The stock of IDBI Bank Ltd. fell the most since at least June 2024 after reports that the government has decided to scrap its stake-sale plans due to lacklustre bidding.
The government is set to scrap the bids it received for a majority stake in IDBI Bank as the amounts were below the minimum price sought. (Mint)
On Monday (16 March 2026), IDBI Bank’s share price fell as much as 16.48% to an intraday low of ₹77.00 apiece on the BSE even as the benchmark S&P BSE Sensex remained largely flat.
The government is set to scrap the bids it received for a majority stake in IDBI Bank Ltd. as the amounts were below the minimum price sought, Bloomberg News reported, citing people with knowledge of the matter. That, effectively, brings a halt to the IDBI Bank stake sale process, they said.
While the sources didn’t identify the bidders, Bloomberg News had previously reported that Fairfax Financial Holdings Ltd. was the frontrunner for what would have been the biggest foreign investment in India’s banking sector, and that Emirates NBD had also bid.
“IDBI Bank is not in a position to either confirm or deny the referenced news report,” the lender said in an exchange filing today.
The 61% stake that the government and Life Insurance Corp. of India planned to sell in the private lender is worth about $6.5 billion at the current market price.
The Narendra Modi-led government has been looking to sell the Mumbai-based lender for several years, part of its efforts to pare state ownership in the banking sector. IDBI Bank returned to profitability in recent years after capital support and aggressive recoveries helped it cut non-performing assets.
Celina Jaitly has reacted after the Delhi High Court dismissed her petition seeking consular access, legal assistance and communication with her brother, Major (Retd.) Vikrant Jaitly, who is currently detained in the United Arab Emirates. The court disposed of the plea after being informed that Vikrant Jaitly did not wish to communicate with his sister and preferred to handle legal matters only after consulting his wife, Charul Jaitly.
Celina Jaitly has reacted after the Delhi High Court dismissed her petition seeking consular access, legal assistance and communication with her brother, Major (Retd.) Vikrant Jaitly, who is currently detained in the United Arab Emirates.The court disposed of the plea after being informed that Vikrant Jaitly did not wish to communicate with his sister and preferred to handle legal matters only after consulting his wife, Charul Jaitly.Responding to the development, Celina shared a detailed note on social media expressing gratitude to the court and the Government of India.“Today was the last hearing of my writ petition in front of the Hon’ble High Court of Delhi. I had approached the Hon’ble Court out of deep concern for the safety, security & well being of my brother, Maj Vikrant Kumar Jaitly,” she wrote.She added that with their parents no longer around, she felt a sense of responsibility toward her brother.“He is in a foreign nation & as his sister, especially in the absence of our parents, I felt it was my duty to ensure that he was not left without protection or support.”
‘My concern for my brother’s welfare compelled me to seek judicial intervention’
In her note, the actor revealed that she had moved court despite going through difficult personal circumstances.“I am myself navigating extremely difficult personal circumstances, including ongoing matrimonial proceedings, yet my concern for my brother’s welfare compelled me to seek judicial intervention,” Celina said.She also thanked the Indian government after being informed that officials had been in contact with Vikrant.“Today, I am grateful that before the Hon’ble Court, the Ministry of External Affairs has informed that they have had multiple legal accesses to him & are moving forward to ensure proper legal representation & his well being.”“This gives me a sense of relief & reassurance that the Government of India is standing by one of its soldiers,” she added.
Celina Jaitly Breaks Down Online, Prays For Brother Detained In UAE
Court notes Vikrant Jaitly declined legal representation and communication
According to Bar and Bench, the matter was heard on March 16 by Justice Purushaindra Kumar Kaurav, who was informed that Vikrant Jaitly had already been granted consular access but had declined legal assistance.Authorities also told the court that a law firm had offered to represent him free of charge, but he refused the offer.The court recorded that Vikrant had “unequivocally stated that he is not willing to be represented by any of the law firms,” including a pro bono offer from a UAE-based firm.Celina had also sought permission to communicate directly with her brother, but that request was declined as well.While disposing of the petition, the court directed authorities to remain in touch with Vikrant and provide assistance if required.“In view of the facts and developments, there is no reason to keep this petition pending,” the court observed.
