ball team for the Australia tour, which featured six limited-overs matches. However, Gillespie also stepped down from his role a few months later.

Kirsten explained that the persistent external pressure made it difficult to build a stable working environment with the players. “It is quite difficult for a coach to come and formulate a way that you can work with the players when there is just this constant noise from the outside. It was tough, just this constant noise from the outside and a lot of punitive actions around poor performance and stuff like that,” he said.

He further noted that coaches often become the easiest targets when results do not go a team’s way.

“As a coach, you are the lowest hanging fruit when the team isn’t going well, so let us get rid of the coach or let us put a restriction on the coach because that is the easiest thing to do when the teams are performing, and that is kind of counterproductive in my view,” he added.

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Saturday felicitated 56 meritorious youths who cleared the Civil Services Examination at a ceremony held at the Mukhyamantri Janseva Sadan here.

During the event, the CM spoke with the qualifiers, listened to their experiences and challenges, and shared her best wishes for their future.

The Delhi government, with the Revenue Department, organised the ceremony for the first time, with the candidates and their parents praising the new initiative by the state.

Gupta interacted with the family members to understand their perspectives and emotions regarding their children’s achievements. Chief Secretary Rajiv Verma, Divisional Commissioner Neeraj Semwal, and others were also present at the occasion.

The CM said that through their relentless hard work, discipline, and unwavering determination, they brought pride not only to their families but to the entire city and the country.

She emphasised that this achievement is not merely a personal success but a significant step towards nation-building.

In her address, she said the newly selected officers would serve as the backbone of the country’s administrative system and play a crucial role in taking developmental schemes to the last mile.

She added that their dedication, struggle, and spirit of service will inspire future generations.

The CM said the civil services should not be seen merely as a means to gain authority but as an opportunity for purposeful service.

“Real change is possible only when authority is coupled with a sense of purpose,” she remarked.

The CM affirmed that the Delhi government is continuously working to make the capital’s education system more robust, inclusive, and competitive, ensuring that a significant number of IAS, IPS, and other officers emerge from Delhi every year.

Gupta said the government aims to create an academic environment where every student has access to quality education, proper guidance, and the resources needed for competitive exams.

She added that ongoing education reforms are not limited to exam success but also seek to instil leadership qualities, sensitivity, and a spirit of service in students.

As India’s energy landscape evolves, industries are facing increased safety challenges, including risks of fires, explosions, and toxic gas leaks. Experts say the growing complexity of renewable and hydrogen-based infrastructure requires advanced modelling tools to assess and mitigate such hazards effectively.

To address such challenges, India is working on the world’s first AI-enhanced risk modelling platform, ‘Agni Kawach’, aimed at improving industrial safety amid the rapid expansion of new energy sectors such as green hydrogen, bio-ethanol, and other renewables.

Currently, most Indian industries rely on costly imported risk modelling software, often bound by restrictive licensing and high renewal fees. This dependence has limited access to advanced safety tools, forcing many operators to rely on manual or empirical methods, raising concerns over safety gaps and regulatory compliance.

The lack of a domestic Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)-based platform is seen as a strategic vulnerability, particularly for critical sectors such as refineries, fertilisers, defence, nuclear energy, and energy terminals.

The development of ‘Agni Kawach’ is being positioned as a step towards technological self-reliance, enabling affordable and high-precision safety modelling while strengthening India’s sovereign capabilities in industrial risk analysis, similar to efforts in defence and space sectors.

The platform will integrate CFD-based simulations with artificial intelligence to model scenarios such as gas dispersion, fires, and explosions under real-world conditions across both conventional and renewable energy systems.

Once operational, ‘Agni Kawach’ is expected to assist regulators, public sector units, consultants, and private players in designing safer industrial facilities, validating safety systems, and reducing accident risks and response times.

Notably, spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar has also expressed concern over rising industrial accidents and their impact on human lives, infrastructure, and the environment. Inspired by his vision, ‘Agni Kawach’ is being spearheaded by INDRAX: Centre of Higher Sciences in Safety and Energy Solutions for a self-reliant India and to support the vision of a ‘Viksit Bharat’ by 2047, as envisaged by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Tension gripped parts of Mathura after the death of a local cow vigilante, Chandrashekhar, popularly known as “Farsa Wale Baba”, triggered protests, highway blockades, and clashes with police on Saturday morning.

