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B’desh PM Tarique Rahman calls 1971 crackdown by Pakistan a ‘pre-planned massacre’

Dhaka, March 25, 2026

Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman described the events of March 25, 1971, as a “pre-planned massacre” and one of the most brutal chapters in the nation’s history, as the country on Wednesday observed Genocide Day in remembrance of those killed during the crackdown by Pakistani forces.

“March 25, 1971, is observed as Genocide Day. On the occasion of Genocide Day, I pay my deepest respect to all the martyrs. In the history of freedom-loving Bangladesh, March 25, 1971, remains one of the most disgraceful and brutal days,” read a statement issued by Tarique on the occasion of Genocide Day.

The PM said that the Pakistani occupation forces launched one of the most “heinous” genocides in history against the unarmed Bangladeshis on that night under “Operation Searchlight”.

Calling the 1971 crackdown a pre-planned massacre, Tarique added that Pakistani forces indiscriminately opened fire on teachers, intellectuals and innocent civilians at multiple places, including Dhaka University, Pilkhana and Rajarbagh Police Lines, resulting in numerous deaths.

Stressing the need to uphold the ideals of the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War, the PM said, “Let us all strive to honour the sacrifices of the martyrs by establishing in the state and society the spirit of the great Liberation War – equality, human dignity and social justice. Let us work together to build a just, developed, prosperous, self-reliant and democratic Bangladesh.”

Meanwhile, Bangladesh President Mohammed Shahabuddin said that March 25, 1971, remains the most brutal and painful chapter in the nation’s history, when the entire nation was left speechless and stunned by this genocide.

He said that on the night of 1971, the Pakistani forces carried out indiscriminate massacres on unarmed and sleeping civilians in the name of “Operation Search Light”.

President Shahabuddin called on people of Bangladesh, irrespective of religion, caste, party or opinion, to work together with a spirit of patriotism to fulfil the ideals and aspirations of the martyrs of the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War.

“The hope, aspiration and dream of the martyrs in the Liberation War were to build a humane, democratic and real state – where there will be no discrimination, deprivation, misrule, corruption and injustice,” Bangladeshi daily Dhaka Tribune quoted him as saying.(Agency)

AIADMK’s 1st list of 23 candidates has 21 ex-ministers; Palaniswami retains home turf Edappadi

Chennai, March 25, 2026

A day after releasing its manifesto for the April 23 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, the AIADMK on Wednesday moved swiftly to announce its first list of 23 candidates, becoming the first major party to do so.

The early release — coming even before finalising seat-sharing arrangements within the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), which it leads in the state — signals the party’s firm stance on retaining control over constituencies it considers strongholds.

The candidate list, approved by the party’s governing council, is led by AIADMK General Secretary and Leader of Opposition Edappadi K. Palaniswami, who will once again contest from his home turf of Edappadi in Salem district. His candidature is seen as a cornerstone of the party’s campaign, anchoring its leadership narrative.

Notably, the list is dominated by seasoned leaders, underlining the party’s reliance on experience in a high-stakes electoral battle.

Of the 23 candidates announced, 21 are former ministers, and 16 are sitting MLAs, reflecting a strategy aimed at leveraging administrative experience and established voter connect.

The list also features strategic constituency shifts for some prominent leaders. Former ministers C. Ve. Shanmugam and K.T. Rajenthra Bhalaji, who were defeated in Villupuram and Rajapalayam, respectively, in the 2021 Assembly elections, will now contest from Mailam and Sivakasi. The reshuffle is widely viewed as an attempt to maximise electoral prospects by repositioning key figures in more favourable constituencies.

In an official statement, the AIADMK said the selection of candidates reflects a balanced mix of experienced leadership and strong grassroots representation.

The party emphasised that the nominees were chosen with a focus on constituency-level engagement and organisational strength.

Addressing party workers and the public, Palaniswami sharpened his attack on the ruling DMK government, citing widespread dissatisfaction among voters.

He said the AIADMK campaign would prioritise issues such as law and order, women’s safety, farmer welfare, and relief for families grappling with rising living costs.

