New Delhi: The Delhi government’s budget for 2026-27 will focus on industrial growth, investment and job creation, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said on Wednesday.While interacting with industrialists, Gupta said her government was preparing an industry-friendly budget and sought their suggestions.Entrepreneurs from various industrial sectors attended the meeting and shared their needs, suggestions and expectations, a statement from the Delhi CMO said.“The government is preparing a budget to accelerate industrial growth, attract investments and create large-scale employment opportunities. Inputs from the industry will get due priority in the upcoming budget,” the chief minister said.The Delhi government is scheduled to present the budget for 2026-27 on March 24, 2026.Industries Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa was present at the meeting. Industry leaders highlighted the need for several policy and structural reforms to accelerate industry growth.They recommended revising capital expenditure norms for industrial areas, converting industrial land to freehold and ensuring adequate supply of potable water to industry.They also recommended developing Delhi as a Global Competence Center (GCC) hub, implementing green building policies and providing incentives to promote the use of eco-friendly equipment.Discussions also focused on improving logistics and strengthening manufacturing. Industry representatives called for smoother supply chains, stronger logistics infrastructure and policy support to enhance production capacity.They suggested electricity subsidies for industries, implementation of a single-window clearance system, reform of the floor area ratio policy and promotion of the recycling industry to streamline operations and reduce costs.Representatives from unplanned industrial areas also expressed their concerns. They called for infrastructure upgrades, improved drainage systems, upgrading of Common Effluent Treatment Plants (CETPs) and better sewage treatment facilities.The Chief Minister said Delhi’s industry and manufacturing are the backbone of the city’s economy, driving employment, innovation and economic growth.She emphasized that the government’s approach is based on “development through partnership” and continuous dialogue and cooperation with industry, and assured that feedback will be carefully considered when formulating the budget and specific measures will be formulated to transform Delhi into a modern, competitive and industry-friendly economy.
Ding Liren: “I hope I can read more when I am young”
New Delhi: Former world chess champion Ding Liren has been withdrawn from the FIDE rating list due to too few matches, but he seems completely calm about the situation. Once at the top of the chess world, he is now taking a step back to enjoy a quieter phase of his career.Din, who lost the world title to Gukesh, said he was happy to be away from the pressure of elite tournaments.
“I’m enjoying where I am right now, I mean, being an inactive player and rarely playing in Elite Invitational tournaments, I’m enjoying this rare downtime,” he said.Instead of intense preparation, he now prefers casual online games. Explaining his current approach, Ding added: “I continue to play online occasionally: it doesn’t require grueling pre-game preparation, just being fully focused on the moment. The process itself is rewarding.”Ding Junhui became world champion in 2023 after defeating Ian Nepomniachtchi, but his reign was followed by a decline in form and eventual failure. Despite this, he pushed Gukesh to the final game of the 2024 tournament and then lost.Looking back on the past, Ding shared his thoughts: “I hope that when I was younger, I could learn more, persist academically longer, and not give up halfway. In this way, life may be richer in later years. People will always think about the things they have not done (or the roads they have not traveled).”For now, Ding seems content to stay out of the spotlight and focus on developing a more relaxed relationship with the game.
Hasan Minhaj talks 30 minutes about H-1B dispute: ‘We bring the spice you’re looking for’
Hasan Minhaj talks H-1B visa dispute in his latest comedy video
Comedian Hasan Minhaj has dropped his latest YouTube video discussing the U.S. H-1B visa controversy, explaining that understanding MAGA’s opposition to H-1B is key to understanding the future of the Republican Party. Minhaj said the most important “M” word for the government was not “MAGA” or “Mamdani” but “merit”, which distinguished between documented and undocumented immigrants. But Minhaj said the lines blurred during the second Trump administration, which began with a major “MAGA” dispute over the H-1B issue, Minhaj said, looking back on the H-1B controversy. “I mean, literally, our country was founded by third world invaders who were looking for India. Now we show up and now you’re angry. I mean, we did come with the spices you were looking for. Think of it like a door dash that took 400 years,” Minhaj said.
