In view of the prevailing circumstances and in the larger public interest, the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) has issued a circular to facilitate the speedy expansion of Piped Natural Gas (PNG) connections within its jurisdiction by Indraprastha Gas Limited (IGL)

“The decision aims to ensure the expeditious execution of pipeline works so that residents and establishments can receive PNG connections without unnecessary delay,” NDMC said in a statement on Friday.

As per the directions issued, the road restoration charges applicable for laying IGL pipelines for PNG connections have been waived for a period of three months from the date of issuance of the circular.

This step has been taken to accelerate the pace of infrastructure development and promote the use of cleaner and more convenient fuel among consumers.

NDMC has further directed that permission for road cutting related to IGL pipeline laying will be granted within 24 hours of receiving a complete request, along with instructions to commence work immediately.

The move is intended to remove procedural delays and ensure smooth coordination between departments.

IGL has been instructed to undertake the work on a priority basis by deploying adequate manpower and resources, and to ensure that all excavated portions are properly backfilled and secured without delay to avoid inconvenience to the public.

The concerned road divisions of NDMC have also been directed to carry out restoration of affected road stretches on priority and within a fixed timeframe, so that disruption to traffic and inconvenience to the general public are minimised.

All officers and officials concerned have been instructed to ensure strict compliance with these directions with immediate effect. The circular has been issued with the prior approval of the competent authority of NDMC.

The initiative reflects NDMC’s commitment to citizen-centric governance, improved urban infrastructure, and the promotion of clean energy solutions in the national capital.

Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake on Friday revealed that he rejected a request from the United States to land two of its war planes at Mattala International Airport after the start of the Iran war.

Speaking in the country’s Parliament, the Sri Lankan President said that US warplanes based in Djibouti, a critical maritime gateway between the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, had requested to land on March 4 and 8, but Colombo denied permission both times.

“They wanted to bring in two warplanes armed with eight anti-ship missiles from a base in Djibouti to the Mattala International Airport and we said no,” he told the Parliament.

Dissanayake further added that Sri Lanka will maintain its neutrality despite “many pressures”.

“We want to maintain our neutrality despite many pressures. We won’t give in. The Middle East war poses challenges, but we will do everything possible to remain neutral,” he said, asserting that the island nation will not be dragged into the conflict.

The development comes against the backdrop of Iranian frigate IRIS Dena’s sinking in the Indian Ocean near Sri Lanka’s Special Economic Zone.

On March 4, the day US warplanes made their first landing request, an American submarine torpedoed the Iranian vessel, killing 84 sailors.

Following the incident, the Sri Lankan navy swiftly launched a rescue mission and saved 32 sailors.

The vessel was heading to Iran after taking part in a peacetime naval exercise in India. After Dena’s sinking, Sri Lanka allowed a docking request from another Iranian vessel, IRINS Bushehr.

The vessel is currently docked at the eastern port of Trincomalee and its crew members have been accommodated at a naval facility near Colombo.

VJ Shaji, brother of Sunny Joseph, president of the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC), has joined the BJP. He was formally inducted into the party at a function held at Puthiyatheru in Kannur by Sadanand Shet Tanavade, former Goa BJP president and Rajya Sabha MP.

Speaking after joining the BJP on Thursday, Shaji V. Joseph said that he decided to leave the Congress and join the BJP as he was attracted to the ‘development-oriented politics’ of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Shaji began his public life with the Kerala Students Union (KSU), the student wing of the Congress, in 1975 at Ulikkal Panchayat High School. He later served as the Ulikkal mandalam president of the Youth Congress and the Congress.

Earlier on March 6, Shaji participated in a mega adalat held in Dharmadam under the leadership of BJP state president Rajeev Chandrasekhar. Shaji then said he had attended the event to file a complaint, but added that he was also considering joining the BJP.

Meanwhile, two Congress leaders in Thiruvananthapuram joined the BJP on Friday in protest against not being given candidature. Congress leader BS Anoop, who contested as a UDF candidate from Chirayinkeez last time, and Youth Congress general secretary RS Arun Raj have joined the BJP. BJP state president Rajiv Chandrasekhar has given membership to both of them at a function held here at the BJP state headquarters.

