Month: March 2026

Ukraine government has responded to the arrest of its six nationals by NIA with its Ambassador to India handing over an “official note of protest”, demanding their immediate release.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested six Ukrainians and one US citizen for allegedly supporting ethnic war groups in Myanmar by supplying weapons and training them.

The Press Service of Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in its response to the arrests that the country’s Ambassador to India Dr Oleksandr Polishchuk held a meeting with the Secretary (West) of the Ministry of External Affairs of India, Sibi George, during which he handed over “an official note of protest demanding the immediate release of the Ukrainian citizens and access to them”.

It said in addition, the Embassy is maintaining contacts with other competent authorities of India in order to clarify all the circumstances and reasons for the detention.

A US Embassy spokesperson said they were aware of the situation. “We are aware of the situation. For privacy reasons, we cannot comment on cases involving US citizens,” the Spokesperson said.

The foreign nationals arrested by the NIA have been identified as Matthew Aaron Van Dyke (US citizen), Hurba Petro (Ukrainian citizen), Slyviak Taras (Ukranian Citizen), Ivan Sukmanovskyi (Ukranian citizen), Stefankiv Marian (Ukranian Citizen), Honcharuk Maksim (Ukranian Citizen), and Kaminskyi Viktor (Ukrainian citizen).

They have been arrested in a case lodged under Section 18 (Terror Conspiracy) and BNS.

Special NIA judge Prashant Sharma remanded all seven to 11-day NIA custody on Monday. The agency had sought 15-day custody.

NIA alleged that the accused persons, linked with ethnic armed groups, are supporting certain proscribed Indian insurgent groups by supplying weapons, terrorist hardware and training them.

“The said aspects definitely affect the national security and interests of India,” it said.

The Press Service of Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said six citizens of Ukraine were detained in India on March 13, and according to preliminary information, the charges concern unauthorised presence in the state of Mizoram, access to which requires a special permit, as well as the alleged illegal crossing of the state border between India and Myanmar.

“At present, the competent authorities of India are conducting the relevant investigative actions. As of now, there are no established facts proving the involvement of the said Ukrainian citizens in unlawful activities on the territory of India or Myanmar. At the same time, certain publications, including in some Indian and Russian media outlets, contain distorted interpretations of the available facts, are manipulative in nature, and put forward unfounded allegations,” the Ukraine statement said.

It said the details of the case are not being disclosed in the interests of the investigation.

“With the assistance of Ukrainian consular officers of the Embassy of Ukraine in India, the citizens have been provided with legal aid and defence counsel during the court proceedings.”

It said that the court hearing on March 16 was also attended by representatives of the Embassy of Ukraine.

The statement alleged that the Ukraine Embassy “did not receive” any official notification from the competent authorities of India regarding the detention of Ukrainian citizens.

“The Ukrainian side insists on the immediate provision of unimpeded consular access to the detainees…in addition, the Embassy is maintaining contacts with other competent authorities of India in order to clarify all the circumstances and reasons for the detention,” it said.

The Ukrainian diplomatic mission remains in constant contact with the relatives of the detained Ukrainian citizens and is keeping the situation under special control, the statement said.

“We draw attention to the fact that there are certain restricted-access zones in India for foreign nationals, entry to which is possible only with special permits. At the same time, proper marking of such areas on the ground is often absent, which creates a risk of unintentional violation of the established rules,” the statement added.

Special public prosecutor (SPP) Atul Tyagi alongwith Amit Rohila and others, appeared for the NIA in the court. It was alleged that the seven foreigners came to India on visa and then entered Mizoram, which is a protected area. Thereafter, they entered Myanmar and “contacted ethnic war groups”. (ANI)

Businessman Raj Kundra has spoken about the issue of ‘explicit content’ and called for stricter rules to control such material online.

This comes just days after former cricketer and AAP MP Harbhajan Singh raised concerns in Parliament about the effect of explicit content and social media on young people.

