{"id":1807333,"date":"2026-03-04T07:18:22","date_gmt":"2026-03-04T04:18:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1807333"},"modified":"2026-03-04T07:18:22","modified_gmt":"2026-03-04T04:18:22","slug":"kashmir-female-radio-hosts-face-gendered-hate-speech-online","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1807333","title":{"rendered":"Kashmir: Female radio hosts face gendered hate speech online"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/static.dw.com\/image\/76202384_6.jpg&#8221;]<\/p>\n<article class=\"s1sfzv1a sk6xmai\">\n<div class=\"content-area sa7l9jt s9mg977\">\n<section data-tracking-name=\"sharing-icons-inline\" class=\"c75t7t0 hh5424a in-line closed\">\n<div class=\"copy-button-wrapper closed\"><span class=\"svdcmki\">https:\/\/p.dw.com\/p\/59lAE<\/span><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<figure class=\"s4bcs45\"><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.dw.com\/image\/76202384_800.webp 50w, https:\/\/static.dw.com\/image\/76202384_801.webp 129w, https:\/\/static.dw.com\/image\/76202384_802.webp 352w, https:\/\/static.dw.com\/image\/76202384_803.webp 575w\" media=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 575px)\" height=\"100\" width=\"100\" \/><figcaption class=\"c1oedowi lofg86o m4xla6a s16w0xvi rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\">Holi signals the arrival of spring, falling on the last full moon of winter in the Hindu calendar<small class=\"copyright c19ed66t ihwmx5 idu7i8u lxmvniw icns9en rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\">Image: Dibyangshu Sarkar\/AFP\/Getty Images<\/small><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<section data-tracking-name=\"section-live-blog-rich-text-overview\" id=\"live-blog-rich-text-overview\" class=\"c1800ln sq3xutt atfzu66\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/india-news-millions-revel-in-colors-of-holi\/live-76207934#post-live-blog-rich-text-overview\" class=\"q1knotlb b14agbwd quick-item\"><span class=\"h1du6kc5 l1ozsu87 p1s74fjj s16w0xvi sngcpkw b1fzgn0z\">Skip next section What you need to know<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"c2fyhwl ctymiyf content-block i1if36d6 i1ytahzz\">\n<h2 class=\"cp7bjxx h1du6kc5 lt5vbch pohyj9x s16w0xvi m1u0isv1 b1fzgn0z\">What you need to know<\/h2>\n<div data-tracking-skip=\"true\" data-tracking-name=\"rich-text\" class=\"c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text l1evdo4u blt0baw s16w0xvi rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\">\n<ul>\n<li>Holi festivities are in full swing in India\u00a0<\/li>\n<li>India&#8217;s Civil Aviation Ministry has said 58 flights will operate to the Middle East today amid the <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/us-israel-war-with-iran\/t-76168615\">ongoing tensions<\/a> in the region<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><em>This blog has now closed. Here&#8217;s what was making headlines in <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/india\/t-18996071\">India<\/a> on Wednesday, March 4:<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"s1ogwy7c ev9ivjh\">\n<section data-tracking-name=\"section-liveblog-post\" id=\"liveblog-post-76219548\" class=\"liveblog-post sh8w7rk atfzu66\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/india-news-millions-revel-in-colors-of-holi\/live-76207934#post-liveblog-post-76219548\" class=\"q1knotlb b14agbwd quick-item\"><span class=\"h1du6kc5 l1ozsu87 p1s74fjj s16w0xvi sngcpkw b1fzgn0z\">Skip next section India will need to deliver against England with &#8216;street smarts,&#8217; bowling coach says<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"l3vczb5\"><span class=\"time-area s1i8qhb9 icns9en lofg86o m1u0isv1 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\"><span class=\"publication icns9en lofg86o m1u0isv1 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\"><time aria-hidden=\"true\">03\/04\/2026<\/time><span class=\"s28j2rd\">March 4, 2026<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"pmcvy6l h1du6kc5 l1evdo4u p1y8x1v s16w0xvi sngcpkw b1fzgn0z\">India will need to deliver against England with &#8216;street smarts,&#8217; bowling coach says<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<div data-tracking-skip=\"true\" data-tracking-name=\"rich-text\" class=\"post-rich-text c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text l1evdo4u blt0baw s16w0xvi rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\">\n<figure class=\"placeholder-image master_landscape big\"><img data-format=\"MASTER_LANDSCAPE\" data-id=\"76189972\" data-url=\"https:\/\/static.dw.com\/image\/76189972_${formatId}.jpg\" data-aspect-ratio=\"16\/9\" alt=\"Sanju Samson of India plays a shot during the T20 World Cup cricket match between India and West Indies in Kolkata, India, on March 1, 2026. \"><figcaption class=\"img-caption\">It was wicket keeper Sanju Samson who &#8216;put his hand up&#8217; in the decisive qualifying game against the West Indies, propelling India to victory with an unbeaten 97<small class=\"copyright\">Image: Debajyoti Chakraborty\/NurPhoto\/picture alliance<\/small><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>India&#8217;s bowling coach Morne Morkel says that someone in the ranks of the T20 World Cup hosts will need &#8220;to put their hand up&#8221; and deliver if the bookmakers&#8217; favorites want to reach the final as predicted.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Morkel said that India had not yet put together a flawless display in the tournament, but he also said that was irrelevant now that they&#8217;d reached the final four.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;It&#8217;s not about how you get to the semifinals. It&#8217;s about the next two games, how we&#8217;re going to play there,&#8221; the South African national said ahead of the game in Mumbai. &#8220;It&#8217;s a big occasion tomorrow night here, a semifinal, a great stadium to play a great game of cricket.\u00a0So hopefully the boys can rock up tomorrow and just be calm and execute those skills.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>After a shaky start, England picked up the pace in the most recent phase of the tournament, winning all three of its games to qualify for the semis.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;They&#8217;re a team that&#8217;s street smart. Obviously there&#8217;s a lot of quality in their side,&#8221; Morkel said. &#8220;The way they approach a T20 game, fearless, trying to take the game on, will give you opportunities.&#8221;\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>The bowling coach predicted a &#8220;good shoot-out between two aggressive teams&#8221; on Thursday.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"bp605kw start\"><span class=\"svdcmki\">https:\/\/p.dw.com\/p\/59oBY<\/span><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section data-tracking-name=\"section-liveblog-post\" id=\"liveblog-post-76218981\" class=\"liveblog-post sh8w7rk atfzu66\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/india-news-millions-revel-in-colors-of-holi\/live-76207934#post-liveblog-post-76218981\" class=\"q1knotlb b14agbwd quick-item\"><span class=\"h1du6kc5 l1ozsu87 p1s74fjj s16w0xvi sngcpkw b1fzgn0z\">Skip next section READ \u2014 US submarine torpedoes Iranian warship in Indian Ocean<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"l3vczb5\"><span class=\"time-area s1i8qhb9 icns9en lofg86o m1u0isv1 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\"><span class=\"publication icns9en lofg86o m1u0isv1 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\"><time aria-hidden=\"true\">03\/04\/2026<\/time><span class=\"s28j2rd\">March 4, 2026<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"pmcvy6l h1du6kc5 l1evdo4u p1y8x1v s16w0xvi sngcpkw b1fzgn0z\">READ \u2014 US submarine torpedoes Iranian warship in Indian Ocean<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<div data-tracking-skip=\"true\" data-tracking-name=\"rich-text\" class=\"post-rich-text c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text l1evdo4u blt0baw s16w0xvi rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\">\n<p>Looking for the latest on the US submarine strike on an Indian warship to the\u00a0south\u00a0of Sri Lanka, opening up a new front in the fighting east of Iran in the Indian Ocean?<\/p>\n<p><a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/us-submarine-torpedoes-iranian-warship-in-indian-ocean\/a-76216943\">Fear not, we have you covered here<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>It&#8217;s the first time since World War II that the US Navy has sunk a warship with a torpedo. The frigate was carrying a crew of around 180; Sri Lanka said earlier that it had rescued 32 sailors and recovered 87 dead bodies.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"bp605kw start\"><span class=\"svdcmki\">https:\/\/p.dw.com\/p\/59o2P<\/span><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section data-tracking-name=\"section-liveblog-post\" id=\"liveblog-post-76218806\" class=\"liveblog-post sh8w7rk atfzu66\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/india-news-millions-revel-in-colors-of-holi\/live-76207934#post-liveblog-post-76218806\" class=\"q1knotlb b14agbwd quick-item\"><span class=\"h1du6kc5 l1ozsu87 p1s74fjj s16w0xvi sngcpkw b1fzgn0z\">Skip next section READ \u2014 India woos global tech, bets big on AI data centers<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"l3vczb5\"><span class=\"time-area s1i8qhb9 icns9en lofg86o m1u0isv1 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\"><span class=\"publication icns9en lofg86o m1u0isv1 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\"><time aria-hidden=\"true\">03\/04\/2026<\/time><span class=\"s28j2rd\">March 4, 2026<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"pmcvy6l h1du6kc5 l1evdo4u p1y8x1v s16w0xvi sngcpkw b1fzgn0z\">READ \u2014 India woos global tech, bets big on AI data centers<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<div data-tracking-skip=\"true\" data-tracking-name=\"rich-text\" class=\"post-rich-text c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text l1evdo4u blt0baw s16w0xvi rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\">\n<p>India\u00a0is aiming to become a global hub for <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/artificial-intelligence\/t-42133476\">artificial intelligence<\/a> and cloud computing infrastructure. But AI data centers&#8217; enormous energy and water demands present a challenge.