According to police, the incident occurred around 4 am on the Delhi–Agra National Highway (NH-19). Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Shlok Kumar said Chandrashekhar was allegedly chasing a suspicious vehicle carrying suspected cattle smugglers and attempting to stop it. Amid dense fog, a truck coming from behind — reportedly registered in Rajasthan — hit and ran over him.

Police maintain that the incident was a road accident. The truck driver, who was also injured, has been taken into custody, and an investigation is underway.

However, members of local cow protection groups and supporters of the deceased have rejected the police’s version, alleging that Chandrashekhar was deliberately killed as part of a conspiracy. Following the incident, large crowds gathered on the highway, blocking traffic and causing long queues of vehicles.

The protest soon turned violent as demonstrators began pelting stones at police personnel, injuring several officers and damaging vehicles. Security forces responded by using tear gas shells and mild force to disperse the crowd. After nearly three hours, the traffic blockade was cleared, though sporadic clashes continued.

Authorities deployed heavy police forces and Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) units to control the situation. Senior administrative officials, including the Additional District Magistrate and Superintendent of Police (Rural), rushed to the spot to manage the escalating tension.

The unrest reportedly flared up multiple times during the day, with protesters repeatedly regrouping and engaging in stone-pelting. In response to the deteriorating situation, additional reinforcements were called in to restore order.

Rupali Chakankar, a leader of the Ajit Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party, resigned as Chairperson of the Maharashtra State Women’s Commission late Friday night after controversy erupted over her alleged links with arrested godman Ashok Kharat.

Her resignation came shortly after meetings with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar.

The move followed the circulation of photographs by the opposition purportedly showing her association with Kharat, who is linked to the Shree Ishaneshwar Mahadev Temple Trust in Nashik district.

In a statement, Chakankar said she had submitted her resignation to Sunetra Pawar, taking “moral responsibility” to ensure a fair and transparent probe into the allegations.

She maintained that her association with the trust was in a social and religious capacity and denied any knowledge of alleged wrongdoing by Kharat.

She also alleged that misinformation was being spread against her and said she would initiate legal action against those defaming her.

Senior NCP leader Chhagan Bhujbal said the decision regarding her constitutional post was taken after discussions between the Chief Minister and Deputy CM, while a decision on her party position would be taken after a complete investigation.

The controversy has triggered a wider political storm, with opposition leaders raising serious allegations.

Sushma Andhare of the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) accused Chakankar of being part of an alleged organised crime network linked to Kharat and demanded her arrest under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act.

Speculation has also intensified around senior NCP leader Sunil Tatkare after a photograph showing his bandaged finger went viral, with unverified claims linking it to alleged occult practices.

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the case has questioned Deepak Londhe, reportedly a close aide of Deepak Kesarkar, an MLA from the Shiv Sena and former school education minister. Investigators suspect possible business links between Londhe and Kharat, particularly in land transactions.

Further controversy arose after photographs surfaced showing Kesarkar with the godman.

Reacting to the development, Rajya Sabha MP and Shiv Sena (UBT) spokesperson Sanjay Raut alleged that Kharat had influenced transfers and postings in the Education Department during Kesarkar’s tenure.

Kesarkar, however, denied the allegations, calling them “baseless” and asserting that his interactions with Kharat were limited to social and religious events linked to the temple.

He urged that no political conclusions be drawn merely on the basis of photographs and said the matter should be left to the courts following a thorough investigation.

The case has widened into a multi-layered political controversy, with multiple leaders across party lines facing scrutiny over alleged links to the godman.

Authorities have indicated that investigations are ongoing, and further developments are expected as the probe progresses.

In a move aimed at improving traffic flow and air quality in the national capital, the Delhi Government has approved the clearance of its pending share for land acquisition related to the Eastern and Western Peripheral Expressways.

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said the decision is expected to ease congestion caused by heavy vehicles and help reduce pollution levels in the city.

