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England leave, WI and SA stranded in India; ex-captain slams ICC for unequal treatment

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England leave, WI and SA stranded in India; ex-captain slams ICC for unequal treatment
South Africa and West Indies cricket teams (institutional photo)

former england captain Michael Vaughn Criticized what he saw as the unequal treatment of teams after withdrawing from the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, noting that some teams were still stuck in India while others had been allowed to leave.England were eliminated from the tournament on Thursday after losing to the Indian national cricket team in the semi-finals. According to Vaughan, the England team will take a chartered flight back home shortly after the defeat.However, the situation is very different for other teams. The West Indies cricket team, which was eliminated from the Super Eights last Sunday after losing five games to India, is still awaiting its return in Kolkata. On March 4, the South African national cricket team was also in trouble after losing to the New Zealand national cricket team in the semi-finals.Speaking to The“So England were eliminated on Thursday and got a charter flight home today. West Indies were eliminated last Sunday and are still in Kolkata. South Australia are in the same position. This is where the powers that be are completely wrong. All teams in this situation should be treated the same. Just because you are stronger at the ICC table, it shouldn’t count,” Warne wrote.

Michael Vaughn

Michael Vaughan Post

The travel complications are largely due to charter flights arranged by the ICC being affected by international airspace restrictions related to security concerns in the Gulf amid ongoing tensions between Israel and Iran.The West Indies camp was also visibly frustrated with the delay. Head coach Darren Sammy recently shared a brief but telling message on X that reflected the sentiment of the team. The former West Indies captain posted, “I just want to go home.”The tournament is now coming to an end with the defending champions India taking on the New Zealand national cricket team in the final in Ahmedabad on Sunday. The tournament begins on February 7 at the venues of India and Sri Lanka.

Random Thoughts: Donald Trump has only one red line. Kristi Noem wears it… | World News

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Random Thoughts: Donald Trump has only one red line. Christie Noem traveled through it…

During his time hosting the reality show The Apprentice, Donald Trump Like to use this phrase: You’re fired. It’s his slogan and is synonymous with other Trumpisms: gilded designs that look like they belong in the Ottoman Empire, WWE Hall of Famers, stream-of-consciousness speeches that hint at salivation, taking credit for ceasefires, describing all objects as beautiful, and generally the unhinged Americana of steroids and Diet Coke. Yet in his second term as president—after returning from political exile and dodging a bullet—Trump was rather reluctant to use his slogan.According to an analysis of Trump’s A team by the Brookings Institution, during Trump’s first term, when he was still surrounded by old-school Republicans, he fired 60 candidates, with a turnover rate as high as 92%. By the end of his term in the White House, only five people remained in their original positions.To make sure it doesn’t happen again this time, Trump has assembled a group of aides who are the living embodiments of the Peter Principle, loyal to Trump and Trump alone, and who all sound like they were auditioning for a spoof of a Hollywood movie, as evidenced by this Mortal Kombat-themed mash-up of the White House video with some of pop culture’s most memorable characters, showing that even the most incomplete, grumpy, and incorrigible human regimes are capable of good publicity.read: Why Trump’s Washington is St. Petersburg The Trump 2.0 dream team includes a director of national intelligence (DNI) who is so out of touch with the intelligence community that her aides joke that DNI stands for “not invited”; an FBI director who is in the news more for partying than for his work; an education secretary who thinks artificial intelligence is “steak sauce”; a war secretary who beat a man with an ax on live television; and a health secretary who believes in anti-vaccination conspiracy theories. It’s like Sarah Palin’s cabinet, except they both make Sarah Palin look like a member of Mensa. It’s reminiscent of an epic “Yes Minister” line: “The Minister of Industry is the idlest man in town, the Minister of Education is illiterate, and the Minister of Employment is unemployed.”There are many, many more examples, but due to time and space constraints, we turn to the MVP in question: Kristi Noem.As a youngster, Norm won the South Dakota Snow Queen award, foreshadowing the moniker she would most recently be bestowed upon. Era: ICE Barbie. For those unfamiliar, ICE is the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency that has been waging a war on suburban moms while pretending to catch illegal immigrants.She was once considered Trump’s running mate, but dropped out of the race after it was revealed that she shot and killed her own dog, which was too much even for the Trump team.