<\/p>\n<p><a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/india-woos-global-tech-bets-big-on-ai-data-centers\/a-76218185\">Murali Krishan in New Delhi digs deeper here<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"bp605kw start\"><span class=\"svdcmki\">https:\/\/p.dw.com\/p\/59nza<\/span><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section data-tracking-name=\"section-liveblog-post\" id=\"liveblog-post-76218446\" class=\"liveblog-post sh8w7rk atfzu66\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/india-news-millions-revel-in-colors-of-holi\/live-76207934#post-liveblog-post-76218446\" class=\"q1knotlb b14agbwd quick-item\"><span class=\"h1du6kc5 l1ozsu87 p1s74fjj s16w0xvi sngcpkw b1fzgn0z\">Skip next section T20 World Cup: New Zealand trounce South Africa to reach final on Allen century<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"l3vczb5\"><span class=\"time-area s1i8qhb9 icns9en lofg86o m1u0isv1 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\"><span class=\"publication icns9en lofg86o m1u0isv1 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\"><time aria-hidden=\"true\">03\/04\/2026<\/time><span class=\"s28j2rd\">March 4, 2026<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"pmcvy6l h1du6kc5 l1evdo4u p1y8x1v s16w0xvi sngcpkw b1fzgn0z\">T20 World Cup: New Zealand trounce South Africa to reach final on Allen century<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<div data-tracking-skip=\"true\" data-tracking-name=\"rich-text\" class=\"post-rich-text c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text l1evdo4u blt0baw s16w0xvi rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\">\n<figure class=\"placeholder-image master_landscape big\"><img data-format=\"MASTER_LANDSCAPE\" data-id=\"76219935\" data-url=\"https:\/\/static.dw.com\/image\/76219935_${formatId}.jpg\" data-aspect-ratio=\"16\/9\" alt=\"New Zealand's Tim Seifert and Finn Allen in action in the T20 World Cup seminfinal in Kolkata, India. March 4, 2026.\"><figcaption class=\"img-caption\">Finn Allen&#8217;s historic knock and partnership with Tim Seifert powered New Zealand to victory in less than 13 overs<small class=\"copyright\">Image: Sahiba Chawdhary\/REUTERS<\/small><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>New Zealand have comprehensively beaten South Africa in the first semifinal of the cricket T20 World Cup in Kolkata, racing to a modest target of 170\u00a0runs with nine wickets and 43 balls to spare.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>New Zealand kept South Africa to just 169\/8 in their innings, with Marco Jansen&#8217;s 55 not-out a lone bright spot for the Springboks,\u00a0and then the Kiwis&#8217; batsmen made short work of the goal.\u00a0<\/p>\n<figure class=\"placeholder-image master_landscape big\"><img data-format=\"MASTER_LANDSCAPE\" data-id=\"76219963\" data-url=\"https:\/\/static.dw.com\/image\/76219963_${formatId}.jpg\" data-aspect-ratio=\"16\/9\" alt=\"South Africa v New Zealand - Eden Gardens, Kolkata, India - March 4, 2026 New Zealand players celebrate the wicket of South Africa's Dewald Brevis.\"><figcaption class=\"img-caption\">New Zealand won the toss, elected to bowl, and proceeded to inflict severe early losses on the South Africans<small class=\"copyright\">Image: Anushree Fadnavis\/REUTERS<\/small><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Opening batsman Finn Allen hit a spectacular 100 runs off just 33 deliveries, with 10 fours and eight sixes, to do the lion&#8217;s share of the scoring all by himself. It&#8217;s the fastest century in T20 World Cup history, at just over three runs per ball.<\/p>\n<p>Allen&#8217;s opening partner Tim Seifert hit 58 before being bowled out by Kagiso Rabada.<\/p>\n<p>Rachin Ravindra, who also took two wickets with the ball, then\u00a0came in and delivered 13 runs from 11 balls while Allen continued his scoring spree.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>New Zealand will face either India or England in the final.<\/p>\n<p>India and England play each other on Thursday in Mumbai. In both the last two T20 world cups, the two nations met in the semis\u00a0and the winning side went on to lift the trophy. But if Wednesday&#8217;s display is anything to go by, a stern test awaits in this year&#8217;s final.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"bp605kw start\"><span class=\"svdcmki\">https:\/\/p.dw.com\/p\/59ntm<\/span><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section data-tracking-name=\"section-liveblog-post\" id=\"liveblog-post-76215085\" class=\"liveblog-post sh8w7rk atfzu66\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/india-news-millions-revel-in-colors-of-holi\/live-76207934#post-liveblog-post-76215085\" class=\"q1knotlb b14agbwd quick-item\"><span class=\"h1du6kc5 l1ozsu87 p1s74fjj s16w0xvi sngcpkw b1fzgn0z\">Skip next section That\u2019s all from the Delhi bureau today<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"l3vczb5\"><span class=\"time-area s1i8qhb9 icns9en lofg86o m1u0isv1 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\"><span class=\"publication icns9en lofg86o m1u0isv1 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\"><time aria-hidden=\"true\">03\/04\/2026<\/time><span class=\"s28j2rd\">March 4, 2026<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"pmcvy6l h1du6kc5 l1evdo4u p1y8x1v s16w0xvi sngcpkw b1fzgn0z\">That\u2019s all from the Delhi bureau today<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<div data-tracking-skip=\"true\" data-tracking-name=\"rich-text\" class=\"post-rich-text c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text l1evdo4u blt0baw s16w0xvi rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\">\n<p>The sun is setting in India and the fabled Holi lethargy is kicking in.<\/p>\n<p>Thanks for sticking with us today!\u00a0We will be closing this blog now.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"bp605kw start\"><span class=\"svdcmki\">https:\/\/p.dw.com\/p\/59n1Z<\/span><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section data-tracking-name=\"section-liveblog-post\" id=\"liveblog-post-76213207\" class=\"liveblog-post sh8w7rk atfzu66\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/india-news-millions-revel-in-colors-of-holi\/live-76207934#post-liveblog-post-76213207\" class=\"q1knotlb b14agbwd quick-item\"><span class=\"h1du6kc5 l1ozsu87 p1s74fjj s16w0xvi sngcpkw b1fzgn0z\">Skip next section Finland President Alexander Stubb in India, talks planned with Modi on bilateral ties <\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"l3vczb5\"><span class=\"time-area s1i8qhb9 icns9en lofg86o m1u0isv1 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\"><span class=\"publication icns9en lofg86o m1u0isv1 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\"><time aria-hidden=\"true\">03\/04\/2026<\/time><span class=\"s28j2rd\">March 4, 2026<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"pmcvy6l h1du6kc5 l1evdo4u p1y8x1v s16w0xvi sngcpkw b1fzgn0z\">Finland President Alexander Stubb in India, talks planned with Modi on bilateral ties <\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<div data-tracking-skip=\"true\" data-tracking-name=\"rich-text\" class=\"post-rich-text c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text l1evdo4u blt0baw s16w0xvi rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\">\n<p><a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/finland\/t-65197962\">Finland&#8217;s<\/a>\u00a0 President Alexander Stubb arrived in New Delhi on Wednesday as he begins a four-day trip to India aimed at bolstering bilateral ties, including in the area of trade.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>He received a ceremonial welcome upon landing.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Arrived in India today for a state visit, just as the country celebrates Holi, the festival of spring and colors. What a wonderful way to begin the visit!&#8221; he wrote on X.<\/p>\n<p>Indian Prime Minister <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/narendra-modi\/t-65800410\">Narendra Modi<\/a> said Stubb&#8217;s visit will take India-Finland relations to &#8220;new heights&#8221;.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>According to India&#8217;s Foreign Ministry, Stubb is slated to speak at the Raisina Dialogue \u2014 a geopolitics and geoeconomics conference \u2014 which begins Thursday.<\/p>\n<p>The Finnish President will meet Modi to hold discussions focused on cooperation and addressing regional and global issues of mutual interest between the two nations.<\/p>\n<p>Stubb will also meet Indian President Droupadi Murmu and Foreign Minister S Jaishankar.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>He will then visit Mumbai where he is scheduled to attend an India-Finland business event.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;India and Finland share warm, friendly and multi-faceted relations, rooted in shared democratic values. Finland is a valued partner for India in the European Union and the Nordic region,&#8221; the Indian Ministry of External affairs said in a statement released earlier this week.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"bp605kw start\"><span class=\"svdcmki\">https:\/\/p.dw.com\/p\/59mXH<\/span><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section data-tracking-name=\"section-liveblog-post\" id=\"liveblog-post-76210209\" class=\"liveblog-post sh8w7rk atfzu66\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/india-news-millions-revel-in-colors-of-holi\/live-76207934#post-liveblog-post-76210209\" class=\"q1knotlb b14agbwd quick-item\"><span class=\"h1du6kc5 l1ozsu87 p1s74fjj s16w0xvi sngcpkw b1fzgn0z\">Skip next section Meta blocks Kashmir news pages<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"l3vczb5\"><span class=\"time-area s1i8qhb9 icns9en lofg86o m1u0isv1 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\"><span class=\"publication icns9en lofg86o m1u0isv1 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\"><time aria-hidden=\"true\">03\/04\/2026<\/time><span class=\"s28j2rd\">March 4, 2026<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"pmcvy6l h1du6kc5 l1evdo4u p1y8x1v s16w0xvi sngcpkw b1fzgn0z\">Meta blocks Kashmir news pages<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<div data-tracking-skip=\"true\" data-tracking-name=\"rich-text\" class=\"post-rich-text c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text l1evdo4u blt0baw s16w0xvi rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\">\n<p>Several prominent regional news outlets in India-administered Kashmir reported that their accounts had been <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/kashmir-crisis-sparks-press-crackdown-in-india\/a-72498921\">taken down<\/a> by Meta, which operates platforms including <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/facebook\/t-17441822\">Facebook<\/a>, Instagram and\u00a0WhatsApp.