Thursday, March 19, 2026
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Ajit Agarkar seeks extension until 2027, will BCCI agree that there is no clear successor at the moment?

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Ajit Agarkar knocks on BCCI's door with huge extension request | World Cup

BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar addressed a press conference. (Arnie photo)

Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) extends list of men’s senior selection committee chairmen Ajit AgarkarThe contract was signed a year before the start of IPL 2025. Agarkar was rewarded for India’s victory in the 2024 T20 World Cup and the 2025 Champions Trophy. More than a week after India defended their T20 World Cup title at home, it is learned that the board received a request from the former India cricketer to extend his tenure till the 2027 ODI World Cup.TimesofIndia.com has learned that discussions have already taken place on the matter. In the absence of better options for the role, it remains to be seen whether the BCCI will agree to Agarkar’s request as they approach the crucial phase of the World Test Championship and start preparations for next year’s 50-over event. BCCI President Mithun Manhassecretary Devajit Saikia and Agarkar did not respond to queries. When they do, the story will be updated.There is strong buzz in the BCCI corridors that another former Indian cricketer from the West Zone is the front-runner to succeed Agarkar, but there is no concrete development in this regard yet. Agarkar’s well-timed plea, which comes at a time when the country is ecstatic about being crowned ICC champion again, puts the ball firmly in the BCCI’s court.

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Jay Shah calls 2019-2026 golden period for Indian cricket

It remains to be seen whether the board agrees to another extension for Agarca or opens discussions with potential candidates.Agarkar has served as the chairman of the men’s senior selection committee since June 2023. During his tenure, India won 3 ICC titles, 2 T20 World Cup titles and 1 Champions Trophy. However, the Test results were far from ideal, with India losing back-to-back series at home and away in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. This has somewhat dampened the luster of their white-ball success, with India losing just two of their 33 games and also winning the 2023 and 2025 Asia Cup.During his tenure, India has gone through a transformation in Tests, ODIs and T20Is while stalwarts like Rohit Sharma, Ravichandran Ashwin and Virat Kohli have announced their retirement from at least one format. While Kohli and Rohit continue to play ODI matches, Ashwin has retired from all matches. The availability of Kohli and Rohit for the 2027 World Cup remains a key question.Chairman Agarka and head coach Gautam Gambhir He has maintained a non-committal stance on this issue.“Look, they [Rohit and Kohli] Currently part of the Australian team,” Agarkar said at the NDTV World Summit 2025. “Two years from now, we don’t know what the situation will be like. So why are there just two of them? Probably some other young players [who might miss out on the tournament]”.“It’s still a long way off. We’ll see how the team stacks up, but we have some ideas and as we go along we’ll probably get a better idea of ​​how the team is going,” he added.Both Agarkar and Gambhir expressed similar sentiments, repeatedly urging everyone to “live in the moment.” Now that the selectors seem willing to look ahead to the tournament, it will be interesting to see the BCCI’s reaction and the future of two of India’s greatest cricketers.

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James Paul Gracie missing: Jimmy’s wallet found on beach near Shoko? Comparison of Spanish Cases to the Riley Strain Incident

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James Paul Gracey or Jimmy, a 20-year-old student at the University of Alabama missing Spring break in Barcelona, ​​Spain. his mother, Teresa Gracie She posted about her disappearance on Facebook and asked for help finding her son.

James Paul (aka Jimmy Gracie) went missing during spring break in Barcelona, ​​Spain. (Facebook/Abby Blabby - True Crime & News)
James Paul (aka Jimmy Gracie) went missing during spring break in Barcelona, ​​Spain. (Facebook/Abby Blabby – True Crime & News)

While there is no update on the Elmhurst, Ill., boy, local police say they have Found his cell phone. Grace was last seen at the beachfront nightclub Shoko area. Authorities believe he left the club with an unidentified person and suspect “foul play” in the case. A report also states that Gracie is believed to have spoken to a brown-haired American woman there, but it’s unclear if she was the one he left the club with.

Now, true crime digital creator Abby Blabby and Abby Escobar claim that Gracie’s wallet was found on the beach.

ALSO READ | Jimmy Gracie: first details about mystery man in Barcelona’s Shoko nightclub; mother Teresa makes big decision

“I just learned that Jimmy Gracie’s wallet was found on the beach,” she wrote on Facebook, adding, “Please continue to pray for his safe return! If you didn’t see my previous post, his church has started a 4-day rosary prayer service for him. See the last photo for details.”