Expressing confidence in the party’s prospects, Palaniswami asserted that the AIADMK-led alliance would secure a decisive mandate in the upcoming elections, setting the stage for a fierce political contest in Tamil Nadu.(Agency)

NHRC seeks report from J&K Police over alleged targeted killings of civilians

New Delhi, March 24, 2026

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken cognisance of a complaint alleging repeated targeted killings of Hindu civilians and other vulnerable communities in Jammu and Kashmir and the lack of transparency in investigation and prosecution of such cases.

A Bench presided by NHRC Member Priyank Kanoongo issued a notice to the J&K Director General of Police (DGP) directing that the allegations made in the complaint be enquired into and an Action Taken Report (ATR) be submitted within two weeks.

The complaint was filed by advocate Vineet Jindal, President of the Anti Terrorism Global Front (ATGF), raising concerns about a recurring pattern of violence and a lack of transparency in investigations and prosecutions.

The complainant referred to past incidents including the Nadimarg massacre in which 24 Kashmiri Pandits were killed, the Wandhama massacre of 1998 claiming 23 lives, and attacks on Amarnath Yatra pilgrims, including the 2000 and 2017 incidents resulting in multiple casualties.

The complaint alleged that numerous cases remain unresolved due to a lack of transparency in investigation status, arrests, and prosecutions, thereby violating fundamental rights guaranteed under the Constitution, including the Right to Life (Article 21), Equality (Article 14), and Freedom of Religion (Article 25).

Seeking the NHRC’s intervention, the complainant urged for detailed investigation reports, case-wise status of FIRs, arrests and prosecutions, along with preventive measures, protection for vulnerable communities, and compensation and rehabilitation for victims’ families.

Acting on the complaint, the apex human rights body directed the Jammu and Kashmir Police to examine the allegations and submit a detailed report within the stipulated time.

The NHRC further stated that all communications in the matter may be submitted through the HRCNet portal, along with relevant records including investigation details and supporting material.(Agency)

US: California diesel prices hit record high

Los Angeles, March 25, 2026

Diesel prices in the US state of California have risen to a record high, according to the latest data from the American Automobile Association (AAA).

The average price of diesel in California reached $7.018 per gallon on Tuesday, the highest level recorded in AAA’s database. By comparison, the current US national average price for diesel is about $5.345 per gallon, Xinhua news agency reported.

US media reports attributed the rising diesel prices to reduced oil-refining capacity and disruptions in global energy shipments amid the war in Iran. California has lost two refineries since October 2025, eliminating roughly 20 per cent of its refining capacity.

The increase in diesel prices is driving up transportation costs, with potential ripple effects on food, building materials and retail goods shipped by diesel-powered trucks, reports said.

California continues to face limited refinery capacity amid the ongoing war in Iran, disrupting global shipments.

It’s arguably the worst time for diesel prices to skyrocket.

“There’s a lot of sleepless nights. There’s a lot of stress, and people just trying to do the best they can,” said Andrew Genasci, executive director of the San Joaquin Farm Bureau. “Anything that’s coming onto the farm or leaving the farm is now more expensive.”

According to AAA, this new price has topped all previous records, including the first few months of Russia’s war in Ukraine in 2022.

A lot of oil is being held up by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz in the Middle East. Even if the strait opened now, all that oil still needs to make its way through the refineries, which means prices wouldn’t immediately drop.(Agency)

Karnataka transfers ‘Zero FIR’ in Ajit Pawar plane crash case to Maharashtra Police

Bengaluru, March 25, 2026

The Karnataka Police Department on Wednesday transferred the ‘Zero FIR’ registered in Bengaluru, in connection with the plane crash incident involving NCP leader and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister, late Ajit Pawar, to the Maharashtra Police Department. The case file and related documents have also been sent as part of the transfer.

The Karnataka Police have also requested the Maharashtra Police to transfer the case to the jurisdictional Baramati Rural Police Station in Pune district, Maharashtra.

