Month: March 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Sunday launched a scathing attack against the BJP in the run-up to the 2026 state elections, accusing the opposition party of inciting riots.

Addressing a public gathering in Purulia, CM Mamata claimed that the public will be unable to consume non-vegetarian food if the BJP is voted to power.

She reiterated her accusations against the BJP, alleging attacks against Bengal-speaking people in other states.

CM Mamata said, “Fish is not eaten in BJP-ruled states. If the BJP comes, you won’t be able to eat meat or eggs. BJP is one-sided; they don’t believe in any religion. These people incite riots. They come to power by inciting riots, and they come to power by killing people. Most attacks on tribal people, attacks on women, happen in BJP-ruled states. Our Bengali-speaking people are attacked in other states. We don’t oppress anyone.”

TMC has, on several occasions, slammed the BJP over attacks against Bengali migrant workers in other states. The party has taken it up a poll plank in the run-up to the 2026 West Bengal elections.

Earlier today, Bihar State Minister Dilip Jaiswal highlighted concerns about infiltration from Bangladesh, citing porous borders and a lack of fencing in certain areas. He supported the Home Minister Amit Shah’s call for fencing to curb the issue.

Speaking to the media, Jaiswal noted that the West Bengal border’s proximity to Bangladesh has been exploited by infiltrators for 30 to 40 years.

“The Bangladesh border adjoins Bengal, for 30-40 years, infiltrators have been taking advantage of this, and they try to infiltrate through the routes where there is no fencing…The Home Minister has rightly expressed concern that fencing is needed to stop infiltration,” he said.

The issue of Bangladeshi infiltrators has been central in the months leading upto the polls.

West Bengal will hold polling for the elections in two phases, with the first phase scheduled on April 23 and the second phase on April 29. The counting of votes will take place on May 4.

In the last assembly election in the state, held in eight phases in 2021, the Trinamool Congress recorded a landslide victory with 213 seats amid an intense contest with the BJP, which jumped to 77 seats. Congress and Left Front drew a blank in the last state polls. (ANI)

Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake on Sunday expressed his gratitude towards India for its support in sending fuel to the country.

Dissanayake said that 38,000MT of fuel arrived in Colombo on Sunday amid the West Asia crisis.

In a post on X, he said, “Spoke with PM Narendra Modi a few days ago about the fuel supply disruptions Sri Lanka is facing due to the Middle East conflict. Grateful for India’s swift support. 38,000 MT of fuel arrived in Colombo yesterday. My thanks also to EAM S Jaishankar for his close coordination.”

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi received a phone call today from the President of Sri Lanka, Anura Kumara Disanayaka. The two leaders discussed the evolving situation in West Asia with an emphasis on disruptions affecting global energy security, a statement by the Prime Minister’s Office said on March 24.

Both leaders reiterated the importance of keeping shipping lines open and secure in the interest of the whole world. The two leaders reviewed progress on various initiatives aimed at strengthening India-Sri Lanka energy cooperation and enhancing regional security. Prime Minister reiterated India’s firm commitment to work closely together in addressing shared challenges in line with India’s Neighbourhood First policy and MAHASAGAR Vision. The two leaders agreed to stay in touch, the statement concluded.

Earlier on March 23, Jaishankar also held a telephonic conversation with Sri Lanka’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Vijitha Herath.

In a post on X, Jaishankar said, “A good conversation with FM Vijitha Herath of Sri Lanka. Discussed the repercussions of the West Asia conflict. India stands committed to Neighbourhood First and Vision MAHASAGAR.”

The outreach to Colombo is particularly significant as several neighbouring nations have reportedly sought additional fuel supplies from India to manage energy shortages resulting from the crisis. The Minister confirmed on social media that he “discussed the repercussions of the West Asia conflict,” while reaffirming that “India stands committed to Neighbourhood First and Vision MAHASAGAR.” (ANI)

Samajwadi Party Akhilesh Yadav, while addressing the Samajwadi Samanta Bhaichara Rally, alleged that Galgotias University, which was recently in controversy, had sent students to attend a rally of Narendra Modi to fill empty seats.

He further claimed that the students were promised vacations as a reward for attending the event.

Targeting the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Yadav said that the party’s exit from Uttar Pradesh and Delhi is “certain.”

In a sharp remark, he added, “BJP is not a party, it is like a ‘dry clean shop’, where every corrupt person goes and comes out clean, and a storehouse of lies.”

Akhilesh Yadav, chief of the Samajwadi Party, on Sunday said that farmers were not given compensation at market rates for land acquired by the government.

Addressing a public gathering, he stated, “They (the BJP government) may have taken the land, but you were not given compensation at market rates. I want to tell my farmer brothers that whenever a Samajwadi government is formed, if land is taken for development work, we will ensure that farmers receive compensation at market rate.”

He further alleged that people belonging to the PDA (Pichhda, Dalit, Alpsankhyak) groups are being deprived of respect and rights under the current government. Targeting the Bharatiya Janata Party, he said that such communities are being disrespected by an “arrogant party.”