However, there has been no official confirmation that Gracie’s wallet has been found. HT.com could not independently verify this claim.

His family commented on the circumstances in which the phone was taken over by authorities, Tell The American Sun “We’re not 100 percent sure what the situation is because it’s hard to understand what the police are saying because of the language barrier, but we believe it was stolen. The police found the phone on the person who stole it.” [James]”.

Jimmy Gracey case compared to Riley Strain case

Several people were quick to point out the similarities to the Riley Strain case.

“I don’t understand why these kids don’t stick together? When you go somewhere together, you leave together – it’s like Friendship 101. How many times would we hear these stories (Riley Strand, Lucas Mattson, Alex Hundley, the list goes on),” one person said. wrote on X.

other additional “It reminds me of Riley Strain, Trenton Massey, Sudiksha Konanki and many others.” Another person explain “I’m also thinking of Riley Strain. Praying he’s found alive.”

On Facebook, someone also commented “OMG. This reminds me of #RileyStrain,” while the true crime content creator commented: “Right??? Remember when his credit card was found on the beach?”

Strang, a college student at Missouri State, was found drowned in a Tennessee river two weeks after he was reported missing. This happens in 2024. Abby pointed out that FC Barcelona is also in trouble. “Right on the water. I could imagine he was drunk, although that’s just speculation on my part,” she wrote on Facebook.

Despite the similarities, one key difference is that law enforcement clarified from the beginning that they did not believe Strain’s case involved foul play. However, the authorities did not think so about Gracie.

The disappearance of the University of Alabama student has also been compared to the case of Sudiksha Konanki, an Indian-American student at the University of Pittsburgh who also disappeared at the age of 20. She was last seen on March 6, 2025, also in the Dominican Republic on spring break with friends.

As for Gracie, he was last seen wearing a white shirt, dark pants and a chain with a gold rhinestone cross. Gracie’s father, Taras, is reportedly already in Spain helping to search for his son, and his mother, Teresa, is also expected to travel there.

PM Modi writes to citizens of four states; greets Navratri, New Year, Gudi Padwa

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New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi Say hello to people at the beginning of Thursday nine nights and the traditional Indian New Year, celebrated in different forms across the country.Blessings to Nav Samvatsar, Navratri, Gudi Padwa, gardenerThe Prime Minister said these occasions mark the arrival of a new year, bringing renewal, hope and new possibilities.“Greetings to everyone on the special occasion of Nav Samvatsar. Wishing everyone unlimited happiness, success and good health,” he said in a message.“I pray that the coming New Year will further enhance courage, confidence and the spirit of service in everyone’s life. May this also add new impetus to our collective efforts to build the nation,” Modi said.The Hindu New Year Nav Samvatsar (Vikram Samvat 2083) begins on Thursday, marking the beginning of Chaitra Shukla Pratipada.The Prime Minister also extended greetings to Navratri, which is celebrated in honor of Goddess Durga.He said in Hindi: “My sincerest wishes to my family across the country for a happy Navratri. May this holy moment of worship of the Supreme Power bring happiness, good luck, prosperity and good health to everyone.”Prime Minister Modi said that with the infinite grace of Shakti incarnation Maa Durga, may welfare be enjoyed by all and give new energy to the determination of “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India). “Jai ambe jagadambe maa!” he said. “On the holy occasion of Navratri, I pray to the Goddess to bless everyone with her love and mercy. Jai Mata Di!” he said.He also greeted people on the occasion of Gudi Padwa.“Warm greetings to all on the occasion of the vibrant Gudi Padwa! This beautiful festival marks the arrival of a new year, bringing renewal, hope and new possibilities,” he said.The Prime Minister wishes that the coming year brings joy, success and good health to all.“May it encourage each of us to be determined to move forward, nurture our ambitions and make a meaningful contribution,” he said.Modi also extended his blessings to the Ugadi festival celebrated in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Karnataka, noting that it symbolizes new energy and beginnings.“Ugadi marks the beginning of a new year and I pray that the coming year will be filled with happiness, success and good health. May this year inspire everyone to sincerely pursue their aspirations and make a positive contribution to society,” he said.He conveyed greetings for celebrating the Sindhi New Year to Cheti Chand.He said, “Best wishes to Cheti Chand! Prayers for a wonderful year. May this holy festival bring joy, fulfill hopes and aspirations and strengthen the spirit of unity in the society. May the divine blessings of Lord Juralal guide us all towards peace and prosperity.”The Prime Minister also extended his wishes to Kashmiri Pandits for Navre.“Navreh Poshte! Have a wonderful year. Warm greetings on the joyful occasion of Navreh!” he said.Modi said that when people welcome the New Year, they should usher in new hope, new vitality and opportunities.“Let the new year inspire us to move forward with confidence, embrace new possibilities, and work toward a brighter, healthier, and more fulfilling future,” he said.He also greeted people at Sajibu Cheiraoba, an event celebrated by the Meitei community in Manipur.He said: “Sajibu Cheiraoba sends greetings to everyone. Wishing you all a wonderful year. May the new year be filled with joy, prosperity and success in all your endeavors. Pray that hope and a positive spirit prevail everywhere.”

