Uttar Pradesh is stepping up its ambition to become a major sports hub, with the Yogi Adityanath-led government launching a wide-ranging plan focusing on world-class infrastructure, education and grassroots development. Central to this effort is the building of a sports culture across the state through a network of universities, colleges, academies and modern facilities.The flagship project of this vision is the upcoming Major Dhyan Chand State Sports University in Meerut, which is in the final stages of construction and is expected to be fully operational by May. The university is spread over nearly 100 acres in Sadhana area and was developed in two phases with an investment of over Rs 450 crore. The first phase, costing Rs 250 crore, is almost completed, while an additional Rs 200 crore will be infused in the second phase.Sports University will solidify UP’s visionNamed after hockey legend Major Dhyan Chand, this sports university is positioned as the center of the sports ecosystem in Uttar Pradesh. The academic session has begun with ad hoc classes being conducted at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Agricultural University, Meerut. Starting from the next academic year, the institution will move to a permanent campus.Also read: UP promotes excellence in sport, rewards and employment to help athletes riseIt will offer diploma, degree and postgraduate courses in 12 sports, including traditional subjects as well as research-based programmes. The Chief Minister stressed the importance of hiring top teachers and having former athletes as coaches to ensure practical, high-performance training. The aim is to build a world-class institution that will contribute to the success of Indian sports on the global stage.Expand the network of colleges and institutesApart from universities, the state is also working towards strengthening its physical education network by setting up at least one sports academy in each division. Currently, institutions such as Guru Gobind Singh Sports Academy in Lucknow, Veer Bahadur Singh Sports Academy in Gorakhpur and Major Dhyan Chand Sports Academy in Saifai form the backbone of the system, with plans to add more institutions.The government also provides support to private institutions to cultivate talent at the grassroots level. Uttar Pradesh already has a strong training ecosystem, including the renowned Gaurav Khanna Exelia Badminton Academy in Lucknow, a center of excellence in para-badminton under national coach Gaurav Khanna. In addition, several tennis academies across the state offer world-class facilities including grass, clay and hard courts.Infrastructure development boosts sports ambitionsInfrastructure construction remains an important pillar of the national strategy. In Lucknow, an international-standard shooting range is being revived while a pending motor racing track project has also received fresh approval. Both the facilities, developed within the Guru Gobind Singh Sports Academy complex, further enhance the standard of sports in the city.With improved infrastructure and institutional support, Uttar Pradesh now aims to host major events. The national Olympic association is planning a bid to host the National Youth Games and later the National Games, a sign of growing confidence in its abilities.From sports venues and colleges to education and employment pathways, Uttar Pradesh’s multi-pronged approach is steadily shaping a strong sports culture. With continued investment and policy support, the country is positioning itself as a key contributor to India’s future sporting success.
Karaj Missile Factory Attack: US strikes Iran’s Karaj surface-to-surface missile factory; satellite images show before and after impact
Satellite images released with the statement showed that buildings visible on March 1, including the Karaj factory’s long conference hall and support buildings, had been reduced to rubble by March 11, with several buildings completely collapsed.

The extent of the damage indicates the facility is no longer operational. The attack appeared to be clearly targeted, with no apparent impact beyond the scene in the available frames.

The development comes amid a broader U.S. campaign against Iran that includes counterproliferation strikes, maritime security operations, cyber and electronic warfare efforts, and coordination with allies to reduce Iran’s combat capabilities. As part of these operations, the United States also deployed B-1 bombers using 5,000 pounds of munitions to target threats to commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.The strategic waterway, which transports about 20% of the world’s oil, is affected by ongoing conflicts. Several countries, including the UK, France, the Netherlands, Italy and Japan, have expressed their willingness to support efforts aimed at ensuring freedom of navigation in the region.Military assessments based on publicly available data show that Iran’s missile launch capabilities have declined significantly since the end of February. Gulf News reported that a cumulative total of about 1,100 to 1,700 missiles was estimated to have been launched, with an initial surge of more than 400 on the first day, followed by an 86-94% drop by early March to lower daily launches. Analysts said the reduction was indicative of a “harassment-level” capability, with sporadic missile launches likely limited by a reduction in the number of operational launchers and reduced production capacity. Continued U.S. and Israeli air operations are believed to have contributed to the decline.However, risks remain. Iran is believed to maintain a dispersed network of facilities and capabilities, including proxy forces and cyber tools, that could be used for a response below the level of conventional warfare.Meanwhile, Israel launched new attacks on Tehran early on Friday after Iran launched missiles overnight. The Israeli military said its forces “began a wave of attacks on the Iranian terror regime’s infrastructure across Tehran,” AFP reported, without providing further details.Officials cautioned that the assessments were based on publicly available information and could be affected by the “fog of war,” meaning actual numbers could differ. Nonetheless, current trends suggest that Iran’s missile capabilities will continue to decline unless hostilities are suspended.
