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India has launched the world's largest census, a monumental task that involves surveying over 1.4 billion people across the country's 28 states and eight union territories. The $1.24 billion exercise, which began on Wednesday, will take place over the next year, with more than three million officials collecting data on household composition, living conditions, and access to basic amenities.The census will be conducted in two phases. The first phase, known as the House Listing and Housing Census, will focus on gathering information on household characteristics, while the second phase will involve population enumeration and socioeconomic details, including caste enumeration for the first time since 1931.The inclusion of caste enumeration has sparked controversy, with some arguing that it will help address social and economic disparities, while others fear it will exacerbate existing divisions. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government had initially resisted including caste questions, citing concerns about creating further social divisions.The census is crucial for policy planning and resource allocation, as it provides insights into demographic trends, housing conditions, and welfare amenities. However, experts have raised concerns about the delay in conducting the census, which has left significant data gaps and may impact the accuracy of surveys and policy decisions.There are also worries about how the census data will be used, particularly in light of the government's plans to implement a National Register of Citizens (NRC) and the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), which have been criticized for potentially targeting Muslims and other marginalized groups.Despite these concerns, experts argue that the census is essential for understanding India's complex social dynamics and addressing the needs of its diverse population. Dipa Sinha, a development economist, emphasized that the census data will help governments plan policies and citizens claim their rights.The census is expected to conclude by March 31 next year, with the government facing pressure to ensure transparency and credibility in the data collection process.

In the northeastern Indian state of Assam, the redrawing of electoral constituency boundaries has sparked concerns about the erosion of Muslim representation in the state's legislative assembly. The move, which was implemented in 2023, has been criticized as an example of 'gerrymandering' – the manipulation of electoral boundaries to favor a dominant group or party.The changes have resulted in Muslims forming the majority in about 20 of the state's 126 constituencies, down from around 35 previously. This shift is seen as a significant blow to the political representation of Assam's 11 million Muslims, who make up more than 34% of the state's population.Critics argue that the BJP's Hindu majoritarian policies are being implemented in Assam, which could serve as a template for the rest of India. The party has been accused of using techniques such as 'cracking,' 'packing,' and 'stacking' to weaken the electoral influence of Muslims.The delimitation exercise has been defended by the BJP as a means of protecting the political rights of 'indigenous people,' a reference to Assamese-speaking individuals. However, opponents claim that the move is a thinly veiled attempt to reduce the political power of Bengali-speaking Muslims in the state.For many Muslims in Assam, the changes have left them feeling politically emasculated. As Islam Uddin, a retired teacher from Katigorah, put it, 'We have been politically emasculated.' Another Muslim voter, Nabab Mezbahul Alam, described the situation as being like having 'hands, feet, and head to move and see, but [being] muted.'

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told Al Jazeera that he has exchanged messages with Steve Witkoff, the senior envoy appointed by President Donald Trump, but stressed that these contacts do not constitute formal negotiations. "I receive messages from Witkoff directly, as before, and this does not mean that we are in negotiations," Araghchi said, adding that all communications are routed through the Foreign Ministry and security agencies. The minister highlighted Iran’s historic mistrust of US diplomatic overtures, recalling Washington’s withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear agreement and two recent attacks on Iranian territory during ongoing talks. Araghchi noted that Pakistan has been facilitating the recent exchanges and has also hosted regional discussions involving Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Turkey to build momentum for direct Iran‑US dialogue. Additionally, Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar visited Beijing to seek Chinese backing for these efforts. Regarding the strategic Strait of Hormuz, Araghchi asserted that the waterway falls under the joint jurisdiction of Iran and Oman. He said that once hostilities cease, the two nations will decide its future, emphasizing that the strait should remain a "peaceful waterway." While acknowledging that Gulf states such as Qatar want a seat at the table, Araghchi maintained that the strait is open to commercial vessels from all nations except those actively at war with Iran, which is a standard wartime measure. He also mentioned that ships from India, Pakistan, Turkey and China have already negotiated transit through the strait, underscoring its continued commercial relevance. On the prospect of a US ground invasion, Araghchi warned that Iran is fully prepared to confront any such move. "We are waiting for them," he said, adding that Iranian forces possess the strength to repel a land assault and that the United States would be making a grave mistake by attempting one. These statements come as the Trump administration reportedly increases troop deployments in the Gulf and explores contingency plans for a possible invasion of Iran.