Detention in UAE since September 2024
Major (Retd.) Vikrant Jaitly, a former Indian Army officer and Celina’s brother, has been detained in the United Arab Emirates since September 6, 2024.Reports suggest the matter is linked to alleged national security concerns, though the exact charges have not been made public.Before his detention, Vikrant had been living in the UAE since 2016 and was reportedly working with the MATITI Group, a consultancy and trading firm. Celina has earlier raised concerns about the lack of clear legal representation, limited updates about the case, and the absence of direct communication with her brother.Concluding her statement, the actress wrote, “My only intention has always been his safety, dignity & fair treatment. I remain hopeful & thankful for the continued support extended to him by our Government as a son of our nation.”
The upcoming edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is all set to begin from March 28. So far, the schedule of only first 20 matches has been released due to state elections.
Ahead of the cash-rich league, former Team India cricketer Aakash Chopra feels that Mumbai Indians` lead pacer Jasprit Bumrah is under pressure with the responsibilities he carries.
“If your name is Jasprit Bumrah, the pressure comes automatically. He is that kind of bowler. He creates an impact in every game, guarantees you a wicket, and restricts the opposition. That responsibility brings a lot of pressure because his four overs are the most precious thing for MI. Bowl one over in the powerplay, keep one for the middle phase and two at the death. That is Bumrah. That pressure is not going anywhere,” he said.
He then explained that whether Trent Boult or Deepak Chahar deliver performances, Bumrah will still have pressure on his shoulders. He also said that Shardul Thakur is a good replacement for Chahar.
“Whether Boult bowls well or Deepak Chahar is fully fit, Bumrah`s pressure stays with him. But if Boult is fit, MI will want to continue with him. Fit, available, in form. They will want the new ball to move around a little with Boult and Deepak Chahar. Shardul Thakur is a capable replacement for Chahar, but it does not necessarily mean that he plays ahead of him. A fit Deepak Chahar, a fit Trent Boult, Bumrah, and Hardik Pandya will be MI`s four starting pacers. Corbin Bosch is waiting in the wings. He is a very good all-rounder. But again, you cannot play all overseas players,” Chopra explained.
The “Paltan” will begin their campaign on March 29 against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
IPL 2026, Mumbai Indians: Full squad
Rohit Sharma, Trent Boult, Suryakumar Yadav, Quinton de Kock (WK), Mitchell Santner, Deepak Chahar, Shardul Thakur, Corbin Bosch, Hardik Pandya (C), Jasprit Bumrah, Ryan Rickelton (WK), Will Jacks, Mayank Rawat, Mayank Markande, Sherfane Rutherford, Raghu Sharma, Atharva Ankolekar, Tilak Varma, Ashwani Kumar, Raj Bawa, Danish Malewar, Robin Minz (WK), Allah Ghazanfar, Naman Dhir, Mohammed Salahuddin Izhar.
Armaan was not the only one shocked to hear the lyrics. Many on the internet had the same reaction. One user commented, “How did the Censor Board pass this double-meaning, vulgar, full of sexual innuendos song featuring Nora Fatehi?” Another said, “Would you call it a dance? It’s a disgrace to Indian women. Objectification has crossed all limits.”
About the track
Sarke Chunar Teri Sarke is set in a dance bar, with Nora dancing alongside dozens of backup dancers. The song’s opening verse is a double entendre describing sex in rather graphic detail. As the first stanza progresses, it is revealed that the description is for a drink and bottle (most likely alcohol) and not genitalia, as the previous verses had suggested.
NEW DELHI: Team India’s left-handed batter Ishan Kishan is the frontrunner to lead Sunrisers Hyderabad in the upcoming IPL 2026 season, as there is yet no clarity on when Pat Cummins will link up with the squad. TimesofIndia.com reliably understands that the SRH management has had a discussion in this regard, and Kishan has been identified as the most suitable candidate to have the armband in the Australian fast bowler’s absence.
Jay Shah calls 2019 to 2026 as Indian cricket’s golden period
Ishan’s stocks are on a bull run at the moment. The 27-year-old has had a brilliant T20 World Cup campaign, where he became the toast of the nation for his performances, initially as a top-order batter and then at No. 3 when Sanju Samson returned to the Playing XI.