Rajasthan Royals warn Sooryavanshi: Dravid-like mentor key to season
former indian allrounder Irrfan Pathan As the hype around teenage star Vaibhav Sooryavanshi continues to heat up ahead of IPL 2026, we’re sounding the alarm while also backing the youngster to perform well in what could be a defining season.Speaking on JioStar, Pathan noted that the real test for Vaibhav begins now and the team is expected to come up with a clear strategy to deal with his explosive knocks.“Vaibhav will face challenges. Every team will have specific plans for him. We have seen how teams have planned for Abhishek and Vaibhav will face a similar situation. But I think he has ‘dumb’. Wherever he plays, be it U-19, India A He can score runs in red-ball cricket. He has been making runs. Last season, we saw him in just seven games and this season he is likely to play a full game, so it could very well be a breakthrough season for Vaibhav,” Pathan said.Vaibhav marches intense pulsed light Become one of the most watched young players in the Indian Premier League in 2026. The 14-year-old made headlines last season with his stunning 35-ball hundred against the Gujarat Titans, becoming the youngest player in IPL history to achieve a century and the fastest Indian player to reach the milestone, surpassing Yusuf Pathan’s record.His rise in international age-group cricket has been equally remarkable. Vaibhav scored a match-winning 175 off 80 balls in the Under-19 World Cup final against England, earning man-of-the-match honors and leading India to its sixth title.Despite the growing attention, Pathan stressed the importance of mental balance for the youngster as he goes through the early stages of what could be a lengthy career.“At the same time, it is important for Vaibhav not to let anything affect him mentally. It is amazing to think that at just 15 years old, he has the potential to have a career of 20-25 years. In an era where longevity is not always a priority, Vaibhav has this opportunity. He needs to stay mentally free and not fall into the trap of thinking things are too easy. Rahul DravidThe role last season was crucial and having a mentor like that again this season will be important. There will certainly be a plan against him – teams will likely look to keep the ball outside off the stumps, away from the arc of his bat, and use variations to restrict him. He has to adapt and overcome these challenges,” he added.Vaibhav became the youngest player in IPL history at just 14 years and 23 days after being selected rajasthan royals The auction price for 2025 is Rs 11 Crore, now setting higher expectations for the entire season.Kumar Sangakkara took over as head coach after Rahul Dravid left, Ryanparag Rajasthan Royals will start their IPL 2026 campaign against chennai super kings March 30 in Guwahati.As expectations continue to build, all eyes will be on Vaibhav to see if he can live up to the expectations and translate promise into consistent performances in the upcoming season.
Iran continues to target energy sites: Major Kuwait refinery catches fire again after drone attack
Kuwait said its Mina Al-Ahmadi refinery was hit by another Iranian drone attack on Friday, causing multiple refineries to catch fire. The same refinery was attacked a day earlier.Friday’s attack occurred as Kuwait celebrated Eid al-Fitr. Authorities said firefighters were working to control the latest blaze and there were no reports of injuries. The attack was part of a wider escalation in which Iran stepped up attacks on energy facilities in the Gulf state after Israel bombed its South Pars gas field earlier this week.
Although Trump said Israel would not launch more attacks, Iranian attacks on oil infrastructure continued unabated. On Thursday, Iran attacked Qatar’s liquefied natural gas facilities and attacked Saudi Aramco’s SAMREF refinery in Saudi Arabia.Trump also warned that the United States would respond if Iran continued to attack energy bases in the region. “I don’t want to authorize this level of violence and destruction because it will have long-term consequences for Iran’s future,” he said.The conflict has disrupted the flow of oil through the Strait of Hormuz, a key passage for global oil and gas. This has pushed up energy prices, affecting economies in Asia, Europe and Africa that rely on these supplies.
U.S. destroys Iranian minelayer to prevent strangulation of Strait of Hormuz, military officials say
The conflict in West Asia and the Gulf has entered its third week. General Dan Cain, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, told reporters at the Pentagon that the United States had destroyed 44 Iranian mine-laying vessels, thereby curbing Iran’s ability to mine mines in the strait.

