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MEA debunks ‘fake’ claims on fertiliser unit closures due to LNG shortage

New Delhi, March 30, 2026
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Monday issued a fact check, rejecting as “fake” certain social media posts and maps alleging closure of fertiliser production units in the country and a possible resultant shortage threatening foodgrain availability in the next season.

“Please stay alert against such false and baseless claims and posts on social media!” the MEA said in a post on its official social media handle.

The Ministry also shared images of “fake” social media posts which claimed, “Massive food shortages by next wheat harvest season in March” and “A map of reported ammonia and urea plant closures in India”.

The “fake” map, captioned “LNG supply disruption triggers fertiliser plant closures across South Asia”, carried over two dozen markers displaying the locations of fertiliser plants that were purportedly forced to shut partially or completely. The MEA, however, dismissed these claims as baseless.

In an earlier fact check, the MEA dismissed rumours about the government’s strategy to evacuate Indians from the Gulf amid the ongoing conflict.

Issuing an alert on social media, the Ministry said: “This Instagram post is misleading. It claims that Government has asked Indian nationals to register on Madad (Help) portal for evacuation.”

“Clarification: MEA and Embassies in the West Asia region have opened helplines to assist Indian nationals with various needs in view of the conflict,” a Ministry spokesperson said.

The Ministry had earlier dismissed another “fake” news alert carrying articles with headlines such as “Jammu and Kashmir intel agencies flag Rs 17.91 crore Iran aid donation scam, middlemen network in focus”.

In another instance, the MEA rubbished as “fake” a social media post claiming that an Indian oil tanker was allowed to pass through the Strait of Hormuz after payment was made in “Chinese yuan”.

The Ministry also warned against another “fake” news item which claimed that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) is offering limited “safe passage” to tankers that bypass the US dollar in favour of Chinese currency.(Agency)

FCRA row escalates as Church, Congress target Centre, Rijiju denies ‘targeting’

New Delhi/Thiruvananthapuram, March 30, 2026
The proposed amendments to the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) have snowballed into a major political flashpoint in Kerala ahead of the Assembly elections, with Church leaders and the Congress raising strong objections, even as the Centre firmly rejected allegations of targeting minorities.

Supreme head of the Orthodox Church Baselios Marthoma Mathews III Catholicos led the criticism from the Christian community, warning that the amendments could “suffocate” the functioning of churches and disrupt long-standing social service activities.

Stressing that the Church operates strictly within the law, he said the new provisions would impose severe constraints on institutions engaged in education, healthcare, and charity.

He also expressed concern over what he described as a changing approach towards minorities and questioned whether there was a “double standard” in policy.

The Catholicos revealed that three accounts of the Church had already been blocked, with no clear explanation.

Despite raising the issue by conveying concerns directly to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, no resolution had been forthcoming, he said.

Warning of coordinated protests with other denominations, he demanded an immediate review or withdrawal of the amendments.

Echoing similar concerns, leaders from other Christian denominations, including the Syro-Malabar Church, cautioned that the proposed provisions, particularly those allowing the Centre to take over assets if licences are not renewed, could severely undermine charitable institutions built over decades using foreign assistance.

The Congress, too, mounted a sharp political attack.

Congress General Secretary K.C. Venugopal alleged that the amendments were part of a “larger conspiracy” by the BJP to curb voluntary activities carried out by minority communities.

He described the bill as a “sword of Damocles” hanging over minorities and accused the Centre of attempting to intimidate and control Christian institutions.

He also criticised Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan for not taking a clear stand on the FCRA issue, accusing him of weakening broader opposition unity against the BJP.

The Congress leader rejected the Centre’s argument that the amendments were aimed at preventing forced religious conversions, calling it a pretext to target genuine humanitarian work in remote and tribal areas.

He warned that provisions allowing the government to take over organisations receiving even small amounts of foreign funding could be misused.

However, Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju dismissed the criticism, asserting that the FCRA amendments do not target any particular religious group.

He said the sole objective was to prevent misuse of foreign funds and safeguard national security.

Allegations that the law was aimed at controlling Christian institutions were “baseless”, he said, adding that ensuring transparency in foreign funding was the government’s responsibility.

With just days left for polling, the FCRA controversy has emerged as a key election issue in Kerala, sharpening political divides and drawing in influential religious voices, even as the Centre maintains that the amendments are purely regulatory in nature.