Israel bombs South Pars: Why is this gas field so important to Iran and the world?

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Israel bombs South Pars: Why is this gas field so important to Iran and the world?
South Pars Gas Field (Institution)

Israel attacked Iran’s production facilities in the South Pars gas field on Wednesday, escalating already tense tensions in the Middle East. The South Pars gas field is a gas field shared by Iran and Qatar in the Gulf region. The attack came as a joint U.S.-Israeli military operation killed Iran’s longtime leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in late February, sparking a widening regional crisis.The South Pars gas field is the world’s largest natural gas field and an important source of domestic energy for Iran, which already faces frequent shortages of natural gas and electricity.

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Angry Iran bombs Saudi refinery in retaliation for Israeli-US gas facility attack

US President Donald Trump expressed surprise at the attack, saying “the United States knew nothing about it” and denied any involvement. However, according to the Associated Press, Washington had been informed in advance of Israel’s planned attack on the offshore natural gas facility, but did not participate in the operation.

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“The United States knew nothing about this particular attack, nor was the nation of Qatar involved in any way, shape, or form, nor did it know it would happen,” Trump wrote on The Truth Society.

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Should the international community intervene in the conflict between Israel and Iran?

Since launching a large-scale military operation on February 28, Iran has expanded its retaliation beyond military targets to include oil and gas infrastructure across the region, sparking global concern given the importance of the Gulf region in energy supplies.watch: Iranian missile hits world’s largest LNG hub in Ras Laffan, QatarThe attack in South Pars marked the first time in the conflict that a large fossil fuel production facility has been directly targeted.

What are your goals for the next few days?

An Iranian drone strike forced the suspension of operations at Abu Dhabi’s Shah gas field on Tuesday. The plant produces about 1.28 billion standard cubic feet of natural gas per day and supplies about 20% of the UAE’s natural gas and 5% of the world’s granular sulfur for fertilizers.On Wednesday, Israel attacked Iran’s South Pars gas field. The field is the world’s largest and the backbone of Iran’s energy system.

Why the South Pars strike is important

The South Pars gas field is the largest known gas field in the world, located in the Persian Gulf and covers an area of ​​approximately 9,700 square kilometers.Damage to South Pars could worsen Iran’s already severe energy shortages. The field accounts for 70% of Iran’s natural gas production. Preliminary reports indicate that nearly 12% of total production may have been affected.The strike also raised fears of a wider escalation, with both sides now targeting critical energy infrastructure. Experts warn that such attacks could have long-term consequences for global energy markets.Oil prices have risen following the strike on concerns about supply disruptions. Analysts say if production facilities suffer significant damage, recovery could take years.Guinness World Records estimates that it contains about 51 trillion cubic meters of natural gas.Oil prices have already surged following news of the strike, with Brent crude rising more than 5% to over $110 a barrel.The field is shared between Iran and Qatar, which first discovered it in 1971.The attack also marked the first reported attack on Iran’s core energy infrastructure.

How has the region responded?

Iran has warned of further retaliation and named key oil and gas bases in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar as potential targets. An explosion was reported later in Riyadh.Qatar blamed Israel for the attack, calling it a “dangerous and irresponsible” escalation that threatened global energy security. The UAE also warned that the strike posed a risk to regional stability and global energy supplies.

Why repairs may not be quick

Once the damage is done, repairing it is no easy task, and the consequences can be lengthy and devastating. Despite its size and significance, key questions remain: Can the South Pars field be repaired quickly?

