The Trinamul Congress (TMC) has fielded Siliguri Mayor Goutam Deb as its candidate for the Siliguri Assembly constituency, where he will face BJP nominee Dr Sankar Ghosh, the sitting MLA.

Party sources said the TMC will put in its full strength to regain the strategically important Siliguri seat, often described as the gateway to the northeast.

Mr Deb, a former minister in Mamata Banerjee’s Cabinet on two occasions, had earlier represented the Dabgram-Fulbari Assembly segment in Jalpaiguri district. He was defeated in 2021 by the BJP candidate and has since been working in Siliguri in preparation for contesting from this constituency.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has also announced that the TMC has left three Hill seats to its ally, the Bharatiya Gorkha Prajatantrik Morcha (BGPM) led by Anit Thapa, under a seat-sharing agreement. The BGPM has already announced its candidates: sitting MLA Ruden Sada Lepcha from Kalimpong, senior Gorkha leader Amar Lama from Kurseong, and Bijoy Kumar Rai from Darjeeling.

In the Siliguri subdivision, the TMC has nominated Shankar Malakar ~ a former Congress leader who later joined the party ~ for the Matigara-Naxalbari Assembly segment. Malakar had earlier won this seat in 2011 and 2016. For the Dabgram-Fulbari constituency in Jalpaiguri district, the party has fielded Ranjan Seal Sharma, a veteran leader and councillor of the Siliguri Municipal Corporation.

The party has dropped four-time MLA Khageshwar Roy from the Rajganj Assembly segment and instead nominated noted athlete Swapna Barman. In Jalpaiguri district, sitting MLA Dr Nirmal Roy has been re-nominated from Dhupguri, while former minister Bulu Chik Baraik will contest from Malbazar.

In Cooch Behar district, North Bengal development minister Udayan Guha has been re-nominated from Dinhata, his sitting constituency. However, former minister Rabindranath Ghosh has been dropped. Party president Abhijit De Bhowmik and former MP Partha Pratim Roy have been nominated from Cooch Behar Uttar and Cooch Behar Dakshin respectively, while Shib Shankar Paul will contest from Tufanganj.

In Alipurduar district, Suman Kanjilal has been re-nominated from his seat along with other sitting MLAs in North Bengal.

In Malda district, the TMC has replaced a sitting MLA with former IPS officer Prasun Banerjee, who had earlier contested the Lok Sabha election from Malda Uttar. The party has also dropped former ministers Krishnendu Narayan Choudhury, fielding Asis Kundu from English Bazaar instead. Samar Mukherjee has been re-nominated from Ratua, while district president Abdul Rahim Boxi will contest from Malatipur. Party dropped another former Minister and sitting MLA Sabitri Mitra. But outgoing minister Sabina Yasmin has been asked to contest from Sujapur; she was earlier elected from Mothabari.

In North Dinajpur district, the party has re-nominated Hamidul Rahaman, Kanhailal Agarwal, Gulam Rabbani and Krishna Kalyani. In South Dinajpur, Arpita Ghosh will contest from Balurghat and Biplab Mitra from Harirampur, among other candidates.

If hype had a volume button, Ram Gopal Varma just smashed it to the maximum. The filmmaker has watched ‘Dhurandhar: The Revenge’ before its release, and let’s just say, he didn’t hold back.

Taking to social media, RGV compared the film’s impact to classics like ‘Sholay’ and ‘Mughal-e-Azam’ but with a twist.

According to him, ‘Dhurandhar 2’ isn’t just on their level, it’s “100 times” bigger in terms of scale and effect. He claimed the film’s combined power of box office expectations, audience excitement, social influence, and audio-visual experience will make even the greatest films in history feel like “TV serials.”

After last nights watch of #Dhurandhar2 in terms of it’s sheer cumulative impact in every which way , whether on it’s expected collections , audience euphoria , social influences , cinematic grammar breaking , and above all the psychological audio visual impact , it will be a…

— Ram Gopal Varma (@RGVzoomin) March 18, 2026

“A new cinematic order has begun”

RGV didn’t stop at comparisons. He went a step further and declared that director Aditya Dhar has created the “birth of a new cinematic order.” In his words, everything that existed before this film could face “ruthless extinction.”

Also Read: Think ‘Dhurandhar: The Revenge’ is long? Here are Hindi films that go way beyond

Yes, you read that right. According to RGV, this isn’t just a sequel. It’s a reset button for cinema itself. He even joked (or maybe not?) that the word “director” might soon start with Aditya Dhar’s name.

He said even legends like Steven Spielberg and Christopher Nolan should drop everything and watch ‘Dhurandhar 2’ on the first day, first show.