Kerala, where Christians account for around 18 per cent of the 3.30 crore population, goes to the polls on April 9 to elect 140 new legislators.(Agency)

Piyush Goyal wraps up 4-day Cameroon visit, says India’s voice resonated at WTO MC14

New Delhi, March 30, 2026
Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Monday said that India’s stance at the recently concluded WTO Ministerial Conference (MC14) in Cameroon was “not only heard but also reflected” in the final outcomes, underlining the country’s growing influence in shaping global trade discussions.

Wrapping up his four-day visit to Cameroon — where he participated in the WTO Ministerial Conference — Goyal noted that the global trade landscape has undergone significant changes since the last such meeting was held in Africa a decade ago.

He emphasised that India played a key role in articulating the concerns of the Global South, ensuring that the needs and aspirations of developing countries and Least Developed Countries (LDCs) were given due importance during negotiations.

“India constructively engaged in all agenda items and, in areas where we had strong concerns, we took positions based on the principles of openness, fairness, non-discrimination and inclusivity,” the minister said in a post on social media platform X.

Goyal added that these principles remain the cornerstone of India’s engagement at the World Trade Organisation (WTO).

On the sidelines of the conference, the minister held a series of bilateral meetings with several countries, trading blocs, and key African nations, which he said helped build greater understanding and support for India’s positions on critical issues.

He also acknowledged the efforts of officials from the Department of Commerce, India’s Permanent Mission in Geneva, and other ministries and experts, who worked extensively to safeguard the country’s interests at the global forum.

Looking ahead, the minister said India will continue to engage with WTO members on key global trade issues in a transparent, constructive and good-faith manner.

The WTO Ministerial Conference is the highest decision-making body of the organisation and plays a crucial role in shaping global trade rules and policies. The MC14 conference commenced on March 26 and concluded on March 29.

The event was attended by ministers from across the world to discuss challenges and opportunities facing the multilateral trading system and to deliberate on the WTO’s future agenda.

Moreover, the conference was chaired by Cameroon’s Minister of Trade, Luc Magloire Mbarga Atangana.(Agency)

Lawyer arrested in Jharkhand’s Pakur for sexually exploiting, blackmailing law student

Pakur (Jharkhand), March 30, 2026
The police in Jharkhand’s Pakur district have arrested an advocate on charges of sexually exploiting a law student and blackmailing her after allegedly filming the assault, police officials said on Monday.

The accused has been identified as Joel Murmu. Police said he was produced before a court which remanded him to judicial custody.

According to officials, the victim had initially approached the advocate for legal advice and guidance. It is alleged that the accused, under the pretext of teaching her the nuances of law, gained her trust and brought her under his influence before sexually assaulting her.

Police further said that the accused allegedly recorded an objectionable video of the act and later used it to blackmail the victim. He also threatened to circulate the video if she reported the matter to anyone or the police.

Investigators said the accused had been exploiting the student for nearly seven months, during which she was also subjected to mental harassment apart from sexual assault. Fear of social stigma and repeated threats allegedly prevented the victim from approaching the authorities earlier.

The case came to light after the victim’s husband learned about the alleged exploitation. He reportedly confronted the accused, leading to a heated argument that escalated into a physical altercation. Neighbours and family members intervened after hearing the commotion and alerted the police, who arrived promptly.

Based on the victim’s written complaint, police registered a case against the accused under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Accused Murmu was arrested and sent to jail.

Officials said the investigation is being conducted on a fast-track basis and that all relevant evidence is being collected to ensure justice to the victim.

They said a medical examination of the victim has also been conducted.(Agency)

Rahul Gandhi’s claim of PM Modi’s ‘silence’ on Sabarimala falls flat against past speeches

New Delhi, March 30, 2026
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of staying silent on the Sabarimala Temple, but his charge faces pushback. Critics point to multiple speeches where PM Modi directly raised alleged gold theft and targeted the LDF, questioning whether Gandhi’s claim ignores a well-documented public record.

At an election rally in Adoor, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of ‘selectively’ invoking religious themes. He argued that PM Modi frequently references temples and faith but failed to mention Sabarimala in a recent speech in Palakkad.

Gandhi also suggested that such positioning hints at a convergence of interests between the BJP and Kerala’s ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF).

However, critics argue that the claims made by Rahul Gandhi do not fully account for multiple instances in which Prime Minister Narendra Modi has addressed issues related to the Sabarimala Temple, particularly allegations concerning gold theft.

