Month: March 2026

Actor Darsheel Safary of ‘Taare Zameen Par’ fame has joined Mohit Raina and Priya Mani in an upcoming cross-border international feature.

Excited about the project, Darsheel, in a press note, said, “This story moved me deeply. It speaks about courage, vulnerability, and choices that define who we become. I’m grateful to be part of a film that transcends geography and speaks to universal emotions.”

Written and directed by Harsh Mahadeshwar, the yet-to-be titled feature is “based on an extraordinary true story that explores the emotional and cultural journey of an immigrant family navigating life beyond the traditional idea of the American Dream,” read a press note.

Speaking about the film, Mohit earlier said, “This project is very close to my heart because it explores identity and belonging in a deeply honest way. Being part of Azure Entertainment and Red Bison Productions’ first Indo-Hollywood collaboration makes it even more special, as it represents a meaningful step toward global storytelling. I’m excited to bring this journey to life and to collaborate with such a passionate team on a story that transcends borders.”

US-based Red Bison Productions has partnered with Mumbai’s Azure Entertainment on this cross-border feature. (ANI)

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti on Monday visited the Iranian Cultural Centre and the Embassy of Iran in the national capital to offer condolences over the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Khamenei was killed on February 28 in the airstrikes launched by the US and Israel on Iran.

Mufti said she had come to express solidarity with the people of Iran and pay tribute to the leader while also raising the issue of Kashmiri students currently stranded in the country.

In a post on X, Mufti said, “Visited the Iranian Cultural Centre & Embassy in Delhi to offer my deepest condolences to the people of Iran in these difficult times & paid my tributes to Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on his martyrdom. Also took up the issue of Kashmiri students stranded in Iran with the Hon’ble Ambassador.”

Speaking to reporters, Mufti said that she had come to convey sympathy to the Iranian people and stand in solidarity with them.

“We have come here to convey our condolences to the people of Iran on having lost their loved ones and also to pay tributes to the great Iranian supreme leader on his martyrdom and to assure the people of Iran that the Kashmiri people are with them. They stand in solidarity with the courageous and resilient people of Iran,” Mufti said.

She further said that prayers were being offered for Iran during the ongoing conflict.

“We are praying for their victory in this war against evil because Iran is fighting alone against the Epstein gang. Everybody who has been mentioned in the Epstein files is standing with Benjamin Netanyahu at this point in time. I am here to salute the people of Iran for their resilience and courage. I am here to salute the people of Iran for their resilience and courage,” she said.

Meanwhile, senior Bharatiya Janata Party leader Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi also visited the embassy and signed the condolence book to pay tribute to Khamenei.

Naqvi said that he had offered his condolences to the Iranian leadership and reiterated India’s traditional stance in favour of peace.

“We came here to pay tribute to Iran’s Supreme Leader, Hazrat Ali Khamenei. We also met with the Iranian Ambassador. I offered my heartfelt tribute and condolences. India, the land of Buddha, has always been a supporter of peace,” he told the media.

He added that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has consistently emphasised that conflicts must be resolved through dialogue and peaceful means.

“PM Narendra Modi has also consistently said that only the path of peace can solve any problem. War is not a solution. We pray that the nectar of peace emerges from this ocean of crisis as soon as possible,” Naqvi said.

Meanwhile, Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Hosseini Khamenei, who is said to be more hardline than his father, has been announced as the Leader of Iran’s Islamic Revolution following a decision by the country’s Assembly of Experts after days of deliberation.

The announcement came late Sunday night (local time), marking a pivotal moment in the political and religious leadership of the Islamic Republic.

The clerical body responsible for appointing the country’s supreme leader confirmed the decision in a formal statement, declaring: “By a decisive vote, the Assembly of Experts elected Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Hosseini Khamenei as the third Leader of the sacred system of the Islamic Republic of Iran.”

The development comes amid escalated tensions in West Asia, following the killing of the 86-year-old Khamenei along with several senior leaders of the Islamic Republic in the US-Israel strikes and subsequent retaliation by Iran, targeting American military bases and Israeli assets in multiple Arab countries across the region.

Israel, along with the US, also continued its strikes on Tehran, with Tel Aviv widening the conflict to Lebanon, targeting Hezbollah and Iranian-backed militant groups. (ANI)

The Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, on Monday said the government is not willing to discuss the West Asian crisis in the Parliament, as it will unravel how Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been compromised by the US and Israel.

Congress MP said the situation in West Asia also impacts the public negatively, as the conflict there may lead to a rise in oil prices.