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Iran blows up a ship near UAE for violating Hormuz ban; IRGC burns oil, gas facilities in 3 countries

Past experience suggests that recovery may take longer than expected. After the 2003 invasion of Iraq saddam husseinRebuilding damaged energy infrastructure has proven to be a slow and complex process.The Bush administration has promised that the reconstruction effort will be funded by oil revenues. However, even with the facilities in place and nearly $2 billion invested in oil projects, it took more than two years for production to return to pre-war levels.More recently, efforts to repair Ukraine’s power infrastructure after the Russian attack have also faced significant delays, with equipment shortages and logistical bottlenecks hampering progress.These examples highlight the difficult and time-consuming task of restoring large-scale energy systems after conflict, raising concerns about the speed of recovery in South Pars.

Bigger impact beyond energy

Energy production in the Gulf is not just an economic issue, it plays a key role in political stability and regional relations. Countries rely on energy revenues to support their economies and maintain social balance.The South Pars oil field has also served as a bridge between Iran and Qatar in the past. The latest attacks have raised concerns that a deeper conflict could disrupt not only energy supplies but also fragile regional relations.As both sides continue to attack and counterattack, the situation faces the risk of further escalation, and the threat to global important energy infrastructure is increasing.

Kathleen Bradley, Dian Parkinson: 5 things to know about ‘Price is Right’ model harassment

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Allegations from former models on The Price Is Right have resurfaced following the release of new docuseries, with women including Kathleen Bradley and Dian Parkinson detailing Harassment and toxic workplaces. Bob Barker era.

Bradley claimed that when she reported inappropriate behavior by a stagehand, “no action was taken." (E! YouTube)
Bradley claims that when she reported inappropriate behavior by stagehands, “no action was taken.” (E! YouTube)

According to People Magazine and USA Today, here are 5 things you need to know:

1. Model describes harassment culture

Bradley said that while the scene felt welcoming at first, she soon noticed the men were “talking, looking, and staring at the girls,” People reported, adding that it was “more common than I thought.” Former producer Barbara Hunter also alleged inappropriate behavior, recalling an incident in which a man “just put his hands on my breasts.”

2. Complaints allegedly unresolved

Bradley claimed that “no action was taken” when she reported inappropriate behavior by stagehands, calling the behavior “truly sexual harassment,” People reported. She added that she had to “take matters into her own hands.”

Also read: The Death of Bob Barker: When HIMYM’s Barney Stinson Thought The Price Is Right Host Was His Father

3. The “10-second rule” raises questions

After receiving complaints, producers introduced the so-called “10-second rule” aimed at limiting how long people can stare, People and USA Today reported model. However, former model Holly Hallstrom said “no one was overseeing” the move, calling the measure “a joke” and “appeasement.”

4. Alleged affair with Diane Parkinson

The docuseries also revisits the past relationship between Parkinson and Buck. Hallstrom said the alleged incident created tension on the set, leading to “fights” and chaos. According to USA Today, Parkinson filed a sexual harassment lawsuit against Buck in 1994, which was later withdrawn.

Also read: Etihad passenger accuses drunken passenger of sexual assault on US-India flight: “I was asked not to make the matter public”

5. There has been a long history of controversy surrounding the show

The latest accusations add to a pattern of accusations tied to the show. USA Today reports that multiple models have previously raised issues ranging from harassment to workplace discrimination, and Buck, through his representatives, has denied wrongdoing.

Messi makes history, surpassing Ronaldo to become the fastest 900 goals in history

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Lionel Messi makes history as he surpasses Ronaldo to score 900 goals fastest in history

Lionel Messi On Wednesday, he became the second men’s footballer to score 900 goals in official competition, adding another historic chapter to his storied career. The landmark moment occurred during the second leg of the CONCACAF Champions League, when Inter Miami drew 1-1 with Nashville.Despite Messi’s early goal, Inter Miami was eliminated on away goals after Christian Espinoza equalized to advance Nashville.However, the goal was an important personal milestone for Messi, putting him in an exclusive club with Messi. cristiano ronaldo The only male player to reach 900 official goals. Ronaldo achieved the feat earlier in September 2024 and currently leads the rankings with 965 goals. The Portuguese star also expressed his ambition to become the first to reach 1,000 goals.Messi has scored 900 goals in 1,142 games, faster than Ronaldo (1,236 games). Pele remains third on the all-time goalscoring list with 765 goals, while current players such as Robert Lewandowski Trailing by 690.Most of Messi’s goals came during his iconic period at FC Barcelona, ​​where he scored 672 goals since making his debut in 2004. He later scored 32 goals for Paris Saint-Germain before continuing his prolific career with 81 goals for Inter Miami USA.On the international stage, the Argentina captain has scored 115 goals, further cementing his status as one of the game’s greatest players. His most notable year was 2012, when he scored an astonishing 91 goals for club and country, a record that remains one of the greatest individual feats in football.