In emphasizing how U.S. Central Command continues to achieve its military objectives, General Dan Cain said, “We will continue to search and destroy mine storage facilities and naval ammunition depots. We will continue to search and destroy maritime assets, including more than 120 ships and 44 mine layers, and the pressure will continue.”
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He further said that A-10 “Warthog” was also deployed together with AH-64 Apache helicopters to “hunt” Iranian ships in the Strait of Hormuz.
He said, “A-10 Warthog aircraft are now operating on the southern flank and are hunting fast attack ships in the Strait of Hormuz. In addition, AH-64 Apache helicopters have also joined the southern flank operations and they continue to work on the southern flank.”
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The A-10 has been in service since the 1970s and is the Air Force’s workhorse in providing close air support, capable of attacking enemy forces near U.S. forces, according to ABC News. Its signature weapon is a 30mm chain gun, a large automatic weapon capable of firing 4,200 rounds per minute, according to the weapon’s manufacturer, General Dynamics.
Two of the Navy’s three mine countermeasures-capable warships based in the Middle East, usually in Bahrain, were in another theater on Wednesday for scheduled maintenance, ABC News quoted a U.S. Navy spokesman as saying.
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The report quoted military experts as saying that Marines deployed to the region may participate in ground attacks targeting assets such as missile and drone depots along Iran’s coast that might otherwise cause trouble for U.S. and commercial ships.
Meanwhile, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegers said on Thursday that the United States remained “on track” to launch a war against Iran but declined to provide a clear timetable for when the conflict would end, stressing that the final decision would be made by President Donald Trump.
UAE, Qatar, Kuwait and more: Directorate of Civil Aviation tells airlines to avoid 9 airspaces as tensions rise in Middle East
NEW DELHI: Aviation regulator Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Thursday directed airlines to avoid nine airspaces in the war-torn Gulf region and prepare robust contingency plans, citing heightened risks due to ongoing conflicts in the region.In an announcement, the General Administration of Civil Aviation asked airlines to avoid the airspace of Bahrain, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.Indian airlines may continue to operate over Oman and Saudi Arabia subject to conditions. Regulators say flights are not allowed to fly below FL 320, or 32,000 feet, in certain parts of those airspaces.Regarding these nine airspaces, the Civil Aviation Administration of China requires airlines to “not operate in the affected airspace…at all flight altitudes and altitudes.”
It added that any continued operations would be at the discretion of the operator based on its safety risk assessment.“As part of the operator’s safety risk assessment, other international airlines currently operating from airports in the affected areas must have robust contingency plans in place to deal with all eventualities,” the DGCA said, news agency PTI reported.The advice takes effect immediately and will remain in effect until March 28 unless reviewed or superseded.“Operators are advised to provide flight crews with information on the latest NOTAMs and airspace restrictions affecting flights already in operation,” the report said.NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) provides real-time updates on airspace and airport conditions.“Recent military strikes by the United States and Israel against targets in Iran have resulted in a high-risk environment for civil aviation. In response to these attacks, Iran has announced retaliatory measures,” the General Administration of Civil Aviation said, warning that the situation poses a serious danger to civilian flight operations.
Eid al-Fitr 2026: Saudi Arabia announces prayer times, check city-by-city schedule | World News
Saudi Arabia has announced the 2026 Eid prayer times for its major cities, with authorities urging worshipers to arrive early and follow guidelines to ensure smooth and orderly celebrations. The Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Da’wah and Guidance has outlined a schedule for Eid prayers, which will be performed at different times across the country based on local sunrise.
- Mecca – 6:39 AM
- Medina – 6:40 AM
- Riyadh – 6:12 AM
- Daman – 5:58 AM
- Buraidah – 6:23 AM
- Hail – 6:32 AM
- Tabuk – 6:52 AM
- Ava – 6:29 AM
- Jizan – 6:29 AM
- Najran – 6:22 AM
- Baja – 6:33 AM
- Aral – 6:35 AM
- Sakaka – 6:38 AM
The ministry advised worshipers to adhere to regulations at mosques and designated prayer venues and stressed the importance of arriving early to support better organization and effective crowd management during the busy Eid al-Fitr festival. The news comes as preparations for Eid al-Fitr are intensifying across the Kingdom, with authorities expressing their wishes for auspicious Eid and expressing hope that the good deeds of Ramadan will be accepted.