Tech billionaires and MAGA’s nativist faction
Minhaj explained how there are two sides to this H-1B dispute, pitting tech billionaires who believe H-1Bs can hire top talent against the MAGA nativist faction spearheaded by the likes of Steve Bannon. Minhaj then touched on the issue of H-1B abuse, citing news clips about the H-1B. He played a 2017 interview with Bruce Morrison, the MP who introduced the original bill, who said the bill was being abused by exploiting loopholes.
Big green card energy: Vivek, Usha, Nikki, Kash
Minhaj said that the Republican Party does not hate Indians because some of the party’s big figures are Indians, such as Vivek Ramaswamy, Usha Vance, Nikki Haley and Kash Patel. They were not born in India, but Minhaj said that they have strong green card energy and they say that the United States is not a racist country. President Donald Trump also took no action against H-1Bs until last September when he imposed a $100,000 fee, Minhaj said. His H-1B joke even led to speculation that Trump might not want to impose H-1B fees because he has never done so in the past, but now he has to because of Gen Z conservatives. Minjaj said many H-1B haters were auditioning for his position after Charlie Kirk’s death, naming Natalie Winters and Brett Cooper. They even appeared on any Turning America show, Minhaj said, adding that Vivek was torn to pieces by this Turning Point crowd but not Vice President J.D. Vance because he knew how to handle this crowd by throwing his Hindu wife under the bus. Minhaj then turns to Nalin Haley and his staunch H-1B opposition, and how this has turned into a culture war. Minhaj said that MAGA doesn’t want merit, they want preferential treatment of American traditions, such as hierarchy, caste system, which is the most Indian approach.
Trump’s Homeland Security pick Markwayne Mullin offers shocking details of 2016 secret mission: ‘It was absolutely horrific’
During his confirmation hearing, Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.) told fellow senators he took a “confidential” trip to an undisclosed location while serving in Congress in 2016. It marks the first time Mullin has acknowledged his formal involvement in a covert foreign mission – possibly in a dangerous part of the world.
“It was a confidential official trip,” Mullin Sen. Gary Peters, D-Mich., the top Democrat on the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, answered the question fieryly during his confirmation hearing to lead the Department of Homeland Security. homeland security.
Mullin also left the door open to the possibility that he could go abroad to do “missionary work” before being elected to Congress. However, he did not provide further details.
Mullin often suggested to colleagues that he participated in security missions in conflict zones before joining Congress, Axios reported.
Mullin calls covert mission training ‘absolutely terrible’
On Wednesday, he shed more light on unreported travel during his time as a lawmaker.
“I had to go through graded training. It was fun training and stuff,” he said, adding that it was “absolutely scary.”
“I never talked about the details specifically,” he added.
When Peters asked him, “So where do you smell war, sir?” he replied, “I just said it was classified – and the date and the place and the mission, I never talked about those details.”
Marin stressed that he did not need to disclose the specifics of the trip to the committee because it involved official business.
Peters said he would seek more information on his own. “That’s good,” Mullin replied.
Who is Markwayne Mullin?
Mullin, 48, has served in the Senate since 2023 after serving a decade in the House representing Oklahoma. He is a member of the Cherokee Nation, a business entrepreneur, and has a background as a collegiate wrestler and mixed martial arts fighter.
While in the Senate, Mullin served as the House’s unofficial mediator, often resolving conflicts between the two chambers. Additionally, he is a staunch supporter of the president and supports his agenda on Capitol Hill.
America shuts down
The effort to appoint a new Homeland Security secretary comes as the department has been shuttered for more than a month amid a congressional impasse over funding its immigration enforcement activities.
Meanwhile, agencies under the Department of Homeland Security, such as the Transportation Security Administration, are also experiencing the effects of the shutdown. The impasse has created considerable staffing challenges at the airport, with many TSA officials resigning and others calling in sick while going without pay during the shutdown.
Prime Minister Modi holds talks with Kuwait Crown Prince; reiterates India’s stance on regional peace
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi He had a phone call with Kuwait Crown Prince Khalid on Wednesday to convey Eid al-Fitr greetings.During the conversation, Prime Minister Modi also condemned the attack on Kuwait amid ongoing clashes between US, Israeli and Iranian forces.
