New Delhi: The Ministry of External Affairs on Thursday said that New Delhi is trying to buy LPG from everywhere to widen its options for energy supply amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.At the weekly press briefing, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the government is also keen to buy LGP from Russia to meet consumer needs.“We are trying to buy LPG from everywhere, wherever it is available. So if Russia is available, we will go there also. Because the current situation is such that we have to ensure that the fuel needs of our people are met,” Jaiswal said.“I would say we want broader options,” he said.The ministry also reiterated that India has received energy requests from Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Maldives and other neighboring countries.He noted that India has been supplying diesel to Bangladesh through various modes of transportation since 2007 and continues to assist the South Asian nation along with other neighboring countries.He said, “Regarding energy, we have received requests from many of our neighboring countries, and I had talked about this earlier also. We have received requests from Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Maldives and some other neighboring countries. As I indicated earlier, India has been supplying diesel to Bangladesh through various modes of transportation since 2007.”Jaiswal said, “We are continuing to assist Bangladesh and our other neighbours. This is being done keeping in mind our own requirements, refining capacity and availability of diesel.”Meanwhile, the government also urged consumers to use LPG judiciously and explore alternative cooking options where possible.The move comes amid rising tensions in the Middle East involving Iran, the United States and Israel, which have disrupted the global energy supply chain. The movement of ships through the Strait of Hormuz, a key route that carries about a fifth of global oil and a significant portion of LPG shipments, has been affected.To curb shortages and prevent malpractices, state governments have intensified enforcement measures, including raids, to prevent hoarding and black marketing of LPG cylinders. Also, alternative fuels like kerosene and coal are being used in sectors like hospitality and restaurants to ease the pressure on LPG supply.

Mumbai, March 19 (IANS) Bollywood actress Parineeti Chopra on Thursday took to social media to wish her brother Sahaj Chopra, whom she considers her first child, a happy birthday.

bollywood actress Parineeti ChopraOn Thursday, she took to social media to wish her brother Sahaj Chopra, whom she considers her first child, a happy birthday. Sharing a series of pictures from their family moments and travels together, Parineeti penned an adorable caption for her son’s ‘mom’.Parineeti posted a carousel of pictures on her social media account, including glimpses from their time together.One of the pictures shows Parineeti posing with Sahaj and her husband Raghav Chadha on the banks of the River Thames in London, with the iconic London Eye visible in the background.In another picture, the brother and sister are seen enjoying a family meal at a restaurant.In another picture, Parineeti is seen traveling in a train compartment with Sahaj.The post also includes a click from a family function where Parineeti is seen smiling with her brothers, followed by a group photo featuring other family members.While sharing the pictures, Parineeti wrote in the caption, “How do you say something about everything you have? Happy bday my everything! God blessed me with you. My first child, my brother, my guru, my friend, the support of my life. I am because you are. Let’s meet now you idiot boiiiiiiiii. @thisissahajchopra”Parineeti has always said that her brother is extremely important to her and she has always trusted him with all the important decisions of her life.Talking about the actress, Parineeti married an Aam Aadmi Party leader. Raghav Chadha In September 2023 in Udaipur in the presence of close family members and friends.On the work front, Parineeti was last seen in the biographical drama “Amar Singh Chamkila” directed by Imtiaz Ali, where she starred opposite Diljit Dosanjh.The film is based on the life of late popular Punjabi singer Amar Singh Chamkila. In this, Parineeti played the character of Amarjot Kaur.The actress is on leave to embrace motherhood. They welcomed a son, Nir, in October last year.

एसएसपी प्रमेंद्र डोबाल ने प्रेस कॉन्फ्रेंस कर मामले की जानकारी दी. उन्होंने बताया कि घटना को अंजाम देने वाली महिला के पति को गिरफ्तार कर लिया गया है. उन्होंने बताया कि

चार साल पहले जब मृतक महिला ने किसी और से शादी कर ली तो उसने भी दूसरी शादी कर ली.

एक साल पहले वह अपने दूसरे पति को छोड़कर उसके संपर्क में आ गई। एक माह पहले वह अपनी 11 माह की बेटी के साथ उसके पास रहने आई थी। वह आरोपी पर दूसरी पत्नी को छोड़कर उसके साथ रहने का दबाव बना रही थी। इसलिए उसने घटना को अंजाम दिया.

