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Ashwin to become first Indian to play in MLC after signing with San Francisco Unicorns

San Francisco, March 28, 2026
Ace off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin is all set to become the first Indian playing to feature in Major League Cricket (MLC) after signing with the San Francisco Unicorns for the 2026 season.

Ashwin was a member of the Indian team winning the 2011 ODI World Cup and the 2013 Champions Trophy. In all, he picked 765 international wickets from 287 matches across all three formats and remains the seventh-highest wicket-taker in Test cricket’s history.

“The MLC has proven over recent seasons that it can put on a show, bringing in world-class players and offering significant exposure to US domestic cricket talent, and the opportunity to be a part of it with the San Francisco Unicorns was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up.

“Taking on the mantle as the first Indian-capped player to compete in Major League Cricket is a major responsibility that I fully embrace. My absolute focus is to help this franchise win games and push for its first Championship, while also putting on a spectacular brand of cricket for the Bay Area fans,” said Ashwin in a statement.

Ashwin is also one of the top five wicket-takers in IPL history, having represented his home franchise, the Chennai Super Kings, as well as Rising Pune Supergiants, Punjab Kings, Rajasthan Royals, and the Delhi Capitals. He was supposed to play for Sydney Thunder in the Big Bash League (BBL), before a knee injury ruled him out of the competition.

“We are absolutely thrilled to welcome a player of Ashwin’s stature to the Unicorns. When you talk about match-winners and cricketing intelligence, his name is at the top of the list around the world.

“Bringing in the first Indian-capped player is a massive moment for our franchise and MLC as a whole, but first and foremost, he’s joining to help us win games. His experience in high-pressure situations and his skill variations will be invaluable on the pitch and in the nets, and I can’t wait to get into camp and start working with him,” said head coach Cameron White.

San Francisco Unicorns’ will begin their season on June 19 against LA Knight Riders at Grand Prairie Cricket Stadium, near Dallas, Texas, with the tournament culminating at the franchise’s home ground, the Oakland Coliseum, on July 18.

The franchise previously retained captain Matt Short, Cooper Connolly, Xavier Bartlett, Finn Allen and Haris Rauf from its overseas players roster. The domestic retentions include Sanjay Krishnamurthi, Hassan Khan, Brody Couch, Juanoy Drysdale and Hammad Azam.(Agency)

Pakistan’s apathetic response stalls China’s mediation efforts between Islamabad and Kabul: Report

Kabul/Islamabad, March 28, 2026
China’s efforts to mediate between Islamabad and Kabul appear to have reached a dead end, raising significant doubts about its influence in both countries – especially in Pakistan, a report has revealed.

According to a report in international magazine ‘The Diplomat’, despite the Chinese Foreign Ministry’s assertion that both Afghanistan and Pakistan expressed their “willingness to resolve the issues”, the initial response to Beijing’s mediation seemed unenthusiastic, particularly from the Pakistani side.

“After unsuccessful efforts to mediate between Pakistan and Afghanistan by Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey, China initiated efforts to resolve the conflict in its neighbourhood, which Pakistan has declared an ‘open war’.

The fighting started in October of last year when both Pakistan and Afghanistan conducted strikes inside each other’s territory. Even though a ceasefire was brokered, with mediation by Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey, the attacks from both sides eventually resumed due to unresolved underlying issues,” the report detailed.

The renewed conflict between Pakistan and Afghanistan triggered significant concerns for China, a key ally, economic partner, and neighbour of both Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Accordingly, the report said, Beijing actively stepped up efforts to resolve the conflict, given its substantial interests in both countries.

“After Pakistan launched its Operation Ghazab lil-Haq against the Taliban on February 27, China expressed its deep concerns and asked both sides ‘to remain calm; exercise restraint; properly resolve differences and disputes through dialogue and negotiation; end the fighting as soon as possible; and avoid more suffering’,” the report noted.

