New Delhi: Activists and Engineers Golden Wangchuk After being detained for nearly six months, he was released from Jodhpur Central Jail on Saturday, a moment his wife Geetanjali J Angmo said was the end of a long and exhausting ordeal for their family.Shortly after his release, Angmo wrote in a message posted on X about the emotional process of informing Wangchuck that he was finally free. “Went a final letter to the warden yesterday requesting permission to meet and inform @Wangchuk66 of his release,” she said. She thanked the people of Jodhpur for their support, adding that she was relieved that her husband’s “170 days of agony in jail” were over.Aung Moe also spoke of the personal stress of months-long detention. She said she had been going to the jail twice a week for the past five months, often just for an hour’s meeting. “My ordeal of traveling twice a week for only one 60-minute meeting for the past five months is finally over,” she wrote.Wangchuck, 59, was detained under the National Security Law on September 26 last year, following violent protests in Ladakh demanding statehood and inclusion in the Sixth Schedule of the constitution. The protests were organized by groups including Leh Apex Body and Kargil Democratic Alliance.The Center announced on Saturday that it had immediately withdrawn Wangchuck’s detention, saying the decision was aimed at promoting “peace, stability and mutual trust” in Ladakh and promoting dialogue with stakeholders. Jodhpur police confirmed that he was released around 1:30 pm after the order arrived and Angmo was present to complete the formalities.Days earlier, India’s Supreme Court postponed to March 17 the hearing on a petition filed by Angmo challenging his detention.Just two days ago, Wangchuk wrote on “Our fight has been and will continue to be for the protection, dignity and long-term well-being of Ladakh,” he said.
Day 16 of Middle East war: UAE and other Gulf states report new attacks; Kuwait airport attacked
Loud explosions were heard in parts of Dubai on Sunday, while Iran claimed an attack on Al Dhafra air base in the United Arab Emirates. At the same time, multiple drones attacked Kuwait The international airport’s radar system was damaged, but authorities said no one was injured, AFP reported.Al Jazeera reported that Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said they launched 10 missiles and an unknown number of drones at US troops stationed at Al Dhafra Air Base in the United Arab Emirates.
Previously, the UAE Ministry of Defense also stated that its air defense system was “responding to missile and drone threats from Iran.” The Defense Ministry said the loud sounds heard in parts of the country were caused by interceptions by air defense systems.A day earlier, Iran warned that “ports, terminals and U.S. hideouts” in the United Arab Emirates could be targeted and urged residents to evacuate the areas.Tehran defended the attack, claiming the United States used Emirati ports, terminals and hideouts to carry out the attack on Al-Kharg Island, home to a major terminal handling Iranian oil exports. According to Agence France-Presse, Iran launched more than 1,800 missiles and drones at the UAE during the conflict, making it the country most seriously targeted by Tehran in the escalation of the conflict.The attacks have raised concerns about security across the Gulf region, which for decades has been seen as relatively stable in the volatile Middle East. The US-Israel-Iraq war started on February 28, and many Middle Eastern countries were directly hit. The United States and Israel attacked Iran and killed its top leader. In recent days, Lebanon has witnessed Israeli attacks on Hezbollah areas, Qatar reported explosions near US infrastructure in Doha and Saudi Arabia’s largest oil refinery was set on fire by a drone.
TOISA Athlete of the Year Nominations: Celebrating India’s Best of the Best
The eighth edition of the Times of India Sports Awards will be held in Lucknow on March 21, 2026, celebrating the achievements of India’s best athletes across multiple disciplines. The award recognizes performance between January 1 and December 31, 2025, and recognizes outstanding performance at global championships and major international events. Featuring over 45 categories, TOISA focuses on established stars and emerging talents who have brought pride to the country through outstanding performances over the past year.The winners will be selected by a distinguished panel of judges comprised of some of India’s most renowned sports icons. Olympic champion Abhinav Bindra, Hockey superstar PR Sreejesh, former India captain Mithali Raj, Paralympic legend Devendra Jhajharia, table tennis stalwart Sharath Kamal and tennis icon Leander Paes Paes) will evaluate the nominees in various categories, ensuring a credible and professional assessment of excellence in Indian sports.The nominations in the Athlete of the Year category reflect the diversity and success of Indian sports in 2025. Teenage shooting star Suruchi Inder Singh has had a breakthrough season, winning five gold medals at the ISSF World Cup and a silver medal at the World Championships. Chess prodigy Divya Deshmukh created history by winning the Women’s Chess World Cup and earning the Grandmaster title. In cricket, Mandana Played a key role in India’s maiden ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup win while Shubman Gill Enjoyed a prolific year, including International Champions Cup and Asian Cup titles. Young shooter Samrat Rana also shone on the global stage and became the 10m air pistol world champion, capping off a memorable year in Indian sports.Here are the nominees for Athlete of the Year to ISA 2025:Suruchi Inder SinghDate of birth: April 28, 2006Place of birth: Jhajar, HaryanaSports: Shooting (10m air pistol)Main achievements in 2025:ISSF World Championships: Silver Medal (Team)ISSF World Cup Final: Gold Medal (Individual)ISSF World Cup Buenos Aires: Gold Medal (Individual), Bronze Medal (Mixed Team)ISSF Lima World Cup: Gold Medal (Individual), Gold Medal (Mixed Team)ISSF World Cup Munich: Gold Medal (Individual)Asian Championships: Bronze Medal (Team), Bronze Medal (Mixed Team)2025 has been a breakthrough year for teenage shooter Suruchi Singh. The 19-year-old rose to prominence after winning five gold medals at the ISSF World Cup. She won an individual gold medal at the ISSF World