Yadav added that ensuring respect, rights, and protection of the Constitution of India is essential, and assured that PDA communities would be given dignity and justice under a Samajwadi government.

“Under a Samajwadi government, women’s safety will be strengthened, and the Samman Samriddhi Yojana will provide ₹40,000 per month to mothers and sisters,” Akhilesh Yadav said at the Dadri rally.

Akhilesh Yadav said that once the Samajwadi Party forms the government in 2027, statues of PDA leaders will be installed on Lucknow’s River Front to honour their contributions and preserve the historical legacy.

“We all fought that battle when others wanted to rob us of our history, our emperors, too. In 2027, form the government, and in the capital Lucknow, we will install statues on the River Front to remind everyone of the contributions of all PDA greats,” he said. (ANI)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday offered condolences to the family of a fallen IDF soldier after the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) confirmed the death of Sergeant Moshe Yitzhak HaCohen Katz during fighting in Lebanon.

In a post X, Netanyahu said, “My wife and I offer our deepest condolences to the family of the late Sergeant Moshe Yitzhak HaCohen Katz, of blessed memory, who fell in battle in Lebanon.”

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu:

“My wife and I offer our deepest condolences to the family of the late Sergeant Moshe Yitzhak HaCohen Katz, of blessed memory, who fell in battle in Lebanon.

— Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) March 29, 2026

He added that Katz had immigrated to Israel from the United States, enlisted in the Paratroopers Brigade and “fought bravely in defence of the homeland.”

He said, ” Moshe, of blessed memory, immigrated to Israel from the US, enlisted in the Paratroopers Brigade, and fought bravely in defence of the homeland.”

“On behalf of all citizens of Israel, we embrace Moshe’s family in their difficult hour and wish a swift and full recovery to our fighters who were wounded in the same incident,” Netanyahu said while offering condolences to the family of the fallen soldier and wishing a full recovery to the other three wounded soldiers.

The IDF, in its announcement on Sunday, said Katz (22), who was born in New Haven, Connecticut, US, was killed during an attack in Lebanon in which three other soldiers were moderately wounded. The injured soldiers were evacuated for medical treatment, and their families were notified.

According to the Jerusalem Post, five IDF soldiers have been killed in Lebanon since the start of Operation Roaring Lion on February 28.

Meanwhile, the Lebanese armed group Hezbollah claimed responsibility for a series of attacks on Sunday morning targeting Israeli military positions near the northern city of Safed, according to Al Jazeera.

In a statement, as reported by Al Jazeera, Hezbollah said it carried out a missile strike on Israel’s Mahava Alon base and launched drones at the Berea base, both located in the vicinity of Safed, on Sunday morning.

The group also claimed it fired three salvoes of rockets at Israeli troops and vehicles positioned at the Al-Malikiyah site in northern Israel.

Additionally, Hezbollah said its fighters targeted an Israeli armoured force in Deir Siryan, indicating cross-border hostilities extending into southern Lebanon.

Earlier on Saturday, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) uncovered significant Hezbollah military infrastructure and weapons hidden in civilian areas of southern Lebanon, highlighting the ongoing risks posed by the militant group to both local populations and international peace efforts.

According to the IDF, troops discovered a stash of Hezbollah weaponry inside a school located in Al-Khiyam, a town near the Israeli-Lebanese border. Among the items found were anti-tank rockets, mortar shells, grenades, launchers, light firearms, and explosives. (ANI)

Large crowds across the United States participated in the “No Kings” protests on Saturday (local time), staging nationwide demonstrations against the policies of US President Donald Trump, the rising cost of living, and the ongoing war with Iran, CNN reported.

According to CNN, protests were held from coast to coast, with massive marches in major cities and smaller gatherings in suburban and rural areas across both traditionally Republican and Democratic states.

Demonstrators were seen chanting slogans, waving placards, and engaging in cultural expressions such as singing and dancing.

In New York City, protesters marched from Midtown Manhattan carrying signs opposing immigration enforcement, the Trump administration, and the conflict with Iran.

Meanwhile, in San Francisco, large groups assembled at Embarcadero Plaza and marched toward Civic Center Plaza, displaying a mix of American flags and banners supporting various causes, including Ukraine and transgender rights.

A major rally took place in St Paul, Minnesota, featuring a performance by rock legend Bruce Springsteen, who described Minnesota as “an inspiration to the entire country”.

He also paid tribute to Alex Pretti and Renee Good, who were killed by federal immigration agents earlier in January, this year.

“Your strength and your commitment told us that this is still America, and this reactionary nightmare and these invasions of American cities will not stand,” Springsteen said as quoted by CNN.

Earlier this year, Alex Pretti and Renee Good were killed due to immigration enforcement actions in Minneapolis, Minnesota, following which public scrutiny intensified against the federal tactics, making the incidents focal points in the broader national debate over immigration policy imposed by the Trump administration.

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz also strongly criticised federal immigration actions during his address, accusing the administration of deploying aggressive enforcement measures and praising residents for standing up for their communities.

“When the wannabe dictator in the White House sent his untrained, aggressive thugs to do damage to Minnesota, it was you, Minnesota, who stood up for your neighbours, who stood up for decency, who stood up for kindness,” the governor said, as quoted by CNN.