China intensified its mediation efforts in the first and second weeks of March, when its special envoy for Afghanistan, Yu Xiaoyong, visited Islamabad and Kabul in an effort to broker a ceasefire between the two countries.

China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said, Yue Xiaoyong visited Afghanistan and Pakistan to conduct shuttle mediation regarding the recent conflicts between the two nations between March 7 and 14.

Citing media reports from Pakistan, The Diplomat said Islamabad had turned down Beijing’s efforts to end the conflict, pointing to the Taliban’s unchanged stance on the presence of militant groups in Afghanistan.

The report stressed that China’s mediation efforts between Pakistan and Afghanistan appear to be yielding no result.

“Pakistan’s apathetic response to China’s efforts points to one of two different scenarios. One, Pakistan is genuinely not interested in negotiating a deal with the Taliban until the threat of militant groups operating from Afghanistan – which the Taliban regime denies – is obliterated, with or without the Taliban’s help.

Two, Pakistan’s growing closeness with the United States under the Trump administration has given it enough leverage to defy China’s wishes,” it stated.(Agency)

ED attaches Rs 2.37cr assets in Arunachal highway compensation scam

New Delhi/Itanagar, March 28, 2026
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) in Arunachal Pradesh has provisionally attached properties valued at approximately Rs 2.37 crore under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, in connection with the Trans-Arunachal Highway (TAH) land acquisition compensation scam, the central probe agency said on Saturday.

The Trans-Arunachal Highway (TAH) is a major 2,407-km-long, two-lane highway project traversing 16 districts in Arunachal Pradesh and primarily functioning as National Highway-13 (NH-13).

In an official statement, the ED said that its Itanagar Sub-Zonal Office has provisionally attached properties worth approximately Rs 2.37 crore under the PMLA, 2002, in connection with the alleged scam.

The attachment was carried out through a Provisional Attachment Order dated March 23, issued under Section 5(1) of the PMLA.

The attached properties include land measuring 47,350 square metres at Dolo village in Nyapin, Kurung Kumey district, held in the name of Tadar Babin, and a traditional house located at Jath village in Yachuli, Keyi Panyor district, held in the name of Likha Maj.

These assets represent proceeds of crime derived from the alleged fraudulent diversion of government compensation funds.

According to the ED, the investigation pertains to large-scale irregularities in the assessment and disbursement of land acquisition compensation under the Trans-Arunachal Highway project, specifically the Potin–Bopi stretch.

Findings of a Fact-Finding Committee (FFC) revealed that excess payments amounting to approximately Rs 44.98 crore were made over and above admissible compensation, resulting in a substantial loss to the government exchequer.

The probe has uncovered the alleged involvement of several public servants and private individuals in a well-organised conspiracy.

Among them is Kemo Lollen, then Deputy Commissioner of Ziro, who, as a joint signatory to the compensation account, allegedly played a key role in authorising and facilitating fraudulent disbursements.

Other accused include Bharat Lingu, then District Land Revenue and Settlement Officer (DLRSO), Ziro, who allegedly processed and approved manipulated compensation claims, and Toko Taje, a Junior Engineer and member of the Structural Assessment Team, who is accused of facilitating inflated and fictitious structural assessments.

Toko Tath is also accused of assisting in the fraudulent inclusion of beneficiaries, while Kabak Bhatt, another Junior Engineer, allegedly facilitated the diversion and layering of funds through intermediary entities.

Further, Likha Maj and Tadar Babin, shown as beneficiaries, are alleged to have received substantial compensation without lawful entitlement.

The ED stated that they knowingly participated in routing, withdrawing, and utilising such funds, thereby aiding in the concealment and projection of proceeds of crime as untainted property.

Earlier, the ED conducted search operations on February 6, 2026, at multiple locations across Arunachal Pradesh and Assam. These searches led to the seizure of Rs 2.40 crore in cash from Likha Maj and Rs 22 lakh from Tadar Babin, along with the freezing of bank balances amounting to approximately Rs 1.19 crore. Investigators also recovered incriminating documents and digital evidence.