According to this view, PM Modi has repeatedly raised the matter in public speeches while targeting the CPI(M)-led Left Democratic Front (LDF) government in Kerala. In January this year, he strongly came down on the state administration, alleging that it had made no meaningful effort to safeguard the religious traditions of Sabarimala.

Referring to reports of irregularities, he remarked that there were “news reports of gold theft from the abode of the deity,” underscoring the seriousness of the issue.

In the same address, PM Modi assured that if a BJP government comes to power in Kerala, a thorough investigation would be conducted and those found guilty would be sent to jail. “This is Modi’s guarantee,” he thundered while addressing the gathering.

The Prime Minister reiterated these concerns more recently while addressing an NDA convention in Kochi. The PM in that speech again brought up the alleged gold theft linked to Sabarimala. PM Modi in no uncertain terms accused the ruling LDF of being associated with “looting the gold,” while also targeting the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF), alleging that it was complicit in “selling it.”

In this context, observers questioning Gandhi’s remarks argue that PM Modi has, in fact, spoken directly and repeatedly about Sabarimala and the alleged gold theft issue, without ambiguity. They raise concerns about whether selectively referencing a single speech while overlooking others presents an incomplete picture.(Agency)

IPL 2026: Thakur doesn’t get intimidated, even when batters are attacking, says Pathan

New Delhi, March 30, 2026
Former India left-arm fast bowler Irfan Pathan praised seam-bowling all-rounder Shardul Thakur for his contributions playing a vital hand in Mumbai Indians beating Kolkata Knight Riders by six wickets in IPL 2026, adding that he doesn’t get intimidated, even when batters are attacking him.

At the Wankhede Stadium, Thakur returned figures of 3-39 to be named player of the match as five-time champions MI got off to a winning start and broke their 14-year jinx of being winless in tournament opening games.

“He’s not a bowler who gets intimidated, even when batters are attacking. He keeps coming at you. What stands out is how he uses his variations. Every time he starts his run-up, he’s already changing his grip, whether it’s for a slower ball, cross-seam, or even a scrambled seam delivery.

“He’s always trying to make something happen. He invites batters to go for big shots and thrives on that. He doesn’t have express pace or big swing, but he’s constantly experimenting, different lengths, speeds, and that’s why he keeps picking up wickets,” said Pathan on JioStar.

He also lauded wicketkeeper-batter Ryan Rickelton for hitting a commanding 81 and sharing a 148-run opening stand with Rohit Sharma, who hit a blistering 61. Preferred ahead of his South Africa team-mate Quinton de Kock, Rickelton showcased his expansive strokeplay and clarity in targeting spinners.

“Ryan Rickelton was outstanding. We spoke before the game about his form being better than Quinton de Kock’s, and he showed exactly why. He has a wider range, especially on the off-side. That six over cover was a special shot.

“His shoulder alignment allows him to access those areas consistently and play in front of the wicket with control. Against spin, he was very clear, attacking from the first ball and looking for the slog sweep. That intent worked for him, and on a pitch like Mumbai, his style of batting is ideally suited,” he added.

Ex-India off-spinner Harbhajan Singh, meanwhile, felt KKR missed a trick by not using Sunil Narine in the power-play against Rohit Sharma. “The best match-up was to bowl Sunil Narine in the Powerplay, at least one or two overs to target Rohit Sharma early. That was their best chance to pick wickets and put Mumbai under pressure.

“Instead, Narine didn’t even complete his full quota, which shows the captaincy wasn’t up to the mark. Credit to Rohit Sharma and Ryan Rickelton. They batted with ease and never let the bowlers settle, but KKR could have handled that phase much better.”(Agency)

Saqib Saleem says, his character in ‘Kaptaan’ believes in getting job done by any means necessary

Mumbai, March 30, 2026
Actor Saqib Saleem, who is awaiting the release of his upcoming streaming title ‘Kaptaan’, has said that his character of a cop in the series often cuts corners.

The series is set against the charged backdrop of Jwalabad, this gritty crime saga dives into a world where crime has evolved into structured cartels, and power is no longer claimed through chaos alone, but control.

The series also stars Siddharth Nigam, Kavita Kaushik, Varun Badola, Anjumm Shharma, Aarif Zakaria, Poojaa Gor, Vikram Kochhar, and Anushka Kaushik in pivotal roles.

Speaking about the show and his character, Saqib Saleem shared, “Kaptaan pushed me to explore a space that was both emotionally demanding and internally conflicted.

