March 29, 2026

March 2026

Gold, silver rate outlook: Will Middle East tensions trigger a fresh bullion rally? Here’s what experts say

Gold, silver rate outlook: Will Middle East tensions trigger a fresh bullion rally? Here’s what experts say

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

Gold and silver prices are expected to begin the week on a strong note when trading resumes on Monday, as escalating tensions in the Middle East push investors toward safe-haven assets, analysts said.The surge in risk aversion follows US President Donald Trump’s announcement of “major combat operations” in Iran after Israeli strikes on Tehran. Iranian…

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Pentagon’s Ivy League ban: What it means for military education and career pathways

Pentagon’s Ivy League ban: What it means for military education and career pathways

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

Pentagon bars military personnel from Ivy League universities amid education policy shift In a move that could reshape higher education choices for serving officers, the United States Department of Defense has announced that military personnel will be barred from attending several Ivy League and elite institutions beginning next academic year. According to an original report…

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Arijit Singh’s father Surinder Singh recalls family’s journey from Lahore to West Bengal after Partition; says Arijit used to sing kirtan in gurdwara

Arijit Singh’s father Surinder Singh recalls family’s journey from Lahore to West Bengal after Partition; says Arijit used to sing kirtan in gurdwara

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

Days after Arijit Singh surprised fans with his January 27, 2026 retirement announcement from playback singing, a deeply personal story about his roots has come to light. In a recent interaction, his father Surinder Singh opened up about the family’s journey from pre-Partition Lahore to West Bengal — and Arijit’s early musical beginnings in a…

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After divorce from Ben Affleck, who is Jennifer Garner’s low-key CEO boyfriend John Miller?

After divorce from Ben Affleck, who is Jennifer Garner’s low-key CEO boyfriend John Miller?

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

Hollywood actress Jennifer Garner continues to make the headlines—be it for her on-screen projects or personal life. Her career sparkled from college theater to miniseries Zoya (1995), breakthrough TV film Rise Hill (1997), and Alias glory (2001-2006). And now, after her divorce with Ben Affleck, looks like Jennifer has found joy again with businessman John…

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‘US crossed dangerous red line’: Iran says has no option but to respond after Khamenei killing

‘US crossed dangerous red line’: Iran says has no option but to respond after Khamenei killing

Vamsikrishna04 mins mins

File photo (Picture credit: AP) Iran has warned that the United States has crossed “a very dangerous red line” by killing Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, as tensions continue to rise across the Middle East.In an exclusive interview with CNN, Iranian deputy foreign minister Saeed Khatibzadeh said US President Donald Trump had triggered serious consequences…

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After Nancy Guthrie’s kidnapping, Arizona residents rush to build ‘safe rooms’ with heavy-duty doors

After Nancy Guthrie’s kidnapping, Arizona residents rush to build ‘safe rooms’ with heavy-duty doors

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

Terrified Arizona residents are rushing to build panic rooms after the kidnapping of Nancy Guthrie, who is still not found nearly 1 month after she was snatched from her Tucson home.Kevin Hand, who specialises in break-in-resistant “safe rooms” at Sportsman Steel Safes in the Grand Canyon State, told the Daily Mail his business is flooded…

