July 5, 2026

March 2026

Karan Johar hugs Yami Gautam at an event amidst ‘Dhurandhar 2’ success, calls her one of his favourite actors, netizens react

Karan Johar hugs Yami Gautam at an event amidst ‘Dhurandhar 2’ success, calls her one of his favourite actors, netizens react

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

A video of Karan Johar hugging Yami Gautam at an event has gone viral on the internet. This event took place a few days ago and it was to announce the slate of Amazon Prime Video’s projects this year. The two were seen embracing before unveiling the poster of Yami’s upcoming horror-comedy Nayyi Navelli, which…

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‘God’s plan’: Kolkata Knight Riders name Rinku Singh as vice-captain ahead of IPL 2026

‘God’s plan’: Kolkata Knight Riders name Rinku Singh as vice-captain ahead of IPL 2026

Vamsikrishna01 mins mins

NEW DELHI: Three-time champion Kolkata Knight Riders on Tuesday announced Rinku Singh as vice captain of the franchise ahead of IPL 2026.“God’s plan has a new chapter,” KKR posted on X.Ajinkya Rahane will lead the franchise in the upcoming season.Earlier, KKR also roped in left-arm pacer Saurabh Dubey as a replacement for an injured Akash…

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There’s a Cold War joke when two rival agents – a KGB one and a CIA one – find themselves in the same bar. The American tells his Russian counterpart: “I have to hand it to you – your propaganda is very impressive.” The Soviet smiles and replies: “It’s nothing compared to American propaganda.” Flummoxed, the American replies: “But we don’t have propaganda.” The Soviet winks and says: “Exactly.”There’s a line: “The greatest trick the Devil ever pulled was convincing the world he doesn’t exist.”The same goes for American propaganda, which is why most people know the aforementioned line from The Usual Suspects and not French poet Charles Baudelaire’s The Generous Gambler. Israel Iran WarUS-Israel-Iran War News Live Updates: Amazon Web Services ‘disrupted’ following drone attack in Bahrain; Saudi, UAE mull joining Iran warGulf Allies Edge Toward Conflict: Saudi grants US base access; UAE shuts Iranian assetsPossible US-Iran Talks In Islamabad: White House calls situation ‘sensitive’ and ‘fluid’; oil prices tumbleLike the devil, the greatest trick American propaganda managed was to convince even the doyens who consume it or produce it that it doesn’t exist. It wraps up this illusion in the fig leaves of morality, economics, neo-liberalism, and the devil’s favourite sleight of hand: free will.The Nazis had Riefenstahl. Americans have Michael Bay movies.Communists have agitprop; Americans have “free press.”The interesting thing about the term agitprop is that it is the amalgamation of agitation and propaganda and is named after an actual Soviet department from the 1920s.One recently came across the term “agitprop” used to describe the sequel to Dhurandhar, Aditya Dhar’s magnum opus. It was one of the many words used to describe the Dhurandhar duology, along with ‘majoritarian’, ‘Islamophobic’, all the synonyms for intolerant, and some more polysyllabic jawbreakers that would make even India’s most loquacious politician call it an “exasperating farrago of distortions, misrepresentations and outright nonsense masquerading as movie reviews.”The most common epithet shoved on Dhar’s shelf is ‘propaganda’, a term which can be construed and tortured to describe almost every single movie, if one tortures logic enough.Read: How Hollywood mastered the art of propaganda Rang De Basanti can be viewed as anarcho-pacifist propaganda wrapped in the fig leaf of patriotism.Chak De India can be construed as ‘transphobic’ anti-cooperative federalism where the antagonist’s religion is flipped to create a victim complex. Three Idiots is clearly anti-engineering school propaganda.And Bhaag Milkha Bhaag is fat-shaming people for not being able to run.Jokes apart, whether you consider the Dhurandhar duology propaganda or not depends completely upon your availability heuristic, worldview, and what you think constitutes propaganda, and is frankly beyond the scope of this piece.What the duology does brilliantly is show that Bollywood – which we discovered post the internet boom is mostly borrowed, inspired, or plagiarised from cinema across the world – appears capable of civilisational myth-making.Every nation needs a foundational myth to agree on, a story that brings its denizens together. Post its independence from the British, the US had ‘Manifest Destiny’, the expansionist belief that it was their task to spread the American way of life across the North American continent. The belief was backed by great American novels like The Last of the Mohicans and gun-slinging cowboy movies about the American frontier, which cleverly hid the genocide of indigenous people.For India – post and pre-independence – from Buddha to Gandhi, the foundational myth has been one of ahimsa, or non-violence, which was treated as the basic operating system of our nation, even the accepted truth. Of course that particular myth ignores both the two of the foundational text of Indic civilisation: the Mahabharata and the Ramayana.One of those pernicious lies that is downstream from that myth is that India has ‘never’ invaded any nation, something that actor Priyanka Chopra repeated on the Joe Rogan podcast while showing wilful ignorance about the seafaring incursions of the Cholas and other dynasties. One doesn’t blame her; Hollywood and Bollywood actors aren’t supposed to be experts in history, but the view just shows a popular consensus that has existed among people.When India finally won independence from the war-ravaged and tottering British Empire, the myth clung to our national DNA and even shaped our initial foreign policy.As geopolitical expert Brahma Chellaney argued in a TOI piece from 2019: “Had post-1947 India been proactive and forward-looking in securing its frontiers, it could have averted both the Kashmir and Himalayan border problems. China was in deep turmoil until October 1949, and India had ample time and space to assert control over the Himalayan borders. But India’s pernicious founding myth gave rise to a pacifist country that believed it could get peace merely by seeking peace, instead of building the capability to defend peace.”Of course, hindsight is 20/20, and it is very easy to look back at the man in the arena and make judgement calls from the comfort of our keyboards. But we have learnt the hard way that peace comes from having a bigger stick than the other side, or at least a nuclear weapon, which Indian governments of all ideological hues have worked together to pursue.The