Karnataka Additional Director General of Police (ADGP), Crime and Technical Services, P. Harishekaran, has written to the Maharashtra Director General of Police in this regard.

It may be recalled that a Zero FIR filed in Bengaluru alleged a larger criminal conspiracy behind the January 28, 2026 plane crash near Baramati Airport in Maharashtra, which killed Ajit Pawar and four others.

The complaint, filed on March 23 at the High Grounds Police Station by NCP(SP) MLA Rohit Rajendra Pawar, a nephew of the deceased, claims that the crash was the result of a planned conspiracy to eliminate Ajit Pawar. It also seeks to name all those responsible for the crime as accused.

In his letter, ADGP Harishekaran stated: “Please find enclosed the case file of the Bengaluru City High Grounds Police Station Zero FIR registered under Sections 61, 103, 105, 106, 125, 238, and 336(2) of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS), for transfer to Baramati Rural Police Station, Pune district, Maharashtra.”

He further requested that the case be transferred to the Baramati Rural Police Station, Pune district, Maharashtra, on the grounds of jurisdiction. He also asked for an acknowledgement of receipt of the case file and related documents.

It can be recalled that the High Grounds police have registered the FIR under Sections 61, 103, 105, 106, 125, 238, and 336(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Police noted the delay in filing was due to the complainant having approached various police stations in Maharashtra, where his complaint was not accepted, prompting him to file a Zero FIR in Bengaluru.

Rohit Pawar had alleged that he initially tried to register a case in Maharashtra, particularly at the Marine Drive Police Station in Mumbai and in Baramati. However, when those attempts failed, he went on to file the FIR in Bengaluru.

According to the complaint, the crash occurred between 8.43 A.M. and 8.45 A.M., when a Bombardier Learjet 45 aircraft, registration VT-SSK, operated by VSR Ventures Private Limited, went down while flying from Mumbai to Baramati. All five on board died in the plane crash.

The FIR, filed under Section 173(1) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, states that earlier approaches to the Marine Drive Police Station on February 25 and Baramati Police Station on February 26 did not result in FIR registration, while the Pune CID indicated it was examining only the Accidental Death Report angle.

The complainant has sought a full criminal investigation independent of the technical probe by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), alleging the crash was the result of a planned conspiracy to eliminate Ajit Pawar.

The FIR cites findings from a Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) safety audit dated February 24, 2026, which reportedly found VSR aircraft negligent and unairworthy, leading to their grounding.

It alleges that aircraft VT-SSK was operated in violation of safety standards, having logged approximately 4,915 flight hours, close to the mandatory engine overhaul limit of 5,000 hours.

The complaint further claims that actual flight hours may have exceeded 8,000, with under-reporting in official logbooks, amounting to the falsification of maintenance records and the continued use of an unsafe aircraft.

Weather conditions at the time of landing are also questioned. While a flying training organisation estimated visibility at 3,000 metres, Pune METAR data reportedly indicated about 2,000 metres with mist, and satellite imagery showed fog patches.

Under Visual Flight Rules, landing is not permitted with less than 5 kilometres of visibility, yet clearance was allegedly granted.

The complaint also raises concerns about DGCA certification records, stating that the aircraft’s airworthiness certificate was issued on December 16, 2021, before its registration certificate on December 27, 2022, contrary to standard procedure.

It further notes that the aircraft was previously registered in the United States as N80PQ and reportedly retired from service abroad, raising questions about due diligence during its import and certification in India.

The conduct and background of Chief Pilot Sumit Kapoor are highlighted. The complaint states he had prior alcohol-related violations in 2010 and 2017, leading to a three-year suspension by the DGCA, and had discontinued advanced Learjet training in the US due to alcohol issues. Despite this, he was assigned to operate the flight.

The originally scheduled crew was reportedly replaced at the last minute, with VSR claiming the initial crew was delayed in traffic.

The complaint characterises this explanation as implausible and notes its lack of supporting evidence.

It also alleges that Kapoor’s financial vulnerability and past record made him susceptible to coercion, and claims a life insurance policy had recently been taken out in his name.