Playing SSP Samardeep meant stepping into the shoes of a cop who doesn’t always go by the book, but believes in getting the job done. He’s someone who is constantly navigating the weight of his past while trying to stay in control of the present, and that very tension shapes his decisions”.

He further mentioned, “It’s a layered character that made the entire journey both challenging and rewarding for me. I can’t wait for audiences to experience this world on Amazon MX Player”.

The trailer of the series was unveiled on Monday, and it promises a gritty crime saga. It explores a wider network of counterfeit operations, organized rackets, and a growing turf war that begins to take shape.

Talking about his character, Siddharth Nigam said, “Kabir walks into the story with fire in his veins. He is angry, damaged, and driven, and that makes him dangerous in ways even he may not fully understand. There’s an unpredictability to him that keeps the tension alive, because you’re never quite sure which way he’ll go next.

What I found most compelling about the show was how his journey becomes increasingly personal as the story unfolds, and I’m really looking forward to audiences experiencing that”.

Kavita Kaushik said, “Having played a cop before, it was exciting to revisit the uniform with a fresh perspective in Kaptaan. My character brings a certain sharpness along with a lighter, more spirited energy within an otherwise intense narrative, which made it a lot of fun to portray. It was refreshing to be part of a story that balances intensity with moments of sheer unpredictability”.

Directed by Jatin Wagle and produced by Pammi Baweja and Harman Baweja, under the banner of Baweja Studios, the series is set to stream on Amazon MX Player on April 3, 2026.(Agency)

Delhi court remands LeT terrorist Shabir Ahmed Lone to 5-day police custody

New Delhi, March 30, 2026
A Delhi court on Monday sent Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorist Shabir Ahmed Lone to five days’ police custody in connection with the Metro poster case.

The Patiala House Court allowed the plea of the Delhi Police Special Cell, which had sought five days’ custody of Lone to further interrogate him and unravel the larger conspiracy behind the recently busted terror module.

Lone was produced before the court earlier in the day amid tight security.

During the hearing, the Special Cell submitted that custodial interrogation of the accused was crucial to identify potential recruits, trace his associates, and uncover the operational network linked to the case.

The court, after hearing arguments, initially reserved its order on the police custody plea and later granted five days’ custody of the accused.

According to officials, Lone was arrested late Sunday night from the Ghazipur area by a Special Cell team under the supervision of DCP Praveen Pathi. He is alleged to be a key handler of a previously dismantled module linked to the Metro poster case, which had triggered security concerns after inflammatory and anti-India posters were found at multiple locations, including the Supreme Court Metro station and Janpath.

The case was registered following a complaint by the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) on February 8, triggering a high-priority investigation.

Investigators said Lone had earlier been arrested in 2007 and again in 2015 in Jammu and Kashmir, where he was allegedly found in possession of an AK-47 rifle.

Officials further revealed that after the earlier module was dismantled, Lone had returned to India to explore the possibility of setting up a new network and recruiting individuals.

The Special Cell has also indicated that Lone had travelled to Bangladesh in the past as part of efforts to establish a fresh terror module.

Earlier, on February 23, Delhi Police had arrested eight suspects in connection with the same network.

Preliminary investigations suggested that the group was operating under Lone’s direction.

Officials noted that Lone had previously spent nearly a decade in jail on terror-related charges before being released on bail in 2019.

Sources added that after securing bail, Lone fled to Bangladesh and remained in contact with top LeT commanders, including Hafeez Saeed and Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi, both accused as masterminds of the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks.

The Delhi Police are currently interrogating the accused to determine the intended targets and the full scope of the alleged conspiracy.(Agency)

Asian Boxing C’ships: Preeti, Deepak start India’s campaign with wins

Ulaanbaatar, March 30, 2026
Preeti Pawar and Deepak from India delivered an impressive start at the 2026 Asian Boxing Championships in Mongolia, securing tough victories against strong opponents on Monday.

In the women’s 54kg category, Preeti Pawar, a gold medallist at the World Boxing Cup Finals, delivered a strong performance to win 5-0 unanimously over Kazakhstan’s Elina Bazarova, a former Asian U22 champion (2025). Facing a highly skilled opponent, Preeti’s precise victory made a powerful start to her campaign.

In the men’s 70kg category, Deepak, who earned a silver medal at the Boxam Elite International 2026 and a bronze at the Asian Youth Boxing Championships 2022, performed confidently to narrowly defeat Uzbekistan’s Khavasbek Asadullaev with a 3-2 split decision. Competing against a nation known for its strength in amateur boxing, Deepak demonstrated tactical discipline and resilience in a tightly fought match.