She noted that these expressways were designed to divert non-destined traffic—particularly trucks and goods carriers—away from Delhi, thereby reducing pressure on city roads and improving air quality.

Criticising the previous administration, Gupta alleged that the project had suffered due to a lack of seriousness and political differences with the Centre, leading to delays in clearing dues and adversely affecting Delhi’s interests.

She said the Cabinet had recently approved a proposal by the Public Works Department to clear the outstanding amount in a phased manner.

As part of the plan, ₹500 crore will be released in the financial year 2025–26 from revised budget estimates to the Centre or the National Highways Authority of India.

The remaining ₹3,203.33 crore will be paid in instalments in the coming years, depending on budgetary provisions, she added.

According to the Chief Minister, the expressways—operational since 2018—have created a protective traffic ring around the national capital through Haryana and Uttar Pradesh.

She said clearing the dues would resolve long-pending inter-state financial issues and improve coordination with the Centre for future infrastructure projects.

Gupta also accused the previous government of neglecting long-term development and focusing more on disputes with the Centre than on infrastructure growth.

She said delays in releasing funds had stalled progress for years, and asserted that such projects would no longer suffer due to financial constraints or political deadlock.

Notably, both the Eastern Peripheral Expressway (EPE) and Western Peripheral Expressway (WPE) are approximately 135 km long and six-lane corridors, designed to keep lakhs of heavy and commercial vehicles from entering Delhi if they are only passing through.

These expressways connect key regions in Haryana—Kundli, Manesar and Palwal—and in Uttar Pradesh—Ghaziabad, Gautam Buddh Nagar and Baghpat—making them a crucial backbone for logistics and trade in North India, while also helping reduce traffic congestion and pollution in the capital.

Former Indian cricketer Laxman Sivaramakrishnan has clarified that neither the Board of Control for Cricket in India(BCCI) nor current International Cricket Council (ICC) chairman Jay Shah had any role in his decision to step away from commentary duties ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, stating that his concerns were limited to an issue with a specific individual within the system.

“Don’t bring the BCCI Administration into the picture. It’s a one-on-one with an employee of the BCCI. Jay Shah and Co. have nothing to do with this issue. I am taking control of my life, and I think I am entitled to do it,” Sivaramakrishnan said..

The former leg-spinner had recently announced his decision to quit his long-standing role as a commentator with the BCCI. In a series of posts on social media, he alleged that he had faced discrimination and a lack of adequate opportunities despite being associated with the commentary panel for over two decades.

Sivaramakrishnan revealed that he was often overlooked for key on-air assignments such as toss presentations and post-match segments.

“I am retiring from commentary for BCCI. If I have not been used for TOSSES and PRESENTATION for 23 years, and newcomers come in to pitch report Tosses Presentation even when (Ravi) Shastri was coaching, what do you think could be the reason?” he wrote.

“How does a company owning BCCI rights go down? Any guesses. My retirement is nothing great. But a story of TV production unfolds. Soon you will see the bigger picture,” he added.

When a user suggested that his skin colour was an issue, Sivaramakrishnan replied, “You are right. Colour Discrimination.”

Following his initial remarks, several fans directed criticism towards the BCCI and its administration. However, Sivaramakrishnan moved to end the speculation, reiterating that his decision was personal and aimed at regaining control over his professional life.

Sivaramakrishnan played nine Tests and 16 ODIs for India between 1985 and 1987, famously taking 12 wickets against England in 1984 and playing a key role in India’s triumph at the 1985 World Championship of Cricket.

Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Saturday participated in Sarhul celebrations at two locations in the state capital, invoking the festival’s deeper connection with nature, community life and tribal identity.

Accompanied by MLA Kalpana Soren, the Chief Minister attended the festival at the Adivasi College hostel campus in Karamtoli and later at the Sarna Sthal in Sirmatoli, where he offered prayers following traditional rituals.

At the Sarna site, the customary sal flower was placed behind his ear by a pahan, symbolising the enduring relationship between nature and human existence.

Addressing gatherings, Soren said Sarhul is not merely a festival but a reminder of the ecological and cultural foundations of life. “Nature is the source of all creation and ultimately where everything returns,” he said, adding that preserving traditional practices is a shared responsibility across generations.

