Month: March 2026

Suspected armed Kuki militants opened fire near Phouljang and Gothol, targeting an Indian Army post in Phougakchao Awang Leikai, said Manipur Police on Thursday.

The incident occured late on Wednesday night.

In a post shared on X, Manipur Police wrote, “On 25 March 2026, at approximately 11:40 PM, suspected armed Kuki militants opened fire in the general area of Phouljang/Gothol, directing their fire towards an Indian Army post in Phougakchao Awang Leikai.”

The statement added that the Indian Army and the 58th Battalion of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) “responded swiftly by returning fire towards the source, resulting in an exchange that lasted approximately 30 minutes”.

Manipur Police further said, “From the early hours of 26 March 2026, a combined operation was launched by the Indian Army, CRPF, Manipur Police and Indian Reserve Battalion (IRB), in the general area where the firing took place and the adjoining hill areas.”

The situation continues to be closely monitored, and security forces will maintain operations in the surrounding hill areas, said the police.

Authorities urged caution, saying, “Civilians are requested to refrain from spreading rumours and to verify information before sharing.”

Earlier, security forces in Manipur arrested an active cadre of the United National Liberation Front (Pambei-led faction) from Patsoi under Patsoi police station, and dismantled six bunkers illegally constructed in Imphal West district.

According to a press release, during the operation, a mobile phone was seized from the arrested individual. The overall law-and-order situation in the state during the last 24 hours was normal. Security forces continue to conduct search operations and area domination in the fringe and vulnerable areas across districts.

As per the press note, “In continuation of the operation by security forces, which commenced yesterday, 06 (six) bunkers illegally constructed were dismantled on Wednesday, March 25, at Litan and Mongkat Chepu upper village areas.”

Following the operation, the majority of bunkers in the violence-affected Litan area have been rendered ineffective. Security forces continue to remain alert, and troops are strategically deployed to prevent the escalation of violence in the area. (ANI)

US President Donald Trump on Thursday announced that his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping has been rescheduled to May 14-15.

The highly anticipated meeting was postponed due to the US’ military operations in Iran.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump said, “My meeting with the Highly Respected President of China, President Xi Jinping, which was originally postponed due to our Military operation in Iran, has been rescheduled, and will take place in Beijing on May 14th and 15th. First Lady Melania and I will also host President Xi and Madame Peng for a reciprocal visit in Washington, D.C., at a later date, this year. Our Representatives are finalizing preparations for these Historic Visits. I look very much forward to spending time with President Xi in what will be, I am sure, a Monumental Event. Thank you for your attention to this matter! President DONALD J. TRUMP.”

US White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt on Thursday also confirmed the developments about Trump’s rescheduled visit.

Leavitt, while briefing the media, said that Chinese President Xi Jinping understood that Trump had to be present in the US during such operations.

Again, we’ve estimated a four-to-six-week window. President looks forward to that visit. There were no “pre-conditions” regarding the conclusion of the war; President Xi simply understood that it was important for the President to be here during these operations,” the press secretary added.

Earlier on March 17, amid the escalating tensions in the Middle East, China said on Tuesday that United States President Donald Trump’s impending visit to the country has nothing to do with the Strait of Hormuz closure. China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spokesperson’s Office said that both sides remain in talks regarding the dates of the visit.

“We take note of the U.S. clarification about certain media reports. The U.S. side has made clear that those reports are completely “false” and that President Trump’s visit to China is not linked to the issue over the Strait of Hormuz. The two sides remain in communication on President Trump’s visit to China, including the dates,” Beijing official said. (ANI)

Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) has issued a warning to the US-Israel forces on considering a possible ground operation within Iranian territory.

“Don’t send your children to hell with the deceit of Netanyahu and Trump. The invading soldiers will be deeply drowned and disappear in the million-strong sea of the Iranian nation,” the statement warned.

In a direct appeal, the IRGC addressed the American people, warning that they are being misled by warmongers such as Trump and Netanyahu through lies and distortion of battlefield realities.

“The truth of the war you must observe at American gas stations, on the streets of Iran, and in the skies of Tel Aviv and Haifa,” the statement read.

