Page 83 – THE LOCAL REPORT ARTICLES

‘That phase was very challenging’: Samson admits with honesty

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March 7, 2026

‘That phase was very challenging’: Samson admits with honesty

'That stage was very challenging': Sanju Samson makes honest admission ahead of IND vs NZ final

Mumbai: Sanzhou Samson When reminded that he had missed two centuries, his reaction was swift. “Missed it? I didn’t miss two centuries. One of the best moments of my life is happening, so I’m grateful,” he said.That’s been Samson’s World Cup so far. His unbeaten 97 off 50 balls helped India tie West Indies for 196 in the virtual quarter-finals in Kolkata. This was followed by a fearless 89 against England in the semi-finals.Against England, Samson finished with a score of 97 Ishan Kishan Then add 43 with Shivam Dube. It’s clear that his decade of experience has made him aware of his role.

‘Holi ki double khushi ho gayi’ Indian fans explode after win over England | T20 World Cup

“My timing with the ball is good and I make the right decisions. I have played 300-400 T20 games, batted from No. 1 to No. 6 and captained an IPL team. I understand the needs of the team and my role in the XI. This clarity helps you score runs the way you want,” he said.For a player who has struggled with inconsistent chances, scrutiny and self-doubt for years, Samson finally seemed to be on his way to victory. When asked if he felt relaxed, the 31-year-old quipped: “One more fight and then I will feel relaxed.”“I waited patiently, worked hard, trained a lot. But we have further to go. If we do it, it will all be worth it,” he said.From being dropped after the series against New Zealand to playing hero in the World Cup semi-finals, the Kerala batsman has risen like a phoenix. “That phase was very challenging,” he admits. “I tried a little too hard to make an impact and get into the World Cup XI. In T20s, even the best runs are difficult.”Samson is one of 8 nominees Player of the TournamentSanju Samson’s name appears in the ICC’s eight-man shortlist for the best player in the T20 World Cup.The others are England’s Will Jacks, Pakistan’s Sahibzada Farhan, South Africa’s Lungi Ngidi and Aiden Markram, New Zealand’s Lachin Ravindra and Tim Seifert and American bowler Shadli van Schalkwijk.

PM Modi: Make our agriculture export-oriented

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March 7, 2026

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PM Modi: Make our agriculture export-oriented

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi The need for India’s agriculture to be export-oriented was underlined on Friday and farmers were asked to take advantage of the country’s diverse climate to boost productivity and strengthen agricultural exports.“We have a diverse climate and we have to make the most of it. Our agro-climatic zones are very rich… If we collectively scale up high-value agricultural commodities, we can transform agriculture into a globally competitive sector,” Modi said at a post-budget webinar on ‘Agriculture and Rural Transformation’.

‘Build, produce, export more’: PM Modi calls Indian economy a beacon of hope for the world

He highlighted changes in global demand and said the world was becoming more health-conscious. “Natural farming and chemical-free agricultural products create a highway for us to enter world markets. The government is looking at certification and laboratories,” the prime minister said.

Iranian officials say delay in appointing supreme leader due to security concerns

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March 7, 2026

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Iranian officials say delay in appointing supreme leader due to security concerns

Iran has delayed the appointment of a successor to slain supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei over security concerns, two Iranian officials said, after comments from the United States and Israel that the new leader could also be targeted.Ayatollah Khamenei’s son, Mojtaba Khamenei, 56, has emerged as a top contender for the job, but concerns about his security have grown after media reports he could become Iran’s new face, said the two officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive matters. Once Khamenei’s name started circulating as a popular candidate to succeed his father, the United States signaled it would not accept him and might eliminate him. “They’re wasting their time,” President Trump told Axios on Thursday, adding that the former supreme leader’s son was “a lightweight” and “unacceptable” choice. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said in a social media post on Wednesday that any leader appointed by Iran to succeed Khamenei would be a “clear target for elimination.” U.S. and Israeli strikes have so far killed Ayatollah Khamenei and top military commanders and figures involved in the defense, but not clerics. The leaders of all three branches of Iran’s government – the president, judiciary and parliament – are still alive.If Khamenei is appointed as Iran’s top religious, political and military figure, it would mark the continuation of hard-line conservative rule. Khamenei is a mysterious but influential figure who has always operated in the shadow of power and has close ties to the powerful Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

Russian athletes booed at Winter Paralympics opening ceremony

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March 7, 2026

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Russian athletes booed at Winter Paralympics opening ceremony

Athletes from Russia walk during the opening ceremony of the 2026 Winter Paralympic Games in Verona, Italy. (AP Photo/Antonio Kalani)