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The Delhi government will launch a Pink National Common Mobility Card (NCMC) on Monday, aimed at providing free bus travel to women in the national capital and enabling seamless access to multiple public transport systems through a single smart card.The scheme will be formally launched by President Droupadi Murmu at a programme titled “Sashakt Nari, Samriddh Delhi” at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium, according to a statement.At the same event, the President will also formally launch a scheme to provide two free LPG cylinders annually to all ration card-holding families in Delhi on the occasions of Holi and Diwali.According to Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, the benefit will be provided through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).Israel attacks IranUS-Israel Strikes On Iran Live Updates: 8 killed in Israel as Iran missile attackIran strikes Gulf again: More explosions in Dubai, Doha and Manama; airports targeted?’Go back to your senses’: UAE tells Iran after attacks on Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha and KuwaitAn amount equivalent to the prevailing price of one LPG cylinder will be credited to the Aadhaar-linked bank account of the head of the family in whose name the ration card has been issued, the statement stated.It stated that the scheme is expected to cover approximately 1.55 million ration card-holding families to ease the financial burden of cooking fuel expenses and enable families to celebrate festivals with dignity and comfort.Gupta said the Pink Card would allow women residents of Delhi to travel free of cost on Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) buses, while also being usable for paid travel on the Metro, Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) and other public transport services.She said the initiative is designed to make public transport more accessible and digital, while reducing daily travel costs for women and improving access to education, employment and healthcare.Under the scheme, three types of mobility cards will be issued — Pink for eligible women residents, Blue for general commuters and Orange for monthly pass users, the statement stated.In the first phase, Pink and Blue cards will be rolled out, with the Orange card to follow later, it added.The Delhi Transport Corporation has authorised Hindon Mercantile Limited (MufinPay) and Airtel Payments Bank Limited to issue the cards, it stated.The cards will be integrated with the existing Automatic Fare Collection System across Delhi’s public transport network, it stated and added the Pink Card will be provided free of cost, with expenses borne by the Delhi government.As per the statement, around 50 centres, including District Magistrate and Sub-Divisional Magistrate offices and selected DTC locations, will be set up for card issuance. Minimal documentation will be required to ensure a simple and transparent process.Each Pink Card will be linked to the beneficiary’s mobile number and Aadhaar to verify age, gender and Delhi residency, it stated.The Pink Card will replace the existing paper-based pink tickets, offering touch-free travel, digital records of journeys and improved transparency in revenue accounting, it mentioned.It added that selected women beneficiaries will be handed over the Pink NCMC cards at the launch event, marking a key step towards a more integrated and women-friendly public transport system in the capital. ‘Prachand’ Moment: President Murmu Flies in Indigenous Combat Helicopter Near India-Pak Border End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosGlobal Inaction Could Prove Costly, Warns Former Envoy As Iran Tensions Spiral DangerouslyDeadly Clashes In Karachi Near US Consulate Leave 9 Dead, 32 InjuredJaishankar Dials Iran, Israel FMs & Gulf Leaders, Stresses Safety Of Indian Nationals Amid ConflictAfter Khamenei Killing Owaisi Warns Prolonged War May Trigger Oil Price SurgeMassive Flight Cancellations Hit India As Iran War Disrupts West Asia AirspaceIran’s Strike On Saudi Arabia Forces Pakistan To Choose Between Alliance And Survival‘India Understands The Danger…’: West Asia Expert On Iran‑US, Israel War; Cites Pak Nuclear ThreatUS Iran War: Why Strait Of Hormuz Closure Is India’s Worst Nightmare | ExplainedIran’s Supreme Leader Khamenei Killed In US‑Israeli Strikes, Protests Erupt In Jammu & KashmirAt Least 20 Dead In Kakinada In Andhra Pradesh’s Worst Firecracker Unit Explosion123PhotostoriesWhen love ends quietly: Why modern breakups are happening without drama7 chicken starters you can make in just 15 minutesVijay-Rashmika to Nupur-Stebin: Celeb couples celebrating first Holi 2026 as newlyweds6 mistakes people make while reheating leftoversHair fall and irregular periods? Doctors say this mineral could be the missing link: Here’s how to fix itHoli 2026 playlist: ‘Panwadi’, ‘Rang Barse’, ‘Balam Pichkari’, Bollywood songs with ultimate rang, bhang and mastiMiddle East tensions ground flights in India: A visual of airports and stranded passengers (In photos)The ‘50’: From earning Rs 50 a day to owning a luxurious house, high-end cars and more; Faisal Shaikh aka Mr Faisu’s rags-to-riches storyFrom Cyrus Poonawala to Radhakishan Damani; 5 Indian billionaires who own private residences in South Mumbai8 types of ramen you should know before ordering123Hot PicksIsrael attack IranWest Bengal SIRGold rate todayDubai airportIncome Tax CalculatorPublic holidays March 2026Bank Holidays MarchTop TrendingNagpur Factory BlastUS Israel Strike IranNagpur BlastCBSE postpones Class 10 and 12 board examsSouth Africa vs Zimbabwe ScorecardIndian Wells Open 2026Middle East CrisisQatar AirwaysICAI CA Final Result JanuaryHow to get Grace Ashcroft skin in fortnite