B. Anoop was a member of the Chirayinkeezhu block panchayat. Anoop left the party in protest against the Chirayinkeezhu seat being given to Ramya Haridas.

The Supreme Court on Friday declined to entertain a petition seeking recognition of alleged hate speech targeting the Brahmin community—termed “Brahmophobia”—as a punishable form of caste-based discrimination, emphasising that the issue of hate speech must be addressed through societal values such as fraternity, education and intellectual development.

A Bench of Justice B.V. Nagarathna and Justice Ujjal Bhuyan underscored that hate speech against any community is unacceptable, but cautioned against compartmentalising such concerns along community lines.

The Court observed that the real antidote to hate speech lies in fostering tolerance, patience and a spirit of fraternity in society. It indicated that with greater social awareness and education, such tendencies would diminish automatically.

The Bench also signalled that courts cannot be the forum for addressing every perceived instance of social discord, particularly where broader societal reform is required.

During the hearing, Justice Nagarathna questioned the approach of seeking protection for a specific community alone, reiterating that the principle must be universal—no community should be subjected to hate speech. The Court further observed that such concerns, if any, could be raised before appropriate forums or authorities, but did not warrant intervention under its writ jurisdiction.

The petition, filed by an individual appearing in person, had sought directions to the Union and State governments to formally recognise hate speech against Brahmins as a specific category of offence and to initiate legal action against such instances across social media platforms. It also called for investigations into alleged campaigns promoting caste-based hostility, along with the constitution of a commission to examine historical incidents and recommend measures for redress and rehabilitation.

Additionally, the plea sought various directions relating to educational content, memorialisation of certain historical events, and regulatory measures against public officials or organisations allegedly engaging in caste-based rhetoric.

However, after brief arguments, the petitioner sought permission to withdraw the plea with liberty to pursue remedies elsewhere. The Court allowed the request and dismissed the petition as withdrawn.

The Special Vigilance Court on Friday ordered the confiscation of over Rs 1.27 crore disproportionate assets acquired through corrupt means by a former executive engineer of the state’s Water Resources Department.

Prafulla Kumar Panigrahi, Former Executive Engineer, Jonk Canal Irrigation Division in Nuapada district, was earlier convicted by the Special Court in a disproportionate assets case under the Prevention of Corruption Act.

The Confiscation Court (Authorised Officer, Special Court, Vigilance, Bhubaneswar) passed an order for confiscating the disproportionate assets worth Rs 1,27,39,985 of Panigrahi, which includes immovable assets of a multi-storeyed building at Berhampur and three high-value plots.

Panigrahi was chargesheeted by the Odisha Vigilance under Sections 13(2) r/w 13(1)(e) of the Prevention of Corruption Act,1988, for possessing multiple assets disproportionate to his known sources of income.

Odisha Vigilance is committed to taking strong action against corrupt practices by government/public servants, including confiscation of properties acquired through corrupt means, in the future, the anti-corruption wing said in a statement.

The Central government on Friday informed the Supreme Court that it has constituted a high-level committee comprising former Attorney General K.K. Venugopal and former Supreme Court judges Justice Indu Malhotra and Justice Aniruddha Bose to prepare a revised version of the chapter on the judiciary in the Class VIII NCERT textbook.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta told a bench of Chief Justice Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice Vipul M. Pancholi, “We have formed the committee to draft the chapter. Mr Venugopal will be a member of the committee. Justice Indu Malhotra will also be a part. We have also requested Justice Aniruddha Bose of the National Judicial Academy to be part of it.”

The case arose out of concerns surrounding a section in the Class 8 Social Science textbook Exploring Society: India and Beyond (Part II), which dealt with the theme of “corruption in the judiciary.” The Court had earlier taken exception to the manner in which the subject was addressed and sought corrective measures.

Taking note of the government’s decision to entrust the exercise to a committee comprising legal and judicial experts, the Bench closed the proceedings, expressing satisfaction that appropriate steps had been initiated to revisit the material.