The film everyone’s waiting for

‘Dhurandhar: The Revenge’ is already one of the most anticipated films of the year. The sequel brings back Ranveer Singh as undercover Indian spy Jaskirat Singh Rangi. This time the story dives deeper into his transformation into Hamza Ali Mazari and his rise in Lyari, Karachi.

Alongside Ranveer, the film features powerful ensemble. Arjun Rampal plays Major Iqbal, while Sanjay Dutt appears as SP Chaudhary Aslam. R Madhavan takes on the role of Ajay Sanyal.

The cast also includes Sara Arjun, Danish Pandor, and Rakesh Bedi.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has announced a ₹500 increase in the monthly honorarium for registered Hindu priests (purohits) and Muslim prayer leaders (muezzins and imams) in the state, taking the total monthly allowance to ₹2,000.

The announcement was made on 15 March, shortly before the official declaration of the West Bengal Assembly election dates, and coincided with the release of dearness allowance (DA) arrears for state government employees.

The hike applies to registered priests and muezzins and imams who were already receiving a monthly allowance from the state government. In addition, the Chief Minister stated that all pending applications from priests and muezzins seeking inclusion in the financial support scheme have now been approved.

Pirzada Toha Siddique of Furfura Sharif, speaking to The Statesman, said: “We have long been expecting this enhancement of the honorarium for registered muezzins and imams. However, it is better late than never. This increase should not be misconstrued as appeasement of any particular community by the state government. As religious leaders, we have nothing to do with the political activities of any party, whether ruling or opposition. We therefore welcome the hike in an impartial manner.”

He added: “Political parties have their own way of functioning, and vote-bank politics may matter to them. However, for Furfura Sharif and religious leaders, our concern is overall development and special attention to deprived minority communities as a whole. We neither possess any affinity for nor disregard any political party. We stand for development, progress, communal harmony and a sense of brotherhood. At the same time, we can be very strict with anyone misusing religious sentiments for narrow political gains. We hold no ill feelings towards the ruling party; however, we are concerned about certain elements who have deviated from the party’s ideology of progress and development, and whose actions are harming society. People today are aware of their constitutional rights, and their informed decisions will uphold what is right and reject what is wrong.”

However, the timing of the announcement has been viewed by a section of observers as a pre-poll measure aimed at garnering support from religious functionaries, even as the state government emphasised its commitment to fostering an inclusive environment where all communities are respected.

The gossip mill is working overtime again. And this time, it’s all about the dreamy, timeless beauty of Madhubala. A biopic on the legendary star is officially in the pipeline, but if you believe every headline out there, the film is already cast, shot, and probably ready for release! Reality check? Not even close.

Let’s break down what’s actually happening behind the scenes of this much-talked-about project.

Bhansali’s dream project sparks frenzy

The moment it was revealed that Sanjay Leela Bhansali is producing film on Madhubala, excitement shot through the roof.

After all, Bhansali is known for turning stories into grand cinematic experiences. Naturally, fans and industry insiders began guessing who could step into the shoes of one of Indian cinema’s most iconic faces.

Soon, reports started flying in every direction. Some said Kiara Advani was locked, others claimed a new face was finalised. But here’s the twist: none of it was true.

Aneet Padda, Sai Pallavi, or no one yet?

The latest buzz suggested that Aneet Padda had bagged the role of Madhubala. Almost immediately after, another wave of reports claimed that Sai Pallavi was also being seriously considered for the film.

Fans began debating, comparing, and even fan-casting their favourites. But just when things started getting heated, someone from inside the team finally spoke up, and shut it all down.

Casting director calls out rumours

Casting director Mukesh Chhabra took to social media with a sarcastic post that quickly grabbed attention. Without naming anyone directly, he poked fun at the constant “finalised” casting news doing the rounds.

Oh wow, so Madhubala casting is already locked? Amazing. Meanwhile, I keep reading a new “final” name every day… so I guess I must be casting for the wrong Madhubala biopic—because we haven’t even started yet ❤️ #MadhubalaBiopic

— Mukesh Chhabra CSA (@CastingChhabra) March 18, 2026

In fact, his witty remark hinted that even he was surprised by how many “confirmed” names were being reported daily. Basically, while the internet is busy locking actors, the actual team hasn’t even begun auditions.

Bhansali wants a fresh face?

Despite the confusion, an industry insider shared an interesting detail. Reportedly, Bhansali is keen on casting a fresh face for the role. The idea is to find someone who can fully transform into Madhubala without carrying any strong existing screen image.

This is where Sai Pallavi’s name came up as one of the top considerations. Conversations did happen, but things didn’t move forward in her favour. As of now, no actor, established or newcomer, has been officially chosen.