Trump’s Paradise Lost

While serving as governor of South Dakota, she checked every “MAGA” box: vehemently opposed to abortion and even stem cell research; denied the scientific consensus on climate change; opposed subsidized child care; threatened a government employee with denying her daughter a real estate agent’s license; was banned from Native American tribal lands over claims of collusion with Mexican cartels; ran an anti-drug campaign called “Meth.” We’re working on it”; and famously boasted that her two-year-old granddaughter had several guns.All of this makes her the perfect choice to serve as Secretary of Homeland Security, responsible for all internal threats to the United States.Noem immediately boosted his credentials when his handbag was stolen from a restaurant in Washington, D.C., containing $3,000 in cash and government access cards.But what did Noem do to make Trump the second person on Trump’s A-Team to be fired, the first being former National Security Advisor (NSA) Mike Walz, who added an Atlantic reporter to the Signal War chat to discuss the bombing?When ICE agents shot and killed two Americans in Minnesota, she wasn’t fired.She wasn’t even fired when she called one of the people shot, a VA nurse, a “domestic terrorist” or lied about his use of a gun.She wasn’t fired for calling the FBI “corrupt.”When reports surfaced that ICE was releasing untrained agents on the streets due to an artificial intelligence glitch, she escaped the ropes.When ICE arrested a South Korean citizen working at a Hyundai factory, she escaped sanctions.She didn’t get fired for buying luxury planes with barely any seats to deport illegal immigrants.She even survived being in a prison in El Salvador brandishing a Rolex watch (allegedly having an affair with an aide) and not releasing FEMA funds, much to the chagrin of Republicans.all is well. Until that wasn’t the case.Franz Kafka wrote in “The Maxim of Zulau”: “There are two sins that are the root of all other sins: impatience and laziness. Because of impatience, we are driven out of paradise, and because of laziness, we cannot return.” In Trump’s paradise, there are also two original sins: accusing Trump of something and accusing Trump of something.

‘Trump knew’: Kristi Noem’s response to DHS’ $220 million ad campaign that led to her firing WATCH

“Loyalty is absolutely key,” former Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Gil Kerlikowske told the New York Times. “It’s a good rule of thumb to never disgrace your boss, especially for him, and I think that’s a cardinal sin, and she did violate that.”Noem’s crime came during a Senate hearing.Asked whether Trump approved more than $200 million worth of advertising space for her political advisers, Noem responded in the affirmative.

Donald Trump - you're fired

A New York Times report said Trump was angry when he saw snippets of her answers, which was outrageous considering he had a lot of things on his mind, including a real war.So, what does Kristi Noem do now?Trump’s announcement that she would be an envoy to Shield of the Americas — which sounds as fabricated as the FIFA Peace Prize — makes one wonder if anyone came up with the idea while watching Marvel Cinematic Universe reruns.Half expected the job description to include forming the Avengers.It’s hard not to feel a little sympathy for Norm right now. Being a woman in MAGA is just as difficult as being an Indian in MAGA, perhaps even more so, because not only does one have to debate oneself by celebrating ongoing misogyny, but one also has to mold one’s appearance to a specific aesthetic. Noem did almost everything Trump asked her to do and still got kicked out.

Kristi Noem interrupted in Congress by shouts of ‘exorcist’ #snl

Earlier in December 2025, protesters interrupted Noem’s congressional hearing, shouting a line from the cult classic “The Exorcist” at her: “Stop ICE. The power of Christ compels you.” It was not Christ who ultimately expelled her from Trump’s kingdom. Just don’t agree with Trump.