“How much loss would the West Asia crisis cause? A fight towards a paradigm shift is going on. This will cause a major loss to our economy. You saw the stock market. PM Modi has signed the deal with the US. The country is going to suffer a major blow. So, what problem do they have in discussing that? We can have a discussion on other issues after that. Is West Asia not important? Fuel price and economic devastation are not important matters of discussion? These are public issues,” RaeBareli MP said.

Gandhi said the Prime Minister will not be able to face the Parliament if a discussion is held on the West Asia crisis in both Houses.

“We deem these important and want a discussion…But they do not want a discussion because other things will come out of that, because the PM’s position will come out of it. He will get exposed. How he is compromised and how he is being blackmailed will come up. So, they do not want to discuss. You saw how the PM ran away from the Parliament. He will not be able to come, I am telling you,” he said.

Proceedings in the Lok Sabha adjourned on Monday amid noisy protests by the Opposition demanding a discussion on the situation in West Asia.

The Lower House will meet again on March 10 at 11:00 A.M.

The second phase of the Budget Session began with intense confrontation on Monday as BJP MPs accused the Congress-led opposition of disrupting proceedings with a protest over the West Asia conflict.

Earlier, INDIA bloc MPs protested at the Makar Dwar of Parliament, raising slogans against the Centre over the West Asia conflict.

Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi and LoP in Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge, were also among the MPs protesting outside Parliament.

This comes after External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar made a statement in Rajya Sabha regarding the conflict situation in West Asia, while the Opposition demanded a discussion to question the Centre.

Addressing the House regarding the volatile situation in West Asia, Jaishankar confirmed that the government has issued formal advisories to Indian nationals residing in Iran and emphasised that the safety of citizens remains the administration’s primary concern.

“The Prime Minister continues to closely monitor the emerging developments, and relevant ministries are coordinating to ensure effective responses,” Jaishankar stated.

There is unlikely to any discussion in Parliament on the West Asia Conflict, as according to parliamentary rules, there are no provisions for a discussion if a suo motto statement is made by a minister on an urgent matter, said sources. (ANI)

Indian carriers, Akasa Air and SpiceJet, have announced continued and additional flight operations to support passenger travel between India and the Gulf region as airlines adapt to disruptions caused by the ongoing West Asia conflict and airspace restrictions in the region.

According to a statement issued by the low-cost carrier SpiceJet, it will operate multiple special flights from Dubai to several Indian cities to ensure smoother connectivity for passengers affected by the situation.

Special services scheduled for Monday, March 9, will operate from Dubai to Pune, Mumbai, and Delhi. On Wednesday, March 11, the airline will operate from Dubai to Pune, Jaipur, Madurai, Calicut, Ahmedabad, Delhi, and Mumbai.

Passengers have been advised to check their flight status before leaving for the airport, as schedules may change depending on operational conditions.

Meanwhile, Akasa Air said that following a comprehensive safety review and assessment of the evolving situation in the Gulf region, the carrier will continue operating select flights between Jeddah in Saudi Arabia and multiple Indian cities until March 31, 2026.

The airline said flights will connect Jeddah with Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Kochi, and Kozhikode, allowing passengers to plan travel.

However, services to Abu Dhabi in the UAE and Riyadh in Saudi Arabia remain suspended until March 11, while flights to and from Doha in Qatar and Kuwait remain suspended until March 15.

“The operation of these flights is based on the prevailing situation and our ongoing safety assessment and may be subject to change,” the statement from Akasa Air read.

The carrier also extended its waiver policy for passengers booked to or from the affected cities until March 31, allowing travellers to opt for a full refund or reschedule their flights at no additional cost.

“Travellers may opt for a full refund, credited to the source of payment within 7 days, or reschedule their travel at no additional cost. If your booking was made through a travel partner, please check directly with them for assistance,” the statement added.

Other international carriers have also adjusted operations as the regional situation evolves.

SriLankan Airlines said it will resume daily services to Riyadh starting Monday evening and to Dubai from Tuesday, while continuing to monitor the situation closely. The airline will operate to and from Riyadh and Dubai to Colombo.

Meanwhile, Gulf Air said its flights remain temporarily suspended as Bahrain’s airspace remains closed, adding that services will resume once authorities confirm it is safe to reopen.

“Next update: 11:00 BHT (08:00 UTC) on March 10,” Gulf Air stated in a statement.

On the other hand, Oman Air today said it has operated nearly 80 additional flights over the past week, helping more than 97,000 passengers return home amid disruptions.

The airline added that most of its international network across Europe, Southeast Asia and Africa continues to operate as scheduled, although some regional routes remain affected by airspace closures.

