Month: March 2026

Former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati advised the followers and supporters of Bahujan Samaj Party’s founder Kanshi Ram to “stay alert” against Congress, stating that it was their “anti-Dalit mindset and mentality” that led to the creation of BSP.

Mayawati also said that Congress never accorded due respect to Bhimrao Ambedkar and neither declared a single day of national mourning upon the passing of Kanshi Ram.

This comes as Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi attended a birth anniversary programme of the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) founder Kanshi Ram in Lucknow on Friday.

“As is well known, the Congress Party, during its many years in power at the centre, never accorded due respect and honour to the messiah of Dalits and the chief architect of the Indian Constitution, the most revered Baba Saheb Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar, nor did it bestow upon him the title of ‘Bharat Ratna.’ So how can this party now honour the respected Shri Kanshiram Ji with this title?” Mayawati said in a post on X.

“It was this very Congress Party, while in power at the centre, that did not even declare a single day of national mourning upon the passing of these (the respected Shri Kanshiram Ji), nor did the SP government in U.P. at that time declare any state mourning. Similarly, numerous organisations and parties formed by the Dalit community, which have fallen into the hands of other parties, are always engaged in exploiting his name for their gain,” she added.

Mayawati saw Congress’s actions as “tactics” to weaken the BSP party.

“Now, all these parties are constantly employing all sorts of tactics to weaken the BSP party founded by the respected Shri Kanshiram Ji. Therefore, his followers and supporters must always remain vigilant against them. They must especially stay alert to the Congress Party, due to whose anti-Dalit mindset and mentality the BSP had to be created in the first place,” she said.

She further appealed to the party workers and supporters to join i the programs organised by BSP on the occasion of the birth anniversary of Kanshi Ram.

“At the same time, on the occasion of the respected Shri Kanshiram Ji’s birth anniversary tomorrow, March 15, 2026, party members must ensure the success of all programs of the party he founded, the BSP, across the country, including in U.P.–this is the appeal,” she said.

Rahul Gandhi at the birth anniversary programme honoured the legacy of Kanshi Ram and said, “If Jawaharlal Nehru were alive, then Kanshi Ram would have been a chief minister from the Congress.”

In 1984, Kanshi Ram founded the Bahujan Samaj Party with the objective of uniting the Bahujan Samaj, comprising Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Other Backward Classes, and Religious Minorities, into a formidable political force.

He remained steadfast in his commitment to the cause of social transformation and economic emancipation. He tirelessly mobilised support among the Bahujan communities, inspiring millions to join the movement for equality and justice. (ANI)

Cricketer Abhishek Sharma recently visited the famous Katra Vaishno Devi temple in Jammu, a few days after Team India clinched the ICC’s Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.

On Friday, Abhishek took to Instagram and shared pictures from the shrine.

“Jai Mata di,” he simply captioned the post.

He could be seen standing on the pilgrimage route with his hands folded, a tilak on his forehead, dressed in a white kurta-pyjama.

Abhishek Sharma played a crucial role in the final match against New Zealand, delivering a match-defining knock after a difficult start to the tournament.

The young batter had struggled during the early stages of the T20 World Cup 2026 campaign, registering three consecutive ducks. He played a match-defining knock of 52 runs off just 21 balls, smashing six boundaries and three sixes to provide India with a strong start in the first innings after being put in to bat.

Notably, Abhishek has retained the top position in the latest ICC Men’s T20I batting rankings, which were updated by the International Cricket Council (ICC) on Wednesday.

The latest ICC T20I rankings were updated after Suryakumar Yadav’s side cruised to a 96-run triumph over New Zealand in the final in Ahmedabad on March 8. With the win, India clinched back-to-back titles and became the first team to win three Men’s T20 World Cup trophies since the tournament’s inception. (ANI)

Singer Sunidhi Chauhan has postponed her upcoming concert in Kolkata due to a severe throat infection.

In a statement shared on her social media handle, Sunidhi revealed that the concert, which was set to take place on Saturday, March 14, has now been rescheduled for March 25.

The singer also shared that she has been advised to complete vocal rest by her doctor.

“As some of you may be aware via clips from my last show in Lucknow, I am regretfully suffering from a severe throat infection and on my Doctor’s medical advice of complete vocal rest, I have had to take the most difficult decision of rescheduling the 14th March “I AM HOME” concert to the 25th of March so as to allow complete recovery and give you all the performance I and my team desire and you all deserve,” the statement read.