The pressure of playing Madhubala

And honestly, can you blame them for taking their time?

Madhubala isn’t just another film character. She was a phenomenon. With career spanning over 70 films, most of them hits, she still remains one of the most loved stars in Indian cinema history.

Bringing her life to big screen is not just a film, it’s a responsibility.

So, next time you read that the “final” Madhubala has been found, take it with a pinch of salt.

Palash carries a dhamsa, while Shimul holds a madol. The two are twin brothers. From Tuesday, Dhamsa has taken to the streets, accompanied by the rhythm of the madol, as the duo campaign together to encourage voters across this Junglemahal to visit polling booths without fear.

Their slogan is: “Dhamsa Madaler chande, vote din anande” (Vote happily to the rhythm of the dhamsa and madol).

Incidentally, Dhamsa and Madol have been chosen as the new election mascots by the Election Commission of India (ECI) for the Assembly polls in Purulia district.

The announcement was made on Monday evening at the conference hall of the Purulia District Administrative Building. The district magistrate and District Election Officer (DEO), Sudhir Kontham, formally unveiled the mascots for the West Bengal Assembly elections.

He said: “Palash flowers are an integral part of Purulia’s culture and highlight the district’s tourism in Junglemahal. In spring, the presence of palash and shimul enhances Purulia’s natural beauty. As this is the voting season, we have created this mascot featuring Palash and Shimul alongside the traditional musical instruments dhamsa and madol, reflecting the region’s cultural heritage. Palash and Shimul will take to the streets to promote voting so that people can go to polling booths without fear.”

This will be the first time that Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) will display colour photographs of candidates. Previously, only black-and-white images were used. The Election Commission of India has introduced this change to help voters identify candidates more easily.

Each year, Purulia’s election mascot draws attention across the state. In earlier elections, ‘Voteshwar’ captured the public imagination. The district’s mascots have also received recognition, including the ‘Palashmani’ award. Although the unveiling of this year’s mascot was delayed due to SIR, its message, style and voter appeal have already resonated with the people of Junglemahal.

According to district administration sources, the twin mascots will continue campaigning to promote free and fearless voting. They will appear in various formats ~ rallies, tableaux and cut-outs.

Their attire reflects the cultural heritage of Purulia. The twins wear green, blue and black striped dhotis in a traditional tribal style, along with yellow gamchas tied around their heads. These elements highlight the cultural identity of the region, where a significant section of the population belongs to the Kurmi community.

The district has a total of 12,645 polling personnel. There are 2,529 polling stations, including 279 auxiliary booths. At present, 1,120 polling stations have been identified as critical or vulnerable, though this figure may change before polling day.

The final number of booths will depend on the deployment of central forces on polling day. An all-party meeting was held prior to the mascot’s inauguration, where the district administration briefed stakeholders on the model code of conduct (MCC), nominations and election campaigning.

Shopkeepers at the temporary Baisakhi Bazar in Salt Lake are all smiles. They see light and hope at the end of a long tunnel of despair. The shop owners, who had applied for shops at the adjacent AMP Baisakhi Mall, way back in 2006, have been handed over the keys of their shops.

Many of the shop and open space owners were happy that they would now be able to move into their shops, thanks to the efforts of the Bidhannagar Municipal Corporation (BMC).

A source, privy to the recent developments, said the corporation Mayor, Krishna Chakraborty had been pursuing the case. She recently interacted with the urban development minister, Firhad Hakim and local MLA and fire minister Sujit Bose on the issue, paving the way for the handovers.

Ten such shopkeepers were handed over the keys of their shops by the minister and the rest out of 190 were distributed later.

Minister Sujit Bose, said: “When the mall was started, the CPI-M was in power. We had a meeting at the BMC, where the mall owner was also called. He assured all cooperation to us regarding the handover. All the 190 names have been verified by the police. Now that the shopkeepers will be getting their shops inside the mall, I request all of them to move out of their present location and handover the land to the government.”

BMC Mayor Krishna Chakraborty, said: “The main aim of the AMP Baisakhi Mall was to rehabilitate the shopkeepers, who had been doing business in the open, in makeshift shops. BMC MMiC Tulsi Sinha Roy had been looking after the legal aspects of the case and keeping the papers ready.”

Trinamul Congress spokesperson, Jai Prakash Majumdar, one of the leaders pursuing the case, said: “The planning to relocate the shop owners to the mall had started way back in 2006. People, who had applied for shops had paid Rs 20,000 and the ones who applied for the open spaces (chatal), paid Rs 10,000. The shopkeepers’ body had even met Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee at her Kalighat residence to plead for their case.”

