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P V Sindhu Returns Home After Being Stranded in Dubai, Pulls Out of All England Championships

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Two-time Olympic medallist P. V. Sindhu has safely returned to India after being stranded in Dubai due to the temporary closure of airspace in the Gulf region amid escalating tensions.

Sindhu, who was en route to Birmingham to compete in the prestigious All England Open Badminton Championships, was forced to pull out of the tournament after flight operations were suspended following US and Israeli strikes on Iran and subsequent retaliatory action.

Announcing her return on social media platform X, Sindhu wrote, “Back home in Bangalore and safe. The last few days have been intense and uncertain, but I’m truly grateful to be back to my house.”

She expressed gratitude to the authorities and support staff in Dubai for their assistance during the crisis.

“A heartfelt thank you to the incredible ground teams, Dubai authorities, airport staff, immigration, and every single person who stepped up and took such good care of us during a very difficult time. The empathy and professionalism meant more than words can say,” she posted.

The former world champion was travelling via Dubai when airspace in parts of the Gulf region was shut amid military escalation. Iran later retaliated, reportedly impacting areas including Dubai.

Earlier, on February 28, Sindhu had shared details of her ordeal, revealing that an explosion occurred near her place of stay. She described the situation as an “extremely tense and scary moment” for her and her team, which included her Indonesian coach Irwansyah Adi Pratama.

“For now, it’s time to rest, reset, and figure out the next steps,” she added, indicating that she will take time before resuming competitive commitments.

Main Accused Arrested in Firing on Car of Lawyer Linked to Lawrence Bishnoi in Delhi

Police have arrested the main accused in the recent firing incident targeting a car carrying lawyer Deepak Khatri, who is associated with jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, officials said on Tuesday.

The arrest comes a week after unidentified assailants opened fire at Khatri and his associates near the Inter-State Bus Terminal (ISBT) in the Kashmere Gate area of north Delhi.

According to police, the accused, Rohit Solanki, was involved in both the conspiracy and execution of the attack, which took place late at night near the Marghat Wale Hanuman Temple on February 25.

At the time of the incident, five people were travelling in the vehicle when gunmen fired multiple rounds at them. One of the occupants suffered a bullet injury to his shoulder and was admitted to a hospital. He was later reported to be stable and out of danger.

An FIR was registered at Kashmere Gate Police Station under Sections 109(1) (attempt to murder) and 3(5) (criminal conspiracy) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, along with relevant provisions of the Arms Act.

Earlier, gangster Naveen Boxer had allegedly claimed responsibility for the attack through a social media post, in which threats were issued to Khatri. Police said the authenticity of the post is still being verified.

Investigators scanned CCTV footage from nearby areas and analysed technical evidence to identify the attackers and trace their escape route.

Further details are awaited as the investigation continues.

Global Oil Prices Surge 9% Amid US–Israel Strikes on Iran; Retail Fuel Prices in India Likely to Remain Stable

International oil prices surged nearly 9 percent following military strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran and retaliatory action by Tehran, pushing Brent crude close to USD 80 per barrel. However, retail petrol and diesel prices in India are unlikely to witness an immediate hike despite the sharp rise in global benchmarks.

Brent crude, the global benchmark, climbed to nearly USD 80 per barrel, while US-traded crude rose 8.6 percent to USD 72.79, compared to around USD 67 last week.

For India, which imports about 88 percent of its crude oil requirements, any rise in global prices increases the country’s import bill and may create inflationary pressures. Crude oil is refined into fuels such as petrol and diesel, making global fluctuations directly relevant to domestic markets.

Despite the spike, retail fuel prices are expected to remain unchanged for now. The government continues to follow a calibrated pricing policy, allowing oil marketing companies to build margins when international prices are low and absorb losses when crude prices rise.

Petrol and diesel prices have largely remained frozen since April 2022. State-run oil marketing companies including Indian Oil Corporation, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited, and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited have been balancing losses during high crude price periods with profits when global rates soften.

Officials indicated that the government intends to shield consumers from volatility unless there is an extraordinary surge in crude prices.

The situation was reviewed by Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, who held discussions with senior ministry officials and public sector oil companies regarding crude oil, LPG, and other petroleum supplies.

India also imports nearly half of its natural gas requirements, with a significant portion transported through the strategically crucial Strait of Hormuz, which Iranian authorities have threatened to block amid escalating tensions.

The government has stated that it is closely monitoring the evolving geopolitical developments and will take necessary steps to ensure the availability and affordability of petroleum products across the country.

Officials noted that oil companies have sufficient financial cushion to manage the current price spike. They pointed out that crude prices had earlier touched USD 119 per barrel in June 2022 following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Despite limited profits that year, oil marketing companies posted record profits of Rs 81,000 crore in FY24.