Prime Minister Modi said in a social media post on“We agreed that continued diplomatic engagement remains critical to regional peace and stability. I thank him for his continued support for the security and well-being of the Indian community in Kuwait,” he added.Prime Minister Modi also spoke to UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on Monday and reiterated India’s strong condemnation of all attacks against the Gulf country, which resulted in the loss of innocent lives and damage to civilian infrastructure.The talks come amid reports of a new wave of Iranian drone attacks on the country’s energy infrastructure.The Prime Minister posted on X that the two leaders agreed on the importance of ensuring safety and free navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.Prime Minister Modi said: “We will continue to work together to promote the early restoration of peace, security and stability in the region.” At the same time, he conveyed Eid al-Fitr greetings to the president. India has a significant energy partnership with the United Arab Emirates, which, according to the Indian government, is India’s fourth-largest source of crude oil and second-largest source of LNG and LPG.Apart from the safety and security of the Indian diaspora, India’s immediate concern about the conflict is the potential impact on its LPG supplies through the Strait of Hormuz, which is effectively blocked by Iran.As the administration said earlier this week, India has chosen to engage in dialogue and diplomacy with Tehran to address its concerns rather than consider joining a U.S.-led military coalition to secure the critical waterway.Regardless, the proposal to send warships has met with little acceptance among America’s NATO allies.
What is the Jones Act? Trump abandons 100-year-old shipping law for 60 days to lower fuel prices during Iran war
U.S. President Donald Trump has announced a 60-day temporary waiver of the century-old Jones Act, a move aimed at easing rising energy prices amid ongoing turmoil in global oil markets due to escalating tensions with Iran.The decision allows foreign-flagged vessels to transport fuel and other essential goods between U.S. ports, a major shift from longstanding domestic shipping rules.The White House said the exemption was intended to cushion the economic impact of supply disruptions caused by ongoing conflicts in the Middle East. Press Secretary Carolyn Leavitt said the move would “mitigate short-term disruptions to oil markets” and ensure that critical resources such as oil, natural gas, fertilizers and coal can flow more freely through U.S. ports.The news comes as oil prices surge and supply chains are strained by disrupted shipping routes and instability at major chokepoints around the world.
What is the Jones Act
The Jones Act, formally known as the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, is a United States federal law regulating domestic maritime commerce.The law was enacted after World War I to strengthen the U.S. shipping industry that had suffered heavy losses from German submarine attacks.Under the act, any cargo transported between U.S. ports must be transported by a vessel that:
- Built in the United States
- owned by U.S. citizens
- Register under the American flag
- The crew is mostly made up of Americans
The law is designed to support national security and maintain a strong domestic shipping fleet. Critics, however, argue that it limits competition and raises transportation costs, particularly for fuel and essential goods.
Why exempt now
The temporary shutdown comes as geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, particularly conflicts involving Israel and Iran, disrupt global energy supplies.The Strait of Hormuz is a key flashpoint, through which a large portion of the world’s oil supplies pass. Disruptions in the region caused crude oil prices to surge and had knock-on effects on global markets.In the United States, gasoline and diesel prices have climbed sharply in recent weeks, forcing the government to take swift action.By waiving the Jones Act, the administration hopes to increase shipping flexibility, allowing foreign vessels to help transport fuel domestically and potentially easing supply bottlenecks.The Jones Act waiver coincides with the U.S. Treasury Department easing sanctions on Venezuela’s state-owned oil company PDVSA, allowing U.S. companies to resume business with the oil giant under certain restrictions, as the Trump administration seeks to increase global crude supplies amid the war with Iran.
Will it decrease fuel price
Experts say the impact is likely to be limited. While exemptions can improve logistics and reduce transportation restrictions, fuel prices are affected by global crude oil markets, refinery capacity and geopolitical risks. Any relief from the pump may be temporary.Still, the move is indicative of the Trump administration’s broader efforts to stabilize energy markets, along with measures such as easing oil-related restrictions and tapping strategic reserves.
IPL 2026: List of coaches of all 10 teams
New Delhi: indian premier league The (IPL) 2026 season is just around the corner and all 10 teams have finalized their coaching set-ups and support staff ahead of the new season. The tournament is scheduled to begin on March 28 with defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru taking on Sunrisers Hyderabad at the M. Stadium. Chinnaswamy Stadium.The team’s backroom staff is made up of experienced international names and former players.