“While a limited number of regional routes have been temporarily impacted due to airspace closures, the vast majority of our international network, spanning Europe, South-East Asia, and Africa, is operating as planned, and we continue to add extra frequencies where operationally possible,” the statement read.

Airlines across the region continue to monitor the evolving security situation, with flight operations subject to change based on safety assessments and airspace availability.

The development comes amid escalated tensions in West Asia, following the killing of 86-year-old Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in joint military strikes by the US and Israel on Iran on February 28. The strikes also killed several senior leaders of the Islamic Republic.

In retaliation, Tehran launched counter-strikes targeting American military bases in multiple Arab countries and Israeli assets across the region. Israel, along with the US, continued its strikes on Tehran, with Tel Aviv widening the conflict to Lebanon, targeting Hezbollah and Iranian-backed militant groups.

Earlier on Sunday, Iran’s Assembly of Experts, the clerical body responsible for selecting the supreme leader of the Islamic Republic, announced the appointment of the late leader’s son, 56-year-old cleric Mojtaba Khamenei, to the position.

The leadership transition marks a significant moment in Iran’s political history, as Mojtaba Khamenei becomes the third supreme leader of the Islamic Republic. (ANI)

Movie buffs who were waiting for an update on Alia Bhatt’s upcoming spy thriller ‘Alpha’ finally have one, as the makers have announced a release date for the highly anticipated film.

Yash Raj Films shared the news on Monday along with a teaser poster. The poster shows a partially visible Alia Bhatt in a tough action look, with bruises and cuts on her face, suggesting that her character has just emerged from a violent fight.

Speculations around the postponement of the film, which was reportedly scheduled to hit theatres on April 17, 2026, had been making rounds for some time. Trade analyst Taran Adarsh had mentioned last year that the makers decided to postpone the release to “avoid a box-office clash” with Salman Khan’s upcoming war drama ‘Battle of Galwan.’

“#BreakingNews… ALPHA AVOIDS CLASH WITH BATTLE OF GALWAN – YRF TO DECIDE ON A NEW DATE… #AdityaChopra steps aside for #SalmanKhan, moving Alpha from its previously announced release date of April 17, 2026, to avoid a direct clash with BattleOfGalwan,” Adarsh wrote at the time.

With the new date now confirmed, ‘Alpha’ will arrive in theatres on July 10, 2026.

Soon after the makers made the announcement, netizens chimed in the comment section to share their excitement. One fan wrote, “waiting for bang” while another commented, “Take my money already.” A third fan added, “poster looks super cool!.”

‘Alpha’ also stars Sharvari, who will be seen alongside Alia in the action thriller. The film features Anil Kapoor and Bobby Deol in crucial roles.

The film is directed by Shiv Rawail, who previously directed the series ‘The Railway Men.’ It is produced by Aditya Chopra under the banner of Yash Raj Films. The project also marks Alia Bhatt’s first film with Yash Raj Films.

‘Alpha’ marks the sixth installment in the highly successful YRF Spy Universe, which already boasts blockbusters such as ‘Ek Tha Tiger,’ ‘Tiger Zinda Hai,’ ‘War,’ and ‘Pathaan.’ (ANI)

The second phase of the Budget Session began with intense confrontation on Monday as BJP MPs accused the Congress-led opposition of disrupting proceedings with a protest over the West Asia conflict.

BJP MP Sambit Patra accused them of attempting to hold the parliament to ransom with a new “resolution” about the discussion on the West Asia conflict while a no-confidence motion against the Speaker was pending, and that the Congress and its allies are suffering from “loose motions”.

Speaking to ANI, Patra said, “Today, the date was set: when the House meets on March 9, Bharatiya Janata Party, its allies, and the opposition, will have a thorough discussion on this matter. Today, the Congress Party and the opposition have come forward with another motion, another resolution. They are trying to hold the parliament to ransom, which is something that the country is watching… I would not hold back by saying that probably the Congress party and the opposition are suffering from loose motions.”

Echoing similar sentiments, BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad asserted that the government is ready for a thorough debate and will respond to all “frivolous arguments”, claiming the party is “on the verge of collapse”.

Speaking to reporters, he said, “We’re ready for debate. We’re ready to respond to all the Congress’s frivolous arguments. Two days have been allotted for this issue alone. Under Rahul Gandhi’s leadership, there is no regard for the dignity of Parliament, the traditions of the House, or the respect for the Speaker’s post. You are already making a mockery of your own party. Your party is on the verge of collapse, and I’ll tell the opposition, please stop following Rahul Gandhi… They have literally hijacked the entire House.”

Additionally, Union Minister Giriraj Singh took a direct swipe at Rahul Gandhi, referring to him as an “abodh balak”, criticising them for showing “placards” while foreign ministers were making statements.