Ishan Kishan’s performance in last IPL
Kishan has established himself as one of the most explosive wicketkeeper-batters in the IPL. Across 119 matches in the tournament, playing for three franchises including Sunrisers Hyderabad, he has scored 2,998 runs from 112 innings at an average of 29.10 and a strike rate of 137.64. His tally includes one century, 17 half-centuries, 288 fours and 134 sixes, underlining his aggressive batting style. Behind the stumps, Kishan has also contributed with 59 catches and five stumpings. In the 2025 season, his first after being picked for Rs 11.25 crore in the auction, he scored 354 runs in 14 matches at a strike rate of 152.58, including a century and a fifty.
Kishan’s heroics in T20 World Cup 2026
Kishan played a key role for the India national cricket team during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, finishing as India’s second-highest run-scorer with 317 runs in nine innings at an average of 35.22 and a strike rate above 193. His campaign included three half-centuries, including one in the final, helping India clinch the title. Speaking after the victory, he said, “Our team won, obviously, it is a very good thing, not only for us, but for the whole nation. We hope to continue playing cricket like this and keep winning.” He added, “It feels great because I believe the better I perform, the more motivation it will be for the young kids here who want to grow. I always try to ensure as many players as possible emerge from every corner. Now that we’ve played the World Cup, it shows that with hard work, you can succeed from anywhere.” On his future goals, Kishan said, “Nothing much, just keep scoring runs, keep playing, and keep winning.”
Mumbai: In a city where cinema breathes life, a cricketer’s walkout song creates an abiding fan memory as potent as a great innings with the bat. No wonder MS Dhoni’s walk to the crease at Chepauk to iconic Tamil numbers have led to the introduction of ‘shor meter’ during IPL’s television broadcast. They would do well to keep the trend going, as plenty of noise is expected from the Chennai Super Kings’ camp in the upcoming season.
Sanju Samson will play for Chennai Super Kings in IPL. (PTI)
There is palpable excitement in Chennai around the makeover of CSK. Thala may be on his last legs, but Chinna Thala is ready to step up. It didn’t quite work out last time when Suresh Raina was positioned that way, but in 31-year-old Sanju Samson, there is renewed optimism in the city, the franchise and their manic fanbase.
Head coach Stephen Fleming had hailed Ruturaj Gaikwad to be cut from the same cloth as Dhoni for his calming presence as captain. But Samson, the Kerala batting star who effortlessly delivers viral Rajni punch lines, holds greater potential to become the next big crowd puller.
Samson’s trade, last year, in exchange of the fading powers of Ravindra Jadeja was a coup, even though CSK had to let go of English all-rounder Sam Curran in the bargain. Some acquisitions in the IPL bazaar are measured beyond the limits of runs and wickets. Afterall, it’s only in IPL that an aging legend, thanks to his otherworldly popularity, continues to enthrall just with his cameos and fills giant sized stadiums, both home and away. With Samson holding a similar potential for enchanting the crowds, CSK pulled out all stops to execute the trade.
And Samson can bat too. His belated success in international cricket couldn’t have been better timed for CSK. The flamboyant right-hander’s hat-trick of match-winning efforts in the recent T20 World Cup not only helped India past the finish line in each knockout match but also settled the long-standing debate over his unrealized potential. Joining hands with Gaikwad, CSK’s new-look top order has all the makings of forcing its way to the chart-topping category.
Even before the Samson trade, CSK had undertaken a major mid-season course correction; their playing twelve at the backend of the tournament became vastly different from their starting line-up. Their dated early tournament strategy had pushed them considerably behind and they could never recover to avoid a wooden spoon finish. However, smart reinforcements in the form of Gujarat powerhitter Urvil Patel, the India U19 skipper Ayush Mhatre and South African batting hope Dewald Brevis helped add muscle and luster to the side.
It became all but obvious that once dubbed the Dad’s Army, CSK wanted to pivot towards a fresher, more aggressive outlook, going by their auction signings. Fleming led the strategy room at the auction table as the five-time winners broke the bank to rope in young blood Prashant Veer and Karthik Sharma. Veer earned his big payday through his power-packed batting and effective left-arm spin in the UPT20 league. CSK are punting on Veer to be able to fill the big shoes of Jadeja. Karthik, the Rajasthan recruit, also comes with a big six-hitting reputation.
