Oil prices fell sharply on Monday after US President Donald Trump ordered a halt to planned military attacks on Iranian power plants and energy infrastructure for five days, reducing fears of an escalation in the Middle East conflict.Brent crude fell more than 15% during the session to as low as $96 a barrel, falling below the $100 level for the first time since March 11. US benchmark West Texas Intermediate (WTI) also slipped 13.5% to a session low of $85.28.However, by 1130 GMT, Brent again reached $104 per barrel, while WTI was at $90.55.Brent crude prices had surged more than 60% since the start of the Middle East crisis, rising to nearly $112 a barrel on Monday before Trump’s announcement.The surge came as oil prices rose above $100 a barrel following attacks on Iranian ships that disrupted traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil transit route, amid the Middle East conflict.On India’s Multi Commodity Exchange, crude for April delivery initially rose Rs 362, or 4%, to an intraday high of Rs 9,620 a barrel. However, prices later reversed sharply and fell Rs 827 or 9% to Rs 8,431 per barrel, hitting the lower circuit limit, PTI reported.Earlier in a post on Truth Social, Trump said he had “directed the War Department to suspend all military strikes against Iranian power plants and energy infrastructure for a period of five days.”He said the pause depended on the “success” of ongoing “meetings and discussions”.“We have had very good and productive conversations over the last two days between Washington and Tehran regarding a complete resolution of our hostilities in the Middle East,” Trump said.Earlier, Trump had warned Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours or face military action targeting key energy facilities. Tehran responded by threatening to “irreversibly destroy” critical infrastructure across the region, including water systems, and targeting power plants that supply electricity to US bases.The temporary de-escalation eased concerns over supply disruptions, leading to a sharp decline in oil prices after last week’s surge.However, the broader outlook remains uncertain. The International Energy Agency (IEA) had earlier warned that the ongoing conflict had created a global energy crisis.Speaking at the National Press Club in Australia, IEA chief Fatih Birol said, “This crisis is now a combination of two oil crises and a gas disaster.” He cautioned that the global economy faces serious risks, saying, “The global economy faces a big, big threat today, and I sincerely hope that this issue will be resolved as soon as possible.” Emphasizing the need for coordinated global action, Birol further warned that “if any country continues to move in this direction, it will not be left untouched by the impact of this crisis.”

Rama Duwaji’s artwork, published in February by Slow Factory alongside Diana Islaih’s essay on the Gaza displacement camp, has triggered a political backlash in New York City and raised questions about Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s office.The illustration depicts a woman’s face, painted in black and white, with full eyebrows arched above a sharp nose, almond-shaped eyes and two outstretched hands. The essay was part of an anthology of essays edited by Palestinian-American writer Susan Abulhawa, CNN reported.Key City Hall staffers did not know whether Duwaji, the city’s new first lady, had been commissioned to create the artwork or about Abulhawa’s post, according to two people briefed on the matter, which was first reported by the conservative Washington Free Beacon earlier this month.Abulhawa has referred to Israeli forces as “Jewish supremacist monsters” and described Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attack as “a spectacular moment that shocked the world”, which he described as a “criminally merciless siege of Gaza by Israel”.While Duwaji has not commented publicly, Mamdani spoke out against Abulhawa’s language and said that Duwaji’s independent work was protected through a third party, that Duwaji was not in direct communication with the author and that he was not aware of Abulhawa’s posts.Mamdani said on March 13, in reference to Abulhawa, “I think that rhetoric is obviously unacceptable. I think it’s reprehensible.”The people briefed on the episode, who declined to be named so as not to upset the mayor, argued that the reaction raised questions about whether his work should be scrutinized more closely.Scott Richman, New York regional director of the Anti-Defamation League, said, “The mayor condemned the author’s language, which is to his credit.” “However, we have not heard from them. Do they have any problems with the author and his statements? We just don’t know.”Abulhawa denied that he was anti-Semitic and said he was disappointed by what Mamdani said.“You have capitulated to the forces that want to manipulate you, your talented, beautiful wife, and your work, and apply even more pressure with each apology or concession you make,” he said. “If you’re not careful, they’ll take away your soul before you even realize it.”The subsequent revelations came from pro-Palestinian and anti-Israel posts shared and liked by Duwaji. They went unnoticed during Mamdani’s mayoral campaign, but now there is new scrutiny for both of them, especially as Mamdani faces suspicion from many in the city’s Jewish community, the largest of any city outside Israel.Mamdani said at a press conference earlier this month that Duwaji, a Texas-born professional artist of Syrian descent, is a “private person who has held no formal position in my campaign or my City Hall.”His colleagues and allies argue that a double standard has been applied to the city’s first Muslim mayor and one of the most prominent Muslims in politics, arguing that much of the criticism against him is manufactured and motivated by Islamophobia. But both the mayor and first lady have long focused their public lives on pro-Palestine advocacy.