India has initiated the world's largest national population count, a yearlong process involving over three million officials. This census, delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic, commenced on Wednesday and is set to conclude by March 31 next year. The data collected will be crucial in reshaping welfare programs and political representation across the country.Census workers will spend about a month collecting information from homes, documenting housing stock and living conditions. Information will be gathered through in-person surveys and online, allowing residents to use a smartphone application.A second phase of the counting will begin in September, during which more detailed information on people's social and economic characteristics, including religion and caste, will be surveyed. The caste system, an ancient social hierarchy in India, has been a contentious issue, with successive governments resisting a full caste count due to potential social tensions.The population data collected will underpin the distribution of government welfare programs and inform public policies. It may also lead to a redrawing of India's political map, with potential increases in seats in the lower house of parliament and state legislatures to reflect population growth. A 2023 law reserves one-third of legislative seats for women, so any expansion would raise the number of seats set aside for female representatives.The last detailed caste information was gathered in 1931 during British colonial rule. Since India's first census in 1951, only Dalits and Adivasis, members of marginalized groups, have been counted. The previous census in 2011 recorded a population of 1.21 billion, which has now grown to over 1.4 billion, making India the world's most populous nation, surpassing China in 2023.

Chicago Bears owners are flirting with a move to Hammond, Indiana, after stalled tax talks stalled their Arlington Heights stadium plan. The prospect has ignited outrage from fans, Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, and even WWE star CM Punk, who called the maneuver “straight greed.” In response, U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders and Representative Greg Casar introduced the Home Team Act, legislation that would require professional‑sports owners to give their host community a one‑year window to purchase the team at fair market value before any cross‑state relocation. Casar emphasized that “sports in America should be about more than making billionaire owners richer,” noting that many municipalities have already poured billions into subsidies to keep profitable franchises at home. Sanders, a lifelong Brooklyn Dodgers fan, recalled the 1957 Dodgers’ move to Los Angeles as a formative moment that shaped his anti‑corporate stance. The Home Team Act defines relocation as any move that crosses state lines or shifts a franchise to a different metropolitan area. During the mandatory year, a broad range of buyers—including private individuals, municipalities, corporations, or community‑owned entities like the Green Bay Packers—could acquire the team at market price. The Packers’ unique structure, with over 500,000 shareholders and a cap of 200,000 shares per individual, has helped keep the team in Green Bay, though it remains an outlier. Relocation threats are common across the NFL and other leagues, typically driven by owners seeking future profit rather than current revenue. The bill’s co‑sponsor, California Congresswoman Lateefah Simon, points to Oakland’s recent loss of the Warriors, Raiders, and soon the Athletics as a cautionary tale: the exodus has crippled local businesses, eliminated jobs, and eroded cultural identity. Financially, the Bears are valued at roughly $8.9 billion. Even with wealthy backers, the fiscal burden on taxpayers to retain such a franchise would be massive, making community ownership an appealing yet largely theoretical solution. Passage of the Home Team Act faces steep hurdles. It must clear both chambers of Congress and win presidential approval from an administration friendly to billionaire team owners. Practical challenges also remain, such as defining the exact moment a relocation process begins and establishing an impartial method for fair‑market valuation. Nevertheless, proponents argue that if owners placed greater value on their communities, legislation like the Home Team Act might become unnecessary. For now, the bill represents a rare legislative attempt to rebalance power between affluent franchise owners and the fans and taxpayers who support them.

British tennis star Emma Raducanu has withdrawn from next week’s Linz Open as she continues to recover from an illness she contracted in early February. This development comes on the heels of her previous withdrawal from the Miami Open as she deals with post-viral symptoms.Raducanu, the 2021 US Open champion, has also opted out of Great Britain’s Billie Jean King Cup qualifier against Australia. Her last competitive appearance was in the third round at Indian Wells on March 8, where she suffered a 6-1, 6-1 defeat to Amanda Anisimova. Raducanu attributed her lackluster performance to a lack of power and acknowledged the need to regain her aggressive gameplay.Following her split from coach Francisco Roig in January, Raducanu has been working informally with Mark Petchey. Her next potential appearance is expected at the Madrid Open, which begins on April 21.

Cricket Australia released its 21‑man contract roster for the 2026‑27 season, rewarding most Ashes‑winning players but leaving out Sam Konstas and veteran all‑rounder Glenn Maxwell as the board prepares for an unusually dense calendar. Fast‑bowler Brendan Doggett, who debuted in the opening Ashes Test at Perth last November, secured his first national contract. Meanwhile, opener Jake Weatherald retained an upgraded deal despite a modest series average of 22.33 runs. Both Michael Neser and spinner Todd Murphy were again awarded full contracts, reflecting the board’s focus on depth ahead of a schedule that kicks off with a two‑match home Test series against Bangladesh in August. Following the Bangladesh series, Australia will embark on ODI tours of Zimbabwe and South Africa, a home white‑ball series versus England, and a marathon stretch of 10 Test matches in 14 weeks. The latter includes contests against New Zealand, India and the historic 150th Anniversary Test at the MCG. Konstas, who burst onto the scene with a memorable 60‑run debut against India on Boxing Day 2024, failed to build on that promise, accumulating only 103 runs across nine further Test innings for an average of 16.30. The lack of consistency cost him a place on the new list. Despite the setback, selector chair George Bailey stressed that the 20‑year‑old’s journey is far from over. “He is highly talented and still on a development path,” Bailey said. “We saw encouraging signs toward the end of the season, with more consistent starts in the Sheffield Shield.” Bailey added that Konstas could feature in the upcoming Australia A tour to India, noting the board’s continued interest in his progress. Alongside Konstas and Maxwell, the contract cuts also affected Lance Morris, Jhye Richardson and Matt Short. Long‑time opener Usman Khawaja remains absent following his retirement. Weatherald’s contract renewal signals the selectors’ confidence in his potential to open the batting against Bangladesh, although Bailey cautioned that final selections will be made closer to each series, with extensive camp periods in Brisbane to fine‑tune the squad. Current contracted players: Xavier Bartlett, Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins, Brendan Doggett, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Matthew Kuhnemann, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Todd Murphy, Michael Neser, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Jake Weatherald, Beau Webster, Adam Zampa.