ahimsa foundational myth persisted in mainstream cinema and was in vogue till the last decade. Some commonly held beliefs were simply that Indians and Pakistanis are the same, who want to bond over biryani and Fawad Khan’s chiselled jaw. In the early part of the noughties, the notion was so firm that Farah Khan’s debut movie showcased an antagonist who considered Pakistan the enemy and a protagonist who, much like Neville Chamberlain, just wanted peace.It was a notion that the Indian public also believed in to a certain extent, till the Overton window shifted after terror attack upon terror attack. But Bollywood’s worldview did not change, and it continued to serve up movies from assorted spy universes where Indian and Pakistani agents often broke into dance before thwarting faceless and non-religious threats against both nations.Movies that departed from this worldview, on the other hand, were so poorly executed that they appeared to be exploitation cinema trying to make a quick buck from current political sentiment.That is why the Dhurandhar duology stands on its own, because it is a rare instance of competent myth-making that is completely attuned to the availability heuristic of its audience.Dhar’s duology rejects Bollywood’s mass, formulaic approaches to war movies or spy thrillers, eschewing escapist item-number fantasies or surreal jamborees, with a level of peak detailing that would gladden Frederick Forsyth’s heart. The movie uses enough real-life examples to serve a delicious Quentin Tarantino-style revenge fantasy, the kind we have seen in Inglourious Basterds, Django Unchained, or Kill Bill.The music is sublime, mixing hits old and new, from far-off genres. Golden-era Bollywood classics jostle with qawwalis, as Punjabi pop, Arabic rap, Indian hip-hop, and Western rock come together, coupled with a background score that could have been developed by Hans Zimmer.There are so many scenes – subtle and not-so-subtle – that go out of their way to push the phantasmagoria of revenge, the kind that Hollywood has used to sublime effect over the years. All in all, it is competent myth-making. And your availability heuristic will decide whether it is myth-making for a particular spymaster, regime, religion, nation, or civilisation.This is not the first Indian movie to do that. The Baahubali duology and RRR are both sublime artefacts of civilisational pride wrapped in grand filmmaking, but the difference is that they are either set in fantastical lands or in history. Dhurandhar, on the other hand, is set in contemporary times – in the not-so-distant future – one that is the lived reality for many people watching the movie.Dhurandhar is balm for the civilisational wound, or, as Arjun Rampal, a Mumbai denizen who saw the atrocities during 26/11, put it: “This is my revenge.”Which brings us to the final question: why is there so much hysterical anger against the movie? Recently, when an Indian national pleaded guilty in an American court to a plot to assassinate an American citizen and bona fide Khalistani, social media was full of people mocking Aditya Dhar. The simple answer is that Dhurandhar Derangement Syndrome is the sigh of the former oppressor, facing civilisational erasure. The democratisation of art is a tad too much for a class that could long control the channels of communication, one that could decide what is a genteel worldview and what is not. Dhurandhar is a clean break from that past. Bollywood has some way to go before it can compete with Hollywood when it comes to myth-making, à la Top Gun or American Sniper, but this is definitely a start.In Dhurandhar’s title track, there is a line: “You are not ready for this.” In the sequel, there is a follow-up: “You are still not ready for this.” The old population might not be, but it is clear that the audience, and many denizens of new India, are definitely ready for it. About the AuthorNirmalya DuttaNirmalya Dutta is an editorial consultant with The Times of India. He covers world news, pop culture, and philosophical memes. He writes the column Random Musings and The Weekly Vine, a newsletter that blends news, culture, and humour with a touch of chaos. He is also the co-creator of Meow Times, a satirical cartoon strip about the absurdities of corporate life. His political, moral, and economic views drift somewhere between woke-Leninist, Rand-Marxist, and Keynesian-Friedmanite, though he isn’t entirely sure what any of those terms mean.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosIndia’s Rafale Marine Deal May Move Faster Than Planned With Trainer Arrival: Reports’India Indispensable To Asia’: Donald Trump’s War Envoy Colby Signals US Shift Amid West Asia CrisisGovt Calls All-Party Meeting To Discuss West Asia Conflict Amid Opposition Uproar”Foreign Policy Is Compromised…” Rahul Gandhi Blasts PM Modi Over West Asia CrisisDelhi Budget: Rekha Gupta Govt Promises Free LPG Cylinders Twice A Year Amid Rising Energy CostsPM Narendra Modi Reveals How Much Oil India Has As West Asia War Disrupts Global Oil SuppliesPM Modi Urges Peace, De-escalation As India Engages Iran, Israel And US To Resolve Energy CrisisManish Tewari Questions Relevance of Budget 2026 Amid Rising West Asia TensionsSupreme Court Raps Forces Over Gender Bias, Orders Justice For Women Officers In Historic RulingGovt Tightens Grip On GLP-1 Weight Loss Drugs Amid Rising Concerns Over Unauthorised Sales123PhotostoriesPresident Droupadi Murmu loves Rice Cheela for breakfast: 5 other Odia breakfast dishes that are truly comfortingTesseract: The Geometry of Truth by The Times of India: Honouring the tapestry of art and imagination5 yoga asanas that are good for your heartTravelling in a War Zone: How to stay safe and 5 crucial things to keep in mindTesseract: The Geometry of Truth by The Times of India: Celebration of art, vision, and imaginationEmraan Hashmi birthday special: Looking into the actor’s best performances from ‘Gangster’ to ‘Hamari Adhuri Kahani’Ayodhya real estate boom 2026: 5 high-return investment zones you should know5 family habits you should unlearn and whyVaibhav Suryavanshi Home: Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s modest home in Samastipur, Bihar tells the story of hard work, determination and family sacrificesTesseract: The Geometry of Truth by The Times of India123Hot PicksTrump Iran DealMohammad Bagher GhalibafSan Francisco AirportGold rate todayIncome Tax CalculatorPublic holidays March 2026Bank Holidays MarchTop TrendingGolden state warriors vs dallas mavericks injury reportPatrick MahomesJoe MazzullaColombian Military Plane CrashBrittany MahomesWWE Raw News RoundupSilver Rate TodayRajasthan 8th Class ResultTrump Iran DealBihar Board Science Topper

