Month: March 2026

Actor Sonam Kapoor and Anand Ahuja have announced the birth of their second child. The couple shared the joyous news on Instagram with a heartfelt post revealing the arrival of a baby boy, marking the expansion of their family to four.

The Instagram post shared on Sunday, features a digital illustration that conveys both warmth and serenity. The artwork depicts a woman, seated in a meditative or maternal pose amid a vibrant natural setting.

Surrounding her are elements of flora and fauna, including a deer, a peacock, and several birds, creating a tranquil, celestial atmosphere.

The accompanying caption mirrors the text in the image, signed off collectively from Sonam, Anand, and their elder son, Vayu.

“With immense gratitude and hearts full of love, we are delighted to announce the arrival of our baby boy today, 29th of March 2026. Our family has grown, and with his arrival, our hearts have expanded in the most beautiful way. Vayu is overjoyed to welcome his little brother, and we feel deeply blessed by this precious new life who has filled our home with happiness and grace. We are grateful to begin this beautiful new chapter as a family of four. With love, Sonam, Anand and Vayu,” the post read.

The post received a flood of congratulatory comments from fans and fellow celebrities.

Kareena Kapoor Khan wrote, “Congratulations Sona and Anand,” with a string of heart emoticons.

Parineeti Chopra also wrote, “Congratssss”

Sonam Kapoor and Anand Ahuja married in 2018 and welcomed their first child, Vayu, in 2022. The actress had announced her second pregnancy in November 2025 with a stylish social media post, which garnered widespread attention online.

In February, the couple also held their second baby shower, an intimate yet star-studded godh bharai ceremony. (ANI)

Air India and Air India Express will together operate 20 scheduled and non-scheduled flights to and from the West Asia region on 30 March 2026.

According to the airline’s official notification, this includes 10 non-scheduled flights to and from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), subject to the availability of slots and other prevailing conditions at the departure stations at the time.

These flights are being operated with the requisite permissions from the relevant Indian and local regulatory authorities in the UAE.

All Air India flights to and from North America, Europe, Australia and other regions continue to operate per schedule.

Guests booked to travel on any of the routes where Air India group’s scheduled services remain temporarily suspended may conveniently rebook to a future date at no additional charge or opt for a full refund.

Air India guests are advised to raise their rebooking or cancellation requests on the airline’s website at https://airindia.com. For more information, please contact the 24×7 customer support hotline at +911169329333 or +911169329999.

Air India Express guests booked to travel from any station in the UAE can conveniently rebook their flights without additional charges on Air India Express’ additional commercial flights operating from any UAE station to any destination in India.

Air India and Air India Express are proactively reaching out to impacted guests using the mobile numbers registered with the airline to provide rebooking options.

Guests are requested to ensure their current and active mobile numbers are updated with the airline to receive these important notifications.

Air India Express guests with active bookings can also rebook their flights through the airline’s AI-powered digital assistant Tia, available on WhatsApp at +91 63600 12345.

The Air India group is exploring every opportunity to operate additional ad hoc flights to and from destinations in West Asia. (ANI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday launched a sharp attack on Kerala’s Left Democratic Front (LDF) and United Democratic Front (UDF), accusing both alliances of indulging in “vote-bank politics” and neglecting the state’s development.

Addressing a public rally in Palakkad, the Prime Minister said Kerala has long been caught between “two models of selfish politics,” alleging that while one side is “corrupt,” the other is “mega-corrupt,” and if one is “communal,” the other is “mega-communal.” He asserted that both the LDF and UDF have prioritised electoral gains over governance.

PM Modi said the BJP-led NDA aims to bring rapid development to the state, expressing confidence that a future NDA government in Kerala would work towards building a “developed Kerala,” which he described as “Modi’s guarantee.”

“For decades, Kerala has been trapped between the two masks of selfish politics. On one side LDF, on the other UDF; one side Communists, the other Congress. One corrupt, the other mega-corrupt; one communal, the other mega-communal. All the policies of LDF and UDF are only for vote-bank politics; they have no concern for Kerala’s development. The BJP, NDA government that will be formed here will bring rapid development to this place, will build a developed Kerala–this is Modi’s guarantee,” said PM Modi.

He further accused the LDF and UDF of “looting” the state through an understanding of alternating power over the years. According to him, the two alliances have taken turns governing Kerala while serving their own interests, leaving the state trapped in this cycle.

Referring to recent political rhetoric, PM Modi said both the Left and Congress have begun calling each other the BJP’s “B-team,” adding that such claims only reinforce the BJP as the main political force in the state. He also pointed out that these parties are allies in several other states under the INDIA bloc, while attacking each other in Kerala, urging voters to be cautious of this contradiction.