Cup in Argentina, followed by a mixed team bronze medal. She then achieved double gold at the ISSF World Cup in Peru, winning the individual title and winning the mixed team gold with Saurabh Chaudhary. Suluch then won another individual gold medal at the ISSF World Cup in Germany, and then won his fifth gold medal at the ISSF World Cup finals in Doha. She also won a team silver medal at the ISSF World Championships and two bronze medals at the Asian Championships to complete a remarkable season. Divya DeshmukhDate of birth: December 9, 2005Place of birth: Nagpur, MaharashtraSport: ChessMain achievements in 2025:Women’s Chess World Cup: ChampionsGrandmaster (GM) titleQualify for the 2026 Women’s Candidates ChampionshipDivya Deshmukh was born on December 9, 2005 in Nagpur, Maharashtra and quickly became one of India’s brightest chess talents. Known for her calculating acumen, strategic depth and composure under pressure, Divya combines tactical brilliance with a strong competitive mentality to consistently impress on the international stage.2025 is a historic year for her career. She defeated top players to win the Women’s Chess World Cup and declare herself a major force in women’s chess around the world. This landmark victory also earned her the prestigious Grandmaster (GM) title, making her the 88th GM from India and the fourth Indian woman to achieve this feat. In addition, her performance also ensured her qualification to participate in the 2026 Women’s Candidates Championship, bringing her one step closer to challenging the Women’s World Championship.With her talent, dedication and early success, Divya Deshmukh is widely regarded as a future star of Indian and international chess, inspiring a new generation of players.MandanaDate of birth: July 18, 1996Place of birth: Mumbai, MaharashtraSports: CricketMain achievements in 2025:ICC ODI World Cup 2025: Winner as vice-captain of Team IndiaODI Statistics 2025: 23 games 1362 runs Average 61.9 | SR 109.92 | 5 hundredsT20I Stats 2025: 341 runs in 9 games | Average 37.88 | SR 135.85 | 1 hundredSmriti Mandhana played a decisive role in the history of Indian women’s cricket when she won the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup as vice-captain of the Indian women’s cricket team in 2025, India’s first victory in the tournament. India ended a memorable match by defeating South Africa by 52 runs in the final at the DY Patil Stadium on November 2. Mandhana was central to the victory as he became the second highest scorer in the tournament with 434 points. During the tournament, she scored a stunning 50-ball century against England – the second-fastest century in women’s international cricket. During the year, she became the first woman to score more than 1,000 ODI runs in a year and broke her own record for most ODI runs in a year, reaching five in 2025, tied with Tazmin Brits.Mandhana has also reached important career milestones in various formats. In December, during the home series against Sri Lanka, she became the second woman after Suzie Bates to score 4,000 runs in T20 internationals. In the same series, she crossed 10,000 runs in women’s international cricket, becoming the second Indian after Mithali Raj and the fourth batsman to achieve this milestone, further cementing her status as one of the greats of modern cricket.Samrat RanaDate of birth: January 8, 2005Place of birth: Karnal, HaryanaSports: Shooting (10m air pistol)Main achievements in 2025:ISSF World Championships: Gold (Individual), Gold (Team) and Silver (Mixed Team)ISSF World Cup Final: Bronze Medal (Individual)Young Samrat Rana made history last year when he became the first 10m air pistol world champion from India, marking a decisive breakthrough in his career. The former Junior World Champion had a stellar performance at the 2025 ISSF World Championships, winning three medals and becoming one of the event’s brightest stars. Rana won a gold medal in the individual event, followed by another gold medal in the team event. He also won a silver medal in the mixed team event with Esha Singh.With this stellar performance, Rana became the third Indian shooting world champion, joining the elite list of Olympic gold medalist Abhinav Bindra and world champion Rudlankesh Patil. The 21-year-old continued to shine late in the season, winning a bronze medal at the Doha World Cup final, ensuring that the year would go down as one of the most memorable and important stages of his rapidly improving shooting journey.Shubman GillDate of birth: September 8, 1999Place of birth: Fazilka, PunjabSports: CricketMain achievements in 2025:ICC Champions Trophy 2025: WinnersACC Asian Cup: ChampionTest Stats 2025: 983 runs in 9 games | Main Street 70.21 | HS 269 | 5 hundredsODI Stats 2025: 490 runs in 11 games | Average 49.00 | SR 88.76 | 2 hundredsT20I Stats 2025: 291 runs in 15 games | Average 24.25 | SR 137.26 | HS 47 Shubman Gill has had a phenomenal 2025, cementing his place as one of the top batsmen in world cricket. He won the ICC Player of the Month honor twice during the year, becoming the first male cricketer to win the award a total of four times. Gill entered the ICC Champions Trophy as the number one ODI batsman and set the tone for India’s title win with an unbeaten 101 in the group stage match against Bangladesh. He also served as Suryakumar Yadav’s deputy in the 2025 Asia Cup (T20), where India lifted the trophy after defeating Pakistan in the final.In Tests, Gill ushered in a new era as captain following the retirements of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. He made his leadership debut at Headingley, joining an elite list of Indian captains who scored a hundred in their first Test in charge. He scored consecutive centuries at Edgbaston, including 269 (the highest score by an Indian captain in Tests) and 161 in the same match, amassing 430 runs, the second-highest score in Tests after Graham Gooch. Gill also became the third Indian captain to score five Test centuries in a year, emulating Kohli’s rare feat.
John F. Kennedy’s quote of the day amid US-Iran tensions: “Mankind must end war, or war will…”
Due to uncertainty about Iran’s leadership and new developments in the situation in Iran US-Iran conflictWarnings from former U.S. presidents decades ago John F.Kennedy Being revisited. Kennedy once warned that “mankind must end war, otherwise war will end mankind.”