Prior to this, the ED had identified and frozen funds worth approximately Rs 3.95 crore in bank accounts and deposits linked to the accused.

With the latest attachment, the total value of proceeds of crime secured in the case through attachment, seizure, and freezing has reached approximately Rs 10.13 crore.

The ED had earlier filed a Prosecution Complaint on March 12, 2024, before the Special Court (PMLA) in Yupia against Kabak Bhatt.

The court took cognisance of the complaint on March 14, 2024. Subsequent investigation has led to the identification of additional proceeds of crime and the involvement of more accused persons, resulting in the present attachment aimed at securing equivalent value for eventual confiscation under the provisions of the PMLA. Further investigation into the scam is underway.(Agency)

Man beheaded in UP’s Barabanki, accused walks home with severed head

Barabanki (Uttar Pradesh), March 28, 2026
In a gruesome incident, a 21-year-old youth was allegedly beheaded in Uttar Pradesh’s Barabanki district, police said on Saturday.

The incident took place in the Tikaitnagar police station area of Barabanki district.

According to officials, after beheading the victim, the accused attacker picked up the severed head and carried it to his house.

The victim’s head was later recovered by the police during a search at the house of the accused.

The victim has been identified as Bablu, a resident of Para Behata village in the area.

The eldest of three brothers, Bablu is survived by his wife and two children.

Officials said as per his daily routine, on Saturday too, Bablu had gone out to sell ice when he got into an argument with a local resident, whom police identified as Shankar.

According to information, the verbal spat escalated to such an extent, that Shankar got enraged and attacked Bablu with a sharp weapon, severing his head in public.

Moreover, instead of fleeing from the spot, the accused picked up Bablu’s severed head and walked to his house.

Upon receiving the information, a large police force cordoned off the village, under the instructions of Superintendent of Police (SP) Arpit Vijayvargiya.

What even left the police horrified was that when they reached the accused’s house, he was cooking food, with the severed head of the victim kept beside.

The accused was then apprehended by the police and the victim’s head and the murder weapon was recovered from his possession.

SP Vijayvargiya said that prima facie the case appears to be one of insanity and a personal dispute, but a thorough questioning is underway to uncover the real motive behind the crime.

Earlier, a 21-year-old youth had allegedly beheaded two elderly neighbours and injured two others in Lohara village in Madhya Pradesh’s Singrauli district, suspecting them of casting some magic spell that caused his wife’s recent miscarriage.(Agency)

‘Amazing to see his growth as a leader’: Jayawardene praises Hardik ahead of IPL 2026 opener

Mumbai, March 28, 2026
Mumbai Indians head coach Mahela Jayawardene praised captain Hardik Pandya for his development in leadership skills ahead of the team’s opening match in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 against three-time champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to be played at the iconic Wankhede Stadium on Sunday.

“The first time I met Hardik was in 2017. Young, raw talent with a lot of energy, and that is something I have admired in Hardik. Even today, with that energy to play the game, he is something special. He is quite passionate about the game of cricket and talks a lot about it.

I have been with MI for eight years, and it is amazing to see his growth when it comes to leadership, maturity on the field, and how he has evolved, probably one of the best all-rounders in white-ball cricket,” Jayawardene said in a statement released on the Mumbai Indians website.

He further also opined on Hardik doing things differently that sets him apart from the rest, “When he started out, we had to pull him back a little because he was like a power house on the move…with the bat, ball, and on the field. The younger Hardik’s work ethic was brilliant back then.”

Reflecting on the challenges Pandya faced due to injuries and workload during his ten-year-long career, Mahela said, “The injuries that he later had took a toll on his body, as he was also playing test cricket. A lot of workload management had to happen. Now he understands this, and we have a structured way of handling his workload. Managing a player once they get to that important stage in their career is important.”

