Times of India

Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan believes this IPL season could be MS Dhoni's last for Chennai Super Kings. Pathan emphasized Dhoni's crucial role in team unity and grooming future leaders, even if his playing time is limited. He suggested CSK aims for a title win to give the legend a fitting farewell.

India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held his fourth phone call with Iranian FM Abbas Araghchi, discussing bilateral ties and BRICS issues amidst Middle East tensions. The conversation followed recent discussions on the Strait of Hormuz and maritime security, with Iran blaming US actions for regional instability.

Iran's participation in the upcoming FIFA World Cup is uncertain due to geopolitical tensions with the United States, a co-host. Citing security and political concerns, Iranian authorities are contemplating withdrawal. If Iran pulls out, FIFA will need to select a replacement, likely from the Asian Football Confederation, with UAE and Iraq being potential candidates.

A US KC-135 refueling aircraft crashed in western Iraq on Friday, resulting in the deaths of four of its six crew members. The US military confirmed the incident is under investigation but ruled out hostile or friendly fire. This marks the fourth US military aircraft loss in the Middle East conflict.

Indian cricketer Kuldeep Yadav will marry his longtime partner Vanshika Chadha on March 14 in Mussoorie. The couple, childhood friends from Kanpur, saw their friendship grow into a lifelong relationship. Vanshika works at the Life Insurance Corporation of India and maintains a private life away from the spotlight. Wedding festivities begin March 13, with cricket stars like Virat Kohli expected to attend.

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella lauded Adobe's Shantanu Narayen's "legendary run" as he announced his departure after 18 years. Nadella, Narayen's schoolmate, highlighted Adobe's growth and its impact on creators and businesses under his leadership. Narayen will transition from CEO but remain as Chair of the Board.

President Trump's stance on rising oil prices has shifted, now framing them as beneficial for the US as a major oil producer. This change follows strikes against Iran, which triggered a surge in global oil and petrol prices, impacting the Strait of Hormuz. The administration is grappling with economic consequences and political considerations ahead of midterm elections.

Top Maoist Devuji, who recently joined the mainstream, urged Telangana CM Revanth Reddy to advocate for lifting the ban on CPI (Maoist). He stated the party would operate legally and disband the PLGA if granted political space. Devuji also called for the release of jailed Maoist leaders and support for their families.

Three workers tragically died from suffocation after inhaling toxic gas while cleaning a sludge tank at Lalji Wala Mills in Balotra. The workers, identified as Gumanaram, Vishambhar Tiwari, and Shravan, were reportedly sent into the tank without proper safety equipment. An investigation is underway, with preliminary findings suggesting negligence by the factory owner.

Yuzvendra Chahal arrived in Dehradun for Kuldeep Yadav's wedding in Mussoorie, expressing excitement for the festivities. The spinner is set to tie the knot with fiancée Vanshika on March 14 at the Welcomhotel The Savoy Mussoorie. The event is anticipated to be a private yet star-studded affair with several prominent cricketers expected to attend.

The Supreme Court declined to mandate menstrual leave for women students and employees nationwide, citing concerns about potential negative impacts on women's employment and the risk of reinforcing gender stereotypes. The court emphasized that policy decisions of this nature should be made by government policymakers after consulting stakeholders, rather than through judicial intervention.

Afghanistan retaliated against Pakistani strikes that killed four in Kabul and Kandahar. Afghan forces claimed to have targeted Pakistani military centers in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including a fortress and command center, following alleged "night-time violations" along the disputed Durand Line. This escalation intensifies existing tensions between the two nations.

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor praised Prime Minister Modi and EAM Jaishankar for engaging with Iran amidst escalating West Asian tensions. He urged a collective push for peace, highlighting the risks to Indian citizens in the Gulf and the nation's role as a constructive voice.

Eid ul-Fitr, the festival of breaking the fast, will be celebrated in India on March 20 or 21, 2026. The exact date depends on the crescent moon sighting. This joyous occasion marks the end of Ramadan. Families will reunite for prayers, feasts, and to exchange greetings. Children will receive Eidi gifts.

Palantir CEO Alex Karp confirmed continued use of Anthropic's Claude AI models despite the Pentagon labeling the company a supply chain risk. The Department of Defense is planning a phase-out, but acknowledges a transition will take time, with potential exemptions for mission-critical operations. This highlights the challenges in disentangling deeply embedded AI systems from defense operations.

Miraj, a historic city in Maharashtra, is renowned for its musical instrument making. Craftsmen create exquisite sitars and tanpuras using a special type of pumpkin. This tradition, passed down through generations, faces threats from climate change impacting pumpkin size. The craft requires government support for survival. The disappearance of this art would mean losing music, history, and ancestral voices.

The scarcity of commercial LPG has emerged after shipments from the Gulf region were disrupted amid the ongoing conflict in West Asia. India relies heavily on imports from this region for its LPG requirements.