There’s a Cold War joke when two rival agents – a KGB one and a CIA one – find themselves in the same bar. The American tells his Russian counterpart: “I have to hand it to you – your propaganda is very impressive.” The Soviet smiles and replies: “It’s nothing compared to American propaganda.” Flummoxed, the American replies: “But we don’t have propaganda.” The Soviet winks and says: “Exactly.”There’s a line: “The greatest trick the Devil ever pulled was convincing the world he doesn’t exist.”The same goes for American propaganda, which is why most people know the aforementioned line from The Usual Suspects and not French poet Charles Baudelaire’s The Generous Gambler. Israel Iran WarUS-Israel-Iran War News Live Updates: Amazon Web Services ‘disrupted’ following drone attack in Bahrain; Saudi, UAE mull joining Iran warGulf Allies Edge Toward Conflict: Saudi grants US base access; UAE shuts Iranian assetsPossible US-Iran Talks In Islamabad: White House calls situation ‘sensitive’ and ‘fluid’; oil prices tumbleLike the devil, the greatest trick American propaganda managed was to convince even the doyens who consume it or produce it that it doesn’t exist. It wraps up this illusion in the fig leaves of morality, economics, neo-liberalism, and the devil’s favourite sleight of hand: free will.The Nazis had Riefenstahl. Americans have Michael Bay movies.Communists have agitprop; Americans have “free press.”The interesting thing about the term agitprop is that it is the amalgamation of agitation and propaganda and is named after an actual Soviet department from the 1920s.One recently came across the term “agitprop” used to describe the sequel to Dhurandhar, Aditya Dhar’s magnum opus. It was one of the many words used to describe the Dhurandhar duology, along with ‘majoritarian’, ‘Islamophobic’, all the synonyms for intolerant, and some more polysyllabic jawbreakers that would make even India’s most loquacious politician call it an “exasperating farrago of distortions, misrepresentations and outright nonsense masquerading as movie reviews.”The most common epithet shoved on Dhar’s shelf is ‘propaganda’, a term which can be construed and tortured to describe almost every single movie, if one tortures logic enough.Read: How Hollywood mastered the art of propaganda Rang De Basanti can be viewed as anarcho-pacifist propaganda wrapped in the fig leaf of patriotism.Chak De India can be construed as ‘transphobic’ anti-cooperative federalism where the antagonist’s religion is flipped to create a victim complex. Three Idiots is clearly anti-engineering school propaganda.And Bhaag Milkha Bhaag is fat-shaming people for not being able to run.Jokes apart, whether you consider the Dhurandhar duology propaganda or not depends completely upon your availability heuristic, worldview, and what you think constitutes propaganda, and is frankly beyond the scope of this piece.What the duology does brilliantly is show that Bollywood – which we discovered post the internet boom is mostly borrowed, inspired, or plagiarised from cinema across the world – appears capable of civilisational myth-making.Every nation needs a foundational myth to agree on, a story that brings its denizens together. Post its independence from the British, the US had ‘Manifest Destiny’, the expansionist belief that it was their task to spread the American way of life across the North American continent. The belief was backed by great American novels like The Last of the Mohicans and gun-slinging cowboy movies about the American frontier, which cleverly hid the genocide of indigenous people.For India – post and pre-independence – from Buddha to Gandhi, the foundational myth has been one of ahimsa, or non-violence, which was treated as the basic operating system of our nation, even the accepted truth. Of course that particular myth ignores both the two of the foundational text of Indic civilisation: the Mahabharata and the Ramayana.One of those pernicious lies that is downstream from that myth is that India has ‘never’ invaded any nation, something that actor Priyanka Chopra repeated on the Joe Rogan podcast while showing wilful ignorance about the seafaring incursions of the Cholas and other dynasties. One doesn’t blame her; Hollywood and Bollywood actors aren’t supposed to be experts in history, but the view just shows a popular consensus that has existed among people.When India finally won independence from the war-ravaged and tottering British Empire, the myth clung to our national DNA and even shaped our initial foreign policy.As geopolitical expert Brahma Chellaney argued in a TOI piece from 2019: “Had post-1947 India been proactive and forward-looking in securing its frontiers, it could have averted both the Kashmir and Himalayan border problems. China was in deep turmoil until October 1949, and India had ample time and space to assert control over the Himalayan borders. But India’s pernicious founding myth gave rise to a pacifist country that believed it could get peace merely by seeking peace, instead of building the capability to defend peace.”Of course, hindsight is 20/20, and it is very easy to look back at the man in the arena and make judgement calls from the comfort of our keyboards. But we have learnt the hard way that peace comes from having a bigger stick than the other side, or at least a nuclear weapon, which Indian governments of all ideological hues have worked together to pursue.The ahimsa foundational myth persisted in mainstream cinema and was in vogue till the last decade. Some commonly held beliefs were simply that Indians and Pakistanis are the same, who want to bond over biryani and Fawad Khan’s chiselled jaw. In the early part of the noughties, the notion was so firm that Farah Khan’s debut movie showcased an antagonist who considered Pakistan the enemy and a protagonist who, much like Neville Chamberlain, just wanted peace.It was a notion that the Indian public also believed in to a certain extent, till the Overton window shifted after terror attack upon terror attack. But Bollywood’s worldview did not change, and