Debashish Pal, joint secretary of AG Bazar Committee, the shopkeepers’ body fighting for the case, said: “Different shop sizes have been allotted to the shop owners based on their profession. We have been doing business till now putting our lives in danger. We were supposed to get our shops within 18 months of the completion of the mall, but it took so long.”

Another shop owner, Dharam Nath Shah, who sells fruits at the market and one of the beneficiaries, said: “I was one of the initial 35 shopkeepers who had applied for the shops. I never lost hope; it was getting delayed but I always believed that someday this will come through.”

The Election Commission of India has stepped up its preparedness to ensure a free and peaceful West Bengal Assembly election, announcing the deployment of a large number of observers across the state ahead of polling.

In a significant move, as many as 84 police observers from outside the state will be stationed in West Bengal before the elections. These officers are being drawn from several states, including Bihar, Telangana, Delhi and Punjab, in an effort to maintain neutrality and strengthen the security apparatus.

Apart from police observers, the commission has also appointed one general observer for each of the state’s 294 Assembly constituencies. This takes the total number of general observers to 294, marking a substantial increase compared to the previous Assembly polls. The commission has further bolstered its oversight mechanism by increasing the number of expenditure observers.

Around 100 such officials have been tasked with monitoring election-related expenses to ensure strict adherence to the model code of conduct. According to an official notification, all observers have been instructed to assume charge from 18 March. They are expected to reach their respective constituencies and begin work immediately. Once in position, the observers will share their contact details, enabling candidates and members of the public to lodge complaints directly.

The upcoming Assembly election in West Bengal will be held in two phases. Polling for the first phase is scheduled on 23 April, followed by the second phase on 29 April. Counting of votes will take place on 4 May, along with results for other states going to the polls. Ensuring a peaceful election remains a major challenge for the ECI, given the state’s history of electoral violence and intense political rivalry.

However, Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar has reiterated that the poll panel is committed to conducting free, fair and peaceful elections. Sources indicated that the observers will play a crucial role not only in overseeing the conduct of polling but also in monitoring the deployment and functioning of central forces. They will keep a close watch on law and order, potential intimidation, and any irregularities during the electoral process. The enhanced deployment of observers, particularly from outside the state, is seen as a strategic step to reinforce transparency and accountability. With multiple layers of supervision in place, the commission aims to instil confidence among voters and stakeholders ahead of the high-stakes electoral contest.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has secured an overwhelming victory in the country’s latest Parliamentary Elections, with state-backed candidates winning virtually every vote and seat, according to reports cited by Yonhap News Agency.

The polls, held on March 15, saw an official turnout of 99.99 per cent, with the ruling Workers’ Party of Korea and its allies claiming 99.93 per cent of the vote in elections to the 15th Supreme People’s Assembly.

What the new assembly means for North Korea

The newly elected assembly is expected to meet soon for its first session, where it will take up crucial decisions on leadership appointments and possible amendments to the country’s constitution. The session comes shortly after the ruling party’s ninth congress last month, indicating a broader political reset.

According to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), the assembly will formally elect the president of the State Affairs of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea and discuss revisions to the Socialist Constitution. One key question is whether North Korea will formally define its relationship with South Korea as openly hostile within its legal framework.

Observers are also watching closely to see if Kim outlines any fresh direction for the country’s foreign policy during the session. He is widely expected to be reappointed as head of the State Affairs Commission, reinforcing his grip on power.

Major reshuffle signals tighter control

The election results also point to a major internal shake-up. More than 70 per cent of the deputies have reportedly been replaced since the last term, a move analysts see as an attempt to strengthen Kim’s control over the political system.

Among the 687 lawmakers is senior aide Jo Yong-won, who is expected to take on a key leadership role in the assembly. In contrast, former chairman Choe Ryong-hae was removed from his position during the recent party congress and does not feature in the new list.

The new line-up also includes Kim’s sister, Kim Yo-jong, and Foreign Minister Choe Son-hui, both seen as influential figures within the regime.

State media described the elected representatives as individuals drawn from workers, farmers, and officials, tasked with advancing the party’s objectives.

It also reported that 0.07 per cent of voters opposed the candidates, a figure often viewed by observers as an attempt to present the process as participatory, despite widespread perceptions that elections in North Korea are largely symbolic.

Bollywood just dropped a ‘serious stamina test’ for movie lovers. And honestly, you might need snacks, breaks, and maybe even a nap plan. ‘Dhurandhar: The Revenge’ is already making noise, not just for its scale but for its jaw-dropping runtime.

Shot back-to-back with its first part, the film began shooting in Bangkok in July 2024 and wrapped only in October 2025. And guess what? It runs for a massive 229 minutes. Yes, that’s nearly 4 hours. But here’s the twist, it’s still not the longest Indian film ever.