The Delhi government will launch a Pink National Common Mobility Card (NCMC) on Monday, aimed at providing free bus travel to women in the national capital and enabling seamless access to multiple public transport systems through a single smart card.The scheme will be formally launched by President Droupadi Murmu at a programme titled “Sashakt Nari, Samriddh Delhi” at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium, according to a statement.At the same event, the President will also formally launch a scheme to provide two free LPG cylinders annually to all ration card-holding families in Delhi on the occasions of Holi and Diwali.According to Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, the benefit will be provided through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).Israel attacks IranUS-Israel Strikes On Iran Live Updates: 8 killed in Israel as Iran missile attackIran strikes Gulf again: More explosions in Dubai, Doha and Manama; airports targeted?’Go back to your senses’: UAE tells Iran after attacks on Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha and KuwaitAn amount equivalent to the prevailing price of one LPG cylinder will be credited to the Aadhaar-linked bank account of the head of the family in whose name the ration card has been issued, the statement stated.It stated that the scheme is expected to cover approximately 1.55 million ration card-holding families to ease the financial burden of cooking fuel expenses and enable families to celebrate festivals with dignity and comfort.Gupta said the Pink Card would allow women residents of Delhi to travel free of cost on Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) buses, while also being usable for paid travel on the Metro, Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) and other public transport services.She said the initiative is designed to make public transport more accessible and digital, while reducing daily travel costs for women and improving access to education, employment and healthcare.Under the scheme, three types of mobility cards will be issued — Pink for eligible women residents, Blue for general commuters and Orange for monthly pass users, the statement stated.In the first phase, Pink and Blue cards will be rolled out, with the Orange card to follow later, it added.The Delhi Transport Corporation has authorised Hindon Mercantile Limited (MufinPay) and Airtel Payments Bank Limited to issue the cards, it stated.The cards will be integrated with the existing Automatic Fare Collection System across Delhi’s public transport network, it stated and added the Pink Card will be provided free of cost, with expenses borne by the Delhi government.As per the statement, around 50 centres, including District Magistrate and Sub-Divisional Magistrate offices and selected DTC locations, will be set up for card issuance. Minimal documentation will be required to ensure a simple and transparent process.Each Pink Card will be linked to the beneficiary’s mobile number and Aadhaar to verify age, gender and Delhi residency, it stated.The Pink Card will replace the existing paper-based pink tickets, offering touch-free travel, digital records of journeys and improved transparency in revenue accounting, it mentioned.It added that selected women beneficiaries will be handed over the Pink NCMC cards at the launch event, marking a key step towards a more integrated and women-friendly public transport system in the capital. ‘Prachand’ Moment: President Murmu Flies in Indigenous Combat Helicopter Near India-Pak Border End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosGlobal Inaction Could Prove Costly, Warns Former Envoy As Iran Tensions Spiral DangerouslyDeadly Clashes In Karachi Near US Consulate Leave 9 Dead, 32 InjuredJaishankar Dials Iran, Israel FMs & Gulf Leaders, Stresses Safety Of Indian Nationals Amid ConflictAfter Khamenei Killing Owaisi Warns Prolonged War May Trigger Oil Price SurgeMassive Flight Cancellations Hit India As Iran War Disrupts West Asia AirspaceIran’s Strike On Saudi Arabia Forces Pakistan To Choose Between Alliance And Survival‘India Understands The Danger…’: West Asia Expert On Iran‑US, Israel War; Cites Pak Nuclear ThreatUS Iran War: Why Strait Of Hormuz Closure Is India’s Worst Nightmare | ExplainedIran’s Supreme Leader Khamenei Killed In US‑Israeli Strikes, Protests Erupt In Jammu & KashmirAt Least 20 Dead In Kakinada In Andhra Pradesh’s Worst Firecracker Unit Explosion123PhotostoriesWhen love ends quietly: Why modern breakups are happening without drama7 chicken starters you can make in just 15 minutesVijay-Rashmika to Nupur-Stebin: Celeb couples celebrating first Holi 2026 as newlyweds6 mistakes people make while reheating leftoversHair fall and irregular periods? Doctors say this mineral could be the missing link: Here’s how to fix itHoli 2026 playlist: ‘Panwadi’, ‘Rang Barse’, ‘Balam Pichkari’, Bollywood songs with ultimate rang, bhang and mastiMiddle East tensions ground flights in India: A visual of airports and stranded passengers (In photos)The ‘50’: From earning Rs 50 a day to owning a luxurious house, high-end cars and more; Faisal Shaikh aka Mr Faisu’s rags-to-riches storyFrom Cyrus Poonawala to Radhakishan Damani; 5 Indian billionaires who own private residences in South Mumbai8 types of ramen you should know before ordering123Hot PicksIsrael attack IranWest Bengal SIRGold rate todayDubai airportIncome Tax CalculatorPublic holidays March 2026Bank Holidays MarchTop TrendingNagpur Factory BlastUS Israel Strike IranNagpur BlastCBSE postpones Class 10 and 12 board examsSouth Africa vs Zimbabwe ScorecardIndian Wells Open 2026Middle East CrisisQatar AirwaysICAI CA Final Result JanuaryHow to get Grace Ashcroft skin in fortnite