According to a CBS report, the Pentagon is expected to deploy troops from the 82nd Airborne Division to the Middle East The news report said, citing a source familiar with the planning, that the Pentagon is planning to send elements of the division, including a command component and some ground forces, to the region. A possible ground operation in the Kharg Island is also being contemplated by the US.

The IRGC further sid that precision-guided Emad, Qiam, Khorramshahr-4, and Qadr missiles struck more than 70 locations across Israel in the 81st wave of Operation True Promise 4.

IRGC Public Relations Department claimed the missiles successfully hit targets in Haifa, Dimona, Al-Khudriyya near Haifa, and areas north and south of Tel Aviv.

The IRGC concluded with a warning, “Remember, we will level Tel Aviv and Haifa to the ground, this is what our martyred Leader taught us.”

The IRGC says over 700 missiles and 3,600 drones have been fired at American and Israeli targets since the war began, while Iran’s air defence systems have intercepted and destroyed more than 200 enemy aircraft, including cruise missiles and advanced fighter jets.

Meanwhile, Iran’s Foreign Minister Araghchi said the country will continue to follow the policy of “resistance” in response to “unprovoked American-Israeli aggression”, ruling out negotiations or a ceasefire without reliable guarantees, according to Iranian State Media Press TV.

Speaking in a televised interview on Wednesday, Araghchi said, “At present, our policy is to continue resistance, and no negotiations have taken place.”

“There are no negotiations underway,” he was quoted by Press TV as saying, while also questioning the reliability of external assurances.

The foreign minister said that although regional diplomatic contacts have taken place, Tehran’s stance has remained “principled and firm”.

“Many foreign ministers from the region have contacted Tehran, but Iran’s position has remained ‘principled and firm’,” he said.

Araghchi also dismissed the reliability of “international guarantees” in efforts aimed at ending the conflict. (ANI)

US President Donald Trump on Thursday claimed to have stopped eight wars, and said they would repeat the feat in Iran too.

Trump, while delivering remarks at the NRCC Annual Fundraising Dinner, said that there has never been a head of a country who wanted that job less than being the head of Iran.

“We settled 8 wars. We are winning another one. Nobody has seen anything like what we are doing in the Middle East with Iran. They are negotiating, by the way. They want to make a deal so badly, but they are afraid to say it because they figure they will be killed by their own people. They are also afraid they will be killed by us. There has never been a head of a country who wanted that job less than being the head of Iran.”

US President Donald Trump also pointed out the reasons for exiting the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, a 2015 agreement between Iran and the P5+1 (China, France, Russia, UK, US + Germany) and the EU, which he ended, citing Iran not honouring the deal.

“I said we are going to have to do something about Iran because they are going to have a nuclear weapon very soon, and they are crazy. We have to stop them. And I say, well, we are going to take a big hit. We’re going to go through this certain route, and we will get right back here, but we have to go and stop them. Every President should have done it. Obama should have done it. Obama gave them the absolute right title and interest, gave everything to Iran. When Bibi Netanyahu came over and begged him not to do it. He gave Iran the right to have a nuclear weapon at the highest level within a very short period of time. I terminated that agreement as soon as I came to office,” Trump said while pointing out that if they had continued JCPOA, then Iran would have had a nuclear weapon by now.

Trump also recalled the assassination of Qasem Soleimani, whom he called an “evil man”. Soleimani was an Iranian major general and commander of the Quds Force.

“We did many things. Taking out Soleimani was very important. He was an evil man. But that was a big event we took out in my first term. We took out Soleimani, and they never had leadership that could compete with that. He was an evil guy, but he was a real leader, and he was a very tough general. Under our leadership, America is also highly respected again. Perhaps we are now respected like never before. I don’t think we have ever been as respected now,” he said.

Soleimani was assassinated in a targeted drone strike ordered by US President Donald Trump on 3 January 2020 in Baghdad, Iraq.

Meanwhile, Speaker of Iran’s Parliament, MB Ghalibaf, said that they have received reports of enemy countries preparing to occupy one of Iran’s islands. He further said that Iran is monitoring all enemy movements.