He observed that in a rapidly changing and material-driven world, such traditions serve as anchors that bring communities together under a shared cultural and environmental consciousness.

Describing Sarhul as a living expression of Jharkhand’s tribal heritage, the Chief Minister said the state government remains committed to protecting and promoting indigenous traditions, culture, and sacred natural sites.

The celebrations were marked by traditional music and participation from local communities, with Soren briefly joining the festivities by playing the mandar, adding to the festive atmosphere.

Merely a week ahead of the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, three-time title-holders Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) suffered another major setback to their pace attack with India fast bowler Akash Deep ruled out of the tournament.

According to sources within the KKR set-up, the 29-year-old Bengal pacer will miss the entire season. Akash, who was bought by the franchise at his base price of Rs 1 crore during last year’s mini-auction in Abu Dhabi, has not joined the team’s training camp here, which began on March 18.

It is understood that the pacer has been undergoing rehabilitation at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, although the exact nature of his injury has not been disclosed. Reports suggest that the Centre’s medical staff have been in communication with the franchise regarding the player’s status.

Akash has struggled with injuries throughout his career, which has often limited his availability for both India and his IPL teams. Since making his IPL debut in 2022, he has played only 14 matches across four seasons, taking 10 wickets.

Last season, he was part of Lucknow Super Giants, who had signed him for Rs 8 crore at the 2025 auction before releasing him after just one season.

With Akash now unavailable, KKR may be forced to look for a replacement. The franchise had earlier been undecided about signing a substitute for Harshit Rana, who was ruled out before the start of the camp after undergoing knee surgery.

KKR head coach Abhishek Nayar had on Friday hinted at the possibility of a replacement signing earlier, likely aware of the uncertainty around Akash’s availability.

“Hopefully soon, in a couple of days I think. Obviously Harshit is with the BCCI at the CoE. Once we get an update the medical team will communicate to us. We’ll try to evaluate what we are picking before we make the announcement. (We) will take us a few more days, most probably before we leave for Mumbai,” Nayar said.

Akash Deep’s absence has only further compounded KKR’s bowling concerns. The franchise had made a significant investment in Sri Lankan pacer Matheesha Pathirana, signing him for Rs 18 crore, but he is still awaiting a No Objection Certificate from Sri Lanka Cricket.

At present, the franchise’s Indian pace options include Vaibhav Arora, Umran Malik and Kartik Tyagi. The team management could also rely on Australian all-rounder Cameron Green for a few overs if required.

However, KKR team mentor Dwayne Bravo insisted that it has enough depth to cope with the setbacks. “In any tournament with any team, once you lose some of the key bowling options, these are not things you plan for, but these are things you have to accept,” Bravo said on Friday.

“The good thing about Indian cricket, especially at the moment, there’s a lot of depth. There’re the likes of Umran Malik, Kartik Tyagi, Vaibhav Arora… they are young, exciting talents. We lost some key players, but I feel comfortable to know that we have what it takes to replace those guys. From a bowling point of view, I think we will be fine,” he said.

KKR will begin their IPL 2026 campaign with an away match against Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium on March 29.

Amid mounting political criticism over the forcible eviction of United News of India (UNI) from its Delhi headquarters, Dhirendra Pratap, Senior Spokesperson and Senior Vice President of the Uttarakhand Congress, on Saturday termed the incident an “assassination of democracy” and a “black day” in history.

Speaking to journalists here on Saturday, Pratap expressed his shock upon learning of an unexpected turn of events on Friday evening, wherein the Delhi premises of the news agency United News of India were forcibly dragged by Delhi Police personnel. He asserted that the sudden eviction of the office of the country’s premier news agency, executed without notice and backed by a heavy police force, amounts to an assassination of democracy. Alleging misconduct, he remarked that the manner in which working journalists were forcibly removed from the UNI newsroom under the Modi regime could be classified as an act of anarchy.