Sharing a statement on Tuesday, Kundra said he wanted to address the narratives around him and also speak about what he called an issue of national concern. Referring to the backlash he has faced in the past four years, Kundra spoke about the “ongoing narratives” and a “relentless media trial,” saying the picture created about him is not accurate.

“I would like to address ongoing narratives surrounding me, and more importantly, speak on an issue that I believe requires urgent national attention. For the past four years, I have dealt with trolls, hate, and a relentless media trial. An image has been painted of me that is far from reality. But this statement today is not about me, it is about the greater good of our society,” he said.

Kundra, husband of Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty, was arrested in 2021 for his alleged involvement in the creation and distribution of adult content through digital platforms. The case sparked significant attention. Kundra, however, has denied all charges, maintaining that his business activities were lawful.

Kundra went on to state that the internet today is piled up with free and unregulated explicit content that is easily accessible to young and “impressionable minds.” Calling it a serious social concern, he said India should consider stricter rules and even a possible ban on pornographic websites.

“The internet today is flooded with free, unregulated content that is degrading, addictive, and easily accessible, especially to young and impressionable minds. This is not just a moral concern; it is a societal one. As a nation, we must take stronger steps to protect our future generations. I firmly believe India should consider stricter regulations, including a potential ban on pornographic websites, similar to countries like the UAE that have enforced such measures for years.”

“Additionally, there should be serious consideration toward restricting access to social media platforms for children under the age of 16, ensuring a safer and more responsible digital environment for our youth,” he added.

Kundra also said he supports the views raised by Harbhajan Singh in Parliament.

“I also support the views expressed by my brother Harbhajan Singh, who has raised important points on this subject in Parliament,” he added.

Earlier, while speaking in the upper house of Parliament during the second phase of the ongoing budget session, Harbhajan Singh highlighted the risks to children’s mental health and societal values.

“Our children’s future is at risk. Today, many kids are getting addicted to social media platforms like Instagram and are being exposed to sexualized or semi-pornographic content at a very young age,” the former cricketer said.

Some states in India are also looking at restrictions on social media access for children. While Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced that social media will be banned for children below 16 years of age in the state, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu said his government was examining a similar move, with discussions underway on whether the age limit should be set at 13 or extended to 16. (ANI)

A new project backed by actor Hrithik Roshan has just been announced.

The actor and Prime Video have teamed up for a new comedy film titled Mess. The upcoming film will be produced under his banner, HRX Films, along with his brother, Eshaan Roshan.

According to a press release, Hrithik spoke about the collaboration and stated that the film project builds on the work the team has already started with the platform.

“Storm marked the start of something special with Prime Video, and Mess feels like a natural next step for us at HRX Films,” said producer Hrithik Roshan. “Our partnership with Prime Video has allowed us to explore bold, innovative storytelling, and this project embodies that spirit perfectly. Rajesh brings a distinctive voice both as a producer and director, with a rare ability to blend comedy with compelling narratives.”

The film follows the story of a group of robbers who break into the house of a man with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). As the night goes on, the robbers slowly realize that the situation inside the house is not what they expected, and they may be the ones who need to survive the night.

The screenplay for the film was originally written by American writer Paul Soter. The adapted screenplay and dialogues have been written by Kapil Sawant.

More details about the cast and release timeline are expected to be announced later. (ANI)

Actor and BJP MP Kangana Ranaut on Thursday slammed the recently released song ‘Sarke Chunar Teri Sarke’, calling it a “new low” and also accusing Bollywood of crossing the limits of “vulgarity.”

The song, featuring Nora Fatehi and Sanjay Dutt, is part of the upcoming film ‘KD: The Devil.’ The track was recently released online and quickly drew attention on social media.

Speaking to the media outside the Parliament, Ranaut spoke about what she called the rising “vulgarity” and “attention-seeking” in the industry. She also called for stricter control over how such songs are presented.