<\/p>\n<p>The move, which has sparked condemnation from Kashmir&#8217;s political parties, came as large-scale pro-Khamenei protests in the region entered a third day.<\/p>\n<p>The Jammu and Kashmir police condemned in a statement on Tuesday what it called &#8220;the deliberate circulation of false, fabricated and misleading information by certain news channels, media outlets, and individuals&#8221; across electronic and social media platforms.<\/p>\n<p>Meanwhile, former chief minister of the Jammu and Kashmir state and People&#8217;s Democratic Party president Mehbooba Mufti expressed concern over the action against outlets like Greater Kashmir, Kashmir Life and Rising Kashmir.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Platforms like Meta, Facebook, and Instagram should not gag freedom of expression or amplify propaganda by silencing the people&#8217;s voice. The J&amp;K government must also stop censoring media in the region,&#8221; she wrote on X.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><em>Kashmir Life<\/em> reported that people attempting to access the social media pages of the outlets were shown notices saying that access had been restricted to comply with a legal request under Indian law.<\/p>\n<p>Jammu And Kashmir People Conference president Sajad Lone called for the handles to be unblocked.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Most of them are responsible, mature institutions and include GK, Kashmir Life and Rising Kashmir. Their absence will do more harm. At times it has been seen that space vacated by responsible institutions can be filled by unknown entities, further harming the cause of a free and responsible media,&#8221; he said.<\/p>\n<p><\/p>\n<div class=\"vjs-wrapper embed big\">\n<h2 aria-label=\"Embedded video \u2014 Kashmir: Female radio hosts face gendered hate speech online\" class=\"headline\">Kashmir: Female radio hosts face gendered hate speech online<\/h2>\n<p><video id=\"video-74612460\" controls playsinline preload=\"none\" poster=\"image\/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAEAAAABCAQAAAC1HAwCAAAAC0lEQVR42mNkYAAAAAYAAjCB0C8AAAAASUVORK5CYII=\" data-id=\"74612460\" data-posterurl=\"https:\/\/static.dw.com\/image\/74641586_605.webp\" data-duration=\"03:41\"><source src=\"https:\/\/hlsvod.dw.com\/i\/vps\/webvideos\/ENG\/2025\/DWVG\/DWVGENG251104_RadiohostKshmr_01SMW_,AVC_480x270,AVC_512x288,AVC_640x360,AVC_960x540,AVC_1280x720,AVC_1920x1080,.mp4.csmil\/master.m3u8\" type=\"application\/x-mpegURL\" \/><\/video><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"bp605kw start\"><span class=\"svdcmki\">https:\/\/p.dw.com\/p\/59lkv<\/span><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section data-tracking-name=\"section-liveblog-post\" id=\"liveblog-post-76208004\" class=\"liveblog-post sh8w7rk atfzu66\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/india-news-millions-revel-in-colors-of-holi\/live-76207934#post-liveblog-post-76208004\" class=\"q1knotlb b14agbwd quick-item\"><span class=\"h1du6kc5 l1ozsu87 p1s74fjj s16w0xvi sngcpkw b1fzgn0z\">Skip next section Holi \u2014 a riot of colors<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"l3vczb5\"><span class=\"time-area s1i8qhb9 icns9en lofg86o m1u0isv1 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\"><span class=\"publication icns9en lofg86o m1u0isv1 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\"><time aria-hidden=\"true\">03\/04\/2026<\/time><span class=\"s28j2rd\">March 4, 2026<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"pmcvy6l h1du6kc5 l1evdo4u p1y8x1v s16w0xvi sngcpkw b1fzgn0z\">Holi \u2014 a riot of colors<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<div data-tracking-skip=\"true\" data-tracking-name=\"rich-text\" class=\"post-rich-text c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text l1evdo4u blt0baw s16w0xvi rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\">\n<p>Here is a selection of pictures from Holi festivities across India.<\/p>\n<p><strong>This is how Mumbai is celebrating Holi:<\/strong><\/p>\n<figure class=\"placeholder-image master_landscape big\"><img data-format=\"MASTER_LANDSCAPE\" data-id=\"76202482\" data-url=\"https:\/\/static.dw.com\/image\/76202482_${formatId}.jpg\" data-aspect-ratio=\"16\/9\" alt=\"Women smeared with coloured poweder in Mumbai on March 3, 2026\"><figcaption class=\"img-caption\">Holi is the festival of colors, love and spring<small class=\"copyright\">Image: Punit Paranjpe\/AFP\/Getty Images<\/small><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"placeholder-image master_landscape big\"><img data-format=\"MASTER_LANDSCAPE\" data-id=\"76202414\" data-url=\"https:\/\/static.dw.com\/image\/76202414_${formatId}.jpg\" data-aspect-ratio=\"16\/9\" alt=\" Revelers smeared with coloured powder on Monday March 3, 2026\"><figcaption class=\"img-caption\">Holi is the best excuse to spend your adult money on fun props, isn&#8217;t it?<small class=\"copyright\">Image: Punit Paranjpe\/AFP\/Getty Images<\/small><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><strong>Kolkata&#8217;s bash:<\/strong><\/p>\n<figure class=\"placeholder-image master_landscape big\"><img data-format=\"MASTER_LANDSCAPE\" data-id=\"76202355\" data-url=\"https:\/\/static.dw.com\/image\/76202355_${formatId}.jpg\" data-aspect-ratio=\"16\/9\" alt=\"A woman is smeared with coloured powder as she celebrates Holi in Kolkata on March 3, 2026\"><figcaption class=\"img-caption\">Painting the town red, pink and yellow<small class=\"copyright\">Image: Dibyangshu Sarkar\/AFP\/Getty Images<\/small><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"placeholder-image master_landscape big\"><img data-format=\"MASTER_LANDSCAPE\" data-id=\"76202227\" data-url=\"https:\/\/static.dw.com\/image\/76202227_${formatId}.jpg\" data-aspect-ratio=\"16\/9\" alt=\"Two women show their palms colored with blue and pink powder on March 3, 2026\"><figcaption class=\"img-caption\">In some regions, Holi is also celebrated with flowers<small class=\"copyright\">Image: Sudipta Das\/Pacific Press\/picture alliance<\/small><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><strong>Chandigarh colored:<\/strong><\/p>\n<figure class=\"placeholder-image master_landscape big\"><img data-format=\"MASTER_LANDSCAPE\" data-id=\"76207604\" data-url=\"https:\/\/static.dw.com\/image\/76207604_${formatId}.jpg\" data-aspect-ratio=\"16\/9\" alt=\"Students playing holi at Punjab University campus \"><figcaption class=\"img-caption\">A color-sprinkled spring<small class=\"copyright\">Image: Ravi Kumar\/Hindustan Times\/Sipa USA\/picture alliance<\/small><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"placeholder-image master_landscape big\"><img data-format=\"MASTER_LANDSCAPE\" data-id=\"76207674\" data-url=\"https:\/\/static.dw.com\/image\/76207674_${formatId}.jpg\" data-aspect-ratio=\"16\/9\" alt=\"Children and adults smear each other with color powder on March 3, 2026\"><figcaption class=\"img-caption\">It is a joyous battle of colors<small class=\"copyright\">Image: Ravi Kumar\/Hindustan Times\/Sipa USA\/picture alliance<\/small><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"bp605kw start\"><span class=\"svdcmki\">https:\/\/p.dw.com\/p\/59lBM<\/span><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section data-tracking-name=\"section-liveblog-post\" id=\"liveblog-post-76209063\" class=\"liveblog-post sh8w7rk atfzu66\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/india-news-millions-revel-in-colors-of-holi\/live-76207934#post-liveblog-post-76209063\" class=\"q1knotlb b14agbwd quick-item\"><span class=\"h1du6kc5 l1ozsu87 p1s74fjj s16w0xvi sngcpkw b1fzgn0z\">Skip next section Kashmir school, college shut down extended amid pro-Khamenei protests<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"l3vczb5\"><span class=\"time-area s1i8qhb9 icns9en lofg86o m1u0isv1 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\"><span class=\"publication icns9en lofg86o m1u0isv1 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\"><time aria-hidden=\"true\">03\/04\/2026<\/time><span class=\"s28j2rd\">March 4, 2026<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"pmcvy6l h1du6kc5 l1evdo4u p1y8x1v s16w0xvi sngcpkw b1fzgn0z\">Kashmir school, college shut down extended amid pro-Khamenei protests<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<div data-tracking-skip=\"true\" data-tracking-name=\"rich-text\" class=\"post-rich-text c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text l1evdo4u blt0baw s16w0xvi rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\">\n<figure class=\"placeholder-image master_landscape big\"><img data-format=\"MASTER_LANDSCAPE\" data-id=\"76167489\" data-url=\"https:\/\/static.dw.com\/image\/76167489_${formatId}.jpg\" data-aspect-ratio=\"16\/9\" alt=\" A Kashmiri Shia woman holds a poster reading ''Down with America''\"><figcaption class=\"img-caption\">Over the week, thousands of people, particularly from the Shia community, have taken to the streets in India-administered Kashmir to mourn the killing of Khamenei<small class=\"copyright\">Image: Adil Abass\/ZUMA\/picture alliance<\/small><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Schools and colleges across India-administered <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/kashmir\/t-18172268\">Kashmir<\/a> will remain shut until March 7 following protests in the region against the killing of Iran&#8217;s Supreme Leader <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/ayatollah-ali-khamenei-the-man-who-wanted-to-destroy-israel\/a-76169184\">Ayatollah Ali Khamenei<\/a> in a US and Israeli strike last Saturday.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;All schools and colleges of Kashmir Division to remain closed till (sic)\u00a07th of March 2026,&#8221; Jammu and Kashmir state&#8217;s Education Minister Sakina Itoo said.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Schools and colleges were initially shuttered until March 3.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>News agency PTI, citing officials, said that strict restrictions were in place in the region for a third straight day.<\/p>\n<p>There are curbs on the movement and assembly of people in some parts of the region, PTI cited officials as saying.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Mobile and internet speeds also continue to be curtailed.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>The iconic Lal Chowk square in the region&#8217;s largest city of Srinagar was also reportedly sealed.<\/p>\n<p>Over the week, thousands of people, particularly from the Shiite community, have taken to the streets in India-administered Kashmir to mourn the killing of Khamenei.