Kennedy made the remarks in a 1961 speech to the United Nations General Assembly in which he warned global leaders about the dangers of modern warfare and the devastating consequences of conflict in the nuclear age.
Why John F. Kennedy is commemorated on March 15
March 15 also commemorates JFK as it marks world consumer rights day. According to Consumers International, the day commemorates Kennedy’s 1962 “special message to Congress on protecting the interests of consumers.”
Consumers International said Kennedy introduced a consumer bill of rights in his speech, outlining four key protections: the right to safety, the right to know, the right to choose and the right to expression.
Developments in the US-Iran Conflict
As tensions involving Iran continue to dominate global headlines, this statement has become increasingly important.
In the latest development, US President Donald Trump said in an interview with NBC News that he was not sure whether Iran’s new Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was still alive following the recent US-Israeli attacks.
“I don’t know if he’s alive or not. So far, no one has been able to show him his condition,” Trump told NBC News, describing reports of the leader’s death as “rumors.” Trump added that if Khamenei were still alive, “he should do something very smart for his country and that is surrender.”
Mojtaba Khamenei was injured in the leg in the attack, which reportedly killed his father, Ali Khamenei, according to Iranian officials quoted in the report.
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth also questioned the Iranian leader’s public absence, saying Iran had “a lot of cameras and a lot of tape recorders” and asked why a written statement rather than a video message was released.
A reporter from BBC verify also noted that profile pictures on Mojtaba Khamenei’s newly created social media accounts appear to have been edited with artificial intelligence, fueling speculation about his whereabouts.
From Bridgerton Balls to Fake Shadis: How theme parties became a rage
The modern social scene has undergone tremendous changes, and theme parties have begun to rule the plains. It was no longer just a night; It’s Bridgerton night or Swivechella night.There are few party invitations that don’t follow a theme. On the other hand, there are few popular themes that are not followed at parties. It is becoming an ecosystem that is mutual, interdependent, and widely popular either way.But what caused themed parties to become a popular trend? What makes these parties so popular? Why are more and more people being forced to participate in these activities?
First, the basics: What is a theme party?
Essentially, a theme party is a gathering built around a clear idea that dictates everything from the dress code and décor to the music, menu, and even how guests behave during the evening. Unlike regular family gatherings, themed evenings are pre-arranged.You decide ahead of time whether the room is going to feel like a Bridgerton ball, a Squidward arena, a fake wedding, or “there’s no place for me to wear this.”The pressure to be overdressed or overdressed is replaced by the joy of dressing to fit a certain personality or aesthetic, which is oddly more liberating than expressing your true self.Ultimately, theme parties have become a more localized version of the Met Gala, but cheaper, more intimate, and more personal.The world-building and role-playing energy that once required large venues and official passes is now happening in living rooms, neighborhood bars, and small venues, driven by fans rather than studios.
How did theme parties become so popular?
The immediate answer is social media, but the fuller story lies in a humble collaboration of technology, psychology, and marketing strategy. Event designers and marketers have been steadily moving towards making core themes immersive, personal and “instagrammable”.Also from a branding perspective, this is not accidental but intentional to maximize audience engagement.As Prerna Bansal, founder of Zero2One Marketing, points out, “The theme party craze is not a brand trend. For the smartest brands, it’s a trend they created. Modern consumers don’t want to be attracted by ads, they want to be involved.” Theme parties are the clearest manifestation of this.People are not just watching Bridgerton or White Lotus, they are becoming them, right down to the color palette, playlists and menus.From an experiential marketing perspective, agencies have found that themed events provide higher recall and stronger emotional engagement than regular events.As Bharat Subramanian of Big Trunk Communications says, “When a party or event is designed around a clear narrative, whether it’s a movie launch, a streaming show, or a product category, it allows viewers to step into the world of the brand rather than just see an ad.”Divya Aggarwal of Impresario Entertainment points out, “Things like Fake Shaadi Nights, Bollywood Shaadi Celebrations, and even taylor swift Listening groups are effective because they convert passive fans into collective engagement. It allows people to spend a moment together, dress appropriately, sing together, and recreate the world they love. “
Psychology: Why do people like them?
Underneath the glamorous props, there is a set of very real psychological needs that theme parties quietly satisfy.Social platforms have bridged the once huge gap between fans and celebrities. Now we get to see these artists on our feed every day, share their private jokes and get curated behind-the-scenes access.As trainee clinical psychologist Yukta Sharma says, “Because you can see them online in a similar way to a close friend, you can trick your brain into thinking they are actually as close as a friend.”To mentally bring the audience into the artist’s “closer circle,” themed fan events or sleeve parties only add to this. When you walk into a themed party filled with people who share the same friendship-like bond with the artist, you suddenly feel that connection is validated and real.Social identity theory helps explain the rest.In his research on fan interactions, Sharma found that the “group effect” comes into play when you are no longer just an individual but part of “us.” “In a way, people feel a collective excitement when attending these events. It’s like that feeling of electricity or energy or collective buzz that happens when everyone is focused on the same thing, like singing the same lyrics at the same time,” Sharma said.She further added, “There are actual studies that prove that when people experience live events together, their brain waves actually start to synchronize, especially when they are focused on the same music or movement.”Freebies, food, and drinks are perks, but the real draw is that they transform a one-sided connection into a “massive oneness.”For participants like Rini, the attraction was both emotional and developmental.She says theme parties are about “new experiences, meeting new people and learning new things” and believes they “help me do better as a person and as a society” by changing her perspective on others.“Because I don’t want to miss anything,” she said of her love of attending big-ticket events, adding that she’s willing to spend money on even unofficial events as long as it’s safe because she thinks they will “bring a new change” to her life.