Further, the singer went on to expressed gratitude for the continued support and understanding from her fans during the time as she added, “Our “I AM HOME” India Tour has been receiving incredible love and blessings across the country and this decision stems from the single most motive that each and every one of you experiences the Concert exactly the way it is meant to be!”

As part of her ‘I AM HOME’ music tour, Sunidhi Chauhan will be performing at the Aquatica Ground in Kolkata on March 25, 2026.

Prior to this, Sunidhi enthralled her fans across multiple Indian cities, including Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad, Chennai, Jaipur, Chandigarh, Indore and Lucknow with an electrifying performance. (ANI)

Amid rising concerns over global supply constraints of LPG due to the ongoing tensions in West Asia, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas on Friday assured that India has adequate availability of petrol and diesel across the country, while the LPG situation continues to remain a “matter of concern” for the government.

Speaking during an inter-ministerial briefing, Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary (Marketing & Oil Refinery) at the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, said petrol and diesel supplies remain stable and available at all fuel stations.

“Petrol and diesel are available in adequate quantities at all petrol pumps… Regarding LPG, I would like to state that this remains a matter of concern for us. Nevertheless, despite this situation, no dry out has been reported at any of our 25,000 distributors. I would like to appeal to all fellow citizens not to give credence to rumours and to refrain from engaging in panic buying,” said Sujata Sharma.

Sharma asserted that India remains self-sufficient in the production of petrol and diesel and has a refining capacity of 258 million metric tons. She further added that all refineries in the country are currently operating at 100 per cent capacity or higher and have adequate crude oil inventories.

“As far as crude oil is concerned, we possess a refining capacity of 258 million metric tons. We are self-sufficient in the production of petrol and diesel; consequently, there is no need to import these fuels into India. All our refineries are currently operating at 100% capacity or higher. The refineries hold adequate inventories of crude oil, and furthermore, supplies are being consistently maintained,” said Sujata Sharma.

Sharma noted that the supply of Piped Natural Gas (PNG) to domestic consumers and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) across the country is continuing without interruption. She acknowledged that several commercial consumers in major urban centres, many of whom rely on LPG supplies, are facing difficulties due to the current situation. She said the Government of India is taking necessary steps to address its concerns.

Sharma also urged commercial consumers to reach out to their local City Gas Distribution (CGD) network providers or designated dealers to obtain PNG connections as an alternative.

“The supply of PNG (Piped Natural Gas) to domestic consumers and CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) is being ensured without any interruptions or cuts. Given this situation, there is absolutely no need for panic…Furthermore, regarding commercial consumers in our major urban cities and centers–many of whom are currently facing difficulties due to their reliance on LPG supplies–the Government of India is making every effort to address their concerns. We appeal to all such commercial consumers to contact their local CGD (City Gas Distribution) network provider or their designated dealer to obtain a PNG connection,” said Sharma. (ANI)

Thousands of people gathered in Jammu and Kashmir’s Budgam and Leh, Ladakh, on the occasion of ‘Youm-e-Quds’ on Friday and participated in a large protest march expressing solidarity with the people of Palestine and Iran.

A large congregation assembled at Markazi Imambara Budgam, following which people took out a peaceful rally and marched towards Main Chowk Budgam.

Simultaneously, in Leh, Ladakh, thousands joined a similar demonstration to protest the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in Israeli and US strikes on February 28.

Participants said the rally was organised to mark Youm-e-Quds, reiterating their support for Palestine and Iran and condemning actions against the leadership of the Islamic world.

Furthermore, thousands of people also gathered in Tehran, Iran, on ‘Youm-e-Quds’ and held a protest march over the death of Khamenei.

According to Al Jazeera, Al-Quds Day is an annual international day to express support for Palestine and oppose the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories. Large rallies are held, usually beginning after the communal Friday prayers.

Iran’s first supreme leader, Ruhollah Khomeini, established Quds Day in 1979 shortly after the Iranian Revolution to show solidarity with Palestinians and reject Israeli occupation of East Jerusalem. It has since become a symbol of resistance, as per Al Jazeera.