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

The Delhi government will launch a Pink National Common Mobility Card (NCMC) on Monday, aimed at providing free bus travel to women in the national capital and enabling seamless access to multiple public transport systems through a single smart card.The scheme will be formally launched by President Droupadi Murmu at a programme titled “Sashakt Nari,…

Read More
Updated: Mar 01, 2026, 18:10 IST

Updated: Mar 01, 2026, 18:10 IST

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

Alyssa Healy of Australia bats during game three of the Women’s One Day International series between Australia and India at Bellerive Oval on March 01, 2026 in Hobart, Australia. (Photo/Getty Images) Alyssa Healy ended her ODI career with a century as Australia completed a 3-0 sweep over India, defeating the world champions by 185 runs…

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Khamenei dead, Middle East on edge: What will be the implications of Trump’s ‘Epic fury’ on stock markets, gold & oil?

Khamenei dead, Middle East on edge: What will be the implications of Trump’s ‘Epic fury’ on stock markets, gold & oil?

Vamsikrishna04 mins mins

Experience shows markets often come to view geopolitical disruptions as temporary. (AI image) The global markets are in for a phase of enhanced turmoil and uncertainty! The ongoing tensions in the Middle East after US and Israel’s strikes on Iran and Ali Khamenei’s death may have investors running for cover – looking for an asset…

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ICAI CA Final January 2026 toppers: Diksha Goyal secures AIR 1 with 81%; check list of top scorers here

ICAI CA Final January 2026 toppers: Diksha Goyal secures AIR 1 with 81%; check list of top scorers here

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

ICAI CA Final January 2026 toppers (Credits: Official press release) ICAI CA Final January 2026 toppers: The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) has declared the Chartered Accountant (CA) Final January 2026 results along with the list of toppers today. Candidates can now check their results and the merit list on the official website…

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Ranveer Singh’s Dhurandhar: The Revenge set to be nearly 4-hour long; makers eye Holi for trailer release

Ranveer Singh’s Dhurandhar: The Revenge set to be nearly 4-hour long; makers eye Holi for trailer release

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

After the massive success of Ranveer Singh’s Dhurandhar, which surprised many with its 3-hour-34-minute runtime and still emerged as a box office phenomenon, the makers are pushing the envelope further with Dhurandhar: The Revenge. The sequel, riding high on unprecedented buzz, is now said to be even longer than the first part. After the massive…

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Pisces Monthly Predictions for March 2026: Month brings recognition, social support, and workable solutions

Pisces Monthly Predictions for March 2026: Month brings recognition, social support, and workable solutions

Vamsikrishna09 mins mins

March opens like a tide that pulls back before it rushes in. The prediction of your month is clear. Relief around children and family matters comes first, then a patch of money stress and emotional irritability, and then a stronger finish with recognition, social support, and workable solutions.Astrologically, the Sun moves through your sign for…