The marketing brains behind decor
From a marketer’s perspective, theme parties are not only cute fan moments but also free events. The principle is the experience economy, where consumers invest money, time and creative efforts to voluntarily integrate into the brand world.When Bridgerton designs a lilac and gold color palette, or Squid Game designs instantly recognizable green tracksuits, they’re, in Bansal’s words, “creating a ready-made party blueprint.”Communications professional Tonmoyee Kashyap describes how events are now being “themed”. Starting with the first mood board, the team specifically selected a strong identity, unique color palette, and recognizable icons so that they could be remembered and recreated later in fan content.User-generated content (UGC) becomes the engine.“When people re-photograph a campaign shot in their own homes or at parties and post it on social media, they end up using certain keywords, either about the brand or when recalling the campaign or event. Social listening tools then pick up spikes in conversations, hashtags and keyword mentions, allowing brands to measure how much ‘shared voice’ there is in these organic entertainment campaigns,” Kashyap said.She adds, “This in turn helps extend the lifespan of the campaign. While each campaign has a clear timeline. But this organic conversation keeps it relevant and stays in people’s minds for longer.”This is where ROI thinking comes in.Kashyap points out that in brainstorming rooms, marketers are constantly asking what the return is in terms of reach, engagement and conversions. Thematic experiences make mathematics compelling.Earned media for themed parties requires no advertising spend but provides credibility“When you pay something, say, an influencer to promote it, you gain exposure,” Kashyap said. “But when people organically post about a gathering you’re organizing, like a team gathering where attendees share their stories, it’s much more credible. In that sense, earned media builds greater trust. That’s one of the key reasons why these types of team gatherings are so prevalent right now.”Data from theme parties feeds into strategy.Bansal emphasizes that every hashtag, product purchase and Pinterest board tells the studio which characters, aesthetics and story elements have the deepest lifestyle resonance. This determines everything from merchandise lines and sequel strategies to how marketing budgets are allocated. For digital-first creators, the logic is similar.Filmmaker and creator Hrutul Patel sees projects like immersive performances not as one-off performances, but as a “larger IP ecosystem.”“The idea was to create a space that blends music, storytelling, philosophy and immersive visuals into a larger narrative world. The audience is surrounded by the story from six sides, making them feel like participants in the narrative rather than an audience watching a performance,” he said.Brands are also investing in the last mile: local organizers. Patel documents how his immersive concerts have adapted as they traveled from Ahmedabad and Surat to Mumbai, Bangalore and soon Pune and Delhi. The core narrative remains the same, but the staging and experience are adapted to suit each city’s venue and audience rhythms.Working with local teams ensured “creative integrity” while making the show accessible to watch.The result was not only strong turnout, but also deeper engagement and word-of-mouth, helping the universe he built feel less like a product and more like a movement.
Keep the conversation alive between seasons
For streaming platforms and sports leagues, the months between releases or games are a dangerous quiet zone: Subscribers drift, attention gets distracted, and competitors step in.Strategists like Neelima Burra of Luminous say that when brands work with communities and local organizers, it “evolves from events into shared cultural experiences that maintain engagement long after the headlines have passed.”This keeps the conversation alive between big events and turns D-Day or season drop into a high point in a longer engagement arc. In other words, a show that exists only on the screen risks being forgotten; that show also lingers longer in someone’s living room, bar, or wedding-themed party.For independent creators like Patel, the same principle applies. His long-term musical challenges create an ongoing dialogue with his listeners. Between chapters of his concerts, themes continue to flow through songs, philosophical thoughts, and fan conversations.
Where will you go next?
Theme parties are becoming the new normal. This isn’t just a passing trend, but a deeper shift in the way fans interact with entertainment. It is also becoming a focus of marketing design.Promotions are now not designed after launch, but proactively integrated into the concept design. It builds an easy-to-live world and trusts fans to do most of the amplifying work themselves.Brands are now investing in building worlds where emotionally rich and replicable lives and experiences can be realized in clothing, playlists, recipes and ritualsPsychology attributes this to parasocial bonds and fan communities being more than just hobbies, they are evolving into new support systems.For fans, this means the distance between screen and street continues to shrink. What was once a poster on a bedroom wall is now an entire room for sleepovers, a circle of friends built on a shared emotional investment, and a party that doesn’t end when the credits roll. At this point, the stronger question may not be “Why are theme parties so popular?” but “What world will you enter next—and who will you take with you?”
Bus crashes into valley in Nepal, killing 7 Indian pilgrims and injuring many others
A passenger bus veered off a mountain road and crashed into a valley in central Nepal, killing at least seven Indian pilgrims and injuring nine others, police said on Sunday. The accident occurred as the pilgrims were returning from visiting the famous Manakamana Temple. The Manakamana Temple is a popular Hindu shrine where devotees believe the goddess will grant wishes to those who visit the temple.Authorities said seven Indians were among the injured and had been taken to hospital for treatment. The remaining two were a Nepalese bus driver and his assistant, according to the Associated Press. The accident occurred on the road connecting the highway and temple near the village of Shahid Lakhan, about 120 kilometers west of Kathmandu.Police said the bus was traveling downhill and skidded while turning. It fell nearly 150 meters from the mountainside and finally fell into a ravine.Local residents and police rushed to the scene and rescued the injured passengers from the wreckage and sent them to nearby hospitals by ambulance for treatment.Authorities said an autopsy will be conducted on the deceased’s body before it is handed over to his family.Bus accidents are relatively common in Nepal due to poorly maintained vehicles and rugged terrain. Much of the Himalayan country is mountainous, connected by narrow, winding roads.