“Bollywood has crossed all limits with vulgarity, tactics, and attention-seeking. The entire country is condemning and reprimanding them. But I don’t think they have any shame…,” Ranaut said.

“There needs to be even more strictness about the display of such vulgarity and obscenity…I think some strict rein will have to be put on Bollywood…,” she added.

Singer Armaan Malik also reacted to the song. Sharing his views on X, he said the lyrics made him replay the clip because he could not believe what he had heard. He added that writing in commercial songs has reached a “new low.”

“This showed up on my timeline and I had to replay it just to make sure I heard it right. Sad to see commercial songwriting hit a new low…,” he wrote on X.

Meanwhile, the song has also reached a legal forum. Advocate Vineet Jindal filed a complaint requesting urgent legal action against “Sarke Chunar Teri Sarke,” featuring Nora Fatehi and Sanjay Dutt. The complaint has also been forwarded to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.

The complainant alleges that the song, which has been released on YouTube and is widely circulating on social media platforms, contains “highly vulgar, sexually suggestive, and obscene expressions.” It is further contended that the picturization and dance sequences are provocative in nature and contribute to promoting vulgarity, thereby disturbing public decency. (ANI)

An Additional District and Sessions Court in Kollam on Tuesday found G Sandeep, the sole accused in the May 2023 murder of Doctor Vandana Das, guilty and said the quantum of sentence will be pronounced on Thursday.

Das, a house surgeon, was fatally attacked at the Government Taluk Hospital, Kottarakkara on May 10, 2023.

The court convicted the accused under multiple sections of the IPC, including 302, 324, 326, 207, 506(2), 323, 333, 332, 341 and 201, observing that the prosecution had proved the case beyond a reasonable doubt through eyewitness accounts, medical evidence and other records. The court is scheduled to pronounce the sentence on March 19.

The incident took place on May 10, 2023, when the accused, who had been brought to the hospital by police for a medical examination, allegedly turned violent and attacked the doctor with a pair of scissors while she was on duty.

Following the attack, the doctor sustained severe injuries and later succumbed. The case had triggered widespread protests by healthcare workers across Kerala, demanding stronger security measures for medical professionals in hospitals.

Public Prosecutor Prathap G Padikkal said the conviction was based on strong evidence presented before the court, including eyewitness testimony and medical records. The court will deliver its verdict on the quantum of punishment on Thursday.

Following the brutal murder, the Kerala cabinet in May 2023 had decided to grant an ex-gratia amount of Rs 25 lakh to the family of Vandana Das, who died while discharging her duties. The decision was made at a cabinet meeting chaired by Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.

Additionally, the Kerala government had approved an ordinance that seeks to ensure workplace safety in healthcare facilities.

According to the ordinance, any person who commits, attempts to commit, incites or inspires an act of violence at hospitals shall be punished with imprisonment for a term not less than six months and five years and with a fine not less than Rs 50,000 and upto Rs 2 lakh.

According to police, G Sandeep (42), out of the blue, stabbed house surgeon, Vandana Das (23) when she was dressing his wounds. Having grabbed scissors from the dressing room, Sandeep, who was reportedly under treatment in a de-addiction centre, stabbed Vandana six times, causing injuries to her abdomen and back.

He also attacked others and vandalised the hospital. A home guard and a sub-inspector also sustained stab injuries. Dr Vandana was shifted to KIMS hospital in Thiruvananthapuram, where she succumbed to her injuries, police said.

Vandana was a house surgeon at Azeezia Medical College, Kollam, and she was on duty at Taluk Hospital, Kottarakkara. She was the only daughter of Mohandas and Vasantha Kumari, residents of Kaduthuruthy in the Kottayam district. (ANI)

A group of 84 former bureaucrats, 116 veterans and four lawyers wrote an open letter asking the Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi to apologise over the incident of him having tea and biscuits at the Makar Dwar entrance to Parliament.

Led by the former Jammu and Kashmir DGP SP Vaid, the signatories stated that the March 12 incident was “deeply concerning” and reflected “conscious disregard for parliamentary authority.”