Also Read: Finnish president Alexander Stubb says his son made him watch ‘Dhurandhar’ before India visit, now waiting for sequel

So if you think you can handle long cinema marathons, here are some iconic films that go even further.

Tamas

If patience had a cinematic form, it would be ‘Tamas’. This 1988 film runs for a staggering 298 minutes (almost 5 hours). Directed by Govind Nihalani and based on Tamas by Bhisham Sahni, the story dives deep into horrors of Partition in 1947.

Set during the riots in what became Pakistan, the film shows the painful journey of Sikh and Hindu families forced to leave everything behind.

LOC: Kargil

War films are intense. And this one is also ‘long’. Directed by JP Dutta, ‘LOC: Kargil’ clocks in at 255 minutes.

It tells the story of the 1999 Kargil War, focusing on India’s Operation Vijay to push back Pakistani intruders from the Line of Control.

Mera Naam Joker

Before “epic runtime” became a trend, Raj Kapoor was already doing it. ‘Mera Naam Joker’ runs for 248 minutes and tells the story of a clown who hides his pain behind laughter.

The film explores his life through three important relationships, showing how heartbreak and performance go hand in hand. It also marked the debut of Rishi Kapoor as a child actor. Emotional, layered, and ahead of its time.

Sangam

Another Raj Kapoor classic, ‘Sangam’, comes in at 238 minutes. This romantic drama follows a love triangle between a pilot, the woman he loves, and his best friend.

Starring Vyjayanthimala and Rajendra Kumar, the film mixes love, friendship, and heartbreak; all stretched beautifully across nearly four hours.

Lagaan

And then there’s ‘Lagaan’, long, but totally worth it. Directed by Ashutosh Gowariker and led by Aamir Khan, this film runs for 233 minutes.

Set in 1893 during British rule, it tells story of villagers who take on British officers in high-stakes cricket match to escape heavy taxes. Sports, drama, and patriotism; all rolled into one gripping story.

So yes, ‘Dhurandhar: The Revenge’ is long. But Bollywood has clearly been playing the long game for decades. The real question is: ‘do you have the patience to sit through these cinematic marathons?’

The mountains are calm, the bells are ringing, and right in the middle of all that devotion, there’s now a rulebook. And guess who’s caught in the middle of it? None other than Sara Ali Khan, whose peaceful temple visits have suddenly become part of a much bigger conversation.

Things took a serious turn this week after the Badri-Kedar Temple Committee announced a fresh directive. According to the committee, all non-Hindu visitors who want to offer prayers at Kedarnath Temple and Badrinath Temple must now submit an affidavit.

Also Read: ‘Star egos and power games’: Vir Das explains why roast-style hosting like Oscars fails in India

This isn’t just a simple form. Visitors will need to officially declare their belief in Sanatan Dharma. In short, if you are not Hindu by birth, you must provide written proof saying you believe in Hinduism before entering the temples for darshan.

What the chairman said

Committee chairman Hemant Dwivedi addressed the media and made the stance very clear. He said that anyone who has faith in Sanatan Dharma is welcome, but only if they put it in writing.

The statement, as reported, included a clear line: a visitor must declare, “I am a Sanatani; I believe in Hindutva.” Along with this, proper documentation confirming their belief will also be required.

He added that this rule will apply equally to all non-Hindu devotees. No exceptions, no special treatment.

Where Sara Ali Khan stands

This is where things get interesting. Sara Ali Khan, who has often visited Kedarnath over the years, now falls directly under this rule.

Dwivedi specifically mentioned her, saying she will be allowed to offer prayers but only if she follows the new process. That means submitting an affidavit and expressing her belief in Sanatan Dharma.

So yes, even a Bollywood star will need paperwork to pray.

A deep personal connection

For those who follow Sara, this isn’t just another temple visit story. Her bond with Kedarnath goes back to her debut film ‘Kedarnath’, which was shot in the region.

Since then, she has returned to the shrine many times. Her social media is filled with pictures and videos from her visits.

What stands out is that she usually travels without VIP arrangements. No grand entries, no heavy security drama; just a personal spiritual routine that she has maintained over the years.

Central Israel came under heavy missile attack today as Iran launched air strikes, reportedly using ballistic missiles equipped with cluster bomb warheads. The attack followed Iran’s pledge to avenge the killings of its security chief, Ali Larijani, and Basij force commander Gholamreza Soleimani, after Israel claimed responsibility for both the assassinations.

Severe impact has been reported at multiple sites across the region in the attack. All kinds of emergency services are actively responding to the reports of attacks at different locations. Local police are currently securing the areas affected by the debris and munitions. Regular and reserve rescue and salvage forces have been deployed at impact sites to scan for survivors and assist the population.

