Andhra bus fire tragedy: State govt announces Rs 5 lakh ex gratia

Amaravati, March 26, 2026
The Andhra Pradesh government has announced financial aid of Rs 5 lakh each for the families of those killed in the bus fire accident in Markapuram district on Thursday.

The government also decided to pay Rs 2 lakh each to the injured.

The decision was taken at the state Cabinet meeting presided over by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu.

The Cabinet expressed grief over the accident and conveyed condolences to the families of the deceased.

Fourteen people were burnt alive and 28 others injured as a private travels bus caught fire after colliding with a tipper truck in Markapuram district on Thursday.

The accident occurred near Rayavaram between 6 a.m. and 6.30 a.m. when the bus collided with a tipper truck near a stone quarry. Both vehicles were completely gutted in the fire.

More than 40 passengers were travelling in the bus belonging to Harikrishna Travels, which was on its way to Kanigiri in Nellore district from Jagtiyal in Telangana.

The injured were admitted to hospitals at Ongole and Markapuram. The condition of three of them is stated to be critical.

The deceased and injured include women and children. Some passengers managed to get down from the bus immediately after the fire broke out.

The tipper was heading to Markapuram from Chimakurthy with a load of concrete.

On receipt of information, police and fire-fighting personnel rushed to the spot and launched rescue and relief operations. Three fire engines were pressed into service to douse the flames.

Markapuram MLA K. Narayana Reddy, along with senior officials, visited the spot and supervised the relief operations.

The Markapuram district Collector has ordered an inquiry into the accident.

According to Superintendent of Police Harshvardhan Raju, preliminary investigation shows that both the bus and the tipper were on the wrong route.

The bus apparently rammed into the diesel tank of the tipper, which resulted in the fire.

The bus driver told police that the steering got stuck, which resulted in him losing control of the vehicle and hitting the tipper. The SP said they were investigating this version of the driver.

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu expressed shock over the bus accident. He spoke to officials and enquired about the mishap. He directed district authorities to ensure the best possible treatment for the injured.

The Chief Minister also directed officials to conduct a thorough probe into the accident and submit a report.

Transport Minister Manipalli Ramprasad Reddy also expressed grief over the mishap. He conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased.

The minister directed officials to ensure the best treatment for the injured.(Agency)

Domestic consumption, investments to keep India’s GDP growth above 7 pc in FY27

New Delhi, March 26, 2026
Strong domestic consumption and rising investments are expected to help India maintain GDP growth above 7 per cent in the next financial year 2026–27, a report said on Thursday.

The data compiled by Assocham noted that India’s GDP is expected to grow by 7.6 per cent in the financial year 2025-26, with growth likely to stay above 7 per cent in FY27 as well.

This steady performance comes even as global economic conditions remain uncertain due to geopolitical tensions, particularly in West Asia.

Assocham President Nirmal K Minda said that consistent government reforms over the years have played a key role in boosting business confidence.

He highlighted that India’s consumption levels are currently at a multi-year high, driven by reforms in taxation and ease of doing business, while investments are also picking up pace alongside demand.

The industry body said India’s economy has become more resilient in recent years, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Despite facing global challenges such as geopolitical conflicts and trade tensions, the country has managed to grow at over 7 per cent for the past three years.

Key economic indicators also reflect this strength. India’s purchasing managers’ index (PMI) stood at 56.9 for manufacturing and 58.1 for services in February 2026, placing it ahead of major economies like the United States, China and Germany.

Exports have also shown steady growth, rising around 6 per cent between April and February of FY26 to reach $791 billion, compared to $748 billion in the same period last year.

The growth has been supported by sectors such as engineering goods, electronics, chemicals, gems and jewellery, and agricultural products.

Assocham expressed confidence that exports could cross $870 billion this year, up from $824 billion last year.

However, the report flagged potential risks from ongoing tensions in West Asia. Sectors such as gems and jewellery, pharmaceuticals, and agriculture could face disruptions due to higher logistics costs and delays in shipments.

