Times of India

The Union Cabinet has approved declaring Madurai airport an international airport, a move aimed at boosting global connectivity to the temple city. This decision is expected to enhance air connectivity, strengthen Madurai's role as an educational and healthcare hub, and attract international pilgrims and businesses, supporting regional trade and economic activity.

India slipped to 25th in the 2026 Gender Equality in Chess Index (GECI), highlighting gender imbalance in the sport. Despite strong performances by elite women players, female participation in youth championships remains low, and many girls drop out early. Experts say social pressures, financial hurdles and lack of structured support limit opportunities, stressing the need for better grassroots development and long-term systems to promote women’s chess.

Actor Randeep Hooda and wife Lin Laishram welcomed their first child, a baby girl, on March 10. Hooda shared the joyous news, expressing gratitude to his wife and father. The couple had announced their pregnancy in November last year, sharing their excitement for their 'little wild one'.

On Day 11 of the US-Iran war, President Trump claims devastating military losses and a swift end, while Iran signals prolonged resistance. This conflict is evolving into a test of endurance, with Iran aiming to outlast Washington and Israel through attrition and disruption, while Trump faces domestic pressure from rising oil prices and potential midterm backlash.

Candace Owens sparked online debate after appearing to shift focus away from her controversial series about Erika Kirk. A viral social media post claimed the series was sidelined as audience interest declined. Owens instead promoted a new episode discussing geopolitical issues, leaving followers questioning whether the Erika Kirk storyline has ended or simply paused.

The Strait of Hormuz closure is forcing Gulf nations to slash oil production as storage tanks fill. Saudi Arabia, UAE, Kuwait, and Iraq have significantly reduced output, with Iraq facing an imminent shutdown. Alternative routes are insufficient, raising fears of a total production halt and impacting global oil prices.

K-pop sensation ENHYPEN's Heeseung is embarking on a solo career, departing from group activities in March 2026. The agency confirmed the decision stems from Heeseung's distinct musical aspirations, with the remaining six members continuing as ENHYPEN. Heeseung expressed gratitude to his bandmates and fans, promising a new album soon.

Indian pacer Arshdeep Singh has been fined 15% of his match fee and received one demerit point for a Level 1 breach of the ICC Code of Conduct. The incident occurred during the T20 World Cup final against New Zealand when he aggressively threw the ball, hitting batter Daryl Mitchell. Arshdeep accepted the sanction, avoiding a formal hearing.

Asian airlines are hiking fares and planning for potential flight groundings as the Middle East conflict fuels a major oil shock. Indian carriers have already raised long-haul ticket prices by 15%, with Vietnam warning of up to 70% increases. Many Asian airlines, lacking robust fuel hedging, face significant vulnerability as jet fuel prices double, threatening operations and travel demand.

The mother of an accused in the Uttam Nagar murder case has approached the Delhi High Court, fearing her house might be demolished like that of a co-accused. This action follows a demolition drive by civic authorities in connection with a Holi clash that resulted in a death.

A Pimpri-Chinchwad model has reconverted to Hinduism after alleging mental and physical harassment during her marriage to a Muslim businessman. She claims she was pressured to abandon Hindu practices and felt influenced into the marriage, which she now calls 'love jihad'. Enduring years of abuse for her children, she has filed a police complaint and seeks security.

India's T20 World Cup 2026 victory sees Rinku Singh return home, sharing a lighthearted airport moment with fiancée Priya Saroj. Despite a personal struggle following his father's passing and a challenging tournament performance, Rinku's dedication to fulfilling his father's dream resonated deeply. Sanju Samson's impactful contributions proved crucial for India's triumph.

The Supreme Court granted bail to the father of the minor accused in the 2024 Pune Porsche crash, who allegedly manipulated blood samples. He had been in custody for 22 months. The accident, which killed two software engineers, occurred when the inebriated juvenile allegedly crashed into their motorcycle.

India’s 2026 T20 World Cup win sparked controversy after Kirti Azad criticised the team for taking the trophy to a Hindu temple. Ishan Kishan brushed off questions about the remark, urging reporters to focus on the victory. Kishan also reflected on his comeback journey, while India sealed the title with a dominant win over New Zealand.

India, which is the world’s third-largest importer and consumer of oil, maintains underground strategic petroleum reserves with a capacity of 5.33 million tonnes. However, these reserves are currently filled to about 80 per cent.

India began supplying 5,000 tons of diesel to Bangladesh via pipeline on Tuesday, part of an annual agreement for 180,000 tons. This delivery aims to alleviate fuel shortages and combat illegal hoarding, as the Bangladesh government intensifies efforts to monitor stock levels and enforce supply limits.