Additional irregularities cited include a last-minute change in the travel plans of Ajit Pawar, who had initially planned to travel by road on January 27 but remained in Mumbai. The flight itself was delayed by about 70 minutes from its scheduled 7 AM departure.

The complaint also points to operational anomalies during landing, including a switch from the initially requested Runway 29 to Runway 11 shortly before landing, and the absence of a go-around attempt despite a failed first approach.

In the final recorded moments, the co-pilot reportedly exclaimed, “Oh shit, oh shit,” while the chief pilot remained silent, with no distress call or emergency response recorded.

The complaint states that these factors collectively indicate systematic violations, negligence, and a possible criminal conspiracy under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, and seeks action against all those responsible.(Agency)

Shabana Azmi remembers ‘college mate’ Farooq Sheikh on his 78th birth anniversary

Mumbai, March 25, 2026

On Farooq Sheikh’s 78th birth anniversary on Wednesday, National Award-winning actress Shabana Azmi fondly remembered her “college mate” and late co-star Farooq Shaikh, recalling their younger days and decades-long association on stage.

Taking to Instagram, Shabana first shared an old picture of the late star and penned a heartfelt note, reminiscing about their time together at St. Xavier’s College. She expressed gratitude for his constant support during exams, remembering how he would ensure her pens never ran out of ink and stood by her whenever she was unwell, even as he teased her endlessly.

She wrote in the caption section: “#Farooque Shaikh, My college mate, co-founder of Hindi Natya Manch at St Xaviers, thank you for seeing me through so many exams, filling my pens with ink so I don’t run out during writing, ever present when I was unwell but teasing me endlessly and never saying a kind word 22 years of travelling the world with me and #Feroz Abbas Khan for the timeless #Tumhari Amrita for 22years. Remembering you on your birthday (sic).”

Farooq Sheikh was best known for his work in Hindi films from 1973 to 1993 and for his work in television between 1988 and 2002.

He returned to acting in films in 2008 and continued to do so until his death on 28 December 2013. His major contribution was in Parallel Cinema or the New Indian Cinema. He worked with directors like Satyajit Ray, Sai Paranjpye, Muzaffar Ali, Hrishikesh Mukherjee and Ketan Mehta.

He acted in serials and shows on television and performed on stage in productions such as Tumhari Amrita alongside Shabana Azmi, directed by Feroz Abbas Khan, and presented the TV show, Jeena Isi Ka Naam Hai.

Farooque Shaikh died of a heart attack in 2013 in Dubai, where he was on holiday with his family.(Agency)

Neha Dhupia not doing ‘Traitors 2’, says she’s too busy going on ‘Double Date’

Mumbai, March 25, 2026

Actress Neha Dhupia has debunked all rumours about her starring in the reality show “Traitor 2” and cryptically shared that she is busy with a different project titled “Double Date.”

Taking to her Instagram stories section, Neha shared a cryptic yet humorous post that read: “Neither am I a ‘traitor’ nor am I an ‘innocent’. I’m just too busy going on #DOUBLEDATE. Coming soon.”

Over the past few days, Neha along with Angad Bedi has been spotted with celebrity pairs including Tejasswi Prakash and Karan Kundrra and; Rakul Preet Singh and Jackky Bhagnani, among others all of whom intriguingly mentioned being on a “double date.”

A source close to the development shared, “Neha’s post is a smart and lighthearted way of addressing the rumours while building intrigue around something she’s been working on.”

The source added: “The ‘double date’ hint is not random there’s been a pattern in her recent appearances with celebrity couples. It’s her style of making an announcement without giving away too much, and it has definitely got people talking.”

On the work front, she was recently seen in the series ‘Single Papa’ on Netflix. The show also stars Manoj Pahwa, Kunal Kemmu, Dayanand Shetty, Prajakta Koli, Neha Dhupia, and Ayesha Raza Mishra.

The series follows Gaurav Gehlot, a lovable man-child whose emotional age can best be described as “work in progress.”