The issue first came to the Court’s attention in February after concerns were raised regarding the content of the chapter. The Court had taken suo motu cognisance, observing that the matter required immediate scrutiny.

Subsequently, it directed that the textbook be withdrawn in all forms, including printed and digital copies, noting that the content appeared to undermine the institutional integrity of the judiciary.

On March 11, the Court expressed concern over NCERT’s stand that the chapter had already been revised for the 2026–27 academic session, particularly as the identities of those involved in the rewriting process had not been disclosed. It had also directed that individuals associated with the earlier version should not be involved in curriculum-related work.

The constitution of the expert panel by the Centre has now paved the way for a fresh, vetted version of the chapter, leading to the closure of the proceedings.

On the morning of March 21, as the first light of dawn touches the earth, something quietly extraordinary will unfold in a small corner of Jharkhand. At around 5:51 am, the rising sun will align with a set of ancient stones at Pankri Barwadih in Barkagaon, marking the vernal equinox, the moment when day and night stand in near-perfect balance.

For most, it is just another sunrise. For a handful of observers, it is a reminder that the sky has always been a clock, and the earth, a carefully observed text.

At Pankri Barwadih, the sun does not simply rise. It passes, almost ceremonially, through a V-shaped arrangement of megaliths, stones placed long before the language of modern astronomy existed. Here, the equinox is not just a calculation. It is an alignment, visible, physical, and deeply rooted in memory.

Shubhashish Das, the researcher who identified the site over two decades ago, has spent years returning to this quiet field, watching the same patterns repeat with a precision that defies time. According to him, the site allows observation of four key solar events through the year: the two equinoxes in March and September, and the solstices in June and December.

It suggests something profound—that long before telescopes and satellites, communities carefully tracked the sun’s journey with care, patience, and understanding. The stones, in their silent geometry, carry traces of that knowledge.

Across the world, places like Stonehenge in England or Newgrange in Ireland draw thousands to witness similar alignments. They are protected, studied, and celebrated. Pankri Barwadih, by contrast, remains largely unknown beyond a small circle of researchers and enthusiasts.

Yet, the parallels are hard to ignore. The same sky. The same sun. The same human impulse to measure time and meaning through light.

There is also a cultural layer beneath the science. For local communities, these stones are not just instruments. They are part of a lived landscape, connected to belief, rhythm, and continuity. The idea that such astronomical awareness may date back to prehistoric tribal traditions adds another dimension to the site’s significance.

But the story is not without its unease. Many of Jharkhand’s megalithic sites have already been lost or damaged over time. Others, like Pankri Barwadih, have faced neglect, even vandalism. Despite sporadic attention, including a visit by state officials and discussions around developing an equinox park, sustained conservation efforts remain limited.

Das and others who have studied the site argue that what stands here is not merely a cluster of stones, but a rare intersection of science, heritage, and identity. Its preservation, they say, is not just about protecting the past, but about recognising a tradition of knowledge that predates modern institutions.

As the equinox arrives, the moment itself will be brief. The sun will rise, align, and move on. The balance of day and night will hold, and then gradually tilt again.

But for those who stand at Pankri Barwadih at dawn, watching light pass through stone, it offers something more enduring. A sense that time, knowledge, and memory are not always written in books. Sometimes, they are etched in the earth itself, waiting quietly to be seen. And perhaps, to be understood again.

The Indian stock market on Friday ended on a positive note with Nifty above 23,100 amid selective buying after Thursday’s massive losses.

At close, the Sensex was up 325.72 points or 0.44 percent at 74,532.96, and the Nifty was up 112.35 points or 0.49 percent at 23,114.50.

Indian rupee also extended its decline for a second consecutive session, breaching the 93 mark for the first time and touching a fresh intraday low of 93.76.

Among broader indices, the Nifty midcap index rose 0.6%, while the smallcap index ended flat. The overall market capitalisation of BSE-listed firms rose to Rs 429 lakh crore from Rs 426 lakh crore in the previous session.

