English cricket faces a potential shortfall of Dukes balls amid Gulf shipping disruption

IANS | March 19, 2026 6:20 PM

New Delhi, March 19 (IANS) The upcoming English cricket season may face an unusual challenge due to a shortage of Dukes balls, which could affect preparations for both domestic and international matches. Delays in Gulf shipping routes, caused by the ongoing US-Israel conflict with Iran, have slowed the transportation of cricket balls from South Asia to the UK, posing logistical hurdles for the organisers.

Assisting Bangladesh, other neighbours while factoring India's energy requirements: MEA

IANS | March 19, 2026 6:10 PM

New Delhi, March 19 (IANS) India on Thursday said that it continues to assist Bangladesh and other neighbouring countries on the issue of energy supply requirements while balancing domestic needs, refining capacity, and diesel availability.

BioE3 advances India’s gene‑editing and cell therapy drive: Minister

IANS | March 19, 2026 5:50 PM

New Delhi, March 19 (IANS) Regulatory bodies have issued national guidelines to ensure safe, ethical deployment of CRISPR-based therapies in India, while the BioE3 is accelerating indigenous capacity for cell and gene therapeutics, the government said on Thursday responding to a question on self-reliance in CRISPR and gene editing.

Alia Bhatt reveals she will be launching outsiders, KJo says ‘I’m so proud’

IANS | March 19, 2026 5:48 PM

Mumbai, March 19 (IANS) Bollywood actress Alia Bhatt, who is gearing up for the release of her upcoming film ‘Alpha’, has shared that she is launching outsiders with her upcoming production.

PM Modi, Oman Sultan discuss prioritising dialogue and diplomacy for restoring peace in West Asia

IANS | March 19, 2026 5:47 PM

New Delhi, March 19 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a telephonic conversation with Oman Sultan Sultan Haitham bin Tariq on Thursday and reiterated India’s condemnation of the recent violation of Oman’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. The two leaders agreed on the need to prioritise dialogue and diplomacy for de-escalation and subsequent restoration of peace and stability.

'Tigers are ready': Delhi Capitals unveil new jersey ahead of IPL 2026

IANS | March 19, 2026 5:45 PM

New Delhi, March 19 (IANS) Delhi Capitals have unveiled their new jersey ahead of the 19th season of the Indian Premier League (IPL), which is set to commence on March 28, 2026.

Deeply disturbing, unacceptable: India says attacks against energy installations in Gulf need to cease

IANS | March 19, 2026 5:41 PM

New Delhi, March 19 (IANS) India on Thursday termed the recent attacks against energy installations in different locations across the Gulf region as "deeply disturbing", highlighting that such actions will only further destabilise an already uncertain energy scenario for the whole world.

FIEO hails RELIEF initiative to support exporters amid Middle East crisis

IANS | March 19, 2026 5:40 PM

New Delhi, March 19 (IANS) The Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) on Thursday welcomed the government’s timely announcement of the RELIEF (Resilience and Logistics Intervention for Export Facilitation) initiative under the Export Promotion Mission, aimed at supporting exporters impacted by the ongoing disruptions in West Asia maritime trade routes.

Denied ticket, Assam legislator quits BJP

IANS | March 19, 2026 5:34 PM

Guwahati, March 19 (IANS) In a significant political development ahead of the Assam Assembly elections, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Nihar Ranjan Das, on Thursday, resigned from the party's primary membership after being denied a party ticket from the Dholai Assembly constituency in the Barak Valley region.

India buying LPG from US too in bid to plug gap in Middle East imports

IANS | March 19, 2026 5:32 PM

New Delhi, March 19 (IANS) Amid concerns over LPG shortage, the government on Thursday said that India is diversifying LPG procurement and buying liquefied petroleum gas from the US as well to plug the supply chain disruptions caused by the Middle East conflict.