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Middle East crisis: Oil tanker hit near Oman in Strait of Hormuz amid Iranian retaliation; 15 Indian nationals evacuated

Middle East crisis: Oil tanker hit near Oman in Strait of Hormuz amid Iranian retaliation; 15 Indian nationals evacuated

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

Representative image (Picture credit: ANI) An oil tanker was attacked off the coast of Oman in the strategic Strait of Hormuz, injuring four crew members and forcing a full evacuation, as tensions continue to escalate after US–Israel strikes on Iran.Oman’s Maritime Security Centre said the Palau-flagged tanker Skylight was targeted about five nautical miles north…

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Ayatollah Ali Khamenei Killed: ‘Cynical violation of law’: Russia, China condemn killing of Khamenei in US-Israel strikes; call for end to military action

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei Killed: ‘Cynical violation of law’: Russia, China condemn killing of Khamenei in US-Israel strikes; call for end to military action

Vamsikrishna04 mins mins

Russia, China condemn killing of Khamenei in US-Israel strikes (Picture credit: AP) The killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in joint US–Israeli strikes has drawn strong reactions from both Russia and China, with leaders in Moscow and Beijing sharply criticising the move and urging an immediate halt to military operations.Khamenei, 86, was killed…

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Panacea on the Pitch? Cricket has the potential to tackle the sense of alienation that Kashmiris feel and bind them and other Indians closer together Jammu and Kashmir have become India’s cricketing champs by thrashing favourites Karnataka in the Ranji Trophy finals. This is a fantastic, heart-warming Cinderella tale in a small state long viewed as a no-hoper in cricket. Experts say nobody watches Ranji Trophy cricket because it is not exciting and lacks top stars. But I followed the Ranji semi-final and the final avidly and, by the end, was cheering myself hoarse for J&K. There must have been many more viewers like me. Before this season, J&K had played 334 Ranji Trophy matches over 67 years and won only 45 of them. It took 44 years to win its first match, against the Services in 1982-83. But this year, it steadily eliminated one tough opponent after another—Rajasthan, Hyderabad, Delhi, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, and finally seven-time champions Karnataka.Israel attacks IranIsrael Attack Iran Live Updates: Missiles strike US navy headquarters in Bahrain; explosions heard in Abu Dhabi, DohaUS, Israel attack Iran: AI Tel Aviv flight returning to IndiaIran attacks US military bases across Middle East in operation ‘Truthful Promise 4′ Devajit Saikia exclusive: BCCI secretary on J&K Ranji win and future of Aquib Nabi Karnataka had five Test players—KL Rahul, Mayank Agrawal, Devdutt Padikkal, Karun Nair, and Prasidh Krishna. J&K had none. A year ago, you would have been hard-pressed to name a single member of its team. Yet it won in commanding style.This is more than a cricketing story. Out of the blue, it provides a non-political avenue to help alienated Kashmiris feel part of the Indian mainstream. They suddenly find themselves kings of Ranji cricket, admired and applauded across India in a manner no one could have imagined a year ago. May Kashmiri youngsters once seduced by terrorism trade Kalashnikovs for cricket bats!Kashmir’s notorious cricket audiences have been known to cheer for Pakistan against India. This has drawn accusations of anti-nationalism and taunts asking them to leave India and go to Pakistan.Kashmiris say this is a grave misunderstanding of their sentiments. My former Economic Times colleague Najeeb Mubarki says that cricketing crowds in the state have no particular love for Pakistan, but they want to express their alienation from India and outrage at violations of human rights in the state. And so, said Najeeb, Kashmir’s cricketing crowds will cheer for any opponent of India — be it Pakistan, or anyone else.In the current World Cup T-20 super-eights, South Africa thrashed India last week. News reports from Srinagar spoke of Kashmiris cheering for South Africa while watching the match on TV. With draconian laws now in place against anything that can be interpreted as anti-national, youngsters are cautious today about celebrations in public. But