Page 14 – THE LOCAL REPORT ARTICLES

Bus crashes into valley in Nepal, killing 7 Indian pilgrims and injuring many others

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March 15, 2026

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Bus crashes into valley in Nepal, killing 7 Indian pilgrims and injuring many others

Representative image (AI generated)

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”

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March 15, 2026

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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

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March 15, 2026

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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

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March 15, 2026

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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.”

Also read: The Chinese yuan report comes as Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi delivers the latest news on the Strait of Hormuz

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

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March 15, 2026

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Formula 1: Formula 1 cancels Bahrain and Saudi Arabian grands prix due to tensions in Middle East; season cut to 22 races | World News

Formula 1 cancels Bahrain and Saudi Arabian grands prix due to Middle East tensions; season cut to 22 races

Tensions in the Middle East force F1 to cancel races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, leaving a five-week gap in the season / Picture: File

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.

First T20I live: New Zealand selects vs South Africa

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March 15, 2026

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First T20I live: New Zealand selects vs South Africa

New Zealand vs South Africa Live Score, 1st T20I: New Zealand won the toss and chose to play South Africa in the first T20I, with both teams fielding several new faces in the playing squad. This game is also the first appearance of both sides, marking the two sides entering a new stage.

New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner said he was delighted to be part of the series and looked forward to some intense cricket between the two teams.

“This is part of a great series. We know South Africa are a great team and have played great games over the last few years. It’s always good to play in front of another great crowd in New Zealand. (The conditions) are looking good and maybe it’ll start slow and Cash will be really happy with that. That’s what we’re going to do with the bat, start seeing how the pitch performs. Go out and run some laps,” Santner said after the delivery.

South Africa captain Keshav Maharaj admitted the disappointment of their previous semi-final exit still lingered but stressed the team was looking to the future with a young squad.

“(The semi-final) is disappointing. We have a new squad, fresh faces. Hopefully the young guys in our environment can shine on the field today,” Maharaj said.

The match also saw New Zealand hand Nick Kelly his T20I debut, while South Africa brought in four players to make their international debuts: Connor Esterhuizen, Jordan Hermann, Dian Forrester and Nqobani Mokoena.

team:

South Africa (XI): Connor Esterhuizen (w), Jordan Hermann, Tony de Zorzi, Rubin Hermann, Jason Smith, Dian Forrester, George Linde, Gerald Coetzee, Keshav Maharaj (c).

New Zealand (Starting XI): Devin Conway, Tom Latham (female), Tim Robinson, Nick Kelly, Bvon Jacobs, James Neesham, Mitchell Santner (centre), Zachary Fox, Cole McConchie, Kyle Jamieson, Ben Sears.

Navy warships monitor ships bound for India in Strait of Hormuz

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March 15, 2026

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Navy warships monitor ships bound for India in Strait of Hormuz

As part of the ongoing Operation Sankalp, Indian Navy warships deployed in the Gulf are conducting continuous vigilance on cargo ships bound for India in the Strait of Hormuz.A source confirmed to TOI that “a warship deployed in the area (off the coast of Oman) is still monitoring the situation and keeping a close watch on cargo ships bound for India.”

Indian Navy warships on standby near Persian Gulf to assist Hormuz ships in West Asia war

Under the watchful eye of the Indian Navy, two Indian-flagged LPG tankers “Shivalik” and “Nanda Devi” owned by the Shipping Corporation of India (SCI) have successfully passed through the Strait of Hormuz and are currently heading to India. Another Indian-flagged oil tanker, the Jag Prakash, carrying gasoline from Oman to Africa, has also set sail from the east of the Strait of Hormuz.The Shivalik is being escorted by the Indian Navy, an agency report citing government sources said.

On June 19, 2019, the Indian Navy launched a maritime security operation called “Operation Sankalp” in the Gulf region to ensure the safe passage of Indian flag vessels through the Strait of Hormuz. This is done in close coordination with all stakeholders including the Ministry of Defence, Ministry of External Affairs, Ministry of Shipping, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas and DG Shipping. Subsequently, the navy deployed a total of 23 warships to take turns heading to the Gulf of Oman and the Persian Gulf. Some of these warships are still deployed in the Gulf.The naval deployment is significant at a time of rising tensions across the Gulf, with as many as 23,000 Indian seafarers employed on different types of vessels, including merchant vessels and offshore installations, as well as 24 vessels near the Strait of Hormuz.Iran’s ambassador to India Mohammad Fatali said on Friday that India would soon be able to safely pass (for its ships) through the Strait of Hormuz.Meanwhile, the Indian Navy’s sailing training ship INS Sudarshini has arrived at the historic port of Valletta in Malta, marking an important milestone in its landmark trans-oceanic expedition Lokayan-26, the Indian Defense Ministry said in a statement. The ship arrived in Valletta on March 12, highlighting the deep-rooted maritime ties between India and Malta. The visit is an important stop on the ship’s ambitious 22,000-nautical-mile global voyage. Previously, the ship successfully passed through the Suez Canal and recently docked in Alexandria. INS Sudarshini set off from Kochi on January 20 and is currently in the second month of its voyage.