it continued to serve up movies from assorted spy universes where Indian and Pakistani agents often broke into dance before thwarting faceless and non-religious threats against both nations.Movies that departed from this worldview, on the other hand, were so poorly executed that they appeared to be exploitation cinema trying to make a quick buck from current political sentiment.That is why the Dhurandhar duology stands on its own, because it is a rare instance of competent myth-making that is completely attuned to the availability heuristic of its audience.Dhar’s duology rejects Bollywood’s mass, formulaic approaches to war movies or spy thrillers, eschewing escapist item-number fantasies or surreal jamborees, with a level of peak detailing that would gladden Frederick Forsyth’s heart. The movie uses enough real-life examples to serve a delicious Quentin Tarantino-style revenge fantasy, the kind we have seen in Inglourious Basterds, Django Unchained, or Kill Bill.The music is sublime, mixing hits old and new, from far-off genres. Golden-era Bollywood classics jostle with qawwalis, as Punjabi pop, Arabic rap, Indian hip-hop, and Western rock come together, coupled with a background score that could have been developed by Hans Zimmer.There are so many scenes – subtle and not-so-subtle – that go out of their way to push the phantasmagoria of revenge, the kind that Hollywood has used to sublime effect over the years. All in all, it is competent myth-making. And your availability heuristic will decide whether it is myth-making for a particular spymaster, regime, religion, nation, or civilisation.This is not the first Indian movie to do that. The Baahubali duology and RRR are both sublime artefacts of civilisational pride wrapped in grand filmmaking, but the difference is that they are either set in fantastical lands or in history. Dhurandhar, on the other hand, is set in contemporary times – in the not-so-distant future – one that is the lived reality for many people watching the movie.Dhurandhar is balm for the civilisational wound, or, as Arjun Rampal, a Mumbai denizen who saw the atrocities during 26/11, put it: “This is my revenge.”Which brings us to the final question: why is there so much hysterical anger against the movie? Recently, when an Indian national pleaded guilty in an American court to a plot to assassinate an American citizen and bona fide Khalistani, social media was full of people mocking Aditya Dhar. The simple answer is that Dhurandhar Derangement Syndrome is the sigh of the former oppressor, facing civilisational erasure. The democratisation of art is a tad too much for a class that could long control the channels of communication, one that could decide what is a genteel worldview and what is not. Dhurandhar is a clean break from that past. Bollywood has some way to go before it can compete with Hollywood when it comes to myth-making, à la Top Gun or American Sniper, but this is definitely a start.In Dhurandhar’s title track, there is a line: “You are not ready for this.” In the sequel, there is a follow-up: “You are still not ready for this.” The old population might not be, but it is clear that the audience, and many denizens of new India, are definitely ready for it. About the AuthorNirmalya DuttaNirmalya Dutta is an editorial consultant with The Times of India. He covers world news, pop culture, and philosophical memes. He writes the column Random Musings and The Weekly Vine, a newsletter that blends news, culture, and humour with a touch of chaos. He is also the co-creator of Meow Times, a satirical cartoon strip about the absurdities of corporate life. His political, moral, and economic views drift somewhere between woke-Leninist, Rand-Marxist, and Keynesian-Friedmanite, though he isn’t entirely sure what any of those terms mean.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosIndia’s Rafale Marine Deal May Move Faster Than Planned With Trainer Arrival: Reports’India Indispensable To Asia’: Donald Trump’s War Envoy Colby Signals US Shift Amid West Asia CrisisGovt Calls All-Party Meeting To Discuss West Asia Conflict Amid Opposition Uproar”Foreign Policy Is Compromised…” Rahul Gandhi Blasts PM Modi Over West Asia CrisisDelhi Budget: Rekha Gupta Govt Promises Free LPG Cylinders Twice A Year Amid Rising Energy CostsPM Narendra Modi Reveals How Much Oil India Has As West Asia War Disrupts Global Oil SuppliesPM Modi Urges Peace, De-escalation As India Engages Iran, Israel And US To Resolve Energy CrisisManish Tewari Questions Relevance of Budget 2026 Amid Rising West Asia TensionsSupreme Court Raps Forces Over Gender Bias, Orders Justice For Women Officers In Historic RulingGovt Tightens Grip On GLP-1 Weight Loss Drugs Amid Rising Concerns Over Unauthorised Sales123PhotostoriesPresident Droupadi Murmu loves Rice Cheela for breakfast: 5 other Odia breakfast dishes that are truly comfortingTesseract: The Geometry of Truth by The Times of India: Honouring the tapestry of art and imagination5 yoga asanas that are good for your heartTravelling in a War Zone: How to stay safe and 5 crucial things to keep in mindTesseract: The Geometry of Truth by The Times of India: Celebration of art, vision, and imaginationEmraan Hashmi birthday special: Looking into the actor’s best performances from ‘Gangster’ to ‘Hamari Adhuri Kahani’Ayodhya real estate boom 2026: 5 high-return investment zones you should know5 family habits you should unlearn and whyVaibhav Suryavanshi Home: Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s modest home in Samastipur, Bihar tells the story of hard work, determination and family sacrificesTesseract: The Geometry of Truth by The Times of India123Hot PicksTrump Iran DealMohammad Bagher GhalibafSan Francisco AirportGold rate todayIncome Tax CalculatorPublic holidays March 2026Bank Holidays MarchTop TrendingGolden state warriors vs dallas mavericks injury reportPatrick MahomesJoe MazzullaColombian Military Plane CrashBrittany MahomesWWE Raw News RoundupSilver Rate TodayRajasthan 8th Class ResultTrump Iran DealBihar Board Science Topper