His sudden decision to adopt a baby right after his divorce leaves his family so shocked that they briefly consider rebooting him. What follows is unprecedented kalesh as the Gehlots scramble to understand how a man who still misplaces his socks plans to raise a whole human.

The show has been renewed for a second season.

Neha made her acting debut with the Telugu film Ninne Istapaddanu in 2003. She made her Hindi debut with Qayamat: City Under Threat in 2003. Her notable films include: Kyaa Kool Hai Hum, Chup Chup Ke, Ek Chalis Ki Last Local, Singh Is Kinng, De Dana Dan, Tumhari Sulu and A Thursday.(Agency)

IPL 2026: ‘Pant is a prisoner of his own reputation,’ says Aakash Chopra

New Delhi, March 25, 2026

Former Indian opener Aakash Chopra believes that India’s wicketkeeper batter and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) captain Rishabh Pant is a prisoner of his own reputation of playing unorthodox shots and needs to reassess his approach especially in the white-ball format as he gears up for the 19th season of the Indian Premier League (IPL), which will commence on March 28.

Chopra pointed out that Pant’s tendency to play risky shots has often worked against him and recommended that he should return to fundamental techniques in order to regain his position in the Indian T20I setup.

“The scrutiny around Rishabh Pant is justified. He is a prisoner of his own reputation for playing unorthodox shots and rarely looks to grind out runs when the situation demands it. Last season, despite opportunities to take time and rebuild his form, he continued to play risky shots, which drew criticism,” Chopra said on JioHotstar.

“Having been part of India’s T20 World Cup-winning squad in Barbados, he is now completely out of the conversation for the national side. The selectors and management went from selecting a middle-order keeper to an opener keeper and a keeper who can bat at three. While the IPL is massive, representing India remains the ultimate priority, and losing that spot means it’s time for him to go back to the drawing board,” he added.

Chopra also highlighted that Pant’s unique way of viewing the game has set him apart. He also revealed that Pant’s batting approach despite bringing good results in test was not liked by former Indian coach Rahul Dravid.

“We sometimes fail to understand what Rishabh Pant brings to the table and how he sees the game unfold. In Test cricket, he had conversations with Rahul Dravid when he was the Head Coach. Rahul bhai was not very happy with Pant’s batting approach. To give credit where it’s due, Pant sees the game very differently from most of us who see it conventionally,” he said.

Chopra added that Pant’s willingness to seek guidance from former all rounder Yuvraj Singh is a positive sign, indicating his intent to evolve and improve the game.

“The most heartening thing for me is his acceptance that he needs to change something in his game. He needs to look for a blueprint. Something is not going right. He knows he is that good. The fact that he has approached Yuvraj Singh for help shows he acknowledges that he needs guidance, help and assistance. That is a great sign. With the quality, talent and skills he has, it is a travesty that he is not killing it in white-ball cricket,” he noted.

Pant scored just 269 runs in the 13 matches he played last season at an poor average of 24.45. His form will be in focus when LSG begin their campaign in IPL 2026 against Delhi Capitals at their home ground, Ekana Stadium on April 1.(Agency)

Rahul Gandhi to skip Kerala rally, Kharge to address gathering instead

New Delhi, March 25, 2026

Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, will not be attending the public meeting scheduled to be held in Kerala on Wednesday.

Congress National President Mallikarjun Kharge will address the rally in Kerala instead of Gandhi.

A rally has been organised in Kozhikode by Congress, marking the start of what is expected to be an intense and wide-ranging outreach across key locations in the state.

Kerala will go to the polls on April 9 to elect 140 legislators.

Earlier on Tuesday, Gandhi had said he would not attend the all-party meeting scheduled for Wednesday evening, citing the programme in Kerala. However, he welcomed the initiative for broader consultation.

“It’s good that an all-party meeting has been called — there should be discussion. But you have made a structural mistake. You have destroyed the entire framework. Now you cannot fix it; it will take a long time to set it right,” he said.

The LoP had also attacked the government, alleging that India’s foreign policy has become “compromised” and driven by personal considerations rather than national interest.