With Mhatre, Karthik, Veer, and Brevis being 18, 19, 20 and 22 respectively – all expected to get an early look in – the average age of CSK’s playing twelve will see a transformational change this year.
In this high rush for batting power, adding to Shivam Dube’s unmatched bat swing, CSK look relatively light in the spin department. The second spinner’s slot to Noor Ahmed – they have Rahul Chahar, Shreyas Gopal and Akeal Hosein to pick from – is likely to be decided during the course of the season. If Chepauk pitches continue to take less spin than earlier, their pace attack led by Matt Henry and Khaleel Ahmed may have more work to do.
A full season for Dhoni?
All eyes, like each passing year, will be on the 44-year-old Thalaiva. Will this be the year MS Dhoni calls time? Will he play as an Impact Player? What will his entry point be at the crease? How removed will he be from decision making, now that Gaikwad is in charge? The answer to all these questions will be known on March 30 when CSK take on Rajasthan Royals – their first outing in their remodelled avatar.
And Samson won’t need an additional reason to be motivated. “I don’t let emotions rule me on the field. I left Rajasthan Royals because I felt my time in the team was over. Even if we come up against them now, I will play my best cricket,” he told reporters in Thiruvananthapuram.
CSK seemed to have done well with their succession planning through Samson – a fan favourite of a wicket-keeper batter for the original. Dhoni won’t take longer than necessary to step away from the limelight, if he is convinced Samson sparkles in bright yellow.
Television actress Khushi Dubey is set to return to TV with her upcoming show Papa Kehte Hain, where she will play the character Momita. The actress spoke about the show’s storyline and her role, saying the project explores a different kind of family drama on Indian television. Speaking about the show, Khushi said, “It’s a new character and a new show. Papa Kehte Hain is a heartfelt family drama about five siblings who are forced to grow up overnight after losing their parents.”
Khushi Dubey gets candid about her character
She explained that the story focuses on the siblings’ struggles and their strong bond while navigating life without parental support. “We see their struggles, different types of parenting styles among them and their bonding. Then there’s the entry of Momita, who is a free spirited, lively, outspoken and strong charactered girl,” she said.
Describing Momita, Khushi added, “She’s a supporter of social causes, she takes a stand for what’s good and bad and believes she’s here to make a difference. She’s never afraid to voice her opinions, which is similar to how I am in real life.”
The actress also spoke about the contrast in Momita’s personality. “Although she comes from a life of privilege and loves her comforts, she is also a strong social activist. That’s something quirky about her.” She added that Momita is “funny, loving and lively, a very next door girl kind of character.”
Khushi also hinted at a romantic storyline in the show. “For Pawan and Momita, we will see a nice innocent understanding and a love story that develops as the two characters get to know each other.” The actress said the show offers a fresh concept compared to typical television dramas. “It’s not a conventional saas bahu drama and I’m glad we’re exploring such a concept after a long time on television.”
Reveals the show is inspired by Party of Five
She also noted that Indian television rarely explores this genre. “We haven’t made something like Friends for a long time on Indian television. People are used to seeing saas bahu shows everywhere.” Khushi further revealed that the series is inspired by the American show Party of Five. “It’s an adaptation of Party of Five, which is why it’s called Papa Kehte Hain. It’s rooted in Indian culture but we’ve tried to make it relatable and fun.”
She concluded by saying the show is designed for viewers of all ages. “It’s a show that will cater to the masses, including youth, parents and children. I hope people enjoy it as much as I love the concept. I’m very excited for it.”
Kenyan foreign minister meets Russian counterpart amid reports that hundreds of Kenyans were recruited to fight in Russia and Ukraine.
Published On 16 Mar 202616 Mar 2026
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Russia has agreed to stop recruiting Kenyan citizens to fight with its army in Ukraine, Kenya’s foreign minister has said.
More than 1,780 citizens from 36 African countries are believed to be fighting alongside Russian soldiers in Ukraine, according to Ukraine’s estimates in February.
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“We have now agreed that Kenyans shall not be enlisted through the [Russian] Ministry of Defence,” Kenyan Foreign Minister Musalia Mudavadi told reporters on Monday.
He made the statement sitting beside Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov after the two held talks in Moscow, Russia.