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Shiite demonstrations have also taken place in other parts of India.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Most of India&#8217;s Muslims belong to the Sunni sect, while Shiites\u00a0make up around 15% of the country&#8217;s Muslim population.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"bp605kw start\"><span class=\"svdcmki\">https:\/\/p.dw.com\/p\/59lSR<\/span><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section data-tracking-name=\"section-liveblog-post\" id=\"liveblog-post-76208763\" class=\"liveblog-post sh8w7rk atfzu66\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/india-news-millions-revel-in-colors-of-holi\/live-76207934#post-liveblog-post-76208763\" class=\"q1knotlb b14agbwd quick-item\"><span class=\"h1du6kc5 l1ozsu87 p1s74fjj s16w0xvi sngcpkw b1fzgn0z\">Skip next section India airlines to operate 58 Middle East flights today<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"l3vczb5\"><span class=\"time-area s1i8qhb9 icns9en lofg86o m1u0isv1 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\"><span class=\"publication icns9en lofg86o m1u0isv1 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\"><time aria-hidden=\"true\">03\/04\/2026<\/time><span class=\"s28j2rd\">March 4, 2026<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"pmcvy6l h1du6kc5 l1evdo4u p1y8x1v s16w0xvi sngcpkw b1fzgn0z\">India airlines to operate 58 Middle East flights today<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<div data-tracking-skip=\"true\" data-tracking-name=\"rich-text\" class=\"post-rich-text c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text l1evdo4u blt0baw s16w0xvi rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\">\n<p>Indian airline carriers are operating 58 flights between India and countries in\u00a0the Middle East on Wednesday, the Civil Aviation Ministry said, amid attempts\u00a0to help thousands of passengers stranded due to the <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/us-israel-war-with-iran\/t-76168615\">Iran war<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\u201cTo facilitate the movement of stranded passengers, 24 flights are being operated by Indian carriers today. Further, Indian carriers are planning 58 flights on 4th March,\u201d the ministry said on Tuesday. Thirty\u00a0of the scheduled flights were to be operated by IndiGo and 23 by Air India and Air India Express.<\/p>\n<p>The ministry said that\u00a0 a total of 1,221 flights by Indian carriers and 388 flights by foreign carriers have been cancelled so far since air travel in parts of the Middle East was severely hit by the ongoing tensions.<\/p>\n<p>On Tuesday, India said that some 10 million of its citizens live and work in the Gulf nations and their safety was the country&#8217;s main priority.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"bp605kw start\"><span class=\"svdcmki\">https:\/\/p.dw.com\/p\/59lNb<\/span><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section data-tracking-name=\"section-liveblog-post\" id=\"liveblog-post-76207945\" class=\"liveblog-post sh8w7rk atfzu66\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/india-news-millions-revel-in-colors-of-holi\/live-76207934#post-liveblog-post-76207945\" class=\"q1knotlb b14agbwd quick-item\"><span class=\"h1du6kc5 l1ozsu87 p1s74fjj s16w0xvi sngcpkw b1fzgn0z\">Skip next section Holi celebrations underway in India<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"l3vczb5\"><span class=\"time-area s1i8qhb9 icns9en lofg86o m1u0isv1 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\"><span class=\"publication icns9en lofg86o m1u0isv1 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\"><time aria-hidden=\"true\">03\/04\/2026<\/time><span class=\"s28j2rd\">March 4, 2026<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"pmcvy6l h1du6kc5 l1evdo4u p1y8x1v s16w0xvi sngcpkw b1fzgn0z\">Holi celebrations underway in India<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<div data-tracking-skip=\"true\" data-tracking-name=\"rich-text\" class=\"post-rich-text c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text l1evdo4u blt0baw s16w0xvi rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\">\n<p>The asphalt gray streets across India are caked with a splash of colors as millions of people celebrate the Hindu festival of Holi on Wednesday.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Residential areas have installed speakers playing traditional Holi music and Bollywood, while children and adults both partake in fun battles using color powder, water balloons and water guns.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Holi signals the arrival of spring, falling on the last full moon of winter in the Hindu calendar.<\/p>\n<p>It is mainly celebrated in parts of northern India and Nepal and by Hindus Bangladesh and Pakistan.<\/p>\n<p>The festival has also gained international popularity with Holi parties being organized in several big cities around the world.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Holi is one of the oldest Hindu festivals. It is known for bringing people together in celebration, transcending the social\u00a0 barriers of religion, caste and gender.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>On Wednesday, Indian leaders extended Holi wishes to the nation.<\/p>\n<p>Indian President Droupadi Murmu said the festival conveyed a message of social harmony.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;This festival of colors infuses love and hope into people&#8217;s lives and strengthens mutual unity and brotherhood. My wish is that this festival brings happiness into everyone&#8217;s lives and that we all together contribute to building a developed nation,&#8221; she said in a statement on X.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Prime Minister <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/narendra-modi\/t-65800410\">Narendra Modi<\/a>\u00a0also sent\u00a0his Holi greetings.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;The festival of Holi infuses the entire atmosphere with fresh energy. This is one of its greatest qualities,&#8221; he said.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Meanwhile, in capital New Delhi strict measures were in place to ensure law and order.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Traditionally on Holi, people consume alcohol or drinks mixed with bhang \u2014 an edible\u00a0prepared with the leaves and flowers of the cannabis plant.<\/p>\n<p>Delhi&#8217;s Traffic Police has deployed to some 134 of the city&#8217;s major intersections to prevent drunken driving, reports said.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"bp605kw start\"><span class=\"svdcmki\">https:\/\/p.dw.com\/p\/59lAP<\/span><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section data-tracking-name=\"section-liveblog-post\" id=\"liveblog-post-76207937\" class=\"liveblog-post sh8w7rk atfzu66\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/india-news-millions-revel-in-colors-of-holi\/live-76207934#post-liveblog-post-76207937\" class=\"q1knotlb b14agbwd quick-item\"><span class=\"h1du6kc5 l1ozsu87 p1s74fjj s16w0xvi sngcpkw b1fzgn0z\">Skip next section Welcome to our coverage<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"l3vczb5\"><span class=\"time-area s1i8qhb9 icns9en lofg86o m1u0isv1 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\"><span class=\"publication icns9en lofg86o m1u0isv1 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\"><time aria-hidden=\"true\">03\/04\/2026<\/time><span class=\"s28j2rd\">March 4, 2026<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"pmcvy6l h1du6kc5 l1evdo4u p1y8x1v s16w0xvi sngcpkw b1fzgn0z\">Welcome to our coverage<\/h2>\n<div class=\"a9wq4ao author-details\"><span><span class=\"separator lxmvniw m4xla6a s16w0xvi rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\"> | <\/span><span class=\"no-link m1ho1h07 l1evdo4u blt0baw s16w0xvi sngcpkw w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\">Rana Taha<\/span><span class=\"extra-info lxmvniw m4xla6a s16w0xvi rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\"> Editor<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-tracking-skip=\"true\" data-tracking-name=\"rich-text\" class=\"post-rich-text c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text l1evdo4u blt0baw s16w0xvi rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\">\n<figure class=\"placeholder-image master_landscape big\"><img data-format=\"MASTER_LANDSCAPE\" data-id=\"64899230\" data-url=\"https:\/\/static.dw.com\/image\/64899230_${formatId}.jpg\" data-aspect-ratio=\"16\/9\" alt=\"Indien | Holi Fest | Gujiya\"><figcaption class=\"img-caption\">Gujiya is a flaky, sweet delicacy devoured in the Indian subcontinent during Holi<small class=\"copyright\">Image: akhilesh\/imago images\/akhilesh<\/small><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>This is Dharvi in Delhi. A fragrant mix of colors, love and spring is in the air as millions of people in India, Nepal and across the world celebrate the festival of Holi.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>I have started my morning with coffee and gujiya (a flaky, sweet pastry popularly made in the Indian subcontinent during Holi) as we begin our daily coverage of developments making headlines in India.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Today, Indian airline carriers are planning to operate over 50 flights to the Middle East after the escalating <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/iran-war-israel-lebanon-strikes-kurdish-talks\/live-76207066\">US-Israel war with Iran<\/a> severely impacted air traffic in the region, stranding hundreds of thousands of travelers.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>India said in a statement last evening that the safety of its 10 million citizens living and working in the Gulf countries was its top priority.<\/p>\n<p>Meanwhile, schools and colleges in Indian-administered <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/kashmir\/t-18172268\">Kashmir<\/a> have remained shuttered amid protests triggered by the killing of Iran&#8217;s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.