Govt Asks States To Keep Eye On Pro-Iran Radical Preachers Delivering Inflammatory Sermons

 The Union Home Ministry has asked states to keep an eye on pro-Iran radical preachers giving inflammatory statements that may result in violence in the wake of the Israel-US attack on Iran, officials said.

In a letter circulated to all states on February 28, the Ministry also asked all states and UTs to keep vigil on social media activities of extremists and global terror group handles, they said.

Advising the states to ensure that no law-and-order issues arise, the ministry has asked the states to heighten vigilance, as global events might have a domestic ripple effect through rhetorical statements, they said.

The circular asked the states to increase security at consulates, embassies, and other diplomatic offices of the USA and Israel in their jurisdictions, and at other entities of the two countries to prevent any untoward incident and maintain peace and tranquillity.

Shia mourners took to the streets in various parts of India on Sunday to express outrage and grief over the death of Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a US-Israel strike. (Agencies)

PM Modi Speaks To Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu, Discusses West Asia Situation

 Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday spoke to his Israeli counterpart, Benjamin Netanyahu, to discuss the West Asia situation and conveyed India’s concerns.

During his telephonic conversation with Netanyahu, Modi emphasised the safety of civilians as a priority.

“Had a telephone call with PM Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss the current regional situation. Conveyed India’s concerns over recent developments and emphasised the safety of civilians as a priority. India reiterates the need for an early cessation of hostilities,” Modi said in a post on ‘X’.

The telephonic conversation took place in the wake of the attack on Iran by the US and Israel and the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Iran also fired a series of missiles towards Israel and several other West Asian countries.

Prime Minister Modi on Sunday night spoke to the President of the UAE, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and strongly condemned the attacks on the Gulf nation, saying India stands in solidarity with the UAE in these difficult times. (Agencies)

FirstCry Intellitots Preschool & Daycare Inaugurates by Kuwarani Ritu Singh ji & Its First Centre in Jammu

Jammu, 28 February:

FirstCry Intellitots Preschool & Daycare, one of India’s fastest-growing early childhood education networks, is set to inaugurate its first-ever preschool and daycare centre in Jammu on 28th February, near Nanak Nagar.

The inauguration ceremony was graced and formally inaugurated by the Chief Guest, Kuwarani Ritu Singh ji. 

With a strong presence of 350+ centres across India, FirstCry Intellitots is known for delivering high-quality early learning through a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment. The launch in Jammu marks a significant milestone in bringing structured and holistic early childhood education to the region.

The new centre will offer Preschool Programs,Daycare Facilities,Play Based Learning Methodology, Focus on Motor Skills and Early Literacy & Holistic Child Development.The centre will be led by Centre Heads Ishleen Kour and Pragnee Gupta, along with business partners Andeep Singh and Surinder Singh, who aim to create a benchmark institution for early learning in the city.

To celebrate the launch, the centre is introducing special inaugural offers, including Exclusive discounts for the first 15 admissions & Navratra Special Admission Offer

Speaking on the occasion, the management shared that the vision behind this launch is to create a space where children can learn, grow, and thrive through joyful and meaningful learning experiences.

Parents and guardians are invited to visit the school, explore the facilities, and experience the learning environment firsthand.This inauguration reinforces FirstCry Intellitots’ commitment to strengthening early education in Jammu, offering families access to trusted and high-quality preschool and daycare services.

FirstCry Intellitots Preschool & Daycare Inaugurates by Kuwarani Ritu Singh ji & Its First Centre in Jammu

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Jammu, 28 February:

FirstCry Intellitots Preschool & Daycare, one of India’s fastest-growing early childhood education networks, is set to inaugurate its first-ever preschool and daycare centre in Jammu on 28th February, near Nanak Nagar.

The inauguration ceremony was graced and formally inaugurated by the Chief Guest, Kuwarani Ritu Singh ji. 

With a strong presence of 350+ centres across India, FirstCry Intellitots is known for delivering high-quality early learning through a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment. The launch in Jammu marks a significant milestone in bringing structured and holistic early childhood education to the region.

The new centre will offer Preschool Programs,Daycare Facilities,Play Based Learning Methodology, Focus on Motor Skills and Early Literacy & Holistic Child Development.The centre will be led by Centre Heads Ishleen Kour and Pragnee Gupta, along with business partners Andeep Singh and Surinder Singh, who aim to create a benchmark institution for early learning in the city.

To celebrate the launch, the centre is introducing special inaugural offers, including Exclusive discounts for the first 15 admissions & Navratra Special Admission Offer

Speaking on the occasion, the management shared that the vision behind this launch is to create a space where children can learn, grow, and thrive through joyful and meaningful learning experiences.

Parents and guardians are invited to visit the school, explore the facilities, and experience the learning environment firsthand.This inauguration reinforces FirstCry Intellitots’ commitment to strengthening early education in Jammu, offering families access to trusted and high-quality preschool and daycare services.