Speaking with ANI, SP Vaid said that Rahul Gandhi’s behaviour in Parliament is not becoming of a Leader of the Opposition and shows a “sense of entitlement and arrogance”.

“84 former bureaucrats, 116 veterans and former lawyers have addressed this letter to the public stating that Rahul Gandhi’s behaviour in Parliament is not becoming of a Leader of the Opposition, which is a very responsible post. His behaviour shows a sense of entitlement and arrogance. He indulges in theatrics; he sits on the steps of the Parliament and sips tea amid slogannering. I think Rahul Gandhi does not understand the importance of the post of LoP,” he said.

He demanded an apology from Rahul Gandhi, urging him to fulfil the role of a responsible LoP.

“We want him to understand this and apologise to the nation for all that has happened until now. Despite Speaker Om Birla appealing to him to maintain the dignity of the house, Rahul Gandhi doesn’t understand. He has made a laughing stock of himself. We want him to fulfil the role of a responsible LoP. There should be humbleness, not arrogance & sense of entitlement. What happened on 12th March was deplorable. Rahul Gandhi must understand his responsibility, because people listen when he speaks. The aspirations of the nation rest on the discussion that takes place in the Parliament and the laws emerging from it,” he said.

The letter by the signatories stated that Parliament is not a venue for spectacle or political theatre, and Ragul Gandhi’s conduct represents a clear disregard for established norms of behaviour and decorum.

“Rahul Gandhi, along with several Members of Parliament, was seen sitting on the steps of Parliament having tea and biscuits in a manner that was wholly unbecoming of members of the nation’s highest legislative body. The steps of Parliament are not a venue for spectacle or political theatre. Such conduct within the precincts of Parliament represents a clear disregard for established norms of behaviour and decorum. It reflects an attitude of arrogance and entitlement, and a troubling lack of respect for an institution that embodies the democratic will of the people of India,” the letter stated.

“In his efforts to question the Government of the day, the actions of Rahul Gandhi are damaging the reputation of our country and our democracy. The fact that such behaviour is being carried out by a person who occupies a position as responsible and important as the Leader of Opposition makes it even more disturbing,” the letter added.

On March 12, Rahul Gandhi joined a protest at the Makar Dwar entrance to Parliament. Photos and videos went viral showing him casually sharing tea and snacks with colleagues.

BJP MP Nishikant Dubey has submitted a notice to the Lok Sabha Speaker along with a pen drive containing material related to the incident, stating that such actions “lowered the dignity” of the Parliament. (ANI)

Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) on Tuesday confirmed the killing of Gholamreza Soleimani, the commander of Iran’s Basij Unit.

According to the Jerusalem Post, the IDF confirmed the death of the head of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ Basij paramilitary militia, Gholamreza Soleimani, and his deputy, Seyyed Karishi. As per the report, the two were killed in a makeshift tent area, which had been set up to make it harder to follow them as opposed to in a known headquarters.

Providing the details in a post on X, the IDF said that under Soleimani, the Basij Unit employed severe violence and the use of force against civilian demonstrators.

It said, “Yesterday, the IDF targeted & eliminated Gholamreza Soleimani, who operated as commander of the Basij unit for the past 6 years. Under Soleimani, the Basij unit led the main repression operations in Iran, employing severe violence, widespread arrests, and the use of force against civilian demonstrators.”

In another report, TPS news agency said that Israel carried out an airstrike in Iran overnight, targeting Ali Larijani, secretary of Iran’s National Security Council and a former top aide to the late Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, according to Israeli officials. It is unclear whether Larijani was killed or injured, according to Israeli defense sources.

Larijani is widely regarded as a key power broker in Tehran, described as Iran’s “de facto leader.” He recently delayed the formal declaration of Mojtaba Khamenei as the next Supreme Leader, a move that highlighted his significant influence within Iran’s political establishment.