“His skill work and work ethic are brilliant even today…the training bit, working on his fitness during the season and off it too. It is good to see how he has evolved as a person and player,” he added.

Looking ahead to the season opener, Mahela spoke about the challenge of selecting the ideal playing XI and the importance of squad depth.

“It is a healthy headache to have so many good options. We play different oppositions, conditions…Once we play in Mumbai, then we have 2 back-to-back away matches. We will need those options; squad depth is something that is very important for various reasons. It could be for injuries or different conditions… that is something that we always constantly think about.

“Having experience on the bench helps. Sometimes it is tough that we have amazing players sitting out, but that is what it is. That is part and parcel of franchise cricket. It is our job to create an atmosphere where everyone is happy, and everyone plays for that one goal, which is for the team,” he concluded.

Mumbai Indians, under the leadership of Hardik, made a strong comeback in the last season and secured their spot in the playoffs. Their campaign ended after the team lost to the Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the Qualifiers two. The five-time champions have not won a single trophy since 2020, and they would like to end their quest in the upcoming season.(Agency)

20 Indian-flagged vessels with 540 seafarers remain in Persian Gulf region: Govt

New Delhi, March 28, 2026
Twenty Indian-flagged vessels with 540 Indian seafarers remain in the western Persian Gulf region and are being actively monitored, the government said on Saturday.

The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways has put in place necessary measures to safeguard Indian vessels and seafarers operating in the region

“All Indian seafarers in the region are safe; no incident involving Indian-flagged vessels reported in the past 24 hours,” the ministry said. They are being actively monitored by the Directorate General of Shipping in coordination with ship owners, RPSL agencies and Indian Missions.

DG Shipping has facilitated safe repatriation of over 938 Indian seafarers so far, including 25 in the last 24 hours.

Moreover, port operations across India remain normal with no congestion. State Maritime Boards of Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and Puducherry have confirmed smooth functioning.

“Coordination continues with the Ministry of External Affairs, Indian Missions and maritime stakeholders to ensure seafarer welfare and uninterrupted operations,” said the ministry.

Since February 28, around 4,97,000 passengers have returned to India from the war-affected region.

“Indian Missions and Posts remain in touch with the Indian community and continue to extend assistance, along with issuing necessary advisories for their safety and well-being,” according to the Ministry of External Affairs.

The ministry continues to closely monitor developments in the Gulf and West Asia and safety, security and welfare of the Indian community remains the highest priority.

As per sources and multiple reports, two more merchant vessels carrying petroleum products for India were likely transiting the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday, even as the geopolitical tensions continue to disrupt movement through the critical maritime route.

Indian Navy warships have been deployed near key ports to provide assistance, with more vessels expected to arrive from the Strait in the coming days.(Agency)

L-G Manoj Sinha reviews progress of ‘Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan’ in J&K

Jammu, March 28, 2026
Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor (L-G) Manoj Sinha, on Saturday, directed a large scale crackdown on drug smuggling networks which target youth of the Union Territory (UT).

L-G Sinha has reviewed the progress of ‘Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan’ (Drug-Free India Initiative) in Jammu and Kashmir, at a high-level meeting at Lok Bhavan Jammu.

“Deliberate and sinister efforts are being made to push the youth of Jammu and Kashmir into the abyss of drug addiction. A comprehensive, whole-of-government approach, combining stringent enforcement, robust preventive measures, and a carefully calibrated multi-pronged action plan, is urgently required to dismantle the entire ecosystem of drug smuggling and narco-terrorism,” he said.

He called for ‘Jan Bhagidari’ (public movement) and a coordinated response against drug abuse for achieving the goal of ‘Nasha Mukt’ Jammu and Kashmir.

The meeting discussed five key focused areas — Enforcement, Information, Education and Communication, Counselling, Treatment, and Rehabilitation, while integrating a rigorous social media monitoring system to counter false narratives.

The L-G directed the officials for implementation of deterrents, especially within educational institutions, in mission mode.

He also directed for identifying and strictly punishing any remnants of narco-terror networks within the system.