It is noteworthy that for several decades, UNI had been operating from its premises located at 9 Rafi Marg, near Parliament Street. On Friday, just hours after the Delhi High Court delivered its verdict on a pending petition regarding the cancellation of the premises’ allotment by the Ministry of Urban Development, some government officials, acting in haste and without any prior notice, entered the premises accompanied by approximately 300 personnel and officers from the Delhi Police and paramilitary forces, along with a few lawyers. They proceeded to pressure the journalists and other employees working there to immediately vacate the newsroom and exit the premises, even though that particular time of day typically marks the peak period for news transmission activities.

Terming this a “black day,” Dhirendra Pratap observed that while significant measures are taken globally to uphold press freedom, in this instance, the UNI office was forcibly cleared in a hasty manner before its management board could even approach the Supreme Court to challenge the High Court’s verdict, an occurrence that does not bode well for democracy. Describing the press as the fourth pillar of democracy, he stated that for decades, UNI has been regarded, not merely in India but across the globe, as the largest news-gathering agency in Hindi, English, and Urdu; in this context, the misuse of the police is deeply distressing and unfortunate.

As declared earlier, members of the Shia community in Madhya Pradesh observed a sombre Eid on Saturday in mourning for the slain Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Hosseini Khamenei, and raised slogans against the United States and Israel at various places across the state.

According to reports, Khamenei was killed on February 28 at the onset of the ongoing conflict between the US-Israel alliance and Iran in West Asia, in bombings carried out in Tehran.

More than 4,000 Shia families in Madhya Pradesh are largely concentrated in cities such as Bhopal, Jabalpur, Indore, Vidisha, Ujjain, Burhanpur, Itarsi, and Jaora.

The main namaz of the Shia community was offered at the Fatehgarh Imambara in the state capital, Bhopal. A photograph of Ayatollah Khamenei was placed at the Imambara in his remembrance.

Addressing the gathering after the namaz, Shia cleric Maulana Razi-ul-Hasan spoke about the importance of standing up against oppression. Slogans against the US and Israel were raised following the prayers.

Some devotees were seen wearing black armbands and dressed in simple, old clothes as a mark of mourning. Shia children were also observed wearing black armbands across the state.

“All India Shia Samaj state president Iftikhar Ali said, “After offering namaz at Sidhipura Imamiya Masjid and raising slogans against the US and Israel, I returned home. My community and I are not celebrating Eid.”

He added that the community chose not to celebrate the otherwise joyous festival in protest against what he described as excesses by Israel and the US on Iran.

Senior Indian National Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Saturday raised concerns over the weakening of the Indian rupee and rising industrial fuel prices, warning that these trends indicate a possible surge in inflation that could significantly impact households and small businesses.

In a message posted on his WhatsApp channel, Gandhi said the rupee’s slide against the US dollar towards the 100 mark, along with a sharp increase in industrial fuel costs, should not be viewed as routine fluctuations. “These are not just numbers; they are clear signs of upcoming inflation,” he said.

Taking aim at the Centre, Gandhi alleged that the government was downplaying the seriousness of the situation. “The government may call this ‘normal’, but the reality is that production and transport will become expensive, MSMEs will take the biggest hit, prices of everyday goods will rise, and FII money may flow out rapidly, increasing pressure on the stock market,” he said.

He cautioned that the cumulative impact of these developments would be widespread. “That means every family will feel a direct and deep impact on their pockets,” Gandhi said, adding that further increases in fuel prices could be on the horizon. “It is only a matter of time—after the elections, petrol, diesel, and LPG prices may also be hiked,” he claimed.

India has witnessed periodic inflationary pressures in recent years, driven by global commodity price volatility, exchange rate movements, and supply chain disruptions. The rupee–dollar dynamic remains a key indicator, as a weaker rupee raises import costs—especially for crude oil—thereby impacting fuel prices and transportation costs across sectors.

Gandhi also criticised the broader economic approach of the government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accusing it of lacking a clear roadmap. “The Modi government has no direction, no strategy—only rhetoric,” he said, adding, “The question is not what the government is saying; the question is what is left on your plate.”

The remarks come amid an intensifying political debate over inflation, employment, and economic management, with opposition parties increasingly focusing on cost-of-living concerns ahead of key electoral contests.