VIDEO: Footage shows cluster munitions raining down from an Iranian ballistic missile over central Israel.

Two killed in the latest aerial assault

According to Magen David Adom (MDA), Israel’s national emergency medical service, at least two people were killed in one of the missile strikes in central Israel.

In the city of Bnei Brak, located just north of Tel Aviv, one person was reported to have been lightly injured by shrapnel from the missile.

Assessment of the full extent of the damage is still underway. Meanwhile, the authorities urged residents to remain alert and follow safety instructions issued by the military’s Home Front Command.

Tel Aviv, Israel: Two people were killed in the Ramat Gan area east of Tel Aviv after a barrage of Iranian missiles struck central Israel early Wednesday

(Visuals from the city) pic.twitter.com/wfVipGVLhp

— IANS (@ians_india) March 18, 2026

What are cluster munitions?

Cluster bomb warheads disperse dozens of smaller submunitions, each with several kilograms of explosives, over a wide radius of up to 10 kilometres. Each submunition is capable of causing significant damage.

Due to their indiscriminate nature and long-term risks from unexploded ordnance, their use is prohibited under the 2008 Convention on Cluster Munitions.

However, key countries, including Iran, Israel, and the United States, are not signatories to the treaty.

Oil prices slipped on Wednesday, giving up more than 3 per cent after rising sharply a day earlier, as markets reacted nervously to fresh developments in West Asia.

The pullback does not signal calm. If anything, it underlines how jumpy the market has become. With tensions involving Iran, the US, and Israel showing no signs of easing, and uncertainty around the Strait of Hormuz still hanging over supply routes, traders are bracing for more swings.

By around 9:45 am, Brent crude was trading lower near $100.85 per barrel, down about 2.5 per cent. The US benchmark, West Texas Intermediate (WTI), dropped more sharply to around $92.83, falling 3.4 per cent during the session.

Hormuz remains the pressure point

Much of the anxiety centres on the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow passage that carries a significant share of the world’s oil. Movement through the route has slowed and become less predictable, with geopolitical tensions now shaping shipping activity.

Concerns deepened after Iranian parliamentary speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf said the situation in the strait would not return to its earlier state. The comment has raised fresh doubts about how long disruptions could last.

“The Strait of Hormuz situation won’t return to its pre-war status,” Qalibaf said in a post on X.

At the same time, military activity around the region has intensified, including strikes near key areas linked to oil movement. That has only added to fears of supply disruptions.

Prices still elevated despite recent dip

Even with Wednesday’s decline, oil prices remain sharply higher than they were just weeks ago. Since late February, crude has climbed from around $73 per barrel to above $100.

The surge has been driven largely by concerns that the conflict could disrupt global energy flows. At one point during Wednesday’s trade, prices again touched levels above $103 per barrel.

For the week so far, WTI has fallen close to 5 per cent, while Brent has eased a little over 2 per cent, reflecting the back-and-forth movement in the market.

The impact is already visible on the ground. In the United States, diesel prices have crossed $5 per gallon, pointing to the pressure building up on fuel costs.

Attempts to stabilise the situation have yet to show results. Efforts by US President Donald Trump to bring together allies to secure the route have not moved forward, leaving questions over when supply chains might return to normal.

FC Barcelona coach Hansi Flick said on Tuesday that he does not expect to work again after leaving the club, while also insisting it is not the right time to discuss a new contract. Flick, 61, is under contract with Barcelona until June 2027, but after winning reelection as club president Sunday, Joan Laporta said he hoped the German would extend his stay by at least another year.

Asked about his future at a pre-match news conference ahead of Barcelona’s Champions League last-16 tie at home against Newcastle United, Flick said he had spoken to Laporta, who told him it was “important to have a structure that gives stability,” reports Xinhua.

However, when asked about signing an extension, Flick replied: “I don’t think it’s the right time … Everyone knows I’m very happy here, but I need to talk to my family. There will be time to talk, but now is not the moment.”

“It’s clear that I love working here. The most important thing is that I feel that I have a great family: I have the support of Barcelona, but this is football. I’m here to help achieve the best level,” continued Flick, who also reassured supporters that he was “not thinking about going anywhere else.”

“This will be my last club, my last job, and I’m delighted,” he added, before turning his focus to Wednesday’s game, which follows last week’s 1-1 draw in Newcastle.

Barcelona escaped with a 1-1 draw in Newcastle a week ago, thanks to Lamine Yamal’s 95th-minute penalty after an underwhelming display at St. James’ Park, leaving Hansi Flick’s side as the clear favourite for the return leg.