In the sectoral indices, Nifty Bank erased all gains and ended 24 points lower, while the Nifty Financial Services dropped 0.68%. Nifty PSU Bank also jumped 2%. IT and Pharma indices spiked 2% while Nifty Metal and Auto indices rose by up to 1%.

On the Nifty, the top gainers were Tech Mahindra, JSW Steel, and Tata Steel, rising over 3%, while on the losing end were Hindalco Industries, HDFC Bank, and Shriram Finance, falling 2-3%.

Out of 3,325 stocks traded on the NSE, over 1,880 advanced and over 1,330 declined.

Nearly 26 stocks hit their 52-week highs while as many as 232 stocks hit their 52-week lows in intraday trade on the NSE.

Those on highs were Lenskart Solutions, Karnataka Bank, JB Chemicals & Pharmaceuticals, Agi Infra, and Aarnav Fashions, while lows included Bajaj Finance, Balkrishna Industries, GAIL (India), Varun Beverages, and Godrej Consumer Products.

In the metal stock, JSW Steel emerged as the top gainer, rising over 4%, while the shares of Tata Steel climbed 4.69%.

Following oil marketing companies (OMCs) hiking the price of premium petrol by over Rs 2 per litre with immediate effect from Friday amid the ongoing West Asia conflict, the government has said there has been no price rise on regular petrol for consumers and the increase is restricted to the premium fuel category.

The government further added that panic booking of LPG cylinders has reduced significantly.

The increase in premium petrol prices comes at a time when global crude oil markets are witnessing sharp volatility due to geopolitical tensions in West Asia.

State-run oil marketing companies, including Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited and Indian Oil Corporation Limited, have hiked the prices of their premium petrol variants by about Rs 2.09 to Rs 2.35 per litre.

The price of branded fuels such as Power petrol and XP95 has increased from around Rs 111.68 per litre to nearly Rs 113.77 per litre. Meanwhile, prices of industrial diesel have also hiked by 25 per cent from Rs 87.67/ltr to Rs 109.59/ltr.

Speaking at the Inter-Ministerial briefing on recent developments in West Asia, Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, said petrol and diesel prices are deregulated and determined by the oil marketing companies.

“Prices of premium category petrol have been increased. It has been decided by the Oil Marketing companies,” she said.

“Normal petrol and diesel prices have not been increased,” she stated.

On LPG stocks, she said, “Refineries are operating at peak capacity with adequate crude and LPG stocks, ensuring stable supply and normal deliveries despite high booking levels. Nearly 93 per cent of bookings are online with authenticated delivery.”

At the briefing, Sharma said consumers are being encouraged to shift towards PNG, with over 7,500 already shifting, while 18 states and UTs have received commercial LPG allocations, including 11,300 tonnes supplied last week for priority sectors like Hospitals and educational institutions.

She said monitoring has been intensified through control rooms, district committees, and over 4,500 raids nationwide, along with inspections by Oil Marketing Companies.

“While the situation remains under watch, supplies are adequate. Citizens are advised to avoid panic booking, rely on official information, and wait for doorstep delivery, as the government continues to ensure supply stability and promote alternative fuels,” Sharma said.

She said domestic LPG supplies remain unaffected, with no dry-outs reported, even as production has been stepped up.

However, the official acknowledged that India’s energy position is “not self-sustainable” and continues to depend on imports.

Sharma said more than 13,700 PNG connections have been released to ease pressure on LPG usage. “There has been a reduction in panic booking, and 11,300 tonnes of commercial LPG have been supplied to consumers in the last one week,” Sharma said.

“Around 7,500 consumers have shifted from LPG to PNG. The situation is still worrying due to the war, but no dry outs have been reported at our distributors. There is a significant reduction in panic booking, and yesterday, we received about 55 lakh refill booking requests,” she said.

All efforts are underway to secure LPG supplies, and the government is actively working to broaden its supply sources to ensure stability, she said, urging state governments to strengthen monitoring and enforcement systems to ensure smooth distribution.

The Rajasthan government has turned down Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s demand for royalty on water share under inter-state water agreements since 1920.