From SHGs to drone technology: Inside India’s ongoing push for women’s economic empowerment

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India’s ongoing push for women’s financial empowerment ahead of International Women’s Day has drawn attention to the changing role of women in the country’s economy. From gaining skills training and providing practical support for running small businesses to operating agricultural drones, women are increasingly taking on new financial roles and becoming active participants in India’s development story. Supported by a series of government initiatives over the past decade, an increasing number of women in rural and urban India have gained access to savings, credit, skills and markets, helping them build independent livelihoods and support their families. From savings schemes for girls to credit support, self-help groups (SHGs), entrepreneurship programs and technology-driven livelihoods, policy efforts are focused on bringing more women into the economic mainstream and ensuring inclusive growth that leaves no woman behind.One of the key initiatives to support girls’ economic security is the Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY), which was launched in 2015 under the Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao movement. The savings plan allows families to invest in a girl child’s education and future, offering an interest rate of 8.2% per annum as well as tax benefits. As of December 2025, deposits under the scheme had exceeded Rs 333 crore, according to government data. In rural areas, the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM) has brought together more than 100 million women into self-help groups (SHGs) to provide credit, skill training and livelihood opportunities. The network has become one of the largest female-led community platforms in the world, with a repayment rate of over 98%. Technology is also introduced to expand revenue opportunities. Under the NaMo Drone Didi initiative, women from SHGs are being trained to operate agricultural drones for spraying fertilizers and pesticides, enabling them to earn income through drone rental services while promoting precision farming. Entrepreneurial initiatives are also gaining ground. Projects such as the Lakhpati Didi Movement aim to help women members of SHGs achieve an annual household income of over Rs 1 lakh through sustainable enterprises. Meanwhile, the Government e-Marketplace’s Womaniya initiative enables women-led businesses to offer goods and services directly to government buyers. Complementing these efforts are financial inclusion schemes such as Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana and Stand-Up India, which provide banking services and collateral-free loans to women entrepreneurs.

Who is Gabriele Cassia? Pope appoints Italian archbishop as new ambassador to U.S.

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Pope Leo The Vatican on Saturday named a veteran diplomat as its new ambassador to the United States, tasked with managing one of the Holy See’s most important bilateral relationships at a critical moment, strained by the Trump administration’s war with Iran and a crackdown on immigration.

Italian Archbishop Gabriele Caccia has become the new nuncio to the United States, tasked with navigating complex church-state relations during a turbulent time under Pope Leo XIV. (Reuters)
Italian Archbishop Gabriele Caccia has become the new nuncio to the United States, tasked with navigating complex church-state relations during a turbulent time under Pope Leo XIV. (Reuters)

Italian Archbishop Gabriele Caccia, 68, is currently the Holy See’s ambassador to the United Nations in New York. He succeeds French-born Cardinal Christophe Pierre, who retired at age 80 as nuncio to the Holy See in Washington.

Caccia serves as Nuncio to the Holy See lebanon Deployed to the United Nations in 2019. Caccia was ordained a priest in Milan in 1983 and later served as “evaluator” of the Vatican’s Secretariat of State, a key administrative position in the Holy See’s most important office.

At a time of global turmoil, he inherited a complex and important archive on the battle lines of church and state in the United States.

During Pierre’s tenure as nuncio, there were clear signs of friction between the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, whose leadership leaned toward the conservative side and Pope Francis, who advocated for more progressive priorities.

Relations with the United States and its church are vital to the Holy See, not least because American Catholics are the most generous donors to the Holy See’s coffers.

Leo, the first American-born pope in history, is well aware of this dynamic, having served for two years as a key figure in Francis’s nomination of bishops before being elected in 2025. Leo emphasized the message of peace and unity in the Church.

Trump’s first administration clashed with Francis over immigration, and the tensions continued during Leo’s pontificate and Trump’s second term. Leo has repeatedly insisted that the Trump administration respects the human dignity of immigrants while recognizing their rights at the border.

Recently, Leo expressed “deep concern” about the US-Israeli war in Iran and urged both sides to “stop the escalation of violence before it spirals into an abyss of no return.”

