Defence Minister Rajnath Singh stated on Saturday that “at a time when war is raging across the world… no country on earth can remain unaffected,” warning that India too “may face energy and fertiliser crises” due to the ongoing West Asia conflict. However, he noted that the central government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has successfully managed these challenges so far. Haldwani, Mar 21 (ANI): Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh addresses the “Jan-Jan ki Sarkar, 4 Saal Bemisaal” event in Haldwani on Saturday. (@pushkardhami X/ANI Photo) (@pushkardhami X). While speaking at an event in Haldwani celebrating four years of the Pushkar Singh Dhami-led Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government, Singh stated, “The world is currently facing a challenging time, as wars and tensions are intensifying across various regions.” This isn’t merely an issue for India, but for the whole world. The government has explicitly declared that such disputes cannot be settled by military means. The answer is found through conversation and diplomatic efforts. With war raging worldwide—potentially sparking energy crises or fertilizer shortages—no nation on Earth can escape the impact. India might also encounter fallout in such scenarios; however, our Prime Minister has, up to now, adeptly kept the country out of any conflicts. Nevertheless, the future remains uncertain; thus, all of PM Modi’s global efforts to address this emerging crisis merit our complete backing,” Singh remarked. Singh noted that Dhami has delivered “unprecedented” development initiatives and predicted that the BJP will reclaim power with a two-thirds majority in the upcoming Assembly elections. 

 Early Saturday morning, Chandrashekhar, known as ‘Farsa Baba’ or ‘Farse Wale Baba’, was struck and killed by a truck on the Agra-Delhi highway near Mathura. According to the district administration and police, Farsa Baba and his disciple were inspecting a container truck on the highway, suspecting it was transporting cows. In the morning fog with poor visibility, another truck struck Baba, leading to his death shortly afterward. Chandrashekhar Baba, also called Farsa Baba, died in a road accident in Mathura. (X/@deepaksharmazad) The locals grew furious over the death, claiming that “cow smugglers” had run over the self-proclaimed godman and cow vigilante, and called for immediate police action. Police stated that another truck collided with Baba and his disciple, who were riding a motorbike, owing to poor visibility from thick fog on the highway. In response, supporters blocked the highway and damaged police vans. Shailesh Kumar Pandey, deputy inspector general of police for the Agra range, told reporters, “The situation is now under control.” Officials verified it was a road crash with no livestock implicated, and arrests have occurred. Those responsible for the violence will face strict measures, as a comprehensive investigation proceeds. Also read | Protests break out in Mathura after cow vigilante Farsa Baba killed by truck; supporters claim murder, block highway. 

 In a heartwarming show of communal unity, Hindus in Jaipur, Rajasthan, showered flower petals on Muslims performing prayers at an Eidgah on Eid ul-Fitr. The event was coordinated by the Hindu-Muslim Ekta Samiti, where participants highlighted unity and common cultural ties. It received positive feedback on social media after videos of Hindus honoring Muslims during Eid in Jaipur spread widely. (ANI) ALSO READ | ‘Received full support’: Muslims in Delhi’s Uttam Nagar shower flowers on police following peaceful Eid prayers | Watch. A video of the gesture circulated widely online, earning praise from various quarters on social media. “Eid Mubarak to everyone.” We belong to the Hindu-Muslim Unity Committee. May harmony always persist among us. Some individuals seek to foster divisions, which is incorrect. Ram ke bina Ramzan nahi hota aur Eid ke bina Diwali na hoti hai. 

 On Saturday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a conversation with Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian, extending greetings for Eid and Nowruz and addressing the changing dynamics in West Asia. PM Narendra Modi spoke with Iran President Masoud Pezeshkian amid West Asia tensions (File photos). In a statement, Modi said, “I spoke with President Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian and extended greetings for Eid and Nowruz.” We expressed our hope that this festive season will bring peace, stability, and prosperity to West Asia. In the discussion, the Prime Minister raised worries about recent assaults on vital infrastructure in the area, stating that he “condemns attacks on critical infrastructure in the region, which threaten regional stability and disrupt global supply chains.” He also emphasized the necessity of maintaining uninterrupted global trade flows, noting that he “reiterated the importance of protecting freedom of navigation and keeping shipping lanes open and secure.” This is the second phone call between the Prime Minister and Iran’s President since the West Asia conflict began on February 28. Earlier this month, Modi noted that he had spoken with Pezeshkian about the “serious situation in the region,” during which he “expressed deep concern over the escalation of tensions and the loss of civilian lives as well as damage to civilian infrastructure.” The PM also highlighted the safety and security of Indian nationals and the “need for unhindered transit of goods and energy,” stating that these continue to be India’s “top priorities.” 

 At a book-signing event for his novel ‘The Cantonment Conspiracy,’ former Indian Army chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane was questioned about his future writing plans. According to news agency ANI’s report from Pune on Friday, he informed reporters that he is now focused solely on fiction writing. Former Chief of Army Staff General MM Naravane’s autobiography ‘Four Stars of Destiny’ is still unpublished and lies at the heart of a significant political controversy. (Photo from PTI archives). It arrived about seven weeks after his sole non-fiction work — the unpublished memoir ‘Four Stars of Destiny,’ awaiting government approval — had shaken the nation’s Parliament. Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition, attempted to quote excerpts from it to claim that the BJP government’s policy was feeble against China amid the 2020 border clashes. “I’ve consistently written periodically, not just military reports but also for various army academic journals.” I had also penned a few short stories, one of which was published in the magazine Femina. “He said he is now solely interested in writing fiction,” he was quoted as stating in Pune. Regarding his novel ‘The Cantonment Conspiracy’, released last year, he remarked, “I’m pleased to report that the book is doing relatively well for a debut author who didn’t know how to write.” Writing this book has been a fascinating journey, marking my shift from soldier to storyteller.