“Such behaviour in the House was never expected. Not letting the House function amounts to snatching the rights of the public. You are a ‘abodh balak’, and you may stay that way. Showing placards in the House means you don’t want answers but only want to cause hungama,” he said.

Earlier, INDIA bloc MPs protested at the Makar Dwar of Parliament, raising slogans against the Centre over the West Asia conflict.

Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi and LoP in Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge, were also among the MPs protesting outside Parliament.

The leaders held a banner reading, “Gulf burning, oil shock. Indians stranded. India needs leadership- no silence.”

This comes after External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar made a statement in Rajya Sabha regarding the conflict situation in West Asia, while the Opposition demanded a discussion to question the Centre.

Addressing the Upper House of Parliament amid sloganeering by Opposition MPs, Jaishankar stated that “the Prime Minister continues to closely monitor the emerging developments, and relevant ministries are coordinating to ensure effective responses.”J

aishankar noted that the government had pre-emptively voiced its apprehensions regarding the regional volatility.”Our government had issued a statement on 20th February expressing deep concerns and urging all sides to exercise restraint. We continue to believe that dialogue and diplomacy should be pursued to de-escalate the tensions,” he said.

Ahead of the statement, Mallikarjun Kharge had demanded a short-duration discussion in the Rajya Sabha on India’s energy security amid the West Asia conflict.

Noting the hike in cooking gas prices, Kharge said that the conflict has impacted India’s energy security and image of the country.

“I want to seeks short duration discussion on emerging challenges to India’s energy security. The conflict is not limited to West Asia; it has now impacted India’s energy security and image of the country. The result of this conflict will also impact our economic stability,” Kharge said. (ANI)

The Indian Air Force (IAF) and Indian Army conducted a joint exercise on March 8, 2026, showcasing their operational capabilities with combat free-fall and static line para-drops over Tehri Lake in Uttarakhand.

The exercise demonstrated seamless inter-service synergy, highlighting the forces’ ability to work together effectively.

“On 08 Mar 26, #IAF aircraft carried out Combat Free-Fall and Static Line para-drops over Tehri Lake, in a joint exercise with the Indian Army. The ex showcased seamless inter-service synergy and operational capability,” said IAF.

Earlier, the Indian Air Force (IAF) successfully conducted Exercise Vayushakti-26 at Pokhran Field Firing Range, Jaisalmer, on February 27, demonstrating its formidable combat readiness, operational synergy and technological prowess across the full spectrum of air operations.

According to an official release from Ministry of Defence, the President Droupadi Murmu graced the Fire Power Demonstration as the Chief Guest, accompanied by esteemed dignitaries including the Governor of Rajasthan Haribhau Kisanrao Bagde, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Minister of Civil Aviation Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu, Minister of Culture and Tourism GS Shekhawat, Chief Information Commissioner Raj Kumar Goyal, Cabinet Secretary Dr TV Somanathan, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Commanders-in-Chief of Indian Air Force and Indian Navy, Senior Officers of the three Services, Officers of the Centre and State Governments, DPSUS, Former Air Chiefs, Esteemed Veterans, Defence Attaches from friendly foreign countries, Indian and International media and School children.

The exercise showcased IAF’s capability to execute complex, integrated air operations within a dynamic and realistic battlefield environment. Earlier in the day, the President also undertook a sortie in the indigenously developed LCH Prachand, reflecting India’s growing self-reliance in defence manufacturing under the vision of “Atmanirbhar Bharat”.

For the first time, Exercise Vayushakti was executed along a defined operational storyline, transforming into a simulated live combat theatre. The exercise seamlessly integrated offensive air strikes and air defence operations. special forces missions and humanitarian assistance, highlighting IAF’s role as a multi-domain, integrated force and the nation’s first responder, a release said. (ANI)

The share markets in the country opened with a bloodbath on Monday as both benchmark indices declined sharply in the opening session amid a huge surge in crude oil prices and heavy selling across global markets.

The Nifty 50 index opened at 23,868.05 with a decline of -582.40 points or (-2.38 per cent), while the BSE Sensex opened at 77,056.75 with a decline of -1862.15 or -2.36 per cent, reflecting strong selling pressure across sectors.

The sharp fall in domestic equities comes as crude oil prices surged approximately 25 per cent on Monday to USD 116 per barrel amid the ongoing conflict in Asia, which has raised concerns over inflation and economic growth.

Market experts said the rise in crude prices could significantly impact the Indian economy, given the country’s high dependence on imported oil.