laws cannot transform what they feel or whom they cheer for.Can the mere winning of a cricket trophy change hearts and minds? No, that is a stretch. But all conventional means of ending Kashmiri alienation — govt jobs, subsidies for industries, encouraging tourism — have not achieved much. Cricket has promise because Kashmir, like the rest of India, is cricket crazy. Team sports are an excellent way to bind together people from different communities. Football is the biggest spectator sport globally, and Manchester United has millions of fans even in China and Africa. Cricket is not too far behind.Once you play for a cricket team, all your teammates become vital partners, regardless of religion or region. This is true, at least in part, for cricketing audiences too, which in India means almost everyone. Once, cheering against India was a Kashmiri way of expressing alienation. But now that J&K is Ranji champion, cricket has the potential to tackle that alienation and bind Kashmiris and other Indians closer together. The state is now central to Indian cricket, not an outlier. Its Ranji victory was a team effort of six Hindus and five Muslims. It scored a mammoth 584 runs in its first innings, with Shubham Pundir (ever heard of him?) scoring a century and five others scoring half-centuries. But the J&K star was unquestionably fast bowler Auqib Nabi, nicknamed the ‘Baramulla Express’. At the age of 29, he is a late developer. But his bowling in the last two Ranji seasons has been so phenomenal that it seems a crime that he is not in the Indian Test team.Nabi took 44 wickets last season and 60 this season, the most by any bowler. Despite having catches dropped he snagged 5 for 54 in Karnataka’s first innings, including the cream of its batting stars. He had earlier spearheaded J&K’s victory in the quarter final against MP (12 wickets for 110 runs) and semi-final against Bengal (9 wickets for 123 runs). His bowling average this season has been an astonishing 12.7 runs per wicket —anything below 20 is outstanding. Very few bowlers can boast of a hat-trick—three wickets in three successive balls. But in the Duleep Trophy six months ago, Nabi (playing for North Zone) got four wickets in four successive balls, a feat so extraordinary that cricket has yet to invent a word for it. Hurrah for Kashmir! Hurrah for India! About the AuthorSwaminathan S Anklesaria AiyarConsulting Editor at ETEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’Moral Cowardice’: PM Modi’s Israel Visit Faces Oppn Heat As US-Israel Launch Strikes On Iran’Urge All Sides To…’: India Calls For Dialogue And De Escalation As US And Israel Attack Iran‘Historic’: US Envoy Gor Hails Micron’s Chip Plant Launch In Guj, Cites Modi-Trump FriendshipAfghanistan War, Iran Conflict Push Pakistan Into Two Front Security Challenge Amid Regional TensionHarvard University Responds After Sanskrit Course Image Sparks Criticism‘Target Religious Minorities’:UNHRC Side Event Flags Blasphemy Law Abuse In Pakistan And Bangladesh’Muslim League-Maoist Congress’: PM Modi Hits Out Over ‘Shirtless’ Protest At AI SummitIsrael-Iran War: AirIndia, IndiGo, Global Carriers Suspend Flights Amid West Asia Airspace ClosuresMunir’s Gamble Or US Script? As Trump Praises Pakistan, Is Islamabad Replaying Old Afghan Playbook?Five-Year Most-Favoured Nation Status Secured for India in Landmark EU Trade Agreement: What It Means for India123PhotostoriesHow to prevent weeds from invading your balcony garden5 essential property documents every homebuyer must verifyWhy many Indian women don’t meet daily protein requirements: Doctor explains how to fix it naturallyFrom Rashmika’s vintage gold to Nayanthara’s custom red: 5 South Indian celebrity weddings that broke the internet with their style5 Powerful Surya mantras to chant every morningMini workouts: Can 5 minutes a day build real fitness?Chef Sanjeev Kapoor’s comfort recipes from his home kitchen that you can’t missHoli 2026: Forgotten Holi drinks that disappeared over time5 luxury electric cars offering performance, prestige and sustainable innovationFrom Jane Fonda to Melanie Griffith: actors who went throughknife to look younger123Hot PicksIsrael attack IranWest Bengal SIRGold rate todayDubai airportIncome Tax CalculatorPublic holidays March 2026Bank Holidays MarchTop TrendingIsrael Iran ConflictUS Israel Strike IranPakistna vs Sri Lanka ScorecardLucknow businessman murderRinku SinghIndian Wells Open 2026Crude OilQatar AirwaysMaxx Crosby InjuryNHL Trade

