Arjun Tendulkar is gearing up for a new chapter in his IPL career after moving to Lucknow Supergiants ahead of the 2026 season. After playing just five games in five seasons mumbai indiansThe left-arm pacemaker was sold to LSG for Rs 30 lakh ahead of a mini-auction in Abu Dhabi in December last year.In a video shared by LSG, Pant and Arjun were talking and Pant started talking about Arjun’s batting style. Curious about his preference for a heavier bat, Pant asked, “Tera kitna hae bhai (How much does your bat weigh)?”“1220,” Arjun replied. Pant then said: “Bhaari se kya faida hae (What are the benefits of using a heavier bat)?”Arjun explained, “Touch karo ho jaata hae. Dad to 1310-1315 mein khelte the. 1200 se halka jaata nehi hoon main (Just one touch. My father used to play with a bat weight of 1310-1315. I won’t go below 1200).”Of course, this refers to his father, Sachin Tendulkarwho was known for using a heavier bat during his career.Pant was equally impressed with Arjun’s work ethic, especially after learning that he had been trained Yuvraj Singh After the wedding. Arjun tied the knot with Saaniya Chandhok on March 5 in Mumbai, but he immediately returned to cricket.“You are still practicing with Yuvi paa…full time? Shadi ke agle din hi? You are so enthusiastic,” said Pant admiringly.While the pictures of these sessions are not public, it is understood that Yuvraj worked closely with Arjun in batting. The interaction ended on a high note with Pant expressing his support: “Agar kuch lage to batana… always open for you.”Arjun’s IPL journey began in 2021 when he was picked by Mumbai Indians for Rs 20 lakh, although he did not play that season due to injury. In 2022, he was acquired again for Rs 30 lakh but remains on the sidelines. He finally made his debut in 2023 against Kolkata Knight Riders at the Wankhede Stadium, where he played four games and picked up three wickets. In 2024, he played just one match, coincidentally against LSG, but did not take a wicket.
Will Shashi Tharoor contest as Kerala CM? MP’s answer
New Delhi: Congress leaders Shashi Tharoor dismissed speculations about him becoming the next chief minister of Kerala, saying he is not even contesting as he is not contesting in the upcoming assembly elections.In an interview to PTI, the Thiruvananthapuram MP made it clear that it would be better for the chief minister to be chosen from among the elected MLAs. “It is unlikely that I will be chief minister,” he said, adding that since he was not contesting the election he did not have to focus on a single constituency. Instead, his role will include campaigning “up and down the state” for the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF).Referring to Rahul Gandhi’s recent message to party leaders to “dance together”, Tharoor termed it a “good message” and said the unity within the alliance is now evident. He also expressed confidence in the UDF’s prospects and said getting 85 to 100 seats in the 140-member parliament would be a strong result.Using a cricket analogy, Tharoor said the UDF was throwing “googles” to the CPI(M)-led Left Democratic Front (LDF) and felt the ruling alliance was on a “sticky wicket”. While he acknowledged that modern elections often revolve around the appearance of the chief minister, he backed the Congress party’s traditional approach. “Congress has never done this,” he said, explaining that the leadership preferred to choose a leader in consultation with MLAs after victory.At the same time, Tharoor admitted that the lack of clear faces could bring disadvantages. “You and I may have different views… because being in a state without a clear leader inevitably hurts you,” he said. However, he feels that the Congress party’s organizational strength in Kerala has enabled it to campaign around its “agenda, mission and party icon”.Tharoor also downplayed the role of the BJP in Kerala, calling it a marginal player. “This is not a triangular contest as the BJP is a party with zero seats in Parliament,” he said, adding that winning even “one, two or three” seats would be considered a major success for the party.He insisted that the real competition remained between Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan’s Democratic Front and the LDF. While he pointed to polls showing a close race, he said it was “unlikely that the BJP would even have enough clout to become a champion”.Kerala will go to single-phase polls on April 9, with counting scheduled for May 4, in a closely watched fight to oust the current LDF government.