The Middle East remains a key market for these industries, and any prolonged conflict could affect trade flows.(Agency)

PM Modi ranked world’s most popular leader: BJP hails US data firm’s survey

New Delhi, March 26, 2026
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders, on Thursday, welcomed the result of a survey by a reputed US-based data analytics firm that ranked Prime Minister Narendra Modi as the world’s most popular leader.

According to the survey conducted by Morning Consult, between March 2 and 8, PM Modi has stayed well ahead of his global counterparts by garnering a commanding approval rating of 68 per cent.

Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya said, “The Prime Minister of the country, Narendra Modi, has been the best even as the former Gujarat Chief Minister and will continue to be the most popular leader in the world as the country’s Prime Minister. Not only on the basis of survey, but because of the way he has worked throughout his life.”

Speaking to IANS, Uttar Pradesh Minister Danish Azad Ansari said, “India’s name and the name of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who has undertaken a successful leadership of the country, is very big in the global context. We have taken India to new heights of development under the leadership of PM Modi. Big countries across the world are accompanying India while moving towards the path of progress.”

“India has shown its potential. It has shown that if the world wants to progress, India will have a major role to play in it. In doing all these things, PM Modi has achieved an acceptance at the international level. The friendly nature of big countries and world leaders towards him (PM Modi) has positively impacted India’s image,” the Minister added.

Minister Ansari asserted that PM Modi has come across as the “strongest leader in the world”, adding: “I congratulate him (PM Modi) on the behalf of the country.”

BJP MP Praveen Khandelwal also reiterated the same sentiments about Prime Minister Modi.

He told IANS, “This is not the first time, previously also many international companies have undertaken surveys. There is no doubt that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is the most famous leader in the world.”

Hailing PM Modi as the best world leader, Khandelwal said, “India is proud of him for the way he works and also the way he keeps an equal relationship with leaders across the globe. Everybody wants to meet him and also gets motivated by him.”

Maharashtra Minister Girish Mahajan also echoed the same sentiments, saying, “PM Modi is the most popular leader in the world. We are extremely proud and I congratulate him for this.”(Agency)

‘I heard RCB chants when Wankhede was silent’: Bethell recalls T20 WC knock vs India

Bengaluru, March 26, 2026
England’s young batter Jacob Bethell has expressed admiration for the passionate fan base of Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), revealing that he could hear chants for the team even during a tense moment in the T20 World Cup 2026 semifinal against India at the Wankhede Stadium.

Bethell, who represents RCB, said the chants stood out during a quiet phase in the stadium when England were pushing hard in the chase. “I definitely heard a few RCB chants when the whole of the Wankhede was silent, which, I found remarkable, I guess that just shows the support,” he said in a video shared by the franchise on X.

The 22-year-old produced a sensational innings in the semifinal, smashing 105 off just 48 deliveries and bringing England close to victory. However, despite his efforts, England fell short by seven runs.

Reflecting on the knock, Bethell said that while he loved the innings, the result left him with mixed emotions. “I wouldn’t say my life changed, you know, I saw a few edits floating around and you know, the fans over here have been getting very, you know, creative with their digital work,” he said.

“That innings was, it was a great innings, and I enjoyed every minute of it, you know, it was still a bit bittersweet, you know, not getting over the line. I’m sure you guys were pretty happy that I didn’t manage to get it over the line,” he added.

His England teammate and fellow RCB player Phil Salt also praised Bethell’s performance despite the defeat. “Although we came out on the wrong side of that, I was really pleased for Beth, the way that he carried himself and the way that he played. You guys call him style boy for a reason,” he said.

Bethell is expected to play a key role for RCB in IPL 2026, with the franchise set to begin its campaign against Sunrisers Hyderabad on March 28 at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.(Agency)

SC flags ‘rampant menace’ of AI-generated fake judgments worldwide

New Delhi, March 26, 2026
The Supreme Court has cautioned that the growing practice of citing “non-existent” or incorrect judgments has emerged as a “rampant menace” affecting courts not only in India but across jurisdictions globally.