The Iran war has triggered a massive energy shortfall in Asia, forcing governments to ramp up their use of coal, the dirtiest fossil fuel. Countries across the region, including South Korea, Thailand, the Philippines, India, and Bangladesh, are trying to compensate for a drop-off in imported energy, much of which comes from the Middle East.Climate experts have warned that the increased use of coal will have a devastating environmental impact, and that the energy crisis should be a wake-up call for governments to invest in renewables. The crisis has highlighted the importance of renewable energy for energy security in Asia.The global market has flipped within four weeks from a healthy supply surplus to a severe deficit, leading to price spikes and fuel shortages. Almost 30bn cubic meters of LNG has been removed from global supply chains, with over 80% of this loss affecting the Indo-Pacific region.Experts warn that it will take years to recover LNG supplies and that the crisis will have a lasting impact on the energy landscape in Asia. Governments are racing to overcome shortfalls, with some countries introducing measures to reduce energy consumption, such as four-day workweeks and remote work arrangements.

Islamabad – Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar will travel to Beijing, reaffirming the “all‑weather strategic cooperative partnership” between the two nations, according to the Pakistani Ministry of Foreign Affairs.The visit follows a high‑profile quadrilateral meeting in Islamabad that brought together foreign ministers from Turkey, Egypt and Saudi Arabia, all aiming to coax the United States and Iran back to the negotiating table amid a war that has already spiked global energy prices.Despite a recent hairline shoulder fracture, Dar pressed on with the trip, signalling the urgency of Pakistan’s diplomatic push. In a March 27 call, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi praised Islamabad’s “untiring efforts to cool down the situation,” a sentiment echoed by spokesperson Mao Ning, who said China is ready to “enhance communication… for a cease‑fire and peace in the region.”Analysts argue the mission is less about collecting praise and more about testing whether Beijing will move from rhetoric to concrete action in the US‑Iran mediation. The central question: can China become an active partner rather than a silent observer?Former Wilson Center fellow Baqir Sajjad Syed explains that Dar will brief Chinese leaders on the recent Islamabad quadrilateral and seek to turn five draft principles – immediate ceasefire, resumption of talks, civilian protection, maritime security, and UN Charter compliance – into a binding framework.Pakistani scholars view the outreach as classic intermediary behaviour: Pakistan leverages China’s permanent‑member status to stay relevant, while China, unlike the United States, mainly engages with Gulf states and Tehran.Iran specialist Vali Nasr suggested Tehran may be looking for a Chinese “guarantor” for any US‑Iran deal, a premise disputed by professor Ishtiaq Ahmad, who calls the expectation “analytically weak” given China’s reluctance to back a declining regime.The strategic stakes are stark. The Strait of Hormuz moves roughly 20 % of global oil. Kpler data show China imported about 1.38 million barrels per day of Iranian crude in 2025 – roughly 12 % of its total oil imports. The IEA estimates 15 million barrels per day passed through the strait in 2025, with China and India accounting for 44 % of that flow.China‑Iran trade hit about $41.2 billion in 2025, and a 2021 25‑year strategic cooperation pact promised up to $400 billion in Chinese investment for discounted Iranian oil, much of which remains unrealised due to U.S. sanctions.Syed describes China’s motivations as “clear and self‑interested”: protecting energy security, safeguarding Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and China‑Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects, and bolstering its image as a global peace broker. A prolonged war would hurt China’s economy through higher oil prices and disrupted trade routes.While Beijing is unlikely to deploy military forces, it may employ diplomatic tools – public endorsements, joint statements, and economic levers – to push for a cease‑fire. Its pragmatic stance means it will weigh the benefits of deeper involvement against the risk of being drawn into a conflict.The diplomatic backdrop includes a postponed Trump visit to Beijing and a slated summit for mid‑May, as well as a future Xi‑to‑U.S. trip, which observers say could signal a broader alignment between the two great powers.Meanwhile, the United States continues to amass forces in the Gulf, with thousands of Marines and Army troops positioned for possible ground operations, underscoring the volatility that Pakistan and China are trying to mitigate.In sum, Dar’s Beijing mission tests whether China will remain a passive supporter or become an active broker in a war that threatens global energy markets and regional stability.