In a post on X, he said, “Based on some intelligence reports, Iran’s enemies are preparing to occupy one of the Iranian islands with support from one of the regional countries. Our forces are monitoring all enemy movements, and if they take any step, all the vital infrastructure of that regional country will be targeted with relentless, unceasing attacks.”

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said that the US has failed to achieve its key war objectives against Iran, including securing a quick military victory and bringing about regime change in Tehran, as reported by Al Jazeera.

The Pentagon had earlier ordered that some 2,000 more soldiers from the US Army’s 82nd Airborne Division move to the Middle East from their North Carolina base, as per Al Jazeera.

That’s in addition to two Marine Expeditionary Units already en route from opposite sides of the Pacific: The Tripoli Amphibious Ready Group moving in from Japan. The Boxer Amphibious Ready Group en route from San Diego. (ANI)

A Delhi Court has remanded two Bangladeshi nationals to 11 days of NIA custody. They were arrested by the NIA from West Bengal on Monday and brought to New Delhi on a transit remand. They were produced before the Special NIA judge at New Delhi on Tuesday.

It is alleged that they are accsued of the murder of Bangladeshi political activist Sharif Osman Bin Hadi in Bangladesh. They had fled into India illegally through the Meghalaya border. They were apprehended in Bongaon when they were trying to go back to Bangaladesh.

Additional Sessions Judge (ASJ) Prashant Sharma of Patiala House Court on March 24 remanded Rahul alias Faisal Karim Masud and Alamgir Hossain to 11 days’ custody of the National Investigation Agency (NIA).

While seeking remand, the NIA submitted that both accused were arrested in Bongaon, West Bengal, by the Special Task Force (STF) earlier this month

During the hearing, the court questioned the jurisdiction of the court.

SPP Rahul Tyagi submitted that since the accused entered India illegally, a conspiracy couldn’t be ruled out, and a detailed investigation is required to unearth the same.

Hadi was shot dead by the two assailants in Dhaka on December 12, 2025, while travelling in an autorickshaw. He had emerged as a political activist during the July 2024 uprising in Bangladesh. It is stated that riots took place in several parts after his killing in Bangladesh. A charge sheet has also been filed in the killing case naming 17 persons. (ANI)

At the opening of the International Film Festival of Delhi (IFFD) 2026, actor Kangana Ranaut spotlighted films like ‘Dhurandhar 2’, describing them as emblematic of a “new India” rooted in culture, patriotism and modern aspirations.

Speaking to the media at the festival, Ranaut emphasised the importance of platforms that showcase such cinema.

“Look, this platform is for such films. This is the picture of New India,” she said.

She further added, “In which, culture, patriotism and modernity, the dream of a developed India, you see the pulsating energy of a New India. For this, such platforms should be there. We are very grateful to Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji, who has given us the dream of a developed India. And we are all moving forward with it.”

Kangana termed IFFD as a significant global cultural platform. “It is a global platform where we can see cinematic excellence from any country,” she said, underlining the scale and ambition of the event.

She also highlighted the festival’s programming, including screenings, masterclasses and interactions, calling it a “big celebration” for artists.

Marking her two decades in cinema, Ranaut noted her personal connection to the industry: “I have completed 20 years in the film industry. I have given a long period of my life to films.”

The festival, inaugurated at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, saw a strong turnout from across the film fraternity, including actors, filmmakers and industry veterans.

Among those honoured were Sharmila Tagore, late legendary actor Dharmendra and Nandamuri Balakrishna, who received Lifetime Achievement Awards for their contributions to Indian cinema.

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta highlighted the cultural ambition behind the festival, stating, “Delhi is the heart of the country, a city that embraces everyone and carries both history and hope. With this film festival, we are not just hosting an event but shaping a new cultural identity for the capital. Cinema has the power to inspire, to connect, and to tell stories that become people’s dreams. This festival will be a platform for new artists, filmmakers and especially women to showcase their talent. We are committed to making Delhi a true creative capital, known for its energy, stories, and spirit.”