Dubai Eid 2026 mega gift, workers will get free cars, gold bars and flight tickets / Image: File

Eid Al Fitr in Dubai is no longer just about prayers and celebrations, it has become a moment of real opportunity for thousands of workers. This year, cars, gold bars, smartphones and flight tickets are being offered at large-scale events organized by the Directorate General of Residency and Foreign Affairs, turning ordinary celebrations into potentially life-changing experiences.For many workers, merely attending Eid celebrations could mean walking away with a reward that will transform their financial future.

Inside Dubai’s GDRFA Eid celebrations

The Eid celebration is part of a broader initiative led by GDRFA Dubai under the directives of Dubai leadership to recognize the contributions of the workforce. Events are being held in major activist centers such as Jebel Ali, Al Quoz and Muhaisnah, where thousands of people gather for multi-day celebrations.What makes these ceremonies different is the scale of the awards. Workers participating in events stand a chance to win:

In previous and similar large-scale events, hundreds of winners have walked away with prizes including several cars and dozens of gold bars, highlighting the importance of these gifts.

How do festivals work?

These are not just award distributions, these are full-scale cultural celebrations designed around the Eid holidays.During the day, workers attend sporting events, visit market-style establishments with food and shopping stalls, and enjoy live performances, including music and dance shows. As the evening progresses, attention turns to the most anticipated part of the event: the raffle draw.The selection of names is done live in front of a large crowd, creating moments of excitement and surprise. At some locations, thousands of attendees gather, and an announcement can instantly make a participant the winner of a car or gold.Celebrations during Eid usually last for several days, ensuring that workers from different sectors and shifts get a chance to participate.

Who is eligible for Eid Award?

This initiative is specifically designed for Dubai’s workforce, especially blue-collar and working class workers living in designated housing areas.To participate, workers are typically required to attend official event locations where entry is organized and monitored. Participation is simple and inclusive: workers register at the venue or through organisers, often using their Emirates ID for verification.Once registered, they automatically become eligible for the raffle draw held during the event. No separate purchases or fees are required, making this opportunity accessible to all attendees.According to official program details, Eid celebrations are scheduled over several days during the Eid al Fitr 2026 holiday period. Events are being organized in key worker centers across Dubai, including:

These locations have been strategically chosen to ensure maximum participation from the labor community, with thousands of people expected to attend each day.Winners are announced on the site, and official organizers distribute prizes, ensuring transparency and fairness.

Why is Dubai doing this?

According to senior officials including Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, these events are rooted in a deeper purpose, recognition and appreciation of the workers who contribute to the development of Dubai.Officials stress that evaluating workers is not merely symbolic; It has a direct impact on productivity, prosperity and overall development of the society. The initiative is in line with the UAE’s long-term focus on worker welfare, human dignity and inclusive growth.These celebrations also reinforce Dubai’s global image as a city that not only attracts talent but also rewards and respects its workforce.

a big picture

The GDRFA-led events are part of a larger Eid celebration across Dubai, where celebrations now combine community initiatives, retail offers and public events.From shopping extravaganzas and food deals to worker-focused awards, Eid has evolved into a multilayered experience. But amid all the celebrations, these worker programs stand out for one reason — they turn gratitude into tangible, life-changing rewards.

Here The major news stories of the day are:

Iran attacks Saudi Aramco and Kuwait refinery after Israel’s attack on South Pars

Iran escalated tensions across the Gulf by launching coordinated attacks on key energy infrastructure in Saudi Arabia, including the SAMREF refinery, a joint venture between Saudi Aramco and ExxonMobil.The strikes came in retaliation for Israel’s earlier attack on Iran’s vital South Pars gas field, a move that Tehran strongly condemned.Iranian President Massoud Pezeshkian warned of “uncontrollable consequences” and warned that the conflict could escalate globally. Iran also targeted LNG facilities in Qatar and set fire to two Kuwaiti refineries, raising fears of a wider regional crisis. Read the full story