The Indian team started their campaign perfectly with two wins from two matches in the tournament’s initial phase.

The Asian Boxing Championships 2026 showcases top boxing talent from throughout the continent, with early matches often being as tough as the later rounds because of the high level of competition.

Earlier on Sunday, the draw confirmed key opening bouts and byes across categories. While Preeti was set to face Bazarova in the 54 kg category, Priya was slotted against Rimma Volossenko (KAZ) in the 60 kg.

Moreover, Minakshi will face Japan’s Yuka Sadamatsu, while Pooja Rani goes up against Kazakhstan’s Nadezhda Ryabets. Meanwhile, Nikhat Zareen, Jaismine Lamboria, Ankushita Boro, Arundhati Choudhary, Lovlina Borgohain, and Alfiya Patahan advanced with byes, according to information received from the Boxing Federation of India (BFI).

On the men’s side, Vishvanath Suresh opens against Bekzat Ergeshov (KGZ), while Jadumani Singh faces top seed Rui Yamaguchi (JPN) in a tough 55 kg bout. Sachin will take on Buyandalai Bayarkhuu (MGL), and Aditya Pratap Singh faces Mouda Alhawsaw (KSA). Ankush and Narender progress with byes, while Akash, Lokesh, and Harsh Choudhary are also set for key bouts in their respective categories.(Agency)

Nitish Kumar gave his resignation under pressure exerted by BJP, says Tejashwi Yadav

Patna, March 30, 2026
Leader of the Opposition, Tejashwi Yadav, alleged on Monday that Bihar Chief Minister, Nitish Kumar, resigned from his post as a Member of the Legislative Council (MLC) under pressure from the BJP.

Reacting to the development, Tejashwi said that while it is customary for a leader elected to another legislative body to resign from their earlier position, the situation in Nitish Kumar’s case appears different.

“This is not just a procedural matter. The decision has been taken under pressure, against Nitish Kumar’s own wishes. It is clear that BJP leaders have deceived both Nitish Kumar and the people of the state,” he alleged.

Tejashwi further claimed that his party had warned during the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections that if the NDA returned to power, the BJP would eventually sideline Nitish Kumar.

“Now it has been proved. The BJP will not allow him to continue as Chief Minister,” he said.

Tejashwi accused the ruling alliance of misleading voters with promises made during the elections.

He alleged that women were promised Rs 2 lakh for livelihood support, but only Rs 10,000 was distributed during the election period.

He also criticized the government’s claim of providing 125 units of free electricity, stating that Bihar continues to have one of the highest electricity tariffs in the country, which is now being further increased.

“This government is cheating the people of Bihar,” he said.

The RJD leader also raised concerns over inflation, pointing to rising prices of essential commodities such as LPG, petrol, and diesel.

“Prices are being controlled only until elections in states like West Bengal, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu. After that, fuel prices will rise sharply,” he alleged.

Tejashwi Yadav strongly criticized the law and order situation in the state.

“Incidents of firing, murder, and crime are happening every day. People are not getting justice, while the BJP is focussed only on consolidating power,” he said.

He also took an indirect swipe at Rural Works Minister, Ashok Choudhary, accusing some leaders of indulging in “drama politics” when they see cameras, instead of addressing real issues.

Ashok Choudhary was recently seen taking a class of college students in AN College and he was seen weeping after the resignation of Nitish Kumar.

Referring to recent hailstorms that caused significant crop damage, Tejashwi questioned the government’s response. “Have farmers received any compensation? The government is not talking about education, health, jobs, irrigation, or justice. They are only doing drama,” he said.

Tejashwi raised concerns about political instability in Bihar.

“There has been no stable government in Bihar since 2012. Without stability, how can people’s problems be solved?” he asked.

Reacting to the election in Kerala, Tejashwi Yadav said his party has an alliance with the LDF, and RJD is contesting on three seats under the alliance.

“I have a three-day program in Kerala. After that, I have a program in Jharkhand to consolidate the party’s organisation in other states. Kerala has the highest literacy rate in the country, and we are part of the government, and I strongly wish that we would return to power in Kerala,” he said.

Reacting to the West Bengal Assembly election, Tejashwi Yadav said, “BJP will face a heavy defeat in West Bengal and Kerala.”(Agency)

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