Yogi Govt Announces Extra Holiday For Ram Navami, Extends Break To 2 Days

In a significant move reflecting public sentiment, the Uttar Pradesh government led by Yogi Adityanath has announced an additional public holiday on March 27, extending the Ram Navami break to two consecutive days.

March 26 had already been declared a holiday for Ram Navami. The decision to add March 27 comes in response to the increasing number of devotees visiting temples across the state during the festival period. Officials said the move aims to ease crowd management and ensure convenience for worshippers.

The Chief Minister approved the extension, reiterating the government's commitment to respecting religious sentiments and facilitating smooth celebrations.

Separately, the High Court has revised its holiday schedule. While courts were initially set to remain closed on March 26, proceedings will now continue as usual on that day. Instead, all courts will observe a holiday on March 27 in view of the festival.

Meanwhile, security arrangements have been significantly strengthened across Uttar Pradesh ahead of the celebrations. Large gatherings are expected at prominent religious centres such as Ayodhya, Varanasi and Mathura.

Authorities have issued guidelines to police and administrative officials to ensure smooth crowd control and prevent any disruption. Preparations at temples are also underway, with a focus on cleanliness, decoration, enhanced security and facilities for devotees.

A festive atmosphere has already begun to take shape across key religious cities as the state prepares for large-scale Ram Navami observances.

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India Does Not Have LPG Problem, It Has LOP Problem: Pralhad Joshi To NDTV

Congress's Rahul Gandhi does not know about the LPG situation and is just "trying to create panic," Union minister Pralhad Joshi said at NDTV's India Sustainability Mission 2.0 today. "India does not have LPG problem, India has LoP problem," said Joshi, in a jibe at Gandhi, who is the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha.

Questioning why Gandhi did not attend the all-party meeting held today, he said, "Earlier, they were saying call an all- party meeting. When the meeting is called, he doesn't attend it".

"If you look at our neighbours, they are having major issues. In India not even a single petrol pump is dry. There is no shortage of petrol diesel and PNG. There are some issues related to LPG that's why some steps are taken," said Joshi, who handles the New and Renewable Energy portfolio.

"I am not only comparing it (India) to the Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Pakistan. In many other countries, there is a problem. But whereas in India today, our source was nearly about 27 (nations) for the crude oil. Now it has gone up to 40. But LPG, sources are less, but still, India, wherever it is available, we have kept the supply chain perfect," he said.

Moreover, the country, he said, has increased domestic production. "And wherever there is natural gas, means there is a connection with piped natural gas... 25,000 km of pipeline has been laid, there is gas in it," he said. 

Gandhi, he added, is just "scaring people, creating fear psychosis" from Day One or Day Two of the war. "Is it good for the country? While opposing the Modi government, they are opposing India... the Opposition should not spread rumours," he said. Then in another jibe at the Opposition, he added, "We believe in sun power, they believe in son power".

On Tuesday, amid reports of Pakistan allegedly facilitating talks between Iran and the US, Gandhi had launched a sharp attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the Middle East situation and India's handling of it. 

Referring to the All-Party meet, he said he would not be able to because it clashes with a programme in Kerala. 

"All-party meeting should take place, but a structural blunder has been made... And this cannot be fixed, especially since the Prime Minister cannot. He will do whatever America says and will not work in the interest of the farmers and the country. He will do whatever America and Israel say," Gandhi told reporters.

In a direct attack on the Congress, Joshi enumerated the times when the Congress-led government had taken mis-steps.

"What foreign policy are you (Rahul Gandhi) talking about? You are afraid... the way you have treated Pakistan, when a foreign secretary (former US Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice), comes and tells you 'don't attack', you tremble, bow down and come back," he said, citing then Union minister P Chidambaram's statement on India's preparedness after the 26/11 terror attack in Mumbai.

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"It Hurts'": Ganguly Slams IPL Uncertainty Over Rs 11.75 Crore Overseas Pacer

Former Indian cricket team captain Sourav Ganguly did not mince words when asked for his reaction on the uncertainty surrounding Mitchell Starc's availability for the start of IPL 2026. Delhi Capitals said at the press conference that they are waiting for a green signal from Cricket Australia. And this is what Dada said while in Delhi for a brand endorsement for Jakson, "It hurts... because when quality players don't come in at the last minute, it shakes the balance of the team." Starc is set to miss the opening phase of the season as Cricket Australia carefully manages his workload ahead of a packed 2026-27 calendar. The timing could not be worse as franchises build their squads and strategies around marquee overseas players.

Ganguly, speaking on the broader issue of player availability in franchise cricket, said the impact of such late withdrawals is far greater in the IPL than in international cricket.

"It hurts because I've always said making an Indian team is easier than making an IPL team. Because the best players are available all the time to be picked. IPL is 10 teams that players get distributed. And when quality players don't come in at the last minute, obviously it shakes up the balance of the team."

He hit on the depth available in international squads, that is rarely mirrored in franchise setups.

