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Arvind Kejriwal's Arrest Sparks Diplomatic Tension, U.S. Emphasizes Fair Legal ProceedingsFollowing India's summoning of a senior U.S. diplomat to protest remarks on the arrest of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, Washington has stressed the importance of fair, transparent, and timely legal processes."We continue to follow these actions closely, including the arrest of Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal," said U.S. State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller.Anti-CAA Protest Turns Deadly in MeghalayaTwo individuals were killed in Meghalaya's East Khasi Hills district during a meeting organized by a local organization against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) of 2019. The bodies were found near the state's border with Bangladesh.Sunrisers Hyderabad Outshines Mumbai Indians in High-Scoring IPL MatchTravis Head, Abhishek Sharma, and Heinrich Klaasen led Sunrisers Hyderabad to a 31-run victory over Mumbai Indians in a thrilling IPL match at Rajiv Gandhi Stadium.Priest Can Issue CAA Eligibility Certificate, Says Government HelplineAccording to a response received by The Hindu through the Union Ministry of Home Affairs' CAA helpline, a local priest may issue an "eligibility certificate" to validate the religion of an applicant under the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA), 2019.Congress Announces 14 More Candidates for Lok Sabha ElectionsThe Congress has released a fresh list of 14 candidates from Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Telangana, and Madhya Pradesh for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.₹50 Lakh Stolen from Cash Van in KeralaIn a brazen daylight theft, ₹50 lakh was stolen from a van transporting cash to fill cash vending machines in Kerala's Kasaragod district. The incident occurred outside an Axis Bank ATM.Nirmala Sitharaman Decides Against Lok Sabha ContestUnion Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has decided not to contest the Lok Sabha election, citing a lack of "money to contest" and her inability to meet the "winnability criteria" in southern states.Revised MGNREGS Wages AnnouncedThe Union government has notified revised wages under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS), with several states reporting hikes of 8 to 10%.Former IPS Officer Sanjiv Bhatt Convicted in False Drug Seizure CaseA court in Gujarat has convicted former IPS officer Sanjiv Bhatt in a drugs seizure case dating back to 1996. The court is expected to pronounce the quantum of punishment on Thursday.Arvind Kejriwal's Wife Relays Message to PeopleSunita Kejriwal, the wife of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, posted a video message on her husband's Twitter account, where she relayed a message from him: "While my body is in jail, my spirit is with the people of Delhi."India's Position on Russia-Ukraine Conflict: No Solution on BattlefieldExternal Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has stated that India's position on the Russia-Ukraine conflict is that a solution cannot be found on the battlefield and that New Delhi wants to find a way to end the conflict.BJP Announces Navneet Rana's Candidature for Amravati Lok Sabha SeatThe Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has announced the candidature of Navneet Rana for the reserved Amravati Lok Sabha seat in its seventh list of candidates for the upcoming Lok Sabha election.NIA Conducts Raids in Rameshwaram Cafe Blast CaseThe National Investigation Agency (NIA) has conducted simultaneous raids and questioned several suspects in Shivamogga, Karnataka, Chennai, and Ramanathapuram districts in Tamil Nadu in connection with the Rameshwaram Cafe blast case.Woman Stripped, Paraded, and Beaten in Madhya Pradesh VillageFour women were arrested for allegedly beating up, stripping, and parading a 30-year-old woman over a dispute at a village in Madhya Pradesh's Indore district.