The opening ceremony also paid tribute to 150 years of Vande Mataram, setting a cultural tone for the event. The inaugural lamp was lit by Rekha Gupta along with dignitaries, including Kangana Ranaut, Sharmila Tagore and Hema Malini.

With a global line-up and strong participation from both Indian and international cinema communities, IFFD 2026 has begun on a high note. The festival, organised by the Delhi Tourism & Transport Development Corporation in association with the Government of Delhi, will run until March 31, featuring screenings, panel discussions and industry engagements across the city. (ANI)

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi visited Sir Ganga Ram Hospital on Thursday morning, where his mother and Congress Parliamentary Party (CPP) Chairperson Sonia Gandhi was admitted after experiencing respiratory issues.

The veteran leader was admitted after experiencing respiratory issues at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital on Tuesday night.

As this happened, Rahul Gandhi, Leader of Opposition (LoP) Lok Sabha, did not visit Kerala for his scheduled visit ahead of the polls. Virtually addressing a rally held in Kozhikode, the Congress leader said that he could not attend the rally in person as his mother was hospitalised in New Delhi.

“I would have liked to come here, but I was forced to stay in today and was unable to come. Yesterday, my mother was hospitalised and I, as a son, was quite worried about her, so I decided to stay with her. I know that the people of Kerala will understand this. Last night, I was extremely worried about my mother’s health. The whole night, I was only comforted by one thing. I was comforted by a nurse from Kerala who came in every hour to check on my mother,” he said.

A hospital official said earlier that Sonia Gandhi remains stable and under observation. The veteran leader was being administered antibiotics, he added.

“Sonia Gandhi was admitted to Sir Ganga Ram Hospital on Tuesday at 10:22 PM. She is stable. Doctors are conducting further investigations to check for possible infection in the stomach and urinary tract. A team of doctors is closely monitoring her condition, and antibiotics have been administered,” a hospital official said.

As a precautionary measure, doctors decided to admit her for observation and further medical management.

On Wednesday, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital Chairman Dr Ajay Swaroop said that following a detailed medical examination, Sonia Gandhi’s bronchial asthma was mildly exacerbated by the combined effects of cold weather and prevailing pollution levels in Delhi.

The veteran leader was also admitted last year in June due to stomach-related issues. She was kept under observation at the hospital’s gastro department.

Before this, in the same month, Gandhi was admitted to Indira Gandhi Medical College and Hospital in Himachal Pradesh’s Shimla on June 7. (ANI)

Bollywood actor Abhishek Bachchan discussed the evolving relationship between creators and audiences in today’s digital age. He stressed the need for originality and uniqueness, highlighting how everyone now has a platform to share their opinions.

Speaking candidly at the Critics’ Choice Awards (CCA) 2026, Bachchan questioned the evolving role of critics, highlighting the shift in the way content is consumed today.

“We see millions of reels every day where creators perform. They perform our dialogues, our dances, our action, our comedy. Many a time, as good, if not better than the original. They are empowered enough today to think they are as good as their heroes, their idols,” he said, raising a thought-provoking question about the changing relationship between creators, critics, and audiences. “Why should a newspaper editor or a channel executive employ you as their in-house critic, as opposed to who?…….What do we need to do, or be, in order to stand out from the crowd? How to ensure that we are the most deserving candidate to be chosen to act in a film, or to be an in-house film critic? Let’s see. Be original. Be unique. Offer a perspective or performance that nobody else is able to do. Please pardon my cynical and slightly disgruntled side. Humour me. Be original,” he said in a release.

Opening his address by acknowledging criticism as a crucial part of his career, Bachchan shared that his perspective on critics has evolved over the years. “I think we often misunderstand criticism. We tend to see it as something negative, but it shouldn’t be. I work in a commercial art form, and if I expect people to spend their time and money on my films, then I am answerable to them. I am open to scrutiny, to judgement, and to criticism.”