Only 350 meters away: Projectile strikes near Bushehr nuclear reactor, IAEA says

The International Atomic Energy Agency reported a serious safety threat near Iran’s Bushehr nuclear power plant after a projectile landed just 350 meters from the reactor. While the main facility remained safe and no injuries were reported, the proximity of the attack raised concerns over nuclear security risks.IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi stressed that any attacks near nuclear installations violate key security norms during a conflict. Iran and Russia claimed projectiles hit within the wider complex, raising concerns about a possible radiological incident as tensions continue to rise between Tehran, Israel and the United States. Read the full story

Fall in stock market: Sensex fell by almost 2,500 points – main reasons for the fall

Indian stock markets witnessed sharp selling, with the BSE Sensex falling over 2,500 points, while the Nifty 50 slipped below 23,200 points intraday after posting gains for three consecutive sessions. Investors’ wealth worth over Rs 11 lakh crore was wiped out due to the slowdown caused by the rise in global crude oil prices and the cautious policy stance of the US Federal Reserve. Nifty50 ended the session down 776 points or 3.26% at 23,002.15. BSE Sensex closed at 74,207.24, down 2,497 points or 3.26%. Nifty Realty was the worst performer, falling over 3%, followed by Nifty Auto and Nifty Private Bank, which both slipped close to 3%. Read the full story

Assam Assembly Elections 2026: BJP releases list of 88 candidates

The Bharatiya Janata Party has released its first list of 88 candidates for the upcoming Assam Assembly elections, with Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma set to contest from Jalukbari again.Under the alliance formula, the BJP will contest 89 seats in the 126-member assembly along with its allies AGP and BPF. The list reflects a mix of continuity and change, with several high-profile people defecting from the Congress, while 11 sitting MLAs have been dropped. Notably, only five female candidates have been fielded, highlighting ongoing concerns about gender representation. Read the full story

IPL name controversy: Kerala High Court dismisses PIL against BCCI

The Kerala High Court has dismissed a PIL challenging the use of the name “Indian Premier League” by the Board of Control for Cricket in India. The petitioner argued that the league was not an official national tournament and should not be named so.A bench led by Chief Justice Soumen Sen found no merit in the petition, noting that the league has been in existence for years and the objection came very late. With the legal hurdle cleared, the 19th season of the IPL is set to begin on March 28 with defending champions Royal Challengers Bangalore facing Sunrisers Hyderabad in the opening match. Read the full story

Gas prices rose sharply in Britain and Europe after missile attacks on Qatar’s key energy infrastructure, raising new concerns over disruption to global supplies amid rising tensions between Iran and Israel.Wholesale gas prices rose nearly 25 per cent in early trading, taking UK prices to around 170-175p per therm. Although prices have since declined slightly, they remain more than double the levels seen before the conflict began.The increase comes after attacks on the Ras Laffan industrial city, the world’s largest liquefied natural gas (LNG) facility, raising fears of prolonged disruption to global energy supplies.

What is the reason for the rise in gas prices?

The latest surge was triggered by a series of counter-attacks. Israel targeted Iran’s South Pars gas field, home to one of the world’s largest natural gas reserves, in response to which Iran launched missile attacks on Qatar’s LNG facilities.The attacks caused “extensive damage” to infrastructure in Ras Laffan, including the Pearl Gas-to-Liquids Plant. A fire was reported but later brought under control, although production had already been halted due to prior attacks.Markets reacted sharply as Qatar plays a key role in global energy supply. The country accounts for about a fifth of the world’s LNG exports, making any disruption highly significant, especially for Europe, which has increased its reliance on Qatari gas after reducing imports from Russia.Analysts have warned that even a few months of disruption could wipe out a significant portion of global LNG supply, tightening the market and sending prices higher.

Trump issues warning to Iran

Amid the escalating crisis, US President Donald Trump issued a stern warning, threatening dire consequences if Iran continued targeting regional energy infrastructure.He reportedly warned that further attacks could escalate tensions on a larger scale, including possible attacks on Iran’s key gas assets.Meanwhile, the US has taken steps to stabilize energy flows, including temporarily easing shipping restrictions to allow more flexible transportation of oil and gas.

Global markets rallied as conflict deepens in Middle East

An energy shock has spread through the financial markets. Stock indices in Asia and Europe fell sharply, reflecting investor concerns over the prolonged conflict and its economic fallout.Oil prices also rose significantly, with Brent crude rising above US$110 a barrel at one point – the fastest since the conflict began.The situation is further complicated by disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for global oil shipments.