Earlier in the day, a protest was held at the Bara Imambara in Lucknow on Friday, where people gathered after Jumma prayers. The protest was led by Shia cleric Kalbe Jawad Naqvi, who criticised the United States and called for stronger condemnation of its actions over the ongoing conflict involving Iran.

Speaking to ANI, Kalbe Jawad Naqvi said, “…Iran is totally defenceless; America is dropping bombs on it and attacking the public. This is a matter of great shame that our country is not condemning it. Our country has adopted such a bad attitude towards Iran, and Iranians are showing mercy towards us. They have given permission to India to bring its oil ships… America should be stopped from attacking. Otherwise, the whole world should boycott America and Israel.”

He further said that India should take a stronger stand internationally and support Iran.

This comes amid escalating tensions in West Asia after a joint US-Israel military strike on February 28 on Iranian territory resulted in the death of its Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other senior figures, prompting a fierce response from Tehran. In retaliation, Iran launched waves of drone and missile attacks across multiple Arab countries as the conflict continues. (ANI)

The assassination attempt on National Conference President Farooq Abdullah has drawn widespread condemnation. BJD MP Sasmit Patra on Friday described the attack as “highly condemnable” and highlighted the serious security lapses that allowed such an incident to occur.

Speaking to ANI, Patra emphasised the gravity of the situation, stating, “This clearly shows a lack of intelligence and security preparedness. It highlights that there was no proper security arrangement in such a high-security zone.” He stressed the urgent need for improved safety measures, adding, “We need to take more stringent security measures.”

Calling for accountability, Patra said, “This has to be taken very seriously, and strict action has to be taken to ensure that such a lapse does not happen again.”

Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary on Thursday also raised concerns over security in the Union Territory following the assassination attempt on National Conference chief Farooq Abdullah, questioning what it means for the safety of ordinary citizens if such a high-profile leader can be targeted.

Speaking to ANI, Choudhary said the focus should be on understanding how the attack occurred rather than engaging in political debate over unrelated issues.

“… Whatever people say today, we would like to ask them that instead of talking about this and that, they should tell why this attack happened. If Farooq Abdullah, who is a highly protected man, can be attacked, then what will be the condition of a common man?…,” Choudhary told ANI.

Meanwhile, Farooq Abdullah on Thursday recounted the incident and called on the Centre to focus on improving the situation in Jammu and Kashmir.

The former Chief Minister emphasised the need for unity and democratic functioning while raising concerns about the powers of the elected government in the Union Territory.

“The Central and the UT governments should see if the situation here has really improved. We might have differences of opinion, but we have to work together as we are a democracy and voice our opinions…. An elected government doesn’t have powers; how can it continue this way? We were promised that statehood would be restored…,” he told reporters.

The man accused of attempting to assassinate Farooq Abdullah is currently in custody at Gangyal Police Station in Jammu.

The accused, identified as Kamal Singh, was apprehended after allegedly attempting to shoot Farooq Abdullah with a loaded pistol at a wedding ceremony held at Royal Park in the Greater Kailash area.

The accused was remanded to police custody for five days on Thursday, and the court also directed that a medical examination of the individual be carried out within the next 24 hours.

Counsel for the accused, Arvind Singh, expressed opposition to the police remand. He stated that a weapon had already been recovered in the matter and that the probe was nearing completion, as eyewitnesses had already been recorded.

“The judge gave the police a five-day remand, but we opposed it. We said that a weapon had been recovered in this case, and the investigation was almost complete since the eyewitnesses had also been recorded. Still, the judge granted a five-day remand and ordered that a medical examination be conducted after 24 hours,” the counsel told ANI.

According to police, the National Security Guard (NSG) personnel assigned to protect Farooq Abdullah immediately intervened and successfully thwarted the assassination attempt. The firearm used in the incident has been recovered, and the accused, a resident of Purani Mandi in Jammu, is being interrogated.

Police said cognisance has been taken, and further investigation is underway. (ANI)

Afghanistan conducted retaliatory drone strikes on strategic military centres and installations of the Pakistan army in the Kohath area of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Afghanistan’s Ministry of Defence said on Friday.

Pakistan’s Kohat Military Fort, a war command centre along the Durand Line, and the office of the fort’s commander sustained significant damage during the retaliatory strikes.