Royals' Opening Day Nears Amidst Ballpark Vote and High ExpectationsAs the Kansas City Royals prepare for their opening day clash with the Minnesota Twins, owner John Sherman admits to sleepless nights. The team has undergone a significant overhaul during the offseason, fueling optimism among fans and raising expectations for a season that promises to be a departure from last year's dismal performance.The Royals have invested heavily in their starting rotation, signing Seth Lugo and Michael Wacha to bolster a unit led by Cole Ragans, Brady Singer, and Alec Marsh. The bullpen has also received a boost with the additions of Will Smith and Chris Stratton, while Hunter Renfroe joins the lineup to provide some much-needed power.Only seven players remain from the roster that struggled last season, a testament to the team's commitment to rebuilding. Bobby Witt Jr., the Royals' young shortstop, has signed a long-term deal, signaling the franchise's belief in his potential as a cornerstone player.However, the Royals' future is not solely dependent on on-field performance. Next week, Jackson County voters will decide on the renewal of a sales tax that has been used to maintain Kauffman Stadium and Arrowhead Stadium. The Royals plan to use their share of the funds to help finance a $2 billion ballpark and entertainment district in the Crossroads area of Kansas City.Sherman acknowledges the importance of the vote, stating that it is "the most important thing we'll probably do while we are the stewards of this franchise." He has been actively engaging with voters to address concerns and promote the benefits of a new ballpark.Royals manager Matt Quatraro believes a downtown ballpark would enhance the team's performance and provide a better experience for players and fans. He points to the positive impact of downtown ballparks in other cities, citing the increased energy and amenities they offer.Despite the uncertainty surrounding the ballpark vote, Quatraro is optimistic about the upcoming season. "We came into last year with great expectations as well," he said. "We don't come into any season thinking it's not going to be good."The Royals' opening day roster reflects the team's determination to improve. With a revamped lineup, a strengthened rotation, and a bolstered bullpen, they aim to prove that last season's struggles are a thing of the past.

Hockey is undergoing a significant transformation as the International Hockey Federation (FIH) transitions from water-based synthetic turfs to environmentally sustainable dry pitches. This shift aims to reduce the sport's water consumption, which currently stands at approximately 6,000 liters per match.The move towards dry turfs was prompted by the need to address the excessive water usage associated with hockey matches, particularly in water-stressed regions like India. Despite advancements in turf technology, the amount of water required to lubricate a hockey field remains substantial.To ensure a seamless transition, FIH has established innovation standards for dry turfs, focusing on factors such as speed, gripping, bounce accuracy, and aerial ball performance. These standards aim to replicate the playing conditions of watered surfaces.GreenFields, an FIH supplier, has developed a dry turf called Pure EP, which has been installed in the Netherlands. Additionally, dry turfs have been inaugurated in South Africa and Namibia. The recent FIH Hockey5s World Cup was played on a dry turf, providing valuable feedback on its performance in warm climates.The transition to dry turfs requires adjustments in footwear and equipment. Players may need protective undergarments to prevent injuries when sliding on dry surfaces. Stick manufacturers may also need to incorporate coatings to reduce friction.FIH is targeting the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics as a potential milestone for the widespread adoption of dry turfs. In India, where there are approximately 150 hockey turfs, the new technology is expected to gain traction due to its water-saving and cost-effective benefits.

Shubhankar Sharma, the 27-year-old Indian golfer, is poised to make a strong run at the upcoming Indian Open, a tournament he considers the "fifth major." Sharma, who finished tied seventh in the 2018 edition, is hoping to end India's 15-year drought without a homegrown winner.Sharma's confidence stems from his recent form, which includes a tied-second finish in Singapore. He believes the parallels between his current situation and his performance in 2018 provide him with a sense of hope and belief.Over the past six years, Sharma has matured both as a golfer and as a person. His game has become more refined, his tee shots have become longer and sharper, and his training regimen has become more regimented. However, some things have remained constant, such as his love for the Gurugram course, which he considers his second home.Sharma acknowledges that the Indian Open is a challenging course, with thick roughs and narrow fairways. He emphasizes the importance of hitting the fairway and executing precise approach shots. Despite the difficulty of the course, Sharma believes that local knowledge will give him an advantage.The field for the Indian Open is strong, with the likes of Gaganjeet Bhullar and Anirban Lahiri also in contention. However, Sharma is confident that he can be one of the Indians to challenge for the title."It is one of the strongest Indian fields ever assembled at the Indian Open," Sharma said. "While we have not had an Indian winner for some time, I think this weekend, we will surely have a few in contention. I certainly want to be one of those."