NEW DELHI: The Milan-Cortina Winter Paralympics officially opened in Italy on Friday, but Russian athletes were allowed to march under their country’s flag for the first time since 2014, an incident that brought controversy to the medal ceremony. The International Paralympic Committee’s (IPC) decision drew criticism amid Russia’s ongoing war with Ukraine.Only a small Russian delegation attended, and they were booed by parts of the crowd as they entered the historic Verona Arena. Several countries, including Ukraine, Poland, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and the Czech Republic, boycotted the ceremony in protest. Instead, volunteers raised the flag without athletes or officials present. In contrast, the Ukrainian flag received a prolonged round of applause from the audience.IPC president Andrew Parsons defended the decision, saying it came after the organization’s conference voted last September to allow Russia and Belarus to return to the competition under their respective flags. Speaking at the ceremony, Parsons also reflected on global conflicts. “Four years ago, I said I was shocked by what was going on in the world,” he said. “Unfortunately, the situation has not changed. In a world where some countries are known by the names of their leaders, I prefer to know countries through the names of their athletes.”The ceremony, attended by Italian Prime Minister Giorgio Meloni and President Sergio Mattarella, began with a drumming performance by police band member Stuart Copeland, followed by a brief playing of the Italian national anthem and a parade of athletes.As of March 15, more than 600 athletes will compete in six sports at venues in northern Italy. The events will take place mainly in Cortina, with Milan hosting para ice hockey and Val di Fiemme hosting cross-country and biathlon events.Organizing committee president Giovanni Marago said the Games sent an important message during turbulent times. He added: “The messages of peace, inclusion and solidarity at the heart of the Olympic and Paralympic movements are more relevant and important than ever.”

Stephanie Buttermore spoke about mental health struggles weeks before sudden death; ‘No more struggles’

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March 7, 2026

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Stephanie Buttermore spoke about mental health struggles weeks before sudden death; ‘No more struggles’

A candid Instagram post from fitness influencer and YouTuber Stephanie Buttermore about her mental health has resurfaced online following her death at the age of 36. Buttermore’s long-term fiancée, Jeff NippardShe announced her death in a post on March 6. “We are deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Jeff’s fiancée and partner of ten years, Stephanie,” the post read.

Fitness influencer Stephanie Buttermore has died at the age of 36, leaving behind a legacy of mental health advocacy and educational fitness content. (Stephanie Buttermore | Instagram)

“She will be remembered for her warmth and compassion, her love for her family and her doctoral research into ovarian cancer,” the statement continued.

Buttermore is known for her science-based fitness content and candid discussions about eating habits and body image. She has gained a large following through her educational content on nutrition and training.

Buttermore talks about her mental health

In her May 2024 post titled “What I Learned from Taking a Break,” Instagram,” Buttermore said taking a break from social media has greatly improved her mental health.

“My mental health is the best it’s ever been,” she wrote, explaining that she had previously struggled with severe anxiety. According to the influencer, her anxiety became so intense at one point that she was unable to leave her home.

“I no longer struggle with anxiety. Not at all,” she wrote, adding that she once experienced “almost paralyzing” panic attacks.

Buttermore further elaborated that taking a break from social media can help eliminate the constant pressure to measure your self-worth through likes or comments. “I live in a judgment-free space and it’s quiet,” she wrote.

She acknowledged that social media also has some “negative” aspects. She said she missed interacting with the online community, explaining that the platform allowed her to connect with friends, learn from others and stay motivated.

However, she admits, “Overall, the pros outweigh the cons for me. Sometimes I still feel a void in my daily life from being away from the app, but the benefits of this break are worth it.”

Live more in the moment

Buttermore also wrote that taking a break from social media has allowed her to be more active in her daily life.

She described spending more meaningful time with loved ones (including her partner Nippard) and focusing on real-world experiences rather than documenting them online.

“When I’m with my family or Jeff, I’m more in the moment,” she wrote, explaining that she had stopped checking notifications and instead spent time with other people.

Fans continue to get glimpses of Buttermore on Nippard’s account; the latest comes two weeks before her death. The photo, captioned “Boost your relationship with tea time to lower cortisol levels,” shows the couple cuddling up on the couch. “Love you forever,” Buttermore said in the comments on the post.