"Because the substitutes, the availability is not as strong as the one who's not turned up... But in IPL if Mitchell Starc misses out or Pathirana misses out, the void is very hard to fill. So that's one of the challenges."

The former India captain, however, stopped short of criticising workload management itself, acknowledging the toll modern cricket takes on players across formats and leagues.

"Workload management is very important because players do play a lot of cricket. It's not just the IPL... more than physical, the mental part takes over. Away from home, away from families. It's never easy. So it's a balance which will continue to happen."

England cricketer Ben Duckett also pulled out of IPL 2026 as he wanted to concentrate on international cricket.

The uncertainty has not gone down well with commentators either. Harsha Bhogle called the lack of clarity around Starc's status "frustrating", especially in a league where franchises invest heavily in overseas stars. He argued that teams deserve firmer assurances when they commit significant portions of their salary purse to marquee players and warned that repeated episodes could push franchises towards stricter contract clauses and heavier financial deductions.

Delhi Capitals had structured their bowling attack around Starc's pace and new-ball threat, but this forces them to rethink.

This is not the first time the IPL has had to navigate the complicated triad of international calendars, bilateral commitments and franchise expectations. With players now juggling national duty, multiple T20 leagues and personal rest windows, such situations are likely to recur. As Ganguly put it, "Injuries will happen. Players will have problems... and you have to deal with it."

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Trump Shares Pakistan PM's Iran War Mediation Post, Fuels Speculation

US President Donald Trump has triggered intense diplomatic speculation regarding a potential mediating role for Islamabad in the ongoing Washington-Tehran standoff, after he shared an official statement from Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

The move follows a post on X by Prime Minister Sharif, in which he expressed Islamabad's eagerness to facilitate a diplomatic resolution to the regional crisis. Sharif stated that Pakistan was "ready and honoured" to moderate "meaningful and conclusive talks" between the United States and Iran, provided there is a mutual agreement from both parties.

Expanding on Islamabad's position, the Prime Minister noted, "Pakistan welcomes and fully supports ongoing efforts to pursue dialogue to end the war in the Middle East, in the interest of peace and stability in the region and beyond." He further clarified that, "Subject to concurrence by the US and Iran, Pakistan stands ready and honoured to be the host to facilitate meaningful and conclusive talks for a comprehensive settlement of the ongoing conflict."

President Trump's decision to share the post on his Truth Social account without further comment has been viewed by observers as a sign of active backchannel diplomacy. This development aligns with international reports suggesting that Pakistan, alongside Egypt and Turkiye, is quietly working to broker a peace deal in the Middle East.

While Islamabad is reportedly being positioned as a potential neutral venue, the White House has maintained a stance of strategic caution. US Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt described the current environment as "sensitive" and "fluid," advising against treating unconfirmed reports as definitive.

"These are sensitive diplomatic discussions, and the US will not negotiate through the press. This is a fluid situation, and speculation about meetings should not be deemed as final until they are formally announced by the White House," Leavitt cautioned. This statement comes amidst unverified claims that Vice President JD Vance and envoy Steve Witkoff could potentially meet Iranian officials on Pakistani soil.

Despite the lack of formal confirmation, indirect communication appears to be intensifying, with Islamabad reportedly serving as a critical conduit for messages. According to reports from CNN, the United States has utilised Pakistani channels to transmit a 15-point list of requirements to Tehran. The network further indicated that high-ranking Pakistani intelligence officials have maintained active communication with US figures, including Jared Kushner and special envoy Steve Witkoff, to facilitate these diplomatic exchanges.

The sudden diplomatic momentum follows President Trump's recent declaration of a five-day pause on planned strikes against Iranian energy infrastructure. Trump attributed the pause to "very good and productive conversations" with Tehran, claiming the US is in contact with a "top person" in Iran. Conversely, Tehran continues to maintain that it has not entered into direct negotiations with Washington since the commencement of the hostilities.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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Man Watches Dhurandhar 2 Instead Of Booking Hotel After Vaishno Devi Yatra Halt

In an unusual turn of events, a pilgrim visiting Vaishno Devi found a creative way to manage an unexpected delay during his journey. Instead of booking a hotel room, he chose to spend the night watching a film, turning the situation into a cost-saving experience.

Madhav, who went on a pilgrimage to Vaishno Devi, shared his experience on Twitter (formerly Twitter). He explained that as soon as he arrived at the pilgrimage site, he learned that the pilgrimage had been suspended. Since night darshan was not possible, he had to make arrangements for accommodation.

At the same time, the rent for a night in nearby hotels was around Rs 1,500, so he began considering other options.

To save money, Madhav decided to watch a night show of Dhurandhar 2 for Rs 300. The 3-hour, 49-minute film provided a comfortable way to spend the night.

Check Out The Post Here:

Vaishno Devi aaya tha, lekin yahan aake pata chala ki yatra band ho gayi hai.

