National News

Magic Johnson recently revisited his journey living with HIV during a conference in Atlanta, offering a candid reflection shaped by decades of experience. From his shocking 1991 retirement to becoming a global advocate, Johnson turned fear into purpose. Supported by his wife Cookie and guided by medical progress, he continues to inspire through honesty, education, and resilience, proving his impact extends far beyond basketball.

The Indian Army is bolstering its armoured regiments with dedicated drone units, 'Shaurya Squadrons', to enhance surveillance, precision strikes, and electronic warfare. Recently tested in a realistic battle scenario, these units aim to significantly boost battlefield awareness and response times for tank formations. This move reflects lessons learned from global drone-centric conflicts.

Detroit's decision to place Kevin McGonigle on the Opening Day roster has created a roster crunch, pushing Javier Báez into an uncertain role. With his substantial contract, trade talks are intensifying. A potential deal with Miami could see Báez move for prospects, offering Detroit payroll relief and a clearer path for younger talent.

Sushma Sharma, a 54-year-old resident of Mohali, showcased unparalleled bravery when an armed intruder masquerading as a delivery man invaded her home. Despite enduring three stab wounds and facing a weapon mimicking a firearm, she fought fiercely to safeguard her grandson.

This week explodes with must-sees like O'Romeo to Daredevil: Born Again Season 2. Streaming giants deliver mind-bending thrillers, gritty social dramas, and prime BTS: THE RETURN views. From obsession-fueled romances to epic comebacks, here's your perfect guide to the top OTT releases.

President Trump has extended the deadline for potential strikes on Iran's energy infrastructure by ten days to April 6, 2026, citing a request from Tehran and positive negotiation progress. This move follows multiple extensions of an ultimatum regarding the Strait of Hormuz, with US envoy Steve Witkoff indicating strong signs of Iranian openness to talks.

Gujarat Titans captain Shubman Gill is focused on winning the IPL 2026 title. He stated that personal achievements are secondary to team goals. Gill believes his past performances speak for themselves and he has nothing to prove. He aims to help his team achieve consistency and secure another championship. Gill's priority remains the team's victory in every match and tournament.

The Supreme Court has ruled that vague and unsupported allegations are insufficient to initiate criminal proceedings, quashing a dowry harassment case against an elderly couple. The bench emphasized that citizens must be vigilant about their rights and take timely action, especially in matrimonial disputes, as delays can cast aspersions on a case.

Ranveer Singh's 'Dhurandhar: The Revenge' is a box office sensation, crossing Rs 800 crore gross in India within its first week. The film, directed by Adiya Dhar, has shown remarkable performance, earning an estimated Rs 674.17 crore net. Overseas collections also stand strong at Rs 261.92 crore, nearing its predecessor's international success.

In a dramatic twist, Maharashtra FDA Minister Narhari Zirwal finds himself at the center of controversy after a video leak showed him napping in a private room with a transgender individual. Allegations have arisen surrounding extortion and manipulation, as a man claiming to be the sibling of the transgender person has accused them of targeting influential individuals.

The Supreme Court ruled that if a private vehicle is requisitioned by a district administration and meets with an accident, the government, not the insurance company, is liable for compensation. The court stated that the owner is divested of custody and control during requisition, making the requisitioning authority responsible for incidents.

Elderly individuals, especially those frail or with limited life expectancy, may no longer need all their long-term medications. A global review suggests carefully stopping some drugs can be safe, reducing risks like falls and confusion. Doctors emphasize a shift towards patient-centered care, where medication reduction, when supervised, can improve well-being and energy levels.

Rapper-turned-politician Balendra Shah, 35, is set to become Nepal's Prime Minister, a dramatic rise for the former Kathmandu mayor known for his clashes with the federal government. His confrontational style, including a threat to burn down Singha Durbar, propelled him to national fame.

Iran has permitted India to use the Strait of Hormuz, allowing 20 Indian cargo vessels and 18 LPG tankers to pass. This decision, following diplomatic efforts by India, eases concerns about energy supply disruptions. Iran stated that ships linked to its adversaries will be denied passage through the strategic waterway.

Ravichandran Ashwin firmly believes MS Dhoni should start in Chennai Super Kings' playing XI if he's part of the squad, rejecting the Impact Player role. Ashwin emphasized Dhoni's unwavering self-belief and his crucial on-field guidance for new captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, highlighting his wicket-keeping and tactical acumen as vital contributions beyond just batting.

The government has ruled out restrictions on petrol and diesel sales, assuring citizens of ample oil and gas availability and robust import arrangements. Despite global fuel use curbs and misinformation-driven queues, India's petroleum and LPG supply remains secure and under control, with reserves and ongoing procurements ensuring uninterrupted dispensing at all retail outlets.

Prime Minister Modi is set to convene a video conference with Chief Ministers, excluding those from poll-bound states, to assess national readiness for potential disruptions stemming from the West Asia conflict. The "Team India" spirit will guide discussions on energy supply concerns and preparedness, with the cabinet secretariat to engage excluded states separately.

Domestic air travel is poised for a significant price increase this summer, mirroring international flight costs. A 12% reduction in weekly domestic flights, coupled with the removal of fare caps and anticipated Aviation Turbine Fuel hikes, will drive up ticket prices. Only financially robust airlines are expected to maintain operations as demand and operating costs fluctuate.

Delhi leads national parties in donations for FY 2024-25, contributing Rs 2,639.4 crore. Maharashtra and Gujarat follow with significant contributions. The Association for Democratic Reforms report highlights a substantial increase in total donations, with corporate entities being the primary source.

The Bt cotton revolution of the early 2000s had farmers in Haryana’s Hisar, Sirsa, Fatehabad, and Jind reaping rewards. Now, the pink bollworm is slashing yields and squeezing profits and the MSP is not enough. As farmers ditch cotton for paddy, the impact is soon likely to be felt by farm labourers, traders, and the economy as a whole, reports Ashok Kumar