Vamsikrishna08 mins mins

There’s a Cold War joke when two rival agents – a KGB one and a CIA one – find themselves in the same bar. The American tells his Russian counterpart: “I have to hand it to you – your propaganda is very impressive.” The Soviet smiles and replies: “It’s nothing compared to American propaganda.” Flummoxed,…

Read More
MPSC Group B result released at mpsc.gov.in: Direct link to download scorecards here

MPSC Group B result released at mpsc.gov.in: Direct link to download scorecards here

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

MPSC Group B result 2026: The Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) has announced the Group B Preliminary Examination Result 2025 on the official website, mpsc.gov.in. The result has been released in a PDF format with names of the selected candidates. The commission has published the result along with category-wise cut-off marks. Candidates who appeared for…

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‘Kantara’ controversy row: Ranveer Singh is ready to submit affidavit of unconditional apology in court, visit Chamundi temple

‘Kantara’ controversy row: Ranveer Singh is ready to submit affidavit of unconditional apology in court, visit Chamundi temple

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

Even after the release of ‘Dhurandhar: The Revenge’, an earlier controversy linked to Ranveer Singh continues to follow the actor. Last year, when Ranveer imitated the Daiva (Bhoota Kola) ritual—associated with Rishab Shetty’s ‘Kantara Chapter 1’, it drew criticism from sections of the public who felt their religious sentiments were hurt.Ranveer Singh has reportedly told…