Raat ko rukne ke liye hotel lena padta jo ₹1500 ka tha, toh maine 300 mein Dhurandhar 2 ka night show book kar liya😂

Hotel ke ₹1500 bach gaye, ₹300 mein movie bhi ho gayi ₹1200 save bhi ho gaye… pic.twitter.com/vRforE3ddA

— Madhav us (@maddiesays3) March 22, 2026

He explained that by watching the movie instead of staying in a hotel, he saved Rs 1,200 and was also entertained. He said that by watching the movie for Rs 300, he saved the remaining money instead of spending Rs 1,500 on a hotel.

Plans For Next Morning

Madhav, along with another devotee, said that this decision allowed him to relax and save money. He also shared his plans for the next day.

He said that he would first watch a movie in peace, then queue up around 3 am, get a yatra card, and head straight for darshan.

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Colombian Military Transport Plane With 80 Troops Crashes After Takeoff

Colombia's military said today some 80 troops were believed to be dead after a transport plane crash in the south of the country. There were at least two platoons on the plane, news agency AFP reported quoting a military source. The plane was a C-130 Hercules tactical transport aircraft.

It crashed on takeoff from Puerto Leguizamo, near the southern border with Ecuador. Colombia's defence minister said many are feared dead.

State broadcaster RCN ran images of a badly damaged fuselage aflame in a forest clearing. This aircraft can typically carry about 100 troops.

"Military units are already at the scene. However, the number of victims and the causes of the crash have not yet been confirmed," the defence minister posted on social media.

"It is a deeply painful event for the country. May our prayers bring some measure of comfort."

With inputs from agencies
 

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Ranveer Singh Lands In Trouble Over Dhurandhar 2 AI Poster

Actor Ranveer Singh's film Dhurandhar: The Revenge has landed in controversy after members of the Sikh community raised strong objections over a viral poster linked to the film.

The outrage began after a written complaint was filed at Mumbai's Mulund Police Station, alleging that the film has hurt Sikh religious sentiments. 

The complaint was submitted by Sardar Gurjyot Singh, president of the organisation 'Sikhs in Maharashtra', who flagged concerns about a poster circulating online.

According to the complaint, the poster shows a character dressed in traditional Sikh attire, including a turban, while smoking a cigarette. The organisation argued that such a depiction goes against Sikh religious principles and disrespects the community, as well as Guru Gobind Singh.

The group has put forward several demands to the Mumbai Police. They have urged authorities to treat the matter with seriousness and take immediate action. They have also called for the controversial poster to be removed and its circulation halted. 

Additionally, they have demanded that the film's screening be suspended until corrective steps are taken, and that legal action be initiated against those responsible, including the director, producers, and the lead actor.

The complaint further highlights that the poster portrays the actor wearing a turban, long beard, and a kara - all sacred symbols of Sikhism - while holding a cigarette. This, they claim, is disrespectful and violates the Sikh code of conduct.

Does Dhurandhar 2 Poster Showing 'Sikh' Ranveer Singh Exist?

A few days ago, news surfaced that a legal notice had been sent to the makers and concerned authorities over similar concerns.

The controversy gained further traction after Paramjit Singh Sarna shared a detailed post on X criticising the poster. However, he was reportedly unaware at the time that the image was AI-generated.

He wrote: "The poster of the 'Pralay' song from the film Dhurandhar 2 depicts a turbaned Sikh character holding a cigarette. This portrayal is deeply offensive and a serious violation of Sikh religious principles.

"In Sikh tradition, tobacco is strictly prohibited and regarded as a Bajjar Kurehit, one of the gravest breaches of the Sikh code of conduct. Displaying a Sikh wearing a Dastaar while holding a cigarette is therefore a blatant misrepresentation of Sikh identity and hurts the sentiments of Sikhs worldwide," he added.

"The Sikh turban is a sacred article of faith. Its use in this context is completely irrelevant to the narrative of the film and appears to trivialise and misrepresent Sikh beliefs before a global audience. Such imagery directly attacks Sikh sentiments and projects a distorted understanding of the Sikh faith. We urge the concerned authorities to take immediate cognizance of this matter, investigate the portrayal, and direct the makers to remove or correct this offensive poster," he concluded.

The poster of the Pralay song from the film Dhurandhar 2 depicts a turbaned Sikh character holding a cigarette. This portrayal is deeply offensive and a serious violation of Sikh religious principles.

In Sikh tradition, tobacco is strictly prohibited and regarded as a Bajjar… pic.twitter.com/ZoThF3K5Vp

— Paramjit Singh Sarna (@ParamjitSSarna) March 12, 2026

Soon after the post went viral, several internet users pointed out that the controversial poster was not official. It was revealed to be fan-made using AI, and that the film does not even feature any song titled "Pralay".

As of now, the makers of Dhurandhar: The Revenge have not issued an official statement regarding the controversy.

ALSO READ: Dhurandhar 2 Total Collection Till March 22: Ranveer Singh Film Crosses Rs 500 Crore Mark

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