CNN further reported that these demonstrations mark the third wave of “No Kings” protests, following two large-scale events last year that drew millions of participants.

The latest protests come amid concerns over economic challenges, including rising fuel prices and a slowing economy linked to the war in West Asia.

Meanwhile, in West Palm Beach, Florida, around 50 supporters of President Trump reportedly engaged in verbal confrontations with demonstrators, highlighting tensions surrounding the protests.

Overall, the protests remained largely peaceful, with widespread participation reflecting continued public dissent over government policies and economic issues, CNN reported. (ANI)

Iran on Sunday accused the United States and Israel of “deliberately” targeting its academic institutions and scientific infrastructure amid the ongoing conflict in the region, alleging that the US-Israeli military campaign against Iran has “revealed its true objective” by systematically striking universities, research centres, historical monuments and prominent scientists.

In a post on X, the official spokesperson for Iran’s Foreign Ministry, Esmaeil Baqaei, described the attacks as an effort to “cripple our country’s scientific foundation and cultural heritage”.

Baqaei specifically cited Isfahan University of Technology and the University of Science and Technology in Tehran — institutions at the heart of Iran’s higher education and research ecosystem — as among those hit during the past 30 days of conflict.

He also dismissed claims by the US and Israel on countering Iran’s nuclear programme and addressing an “imminent threat” as “vicious pretexts” intended to conceal what Tehran perceives as a broader strategy to undermine its intellectual and cultural institutions.

“Isfahan University of Technology and the University of Science and Technology in Tehran are just two among many universities and research centers deliberately attacked by the aggressors during the past 30 days of their illegal war on the Iranian nation. In fact, the American-Israeli aggression against Iran continues to reveal its true objective: to cripple our country’s scientific foundation and cultural heritage by systematically targeting universities, research centers, historical monuments, and prominent scientists. Countering Iran’ “nuclear program” and “imminent threat” were nothing but vicious pretexts — mere fabrications designed to conceal their real intention,” the post read.

The Iranian foreign ministry’s remarks underscore growing Tehran rhetoric that the conflict has expanded beyond conventional military targets to include centres of learning and research.

Meanwhile, Yemen’s Houthis, earlier today, announced a “second military operation” targeting Israel in a significant escalation of the ongoing West Asia conflict, using a barrage of cruise missiles and drones against what they described as “vital and military sites” in southern occupied Palestine.

In a statement posted on Telegram, Yahya Saree, the Houthis’ military spokesperson, said that the operation was launched as part of the “Holy Jihad Battle” and coincided with military actions by allied groups, including forces in Iran and Hezbollah in Lebanon. He added that the second operation “successfully achieved its objectives”.

“Forces carried out the second military operation in the Holy Jihad Battle with a barrage of cruise missiles and drones targeting several vital and military sites belonging to the Zionist enemy in southern occupied Palestine. This operation coincided with the military operations being carried out by our mujahideen brothers in Iran and Hezbollah in Lebanon, and, by the grace of Allah, it successfully achieved its objectives,” the statement read.

This comes moments after the Iranian-backed group in Yemen officially joined the conflict in the region, earlier on Saturday. (ANI)

Indian stalwart Virat Kohli etched his name into the record books by becoming the first batter in the history of the Indian Premier League to cross 4000 runs in run chases.

The right-handed batter achieved this historic feat during the IPL 2026 opener between the defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Saturday.

Additonally, Kohli also surpassed former Pakistan batter Shoaib Malik to become the sixth-highest run-getter in T20 cricket. Malik has made 13571 runs in T20 557 matches and 515 innings. The former cricketer had an average of 35.99, including 83 half-centuries in the shortest format.

Coming to the match, Sunrisers Hyderabad staged a strong recovery from an early collapse to post a competitive 201/9 against the defending champions in the IPL 2026 opener.

After losing three quick wickets of Abhishek Sharma, Travis Head and Nitish Reddy in the power play, a brilliant knock from Ishan Kishan and key contributions down the order powered Hyderabad past the 200-run mark.

Ishan Kishan, who is the stand-in skipper for Hyderabad, hammered 80 runs off 38 deliveries, including eight fours and five sixes. Ankiet Verma played a blistering knock of 18-ball 43, including three fours and four maximums.

For the defending champions, Jacob Duffy (3/22) and Romario Shepherd (3/54) scalped three wickets apiece. Bhuvneshwar Kumar (1/31), Abhinandan Singh (1/38), and Suyash Sharma (1/28) bagged one wicket apiece.

In response, Kohli played a match-winning, unbeaten knock of 69 off 38 deliveries, including five fours and as many sixes.

Apart from him, Impact Player Devdutt Padikkal hammered 61 off 26 balls, with seven fours and four sixes.

Skipper Rajat Patidar played a blistering knock of 12-ball 31, with three sixes and two fours as Bengaluru won the high-scoring contest by four wickets.

The defending champions also chase down the fastest 200-plus runs in the history of IPL. Bengaluru chase down the 202-run target in 15.4 overs. (ANI)