L-G Sinha emphasised that the citizens must be encouraged to report the drug addiction and drug smuggling-related matters to the police and the UT administration.

He also reviewed the preparations of all the line departments for the upcoming intensive drug awareness campaign across Jammu and Kashmir.

“Religious leaders, social organisations, ex-servicemen, National Cadet Corps, National Service Scheme, Scouts and Guides and political leaders must be taken onboard in the fight against drug addiction,” the L-G said.

He directed for assessment of activities conducted under the ‘Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan’ over the past one year.

The meeting also discussed the onboarding of all the districts on Nasha Mukt Jammu and Kashmir Portal, engagement of nodal officers, ongoing community outreach programmes, training and capacity building, strengthening and expansion of de-addiction infrastructure and human resource, operationalisation of Addiction Treatment Facilities, drug de-addiction registry portal, implementation of standard operating procedures and activities undertaken by the line departments.

On the sidelines of the meeting, the L-G directed the senior officials to prioritise Vibrant Villages Programme, with a dedicated focus on inclusive development of border villages.

The meeting was attended by Atal Dulloo, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Secretary; Nalin Prabhat, DGP; Shailendra Kumar, Additional Chief Secretary of Finance Department; Chandraker Bharti, Principal Secretary (Home); Mandeep K. Bhandari, Principal Secretary to Lieutenant Governor; M. Raju, Commissioner Secretary to J&K Health and Medical Education Department; Administrative Secretaries; Ramesh Kumar, Divisional Commissioner Jammu; Bhim Sen Tuti, IGP Jammu; Sujit Kumar, IGP Security J&K; and other senior officials.(Agency)

Tibet recognition blocked by China’s diplomatic and economic leverage: Report

Brussels, March 28, 2026
The non-recognition of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) stems not from a lack of claim by Tibet but from China’s coercive and economic capacity, which renders such a claim “diplomatically untenable”.

Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama’s enduring voice underscores that moral legitimacy can persist amid political silence. Tibet may never find recognition in the halls of the United Nations, yet it continues to resonate in the conscience of humanity, a report mentioned.

“In the annals of international diplomacy, recognition is the currency of sovereignty. Yet no state has ever formally recognised the Central Tibetan Administration as a legal government. The reason is not a lack of internal legitimacy. The CTA is a functioning exile administration with democratic elections and institutions.

The reason is the iron grip of realpolitik. To recognise the CTA would be to challenge the People’s Republic of China’s territorial claims, a step no government has been willing to take given Beijing’s economic leverage and geopolitical weight,” a European Times report detailed.

“This silence is not accidental. Under international practice, recognition of governments in exile has precedent, from the Polish government during World War II to Kuwait’s exile government in 1990. Such recognition has generally depended on the prospect of restoration.

In Tibet’s case, China’s consolidation of control and its permanent seat on the UN Security Council severely limit that possibility. States therefore avoid recognition not because the CTA lacks internal legitimacy but because the costs of defying Beijing are prohibitive,” it added.

According to the report, China’s consolidated control and its permanent seat on the UN Security Council (UNSC) severely constrain the possibility of recognition. The nations withheld recognition not because “the CTA lacks internal legitimacy but because the costs of defying Beijing are prohibitive”.

Yet, the Dalai Lama occupies a distinct space beyond this diplomatic impasse, welcomed globally not as a head of state but as a Nobel laureate, spiritual teacher, and voice of Tibetans in exile.

“This distinction allows governments to acknowledge Tibet’s cultural and moral cause without triggering China’s retaliatory machinery. Beijing can pressure states to avoid official dealings with the CTA, but it cannot erase the Dalai Lama’s stature as a religious leader whose teachings on compassion and nonviolence resonate across cultures,” the European Times report mentioned.