Israel also said it killed Soleimani, commander of Iran’s Basij paramilitary force, in the same wave of attacks.

Speaking on Tuesday morning, Israel’s military chief, IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, appeared to reference the strikes in a broader assessment of Israeli operations. “The IDF continues to operate vigorously against a number of targets in Iran,” Zamir said. “Alongside ongoing damage to military and industrial capabilities, we are operating against elements of the Revolutionary Guards and the regime’s repressive apparatus. Significant counter-terrorism achievements were also recorded last night, with the potential to affect the campaign’s objectives and the IDF’s missions”, TPS reported.

Zamir added that recent operations also targeted Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) figures in Iran. “Foreign elements connected to the Palestinian arena, including senior figures involved in terrorist activity from Gaza and Judea and Samaria who were hiding in a safe house, were eliminated in Tehran,” he said. Among those targeted were deputy chief Akram Ajouri and senior figure Muhammad al-Hindi. Ajouri previously survived an Israeli assassination attempt in Syria in 2019.

Larijani had emerged from hiding last Friday during Iran’s Jerusalem Day marches in Tehran, where he spoke alongside President Masoud Pazakhian and other senior officials. “Trump does not understand that the Iranian people are brave and strong, and he does not understand that our people are determined. The more the United States pressures us, the stronger our will becomes. The attacks by the United States and Israel against the Jerusalem Day marches demonstrate their desperation and helplessness,” Larijani said.

Ajouri, long regarded as close to Iran, has overseen the PIJ’s international operations and finances. He has been linked to figures such as the late Quds Force commander Qassem Soleimani and Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah.

The attacks mark one of the most audacious Israeli strikes inside Iran in recent years. Officials have not confirmed whether the operation fully achieved its objectives, but the targeting of Larijani signals a willingness by Israel to directly confront senior political and security figures in Tehran. Analysts warn that the developments could further escalate tensions across the Middle East, where both Israel and Iran maintain aggressive postures in regional conflicts, TPS said. (ANI)

Multiple explosions have rocked Iraq’s capital, with at least four people killed in an air raid on a building used by an Iran-backed group, according to a report by Al Jazeera, citing witnesses and security sources.

The deadly attack in the Jadiriya district followed the sounds of an explosion from near the US embassy compound, located within the heavily fortified Green Zone. Al Jazeera noted that verified footage shows fire and smoke rising from the vicinity of the embassy, while additional clips showed “air defence systems intercepting several drones” in the skies nearby.

Adding to the chaos, CNN reported that both the US Embassy and a hotel were targeted by drones early Tuesday. Geolocated video showed an explosion close to the embassy and air defence systems engaging a projectile approximately 600 metres from the compound. Simultaneously, a new wave of rockets struck an American diplomatic facility near Baghdad airport.

Iraq’s Ministry of Interior confirmed that a drone fell on the Al-Rasheed Hotel during the early hours. In a statement, the ministry clarified that forensic teams found the drone had struck the hotel’s upper fence “without resulting in any loss of life or significant material damage”.

The instability has extended to Iraq’s vital energy infrastructure, with the Majnoon oil field in southern Iraq also coming under attack, as confirmed by the spokesperson for the Commander-in-Chief of Iraq’s armed forces.

Meanwhile, Anadolu Agency cited security sources stating that four drones attempted to target the US Embassy; all were intercepted, with debris landing on Abu Nuwas Street and within the Green Zone.

This surge in violence in Iraq coincides with a broader regional escalation. According to CNN, the United Arab Emirates was forced to temporarily close its airspace after drone strikes triggered separate fires at the Fujairah oil zone and the Shah gas field.

In a related maritime incident, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported that a tanker was hit by an “unknown projectile” approximately 23 nautical miles east of Fujairah. While the strike caused “minor structural damage” to the vessel while it was “at anchor,” there were “no injuries reported” and “no environmental impact” was detected.