“Early in my career, I didn’t always feel this way. Like most actors, I believed everything would work out perfectly. But when reality hits, it hits hard. I went through phases of denial, where I felt critics didn’t understand my work or weren’t qualified to judge it. Over time, I realised I was looking at it the wrong way. I began to see that critics are not my opponents. They know the way. If I believe I know how to drive, then why not listen, learn, and improve? Their feedback helped me build my journey as an actor. Only a fool would ignore that,” he added.

According to the release, the Film Critics Guild, in partnership with WPP Motion Entertainment, revealed the winners of the 8th Critics’ Choice Awards 2026, celebrating outstanding achievements in Indian cinema, web series, documentaries, and short films. Now in its eighth edition, the Critics’ Choice Awards distinguish themselves with a pan-Indian approach, recognizing talent across various languages, regions, and formats. The awards were judged by a panel of 56 top critics from print, digital, radio, and broadcast media.

The ceremony underscored a significant shift in Indian storytelling, where independent films, streaming series, and fresh voices are leading the cultural conversation. One of the standout moments of the evening was the introduction of a newly redesigned Critics’ Choice Awards trophy, symbolizing the event’s updated visual identity.

Feature Films: “Homebound” Dominates with Four Awards

“Homebound” claimed the most awards of the night, sweeping four major categories, including Best Film, Best Director (Neeraj Ghaywan), Best Actor (Vishal Jethwa), and Best Supporting Actress (Shalini Vatsa). This recognition highlighted the film’s critical success in both its narrative and performances.

Winners List from the Critics’ Choice Awards 2026:

Short Films:

Best Film: Maaybaapache Aashirwaad (Blessings)

Best Director: Apurva Bardapurkar for Maaybaapache Aashirwaad

Best Actor: Sunny Hinduja for That’s A Wrap

Best Actress: Sheeba Chaddha for Nighiyaan Chhavan (Warm Shadows)

Best Writing: Apurva Bardapurkar for Maaybaapache Aashirwaad

Best Cinematography: Saurabh Suman for Aasmaani Jhoola

Web Series:

Best Web Series: Black Warrant

Best Director: Vikramaditya Motwane, Satyanshu Singh, Arkesh Ajay, Rohin Raveendran Nair, and Ambiecka Pandit for Black Warrant

Best Actor: Jaideep Ahlawat for Paatal Lok S2

Best Actress: Monika Panwar for Khauf

Best Supporting Actor: Rahul Bhat for Black Warrant

Best Supporting Actress: Tillotama Shome for Paatal Lok S2

Best Writing: Satyanshu Singh and Arkesh Ajay for Black Warrant

Feature Films:

Best Film: Homebound

Best Director: Neeraj Ghaywan for Homebound

Best Actor: Vishal Jethwa for Homebound

Best Actress: Priyanka Bose for Agra

Best Supporting Actor: Pasupathy for Bison Kaalamaadan

Best Supporting Actress: Shalini Vatsa for Homebound

Best Writing: Rohan Parashuram Kanawade for Sabar Bonda (Cactus Pears)

Best Cinematography: Sunil Borkar for Jugnuma (The Fable)

Best Editing: Chaman Chakko for Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra

Gender Sensitivity Award: Sthal (A Match)

Documentary:

Best Documentary: I, Poppy

Special Award:

Extraordinary Contribution to Cinema: Farida Jalal

Veteran actor Farida Jalal, who was honored with the Extraordinary Contribution to Cinema Award, expressed her gratitude, saying, “I am truly humbled. No matter how much you give to your work, the sense of fulfilment comes with such recognition.”

Neeraj Ghaywan, winner of the Best Director award for Homebound, shared, “Film criticism pushes us to learn, reflect, and do better. This award truly means a lot to me and the entire Homebound team.”

Jaideep Ahlawat, honored with the Best Actor award for Paatal Lok S2, added, “Being recognized by critics, who understand and engage with cinema at such a deep level, means a lot to me.” (ANI)

Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament Swati Maliwal on Wednesday addressed the Rajya Sabha and pointed out “glaring legal inequalities” in the recently passed Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Bill, pointing out that the sexual abuse of a transgender person attracts a maximum punishment of only 2 years, while the same crime against a cisgender woman carries a minimum sentence of 10 years.