Flick rested Yamal and Fermin Lopez for Sunday’s 5-2 home win over Sevilla, and the comfortable nature of that victory allowed him to withdraw other key players such as Pedri, Joao Cancelo, and Marc Bernal in the second half to give them much-needed rest.

The Barcelona coach admitted Sunday that Pedri needs careful management to avoid a relapse of the muscle problems he has suffered this season, although with Frenkie de Jong still sidelined, the Spain international is expected to start Wednesday night.

Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain comfortably saw off English opponents Manchester City and Chelsea, Arsenal battled past Leverkusen and Sporting CP mounted a memorable comeback against Bodo/Glimt as the first four teams through to the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals are confirmed.

Real Madrid knocked Manchester City out of the competition for the third campaign running following Vinicius Junior’s double.

Man City, 3-0 down from the first leg, came racing out of the blocks looking for the goal that could possibly spark a memorable come back.

But a combination of keeper Thibaut Courtois and several near misses kept the score goalless until a penalty that resulted in Bernardo’s dismissal – and a goal for Madrid on 20 minutes – made an arduous task near impossible.

But City never gave up hope, and deservedly levelled the scores on 41 minutes through Erling Haaland and saw Jeremy Doku and Ryan Ait-Nouri have goals disallowed after the break.

It was always going to be a big ask, but the Blues couldn’t have tried much harder and Vinicius Jr scoring with the last kick to give the Spaniard’s a 2-1 victory felt incredibly harsh.

Meanwhile, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Bradley Barcola and Senny Mayulu struck as PSG cruised past Chelsea with 8-2 aggregate victory in London.

Kvaratskhelia, whose late double sealed a 5-2 first-leg win, held off Mamadou Sarr to fire in from inside the box after six minutes. Barcola had scored the opening goal of the tie six days earlier, and the winger added to his tally by curling in clinically to complete a rapid break by the visitors in the 15th minute.

Half-time substitute Mayulu followed suit 17 minutes after the restart with a superb finish for the holders, who will meet Liverpool or Galatasaray in the quarter-finals, UEFA reports.

Elsewhere, a thunderous effort from Eberechi Eze was the catalyst as Arsenal claimed a quarter-final spot at Leverkusen’s expense with a 3-1 aggregate win.

Mikel Arteta’s side dominated much of the first half and the visitors relied on their goalkeeper Janis Blaswich to make a series of good saves from the likes of Declan Rice and Leandro Trossard.

Eze’s explosive strike on the turn shortly before the break after a smart one-touch passing move finally put the hosts in front, however, and England midfielder Rice stroked in a smooth second to give the Premier League club a deserved 3-1 aggregate success.

Scintillating Sporting CP became just the fifth team in Champions League history to overcome a first-leg deficit of three goals or more as they struck twice in extra time to complete a memorable comeback against Bodo/Glimt.

Trailing 3-0 after last week’s first leg in Norway, the hosts made the breakthrough when Goncalo Inácio rose to head in a corner. They kept the pressure on in the second half and got their reward when Pedro Gonçalves finished off a brilliant team move before Luis Suárez converted a penalty with 12 minutes remaining.

Morocco have been awarded the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title after the Confederation of African Football (CAF) overturned the result of the final following Senegal’s walk-off.

Senegal had beaten Morocco 1-0 in the January 18 final, but the match was marred by controversy when Senegal’s players refused to continue after Morocco was awarded a stoppage-time penalty with the score level.

Play resumed after a 17-minute delay. Brahim Diaz’s penalty was saved before Pape Gueye scored the winner for Senegal in extra time.

CAF said an appeals board had since ruled that Senegal forfeited the match. The result was recorded as a 3-0 victory for Morocco.

In a statement, CAF said Senegal breached Article 82 of the Africa Cup of Nations regulations, triggering the application of Article 84.

“The CAF Appeal Board decided that in application of Article 84 of the Regulations of the CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), the Senegal National Team is declared to have forfeited the Final Match of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025 (“the Match”), with the result of the Match being recorded as 3–0 in favour of the Federation Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF)

Article 82 states that a team that refuses to play or leaves the field without the referee’s authorization is considered to have lost and is eliminated from the competition. Article 84 adds that such a violation results in a 3-0 defeat and permanent elimination.

The CAF Appeal Board also ruled that, “The appeal lodged in respect of Mr Ismaël Saibari (Player No. 11 of the Morocco National Team) is partially upheld. The CAF Appeal Board confirms the finding that Mr Ismael Saibari (Player No. 11 of the Morocco National Team) committed misconduct in violation of Articles 82 and 83(1) of the CAF Disciplinary Code.”