Leo called for a return to diplomacy in comments on Sunday. Weapons only cause “destruction, suffering and death,” he said.

In a major foreign policy speech earlier this year, Leo also made clear his opposition to the United States’ aggressive use of military force, an apparent reference to Washington’s invasion of Venezuela and threats to occupy Greenland. He condemned how countries use force to assert their dominance around the world and “totally undermine” peace and the post-World War II international legal order.

Cassia said in a statement on Saturday that he was humbled by Leo’s appointment and the confidence placed in him to serve as ambassador to his home country.

“I accepted this mission with joy and trepidation,” Vatican News reported. His mission, he said, was “to serve communion and peace,” recalling that this year marks the 250th anniversary of America’s independence.

Archbishop Paul S. Coakley, current president of the U.S. Conference, welcomed Cassia’s appointment and offered the U.S. leadership “the warmest welcome and our prayerful support.”

The Holy See has a tradition of diplomatic neutrality, although Leo strongly opposed Israel’s military operations in Gaza and the humanitarian damage caused by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

‘Stop Indian Hate’: Indian American group launches tracker documenting growing anti-India hatred in the US

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'Stop Indian Hate': Indian American group launches tracker documenting growing anti-India hatred in the US

A US-based advocacy group has launched a new tracker to document the growing wave of “anti-India hate” incidents across the United States.The Indian American Advocacy Council (IAAC) has released a report and guidance titled “Stop Indian Hate: A Guide to Hate Incident Tracking and Community Action,” which documents verified incidents of online abuse, public harassment and discrimination against the Indian American community between late 2025 and February 2026. The initiative also provides resources on how victims can report hate incidents and find legal support.

From cost crisis to racial accusations: How Galway food pantry photos stoked hatred against Indians

The organization said anti-India rhetoric increased in early 2026 on social media platforms and public forums. The report compiles documented cases and explains the legal protections afforded to victims under U.S. civil rights laws. It also includes instructions on how to file a complaint with federal, state and local agencies and community support contacts.One of the key incidents mentioned in the report was a confrontation at a Frisco, Texas, city council meeting on February 3, 2026, where tensions were rising over immigration and the city’s growing Indian-American population. Many Make America Great Again moguls and conservative influencers urged residents to attend meetings and talk about an “Indian Takeover” in Texas, which is essentially a red state. “America First” proponents link the issue to the H-1B visa program and argue that immigrants from India are changing the city’s demographics. They accuse the Indian diaspora of “stealing” American jobs back home. The row escalated after a commentator claimed residents were frustrated with Indians living in the same area as them and sparked riots.The IAAC said it began documenting such incidents as part of an effort to track patterns of hate and provide evidence for civil rights action. The group has previously condemned “xenophobic and racist rhetoric” directed at Indian-American residents and warned that labeling legal residents as “Indian takeovers” amounts to targeted intimidation.In addition to stalking incidents, the guide is also designed to help victims cope effectively. It outlines reporting procedures, submission deadlines and a complaint letter template that community members can use when contacting authorities.

Rahul Gandhi says PM Modi ‘betrayed the country’ by signing US trade deal

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Congress leader Rahul Gandhi (ANI photo)