“Is a trans woman’s body and dignity worth any less? For a cisgender woman, sexual abuse carries a minimum of 10 years. For a transgender person, just 2 years. This inequality must be urgently corrected,” she said.

Addressing the House, Maliwal pointed out that six years after the Transgender Persons Act, 2019, implementation on the ground remains deeply inadequate. Transgender Welfare Boards are absent in 11 States and Union Territories. The National Council for Transgenders has met only a handful of times. Across the entire country, there are only 23 Garima Grehs — shelters for abandoned transgender persons spread across 17 States. Sex reassignment surgeries, mandated under the 2019 Act, remain unavailable in most government hospitals.

According to na official statement, Maliwal cited the case of Jane Kaushik, a qualified transgender teacher who secured employment in two states but was forced to resign not for lack of merit, but because of her identity. She also spoke of Pranshu, a 16-year-old trans artist from Ujjain who died by suicide in 2023 following relentless online hate.

“These are not isolated stories. Even today, discrimination and abuse remain the lived reality of thousands and millions of transgender persons in India for centuries,” she added.

Turning to the Amendment Bill itself, Maliwal argued it moves in the wrong direction. The Bill narrows the definition of transgender persons, excludes identities based on self-perception, and mandates medical certification, directly contradicting the spirit of the Supreme Court’s historic NALSA judgment of 2014, which affirmed that gender identity is a fundamental right requiring no surgery, no certificate, and no State approval.

“It replaces dignity with diagnosis, identity with inspection. No other citizen in this country is required to prove who they are in this manner,” she said.

Drawing from her eight years as Chairperson of the Delhi Commission for Women, Maliwal described how the certification process has become a tool of humiliation in practice. Though the law mandates certificates within 30 days, delays in Delhi have routinely stretched to months.

Transgender persons have been asked degrading questions by officials, “aap meethe ho?” and told, “dekhne se toh nahin lagte trans ho.” The Amendment Bill adds yet another layer of medical verification on top of this existing system of harassment.

Maliwal also raised alarm over a provision in the Bill that criminalises “alluring someone to present as a transgender”, calling it dangerously vague. Such language, she warned, risks targeting the families, doctors, and support systems of transgender persons. “Instead of protection, it will create fear,” she said.

Maliwal called upon the House to refer the Bill to a Select Committee and hold wider consultations with the transgender community. ” Today, we must stand with those pushed to the margins for centuries. Let us listen to the community we claim to protect. Dignity delayed is dignity denied.”

The bill was passed in the Rajya Sabha today, a day after being passed in the Lok Sabha by a voice vote. (ANI)

Former Telangana Minister Jeevan Reddy on Wednesday announced that he has left the Congress party, expressing deep grief and anger over what he described as the party’s failure to act following the brutal murder of a close party worker about one and a half years ago.

Speaking to ANI, an emotional Reddy said he had always considered the Congress party a family in the four decades he has worked for them but was disappointed that its leadership did not stand by its members during a time of crisis. He stated that when a party worker was killed, neither the party nor the government responded adequately.

“The Chief Minister is the head of the family. If a family member is killed, the head must take responsibility to console. Not even a single step was taken to compensate them. One and a half years have passed,” Reddy said.

He further revealed that he had raised the issue with the party’s high command but felt his concerns were ignored. According to Reddy, the national leadership is currently heavily influenced by the state leadership, leaving him with no option but to step down.

When asked about his future political plans, including the possibility of joining rival parties such as Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) or Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Reddy ruled out any immediate move. While acknowledging that major political parties might welcome a leader of his experience, he clarified that he is not considering such options at present.

“We are not in that line of thinking so far. We are planning to go on our own,” he said.

Reddy added that he intends to function independently for now, focusing on addressing public grievances and working on issues affecting the people.

Six-time MLA Jeevan Reddy joined the Congress Party in the year 1984 under Rajiv Gandhi’s leadership. He was elected as MLA from Jagtial six times, and won five elections from congress party in the years 1989, 1996,1999, 2004 and 2014 and once from the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) in 1983.

In 2019, he was also elected as a member of legislative council for the graduates’ constituency. (ANI)