Middle East tensions: Ports told to consider waiving fees for stranded ships

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March 7, 2026

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Middle East tensions: Ports told to consider waiving fees for stranded ships

NEW DELHI: With cargo ships bound for West Asia stranded in India due to conflicts in the region, the shipping ministry on Friday directed all 12 major ports to consider requests for reduction, exemption or waiver of charges, including storage rent, reefer blockage and ship-changing charges.The ministry said that during the affected period, ports may allow the storage of goods bound for West Asia as transshipment cargo, allocate additional storage areas, and coordinate with customs to facilitate the return of port export goods to the domestic market. They have also been asked to prioritize perishable cargo to prevent spoilage and facilitate additional bunkering capacity to meet potential demand.The directives came just hours after Shipping Minister Vijay Kumar chaired a virtual meeting with stakeholders including ministries, shipping lines, oil primary suppliers, companies and exporters, who pointed to possible congestion and shortage of containers at ports over the next two to three weeks. There have also been suggestions that more foreign-flagged vessels be allowed to transport domestic goods to cope with a shortage of ships and containers amid rising freight costs.According to the Shipping Ministry, 11 ships are heading to the Persian Gulf from different Indian ports, while 35 Indian-flagged vessels are heading to the region.The DGFT informed stakeholders that the Department of Financial Services is holding meetings with insurance companies, the General Insurance Board and the Export Credit Guarantee Corporation of India to address the issue of soaring premiums. It also informed that the RBI has held a meeting with the Indian Banks Association and the Indian Banks Association and asked banks operating in the West Asia region to allow their employees to work from home to ensure that shipping lines, exporters and importers do not face problems.Kumar said the port authorities have been instructed not to charge any additional charges.

Qatar partially reopens airspace amid Iran, US-Israel war: limited flights allowed as missile attacks continue in Gulf

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March 7, 2026

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Qatar partially reopens airspace amid Iran, US-Israel war: limited flights allowed as missile attacks continue in Gulf

Missiles, airspace chaos and rescue flights: Iran, US and Israel war disrupts global travel, Qatar reopens skies

Qatar has begun partially reopening its airspace after days of a near-total paralysis of the Gulf region’s aviation industry, offering a small but significant sign of relief for thousands of stranded travelers and airlines grappling with one of the region’s worst aviation disruptions in years. The move comes amid an ongoing military confrontation between Iran, Israel and the United States, which has triggered missile strikes, drone strikes and widespread airspace closures around the world. middle East.Although Qatar’s skies are gradually reopening, authorities warn the situation remains unstable and commercial flights remain severely restricted.

Why Qatar closed its airspace during Iran and US-Israel war

The crisis began with U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran, resulting in retaliatory missile and drone attacks on U.S. military bases in parts of the Gulf. Qatar, UAE, Bahrain and many other countries Kuwaitquickly closing or restricting its airspace as a precautionary measure to protect civilian aircraft from potential missile threats.Security concerns have intensified as missiles and drones target infrastructure and military bases in the region. According to reports, Iranian missiles attacked Al Udeid Air Base near Doha, which is one of the largest U.S. military installations in the Middle East.As risks to commercial aviation rapidly escalate, authorities ground most flights while airlines scramble to reroute planes and protect passengers.

Qatar partially reopens airspace amid Iran, US-Israel war

Now, Qatar’s aviation authorities have partially reopened the country’s airspace, allowing certain flights, notably evacuation and cargo operations, to resume under strict monitoring. However, reopening does not mean that aviation operations return to normal. Airlines’ operations remain severely restricted due to ongoing missile threats and security concerns.Most scheduled commercial services remain suspended, with officials saying operations will only resume fully once authorities determine the situation is safe. Even a limited reopening is a crucial development for the global aviation industry, as Doha is one of the world’s busiest transport hubs, connecting Europe, Asia, Africa and Australia.

Qatar Airways Rescue flights launched during Iran and US-Israel war

Amid aviation chaos, Qatar Airways has launched limited “rescue flights” to help passengers stranded in the area. The airline no longer operates from its main Doha hub and has begun organizing flights from nearby regional airports, including those in Muscat and Riyadh in Oman. Saudi Arabiatransporting passengers to major European cities.These flights are mainly for:

Evacuate stranded passengers
repatriation of foreigners
Maintaining vital freight routes

Government agencies and foreign embassies are also coordinating with airlines to arrange emergency evacuation flights for their citizens.

Qatar flights canceled, thousands stranded due to war between Iran and US-Israel

The regional conflict triggered one of the worst aviation disruptions in the Middle East’s recent history. Thousands of flights in the region were canceled or diverted, leaving hundreds of thousands of travelers stranded, according to aviation analytics data.Some flights trying to cross the area have even been forced to reroute mid-air due to missile warnings or airspace restrictions. Airlines such as Emirates, Etihad Airways and other global airlines have also reduced flight schedules while waiting for clearer safety conditions.The Middle East is at the center of global air routes linking Europe, Asia and Africa, meaning the crisis has caused disruption far beyond the Gulf. Major impacts include:

Long-haul flight rerouting – Planes flying between Europe and Asia are taking longer routes to avoid conflict areas, adding to flight times and fuel costs.
Air ticket prices rise – With fewer routes available and higher operating costs, airfares are expected to rise in the coming weeks.
Tourism disruption – Travel plans across the region, including popular hubs such as Dubai and Doha, have been affected as airlines adjust flight schedules.