Panacea on the Pitch? Cricket has the potential to tackle the sense of alienation that Kashmiris feel and bind them and other Indians closer together Jammu and Kashmir have become India’s cricketing champs by thrashing favourites Karnataka in the Ranji Trophy finals. This is a fantastic, heart-warming Cinderella tale in a small state long viewed as a no-hoper in cricket. Experts say nobody watches Ranji Trophy cricket because it is not exciting and lacks top stars. But I followed the Ranji semi-final and the final avidly and, by the end, was cheering myself hoarse for J&K. There must have been many more viewers like me. Before this season, J&K had played 334 Ranji Trophy matches over 67 years and won only 45 of them. It took 44 years to win its first match, against the Services in 1982-83. But this year, it steadily eliminated one tough opponent after another—Rajasthan, Hyderabad, Delhi, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, and finally seven-time champions Karnataka.Israel attacks IranIsrael Attack Iran Live Updates: Missiles strike US navy headquarters in Bahrain; explosions heard in Abu Dhabi, DohaUS, Israel attack Iran: AI Tel Aviv flight returning to IndiaIran attacks US military bases across Middle East in operation ‘Truthful Promise 4′ Devajit Saikia exclusive: BCCI secretary on J&K Ranji win and future of Aquib Nabi Karnataka had five Test players—KL Rahul, Mayank Agrawal, Devdutt Padikkal, Karun Nair, and Prasidh Krishna. J&K had none. A year ago, you would have been hard-pressed to name a single member of its team. Yet it won in commanding style.This is more than a cricketing story. Out of the blue, it provides a non-political avenue to help alienated Kashmiris feel part of the Indian mainstream. They suddenly find themselves kings of Ranji cricket, admired and applauded across India in a manner no one could have imagined a year ago. May Kashmiri youngsters once seduced by terrorism trade Kalashnikovs for cricket bats!Kashmir’s notorious cricket audiences have been known to cheer for Pakistan against India. This has drawn accusations of anti-nationalism and taunts asking them to leave India and go to Pakistan.Kashmiris say this is a grave misunderstanding of their sentiments. My former Economic Times colleague Najeeb Mubarki says that cricketing crowds in the state have no particular love for Pakistan, but they want to express their alienation from India and outrage at violations of human rights in the state. And so, said Najeeb, Kashmir’s cricketing crowds will cheer for any opponent of India — be it Pakistan, or anyone else.In the current World Cup T-20 super-eights, South Africa thrashed India last week. News reports from Srinagar spoke of Kashmiris cheering for South Africa while watching the match on TV. With draconian laws now in place against anything that can be interpreted as anti-national, youngsters are cautious today about celebrations in public. But laws cannot transform what they feel or whom they cheer for.Can the mere winning of a cricket trophy change hearts and minds? No, that is a stretch. But all conventional means of ending Kashmiri alienation — govt jobs, subsidies for industries, encouraging tourism — have not achieved much. Cricket has promise because Kashmir, like the rest of India, is cricket crazy. Team sports are an excellent way to bind together people from different communities. Football is the biggest spectator sport globally, and Manchester United has millions of fans even in China and Africa. Cricket is not too far behind.Once you play for a cricket team, all your teammates become vital partners, regardless of religion or region. This is true, at least in part, for cricketing audiences too, which in India means almost everyone. Once, cheering against India was a Kashmiri way of expressing alienation. But now that J&K is Ranji champion, cricket has the potential to tackle that alienation and bind Kashmiris and other Indians closer together. The state is now central to Indian cricket, not an outlier. Its Ranji victory was a team effort of six Hindus and five Muslims. It scored a mammoth 584 runs in its first innings, with Shubham Pundir (ever heard