In a post on X, Afghanistan’s Ministry of Defence said, “The fort’s military installations, the command centre, depots, and soldiers’ residential quarters were destroyed, resulting in significant human and material losses.”

The strikes came after the military targeted various areas of the Alisher-Terezai district of Khost province, near the hypothetical Durand Line, with artillery fire, as per TOLO News. Four members of one family were killed, and three others were injured as a result of the shelling.

The Pakistan Air Force also struck the fuel depots belonging to the private airline Kam Air near Kandahar Airport in Afghanistan.

In a post on X, Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said that this company provides fuel materials for domestic airlines as well as for United Nations aircraft. Zabihullah Mujahid also accused Pakistan of previously attacking the fuel storage of a national trader named Haji Khan Zadah.

This comes amid an increasing exchange of airstrikes between Pakistan and Afghanistan along the Durand Line in February. Pakistan launched air strikes on Afghanistan’s capital, Kabul, and other cities as clashes escalate along the two countries’ shared border.

The Durand Line dispute and the Taliban’s return to power in 2021 have fuelled tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan, with frequent clashes reported.

In particular, Pakistan wants the Taliban to rein in armed groups such as the Pakistan Taliban, known by its acronym TTP, which it says Afghanistan is harbouring. The TTP emerged in Pakistan in 2007 and is separate from the Taliban in Afghanistan but shares deep ideological, social and linguistic ties with the group, as per Al Jazeera.

Armed attacks in Pakistan by the TTP and the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), which operates in the resource-rich Balochistan province, have surged in recent years. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, which border Afghanistan, have borne the brunt of the violence. (ANI)

The recently concluded Ice Hockey League Season 3 brought together teams from across Ladakh for weeks of closely contested ice hockey. In conversation with Purig Warriors’ Kacho Shamshad, he speaks about the evolving competitive landscape of the sport in the region, the role of community support, and how the League continues to bring new players into the game, according to a release.

Speaking about how his journey in ice hockey began and what kept him committed to the sport, Kacho said, “When I first started playing ice hockey, it was just for fun with friends on frozen ponds back home. At that time, it was not something serious; we just enjoyed being out on the ice and learning together. Over time, as more structured games started happening through the League and other programmes, I began to realise that I could play at a higher level. What kept me committed was the feeling of competition, scoring goals, making plays, seeing the crowd cheer, and learning from other players. It became something I looked forward to every winter.”

Reflecting on his goal in the finals and the emotions surrounding that moment, Kacho said, “That goal in the final was a special moment for our team and for me. It felt great to put Purig ahead early; it gave us confidence, and we believed we were in the game right from the start. The atmosphere was intense, but I just tried to stay calm and follow the play. Even though the result didn’t go our way in the end, that moment reminded me that if you get into the right position and stay focused, good things can happen. It was an emotional experience that I’ll always remember.”

Purig had taken the lead through Kacho Shamshad before Humas came back and won the final.

When asked about his participation in the Referee Training Programme and how it changed his understanding of the sport, Kacho said, “Being part of the Referee Training Programme was something completely new for me this season, and it opened my eyes to the game in a very different way. Before the on-ice training in New Delhi, we completed four virtual sessions with other officials, going through rules, positioning and decision-making.

Then on the ice, we worked with IIHF-certified officiating instructor Peter Gebei, who taught us how to read the entire play, anticipate situations and stay composed while making decisions.

That experience changed how I look at the game when I am playing. As a referee, you cannot just follow the puck; you have to understand the strategy, the flow, and how tactics develop from the defensive zone to attack. When I returned to playing for Purig, I began thinking more about positioning, transitions and how small tactical mistakes can change the game. I communicate more now, discussing strategy during breaks, reminding teammates about spacing and defensive shape, and helping adjust our approach depending on how the game is moving.

Participating in referee training gave me a broader understanding of the sport. I learned that it is not just about playing your role, but also about respecting structure and systems. By experiencing the sport from both sides, I’ve become a more complete player, now understanding the game’s rhythm beyond just my own role.”

Talking about the competitive format of the League this season, Kacho said, “This season’s single-leg round-robin format made every game important because you only got one chance against each team. There was no second opportunity to correct mistakes against the same opponent. That made preparation very serious.

