Times of India

The US-Iran conflict is impacting vital underwater internet cables. Meta has paused a major project connecting Africa and the Gulf. Installation ships are stranded. These cables carry over 95% of global internet traffic. Damage to these undersea lines could disrupt services worldwide. The Red Sea and Strait of Hormuz are critical data corridors.

AB de Villiers expressed frustration with IPL batting comparisons, particularly between middle-order players and openers. He argued that openers have a significant advantage due to fielding restrictions and favorable conditions, making their stats unfairly inflated. De Villiers believes this setup is tough on bowlers and even leads to lucky boundaries for batters.

The Detroit Lions are projected to acquire Buffalo Bills defensive end Joey Bosa. Analysts suggest Bosa could be an affordable and impactful addition to complement their in-house edge Aidan Hutchinson on the Lions’ defensive line, especially for head coach Dan Campbell. Despite recent performance dips and injury concerns, his veteran presence and disruptive ability are seen as valuable assets for any NFL team, in particular, a team like Detroit. He could be paired with Hutchinson on the gridiron.

JPMorgan Chase is now comparing junior bankers' self-reported hours with IT data to monitor workloads and address overwork concerns. This initiative aims for transparency and well-being, mirroring similar moves by Goldman Sachs and Bank of America. The banking industry faces scrutiny over demanding hours, prompting these technological interventions to ensure employee welfare.

India has sent a 2.5-ton consignment of medical supplies and equipment to Kabul following a deadly airstrike on a drug rehabilitation center. The shipment aims to support the treatment and recovery of those injured in the March 16 attack, which reportedly killed over 400 people. India reiterated its solidarity with the Afghan people and commitment to humanitarian support.

Irfan Pathan left MS Dhoni out of his CSK XI for IPL 2026, saying his limited lower-order role doesn’t benefit the team. He suggested Sarfaraz Khan at No. 6 instead, unless Dhoni bats more. Pathan’s squad includes new faces, reflecting CSK’s rebuild after poor seasons, with the upcoming campaign crucial for defining Dhoni’s future role.

Shobhaa De offers a mixed review of 'Dhurandhar 2', finding it predictable and lacking the depth of its predecessor. While praising Arjun Kapoor's and Sanjay Dutt's performances, she critiques the writing, execution, and absence of Akshaye Khanna's character, deeming the sequel less engaging and not a masterpiece.

A French officer inadvertently revealed the location of the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle by publicly recording a run on the Strava app. The vessel, deployed to the eastern Mediterranean, was reportedly northwest of Cyprus. This incident highlights ongoing security concerns with fitness app data, following similar past exposures.

The US warship USS Tripoli is heading to the Middle East, potentially near Iran's Kharg Island, carrying 2,200 Marines. This deployment amid rising US-Iran tensions highlights the strategic importance of Kharg Island as Iran's primary oil export hub and a key chokepoint in global energy markets.

Former India international Aditi Chauhan calls India’s Asia Cup campaign a mix of promise and reality check, praising emerging talent while highlighting structural flaws. She stresses better preparation, a stronger league and overseas exposure as key to bridging the gap with Asia’s best and turning World Cup qualification from ambition into a realistic goal.

Uttarakhand High Court imposed a gag order on gym owner Mohammad Deepak, restraining him from social media statements amid an ongoing investigation. The court refused to quash the FIR against him, citing his status as a "suspected accused" and deeming his requests for police protection and action against officials as attempts to pressure the investigation.

Yashasvi Jaiswal stole the show in Rajasthan Royals’ IPL 2026 practice, smashing Ravindra Jadeja for a six off his first ball despite saying he hadn’t slept well. Jadeja’s amused reaction went viral. After a poor 2025 season, RR hope such moments signal a turnaround, with new additions and young talents boosting confidence ahead of the campaign.

West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee released the TMC's election manifesto, accusing the BJP of conspiracies to capture the state and weaken institutions. She unveiled '10 Protigya' pledges focusing on welfare, jobs, housing, and infrastructure, promising enhanced financial aid for women and support for youth and farmers. Elections are scheduled for April 23 and April 29.

The IPL 2026 season kicks off on March 28, with franchises finalizing their overseas player combinations. Teams are strategically selecting key international talents to bolster their squads, aiming for strong starts amidst injury concerns and last-minute withdrawals. Overseas stars will be pivotal in shaping team performances throughout the tournament.

Candace Owens has sparked fresh controversy by claiming Charlie Kirk was unaware of key details during his relationship with Erika Kirk. She alleges Erika misrepresented connections to Kanye West’s circle, raising questions about credibility and hidden truths. The remarks have triggered intense online debate, with critics demanding evidence while supporters cite Owens’ proximity as reason to take her claims seriously.

An F-35 stealth fighter was reportedly damaged and forced to land after being hit by Iranian fire during a combat mission over Iran. Analysts suggest Iran's infrared-guided air defense systems, which track heat signatures rather than radar, may have played a role in targeting the advanced aircraft.

Tragedy struck Riyadh as an Indian national lost their life on March 18th amidst escalating regional tensions. The Indian Embassy in Saudi Arabia has confirmed the demise and is actively supporting the deceased's family while coordinating with local authorities.

A self-proclaimed spiritual leader, Ashok Kharat, has been arrested in Maharashtra on sexual assault charges, with the Opposition drawing parallels to the 'Epstein files' due to alleged videos of him assaulting women. His alleged links to ruling alliance politicians have intensified political scrutiny, prompting the formation of an SIT to investigate.