Above-Normal Heatwave Days Likely from March to May Across Most Parts of India: IMD

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An above-normal number of heatwave days is expected over most parts of the country between March and May, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said in its monthly forecast on Saturday.

According to the IMD, the regions likely to witness more heatwave days include West Rajasthan, Gujarat, Haryana, Punjab, south and east Maharashtra, east Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Gangetic West Bengal, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and parts of north Karnataka and north Tamil Nadu.

However, during March, maximum temperatures are expected to remain normal to below normal over many parts of the country. Exceptions include the northeastern states, eastern India, and some areas of the Western Himalayan region, as well as parts of central and peninsular India.

“This could be because rainfall averaged over India is most likely to be normal during March,” the IMD said in its statement.

The weather agency also noted that rainfall across India in February this year was the lowest recorded since 2001. Additionally, no cold wave conditions were reported anywhere in the country during February, it added.

The IMD’s forecast suggests that while early March may see relatively moderate temperatures in several regions, heatwave conditions are likely to intensify as the pre-monsoon season progresses.

Crime Branch Kashmir Charge-Sheets Cyber Fraudster for Duping Srinagar Man of Rs 41,000

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The Crime Branch Kashmir has filed a charge sheet against a cyber fraudster for allegedly duping a Srinagar-based man of Rs 41,000 on the pretext of arranging a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from Haryana for re-registration of a private vehicle in Srinagar, officials said on Saturday.

According to a statement, a probe conducted by the Crime Branch Kashmir led to the registration of FIR No. 01/2023 at the Cyber Crime Investigation Centre for Excellence (CICE), Police Station, Crime Branch Kashmir.

The investigation revealed that Anil Kumar, son of Indal Singh and a resident of village Patanwan Samardihan, Sasaram, Bihar (821113), allegedly committed cheating by impersonation. He reportedly convinced the complainant that he could arrange the required NOC from Haryana and demanded Rs 41,000, which the victim transferred to his bank account.

Officials said the accused had fabricated KYC documents to open a bank account in Delhi and obtain a SIM card, falsely showing his residence as Delhi. Despite hectic efforts, he could not initially be traced at the address mentioned in the KYC documents.

Subsequently, through technological investigation, authorities established that the accused was actually residing in Bihar and had intentionally forged his KYC details to evade law enforcement. The defrauded amount of Rs 41,000 was later refunded to the victim.

On February 28, 2026, the charge sheet was presented before the Court of 2nd Additional Munsif, Srinagar, for judicial determination.

The Cyber Crime Investigation Centre for Excellence reiterated its commitment to taking strict action against cyber fraudsters and stated that efforts will continue to expose offenders, even if they attempt to conceal their identities.

J&K Youth Can Script History with Right Opportunities: Lt Governor Manoj Sinha

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Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday said the youth of Jammu and Kashmir are capable of overcoming every challenge and can script history if provided with the right opportunities and guidance.

He was speaking at the inaugural ceremony of the second edition of the Sikh Cricket Premier League (SCPL) held at the University of Jammu. Highlighting developments in the sports sector, Sinha said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the sports landscape in the Union Territory has undergone a historic transformation in recent years.

“The new generation embodies possibility itself. I believe our youth are the solution to every challenge. Provide them apt opportunities, robust platforms, and true mentorship, and they will author history,” he said.

Sinha noted that the Sikh Cricket Premier League is helping to shape multifaceted character among the youth and will instill discipline, leadership, teamwork, patience, and self-belief in the coming years.

He described the initiative by the All J&K Sikh Coordination Committee and the Hari Singh Nalwa Cricket Club, Jammu, as a declaration that the new generation is moving forward not as spectators but as torchbearers of brotherhood and social harmony. To promote inclusivity, the organisers have ensured that each team includes youth from other communities as well.

Addressing the players, the Lieutenant Governor urged them to train with “ferocious discipline” and compete with “unbreakable unity,” both on and off the field. He emphasised that true societal wealth lies not in infrastructure alone, but in fresh ideas and youthful energy.

“The energy of our youth is like a river. When guided with purpose, it becomes a source of life and progress. I am confident that in the journey of nation-building, our youth will not stop, not bow, and they will not tire,” he said.

Sinha added that sporting events like the Sikh Cricket Premier League must encourage young people to see sports not merely as recreation, but as a platform for building enduring life values. “When youth align with purposeful missions, they understand that grand transformations require grand visions. Entrepreneurship and sports harbour that very alchemy,” he remarked.

He further said that substantial financial assistance under the Prime Minister’s Development Programme (PMDP) has helped lay a world-class foundation for sports excellence in the Union Territory.

The Lieutenant Governor also mentioned that Union Home Minister Amit Shah, during his recent visit to Jammu and Kashmir, assured Rs 200 crore in assistance for sports development in the UT, with support from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), FIFA, and other sports organisations.