Can you claim a tax refund from a deceased person? What the IRS says

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March 15, 2026

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Can you claim a tax refund from a deceased person? What the IRS says

Dealing with taxes after the death of a loved one can be complicated, especially if a refund may still be owed. according to IRS (IRS), certain individuals can claim refunds from deceased taxpayers, but specific rules determine who qualifies and how a final tax return is filed.

If a decedent needs a refund after filing a final tax return, the amount will generally be paid to the surviving spouse filing a joint return, the IRS said. (AFP Getty Images)

The IRS requires final individual income tax returns to be filed for people who die during the tax year, NewsNation reports. The return must include all income earned up to the date of death, as well as any credits and deductions to which the individual is entitled.

Who can receive a refund?

If the deceased was owed money after the last refund tax return After filing, the IRS says the payment will generally be made to the surviving spouse who files the return jointly.

If there is no surviving spouse filing a joint return, the refund may be issued to the court-appointed personal representative of the decedent’s estate or other legally designated representative.

Also read: IRS releases big update on Trump accounts: Here’s how to sign up for $1,000 pilot program

“The filing requirements applicable to the individual will determine whether the personal representative must prepare the final individual income tax return for the decedent,” the IRS said.

The agency also noted that the accounting method used by the decedent, such as cash or accrual accounting, helps determine what income and deductions must be included on the final return.

Do I need to submit a death certificate?

According to the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS), death certificate Generally there is no need to send it with the return. However, the filing should clearly state that the taxpayer has died.

The IRS advises: “On the final tax return, the surviving spouse or representative should indicate that the person is deceased.”

Also read: IRS update: When will the $8,046 tax refund be deposited? Possible reasons for delay

Are funeral expenses tax deductible?

Another question families often ask is whether funeral expenses are tax deductible.

The tax guide cited by TurboTax says funeral expenses are not deductible on an individual income tax return because the IRS does not classify them as medical expenses.

“While the IRS allows a deduction for medical expenses, funeral expenses are not included,” TurboTax explains, noting that qualified medical expenses must be used to prevent or treat a medical disease or condition.

However, if the funeral expenses were paid out of the deceased’s estate, they may be deducted if the estate itself is taxable.

Tendulkar on Eden 2001: Laxman-Dravid magic and his ‘out of the box’ mantras

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March 15, 2026

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Tendulkar on Eden 2001: Laxman-Dravid magic and his ‘out of the box’ mantras

Sachin Tendulkar on Eden 2001: Steve Waugh's mighty Australian, Laxman-Dravid magic and his 'out of the box' mantra

India pulled off one of Test cricket’s greatest comebacks at the Eden Gardens in 2001 (Image: X)

Twenty-five years after India pulled off one of Test cricket’s greatest comebacks at the Eden Gardens in 2001, the legend Sachin Tendulkar Relive the drama of that unforgettable match against Australia. In this interview, the batsman reflects on the buzz around Steve WaughSeemingly invincible, belief in the dressing room after Mumbai’s crushing defeat, and Pipe Laxman and Rahul DravidAn epic partnership. Tendulkar also recalled his unexpected performance on the final day when his “out of the box” bowling helped break Australia’s resistance. He explains how that famous win transformed India’s confidence and why the Eden Test remains one of the greatest wins of his career.There was already some buzz before that series even came out, wasn’t it? Australia lands here after winning 15 consecutive Tests.