Highlighting the paradox, the report added, “The CTA embodies Tibet’s political aspirations but remains constrained by non-recognition. The Dalai Lama, by contrast, wields soft power that no decree from Beijing can extinguish. His moral authority ensures that Tibet remains present in global consciousness, even as its political institutions are denied formal standing.”(Agency)

Haryana CM flags off special train for pilgrims to Ayodhya

Ambala, March 28, 2026
Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Saturday flagged off a special train carrying pilgrims from here to Ayodhya.

He also announced that another special train will be flagged off in the last week of April for devotees to visit Sri Hazur Sahib Gurdwara in Nanded, Maharashtra.

Addressing the pilgrims, the Chief Minister said, “Today is a historic and emotional moment for Haryana.” He added that flagging off this special pilgrimage train from the sacred land associated with Lord Krishna to the birthplace of Lord Ram in Ayodhya Dham is a matter of great pride and honour.

Congratulating the pilgrims, he said the grand, newly built temple of Lord Ram in Ayodhya is a matter of pride for the entire nation. “It is the result of collective good deeds that people witnessed the consecration of Shri Ram Lalla and now have the opportunity to visit the temple.”

CM Saini said the journey to Ayodhya is not just a physical one but also a spiritual transformation. “When pilgrims stand on the banks of the Saryu River, visit Hanumangarhi, and step into the grand Ram Temple, they will feel the energy that once made India a Vishwa Guru.”

He said the state government has entered into an agreement with the Railways for pilgrimage travel. Under this arrangement, about 700 elderly people from seven districts are being sent on this first train. Adequate arrangements for food and security have been made to ensure a comfortable journey.

He also thanked Railway officials for making special arrangements so that devotees do not face any inconvenience.

The Chief Minister said the government is committed to ensuring that elderly citizens and economically weaker devotees are not deprived of pilgrimage due to financial constraints.

With this objective, the government has launched the ‘Mukhyamantri Tirth Yatra Yojana’, and today’s train is a symbol of that promise and trust.

He added that earlier too, devotees from Kaithal, Karnal, Ambala, and Jind had been facilitated to visit Ayodhya by buses.(Agency)

Bengal polls: ECI replaces five police observers ahead of Assembly elections

Kolkata, March 28, 2026
The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Saturday replaced as many as five police observers from other states who had been appointed for the forthcoming two-phase Assembly elections in West Bengal next month.

Of the five observers removed, one is Jayant Kant, a Bihar-cadre Indian Police Service (IPS) officer who had been assigned to four Assembly constituencies in the minority-dominated Malda district.

He was replaced following a written submission from the Trinamool Congress, which alleged that he is the husband of a Bihar-based Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader. “After reviewing the Trinamool Congress’s written submission in the matter, the Election Commission of India (ECI) decided to replace him,” said an insider from the office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), West Bengal.

Another Bihar-cadre IPS officer, Hriday Kant, has been appointed as the new observer for the four Assembly constituencies in Malda district.

The other police observers who have been replaced were in charge of constituencies in Murshidabad, West Burdwan, and West Midnapore districts.

Ahead of elections, the Commission appoints three types of observers based on the requirements of each Assembly constituency.

This time, one general observer has been appointed for each of the 294 Assembly constituencies in West Bengal. In addition to the 294 general observers, there are police observers and expenditure observers as well.

In West Bengal, 84 police observers have been appointed for the Assembly elections — the highest among the five poll-bound states and Union Territories. Voting will be held in two phases on April 23 and April 29 across 294 constituencies in the state.

In the first phase, polling will be held in 152 constituencies, while the remaining 142 constituencies will go to the polls in the second phase. The results will be declared on May 4.

A major political tussle has already broken out in West Bengal over the ECI’s decision to undertake large-scale transfers, replacements, and deputations of bureaucrats and police officers from the state to other regions ahead of the elections.

The ruling Trinamool Congress has accused the Commission of acting on behalf of the BJP. On the other hand, the BJP has maintained that such transfers, replacements, and deputations are necessary to ensure free, fair, and violence-free polling in the state.(Agency)

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