<\/p>\n<p>Stay with us for more news, analysis and trends from <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/india\/t-18996071\">India<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"bp605kw start\"><span class=\"svdcmki\">https:\/\/p.dw.com\/p\/59lAH<\/span><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"h4zlaoh bp605kw center\">\n<div role=\"button\" data-tracking-name=\"show-more\" class=\"show-more-button s1va3u11 t1y9040i m7i2pic e3w9kkf b19vsmfu cx4rgdt ih9bob8 disabled sngcpkw w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\">Show more posts<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div data-tracking-skip=\"true\" data-tracking-name=\"rich-text\" class=\"c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text l1evdo4u blt0baw s16w0xvi rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\">\n<ul>\n<li>Holi festivities are in full swing in India\u00a0<\/li>\n<li>India&#8217;s Civil Aviation Ministry has said 58 flights will operate to the Middle East today amid the <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/us-israel-war-with-iran\/t-76168615\">ongoing tensions<\/a> in the region<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><em>This blog has now closed. Here&#8217;s what was making headlines in <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/india\/t-18996071\">India<\/a> on Wednesday, March 4:<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><em>This blog has now closed. Here&#8217;s what was making headlines in <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/india\/t-18996071\">India<\/a> on Wednesday, March 4:<\/em><\/p>\n<div data-tracking-skip=\"true\" data-tracking-name=\"rich-text\" class=\"post-rich-text c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text l1evdo4u blt0baw s16w0xvi rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\">\n<figure class=\"placeholder-image master_landscape big\"><img data-format=\"MASTER_LANDSCAPE\" data-id=\"76189972\" data-url=\"https:\/\/static.dw.com\/image\/76189972_${formatId}.jpg\" data-aspect-ratio=\"16\/9\" alt=\"Sanju Samson of India plays a shot during the T20 World Cup cricket match between India and West Indies in Kolkata, India, on March 1, 2026. \"><figcaption class=\"img-caption\">It was wicket keeper Sanju Samson who &#8216;put his hand up&#8217; in the decisive qualifying game against the West Indies, propelling India to victory with an unbeaten 97<small class=\"copyright\">Image: Debajyoti Chakraborty\/NurPhoto\/picture alliance<\/small><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>India&#8217;s bowling coach Morne Morkel says that someone in the ranks of the T20 World Cup hosts will need &#8220;to put their hand up&#8221; and deliver if the bookmakers&#8217; favorites want to reach the final as predicted.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Morkel said that India had not yet put together a flawless display in the tournament, but he also said that was irrelevant now that they&#8217;d reached the final four.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;It&#8217;s not about how you get to the semifinals. It&#8217;s about the next two games, how we&#8217;re going to play there,&#8221; the South African national said ahead of the game in Mumbai. &#8220;It&#8217;s a big occasion tomorrow night here, a semifinal, a great stadium to play a great game of cricket.\u00a0So hopefully the boys can rock up tomorrow and just be calm and execute those skills.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>After a shaky start, England picked up the pace in the most recent phase of the tournament, winning all three of its games to qualify for the semis.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;They&#8217;re a team that&#8217;s street smart. Obviously there&#8217;s a lot of quality in their side,&#8221; Morkel said. &#8220;The way they approach a T20 game, fearless, trying to take the game on, will give you opportunities.&#8221;\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>The bowling coach predicted a &#8220;good shoot-out between two aggressive teams&#8221; on Thursday.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>India&#8217;s bowling coach Morne Morkel says that someone in the ranks of the T20 World Cup hosts will need &#8220;to put their hand up&#8221; and deliver if the bookmakers&#8217; favorites want to reach the final as predicted.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Morkel said that India had not yet put together a flawless display in the tournament, but he also said that was irrelevant now that they&#8217;d reached the final four.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;It&#8217;s not about how you get to the semifinals. It&#8217;s about the next two games, how we&#8217;re going to play there,&#8221; the South African national said ahead of the game in Mumbai. &#8220;It&#8217;s a big occasion tomorrow night here, a semifinal, a great stadium to play a great game of cricket.\u00a0So hopefully the boys can rock up tomorrow and just be calm and execute those skills.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>After a shaky start, England picked up the pace in the most recent phase of the tournament, winning all three of its games to qualify for the semis.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;They&#8217;re a team that&#8217;s street smart. Obviously there&#8217;s a lot of quality in their side,&#8221; Morkel said. &#8220;The way they approach a T20 game, fearless, trying to take the game on, will give you opportunities.&#8221;\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>The bowling coach predicted a &#8220;good shoot-out between two aggressive teams&#8221; on Thursday.\u00a0<\/p>\n<div data-tracking-skip=\"true\" data-tracking-name=\"rich-text\" class=\"post-rich-text c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text l1evdo4u blt0baw s16w0xvi rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\">\n<p>Looking for the latest on the US submarine strike on an Indian warship to the\u00a0south\u00a0of Sri Lanka, opening up a new front in the fighting east of Iran in the Indian Ocean?<\/p>\n<p><a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/us-submarine-torpedoes-iranian-warship-in-indian-ocean\/a-76216943\">Fear not, we have you covered here<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>It&#8217;s the first time since World War II that the US Navy has sunk a warship with a torpedo. The frigate was carrying a crew of around 180; Sri Lanka said earlier that it had rescued 32 sailors and recovered 87 dead bodies.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>Looking for the latest on the US submarine strike on an Indian warship to the\u00a0south\u00a0of Sri Lanka, opening up a new front in the fighting east of Iran in the Indian Ocean?<\/p>\n<p><a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/us-submarine-torpedoes-iranian-warship-in-indian-ocean\/a-76216943\">Fear not, we have you covered here<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>It&#8217;s the first time since World War II that the US Navy has sunk a warship with a torpedo. The frigate was carrying a crew of around 180; Sri Lanka said earlier that it had rescued 32 sailors and recovered 87 dead bodies.<\/p>\n<div data-tracking-skip=\"true\" data-tracking-name=\"rich-text\" class=\"post-rich-text c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text l1evdo4u blt0baw s16w0xvi rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\">\n<p>India\u00a0is aiming to become a global hub for <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/artificial-intelligence\/t-42133476\">artificial intelligence<\/a> and cloud computing infrastructure. But AI data centers&#8217; enormous energy and water demands present a challenge.<\/p>\n<p><a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/india-woos-global-tech-bets-big-on-ai-data-centers\/a-76218185\">Murali Krishan in New Delhi digs deeper here<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>India\u00a0is aiming to become a global hub for <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/artificial-intelligence\/t-42133476\">artificial intelligence<\/a> and cloud computing infrastructure. But AI data centers&#8217; enormous energy and water demands present a challenge.<\/p>\n<p><a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/india-woos-global-tech-bets-big-on-ai-data-centers\/a-76218185\">Murali Krishan in New Delhi digs deeper here<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n<div data-tracking-skip=\"true\" data-tracking-name=\"rich-text\" class=\"post-rich-text c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text l1evdo4u blt0baw s16w0xvi rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\">\n<figure class=\"placeholder-image master_landscape big\"><img data-format=\"MASTER_LANDSCAPE\" data-id=\"76219935\" data-url=\"https:\/\/static.dw.com\/image\/76219935_${formatId}.jpg\" data-aspect-ratio=\"16\/9\" alt=\"New Zealand's Tim Seifert and Finn Allen in action in the T20 World Cup seminfinal in Kolkata, India. March 4, 2026.\"><figcaption class=\"img-caption\">Finn Allen&#8217;s historic knock and partnership with Tim Seifert powered New Zealand to victory in less than 13 overs<small class=\"copyright\">Image: Sahiba Chawdhary\/REUTERS<\/small><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>New Zealand have comprehensively beaten South Africa in the first semifinal of the cricket T20 World Cup in Kolkata, racing to a modest target of 170\u00a0runs with nine wickets and 43 balls to spare.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>New Zealand kept South Africa to just 169\/8 in their innings, with Marco Jansen&#8217;s 55 not-out a lone bright spot for the Springboks,\u00a0and then the Kiwis&#8217; batsmen made short work of the goal.\u00a0<\/p>\n<figure class=\"placeholder-image master_landscape big\"><img data-format=\"MASTER_LANDSCAPE\" data-id=\"76219963\" data-url=\"https:\/\/static.dw.com\/image\/76219963_${formatId}.jpg\" data-aspect-ratio=\"16\/9\" alt=\"South Africa v New Zealand - Eden Gardens, Kolkata, India - March 4, 2026 New Zealand players celebrate the wicket of South Africa's Dewald Brevis.\"><figcaption class=\"img-caption\">New Zealand won the toss, elected to bowl, and proceeded to inflict severe early losses on the South Africans<small class=\"copyright\">Image: Anushree Fadnavis\/REUTERS<\/small><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Opening batsman Finn Allen hit a spectacular 100 runs off just 33 deliveries, with 10 fours and eight sixes, to do the lion&#8217;s share of the scoring all by himself. It&#8217;s the fastest century in T20 World Cup history, at just over three runs per ball.<\/p>\n<p>Allen&#8217;s opening partner Tim Seifert hit 58 before being bowled out by Kagiso Rabada.<\/p>\n<p>Rachin Ravindra, who also took two wickets with the ball, then\u00a0came in and delivered 13 runs from 11 balls while Allen continued his scoring spree.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>New Zealand will face either India or England in the final.<\/p>\n<p>India and England play each other on Thursday in Mumbai. In both the last two T20 world cups, the two nations met in the semis\u00a0and the winning side went on to lift the trophy. But if Wednesday&#8217;s display is anything to go by, a stern test awaits in this year&#8217;s final.