Exclusive: Rahul Dravid on Eden Gardens’ iconic win over Australia in 2001

Yes, there was a lot of buzz before Australia got to India because they beat everyone convincingly. I was in Pune for the West Zone Duleep Trophy match against East Zone. The media asked me if I thought we could beat Australia. My answer is yes. I say that because they were never in a stressful situation. So if we can put them in a stressful situation, we need to see how they react.Did you prepare differently for this series?Nothing specific. I just kept everything normal because I was playing well and I was scoring runs in the Duleep Trophy. I’m in a good mood. In fact, in the first test at Wankhede, I scored 76 and 67 points.Despite your contribution in Mumbai, the team lost within three days. How did you feel when traveling to Kolkata?As we head to Kolkata, the team is determined to fight back. Losing a game in a three-game series is never a good feeling. So, we are all ready and determined to win that Test, go to Chennai and lock them in there. But our first game was not good. But I remember VVS Laxman scored 59 runs.Tell us how you watched Laxman and Dravid work together in the dressing room, especially on day four.Since VVS batted well in the first innings, coach John Wright, captain Sourav Ganguly and several seniors in the dressing room decided that he should bat at No. 3 in the second innings. VVS batted really well and so did Rahul. Day 4 was a special day for us. From where we set out in the morning to where we arrived in the evening, everything changed. The thought process is different and there is excitement in the air. We felt that if we could score a quick score on the fifth morning and get Australia into it and see how the Australians approach all the games, we knew they would go for the total and play aggressively. That’s how it happened.What’s so special about this collaboration?It’s easy to go out and have a great game and then go back to the locker room. But time is also of the essence in the Garden of Eden. If we could score quickly and give Australia time, I don’t know if it would have worked. In addition to building a big total, occupying the crease is also important. Therefore, they occupy the crease for long periods of time. Long batting requires more than just physical stamina; It’s also about mental capacity, how long you can focus without giving them a chance. I thought the way they both hit the ball was just amazing. We’ve reached the point where there can only be one winner. I said it before the series started, it will be great to see how Australia respond under pressure. Then there’s Rahul, VVS and Harbhajan, all three of whom have contributed to India’s success on day five. From that point on, we started capitalizing.

Take us back to day five, the final meeting. Sourav Ganguly takes you inside the bowling alley. Is it just to change the purpose? Watching a series of events on YouTube today, did he say “that’s all”? You ended up bowling 11 balls and picking up three important wickets.Harbhajan bowled extremely well. However, for some reason we had a hard time picking wickets for a while. When you bring a team into more than two meetings, you can’t expect them to leave easily. If a pair plays for a while, you feel a partnership is building, but the results are not going to be in our favour. We have to pick wickets often. I remember Sourav asking me, “Why don’t you bowl from this end?” I have also seen the video of Sourav talking to me. But it was never about just playing one game. In Test cricket during that period and the matches before that, I bowled regularly and would provide the odd breakthrough on a regular basis. I bowled from the pavilion end and got two crucial wickets.Usually, you bowl leg to right-handers and spin to left-handers, especially in white-ball cricket. But Matthew Hayden and Adam Gilchrist are two attacking left-handers with full length legs. What’s the idea behind this?Yes, these two were actually responsible for Australia beating us in the first Test because they had a great partnership and scored hundreds. I managed to bail them both out as LBW tried to sweep but missed.That’s great for Vaughn. If I had to choose, it would be a champion with long legs like him. But you covered it up perfectly. When did you think of bowling?I have always believed that when someone like me starts bowling, I should keep trying and not be predicted. I should be doing different things, outside the box, rather than being an average bowler. I’ve always believed in catching the batsman off guard. Warney’s door is a prize door to me. I don’t think he chose me, nor did he anticipate the amount of attention I would get from my Google. Badji bowled really well. We just need someone to support him. We are working hard, but things are not going in our favor. But those three wickets helped us get back on track and end the game with a win.What impact does the victory at Eden Gardens have on Indian cricket?Our confidence index soared. When we went to Chennai, even though it was a new game, we felt like we had the upper hand. We feel like 70% of this collection belongs to us. And, even though Hayden was incredible in that series, we managed to score a total in the first innings and put the pressure on Australia again. Thanks again to Budge there, he picked a lot of wickets. Rahul and I both scored again. I scored a hundred and we won the series. Victories like the one we had at Eden make a huge difference. There is no medicine like victory. It is a tonic that energizes you. Memories stay with you forever. But it also helps the next generation. You know, when the younger generation watches us play on TV, they’re inspired.Among the many great wins in your career, where would you rank the Eden win?In top wins. If you had any victory anywhere in the world, Eden Gardens 2001 would be talked about and will always be talked about.

The remains of the sailor are expected to return to China next week

INDIA

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March 15, 2026

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The remains of the sailor are expected to return to China next week

Mumbai: India’s Director General of Shipping, in coordination with the MEA and the Indian Embassy in Baghdad, has initiated the process of repatriating the body of 54-year-old Mumbai resident Deonandan Prasad Singh, reported V Narayan. Sources told TOI on Saturday that the bodies could be brought home once airspace opens next week. “Singh’s body will be flown back along with the 16 rescued Indian crew members once the airspace opens,” a source at the DG Shipping office in Mumbai told TOI. “Travel documents and necessary local formalities are currently being processed.”