It said that”The sanction imposed on Ismael Saibari is amended to a suspension of two (2) official CAF matches, of which one (1) match is suspended. The fine of USD 100,000 imposed on him is set aside.

“The CAF Appeal Board confirms the finding that the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF) is responsible for the conduct of the ball boys during the aforementioned match,” it added

The ruling board further said, “The fine imposed on the Federation Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF) in respect of the ball boys incident is reduced to USD 50,000.

“The appeal lodged in respect of the interference around the OFR/VAR review area is dismissed.

“The fine of USD 100,000 imposed on the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF) in respect of the interference around the OFR/VAR review area is confirmed.

“The appeal lodged in respect of the laser incident is partially upheld.

“The fine imposed on the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF) in respect of the laser incident is reduced to USD 10,000.”

At least seven people have died after a massive fire broke out in a three-storey residential building in Madhya Pradesh’s Indore due to gas cylinder explosions, an official said.

Commissioner of Police (Indore) Santosh Kumar Singh informed that the fire incident occurred in a house situated in the Brijeshwari Annexe residential locality on early Wednesday morning at around 4 am. Upon receiving the information about the incident, the firefighters rushed to the spot and began the rescue operation.
“As soon as we received information about the incident, we informed our fire tender team to rush to the spot. Initially, it was a horrifying situation, but the team managed to bring the fire under control. Three people were rescued, and unfortunately, seven people have died in the incident. The fire has been completely brought under control,” Commissioner Singh told ANI.

He further said that the team were checking the nearby houses and buildings as a precaution because too much heat was generated at the time of the blaze.
“As per initial investigations, an electric vehicle was being charged outside the house, and the charging point exploded. After that, the fire then spread to the house from the car. We found that there were electronic locks in the building, so it seems that after the explosion, power cuts may occur and doors may be locked. It was a three-storey building, and more than 10 gas cylinders were also stored inside the house, some of which exploded. We also witnessed cylinder explosions between the time period of 4 am and 4:30 am,” the Commissioner said.

He added that the team reached the top floor of the house from the neighbours’ building and rescued three people.

“The house belonged to Manoj Pugalia, who ran a polymer business. Some of the chemicals were also kept in the house, which are inflammable,” CP Singh said.
Meanwhile, Indore DM Shivam Verma said that the fire was brought under control and further investigation was underway to assess the reason for the fire.
“Rescue operations are underway. The fire has been brought under control, and some casualties have occurred. We are checking that no more people reside in the house. We are exploring the reason for the fire, though an explosion of a vehicle charging point has been reported so far. The team struggled in the rescue operation due to an electrical lock in the building. Two floors have been cleared, but our team is checking one more floor,” the collector said.

The Centre has asked airlines to make at least 60 per cent of seats on every flight available without extra charges as part of a wider push to make air travel simpler and fairer for passengers.

In fresh directions issued through the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the Ministry of Civil Aviation has also told airlines to seat passengers booked under the same PNR together – preferably next to each other – and to follow uniform, transparent practices across the sector.

The move comes as air travel in India continues to expand rapidly, with more first-time flyers entering the system and passenger volumes crossing five lakh a day. The government has been working to standardise services and reduce complaints as the aviation market grows.

Clear rules on seating, baggage and passenger entitlements

The ministry said airlines must handle items such as sports gear and musical instruments in a more transparent and passenger-friendly way, within safety norms. Carriers have also been asked to publish clear policies for travelling with pets.

“Carriage of sports equipment and musical instruments to be facilitated in a transparent and passenger-friendly manner, subject to applicable safety and operational regulations. Airlines shall also bring out clear, transparent policies for the carriage of pets,” said the ministry.

It has further directed airlines to strictly follow passenger rights guidelines, especially in cases of delays, cancellations, or denied boarding. Information about these rights must be displayed clearly on airline websites, apps, booking platforms, and airport counters.

Airlines have also been instructed to provide information about passenger rights in regional languages.

Focus on convenience as aviation sector expands

India is now the world’s third-largest domestic aviation market, with schemes like UDAN making flying more accessible. The ministry said passenger convenience remains a key priority.

It highlighted initiatives such as affordable food at UDAN Yatri Cafes, free book access through Flybrary, and free Wi-Fi at airports as part of efforts to improve the overall travel experience.

“Passenger facilitation remains the highest priority of the Ministry of Civil Aviation. In line with this commitment, the Ministry has undertaken several passenger-centric initiatives to enhance ease of travel, including UDAN Yatri Cafes for affordable food, Flybrary for free access to books, and provision of free Wi-Fi at airports,” said the official statement.

According to the ministry, these steps are aimed at making air travel more transparent, reducing grievances, and maintaining high safety standards across the aviation ecosystem.