Magnus Carlsen, the five-time world chess champion, has shared his insights on the upcoming Candidates tournament, which will determine his challenger for the next World Championship. In an interview on the Sjakksnakk podcast, Carlsen expressed his belief that Fabiano Caruana and Hikaru Nakamura are the strongest contenders to emerge victorious.Carlsen highlighted the consistency and experience of Nakamura and Caruana, stating that they are the "best and most consistent players" in the field. He acknowledged the potential of rising stars like Alireza Firouzja, but emphasized that a victory for any of the other four participants (Gukesh, Praggnanandhaa, Vidit, Abasov) would be a major upset.Regarding the World Championship match itself, Carlsen believes that Nakamura poses a significant threat to Ding Liren, the current challenger. He noted that Nakamura has historically performed well against Ding, while Ding has struggled against Caruana. However, Carlsen also emphasized that Ding's recent form has been impressive, and if he maintains that level of play, he could challenge either Nakamura or Caruana.Carlsen also discussed his own absence from the World Championship cycle, stating that he has no immediate plans to return. He expressed contentment with his decision to step away and believes that it has been beneficial for his overall well-being.On the topic of the younger generation of chess players, Carlsen expressed skepticism about whether any of them will surpass his own achievements. He acknowledged their potential but doubted that they would reach the same level of dominance that he has enjoyed.Carlsen emphasized his continued love for the game, despite his reduced involvement in competitive chess. He enjoys playing casual online games and believes that taking breaks from major tournaments can be beneficial for his motivation.

India's top golfer Anirban Lahiri has expressed concern that the ongoing standoff between LIV Golf and the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) could prevent many top-ranked players from qualifying for the 2024 Paris Olympics.Lahiri, who currently plays in the Saudi-funded LIV Golf, is facing an uphill battle to earn enough ranking points to secure one of the 60 spots available for the Games. The OWGR does not recognize LIV Golf events, making it extremely difficult for players like Lahiri to accumulate the necessary points."There's no point in speculating on what ifs. The reality of the situation is what it is. And within that framework, you have to find a way to qualify," said Lahiri.Lahiri believes that the current situation could serve as a wake-up call for the golf world to address the issue. "It might be a situation where a lot of really good golfers are going to be in the top 10, who could be playing for their countries, don't make it to Paris," he said. "And maybe that's what's needed for the world to wake up and say we need to do something."Despite the challenges, Lahiri remains determined to qualify for the Olympics. He will be competing in the Hero India Open this week, hoping to earn valuable ranking points. "Unless I play well this week and potentially one or two more events, there is not much to look forward to unfortunately," he said.Lahiri, who has participated in two previous Olympics, is currently the third-ranked Indian golfer behind Shubhankar Sharma and Gaganjeet Bhullar. He is eager to make a strong showing in Paris, but acknowledges that the current ranking system presents a significant obstacle."I had two goes at it (Olympics), I have a whole list of excuses for not playing well (laughs) but then let bygones be bygones," he said. "It's like a major championship, right? You want to have as many starts at majors as possible to contend and to win. So it's the same thing. The Olympics are fewer and much further in between."Lahiri's comments highlight the ongoing tension between LIV Golf and the established golf ecosystem. The OWGR's refusal to recognize LIV Golf events has created a divide in the sport, with some players choosing to join the lucrative Saudi-backed league while others remain loyal to the traditional tours.

Hockey India has unveiled the nominees for its annual awards, which will be presented on March 31. Veteran goalkeepers P.R. Sreejesh and Savita Punia are among the frontrunners for the 'Player of the Year' honors in the men's and women's categories, respectively.Sreejesh, a former captain, and Punia have been consistent performers for India and are also nominated for the goalkeeper of the year award. India men's team captain and defender Harmanpreet Singh is also shortlisted in two categories: player of the year and defender of the year.The player of the year award in both categories comes with a prize of Rs 25 lakh each, while the goalkeeping trophy will fetch the winner Rs five lakh. From eight different categories, a total of 32 nominations have made the shortlist for a total prize purse of Rs 7.56 crore, Hockey India said in a press release."Notably, the pinnacle of the event, the Hockey India Major Dhyan Chand Lifetime Achievement Award, will carry the most substantial cash purse of Rs 30 lakh, honoring an individual's extraordinary contributions to the sport over the years," the HI added.The Jugraj Singh Award for Upcoming Player of the Year (Men) and Asunta Lakra Award for Upcoming Player of the Year (Women), which are meant for Under-21 players, offer a cash prize of Rs 10 lakh each. The Pargat Singh Award for Defender of the Year, Ajit Pal Singh Award for Midfielder of the Year, and Dhanraj Pillay Award for Forward of the Year come with a prize of Rs five lakh."Selecting the nominees proved to be a challenging task, given the outstanding performances showcased by both the men's and women's teams in recent times," said Hockey India President Dilip Kumar Tirkey. "These awards serve as a testament to the dedication, talent, and passion that our athletes, coaches, umpires, and officials bring to the field day in and day out," added secretary general Bhola Nath Singh.