Emphasising the need for heightened vigilance in judicial proceedings, a Bench of Justices Rajesh Bindal and Vijay Bishnoi made the observation while hearing a special leave petition (SLP) filed by Heart and Soul Entertainment Ltd. against certain remarks made by the Bombay High Court regarding the alleged citation of a non-existent judgment.

Flagging the seriousness of the issue, the apex court observed: “However, the fact remains that this menace is rampant in all Courts now, not only in India, but throughout the world. Everyone needs to be careful about this.”

The bench also noted that the issue is already under consideration on the judicial side, indicating a broader institutional concern.

During the hearing, the Director of the petitioner company, appearing in person through video conference, submitted that he wished to press the plea only with respect to the Bombay High Court’s observations.

“Though he tried to explain that he never cited that judgment, however, at the present, we are not going into that issue,” the apex court said.

Granting relief to the petitioner, the Justice Bindal-led Bench said: “As a matter of indulgence, we expunge the remarks made in the aforesaid paragraph.”

In its order, the Supreme Court highlighted a broader and more pressing concern affecting the justice system.

“The fact remains that this menace is rampant in all Courts now, not only in India rather throughout the world. Everyone needs to be careful about this,” the top court said, noting that it is already seized of the issue on the judicial side.

The observations assume significance in light of a recent instance where the Supreme Court had taken serious note of a trial court allegedly relying on Artificial Intelligence (AI)-generated “non-existent and fake” judgments while deciding a civil dispute.

Calling it an issue with a direct bearing on the integrity of the adjudicatory process, a Bench of Justices P.S. Narasimha and Alok Aradhe observed that the matter raised “considerable institutional concern”, warning that reliance on “non-existent and fake” judgments could constitute misconduct and invite legal consequences.(Agency)

‘Neither America will win, nor Iran will lose’: Baba Ramdev on West Asia conflict

Haridwar (Uttarakhand), March 26, 2026
Yoga guru and Patanjali co-founder Baba Ramdev on Thursday said “Neither America will win, nor Iran will lose” as he appealed for world peace amidst the ongoing conflict in West Asia.

“I had earlier said that neither America will win (the war) nor Iran will lose. By launching its ballistic missiles at a distance ranging from 1000-1200 km to 4000-5000 km and by dropping bombs, Iran has shown that nobody can frighten anyone using weapons,” Ramdev told reporters at a Ram Navami event at Patanjali Yogpeeth here.

“I had earlier said that neither America will win (the war) nor Iran will lose. By launching its ballistic missiles at a distance ranging from 1000-1200 km to 4000-5000 km and by dropping bombs, Iran has shown that nobody can frighten anyone using weapons.”

“Democracy doesn’t mean to scare anyone. Today America takes pride in calling itself the world’s largest democracy, so it should also take care of the sovereignty of other nations,” he said.

Emphasising India’s role in mediating the conflict, he said: “India should keep on giving the message of bringing the world together, based on the principle of ‘Vasudev Kutumbakam’ (world is one family). Prime Minister Narendra Modi is doing whatever needs to be done, politically and diplomatically.”

“Even now, if the war between Israel, America and Iran can be stopped with anyone’s mediation, this petrol, gas crisis in the entire world, along with it the current economic crisis in the world, (it is India). The solution for all these economic and political crises can come through dialogue, and India can play a huge role in this, I am confident about it,” Baba Ramdev said.

He asserted that India can save the world from this crisis emanating from the war.

He further urged everyone to come together on issues of national interest, especially when it is about the country’s foreign policy.

Meanwhile, on Ram Navami, Ramdev said, “Greetings to all citizens on Ram Navami. With the exposure to digital media, the character of daughters is being undermined. I urge everyone to use these festivals as an opportunity to instil in children a strong understanding of our great cultural heritage.”(Agency)

Air India Delhi-London flight returns mid-air after technical snag

New Delhi, March 26, 2026
An Air India flight from Delhi to London Heathrow had to return to the national capital on Thursday afternoon after a suspected technical issue was detected mid-air.

The flight, AI111, had taken off from Delhi at around 6 am and remained in the air for nearly seven hours before returning. It safely landed back in Delhi at approximately 12:30 pm.