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>New Zealand have comprehensively beaten South Africa in the first semifinal of the cricket T20 World Cup in Kolkata, racing to a modest target of 170\u00a0runs with nine wickets and 43 balls to spare.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>New Zealand kept South Africa to just 169\/8 in their innings, with Marco Jansen&#8217;s 55 not-out a lone bright spot for the Springboks,\u00a0and then the Kiwis&#8217; batsmen made short work of the goal.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Opening batsman Finn Allen hit a spectacular 100 runs off just 33 deliveries, with 10 fours and eight sixes, to do the lion&#8217;s share of the scoring all by himself. It&#8217;s the fastest century in T20 World Cup history, at just over three runs per ball.<\/p>\n<p>Allen&#8217;s opening partner Tim Seifert hit 58 before being bowled out by Kagiso Rabada.<\/p>\n<p>Rachin Ravindra, who also took two wickets with the ball, then\u00a0came in and delivered 13 runs from 11 balls while Allen continued his scoring spree.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>New Zealand will face either India or England in the final.<\/p>\n<p>India and England play each other on Thursday in Mumbai. In both the last two T20 world cups, the two nations met in the semis\u00a0and the winning side went on to lift the trophy. But if Wednesday&#8217;s display is anything to go by, a stern test awaits in this year&#8217;s final.\u00a0<\/p>\n<div data-tracking-skip=\"true\" data-tracking-name=\"rich-text\" class=\"post-rich-text c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text l1evdo4u blt0baw s16w0xvi rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\">\n<p>The sun is setting in India and the fabled Holi lethargy is kicking in.<\/p>\n<p>Thanks for sticking with us today!\u00a0We will be closing this blog now.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>The sun is setting in India and the fabled Holi lethargy is kicking in.<\/p>\n<p>Thanks for sticking with us today!\u00a0We will be closing this blog now.<\/p>\n<div data-tracking-skip=\"true\" data-tracking-name=\"rich-text\" class=\"post-rich-text c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text l1evdo4u blt0baw s16w0xvi rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\">\n<p><a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/finland\/t-65197962\">Finland&#8217;s<\/a>\u00a0 President Alexander Stubb arrived in New Delhi on Wednesday as he begins a four-day trip to India aimed at bolstering bilateral ties, including in the area of trade.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>He received a ceremonial welcome upon landing.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Arrived in India today for a state visit, just as the country celebrates Holi, the festival of spring and colors. What a wonderful way to begin the visit!&#8221; he wrote on X.<\/p>\n<p>Indian Prime Minister <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/narendra-modi\/t-65800410\">Narendra Modi<\/a> said Stubb&#8217;s visit will take India-Finland relations to &#8220;new heights&#8221;.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>According to India&#8217;s Foreign Ministry, Stubb is slated to speak at the Raisina Dialogue \u2014 a geopolitics and geoeconomics conference \u2014 which begins Thursday.<\/p>\n<p>The Finnish President will meet Modi to hold discussions focused on cooperation and addressing regional and global issues of mutual interest between the two nations.<\/p>\n<p>Stubb will also meet Indian President Droupadi Murmu and Foreign Minister S Jaishankar.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>He will then visit Mumbai where he is scheduled to attend an India-Finland business event.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;India and Finland share warm, friendly and multi-faceted relations, rooted in shared democratic values. Finland is a valued partner for India in the European Union and the Nordic region,&#8221; the Indian Ministry of External affairs said in a statement released earlier this week.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/finland\/t-65197962\">Finland&#8217;s<\/a>\u00a0 President Alexander Stubb arrived in New Delhi on Wednesday as he begins a four-day trip to India aimed at bolstering bilateral ties, including in the area of trade.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>He received a ceremonial welcome upon landing.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Arrived in India today for a state visit, just as the country celebrates Holi, the festival of spring and colors. What a wonderful way to begin the visit!&#8221; he wrote on X.<\/p>\n<p>Indian Prime Minister <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/narendra-modi\/t-65800410\">Narendra Modi<\/a> said Stubb&#8217;s visit will take India-Finland relations to &#8220;new heights&#8221;.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>According to India&#8217;s Foreign Ministry, Stubb is slated to speak at the Raisina Dialogue \u2014 a geopolitics and geoeconomics conference \u2014 which begins Thursday.<\/p>\n<p>The Finnish President will meet Modi to hold discussions focused on cooperation and addressing regional and global issues of mutual interest between the two nations.<\/p>\n<p>Stubb will also meet Indian President Droupadi Murmu and Foreign Minister S Jaishankar.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>He will then visit Mumbai where he is scheduled to attend an India-Finland business event.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;India and Finland share warm, friendly and multi-faceted relations, rooted in shared democratic values. Finland is a valued partner for India in the European Union and the Nordic region,&#8221; the Indian Ministry of External affairs said in a statement released earlier this week.\u00a0<\/p>\n<div data-tracking-skip=\"true\" data-tracking-name=\"rich-text\" class=\"post-rich-text c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text l1evdo4u blt0baw s16w0xvi rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\">\n<p>Several prominent regional news outlets in India-administered Kashmir reported that their accounts had been <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/kashmir-crisis-sparks-press-crackdown-in-india\/a-72498921\">taken down<\/a> by Meta, which operates platforms including <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/facebook\/t-17441822\">Facebook<\/a>, Instagram and\u00a0WhatsApp.<\/p>\n<p>The move, which has sparked condemnation from Kashmir&#8217;s political parties, came as large-scale pro-Khamenei protests in the region entered a third day.<\/p>\n<p>The Jammu and Kashmir police condemned in a statement on Tuesday what it called &#8220;the deliberate circulation of false, fabricated and misleading information by certain news channels, media outlets, and individuals&#8221; across electronic and social media platforms.<\/p>\n<p>Meanwhile, former chief minister of the Jammu and Kashmir state and People&#8217;s Democratic Party president Mehbooba Mufti expressed concern over the action against outlets like Greater Kashmir, Kashmir Life and Rising Kashmir.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Platforms like Meta, Facebook, and Instagram should not gag freedom of expression or amplify propaganda by silencing the people&#8217;s voice. The J&amp;K government must also stop censoring media in the region,&#8221; she wrote on X.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><em>Kashmir Life<\/em> reported that people attempting to access the social media pages of the outlets were shown notices saying that access had been restricted to comply with a legal request under Indian law.<\/p>\n<p>Jammu And Kashmir People Conference president Sajad Lone called for the handles to be unblocked.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Most of them are responsible, mature institutions and include GK, Kashmir Life and Rising Kashmir. Their absence will do more harm. At times it has been seen that space vacated by responsible institutions can be filled by unknown entities, further harming the cause of a free and responsible media,&#8221; he said.<\/p>\n<p><\/p>\n<div class=\"vjs-wrapper embed big\">\n<h2 aria-label=\"Embedded video \u2014 Kashmir: Female radio hosts face gendered hate speech online\" class=\"headline\">Kashmir: Female radio hosts face gendered hate speech online<\/h2>\n<p><video id=\"video-74612460\" controls playsinline preload=\"none\" poster=\"image\/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAEAAAABCAQAAAC1HAwCAAAAC0lEQVR42mNkYAAAAAYAAjCB0C8AAAAASUVORK5CYII=\" data-id=\"74612460\" data-posterurl=\"https:\/\/static.dw.com\/image\/74641586_605.webp\" data-duration=\"03:41\"><source src=\"https:\/\/hlsvod.dw.com\/i\/vps\/webvideos\/ENG\/2025\/DWVG\/DWVGENG251104_RadiohostKshmr_01SMW_,AVC_480x270,AVC_512x288,AVC_640x360,AVC_960x540,AVC_1280x720,AVC_1920x1080,.mp4.csmil\/master.m3u8\" type=\"application\/x-mpegURL\" \/><\/video><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Several prominent regional news outlets in India-administered Kashmir reported that their accounts had been <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/kashmir-crisis-sparks-press-crackdown-in-india\/a-72498921\">taken down<\/a> by Meta, which operates platforms including <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/facebook\/t-17441822\">Facebook<\/a>, Instagram and\u00a0WhatsApp.<\/p>\n<p>The move, which has sparked condemnation from Kashmir&#8217;s political parties, came as large-scale pro-Khamenei protests in the region entered a third day.<\/p>\n<p>The Jammu and Kashmir police condemned in a statement on Tuesday what it called &#8220;the deliberate circulation of false, fabricated and misleading information by certain news channels, media outlets, and individuals&#8221; across electronic and social media platforms.<\/p>\n<p>Meanwhile, former chief minister of the Jammu and Kashmir state and People&#8217;s Democratic Party president Mehbooba Mufti expressed concern over the action against outlets like Greater Kashmir, Kashmir Life and Rising Kashmir.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Platforms like Meta, Facebook, and Instagram should not gag freedom of expression or amplify propaganda by silencing the people&#8217;s voice. The J&amp;K government must also stop censoring media in the region,&#8221; she wrote on X.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><em>Kashmir Life<\/em> reported that people attempting to access the social media pages of the outlets were shown notices saying that access had been restricted to comply with a legal request under Indian law.