Addressing a press conference here on Friday afternoon, Rajasthan Water Sources Minister Suresh Rawat said that CM Mann’s demand for royalty reflects a colonial mindset.

Rawat said, “Provision for payment of water charges or royalty has never been part of any inter-state water agreement, be it the 1955, 1959 or the 1985 inter-state water agreements. None of them mentions such payments.

As far as the 1920 agreement is concerned, it dates back to the British era, when agreements were often drafted to extract money from the poor, Rawat added.

Moreover, even under that treaty, the payment was to be made to the British government and not to the state of Punjab.

Punjab Chief Minister Mann has demanded payment of water charges, or royalty, on the share of water allocated to Rajasthan.

He has sought payment with retrospective effect from 1920.

Kerala Chief Minister and senior CPM leader Pinarayi Vijayan has expressed concern over what he described as an unusual trend of parliamentary ambitions emerging among some leaders in the party.

“It is concerning to see some leaders adopting habits that go against our party’s established culture, possibly influenced by recent societal shifts,” he said.

In an interview with a Malayalam news channel, Vijayan noted that certain leaders are exhibiting tendencies that contradict the party’s past norms.

Referring to CPM leaders G. Sudhakaran, V. Kunhikrishnan, and T. K. Govindan—who are contesting the Assembly elections as Independents with Congress support in Ambalappuzha, Payyanur, and Taliparamba, respectively—Vijayan said: “It is undeniable that certain leaders are adopting atypical behaviours that were previously unheard of within our party. This is likely a result of evolving times.”

“They have irreparably tarnished their legacy by committing the ultimate betrayal—conspiring with opponents to sabotage the party,” he added.

Vijayan also rejected allegations that Sudhakaran had been sidelined within the party. “Sudhakaran was never sidelined; in fact, he was one of the most widely accepted leaders in the party,” he said.

He added that despite calling Sudhakaran three times, the latter did not respond. Efforts to reach him through the Alappuzha district secretary also proved unsuccessful.

The Chief Minister pointed out that the party has set an age limit of 75 for its leaders. He said Sudhakaran had resisted this standard practice, even though he was invited to attend party functions in Alappuzha.

On the exclusion of K. K. Shailaja—a prominent figure in his first cabinet—from the second cabinet, Vijayan clarified that the decision was not targeted at any individual but was part of the CPM’s long-standing organisational discipline. When asked why a globally recognised “performer” was left out, he gave a measured response focused on party policy.

Explaining her shift from Mattanur to Peravoor, Vijayan said Shailaja was moved because the party was confident of retaining Mattanur, allowing her to be deployed in a different constituency.

Responding to T. K. Govindan’s allegation that he was denied a ticket, Vijayan said the party follows a structured process in candidate selection.

Addressing the controversy over fielding P. K. Shyamala, wife of CPM state secretary M. V. Govindan, from Taliparamba, Vijayan said she is a senior leader in her own right.

He also denied allegations of favouritism towards PWD Minister P. A. Mohammed Riyas, his son-in-law, stating that ministerial responsibilities are decided collectively by the LDF. “He earned his position through his political work, not personal relations,” he said.

On whether K. K. Shailaja could be the next Chief Minister, Vijayan said neither the CPM nor the LDF decides on the Chief Ministerial candidate before election results are announced.

Adding momentum to the national capital’s environment-friendly transportation ecosystem, 300 new electric buses were rolled out from the Indraprastha Bus Depot and dedicated to the public by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Friday.

According to CM Gupta, with the addition of the new e-buses, the total number of the city’s electric bus fleet has now risen to 4,338, making Delhi the city with the largest electric bus fleet.

These modern buses are equipped with features such as CCTV, panic buttons, real-time tracking, and are divyang-friendly.

These buses are safer, and make the commute for the people more comfortable and eco-friendly at the same time, the CM said.

The government aims to expand the electric bus fleet to 14,000 by 2028-29, officials said.

The move is expected to strengthen the city’s push towards green mobility while making travel more convenient by enhancing connectivity at a faster pace.