“The LDF and UDF have looted Kerala for decades by sharing the spoils; there has been an understanding between them that for some years the LDF will run the government and fill their pockets, then after a few years the UDF will loot. Our Kerala has gotten entangled in this alliance of theirs. These days, the communists and Congress have joined hands to start a new propaganda, where the Communists say that Congress is the B team of the BJP, and Congress says that the Communists are the B team of the BJP. They too have now accepted that in this Kerala election, if there is any one team–the ‘A’ team–it is only the BJP,” he said.

Targeting the INDIA bloc, the Prime Minister said voters in Kerala should recognise these contradictions, pointing out that the same parties are allied in several states across the country while criticising each other locally. He urged people to remain cautious of both formations.

“Today, the truth about who is whose B-team in the upcoming elections needs to be revealed to the people of Kerala. They are in an alliance with each other across the country. Look at Bihar, look at Jharkhand, look at Andhra Pradesh, Manipur, Tripura, Assam. They are together in the INDI alliance; even in Tamil Nadu, they are in alliance. But here in Kerala, the Congress and the Left parties are abusing each other. That’s why you should be careful about both of them,” said the Prime Minister.

Reacting to his remarks, Congress MP Jebi Mather said the people of Kerala would reject Modi’s statements, alleging an “unholy alliance” between the BJP and the CPI(M). She expressed confidence that voters would support the Congress-led UDF and bring it to power.

“PM Modi has come to Keralam, and he has made many statements which the people are not going to take… The unholy alliance between the BJP and the CPM is very clear and evident… The people of Kerala have decided that they are going to vote to bring the Congress-led UDF to power… We don’t see the Chief Minister being interrogated by the ED despite so many issues of corruption,” said Mather.

Congress MP KC Venugopal also criticised the Prime Minister, accusing the Centre of neglecting Kerala’s demands, particularly the long-pending request for an AIIMS. He alleged that the Union government has treated the state unfairly compared to others and said Modi should apologise to the people of Kerala. Venugopal further claimed that the BJP and CPI(M) are working together to defeat the UDF, while expressing confidence in his party’s electoral prospects.

“When the Prime Minister comes to Kerala, he must understand that he has completely cheated the people of Kerala. For the last 12 years, Kerala has been demanding an All India Institute of Medical Sciences, which the Modi government has completely refused. The Modi government gave AIIMS to other states. Six AIIMS have been given, but Kerala has not been included. And Kerala is suffering greatly in many sectors. The Government of India is actually treating Kerala like a stepmother. He is coming to Kerala; at least he should apologise to the people of Kerala. Why is he not giving AIIMS to Kerala? Then he can say whatever he wants. We are not afraid of the BJP. The CPM and the BJP are together to defeat the UDF. But we are going to win easily,” said Venugopal.

The Kerala Assembly polls, which will be held in a single phase on April 9, with counting of votes scheduled for May 4. The tenure of the current assembly is set to conclude on May 23. The polling would be done under strict guidelines issued by the ECI under the Model Code of Conduct (MCC), which came into effect in all poll-bound regions after the election schedule was announced.

The Congress-led UDF seek to unseat the incumbent Communist Party of India (Marxist)-led LDF and gain control of the 140-member assembly. The LDF-led government has governed the state for around a decade. Around 2.7 crore electors are expected to participate in the election.

Following the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the state electoral roll, the final voter list for Kerala was released on February 21. The revised roll includes 2,69,53,644 voters–1,31,26,048 male voters, 1,38,27,319 female voters, and 227 third-gender voters. Among them, 4,24,518 voters belong to the 18-19 age group. (ANI)

Actor Divya Dutta expressed her excitement at the International Film Festival Delhi (IFFD) 2026, calling it a “deja vu” while highlighting her multiple roles at the event, including jury member and closing ceremony host.

Speaking at the festival, Dutta said she felt “ecstatic” about IFFD being held in the capital, recalling her earlier experiences attending film festivals.

“Its a deja vu for me… I remember I used to come with different boxes when we used to have festivals earlier and be there the entire day to watch films. I am so glad Delhi has it back again,” she said.

The actor credited the government and organisers for reviving the festival and making it accessible to audiences and filmmakers alike. “Thanks to the government and all the organisers for making this happen,” she added.

Dutta’s presence at IFFD 2026 is marked by multiple milestones. In addition to serving on the jury, she also has her films being screened at the festival and will host the closing ceremony.

Calling the experience special, she said, “The first ones are always so special. To be an integral part is amazing.”