Ultimate Eid Gift 2026: Abu Dhabi approves Dh4.21 billion in housing support for 2,652 citizens | World News
Abu Dhabi has approved a new housing scheme worth Dh4.21 billion to support 2,652 UAE citizens ahead of Eid al-Fitr 2026, in a move aimed at strengthening household stability and improving living standards across the emirate.The plan was approved by His Highness Sheikh Khalid bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, following the directives issued by the President, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, in his capacity as Ruler of Abu Dhabi.Grants are spread across multiple housing support programs. Housing loans accounted for the largest share, with Dh2.1 billion set aside for 1,415 citizens. Ready-made housing grants amounting to Dh1.82 billion have benefited 914 citizens, while residential land grants worth Dh144 million have been distributed to 185 citizens.In addition, Dh142 million in housing loan repayment exemptions were approved. This support is available to 138 beneficiaries, including seniors, retirees with limited income and family members of deceased citizens.The scheme, announced ahead of Eid al-Fitr, reflects our continued focus on easing household financial pressures while supporting long-term housing needs. It is also consistent with wider efforts to ensure that citizens have access to suitable housing that meets modern standards and personal aspirations.Officials described the initiative as part of an ongoing commitment to improve the quality of life for Emirati families and ensure social stability. The plan is also positioned within wider development objectives, where access to housing is seen as a key factor in building cohesive and sustainable communities.The Abu Dhabi Housing Authority oversees the implementation of such programs, continuously improving its services to improve accessibility and streamline support for citizens. We remain committed to making housing solutions more efficient and meeting changing needs.Since its inception, the agency has provided housing benefits to more than 132,000 citizens, with support totaling more than AED 181 billion, underscoring the scale of long-term investment in housing across the emirate.
Ajit Agarkar seeks extension until 2027, will BCCI agree that there is no clear successor at the moment?
Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) extends list of men’s senior selection committee chairmen Ajit AgarkarThe contract was signed a year before the start of IPL 2025. Agarkar was rewarded for India’s victory in the 2024 T20 World Cup and the 2025 Champions Trophy. More than a week after India defended their T20 World Cup title at home, it is learned that the board received a request from the former India cricketer to extend his tenure till the 2027 ODI World Cup.TimesofIndia.com has learned that discussions have already taken place on the matter. In the absence of better options for the role, it remains to be seen whether the BCCI will agree to Agarkar’s request as they approach the crucial phase of the World Test Championship and start preparations for next year’s 50-over event. BCCI President Mithun Manhassecretary Devajit Saikia and Agarkar did not respond to queries. When they do, the story will be updated.There is strong buzz in the BCCI corridors that another former Indian cricketer from the West Zone is the front-runner to succeed Agarkar, but there is no concrete development in this regard yet. Agarkar’s well-timed plea, which comes at a time when the country is ecstatic about being crowned ICC champion again, puts the ball firmly in the BCCI’s court.
It remains to be seen whether the board agrees to another extension for Agarca or opens discussions with potential candidates.Agarkar has served as the chairman of the men’s senior selection committee since June 2023. During his tenure, India won 3 ICC titles, 2 T20 World Cup titles and 1 Champions Trophy. However, the Test results were far from ideal, with India losing back-to-back series at home and away in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. This has somewhat dampened the luster of their white-ball success, with India losing just two of their 33 games and also winning the 2023 and 2025 Asia Cup.During his tenure, India has gone through a transformation in Tests, ODIs and T20Is while stalwarts like Rohit Sharma, Ravichandran Ashwin and Virat Kohli have announced their retirement from at least one format. While Kohli and Rohit continue to play ODI matches, Ashwin has retired from all matches. The availability of Kohli and Rohit for the 2027 World Cup remains a key question.Chairman Agarka and head coach Gautam Gambhir He has maintained a non-committal stance on this issue.“Look, they [Rohit and Kohli] Currently part of the Australian team,” Agarkar said at the NDTV World Summit 2025. “Two years from now, we don’t know what the situation will be like. So why are there just two of them? Probably some other young players [who might miss out on the tournament]”.“It’s still a long way off. We’ll see how the team stacks up, but we have some ideas and as we go along we’ll probably get a better idea of how the team is going,” he added.Both Agarkar and Gambhir expressed similar sentiments, repeatedly urging everyone to “live in the moment.” Now that the selectors seem willing to look ahead to the tournament, it will be interesting to see the BCCI’s reaction and the future of two of India’s greatest cricketers.
UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar and Bahrain announce official start date for Eid al-Fitr 2026 World News
The UAE and several Gulf countries will celebrate Eid al-Fitr 2026 on Friday, March 20, without sighting the crescent moon of Shawal, which marks the end of the 30-day holy month of Ramadan. The UAE confirmed the date on Wednesday, according to observations from the Lunar Observation Committee, which did not record any confirmed sightings of the new moon on Wednesday night. Therefore, Ramadan will end on Thursday, March 19, and Eid al-Fitr will begin the next day. Traditionally, seeing the crescent moon of Shawal marks the end of Ramadan and the beginning of Eid al-Fitr, one of the most important holidays in the Islamic calendar. Similar announcements were made in the Bay Area. Saudi Arabia After reviewing reports submitted by courts and observatories across the kingdom, it was confirmed that no new moon was sighted. The Saudi royal family noted in a statement that no sightings had been confirmed and confirmed Friday, March 20, as the first day of Eid al-Fitr. KuwaitThe Islamic Vision Authority also confirmed that Ramadan will end on Thursday and Friday will mark Eid al-Fitr. Similar confirmations were issued by Bahrain and Qatar, which declared March 20 as the first day of Eid al-Fitr after not seeing the new moon. In Qatar, the Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs (Awqaf) said Thursday marked the 30th and last day of Ramadan, in line with wider regional announcements. Earlier, the UAE had designated an Eid holiday for public and private sector employees. According to the federal government’s Human Resources Management Authority, the public sector holiday will run from Thursday, March 19 to Sunday, March 22, with work resuming on Monday, March 23. For the private sector, the Ministry of Human Resources and UAE has announced a holiday from Thursday, March 19 to Saturday, March 21. The ministry added that if Ramadan ends for 30 days, the holiday will be extended to Sunday, March 22. With the date now set, preparations are about to begin across the region to celebrate Eid, with families and communities coming together to celebrate the end of Ramadan.
PM Modi writes to citizens of four states; greets Navratri, New Year, Gudi Padwa
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi Say hello to people at the beginning of Thursday nine nights and the traditional Indian New Year, celebrated in different forms across the country.Blessings to Nav Samvatsar, Navratri, Gudi Padwa, gardenerThe Prime Minister said these occasions mark the arrival of a new year, bringing renewal, hope and new possibilities.“Greetings to everyone on the special occasion of Nav Samvatsar. Wishing everyone unlimited happiness, success and good health,” he said in a message.“I pray that the coming New Year will further enhance courage, confidence and the spirit of service in everyone’s life. May this also add new impetus to our collective efforts to build the nation,” Modi said.The Hindu New Year Nav Samvatsar (Vikram Samvat 2083) begins on Thursday, marking the beginning of Chaitra Shukla Pratipada.The Prime Minister also extended greetings to Navratri, which is celebrated in honor of Goddess Durga.He said in Hindi: “My sincerest wishes to my family across the country for a happy Navratri. May this holy moment of worship of the Supreme Power bring happiness, good luck, prosperity and good health to everyone.”Prime Minister Modi said that with the infinite grace of Shakti incarnation Maa Durga, may welfare be enjoyed by all and give new energy to the determination of “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India). “Jai ambe jagadambe maa!” he said. “On the holy occasion of Navratri, I pray to the Goddess to bless everyone with her love and mercy. Jai Mata Di!” he said.He also greeted people on the occasion of Gudi Padwa.“Warm greetings to all on the occasion of the vibrant Gudi Padwa! This beautiful festival marks the arrival of a new year, bringing renewal, hope and new possibilities,” he said.The Prime Minister wishes that the coming year brings joy, success and good health to all.“May it encourage each of us to be determined to move forward, nurture our ambitions and make a meaningful contribution,” he said.Modi also extended his blessings to the Ugadi festival celebrated in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Karnataka, noting that it symbolizes new energy and beginnings.“Ugadi marks the beginning of a new year and I pray that the coming year will be filled with happiness, success and good health. May this year inspire everyone to sincerely pursue their aspirations and make a positive contribution to society,” he said.He conveyed greetings for celebrating the Sindhi New Year to Cheti Chand.He said, “Best wishes to Cheti Chand! Prayers for a wonderful year. May this holy festival bring joy, fulfill hopes and aspirations and strengthen the spirit of unity in the society. May the divine blessings of Lord Juralal guide us all towards peace and prosperity.”The Prime Minister also extended his wishes to Kashmiri Pandits for Navre.“Navreh Poshte! Have a wonderful year. Warm greetings on the joyful occasion of Navreh!” he said.Modi said that when people welcome the New Year, they should usher in new hope, new vitality and opportunities.“Let the new year inspire us to move forward with confidence, embrace new possibilities, and work toward a brighter, healthier, and more fulfilling future,” he said.He also greeted people at Sajibu Cheiraoba, an event celebrated by the Meitei community in Manipur.He said: “Sajibu Cheiraoba sends greetings to everyone. Wishing you all a wonderful year. May the new year be filled with joy, prosperity and success in all your endeavors. Pray that hope and a positive spirit prevail everywhere.”