According to an Air India spokesperson, the aircraft made a precautionary return after a suspected technical issue was noticed during the journey. The airline said that the decision was taken keeping passenger safety as the top priority.

The spokesperson confirmed that the aircraft landed safely in line with the airline’s strict safety standards.

The plane is now undergoing detailed technical checks, which are expected to take some time before further decisions are made.

Air India also expressed regret over the inconvenience caused to passengers due to the unexpected situation.

The airline said it is making all possible efforts to ensure that affected passengers can continue their journey to London at the earliest.

Further details about the nature of the technical issue are awaited as inspections continue.

Meanwhile, last week, an Air India flight that took off from Delhi for Canada’s Vancouver returned to the national capital after 9 hours, as the B777 Boeing version that was deployed on the route did not have clearance from Canada’s aviation regulator to fly into the country.

The Air India flight with the call sign AI185 took off from Delhi with a full load of passengers at 12.18 p.m. on March 20 for Vancouver using a Boeing 777-200LR plane, even though Air India has approval from Canadian authorities only for its Boeing 777-300ER planes on this route.(Agency)

IPL 2026: Irfan Pathan picks LSG playing XI, slots Pant at No. 3 spot

New Delhi, March 26, 2026
Former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan has picked his playing 12 for the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League (IPL), which is set to commence on March 28.

LSG, which finished in seventh position last season, made a lot of changes to their squad ahead of IPL 2026. LSG improved their bowling, which was under attack in IPL 2025, by adding Mohammad Shami and Arjun Tendulkar through trade and purchasing Wanindu Hasaranga and Anrich Nortje in the Auction.

Despite reports claiming that captain Rishabh Pant can open the innings for the team, Pathan suggested that LSG should not alter the Aiden Markram and Mitchell Marsh opening pair, who performed well in the last year.

According to the former all-rounder, Pant is best suited for the number 3 position, as it will give him the opportunity to assess the wicket before coming into play, and he can also stabilise the innings if one of the openers falls early.

Pathan has put Nicholas Pooran at number 4 and also raised concerns about his poor form. He has gone with all the Indian lower batting lineup with Ayush Badoni, Himmat Singh, Shahbaz Ahmed and Abdul Samad.

“Markram and Marsh are very important because both of them are overseas openers. For this reason, I wish Lucknow put up some good seaming wickets in home matches so that the overseas openers find it comparatively easier to play.

A refreshed Rishabh Pant at No. 3, Nicholas Pooran’s graph has gone downwards; he has not really performed well in the last year, but he loves playing for Lucknow,” Pathan said on his YouTube channel.

“Ayush Badoni’s graph has gone up; he got an Indian call-up as well. You then have Abdul Samad, Himmat Singh, and Shahbaz Ahmed in the lower middle-order. You can also consider M Siddharth as well if you feel that seven batters are enough,” he added.

The 2007 T20 World Cup champion has selected Mohammad Shami and Avesh Khan as fast bowlers and Digvesh Rathi as the spinner. Ahmad and Badoni could also support the bowling.

Pathan has gone with five options for impact player which include Mayank Yadav,Anrich Nortje,Mohsin Khan,Naman Tiwari and Prince Yadav.

Irfan Pathan’s playing XI

Aiden Markram, Mitchell Marsh, Rishabh Pant, Nicholas Pooran, Ayush Badoni, Abdul Samad, Himmat Singh, Shahbaz Ahmed/ M Siddharth, Mohammad Shami, Avesh Khan, Digvesh Rathi.

Impact Player: Mayank Yadav/Anrich Nortje/Mohsin Khan/Naman Tiwari/ Prince Yadav.(Agency)

Delhi Crime Branch arrests proclaimed offender in Alipur murder case after 3-year hunt

New Delhi, March 26, 2026
The Crime Branch of Delhi Police has arrested a proclaimed offender involved in a 2022 murder case in the Alipur area of the national capital, officials said on Thursday.he accused, identified as Anil alias Anil Rajput alias Shami alias Lambu (29), was apprehended from Sheetla Colony in Gurugram, Haryana, after evading arrest for nearly three years.