New Delhi: Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of “betraying the country” by entering into a trade agreement with the United States, claiming that the deal will adversely affect Indian farmers and small businesses.Gandhi was speaking at the farewell ceremony of the state-wide ‘Puthuyuga Yatra’ led by Leader of Opposition in the Kerala Assembly VD Satheesan.“The Prime Minister has let the country down. He has betrayed the country. I believe the Prime Minister betrayed the country by signing the US deal,” Gandhi said.He claimed that ordinary citizens, especially farmers and small business owners, would ultimately bear the burden of the agreement.“No prime minister before him opened up Indian agriculture to American agriculture,” he said.Rahul said the entry of large US mechanized farming companies into the Indian market would put small farmers under huge pressure and could lead to “disruption” in the agricultural sector.He further claimed that the country’s energy sector has been compromised and alleged that US President Donald Trump had access to India’s data through the agreement.The Congress leader also claimed that Modi was controlled by Trump, adding that the Kerala chief minister was also controlled by Modi.Gandhi, who briefly mentioned cricketer Sanju Samson in his speech, said it was encouraging to know that the star wicketkeeper-batsman who played in the T20 World Cup quarter-finals was from Thiruvananthapuram.The yatra, which started a month ago, is spread across all districts of Kerala as part of the party’s campaign ahead of the upcoming assembly elections.The event was attended by several leaders, including KPCC and AICC members Sachin Pilot and Deepa Dasmunshi, and other leaders of the UDF alliance.Addressing the rally, Satishan described the pilgrimage as the most meaningful experience in his political career.He said the UDF submitted a “charge sheet” to the LDF government during the march.“As long as the SDF government fails, the United SDF will enhance the status of the state,” he said.Satishan added that the yatra helped the alliance gather public feedback from across the state, which would be used to formulate policies for the future development of Kerala.He said the UDF intends to introduce a “New Kerala Model” that will focus on good governance and solving problems faced by ordinary citizens.“The Kerala Government Secretariat will be the most efficient Government Secretariat in the country,” he said.Satisan also pledged to strengthen governance and reform accountability in key areas such as health, education and employment.Concrete initiatives will be taken to address the challenges faced by the poorer sections of society, he added.Satishan was confident of the upcoming parliamentary elections and said the UDF would return to power.“UDF will win more than 100 seats,” he said.

‘Sab same line chipka rahe hain’: Sky dismissive of Santner’s ‘silence the crowd’ comments

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'Sab same line Chipka rahe hain': Suryakumar Yadav dismissive of Mitchell Santner's 'keep the audience quiet' remarks
Suryakumar Yadav responds to Mitchell Santner’s comments about suppressing home fans in final

New Delhi: Captain India Suryakumar Yadav responded to comments saturday Mitchell Santner On the issue of silencing the home crowd at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup final in Ahmedabad, he said such remarks have become common before major matches.India will take on New Zealand in the final at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Sunday.Earlier in the day, New Zealand captain Santner said his team would be looking to Quiet the crowd at home During the finals. His remarks were similar to those made by Pat Cummins ahead of the ICC World Cup 2023 final at the same venue, where Australia defeated India.“Our aim is to silence the crowd. There are a lot of variables in T20 cricket and it can be fickle at times,” the 34-year-old said. “If we go out and do business in the same way, we can frustrate another strong team. Obviously, there is a lot of pressure on India to win the World Cup at home.”

T20 World Cup: Mitchell Santner’s press conference ahead of IND vs NZ

Reacting to the remark, Suryakumar said such comments are now often repeated before major matches.“Sab he same line chipka rahe hai. Kuch to naya bolo (Everyone is saying the same thing now. Come up with something new),” Suryakumar Yadav told reporters at the pre-match press conference.The 35-year-old India skipper, who is the second-highest run-scorer in the 2026 T20 World Cup squad, said leading the team in the World Cup final will come with pressure but he wants to enjoy the opportunity.He added that the atmosphere in the Indian dressing room remains positive as the team prepares for the final.“It’s a special feeling and everyone is very excited. The environment within our team is very good. We are looking forward to the final,” he said.“As a leader, there will be pressure; I can’t deny that. There will be more pressure, no doubt, and it’s exciting to play in a World Cup final, and that’s the same in India,” Suryakumar added.The Indian team became the first defending champion to reach the T20 World Cup final. They hope to win the title and become the first host nation to lift the trophy when they face New Zealand on Sunday.

Who is Kyle Peters? Kristy Noem’s son-in-law sued by former employer in South Dakota for:

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Kyle Peters, son-in-law of the Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem and is married to daughter Kassidy Noem, who is reportedly being sued by her former employer.