According to the Chief Minister, more than 2,000 electric buses have been added to the Delhi Transport Corporation’s (DTC) fleet over the past year.

“To make public transport completely emission-free, we will switch the entire DTC fleet to EVs,” CM Gupta said.

Notably, on the same occasion, Delhi also launched a new inter-state bus service between Nanaksar and Ghaziabad (Uttar Pradesh). The foundation stone for a new DTC office building was also laid.

She also outlined key measures, including the modernisation of bus depots, redevelopment of ISBTs, construction of DTC offices, establishment of automated testing stations, and strengthening of the Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUCC) system.

Gupta added that financial liabilities inherited from previous regimes are also being cleared in a responsible manner to bolster the corporation.

Alongside these developments, the EV incentive portal, which had been closed since 2023, has been restarted. Pending subsidies worth Rs 24 crore have been disbursed directly to around 12,877 beneficiaries through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). On the occasion, Transport Minister Dr Pankaj Kumar Singh said that the government led by CM Rekha Gupta is continuously working to deliver on all promises made to the citizens of the national capital by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the state government.

“Whether it is the induction of new EV buses, revival of inter-state bus services that were earlier discontinued, or several other facilities, the government is making all efforts to deliver on its commitments,” he said.

Taking a dig at the previous regime, Dr Singh said it had pushed DTC into losses and affected its functioning. However, he added that the present government has initiated steps for its revival and expressed confidence that the department will soon be in a better position.

MLA Tarvinder Singh Marwah and senior officials of the transport department were also present on the occasion.

Flying at 35,000 feet above the ground, time seems to slow down, and so does the body—a reason why hours spent in a confined seat in an aircraft can leave even the most seasoned traveller feeling stiff, fatigued, and mentally drained. But that doesn’t have to be the case anymore with the Ayush Ministry unveiling a five-minute in-flight wellness yoga protocol to address this modern travel challenge.

Launched during Yoga Mahotsav 2026 by Union Minister of State for Ayush Prataprao Jadhav, the initiative brings the timeless knowledge of yoga into the cabin, transforming an airline seat into a space for rejuvenation. Developed by the Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga, the five-minute protocol offers a quick, safe, and effective way to stay refreshed mid-air, officials said.

It requires no special equipment and can be performed while seated. “Designed for ease and accessibility, it blends physical movement with breath awareness and mental relaxation,” they added.

The protocol begins with 15-seconds of ‘centring where a passenger begins with a moment of silent awareness or intention to ground. It is followed by 45-seconds of ‘gentle joint movements’ such as shoulder rotations, ankle stretches, and simple movements to improve circulation and reduce stiffness. Next come seated yoga postures—modified ‘asanas’ such as Tadasana (Palm Tree Pose), seated Cat-Cow, spinal twists, and gentle leg movements to release tension and improve posture. It is followed by Pranayama—deep breathing, Anulom Vilom, Bhramari, and Sheetali—to calm the nervous system and enhance oxygen flow. The routine ends with meditation—a brief pause to reset the mind and promote relaxation.

Highlighting the vision behind the initiative, Jadhav said, “The in-flight yoga protocol reflects our commitment to making yoga accessible in every setting—even at 35,000 feet—so that individuals can stay active, relaxed, and balanced during travel.”

Air travel, particularly long-haul journeys, often leads to prolonged immobility, leading to muscle stiffness, poor circulation, fatigue, jet lag, and, in some cases, more serious concerns such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

Coupled with travel-related stress and cabin pressure changes, this simple wellness intervention is the need of the hour. This protocol addresses all these challenges through gentle movements, mindful breathing, and short meditation, helping restore balance in both body and mind, officials said.

With the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season fast approaching, Punjab Kings captain Shreyas Iyer and fast bowler Arshdeep Singh expressed confidence and excitement about the campaign ahead during the franchise’s new jersey unveiling event in Mohali on Friday.

Speaking on the team’s preparations during the event which was also attended by Punjab Kings CEO Satish Menon, Chief Commercial Officer Saurabh Arora among others, Iyer highlighted the importance of building strong relationships within the squad before the start of the tournament, noting that bonding off the field plays a key role in on-field success.

