Afghan Cricketers Visit Kabul Blast Victims
Afghanistan Cricket Board officials and players visited hospitals in Kabul on March 18, 2026, to support victims injured in Pakistani airstrikes on a drug rehabilitation center, where over 400 civilians were killed. Player Involvement ODI/Test captain Hashmatullah Shahidi, alongside Gulbadin Naib and Qais Ahmad, met survivors at Wazir Akbar Khan
Dinesh Karthik and Dipika Pallikal Welcome Baby Girl Raaha
Former Indian cricketer Dinesh Karthik and squash champion Dipika Pallikal welcomed their third child, daughter Raaha Pallikal Karthik, on March 19, 2026, coinciding with Chaitra Navratri’s first day. Family Announcement The couple shared the joyous news on Instagram: “With blessings in our hearts and gratitude beyond words, we joyfully welcome
Srinagar Tulip Garden Draws Record Tourist Crowds
Asia’s largest tulip garden in Srinagar welcomed large numbers of tourists on March 19, 2026, showcasing 1.7-1.8 million blooms across 70+ varieties against the Zabarwan mountains and Dal Lake backdrop. Season Highlights Opened early on March 16 due to warm weather, the Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden features five new
President Murmu Arrives in Ayodhya for Ram Mandir Visit
President Droupadi Murmu arrived in Ayodhya on March 19, 2026, where UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath extended a warm welcome ahead of her visit to the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple. Visit Schedule The President will participate in Vedic rituals for Shri Ram Yantra installation on the temple’s second floor during Chaitra
Gulf Countries Announce Eid al-Fitr on March 20, 2026
Saudi Arabia, UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman officially declared March 20, 2026, as the first day of Eid al-Fitr after the Shawwal crescent moon was not sighted on March 18 evening. Moon Sighting Details Regional moon-sighting committees confirmed Ramadan ends March 19, starting Shawwal on Friday. This aligns with
Israel Strikes South Pars Gas Field Amid Iran Escalation
Israel, with US support, bombed phases 3-6 of Iran’s South Pars gas field—the world’s largest—on March 18, 2026, halting operations, igniting fires at the Assaluyeh refinery, and spiking global energy prices. Strategic Importance South Pars/North Dome supplies 80% of Iran’s gas needs and 40% of LNG exports; shared with Qatar,
India Bank Holidays March 2026: State-Wise List
India’s banks observe RBI-declared holidays alongside state-specific festivals in March 2026, with closures for Holi, Ugadi, Eid-ul-Fitr, and Ram Navami. National and Major Holidays Weekly Closures All banks closed second/fourth Saturdays (March 14, 28) and Sundays per RBI rules. Regional Variations State/Region Key March Holidays State/Region Key March Holidays Kerala
Rajya Sabha Bids Farewell to 59 Retiring MPs
Rajya Sabha held a farewell ceremony on March 18, 2026, for 59 members retiring between April and July after completing their terms, with tributes from PM Narendra Modi, LoP Mallikarjun Kharge, and others. Key Highlights PM Modi stated “in politics there is no full stop,” praising retiring MPs like H.D.
22 India-Bound Ships Listed for Strait of Hormuz Evacuation
India identified 22 critical energy vessels—13 Indian-flagged (3 LNG, 11 LPG carriers, 8 crude tankers)—stranded west of the Strait of Hormuz for prioritized evacuation amid Iranian blockade during the US-Israel-Iran war. Evacuation Progress Two LPG tankers reached Gujarat safely on March 15 after diplomatic talks with Tehran; 3 container ships
Delhi-NCR Faces Cloudy Skies with Rain and Gusty Winds Till Friday
Delhi-NCR is under cloudy skies with light rain, thunderstorms, and gusty winds expected through March 20, 2026, providing relief from recent heat. IMD Forecast Yellow alert issued for March 19-20: winds 30-50 kmph, very light to light rain/thunderstorms in spells. Max temps 26-30°C, min 16-18°C; air quality improves post-rain. Regional
