Author: News Desk

The first auction of The Hundred’s private era on March 12, 2026, intended to be a celebratory milestone for the ECB, instead ignited a heated debate in India. SunRisers Leeds, an Indian-owned franchise affiliated with IPL’s SunRisers Hyderabad, caused a social media uproar after winning the bid for Pakistan’s mystery spinner Abrar Ahmed. The contract, reportedly worth £190,000 (around ₹2.34 crore), is notable as it marks the first time in years that a franchise with Indian ownership has actively recruited a Pakistani international. While UK observers praised the decision as a win for merit-based selection, many Indian fans reacted negatively,…

Amid reports of cooking gas shortages across India, the central government announced on Thursday that oil marketing companies (OMCs), in coordination with state governments, will allocate 20% of the average monthly commercial LPG requirement starting 12 March. The move aims to prevent hoarding and black marketing. Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri made the announcement in the Lok Sabha, emphasizing that the regulation is intended to manage supply rather than penalize the hospitality sector. Commercial LPG is sold in a fully deregulated, over-the-counter market at market prices, without government subsidies, registrations, or delivery tracking. The decision comes…

Researchers at the Graphene India 2026 conference highlighted how MXene-based materials could revolutionize future energy storage technologies, including batteries and supercapacitors. During sessions focused on two-dimensional (2D) materials for energy applications, experts such as Prof. Rupesh S. Devan (IIT Indore), Dr. Rakhi Raghavan Baby (CSIR-NIIST), and Chandra Sekhar Rout (Jain University) presented developments in MXene research aimed at higher energy density, faster charging, and longer-lasting devices. MXenes are ideal for electrodes because of their excellent electrical conductivity, large surface area, and mechanical strength. These properties allow electrons and ions to move more efficiently within batteries, increasing storage capacity and reducing…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Masoud Pezeshkian to discuss the worsening situation in West Asia. In a post on X, PM Modi said the conversation focused on the “serious situation” unfolding in the region, expressing concern over rising tensions, civilian casualties, and damage to infrastructure. This marked PM Modi’s first direct discussion with an Iranian leader since the outbreak of the war following joint United States-Israel attacks on Iran on February 28. Earlier, S. Jaishankar had spoken with Iran’s foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi. During the call, PM Modi highlighted India’s priorities: the safety and security of Indian nationals and…

The conflict involving Iran, United States, and Israel continues to intensify across West Asia, with several Gulf nations reporting missile and drone interceptions amid growing regional instability. UAE Intercepts Missiles and Drones Authorities in the United Arab Emirates said they intercepted 10 missiles and 26 drones on Thursday as hostilities linked to the ongoing conflict expanded across the Gulf. Similar defensive actions were reported by neighboring countries including Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, indicating a widening security threat in the region. Mojtaba Khamenei Vows Retaliation In a statement broadcast on Iranian state television, Iran’s newly appointed supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, promised retaliation for…

A rare and highly prized fruit, the Miyazaki mango—often called “Eggs of the Sun”—has been successfully cultivated on a rooftop terrace in Udupi. Gardener Joseph Lobo’s experiment demonstrates that even luxury fruits, traditionally grown in specialized orchards, can thrive in limited urban spaces, inspiring other home gardeners to explore exotic crops. Japan’s Luxury Mango Reaches Indian Terraces Originating in Japan, the Miyazaki mango is known for its deep red color, creamy texture, and intensely sweet flavor. The fruit commands remarkable prices in luxury markets, sometimes selling for Rs 2.5 lakh to 3 lakh per kilogram. Its high value and delicate…

The government announced that the cooperative-run ride-hailing service Bharat Taxi will be rolled out to all major cities and talukas within the next two to three years. Union Minister of State for Cooperation Krishan Pal said the platform was launched to empower drivers, increase their earnings, and provide them with ownership in the service. Easy, Secure, and Transparent Ride Booking Bharat Taxi bookings can be made through a mobile app that ensures security, transparency, and has been integrated with the Delhi Police for added safety. The platform is already operational in Delhi-NCR and in cities across Gujarat including Ahmedabad, Rajkot,…

Watch retailer Just In Time has appointed Bollywood actor Ayushmann Khurrana as its new brand ambassador as part of its strategy to strengthen its appeal among young and style-conscious consumers. The announcement comes alongside the launch of the brand’s flagship boutique in Connaught Place, New Delhi, marking a significant step in the company’s retail expansion strategy. Just In Time is one of India’s largest multi-brand watch retail chains, offering a wide range of global and premium watch brands. By partnering with Ayushmann Khurrana, the company aims to reinforce its positioning as a modern lifestyle destination for watch enthusiasts. Known for his versatile film choices and…

India is moving forward with the development of three types of small modular reactors (SMRs), including one specifically aimed at hydrogen production, according to a statement in the Lok Sabha. Union Minister Jitendra Singh detailed that the three designs include the 220 MWe Bharat Small Modular Reactor BSMR-200, the 55 MWe SMR-55, and a 5 MWth high-temperature gas-cooled reactor (HTGCR) intended for hydrogen generation. Construction Sites and Costs The Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) will construct the lead units at existing facilities. The Tarapur Atomic Power Station has been selected for BSMR-200 and SMR-55 units, while the BARC Vizag site…

Hical Technologies has secured a long-term contract from Dassault Aviation to supply critical components for the Rafale multirole fighter jets. Under the agreement, Hical will manufacture specialized mission-critical products used in the control systems of these advanced aircraft. The components will be engineered to meet Dassault Aviation’s stringent standards for precision, reliability, and performance, ensuring they are fully qualified for operational use. Supplying Mission-Critical Components The new contract positions Hical Technologies as a key supplier for Rafale’s control systems. These components are vital for the aircraft’s operational control mechanisms, making their quality and reliability essential. Dassault Aviation awarded the contract…