“His excellency has conversed with us on the issue of the welfare of Kenyans who are in Russia and more specifically those who are involved in the special operation,” Mudavadi said.
“There will be no further enlisting.”
Mudavadi added that consular services would be organised for those Kenyans requiring assistance through proper diplomatic channels.
Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov attends a meeting with Kenya’s Foreign Minister Musalia Mudavadi in Moscow [Tatyana Makeyeva/Pool/AFP]
“We do not want for any reason our partnership with Russia to be defined from the lens of the special operation [in Ukraine] agenda only,” he said. “The relationship between Kenya and Russia is much more broader than that.”
Lavrov did not mention the agreement in his remarks to the media, but said the Russian Defence Ministry was looking into cases that had caused “concern among our Kenyan friends”.
“Russia is not forcing anyone to enlist,” Lavrov said.
He said that Kenyan citizens had voluntarily signed contracts to fight alongside the Russian army.
A Kenyan intelligence report presented to lawmakers in February said that more than 1,000 Kenyans had been recruited to fight on Russia’s side in the war in Ukraine, five times more than authorities had previously estimated.
Since launching its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Russia has been widely accused of recruiting foreign nationals to fight alongside its army.
Kenyan politicians have described what they say is a network of rogue state officials who have colluded with human trafficking syndicates to recruit Kenyans to fight for Russia in Ukraine, a practice Nairobi said it wanted to stop.
In November, reports emerged that a group of South Africans ages 20-39 had travelled to Russia expecting to receive security training.
Instead, they were soon pressed into a paramilitary force and dispatched to the front lines in Ukraine.
India’s exports to the US declined 12.88 per cent year-on-year to $6.88 billion in February, weighed down by high tariffs, while the country’s trade deficit with China widened past $100 billion during the April-February period of the current fiscal, according to commerce ministry data released on Monday.Exports had contracted in September, October, December and January, although they registered a 22.61 per cent rise in November. Indian goods were attracting sweeping 50 per cent levies in the US. After the US Supreme Court struck down the Trump tariffs, however, US President Donald Trump imposed a 10 per cent duty on all countries from February 24 for 150 days. The impact of the lower tariffs is expected to be reflected in March trade data to be released in mid-May.Imports from the US rose 36.53 per cent to $4.48 billion in February. During the April-February period, India’s exports to the US increased 3.84 per cent to $79.29 billion, while imports climbed 15.65 per cent to $48.4 billion.Trade with China remained sharply imbalanced. India’s exports to China rose 32.37 per cent to $1.67 billion in February, while imports surged 30.49 per cent to $11.95 billion. For the first 11 months of the fiscal year, exports to China increased 37.66 per cent to $17.54 billion, whereas imports rose 15.21 per cent to $119.55 billion, pushing the trade deficit to $102.01 billion.Exports recorded growth to markets such as Germany, Hong Kong, Italy, Nepal, France, Brazil, Spain, Belgium, Malaysia and Vietnam during February. However, shipments to the UK, the Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, Bangladesh, Singapore, Australia and South Africa declined.On the import side, shipments fell from the UAE, Russia, Germany, Thailand and Qatar, but increased from Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Switzerland, Singapore, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea and Indonesia. Imports from Switzerland– largely gold– surged nearly seven-fold to $2.71 billion during the month.
At the 98th Academy Awards, Avatar: Fire and Ash won the Oscar for Best Visual Effects. This marked Richard Baneham`s third nomination and win in this category.
Avatar: Fire and Ash is the third instalment in James Cameron`s acclaimed science fiction-fantasy franchise.
Many awards were presented that evening, and Sinners took home several honours. A while ago, Ludwig Goransson won the Oscar for Best Original Score for Sinners.
Ryan Coogler`s film Sinners bagged the Best Original Screenplay award as well. He defeated Ronald Bronstein and Josh Safdie for Marty Supreme; Eskil Vogt and Joachim Trier for Sentimental Value, and Robert Kaplow for Blue Moon to clinch the prestigious award.
With this win, Ryan Coogler became only the second Black writer to receive the award, following Jordan Peele, who won in 2018 for Get Out.
Prior to this, Coogler won the BAFTA award for Original Screenplay for his film Sinners, becoming the first Black winner in this category.
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