According to the Crime Branch, Anil had been declared a proclaimed offender in FIR No. 637/2022 registered at Alipur police station under Sections 302, 174A, and 34 of the IPC. He was declared a proclaimed offender on May 10, 2023, by a court in Rohini.

Police said the arrest was made following specific intelligence inputs received on March 24 regarding the movement of the accused in Gurugram. Acting on the information, a team of the WR-II unit of the Crime Branch, led by Inspector Satish Malik and supervised by ACP Rajpal Dabas, conducted a raid near a farmhouse area in Sheetla Colony.

With the help of technical surveillance and field intelligence, the team successfully tracked and apprehended the accused. He was arrested under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), officials said.

During interrogation, Anil allegedly confessed to his involvement in the murder of one Nazir in September 2022. Police said the incident took place on the intervening night of September 23 and 24, when Anil and his associates — identified as Ranjit, Dinesh, and Ramu — allegedly assaulted Nazir after consuming alcohol.

Nazir, who was reportedly involved in the theft of vehicle parts, succumbed to the assault. The accused then disposed of his body near Nale Wala Road in Alipur using a tempo, police said.

Officials added that two co-accused, Ranjit and Ramu, had already been arrested earlier in the case, while Anil and another accused, Dinesh, had been absconding since the incident.

Anil, a native of Alipur, is illiterate and had worked as a helper before becoming a driver around 2014-15. In 2022, he was working as a driver for Ranjit, who owned several commercial vehicles.

After committing the crime, Anil fled and began living in Gurugram with his family to evade arrest, police said.

Further investigation into the case is underway.(Agency)

Anti-independence forces trying to undermine 1971 Liberation War ideals: Former Bangladesh PM Hasina

Dhaka, March 26, 2026
As Bangladesh marks Independence Day on Thursday, former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina alleged that anti-independence forces — supported by “domestic and foreign conspiracies” — are attempting to erode the ideals of the country’s 1971 Liberation War against Pakistan.

“Today, the country is passing through a difficult and challenging time. After overcoming many obstacles and moving the nation toward prosperity, certain anti-independence forces — backed by domestic and foreign conspiracies — are once again attempting to undermine all our achievements,” read a statement issued by Hasina, which was posted by the Awami League on its social media platform X.

Asserting that Bangladesh has never “bowed to injustice”, the former PM said, “Just as in 1971, under the leadership of the Father of the Nation, the people of Bengal united under the leadership of the Awami League and fought bravely in the Liberation War to achieve victory, the people of Bengal will once again rise with the same spirit and patriotism. No conspiracy can silence us.

The people will unite again, break all webs of conspiracy, and achieve victory once more.”

The nation observes Independence Day and National Day on March 26 in honour of the freedom fighters who laid down their lives for the country’s independence, local media reported.

The armed struggle for independence commenced in the early hours of March 26, 1971, following the brutal crackdown on the unarmed Bangladeshis by the Pakistani forces on the night of March 25, 1971, referred to as ‘Genocide Day’.

Recalling the legacy of her father, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Hasina offered homage to him, stating that under his “indomitable leadership” Bangladesh achieved independence.

She also paid tribute to the four national leaders, the frontline fighters of the Liberation War, the three million martyrs, organisers at all levels and the countless women who endured Pakistani atrocities.

Quoting Bangabandhu’s remarks on March 26, 1971, she said, “This may be my last message. From today, Bangladesh is independent. I call upon the people of Bangladesh — wherever you are, with whatever you have — to resist the occupying forces with all your strength. Continue the fight until the last soldier of the Pakistani occupation army is expelled from the soil of Bengal and final victory is achieved.”

Hasina noted that the broadcast of the message in the early hours of March 26, 1971, marked the birth of Bangladesh.

“At this historic moment of Great Independence and National Day, I extend my heartfelt greetings and congratulations to the people of the country and all Bangladeshis living abroad,” she stated, emphasising the significance of the day.(Agency)