उत्तर प्रदेश के अमेठी जिले में जमीन विवाद का एक और मामला सामने आया है, जिससे स्थानीय लोग परेशान हो गए हैं. पीपरपुर थाना क्षेत्र के खागापुर गांव में एक पक्ष पर दूसरे पक्ष का कमरा तोड़ने का आरोप लगा है। पीड़ित दूधनाथ दुबे ने पुलिस से शिकायत कर न्याय की मांग की है. घटना के बाद गांव में तनाव का माहौल है.

रात्रि विश्राम कक्ष
पीड़ित के मुताबिक रात में गाटा संख्या 55 की जमीन पर बने उसके दो कमरों को गांव के कुछ लोगों ने तोड़ दिया। सुबह जब उन्हें इस घटना की जानकारी हुई तो उन्होंने तुरंत पुलिस को सूचना दी. पीड़ित का कहना है कि इस घटना को सुनियोजित तरीके से अंजाम दिया गया है, ताकि उन्हें नुकसान पहुंचाया जा सके.

जमीन पर मामला कोर्ट में चल रहा है
दूधनाथ दुबे ने बताया कि जिस जमीन को लेकर विवाद हुआ है, उसका मामला पहले से ही कोर्ट में लंबित है. इतना ही नहीं उस जमीन पर स्टे भी लगा हुआ है. इसके बावजूद विपक्षी दल द्वारा कमरा तोड़ना कानून का उल्लंघन है. पीड़ित का आरोप है कि विपक्षी लगातार उसे परेशान कर रहे हैं और विवाद को बढ़ाने की कोशिश कर रहे हैं।

पुलिस ने जांच शुरू की
घटना की जानकारी मिलते ही पुलिस ने मामले को गंभीरता से लिया और शिकायत के आधार पर जांच शुरू कर दी. पुलिस अधिकारियों का कहना है कि मामले की गहनता से जांच की जाएगी और जो भी दोषी पाया जाएगा उसके खिलाफ सख्त कार्रवाई की जाएगी.

गांव में तनाव का माहौल बन गया
इस घटना के बाद खागापुर गांव में तनाव की स्थिति है. इस मामले को लेकर स्थानीय लोग भी चिंतित हैं और प्रशासन से जल्द कार्रवाई की उम्मीद कर रहे हैं, ताकि भविष्य में ऐसी घटनाएं न हों.

(रिपोर्ट:बृजेश मिश्र,अमेठी)

Punjab Kings all-rounder Shashank Singh, while speaking to PTI during the PBKS event, stressed that the team will work on its shortcomings shown in the 2025 final and go all out in the upcoming season. PBKS, despite performing brilliantly throughout the season, lost the IPL 2025 final to RCB and missed the chance to win the maiden title.

A US court has sentenced Indian-origin Sital Singh to four years in prison for his role in a multimillion-dollar fraud scheme that targeted elderly victims across the country. On Thursday, Singh, 43, was also ordered to pay $6.6 million in compensation. Prosecutors said the scheme, operated in coordination with foreign scammers, defrauded victims of approximately $9.3 million. US Attorney’s Office.Singh, Dariona Lambert, 24, Jhamonic Stevens, 24, Chintankumar Parekh, 52, and Mehulkumar Darzi, 42, all pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud.He worked as a “handler”, coordinating the collection of gold bars and coins that the victims were duped into purchasing. Scam callers posing as officials falsely claim that victims’ financial accounts have been compromised and pressure them to convert savings into gold for “protection.”Two co-accused, identified as couriers, physically collected the gold from the victims, while Singh and other operators managed the logistics and payments. The network operated in at least ten states, targeting vulnerable, elderly individuals, officials said.In one example, an 82-year-old woman in St. Louis was persuaded to purchase $250,000 worth of gold before law enforcement intervened during a pickup attempt.Federal investigators said the scandal would have devastating consequences. “These crimes robbed elderly victims of their life savings,” FBI officials said, citing those cases.All five accused have now been sentenced, with Singh and two others receiving four years in prison. Authorities said some co-conspirators face deportation after completing their sentences.