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Quadruple amputee cornhole star Dayton James Webber arrested on suspicion of killing Bradrick Michael Wells

Quadruple amputee cornhole star Dayton James Webber arrested on suspicion of killing Bradrick Michael Wells

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

A professional cornhole player and quadruple amputee, Dayton James Webber, 27, of La Plata, Maryland, was formally charged with murder and related offences in connection with a fatal shooting in Charles County on March 22, 2026, according to court documents.Webber was arraigned in the District Court of Maryland for Charles County after police located him…

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi says India has built 53 lakh MT of strategic oil reserves, with more underway, amid global fuel stress triggered by the Middle East conflict.Asiya Andrabi gets life imprisonment, while her two associates are sentenced to 30 years in jail in a terror funding and conspiracy case.Rahul Gandhi calls India’s foreign policy a “universal joke,” alleging PM Modi is “compromised” and influenced by Donald Trump.A consortium led by Kal Somani acquires Rajasthan Royals for .63 billion, signalling strong investor interest in the league.Countries across Asia, including China and Sri Lanka, face rising fuel prices as disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz push nations to fall back on coal and emergency measures.Here are the top news of the day:How much oil does India have? PM Modi outlines fuel preparedness amid global crisisPrime Minister Narendra Modi addressed concerns over fuel availability during the ongoing Middle East conflict, assuring that India has sufficient reserves and supply arrangements in place. Speaking in the Rajya Sabha, PM Modi said the conflict has created a serious fuel crunch globally and India is also feeling its impact. Watch ‘India Indispensable To Asia’: Donald Trump’s War Envoy Colby Signals US Shift Amid West Asia Crisis Highlighting long-term preparedness, PM Modi noted that India has built 53 lakh metric tonnes of strategic crude reserves over the past 11 years, with an additional 65 lakh metric tonnes in the pipeline. He stressed that despite global disruptions, the government is taking steps to ensure stability in fuel supply. Israel Iran WarUS-Israel-Iran War News Live Updates: Amazon Web Services ‘disrupted’ following drone attack in Bahrain; Saudi, UAE mull joining Iran warGulf Allies Edge Toward Conflict: Saudi grants US base access; UAE shuts Iranian assetsPossible US-Iran Talks In Islamabad: White House calls situation ‘sensitive’ and ‘fluid’; oil prices tumbleRead full storyUAPA case verdict: Asiya Andrabi gets life term, associates jailed for 30 yearsA Delhi court has sentenced Kashmiri separatist leader Asiya Andrabi to life imprisonment in a case under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. Her associates, Sofi Fehmeeda and Nahida Nasreen, were sentenced 30-year jail terms in the same case.The trio had earlier been convicted on multiple charges, including conspiracy, promoting enmity, and offences against the State. The court accepted the National Investigation Agency’s argument for strict punishment, stating that actions against national integrity warranted the harshest penalties. Read full story‘Universal joke’: Rahul Gandhi slams PM Modi’s foreign policyLeader of opposition, Rahul Gandhi launched a sharp attack on the government’s foreign policy, calling it a “universal joke” and accusing Prime Minister Narendra Modi of running it as a personal agenda. He further accused that the prime minister was “compromised”, adding that he was acting upon US President Donald Trump’s directions.”Our foreign policy is PM Modi’s personal foreign policy…Everyone considers this a universal joke… Donald Trump knows exactly what PM Modi can and cannot do. If the Prime Minister is compromised, our foreign policy is compromised,” he said. Read full storyBig ticket deal: Kal Somani Consortium buys Rajasthan Royals for .63 BillionA consortium led by entrepreneur Kal Somani has acquired the Rajasthan Royals in a deal valued at .63 billion. The group is backed by prominent global investors, including members of the Walmart and Ford family networks.Somani, known for ventures in tech and data governance, expressed optimism about the franchise’s future, citing the growing global appeal of the IPL. The acquisition signals continued investor confidence in the league’s commercial potential and long-term growth. Read full storyOil shock spreads: Asian nations turn to coal as Hormuz disruptions biteThe ongoing Middle East conflict has triggered a widening energy crisis, with disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz squeezing global oil and LNG supplies. Countries across Asia are grappling with shortages, prompting emergency measures including fuel rationing, power cuts, and transport restrictions.To cope, several nations are increasing reliance on coal despite environmental concerns. India and South Korea have eased restrictions on coal usage, while China continues to expand its coal capacity. Southeast Asian countries are also turning to coal-fired power as a short-term fix, even as it risks delaying clean energy transitions. Read full storyAbout the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’India Indispensable To Asia’: Donald Trump’s War Envoy Colby Signals US Shift Amid West Asia CrisisGovt Calls All-Party Meeting To Discuss West Asia Conflict Amid Opposition Uproar”Foreign Policy Is Compromised…” Rahul Gandhi Blasts PM Modi Over West Asia CrisisDelhi Budget: Rekha Gupta Govt Promises Free LPG Cylinders Twice A Year Amid Rising Energy CostsPM Narendra Modi Reveals How Much Oil India Has As West Asia War Disrupts Global Oil SuppliesPM Modi Urges Peace, De-escalation As India Engages Iran, Israel And US To Resolve Energy CrisisManish Tewari Questions Relevance of Budget 2026 Amid Rising West Asia TensionsSupreme Court Raps Forces Over Gender Bias, Orders Justice For Women Officers In Historic RulingGovt Tightens Grip On GLP-1 Weight Loss Drugs Amid Rising Concerns Over Unauthorised SalesIndia, US Step Up Defence Talks As Elbridge Colby Visit And Jaishankar-Rubio Call Focus On West Asia123PhotostoriesTesseract: The Geometry of Truth by The Times of India: Honouring the tapestry of art and imagination5 yoga asanas that are good for your heartTravelling in a War Zone: How to stay safe and 5 crucial things to keep in mindTesseract: The Geometry of Truth by The Times of India: Celebration of art, vision, and imaginationEmraan Hashmi birthday special: Looking into the actor’s best performances from ‘Gangster’ to ‘Hamari Adhuri Kahani’Ayodhya real estate boom 2026: 5 high-return investment zones you should know5 family habits you should unlearn and whyVaibhav Suryavanshi Home: Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s modest home in Samastipur, Bihar tells the story of hard work, determination and family sacrificesTesseract: The Geometry of Truth by The Times of IndiaFamous war memorials around the world and the stories behind them123Hot PicksTrump Iran DealMohammad Bagher GhalibafSan Francisco AirportGold rate todayIncome Tax CalculatorPublic holidays March 2026Bank Holidays MarchTop TrendingGolden state warriors vs dallas mavericks injury reportPatrick MahomesJoe MazzullaColombian Military Plane CrashBrittany MahomesWWE Raw News RoundupSilver Rate TodayRajasthan 8th Class ResultTrump Iran DealBihar Board Science Topper