Kyle Peters, who is married to Kristi Noem's daughter, faces an unfair competition lawsuit from A1 Development. (Cassidy Noem/Instagram)
Kyle Peters, who is married to Kristi Noem’s daughter, faces an unfair competition lawsuit from A1 Development. (Cassidy Noem/Instagram)

Peters was reportedly sued last month by US-based company A1 Development. south dakotaAccording to KELOLAND News, a local news source for the British newspaper The Independent. The lawsuit was formally filed on February 19 in Coddington County.

Lawsuit against Kyle Peters

According to the outlet, the lawsuit states peters “For many years, he has wrongfully competed and diverted business from A1 Development,” the complaint states, adding that Peters was employed by the company before becoming an independent contractor.

The company reportedly claimed that Peters “used his position to wrongfully divert A1 Development’s business for the personal benefit of at least 11 different clients.”

According to court documents, A1 Development is a company that assists clients south dakota and development, construction, permitting and government relations.

The company claimed his actions were “fraudulent and intentional,” Dakota News Now reported. A1 Development is seeking compensatory and punitive damages and is urging a jury trial, the outlet said.

Also read: How rich is Kristy Noem? Trump replaces Homeland Security secretary with Markwayne Mullin, look at her net worth and assets

Kyle Peters denies accusations

Peters and his LLC, Bad River Development, “deny A1 Development’s allegations,” said his attorney, Stephen Landon.

“We are examining Kyle and Bad River’s responses to the complaint and their counterclaim against A1 for unlawfully withholding commissions,” Langdon said in an email to The Independent.

He added: “We believe the facts will show that Kyle did not divert any business from A1 Development, that he actually brought a significant amount of business to A1, and that even after he left, he continued to attempt to transfer business to A1.”

A1 Development’s founding partner responds

Paul Kostboth, founding partner of A1 Development, called the situation “unfortunate” in an email to The Independent, adding that “the complaint speaks for itself”.

peters is a city council member in Watertown, a small town about 100 miles north of Sioux Falls. He was also elected as Watertown’s deputy mayor last year, KXLG reported.

Kyle Peters and Cassidy Noem’s wedding

Peters gets married Nome’s She gave birth to her daughter in 2019, according to social media posts she shared at the time.

“Cassidy and Kyle got married this weekend in the Black Hills! Thank you to everyone who celebrated with us. God is good,” Norm said in a post on Facebook.

‘Don’t be surprised if’: Clark’s bold prediction for Bumrah final

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'Don't be surprised if...': Michael Clarke's bold prediction for Jasprit Bumrah final
Jasprit Bumrah of India (ANI Photo)

Former Australia captain ahead of the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup final between the Indian and New Zealand national cricket teams Michael Clark High praise paid to India’s star pacer Jasprit Bumrahdescribing him as the most important bowler in world cricket at the moment. Clark also suggested bangla Can play a decisive role in the title race and even be the man of the match.Bumrah is one of India’s standout performers in the ongoing tournament. He currently ranks second in the team’s wicket-taking charts with 10 wickets in seven games, behind Varun Chakaravarthy who has 13 wickets. The fast bowler also maintained an impressive economy rate of 6.63, the best among Indian bowlers in this edition.

T20 World Cup Final: Greenstone Lobo predicts India vs New Zealand winner horoscope analysis

Speaking on the Beyond23 Cricket Podcast, Clark highlighted Bumrah’s ability to perform under pressure and said his execution set him apart.“One thing is having so many options (variations) but most importantly, having the skills to execute under pressure. That’s what makes him the best in the world. He has been the decisive factor for India. I won’t be surprised if he becomes man of the match in the final. He is so dominant.”Clark further highlighted Bumrah’s value in all formats of the game, describing him as a rare match-winner who can consistently deliver in high-pressure situations.“India are the best team in this World Cup. They are very good. We probably haven’t talked about him much throughout the World Cup because we are just looking forward to it now. Bumrah. He is just a freak. In all three formats, from a distance, he is the most important player in the world. He is a match-winner. He bowls the most difficult overs. Run-saving machine, wicket-taker, executes under pressure better than anyone in world cricket.The former Australia captain also reflected on the challenges of managing a bowler like Bumrah if he were to lead a team. According to Clark, deciding when to use the pacer during an innings will be the biggest tactical decision for any captain.“He has a lot of different skills. Like when you see the best batsmen, we always talk about how they run under pressure, but they do it in different conditions around the world. Bumrah does that. He wins games in all different conditions and at different stages of the game. If I were his captain, my biggest challenge would be when to use him. That’s why they don’t want to open the bowling with him and you want him to get two overs at the death.