A Tamil Nadu court on Monday found all nine accused policemen guilty in the custodial torture and death of a father and son in Sathankulam in 2020.The First Additional District and Sessions Court in Madurai delivered its verdict in the case related to the death of P Jayaraj and his son J Bennix, who died following alleged custodial torture in Sathankulam in Thoothukudi district in June 2020.Ten policemen were arrested in connection with the case, who were later suspended. The accused also include Inspector Sridhar; Sub-Inspectors Balakrishnan and Raghu Ganesh; Head Constables Murugan and A Samadurai; and constables M. Muthuraja, S. Chelladurai, X. Thomas Francis and S. Velmuthu, along with special sub-inspector Paldurai. After his arrest, he was kept in Madurai Central Jail.Paldurai later died of COVID-19.The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which took over the investigation, filed its charge sheet against the remaining nine policemen on September 25, 2020. After further investigation a supplementary chargesheet was submitted on August 12, 2022.The CBI said Bennix had gone to the Sathankulam police station after his father Jayaraj was detained and sought an explanation for the detention. According to the agency, a scuffle broke out between Bennix and the policemen, after which Inspector Sridhar reportedly intervened and directed the officers to teach him a lesson on “how to behave with the police”.The CBI alleged that both Jayaraj and Bennix were subjected to repeated torture in custody, during which their clothes were removed, adding to the cruelty.The investigation also found that the next morning, Sridhar allegedly directed a sweeper to clean the floors of the main hall and other areas of the police station in an attempt to destroy evidence. The agency said the victims’ blood-stained clothes were changed twice before being taken to the hospital and then changed again at the hospital before being produced for remand. The discarded clothes were reportedly thrown into the hospital dustbin to destroy evidence.The investigation further revealed that Jayaraj and Bennix had not violated the COVID-19 lockdown norms and there was no altercation between them and the police at Kamarajar Salai in Sathankulam on the evening of June 19. According to CBI, a false case was registered against two people.A total of 105 witnesses were examined in the case, including Jayaraj’s wife Selvarani and R Revathi, who was then serving as a woman head constable at the Sathankulam police station, as quoted by PTI.The court also examined 116 documents as evidence, including judicial inquiry reports related to the deaths of Jayaraj and Bennix.

उत्तर प्रदेश के अमेठी जिले में वोटर लिस्ट से नाम हटाने का मामला तूल पकड़ता जा रहा है. भेंटुआ विकास खंड के मई गांव के सैकड़ों ग्रामीण सोमवार को अमेठी तहसील पहुंचे और जोरदार प्रदर्शन किया। ग्रामीणों का आरोप है कि बिना किसी सूचना के उनका नाम मतदाता सूची से हटा दिया गया, जिससे वे मतदान के अधिकार से वंचित हो गये हैं. नाराज लोगों ने संपूर्ण समाधान दिवस में उपजिलाधिकारी को शिकायती पत्र देकर जांच व कार्रवाई की मांग की है।

ग्रामीणों का आरोप, बिना सूचना के हटा दिये गये नाम
ग्रामीणों का कहना है कि 200 से अधिक लोगों के नाम वोटर लिस्ट से हटा दिये गये हैं. अचानक हुई इस कार्रवाई से गांव में आक्रोश का माहौल है. लोगों का आरोप है कि उन्हें न तो पहले से कोई सूचना दी गयी और न ही कारण बताया गया. इससे वे ठगा हुआ महसूस कर रहे हैं.

बीएलओ पर लगे गंभीर आरोप
इस मामले में गांव के लोगों ने संबंधित बीएलओ ठाकुर प्रसाद पाल पर गंभीर आरोप लगाये हैं. 19 साल की प्रिया तिवारी ने कहा, “हमारा वोट देने का अधिकार हमसे छीना जा रहा है। बीएलओ ने गांव के दो सौ से ज्यादा लोगों के नाम काट दिए हैं।” पूनम तिवारी ने बताया कि बीएलओ उनके घर आया था और आधार कार्ड समेत जरूरी दस्तावेज ले गया था, फिर भी उनका नाम सूची से हटा दिया गया.

प्रधान प्रत्याशी ने भी उठाए सवाल
मई ग्राम प्रधान प्रत्याशी हिमांशु गुप्ता ने भी इस मामले पर नाराजगी जताई। उन्होंने आरोप लगाया कि बीएलओ पहले से ही नाम काटने की बात कर रहे थे और अब सैकड़ों लोगों के नाम सूची से हटा दिये गये हैं. इससे गांव के लोगों में काफी नाराजगी है.

प्रशासन ने दिए जांच के आदेश
इस पूरे मामले पर उप जिलाधिकारी आशीष कुमार सिंह ने कहा कि उन्हें शिकायत मिली है. उन्होंने बताया कि मामले की जांच खंड विकास अधिकारी आकांक्षा सिंह को सौंपी गई है। जांच रिपोर्ट आने के बाद आगे की कार्रवाई की जाएगी। फिलहाल ग्रामीणों को न्याय मिलने की उम्मीद जगी है.