For Purig, the qualification itself showed how tight the League was. We secured our place in the knockouts only after our last game, and the points difference between teams in the middle of the table was very small. From third to sixth, teams were separated by just a few points. That shows how competitive the season was; one win or loss could completely change the standings.

Because of that intensity, we had to stay alert throughout. We studied opponents carefully, focused on small tactical details, and tried to improve after every game. Playing in such a close competition forces you to grow quickly. For me personally, it improved my composure because you learn to handle pressure knowing every game can decide your future in the League.”

Sharing his thoughts on the growth of ice hockey in Ladakh and the role of community in nurturing the sport, Kacho said, “Ice hockey in Ladakh has always been about community. Most of us started because we saw seniors from our village playing on frozen ponds. There wasn’t much structure in the beginning. People shared equipment, helped prepare the ice, and learned by watching each other. That spirit is still there.

What has changed now is the scale and organisation. Through the Learn to Play programmes supported by Royal Enfield Social Mission, more than 1000 children across 24 villages are being introduced to the sport in a structured way. When you see that many young kids are learning basic skating and stick skills properly, you realise the foundation is becoming stronger.

The Ice Hockey League then gives those players something to aim for. It brings regions together every winter, and players do not just compete; they build connections and mutual respect.

For someone like me, being both a player and part of officiating makes me feel responsible from two sides. As a referee, I focus on fairness and maintaining discipline. As a player, I carry that understanding into strategy and communication with my team. In our region, everyone plays multiple roles, including players, referees, coaches and families. That shared responsibility is what keeps ice hockey growing here.”

Speaking about his personal goals and the future of the sport in the region, Kacho said, “I want to keep improving as a player and continue contributing to Purig Warriors and to the Kargil region, especially for young players who look up to us. At the same time, I want to grow in officiating as well, because understanding the rules and structure of the game from that side has made me more disciplined and aware on the ice.

For our region, structured competitions every winter are very important. When players know there will be organised games with clear formats and proper officiating, they prepare differently. They take fitness, tactics and teamwork more seriously. If this consistency continues, I believe players from Kargil and other parts of Ladakh will keep improving year after year and compete at even higher levels.” (ANI)

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) will enter the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 chasing a record sixth title and the former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan believes it can be the last IPL season for the former CSK skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni.

Speaking on JioHotstar, Pathan said, “CSK is incomplete without MS Dhoni. This season might be the last time we see him in the yellow jersey, and it’s tough to imagine CSK and the IPL without him. This season, Dhoni will play an important role in bringing everyone together. I’m not sure how many games he will play. But his presence in the dressing room will help a lot.”

Speaking on the newly traded player in the CSK side, Sanju Samson, he said, “Sanju will benefit because he will be part of the leadership group as well. Ruturaj Gaikwad is the leader. But as a group, two or three guys are being groomed for the future. That is where MS Dhoni comes in. I hope he makes a difference. Questions about his fitness, batting position, and whether he will play all games will still come up. The CSK team management will take it step by step. They will definitely look to give him a perfect farewell by lifting their sixth IPL trophy.”

Dhoni has led CSK to five IPL titles, and at the age of 44, he is ready to represent CSK again in the upcoming IPL edition. He has been part of all 19 editions of the IPL so far.

Veteran Indian all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja has been traded to Rajasthan Royals from Chennai Super Kings, and Pathan believes that the uncapped all-rounder from Uttar Pradesh, Prashant Veer, can fill up his shoes in the CSK.

On how CSK can fill the void left by Ravindra Jadeja, Pathan said, “Jadeja became the player he is with time. When he played for Rajasthan Royals in the first two IPL seasons, Shane Warne gave him confidence and told him he was a future superstar. That gave him a lot of belief. With time, he reached the level he is at today. Then he joined CSK in 2012. The same can happen with Prashant Veer. Playing for CSK at a young age gives you a lot of cushion. If you are in the starting XI from the beginning of the season, you will play most games. That is a big plus.”

“CSK keeps it simple for young players. With MS Dhoni and the experienced guys around, and Stephen Fleming as Coach, they make things easy on and off the field. When you have that kind of simplicity in a high-pressure environment like the IPL, it helps a lot. So, for Kartik Sharma and Prashant Veer, it is an exciting and learning time at CSK,” Pathan concluded. (ANI)