“This is the period where we live as a family for two months. The more time we spend together, the more we get to know each other. Now is the time where we build that camaraderie. We spend most of our time in the game room, playing FIFA and other games. The planning and plotting for matches usually happens a day or two before the game, but building this bond off the field helps us get better results eventually,” Shreyas said.

Iyer also reflected on his return to competitive cricket after recovering from an injury that kept him out for a period. “It is always challenging to come back after an injury. I had lost around seven kilos and it took a lot of effort to gain that weight back. But I love challenges. I am glad I overcame that part of my life, and I am back here proudly representing the team.”

Acknowledging the support he has received from Punjab fans, who have affectionately nicknamed him ‘Sarpanch Sahab’, the captain said his focus remains firmly on winning the title.

“Expectations are high, which is fun. I love the challenge. But the important thing is that whenever we step in, we have to win. My eye is on the trophy,” he added.

Arshdeep, one of the franchise’s key bowlers and a local favourite, also spoke about the excitement of playing in front of the home crowd at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur.

“When you feel the pressure, it is a privilege,” Arshdeep smiled. “It is a lot of fun when you get so much support from the crowd. When people cheer for you, you feel that 30,000 people are running in with you at that time. We will try our best to win all our home matches this year.”

The left-arm quick also looked back at his journey with the franchise and credited the team management for believing in him early in his career. “The journey has been amazing,” Arshdeep said.

“When I came here for the first time, they gave me full support and showed me my potential. They trusted me a lot when no other team did. I really appreciate that, and I want to stay here for a long time. I am looking forward to winning a lot of trophies for the team,” he added.

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has made it mandatory for its players to clear fitness tests before being granted No Objection Certificates (NOCs) to participate in the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League, which begins on March 28. The decision comes amid injury concerns surrounding several Sri Lankan cricketers who have been picked by different IPL franchises and are currently recovering from fitness issues.

According to a report by Cricbuzz, the fitness assessments are scheduled to take place early next week in Colombo, and only players who meet the required standards will receive clearance to participate in the tournament.

Among the notable names awaiting approval are pacer Matheesha Pathirana of Kolkata Knight Riders, all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga of Lucknow Super Giants, left-arm fast bowler Eshan Malinga from Sunrisers Hyderabad, and pacer Nuwan Thushara, who is part of Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

A total of seven Sri Lankan players have been selected for the upcoming IPL season. The others include Dushmantha Chameera and Pathum Nissanka, both representing Delhi Capitals, as well as Kamindu Mendis of Sunrisers Hyderabad.

Franchise officials have indicated that they are awaiting updates from SLC regarding the fitness status of these players once the tests are completed.

“There are fitness tests scheduled by SLC on Monday and Tuesday, and we will know about their players only after that,” officials of multiple IPL franchises said to Cricbuzz.

Several of the players, including Pathirana, Hasaranga, Malinga and Thushara, had either partially or completely missed the recently concluded ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 due to injuries.

Hasaranga, in particular, has been sidelined since February 8 after suffering a left hamstring strain during a match against Ireland. Pathirana had featured in three matches of the tournament before being ruled out.

Two-time Olympic medallist Neeraj Chopra has urged young athletes to prioritise patience and mental strength, stressing that success in modern sport requires discipline of the mind as much as physical ability.

In a video shared by the Neeraj Chopra Foundation, the Olympic and world champion spoke about the challenges facing the new generation of athletes and the qualities he believes are essential to succeed at the highest level.

“I feel that the athletes who join us should have patience, which is very less nowadays. They should have patience that everything will be done step by step.”

Chopra emphasised that chasing shortcuts can often derail an athlete’s development, saying the focus should instead remain on building a strong foundation and setting a positive example for future generations.

“They should not have a shortcut mindset.”

“Indian sports need athletes who can set an example. So, we have to show a new path to the next generation of Indian sports.,” he said.

Reflecting on the early stages of his own career, Chopra admitted that he initially lacked the broader awareness that young athletes today must cultivate.