Dating coach Blaine Anderson reveals two common lessons that can derail a budding romance. Avoid asking “Did you get my message?” Because it indicates desperation. “When can I meet you?” Instead, propose a specific plan such as “Are you free on Thursday? Let’s go out to dinner.” These simple changes show confidence and respect, which promotes healthy relationships.

You met this beautiful woman. The date went well. Your heart thinks she could be ‘the one’. He has officially taken over your thoughts. You’re daydreaming about him. And before you realize, you pick up your phone and text… the exact text that makes her want to run away from you!Blaine Anderson, a matchmaker and dating coach who has helped hundreds of people find their ideal partner, shares two specific messages you should never send to the woman you’re dating. No, these are not necessarily toxic or distorted, but rather wrong steps.Interestingly, men often send these messages to their girlfriends, without realizing that they are ruining a potential relationship! So what are these texts? Men, take notes!

Lesson 1: Did you get my message?

You went on a date. You feel there is a spark. It has the potential to become something more meaningful. You feel like he enjoyed the date as much as you did. You even sent him a message, and there was no response. You wonder if he has seen the message. So, you type next – did you get my text?Yes, it sounds innocent. Maybe even logical – you just want to confirm if he’s seen it. But according to Anderson, this isn’t something you should send. Just don’t send it! Why? “It immediately puts you in pursuit mode,” he explained in a video shared to Instagram.This may seem like a simple follow-up to you, but it still says something. It removes your restlessness and anxiety. This tells him that you are impatient, and the silence is killing you. In short, you are frustrated. That’s how she reads it.Now, do we want this? No,not at all. Because you are not following anyone. Let him answer. If she’s interested, she’ll respond, and that too on her own time. If not, your follow-up message won’t change anything! Patience is important here.

Lesson 2: When can I see you?

Now this may sound strange, but it comes from a good place. You both want to meet after your first date. The problem is real, but it’s not how you ask! The problem is of phrasing.When you ask him this question, you are delegating the decision making process to him. Like you’re just waiting for it to fit into his schedule. Healthy and equal relationships don’t work that way. The dating coach said, “When can I meet you? This text feels unnecessary. Instead, be clear and decisive.”A simple explanation might do the trick. Instead of being vague, propose something concrete. Ask, “Are you free on Thursday? Let’s have dinner.” That’s it. This way, you are sharing the burden of decision making. You are presenting a plan. You have made things easy for him. There is a difference between a person who makes an effort with direction and someone who hovers around waiting for an invitation!Anderson, who has helped hundreds of men find their ideal partner, knows a thing or two about modern dating. His suggestions seem practical and concrete. But by avoiding these two text messages, you’re not being indifferent or playing games; You’re just embracing the flow of things. You are acknowledging how much time your potential partner wants to take, and also offering help to make things go smoothly. You are being responsible, without being needy! And everyone likes a person with a plan.

DC Akshar Patel (PTI Photo/Arun Sharma)

Ahead of the Indian Premier League 2026 season, Akshar Patel has expressed his dissatisfaction with the Impact Player rule, admitting that he is personally not a fan of this regulation. The Delhi Capitals captain believes that this rule reduces the importance of all-rounders in the tournament starting on March 28.Introduced in 2023, the Impact Player rule allows teams to bring in a specialist batsman or bowler as a substitute during a match. However, Akshar feels that this has brought about a lot of changes in the team composition. “To be honest, I don’t like this rule because I am an all-rounder. Earlier, you used to choose an all-rounder for batting and bowling.

“But because of this rule, the team management picks a particular batsman or bowler, thinking ‘why do we need an all-rounder?’ Since I am an all-rounder, I don’t like this rule. Besides, rules are rules and we have to follow them. However, from a personal point of view, I don’t like this rule,” he said during a pre-season press conference.Delhi Capitals will begin their IPL 2026 campaign against Lucknow Super Giants at the Ekana Cricket Stadium on April 1. This is not the first time Akshar has raised concerns about the rule. In 2024, when he served as vice-captain, he had mentioned that the impact player rule had affected his batting position.Despite maintaining a career IPL economy rate of 7.3, Axar endured a difficult bowling season in 2025, which was his least effective since joining Delhi in 2019. He gave runs at the rate of 8.5 per over and could take only five wickets in 11 innings. However, he clarified that his struggle was due to a finger injury suffered during India’s successful 2025 champions trophy Campaign, not Impact Player rules.“It was just before the 2025 Champions Trophy IPL. During the whistle, I got a cut on my spinning finger: as I was bowling, it was getting cut further because of the seam of the ball. It turned into a deep wound. Because of this I could not create pressure and rotation on the ball.“I was bowling less because of this and was thinking about bowling only where needed and saving my finger. After seven matches, when my finger healed, I started bowling again. It was not because of the Impact Player rule,” he said.While his bowling numbers declined, Axar compensated for it with the bat, enjoying one of his most productive IPL seasons in 2025. He scored 263 runs at a strike rate of 158 in 11 innings, including four scores above 30, and maintained a strike rate of 159 in the middle overs to provide the momentum for Delhi.