Further west, the Ministry of Defence in Saudi Arabia confirmed that several unmanned aerial vehicles were neutralised in the eastern portion of the kingdom. Officials stated the drones were “intercepted and destroyed” after being detected, following a similar operation where Saudi forces successfully engaged six drones to prevent any impact.

In response to these heightening tensions, UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan held a telephone conversation with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to review regional developments.

According to Gulf News, the two leaders identified the escalating military actions as presenting “grave threats to regional and global security and stability” and addressed what they termed “blatant Iranian attacks” directed at nations throughout the region.

Both leaders noted that these actions constitute a “violation of sovereign rights” and contravene established international norms, as the broader conflict involving the US, Israel, and Iran continues to intensify. (ANI)

Actor-singer Ayushmann Khurrana has tapped into nostalgia, unveiling a fresh rendition of his popular song ‘Saddi Galli’.

Taking to his Instagram handle, Ayushmann shared a video of himself where he can be seen singing the new version while also playing the guitar.

“Been seeing a lot of you guys creating videos and sharing your memories with my music all over social media these past few days. It made me nostalgic as well, so I decided to share an unheard verse of Saadi Galli that didn’t make it to the original,” Ayushmann wrote.

The actor also teased fans about delivering more musical pieces in the year as he added, “P.S.: will sing more this year.”

The video quickly gained traction, leaving fans delighted as many rushed to the comment section and cheered for the actor. Many even expressed their anticipation for more songs in the future.

Ayushmann Khurrana’s music has always held a special place in the hearts of his fans, right from his first film ‘Vicky Donor’, which featured the song ‘Paani Da Rang’. Since then, he went on to belt songs like Mitti Di Khushboo, Ik Vaari, Saadi Galli and more.

The rendition of ‘Saddi Galli’ came amid a noticeable surge in fans revisiting Khurrana’s earlier music catalogue, with several of his old songs also resurfacing across social media, with some referring to it as “Ayushmann Khurrana era”.

On the work front, Ayushmann will be next seen in ‘Pati Patni Aur Woh Do’, which is set to release on May 15, 2026.

The upcoming film stars Ayushmann Khurrana, Sara Ali Khan, Rakul Preet Singh, and Wamiqa Gabbi in lead roles. The story will follow a fresh set of characters and situations. Director Mudassar Aziz, who also helmed the first film, is back to direct the sequel.

The comedy will be produced by Bhushan Kumar and Renu Ravi Chopra, with Juno Chopra serving as the creative producer. (ANI)

Newlyweds Rashmika Mandanna and Vijay Deverakonda have been taking fans into wedding festivities, days after the couple tied the knot in a grand celebration.

Taking to their respective social media handles, Rashmika and Vijay have now shared pictures from their Haldi ceremony, showing glimpses of how their family and friends indulged in the ritual with much enthusiasm.

“It was more like Haldi + Holi. We were drenched and dipped in colour so much so that even now my hair still carries a bit of red in it. And PS: I won all the games that day with the incredible help of my Team Bride! Just FYI.. even Vijju was Team Bride that day!” Rashmika fondly recalled.

The pictures show Vijay and Rashmika surrounded by their loved ones as the Haldi rituals unfolded. They also appear to be enjoying a special boat ride, before being drenched in colours, flowers, and more.

Vijay Deverakonda also shared a set of pictures from the ceremony and added, “Haldi day – The morning after a sangeeth celebration that ran late into early hours of morning. On another day waking up would have been impossible, but we were all up excited to see each other, excited to spend time with my family and friends. And we had lots of water, colour, music and action to keep us all hyper awake.”

For the Haldi ceremony, Rashmika chose an off-shoulder Indo-western ensemble, while Vijay was dressed in a white kurta set.

Rashmika Mandanna and Vijay Deverakonda got married on February 26 in Udaipur in the presence of their close friends and family members. The newlyweds also hosted a grand wedding reception, with many well-known names from the film industry and the political circle in attendance. (ANI)