“In the beginning, we were only doing sports. We did not know what was happening in the world.”

He added that understanding competitions and preparing for them strategically has become increasingly important for athletes aiming to succeed on the global stage.

“We should know how to do it, how to play competitions, and how to take part in a competition,” Chopra said.

After an unusually challenging 2025 season following years of dominance, which included Olympic and World Championship gold and silver medals among several other titles, Chopra is currently training in Pretoria as he prepares for a packed competitive calendar.

With major events such as the upcoming World Championships, Asian Games and Commonwealth Games on the horizon, the star javelin thrower said his preparation now focuses on maintaining balance between training, recovery and mental conditioning.

“We should take rest and recover from time to time. We did not pay attention to recovery,” he admitted.

He explained that his earlier approach centred almost entirely on intense training sessions. “Earlier, We only focused on training. Our mindset was that if we are working hard, everything is going well.”

Chopra believes developing good habits early in an athlete’s career can significantly accelerate progress and improve performance consistency. “If we make this a habit from the beginning,” he said, “then the delay in our performance and medals can be reduced. We can come up with good performances at a young age if we take care of everything and keep our mind stable.”

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday outlined an ambitious “10 Protigya” roadmap for West Bengal, promising an expansion of welfare schemes, infrastructure development and economic growth as part of her vision for a potential fourth term in office.

Sharing the details on her WhatsApp channel, Banerjee said, “I humbly present my 10 ‘Protigya’ for Bengal, so that the wheels of development continue to move forward in the fourth term of my government,” positioning the commitments as a blueprint for the next five years.

‎A major highlight of the announcement was an enhanced financial assistance scheme for women under Lakshmir Bhandar. “With an increase of Rs 500, women will continue to receive monthly financial assistance of Rs 1,500 for General category beneficiaries and Rs 1,700 for SC/ST beneficiaries,” she said, underlining her focus on direct benefit transfers.

‎The Chief Minister also promised to continue the Banglar Yuba-Sathi scheme, offering Rs 1,500 per month to unemployed youth. “I will continue Banglar Yuba-Sathi, extending financial support… to unemployed youth,” she said, emphasising support for job seekers.

‎Focusing on agriculture, Banerjee announced a Rs 30,000 crore agri-budget aimed at strengthening farm support systems. “I also commit to instituting a Rs 30,000 crore Agri-Budget to ensure continued assistance to farm families… and enable holistic upgradation of the agricultural sector,” she stated.

‎On housing and basic amenities, she pledged universal coverage. “I promise that every family in Bengal will have a pucca house, and every household will have access to piped drinking water,” Banerjee said.

‎In the healthcare sector, she proposed annual outreach programmes to improve accessibility. “My Government will organise annual Duare Chikitsa camps in every block and town to ensure effective doorstep delivery of healthcare,” she said.

‎Banerjee also committed to upgrading education infrastructure under the Banglar Shikshayatan initiative, promising “holistic infrastructural upgradation of all Government schools.”

‎Highlighting economic ambitions, she said her government would work to position Bengal as a major trade hub. “I will work to make Bengal the gateway of trade for Eastern India, with world-class logistics, ports, trade infrastructure, and a state-of-the-art Global Trade Centre,” she added.

‎For senior citizens, Banerjee pledged continuity and expansion of social security. “I will strive to ensure uninterrupted Old Age Pension support… while gradually extending the safety net to all eligible senior citizens,” she said.

‎The roadmap also includes administrative restructuring, with plans to create seven new districts and expand urban local bodies. “I also promise to establish seven new districts and expand the number of Urban Local Bodies through a comprehensive geographical reorganisation,” she noted.

‎“These 10 ‘Protigya’ will form the foundation of my governance and serve as the roadmap for the next five years,” Banerjee said, framing the pledges as a continuation of her government’s welfare-driven approach.

‎The announcement comes as West Bengal heads into a high-stakes assembly election, with Banerjee seeking to retain power amid strong political competition. Her latest promises build on an established model of welfare schemes and development initiatives that have been central to the state’s political discourse in recent years.