UN Security Council Demands Ceasefire in Gaza, US AbstainsOn March 25, the United Nations Security Council unanimously demanded an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Palestinian militants Hamas, with the United States abstaining from the vote. The resolution, proposed by the 10 elected members of the council, called for an immediate and unconditional release of all hostages.This marks the first time the Security Council has demanded a ceasefire in the nearly six-month-old war in the Gaza Strip. The United States had previously used its veto power to shield its ally Israel as it retaliated against Hamas for an October 7 attack that Israel says killed 1,200 people.The resolution comes amid escalating violence in the region. On March 25, nine people were injured in a missile strike on Kyiv, the third such attack in five days. Russia has intensified its aerial bombardment of Ukrainian cities, while the front line in the war remains largely stationary.EU Investigates Tech Giants Under New Digital LawThe European Union (EU) has launched probes into whether Apple, Alphabet, and Meta violated the new Digital Markets Act (DMA). The law aims to exercise greater control over the functioning of big tech companies.The companies could face fines of up to 10% of their global revenues and 20% for repeat infringements of the DMA. The investigations are part of the EU's efforts to promote competition and protect consumers in the digital market.Congress Questions Modi Government's Women's Welfare SchemesThe Congress party has attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government for reducing the budget of women-centered welfare schemes. The party highlighted five key problems, including the lack of funds for the Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao program and the reduction in the budget for the National Mission for Empowerment of Women.The Congress also criticized the government for its handling of the recent objectionable post by its social media in-charge against actor and BJP candidate Kangana Ranaut. The party demanded an apology from the government and action against those responsible.Other News* The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has started requiring an increasing number of Hindi and foreign films to display anti-liquor watermarks for films that feature alcohol consumption.* Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel celebrated Holi with party functionaries in Ahmedabad.* The Rashtriya Loktantrik Party (RLP) has announced its supremo Hanuman Beniwal as the INDIA bloc candidate for the Lok Sabha election from Rajasthan's Nagaur seat following an alliance with the Opposition Congress.* Advocate C. Robert Bruce has been fielded as the Congress candidate in the Tirunelveli Parliamentary constituency.* The Congress has listed "massive failures" of the Ministry of Women and Child Development (WCD) in the last 10 years and asserted that a new era of women's safety, prosperity, and development will begin when its government "takes charge in June."* A New York appeals court has agreed to hold off collection of former President Donald Trump's $454 million civil fraud judgment if he puts up $175 million within 10 days.* Virat Kohli produced a quality half-century to lead Royal Challengers Bengaluru to a four-wicket victory over Punjab Kings in an IPL match.* A tribal forum in Manipur has urged the Kuki-Zo people to exercise their franchise but refrain from contesting in the Lok Sabha election in April.

Harendra Singh, a seasoned coach with a proven track record in Indian hockey, has emerged as the frontrunner to replace Janneke Schopman as the head coach of the Indian women's hockey team. Singh recently appeared for an interview with Hockey India, the national governing body, which has indicated that he is the preferred candidate to lead the team after its disappointing failure to qualify for the Paris Olympics.Singh previously served as the head coach of the Indian women's team from 2017 to 2018, guiding them to a gold medal at the 2017 Asia Cup. He also coached the Indian junior men's team to victory at the 2016 Junior World Cup.Sources within Hockey India have expressed confidence in Singh's ability to revive the women's team. "Harendra is the best person to take the women's side to where it belongs," said a source. "He knows the structure of Indian hockey and has a proven track record of success."However, negotiations over Singh's salary could pose a challenge. As the current coach of the United States men's team, Singh is reportedly earning a substantial salary. Hockey India's salary cap for Indian coaches is Rs 3 lakh per month, but Singh may demand a higher amount.Hockey India secretary-general Bhola Nath Singh confirmed that Harendra appeared for the interview but emphasized that no decision has been made yet. "There are 11-12 candidates, and we will decide taking into account every aspect," he said.If appointed, Singh will replace Schopman, who resigned last month citing a difficult work environment for foreign coaches in India. Schopman's departure came after the women's team failed to qualify for the Paris Olympics, a major setback for Indian hockey.Singh's appointment would mark a return to the helm of the Indian women's team for the experienced coach. His previous stint with the team was cut short in 2018 when he was replaced by Dutchman Sjoerd Marijne.