Evening News Report: EAM reacts to Iranian ship sinking in Indian Ocean; why US ‘agreed’ to India buying Russian oil and more oil

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  • Responding to the sinking of an Iranian warship in the Indian Ocean, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said that one Iranian warship docked in Kochi with India’s permission, while another Iranian warship “IRIS Dena” was “on the wrong side of the incident” near Sri Lanka.
  • The United States has granted India a temporary exemption to buy stranded Russian oil, with Finance Minister Scott Bessant praising New Delhi for playing a “very good role” in supply disruptions caused by West Asia.
  • Dubai International Airport temporarily halted flights after Emirati air defense forces intercepted an Iranian attack, debris fell near the terminal and Emirates Airline suspended services. However, authorities reported only a minor incident and no injuries.
  • A principal of Chitrakoot Public School has been suspended over a video showing a fifth-grade girl massaging her feet in class, even though she claimed the video was processed with artificial intelligence.
  • Former India batsman Mohammad Kaif has urged India to drop out-of-form opener Abhishek Sharma from the 2026 T20 World Cup final against New Zealand citing his poor form with spin and poor returns.

Here are the top 5 stories of the day

EAM Jaishankar on India’s rescue of Iranian ships

In India’s first official response to the US Navy’s sinking of the Iranian warship IRIS Dena, Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said Tehran has sought permission to dock another ship in Kochi due to technical issues. The request was approved on March 1, but IRIS Dena, based near Sri Lanka, was “on the wrong side of events.”Read the full story

Jaishankar explains why India allowed Iranian ships to dock amid ongoing conflict between US, Iran

Why the U.S. “agreed” to India temporarily resuming purchases of Russian oil

Amid tensions in West Asia, the United States has temporarily allowed India to buy Russian oil stranded at sea to stabilize global supplies. Finance Minister Scott Bessant said, “The Indians are doing very well. We asked them to stop buying sanctioned Russian oil this fall. They did. They intend to replace it with American oil,” he said.If market conditions remain tight, Washington may consider lifting restrictions on additional Russian oil, he added.Read the full story

Iranian drone strikes Dubai International Airport runway, disrupting flight operations

Flight operations at Dubai International Airport were suspended due to an air interception linked to an Iranian attack, with witnesses describing huge explosions and smoke near the terminal. Authorities said the successfully intercepted debris caused only a minor incident and no casualties, but the plane was stranded and Emirates suspended all flights to and from Dubai, urging passengers to avoid the airport.Read the full story

UP principal suspended for receiving foot massage from student

Madhu Rai, the principal of a government primary school in Kalbinaya Bazar in Chitrakoot, was suspended after a 23-second video surfaced showing her lying on the classroom floor while a Class V student massaged her feet during classes. Basic Siksha Adhikari BK Sharma ordered action after students alleged that such massages were a daily occurrence, but Rai, who is retiring, said the video was manipulated by artificial intelligence.Read the full story

Former India batsman urges India to drop Abhishek Sharma for T20 World Cup final

With India set to take on New Zealand in the 2026 T20 World Cup final in Ahmedabad, Mohammad Kaif has called for “bold” changes, suggesting that Abhishek Sharma be rested after a poor game. The opener breached 50 just once, falling into spin on multiple occasions, while a pre-match stomach infection, weight loss, missed catches and waning strength further exacerbated his struggles.Read the full story