Analysts say Gulf airlines are particularly vulnerable because their business models rely heavily on connecting passengers through regional hubs.

Governments issue travel warnings amid Iran and US-Israel war

As conflicts escalate, governments around the world have issued emergency travel warnings and evacuation plans. Some countries have begun organizing charter flights or coordinating with airlines to evacuate their citizens from Gulf countries and other parts of the Middle East.Meanwhile, Gulf governments urged residents to remain vigilant and follow official safety instructions as missile warnings and drone interceptions continued in parts of the region. While Qatar’s reopening of some airspace has brought some relief, aviation experts say the situation remains very unpredictable.Missile and drone threats are still being reported, meaning airlines may continue to reduce flight operations until the security situation stabilizes. For travelers and airlines, the crisis highlights how geopolitical tensions can quickly disrupt global mobility, especially in a region that is one of the world’s busiest aviation crossroads.At present, the information sent by the authorities is that rescue flights have begun to take off. However, the skies over the bay are far from completely open.

‘Equal pay’ applies only to same institution: Madras High Court

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March 7, 2026

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‘Equal pay’ applies only to same institution: Madras High Court

CHENNAI: The principle of equal pay for equal work only applies where the employees are working in the same establishment and under the same conditions of service. madras high court Already said.“For employees working in public sector enterprises and government departments, there is no comparison. Since the rules of service are different and distinct, there is no question of the application of the principle of equal pay for equal work. “A division bench of Justices SM Subramaniam and C Kumarappan made the observation while setting aside a single-judge order directing the government to provide equal pay for equal work to frontline workers employed by Arasu Rubber Corporation Limited, a public sector enterprise owned by the Tamil Nadu government.“The directives issued by the government on different occasions since 2010 indicate that the revised pay scale of corporate employees on par with government employees should not be implemented in a routine manner but with the approval of the government,” the bench said. The bench said that public institutions are fully funded by the government and therefore the government should take into account financial constraints.“There is no doubt that the court has considered equal pay for equal work but the principle will apply if the employees are working in the same establishment with the same duties and responsibilities and no comparison can be made between employees working in public sector undertakings and government departments,” the bench said.

Tulsa tornado update: Big 12 gets major notice after tornado hits Oklahoma; scene at BOK Center

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March 7, 2026

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Tulsa tornado update: Big 12 gets major notice after tornado hits Oklahoma; scene at BOK Center

A large tornado was spotted TulsaOklahoma State on Friday, prompting a crucial decision in the Big 12 Wrestling Championships. Race officials announced they were suspending the event after a tornado warning was issued for the area. Meanwhile, the BOK Center asked fans and players to take shelter immediately.

Tornado spotted in Tulsa, Oklahoma on Friday (Unsplash)

“Due to a tornado warning in the Tulsa area, we are suspending the Big 12 Wrestling Championships presented by Allstate. We will provide updates as they become available,” the Big 12 Conference wrote on the X (formerly Twitter) platform.

“Attention Big 12 Wrestling fans: There is a tornado threat in our immediate area and activities must cease. Building staff will direct you to the nearest safe area for shelter. This is not a drill,” the BOK Center tweeted.

Soon the BOK Center announced that the severe weather threat had passed. “It is now safe to return to your seats for the remainder of the match. Wrestling will resume at 7:10.”

Meanwhile, the National Weather Service in Tulsa confirmed there was a tornado on the ground near Owasso, Oklahoma, heading toward Collinsville.

declare a state of emergency

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer activated the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) on Friday due to wind damage and possible tornadoes in southwest Michigan.

“Tonight, I will activate the State Emergency Operations Center to coordinate an all-hands-on-deck response to severe weather in Southwest Michigan,” Whitmer said. “By taking this action, we can ensure the state can monitor and respond to local requests. I want to thank all of the rapid responders on the ground who responded quickly to keep Michiganders safe.”

According to the Michigan State Police Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division (MSP/EMHSD), the SEOC was activated at 6:00 p.m. local time.

“SEOC personnel are monitoring the situation and working with state and local officials and private sector partners to ensure any resource needs are met. MSP/EMHSD regional coordinators are on scene with local emergency management officials and providing support to local emergency operations centers. SEOC is prepared to meet resource requests as they may arise,” the release reads.