RCB will be led by head coach Andy Flower and will be supported by Dinesh Karthik and Omkar Salvi. Chennai Super Kings move forward under the guidance of Stephen Fleming, Michael Hussey and Eric Simmons.At Mumbai Indians, Mahela Jayawardene leads a strong staff that includes Lasith Malinga and Kieron Pollard. Kolkata Knight Riders are led by Abhishek Nayar as head coach with Shane Watson and Dwayne Bravo playing key roles.Gujarat Titans are coached by Ashish Nehra while Rajasthan Royals rely on Kumar Sangakkara. Kings XI Punjab is managed by Ricky Ponting.Lucknow Supergiants are coached by Justin Langer with Kane Williamson as consultant while Delhi Capitals have Hemang Badani as head coach.Sunrisers Hyderabad will be coached by Daniel Vettori and supported by the likes of Muttiah Muralitharan.
Indian Premier League 2026 : Head coach and staff
Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB)
- Head Coach: Andy Flower
- Batting Coach: Dinesh Karthik
- Bowling Coach: Omkar Salvi
- Assistant Coach: Richard Hassall
- Scout: M. Rangarajan
Chennai Super Kings(CSK)
- Head Coach: Stephen Fleming
- Hitting coach: Michael Hussey
- Bowling coaches: Sridharan Sriram, Eric Simons
- Fielding Coach: Rajiv Kumar
Mumbai Indians(MI)
- Head Coach: Mahela Jayawardene
- Batting Coach: Kieron Pollard
- Bowling coaches: Paras Mhambrey, Lasith Malinga
- Fielding Coach: Carl Hopkinson
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)
- Head Coach: Abhishek Nayyar
- Bowling coach: Tim Southee
- Assistant Coach: Shane Watson
- Fielding Coach: Dishant Yagnik
- Mentor: Dwayne Bravo
Gujarat Titans(GT)
- Head Coach: Ashish Nehra
- Hitting coach: Matthew Hayden
- Assistant coaches: Ashish Kapoor, Narendra Negi, Parthiv Patel
Rajasthan Royals(RR)
- Head Coach: Kumar Sangakkara
- Batting Coach: Vikram Latour
- Bowling Coach: Sean Bond
- Assistant Coach: Trevor Penny
Punjab Kings (PBKS)
- Head Coach: Ricky Ponting
- Bowling coach: James Hopps
- Assistant Coach: Brad Harding
- Spin Coach: Sairaj Bahutule
Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)
- Head Coach: Justin Langer
- Hitting coach: Matthew Mott
- Bowling coach: Bharat Allen
- Assistant Coach: Lance Klusener
- Fielding Coach: Abhay Sharma
- Consultant: Kane Williamson
Delhi Capital (DC)
- Head Coach: Herman Badani
- Bowling coach: Munaf Patel
- Assistant Coach: Ian Bell
- Director of Cricket: Venugopal Rao
Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)
- Head Coach: Daniel Vettori
- Batting coach: Harish Jayakumar
- Bowling Coach: Varun Aaron
- Assistant coach: Simon Helmut
- Spin Coach: Muttiah Muralitharan
I-PAC raid: SC questions Mamata’s role, tells Bangladesh govt ED cannot remain helpless
New Delhi: Supreme Court Wednesday condemned West Bengal government for objecting to its effectiveness law enforcement bureauChief Minister Mamata Banerjee has entered a plea for alleged obstruction in the I-PAC raid.The Supreme Court noted that no entity can be left without remedies under the Constitution.A bench of Justices Prashant Kumar Mishra and NV Anjaria asked how legal recourse would be sought if the central investigation agency is not allowed to approach the court.“If, as you argue, the ED cannot file a writ under Section 32, then it certainly cannot approach the High Court under Section 226. Where will they go? There cannot be a vacuum,” the top court said.The judge also cited Mamata for allegedly obstructing officers during the raid, saying that raised larger constitutional issues.Senior advocate Shyam Divan, appearing for the state, argued that the ED was not a legal entity and therefore could not file the writ petition.He said only the Union of India has the authority to initiate such proceedings and warned that allowing departments to independently invoke writ jurisdiction could disrupt the federal structure.Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for Mamata, also argued that the education ministry was unable to seek directions in connection with the CBI probe into alleged obstruction of justice.Meanwhile, in its plea, the central agency sought to register an FIR against Banerjee and the police. It also raised questions about the FIR filed by the West Bengal police against its personnel.Earlier, on January 15, the Supreme Court termed the alleged obstruction of justice as “very serious” and stayed the FIR against the ED officials who conducted the raids. It also directed the West Bengal police to preserve CCTV footage of the operation.The court also issued notices to Banerjee, the West Bengal government, former superintendent of police Rajiv Kumar and other senior police officers on a request from the education ministry seeking a CBI probe into alleged obstruction of justice.