Reflecting on the evolving landscape of cinema, Dutta pointed to a noticeable shift in audience preferences. According to her, viewers are now seeking more relatable narratives and grounded characters.

“The most important thing is that the audience is changing. They want more stories and more relatable characters, and hence the stories are woven around them,” she noted.

The actor also spoke about the strong response to her recent release ‘Chiraiya’. She described the reception as unexpectedly large for a project of its scale. “I would think a big film would get something like that, but it is amazing,” she said, adding that the film’s reach has been significant, particularly on social media.

Dutta highlighted how ‘Chiraiya’ has gained traction across platforms, with widespread engagement online. She credited the collaborative effort behind the project, including the role of producers, OTT platforms, writers, directors, and actors in bringing such themes to audiences.

“We knew it was going to impact people, but the way Chiraiya has taken flight has surprised us,” she said, noting that the film’s success could encourage more storytellers to explore unconventional themes.

The IFFD is a week-long festival which began on March 25. It is taking place at Bharat Mandapam. It presents screenings, conversations, and industry engagements across venues in New Delhi, bringing together filmmakers, industry leaders, and audiences from around the world. (ANI)

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) released its list of star campaigners for the upcoming Assembly elections in Kerala and Assam, naming top leadership, including party convenor Arvind Kejriwal and Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, to spearhead its outreach.

According to a press release, the list released on Sunday, features senior leaders such as Manish Sisodia, Sanjay Singh, and Satyendar Jain, along with MPs including Sandeep Pathak, Harbhajan Singh, and Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer. Kerala in-charge Shelly Oberoi has also been included among key campaign faces.

Other names in the list include former Delhi Chief Minister Atishi, Delhi unit president Saurabh Bharadwaj, and former ministers Gopal Rai and Imran Hussain. Gujarat leaders Isudan Gadhvi and Gopal Italia also feature in the campaign roster.

The announcement comes as both Kerala and Assam gear up for Assembly elections scheduled to be held in a single phase on April 9, with counting of votes on May 4 under the Election Commission’s Model Code of Conduct.

Kerala has traditionally followed an alternating pattern of governance, switching between the Left Democratic Front (LDF) and the United Democratic Front (UDF) every five years since 1982. This trend was broken in 2021 when the LDF, led by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, was re-elected for a second consecutive term. During this election, the Congress-led UDF seek to unseat the incumbent Communist Party of India (Marxist)-led LDF and gain control of the 140-member assembly.

The LDF-led government has governed the state for around a decade. Around 2.7 crore electors are expected to participate in the election.

Meanwhile, Assam will witness a fight between the incumbent BJP-led NDA government and Congress for the 126-seat assembly. The BJP government, led by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, will look to secure a third consecutive term, while the Congress aims to defeat the ruling party to return to power. (ANI)

The Congress on Sunday released the list of 284 candidates for the upcoming Assembly Elections in West Bengal.

The party has nominated Ranjan Chowdhury from Baharampur, Pradip Prasad from Bhabanipur while Mausam Noor who recently joined the Congress, will contest from Malatipur.

The list also includes Madhap Rai from Darjeeling, Abdul Hannan from Sujapur, Susmita Biswas from Dum Dum, Gautam Bhattacharya from Diamond Harbour, Souvik Mukherjee from Asansol Dakshin and Prasenjit Puitandi from Asansol Uttar.

The polling for the 294-member Assembly in West Bengal will be held in two phases. The counting of votes is scheduled for May 4.

As per the Election Commission of India (ECI), the first phase covering 152 Assembly constituencies will begin with the issuance of the gazette notification on March 30. The last date for filing nominations for this phase is April 6, while scrutiny of nominations will take place on April 7. Candidates will be allowed to withdraw their nominations until April 9. Polling for the first phase will be held on April 23.

For the second phase, which covers 142 Assembly constituencies, the gazette notification will be issued on April 2. The last date for filing nominations is April 9, and the scrutiny of nominations will take place on April 10. Candidates can withdraw their nominations until April 13. Voting for this phase is scheduled for April 29. (ANI)

The federal government of Pakistan has increased the price of kerosene oil by PKR 4.66 per litre, taking the new rate to PKR 433.40 per litre with effect from March 28, according to a notification issued by the Petroleum Division, The Express Tribune reported on Sunday.

According to The Express Tribune, while kerosene prices saw a fresh hike, the government kept petrol and diesel rates unchanged at PKR 321.17 per litre and PKR 335.86 per litre, respectively, despite ongoing fluctuations in global oil markets.

Authorities indicated that the move was aimed at shielding consumers from international price volatility, even as domestic pricing pressures continue to mount.