Prime Minister Narendra Modi says India has built 53 lakh MT of strategic oil reserves, with more underway, amid global fuel stress triggered by the Middle East conflict.Asiya Andrabi gets life imprisonment, while her two associates are sentenced to 30 years in jail in a terror funding and conspiracy case.Rahul Gandhi calls India’s foreign policy a “universal joke,” alleging PM Modi is “compromised” and influenced by Donald Trump.A consortium led by Kal Somani acquires Rajasthan Royals for $1.63 billion, signalling strong investor interest in the league.Countries across Asia, including China and Sri Lanka, face rising fuel prices as disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz push nations to fall back on coal and emergency measures.Here are the top news of the day:How much oil does India have? PM Modi outlines fuel preparedness amid global crisisPrime Minister Narendra Modi addressed concerns over fuel availability during the ongoing Middle East conflict, assuring that India has sufficient reserves and supply arrangements in place. Speaking in the Rajya Sabha, PM Modi said the conflict has created a serious fuel crunch globally and India is also feeling its impact. Watch ‘India Indispensable To Asia’: Donald Trump’s War Envoy Colby Signals US Shift Amid West Asia Crisis Highlighting long-term preparedness, PM Modi noted that India has built 53 lakh metric tonnes of strategic crude reserves over the past 11 years, with an additional 65 lakh metric tonnes in the pipeline. He stressed that despite global disruptions, the government is taking steps to ensure stability in fuel supply. Israel Iran WarUS-Israel-Iran War News Live Updates: Amazon Web Services ‘disrupted’ following drone attack in Bahrain; Saudi, UAE mull joining Iran warGulf Allies Edge Toward Conflict: Saudi grants US base access; UAE shuts Iranian assetsPossible US-Iran Talks In Islamabad: White House calls situation ‘sensitive’ and ‘fluid’; oil prices tumbleRead full storyUAPA case verdict: Asiya Andrabi gets life term, associates jailed for 30 yearsA Delhi court has sentenced Kashmiri separatist leader Asiya Andrabi to life imprisonment in a case under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. Her associates, Sofi Fehmeeda and Nahida Nasreen, were sentenced 30-year jail terms in the same case.The trio had earlier been convicted on multiple charges, including conspiracy, promoting enmity, and offences against the State. The court accepted the National Investigation Agency’s argument for strict punishment, stating that actions against national integrity warranted the harshest penalties. Read full story‘Universal joke’: Rahul Gandhi slams PM Modi’s foreign policyLeader of opposition, Rahul Gandhi launched a sharp attack on the government’s foreign policy, calling it a “universal joke” and accusing Prime Minister Narendra Modi of running it as a personal agenda. He further accused that the prime minister was “compromised”, adding that he was acting upon US President Donald Trump’s directions.”Our foreign policy is PM Modi’s personal foreign policy…Everyone considers this a universal joke… Donald Trump knows exactly what PM Modi can and cannot do. If the Prime Minister is compromised, our foreign policy is compromised,” he said. Read full storyBig ticket deal: Kal Somani Consortium buys Rajasthan Royals for $1.63 BillionA consortium led by entrepreneur Kal Somani has acquired the Rajasthan Royals in a deal valued at $1.63 billion. The group is backed by prominent global investors, including members of the Walmart and Ford family networks.Somani, known for ventures in tech and data governance, expressed optimism about the franchise’s future, citing the growing global appeal of the IPL. The acquisition signals continued investor confidence in the league’s commercial potential and long-term growth. Read full storyOil shock spreads: Asian nations turn to coal as Hormuz disruptions biteThe ongoing Middle East conflict has triggered a widening energy crisis, with disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz squeezing global oil and LNG supplies. Countries across Asia are grappling with shortages, prompting emergency measures including fuel rationing, power cuts, and transport restrictions.To cope, several nations are increasing reliance on coal despite environmental concerns. India and South Korea have eased restrictions on coal usage, while China continues to expand its coal capacity. Southeast Asian countries are also turning to coal-fired power as a short-term fix, even as it risks delaying clean energy transitions. Read full storyAbout the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’India Indispensable To Asia’: Donald Trump’s War Envoy Colby Signals US Shift Amid West Asia CrisisGovt Calls All-Party Meeting To Discuss West Asia Conflict Amid Opposition Uproar”Foreign Policy Is Compromised…” Rahul Gandhi Blasts PM Modi Over West Asia CrisisDelhi Budget: Rekha Gupta Govt Promises Free LPG Cylinders Twice A Year Amid Rising Energy CostsPM Narendra Modi Reveals How Much Oil India Has As West Asia War Disrupts Global Oil SuppliesPM Modi Urges Peace, De-escalation As India Engages Iran, Israel And US To Resolve Energy CrisisManish Tewari Questions Relevance of Budget 2026 Amid Rising West Asia TensionsSupreme Court Raps Forces Over Gender Bias, Orders Justice For Women Officers In Historic RulingGovt Tightens Grip On GLP-1 Weight Loss Drugs Amid Rising Concerns Over Unauthorised SalesIndia, US Step Up Defence Talks As Elbridge Colby Visit And Jaishankar-Rubio Call Focus On West Asia123PhotostoriesTesseract: The Geometry of Truth by The Times of India: Honouring the tapestry of art and imagination5 yoga asanas that are good for your heartTravelling in a War Zone: How to stay safe and 5 crucial things to keep in mindTesseract: The Geometry of Truth by The Times of India: Celebration of art, vision, and imaginationEmraan Hashmi birthday special: Looking into the actor’s best performances from ‘Gangster’ to ‘Hamari Adhuri Kahani’Ayodhya real estate boom 2026: 5 high-return investment zones you should know5 family habits you should unlearn and whyVaibhav Suryavanshi Home: Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s modest home in Samastipur, Bihar tells the story of hard work, determination and family sacrificesTesseract: The Geometry of Truth by The Times of IndiaFamous war memorials around the world and the stories behind them123Hot PicksTrump Iran DealMohammad Bagher GhalibafSan Francisco AirportGold rate todayIncome Tax CalculatorPublic holidays March 2026Bank Holidays MarchTop TrendingGolden state warriors vs dallas mavericks injury reportPatrick MahomesJoe MazzullaColombian Military Plane CrashBrittany MahomesWWE Raw News RoundupSilver Rate TodayRajasthan 8th Class ResultTrump Iran DealBihar Board Science Topper

