Times of India

Sri Lanka captain Dasun Shanaka is reportedly set to join the Rajasthan Royals for IPL 2026 as a replacement for the injured Sam Curran. This move follows a trend of players switching from the PSL to the IPL, highlighting the latter's prominence. Shanaka, who went unsold in the mini-auction, previously played for Gujarat Titans.

A Sikh girl was allegedly assaulted at a Christian school in Faisalabad, Pakistan, after refusing to participate in prayers. Her turban was reportedly removed, and she was beaten. The incident has sparked outrage, with a community group demanding action. The girl's mother also recounted past abuse, raising concerns about minority safety.

Pakistan Super League 2026 will commence on March 26 behind closed doors due to regional tensions, with matches limited to Karachi and Lahore. The Pakistan Cricket Board cited government austerity measures, not security fears, for the decision. The tournament's opening ceremony has been canceled, and refunds will be issued to ticket holders.

Sunrisers Hyderabad's stand-in captain Ishan Kishan was playfully sent off by teammate Zeeshan Ansari during a practice game. Kishan, who is leading SRH in Pat Cummins' absence due to injury, responded sportingly to the leg-spinner's animated gesture. This incident occurs as Kishan takes on leadership duties following his stellar T20 World Cup performance.

Dalal Street experienced a significant market capitalisation erosion of over Rs 1 lakh crore for five top firms last week, with HDFC Bank bearing the brunt. Despite initial gains, selling pressure in later sessions led to a muted market close, reflecting participant caution.

A Mumbai court acquitted a businessman accused of abetting his HIV-positive ex-wife's suicide, ruling mere harassment insufficient. The 12-year case hinged on allegations of abuse and threats. The judge emphasized the need for clear intent and direct instigation, finding prosecution evidence lacking on both counts, leading to reasonable doubt and acquittal.

Iranian forces launched long-range missiles for the first time, striking near Israel's nuclear site and injuring dozens. The missiles, capable of reaching European capitals, were fired at the US-UK base Diego Garcia. These actions escalate the conflict, with Iran stating they targeted military installations in response to US-Israeli attacks.

Spinner Varun Chakravarthy revealed the severe online abuse he endured after testing positive for COVID-19 during the 2021 IPL, which led to the tournament's suspension. Fans directed hateful messages, including death wishes, towards him. Despite this traumatic experience, Chakravarthy has since become a key player for KKR and performed well in the recent T20 World Cup.

The INDIA bloc faces internal strife post-Rajya Sabha elections, with allies like SP, CPM, and CPI(ML) criticising Congress. Cross-voting and state-level rivalries, particularly in Maharashtra, Delhi, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala, have frayed the alliance. Regional parties question Congress's leadership, suggesting a need for independent rebuilding before any grand coalition.

Allu Arjun's upcoming film, tentatively titled 'AA22xA6' with director Atlee, is reportedly assembling a star-studded cast. Following reports of Deepika Padukone, fresh buzz suggests Anushka Sharma might join the ambitious sci-fi project, marking her potential Telugu debut. The film is also rumored to feature Mrunal Thakur, Janhvi Kapoor, and Rashmika Mandanna.

Investor sentiment remains cautious as the Middle East conflict enters its fourth week, impacting global stock markets and crude oil prices. For the upcoming holiday-shortened week, market direction will be guided by geopolitical developments, foreign investor activity, and rupee fluctuations. Incoming data and global uncertainties are expected to drive market sensitivity.

World Down Syndrome Day on March 21 highlights Trisomy 21, a genetic condition affecting millions. While biology is understood, outcomes depend on care, early intervention, and societal perception. Early diagnosis and therapies are crucial for individuals to achieve milestones and participate fully in life.

Virat Kohli has debunked rumors about requesting chartered flights for travel between India and the UK during IPL 2026. The RCB icon dismissed the speculation with laughing emojis on Instagram. The IPL 2026 season begins March 28, with RCB defending their title.

Women make up less than 17 percent of the paid water workforce globally — but in India's villages, they are already running the systems. This is the story of how grassroots networks and government schemes are turning water's biggest burden-bearers into its most effective managers.

A disturbing video emerged showing a teacher caning a student at a Ujjain residential school. The clip, now viral, depicts the educator repeatedly striking the child in an office. Police have launched a preliminary investigation into the incident, believed to have occurred around March 15th. Authorities are gathering details on those involved.

Foreign investors have withdrawn Rs 88,180 crore from Indian equities in March, driven by rising global tensions, a weakening rupee, and high oil prices. This sharp outflow follows a strong February and highlights investor caution due to geopolitical risks and concerns over corporate earnings. Analysts anticipate continued market volatility until global uncertainties ease.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has become India's longest-serving head of government, completing 8,931 days in office. This milestone surpasses the previous record held by Pawan Kumar Chamling. Modi's extensive public service includes over 13 years as Gujarat's Chief Minister and his tenure as Prime Minister since 2014.

After seventeen years, Tesla's senior finance member Sendil Palani has departed, having joined when the company was on the brink of collapse in late 2008. Palani lauded his finance team for making complex tasks appear effortless and credited cross-functional late-night sessions for invaluable real-world learning. He thanked CEO Elon Musk for championing first-principles thinking.