Trump had chilling words for Venezuela during historic WBC win over U.S.
Venezuela Defeated Team USA in the World Baseball Classic (WBC) championship game on March 17, 2026. Venezuela won 3-2 on Eugenio Suarez’s ninth-inning RBI double to seal their first WBC title. Donald Trump Wasting no time talking about himself.
After winning, trump card Posting on his platform Truth Social, he repeated an idea he shared earlier in the game that Venezuela could become part of the United States. He wrote: “Foundation!!! President DJT.”
The night before, after Venezuela beat Italy, Trump made a similar post, writing: “Good things are happening in Venezuela lately! I wonder what the heck this magic is? Nationhood, #51, anyone? President Donald J. Trump.”
USA vs Venezuela: Match Highlights
In the final of the World Baseball Classic, Venezuela took an early 2-0 lead and looked to be in control of the game. The United States fought back when Bryce Harper hit a big home run in the eighth inning to tie the score at 2-2 and re-energize the stadium.
But in the first half of the ninth inning, the Venezuelan team regained the lead 3-2 and finally won the championship, and the fans celebrated.
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Venezuela makes politics mismatch
Before the game, head coach Omar Lopez made the team’s stance clear, saying: “I’ve been in baseball for 28 years, and to be honest, I don’t talk about political issues.”
“I’m here to talk about our Venezuelan team. I’m not here to talk about the political situation around the world, around our country,” he added.
This victory means more than just winning a game. Earlier this year, Trump ordered action to oust Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, plunging the country into more political uncertainty.
‘Sack him’: Keir Starmer slams Nick Timothy over ‘act of domination’ remark on Muslims praying in Trafalgar Square
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer slammed Conservative MP Nick Timothy over his remarks on Muslims praying at an Open Iftar gathering at Trafalgar Square. Speaking in Parliament, Starmer accused the Conservatives of having “a problem with Muslims” and asked Tory leader Kemi Badenoch to sack Timothy from the shadow cabinet.
What Starmer said
Starmer said Timothy had suggested “that Muslims praying in public, including the mayor of London, practicing his faith, are not welcome.”He added: “He described it as an act of domination. Straight from the Islamist playbook. If he was in my team, he’d be gone. It’s utterly appalling. She should denounce his comments and she should sack him.”
Doubling down, Starmer said: “When I see religious events in Trafalgar Square, when I see Hindus celebrating Diwali, when I see Jews celebrating Hannukah live, when I see Christians performing the passion of Christ or Muslims praying, that shows the great strength of our diverse city and country.”He further said: “I’ve never heard her party call out anything other than the Muslim events. It’s only when Muslims are praying. The only conclusion is the Tory party has got a problem with Muslims.”
Nick Timothy faces criticism
Timothy’s remarks, in which he called mass prayer in public an “act of domination”, drew widespread criticism across political lines. Independent MP Adnan Hussain called his comments “disgraceful,” questioning whether similar objections were raised for gatherings by other faiths.Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy accused him of “fanning the flames of division,” while Labor deputy leader Lucy Powell termed the reaction “extreme.”However, some Conservatives backed Timothy, with party figures defending his remarks as standing up for “British values.”
‘London is for everyone’: Sadiq Khan
London Mayor Sadiq Khan pushed back against the criticism, highlighting the city’s diversity.Sharing images from the gathering and other multi-faith celebrations at Trafalgar Square, Khan said London “will always be a place for everyone,” emphasizing unity across communities.The controversy began after Timothy posted a video from an Open Iftar event organized by the Ramadan Tent Project, which hosts public gatherings during Ramadan. Sharing the video, he wrote, “mass ritual prayer in public places is an act of domination,” and added that such events “shouldn’t happen again.”The event at Trafalgar Square was attended by people of multiple faiths and backgrounds.
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