<\/p>\n<p>Jammu And Kashmir People Conference president Sajad Lone called for the handles to be unblocked.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Most of them are responsible, mature institutions and include GK, Kashmir Life and Rising Kashmir. Their absence will do more harm. At times it has been seen that space vacated by responsible institutions can be filled by unknown entities, further harming the cause of a free and responsible media,&#8221; he said.<\/p>\n<p><\/p>\n<p class=\"vjs-no-js\">To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that <a href=\"https:\/\/videojs.com\/html5-video-support\/\" target=\"_blank\">supports HTML5 video<\/a><\/p>\n<div data-tracking-skip=\"true\" data-tracking-name=\"rich-text\" class=\"post-rich-text c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text l1evdo4u blt0baw s16w0xvi rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\">\n<p>Here is a selection of pictures from Holi festivities across India.<\/p>\n<p><strong>This is how Mumbai is celebrating Holi:<\/strong><\/p>\n<figure class=\"placeholder-image master_landscape big\"><img data-format=\"MASTER_LANDSCAPE\" data-id=\"76202482\" data-url=\"https:\/\/static.dw.com\/image\/76202482_${formatId}.jpg\" data-aspect-ratio=\"16\/9\" alt=\"Women smeared with coloured poweder in Mumbai on March 3, 2026\"><figcaption class=\"img-caption\">Holi is the festival of colors, love and spring<small class=\"copyright\">Image: Punit Paranjpe\/AFP\/Getty Images<\/small><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"placeholder-image master_landscape big\"><img data-format=\"MASTER_LANDSCAPE\" data-id=\"76202414\" data-url=\"https:\/\/static.dw.com\/image\/76202414_${formatId}.jpg\" data-aspect-ratio=\"16\/9\" alt=\" Revelers smeared with coloured powder on Monday March 3, 2026\"><figcaption class=\"img-caption\">Holi is the best excuse to spend your adult money on fun props, isn&#8217;t it?<small class=\"copyright\">Image: Punit Paranjpe\/AFP\/Getty Images<\/small><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><strong>Kolkata&#8217;s bash:<\/strong><\/p>\n<figure class=\"placeholder-image master_landscape big\"><img data-format=\"MASTER_LANDSCAPE\" data-id=\"76202355\" data-url=\"https:\/\/static.dw.com\/image\/76202355_${formatId}.jpg\" data-aspect-ratio=\"16\/9\" alt=\"A woman is smeared with coloured powder as she celebrates Holi in Kolkata on March 3, 2026\"><figcaption class=\"img-caption\">Painting the town red, pink and yellow<small class=\"copyright\">Image: Dibyangshu Sarkar\/AFP\/Getty Images<\/small><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"placeholder-image master_landscape big\"><img data-format=\"MASTER_LANDSCAPE\" data-id=\"76202227\" data-url=\"https:\/\/static.dw.com\/image\/76202227_${formatId}.jpg\" data-aspect-ratio=\"16\/9\" alt=\"Two women show their palms colored with blue and pink powder on March 3, 2026\"><figcaption class=\"img-caption\">In some regions, Holi is also celebrated with flowers<small class=\"copyright\">Image: Sudipta Das\/Pacific Press\/picture alliance<\/small><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><strong>Chandigarh colored:<\/strong><\/p>\n<figure class=\"placeholder-image master_landscape big\"><img data-format=\"MASTER_LANDSCAPE\" data-id=\"76207604\" data-url=\"https:\/\/static.dw.com\/image\/76207604_${formatId}.jpg\" data-aspect-ratio=\"16\/9\" alt=\"Students playing holi at Punjab University campus \"><figcaption class=\"img-caption\">A color-sprinkled spring<small class=\"copyright\">Image: Ravi Kumar\/Hindustan Times\/Sipa USA\/picture alliance<\/small><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"placeholder-image master_landscape big\"><img data-format=\"MASTER_LANDSCAPE\" data-id=\"76207674\" data-url=\"https:\/\/static.dw.com\/image\/76207674_${formatId}.jpg\" data-aspect-ratio=\"16\/9\" alt=\"Children and adults smear each other with color powder on March 3, 2026\"><figcaption class=\"img-caption\">It is a joyous battle of colors<small class=\"copyright\">Image: Ravi Kumar\/Hindustan Times\/Sipa USA\/picture alliance<\/small><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p>Here is a selection of pictures from Holi festivities across India.<\/p>\n<p><strong>This is how Mumbai is celebrating Holi:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Kolkata&#8217;s bash:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Chandigarh colored:<\/strong><\/p>\n<div data-tracking-skip=\"true\" data-tracking-name=\"rich-text\" class=\"post-rich-text c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text l1evdo4u blt0baw s16w0xvi rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\">\n<figure class=\"placeholder-image master_landscape big\"><img data-format=\"MASTER_LANDSCAPE\" data-id=\"76167489\" data-url=\"https:\/\/static.dw.com\/image\/76167489_${formatId}.jpg\" data-aspect-ratio=\"16\/9\" alt=\" A Kashmiri Shia woman holds a poster reading ''Down with America''\"><figcaption class=\"img-caption\">Over the week, thousands of people, particularly from the Shia community, have taken to the streets in India-administered Kashmir to mourn the killing of Khamenei<small class=\"copyright\">Image: Adil Abass\/ZUMA\/picture alliance<\/small><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Schools and colleges across India-administered <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/kashmir\/t-18172268\">Kashmir<\/a> will remain shut until March 7 following protests in the region against the killing of Iran&#8217;s Supreme Leader <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/ayatollah-ali-khamenei-the-man-who-wanted-to-destroy-israel\/a-76169184\">Ayatollah Ali Khamenei<\/a> in a US and Israeli strike last Saturday.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;All schools and colleges of Kashmir Division to remain closed till (sic)\u00a07th of March 2026,&#8221; Jammu and Kashmir state&#8217;s Education Minister Sakina Itoo said.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Schools and colleges were initially shuttered until March 3.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>News agency PTI, citing officials, said that strict restrictions were in place in the region for a third straight day.<\/p>\n<p>There are curbs on the movement and assembly of people in some parts of the region, PTI cited officials as saying.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Mobile and internet speeds also continue to be curtailed.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>The iconic Lal Chowk square in the region&#8217;s largest city of Srinagar was also reportedly sealed.<\/p>\n<p>Over the week, thousands of people, particularly from the Shiite community, have taken to the streets in India-administered Kashmir to mourn the killing of Khamenei.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Shiite demonstrations have also taken place in other parts of India.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Most of India&#8217;s Muslims belong to the Sunni sect, while Shiites\u00a0make up around 15% of the country&#8217;s Muslim population.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>Schools and colleges across India-administered <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/kashmir\/t-18172268\">Kashmir<\/a> will remain shut until March 7 following protests in the region against the killing of Iran&#8217;s Supreme Leader <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/ayatollah-ali-khamenei-the-man-who-wanted-to-destroy-israel\/a-76169184\">Ayatollah Ali Khamenei<\/a> in a US and Israeli strike last Saturday.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;All schools and colleges of Kashmir Division to remain closed till (sic)\u00a07th of March 2026,&#8221; Jammu and Kashmir state&#8217;s Education Minister Sakina Itoo said.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Schools and colleges were initially shuttered until March 3.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>News agency PTI, citing officials, said that strict restrictions were in place in the region for a third straight day.<\/p>\n<p>There are curbs on the movement and assembly of people in some parts of the region, PTI cited officials as saying.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Mobile and internet speeds also continue to be curtailed.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>The iconic Lal Chowk square in the region&#8217;s largest city of Srinagar was also reportedly sealed.<\/p>\n<p>Over the week, thousands of people, particularly from the Shiite community, have taken to the streets in India-administered Kashmir to mourn the killing of Khamenei.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Shiite demonstrations have also taken place in other parts of India.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Most of India&#8217;s Muslims belong to the Sunni sect, while Shiites\u00a0make up around 15% of the country&#8217;s Muslim population.<\/p>\n<div data-tracking-skip=\"true\" data-tracking-name=\"rich-text\" class=\"post-rich-text c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text l1evdo4u blt0baw s16w0xvi rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\">\n<p>Indian airline carriers are operating 58 flights between India and countries in\u00a0the Middle East on Wednesday, the Civil Aviation Ministry said, amid attempts\u00a0to help thousands of passengers stranded due to the <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/us-israel-war-with-iran\/t-76168615\">Iran war<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\u201cTo facilitate the movement of stranded passengers, 24 flights are being operated by Indian carriers today. Further, Indian carriers are planning 58 flights on 4th March,\u201d the ministry said on Tuesday. Thirty\u00a0of the scheduled flights were to be operated by IndiGo and 23 by Air India and Air India Express.<\/p>\n<p>The ministry said that\u00a0 a total of 1,221 flights by Indian carriers and 388 flights by foreign carriers have been cancelled so far since air travel in parts of the Middle East was severely hit by the ongoing tensions.<\/p>\n<p>On Tuesday, India said that some 10 million of its citizens live and work in the Gulf nations and their safety was the country&#8217;s main priority.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>Indian airline carriers are operating 58 flights between India and countries in\u00a0the Middle East on Wednesday, the Civil Aviation Ministry said, amid attempts\u00a0to help thousands of passengers stranded due to the <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/us-israel-war-with-iran\/t-76168615\">Iran war<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\u201cTo facilitate the movement of stranded passengers, 24 flights are being operated by Indian carriers today. Further, Indian carriers are planning 58 flights on 4th March,\u201d the ministry said on Tuesday. Thirty\u00a0of the scheduled flights were to be operated by IndiGo and 23 by Air India and Air India Express.