The government steps up the construction of fertilizer buffer zones and shifts to “spot purchases”
NEW DELHI: Even as there are adequate stocks of fertilizers to cope with the upcoming summer season, the government has stepped up efforts to create a buffer for winter crops and is trying unconventional methods like ‘spot buying’, which can be adopted to meet immediate operational needs in case of unexpected supply disruptions. In addition to conducting maintenance on fertilizer production units in advance, it also conducts heat mapping exercises of all areas so that any signs of problems can be detected early and responded to quickly. Dismissing speculation that conflicts in West Asia are causing soil nutrient shortages, officials said all partners in India’s fertilizer supply chain have assured the government of “uninterrupted supply” and that stocks will be sufficient by mid-May when kharif demand peaks. To cope with the challenge of reduced LNG allocation for urea production at fertilizer plants, the fertilizer unit will competitively procure “spot gas” from the international market, with the first phase of procurement to take place on Tuesday. Officials said while earlier the government would purchase spot gas a month in advance, this time it will be purchased in the same month. I&B Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said that as of Friday, urea stocks stood at 6.2 million tonnes (MT), 1 MT higher than the same period last year, while DAP supply stood at 2.5 MT, almost double last year. NPK inventory is 5.6 tons, a record high, an increase of 2.5 tons from last year. Officials stated that the normal domestic production of urea is 2.5 tons per month. Production is expected to be approximately 1.7 tonnes this month due to a 30% reduction in LNG supply allocation and the advancement of annual plant maintenance to optimize natural gas usage and production. Taking into account the geopolitical uncertainty, the government advanced the global urea tender and placed an order for 1.4 tonnes in mid-February, Vaishnaw said. By the end of March, 90% of this order is expected to arrive in India. In terms of international supply, he said that a five-year 3MT DAP contract was signed with Saudi Arabia and there was no force majeure. Russian supplies of urea, diammonium phosphate and nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium via the Cape of Good Hope remain uninterrupted. Morocco continues to supply via the Cape of Good Hope. “As of now, we have not received any indication of major production disruption at overseas plants associated with our joint ventures,” KJ Patel, managing director of IFFCO, the country’s largest fertilizer cooperative, said in response to a query from TOI. He added that currently, a few of their units are undergoing planned maintenance activities.
TOISA 2025 Cricket Nominees: Honouring India’s standout performers
The eighth edition of the Times of India Sports Awards (TOISA) will be held in Lucknow on March 21, 2026, celebrating the achievements and inspiring journeys of India’s finest athletes across multiple disciplines. The ceremony will honour performances delivered between January 1 and December 31, 2025, recognising standout displays at major international tournaments and world championships. With more than 45 award categories — including several dedicated to para sports — the event will highlight both established stars and emerging talents who brought pride to the nation over the past year.Winners will be chosen by a distinguished jury featuring some of India’s most celebrated sporting figures, including Abhinav Bindra, PR Sreejesh, Mithali Raj, Devendra Jhajharia, Sharath Kamal and Leander Paes, ensuring a credible and expert evaluation of excellence in sport.The past year witnessed several landmark moments in Indian sport. In cricket, the India women’s national cricket team clinched their maiden ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup title at home, while the India national cricket team lifted both the ICC Champions Trophy and the Asia Cup. The India women’s blind cricket team also scripted history by winning the inaugural Women’s Blind Cricket T20 World Cup.Here are the nominees for the cricket category at TOISA 2025:CRICKET – MALEShubman GillDate of Birth: September 8, 1999Place of Birth: Fazilka, PunjabSport: CricketMajor Achievements in 2025:ICC Champions Trophy 2025: WinnersACC Asia Cup: WinnersTest stats in 2025: 983 runs in 9 matches | Ave. 70.21 | HS 269 | 5 hundredsODI stats in 2025: 490 runs in 11 matches | Ave. 49.00 | SR 88.76 | 2 hundredsT20I stats in 2025: 291 runs in 15 matches | Ave. 24.25 | SR 137.26 | HS 47 Shubman Gill enjoyed a phenomenal 2025, cementing his status as one of world cricket’s premier batters. He won two ICC Men’s Player of the Month honours during the year, becoming the first male cricketer to claim the accolade four times in total. Entering the ICC Champions Trophy as the top-ranked ODI batter, Gill struck an unbeaten 101 against Bangladesh in the group stage, setting the tone for India’s title-winning campaign. He also served as deputy to Suryakumar Yadav in the 2025 Asia Cup (T20), where India lifted the trophy after defeating Pakistan in the final.In Tests, Gill ushered in a new era as captain following the retirements of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. He marked his leadership debut with a century at Headingley, joining the elite list of Indian captains to score a hundred in their first Test in charge. He followed it up with successive centuries at Edgbaston, including a monumental 269 — the highest Test score by an Indian captain — and 161 in the same match, amassing 430 runs, the second-highest aggregate in a Test after Graham Gooch. Gill also became only the third Indian captain to score five Test centuries in a calendar year, emulating Kohli’s rare feat.Abhishek SharmaDate of Birth: September 4, 2000Place of