CDC issues Level 2 Polio Travel Advisory: Learn about enhanced precautions for international travelers

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March 7, 2026

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CDC issues Level 2 Polio Travel Advisory: Learn about enhanced precautions for international travelers

Polio Alert: Are your travel vaccines up to date? CDC issues level 2 advisory

Global health authorities are once again sounding the alarm polioMany countries hope the disease will be nearly eradicated. As cases and environmental testing re-emerge in multiple regions around the world, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Level 2 travel advisory warning travelers to increase poliovirus prevention measures.The advice, specifically targeted at healthcare professionals such as pharmacists, comes as global surveillance systems detect poliovirus transmission in dozens of countries, reminding health experts that the fight against polio is far from over.

What does level 2 polio advisory mean?

Travel health advisories issued by the CDC range from Level 1 (Take regular precautions) to Level 4 (Avoid all travel). Level 2 advice states that travelers should “increase precautions” due to higher health risks.Specific to polio, the CDC recommends:

Ensure travelers have been fully vaccinated before International travel.
Consider a lifetime booster dose for vaccinated adults.
Complete routine vaccination schedule for unvaccinated or partially vaccinated individuals.

Health officials stress that vaccination remains the most effective way to prevent the virus.

Why is Level II Polio Advisory Issued?

The CDC warning follows the recent detection of poliovirus in several areas, including parts of Europe, Africa, middle East and Asia. At least 32 countries have reported transmission of poliovirus, prompting a warning to international travelers.Several popular tourist destinations, including Germany, Spain, the United Kingdom, Poland, Finland, Egypt and Kenya, have recorded outbreaks or environmental detections of the virus in wastewater monitoring systems. Experts say that doesn’t necessarily mean a widespread outbreak, but it does suggest there is an ongoing risk of transmission, especially in areas with low vaccination coverage.

Understanding polio: a highly contagious disease

Poliomyelitis, or poliomyelitis, is a viral infection that attacks the nervous system and can cause paralysis or even death in severe cases. The virus is mainly spread through:

Contaminated food or water.
Contact with infected feces.
Environmental sanitation and sanitary conditions are poor.

Many infected people show no symptoms, making it difficult to detect and control the epidemic quickly. Polio cases have dropped dramatically over the past few decades due to global vaccination campaigns. However, the virus continues to spread in some areas and international travel may allow it to spread.

Why pharmacists play a key role in Level 2 polio

The CDC recommendations specifically emphasize the role of pharmacists as frontline public health educators. Pharmacists are often one of the first healthcare professionals travelers consult before traveling internationally. Their responsibilities include:

Review traveler’s vaccination history.
Polio boosters are recommended when necessary.
Educate patients about symptoms and prevention.
Advise travelers on health precautions abroad.

Healthcare professionals are also urged to ensure that any unvaccinated person completes the routine polio vaccine series before traveling abroad. Since vaccination requirements may vary by destination, pharmacists can also help travelers verify documents, such as international vaccination or prophylaxis certificates.

Travel rules and vaccine requirements for Level 2 polio

In some countries where poliovirus transmission remains active, travelers may face additional requirements. For example:

Visitors staying longer than four weeks may be required to show proof of polio vaccination before leaving the country.
Adults who have completed childhood vaccinations may need a one-time booster dose before traveling.
The rules are designed to prevent travelers from exporting the virus across borders.

Despite decades of progress, the world has not yet completely eradicated polio. The Global Polio Eradication Initiative, launched in 1988, has reduced global polio cases by more than 99%. But challenges remain, including:

There is vaccine hesitancy in some areas.
A few countries are continuing to spread the virus.
Financial pressures impacting global vaccination plans

Health experts warn that as long as the virus is present anywhere, every country will remain vulnerable to reintroduction through travel.

Important advice for travelers with grade 2 polio

Health authorities recommend taking the following steps before international travel:

Check vaccination status and complete routine immunizations.
For information about boosters, ask your health care professional or pharmacist.
Practice good hygiene, including frequent hand washing.
Follow official travel health advisories for updates.

Most importantly, travelers should plan to get vaccinated four to six weeks before departure to give the body time to build immunity. The CDC’s secondary advisory underscores an important reality: Although polio has been pushed to the brink of eradication, it remains an ongoing global threat.With international travel rebounding and vaccination rates uneven in some areas, healthcare professionals, especially pharmacists, are being urged to step up awareness and prevention efforts. The clearest message for travelers is to check your vaccines before flying, talk to your pharmacist and stay protected.