<\/p>\n<p>The ministry said that\u00a0 a total of 1,221 flights by Indian carriers and 388 flights by foreign carriers have been cancelled so far since air travel in parts of the Middle East was severely hit by the ongoing tensions.<\/p>\n<p>On Tuesday, India said that some 10 million of its citizens live and work in the Gulf nations and their safety was the country&#8217;s main priority.\u00a0<\/p>\n<div data-tracking-skip=\"true\" data-tracking-name=\"rich-text\" class=\"post-rich-text c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text l1evdo4u blt0baw s16w0xvi rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\">\n<p>The asphalt gray streets across India are caked with a splash of colors as millions of people celebrate the Hindu festival of Holi on Wednesday.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Residential areas have installed speakers playing traditional Holi music and Bollywood, while children and adults both partake in fun battles using color powder, water balloons and water guns.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Holi signals the arrival of spring, falling on the last full moon of winter in the Hindu calendar.<\/p>\n<p>It is mainly celebrated in parts of northern India and Nepal and by Hindus Bangladesh and Pakistan.<\/p>\n<p>The festival has also gained international popularity with Holi parties being organized in several big cities around the world.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Holi is one of the oldest Hindu festivals. It is known for bringing people together in celebration, transcending the social\u00a0 barriers of religion, caste and gender.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>On Wednesday, Indian leaders extended Holi wishes to the nation.<\/p>\n<p>Indian President Droupadi Murmu said the festival conveyed a message of social harmony.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;This festival of colors infuses love and hope into people&#8217;s lives and strengthens mutual unity and brotherhood. My wish is that this festival brings happiness into everyone&#8217;s lives and that we all together contribute to building a developed nation,&#8221; she said in a statement on X.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Prime Minister <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/narendra-modi\/t-65800410\">Narendra Modi<\/a>\u00a0also sent\u00a0his Holi greetings.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;The festival of Holi infuses the entire atmosphere with fresh energy. This is one of its greatest qualities,&#8221; he said.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Meanwhile, in capital New Delhi strict measures were in place to ensure law and order.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Traditionally on Holi, people consume alcohol or drinks mixed with bhang \u2014 an edible\u00a0prepared with the leaves and flowers of the cannabis plant.<\/p>\n<p>Delhi&#8217;s Traffic Police has deployed to some 134 of the city&#8217;s major intersections to prevent drunken driving, reports said.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>The asphalt gray streets across India are caked with a splash of colors as millions of people celebrate the Hindu festival of Holi on Wednesday.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Residential areas have installed speakers playing traditional Holi music and Bollywood, while children and adults both partake in fun battles using color powder, water balloons and water guns.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Holi signals the arrival of spring, falling on the last full moon of winter in the Hindu calendar.<\/p>\n<p>It is mainly celebrated in parts of northern India and Nepal and by Hindus Bangladesh and Pakistan.<\/p>\n<p>The festival has also gained international popularity with Holi parties being organized in several big cities around the world.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Holi is one of the oldest Hindu festivals. It is known for bringing people together in celebration, transcending the social\u00a0 barriers of religion, caste and gender.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>On Wednesday, Indian leaders extended Holi wishes to the nation.<\/p>\n<p>Indian President Droupadi Murmu said the festival conveyed a message of social harmony.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;This festival of colors infuses love and hope into people&#8217;s lives and strengthens mutual unity and brotherhood. My wish is that this festival brings happiness into everyone&#8217;s lives and that we all together contribute to building a developed nation,&#8221; she said in a statement on X.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Prime Minister <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/narendra-modi\/t-65800410\">Narendra Modi<\/a>\u00a0also sent\u00a0his Holi greetings.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;The festival of Holi infuses the entire atmosphere with fresh energy. This is one of its greatest qualities,&#8221; he said.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Meanwhile, in capital New Delhi strict measures were in place to ensure law and order.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Traditionally on Holi, people consume alcohol or drinks mixed with bhang \u2014 an edible\u00a0prepared with the leaves and flowers of the cannabis plant.<\/p>\n<p>Delhi&#8217;s Traffic Police has deployed to some 134 of the city&#8217;s major intersections to prevent drunken driving, reports said.\u00a0<\/p>\n<div data-tracking-skip=\"true\" data-tracking-name=\"rich-text\" class=\"post-rich-text c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text l1evdo4u blt0baw s16w0xvi rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\">\n<figure class=\"placeholder-image master_landscape big\"><img data-format=\"MASTER_LANDSCAPE\" data-id=\"64899230\" data-url=\"https:\/\/static.dw.com\/image\/64899230_${formatId}.jpg\" data-aspect-ratio=\"16\/9\" alt=\"Indien | Holi Fest | Gujiya\"><figcaption class=\"img-caption\">Gujiya is a flaky, sweet delicacy devoured in the Indian subcontinent during Holi<small class=\"copyright\">Image: akhilesh\/imago images\/akhilesh<\/small><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>This is Dharvi in Delhi. A fragrant mix of colors, love and spring is in the air as millions of people in India, Nepal and across the world celebrate the festival of Holi.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>I have started my morning with coffee and gujiya (a flaky, sweet pastry popularly made in the Indian subcontinent during Holi) as we begin our daily coverage of developments making headlines in India.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Today, Indian airline carriers are planning to operate over 50 flights to the Middle East after the escalating <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/iran-war-israel-lebanon-strikes-kurdish-talks\/live-76207066\">US-Israel war with Iran<\/a> severely impacted air traffic in the region, stranding hundreds of thousands of travelers.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>India said in a statement last evening that the safety of its 10 million citizens living and working in the Gulf countries was its top priority.<\/p>\n<p>Meanwhile, schools and colleges in Indian-administered <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/kashmir\/t-18172268\">Kashmir<\/a> have remained shuttered amid protests triggered by the killing of Iran&#8217;s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.<\/p>\n<p>Stay with us for more news, analysis and trends from <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/india\/t-18996071\">India<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>This is Dharvi in Delhi. A fragrant mix of colors, love and spring is in the air as millions of people in India, Nepal and across the world celebrate the festival of Holi.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>I have started my morning with coffee and gujiya (a flaky, sweet pastry popularly made in the Indian subcontinent during Holi) as we begin our daily coverage of developments making headlines in India.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Today, Indian airline carriers are planning to operate over 50 flights to the Middle East after the escalating <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/iran-war-israel-lebanon-strikes-kurdish-talks\/live-76207066\">US-Israel war with Iran<\/a> severely impacted air traffic in the region, stranding hundreds of thousands of travelers.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>India said in a statement last evening that the safety of its 10 million citizens living and working in the Gulf countries was its top priority.<\/p>\n<p>Meanwhile, schools and colleges in Indian-administered <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/kashmir\/t-18172268\">Kashmir<\/a> have remained shuttered amid protests triggered by the killing of Iran&#8217;s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.<\/p>\n<p>Stay with us for more news, analysis and trends from <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/india\/t-18996071\">India<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/india-news-millions-revel-in-colors-of-holi\/live-76207934&#8243;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/static.dw.com\/image\/76202384_6.jpg&#8221;] https:\/\/p.dw.com\/p\/59lAE Holi signals the arrival of spring, falling on the last full moon of winter in the Hindu calendarImage: Dibyangshu Sarkar\/AFP\/Getty Images Skip next section What you need to know What you need to know Holi festivities are in full swing in India\u00a0 India&#8217;s Civil Aviation Ministry has said 58 flights will [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[226,74],"class_list":["post-1807333","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-politics","tag-crawlmanager","tag-dw-com"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1807333","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1807333"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1807333\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1807333"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1807333"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1807333"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}