Birth: Amritsar, PunjabSport: CricketMajor Achievements in 2025:ACC Asia Cup: Winners – Player of the Tournament (314 runs)T20I stats in 2025: 859 runs in 21 matches | HS 135 | Ave. 42.95 | SR 193.46 | 1 Hundred | 5 FiftiesAbhishek Sharma scaled new heights in 2025, rising to the No. 1 spot in the ICC men’s T20I rankings and becoming the youngest Indian to achieve the feat. He also registered the highest-ever rating points in men’s T20I history, touching 931. His year was headlined by a blistering 135 off 54 balls against England — the highest individual score by an Indian in men’s T20Is — an innings studded with 13 sixes and seven fours. It featured the second-fastest half-century and century for India by balls faced, along with the most sixes by an Indian in a T20I innings.At the Asia Cup, Sharma dominated the charts, smashing a record 314 runs in seven innings — the most in a single edition — and was named Player of the Tournament for his match-winning exploits.Ravindra JadejaDate of Birth: December 6, 1988Place of Birth: Fazilka, PunjabSport: CricketMajor Achievements in 2025:ICC Champions Trophy 2025: WinnersTests stats in 2025:Batting – 764 runs in 10 matches | HS 107* | Ave. 63.66 | 2 hundreds | 6 fiftiesBowling – 25 wickets in 10 matches | Best 4/50 | Ave. 38.2 | Econ. 3.2ODI stats in 2025:Batting – 106 runs in 10 matches | HS 32 | Ave. 53.00 | SR 116.48Bowling – 12 wickets in 10 matches | Best 3/26 | Ave. 33.41 | Econ. 4.66Ravindra Jadeja enjoyed a remarkable 2025, producing standout performances particularly in the Test arena. The premier all-rounder emerged as India’s third-highest run-scorer in the format during the year, amassing 764 runs at an impressive average of 63.66, behind only Shubman Gill (983) and KL Rahul (813). With the ball, Jadeja was equally influential, finishing as India’s third-leading wicket-taker in Tests with 25 scalps, trailing Mohammed Siraj (43) and Jasprit Bumrah (31).Beyond the longest format, Jadeja also contributed significantly to India’s triumphant campaign at the ICC Champions Trophy, underlining his value across formats as one of the team’s most dependable all-rounders.KL RahulDate of Birth: April 18, 1992Place of Birth: Bengaluru, KarnatakaSport: CricketMajor Achievements in 2025:ICC Champions Trophy 2025: WinnersTest stats in 2025: 813 runs in 10 matches | HS 137 | Ave. 45.16 | 3 hundredsODI stats in 2025: 367 runs in 14 matches | HS 66* | Ave. 52.42 | SR 107.94 | 2 fiftiesKL Rahul made a telling impact in India’s victorious campaign at the ICC Champions Trophy, scoring 140 runs in four innings, including three unbeaten knocks. His composure in the middle order and reliability behind the stumps earned him a place in the Team of the Tournament as wicketkeeper-batter.However, Rahul’s finest returns came in Test cricket. In the away series against England, he amassed 532 runs in five matches at an average of 58.00, registering two centuries and two fifties. He followed that up with his 11th Test hundred — and only his second at home since 2016 — in the opening Test of the two-match series against the West Indies. In November, Rahul also stepped in as stand-in ODI captain against South Africa in the absence of the injured Shubman Gill, guiding India to a 2–1 series win. He finished 2025 as India’s second-highest run-scorer across formats with 1,180 runs, behind only Gill.Varun ChakaravarthyDate of Birth: August 29, 1991Place of Birth: Bidar, KarnatakaSport: CricketMajor Achievements in 2025:ICC Champions Trophy 2025: WinnersACC Asia Cup 2025: WinnersODI stats in 2025: 10 wickets in 4 matches | Best 5/42 | Ave. 19.0 | Econ. 4.75T20I stats in 2025: 36 wickets in 20 matches | Best 5/24 | Ave. 13.19 | Econ. 7.08Varun Chakaravarthy enjoyed a standout 2025, emerging as a key figure in India’s limited-overs success. At the ICC Champions Trophy, the mystery spinner finished as the joint second-highest wicket-taker with nine scalps despite featuring in only three matches, underlining his impact in crucial games. His match-winning spells earned him a spot in the Team of the Tournament as India clinched the title. He carried that momentum into the Asia Cup, claiming seven wickets — joint second-highest for India — and playing an important role in another trophy-winning campaign.Across formats, Varun concluded the year as India’s second-leading wicket-taker with 46 wickets in 24 matches, trailing only his spin partner Kuldeep Yadav, reaffirming his status as a vital cog in India’s white-ball setup.Kuldeep YadavDate of Birth: December 14, 1994Place of Birth: Unnao, Uttar PradeshSport: CricketMajor Achievements in 2025:ICC Champions Trophy 2025: WinnersACC Asia Cup 2025: WinnersTest stats in 2025: 20 wickets in 4 matches | Best 5/82 | Ave. 23.15 | Econ. 3.47ODI stats in 2025: 19 wickets in 11 matches | Best 4/41 | Ave. 29.0 | Econ. 5.28T20I stats in 2025: 21 wickets in 10 matches | Best 4/7 | Ave. 10.23 | Econ. 7.04Kuldeep Yadav enjoyed a sensational 2025, finishing as India’s highest wicket-taker across formats with 60 scalps in 25 matches. The wrist-spinner played a vital role in India’s triumphant campaigns at the ICC Champions Trophy and the Asia Cup. At the Champions Trophy, he claimed seven wickets in five games, delivering crucial breakthroughs during the title run.However, it was at the Asia Cup where Kuldeep truly dazzled. He topped the tournament’s wicket-taking charts with a remarkable 17 wickets in just seven matches, far ahead of the next best tally of 10 by Shaheen Afridi. Though he narrowly missed out on the Player of the Tournament award — which went to teammate Abhishek Sharma for his record 314 runs — Kuldeep’s match-winning spells were central to India’s title-winning campaign.CRICKET – FEMALESmriti MandhanaDate of Birth: July 18, 1996Place of Birth: Mumbai, MaharashtraSport: CricketMajor Achievements in 2025:ICC ODI World Cup 2025: Winner as vice-captain of Team IndiaODI stats in 2025: 1362 