According to the notification, the government is also absorbing part of the cost burden, with payments of PKR 95.59 per litre on petrol and PKR 203.88 per litre on diesel being made to oil marketing companies, The Express Tribune reported.

The development comes amid broader concerns over rising fuel costs and their impact on inflation and household expenses.

Earlier on Saturday, the Government of Pakistan raised the price of jet fuel for commercial passenger aircraft for the fifth time in just 28 days, attributing the sharp increase to the ongoing oil crisis triggered by the ongoing conflict in West Asia, The Express Tribune reported.

According to The Express Tribune, citing a statement, Pakistan State Oil said the latest hike of PKR 5 per litre took jet fuel to a record PKR 476.97 per litre. Since March 1, the price has surged by PKR 288 per litre, up from PKR 188 at the beginning of the month amid volatile global energy markets.

The surge in aviation fuel costs has already prompted airlines to raise ticket prices, officials and industry sources said, pointing to a shortage of jet fuel and limited oil reserves as key factors driving the increases.

Industry experts warned that higher jet fuel prices would further inflate operating costs for carriers, likely resulting in additional hikes in passenger fares, The Express Tribune reported.

Domestic one-way fares on major routes such as Karachi-Islamabad and Karachi-Lahore are reportedly reaching up to PKR 40,000, with “chance seat” tickets climbing by as much as 150 per cent, The Express Tribune reported.

International economy class fares to destinations including the Middle East, Toronto, Paris and Manchester have also risen sharply, ranging between approximately PKR 300,000 and PKR 700,000.

The jet fuel price escalation comes alongside other fuel tax changes, including a PKR 200 per litre increase in the fuel levy on high-octane petrol used in luxury vehicles, adding to inflationary pressures, The Express Tribune reported.

Pakistan’s broader fuel price hikes, coupled with rising diesel and petrol costs earlier this month, have intensified the cost of living, pushing up transport fares and prices for daily necessities such as fruits and vegetables. (ANI)

It’s actor Vijay Varma’s birthday, and on the occasion of his special day, the makers of his upcoming series ‘Matka King’ have announced the release date along with a teaser for the show.

The series, which also stars Kritika Kamra, is set to premiere on Prime Video on April 17.

Set in 1960s Bombay, ‘Matka King’ revolves around a cotton trader who creates a new gambling system called Matka. What starts as a small idea gradually grows bigger, reaching people from different sections of society.

Apart from Vijay and Kritika, the show also features Sai Tamhankar, Siddharth Jadhav, Bhupendra Jadawat, and Gulshan Grover, along with several other actors in key roles.

The story follows Brij Bhatti, played by Vijay Varma, as he tries to make a name for himself in a fast-changing city. As his idea expands, he faces rising risks, power struggles, and ever-growing ambitions.

Producer Siddharth Roy Kapur shared his thoughts on the project, stating that the story stood out because of its setting and the journey of the main character.

As per a release, Kapur said, “What drew us to Matka King was the scale and uniqueness of the world it is set in, and the story of an individual navigating ambition, identity, and the pursuit of respect in a rapidly evolving society.”

Created and written by Abhay Koranne and directed by Nagraj Popatrao Manjule, the series will be available in India and over 240 countries from April 17. (ANI)

When it comes to giving fans a glimpse of the adorable Virushka bond, Virat Kohli never misses a beat.

On Saturday, moments after leading Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) to a spectacular six-wicket win over Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the IPL 2026 opener at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, the star batter turned toward the stands and blew a flying kiss to his wife, actor Anushka Sharma.

Within minutes, clips of his adorable gesture went viral on social media, with fans calling it yet another “green flag” moment from King Kohli. Many couldn’t help but gush over the couple’s bond, with one user joking, “Someone tell them they’re already married,” while another described it as the “moment of the day.”

Talking about the match, RCB chased a target of 202 against Sunrisers Hyderabad and pulled off a dominant six-wicket win at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. Kohli, along with Devdutt Padikkal, played a crucial role in the chase, helping the team reach the target with 26 balls to spare.

The win marked a strong start for RCB in the IPL 2026 season, with the team also registering one of the fastest 200-plus chases in the tournament’s history.

RCB’s chase began with a couple of boundaries in the first over off the bat of Phil Salt, but he fell early, in the very next over, for eight runs. However, Kohli looked in sublime touch from the first ball. He anchored the innings with a brilliant 69 off 38 deliveries, including five sixes. He became the first batter to score 6000 runs in the T20s. Kohli also became the first batter in IPL history to cross 4000 runs in chases. (ANI)