Ajay Bagga, Banking and Market Expert, told ANI, “Indian markets are seeing a huge cut in the stock futures represented by the Gift Nifty. The oil price hit to the Indian GDP, Current account deficit and inflation will be huge given that India meets more than 85 per cent of its crude oil requirements from imports.”

He added that the surge in oil prices is likely to result in higher fuel prices domestically.

“We expect retail petrol and diesel price hikes. Cooking gas price was already hiked last week for both consumers and commercial users. Jet aviation fuel prices will also go up,” Bagga said.

According to him, several sectors will face pressure due to rising oil prices.

“Sectors like paints, aviation, autos, tyres, chemicals and all downstream industries using oil derivatives will see further cuts. However given the liquidity squeeze today, anything that can be sold will be sold, so expect cuts in leading counters, even those not correlated to the oil price, including in gold and silver,” he added.

Sectorally, heavy selling was witnessed across several indices on the NSE. PSU Bank, Media and Financial Services stocks saw the highest selling pressure. The Nifty Auto index fell by 2.9 per cent, while Nifty Media declined by 2.36 per cent. PSU Bank index dropped 4 per cent, Nifty IT fell by 1.29 per cent, Nifty FMCG declined by 1.38 per cent, and Consumer Durables index lost 2 per cent.

Sunil Gurjar, SEBI-registered analyst and Founder of Alphamojo Financial Services, said “The Nifty 50 had a weak week. The index also breached the important 200-EMA, while a bearish EMA crossover indicates weakness in the trend. The fall was mainly driven by heavy FII selling, a weakening rupee, and ongoing global war tensions, which hurt market sentiment,” he said.

He added that a sustained breakout above 24,646 could signal bullish momentum, while a breakdown below the current support zone may lead to further downside in the index. According to him, the second strong crucial support will be 23850.

The fall in Indian markets also comes amid sharp declines across other Asian markets. Japan’s Nikkei 225 index declined by 7 per cent to the 52010 level, while South Korea’s KOSPI index tanked 7.43 per cent to the 5169 level.

Other Asian markets also witnessed declines during the opening trade. Singapore’s Straits Times index lost 2.65 per cent to the 4720 level, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index fell more than 2.46 per cent to the 25095 level, and Taiwan’s weighted index dropped 5.77 per cent to the 31767 level.

Meanwhile, US markets had already ended last week under pressure. On Friday, the S&P 500 declined by 1.33 per cent to the 6740 level, while the Nasdaq also fell by 1.53 per cent to the 22400 level. (ANI)

INDIA bloc MPs on Monday protested at the Makar Dwar of Parliament, raising slogans against the Centre over the West Asia conflict.

Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi and LoP in Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge, were also among the MPs protesting outside Parliament.

The leaders held a banner reading, “Gulf burning, oil shock. Indians stranded. India needs leadership- no silence.”

Congress MP Jairam Ramesh justified the walk-out by the opposition benches saying, “As expected the External Affairs Minister made a suo moto statement on the situation in the Rajya Sabha on which no questions can be asked or clarifications sought. The entire Opposition wanted an immediate discussion on the West Asian situation. This was denied and hence the Opposition walkout after protests.”

This comes after External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar made a statement in Rajya Sabha regarding the conflict situation in West Asia, while the Opposition demanded a discussion to question the Centre.

Addressing the Upper House of Parliament amid sloganeering by Opposition MPs, Jaishankar stated that “the Prime Minister continues to closely monitor the emerging developments, and relevant ministries are coordinating to ensure effective responses.”

Jaishankar noted that the government had pre-emptively voiced its apprehensions regarding the regional volatility.

“Our government had issued a statement on 20th February expressing deep concerns and urging all sides to exercise restraint. We continue to believe that dialogue and diplomacy should be pursued to de-escalate the tensions,” he said.

Ahead of the statement, Mallikarjun Kharge had demanded a short-duration discussion in the Rajya Sabha on India’s energy security amid the West Asia conflict.

Noting the hike in cooking gas prices, Kharge said that the conflict has impacted India’s energy security and image of the country.

“I want to seeks short duration discussion on emerging challenges to India’s energy security. The conflict is not limited to West Asia; it has now impacted India’s energy security and image of the country. The result of this conflict will also impact our economic stability,” Kharge said.

The development comes in the wake of the war, which erupted on February 28 after joint US-Israeli strikes targeted Iran, resulting in the death of former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and several core members of the ruling group. The situation has since escalated, with fresh attacks reported over the weekend on oil depots and water desalination plants.

Earlier today, suspended MPs also protested in the Parliament premises, carrying a banner that read, “Silencing the opposition is equal to killing democracy.” (ANI)