Vamsikrishna04 mins mins

Prime Minister Narendra Modi says India has built 53 lakh MT of strategic oil reserves, with more underway, amid global fuel stress triggered by the Middle East conflict. Asiya Andrabi gets life imprisonment, while her two associates are sentenced to 30 years in jail in a terror funding and conspiracy case. Rahul Gandhi calls India’s…

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Mar 24, 2026, 19:36 IST

Mar 24, 2026, 19:36 IST

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

Lakshya Sen and PV Sindhu (Photos by PTI) NEW DELHI: India have announced their squads for the upcoming Thomas and Uber Cup, with a mix of experienced stars and young talent set to compete in Denmark next month. Lakshya Sen, fresh off his All England runner-up finish, will lead the men’s team, while PV Sindhu…

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US stock markets today (March 24, 2026): Dow, S&P 500 & Nasdaq slip as Brent crude climbs amid Middle East tensions

US stock markets today (March 24, 2026): Dow, S&P 500 & Nasdaq slip as Brent crude climbs amid Middle East tensions

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

US stocks slipped on Tuesday while oil prices resumed their climb, as continuing airstrikes on Iran and fresh missile attacks across the Middle East dampened the optimism that had lifted markets a day earlier.The S&P 500 fell 0.6%, giving back nearly half of its previous session’s gain. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 363 points,…

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