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MAIN AUR TU LYRICS – Shashwat Sachdev

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Main Aur Tu Lyrics: and has music by Shashwat Sachdev while Jasmine Sandlas and Reble have written the Main Aur Tu Lyrics. The music video of the Main Aur Tu song is directed by Aditya Dhar , and it features Ranveer Singh, Arjun Rampal, Sanjay Dutt, R. Madhavan, Sara Arjun, and Rakesh Bedi.

Janeman janeman janeman
Jaayega tu kahan
Tu hai noor e nazar meri
Dil mera tujh pe fida

Janeman janeman janeman
Jaayega tu kahan
Tu hai noor e nazar meri
Dil mera tujh pe fida

Takraayenge mehfil mein
To hogi guftagu
Tujhe dikhla doongi taare
Jab honge rubaru

Takraayenge mehfil mein
To hogi guftagu
Tujhe dikhla doongi taare
Jab honge rubaru

Main aur tu
Main aur tu
Me and you
Main aur tu

Can you catch a glimpse of my love baby?
I want so much more of that touch lately
Give me sweet romance
Throw a glance at me
Come close we’ll throw ha

Pyaase lab hai tere
Dil mein dariya mere
Aah kinaare pe do pal thehar ja zara

Tham gaya hai sama
Meri baahon mein aah
Aah dikha doon tujhe main mukammal jahaan

Janeman janeman janeman
Jaayega tu kahan
Tu hai noor e nazar meri
Dil mera tujh pe fida

Janeman janeman janeman
Jaayega tu kahan
Tu hai noor e nazar meri
Dil mera tujh pe fida

Takraayenge mehfil mein
To hogi guftagu
Tujhe dikhla doongi taare
Jab honge rubaru

Takraayenge mehfil mein
To hogi guftagu
Tujhe dikhla doongi taare
Jab honge rubaru

Main aur tu
Main aur tu
Me and you
Main aur tu

Written by:
Jasmine Sandlas and Reble

Get great deals on a range of air conditioners and refrigerators this summer! Up to 65% off on LG, Samsung, Godrej and more

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Summer is not only the season when temperatures soar, but it is also the time when home appliances play their greatest role. From refrigerators that run around the clock to air conditioners that battle the sweltering heat, efficiency is crucial. Now is the perfect time to upgrade to smarter, energy-efficient appliances that not only cool better but also help reduce your energy bill.

Amazon’s summer deals are now live! (Amazon)
Amazon’s summer deals are now live! (Amazon)

Aishwarya Faraswal

Aishwarya is your go-to guide for making your home, especially your kitchen, the smartest, most efficient space on the block. If you find yourself wondering which air fryer actually delivers the perfect crisp, whether a new-age water purifier is worth the hype, or how to make your refrigerator work smarter (not harder), she’s the one for you. For over five years, Aishwarya has delved into the world of home and kitchen technology, reviewing everything from air fryers and microwaves to chimneys and water purifiers. Her approach is simple: cut down on the jargon, highlight real innovation, and focus on budget-friendly solutions without compromising on quality. Her columns are a combination of fresh products and honest opinions. There’s no sugar-coating, no fancy marketing gimmicks. Each review is drawn from real, practical experience, providing readers with the unfiltered truth, both good and bad (and sometimes brutal). Aishwarya is a big believer in viral “how-to” hacks, and she loves sharing appliance hacks like microwave cleaning tips that involve lemon and absolutely zero scrubbing, hassle-free refrigerator care tips (sometimes all you need to do is defrost), and everything in between. She does her best to make home technology less overwhelming and more fun.

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Good news? Top brands like LG, Samsung and Godrej are offering huge discounts of up to 65%, making premium upgrades more affordable than ever. Whether you’re planning to replace your old air conditioner or invest in a larger refrigerator, these deals make it easier to choose performance without stretching your budget.

Think of it as a seasonal reset for your home, where comfort, savings, and smart choices come together effortlessly.