of him?) scoring a century and five others scoring half-centuries. But the J&K star was unquestionably fast bowler Auqib Nabi, nicknamed the ‘Baramulla Express’. At the age of 29, he is a late developer. But his bowling in the last two Ranji seasons has been so phenomenal that it seems a crime that he is not in the Indian Test team.Nabi took 44 wickets last season and 60 this season, the most by any bowler. Despite having catches dropped he snagged 5 for 54 in Karnataka’s first innings, including the cream of its batting stars. He had earlier spearheaded J&K’s victory in the quarter final against MP (12 wickets for 110 runs) and semi-final against Bengal (9 wickets for 123 runs). His bowling average this season has been an astonishing 12.7 runs per wicket —anything below 20 is outstanding. Very few bowlers can boast of a hat-trick—three wickets in three successive balls. But in the Duleep Trophy six months ago, Nabi (playing for North Zone) got four wickets in four successive balls, a feat so extraordinary that cricket has yet to invent a word for it. Hurrah for Kashmir! Hurrah for India! About the AuthorSwaminathan S Anklesaria AiyarConsulting Editor at ETEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’Moral Cowardice’: PM Modi’s Israel Visit Faces Oppn Heat As US-Israel Launch Strikes On Iran’Urge All Sides To…’: India Calls For Dialogue And De Escalation As US And Israel Attack Iran‘Historic’: US Envoy Gor Hails Micron’s Chip Plant Launch In Guj, Cites Modi-Trump FriendshipAfghanistan War, Iran Conflict Push Pakistan Into Two Front Security Challenge Amid Regional TensionHarvard University Responds After Sanskrit Course Image Sparks Criticism‘Target Religious Minorities’:UNHRC Side Event Flags Blasphemy Law Abuse In Pakistan And Bangladesh’Muslim League-Maoist Congress’: PM Modi Hits Out Over ‘Shirtless’ Protest At AI SummitIsrael-Iran War: AirIndia, IndiGo, Global Carriers Suspend Flights Amid West Asia Airspace ClosuresMunir’s Gamble Or US Script? As Trump Praises Pakistan, Is Islamabad Replaying Old Afghan Playbook?Five-Year Most-Favoured Nation Status Secured for India in Landmark EU Trade Agreement: What It Means for India123PhotostoriesHow to prevent weeds from invading your balcony garden5 essential property documents every homebuyer must verifyWhy many Indian women don’t meet daily protein requirements: Doctor explains how to fix it naturallyFrom Rashmika’s vintage gold to Nayanthara’s custom red: 5 South Indian celebrity weddings that broke the internet with their style5 Powerful Surya mantras to chant every morningMini workouts: Can 5 minutes a day build real fitness?Chef Sanjeev Kapoor’s comfort recipes from his home kitchen that you can’t missHoli 2026: Forgotten Holi drinks that disappeared over time5 luxury electric cars offering performance, prestige and sustainable innovationFrom Jane Fonda to Melanie Griffith: actors who went throughknife to look younger123Hot PicksIsrael attack IranWest Bengal SIRGold rate todayDubai airportIncome Tax CalculatorPublic holidays March 2026Bank Holidays MarchTop TrendingIsrael Iran ConflictUS Israel Strike IranPakistna vs Sri Lanka ScorecardLucknow businessman murderRinku SinghIndian Wells Open 2026Crude OilQatar AirwaysMaxx Crosby InjuryNHL Trade

Vamsikrishna05 mins mins

Panacea on the Pitch? Cricket has the potential to tackle the sense of alienation that Kashmiris feel and bind them and other Indians closer together Jammu and Kashmir have become India’s cricketing champs by thrashing favourites Karnataka in the Ranji Trophy finals. This is a fantastic, heart-warming Cinderella tale in a small state long viewed…

Read More
Mar 01, 2026, 15:43 IST

Mar 01, 2026, 15:43 IST

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

England cricketer Jonathan Bairstow (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images) NEW DELHI: Cricket has been caught up in rising tensions in the Middle East, leaving players from both England and Pakistan stuck in Dubai.England Lions were in the UAE to play Pakistan Shaheens, but everything changed after Iran carried out missile and drone strikes in the…

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