runs in 23 matches | Ave. 61.9 | SR 109.92 | 5 hundredsT20I stats in 2025: 341 runs in 9 matches | Ave. 37.88 | SR 135.85 | 1 hundredIn 2025, Smriti Mandhana played a defining role in Indian women’s cricket history as vice-captain of the side that lifted the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup title — India’s first-ever triumph in the tournament. India defeated South Africa by 52 runs in the final at the DY Patil Stadium on November 2, capping off a memorable campaign. Mandhana was central to the victory, scoring 434 runs in the tournament to finish as the second-highest run-getter. During the event, smashed a breathtaking 50-ball hundred against England — the second-fastest century in women’s international cricket. Over the calendar year, she became the first woman to score more than 1,000 ODI runs in a single year and broke her own record for most ODI centuries in a year, hitting five in 2025 — joint-most alongside Tazmin Brits.Mandhana also reached significant career milestones across formats. In December, during a home series against Sri Lanka, she became only the second woman after Suzie Bates to cross 4,000 runs in T20 Internationals. In the same series, she went past 10,000 runs in women’s international cricket, becoming just the second Indian after Mithali Raj and the fourth batter overall to achieve the landmark — further cementing her legacy as one of the modern greats of the game.Pratika RawalDate of Birth: September 1, 2000Place of Birth: DelhiSport: CricketMajor Achievements in 2025:ICC ODI World Cup 2025: WinnerODI stats in 2025: 976 runs in 21 matches | Ave. 51.36 | SR 83.99 | 2 hundredsPratika Rawal made a dream start to her international career after debuting for India in December 2024, rapidly emerging as one of the brightest young stars in women’s cricket. She became the third-fastest Indian (by matches) to score a maiden ODI century and only the third Indian woman to breach the 150-run mark in ODIs. Rawal also set a new benchmark for the most runs in a batter’s first six ODI innings (444), surpassing former England captain Charlotte Edwards. She became the fastest to 500 ODI runs in terms of innings (eight) and later the joint-fastest to 1,000 runs (23 innings).At the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup, Rawal underlined her big-match temperament with a century against New Zealand in a must-win clash. She was the tournament’s leading run-scorer at one stage with 308 runs from seven matches before an ankle injury in a rain-hit game against Bangladesh ruled her out of the final. India went on to lift the title, with Rawal joining her teammates on the field to celebrate a memorable triumph.Jemimah RodriguesDate of Birth: September 5, 2000Place of Birth: Mumbai, MaharashtraSport: CricketMajor Achievements in 2025:ICC ODI World Cup 2025: WinnerODI stats in 2025: 771 runs in 20 matches | Ave. 51.4 | SR 105.18 | 3 hundredsT20I stats in 2025: 212 runs in 8 matches | Ave. 35.33 | SR 133.33 | 2 fiftiesJemimah Rodrigues enjoyed a stunning 2025, highlighted by several landmark performances on the global stage. On 12 January, she scored her maiden century in a WODI during the home series against Ireland in Rajkot. Later, in the tri-nation WODI series in Sri Lanka in May, she amassed 245 runs in four innings.Her finest hour came at the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup, where she played a pivotal role in India’s historic title triumph. In the semi-final, Rodrigues struck a magnificent unbeaten 127 to steer India to a record 339-run chase against Australia — their first World Cup defeat since 2017. She stitched a match-winning 167-run partnership with captain Harmanpreet Kaur, powering India to the highest successful run chase in WODI history and earning the Player of the Match award. India went on to defeat South Africa by 52 runs in the final to clinch their maiden World Cup crown.Deepti SharmaDate of Birth: August 24, 1997Place of Birth: Agra, Uttar PradeshSport: CricketMajor Achievements in 2025:ICC ODI World Cup 2025: Winner – Player of the TournamentODI stats in 2025:Batting – 596 runs in 23 matches | Ave. 49.66 | SR 98.18 | 6 fiftiesBowling – 39 wickets in 23 matches | Ave. 27.1 | Econ. 5.12 | 1 FiferT20I stats in 2025:Batting – 143 runs in 17 matches | Ave. 14.3 | SR 113.49Bowling – 22 wickets in 17 matches | Ave. 23.22 | Econ. 7.8Deepti Sharma was named Player of the Tournament at the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup after delivering one of the greatest all-round campaigns in the event’s history. Across nine matches, she scored 215 runs and claimed 22 wickets, becoming the first cricketer — male or female — to achieve the rare double of 200 runs and 20 wickets in a single World Cup edition. Her standout performance in the final in Mumbai was particularly significant, helping India seal the title.Shafali VermaDate of Birth: January 28, 2004Place of Birth: Rohtak, HaryanaSport: CricketMajor Achievements in 2025:ICC ODI World Cup 2025: Winner – Player of the Match in FinalODI stats in 2025: 97 runs in 2 matches | Ave. 48.5 | SR 116.86 | 1 fiftyT20I stats in 2025: 417 runs in 10 matches | Ave. 52.12 | SR 170.9 | 4 fiftiesShafali Verma played a decisive role in India’s triumph at the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup. Drafted into the squad for the semi-final against Australia as a replacement for the injured Pratika Rawal, Shafali rose to the occasion in the final against South Africa. She top-scored with a fluent 87 off 78 balls, laying the foundation for India’s imposing total of 298 in 50 overs. She then made an impact with the ball, claiming two crucial wickets at a key stage of the decider to swing the momentum India’s way, earning the Player of the Match award for her all-round brilliance.Beyond the World Cup, Shafali also dominated the T20I format in 2025, finishing as India’s leading run-scorer for the year with 417 runs.