Meanwhile, Home Minister Amit Shah will chair the all-party meeting on Wednesday evening to brief political leaders on the evolving crisis in West Asia, amid rising concerns over its economic and security implications for India.

Five to six ministers, including External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar, will attend the meeting on behalf of the government.

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri will provide a briefing on the latest situation in West Asia during the meeting.

The meeting is scheduled for 5 p.m. inside the Parliament complex.

The initiative follows statements made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in both Houses of Parliament, where he described the situation as an “unprecedented crisis” with potentially long-lasting consequences.

The conflict in West Asia has now entered its fourth week, disrupting key maritime trade routes, particularly through the Strait of Hormuz. The tensions have contributed to volatility in global energy markets and raised concerns over supply chains and inflation, prompting the government to step up consultations with political stakeholders.(Agency)

Guiding through danger: How Indian Navy is steering ships across Strait of Hormuz

New Delhi, March 25, 2026

In the tense waters of the Strait of Hormuz, where global energy flows have come under disruption, a quiet but determined effort is underway by the Indian Navy to keep the country’s energy supply undisrupted.

As Iran’s restrictions ripple across international energy markets amid the West Asia conflict, India, through diplomacy, has secured permission from Tehran to pass its ships through the Strait of Hormuz and has managed to sustain the movement of its shipments.

The Indian Navy has been given the responsibility of ensuring the safe return of the oil tankers. But this is not a conventional escort mission. Naval personnel are not merely accompanying tankers; they are guiding them, step by step, through one of the world’s most sensitive maritime passages.

The Indian Navy has launched ‘Operation Urja Suraksha’. This operation entails the positioning of over five advanced warships in the vital maritime chokepoint of the Strait of Hormuz.

According to government officials, the Navy remains in constant contact with vessels preparing to exit the Persian Gulf. Each ship is guided individually through the Strait, with precise instructions on routes and procedures designed to ensure safe passage.

The approach is cautious and deliberate, reflecting the risks that lie beneath the surface.

Once the vessels clear the Strait, Indian Navy destroyers and frigates take over, escorting them through the initial stretch of their onward journey. It is a layered security arrangement, combining guidance with protection.

This effort is being supported by an increased naval presence in the Gulf of Oman, where adequate warships and logistical resources have been deployed to ensure that escort operations continue without interruption.

For the crews aboard these tankers, the journey is far from routine. Modern shipping relies heavily on navigation systems built on hydrographic charts — detailed maps of the ocean floor that make safe passage possible. Without them, movement through such waters would be fraught with danger.

The risks are not theoretical. According to media reports, US Intelligence agencies have alleged that Iran has deployed underwater mines in and around the Strait of Hormuz. These mines, capable of causing severe damage, add to the uncertainty that vessels must navigate. Other potential threats in the region further heighten the sense of caution.

It is in this environment that the Indian Navy’s guidance becomes critical. By directing Indian-flagged vessels along carefully identified safe routes, it helps crews avoid unseen hazards and move forward with a measure of confidence.

Much of this capability rests on hydrographic charts, which remain indispensable. Beneath the sea’s surface lies a constantly changing landscape. Ocean depths vary widely — from just a few metres near harbours to several thousand metres in open waters — and natural events such as tsunamis can alter the seabed over time.

These charts are created by specialised survey vessels that scan the ocean floor, mapping its contours and identifying safe navigation channels. Across the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean, a vast number of vessels — ranging from warships to container carriers and oil tankers — depend on charts produced by India.

The Indian Navy’s hydrographic work extends beyond national waters. It also assists friendly countries, at their request, in surveying their Exclusive Economic Zones and preparing navigation charts. Agreements with several nations in the Indian Ocean Region allow India to contribute to safer maritime operations far beyond its own coastline.

Once prepared, these charts gain international acceptance and can be used by any country or commercial entity.

In a region marked by tension and uncertainty, this combination of guidance, expertise, and quiet coordination is helping ensure that ships continue to move — carefully, steadily, and safely — through one of the world’s most critical waterways.(Agency)

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