Amazon’s Hottest Summer 2026 Deals

Best deals on air conditioners for maximum cooling and comfort | Up to 50% off

When the summer heat begins to raise temperatures by the day, keeping cool in your home becomes more important than ever. Reliable air conditioning is no longer just about comfort, it directly impacts your sleep quality, productivity and overall health. With so many options available today, finding the right air conditioner that balances powerful cooling, energy efficiency, and affordability can feel overwhelming.

This is where seasonal offers really come into play. Top brands like LG, Samsung, Daikin and Voltas are offering attractive discounts, giving you the perfect opportunity to upgrade without stretching your budget. Modern air conditioners come with features such as inverter technology for continuous cooling, faster cooling modes for instant relief, and advanced filters that help improve indoor air quality. Many models also focus on energy efficiency, helping to reduce electricity bills during peak summer demand periods

Amazon Refrigerator Deals | Bring cool comfort to your kitchen with up to 50% off

Bring home smarter cooling solutions with exciting refrigerator deals during the Amazon sale, with discounts of up to 50% on top brands. Now is a great time to invest in a device that will keep your food fresh, organized and energy-efficient without stretching your budget.

Leading brands like LG, Samsung, Whirlpool and Godrej are offering attractive discounts to bring premium features at your fingertips. From spacious two-door models to flexible convertible designs, these refrigerators are designed to meet different family needs.

Modern refrigerators come with inverter compressors, multi-airflow cooling, and well-designed storage compartments for everyday kitchen use. These features help maintain consistent cooling while also supporting better energy savings over time.

Qatar News: Iranian missile hits world’s largest LNG center Ras Laffan – Observation

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Iran attacks Ras Laffan gas plant, home to world's largest liquefied natural gas facility, damaging

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Iran on Wednesday attacked Qatar’s Ras Laffan Industrial City, one of the world’s largest natural gas export hubs, causing severe damage to key facilities.Qatar Energy said in a statement earlier on Thursday that “several of its liquefied natural gas (LNG) facilities came under missile attack, causing massive fires and further severe damage” following earlier attacks.

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Iran attacks Ras Laffan gas plant, home to world’s largest liquefied natural gas facility, damaging

After the attack, Donald Trump warned that if Iran targeted Qatar again, the United States would retaliate and “blow up the entirety” of the region “in a massive way.”“I don’t want to authorize this level of violence and destruction because it will have long-term consequences for Iran’s future,” Trump said, adding that he would do so “without hesitation.”The attack followed an Israeli attack on Iran’s main South Pars gas field. Trump also said he had no prior knowledge of the Israeli action, adding that Israel had pledged not to conduct further attacks at the site.Following the South Pars attack, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian condemned the attack, warning that “uncontrollable consequences” could “sweep the entire world.”

TOISA 2025: Uttar Pradesh dominates with four nominations in Sportsperson of the Year category

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TOISA 2025: Uttar Pradesh dominates with four nominations in Sportsperson of the Year category
Rupal Chaudhry and Gurvir Singh

The Times of India Sports Awards (TOISA) are back for the eighth edition to celebrate the achievements and inspiring journeys of India’s best athletes. The TOISA 2025 Awards Ceremony will be held in Lucknow on March 21, 2026, bringing together the country’s top sports icons and emerging stars.The awards will recognize performance in more than 45 categories and will be evaluated from January 1 to December 31, 2025. The Indian sports world has had a remarkable year, highlighted by outstanding performances in global and continental events.Athletics athletes from Uttar Pradesh dominate the TOISA Sportsperson of the Year 2025 (Athletics) nominations. Of the eight nominees in the men’s and women’s categories, four are from the state.UP athletes accounted for half of the nominations in both the men’s and women’s categories.In the men’s category, long-distance runner Gulveer Singh had an amazing year in 2025, rewriting records in the 3000m, 5000m and 10,000m events. He won gold medals in the 5,000 meters and 10,000 meters at the Asian Athletics Championships in Gumi, South Korea. He set national records in both events, including his 5,000-meter time of 12:59.77, which also became an Asian record.Another UP athlete nominated is a javelin thrower Sachin YadavImpressed at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo. Sachin finished fourth with a personal best of 86.72m, ahead of Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra in eighth. He also won a silver medal at the Asian Championships in South Korea, behind Paris Olympic champion Arshad Nadeem of Pakistan.In the women’s category, two of the four nominees are from UP — Parul Chowdhury and Rupal Chowdhury.Parul set a new national record in the 3000m steeplechase twice on the global stage. She broke this record for the first time at the Doha Diamond League, finishing sixth among a world-class field. A few weeks later, she repeated her success at the Asian Championships in Gumi, winning a silver medal, and then added another silver medal in the 5,000 meters.Rupal also achieved a breakthrough at the continental level in 2025. She won three medals, including two gold medals, at the Asian Championships in South Korea. The 21-year-old won a silver medal in the 400m event and played a key role in India’s bid for gold in the women’s 4x400m relay and mixed event.Profiles of Uttar Pradesh athletes nominated in the Athlete of the Year (Athletics) category:

Gurvir Singh

Gurvir Singh

Gurvir SinghDate of birth: June 1, 1998Place of birth: Atrauli, Uttar PradeshSports events: Track and field (3000m, 5000m, 10,000m)Main achievements in 2025:Gumi Asian Championships: Gold (5000m – 13:24.77 CR), Gold (10,000m)Gulveer Singh has had an exciting 2025 season, setting national records in multiple long distance events (3000m, 5000m and 10,000m). He won the 5,000-meter and 10,000-meter gold medals at the Asian Athletics Championships, becoming the defending Asian champion and a dominant player on the mainland stage.Gourville set a new national record in the 3,000 meters at the Gyulai István Memorial with a time of 7:34.49, breaking his previous record of 7:38.26 set at the David Hemery Valentine Invitational earlier this year. He became the first Indian to break the 13-minute mark in the 5000m race, clocking 12 minutes 59.77 seconds at the Boston University Terriers DMR Challenge, a time that also set an Asian 5000m sprint record. He went on to break the record in the 10,000 meters, setting another national benchmark with a time of 27:00.22 in the ten-man event.

Sachin Yadav

Sachin Yadav

Sachin YadavDate of birth: October 25, 1999Place of birth: Hekkarda, Uttar PradeshSports: Track and Field (Javelin)Main achievements in 2025:Tokyo World Championships: 4th (86.27m – PB)Gumi Asian Championships: Silver Medal (85.16m)Sachin Yadav had a breakthrough season in 2025, scoring personal bests and excelling on the international stage. At the beginning of this year, he won the gold medal at the National Games, setting a personal best and setting a competition record of 8439m. Yadav then performed well at the Asian Athletics Championships, winning the silver medal with a personal best of 85.16m, just 1.24m behind Olympic champion Arshad Nadeem. He also participated in the first Neeraj Chopra Classic and finished fourth with a best result of 82.33m, just missing the podium. At the World Athletics Championships, Yadav entered the finals with a score of 83.67m in the qualifying round and hit a personal best of 86.27m in the finals, finishing fourth and narrowly missing out on a medal.

Parul Chowdhury

Parul Chowdhury (Getty Images)

Parul ChowdhuryDate of birth: April 15, 1995Place of birth: Ikrauta, Uttar PradeshSports: Track and Field (3000m Obstacle Race, 5000m)Main achievements in 2025:Doha Diamond League – 6th place – 9:13.39 NRGumi Asian Championships: Silver (3000m steeplechase – 9:12.46 NR), Silver (5000m)Parul Chaudhary had a phenomenal season in 2025, rewriting the national record in the women’s 3000m steeplechase on more than one occasion on some of the sport’s biggest stages. In one of the most demanding events in athletics, she broke the national record for the first time at the Doha Diamond League, finishing sixth in a world-class meet with a time of 9 minutes, 13.39 seconds. A few weeks later, at the Asian Athletics Championships in Gumi, South Korea, Parul broke his own record and won the silver medal with a performance of 9 minutes, 12.46 seconds. She rounded off a remarkable continental season with another silver medal in the 5000m, underscoring her versatility and endurance to make 2025 one of the best seasons of her career.

Rupal Chowdhury

Rupal ChowdhuryDate of birth: December 23, 2004Place of birth: Shapur Jainpur, Uttar PradeshSports: Track and Field (400m)Main achievements in 2025:Gumi Asian Championships: Silver (400m), Gold (4x400m), Gold (4x400m Mixed)In 2025, young Rupal Chaudhary had a breakthrough year with a stellar performance at the Asian Athletics Championships. The 21-year-old, who has three medals at the continental championships, including two golds, played a key role in India’s victories in the women’s 4x400m relay and mixed 4x400m relay. On a personal note, she also impressed with a silver medal in the 400m event. Rupal represented India at the World Athletics Relays in the 4x400m mixed relay, further demonstrating her growing stature on the global stage.

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