Six US soldiers killed in tanker incident; probe crashes under
The Pentagon on Saturday released the identities of the six U.S. crew members killed in a tanker plane crash in western Iraq earlier this week that authorities said was not caused by “enemy fire.” Track real-time updates on the Iran-US war
A KC-135 tanker crashed in western Iraq on Thursday, bringing the number of U.S. troops killed in operations against Iran to at least 13. The second aircraft involved in the operation landed safely.
The Pentagon said the six people killed in the crash were: John Klingner, 33, of Auburn, Alabama; Ariana Savino, 31, of Covington, Washington; Ashley Pruitt, 34, of Bardstown, Kentucky; Seth Koval, 38, of Mooresville, Indiana; Curtis Angst, 30 Tyler Simmons, 28, of Wilmington, Ohio; and Tyler Simmons, 28, of Columbus, Ohio. Follow the latest developments in conflicts in the Middle East
The first three are members of the U.S. Air Force, and the last three are stationed in the U.S. Air National Guard.
Pentagon officials said the crash remained under investigation, but U.S. Central Command previously said “the loss of the aircraft was not due to enemy fire or friendly fire.”
The Islamic Resistance Movement of Iraq, a loose alliance of Iranian-backed Iraqi factions, claimed to have shot down a KC-135. They also said they targeted another fleeing plane.
Since the outbreak of the war in the Middle East, the alliance has claimed daily attacks on U.S. interests in Iraq and across the region.
The KC-135 crash was at least the fourth U.S. military aircraft lost during the war, after three F-15s were shot down by friendly fire over Kuwait.
Also read: ‘Just for fun’: Trump warns US of ‘more’ strikes on Iran’s Khag Island
The KC-135 aircraft, which have been operating for more than 60 years, typically have a crew of three — a pilot, a co-pilot and a person who operates the boom that refuels other aircraft, according to the Air Force.
But an Air Force fact sheet said some KC-135 missions require a navigator and that the aircraft can carry up to 37 passengers.
According to Central Command, Kuwaiti forces mistakenly shot down three U.S. F-15E fighter jets early in the war that began on February 28, but all six crew members successfully ejected.
The military command said at the time that the incident occurred during fighting and included “attacks from Iranian aircraft, ballistic missiles and drones.”
Formula 1: Formula 1 cancels Bahrain and Saudi Arabian grands prix due to tensions in Middle East; season cut to 22 races | World News
In a bid to reshape the 2026 season, Formula 1 and the FIA officially announced on Sunday 15 March 2026 that the upcoming Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grand Prix will not take place in April this year. The decision was taken in the early hours before the Chinese Grand Prix in Shanghai and was a response to the escalating conflict in the Middle East. While the sport prides itself on a “show must go on” mentality, the safety of the ten teams, thousands of staff and millions of fans absolutely takes precedence over the checkered flag.
Middle East conflict forces F1 to cancel grand prix
The Bahrain Grand Prix is scheduled to take place at the Sakhir Circuit on April 12, followed by the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in Jeddah on April 19, with both races traditionally being night races under floodlights.FIA president Mohammed bin Sulayem said the organization must prioritize the well-being of everyone involved in the championship, stressing that safety remains a top priority.The news comes ahead of the Chinese Grand Prix weekend in Shanghai, ending weeks of speculation over whether the race could go ahead amid growing instability in the region.
Why was the match between Bahrain and Saudi Arabia canceled?
The cancellations are directly related to the widening conflict with Iran and U.S. and Israeli military actions that have prompted retaliatory attacks in parts of the Middle East. Security risks and regional instability have made it impossible for Formula One to ensure the event can be held safely.Logistical challenges also play a role. Formula 1 races require large quantities of cars, equipment and broadcast equipment to be shipped weeks in advance. As airport disruptions and security concerns mount, transporting necessary cargo to the region becomes increasingly difficult.Officials also considered the possibility of changing venues in April, but ultimately decided it was not feasible to rearrange the schedule on such short notice.
impact on 2026 F1 season schedule
The 2026 Formula 1 schedule has been reduced from 24 to 22 races with the cancellation of two races in the Middle East.The decision also leaves a rare five-week gap in the schedule:
- Japanese Grand Prix – March 29
- Next race: Miami Grand Prix – May 3
The unexpected disruption could give teams extra time to upgrade their cars, which will be particularly important for 2026 as the sport introduces significant technical regulation changes. Other support series scheduled to coincide with the race – including Formula 2, Formula 3 and the F1 Academy – have also been cancelled.
What happens to fans who buy F1 tickets?
Formula 1 organizers said fans who purchased tickets in advance for canceled races will be contacted directly by event organizers to inquire about refunds and other options. Tickets for the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grand Prix went on sale months ago, with many international fans planning to go around the April race weekends. Local event organizers are expected to offer full refunds or possible ticket transfer options based on policies set by organizers and ticketing platforms. Fans are advised to follow official communications from event organizers and official Formula 1 channels for the latest news. Travel plans such as independently booked hotels and flights may need to be managed directly with airlines and accommodation providers.
What does F1 have to say about future races?
Formula 1 leadership stressed that Bahrain and Saudi Arabia remain important partners to the sport and expressed hope that racing will return to both venues once the situation stabilizes.F1 chief executive Stefano Domenicali admitted the decision was difficult but inevitable given the current situation in the region. Officials also thanked local organizers for their cooperation and understanding.While the race will not take place in April, the FIA has not completely ruled out the possibility of future races once the geopolitical situation improves.